DECEMBER 2008
CRISTO EN EL MUNDO/CHRIST IN THE WORLD
C
hrist in the world” is St. Paul’s theme for Advent and Christmas this year. To help us get a sense of another part of the world and its Christmas traditions, we have selected Latin America and, in particular, Guatemala, for our sanctuary décor and music.
What will be different? Instead of the traditional European symbols of the season÷evergreens and holly, for example÷the visual arts team (Shirley McNeal, Suzie Dutton, Katy Crow and Matthew Lischer) will fill the sanctuary with red poinsettia, bright colored Guatemalan cloths, pomegranates, stars, paper flowers, nativities and traditional items from Guatemalan and our other Latin American neighbors. The Guatemala mission team brought back wonderful fabric and garlands, and the V-A team found additional fair-trade imported items at 10,000 Villages in Overland Park. Worry dolls are common in Latin America, and you’ll see two worry doll wreaths. The cross will be decorated with a bright colored-paper flower garland. Each Sunday we’ll incorporate one Spanish-heritage carol into the services, and the chancel choir will sing some Christmas songs with a Latin rhythm. What will be the same? We’ll still have a Christmas tree up front with Chrismon ornaments. We will still light candles each Sunday on the Advent wreath. We’ll still sing familiar carols. Our readings and carols this year will emphasize the presence of angels in the Christmas story. We may be more aware this year that we share a common lectionary (order of readings) with our Christian brothers and sisters around the world. We will hold our Christmas Eve services at 4, 7 and 9 p.m. The four ‘clock service is designed especially for young children and their families. The 7 and 9 p.m. services include communion and a closing candle-lit “Silent Night.” continued on page 2
VOL.15,
NO. 12
J UR JO U NE N Y INSIDE
BOOK CLUB
2
PRESCHOOL NEWS
3
PJ&E TIP
3
LIFTING OUR PRAYERS
3
YOUTH FUNDRAISER
3
GIFTS FOR GIVING
4
FAMILY LIFE
5
YOUTH AUCTION
6
INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY
6
STEWARDSHIP NEWS
7
ADVENT CALENDAR
8