An Entertaining Season 12-24-06

I experienced a great many holiday celebrations this season. Two of them took place in venues not only known for their love for the arts, but as places people can go to share their faith. Our Good Friends at The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Poconos (UUFP) in Stroudsburg, PA who celebrated the season by honoring Christmas (Christian), Hanukah (Jewish), Kwanzaa (African), The Lotus Candle (Buddhist), and other traditions. It was an informative service filled with good times and fellowship. Our Good Friends Arline M. Smeltz and Thomas Busteed were among those who participated. Our Good Friends at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in Delaware Water Gap, PA held their Annual Christmas Eve Jazz service which many consider a seasonal extension of Our Good Friends at The Celebration of the Arts (COTA) festival that takes place in September. The evening was filled with lively but thoughtful music, a great deal of toe tapping and hand clapping, and some meaningful stories relating to the birth of Jesus. Our Good Friends Marty Wilson, Robert Hartman, Saralyn Whitaker, Tony Dellaria, and Jay Rattman were among the many who participated in the service along side an entertaining jazz orchestra while Our Good Friends Arline M. Smeltz, Thomas Busteed, Cheryl Reed, Sue Wilson, and James Dellaria were a part of an appreciative audience. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain at 570-476-0345 for more information. Due to the religious nature of the events, no photographs were taken.