Simplify means getting back to basics or returning to one's roots or removing unnecessary hindrances. There are very few events more basic than the birth of a Savior.

"As a church family, we want to share the love of Christ with our neighbors," said Patti Bergman, the coordinator of Lititz United Methodist Church's Simply Christmas. "It's an opportunity to slow down and experience the greatest reason for the season, which is Jesus. It's also a chance for us to spend time with our neighbors, which is also a great gift."

Located at 201 E. Market St., Lititz, Lititz United Methodist Church will host this year's edition of its annual Simply Christmas event on Sunday, Dec. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. The celebration, which will feature music, gifts, games and food, is free to attend, and everyone is welcome.

"It's a very simple event," said Bergman. "There's a lot of joy and laughter. Eyes are bright. There's an interaction that's going on. It's just something overwhelming inside. The atmosphere is a very unique experience, and some people have made it a tradition. It's a chance for the church family to know others as well. You make new friends."

Visitors to the event will encounter modest decorations as they are greeted at a welcoming table inside the church's entrance. The highlight of Simply Christmas is a living Nativity scene, but there are also meditation opportunities in Lititz United Methodist Church's prayer room; holiday-themed, "Jeopardy"-style trivia; and music.

"It's nothing regimented; it's throughout the evening and you can enjoy whatever part you want," said Bergman, a resident of Lititz. "It's about the spirit of Christ and the spirt of goodwill. Everything is completely free. You wouldn't charge your neighbor if you invited them over."

The food court set up in the church's social hall will serve chicken corn noodle soup, vegetable soup, hot dogs and hot chocolate. For the kids, there will be crafts, age-appropriate games, story times, face painting and a sharing room where children can shop for gifts at no cost.

There will also be the singing of Christmas carols, including an inspirational rendition of "Silent Night."

"For me, Christmas is all about my Savior and all the blessings he's given me throughout the year," said Bergman. "When you think about the Savior, he was born in a humble manger. It was simple."

As many as 500 individuals are expected to attend Simply Christmas. About 85 volunteers, many of whom are associated with Lititz United Methodist Church, will be on hand to assist with the event.

"There are many hands," said Bergman. "It's a team effort, and it's a wonderful team. Like many churches, we have special (holiday) services throughout the month (December). I like it because it brings members of the church together. There's a feeling of kindness and friendliness."

"There are so many families out there in our community who have never been here and who would benefit from the warmth of the experience," Bergman added. "Their kids can have a really good time. But it's also geared toward older folks who don't have their kids around. If people want something basic to do, it's a great way to celebrate Christ's birth. Hopefully, they can walk away feeling a little bit better."

Lititz United Methodist Church began its Simply Christmas event in 2012 as a way to recapture the simple wonder of Christmas. The church also operates a year-round, open door clothing bank, sponsors a community Easter egg hunt in the spring and conducts a harvest festival in the fall.

Lititz United Methodist also sponsors various youth programs that encourage community interaction.

"I think our church is well known in the community," said Bergman. "From our standpoint, we know how important the community is. We care very much for our community. When there's a need, we're there to reach out. To grow is to be aware of the needs of your community and supply when you can, and I think the church has done that throughout the years."

For additional information, go to http://www.lititzumc.org.