On Saturday, Dec. 14, Bethlehem Lutheran in Baltimore, Md., gave its surrounding community a preview of Christmas joy with its sixth-annual Breakfast with Santa. The theme for this year’s event was “Waiting Patiently for Christmas, for Jesus.” The neighborhood children were excited about having their picture taken with Santa, and Bethlehem members were excited about the opportunity to emphasize what Christmas is really about.

 “We make sure all of our conversations are about the real meaning of Christmas,” said Sharon Schwarz Roncace. “It’s about Jesus being born. We weave that in a lot so there’s no doubt.”

Schwarz Roncace, who spearheads the event, said the key to making this two-hour outreach effort work was to keep things simple. It began in the fellowship hall with a meal. Next, guests were escorted to the sanctuary for a brief worship service. This year Pastor Thurman Frey, who’s helping Bethlehem during its vacancy, delivered the message. Bethlehem’s praise team led the gathering in singing. Finally, the kids rotated between doing crafts and having their picture taken with Santa. Schwarz Roncace said since the community is primarily black, so were Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Each child was sent home with a Chick-Fil-A gift card and a Bethlehem-branded swag bag filled with a holiday tract and information about the church and its reading program.

The event was advertised on social media and by passing out flyers at the local elementary schools. This year 80 people attended, 65 of them children. Bethlehem isn’t a large congregation – Schwarz Roncace says they worship between 30 and 40 people each week – she said every congregant who is able to help, helps.

During the event, surveys were given to the guests so they could share their prayer requests. This year seven guests asked for prayers: for their health and strength, for their finances, and for their children. One family had a specific request: Christmas gifts for their five children. They have no family in the area, and the children have wondered who will give them gifts. Several congregation members offered to meet the family’s request.

In some respects, the Breakfast with Santa event is a reunion. Schwarz Roncase said that they have people who come back each year and want to sit in the pew and catch up.

“We have kids that run up and hug us,” she said. “We want to be a good neighbor to the community and to share the love of Jesus. Being his hands and feet. And just being kind.”

These outreach spotlights are designed to encourage congregations to serve and love those God has placed in their community. Got a story to share about what God is doing through your congregation? Please email Robin Domeier