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Bringing their definable brand of whimsy, Trinity Episcopal Church will host its annual Christmas In July celebration Sunday.

“This is all about community and service, plus it’s a crazy Asbury kind of thing,” Pastor Michael Way said. “In short, Christmas in July is an opportunity for us to celebrate the Incarnation in a clever, fun-filled, yet meaningful way. We decorate the church in very tacky, whimsical summer-themes Christmas decorations. Our Christmas in July tree is a decorated palm tree.  It’s a lot of fun but there is a serious side to all of this gaiety.”

Aside from paying homage to the incarnation, the event honors those who serve the community at large, Way said.

“During Advent and Christmas some professions find themselves especially busy – post office employees, ER staff, police, fire fighters, the military, nursing home workers, etc. – but the hectic pace of the season often means that these people are not adequately recognized for all they do,” he said. Christmas in July is a time when we can make a special effort to honor the hard work and dedication of these people – even if it’s just to offer our thanks by delivering homemade Christmas cookies to them at this unusual time of the year.”

Among the event’s signature components is the hundreds of homemade Christmas cookies that will be delivered to various groups that serve the community throughout the year, Way said.

“This is a small but notable way of saying thank you,” he said.

Another component is a reaffirmation to help those in need. This year items will be collected in support of Family Promise, a nonprofit that works to support families experiencing homelessness.

The Summit-based group addresses family homelessness by housing them for up to three months at local churches for a week at a time, Way said. During the day, families go to day centers, where they can take showers, receive case management and look for housing and jobs.

Non-perishable items being collected include: diapers and wipes [in particular larger sizes]; cleaning supplies; paper goods and utensils; toiletries – soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc.; feminine hygiene products; infant and children’s thermometers; children’s tylenol; adult and children’s cold medicine; grocery store and gas gift cards.

Trinity Episcopal Church is located at 503 Asbury Ave. For more information, click here.

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