February 18 at 12 Noon and 7:00 p.m.
There will be two services on Ash Wednesday, February 18th. The first service will be held at 12 noon and the second service will be held at 7:00 pm. There will be the imposition of ashes and communion at both services. Hope to see you on Ash Wednesday. Mid-week Lenten Services will be held at 12 noon and 7 p.m.
7:00 p.m. at the Apple Tree Restaurant
Join in the Thursday night Bible study at the Apple Tree. Dinner is at 6. The study is at 7 and the Holy Eucharist is celebrated at about 8 p.m.
December
Dear Friends in Christ,
I love the opportunities for singing that we have during the seasons of Advent and Christmas. The tunes are clear and familiar, and the texts provoke deep spiritual insights. These, to me, are the characteristics which make any hymn relevant and significant.
The hymn on the front cover, Once in Royal David’s City (ELW #269), is one such example. Not only is it a beautiful piece of poetry written by Cecil Frances Alexander, the tune by Henry J. Gauntlett, gives us music that is easily sung and matches the words perfectly.
This is not one of those Christmas carols which makes you want to sing as loud as possible. But it is a carol which makes you pray, and think, and ponder anew what the almighty has done through the birth of Jesus, the Christ. Each of the four verses moves us through the story of the incarnation, beginning with the location and the holy family. But unlike other carols, this hymn takes us beyond Bethlehem and into the reason the messiah came to earth. Because the child will not stay in the stable, nor will he keep sleeping in the manger. Instead he will be in heaven at God’s right hand on high, where we will all, “gather round, bright like stars, with glory crowned.”
If anyone asks you about the significance of Christmas, guide them to this hymn.
Thank you for your faithful worship and witness in the name of Jesus Christ during this year, now coming to an end. God bless you with more meaningful ways that you may offer service and witness in the new year.
CLIFTON D. ESHBACH
Pastor
Thursday, December 18th
2:00 – 4:00 p.m
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TEA
Thursday, December 18th
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Come spend a delightful afternoon in a festive holiday atmosphere at the annual Holy Spirit Christmas Tea. Delicious
things to eat, several varieties of tea, seasonal music, and entertainment are planned. And, there are always a few surprises! Come and share the fun and fellowship. Invite friends and join us for tea.
Anyone who wishes to attend and has a transportation issue, please notify the church office (394-6771) and we will make every
effort to make arrangements for you.
December 24th
6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Your invited to our
Services
There will be two worship services on Christmas Eve. The 6:00 pm service will be geared toward families with children, and will include Holy Communion and the singing of Silent Night by candlelight. The 10:00 pm service will be a festival liturgy of Word and Sacrament as well as the singing of Silent Night by candlelight.
