Brandon Fisher, lead pastor of Keystone Church, Paradise, and moderator of a group of Pequea Valley-area pastors and others in ministry that meets for lunch each month, is clear about the meaning behind holding a Christmas tree lighting event for the community. "Not everyone is going to celebrate Christmas for the same reasons we do, but there is some common grace in celebrating light over darkness and giving over receiving," said Fisher. "This event allows us to display unity and celebrate the community."

The third annual Paradise Community Christmas Tree Lighting will be held at the Together Community Center, which houses The Factory, 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, on Friday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. The event will immediately follow The Factory's Gingerbread Extravaganza, which will begin at 6 p.m. More information about the Extravaganza may be found at https://thefactoryministries.com under "Program Calendar."

"This event, which happens on the front lawn, allows us to display unity and celebrate the community," said Fisher, who noted the festivities will include refreshments, music, and possibly a campfire. "There will be a short program with Christmas carols and a five-minute reflection on what unites us in our shared hope before the outdoor lights are switched on," reported Fisher. "It's a symbolic beginning of the season." Attendees will also have the chance to make an ornament to be placed on an artificial tree inside The Factory.

Shira Zimmerman, senior director of adult services with The Factory, attends the monthly pastors' luncheon. "(Zimmerman) is the point person for much of the integration between The Factory Ministry opportunities and the churches," explained Fisher.

"A lot of (Factory clients) do Christmas alone or (aren't connected) to a church body throughout the year," explained Zimmerman. "If they feel the inclination to do something church related at Christmas, they don't know where to start." Zimmerman noted that the tree lighting is a public event hosted by pastors. "Here's a place to start," she said, adding that Factory communications director Ellie Green has designed a handout with information about Christmas programs and Sunday services at local churches for attendees of the tree lighting.

Fisher stated that several area churches, including Pequea Baptist, Grace Point, Hershey Mennonite, and Leacock Presbyterian, along with Keystone and The Factory Ministries, are responsible for the event. "Other churches will be represented there, as well," noted Fisher, who added that the tree lighting is a good fit for the pastors' group. "It gives us an opportunity to display our unity because there is far more in our doctrine that unites us than divides us," explained Fisher of the churches' willingness to participate together in a community event. Past tree lightings have attracted about 100 participants. The event will be held rain or shine. "We will move into The Factory if the weather doesn't cooperate," said Fisher. More information about the tree lighting may be found by searching for "The Factory Ministries" on Facebook.