Field by Night sees record turnout

Published 10:42 am Wednesday, December 15, 2021

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The congregation of Grace Church gathered in the GCA Gymnasium Friday night for the church’s annual Field by Night Christmas service. Attendees were treated to music, as well as a sermon by pastor John Woodrum, before moving out to the school playground for food and craft booths. The church has been holding the service for at least 15 years, and according to church administrative assistant Rhonda Unfricht, this is the largest turnout they’ve had in many years.

“I don’t know if it’s because everybody was just ready to have something to do after COVID lockdowns and was ready to get out and celebrate,” she said.

Last year, due to the aforementioned COVID restrictions, was the only year the event hasn’t been held. Not only was turnout high, but feedback was positive.

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“Yesterday at church, everybody was very upbeat about it,” Unfricht said. “Like I said, I’m not sure if it’s because of the past year and a half we’ve had… and actually, I think people stayed longer than they usually had.”

“This year just showed how everybody is anxious to have that sense of community again,” she continued, “for everyone to be together, and especially at Christmas, celebrate together, after such a long period of not being together.”

“We’ve been doing Field by night for many years,” Woodrum told the Post-Searchlight. “We see this as a gift to the community and a celebration of the birthday of Jesus.”