Bethel Christian Church Christmas Program Brings Community Together

Bethel Christian Church welcomed residents of Doolittle Mills and surrounding communities on Sunday evening for its annual Christmas program. The congregation presented a play titled God Bless America, which included a salute to the military, and families and neighbors gathered in the sanctuary before sharing refreshments after the performance.

Local correspondents reported that the program drew a cross section of the community, including multi generational families and area veterans. For many in Perry County small church events provide more than seasonal entertainment. They are a source of social connection, informal caregiving, and emotional sustenance especially during the winter months when isolation can deepen for older residents and those with limited transportation.

The program and the post performance refreshments created opportunities for neighbor to neighbor support. In rural settings such as Doolittle Mills routine social gatherings help identify needs among elders and households facing economic strain, and they often serve as a first line of response in the absence of nearby formal services. The salute to the military reinforced a local pattern of honoring veterans and service members, an important thread of community identity in many parts of the county.

Public health considerations accompanied the social benefits. The event took place indoors in early December when respiratory viruses are more common. Community health is strengthened when hosts and attendees follow simple precautions, such as staying home when ill, keeping up with recommended vaccinations, and practicing good hand hygiene. These measures protect older adults and people with chronic conditions who are disproportionately affected by seasonal illnesses.

The Doolittle Mills column also noted other nearby small church holiday events and encouraged residents to participate. Those gatherings collectively represent informal networks of care that reduce loneliness and bolster mental health across Perry County. From a policy perspective, recognizing and supporting these local institutions can advance social equity in rural areas by directing resources and outreach to the community hubs that residents rely on most.