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Adult Education at Holy Spirit

A new year brings a new series of topics for us to continue our time of learning and fellowship!

Adult Education at Holy Spirit

(*Adult education happens after Sunday worship, about 11 a.m.)

Once again, there will be a varied selection of topics for us to study together. Bring along an inquisitive mind and a desire to be with your Holy Spirit friends as we engage each other in healthy conversation and learning. (Not to mention coffee. There will be Fair Trade coffee available!)

 

January 25 and February 1:Our Neighbor’s Faiths: Part 2

Holy Spirit member Ed Smith will resume the class he offered in the fall on the major religious traditions of the world. Based on a humanities course he teaches, we will discuss how sacred practices developed, and how we talk to people about what God means to us.

 

February 8: The Church in Ethiopia: Part 2

Last year we had a very engaging presentation on the church in Ethiopia by Holy Spirit member Melese Anamo and others from the Ethiopian community of Lancaster. This day they return to share more with us. Leading the group is Dr. Tibebe Eshete, professor of World History at Messiah College .  We will also learn about the worship and prayer groups that local Ethiopians have organized.

 

February 15: Lent Craft Workshop

This day is Transfiguration Sunday, the last Sunday before the beginning of Lent.  On this day we join with the children in making

a craft to lead us through the season.

 

Ash Wednesday—February 18

Services at 12 Noon and 7 p.m.

 

Fasnacht Sale

Monday, February 16th 2:00-8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 17th 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Help support the Youth Ministry Fund and enjoy Freshly Baked Fasnachts.

Choose from glazed, plain and powdered Fasnachts!

Monday, February 16th 2:00-8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 17th 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

 

Ash Wednesday Services

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.

 

From the Pastor

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