LCPC’s Parent Education Program kicked off the holiday season with its highly anticipated Advent Celebration and Christmas pageant on Dec. 5 in the LCPC sanctuary.

Pageant Director Sloan Walsh narrated the three/fours and family classes through an old fashioned Christmas pageant and the singing of “Happy Birthday” to Baby Jesus. Later, the two’s classes, led by Mary Van Amringe, took the stage to perform “Jingle Bells” and “Joy to the World,” to the applause of their parents.

Following the pageant, performers, parents and guests retreated to the Fellowship Hall where they were  blessed by a surprise live nativity scene accompanied by pianist Eric Engler and vocal soloist Nora Sagal, both juniors at La Cañada High School. Live nativity thespians included LCPC Parent Education Board Member Amanda Welch (Mary), Jeff Welch (Joseph) Finn Welch (Baby Jesus), Charlotte Welch (angel),  and Jack Welch (shepherd boy). Scott Delphy, Chris Dunbar and Miles Dunbar depicted the Three Wise Men.

Guests then mingled over light refreshments while children partook in cookie decorating and a craft project, all chaired by board member Jenn Kliewer. Families also posed for costumed snapshots by the manger scene.     Director Anne Bielring said, “It was a beautiful night of controlled chaos  … where we got to celebrate that Jesus truly is the reason for the season!”

For more information about LCPC Parent Education, call Sandy Ravana at the Parent Ed office at (818) 790-6708 x 205 or visit www.lacanadapc.org/parented.