Send Your Christmas Candlelight Video

     One of the most honored family traditions at Richfield UCC is singing Silent Night by candlelight on Christmas Eve.  I have an idea that I want to share with you about how we can still do that during our Christmas Eve livestream service.  I am asking you to perhaps make a very short video of yourself – like 2 or 3 seconds and send it to me.  I will stitch all the videos together to make a very special video montage of everyone in our congregation, each face softly illuminated by candlelight. We can even include loved ones who’ve moved away!
     Here are some ideas to keep in mind as you make your video:

• Keep the video short – about 2 or 3 seconds
• Dim your lights so the candlelight shows better
• Have a lighted candle in your hand

Here’s what to do with your candle:

1. Perhaps bring the candle from your LEFT side, off screen.
2. PAUSE the candle before you so it lights your face for a second.
3. Then pass the candle to your RIGHT side.

     I think you can see where I’m going with this.  When I stitch this together, the edited video will show all us passing the candle from one person to the next.  We’re distancing for safety, but still together as we share the light of Christ with one another.  Be sure to include everyone in your household; even include family who have moved away! 
     Or - keep it simple.  Just hold a candle still.  It's all good. 
     If this is difficult at all, please just make a short video or picture of your smiling face.  Please don't risk going out just to buy a candle.  Please don't risk a fire hazard if you have any limitations that make this in any way difficult.  An old paper picture of yourself in the the mail - no candles- if fine too. The main thing is, we want everyone included. 
     I hope you will join our livestream service at 8:00 p.m. Christmas Eve. Think how lovely it will be to see the faces of your church family again.  Others will also want to see your smiling face as well.  So, I hope you will send your submission. Ask your family to join the fun too.
     Share the video with me by whatever means is easiest for you – text my cell phone or email me at JKingUCC@gmail.com, thumb drive, whatever.  Or just mail a picture - any old picture - of yourself to the office.    If you need a hand with anything at all, give me a call.

Christmas Peace, Rev. John
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Here is a sample of what I have in mind: