St. John’s Starts the Holiday Season

FAR ROCKAWAY, 2017—Thursday, November 30, St. John’s Episcopal Hospital hosted their annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Nativity Blessing at the hospital. The tree and decorations were donated by the hospital’s Medical Executive Committee. Before the tree was lit, attendees were led in prayer by Elder Rashn Staley, Assistant Pastor at the Refuge Church of Christ located on Mott Avenue.

The lighting of the tree was preceded by performances from the scholars at Lucille Rose Day Care Center. The children led the audience, made up of community residents and St. John’s staff members in “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” and “The Dancing Christmas Tree Song.” As the tree was lit, the crowd joined St. John’s Vice President of External Affairs, Renee Hastick-Motes in a rendition of “Joy to the World”.

The students were given stuffed animals, donated by the Lawrence Beach Club, as well as gingerbread cookies and juice after their performance.

Following the tree lighting ceremony, the audience was invited outside for the blessing of the hospital’s Nativity scene, which was led by Rev. Dr. Cecily P. Broderick y Guerra, St. John’s Vice President of Mission. The scene figurines were donated to the hospital by St. John’s Episcopal Church located in Hewlett.

“We all know that Christmas time is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ as well as spend time with our families and friends,” said Gerard Walsh, CEO of St. John’s. “The staff at St. John’s would like to wish all a happy and healthy holiday season.”