Meridian Point Church in Falcon, Colorado, hosted a weekend ìCountry Christmasî event in December that featured a towering Christmas tree, a craft fair, musical performances, a live nativity scene, a petting zoo and food trucks.Visitors found respite from the cold weather, with hot chocolate, coffee and other treats available at the event in a cafe-like setting.This was the second year for the Christmas affair. Tonya Morris, one of the event organizers, said church members saw a need for community-oriented Christmas activities in the area, so last year they established an event and opened it to the public.ìWe wanted to do community outreach, and we also wanted to start a tradition,î Morris said.ìThis year, the food truck is new, the handbell choir is new, the petting zoo is new,î she said.A hayride took visitors through the church property to a live nativity, that ended at the petting zoo. During the ride, a narrator told the story of the birth of Christ.The petting zoo included ìgoats, a small horse and a couple of sweet dogs,î Morris said. ìItís funny ó most of the children gravitated toward the dogs,î she said.Community crafters and artisans set up their wares in the churchís nave. Homemade goods and original crafts included pottery, soaps, food and sweets, along with kitchenware, sports memorabilia, clothing, blankets and more.Potters Chris and Tarah Burch joined the array of crafters for the first time this year. Three years ago, Chris Burch took up pottery as a hobby. Within the last couple of months, he and his wife decided to open their business ñ- Pottery by Chris Burch -ñ and focus on it full time.The couple makes and sells intricate pottery products like bowls, plates and cups, and also hosts workshops and pottery classes, Tarah Burch said.ìThis was accidental,î Chris Burch said of his introduction to pottery. ìI just took a class to explore (pottery) and the second I touched that clay, something clicked.îMonica Livingston, who helps oversee Meridian Point Churchís family ministry, enjoyed spending time with her volunteer helper, Anna Blaisdell, and her mother, Theresa Blaisdell.ìAs a visitor, I love [the Country Christmas],î Theresa Blaisdell said. ìThey do this wonderful Christmas event every year, and itís part of my Christmas tradition.îìWhat I love is that thereís something for the whole family,î Anna Blaisdell said. ìYou have the craft fair, the bells, and itís a whole family experience.îìWe want to be a place for people to come and hang out, but if they leave here knowing the real meaning of Christmas, thatís awesome,î Livingston said.ìI hope people do come away from here with the real meaning about why we celebrate Christmas,î Morris said. ìBut also, I hope they come away knowing that our church loves our community, and we want to be a part of it.îMeridian Point Church hosts two Sunday services at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. at 5450 Meridian Road in Falcon.
