St. John’s Episocpal Hospital captures the Christmas spirit

St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway hosted its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and nativity blessing on Nov. 30. Elder Rashn Staley, assistant pastor at the Refuge Church of Christ located on Mott Avenue led attendees in prayer before the tree was lit.

Students from the Lucille Rose Day Care Center, also in Far Rockaway, led the audience — community residents and St. John’s staff members — in singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “The Dancing Christmas Tree Song.” As the tree was lit, the crowd joined St. John’s Vice President of External Affairs, Renee Hastick-Motes in a rendition of “Joy to the World.”

The students were given stuffed animals, donated by the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club, as well as gingerbread cookies and juice after their performance. The tree and decorations were donated by the hospital’s Medical Executive Committee.

After the tree lighting, everyone was invited outside for the blessing of the hospital’s nativity scene, which was led by Rev. Dr. Cecily P. Broderick y Guerra, St. John’s vice president of Mission. The scene figurines were donated to the hospital by Trinity-St. John’s Episcopal Church in Hewlett.

“The staff at St. John’s would like to wish all a happy and healthy holiday season,” said hospital CEO Gerard Walsh.