- December 1, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
Peace Presbyterian Church members spent weeks clearing its Peaceful Path after Hurricane Milton hit Oct. 9 to ensure it was clear in time for the church's Halloween event — the Not So Spooky Path.
But the work didn't stop there.
Rather than toss the sticks and branches collected from the path aside, Jamie Reagan and other church members came up with creative ways to use them.
Kim Schoeffel, a church member, spent time on the path Nov. 22 building a wooden box using fence boards that were blown down during the hurricane. The box will be decorated to look like a Christmas gift package.
His daughter, Sarah Schoeffel, was using sticks and branches to make an angel.
"What is great about the work we do out here is that every piece is very unique because it's different (when created) person by person," Sarah Schoeffel said.
The path originally was created to host a candlelight service at the church, but once the path was formed, church members decided to put luminaries along the path and decorate a portion of it.
The newest additions to the path — the angel and gift package — will be placed on the path during Peace Presbyterian's Carols, Candles and Living Nativity on the Path Dec. 15.
Reagan said when she saw the destruction along the path after Hurricane Milton, she thought it would be closed indefinitely, but with the outpouring of support from the congregation, the path was cleared.
"It's heartwarming to know so many people have come together just to clear the path so people can walk it," Reagan said. "It's a reminder that life is short and things happen. You need to focus on what's important in life and what can bring joy to others."
Reagan hopes the path can spread holiday spirit during the living nativity event. Now in its third year, Reagan said the event has become bigger every year.
This year, the Peaceful Path will have various decorations and art pieces along the way.
Before getting to the newly reconstructed bamboo hut for the manger scene, there will be reindeers and Christmas trees made of branches.
Church members volunteer to act out scenes to bring the living nativity to life.
There will be a bag piper, guitarists, trumpeters and more performing Christmas carols and songs along the path at various times.
At the church's Peace Center, there will be hot chocolate, hot cider and cookies while Santa passes out candy canes.
Inside the church, an organist will play Christmas carols, giving a serene place for peace and quiet as well as an opportunity for people to light a candle in memory of a loved one.
Reagan said almost every church committee is involved in the event, bringing the church congregation together to celebrate the holidays and give back to the community.
When the sun sets, Reagan said the luminaries are in full glow on the path, making the path look its prettiest.
Reagan suggested people take their time walking the path as people will find something new they didn't see during their previous walks on the path. She said to look all around the trees for the handmade decorations.
"The main thing is come with open expectations and not rush. Just be happy there is an event like this because so many people don't get the opportunity to have this, and it's right in our backyard," she said.
A kids zone will have a giant pink painted tree with ornaments hanging from it.
For those who can't attend Peace Presbyterian's Carols, Candles and Living Nativity on the Path, Reagan said people can schedule a tour of the path as it will be decorated for Christmas until the new year.
