NORTHAMPTON — Florence Church is looking for a team of merry carolers as an afternoon of Christmas Caroling at Linda Manor is set for Sunday Dec. 15.
This is a new offering from Florence Church in response to the public communicating to the church they were seeking more opportunities to connect within the community.
“We kept hearing that people want to sing, so it seemed like a really easy lift to do that,” said Pastor Marisa Egerstrom. “One of our members said wouldn’t it be fun if we went caroling in Linda manor and I was like that is an awesome idea.”
The day will begin at 12:30 p.m. as carolers will meet at Bombyx and will be offered hot cider, coffee and treats before a warmup session. Then carolers will head to Linda Manor to entertain residents.
More information on the event, including a link to register visit https://tinyurl.com/4hvenyft. Egerstrom asks those interested register so there is an expected number of participants. She added if needed, multiple groups would be made up and spend the afternoon caroling in the community.
“We’ll warm up with a couple rounds of singing and then we’ll take off to whatever location,” said Egerstrom. “Kids are absolutely welcomed. Bring friends and be willing to make new friends.”
The care facility will host carolers and was an ideal spot to begin this endeavor into increased holiday cheer for the church, according to Egerstrom.
“The truth of the matter is many of our seniors don’t get as much social activity as they would like and this is the time of year where people are looking around and tending to ask, ‘hey can I be of service to my community,’ so it felt like an easy one to put together and we’ll see how it goes,” said Egerstrom.
No singing ability is required, only enthusiasm Egerstrom added. Carpooling is encouraged from Florence Church or Bombyx to Linda Manor. Any additional questions can be directed to pastor@fccnorthampton.org.
Egerstrom hopes the caroling can be a nice holiday reminder of community and the importance of coming together amongst neighbors.
“It’s a time where we are finding our nation and many of our communities feel very divided and very hostile. We don’t presume the same kind of universals that we once did. But singing is pretty universal. Doing things for others is pretty universal,” Egerstrom said. “Gathering in groups to celebrate is so necessary to being human so this is one of many things we’re doing to try to bring people together, forge new connections and deepen our bonds of community so that we’re not just strangers occupying the same area but neighbors.”
