But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'” Luke 2:10
We share with you the 2022 Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS) Christmas card that was sent to the mailboxes of more than 30,000 residents, employees and volunteers this month. This year’s card features the art of Donelle Tanner. Her artwork, created specifically for the Christmas card, is inspired by the familiar angelic proclamation from the nativity account in the Gospel of Luke.
Donelle’s folk-art style is featured vividly in the Christmas card. The angel plays its horn to proclaim the joyous news of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, as told by Luke. The stained glass-inspired border honors the many sacred spaces and caring witnesses who have nurtured her faith.
Donelle lives with her husband Grant at The Farmstead in Andover, Minn. A middle school English teacher, pastor’s wife, mother and grandmother, Donelle has long enjoyed how art brings people together.
Her artistic ventures began in basket weaving, many of which decorate her apartment. She picked up a paintbrush during Covid to embellish leather handbags to share or sell. Among her most popular items with Farmstead residents are “Bingo purses,” small colorful bags that residents use to keep their game pieces for the community’s bingo gatherings.
Cassie Manning, campus administrator, says, “Donelle is a true artist, and she has blessed our community with her art in so many ways. We are thrilled that her art was chosen for the Christmas card this year so that her art can continue to be a blessing throughout PHS!”
Donelle and Grant moved to The Farmstead in 2019 and are grateful for the community of loving neighbors, prayer warriors, spirited worship singers and faithful staff who have supported each other. She hopes that other members of the PHS family receiving this card have felt the warmth of Christ coming into this world and share in the angel’s song of joy.
A PHS Christmas tradition
Since 2010, an original work of art by a PHS resident has appeared on the annual Christmas card. We are blessed to add Donelle’s beautiful and inspiring work to this tradition.
May you be blessed as well. Merry Christmas.
Meet PHS Christmas card artists of years past:
2021: Sharon Cameron, McKenna Crossing
2020: Linda King, Dickson Hollow
2019: Sister Ansgar Holmberg, Carondelet Village
