Carolers from Mt. Pisgah United Methodist sang joyful tunes to Francis Jones around her Christmas tree on Dec. 14. (Photo by Keith McCoy)

By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church went caroling to spread cheer to people who cannot get out for the holidays.

The group met at their church on Dec. 14 and formed a merry caravan before taking to the road, music booklets in tow.

The first stop was the home of Chester Sparks, a member of the church. Sparks welcomed the carolers into his home.

“When they started this several years ago, people didn’t want them, but … now people expect us to come in their house,” Pastor Andrew Howell said. “When I’ve gone caroling with other churches … I’d always stand at the door. But [here] they don’t want to start until everybody can get in.”

A group of 17 people stood in Sparks’ cozy living room and cracked open their booklets. Young and old joined in singing as “Joy to the World” was announced as the first carol.

A member of the group said a prayer, then more carols followed and a passage was read from the account of the Christmas story in Matthew 2. A reverent singing of “Silent Night” followed the reading.

Then, the group sang “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” as they walked back outside and headed to their cars for the next stop. The carolers went on to spread cheer to a couple other church members who cannot get out, the Carrie Gray Home and Hatley Health Care.

“It gives us a great opportunity to go to these … who don’t get to come out,” said Pastor Andrew Howell. “I think it communicates that we haven’t forgotten them, that we still care and recognize them and appreciate their contribution in the past. They’re still a part of the church family even if they can’t be active.”