Instead of lights, lines and last-minute shopping, Ray County residents were invited to experience something different this Christmas season as local churches welcomed the community for the inaugural Country Christmas Church Tour. The first-ever tour was organized through the Richmond News and the Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce. Participating congregations welcomed visitors throughout the afternoon before the day concluded with a Community Christmas Celebration at United Christian Presbyterian Church. The concept was built around an experience organizers described as quieter than many holiday events. “The Richmond News and the Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce wanted to introduce something thoughtful and authentic, an event centered on reflection, hospitality and community rather than crowds or commerce,” said Richmond News General Manager and Richmond Chamber Board President Sharon Donat. “Ray County’s churches are some of its most meaningful landmarks, and Christmas felt like…