The Elora United Church has celebrated the love of Christmas since 1835 with its present building having been constructed in 1863.
In 1925, the installation of its leaded glass windows was completed.
On cold winter nights the light of these stained-glass windows has shed a warm, colourful welcome to the Elora community for almost a hundred years.
In the day, the beautiful glass transforms regular daylight into sacred pictures that touch the heart of all who come inside.
As the windows have aged, they need some love of their own.
Reverend Dr. Donna Mann has taken this need to heart.
She has written a play entitled Tis the Season.
Along with a cast of folks who are all associated with Elora United, she is presenting and directing this play as a unique opportunity to raise funds for the repairs of the stained-glass and Fellowship Hall windows.
The play takes the traditional idea of “no room in the inn” from the Christmas Story and explores it through the global lense of “room for everyone” in a contemporary, inclusive world.
It is complete with traditional carolers, homemade cookies and modern rap lyrics. Christmas love flows into the home of Grace and Neil Newman as they bring a tree home for their foster children, help them learn about each other and after some surprising events become a real family.
But the children have some Christmas surprises of their own.
Neil Newman, played by Jeff Smith, shows Elga, played by Lainey Saunders, how their generous spirit and youthful exuberance has mobilized the people of the town they live in – especially Counsellor Ralph.
Meanwhile, John, played by Jake Dunlop, watches in the background with the satisfaction he deserves. After all, it is his idea that gets everything moving.
The Newman family shows us how we can live the love of Christmas every day.
Come and see the Newman family transform their town.
Join the folks at Elora United to support this important cause.
Tis The Season runs on Nov. 18 at 7pm and Nov. 19 2pm.
