Hi, Everybody:
This Sunday, December 11, 2022, is the 3rd Sunday of Advent, Scrip Sunday (order those last-minute Christmas gift cards!), and Christmas Pageant Sunday! (No Sunday School this Sunday) That’s right, the kids from Holy Redeemer and Holy Trinity will be taking over the Message slot in the service to present “A Bright Star: A Heavenly Perspective on the Nativity” by Kathleen Keating. A grown-up angel Gabriel recalls his first big assignment as a young angel – to make sure everything goes smoothly during the first Christmas. It’s not easy, what with an unruly angel choir, a missing star, a small-but-eager angel, and clueless shepherds. However, he is aided by reports from undercover angels masquerading as a wise man and shepherds. In the words of young Gabriel, “What could possibly go wrong?”
The bell choir and congregation of Holy Redeemer will be joining us again this week. Pastor Barbara will be presiding, as Pastor Tim is having outpatient surgery (that was the term he was “comfortable with” – I was afraid to ask for specifics).
There will be a Church Council Meeting this Sunday, Dec. 11, at 12 pm. If you would like to attend by Zoom, please contact Marta Wicke.
Tomorrow, Saturday December 10 at 4 pm, our organist Myrna is inviting us all to a Piano Recital by her students. It will take place here at Holy Trinity, with a reception afterwards in Holland Hall with food (I knew that would get your attention!).
Cheryl Kuhlmann reports that we fulfilled all 99 gift tags on our Angel Tree for foster children! This included 7 bicycles, one electric scooter, two Razor scooters, one tricycle (all with helmets). In addition there were a dozen extra gifts and a bit of extra cash! Once again, Holy Trinity stepped up to make this a wonderful Christmas for kids in foster care. Thanks to everyone for their generosity.
You can sign up in the narthex to bring poinsettias for Christmas Eve – any size and color you wish (yes, even puce). The plants can be given in memory or honor of someone special to you and your family, and your name and the dedications will appear in the Christmas Eve bulletin if you sign up by December 18. Please deliver the plants to church by 10 am on December 24 and mark them with your name so you can retrieve them after service on Christmas Day.
On Wednesday Dec. 21, 2022, Holy Redeemer will be holding Blue Christmas Service, in-person and via Zoom, at 7:00 pm at Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church, 35660 Cedar Blvd, Newark, CA 94560. A Blue Christmas Service (also called a Longest Night Service because it happens near the winter solstice), is a quiet, contemplative service that attempts to comfort those among us who are grieving and struggling to find joy and hope during this season.
Christmas Eve Services at Holy Trinity will be at 4 pm and 8 pm this year, in-person and livestreaming. Both will have the traditional “Silent Night” sung by candlelight. The choir will perform at the 8 pm service.
Christmas Day (it’s on a Sunday this year) we will have a Service of Poems and Carols at 10 am, followed by a Christmas Brunch. More details to come.
– Keith
your friendly Parish Life Coordinator (i.e. Church Secretary)