To the editor:

It is that time of year when autumn brings the crisp air and frosty mornings. It also brings the work of bringing a Christmas and Winter Wonderland to Kish Park for the annual Shining Light Through the Darkness festival.

Oct. 29 kicked off that labor of love toward Mifflin County and folks living beyond the fair Juniata Valley. Our initial volunteer workforce consisted of 10-12 folks. The work moved swiftly and by the end of the day, we had met a few goals.

Over the month of November, each Saturday will be a beehive of activity as each facet of the festival will be placed to wow and awe each person who visits. The light of the park is the focal point and those who work to bring the event to Juniata Valley believe their work means something. That something is to bring the community together to enjoy the joy of Christmas and the message of hope in God’s shining light.

Shining Light Through the Darkness committee members and volunteers plan for months in advance, they hold soup sale fundraisers, and implement a schedule for the work to be completed for early December.

Currently, the Derry Township Park will be working on an improvement to the grounds when the ponds near the entrance will be dredged and enhanced for visitors and the Shining Light Through the Darkness displays. We’re thankful for the staff that oversees the park and look forward to many years of partnership in providing a family themed place to celebrate Christmas.

Are you thinking about joining in on the important work? Each Saturday from 9 to 5 p.m. is a chance to pitch in and work together for the good of our local community. We receive the time and energy you’re able to give. If you can only work for an hour, we’ll take it and be grateful for your offering.

If you are leading service organizations and churches, this Shining Light Through the Darkness is a wonderful place to incorporate your volunteers into local mission. We’d like to thank you all in advance for your consideration of service the community and for your prayers that cover the workers and nearly 15, 000 visitors who will come and marvel over the displays.

Randy S. Hughes, Pastor

First Lewistown Extended

First and Freedom Avenue United Methodist Churches