St. Thomas Evangelical Lutheran Church

3800 East Third Street

Bloomington, Indiana 47401

News & Events — December 2005

Thursday December 1, 2005

Adult Choir rehearses at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

Georgetown Condominiums Association meets at 7:30 p.m. in Rooms 16 and 17.

Bloomington Muslim Dialog Group Coffee Hour — "The Varieties of Dialogical Experience"

The Coffee Hour will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the President's Room of University Club in Indiana Memorial Union (on the first floor) 900 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405

The guest speaker of the coffee hour will be Professor Donald Mitchell. Professor Donald W. Mitchell is a Professor in Comparative Philosophy at Purdue University. He is a noted scholar of interreligious dialogue in general and Buddhist-Christian Studies in particular. Author of 6 books and many articles, he is also now involved in the Muslim-Christian dialogue.

Professor Donald Mitchell will describe the four major types of interreligious dialogue and how they are being pursued by different religions today. He will also share some of the kinds of interreligious experience that persons discover when engaged in these four types dialogue.

Friday December 2, 2005

INVEST in your world . . . Shop fair trade

On Friday, Dec 2, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, Dec 3rd, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at University Baptist Church and at the Indiana Memorial Union, Georgian Room on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Come and buy unique gifts from far reaches of the globe and provide families with a better standard of living.

Curt Knudsen's Birthday
Bob Warner's Birthday
Patrick Wailes' Birthday

Saturday December 3, 2005

Brothers Spiritual Growth Group meets at 9:00 a.m. in Room 3.

Artists Spiritual Growth Group meets at 9:00 a.m. in Room 7.

INVEST in your world . . . Shop fair trade

On Friday, Dec 2, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, Dec 3rd, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at University Baptist Church and at the Indiana Memorial Union, Georgian Room on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Come and buy unique gifts from far reaches of the globe and provide families with a better standard of living.

John Harder's Birthday

Francis Xavier, missionary to Asia, 1552 (Liturgical Color: White)

December 4, 2005

Second Sunday in Advent (Liturgical Color: Blue)

A Time of Preparation

Prelude: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel — Calvin Hampton

Entrance Hymn: Prepare the Royal Highway (Lutheran Book of Worship 26)

Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah, stanzas 1 and 2 (With One Voice 630)

Homily: "Lighting New Paths" — Pastor Lyle McKee

Hymn of the Day: Comfort, Comfort Now My People (Lutheran Book of Worship 29)

Responses to the Word

Offertory: A New Year Carol — Benjamin Britten (Adult Choir)

The Liturgy of Holy Eucharist

Communion Hymn: There's a Voice in the Wilderness Crying (printed in the bulletin)

Communion Hymn: Fling Wide the Door (Lutheran Book of Worship 32)

Sending Hymn: On Jordan's Banks the Baptist's Cry (Lutheran Book of Worship 36)

Postlude: Music for a Solemn Occasion — Calvin Hampton

Presider: Pastor Lyle McKee

Deacon: Kathleen Boggess

Lector: Mary Lou Nierzwicki

Acolyte: Andrew Eichmiller

Server: Gene Laughman

Ushers: Larry and Sue Berg

Greeters: Bruce and Susan Colston

Nursery: Celina Nierzwicki and Ben Wood

Council Coordinator: Matt Shupe

Sunday Church School from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.

A Time of Preparation

Prelude: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel — Calvin Hampton

Entrance Hymn: Prepare the Royal Highway (Lutheran Book of Worship 26)

Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah, stanzas 1 and 2 (With One Voice 630)

Homily: "Lighting New Paths" — Pastor Lyle McKee

Hymn of the Day: Comfort, Comfort Now My People (Lutheran Book of Worship 29)

Responses to the Word

Offertory: Ave Maria — Giulio Caccini (arrangement Tatsuko Itoh) (Kyoko Ikeda, soprano)

The Liturgy of Holy Eucharist

Communion Hymn: There's a Voice in the Wilderness Crying (printed in the bulletin)

Communion Hymn: Fling Wide the Door (Lutheran Book of Worship 32)

Sending Hymn: On Jordan's Banks the Baptist's Cry (Lutheran Book of Worship 36)

Postlude: Music for a Solemn Occasion — Calvin Hampton

Presider: Pastor Lyle McKee

Deacon: Margrethe O'Connor

Lector: Rita Pavolka

Acolyte: Jacob Buhr

Server: Bob Burt

Ushers: Kaye Hill and Deborah Owens

Greeters: Matt and Tiffany Shupe

Nursery: Mary Krupinski and Sarah Isaacson

Council Coordinator: Deb Moore

Altar Care: Shirley Mingee and Marilyn Harder

Flowers: Curt and Joy Knudsen

Bread and Wine: Bob and Jane Warner

As the church recognizes World AIDS Day (December 1), the organ music in this service pays homage to one of the many composers whose lives were cut short by HIV/AIDS. Calvin Hampton was a supremely gifted musician. His hymn tune "St. Helena" will be included in the new ELCA hymnal.

Lutheran Campus Ministry Lunch following the 11:00 service — all students welcome! Please gather near the kitchen. Today's lunch is provided by Minori Marken.

Executive Council meets at 12:00 p.m.

Property Committee meets at 6:00 p.m.

Wal-Mart, the High Cost of Low Price

Before you start your Christmas Shopping, come see the movie at 4:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Social Justice Committee. Please call the office (332-5252) to make a reservation as this program will be open to the community.

The MUSH Tree is up and ready for your contributions starting Sunday, Nov. 27. Mittens, Underwear, Socks, and Hats of all sizes will be collected and given to Monroe County United Ministries for their preschool children as well as for needy families that come to MCUM for assistance.

Giving Tree - Find a card on the tree with the name of a child along with their gift wishes. Take a card(s), purchase the gifts, and bring them wrapped to the church office. From there they will be distributed to the needy families by members of the men's group.

Property Committee meets at 6:00 p.m.

Women's Chorus Rehearsal at 7:00 p.m.

Chris Ogan's Birthday

Monday December 5, 2005

Finance Committee meets at 6:00 p.m.

Alexandra Miller's Birthday

Tuesday December 6, 2005

Worship Committee meets at 7:00 p.m. in Room 7

Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, c. 342 (Liturgical Color: White)

Wednesday December 7, 2005

Retired Group Annual Christmas Potluck in Community Hall: 11:00 a.m. pitch-in lunch; noon Advent Worship; 12:30 p.m. Dessert

Lutheran Campus Ministry Bible Study at 5:30 p.m. at Rose House.

Junior High Honor Band rehearsal at 6:00 p.m. in Heritage Hall

St. Thomas Men are invited to attend weekly Bible Study and Fellowship from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 7.

Education Committee meets at 6:30 p.m. in Room 12

Dulcimer Class meets at 6:30 p.m. in Room 14

Advent Organ Meditation at 7:00 p.m., presented by Margaret Walsh

Partita on Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele — Georg Böhm

Andante in D Major — Felix Mendelssohn

Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming — John Leavitt

There is No Rose of Such Virtu — Robert Powell

Symphonie gothique, Op. 70: Andante sostenuto — Charles-Marie Widor

Three Settings of Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme — Paul Manz

Worship from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m.

Join us for a Weekly Worship on Wednesday Evenings (W³) Invite a friend or neighbor to come to St. Thomas for worship and fellowship, a quiet time during our hectic lives.

Gathering music will begin at 7:15. We'll learn some new music and share the old familiar hymns. Child care will be provided. Join us for this exciting new ministry.

Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, 397 (Liturgical Color: White)

Thursday December 8, 2005

Adult Choir rehearses from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary

INVEST in your world . . . Shop fair trade

On Friday, Dec 2, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, Dec 3rd, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at University Baptist Church and at the Indiana Memorial Union, Georgian Room on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Come and buy unique gifts from far reaches of the globe and provide families with a better standard of living.

Kem Hawkins's Birthday
Emma Kuh's Birthday

Immaculate Conception - Catholic Christian

Friday December 9, 2005

Honor Band rehearses at 6:00 p.m. in Heritage Hall

Rita Pavolka's Birthday

Saturday December 10, 2005

Brothers Spiritual Growth Group meets at 9:00 a.m. in Room 3

Choir rehearsal from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary

The Youth Group will be going to the movie The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe this afternoon.

December 11, 2005

Third Sunday in Advent (Liturgical Color: Blue)

A Time of Preparation

Prelude: Let Us Rejoice in the Peace of This Place — James MacMillan

Entrance Hymn: Lift Up Your Heads, O Gates (With One Voice 631)

Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah, stanzas 1,2 and 3 (With One Voice 630)

Homily: Alicia Taylor-Byers

Hymn of the Day: Hail to the Lord's Anointed (Lutheran Book of Worship 87)

Responses to the Word

Offertory: White Note Paraphrase — James MacMillan

The Liturgy of Holy Eucharist

Communion Hymn: Creator of the Stars of Night (printed in the bulletin)

Communion Hymn: Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming (printed in the bulletin)

Sending Hymn: People, Look East (With One Voice 626)

Postlude: Rubrics: The Hallelujah has been restored... — Dan Locklair

Presider: Pastor Lyle McKee

Deacon: Kris Stewart

Lector: Mike Laros

Acolyte: Celina Nierzwicki

Server: Charlene Braun

Ushers: Gene and Gayl Laughman

Greeters: Bruce and Susan Colston

Nursery: Ronna Papesh

Council Coordinator: Matt Shupe

Sunday Church School from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.

A Time of Preparation

Prelude: Let Us Rejoice in the Peace of This Place — James MacMillan

Entrance Hymn: Lift Up Your Heads, O Gates (With One Voice 631)

Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah, stanzas 1,2 and 3 (With One Voice 630)

Homily: Alicia Taylor-Byers

Hymn of the Day: Hail to the Lord's Anointed (Lutheran Book of Worship 87)

Responses to the Word

Reception of New Members

Offertory: I Sing of a Maiden — Patrick Hadley

The Liturgy of Holy Eucharist

Communion Hymn: Creator of the Stars of Night (printed in the bulletin)

Communion Hymn: Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming (printed in the bulletin)

Sending Hymn: People, Look East (With One Voice 626)

Postlude: Rubrics: The Hallelujah has been restored... — Dan Locklair

Presider: Pastor Lyle McKee

Deacon: Dom Guido

Lector: Lori Rowold and Bailey Arnold

Acolyte: Chris Ohslund

Server: Lori Rowold

Ushers: Mark and Sue Head

Greeters: Matt and Tiffany Shupe

Nursery: Dean and Sydney Arnold

Council Coordinator: Dean Arnold

Altar Care: Beverly Lingvai and Marilyn Kelly

Flowers: Carl Ziegler and Dotty Mitchell

Bread and Wine: Mike and JayDene Laros

Traditionally, today has been observed as Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. The organ music picks up this theme in the peaceful rejoicing of the birds in a piece by Scottish composer James MacMillan, and in an exhuberant shout of praise by North Carolina composer Dan Locklair.

We welcome into membership this morning Gray and Helen Ingersoll.

Thanks to the Sunday Church School children assisting with the service today: Bailey Arnold, Haley Stults, and Evan Bobbit.

Lutheran Campus Ministry Lunch following the 11:00 service — all students welcome! Please gather near the kitchen.

The MUSH Tree is up and ready for your contributions starting Sunday, Nov. 27. Mittens, Underwear, Socks, and Hats of all sizes will be collected and given to Monroe County United Ministries for their preschool children as well as for needy families that come to MCUM for assistance.

Giving Tree - Find a card on the tree with the name of a child along with their gift wishes. Take a card(s), purchase the gifts, and bring them wrapped to the church office. From there they will be distributed to the needy families by members of the men's group.

Friday Musicale meets in the Sanctuary

Sacred Harp Singing from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at St. Mark's United Methodist.

Choir dress rehearsal at 2:30 p.m.

Christmas Choir Concert at 4:00 p.m.

Congregation Council meets at 6:00 p.m.

Women's Chorus rehearsal at 7:00 p.m.

Karl Eagleman's Birthday

Lars Olsen Skefsrud, missionary to India, 1910 (Liturgical Color: White)

Monday December 12, 2005

Join the Retireds Group for decorating

Vicki Polansky's Birthday

Feast day - Our Lady of Guadalupe - Catholic Christian

Tuesday December 13, 2005

Lutheran Campus Ministry Board meets at Rose House at 6:15 p.m.

Sacred Space Task Force meets at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday December 14, 2005

Advent Worship at noon

Lutheran Campus Ministry Bible Study at 5:30 p.m. at Rose House.

Junior High Honor Band meets at 6:00 p.m. in Heritage Hall.

Spiritual Journaling Spiritual Growth Group meets at 6:30 p.m. in Room 7.

Christians in the Natural World Spiritual Growth Group meets at 6:30 p.m. in Room 12.

St. Thomas Men are invited to attend weekly Bible Study and Fellowship from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Rooms 12 and 13.

Advent Organ Meditation at 7:00 p.m., presented by Hillary Sullivan

Christmas Oratorio: Patiently have I waited for the Lord — Camille Saint-Saëns

(Hillary Sullivan, voice; Andrew Chislett, piano)

Mörike-Lieder: No. 25 Schlafendes Jesuskind — Hugo Wolf

(Hillary Sullivan, voice; Andrew Chislett, piano)

Mörike-Lieder: No. 23 Auf ein altes Bild — Hugo Wolf

(Hillary Sullivan, voice; Andrew Chislett, piano)

Spanisches Liederbuch I: No. 3 Nun wandre, Maria — Hugo Wolf

(Hillary Sullivan, voice; Andrew Chislett, piano)

Spanisches Liederbuch I: No. 6 Ach, des Knaben Augen — Hugo Wolf

(Hillary Sullivan, voice; Andrew Chislett, piano)

Sweet Little Boy Jesus — adaptation, John Jacob Niles

(Hillary Sullivan, voice; Andrew Chislett, piano)

What Songs Were Sung — adaptation, John Jacob Niles

(Hillary Sullivan, voice; Andrew Chislett, piano)

Fantasia in c minor, S. 537 — Johann Sebastian Bach

(Hillary Sullivan, organ)

In dulci Jubilo — Marcel Dupré

(Hillary Sullivan, organ)

Poèmes Évangéliques: II. La Nativite — Jean Langlais

(Hillary Sullivan, organ)

Worship from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m.

Join us for a Weekly Worship on Wednesday Evenings (W³) Invite a friend or neighbor to come to St. Thomas for worship and fellowship, a quiet time during our hectic lives.

Gathering music will begin at 7:15. We'll learn some new music and share the old familiar hymns. Child care will be provided. Join us for this exciting new ministry.

Edwin Caldwell's Birthday

John of the Cross, 1591; Teresa of Avila, 1582; renewers of the Church (Liturgical Color: White)

Thursday December 15, 2005

Adult Choir rehearses at 7:00 p.m.

Carol Seaman's Birthday

Friday December 16, 2005

Young Adults Christmas Party from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Dianne McCurry's Birthday

Saturday December 17, 2005

Brothers Spiritual Growth Group meets at 9:00 a.m. in Room 3

Sunday Church School Christmas program dress rehearsal at 10:00 a.m.

Fourth grade class cookie baking after rehearsal

Marilyn Brinley's Birthday
Jean Brown's Birthday

December 18, 2005

Fourth Sunday in Advent (Liturgical Color: Blue)

A Time of Preparation

Prelude: Nun komm der Heiden Heiland, S. 659 — Johann Sebastian Bach

Entrance Hymn: The King Shall Come (Lutheran Book of Worship 33)

Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah (With One Voice 630)

Homily: "God's Favored One?" — Pastor Lyle McKee

Hymn of the Day: Savior of the Nations, Come (printed in the bulletin)

Responses to the Word

Offertory: My Lord, What a Morning — African American Spiritual (Adult Choir)

The Liturgy of Holy Eucharist

Communion Hymn: Hark, the Glad Sound (Lutheran Book of Worship 35)

Communion Hymn: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (printed in the bulletin)

Sending Hymn: Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel (Lutheran Book of Worship 34)

Postlude: Fugue on the Magnificat — Johann Sebastian Bach

Presider: Pastor Lyle McKee

Deacon: Kris Stewart

Lector: Mike Laros

Acolyte: Tom Sowinski

Server: David Ellies

Ushers: Paul Reynolds and Frank Nierzwicki

Greeter: Nancy Melhorn

Nursery: Mary Sasse

Council Coordinator: Allan Buhr

A Time of Preparation

Prelude: Nun komm der Heiden Heiland, S. 659 — Johann Sebastian Bach

Entrance Hymn: The King Shall Come (Lutheran Book of Worship 33 )

Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah (With One Voice 630)

Homily: "God's Favored One?" — Pastor Lyle McKee

Hymn of the Day: Savior of the Nations, Come (printed in the bulletin)

Responses to the Word

Offertory: Nun komm der Heiden Heiland, BuxWV 211 — Dietrich Buxtehude

The Liturgy of Holy Eucharist

Communion Hymn: Hark, the Glad Sound (Lutheran Book of Worship 35)

Communion Hymn: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (printed in the bulletin)

Sending Hymn: Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel (Lutheran Book of Worship 34)

Postlude: Fugue on the Magnificat — Johann Sebastian Bach

Presider: Pastor Lyle McKee

Deacon: Dom Guido

Lector: Dean Arnold

Acolyte: Meg Garl

Server: Katie Anderson

Ushers: Tim Moore and Dean Arnold

Greeters: Allan and Helen Mayfield

Nursery: Matt and Tiffany Shupe

Council Coordinator: Jennifer Garl

Altar Care: Jean Brown and Pauline Caldwell

Flowers: Larry and Sue Berg

Bread and Wine: Penny Pennington

"My Lord, What a Morning" is based on Revelation 8: 10. The Prelude and 11:00 Offertory are settings of "Nun Komm, der Heiden Heiland", a 16^th century chorale tune to which we sing "Savior of the Nations, Come". German churches chanted Luke 1: 45-55 to the Gregorian "wandering tone". Bach wove this simple chant formula into an elaborate "Fugue on the Magnificat".

Mutual Ministry Committee meets at 9:45 p.m.

Youth White Elephant and Pitch-In Christmas Party at 2:30 p.m. Please purchase a gift between $5 and $7 to be exchanged as well as Christmas food to share. Then we'll join the caroling at 4:00 p.m.

All members are invited to go caroling. Meet at church at 4:00 p.m.

Women's Chorus rehearsal at 7:00 p.m.

Monday December 19, 2005

Allison Ohslund's Birthday
Catherine Rademacher's Birthday
Katherine Savage's Birthday

Tuesday December 20, 2005

Jessica Tafoya's Birthday

Wednesday December 21, 2005

Advent Worship Service at noon

Ministry Coordination Team meets at 7:15 p.m. in Room 7.

Advent Organ Meditation at 7:00 p.m., presented by Elaine Sonnenberg

Toccata, Adagio, and Fugue, S. 564 — Johann Sebastian Bach

Nun Komm, der Hieden Heiland, S. 659 — Johann Sebastian Bach

Variations sur un noël — Marcel Dupré

Worship from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m.

Join us for a Weekly Worship on Wednesday Evenings (W³) Invite a friend or neighbor to come to St. Thomas for worship and fellowship, a quiet time during our hectic lives.

Gathering music will begin at 7:15. We'll learn some new music and share the old familiar hymns. Child care will be provided. Join us for this exciting new ministry.

Andrew Eichmiller's Birthday
Heather Moore's Birthday

St. Thomas, Apostle (Liturgical Color: Red)

Thursday December 22, 2005

Adult Choir rehearses at 7:00 p.m.

Friday December 23, 2005

Saturday December 24, 2005

Brothers Spiritual Growth Group meets at 9:00 a.m. in Room 3

The Nativity of Our Lord — Christmas Eve (I) (Liturgical Color: White)

Prelude: Silent Night — Calvin Hampton

Noël — Louis-Claude Daquin

Chimette Choir

Entrance Rite

Entrance Hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful, stanzas 1-3 (printed in the bulletin)

Hymn: Angels We Have Heard on High (printed in the bulletin)

Psalm Hymn: Joy to the World (printed in the bulletin)

Gospel Verse: Oh Come, All Ye Faithful (printed in the bulletin)

Meditation: "God Rest You Merry" — Pastor Lyle McKee

Hymn of the Day: Before the Marvel of This Night (printed in the bulletin)

Offertory: Carols for Flutes (Anna and Sarah Isaacson, flutes)

Offertory Hymn: What Child is This (printed in the bulletin)

Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist

Communion Carol: Away in a Manger (printed in the bulletin)

Communion Carol: I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve (printed in the bulletin)

Communion Carol: 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime (printed in the bulletin)

Children's Candle Procession: Silent Night (printed in the bulletin)

Sending Hymn: Hark, the Herald Angels Sing (printed in the bulletin)

Postlude: Chorale Prelude on "In Dulci Jubilo" — Johann Sebastian Bach

Presider: Pastor Lyle McKee

Deacon: Betty Smith

Lector: Janet Ellis

Acolyte: Alex Nixon

Server: Kathleen Boggess

Ushers: David and Debbie Nixon

Greeters: Lynn and Carol Brown

Council Coordinator: Missy Eichmiller

Altar Care: Betty Smith

The Children's Candle Procession follows the Moravian custom of children of the Congregation processing down the aisles of Nave with lit candles. Children are invited to go to the narthex after the Eucharistic celebration, where they will be given lit candles or gold stars to carry in procession during the singing of "Silent Night". Parents are asked to instruct each child to ask for a star or a candle, depending on the child's ability. The candles have protective shields around the flame. Adults will assist in the narthex and in the procession to the Altar. The children will remain around the Altar until after the Benediction, at which time they will return to their seats with their parents.

Fellowship/Reception at 10:00 p.m.

Prelude: Silent Night — Calvin Hampton

Noël — Louis-Claude Daquin

Eternal Purposes — Olivier Messiaen

Silent Night — Samuel Barber

Entrance Rite

Entrance Hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful (printed in the bulletin)

Service of the Word

Response: Angels We Have Heard on High (printed in the bulletin)

Meditation: "God Rest You Merry" — Pastor Lyle McKee

Hymn of the Day: Let All Together Praise Our God (printed in the bulletin)

Offertory: Before the Marvel of This Night — Carl Schalk (Adult Choir)

Offertory Hymn: What Child is This (printed in the bulletin)

Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist

Communion Carol: A Stable Lamp is Lighted (printed in the bulletin)

Communion Carol: All My Heart This Night Rejoices (printed in the bulletin)

Recessional Hymn: Hark, the Herald Angels Sing (printed in the bulletin)

Postlude: Chorale Prelude on "In Dulci Jubilo" — Johann Sebastian Bach

Presider: Pastor Lyle McKee

Deacon: Indrek Park

Lector: Jane Warner

Acolyte: Haeun Cho

Server: Dorothy Soudakoff

Ushers: Gene and Gayl Laughman

Greeter: Margrethe O'Connor

Council Coordinator: Dave Belbutoski

Bread and Wine: Gene and Gayl Laughman

For many years, the Moravian Star has been a favorite decoration for the Advent and Christmas Seasons, appropriately displayed until Epiphany (January 6). The Moravian Star, or Herrnhut Star, emerged around 1850 out of the evening handicraft sessions of the Moravian boys school in Niesky, Germany. Later, an alumnus of the school, Pieter Verbeek, began commercial production of the star in his home, which developed into the Herrnhut star factory. Soon the star was being shipped throughout the world.

The Moravian Star is a reminder of the star that led the Wise Men from their eastern home to Bethlehem, where they presented gifts to the Christ Child. It also symbolizes the Christ Child himself, of whone the Old Testament said, "A Star shall come out of Jacob" (Numbers 24: 17). The Risen Christ, likewise, proclaimes himself "the root and offspring of David, the bright and morning star" (Revelation 22: 16).

Today perhaps more non-Moravians are displaying this beloved symbol at Christmas than are the Moravians themselves.

Star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright; westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light

December 25, 2005 to January 1, 2006

Church Office Closed

December 25, 2005

A Time of Preparation

Prelude: Prelude on "Irby" — David Willcocks

Entrance Hymn: All Hail to You, O Blessed Morn (Lutheran Book of Worship 73)

Hymn of Praise: Angels We Have Heard on High (Lutheran Book of Worship 71)

Psalm Hymn: Joy to the World (Lutheran Book of Worship 39)

Homily: "God Revealed" — Pastor Lyle McKee

Hymn of the Day: Once in Royal David's City (With One Voice 643)

Responses to the Word

Offertory: In Dulci Jubilo — Hermann Schroeder

The Liturgy of The Holy Eucharist

Communion Hymn: From Heaven Above (Lutheran Book of Worship 51)

Communion Hymn: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice (Lutheran Book of Worship 55)

Sending Hymn: Go Tell It on the Mountain (Lutheran Book of Worship 70)

Postlude: Fanfare on "Antioch" — Gerre Hancock

Presider: Pastor Lyle McKee

Deacon: Lyman Hitchcock

Lector: Ellen Mills

Acolyte: Sarah Isaacson

Server: Margrethe O'Connor

Ushers: Kaye Hill and Cindy Ohslund

Greeters: Ron and Jean Brown

Nursery: Pauline Caldwell

Council Coordinator: Kari Isaacson

Altar Care: Mary Sasse

Flowers: Marilyn Baughman and Lori Rowold

Bread and Wine: Mary Sasse

December 26, 2005 - January 1, 2006

Hanukkah

December 26, 2005 - January 2, 2006

Kwanzaa

Monday December 26, 2005

St Stephen, Deacon and Martyr (Liturgical Color: Red)

Tuesday December 27, 2005

St. John, Apostle and Evangelist (Liturgical Color: White)

December 28, 2005 to January 1, 2006

LSM-USA Gathering in San Diego

Wednesday December 28, 2005

There's a Place At The Table for you. The Wednesday Lunch Group meets for devotions, prayer and study of next Sunday's scriptures at noon in Room 3 for one hour. Bring a brown bag lunch.

St. Thomas Men are invited to attend weekly Bible Study and Fellowship from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Rooms 12 and 13.

Worship from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m.

Join us for a Weekly Worship on Wednesday Evenings (W³) Invite a friend or neighbor to come to St. Thomas for worship and fellowship, a quiet time during our hectic lives.

Gathering music will begin at 7:15. We'll learn some new music and share the old familiar hymns. Child care will be provided. Join us for this exciting new ministry.

The Holy Innocents, Martyrs (Liturgical Color: Red)

Thursday December 29, 2005

Katie Anderson's Birthday
Ellen Mills' Birthday

Friday December 30, 2005

Marcella Calvert's Birthday
Kalei Hash's Birthday
Betty Smith's Birthday

Saturday December 31, 2005

Mark Braun's Birthday
Kent Unger's Birthday

New Year's Eve (Liturgical Color: White)

Last update: Friday 30 December 2005 19:36