The 12th annual Dexter Christmas Reading will be held, Saturday, November 28th, in the chapel of Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.  Greg and Lisa Mathis began this tradition in 2009 for Stoddard County. 

"After making preparations to extend our lot area by closing off Stoddard Street, purchasing additional speakers in order to reach a wider area and purchasing 700 Holiday facial coverings with our Dexter Christmas Reading logo, we have made the decision to go virtual," commented Greg Mathis.

"We feel that with nice weather, which is predicted, we could have had over 500 folks in attendance."

"With the COVID 19 numbers in Stoddard County and surrounding communities rising, we feel that it is in the best interest of our community to go virtual."

June Coffey, Lisa's mother and Greg's mother-in-law read the Christmas story from Luke 2 every Christmas Eve to their two boys when they were young. It was a tradition Greg decided to share with others through the Christmas reading.  Mrs. Coffey passed away in 2015.

Folks can access the Dexter Christmas Reading by going to the Mathis Funeral Home Facebook page, where a link will be provided to receive the webcast.  Also the ShowMe Times will place a link on their Facebook page that will allow you to watch.

The Crowley Ridge Mennonite Choir will begin singing at 5:45 PM, The Reading will begin at 6:00 PM, with the choir singing again for 15 minutes after The Reading concludes. 

Anyone wishing to have one of our facial coverings, please come by Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter where they will be distributed free on a first come basis.

"We appreciate your understanding and sincerely hope you will join us!"