The Friday Finish – December 20, 2024
Enchanting Performance – “The Madrigal Dinner”
Imagine gathering around a candlelit table, sipping on a glass of “wassail” as you feast on “Ye Olde Roasted Turkey.” You are one of the many guests at “The Cardinal Castle,” experiencing an enchanting performance unlike any other in history. In a Renaissance-era atmosphere of kings, queens, jesters and knights, a marvelous celebration is taking place. With singing, musical instruments, and a meal fit for a King guests journeyed back in time to follow the quest of three knights. Student entertainers interacted with guests at their tables, making the production feel more realistic. Jesters provided comedy and “beggars” interacted with guests asking for spare food or golden coins. “Servers” attended each table with multiple courses using elegant manners addressing guests with “my lord and lady.”
Red Bird Christian School (RBCS) Fine Arts Department received applause and standing ovations at both of the Saturday productions of “The Madrigal Dinner,” based on the book, “The Song of The King,” by Max Lucado. Red Bird’s beloved and longtime teachers, Mark and Rebecca Smallwood and their son, Nate Smallwood, devoted much of their time and creativity into the development of the production. The Smallwoods spent weeks preparing the performers and practicing scripts written and directed by the RBCS Fine Arts department. The love and passion poured into this production goes beyond measure.
“The show must go on!” rang loud as a power outage struck the area less than an hour before the matinee, but in no way hindered or prevented “The Madrigal Dinner” production! The lights may have been out, but the loyal team of staff members and performers at RBCS felt peace in their hearts and trusted in God.
Melanie, RBCS Culinary Arts teacher said,
“It all fell together like the Lord wanted it to happen.”
Already prepared food stayed hot and ready for the audience to feast on. Although not planned, the power outage also helped create a realistic atmosphere for the Renaissance themed show.
Melanie adds,
“It was a lot of work, but I felt privileged to be trusted to help because this was a very special production. This was one of the best things I have ever participated in.”
Santa and the Grinch Deliver Laughter and Hugs
Traveling from the hill of Mount Crumpit to the Queendale Campus of Red Bird Mission, he did not come to steal the Christmas tree, decorations, or gifts. The Grinch came this week to spread holiday cheer and the spirit of Christmas with his jolly friend Santa Claus for the children of the Red Bird ECD (Early Childhood Development) Preschool Program, students at Red Bird Christian School, and patrons at the Red Bird Mission Community Store.
The Grinch is covered from head to toe with green fur, making him different from Jolly old Saint Nick. His facial expressions make him appear to be “grumpy.” Although some were a bit unsure of this unique character, children of every age were excited about the surprising arrival of the Grinch. In spite of his green fur and “grumpy facial expressions,” children experienced kindness coming from this unlikely looking character after all the laughter, high fives, and hugs given throughout the day.
Loyal and enthusiastic employees of Red Bird Mission embarked on this secret undercover mission to bring the wonder of two Christmas characters to life. Embodying the character perfectly, giving “high fives” and “thumbs up,” Brad Kulp (Work Camp Volunteer Manager) went undercover as the Grinch. Happy to be a jolly Santa Claus for the children of the ECD Program, Bobby Bowling (Work Camp Resource Manager) put on the suit, white beard and brought the gifts.
Bringing Christmas cheer as the role of Santa Claus for many years at the Red Bird Community Store, Jamie Collett (HR & IT Director) joined the Grinch for a “meet and greet.” Santa sat for a fun photo shoot with each child asking, “Have you been good this year?” Of course, everyone received a special gift from Santa. This unforgettable Christmas event brought much joy, laughter and happiness to the entire community.
Senior Center Christmas Joy
Last week, folks at Red Bird Mission’s DeWall Senior Center worked to put together fruit baskets sending joy out in the surrounding communities. There was joy this Wednesday, too, as it was Christmas party time at the DeWall Center on the Beverly Campus for the “older kids”. Many of the participants and staff donned their Christmas themed attire for a potluck and games that ended up as another joyful day at the DeWall Center.
There were enough bag prizes for the Bingo competition so that everybody received a prize for their first “Ho! Ho! Ho!” as they completed a row of numbers. Ruby got a special prize for the first to “cover all”, or fill her card. Charlene honored Ruby with a special gift for winning the most Bingo games at the Center this year.
Lots of good memories were shared around the table and in the lounge area around the Christmas tree. After the meal, strategies and laughs abounded during the White Elephant gift exchange. As typically happens, someone got a set of bowls that they didn’t want to give up while another found cash in a baby bottle that had been disguised in a cracker box.
Twelve Give to Save Many Lives
During this season of giving, 12 people stepped up Wednesday afternoon to give blood. The Kentucky Blood Center Bloodmobile made a scheduled stop on Wednesday afternoon at Red Bird Christian School to give students, Red Bird staff and community members the opportunity to save a life with a gift of blood.
Colleen Sturgill, Community Health Coordinator for Red Bird Clinic, Inc., promoted, invited and registered 17 people in advance of the event. The total was just two shy of the number required to trigger a scholarship grant for Red Bird Christian School so the next date has been set for March 25, 2025.
Queendale Caroling Brightens the Day
A group of Red Bird Christian School students brightened a cold, dreary Thursday at the Queendale Campus by popping in to sing Christmas carols in several locations.
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