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S 1:. Iv \ 1 N ( i t 1 I I (, \ I, (.) S I \( [ 1 S Ci V'l) 1 u M !■ 4 2, I s s II H 5 3 L2 i; c H M li u K, 2 5, 1 8 9 8 YES. VIRGINIA A CHRISTMAS LETTER If It Says It In The Sun - It Must Be So

m Girls Letter Sparks Investigation into Christmas

little did 1 know what 1 was getting myself into. I had no idea where I would find Virginia, as Henry Wadsworth Chiif I.cadSiiuor Spicuil Innstip^Lilivc KiforUr there was no return address on the envelope, c-' liiiiuir liililor but with the help of some Newsies, 1 was not only able to find her, but 1 was able to learn Every year during the Christmas season, it what the real story of Christmas is for myself seems like we are always looking for the perfect One thing I discovered on my search is that story here at Jlic Sun. Tliis year was no different. the truth of Christmas is the same yesterday, As today, Christmas Day, drew closer and closer, 1 today and tomorrow. realized that I had nothing fitting for a front page Over two thousand years ago, others — the story. I might as well say goodbye to my job as the shepherds, the magi and many others — were Chief Lead Senior Special Investigative Reporter also searching for the truth...the truth found in a m and Junior Editor of T/icSkii. little baby born in Bethlehem. Maybe you arc on But as fate would have it, rather as Providence a search for truth this Christmas as well. What 1 would have it, 1 received a letter in the mail just discovered these past few days is the same thing a few short days before Christmas. Here is what others before me have discovered and others after it said: me will discover...that Jesus is the Way, the Truth "A Ir ihiiiic is \ irguiia and iiiv jathcr alii'ai'ssavs and the Lite. And what is even more astounding that if it savs it in "Ihe Siin, then it must be so. So is that He is also searching for us. He desires to eoiild Yon lerite the real story oj Christmas in your give us His gift of eternal life and peace in Him. paper so that niv Papa leill believe itC So, yes, Virginia, there is a Savior. Aid, if the As 1 read this letter, I thought it was the SON says it, it's so! perfect, quaint idea for this front page article. The true story of Christmas...

Christmas Traditions around America From Christmas treeS; to decorations^ to cards - Americans love anything Yule-tide

having to write long letters. Christmas for the blood that was shed. JOSEY BOZZO caroling was a family activity used for A fir tree would be chosen as the l ealitre lulitor the purpose of collecting money and Christmas tree. It would be placed on a table INSIDE THE SUN food for the needy. top in the parlor and decorated. Victorian THIS SPECIAL EDITION Christmas in Victorian England was a Food preparations began months in decorations ranged from the practical; joyous occasion. People spent their time advance. Mince forpies and plum puddings fruits, popcorn, candie.s, small cakes, to the visiting with tamil)', en|oying the best foods to be served at Christmas dinner can take whimsical; musical instruments, miniature of the year and collecting necessities for the up to three months for the tasty flavors furniture, tiny boxes, baskets, jewels and 1898 IN REVIEW also the crafty; lace doilies, banners, unfortunate. Gifts were not the main focus to fully mature. PRICES AND ADVANCELS and attending church was an important Victorian decorations for Christmas were cutouts, pin cushions. part ofthe Christmas celebration. a family effort. Father and children would On Christmas Eve, father would choose Christmas cards and Christmas caroling venture out into the nearby forest to collect a freshly cut piece of wood to be the are traditions that have their origins in the greenery: evergreen boughs, holly bunches Yule log. The log would be set in the fire place, sprinkled with oil and spices while RECIPES Victorian era. Both are some of Englands and mistletoe. The greenery would be CLASSICS NEW EAVO RITES oldest Christmas customs. .Sending strewn about the house. The colors of saying prayers and then ignited. The Christmas cai'ds began as a quick way to which point towards Jesus; green for the log is kept burning for the twelve days... wish families Merry Christmas without continuance of life through Him and led Continued on Page 5 ERUITCAKE S NU r rv PAST & traditions O Christmas Tree

beneath it for them on Christmas day. NEW CHURCHES But, what is the history ofthis most beloved SPREAD INC; COODWl l. l. PaulaJohnson holiday decoration? Tlie real story of the l-ealiire hlitoi Christmas tree reaches back centuries. In Thomas road On tdiristmas Eve many little children th th century an F.nglish monk went to baptist church Germany to share the love of Ciod with in America will look in wondci at the the people there. He used the triangular ,4 VIRGINIA CHRISTMAS beautv of the familv t.hristmas tree. Tltc) , . ^ i . , | t- > ^ SPECTACULAR ,.n -.1 .1.. OH IHSTM.A5 and dream of the gift.s .hanta w i leave The Chicago Sun 'HiE825JB9e-SPECiiiiP" -

Candy Cane ■|HU HISTORY TRAnrnON

Kandice Kane FcLiliitr Fdihv

The traditional white and red striped candy and its famous peppermint flavor is more than just a holiday treat, it itas iiistory that is not often told.

Tlie cand)' cane emerged first because of mothers who used sticks of white sugar as pacifiers for their babies over 350 years ago. in Ib'i'O. a Cologne cathedral choirmaster in Cologne, Germany bent the stick to represent the shepherds staff. He then gave peppermint llllllllllllllllllllllllilllllllllllllllllllllllllllllMlllllllilMIIIIIIII mill I I sticks to the children as a way to keep theii' attention during the live Nativity service. Tlie tradition of using candy canes during Christmas services spread rapidly throughout Europe, along with By Mrrtm Bolton other uses, like decorations tor homes.

Tlie candy cane was brought to the United States by a With Lorie Marsh Dmise Thomas German-Swedish immigrant when he decorated his tree with paper ornaments and candy canes. Tlie red stripe was added Based on a story written by Gayle Dargan&f Amy Reed later in the century. I mil I Ill I mi mi A candy cane can be a good object to share the story ofjesus at Christmas. When you turn the candy cane with the crooked end down it looks like the letter |. Tliis represents the J in Jesus, who came to earth as Savior. When the candy cane is flipped so that the crooked end is facing upwards it represents the shepherd's staff. Shepherds were the first to learn of Jesus' birth. Tlie red stripes on the candy aie there to remind us of Jesus' death on the cross as He shed His blood so that we could have eternal life. However, the white stripes I'cmind us of His promise that if we give oui' lives to Him, His blood will wash away our sins, making our hearts as white as snow.

J)or) Brooks -J)ran)aJ)irector Reoa liDdel/aldseo - Qorcographer s Aaron Hall Les (Newsie-Downtown) Josh Cleaver Newsie-Main Street, Towns!.' Aaron Westafer Eddie (Newsie-Downtown) Josh Rice Neville Abbey Rice Newsie-MidTown Kaitlyn Matthews Newsie-West Side, Nativity Aticuaant Amanda Silver Newsie-Uptown, Typist, Angel Kaleb Lindevaldsen Newsie-Downtown, Clerk AmySmlssen Newsie-EastSide Kali Jordan Newsie-EastSide Ashton Hunter Newsie-Main Street, Townsperson Kamryn Reynolds Newsie-Uptown, Angel Ben Cleaver Newsie-WestSide Karl Lindevaldsen Editor Brice Heath Newsie-WestSide Kelsey Brooks Newsie-Downtown & Typist 1 Brooke Talbot Elf Keturah Andress Newsie-MidTown Caleb Rice Newsie-Main Street, Townsperson Kristen Breedlove Newsie-Downtown Carleigh Kuntz Townsperson, Typist Kristen Christopherson Newsie-Downtown, Typist 2, Angel Carter Rice Elf, Townsperson Kristen Roth Newsie-Uptown Casey Jordan Moore (Newsie-Downtown), Clerk Kylee Hunter Elf Charles Billingsley Lamplighter Chelsea Morgan Newsie-Main Street, Townsperson Laurie Rice Disgruntled Lady Lucas Smissen Newsie-East Side, Clerk Chris Breedlove Officer O'Reilley, Clerk Maddie Ehrhorn Newsie-Uptown, Typist Colby Jackson Newsie-Main Street, Townsperson, Nativity Attendant Maddie Logan Corrie Mason Townsperson, Typist Newsie-East Side, Nativity Attendant Courtney Pomajzl Newsie-MidTown, Speaking Elf Mary Beth Price Townsperson, Typist Mary Beth Wood Darren Wheelock Townsperson, Clerk, Shepherd Store Owner Elaine Treadwell Ms. Ellie Megan Teel Newsie-West Side, Nativity Attendant Thomas road Newsie-Uptown,Typist, Angel BAPTIST CHURCH Elbe Torres Nativity Attendant MikaylaJobe Emily Brisson Mama Morgan Hunter Newsie-West Side Emily Eto Pete Torres King Our Vision Townsperson, Shepherd We exist to bring glory to (iod Emma Soistmann Newsie-MidTown Phillip Sutton Newsie-East Side, Clerk, King by making a positive difference in tbe lives of people. Gabby Cleaver Townsperson Rachel Castro Frankie (Newsie-Downtown) Our Mission Grace Ehrhorn Stevie (Newsie-Downtown) Ryan Rusk Mailman, Newsie-East Side, Clerk To change our world by developing Christ followers Ingrid Lindevaldsen Virginia, Pointe Sara Landrum Newsie-Downtown, Typist, Angel who love (iod and love people. Isaac Altizer Newsie-EastSide, Clerk Sarah Glass Townsperson, Typist Jack Schonfelder Newsie-WestSide Sheridan Fink Store Owner JONATHAN F/^WELL Jared Bennett Milkman, Clerk, Joseph Sutton Schonfelder Newsie-Main Street, Townsperson Jason Schonfelder Papa Sydney Morgan Townsperson, Shepherd 131-233-3281 Jennifer Crews Understudy Teagan Cooper Newsie-East Side, Nativity Attendant I Muiiiuaiii View fluad Jenny Osterhus Tessa Port Li|nciil)iiri|. I'irfjinia StSOii Newsie-Uptown,Typist, Angel Newsie-Uptown, Mary Joel Ledbetter Townsperson, Nativity Attendant Hot Chocolate Man, Clerk Tiffany Jeffcoat Jordan Swineford Newsie-Uptown Tim Jackson Mayor, King Joshua Carter Newsie-EastSide, Clerk Timmy Williamson Henry Wayne Frankenfield Santa, Shepherd The Chicago Sun f 3 THE STORY BEHIND" ----- THEDmEll25,IB98-SPECIIllEDIlN"^^^ SHOW ^ How 0 Mles.rls letter to the ed,tor hecle. ^ Over Its tortv-two year history, the Viririnia Cayle LVtrgan and Amy Reed adapted from Church's Ohristmas Spectacular has shared many stories, with VC.S Director i.orie Marsh and her husband Don saw Jetf Allen, Mark Lowry and more. Martha jumped in original 'X'esVirginia . . There isaSantaClaus"editorial. many creative writers pouring tliemselves into the rheir story had been pertormed at Idlcwild Baptist the Disney Broadway musical Newsies earlier this year, with both feet and developed the Newsie characters most important thing ahout our productions here at it sparked the idea ot developing an expansion from and comedy in what was quickly becoming our story. Church in Tampa, Florida. This particular story was the original script by adding a Newsies cast. Tipping Thomas Road: siiaring the roalit)- of Cihrist. This year not only heartwarming and charming in it's Victorian Her rendition got us that much closer to the final we were looking tor another creative wa\' to share the into the current following that the musical has in the version seen today. ageless story about the Truth that never changes. Once back in our camp, the writing team here at from a humble letter written by a young girl to Tliomas Road added the songs and music and wrote a the editor ot the New \ork Sun in 189" came the few final scenes to put our own brand on the story and inspiration tor this vears Ohristmas production, I I make it our show in our own style. hes, Virginia . A Christmas Letter." Tlie response VeaA, ^UicyJh: Icun 8 ^eaM M. "Yes Virginia... a Christmas Letter" is truly the work to that original reahlife letter trom 8 year old X'irginia ot many hands tracing back all the way to a little girl O'Hanlon. written by Francis Pharchellus Church, Sd'me pdencU tke/ie (a ndr Santa CIomA. on a search for truth in Christmas, 1897. It took the has become the most reprinted newspaper editorial I Papa 6a^A, If yrfa dee it in Tke Sun itd' da I combination ot all these stories trom many creative minds on a year-long journey to bring it to this final in history. The charm of the holidays combined Pieode tell rue(Ae tiutA: id tAeue a Santa Claud ? with Virginias childlike taith make this an especially product that we hope you will enjoy today. eiuieanng letter. His response encourages young Above all, we hope you receive this labor oflove as our gift to you this Christmas, and in it, find the truth X'irginia to belicwe tor nobody can conceive or Voi^inia 0Ponion ot the season in the Son. Have a blessed and Merry imagine all the wonders there are unseen and 115 Wedt 95^''Stkeet Christmas, and a Happy New X'ear! unseeable in the world. V irginias story has been retcsld time and time again. Movies have been made and books have been written I based on the premise of the truth to be found in Christmas as inspired by her original letter. One such story tound it s way into the hands ofthe script writing setting, but held the piromise ot being adapted tor our nation, they knew children and students would enjoy team tor this years Virginia Christmas Spectacular. own stage. However, the Spectacular's audience has that lively, sometimes comedic, element of the show. Rather than write an original story of their own this proven to be one who enjoy much more humor than Lorie turned to Nashville, Tennessee's well-known year, our team went on a search tor a lieartwarming the Dargan/Reed story provided, so the VCS writing script writer, author and speaker, Martha Bolton for stciry that had been en|ciyed by others. They searched groufi set out to add that missing element to our help. Martha is an inspirational speaker and writer for tor a number ot months and finally tound a script by version of"Xes XTrginia ,,, A Christmas Letter." When comedic performers such as Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller,

WHAT IN THE WORLD AM 1 1898 In Review GOING TO DO WITH A FRUITCAKE? A glance back at the way things were as we look to what's coming next

It's made of all those squishy things that people never eat. Candy Corn was invented. lib. of sugar 5C Will Kellogg invents Cornflakes. lib. of oatmeal 3C moderation and good taste. It was also the custom Nikola Tesla made a remote control using radio signals. lib. of bread 6C ot young unmarried wedding guests to put a slice of John Moses Browning invented the first semi-automatic shotgun. N. Edible lib. of butter 26 C truitcake under their pillow at night so they would The vertical filing cabinet was invented by Edwin G. Seibels. Iviiliiiv l-ilitor 1qt.ofmilk 8C dream ot the person they were to marry. The sousaphone, or marching tuba, was invented by C.G. Conn. 1 dozen eggs 20 C Tlie truitcake dates back to the 16th century, when What do you do when someone gives you a truitcake? lib. of coffee 18 C it was discovered that truit could be preserved by 38'-'o ot people saicf they gave it away, making fruitcake February 1st - The first auto insurance policy was issued lib. of potatoes 3C soaking it in large solutions ot sugar. Since American quite po.ssibly the most popular re-gifted item. Another by Travelers Insurance Company. lib. of cheese 16 C sugar was cheap, it was an effective and affordable 1.1% used it as a doorstop, while 9'Xi threw it away Still March 24th - The first automobile was sold. 1 can tomatoes 8C wa\ for the colonies to ensure their native plums and 28% of people ate them, but the percentage ot people April 21st - The Spanish American War began. lib. of onions 3C cherries would make the lournoy to Europe without who actually enjoy them is unknown. May 19th - The US Post Office authorized the use of postcards. lib. chuck steak IOC spoiling. Bv the 19th century people were combining Fruitcake has a shelf life ot up to three years, so you July 1st - Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders lib. bacon 18C all sorts of candied fruits - pineapples, plums, can either show restraint, moderation and good taste charged up San Juan Hill lib. pot roast IOC dates, pears, cherries, orange peels and cheap nuts — like Qiieen Victoria and wait tor a year to eat it, or you August 12th - The United States annexed Hawaii. lib. sirloin steak 18 C into a cake-like form. can give it as a gift to someone else next Christmas... August I6th - Edwin Prescott patented the roller coaster. Toothbrush 5C they just might use it as a doorstop! August 29th - The Goodyear Tire Company was founded. in the earh' 18th century, truitcake was outlawed Coca-Cola 5C September 30th - The City of New York was established. entireh- throughout continental Europe. Tliey were Postage Stamp 2C November 2nd - Cheerleading made it debut at the University of considered "sinfully rich," and by the end ot the century Iton of coal $3.25 there were laws restricting their use. Eventually the Minnesota with Johnny Campbell leading the ban was lifted tor holidays and special ciccasions. A crowd in cheering on the football team. Victorian tea would not have Lieen complete without December 21st - Pierre and Marie Curie discovered radium. the addition ot a slice ot truitcake. Qiieen Victoria is said to have waited a vear to eat a truitcake she leceivcd tor her birthdav because she felt it showed restiaint.

I^cor^ecPon thefatest in entertainment tetlfinotogg^ !VES\5 let tfie stereo sounosjTom tfie DVD astountf'pu DVD's ma^e^e^ect g^sjpr the wliotejhmi^ . -«r .17 - -.c •ftlife 0"''"iTufaMom ' v. ■ cflvaiEahfe for or^er on cMain Street Dmigfit! .'■H' rSy 41 The Chicago Sun

Recipes

Hot Spiced Wassail Debi Baker Charles Billingsley Executive Producer Cast Hospitality Director/ Here we come a-wassalling among the leaves so green. Here we come a-wassailing, so fair to be seen. Meal Planning & Prep Lorie Marsh Production Director/Producer Love and joy come to you, and to you your wassail too, Lori Baker Meal Preparation And God bless you and send you a happy New Year, And God send you a happy New Year! Rena Lindevaldsen Choreographer Debbie Struble Cast Hospitality Don Brooks Drama Director 4 cups hot brewed tea 1 cup sugar Denise Thomas Stage Manager/Script Contributor 4 cups cranberry juice 3/4 cup lemon juice Scott Buiiman Music Director 4 cups unsweetened apple juice 3 cinnamon sticks Lead Arranger Jen Surratt Prop Mistress 2 cups orange juice Don Marsh 12 whole cloves Orchestra Director/Arranger Jeanne Brooks Props Adam Lancaster Orchestra Assistant/Arranger Cheryl Morgan Props In a large saucepan or kettle, combine the first six ingredients. Place cinnamon sticks and cloves in a Jim Hammeriy cheesecloth and tie with a string and add to other ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and Pamela Surratt Props simmer for 20-30 minutes. Discard spice bag and serve in mugs. Programs Graphic Aiex Towers ISTANCE Herbed English Rib Roast Design / Photographer Mike Butler Sound Technician The traditional Christmas roast beef finds its roots in Victorian England. In the late 1830s, when Queen Erick Peterson Video Services Rehearsal Assistant Victoria began her reign, turkeys and chickens were much too expensive for most of her countrymen, Beth Ehrhorn lain Lyttie Ticket Saies/Pubiicity so instead, the Christmas meal featured roast beef. Jenny Mathias Rehearsal Assistant Guest Services Coordinator Jim Rebsamen Scott Ehrhorn Rehearsal Assistant 4 pound beef rib roast 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Matt Ritchey Video Services 3 cloves garlic Horseradish Cream Sauce: Matt Walker Tour Buses/Ticketing ''ii cup Dijon mustard 1 cup sour cream Robyn Smith Production Assistant 1/3 cup dried parsley flakes 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish Sarah Quigg Ticket Booth Attendant Don Brooks Set Construction Supervisor 1 h teaspoons dried thyme 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1'/? teaspoons dried rosemary Vi teaspoon course-ground black pepper Frank Ludwig Set Designer/Construction Dave Morgan Tree Construction Early in the day, up to 24 hours before: in a small bowl, combine sour cream, horseradish, mustard and MikeGerringer Lead Audio Engineer Rob Arthur Tree Construction pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until serving, allowing the flavors to meld. Paula Johnson Set Realization/Prop Design Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place beef roast on a roasting rack in large shallow roasting pan, fat side /Studio Recording up. Cut one garlic clove in half and rub halves overall sides of roast. Evenly spread the Dijon mustard over Dustin Muncy Audio Operations Director Mark Creasey Set Realization/Prop T'edgn the top and sides of the roast. Mince the remaining 2 cloves of garlic, and combine with parsley, thyme, Daniel Albert Audio Systems Engineer Michelle Marttilia Set Realization/Prop Design rosemary and extra virgin olive oil. Spread herbed mixture evenly over mustard layer on the roast. Roast /AssistantStudio Manager LU Cabinet Shop Set Design/ConstructL !■. uncovered for 1 h to 2 hours or until meat thermometer registers 155 degrees for medium-doneness. Track Sequencing Emerson Ludwig Set/Prop Constructiof Remove the roast from the oven and loosely cover with foil. Allow the roast to rest for 15 minutes. Josh Frerichs This will cause the juices inside the roast to "set.'Transfer the roast to a serving platter. Carve at the Jonathan Ludwig Set/Prop Construction dinner table. Serve with Horseradish Cream Sauce. lUMI Louisa Ludwig Set/Prop Construction Kathy Jordan Costume Mistress Niies Ludwig Set/Prop Construction Victorian Christmas Peppermint Shortbread Christy Conner Costumes Paul Ludwig Set/Prop ConstrueiiwT. During the Victorian Era in England, shortbread was the pastry of choice. It was served as part of the Dorothy Conner Costumes Don New Set/Prop Construction dessert at elegant dinner parties and often made its way into the parlors for high tea. Hannah Schubert Costumes Jacob Stuckey Set/Prop Construcl; :n Justin Wheeler Set/Prop Construct 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup powdered sugar Jennifer Crews Costumes 1/2 cup brown sugar 3 tablespoons cream Johanna Schubert Costumes Kurt Gallagher Set/Prop Construct, > 2-MA1/4 cups flour 10 peppermint candies Keisey Buiiman Costumes Mike Rice Set/Prop Constructioi, N'-.T si.iriKditminis' Lois Barteii Costumes Steve Porter Set/Prop Construction Pre-heat your oven to 300 degrees. In a mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and brown Lorraine Davenport Costumes Stuart Henderson Set/Prop Construction sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the flour and beat just until a crumbly dough forms. Spoon the dough into six individual tart pans. These are small tart pans with removable bottoms. Using SondraPiummer Costumes Talmadge MayberrySet/Prop Construction your fingers, pat the dough down into the pan. Don't worry about getting it even, the top of the tart will Susan Clark Costumes Wayne Greenlaw Set/Prop Construction be the bottom when done. Using the tines (tips) of a fork, dock (put holes) all over the top of the dough. Wendy DeJaeger Costumes Crystal Redman Scenic Painter Place into the oven and bake 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pans 5 minutes. Jamaica Conner Scenic Painter Invert (turn over) the shortbreads onto a wire rack and let cool completely. In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar and cream until smooth. Place the peppermint candies into a food processor and grind until you have little flakes. Spread the royal icing over the shortbread. Atop the icing, sprinkle some of Jackie Furlong - Lead Hair/MakeUp Designer the candy and lightly pat it down. Let the icing set and then cut each mini-tart into Bths and serve. & The Students Of Syivain Meiioui international Kenny Shorter Assistant Stage Manager Hair Academy AlvinTriplett Stage Crew Dana Johnson Stage Crew Jake Dawson Stage Crew Jennifer Jones Stage Crew Joe Fabrizio Stage Crew

-EXTENDS Jon Jones Stage Crew Kurt Gallagher Stage Crew Nathan Joseph Stage Crew FACEBOOK Scott Ehrhorn Stage Crew

WL NETWORKING ISTHE LIST IN COMiNICAlN Liberty Christian Academy and John Patterson Jon Daggett Technical Director LCA Wood Shop and Ron Schwedt for the use of the shop for set construction Matt Gifford IMAG Director/Tree Programmei LCA Library for the use of the library chairs for the set David Diamond Theatrical Lighting Director CONNECTWITRUSAT Carolina Connection EACEeOOK.COM/TROMASROAO Samuel DuShaw Assistant Lighting Director Progress Printing Paul Green Theatrical Lighting Sweet Frog for their support and ticket sales Design Consultation Bob Wiicox for the use of the Penny Farthing Bike Amy Justice Assistant Lighting Operator El TICKET SPECIALS, EVENT INFO ANO MORE! (who encourages donations to smiletrain.com) Jon and Jenny Jones for creating the snow machines Cindy Stuckey Production Assistant/ StageBot Operator Conner Produce Rich & Gienda Hinkley at Chestnut Hill Bakery Mark Creasey Tree Programmer DickShupe Tree Programmer Steve Troxel Technical Assistant Jacob Stuckey Follow Spot Operator ^Dder % directioi)of 1^3cott fifjIlroaD AeyonCarrasquillo lli)der tlie directioi) of ?\dan) IflDcaster Cynthia Wiley Janet Dabrowski Aimee Hammerly Dan Menge Mary Hughes Aldnda Logsdon Jason Scannell Adam Lancaster Conductor/Keys Daniel Evans Maudena Moore Jen Vaughn Jim Hammerly Piano Alexandra (Sasha) McGee Daniel Rega Maurice Daly Jennifer Siver JohnGrandey Drums Aiina Williams Dave Rees Maxine Montgomery Jeri Anderson Gary Eubanks Bass Amanda Flint David Condon Melissa Jean Jo Davis Kyle Smith Guitar Amy Gibson David Corry Melissa Miller Joanie Spry Nathan Fulks Percussion AmyWalthall David Njoroge Michael Kalafian Jody Seavers Steve Kerr Andrew Tyler Morgan Skillman Trumpet David Wright Joel Pippen Michael Kerr Trumpet Ann Zipperer Nana Fitton Deana Dennis Larry Seipp Trumpet Ashley Kobinah Jonathan McPhall Nancy Kippenhan Debbie Greenway Carl Taylor Trombone 1 Aubrey Myers Jordan FItzwater Nancy Mills Debbie Scott Joseph Baek Jonathan Bobby Trombone 2 Austin Hunter Nelson Flip Gibson Devony Dallas Brenda Bonheim French Horn Avery PIess Joseph Hammerly Paige Price Dianne Bryan Trevor Hicks Tenor &Bari Saxophone Barbara G. Hays Joshua Drumm Pamela DeJong Dianne Mills Joshua Frerichs Ryan Thomas Oboe/Tenor & Soprano Saxophone Bethany Mays Patsy Lee Dodie Davis Joshua Hinmon Kristin Quint Harp Bill Keen Rebekah DiGregorio Donna Captain Joshua Maner Martha Kerr Flute BJ Williams Renee Burnley Emily Clement Rebecca Shepard Flute Joshua Manse Robert Hall Bobby Spry Emily Jones Andrea Albers Violin 1 Joshua Rubley Rose Wilson Bonnie Fleet Emma Burnham David Hahn Violin 1 Joy Federico Rosetta "Cissy" Neblett Brandon Stevens Eric Fletcher Mibang Lee Violin 1 Julia Boorum Ruth Tozier Brian Asbury Ericka Morris Felicia Addato Violin 1 Kacey Poe Sam Wilson Brian Travis Esther Poggemiller Angie Hales Violin 2 Karen Battiste Sandy Bradshaw Buddy Smith Linda Snipes EvangelinePoggemiller Karen Greenlaw Sandy Coady Violin 2 Caileigh Gallagher Paul Miller Violin 2 Flora Cundiff Karen Stimmel Sandy Miller Cameron George Chris Herbst Violin 2 Forrest Ansell Katelyn Scott Sandy Wagner CamyShipp Ana Hines Violin 2 Frank Parker Kathleen Mayberry Sara Peery Carolyn Edmondson EmmeHines Violin 2 Geary Gadomski Kathy Harris Sara Quarmout Christina Day Thomas Starchia Violin 2 GeneShipp Kathy Moon Sarah Gutherie Christy Klamm Kyle Moore Violin 2 George Bieri Kathy Stolvoort Sarah Sooklal Rachel Perdue Viola Chuck Pace Glenn Wilson Kathy Wheeler Sarah Wright Cindy Gentry Anna Engle Viola Hannah Tetmeyer Kayla Harrell Scott Dove Chris Mulligan Cello Cindy Hudson Helmuth Poggemiller Kris McNaney Sharon Burnette Leslie Trinkle Cello Clarence Hiner Henry Stimmel Kris Suptela Sherry DuShaw Clay Dukes Jackie Fielder Kristi Woods Sonny Kingsbury Cleta S. Bohart James Whitehead Kristy Middleton Sophia Hahn Craig Zipperer Jamie Harre Kyeisha Johnson Stephanie Pomajzl Crystal Cowart Jane Rickert Kyungchan Cho Sue Stockslager Curtis Green Jane Whitehead Larry Mehaffey Tamara DiGregorio Curtis Young Janet Baker Laura Glover Tammy Brown Uoder ttje directioi) of f^rs. fladipe Jreei) Lauren Bentley Tatiana Hartley TRADITIONS- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 & l^s. f(ei)ee §reei) Lia Fischer Terri Boucher ot Christmas and the charred remains kept throughout the coming year. Linda Karczewski Tina Dean Anna Bennett KayleeBullman Alter church the children would hang stockings from the mantel and leave Linda Thacker Tom Bentley Ariana Grinstead Keana Starbird mince pies tor Father Christmas. Lorena Andress Trade England Caleb Carroll Lauren Davidson Christmas morning would start with a breakfast of poached eggs, Lucie Flack Tray Richardson Caleb Malina Liberty Day ra.shers, toast, muffins and baked mushrooms. The early dinner meal Caroline Corry would be turkey or goose, stuffing, cranberry sauce, potatoes and grav)'. Luke Beavers Tyler Daniels Lillian Perdue Dessert would be plum pudding with silver coins hidden inside. MaeBrunson Val Dillon Caroline Holley Lizzy DuShaw Even though gifts weren t the main focus of the holiday, gifts were Maria Carrasco Vicky Webb Daniel Bennett Luke Morgan exchanged after the mam Christmas meal. The gifts were often Mariah Vickery Viola Pillow Danielle Spahr Madison Tucker homemade. Mufflers, embroidei'ed handkei'chiefs, and bookmarks were Marilyn Gadomski Walter Davis ElleSoistmann Madisyn Clarke traditional gifts exchanged. After the gifts were opened the family would Emma Dawson McKenzie Lewis have afternoon tea, mince pies and Christmas cake. The rest of the day Mark Smith Walter Waits Hannah Little would be spent with family or attending large parties with friends. Mark Swecker William St. John Nathan Malina IsabelleAmendola Paige Lewis Jacob McDonald Paige Scott Joel Pillai Ryan Mapes Jordan Scott Shayna Lyttle Josh Pillai Taylor Cowart Josiah DuShaw Taylore Clarke Julian Dawson William Arrington Katie Walter

MU S I C

Amy Cleaver Sonja Pinder Angela Loyd Susan Hunter Delbert Jones Sheridan Fink tijejijow' Resources for Worsliip * Oilier Joseph Hammerly Tim Jackson Monica Parson Joel Ledbetter redtiC • WWW.REDTIEMUSIC.COM • FACEBOOK.COM/REDTIEMUSIC Rhonda Cantrell 1 IqE Chicago Sun

A LITTLE NOSTALGIA GOES A LONG WAY

goings on from their favorite chair by What is that Reason? Jesus came the fire. to earth as a baby to give us the greatest Katrina Redman gift of" all, eternal life. When that baby l-'cdliiiv Hililor In my journey around town, 1 Found one little boy who was .studying became an adult. He taught us what a piece of paper very intently. When true love is all about by giving His life on For many, excitement has been 1 asked what he was reading, he a cross to save us From our sins. When buildingsince long before Thanksgiving. very excitedly told me that he was we accept this gift, our sins ai'e forgiven Christmas lists have been written and memorizing lines for his part in a and we have the promise of eternal life rewritten and sugarplums have danced Christmas progi'am at his church. Tliat in Heaven. through the dreams ot the young and brought me back to my childhood As a child, I may not have the old. With only a Few more days and 1 Felt the sweet nostalgia of what understood the importance of the Baby until that long awaited day dawns, 1 1 enjoyed most about Chri.stmas; that was born on Christmas Day, but 1 decided to venture into town to find out everyone dressing up in their Sunday knew the day was special. As 1 got older, what Christmas means to people. best and going to church together. As 1 accepted that gift of" eternal liFe For 01 course most kids are looking memories flooded me, 1 could almost myselF tor that special gifi From good oF Saint hear the Christmas carols and the very What I leai'ned on my trip around Nicholas. Mothers and grandmothers special message about the baby Jesus town today is that even though many are looking forward to having hungry again. Topsy turvy halos on angel heads, things about the holiday may change, family and Friends over For Christmas wiggling shepherds, and Mary and the excitement over the baby Jesus and dinner with some favorite once-a-year Joseph retelling the .story oFthat special His birthday remain the same. He is the treats gracing the table. Fathers and day many years ago when the Reason reason for Christmas. grandfathers are content watching the For Christmas was born.

0 CHRISTMAS TREE - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Tiny strips of real silver were stretched candles Martin Luther placed on her out flat and hung on the branches. This 1^ branches. And, as you tuck GIFTS FOR THE BABYJESUS with each side representing the Father, sparkling and shiny "tinsel" was a Favorite little treasures within .Son and Holy Spirit. Soon the German decoration on the tree. her Fragrant boughs For your PaulaJohnson people revered the undecorated trees as a Tlie Christmas Tree was made popular loved ones, remember that lx\iliirc lulilor symbol of Christianity at Christmastime, in England by C^ueen Victoria and her Greatest Gift ot All... the but they did not take them husband. Prince Albert. Tlie Royal gift ot God's Son to These many centuries since the birth ot Jesus Christ, we truly don't know exactly how into their homes. Family was Featured on the cover of" Sij:, world in need oF many wise men there were or even where they were f'rom. The Bible does mention three Late one snowy night in the year the Illu.strated London News standing His Great Love. gifts; gold. Frankincense and myrrh. And, so, tradition holds that there were three wise 1500, Martin Luther, the great German around their table-top Christmas ciiS- men who came to worship the baby Christ and give Him gifts oFgreat value. theologian, was taking a late night walk tree. Decorated with tiny beads of These men were not kings. They were men of science, astronomers, knowledgeable and noticed the shimmering beauty silver, tinsel, hand-quilled snowflakes ;(V of Biblical prophecy and men oF some means. They may have come f"rom Persia, of the snow on the fir trees in the and tiny Fancy pouches that hid c-)T Babylon or even Arabia. They careFully studied the planets and constellations and moonlight. He took a small tree home little treasures, the Christmas Tree came to understand that a Child would be born who would change the world... to show his children and placed tiny soon became popular in the RingoFRings. candles on the branches to symbolize America as well. Realizing the proFound importance oFthe birth oFthis child, they prepared For a great the birth oFChri.st. As a symbol of" the love of" and arduous journey that lasted at least two years. They gathered their servants, camels In the 1600 s the German people Christ on His birthday, the began decorating small table-top trees and tents and set out to Follow the Christmas star. What faith! Christmas tree brings iov With them they brought giFts. Imagine the great wise men in a tapestry-covered in their homes at Chri.stmastime. to the Christian tent, huddled near a warm fire thinking about what gifts they would bring to the Ring They decorated them with shaped home. This year ot Kings! These gifts were carefully chosen, both For their monetary value, but also gingerbread, sugary confections, and as you celebrate For their symbolic meanings. coloiTul paper flowers. Tiny gifts were His birthday, Perhaps the First wise man, sitting at the Fire, saw the Firelight reflected in the golden placed in the branches of" the tree or remembe-r- jewelry on his arm or in the golden goblet he held in his hand. Gold! Gold was the perfect underneath its decorated branches. t h e gift for a Ring! It would be both valuable as a monetary gift to the young couple and it was representative of kingship and royalty. The second wise man, remembering the scriptures of" the coming priestly responsibilities the young child would face in his adulthood, determined he would bring Frankincense. This sweet-smelling incense was used as a perfume in priestly ordinances OVTKISTMA.5 EVP and in burnt offerings. Very expensive, this would be a perfect gift for Mary and Joseph to help pay their way to Egypt, and it would symbolize Christ's coming priesthood and the tact that He would become a .sacrificial Lamb, an offering given to God Almighty to save us from our sins. cw AT THOMAS ROAD^ As they shared their gift idea.s, the third wise man must have struggled. Myrrh seemed BAPTIST CHURCH the right choice... and yet... he hesitated. For myrrh, a bitter oil t"rom the resin of"a tree was valuable for its medicinal uses. However, it also was associated with embalming and burial. It vvould represent the Child as the Great Healer, but it would also represent the bitter cup He would drink on the cross as He died for all. Once the decision was finally made the three men began their journey. Arriving in Bethlehem they kneeled before an infant Child, the Son of God. They offered their gifts of gold. Frankincense and myrrh. But of more value to the Child was the gift oFtheir hearts as they believed in Him. And that is the gift He desires from you tonight.

° /V N 13 HI S N A M F. W I I. 1. BE CALLED- VVONDERFUL,COUNSELOR,HlCHTY QOD, EVERLASTING FATFER, PRINCE OF PEACE. 1 ^ A I .A I I ') I.

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Nearly lj400 Churches Planted in Past1 Year ♦ Global Church-Planting Initiative Continues

Jonathan Falwell l\htoi: lliiinhi> Road Riiplnl Church

Our international church-planting efforts are being rewarded, as we receive news of new churches starting up and reports of many souls being saved, which is our ultimate goal. During the past yeait Tliomas Road Baptist Cluii'ch has overseen the planting of 1,388 churches across the globe. Our efforts have been concentrated in India, Kenya and Haiti, hut we are also now very involved \n planting churches in an unnamed, and how to study and teach the Bible. Further, they are literally hearing about Jesus tor the first time. We dosed Middle Eastern nation. We cannot publicize participated in a course in Apologetics, meaning that are now approaching 800 churches planted in India. IN INDIA, A SIORY OF GOD'S RFDFiPIIDN it because of security concerns; protecting those they are now trained to effectively and boldly share In Haiti, churches are rapidly growing and who are involved in the church. As you may know, the Gospel message with others. reaching lost souls. One of our church planting No story about our church-planting efforts has Christian churches aie routinely attacked by In Kenya, some churches are operating in the officials recently reported that he had personally touched our souls more than this one: In India, we militant groups in this region, so our protection of slums and alleys of Nairobi. Other churches are in visited 13 of our Haiti church plants, with the smallest have received word from Pastor Solomon Phillip their identities is very important. rural villages where there is no power or running congregation having more than SO in attendance. of Harvest Mission Church, in Chandiagarh, of a Tlie average size of our new church plants water. One church actually meets in a dried up river The largest congregation has welcomed about 200 50-ycar-old security guard named Krishan Lai, who is 2s-.s0 people. Many ofthese churches have opened bed. One recent convert new believers. In this poorest country in the Western is a follower ofJesus Christ, and how he worked to in homes or in small available buildings. According at this church Hemisphere, people are win two souls to Jesus. to the data we hai'e received, more than 35,000 new reported how he following Jesus and lives Mr. La! regularly visits a tea shop near his believei's are worshipping in churches now, which used to muider are being changed. workplace. Through his visits there, he learned that is an amazing thing. These new converts have the and rob people Middle Eastern the owner of the shop, a man named Sunil, was a opportunit)' to worship with fellow believers and in that very nation church plants are drug addict. Mr. Sunil had attempted suicide in learn more about followingjesus. .spot, but now seeing souls saved and the past and had beaten his wife, Sangeeta. Mr. Lai This past summer,I had the privilege of worshipping he wonships people being baptized began to tell this man aboutjesus and how He could with believers in new church plants in Kenya. While Christ Jesus. to publicly show that change his life. But the message was rejected. we did not .speak the same language, we were able in India, they have followed Jesus However, after attending an evangelistic program to praise the Lord together and worship the Savior several churches 35 Christ. There are nowISO which taught him how to effectively share the through hearts of thanksgiving. are operating in students waiting to get Gospel, Mr. Lai again invited Sunil and his wife to In addition to the 1,388 new churches planted, rural Hindu and SALVATIONS started in their training church. Amazingly, the couple started joining Mr. we have been involved in the instruction of about Muslim villages, to start Bible believing Lai at church meetings. Last July, both Sunil and 1,000 church planters who were trained in Bible where there churches in the middle Sangeeta accepted Jesus as their Savior and were courses during the past year. These men were have never been east Please pray for later baptized. Tire couple and their five children are taken through the Scriptures — from Genesis to any Christian these brave students! today active members ofthe church. Revelation — and were taught major Bible doctrines churches. People Tliere is more great news: Another man named Ravinder, who was also a drug addict, later asked Jesus Christ to save him after learning of the testimony ofSunil and Sangeeta. "We thank God that our church-planting efforts are bearing fruit in this way," said Jonathan Falwell. "We have taken a leap of faith in planting these churches because God laid this burden on my heart. And now we are seeing lives changed. Our hearts are full of praise for the One whose Gospel is touching hungry hearts across the globe." The Chicago Sun mmm

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