Monte Vista UMC shares candlelight service with community

Story and photos by Jerry Clare
Lay Member, Monte Vista United Methodist Church, Monte Vista, Colorado

On the afternoon of Dec. 24, Monte Vista United Methodist Church hosted a candlelight Christmas Eve service at The Legacy, an assisted living center in Monte Vista, Colorado. With the assistance of Pastor Steven Dunkle and musicians Ann Divine and Pat Henderson, a message of hope was enjoyed by all. At the close of the service, service-goers held candles and sang Silent Night. Pastor Steven then distributed mittens made by Neva Moss to the residents.

Monte Vista UMC has provided this service to The Legacy for the past few years. It has been attended by the residents and their families, along with staff members, placing attendance between 20 and 30.

Later that evening, the church hosted another service at their church building on Washington Street. It is Monte Vista's mission to provide such services to the community so that others may see the light of God.

The next community event of this caliber will be a Valentine's Day community dinner. This church event is another tradition for the community-minded congregation.

Check out photos from the event online: www.facebook.com/MountainSkyUMC/posts/2023111424417494