The Artsy Fartsy kids immediately settled into the comfortable First-Day School room, dangling over the mod chairs and lounging on the fluffy carpet. "I want to live here," one remarked. That's how instantly they felt welcomed at Cincinnati Friends Meeting on a recent Saturday in December, when we held our December celebration at the meetinghouse.
Judy Froehlich cooked a wonderful meal with the help of Liz and Jim Newby, who plied the kids with his delicious cookies. Debbie Overmyer's Christmas shop, where the children selected gifts for family members, was overflowing. Becky Hickman of Christ Community Church in Milford led a loyal contingent of six drivers/chaperones. The highlight of the afternoon was the kids waiting to tear into their gifts: bright blue hoodies embroidered with the Artsy Fartsy logo, funded by the Peace and Social Concerns Committee. The youngsters decorated cookies, walked the grounds, basked by the fire while sipping hot chocolate, wrapped gifts with Debbie's patient assistance, and were in no hurry to leave.
I am grateful to the Meeting and my Christ Community Church friends (and glad the two groups got to meet) for fulfilling my wish: to host Artsy Fartsy here. Thank you!
[ngg src="galleries" ids="4" display="basic_thumbnail"]For more information about Artsy Fartsy, an individual ministry supported by our Meeting, see Artsy Fartsy Saturdays.