Christmas decorations seem to show up earlier every year, but… July?
Well, yes, but it wasn’t in a shopping mall. St. Alban’s Church in Oakland / Franklin Lakes wanted to find a fun way to show support for the men and women of the police departments in the two towns. They decided to borrow an idea from a church in the “other” New Jersey diocese – Trinity Episcopal Church in Asbury Park, which holds an annual Christmas in July celebration to provide cookies and gifts to local charities.
So it came to pass that on July 28 there were simple Christmas and Epiphany decorations in St. Alban’s Church, with swim rings turned into whimsical “wreaths.” There were lots of stars carried in procession and hanging in the nave and chancel. Epiphany scripture lessons were read, and carols rang out as the air conditioner blew welcome cold air!
It was fun, but the real reason for the day was evident from the gifts. There were baskets filled with decks of cards and bars of soap for the Seaman’s Church Institute’s Christmas at Sea program, and the more than 600 home-baked Christmas cookies that were decorated and packaged for the 57 officers of the Oakland and Franklin Lakes police departments. The Rev. Kathryn King, rector, and four youth members delivered the goodies and thank you signs to both police departments the following week. The surprise gifts and wishes were gratefully received.
“We were not looking to join the commercialism of Christmas in July” said King. “We wanted to add a bit of fun to the long heat wave of summer and share the light of Christ. It was a hit with children and adults alike.”
