By Mary Gardner-Ruch
The Congregation of Grace United Church in Wellsville did some visioning and the path led them to a series of programs called Graceful Arts. The series will kick off in December and January with Graceful Songs. Other months during the church year will include dance, writing, theater, and art. Many of the members there are musically talented and have artistic abilities. They want to share their creative gifs and encourage community members to join them.
December starts the series with Beer and Carols at the Wellsville Brewery Company on the 5th from 7-9 pm Tickets cost $10 and donations will go to Hurricane Ian Relief. Tickets are available by calling the church at 585-593-5015
On December 11th at 3 pm, the Genesee Valley Chorus Christmas Concert will take place at Grace United followed by refreshments. Women’s Spirit is hosting a Holiday Evening on the 15th at 5 pm. Join them for fellowship and fun. They ask that everyone bring two dozen wrapped cookies and a snack to share. Also, bring a wrapped ornament to participate in an exchange game. The women will fill boxes/bags of cookies for the shut-ins of their church. If you plan to attend, you can call the church and leave a message for Nancy or Sharon.
Share the joy of Christmas following the service on the 18th to sing Christmas Carols and decorate and eat sugar cookies. For extra fun, you are invited to bring a wrapped gift that costs $5 or less to place on the gift table. You can give one and pick one for yourself. There will be a table for kids and one for adults. The service starts at 10 am and generally ends around 11 am.
December 24th, a Christmas Eve Candlelight service will start at 7 pm. On Christmas morning at 10 am, informal worship and celebration will take place. They recognize that some of their church family and community members may be alone for the holidays. They will provide treats and a sharing time. Each person who attends will have a little gift to take home.
Special events are also planned for January including a Concert with some of the members of Sound Foundation, Barber
Shoppers, Choir, and guests. January 15th is an Amazing Grace Worship. A Peace, Love, and Tie Dye Worship with the music of the 60s and 70s will take place on January 22nd. The series will end with a Drum Circle after worship on January 29th.