“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:19 This truth is also found in the Book of Ecclesiastes… “All go to one place; all are from the dust, and all turn to dust again.” Ecclesiastes 3:20 One of my seminary professors James Limburg shared the following on enterthebible.org “Ecclesiastes offers honest reflections on the human quest for meaning, on the realities of life on this earth and under God. This understanding comes after the author is unable to find meaning in life. We may attempt to find meaning by living only for one’s work (workaholism), or to accumulate more and more knowledge (intellectualism), or to find more and more exotic, pleasure-producing thrills (hedonism), or purchase more and more psessions (materialism), however none of these or other trivial pursuits will ultimately not be satisfying. The book is also in touch with reality, recognizing that earthly existence is marked by problems of injustice, evildoing, and chance accidents. There are many questions that we have about God, about what God is doing, and about death. We will have to learn to live with these questions. In the meantime, the book counsels us to enjoy one another’s company and to enjoy the day-by-day good gifts that God gives us.” This is how I understand Lent. It is a season of discipleship, a period to be renewed in faith, living in God's creation while waiting on God's salvation. Lent is the forty-day season (excluding Sundays) of penitence and preparation for the Three Days of Holy Week and Easter. Although it was originally only a two-day period of preparation, Lent became a three-week preparatory period in the middle of the fourth century. It became six-weeks by the end of the fifth century. This excludes Sundays, which are considered little Easters. Thus, Lent begins not on Sunday, but on Ash Wednesday. This is where we get forty days. The practice of forty days of Lent recall Jesus’ forty-day fast in the wilderness after his Baptism (Matthew 4:2, Luke 4:1-2) as well as Moses’ forty-day fast on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28). St. Luke’s like many congregations will have mid-week worship, a wonderful act of discipleship. Join us on Ash Wednesday at 11 AM or 7 PM, February 14. On this Valentine’s Day remember that you are loved and are called to love all people in Jesus’ name. You can grow in that love through Acts of Discipleship, Obedience and Dedication. Obedience: Giving something up. Dedication: Taking something on. The practice of fasting (or “giving something up”) during Lent is not required for Lutherans because it is not commanded in Holy Scripture. Rather, as a matter of Christian freedom, starving oneself of a pleasure of the flesh is a way to remember daily the great sacrifice of Jesus on the cross to pay for the world’s sin. Some give up chocolate, coffee, soda, withholding any simple daily pleasure in rememberance of the Lord' sacrifice. The practice of taking something on also is not required, but it is in following Jesus’ command to love God, neighbor, self and all creation. Some will start or continue the daily Gospel of Mark readings (click here for the link), gather 40 items to donate, write notes of appreciation, start or continue an exercise routine, any daily activity dedicated to the Lord. Remember it is for the 40 days. You can enjoy your pleasure or rest from your dedication on Sundays. Join us for the Lent Wednesdays, February 21, 28, March 6, 12, and 19. 11 AM Worship followed by lunch. 7 PM Worship with Holden Evening Prayer. Prior to this, dinner at 5:30 and educational opportunities from 6-6:55 PM. May this season be a blessing to you as you again experience the depth of Jesus’ obedience and the great love of God, to redeem a world so desperately in need of salvation. For our bodies one day will return to the dust, but our life in Christ is for all eternity. In the comments, please share your Lent Discipline, what you are giving up or taking on? I will be doing the Forty Item Collection for Forty Days. Each day of Lent I will remove one item from my home that I no longer wear or need. At the end of the forty days I will donate them to ARC Value Village. Prayers and Blessings during this season of Lent and always, Rob
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St. Luke’s RaiseRight – 2023 Annual Report Most people have the desire to be generous to make the world a better place. Many find it difficult to set aside funds to do so. There is a simple and effective way to give, simply by shopping. RaiseRight is easy—and it works. By using gift cards (Actual Cards or download the App for Online Cards) to pay for everyday and not-so-everyday, expenses, each participant can earn over $1,000 each year. No selling. No extra time. No extra money. Participating companies give a percentage of the gift card you purchase to the organization you choose. It is the top fundraiser for St. Luke’s and all of it goes to missions. Here’s the list of the recipients and the amount each received. 2023 St. Luke’s Distribution of RaiseRight funds: $1000 – Feed My Starving Children $1000 – VEAP $500 – Lift Garage $200 – Bundles of Love quilts $100 – Tied quilts $200 – Card Ministry (used Michael’s gift cards from stock for purchases) $3000 Total In addition, it was used for supplies with “God’s work. Our Hands.” – Specifically the Oasis for Youth Blessing Bags. Each Gallon Bag indicates gender and size and contains:
$377.94 Amazon* $ 22.07 Target $ 40.00 Michael’s $440.01 Total, plus some additional funds for other supplies St. Luke’s spent $173.50 in administration costs for the program in 2023 (software fee, shipping expense for bulk orders. Bev tried not to place an order to be shipped to her unless the rebates generated by the order would cover the cost of shipping which was $10.50 per shipment in 2023. As of 2024 January, shipping costs went up to $11.) We currently have a total of $1935 in gift cards in stock: You can even pay online to St. Luke’s: RaiseRight 5 – Amazon, ranging from $25-100 6 – Cub Foods, $25-100 4 – Chipotle, $10-25 3 – Happy Moments, $25 5 – Holiday, $25-100 5 – Home Depot, $25 1 – McDonald’s, $10 2 – Menard’s, $100 4 – Michael’s, $25 2 – Panera, $10 1 – Shake Shack, $25 1 – Starbucks, $10 2 – Subway, $10 1 – Taco Bell, $10 3 – Target, $25 2 – TJ Maxx, $25 2- Total Wine, $25 2 – Walgreens, $25 5 – Walmart, $10-25 6 – Visa, $25-50 * Happy Moments are good at Red Lobster, Ulta, Macy’s, Cracker Barrel and Buffalo Wild Wings Thank you to all who support the Ministries of St. Luke’s. One unique way is to participate in the RaiseRight Mission Support Fundraiser. Much thanks to Bev Brosam who champions this cause and for the members who participate in the program. “Whoever offers blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” – Proverbs 11:25 To learn more and participate contact Bev Brosam, she is always willing and ready to help. She can also provide you with St. Luke’s RaiseRight code and help get you set up with the RaiseRight app.
St. Luke’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Award Winners Voted as the best Church in Bloomington for:
These awards show how much our members and neighbors love St. Luke’s – and what’s not to love!? One community with two styles of worship: 8:30 Traditional with hymns and 10 AM Praise Music One community with four music groups: St. Luke’s Choir, Jubilee Praise Team, Bells of Praise, and Children's Choir. One community welcoming many children to VBS: There are St. Luke’s church members, St. Luke’s Preschool Students, Learning Tree Development Children, children from our neighborhood, with many of them inviting their friends. All of them are loved and cared for by amazing Student Leaders and Adults. It is not only “The Best Week of the Summer!” but the best in Bloomington!! – 2024 VBS “Camp Firelight” is June 24-27, 2024 We are living out our mission: We are a welcoming and growing community of Faith, busy making Christ known to the world St. Luke’s 2023 Annual Meeting 2024 Congregational President Leah DeSchepper enjoyed looking back last year as St. Luke’s celebrated its 100th Anniversary. The focus for the year ahead is looking forward into the next century. Please keep the Council in your prayers. Leah DeSchepper, President Mark Bergherr, Past President Kelsy Newby, President Elect Paul Sundet, Treasurer Rani Hayden, Secretary Britt Halaas, Missions Becky Olson, Worship and Music Jane Nechville, Community Life Tim Krieg, Stewardship Kerry Kollodge, Faith Formation Greg Hornicke, Member at Large Nominations were accepted for Property. We will announce the representative when appointed by the Council. In the weeks and months ahead the Council Members will introduce themselves during worship, and be available between to meet you. St. Luke’s Foundation – Members all returning Pat Lair, President Diane Gilmer, Treasurer Helen Schatzlein, Secretary Paul Kopnick, member Jodi Murphy, member 2024 Minneapolis Synod Assembly – St. Luke’s will be represented by: Brenda DeSchepper and Kevin Schulz with Julie Schroeder, alternative if needed. “For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.” Romans 12:4-6a St. Luke’s Staff – Along with our elected leadership, please hold the staff in your prayers. Greg Anderson, Director of Jubilee Praise Team Candi Brand, Preschool Teacher Susana Castillo, Custodian Tracy Engdahl, Preschool Teaching Assistant Nancee Erickson, Wedding Host Angela Hanson, Director of Children and Youth Choir Emily Hendricks, Director of Children and Family Ministry and Vacation Bible School Heather Kambeitz, Minister of Finance Pat Lair, St. Luke’s Choir Director Lori Murray, Organist and Accompanist Rob Norris-Weber, Pastor Alanna Teragawa, Director of Bells of Praise Cheryl Thiele, Office Support Barb Watson, Preschool Director and let us welcome…Tommy Denesen, St. Luke’s Part-Time Office Support Tommy works for the family business, "Most Wanted Comics". His responsibilities include social media accounts, customer service, editing the website, answering emails, merchandise products within the store, and planning inventory purchases. Over the next few years, he plans to work his way through college as he studies marketing and business. One of the joys of a congregation is to raise up leaders. Tommy started attending St. Luke’s as a child. He was confirmed at St. Luke’s. He is active on the Stewardship Team, one of the Video Techs for worship and participates with his family hosting Pizza Night for Wednesday Night Live Dinners. Tommy graduated from Jefferson High School in 2023. Some notes from his biography on the 2023 St. Luke’s High School Graduate Board: He enjoys writing, reading, a playing the saxophone in his spare time. His Bible Verse is John 11: 25-26: I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Word of Encouragement for younger students: The faith you build in childhood can help to guide you through difficult times during the rest of your life. Also know that you are always loved by somebody, because Jesus always loves you. Sunday, January 28, 2024 – 11:15 AM
“Let’s trust the promises that keep us going. God always keeps his word. Let’ see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, worship together, spurring each other on, especially as we see the promises fulfilled as we faithfully follow Jesus.” – Hebrews 10:23-25 MSG paraphrased. What a year it has been! What a year it will be!! I cannot help but feel grateful about the past year and excited for the year ahead with all that St. Luke’s was, is, and will be as we faithfully follow Jesus. As a member of the congregation I ask you to do Five Things: 1. Read the Annual Report. If you have not done so, please take the time prior to the Annual Meeting. Use this LINK or get a hard copy at church. 2. Attend the Annual Meeting. Be a part of the decision-making process. We invite you to come in person or join online (stlukesbloomington.org). The meeting will begin when we have a quorum. Agenda includes (Not in this order): President’s and Pastor’s Reports Treasurer’s Report which includes: The 2023 Financial Statement The 2024 Budget Proposal. (This requires a congregational vote.) St. Luke’s finances strong, but precarious. Personnel Committee Update. We are fully staffed. Come welcome Tommy Denesen, Office Support. St. Luke’s Foundation Meeting Elections: Ballots will be available at the Annual Meeting and online. This includes (These require a congregational vote):
3. Opt-In to the New Church Directory. Thank you to all who have submitted a picture and updated their contact information. This is an in-house/online production. You do not have to include a picture. You also do not have to be in the directory. This is an invitation. As the saying goes, “Know that you are known, as you make yourself known.” If you would like to participate simply email office@stlukesbloomington.org Include your names, contact information you would like to share, and a photo if you so choose. 4. Complete your 2024 Ministry Handbook. This is an annual opportunity to live out the core values of St. Luke’s. We invite you to consider an opportunity in each area: Service, Worship, Evangelism, Community, Stewardship, and Discipleship. Like the directory, you can use this LINK or pick one up at the church. 5. Pray. This is the greatest resource. Pray for St. Luke’s. Pray for those who accept the responsibility of leadership. Pray for our members. Pray for our community. Pray for all of God’s creation. By attending the meeting you gain valuable insights into the direction of our church and the goals we hope to achieve. By attending the meeting you will strengthen a sense of unity and shared purpose with St. Luke’s. Last, but not least, annual meetings are more than numbers and budgets; they are a time to celebrate the achievements and milestones of St. Luke’s. It is a chance to reflect on the past year and recognize the ways in which God has been at work within and through our community. What are you looking forward to or have questions about the Annual Meeting. Ongoing prayers and blessings, Rob CAMP VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL HS MISSION–VBS in NYC HS SAILING Winter is here, but Summer is coming… Today Camp Wapo 2024 Registration Opened. There are opportunities for all ages. St. Luke’s chooses a specific time for Children and Youth, but know that the camp has a number of opportunities throughout the year for all ages. There are 3 different sites: Camp Wapo is on Lake Wapogasset Lake and Bear Lake in Amery, WI. It is a special place to encounter God's word, make friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime. If you went to camp, share one of your fond memories in a comment below. St. Luke's has space reserved, but you can go anytime. This is the residential camp that St. Luke’s promotes for 1st – 12th Grade Students, with a specific weeks for specific ages. Ages listed is the grade the student just finished. I encourage you to explore their website: https://lakewapo.org/ St. Luke’s Registration Link is: http://lwlbci.com/stlukes-blmt 2024 Summer Camp Weeks: Youth (4th-8th) July 7-12 = $650 Ox Lake (7th-12th) July 7-12 = $650 Seed Camp (1st-3rd) July 12-24 = $260 St. Luke’s Vacation Bible School Camp Firelight - June 24-27 Surrounded by water, trees, and rolling hills, Camp Firelight is the perfect location for every Camper’s favorite summer activities! During each assembly session, Campers join first-time camp counselor Sam and Lu (short for Lumen), the lightning bug puppet, and learn to face their fears while trusting in God. Each day, Campers see Counselor Sam face new challenges, from as simple as leading Campers on a hike to as intimidating as meeting a new and wise nature expert. With the help of Lu the Lightning Bug and the Camp Counselor Guidebook, Counselor Sam and our Campers explore timeless Bible stories that show how Old and New Testament Campers trusted God in the face of their own fears and went on to do great things in God's name. Through these stories, this program will teach us about people in the Bible who experienced the gift of a trusting relationship with God. In addition, it will teach us to trust that God will go with us, lead the way, share wisdom, to give us peace, and spark joy as we celebrate the good news of Jesus in our own lives and in the lives of others. We will also learn ways we can connect with and put our trust in God whenever we are afraid, challenged, or called to do God's work in the world and share the Good News of God's love through Jesus Christ. 2024 - New York City VBS Taking Vacation Bible School on the Road. We will partner with a church in New York City to lead VBS – the same one we will do at St. Luke’s. This is an amazing time of growth and maturity. Most students when reflect back say, “It was my favorite trip.” Information Session and Sign Up is on Sunday, February 4 at 11:15 AM in Fellowship Hall Dates will be determined by those who are able to go. Cost will be the same as camp = $650. High School Sailing Trip for the Classes of 2024 and 2025. Cost = $425 Students will be leaving their harbors and sailing onto the next adventure in their lives. A wonderful time of reflection and preparing for their futures. The trip includes living together on a sailboat, making meals, learning how to sail, having morning devotions and the students lead evening devotions. Each claims a Bible Verse for the year ahead. “Praising God and having the goodwill of all the people…” -Acts 2:47a Last Sunday we celebrated Baptism of our Lord. Everyone who attended received the 2024 St. Luke’s Ministry Handbook. The picture above is from the front cover. The theme this year is, “Praising God and having the goodwill of all the people the Lord added to their numbers.” Last week the St. Luke’s 2024 New Year’s Resolution was reading the Gospel of Mark. Fun to see so many people participating. There are still a few Serendipity Bibles available in the Hallway Library on the shelf right of the Great Room entrance. One member shared with me that the questions connected with each of the readings have helped her get a lot more out of the reading. Also, if you’re interested in a small group experience, and the 6-7 PM Wednesday night Bible Study doesn’t work for you, contact me and we will find a time that works best for you and others. New Year’s Resolution 2.0 is the Ministry Handbook St. Luke’s members are encouraged to live out our mission by choosing one opportunity of each Core Value. Remember when you sign up, it’s not a life sentence, that’s why we have an annual Ministry Handbook and invite people to sign up each year. Your interests or commitments change year to year, so too can your area of participation. Handbooks are available at the Welcome Desk or online HERE. Looking at the handbook can be overwhelming, so let me encourage just a few of which there is need. Altar Guild prepares the church for worship including setting up for communion, baptisms, candle usage, and changes the seasonal paraments. Didn’t they do a fabulous job helping us celebrate the Advent and Christmas Seasons! Prayerfully consider joining and give thanks: Bette Gamboni, Diane Arellono, Kathy Dunham, Jane Nechville, Marilyn Nelson, Nancy Schulz, Phyllis Kilmer, Vi Rozek, Betty Bender and Maddie Boyle. A couple others have recently attended, but there is room for more. Sound, Video, and Camera Techs – (Page 3 in the handbook) It would be wonderful if we had enough people participating so it would be a monthly commitment: we are close, prayerfully consider. You will receive training. Here is our current roster, feel free to connect with anyone of them to learn more about each opportunity, and at the very least take a moment to thank them as you enter or depart worship from the Narthex. Note a couple people are listed in more than one opportunity. Sound: Dan Cinnamon, Nancee Erickson, Kim Fokken, Tony Kambeitz, Jayson Ness, Jon Sasseville. Could use four more. Video: Tommy Denesen, Kim Fokken, David Johnson, Howard Johnson, Diane LaFontaine. Could use three more. Cameras: Kim Fokken, David Johnson, Eli Norris-Weber, Ethan Norris-Weber, Mark Roberts, Richard Wright. Could use three more. Church is not a place, or an event, it is the people who gather as the Body of Christ working together as Jesus voice, hands, and feet. Thank you St. Luke’s! Mission
“We are a welcoming and growing community of faith, busy making Christ known to the world.” Living out our Core Values - Simply What Every Christian/Congregation Should Do. Core Values Simply What Every Congregation Should Do Service + Worship + Evangelism + Community + Stewardship + Discipleship Every year the Church celebrates the Baptism of Our Lord Sunday. Jesus’ baptism is found in all four of the Gospels: Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-23; and John 1:29-24. Each shares the story a little differently. The one thing all four have in common is the description of the Holy Spirit descending from heaven like a dove. During baptism we pray, “Pour your Holy Spirit upon [Name of the person being baptized], the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge, and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence. Amen.” This is followed by the Cross of Christ stating, “[Name of the person being baptized], child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever. Amen.” On this Sunday, you are invited to remember your baptism. We will celebrate both sacraments, baptism and communion. As you come to the table for communion you will have the opportunity to stop at the font and remember your baptism. Martin Luther pointed out that you should do so daily saying, “When you wash your face remember your baptism.” In preparation, I thought it appropriate to share Luther’s explanation of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism from his small catechism. He has the style of asking a question and then sharing the answer. Many of us had to memorize the Small Catechism. A challenge for you to answer it in Luther’s Word, but more importantly for you to be able to explain it in your own words. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism, Martin Luther* What is Baptism? Answer: Baptism is not simple water only, but it is the water comprehended in God's command and connected with God's Word. Which is that word of God? Answer: Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Matthew: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. What benefits does God give in Baptism? Answer: In Baptism, God forgives sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting salvation to all who believe what he has promised. What is God’s Promise? Answer: In Mark 16 our Lord Jesus It is not water that does these things, but God’s Word with the water and our trust in this Word. Water by itself is only water, but with the Word of God it is a life-giving water which by grace gives the new birth through the Holy Spirit. St. Paul writes in Titus 3: “He saved us…in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. The saying is sure.” What does Baptism mean for daily living? Answer: It means that our sinful self, with all its evil deeds and desires, should be drowned through daily repentance, and that day after day a new self should arise to live with God in righteousness and purity forever. St. Paul writes in Romans 6: “We were buried therefore with him by Baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” *Source: The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther. Augsburg Fortress. 1979 Baptism is not a one and done life insurance policy, but a gift that is to be shared with others as Jesus shared, “Let your light shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. We do that by living out the baptism call: To worship. Read the Bible. Know the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments. Trust God and proclaim Christ through word and deed. Care of God’s creation, including all people. Note that these responses are not a prerequisite to be baptized, instead they are a response to having been welcomed, washed, and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. May we forever remember to walk wet. Amen. Read the Gospel of Mark – Perfect New Year’s Resolution
On the Mark! Three ways to read the Gospel of Mark
Weekly Readers: Attend Worship between January 7 – April 7 and you will hear a majority of the Gospel. This includes Special Lent and Holy Week Worships. Daily Readers: Read all 678 verses of Mark. This is done Monday through Friday. Click here for the reading plan. Bible Study Options:
To Sign up or if you have questions Contact: rob@stlukesbloomington.org / 952-881-5801 ext. 103 What will be your New Year’s Resolution? One of these or another? Share your comment of what you plan to do… That was the theme to the Children’s Pageant last Sunday, “Someone Has a Birthday” by Cathy Skogen-Soldner in her book, “Christmas Pageants, just add Children.” We had angels announce, holding up individual letters, “BABY BORN” and then they flipped the letters over to invite, “COME & SEE”. You can watch here, it starts at the 16:00 mark. Christmas is one of the best times of year when people are open to hearing Good News of Great Joy. That is what the angels did inviting the shepherds to the manger, announcing, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” (Luke 2:14) It is what the shepherds did after they went and saw the sign, “a child wrapped in bands of cloth lying in the manger, the Savior, Messiah, the Lord. They returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” (Luke 2:20) So you are invited to play the role of an angel or a shepherd this Christmas inviting others to come and see. We have three opportunities to worship in person: Christmas Eve Worship at 2:00, 4:00, and 10:00 PM Plus we will live stream the 2:00 and 4:00 PM worships, which means they will be recorded for you to enjoy at your choosing. youtube.com/stlukesbloomington Christmas is a unique time of year when people are open to an invitation. “In a recent poll of 1,000 Americans, LifeWay Research found six out of 10 Americans typically attend church at Christmastime. But among those who don’t attend church at Christmastime, a majority (57 percent) say they would likely attend if someone they knew invited them.” “Regular churchgoers may assume the rest of America has already made up their mind not to attend church,” said Scott McConnell, vice president of LifeWay Research. “In reality, many would welcome going to a Christmas service with someone they know.” Who will you invite? We also want to be prepared when people do arrive. There are a number of opportunities to serve on Christmas Eve… 2:00 PM: Prayground Attendent and an Usher 4:00 PM: Sound Tech, Welcome Desk, Greeter, Prayground Attendent 10:00 PM: Lector, Welcome Desk, Greeter, Communion Assistants, Ushers We opened with the children pageant. It closed with this invitation. Some of us give presents at Christmas. Some of us do a little extra work to help someone out at Christmas. Some of us sing songs and ring bells at Christmas. Whatever you do, we’re all doing something special to celebrate that Jesus has a birthday. And that’s what Christmas is all about… Celebrating the birthday of God’s gift to all of us – Jesus! Just as the children sung, let us do likewise with our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and others, “We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!” This coming Sunday, December 17, you will have the opportunity to hear the Christmas Story in two different ways.
8:30 am Worship - The St. Luke’s Choir will lead Lessons and Carols 10:00 am Worship – The children will give the message acting out a Christmas story. The history of Lessons and Carols grew out of the ashes of the First World War. In 1918, a 34-year-old former army chaplain named Eric Milner-White was appointed Dean of King’s College. Nothing could prepare him for the atrocities he witnessed on the Western Front when he volunteered for service in 1914. He came home believing that the church was failing the troops. How could he communicate a message of God’s love to those who had been brutalized and traumatized by war? Milner-White devised A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols as a means of outreach to those who felt alienated by the church or religion as a whole. Instead of a complicated mass, the carols service was simpler, alternating between choral anthems, congregational hymns, and readings. The resulting service had more drama and color, was more accessible and meaningful, and acknowledged the suffering of those impacted by the Great War. This gesture was particularly important to the town of Cambridge, which had lost 211 men from King’s College alone during the war. This loss prompted the Dean to include a prayer to honor the fallen, which is still read at the beginning of the service to this day. Although the readings, prayers, and music change from year to year, the tradition remains. At the 10 AM Worship, the children will lead us. Let us rejoice as we watch children participate in the story. The excitement of the children’s Christmas pageant is not age-dependent. As we relive our own experiences and retell our sacred story, we are joined once more with the angels and archangels, the shepherds and sheep, and all the people who have told this miraculous story of a young family and the tiny baby, born to bring us Peace and Joy. Both will have communion. May this coming Sunday prepare our hearts and minds for the miracle of Christmas, the coming of God in the weakness of a child, Jesus the Savior. |
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