Prospect United Methodist To Hold Open House

By Brian M. Johnson, The Bristol Press

December 15, 2021

Prospect United Methodist Church is inviting first responders and neighbors to join them for an Open House this Friday, with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus also stopping in to visit with children.

The Open House will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17 at the church at 99 Summer St. First responders, residents of the surrounding neighborhood, members of the Bristol Historical Society and Asbury United Methodist Church in Forestville have been invited to attend.

The church will be decorated for the holidays and Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be bringing their whole North Pole office with them. Children can visit with them, take pictures and tell them what they want for Christmas.

“We tell the kids that when Santa travels, he doesn’t travel light,” said Luisa Gladu, who heads the church’s youth group. “Visitors will be able to see Santa’s desk with all of his letters. They will be able to meet with him in a chair by the fireplace. It’s a great opportunity for those who might not be able to get out to the malls to experience the decorations.”

Parishioners will also be making cookies and hot chocolate for visitors.

The church’s new Pastor, Yongeun Lee, and his wife, Ohyeun Lee, will introduce themselves to the community.

“That's their goal; to have more community outreach,” said Gladu.

Gladu noted that, each Sunday following the church service, members of the youth group will be on-hand to assist with wrapping presents for a donation. They are also selling hot chocolate and using the proceeds to buy gifts for the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford.

“Our Youth Group does Mission Trips all over the world, but we wanted to do something local as well,” said Gladu.

Those who are not vaccinated are asked to wear a mask. Those who have been vaccinated don’t have to wear a mask.

For more information on Prospect United Methodist Church, call 860-582-3443 or visit anewprospect.org.

Brian M. Johnson can be reached at 860-973-1806 or bjohnson@bristolpress.com.