Members of the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs turned a recent Sunday into a festive “All Church Caroling” for their fellow parishioners, visiting with them where they live.
“We hop on a school bus and go to retirement homes and members’ homes,” said Pastor Erik Khoobyarian. “It’s a lovely way to bring a little cheer to people who can’t get out or aren’t as mobile as they would like to be.”
The latest caroling event Dec. 22 carries on a tradition at the church that began about 10 years ago, he said.
The carolers range in age from children to senior citizens, and vocal talent is not a requirement.
“All are welcome,” said Khoobyarian, who was one of the carolers.
When asked to rate his own singing ability, he said, “I’m good if I hear others’ voices in my ears.”
Church member Loretta Gratias-Bremer coordinated the event this year, which included about 35 carolers from Western Springs and surrounding towns, such as Hinsdale.
The group visited Burr Ridge Senior Living on Route 83 and 91st Street and Plymouth Place in LaGrange Park, where a number of the Western Springs church members live, as well as the private homes of two parishioners, Gratias-Bremer said.
They sang classics, such as “Joy to the World” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
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With their songbooks at the ready, they asked for requests from the people they visited, which led to the carolers to sing a rendition of “Silent Night.”
The carolers also had tins of goodies to give to the folks they visited.
The group is not a choir, and the goal is just to have fun, said Gratias-Bremer.
