Sunday, December 16, 2018 Third Sunday of

A Service of Lessons and Carols

The Chancel Choir Ken Selinger, Director of Music Betsy Selinger, Accompanist

“Growing our Community Together”

Christ’s Lutheran Church exists to welcome people to faith in Christ ; to equip persons with a faith that works in real life; and to send us in service into the world in Jesus’ name.

Christ’s Lutheran Church 700 East Pennsylvania Avenue Oreland, Pennsylvania

The Rev. Bill Vanderslice, Pastor

Serving Today

Greeters – Ron & Karen Greilich Lectors – Choir Communion Assistants – Dorie Ramsdell, Jerry Beil Soundboard – Jen Keller Acolytes – Fallon George, Jess Shapley, Will Shapley Ushers – Dave Asher, John Melnick, Mike Messer, Tim Keller Altar Guild – Tim & Jen Keller Nursery – Olivia Felix Flower Delivery – Susan Ross Counters – Sue Frantz, Lori Stevens Closer – Vicky Frantz Coffee Hour – Allison Uehling, Karen Bennion Advent Lighters – Robin, Penelope, and Richard Daniels

Serving Next Sunday

Greeters – The Uehling Family Lector – (8 am) Deb Quaco (10:30 am) John Frantz Soundboard – Mike Messer Acolytes – Mira Parapatt, Lukas Parapatt, Wyatt Nelson Ushers – Clyde Engle, Don Berger, Steve Seyfried, David Ross, Ed Suloff Altar Guild – Dorie Ramsdell, Pat Hargraves Nursery – Olivia Felix Flower Delivery – Alice Rasmussen Counters – Bill & Bev Campbell Closer – Vicky Frantz Advent Wreath Lighters – Mariel, Adam, Madeleine and Emilia Ochs

Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 700 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Oreland, PA 19075 Office Phone: 215-886-4612 | FAX: 215-886-1422 www.christs-oreland.org Email: [email protected] Bill Vanderslice, Senior Pastor: [email protected] Ken Selinger, Director of Music: [email protected] Elise Seyfried, Spiritual Formation Director: [email protected] Lorraine Pfeiffer, Administrative Assistant: [email protected] Sally Mead, Preschool Director: [email protected] Peter Carr, Sexton: [email protected] Office Hours: 8:30am-12:30pm

In the event of a pastoral emergency, after office hours, you may reach Pastor Vanderslice by calling his cell phone at 215-534-2845.

2 Welcome to Christ’s Lutheran Church!

May you experience the joy of God’s presence as we worship together this morning. We are blessed by your presence!

Enjoy our gracious lobby to greet friends, guests, and visitors before the service. Please sign the guest book in the lobby if you are visiting with us today, and include your address and zip code.

Please allow others to enjoy quiet space and time in the pews as they prepare for worship. Our musical prelude begins our worship experience.

We encourage you to use this time to silently prepare to receive God’s Word.

WHEN YOU LEAVE…..Introduce yourself to someone you do not know.

The decorating the altar and sanctuary are dedicated by those listed on the insert.

You may download an electronic copy of the worship program to your electronic device by scanning the QR code on the lobby bulletin board.

Cell Phones - Please silence your electronic devices before entering the worship area. We request that you put your cell phone on “Airplane” mode to avoid any interference with the sound system.

An AED is located in the office hallway. There is an automated external defibrillator (AED) in case of an emergency.

Large Print Bulletins are available in the lobby, or ask an usher.

Activity Bags and Children’s Bulletins are available in the lobby.

A lobby speaker and windows make it possible to see/hear the service from the Lobby in case you need to step out for your comfort or for attending to young children's needs. ______

The Service is from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, copyright 2006. All rights reserved Service music and hymns are used by permission of Augsburg Fortress license #14002-LIT, CCLI License # 1589737 or One License # A 70825

3 Lessons & Carols

Our Choir dedicates this service of Lessons & Carols to long time choir member and worship leader Kathy Suloff “My life flows on in endless song…how can I keep from singing”

Special thanks to the Chancel Choir Ken Selinger, Director of Music Betsy Selinger, Accompanist for leading today’s Service of Lessons and Carols

The service of “Lessons and Carols” is based on the format of the traditional service held each Eve in the Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, England. First presented on in 1918, the format was created by Eric Milner-White whose years as an army chaplain convinced him that the church needed different forms of worship. His original service was then adapted by the Archbishop of Canterbury and almost immediately other churches modified it for their own use as we have today.

4 Prelude “Bring a Torch” French Carol, arr. Smith

Trumpet: Danny Melnick

Choral : “People Look East” Farjeon/arr.Leavitt

Welcome and Announcements A Moment for Reflection

GATHERING The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.

Please stand in body or spirit.

The Welcome

The angel said to the shepherd, “Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord. (Luke 2: 10-11)

As we gather this morning, we hear again the good news the angels proclaimed: God has come for all people through the birth of the one named Jesus. Through ’s manger God comes into the chaos, messiness, and vulnerability of the world. In all things and at all times, we rejoice that God comes to save us and reigns in love. We come in song and verse to adore Jesus who is Savior, Christ and Lord.

The Dialogue

Hear, O heavens, and listen, O earth. Let the earth hear, and all that fills it. The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. This is the Lord for whom we wait; let us be glad and rejoice in the salvation of God.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel Hard Covered Hymn Book – ELW # 257 | Verses 1 and 2 Reprinted by ownership of sufficient copies or license #, see page 3. See next page for the hymn.

5 O Come, O Come Emmanuel Verses 1 and 2 1 O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.

Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.

2 O come, O Wisdom from on high, embracing all things far and nigh: in strength and beauty come and stay; teach us your will and guide our way. Refrain

Confession and Forgiveness

Amid the troubles and fears of this world, let us confess our sin and welcome God’s forgiveness, grace and love.

Silence is kept for reflection.

Mary accepted your call to be the mother of Jesus. Forgive our lack of faith and trust.

Your Son was born in the poverty of a stable. Forgive our neglect of the poor.

The shepherds left their flocks and went to Bethlehem. Forgive our selfishness and complacency.

With great joy the angels proclaimed, “Do not fear. For I bring you good news of great joy. Today is born a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. In Jesus, who is Savior, Christ, and Lord, our sins are forgiven. May you know the peace which the angels sang from the heavens. Indeed, God’s forgiveness is good news of great joy!” Amen.

6 The Gathering Song Angels, from the Realms of Glory Hard Covered Hymn Book – ELW # 275 Reprinted by ownership of sufficient copies or license #, see page 3.

Please be seated for the lighting of the Advent Wreath and hymn.

7 The Lighting of the Advent Wreath The Daniels Family – Robin, Penelope, and Richard

As we light the third candle, we remember the shepherds, simple men, out in the dark and cold night tending their flocks. Surely the last thing in the world they expected was the arrival of angels. The last thing they anticipated was an invitation to come and worship the Christ child. And yet it happened---and it happened to them. Sometimes, wonderful things come when we least expect them. This Advent, we pray that we will be open to the miracles all around us. Let us accept the invitation to come, just as we are to the manager in Bethlehem to share the joy of the Savior’s birth.

Wreath Lighting Prayer – Third Candle | Pink Candle

The Hymn of Praise Angels We Have Heard on High Hard Covered Hymn Book – ELW # 289 Reprinted by ownership of sufficient copies or license #, see page 3. Verses 1 and 2

1 Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o'er the plains, and the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains.

Refrain Gloria in excelsis Deo; gloria in excelsis Deo.

2 Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heav'nly song? Refrain

8 The Word

God speaks to us in scripture, preaching, and song.

The First Reading Isaiah 12:2-6 (CEV) Read by: Jim Brenneman

I trust you to save me, LORD God, and I won’t be afraid. My power and my strength come from you, and you have saved me. With great joy, your people will get water from the well of victory. At that time you will say, “Our LORD, we are thankful, and we worship only you. We will tell the nations how glorious you are and what you have done. Because of your wonderful deeds we will sing your praises everywhere on earth.” Sing, people of Zion! Celebrate the greatness of the holy LORD of Israel. God is here to help you.

I will wait for the Lord, All: And I will hope in God who saves us.

Musical Offering “The Yearning” Boersma/Courtney

“There is a yearning in hearts weighed down by ancient grief and centuries of sorrow. There is a yearning in hearts that in the darkness hide and in the shades of death abide, a yearning for tomorrow…a yearning for the promised One, the Firstborn of creation.”

9 The Second Reading Isaiah 40:1-5 (CEV) Read by: Sally Werntz

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

I will wait for the Lord, All: And I will hope in God who saves us.

Musical Offering “Every Valley” Beck

“Ev’ry valley shall be exalted, and ev’ry mountain made low; and the crooked made straight and the rough places plain.”

The Third Reading Isaiah 61:1-5 (CEV) Read by: Debbie Melnick

The Spirit of the LORD God has taken control of me! The LORD has chosen and sent met to tell the oppressed the good news, to heal the brokenhearted, and to announce freedom for prisoners and captives. This is the year when the LORD God will show kindness to us and punish our enemies. The LORD has sent me to comfort those who mourn, especially in Jerusalem. He sent me to give them flowers in place of their sorrow, olive oil in place of tears, and joyous praise in place of broken hearts. They will be called “Trees of Justice,” planted by the LORD to honor his name. The LORD will bring about justice and praise in every nation on earth, like flowers blooming in a garden.

I will wait for the Lord, All: And I will hope in God who saves us. 10 Musical Offering “There is a Great Joy Coming” Courtney/Red, arr. Hayes

“There is a great joy a comin’, there is a great joy a comin’, there is a great joy a comin’ to the whole people, my Lord.”

The Fourth Reading Luke 1:26-38 (CEV) Read by: Don Hallman

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

I will wait for the Lord, All: And I will hope in God who saves us.

O Little Town of Bethlehem Hard Covered Hymn Book – ELW # 279 Reprinted by ownership of sufficient copies or license #, see page 3. See next page for the hymn.

11 O Little Town of Bethlehem Verses 1 and 4

1 O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by; yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

4 O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; oh, come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel!

Text: Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893

The Fifth Reading Mark 13:24-31 (CEV) Read by: Carl Maurer

But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

I will wait for the Lord, All: And I will hope in God who saves us.

Musical Offering: “Et in Terra Pax” (And on Earth, Peace) Purifoy

“Et in terra pax, and on earth, peace. Gloria in excelsis! Glory to God in the highest.”

12 The Sixth Reading Luke 1:68-79 (CEV) Read by: Tim Keller

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

I will wait for the Lord, All: And I will hope in God who saves us.

Musical Offering “He is Born” arr. McDonald

“He is born, the holy Child; Play the oboe and bagpipes merrily! He is born, the holy Child; Sing we all the Savior mild.”

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. - : 1&2 (NIV)

Jesus, the one who would say, “I and the Father are one. The Father is in me and I in the Father.” - John 10:30, 38 (NIV)

Narration continued on the next page.

13 Jesus, who prayed, “that all people may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you give me, that they may be one as we are one — I in them and you in me — so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” - John 17: 21-23 (NIV)

Lights in sanctuary are lowered.

The Seventh Reading Luke 2:8-16 (CEV) Read by: Melody Maurer

That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their sheep. All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord’s glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. You will know who he is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay.” Suddenly many other angels came down from heaven and joined in praising God. They said: “Praise God in heaven! Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God.” After the angels had left and gone back to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see what the Lord has told us about.” They hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and they saw the baby lying on a bed of hay.

I will wait for the Lord, All: And I will hope in God who saves us.

Silent Night 200th Anniversary of Silent Night: For centuries, the carol “Silent Night” has crossed borders and overcome crises. It connects people no matter their origin, age or religion, and provides a link back to the time during which it was created. 200 years ago, Joseph Mohr, a priest from Salzburg, and Franz Gruber, a teacher from Upper Austria, sang the song for the very first time at the St. Nikola Church in Oberndorf near Salzburg. The original poem was authored by Joseph Mohr, whereas Franz Gruber added the melody on his request. Only a few years later, singing families from the Zillertal valley carried the song from Austria into Europe and the rest of the world. Today, the song is performed in over 300 languages and dialects.

14 Silent Night, Holy Night Hard Covered Hymn Book – ELW # 281 Reprinted by ownership of sufficient copies or license #, see page 3.

15 The Peace

The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.

The congregation shares the greeting with one another saying, “Peace be with you,” or similar words.

Please be seated.

The Offering

Musical Offering “Love Came Down at Christmas” Rosetti / Martin Soloist: Robert Bortz

“Love came down at Christmas, Love, all lovely, love divine; Love was born at Christmas, Stars and angels gave the sign. Love be yours and love be mine, Love to God and all men, Love for plea and gift and sign.”

The Offertory Hymn What Child is This Hard Covered Hymn Book – ELW # 296 | Verse 3 Reprinted by ownership of sufficient copies or license #, see page 3.

3 So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh; come, peasant, king, to own him. The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone him. Raise, raise the song on high, the virgin sings her lullaby; joy, joy, for Christ is born, the babe, the son of Mary!

Text: William C. Dix, 1837-1898

Please stand in body or spirit.

The Offertory Prayer

Let us pray together: God of mercy and grace, the eyes of all wait upon you, and you open your hand in blessing. Fill us with good things at your table, that we may come to the help of all in need, through Jesus Christ, our redeemer and Lord. Amen.

16 The Great Thanksgiving

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God It is right to give our thanks and praise.

The presiding minister continues with the Words of Institution.

The Lord’s Prayer

Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

Please be seated.

The Gathering at the Lord’s Table

Communion will be distributed on the congregational level following the communing of the choir. Wine is available in the first cup. Grape juice is available in the second cup. Gluten and rice free bread is also available on either side of the center aisle. We are strengthened and renewed by the real presence of Christ at his table. Come forward by the center aisle as directed by an usher. All are welcome; children not yet communing and adults not wishing to commune are invited to come forward with hands folded for a blessing.

17 The Communion Music - verses 1 & 4 Hark, the Glad Sound! Reprinted by ownership of sufficient copies or license #, see page 3. ELW # 239

The Communion Music Cares Chorus (sing 2x’s)

Reprinted by ownership of sufficient copies or license #, see page 2

Please stand in body or spirit.

18 The Post Communion Blessing The body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.

Amen

The Post Communion Prayer We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through the healing power of this gift of life. In your mercy, strengthen us through this gift, in faith toward you and in fervent love toward one another; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Eighth Reading John 1:1-5,10-12,14 (CEV)

In the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. And with this Word, God created all things. Nothing was made without the Word. Everything that was created received its life from him, and his life gave light to everyone. The light keeps shining in the dark, and darkness has never put it out. The Word was in the world, but no one knew him, though God had made the world with his Word. He came into his own world, but his own nation did not welcome him. Yet some people accepted him and put their faith in him. So he gave them the right to be the children of God. The Word became a human being and lived here with us. We saw his true glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. From him all the kindness and all the truth of God have come down to us.

SENDING

God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

The Blessing

Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen.

The Sending Song Hard Covered Hymn Book – ELW # 267 Reprinted by ownership of sufficient copies or license #, see page 3. See the next page for the hymn.

19 Joy to the World

The Dismissal

Go in peace. Christ is coming soon. Thanks be to God.

The Postlude

Worship has ended. Let the service begin! Come enjoy further fellowship in Coffee Hour this morning!

20 PRAYER LIST FOR THE WEEK

To add a name to the prayer list contact the office or Pastor. Please keep us updated on the loved ones you place on the list. After 6 weeks names are moved to the long- term prayer list if we have no further updates.

Don Alcorn – recovering at home Carolyn Bahm – recovering at home Spencer Bennion – recovering from a fall Pat Carver (friend of Carolyn Bahm) – health issues Megan Clifford (friend of Adele & Bob Kelly) – stage 4 breast cancer Sarah Corcoran (friend of Erinn Durham) – health concerns Sarah Corrigan (Melody Maurer’s friend) - Children’s Hospital migraine treatment Kathy Donachie (sister of Marlene Foody) – health issues John Fisher (member of the Durchsprung Family) – recovering from a stroke Michael Guenther (Kim Menard’s father) –hospitalized with kidney stones Gloria LaNoce (friend of Joan Reynolds) – knee replacement surgery Bob Manus – recovering from eye procedure Laura Maurer – recovering from cataract surgery 12/3/18 Helen Melnick (John Melnick’s mother) – stroke Chris Mudge – preparing for back surgery after Christmas Nancy Renner – recovering from hip surgery Marilyn Schmucker (friend of Joan & Chris Reynolds) – leukemia Eileen Scholl (Elaine Reimet’s sister) - chemotherapy for stage 3 colon cancer Jackie Stanton (Julie Ebner’s mom) – terminal brain cancer & fall injuries Ed Suloff – preparing for 12/17/18 cataract surgery Andrew Walton (son of Laura Maurer’s co-worker) Sherry Westra (Carrie Schwab’s mother) – hospice care Rod Williamson (Steve Seyfried’s brother-in-law) – lung transplant Keith Wilbur – hospice care Ruth Wiley – heart issues Carson Yoder (infant son of Janet Grove’s co-worker) – Pearson Syndrome Helen Zweizig – recovering from October 12 wrist surgery

We remember in prayer the family and friends of Tom Wilks (Shirley Wilks 26 year old grandson) who entered eternal life this past week.

See the long-term prayer list in the “LINK” and weekly e-news.

21 2019 INTENT CARD

The finance team relies on the 2019 intent card to assist in planning the budget for the new year. If you haven’t had an opportunity to complete your 2019 intent card, please take a moment to complete this card and return it to the church office or place it in the offering pate.

______Yes, in thankfulness to God I plan on supporting the mission of CLC in 2019.

To help our Finance Team and Congregational Council prepare a new congregational budget, I am planning at this moment in time to give through my weekly, monthly or yearly offerings. The following amount begins in January 2019.

$______. [ ] Weekly, [ ] Monthly, or [ ] Yearly

[ ] I would like information on using electronic transfer giving through “Simply Giving”:

Household Information (Please print):

______Last name First name

______Cell # Email

______Last name First name

______Cell # Email

First name(s) of dependent children in household:

______

______

______Address: ______

______Land Line Phone #

22

MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, CHRISTMAS EVE

4:00 pm – Family Christmas Eve Service with living Nativity 8:00 pm – Traditional Candlelight, Carols, and Communion

We are still in need of a few volunteers for the Christmas Eve services. If you would like to serve as an usher at either service or greet at the 8 pm service, please contact the church office.

Congregation Meeting Notices | Brief meeting to hold Council & Committee Elections and the Annual Meeting

A brief Congregational Meeting to elect Council and Committee members will be held after the 10:30 am worship hour on Sunday, January 6, 2019 with a snow date of January 13.

The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held after the 10:30 am worship hour on Sunday, January 27, 2019 with a snow date of February 3.

CLC 2020

If you haven't had a chance to fill out the 2020 Vision handout, you're welcome to turn it in to the church office. Copies can be found in the lobby.

COFFEE HOURS

Join us after the 10:30 am service TODAY. Below is a 2018/19 schedule. A sign-up sheet can be found in the lobby on the bulletin board.

Dec 16 – A Uehling & K Bennion Feb 10 - Green Team Apr 14 Jan 13 – The Schwab Family Feb 24 - Sue Frantz Apr 28 - Diane Polis Feb 3 Mar 10 May 12 - The Maurer Family Mar 24 May 19 - 8th Grade Families

If you have any questions, please contact: Allison at [email protected].

23 CLC CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

Special CLC Christmas Ornaments are available to benefit this year’s Sunday School charity, Lutheran World Relief.

Our gorgeous stained glass windows are a real treasure! We’ve taken beautiful photos of them and created Christmas ornaments. Our Sunday Schoolers will be in the lobby selling them for a suggested $5 donation after church TODAY and next Sunday. Proceeds will go towards a donkey and cart to help women in Burkina Faso (through Lutheran World Relief). Thanks as always for your support!

ADVENT PRAYER CENTER Beginning Today: Sunday, Dec 16 – 20, Starts each afternoon at 4 pm

You are invited to spend a special, contemplative hour exploring 12 different creative prayer stations, including haiku prayers, Bible blackout prayers, peace doves and much more! Join us in a Parish Hall transformed by candles and soft music, and deepen your experience of this holy season! The sign-up book can be found in the lobby or contact Elise: [email protected] or 215-886-4612 X7

REJOICING SPIRITS

Our next Rejoicing Spirits service will be held on Tuesday, December 18 at 7 pm in the Sanctuary. All are welcome at this no-shush worship that enriches the lives of all people, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rejoicing Spirits includes joyous singing, brief, meaningful messages and connections. Join us in worship, carry a banner and invite a friend.

CLC CAFÉ

Stop on by and join us in our new location in the lobby for a cup of coffee, tea, snack, or just to say hello! We are open from 8:45-10 am every Sunday (except the 3rd Sunday of the month). All are welcome!

MONDAY NIGHT ADULT YOGA CLASS Please note: Our last class for 2018 will be on Monday, December 17. We will not meet on Monday, December 24 or Monday, December 31. Classes resume Monday, January 7, 2019.

Join us Monday Nights 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm in Room 200. Fee: $5 per class. This class is suitable for those with some yoga experience but also for anyone with little to none, as options are offered for the various poses. The goal is to work on strength and flexibility gradually while gaining an ability to focus on breath and awareness. Bring a yoga mat or towel to class. If interested, please email: [email protected].

24 GREEN TEAM TIP:

Reducing the holiday's impact on our planet shows good will to all! Consider a potted rather than cut tree for later planting; instead of plastic and Styrofoam decorations, collect pine cones, evergreen boughs, holly w/berries; save energy with LED lights on the tree/house, which use up to 75% less power + last 25 times longer than incandescent & turn off when not at home and overnight; consolidate shopping trips to reduce fuel emissions & use reusable bags; buy locally produced products when possible; give an IOU for skills or help such as babysitting or cooking rather than manufactured items.

THANK YOU!

THANKS to ALL who contributed so generously to the Christmas presents for the students at Silver Springs Martin Luther School!

Our 11 bags of gifts (double the number from last year) were gratefully received!

SCHOLARSHIP NEWS FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

In 1965, a young man named David Wilson was tragically killed in Vietnam. Dave was a member of Christ's Lutheran, and very active in youth programs here. In his memory, a fund was established specifically to benefit youth. We have decided to make use of this money to endow an annual college scholarship for a deserving CLC high school senior. The $1000 award will be given each year, based on several different criteria. The first recipient of the Wilson Scholarship was Emma Mead, who is a freshman at Penn State. For additional information and an application form please contact Mrs. Seyfried. The deadline for your application is May 1, 2019.

CROSS+GEN – 9 am in Parish Hall | See meeting dates

There is magic when the wisdom of the elder meets the wonder of the child! That's the idea behind our cross-generational events here at Christ's! We explore Bible people, favorite stories and themes, through games, crafts, skits and much more! A fun filled hour of learning and laughter for ages 3-103. Highlights of our time together include singing and sharing our highs and lows in prayer. If you've never experienced Cross+Gen, give it a try! Questions, please contact Elise Seyfried.

Here are the dates: January 20 February 17 March 17

25 THIS WEEK AT CLC

Sun, December 16 9:00 am - Faith Formation Hour 9:15 am - Adult Bible Study (200) 10:30 am - Lessons & Carols Combined Service 11:30 am - Sunday School Ornament Sale 11:30 am - Coffee Hour 4:00 pm - Advent Prayer Center (Parish Hall)

Mon, December 17 9:30 am - Monday Morning Men 6:15 pm - Adult Yoga Class (200) 4:00 pm - Advent Prayer Center (Parish Hall) 7:30 pm - Boy Scout Oreland Troop 1 (203/204)

Tues, December 18 10:00 am - Bible Study (203) 4:00 pm - Advent Prayer Center (Parish Hall) 7:00 pm - Rejoicing Spirits (Sanctuary)

Wed, December 19 4:00 pm - Advent Prayer Center (Parish Hall) 7:00 pm - Cub Scout Webelos (203) 7:30 pm - AA (Chapel)

Thurs, December 20 4:00 pm - Advent Prayer Center (Parish Hall) 7:00 pm - Cub Scout Tiger Cubs (203)

Fri, December 21 6:00 pm - Daisy Troop (203) 8:00 pm - AA (200)

NEXT WEEK AT CLC

Sun, December 23 8:00 am - Worship in the Chapel 9:00 am - Faith Formation Hour 9:15 am - Adult Bible Study (200) 10:30 am - Worship in the Sanctuary 11:30 am - Sunday School Ornament Sale

Mon, December 24 9:30 am - Monday Morning Men 4:00 pm - Family Christmas Eve Service 8:00 pm - Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

Tues, December 25 CHRISTMAS DAY | CHURCH OFFICES CLOSED

Wed, December 26 7:30 pm - AA (Parish Hall)

Thurs, December 27 9:00 am - Family Stages (Parish Hall)

Fri, December 28 9:00 am - Family Stages (Parish Hall) 10:00 am - Link Assembly (C2J) 8:00 pm - AA (200)

26 VISITOR & MEMBER INFORMATION CARD If you are visitor or congregational member please print the information, remove from the program, & place it in the offering plate.

Today’s Date: ______

Your Name: ______

Address ______

______

Home phone ______

Cell phone ______

Email ______

I communed today.

I am visiting this morning. _____ 1st time _____ 2 or more times I would like information about children’s programs. Ages ______I would like information about church membership. My home church is: ______

______

I am a member. Please note a change in my contact information. I am not currently receiving email announcements from the church office, please add me to the weekly E-News. ______

Prayer Requests: Please add to the prayer list: (please state relationship & reason)

Message for Church Office / Pastor:

27

Box donations of non-perishable food may be placed in the lobby on Christmas Eve or Sunday, December 30 for distribution to the SEPA Synod Food Pantry. 28