celebrationoffice Advent, Spirituality, The Longest Night, Worship

(Almost) The Longest Night

The seasons of Advent and Christmas can be difficult for some. For those who feel alone after the death of a loved one, a broken relationship, the inability to have a child, the loss of a job or health, or for many other reasons, the outward happiness of the season can make it sad or painful.

As we approach the winter solstice – the longest night of the year – we invite you to gather reverently and hopefully before God for “The Longest Night,” a service of healing and hope, to share the Word that shines light into the darkness of despair, grief, and loneliness. This service will take place Wednesday, December 18, at 7 p.m., here at Celebration.

There will be time for fellowship and light refreshments after the service. The service will be livestreamed on Celebration’s Facebook page. Here is the program (PDF).

celebrationoffice Care of Creation, Season of Creation

Save the date! Book talk and Prayer Service for the Healing of Creation

We are delighted to welcome author Maureen Wise to talk about her lovely new devotional book, Strength For My Path: 52 Devotions from the Hiking Trail. She will join us on September 15 at 4 p.m. to talk about the writing of the book, share some readings, and will bring along copies to sell. Refreshments will be served.

Then at 5 p.m. we’ll move into a service of Prayer for the Healing of Creation. Pastor Paul Moody (Messiah Lutheran, Lyndhurst) and Pastor Tina Green (Fairport Harbor Congregational Church) will join Pastor Marilyn in leading this service. Refreshments after this, as well!

celebrationoffice outreach, Pet Blessing and Care Fair

Save the date! Pet Blessing and Care Fair

Bring your fur-family members for our third annual Pet Blessing and Care Fair, Sunday October 6 from noon to 2 p.m. We’ll be joined by representatives from Rescue Village, Lake Humane, the Sanctuary for Senior Dogs, In Step With Horses, Geauga Mama Dogs and Pups, and Ohio Paws with Purpose. Pets and service animals will receive a blessing, and a goodie bag with fun stuff in it. We’ll have snacks on hand for everyone. Bring pet food to donate to local pet food banks! The event will be in our parking lot if the weather is good; if it’s inclement or threatening, we’ll be indoors! Here’s a printable flyer to share!

celebrationoffice polka worship, Vacation Bible School

Summer Fun

Mini Vacation Bible School! Polka Worship! Check out the photos below!

We had another lively group of youngsters come together for “mini Vacation Bible School” (two short days!) this summer. This year the kids learned all about the Beatitudes!

And our 10th annual (WHAT?!) polka worship with the Chardon Polka Band raised $1374 for the job training and employment programs run by The Ox Shoppe in Thompson, Ohio! Photos below! Thank you to EVERYONE who makes this event so special each year – The Chardon Polka Band, friends and fans, and our terrific volunteers!