Second Baptist Church is looking to get Washington residents into the spirit of Christmas.

To do just that, the church hosted a weekend-long schedule of events last Saturday and Sunday at its Fifth Street location.

As part of its Christmas celebrations, Second Baptist held a slew of activities, including an ornament exchange Saturday morning, and a Family Christmas Party throughout that afternoon, as well as a special “Deck the Halls” choir performance Sunday night.

Guests at the Family Christmas Party were able to participate in crafts, while viewing displays and hearing “The Greatest Story,” told by Rosanne Fennel. A model train display was also available for the public to view.

Although Second Baptist has hosted similar events in the past, this was the first year it opened it up to the community, according to organizer Theresa Clipperton.

“The idea was to learn the whole story of Christ from birth to resurrection,” Clipperton said. “As they went through, we explained to them how Jesus came as a baby and died on the cross for our sins.”

Clipperton said the church hoped to have more visitors, but it did garner a healthy crowd of about 40-45 people.

Church members wanted the Christmas party and choir events to encourage church members to come out and celebrate Christmas, while also drawing in those residents who do not attend church.

“There are many other activities involving outreach and fellowship, and sharing the love of Christ in meaningful ways. The song declares — it’s a most wonderful time of year!” Second Baptist Pastor John Koch writes in a newsletter. “Christmas time can also be a time of great stress. How can we avoid this? I believe the best way is to put Christ into ‘Christ’mas.”

Clipperton said organizers hope to make the Family Christmas Party an annual event for the public.

“It was fun. … We wanted to open it up to the whole community,” she said. “We find it’s an excellent way to invite the community and feel like a place they can come to.”