Order for the Walk is Zion, Bethany, Holy Ghost, St. Mary’s

The community “Churchto- Church Walk,” hosted by the Gillespie County Ministerial Association is set for Tuesday, Dec. 16 this year, beginning at 6 p.m.

The annual, communitywide walk goes between Fredericksburg’s four historic downtown churches where music groups and pastors from several outlying congregations lead a 10-15-minute time of music and devotion with a faith and goodwill that captures the spirit of Christmas.

After each stop, the crowd will walk together to the next church, taking in the lights and sights of downtown Fredericksburg.

The walk will begin at Zion Lutheran Church, 424 W. Main St., proceed to Bethany Lutheran Church at 110 W. Austin St., then to Holy Ghost Lutheran Church at 115 E. San Antonio St. and conclude at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 304 W. San Antonio St.

St. Mary’s will open its Holy Family Center for refreshments at the end of the walk.

This year, devotional leaders will come from the congregations of Victory Fellowship, Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church and Bethany Lutheran Church, with musical groups from St. Barnabas, Fredericksburg United Methodist, the Fredericksburg Community Orchestra and Zion Lutheran.

“This event is a Fredericksburg tradition that goes back several decades,” said the Rev. Tim Bowyer, president of the Gillespie County Ministerial Association (GCMA) which stands for the mutuality of Christian service in Gillespie County and sponsors the walk. “It is for all people from all church denominations, those with no church affiliation, and everyone who wants to connect to the holiday and tradition of Christian faith.”

The Rev. Karen Horan, GCMA vice-president, is organizing the event this year.

“Each year, it is a joy to welcome people from all walks of life to walk together — senior citizens, young adults pushing baby strollers, children, middleage people, friends, locals, visitors and strangers coming as individuals or with groups — to enjoy the night air and lights, to take a few minutes at each stop to pray, sing, listen and reflect,” Horan said.

People unable to walk may drive or ride in vehicles to each congregation.

This year’s theme is “Be a Witness to the Light so All Might Believe,” focusing on the Biblical theme of light in the darkness.

“We prepare for it, watch for it, discover it in Jesus Christ, the light of the world, and learn to walk it,” Bowyer said. “Bundle up, come out, walk and worship with us as we celebrate the of light of God made known in Jesus.”

For more information about the GCMA, go online to gcmafbg. com.