Worship and Music News
December 1st is the beginning of Advent. It’s hard to believe 2018 is nearly over; I’m sure I only blinked a couple of
times! There are many worship opportunities in the coming weeks, including:
• Sunday services
• Wednesday evening Advent services, including a Longest Night service on December 19th (keep reading for information
on this special service)
• the Children’s Christmas program on December 16th (reception following)
• Christmas Eve Service at 7 pm
• Christmas Day Service at 10 AM
• a Service of Lessons and Carols on December 30th
• a Feast of the Epiphany special musical presentation by the combined choirs of St. Jacob’s and New Hope on January 6th
From Sola Publishing – Service for the Longest Night: The Seasons of Advent and Christmas can be a terribly lonely and difficult time for those who have lost loved ones. This service of the word and prayer is meant to provide a safe place to grieve and be comforted by God’s eternal love and light. It is often used on the night of the Winter Solstice, December 21st, the longest night of the year.
While the Children’s Program isn’t a worship service in the traditional sense, it is a time which allows the youngsters of the congregation to share the story of Christmas. “Come, Let Us Adore Him” promises to be a wonderful evening.
On Christmas Eve, you’re invited to arrive early – we will be singing carols starting at 6:45 as the pre-service music this year. The Children’s Choir will also be singing during the service. The Sunday after Christmas, December 30th, will feature even more carols as we respond to scripture with song.
And finally, we are very excited to partner with the choir from New Hope Lutheran to present a mini-cantata for the Feast of the Epiphany. It’s not often that the Day of Epiphany (January 6th, 12 days after Christmas and the commemoration of
the visit of the Magi) falls on a Sunday, so we hope that you will plan to join us for this special gift from our two choirs.
Please join us as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior this Advent and Christmas season.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Laurie
