Trucksville United Methodist Church holds services in barn at Lands at Hillside Farms

KINGSTON TWP. — It wasn’t a typical night service for the Trucksville United Methodist Church on Wednesday.

Members of the congregation gathered inside one of the barns at The Lands at Hillside Farms. Pastors Ian Hastings and Dick Williams said the service was held in such a unique location for a reason — to celebrate to real meaning of Christmas.

“We wanted to make Christmas more meaningful this year in a way that would make people stop and think about what it’s all about,” Williams said. He added that Jesus Christ was born in a stable, which he thought brought more meaning to the service.

Before the services began, children scurried around to get a glimpse of the ducks, goats and other animals in the barn. Others mingled inside and chatted out of the evening’s cold air.

Most stood as the services began, but some sat on the floor with their backs against bales of hay. Every now and again, the faint quack of a duck could be heard as Hastings and Williams took turns speaking. The congregation also sang, prayed and shared communion.

Hastings said that approximately 50 members of the congregation attended the first service that the church held in the barn. He said the service gave congregation members “a chance to step away from the business and the noise … and think about what really happened and reconnect.”

Williams said the church was thinking of ways to reach out into the community, and given the church’s close proximity to Hillside Farms, the idea fell into place.

Among those in attendance was Lois Gross, 57, of Trucksville and her three grandchildren — Hailey, 14, Tyler, 9, and Kayden, 8.

Lois called the service “beautiful” and was impressed with the turnout.

Wayne Long, of Trucksville attended the service with his wife, Diane. He was impressed with the idea behind the service and the turnout in such a unique venue.

“I thought it was wonderful,” Wayne said, adding it gave congregation members an idea of the surroundings Jesus Christ was born in.

Like Hastings, Gross saw the service as a way to remember what Christmas is really about.

“It has become too materialistic,” she said. “We need to keep the Christ in Christmas.”

Amy Kuiken and 3-year-old Madeleine sing ‘Joy To The World’ in the Lands at Hillside Farm livestock barn during a service held by the Trucksville United Methodist Church.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_TTL121715church1-1.jpg.optimal.jpgAmy Kuiken and 3-year-old Madeleine sing ‘Joy To The World’ in the Lands at Hillside Farm livestock barn during a service held by the Trucksville United Methodist Church. Aimee Dilger|Times Leader

Mary Baker tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ to the children of the Trucksville United Methodist Church while they have services in a barn at Lands at Hillside Farms.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_TTL121715church2-1.jpg.optimal.jpgMary Baker tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ to the children of the Trucksville United Methodist Church while they have services in a barn at Lands at Hillside Farms. Aimee Dilger|Times Leader Aimee Dilger|Times Leader

Memers of the Trucksville United Methodist Church sing during services in a barn at Lands at Hillside Farms.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_TTL121715church3-1.jpg.optimal.jpgMemers of the Trucksville United Methodist Church sing during services in a barn at Lands at Hillside Farms. Aimee Dilger|Times Leader Aimee Dilger|Times Leader

Memers of the Trucksville United Methodist Church sing during services in a barn at Lands at Hillside Farms.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_TTL121715church4-1.jpg.optimal.jpgMemers of the Trucksville United Methodist Church sing during services in a barn at Lands at Hillside Farms. Aimee Dilger|Times Leader Aimee Dilger|Times Leader