ALTAR FLOWERS are given to the glory of God by Gwen Hancock in thankfulness to God for His many blessings. Flowers are also given to the glory of God by Ann Price in celebration of the birthdays of her sons, Dion (12/5) and Dennis (12/30); grandson, Danovan (12/13); daughter-in-law, Tonya (12/15); and in loving memory of her husband, Wilford Price.
THE BLUE PARAMENTS The blue paraments adorning our altar, lectern and pulpit were given in loving memory of Dr. John Greenlee.
OUR BLUE PARAMENTS The paraments on our altar, lectern and pulpit are blue for the Season of Advent. Blue is the color of hope and expectation. Our particular parament set is called “Glory to God,” reminding us of the message of the angels to the Bethlehem shepherds. The altar parament includes the word “Gloria” (Latin for “Glory”) as well as four advent candles. The lectern parament shows a 1st Century oil lamp (from a couple of Jesus’ parables), superceded by the Chi Ro (the Greek letters for the first three letters in the Name “Christ”). The pulpit parament mimics the altar parament, with four advent candles, set into a wreath.
THE HOLY FAMILY The Fontanini “Holy Family” on the Altar was a gift from Pastor Christopher Schaar in loving memory of his grandmother, Charlotte Thorsen.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS As with his birthday, Pastor respectfully requests that anyone who would like to provide him a Christmas gift should instead please consider a gift in his honor to Historic First Lutheran to help close our 2008 budget deficit. Please use a designated or blank envelope, clearly marking it “In Honor of Pastor Schaar.” Your gifts will benefit our general fund and he will be able to thank you for your gift.
PORTALS OF PRAYERS The January – March 2009 issue of “Portals of Prayers” are available from the Information Rack in the Narthex. Regular print and large print versions are available.
ONE CITY: ONE COOKBOOK Celebrate and preserve the good foods of our diverse community and support local charities at the same time. Become part of Old Town Cooking School’s cookbook. “Share your Best Recipe” forms can be found with detailed instructions in the Information Rack in the Narthex.
NEXT SUNDAY Bring your “Mighty Mite Boxes” filled with coins and bills for missions. You may pick up a “Mite Box” today from the table in the Narthex. Return it next Sunday filled with change.
EQUIPPING TO SHARE This exciting training workshop comes to Historic First Lutheran on Saturday 21 February 2009. Save the date and watch for more details.
PIÑATA CANDY NEEDED During the week before Christmas members of our congregation will be sponsoring three Posadas in the neighborhood, followed by a Piñata party in the Gym. Wrapped candy, hard or soft, is still needed. Please leave in the Green Room. If you wish to make a contribution, designate on your envelope for the Piñata candy.
THANK YOU! Laura Page expresses appreciation for the two carloads of clothing collected for her multiple ministries. Thank you so much for all of your support! God continues to bless the efforts to others generated through our Lutheran Women’s Fellowship. Over 40 women were in attendance at last Saturday’s luncheon. Thanks also to Betty Barnett for her delicious Red Velvet cake for dessert.
USHERS TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team #4 – Doris Barnes, Taina Feher and Paul Nagle.