Emmanuel UMC Showcases Indian Christmas Decorations

Posted: December 22 2025 at 07:00 AM

Evanston Emmanuel Decoration Circle Cmyk

Emmanuel UMC in Evanston is celebrating Christmas with a stunning display of traditional Indian Christian decorations, featuring thousands of individually hand-cut paper elements crafted from special decorative paper imported from India.

Suspended across the sanctuary ceiling, the installation forms colorful geometric patterns, symbolic motifs, and large circular designs—each piece placed together one by one by volunteers.

“In Indian churches, decorations are expressions of faith, love, and hope,” said Rev. Scort (Sanjay) Christy, pastor of Emmanuel UMC. “This display reflects our cultural heritage and our unity as a community.”

See more photos and information here.

News & Announcements

All News Upcoming Events

Gracepughhubbard Creationcaresummit20260502

Many Pathways Lead to Creation Care

United Methodists who hear God’s call to care for the world God created gained practical skills in interrelated areas while attending the Creation Care Summit on May 2 at First United Method…

Have you made your contribution?

In an effort to be more transparent, the Finance and Administration office is going to be consistently sharing where we are as a conference are in regards to the giving versus what is needed fo…

A Promise to Mom: Reflections of an Annual Conference Session Member

Jeany Gewin has served as an Annual Conference lay member for over 20 years. She explains why she is following in her mother's footsteps and advocating for t…

Laborer 2 Pexels Justyn Abacajan 988605963 29768245

Methodism and May Day: Intertwined in History

May Day, May 1, is internationally recognized as a day to lift up voices in the struggle for labor rights. Born with John Wesley’s care for coal miners and oppressed workers, Unite…