Last year the focus was on the Angel Gabriel. This year it was Mary. The church windows were decorated with art concerning Mary from all over the world. The play, written by Catherine, featured an older Mary reflecting on her life which included the birth of Jesus.
Advent
Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2013
49 enjoyed music from the choir, soloists (harp, violin, organ, vocal), scripture, hymns and a sermon about Joseph. While chilly, we were treated to a spectacular sunset and evening before the service. Links 1. 2.
Thrill of Hope, Advent Study, Dec. 17, 2013
We had 10 people for a simple supper and a study of John A. Swanson’s 6 Advent paintings on Dec. 17, 2013. These paintings are closer to folk art with an emphasis on placing the nativity story with in the community. Mary is integrated within the life of Nazareth and Bethlehem which is turn give you a unique feel of everyday life then. Links 1. 2. 3.
Advent 1, Dec.1, 2013
It was all here:1. A visit from St. Nicholas at a breakfast in his name 2. A sermon about the The Circle of the Church Year 3. The children lighting the Advent Candle 4. The Giving tree 5. The collection of the UTO offering 6. New music, a change in the altar
An Allstar cast on 3rd Advent, Dec. 11, 2011
What a group! St. Nicholas, Hamilton Duke, Alex Long IV, Mary and John the Baptist – all on 3rd Advent. A wonderful, fun Sunday.
Christmas creche display, 2012
Creche adorned the windows during Christmas, 2012 One was left by Karen Woodruff and has been in the Parish house. Others were contributed by Catherine, Nancy W and Eunice. Here is a gallery of 8 of the creche. Notice how the appearance is altered depending on the light conditions. The pictures were shot both in the afternoon of Advent 4 and on Christmas Eve. St. Francis is credited with creating the first creche – a living one in 1223
Christmas Play, 2012
With a cast of 20 we presented the “Angel Garbriel”, written by Catherine. The focus was more on the angels with meetings between Gabriel and Mary, Gabriel and Joseph, Gabriel and the Shepherds. We also had a scene between King Herod (Fred) and the wisemen. Baby Jesus was real – daughter of Ben and Kelly who played Joseph and Mary. Nancy did a solo on the famous carol, “Angel Gabriel.”
Christmas Pageant, 2011
The 2011 production on 4th Advent featuring Hamilton Duke as baby Jesus. Directed by Nancy Long and assisted by Becky Fisher. Almost 20 people participated.
Choir Retreat, Dec. 8, 2012
The Choir held a special rehearsal for their Christmas music on Sat. Dec. 8, 2012. After two hours of rehearsals they were ready for their own Christmas meal – Nino’s pizza, salad and Brad’s special cheese cake. Thom Guthrie was on hand also lending his voice.
Christmas services, 2011
Pictures from both Dec 24 and 25 featuring the participants and the church.
Advent 4 – Love
Love is a crucial part of the Advent story. Because of Joseph’s love for Mary, he didn’t stone her when he found out she was pregnant with what he thought was a child out of wedlock with another man (Matthew 1:18-19). Mary has a natural motherly love for Jesus, and ultimately, we see God’s love for everyone by sending his son for us (John 3:16).
Jesus focused on preaching love throughout his ministry. Two of his greatest commands involve love: Love God, love your neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40).
Love is the greatest of all the virtues on the Advent wreath and encompasses Jesus’ entire purpose for being on earth (1 Corinthians 13:13).