By Sharon Mager, BCM/D Correspondent

First Baptist Church of Lansdowne Pastor Bill Cochran (right), said the large attendance at the Christmas Craft Night provided some needed encouragement for the church. (Jody Cochran, left)
Halethorpe, MD—Over 100 people, half of them first-time visitors and most unchurched, attended First Baptist Church Lansdowne’s Christmas Craft Night on December 14.
Families made ornaments and decorations, listened to Christmas music, ate cookies and other snacks and met Santa Claus.
Cochran said he was impressed with so many moms and dads not only staying with their children, but also sitting down and making the ornaments with them.
“It was a great turnout and very encouraging,” Bill Cochran, FBC Pastor said. Some, he said, responded to Facebook notices and to the announcement on the church marquis.
Cochran said there were many opportunities to get to know their neighbors. Several people asked questions about the church and its ministries. FBC members were happy to share.
“I was so proud of my people, they were very engaging,” Cochran said.
“A couple kids asked what it means to be baptized and parents asked about Sunday school and other activities for children,” Cochran said.
One of the highlights of the evening was Santa giving stuffed animals to all the children who attended.
Cochran said the community turnout provided needed encouragement to him and to the church.
Next year, Cochran said he hopes to have the craft night once again and add a breakfast with Santa the following morning.