Attendees at Gurnee Community Church on Dec. 20 enjoyed the children's musical "The First Leon," created by Dennis and Nan Allen and presented by the COOL Journey Children's Ministry.
The Christmas play was directed by Wes and Amanda Underwood, choreographed by Laura and Thea Stephens, with Bobbie O'Donnell and Erica Velez directing the preschoolers.
The play revolved around decidedly untalented Leon's desire to be in a Christmas pageant. Since Leon is Noel spelled backwards, Leon ends up teaching the other children the true meaning of Christmas.
The very talented members of the cast were Amanda Underwood as The Storyteller, Wes Underwood as Mr. Mosley, Brock Robards as Leon, Billy Roscher as Jonathan, Rachel Nystrom as Madi, Kia Sconyers as Dawn, Stacie Hintz as Madeline, Katie Roscher as Julie, Allison Belmont as Brooke, Megan Hintz as Speaker No. 1, Kennedy Splitt as Speaker No. 2, and Kate Belmont, Megan Nystrom and Mary Walker serving as Narrators.
Rounding out the cast as members of the chorus, angels, shepherds, townspeople, sheep and cattle were: Jamile Binuya, Drake Dearborn, Madison Eagon, Savannah Eagon, Ethan Fowler, Ezra Fowler, Lucas Guagliardo, Marco Guagliardo, Elaine Herberger, Terra Herberger, Andrea Hintz, Faith Hintz, Renee Holloway, Hannah Inmon, Victoria Jaworski, Emily Kattner, Erin Kattner, Daschel Kriukov, Nora Lacey, Camden Lencioni, Anna Main, Clayton Main, Jadeyn Marcinkus, Allison Mazur, Meghan McMillen, Johnny Noel, Timmy Noel.
Erich Packer, Annika Randle, Jeweleah Reyes, Charlotte Robards, Jack Robards, Isabella Sconyers, Caden Sheahan, Lauren Sheahan, Gabrielle Stewart, Josh Stewart, Wyatt Taylor, Isaiah Theonugraha, Andrea Velez and Cameron Yarman.
Marriage enrichment class
A marriage enrichment class will start at Gurnee Community Church, 4555 Old Grand Ave., in Gurnee, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7. It will meet every Thursday until March 4.
The class, titled "Love and Respect," utilizes the teaching of Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. Registration is required – please contact Pastor Chris Stephens at 847-336-2392.
Book club
A women's book club is starting up at Gurnee Community Church. It will meet on the second Thursday of the month, beginning Jan. 14 and taking place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the church library. The first book will be "Prayers for Sale" by Sandra Dallas. All women are welcome to attend.
Service of Ordination
At 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, Gurnee Community Church will have a Service of Ordination for interim associate Pastor Lara Morris. All members and friends of the church are invited to attend the service, which will take place in the sanctuary. A following reception will take place in the Family Life Center.
Woodland D-50 news
Woodland Middle School, 7000 Washington St., in Gurnee will host the 2010 National Geographic Bee at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, at 1 p.m. in the tech studio.
Twenty-four team finalists from sixth, seventh and eighth grade will participate for the first round of the 2010 National Geographic Bee. The winner of the middle school competition will advance to the next level of competition, taking a written examination to determine state competition.
Woodland Middle School's Symphonic Band 1 member Jessica Blumberg performed as a Trombone All Star with the VanderCook College of Music Symphonic Band on Dec. 18 at the Midwest Clinic at McCormick Place West in Chicago.
Jessica was selected by band director Elise Matusek as one of the most outstanding among seventh- or eight-grade trombonists. The invitation to participate at the 63rd Midwest Clinic – an international band and orchestra conference – came from Dr. Charlie Menghini, director of the VanderCook College of Music Band.
Matusek said, "This is an awesome opportunity for this young lady."
New lunch-time eatery is open
If you are looking for a casual place to have a good lunch at reasonable prices, Maria's Komfort Kitchen is now open at the Gurnee American Legion bar, 749 Milwaukee Ave., in Gurnee.
The restaurant is run by Maria Gillespie who offers good, home-style cooking, including a variety of sandwiches, soup and specials. It is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch only.
Food pantry needs
Many people generously donate to various food pantries during the holiday season, but the need for food for those suffering from economic crises continues all year long.
All types of nonperishable food items are needed to stock the Gurnee Community Church Food Pantry, and your generous donations are most appreciated. Donated items may be placed in the blue bins located in the church Narthex or by the staff offices.
Holiday Trivia
In this country, children usually receive their Christmas gifts from Santa Claus and open them on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. This week's Holiday Trivia Question asks – In what European country do children receive their gifts on Jan. 6? Bonus question – As I am writing this, I have just finished making this year's batch of glogg. What is glogg?
Trivia answers
Reflecting the tradition that the Magi brought gifts to the Christ child on Jan. 6, children in Italy receive their gifts on Twelfth Night – Jan. 6. They are brought not by Santa, but by a benevolent witch named Befana.
Glogg (also spelled glug) is a Swedish Christmas-time drink. A highly potent spiced wine and brandy concoction, it is usually served warm in small glasses during the holiday season.
Skol and god Jul! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
• Nancy Long is a columnist for the Lake County Journal. Contact her at lcjedit@lakecountyjournal.com.