MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Kick off the holiday season with the “All is Bright” Church Tour on Saturday, December 14, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This open-house-style event invites you to embrace the joy of the season while discovering the rich Christian heritage of area churches. The churches are handicap-accessible and may provide refreshments, entertainment, and special guided tours. Hosts will be on-site to answer any questions about their buildings, Christmas decorations, church services, or programs.

“We’re so excited to bring the ‘All is Bright Tour’ back for our community this year,” said Jenni Hypes, executive director of Aspire Ministries. “We had a great response from participants last year who said they had visited some of these churches for weddings or funerals but had never fully appreciated the beauty of their architecture and history until they came on the tour.”

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
  • Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Location: Start at any of the six participating churches: Trinity Baptist Church, Marion First Church of the Brethren, Epworth United Methodist Church, Hope Family Church, Prospect Street United Methodist Church, Emanuel Lutheran Church

There is no cost for the tour, but donations for Tour Books are appreciated to help support Aspire Ministries and its impactful work in Marion County. “Our Tour Books make great keepsakes. They are filled with highlights about each of our churches and include a detailed tour map. They will be available for a donation at all participating churches on the night of the tour. We’ll have an Aspire Ministries table with volunteers at each church ready to help you,” Hypes added. Tour Books will also be available for a donation and early pick-up at Aspire Ministries (205 W. Center Street, 2nd Floor) from Wednesday, December 11, through Friday, December 13, from 9:00 a.m.. to 5:00 p.m.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Aspire Ministries, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Aspire Ministries collaborates with a network of partner churches to serve Marion County families through resources, referrals, education, and support. In 2023 alone, Aspire Ministries met hundreds of direct needs and facilitated thousands of referrals to ensure efficient, compassionate care for those in need. To support the work of Aspire Ministries with a year-end donation, visit givebutter.com/aspiremarion.

Celebrate the beauty of the holiday season, connect with the community, and support a meaningful cause. Visit aspiremarion.org to learn more about Aspire Ministries and their mission.