Our congregation would like to invite you to partner with us on a new adventure. This Christmas season, we intend to celebrate the birth of Christ with a special new display combining the traditions of our faith with the beauty of nature.

First Lutheran is fortunate to be the owners and caretakers of a unique parcel of property. Our “Good Shepherd Center” is a small church situated on five acres of wooded land on the eastside of Lorain. A special feature of this property is our outdoor “Chapel in the Woods”. This worship area contains a permanent altar and seating for over 100.

From the first Sunday in Advent to Epiphany, Good Shepherd Center will be transformed into Lorain’s “Christmas Tree Trail”. 16 decorated and lit Christmas trees will surround the Chapel in the Woods. At each tree, part of the traditional Christmas story will be placed. Following the trail will allow for the participants to experience the complete story. The trail will end upon entering the chapel.

Following the completion of the trail, all guests will be invited to join the evening’s hosts for hot drinks and baked goods. A campfire will be lit for those who wish to continue their enjoyment of the outdoors.

Prior to departing, we hope that all participants will spend some time enjoying our large Nativity crèche depicting Bethlehem at the time of the birth of Christ. The public will be able to view this from both inside and outdoors.

At this time the organizers of The Christmas Trail hope that your congregation will consider joining us in this effort to reinforce the true meaning of Christmas. Participation levels are expected to vary. We sincerely hope you will come visit the trail this year.

Our primary wish is to have as many churches as possible agree to adopt a Christmas tree on the trail. Participants will be asked to fund and decorate one or more trees. We are currently arranging to purchase fresh-cut trees and LED lights at wholesale prices.

We ask that you please take the time to communicate your interest. We understand that your reply will not be a full commitment, but only an expression of interest. Please feel free to contact us via email, phone, or mail. Additionally, further news will be published on Facebook and www.christmastreetrail.com .

Yours in Service,
Dan Bihary
440.453.9782 till 11pm ~ dbihary@hotmail.com ~ 2923 N. Jefferson Blvd. Lorain, Ohio 44052