Volunteering in the Kingsway-Lambton United Church Christmas Pageant has long been an important tradition in our family—a tradition that reflects the values we hold dear and connects us deeply to the Christmas story and our sense of spirituality. We first saw the Pageant when our eldest daughter, Alex, was about 18 months old—nearly 18 years ago—and that moment sparked what has become one of our family’s favourite traditions.
Each year, as the season approaches, we are reminded that this form of service is not only a joyful offering but also a source of spiritual renewal. Watching the sanctuary come alive with children, music, and light feels like witnessing faith in motion. Because the Pageant involves six months of planning, meetings, rehearsals, and performances, you truly get to know the people involved and the real stories of their lives. So much is shared—from conversations in the church hallways to the silliness and laughter on stage during rehearsals and show nights.
Through this ministry, my faith has deepened in both quiet and joyful ways. Collaborating with others to bring the story of Christ’s birth to life has helped our family see the church not only as a place of worship, but as a living, interconnected community that reflects service, generosity, grace, and the beauty of imperfect people working together toward a shared purpose.
Each meeting and rehearsal strengthens our sense of belonging. As a family, we have gained new skills, uncovered creativity we didn’t know we had, and found joy in giving our time and hearts to something that creates lasting memories for every child who begins their Pageant journey. Many return years later, remembering it as something truly special.
Every year, we treasure the moments that make the Pageant so magical—hearing the Angel Choir lift their voices in Rise Up, Shepherds; watching the Kings’ Procession children interrupt us leads with their adorable questions and bursts of curiosity; or listening as they confidently explain what they are doing and why it matters. Over the years, we have met truly wonderful friends—people we can laugh with, rely on, and turn to for encouragement and support.
For me, the emotion always catches me on the drive to show night. We pile into the car as a family, all of us who have been part of this Pageant since the kids were just four years old. Then, as the Kings’ Procession begins and they walk proudly down the aisle, my eyes brim—this time with pure pride and gratitude.
There is such connection in each scene: the Centurion’s heartfelt tenderness, the mischievous brilliance of King Herod plotting his schemes, and the quiet grace of Mary singing to the newborn Jesus. But my favourite moment is always the ending, when all the children fill the stage and sing from their hearts in their own wonderful ways. In that moment, joy fills the air. It feels as though we are all threads woven from the same sacred fabric, reaching back to that holy night when He was born.
Our hope is that others may feel inspired to step into this ministry—as volunteers or actors—and experience the same sense of connection and meaning that participating in the Pageant has brought to our family’s life. The Pageant is a gift of spirit for every participant, woven together by every hand that helps bring the story to life.
With Gratitude,
Erin Mantis (Co-producer);
Louis Mantis (Director);
Alexandra Mantis (Photographer, Herod, Nathan, Anna, Centurion, Kings Procession, Bethlehem Kid, Grape Bearer)
Savannah Mantis (Herod, Nathan, Mary, David, Kings Procession, Bethlehem Kid, Grape Bearer, Volunteer),
Xavier Mantis (Town Crier, Centurion, James the Shepherd, Kings Procession)
I became involved in Kingsway Lambton’s Outreach Ministry when the late Dorothy Foster was preparing to retire from the role in 2019. Dorothy had built a strong outreach program that supported several agencies in our community. What struck me most about Dorothy was the deep care with which she spoke about the people who ran these charities. “This little agency does so much with so little,” she said as she briefed me on one. About another, she noted with her characteristic, soft-spoken grace, “This agency deals with such difficult situations.”
From Dorothy, I learned to look a little deeper—to see the goodness in the people behind these organizations. I already knew that the needs in our city are enormous, and it can be overwhelming to imagine how we might ever meet them. But I began to feel hope and inspiration when I saw how front-line volunteers are doing such good work. They may not solve everything, but each is helping to solve a small piece.
When I work on our KLUC Outreach activities, I know we won’t fix everything. I also know I probably don’t have the fortitude for front-line work. But I do know that we can make a difference in our community, and it has been my privilege to do this through our church family.
Being involved in Outreach has unquestionably deepened my faith in the goodness of people. It has reminded me how blessed our church family is—with compassion, empathy, and the means to help. The joy of coming together and working toward the shared goal of helping others is a pretty great feeling.
-Sandra Lindsell
I was lucky to grow up with two wonderful parents who taught me the value of family, friends, and community. My mom, a nurse, showed me what it meant to give back — I’d often tag along as she delivered food baskets and clothing to neighbors and community members in Montreal. Those early experiences shaped me more than I knew at the time.
When John and I joined KLUC in 1984, it opened a new chapter in our lives. Beyond Sunday worship, volunteering drew us into fellowship and friendship that became a grounding foundation — spiritually, socially, and emotionally. Over the years we’ve faced life’s inevitable ups and downs, but we have always felt carried and cocooned by the love of this congregation. They truly have become our extended family and without spending time together in our many volunteer capacities, we might have missed the opportunity of getting to know so many special friends.
For me, volunteering has never been a duty — it’s been a joy. My roles have included being a Sunday School teacher, pageant organizer, El Hogar mission trip member, Flea Market volunteer, Cyber Seniors coordinator, Prayer Circle member, Coffee Hour crew, social justice work, UCW and more. Each role brought new connection, growth, and a warm sense of belonging.
Teaching Sunday School for 20 years, from JK through Grade 8, was especially meaningful. Weekly lesson prep became my personal Bible study, and the children’s openness to questioning and embracing faith encouraged me to do the same. More recently, a small group of us gathered with our Sunday School Lead, Victoria, to consider how best to support the growing number of children attending. With wise input and counsel from three retired teachers from within our congregation along with several young parents, and church leaders, we refreshed classrooms, updated resources, and enriched the curriculum. Along with the annual pageant and a new children’s choir—already drawing more school-aged children—these efforts show how volunteering together creates a vibrant and welcoming ministry for our young people.
Looking back at my past 4 decades at KLUC, I see a beautiful tapestry woven from years of shared service, laughter, and support. It’s a gift beyond measure, and I believe it all began with simply saying “yes.”
So, if you’re new to KLUC — or even if you’ve been here a while but haven’t yet had the time or chance to volunteer — I warmly encourage you to get involved. No contribution is too small. Whether you bring time, ideas, experience, or simply a willing heart, you may discover, as I did, that serving brings unexpected blessings, deepened faith, and life-long friendships. And if you’re not sure where to start, tap me on the shoulder — I’d be delighted to help make the connection!