Milton church lights up Avalon Boulevard

MILTON — For the third year now, Avalon Baptist Church, at 4316 Avalon Blvd., in Milton, has decorated its premises for Christmas and held a holiday event.

This year, the church moved the décor to the lot behind the church, offering visitors a drive-through and walk-through experience.

The display contains all donated lights, according to church pastor, the Rev. Matt Cotten.

"All of those lights are donated from church members and community people," Cotten said. "We called it Light Up Avalon because … Jesus is the light of the world. That’s why we did it."

Dec. 16, the church held a special event for Light Up Milton with live music, crafts for children, free food, a prayer tent and a live manger scene.

The church’s Christmas Eve services will be at 8:45 a.m. with cookies and milk at 9:45 and then a repeat of the service at 10:45 a.m.

"We made the decision years ago as a church to encourage members to be with their families," Cotten said, "so we’ve given up Sunday night … but the Christmas lights will be on."

New Year’s Eve will have normal Sunday morning service with the Naval Air Station's Roy Fondren.

"That evening at 6 p.m. we’ll have Pray and Play," Cotten said. From 6 p.m. to midnight, there won’t be a structured service but an opportunity to pray for the new year.

"The emphasis this year is on families and community," Cotten said. "One thing we say is if you want to reach the community you can’t always be in the church.

"You have to go out."

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Milton church lights up Avalon Boulevard