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O Christmas Tree... and being part of the
many GCU volunteer
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 opportunities to help
“our neighbors.” It is
and the Origin of the Christmas Tree) my hope that your
What’s interesting is that just like St. Patrick used the Christmas tree will be
three leaved shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy a focal point of your
Trinity to the pagan Irish, so also did St. Boniface use in festive celebrations,
his preaching the triangular shape of the fir tree to explain connecting family and
the theology of the Holy Trinity: Father and Son and Holy friends, generations
Spirit to the German people. He also explained that the and cultures in the
shape of the fir tree is meant to point our minds towards spirit of joy for “God is
God. Centuries later the Christmas tree tradition arrived in with US!”
the United States thanks to German immigrants. As the spiritual ad-
Friends, the Christmas tree has become a beloved tra- visor and member of
dition for many of us. All over the world it continues as an the Board of Directors
enduring symbol of the holiday season, bringing joy and of the GCU, I want to My sister holding me.
warmth to our homes, but also to our churches and public thank you all for your prayers and support. May our Lord
places. The Christmas tree brings us together to celebrate Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem, bless you, your families
the Nativity-Birth of Our Savior Jesus Christ. and loved ones at this blessed time of hope and grace.
This year as you decorate your Christmas tree, a tradi- Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
tion that goes back to the 16 century, remember to also Christos Raždajetsja! Slavite Jeho!
th
decorate your soul with prayer, fasting, works of mercy Sincerely yours in the new-born Christ.

COMMUNITY MATCHING FUNDS Community Matching Funds

TunnelTon, Pa

Fall Bash
The Fall Bash to benefit the Tunnelton-
Conemaugh Township Fire Department was
held on Saturday, November 2. This event
consists of a drawing of tickets every 15 minutes
to win prizes of all kinds. A dinner was also
provided to everyone. All profits will go toward
the purchase of new fire equipment. Thank you
to the GCU for the additional funds through the
Community Matching Funds Community Matching Funds program.
Beaver, Pa
Thomas Oslick
Dog Walk Around Seven Oaks
The third annual Dog Walk around Seven Oaks Event was on
Saturday, October 12, 2024. Attendees enjoyed a basket raffle and
treats with all proceeds being donated to the Beaver County Humane
Society. Thanks to the GCU Community Matching Funds program we
were able to double our donation to the humane society.

Molly Kullen
GCU Matching Funds check was presented to the Tun-
nelton-Conemaugh Twp. Fire Department by Thomas E.
Oslick Sr. Excepting the donation is Chief Dave Bruzda,
President Andrew Anderson and GCU member Grace
Allshouse.

GCU MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2024 9