Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I hope and pray that your Christmas celebration was joyfilled!
As I write this, we have no phone system at the church – it went out Christmas Eve, and we are awaiting service people, which may be a couple days. So, if you have attempted to call, you are sent immediately to voice mail, and can even leave a message. However, we cannot access any messages. So, if you have been awaiting a call back from one of us in the office, please email us instead. I will let you know when we have phones again!
Special thanks to everyone who had a hand in any behind-the-scenes work in preparation for our Christmas Eve services, as well as all the children, youth and adults who helped to lead the two services!
This weekend in worship, our Gospel Lesson confronts with the reality that the birth of Christ does not remove the power of evil in the world – but its light gives us hope as we walk with all the "holy innocents" of past generations and today who have suffered unjustly. In our gathering around Word and Meal, God continues to redeem us, lift us up, and empower us to faithfully live as children of God.
Reminders
Annual Reports are due in the church office by Monday, January 14 (print ready, via email or on disc). If you chair a committee, ministry team, or ministry group, we need you to compile a report for 2007 activities.
There are still some open dates on the 2008 Altar Flower Calendar. Sign up this weekend, or call/email the church office and we'll sign you up. The vases are $30.00 each, and will be billed to you from the florist. If you have not yet picked up your 2008 Offering Envelopes, they are waiting for you in the narthex.
EPIPHANY PRAYER VIGIL FOR PEACE
As part of God's Peace Flowing Through Us initiative, we will be holding a prayer vigil for peace as part of the conclusion of the Christmas season and the start of the Epiphany season. The vigil will be held on Saturday, January 5, noon through 9:00 p.m. in the chapel. From 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., Ginger Minneman and a group of musicians will lead those present in singing Taize music, interspersed with prayers and readings. A sign-up sheet for 30-minute time slots for the prayer vigil is posted in the narthex, and you are invited to "take a time" in the chapel, praying for the peace of our community, our nation, and the world. (Multiple people can sign up for the same time slot, and people should feel free to come at any time even if they did not sign up at all.) Like the September 9 vigil, a book of prayers will be available to use if you wish. Sign up this weekend! Note: the regular Saturday evening worship service will be held, as usual, in the sanctuary, at 5:30 p.m. on this day.
As we come to the conclusion of 2007, we praise God for the fulfilled promise of our Lord being with us each day; as we prepare to walk through the doorway into a new year, we pray that God will continue to walk with us, bringing a fuller sense of peace into our lives, and the lives of all throughout the world. Happy New Year, everybody!
In Christ's peace,
Gary
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
It's Christmas Eve!
It's Christmas Eve, and we have two services today. The first is at 4:00 p.m. It is the family service, and includes the children's Christmas pagaent and Holy Communion. The second service is at 10:00 p.m. It is a traditional service of Holy Communion. Much of the service will be by candle light. The Chancel Choir, Ginger Minneman, Director, is singing a number of special pieces:
Both services will include many Christmas Carols.
- Betelehemu, a Nigerian Christmas Song, Via Olatunji, Wendell Wahlum, Barrington Brooks (sung in Nigerian)
- The Shepherd's Carol, Bob Chilcott
- A La Nanita Nana, traditional Spanish Carol, Norman Luboff
- Bogoroditse Dyevo, (Hail Mary), Bill Tamblyn, Sergei Rachmaninov
- A Child By Choice, Robert Southwell, Richard Nance
Both services will include many Christmas Carols.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
A Message From Our Pastor - Advent and Christmas Events
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
This weekend is the Fourth (and last) Sunday in Advent, and our worship theme centers around the proclamation Emmanuel – God is with us. The Gospel lesson is Matthew's account of the Christmas story, with the focus on Joseph as one who trusted God and "did the right thing." As we frantically prepare for the holiday, we are reminded to trust in God, and not in our own abilities, and do what is the right thing to do – always.
During the 10:30 worship Sunday, the Joyful Noise Children's Choir will present special music prior to the Children's Moment, and the Hand Bell Choir will present music during the offering.
Weekend Activities
Friday Spiritual Journey – 10:00 p.m. in the Parish House foyer around the fire place
Saturday Adopt-A-Family Delivery – 9:30 a.m. The Social Ministry Committee is coordinating this major project that will benefit many children and adults in the Miami Valley.
Saturday Worship – 5:30 p.m. in the sanctuary
Sunday Worship – 8:15 a.m. in the sanctuary
Children's Choir Rehearsals – 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School – 9:15/9:30 a.m.
Worship – 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary
Sacred Harp Singers – 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the Parish House Blue Room
CHRISTMAS EVE SCHEDULE
3:00 p.m. Christmas Pageant Rehearsal
4:00 p.m. Family Christmas Eve Service, with pageant, carols, and celebration of Holy Communion .
10:00 p.m. Traditional Christmas Eve Service, with candles, readings, carols, celebration of Holy Communion, and music presented by the Chancel Choir.
Special thanks to everyone who helped with the decorating in the sanctuary – it is beautiful. And special thanks to everyone who assisted in leading worship last weekend while Debby and I were in Chicago, especially Harriet Uphoff, Ginger and Dan Minneman, and Rachel Spry.
May God fill the remainder of this Advent season with hope, and bring joyous blessings to you all this Christmas!
In Christ's peace,
Gary
This weekend is the Fourth (and last) Sunday in Advent, and our worship theme centers around the proclamation Emmanuel – God is with us. The Gospel lesson is Matthew's account of the Christmas story, with the focus on Joseph as one who trusted God and "did the right thing." As we frantically prepare for the holiday, we are reminded to trust in God, and not in our own abilities, and do what is the right thing to do – always.
During the 10:30 worship Sunday, the Joyful Noise Children's Choir will present special music prior to the Children's Moment, and the Hand Bell Choir will present music during the offering.
Weekend Activities
Friday Spiritual Journey – 10:00 p.m. in the Parish House foyer around the fire place
Saturday Adopt-A-Family Delivery – 9:30 a.m. The Social Ministry Committee is coordinating this major project that will benefit many children and adults in the Miami Valley.
Saturday Worship – 5:30 p.m. in the sanctuary
Sunday Worship – 8:15 a.m. in the sanctuary
Children's Choir Rehearsals – 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School – 9:15/9:30 a.m.
Worship – 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary
Sacred Harp Singers – 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the Parish House Blue Room
CHRISTMAS EVE SCHEDULE
3:00 p.m. Christmas Pageant Rehearsal
4:00 p.m. Family Christmas Eve Service, with pageant, carols, and celebration of Holy Communion .
10:00 p.m. Traditional Christmas Eve Service, with candles, readings, carols, celebration of Holy Communion, and music presented by the Chancel Choir.
Special thanks to everyone who helped with the decorating in the sanctuary – it is beautiful. And special thanks to everyone who assisted in leading worship last weekend while Debby and I were in Chicago, especially Harriet Uphoff, Ginger and Dan Minneman, and Rachel Spry.
May God fill the remainder of this Advent season with hope, and bring joyous blessings to you all this Christmas!
In Christ's peace,
Gary
Monday, December 17, 2007
January 5 Prayer Vigil for Peace, Including Taize Music and Prayers
Join us at the Lutheran Church of our Savior at the end of the hectic "holiday" season for an event focusing on the peace that only God can bring about in our lives and world. As part of our "God's Peace Flowing Through Us" initiative, we will be holding a prayer vigil for peace during the weekend of Epiphany. The vigil will be held on Saturday, January 5 in the chapel from noon through 9:00 p.m. All members of the Dayton area community are invited to attend.
During the hour from 7:30 p.m. through 8:30 p.m., our Director of Music Ginger Minneman and a group of instrumentalists will lead those present in singing Taize music, interspersed with prayers and readings. If you haven't experienced music and prayers in this kind of setting, perform a Google search on the word "Taize," and you'll find lots of information about it. The chapel will be lit by candlelight.
We'll have a sign-up sheet in the narthex for several weeks before the vigil so that people can volunteer to participate during particular time slots. We're doing this just to make sure that someone will be taking part in the prayer vigil during its entire time. People should feel to come at any time during the vigil, however. At the prayer vigil in September, there were often many people praying at the same time. Visitors are welcome.
FYI, the regular Saturday 5:30 p.m. evening service will be held in the main sanctuary on January 5 - the prayer vigil and Taize music and prayers are in addition to our regular weekend worship schedule.
During the hour from 7:30 p.m. through 8:30 p.m., our Director of Music Ginger Minneman and a group of instrumentalists will lead those present in singing Taize music, interspersed with prayers and readings. If you haven't experienced music and prayers in this kind of setting, perform a Google search on the word "Taize," and you'll find lots of information about it. The chapel will be lit by candlelight.
We'll have a sign-up sheet in the narthex for several weeks before the vigil so that people can volunteer to participate during particular time slots. We're doing this just to make sure that someone will be taking part in the prayer vigil during its entire time. People should feel to come at any time during the vigil, however. At the prayer vigil in September, there were often many people praying at the same time. Visitors are welcome.
FYI, the regular Saturday 5:30 p.m. evening service will be held in the main sanctuary on January 5 - the prayer vigil and Taize music and prayers are in addition to our regular weekend worship schedule.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
No 8:15 AM Service or Sunday School Tomorrow-10:30 AM Service Will Be Held
Due to the additional snow and colder temperatures coming in tonight, we will only have the 10:30 AM service tomorrow (December 16). Both the children's choir and the Chancel Choir will sing at this service.
Today's 5:30 PM Service WILL Be Held
If you're wondering, today's service has NOT been called off due to the winter weather.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
A Message From Our Pastor
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
What a great Sunday afternoon last week! Our annual ADVENTure Awaiting Festival was great fun. Kudos to Celeste Hoerner and Shelly Fulcher and the youth for preparing a delicious smorgasbord of food; to Ginger Minneman for the beautiful table decorations; and to Laurie, Walt, and Kira Fenstermacher for coordinating the Holiday Workshop and the Silent Auction. And, special thanks to everyone who donated the items for the auction. As I write this, I do not know how much money we collected for the Adopt-A-Family Program and the Youth Mission Trip – but we had a great time!
WORSHIP THEME
This weekend is the third weekend in the season of Advent. Our lessons call us to remain patient and faithful as we await God's reign to be fully realized in our midst.
SONSHINE CHOIR
The Sonshine Children's Choir will present special music during the 8:15 a.m. worship service this weekend. This is a real treat, as the children normally sing during the 10:30 a.m. service! Special thanks in advance to you parents for getting your children up for early worship!
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
SATURDAY
Christmas Pageant Rehearsal – 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary
Chancel Choir Rehearsal – 10:00 a.m. in the chancel choir room
Worship – 5:50 p.m. in the sanctuary
SUNDAY
Worship – 8:15 a.m. – in the sanctuary
Rehearsals for Children's Choirs – 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School Classes – 9:15/9:30 a.m.
Worship – 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary
Property Committee – 11:30 a.m. in the conference room
Hand Bell Rehearsal – 11:30 a.m. – in the sanctuary balcony
Youth Lunch – 12 noon
MUSICA! CONCERT – 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.
May the God of new beginnings fill you with blessings that will make you sing his praises and share his gifts this week, and lead you to join your sisters and brothers in worship this weekend!
In Christ's peace,
Gary
What a great Sunday afternoon last week! Our annual ADVENTure Awaiting Festival was great fun. Kudos to Celeste Hoerner and Shelly Fulcher and the youth for preparing a delicious smorgasbord of food; to Ginger Minneman for the beautiful table decorations; and to Laurie, Walt, and Kira Fenstermacher for coordinating the Holiday Workshop and the Silent Auction. And, special thanks to everyone who donated the items for the auction. As I write this, I do not know how much money we collected for the Adopt-A-Family Program and the Youth Mission Trip – but we had a great time!
WORSHIP THEME
This weekend is the third weekend in the season of Advent. Our lessons call us to remain patient and faithful as we await God's reign to be fully realized in our midst.
SONSHINE CHOIR
The Sonshine Children's Choir will present special music during the 8:15 a.m. worship service this weekend. This is a real treat, as the children normally sing during the 10:30 a.m. service! Special thanks in advance to you parents for getting your children up for early worship!
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
SATURDAY
Christmas Pageant Rehearsal – 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary
Chancel Choir Rehearsal – 10:00 a.m. in the chancel choir room
Worship – 5:50 p.m. in the sanctuary
SUNDAY
Worship – 8:15 a.m. – in the sanctuary
Rehearsals for Children's Choirs – 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School Classes – 9:15/9:30 a.m.
Worship – 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary
Property Committee – 11:30 a.m. in the conference room
Hand Bell Rehearsal – 11:30 a.m. – in the sanctuary balcony
Youth Lunch – 12 noon
MUSICA! CONCERT – 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.
May the God of new beginnings fill you with blessings that will make you sing his praises and share his gifts this week, and lead you to join your sisters and brothers in worship this weekend!
In Christ's peace,
Gary
Thursday, December 06, 2007
A Message From Our Pastor
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The first snow of the season – what a treat!!
Our second weekend in the season of Advent presents us with the theme of repentance and preparation for new beginnings. In part, that means actually expecting God to make new things happen in our lives and in the world, and then actively obeying and following the God who makes all things new. This being the second weekend of the month, the Health Ministry Team will provide free, confidential blood pressure screenings following all three of our worship services.
FRIDAY ACTIVITIES
6:30 p.m. – Christmas pageant rehearsal in the sanctuary and blue room for everyone with speaking parts
10:00 p.m. – Spiritual Journey gathering in the parish house foyer around the fireplace
SATURDAY ACTIVITIES
12 noon to 3:00 p.m. – Youth Cooking for Adventure Awaiting – in the basement kitchen
1:00 to 3:00 p.m. – Christmas Caroling, hosted by the Holy Terrors (meet at the church for carpooling)
5:30 p.m. – Worship in the sanctuary
SUNDAY ACTIVITIES
8:15 a.m. – Worship in the sanctuary
9:00 a.m. – Children's Choirs Rehearsal
9:15/9:30 a.m. – Sunday School Classes
10:30 a.m. – Worship in the sanctuary
11:30 a.m. – Congregational Meeting to elect new council members – in the sanctuary
11:40 a.m. – ADVENTure Awaiting – in the fellowship hall
1:30 p.m. – Bridge Group – in the blue room
DEADLINES
This Sunday is the final opportunity to reserve Christmas Poinsettias and submit Christmas Eve Bulletin Cover drawings.
We still have some open Sundays on the 2008 Flower Calendar. Be sure to sign up this weekend!
There are still 2008 Offering Envelopes to be picked up in the narthex. Do you have yours?
May the God of New Beginnings breathe new life into you this day so that you may see and experience life with meaning, excitement and joy! Make worship participation part of that joyous new beginning.
In Christ's peace,
Gary
The first snow of the season – what a treat!!
Our second weekend in the season of Advent presents us with the theme of repentance and preparation for new beginnings. In part, that means actually expecting God to make new things happen in our lives and in the world, and then actively obeying and following the God who makes all things new. This being the second weekend of the month, the Health Ministry Team will provide free, confidential blood pressure screenings following all three of our worship services.
FRIDAY ACTIVITIES
6:30 p.m. – Christmas pageant rehearsal in the sanctuary and blue room for everyone with speaking parts
10:00 p.m. – Spiritual Journey gathering in the parish house foyer around the fireplace
SATURDAY ACTIVITIES
12 noon to 3:00 p.m. – Youth Cooking for Adventure Awaiting – in the basement kitchen
1:00 to 3:00 p.m. – Christmas Caroling, hosted by the Holy Terrors (meet at the church for carpooling)
5:30 p.m. – Worship in the sanctuary
SUNDAY ACTIVITIES
8:15 a.m. – Worship in the sanctuary
9:00 a.m. – Children's Choirs Rehearsal
9:15/9:30 a.m. – Sunday School Classes
10:30 a.m. – Worship in the sanctuary
11:30 a.m. – Congregational Meeting to elect new council members – in the sanctuary
11:40 a.m. – ADVENTure Awaiting – in the fellowship hall
1:30 p.m. – Bridge Group – in the blue room
DEADLINES
This Sunday is the final opportunity to reserve Christmas Poinsettias and submit Christmas Eve Bulletin Cover drawings.
We still have some open Sundays on the 2008 Flower Calendar. Be sure to sign up this weekend!
There are still 2008 Offering Envelopes to be picked up in the narthex. Do you have yours?
May the God of New Beginnings breathe new life into you this day so that you may see and experience life with meaning, excitement and joy! Make worship participation part of that joyous new beginning.
In Christ's peace,
Gary
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