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Happy Holidays 2006
'Let the community know we care'
Struggling parents find relief at Calvary Chapel's Christmas festival. 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of
By MICHELLE JONES
Published December 9, 2006
NEW PORT RICHEY - Seeing looks of relief on parents' faces is Pastor Jill Buyea's favorite part of Calvary Chapel Worship Center's Christmas festival. "It is a load lifted off of them when we provide a big package filled with gifts for their children," she said. "Especially for the single parents. "We want to let the community know we care about them." The 2006 Christmas Festival is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 16 at the church at 6825 Trouble Creek Road in New Port Richey. In addition to the toy giveaway, the festival will offer rides, inflatables, obstacle courses, face-painting and fun tattoo art, cookie decorating, crafts, entertainment and games. Santa Claus, a toy soldier, Raggedy Ann and a big cuddly bear will mingle with the children. The 6,000-member non-denominational church has been organizing the event for a decade, and each year a couple of thousand visitors join in the festivities with the church members. "We do this for the community," said Lisa Avery, one of the many volunteers. Hot cider and cookies will be served, with hot dogs, hamburgers and beverages sold for nominal fees. Christmas carolers will be walking around the church grounds adding to the festivities. A train ride and tea-cup ride will be available for the children; and sports activities include a Frisbee throw and baseball pitch. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. People can register online for the event at www.ccwc.org or call the church at (727) 376-7733. At 4 p.m. today and at 7 p.m. Sunday the congregation will offer a Christmas program called The Message. "Everything we do in life sends a message," says Tracy Weber, events coordinator for the church. "From the smallest act of kindness to an event that changes the whole world." The community is invited to come to the program and discover how one man's gift sent a message of love and forgiveness that is still affecting the lives of people today, she said. "This is another way we can show our love to the community," Avery said.
[Last modified December 8, 2006, 21:30:26]
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