DIXFIELD — The Dixfield Congregational Church is hosting its annual Christmas Eve candlelight service at 6 p.m. Monday.
A dinner and Yankee swap will be held Sunday, Dec. 23.
Pastor John Gensel said normally the candlelight service attracts a large number of people, more so than a Sunday worship.
“Last week, we had about 80 people show up, and 60 the week before,” Gensel said. “I think we’ll have upwards of 120 people the night of Christmas Eve.”
Gensel said there will be a goodwill offering in order to benefit needy families.
“There are a couple of families that we’re trying to help out this year,” Gensel said. “Usually, we raise about $600 from these offerings. The day after, we send the deacons or trustees out to deliver the money to each family.”
On Sunday, Dec. 23, the Dixfield Congregational Church will host a dinner, cooked by residents Dexter and Darlene Berry, after worship at 11:30 a.m. Following the dinner will be a game of Yankee swap at 12:30 p.m., which Gensel said “is always a blast.”
“We’ve done the Yankee swap, which is also known as a Chinese auction, since I started at the church 12 years ago,” Gensel said. “I believe they did it before I was here, too. We always have such a good time. We usually get about 40 to 60 people sitting around, trading gifts, having a good time.”
Gensel explained that the church asks for a limit of $5 on the Yankee swap gifts, which can be serious or joke gifts.
“We’re a very warm church,” Gensel said. “Humor is so important to us, so we usually get some good comedic gifts, such as hats that light up, different-colored boxer shorts and other things of that nature. Unfortunately, sometimes, when the young children play Yankee swap with us, they’re heartbroken after somebody takes away their gift.”
During the Sunday worship on Dec. 23, Gensel said Santa Claus will make an appearance.
Gensel also noted that the Dixfield Congregational Church has helped to provide heat and oil for needy families by partnering with Hometown Energy, and also provided anonymous residents at the Victorian Villa and the Rumford Community Home with Christmas presents.
mdaigle@sunjournal.com
Send questions/comments to the editors.
