If this past weekend is any indication, its message of Hope for Everyone is indeed “alive” and well at Faith Alive Church in Palmerton.

The first of several community events, its annual Christmas Cantata, was held this past Sunday at the church, located at 678 Pine St.

Over 150 people attended the function, according to Wendi Kern, church administrator.

“It went very well,” Kern said. “We had quite a bit of attendance.”

This year’s title was “The Thrill of Hope,” according to Brenda Eckley, publicity chairperson.

“It has become a tradition of many people throughout Carbon County to come out and enjoy the music and songs to get them in the spirit of Christmas,” Eckley said.

“They selected this because the Hope of Christ is so important to the choir, and they all wanted to share their thoughts on hope with everyone.”

Eckley said there were solo parts, as well as duets and readers who have a message to go with each song.

The cantata was led by choir director Eileen Sowden, and the congregation participated by singing some old favorite Christmas songs.

Next on the horizon are two services on Christmas Eve, Eckley said.

She said the traditional candlelight worship is at 5 p.m., followed by the contemporary candlelight worship at 7 p.m.

“Again, many people throughout the community attend these Christmas Eve services to start off their Christmas celebration by attending church,” Eckley said.

She said that this year, the special message by Pastor Robert Timlin is titled “Christmas Begins With Christ.”

Also those who attend will sing a Christmas song by candlelight, Eckley said.

She noted that Faith Alive is changing direction this year, and in lieu of its annual Thanksgiving meal, they will start 2022 with a community pork and sauerkraut dinner on New Year’s Day.

Eckley said the meal will be held in the lower level of the church in their Fellowship Hall. There will be three seatings: noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., with a limit of 75 people per seating.

Due to the limited space, they request anyone interested to call the church office at 610-852-2805 or email faadmin@ptd.net to make reservations.

All are welcome to attend this free meal to usher in a new year of health and hope.