In Sympathy: Gwen Janet Oliver
Mrs. Gwen Janet Oliver, spouse of Rev. Richard E. Oliver, retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Fri., Oct. 2, 2026.
The Winter Rose” Virtual Christmas Cantata
On Sunday, Dec 13, the Celebration Singers of the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake, will be streaming a Christmas Concert virtually this year on their church YouTube channel. It will be available two different times, 4pm and 7pm.
Access the link to watch on First Church's website at http://firstchurchcl.org/christmasconcert/.
You're encouraged to host a watch party with your small group, COVID bubble group, family group or just sit back on your couch at home and experience a holiday tradition a little differently this year.
As the composer of the work, Joseph & Pamela Martin writes: “It is our sincerest prayer that as Christ, the Rose of Sharon, opens before you this Christmas, your spirit will be encouraged by the beauty of God’s greatest gift. Let the words and music of this cantata remind you that even in the deepest winter, we are people of joy and life… children of the garden.”