Oh Christmas tree

A stroll through “Carols in the Park” at the First United Methodist’s Church Ministry Center in

Pittsburg will quickly bring back the true meaning of Christmas.

Over 25 people have been a part of this event that only takes place every two years. “Carols in the Park” is a walk through a forest of 33 lighted Christmas trees, each of them decorated with a different Christmas carol.

All of the trees in the park are previously “unloved” trees that have found their way to FUMC and are now part of a beautiful tradition.

Almost all the incandescent light strands have been cut off the trees and replaced with LED strands that don’t trip breakers when they are lit up. Extra branches and garlands have been added to spruce them up, and they have been decorated with various ornaments representing the prophecies, birth, life and ascension of Jesus Christ.

Upon entering the park, the visitor walks to the left and is met with trees representing the prophecies of Christ such as, “Lo, How A Rose Ere’ Blooming”. “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night” has orange lights strung throughout the white ones representing the shepherds’ campfires. The “O Little Town of Bethlehem” tree stands amongst the buildings of Bethlehem, and “There’s A Song in the Air” is crowned with musical notes hung from the ceiling.

Four new trees that have been added this year are “Mary, Did You Know”, “I Can Only Imagine”, “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” and “Good Christian Men Rejoice”. The last one is decorated in black and white and filled with newspapers featuring The Bethlehem Times.

Other carols include “Away in a Manger”, Angels We Have Heard on High”, “Christmas in our Hearts”, “Do You Hear What I Hear”, “Go Tell It On the Mountain”, “Good King Wenceslas”,

“Hark, The Herald Angels Sing”, “ The Holly and the Ivy”, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”, “I Saw Three Ships a’Sailing”, “ In the Bleak Midwinter”, “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”, “ Joy to the World”, “Mary, What You Gonna Name that Baby”, “O Come All Ye Faithful”, “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, “People of Promise Arise”, “See Amid the Winter’s Snow”, “Silent Night”, “The First Noel”, “The Friendly Beasts”, “Little Drummer Boy”, “We Three Kings”.

Another tree, “Hallelujah Chorus”, has a special memory for many as Linda O’Quinn who always decorated that tree passed within the last year from Covid-19. A friend from Dallas came and decorated it in her stead.

The historical sanctuary of the church will be decorated and open for tours also.

“It is our desire to tell the story of Christ in such a beautiful way that it will touch the hearts of all who enter “Carols in the Park”, says Mary Collins, co-chair. “Each carol tree expresses a part of the story from the announcement of the coming Messiah to the heralds that He is King of Kings, ending with the faithful coming to worship and share the good news. It is our desire to up-lift and inspire those who know Christ and enlighten those who do not know Him.

Judy Jackson, core member of the Carols team, states that “Carols in the Park” has been one of the most successful ministries of First Methodist Church in Pittsburg. “We have averaged over 2,000 guests each year, and we hope to see even more guests attending this year.”

Linda Alford, co-chair, says, “Carols in the Park” is a wonderful opportunity to share an event that is free to the public during times of economic uncertainty. Our team of workers and designers, in fact, our entire church family feel blessed to be a part of this event”.

Carols in the Park is being held in the First United Methodist Church Ministry Center on 209 Mt. Pleasant Street, Pittsburg. They will be open Dec. 2 - 5 and Dec. 10 - 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Additionally, they will be open Dec. 4 and 5 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Dec. 12 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Chancel Choir will present a “Christmas Carol Celebration” Cantata on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m.

Admission is free, though non-perishable food items and/or love offerings are accepted.