Women Usher In Christmas With Orchard's Annual Holiday Tea

Carrie Pitzer
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Faith, fellowship and a sprinkle of laughter created a nearly perfect recipe for holiday spirit Monday evening at the 28th annual Holiday Tea in Orchard. 

Hosted by the women of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, about 125 people came together for the special night. 
Ashley Bergman and Ashley Hauf helped organize the event, and Hauf along with Desirae Schwager served as emcees.

“This is the 28th year, so it’s very important to keep that tradition,” Hauf said. “It started when I was a baby. My mom was actually one of the first people in the Daughters of Eve that started it, so it was pretty special to take that on when they decided to stop.”

The first Holiday Tea was organized by the then newly formed Daughters of Eve, a women’s ministry group created by Lynae Stelling and Janice Mosel. 

In 2013, the Daughters of Eve stepped down from organizing the event after 25 years of hard work and dedication. 

The next year, Bergman and Hauf took over planning and recruited several friends to help. 

Now there is a six-person committee working to ensure the event continues. 

“It’s exciting for me. I’m not originally from Orchard, so being asked to be a part of this group was a lot of fun,” Bergman said. “It’s a lot of fun to see what everybody brings to the event and see everyone get together for the mean of Christmas.”

The multi-generational event brought together of women of all ages. 

Entertainment featured several short songs performed by the Little Willow Daycare, songs by Madison (Maxwell) Sassman of Lincoln.

A Christmas skit was also performed by local high schoolers Adrian Love, Erin Schwager and Ashley Williams.
The event featured a presence of Christ, sharing of food and great conversation with friends as they began the Christmas season with the subtle reminder of everyone’s blessings.

The spirit of the season remained strong throughout the evening thanks to the beautiful music and old fashioned Christmas theme, highlighted by a rustic Christmas tree and decorations.

“We try to pick a theme that focuses on Jesus and what He’s done for us,” Bergman said. “We always end with ‘Silent Night,’ which brought a couple of people to tears. That’s amazing to see because it really is touching to see the reaction and everybody’s emotions and why we’re here.”

Hauf said organizers planned for 150 people.

Organizers were pleased with the 125 women in attendance at the St. Peter’s Fellowship Hall on a busy evening with lots of other events and activities going on in the area. 

Above all, the strong turnout offers assurance of the event’s continuation and tradition in the community. 
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“We’re happy to continue the tradition,” Hauf said. “It’s really the best way I know of to kick off the holiday with the right reason in mind. You keep Jesus in it and don’t get caught up in the hustle and bustle. Things slow down and remember why we’re really here and the point of Christmas.”