Perryville Brings Good News of Great Joy to their Community

By Sharon Mager

PERRYVILLE, Md. — Perryville’s annual Christmas in the Park brings the community together for small-town American fun, featuring a Christmas shopping village, music, vendors, and a community parade filled with antique cars, fire trucks, marching bands, the Grinch, and Santa.

One of the floats this year, on Dec. 13, that made its way down the middle of town belonged to First Baptist Church of Perryville (FBC). The flatbed trailer was topped with a large, red-wrapped Christmas gift and a banner reading, “Jesus is the Greatest Gift of All.” Members of various FBC groups, including Awana, American Heritage Girls, and Trail Life USA boys, walked alongside the float, giving out bags filled with candy, tracts, and two-sided handouts highlighting the church’s ministries.

While some church members rode on the float or marched in the parade, others engaged the community—meeting neighbors, distributing goodie bags, and sharing as the Holy Spirit opened doors.

The church also offered a unique outreach that many in the community appreciated. At the end of the parade route, Santa made his way to the historic Rodgers Tavern, where he greeted children and posed for photos. As visitors exited through the back door of the restaurant, they discovered another photo opportunity—a live nativity scene sponsored by the church. Guests didn’t just stop to photograph Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and an angel; children and teens were invited to put on shepherds’ clothing and step into the scene.

One woman said, “This is so much better than getting a photo with Santa! This is what Christmas is all about!”

Another mom said, “I don’t think my son will stand there,” but the boy enjoyed being part of the nativity scene so much he didn’t want to leave.

Next to the nativity, church volunteers greeted visitors, handed out additional goodie bags, and offered Bibles and other materials.

FBC Perryville Pastor Sam Brindley said the parade, along with the town’s other events and the church’s nativity, gave members multiple opportunities to talk with people and proclaim the good news of Christ’s birth. “Our calling is to share the gospel with the people right here in Perryville and Cecil County — right where God has placed us. We want to be a light in our community.”

Several people shared that they want to visit the church.

Sharon Mager serves as BCM/D content and story editor.