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To the editor:
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:5, NIV
As another year of Shining Light Through the Darkness (SLTD) has come to a close, the massive work begins in removing all the lights, wooden fixtures and pipe tripods. Spools will be filled with long light strands and lifted to the trailer to be repaired and stored for another 9 months until SLTD work kicks off in late October 2023. Boxes will be filled with light displays and hauling the resources back to Freedom Avenue UM church will consume much of January. SLTD is a year-round cycle of planning, setting up, and looking for ways to improve and expand the total experience for all who come to enjoy the lights.
Along with a great need for volunteers to tackle the tear-down work, we desire to hear from the local community. We want to hear how SLTD benefited you during the Christmas season. Tell us your stories of excitement and discovery. Tell how your children and grandchildren enjoyed the displays. Tell us how this magical place called Kish Park became the setting for another marriage proposal. Tell us how many times you have visited the park to enjoy the light displays. Tell us how your Christmas was positively affected by the displays.
We want to hear from businesses and have you tell us how SLTD impacted your business and the local economy. We want to hear from government agencies, County commissioners, and local municipal leaders, tell us how you used SLTD as a tool for promoting tourism within Mifflin County and our boroughs in the greater Lewistown area.
On the evenings that rain and or ice didn't curtail the event we saw people of all ages cross the bridge to a winter wonderland. We saw you offer a donation to support the cause for spreading the Light. We saw people with mobility concerns utilize the golf-cart tour and enjoy the beauty in style. We enjoyed watching children eat a hotdog and savor a candy cane or cookie. We were blessed by a wide range of entertainment that brought back memories for some and smiles to all. We saw you singing along, and it brought great joy to our hearts.
In order for SLTD to continue to bless our community and bring smiles, hope, and joy to many, we need your feedback. Won't you consider the benefits of this community project that shines God's light into the darkness and tell us how it impacted you? You may send an email to rhughes@susumc.org or write a letter to SLTD.
PS: We take great joy in sharing the light of God with you and will begin planning for the next one soon.
Randy S. Hughes, Pastor
First, Lewistown Extended UM