From Rev. Ben –
As we journey toward Bethlehem this week we will be focusing on Mary’s story and lighting the third candle on the Advent wreath which traditionally is pink.
Thank you to everyone who put together this week’s service!
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View December 13th Celebration online
- Marcia’s prelude is “In Dulci Jubilio,” a medieval German carol, written by the mystic Heinrich Seuse who, among other things, is famous for his defense of Meister Eckhart, after Eckhart’s death and posthumous condemnation as a heretic (to read more about Seuse, visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Suso); setting by JS Bach;
- Kim Rankin and William Keys will lead us in the advent wreath processional song;
- Jen Hansen and her daughters Myra, Layla, and Adah will help us light our advent candles;
- Talitha will welcome us to celebration;
- The opening hymn is “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” which, like the prelude, comes from Germany and dates back to the sixteenth century;
- Kathy Sawyer will lead us in a prayer for peace, which comes from the Church of Scotland;
- Kit Land will read the story of Mary from the first chapter of Luke;
- I will preach a sermon that is a reflection on Mary;
- The Special Music is “How Far Is It to Bethlehem?”;
- Talitha leads us in prayer;
- The closing hymn, “The Canticle of the Turning”, is a modern setting of Mary’s song, the Magnificat, and is set to a traditional Gaelic tune; and
- The family life video contains two invitations, our charge and a benediction.
The Charge (say together) Go out into the world in peace. Have courage; hold on to what is good. Return no one evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, and help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.