Hi, Everybody:
Thanks to all who voted last Sunday on the HTLC constitutional changes. 40 members drove by and safely voted and everybody voted “yes.” Now we can hold a virtual Annual Meeting! (you knew there would be a down side)
This Sunday, December 13, is the 3rd Sunday of Advent. Besides the usual online worship service and 9:15/9:45 a.m. Zoom Coffee Chat/Communion, be sure to watch the virtual Christmas Pageant “A COVID Christmas Conversation” by our very own Kathleen Keating and the Sunday School kids! Details on how to view it will be in Sunday’s email blast.
But before that, deck those halls and don that gay apparel for HTLC Family Advent Night. Tune in by Zoom tomorrow night (Dec. 12) at 6 p.m. There’ll be all sorts of fun, and you’ll get to see some of your Holy Trinity friends you haven’t seen for months! Details were in yesterday’s email, and I’ll send out another reminder tomorrow.
I have two, count ’em, two thank-yous for those who participated in the Adopt an Angel Gift Card Drive. One from Cheryl Kuhlmann, and one from Adopt An Angel President Georgia Butterfield:
A huge thank you from Adopt an Angel for donating gift cards and cash totaling over $2000.00. It has been a difficult year for all of us but, as always the Holy Trinity Family was very generous in their support of children in foster care. I am so thankful to be part of such a caring congregation. Thanks from the kids you are helping, from Georgia Butterfield of Adopt an Angel, and especially from me. – Cheryl Kuhlmann
On behalf of Adopt An Angel, I want to sincerely and deeply thank all of the members of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church who generously gave to our program. As you all know, this has been a rough year for many and it is particularly touching to see people reach out to those in need. Children have no concept as to why Santa wouldn’t make his visit on Christmas so this support from you will enable us to make sure his visit is made. Our gratitude and appreciation to each and every single one of you and we wish you a safe and happy holiday. – Georgia Butterfield, President, Adopt An Angel
Next Sunday, December 20, we will have the choir’s Sermon-in-Song during the usual sermon slot in the online worship service. Since we couldn’t gather as a choir this year, I’m piecing it together from live recordings Arnold Kuhlmann made over the past couple of years (thanks, Arnold!). At the 10 a.m. Adult Forum next Sunday, Dean Sieglaff will present “Star of Bethlehem Part II.”
Which brings us to Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, of course, we can’t have an in-person worship service. However, we’ll have a pre-recorded online video available, like we do on Sundays, which can be watched at any time starting the 24th. In addition, we will attempt a live service by Zoom at 5 p.m. on the 24th. Of necessity, some portions will be pre-recorded, but others will be done live. There will be a chance to light your own candles and sing along to “Silent Night” during both the pre-recorded and live versions. I know it’s disappointing to not be together, but as the original lyrics to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” say, “Someday soon we all will be together, if the fates allow. Until then, we’ll have to muddle through somehow.”
Here’s a list of our upcoming special services and events:
- Dec. 12: HTLC Advent Night and Pledge Drive – 6 p.m. live by Zoom
- Dec. 13: Christmas Pageant – pre-recorded online
- Dec. 20: Choir Sermon-in-Song -during pre-recorded online service
- Dec. 20: Adult Forum – Star of Bethlehem Part II – 10 a.m. live by Zoom
- Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Services – pre-recorded online and 5 p.m. live by Zoom
- Dec. 27: Christmas Carol Service – pre-recorded online
Have yourself a merry little Advent!
– Keith, your friendly Parish Life Coordinator (i.e. Church Secretary)