Delivering Christmas invitations and cheer by the truckload
News
Kansas City, Mo. – Those meandering through the Crestwood Shops with visions of sugarplums might also get a glimpse of the true meaning of Christmas – and it comes with free hot cocoa.An easy-to-find gift-wrapped tour truck will be the centerpiece of The True Meaning of Christmas Tour festivities from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, December 17, at the Crestwood Shops, on 55th Street between Brookside Boulevard and Oak Street.
Kansas City is the final stop for The United Methodist Church as it has traveled to 11 states over 23 days to offer free hot cocoa and an invitation to join with others to unwrap the true meaning of Christmas. Country Club United Methodist Church is hosting the event locally and the entire community is invited.
“We’re excited that The United Methodist Church will be out among our neighbors during this Christmas season to spread love and a message of hope, along with hot cocoa,” said Rev. Keith Morgan, pastor at Country Club United Methodist Church.
The day’s activities include an interactive photo booth for capturing memories. A craft station will also be on site for decorating greeting cards for children served through Della Lamb Community Services. As an added treat, the Brookside Brass Quintet will perform at the event from 5:30-6:15 p.m.
Research shows that commercialization, crowds and spending money are what people like least about Christmas, while spending time with family and friends and religious reflection/church are favorite activities.
"Christmas is a joyful time for many, but can bring about depression, stress and loneliness for others," shares Dan Krause, chief executive of United Methodist Communications, which created the tour in partnership with local churches. "We want to help people remember that celebrating Christmas is not about to-do lists and shopping. If you're feeling stressed or alone, we want to invite you to connect with a local United Methodist church to experience fellowship and explore the true meaning of Christmas."
The True Meaning of Christmas tour has been on the road since November 25 and ends December 17 in Kansas City. Follow the tour online at UnwrapChristmas.org and #UnwrapChristmas.
In addition to tour stops where the truck will be on-hand, United Methodist congregations in additional locations across the U.S. are hosting hot cocoa fellowship events at their churches.
To reach even more people with a message of hope this Christmas, The United Methodist Church will also be running complementary national advertisements created to inspire people throughout the holiday season.