For the second year in a row, the Orangevale Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted a drive-thru Christmas event for its community. During two hours on December 11, 2021, the California church welcomed more than 350 people who came to view a manger scene with live animals, hear voice and bell choirs, enjoy refreshments, and receive gifts. They also had the opportunity to participate in a canned food drive for the church’s food closet, which often serves more than 500 people per month and also provides clothing. 

Pastor Jon Cicle approached every car to welcome the visitors. “I was happy to meet new people from the community who felt this was a safe holiday event to come and enjoy,” he said.

About 100 adults and kids volunteered, including students from Orangevale Seventh-day Adventist School, who welcomed guests, sang, played handbells, and created gifts. “I love seeing our church family serve our community—sharing with our children the true meaning of the season and the joy of serving others,” said Lian Funada, the event’s organizer.

Church members offered to pray with the visitors. With tears streaming down her face, one woman told a volunteer, “No one has asked to pray with me before.”

This article was originally published on the North American Division’s news site