december 2008 stone newsletter, stone church of willow glen

8/8/2019 December 2008 Stone Newsletter, Stone Church of Willow Glen

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Years ago, Iremember read-ing excerptsfrom Richard

Carlsons Dont Sweat the Small Stuff

... and its All Small Stuff. After astressful day of pastoral ministry orteaching, before drifting off to sleep,I would glance through the pages ofthis small self-help devotional seekingsolace for my worries. Through sev-eral creative short chapters, Carlsoncounseled me that the big stuff I wascurrently fretting over wasnt reallythat big in the larger scheme of theuniverse. Indeed, I might be feelingtightness in my neck, anticipating adifficult conversation, or ruminating

over a sticky problem, but accordingto this author, it was all small stuff,and I shouldnt sweat it.

Still, while I think this calmingstrategy may have its benefits, overthe years, Ive come to believe thatsmall stuff actually matters quite a bitto most people. For example, tellingsomeone thank you or I love youor picking up those shoes we left inthe middle of the living room itsall small stuff, right? However, forego-ing such small acts of kindness and

grace, I believe, can potentially lead togreater conflict and increased tensionin our relationships.

Sarah Ban Breathnach writes,... it does matter how we braid her

hair, pack his lunch, send them ontheir way, greet their return ... returnthe phone call, pass the pasta, pourthe wine ... listen to a friend, visit herin a nursing home, check for monstersunder the bed ...Yes, its small stuff, but its the small

stuff we remember.In the folds of my Bible, I have a

letter from Don, Sarah and JohnKlinghammer. When I was a pastorin Eugene, Oregon, I officiated attheir sons memorial service. The

Klinghammers son took his own lifein the summer of 2003, and I remem-ber when his mom and dad asked meto conduct the funeral, I initially triedto get out of it. They werent membersof the church, and I was too busy, Ithought. And yet, after discussingtheir son, Danny, over the phone, Ichanged my mind.After the service, they wrote to me:We recognize that the beauty of the

service and the warm atmosphere of thereception that followed were very much

the result of the efforts and kindnessstrangers. You and your staff and vunteers did not know us, but carrieverything out as if we were old frien... this loving tribute to our son will h

sustain us through what will no doube some difficult days ahead.The Klinghammers will never kno

how their simple card of thanks hstayed with me over the years. Bubelieve such small stuff, such small aof grace and kindness and sensitivtouch the deep places of the humheart ... and I think Jesus would agr(see Matthew 25:31-40).

This Advent and Christmas seasoas expectations mount and the weaer shifts into winter mode, my pray

is that we would not sweat the smstuff, that we would not let small thinbecome big things, and that we woube able to move forward through thseason with love, hope, and peaRichard Carlson is right, on somlevel. Nevertheless, some small stumatters. What is something small ycan do today?

Smaller than small, Greater thgreat, The things of God in the humheart. - John Michael Talb

The STone newSSTone ChurChof willow Glen, PreSbyTerian uSa DeCember 2008

THE STONE NEWS, PA

Small Stuff

by Ken Henry

For unto us a Child is born,

unto us a Son is given,and the government shall be

upon His shoulder;and His name shall be called

Wonderful, Counsellor, theMighty God, the EverlastingFather, the Prince of Peace.

May the Blessings of thisHoly Season be upon you and

your family.

from Messiah, by George Frideric Hande

(Isaiah 9:6)


2/8

THE STONE NEWS, PAGE 2

Do you have any new calendars you wont be using? Please bringthem to the book cart or the library.

We already have several dozen prettyones available in the library foranyone who wants them. Well givethe extras to Sacred Heart.

Also check the book cart and thelibrary for all these nice new books!- Sue Williams, Library Coordinator

New books for younger members:The Donkeys Christ-

mas Song by NancyTafuri (1st Bks Taf),g i v e nby AliceThorn

The Story of the ThreeWise Kings by Tomie

dePaola (J 232.9 deP)Chr i s t -mas in the Big House,Christmas in the Quartersby Patricia & FredrickM c K i s s -ack (J 975McK) and

The Twelve Days ofChristmas Cats by DonDaily (Tall J Dai), bothfrom Rosaleen Zisch

Bring Extra Calendars, View More New Books At the Church LibrarNew to our special sections:

Skipping ChristmasJohn Grisham (Fic Grg i v e nby GailChaid

Gileadby

MarilynneRobinson(Fic Rob), from Rosaleen

ZischThe Holy Land fro

the Airby Amos Elon RichardN o w i t z(Tall 915

Ble s sed Are the

Addicts: The Spiritual Sideof Alcoholism, Addiction

& Recoveryby John Martin (SpeNeeds 362 Mar)

Mother: Famous WritCe l e b ra t eMotherhood,ed. by Clau-dia OKeefe

(Women 306.8 OKe)Cat s Eyew i tn e s s

by Rita Mae Brown(Lg. Print Bro)

Additions to our adult side:Praying the Psalms

by WalterB r u e g g e -mann (243Bru) and

Living in

the Presence:Disciplines for the Spiritual Heart byTilden Edwards (248.3Edw), both from Rebecca Kuiken

The Christian Life: AGeography of God byM i c h a e lL i n d v a l e(248.4 Lin)

Chartres:Guide ofthe Cathe-

dral, ed. byMalcolm Miller (726 Mil)The Cottage Book by

Richard Sexton (728 Sex)Secrets

of Jeru-sa l em sTemp leM o u n tby Leen& Kath-

leen Ritmeyer (933 Rit)

Come join us for Adult Study onSunday mornings at 11 am in theFireside Room. The classes are alwaysinteresting and varied, as evidenced bythe two series presented here.

Paul, Rome, & the Kingdom of GodExpanding on the Henrietta Perdue

Memorial Lectures with John Domi-nic Crossan, Pat Magee leads a studyon Paul as interpreted by Dr. Crossanand fellow New Testament scholar, Dr.Marcus Borg.

The class, which runs until Dec. 21,is titled Paul, Rome, and the Kingdomof God. We explore fresh insights intoPauls message of the Kingdom of God,its challenge to Roman imperial theol-ogy, and the apostles radical relevancefor today. We follow Dr. Borg andDr. Crossan on location in Turkey asthey trace the Apostle Pauls footstepsthroughout the Roman Empire.

Here is the class schedule, includingeach weeks emphasis:

Nov. 30: Cities Visited by PaulDec. 7: Pauls LettersDec. 14: Pauls EthicsDec. 21: Implications for Today

Eclipse of Empire

Dec. 28: no class

Spiritual/Ethical WillsMarge Palmer and Charlotte Dickson

will offer a class on creating Spiritual/Ethical Wills the first three Sundays ofJanuary 2009 (Jan. 4, 11, and 18).

Marge and Charlotte will presentimportant information from attorneyand Presbyterian minister Robin Craw-ford on how this type of will differsfrom wills concerning assets, but howthese wills can work well together.

Even now, you may be planningChristmas gifts for your loved ones:

gifts they can unwrap, wear, use, play with. They will love them, or least most of them.Another kind of gift, however, is th

gift of knowing a bit more about whyou are and what values have guidyou through life. Your family woulove to know about your meaningf

and fun experiences, people who hamade a difference in your life, yohopes and dreams over the years anyour hopes and dreams for them, thplace of faith in your life, and more

There is no one way to create a Sptual/Ethical Will, so you can be as crative as you wish, and many ideas fthis will be provided. Once receivethis will should become a very spectreasure in the lives of its recipients

Please join us for this very specitime together. If you have any quetions, please contact Charlotte Dicson or Marge Palmer.

Apostle Paul and Spiritual/Ethical Wills are Adult Study Topics


3/8

In the hustle and bustle of the holidaseason, it is often difficult to get an interlude of peace. Stone Churchs Advent Taizservices provide that opportunity.

A wall of candlelighilluminates the dimly lisanctuary, where worshipers enter in silence foa service of meditationprayer and sung chantsThe chants are repeatedsimple and easy to learn.

Led by a cantor, the chants are combinedwith a short scripture reading, group prayeand periods of deep silence. It is a time okairos (Gods time) in the midst ofchrono(human time). During this often stressfuseason, it is a time of peace and serenitamidst the chaos.

Please join us Tuesdays in Decembe(2, 9, 16 and 23). The sanctuary opens a6:30 pm for music and meditation. Thservice begins at 6:45 pm and ends a7:30 pm. - Nora Kelly

THE STONE NEWS, PAGE

The Advent season is upon us,and we will celebrate with Hope,Expectation, The Nativity and Joy,the themes of the Waiting for a Savior

Advent booklet.Our children are excited about

Church School, with many wonder-ful events coming up.

The children will sign the LordsPrayerduring the worship service onDecember 7. Thanks to Ida Raby forher weeks of loving instruction.

The children will also present SantaGives Back Christmas, a lightheartedmusical, during the worship serviceon December 21. Beloved characters,familiar to all, will point them to thereal reason we celebrate Christmas.All children are invited to join the

cast. Rehearsals will be held threeSundays, starting Nov. 30 at 11 am,in the Sanctuary. A dress rehearsaland dinner will be held Monday,Dec. 15.

(To participate, please contactMary Jo Blazek.)

As the busy holiday seasonapproaches, Advent provides anopportunity to take the time toreflect on, while gathering to remem-ber, the birth of our Savior. In thesedifficult financial times, we may losesight of the fact that our presents arenot as important as our presence.

The Celebrating Advent at Home

activity book, a gift from StoneChurch, should arrive in the mailsoon. Please share this wonderfulresource with your family and explorethe true meaning of Christmas.

Our children fill the classrooms with running footsteps, friendlylaughter, natural curiosity, and aneagerness to participate in Sundaymorning activities. We have beenblessed with adult leaders committedto creating quality faith-based learn-ing experiences for them. Yet, ourChurch School keeps growing, andwe anticipate an increase of enroll-ment of children.

Please consider helping in theChurch School in the upcomingNew Year. We are in need of teach-ers, music makers, shoppers, craftersor anyone who just wants to be a partof our young childrens lives.

Dr. Patrick Miller, professoremeritus of Old Testament at Princ-eton Theological Seminary, willbe Stones next Henrietta Perdue

Lecturer. Dr.Miller willspeak Febru-ary 13 and 14on The Psalmsas ChristianPrayers.

The Psalmsand prayers ofScripture create a kind of dialoguebetween human creatures and theGod who made us and redeemedus. They give voice to our cries ofwoe and our shouts of joy.

In these lectures, we will explorethat dialogue from both ends, con-stantly asking what this means theo-logically and what it has to do withour faith and life as Christians.

Here is a synopsis of the lectures:

First lecture, Friday evening,February 13: My God, My GodWhy Have You Forsaken Me?The Lament Psalms and theCry to GodSecond lecture, Saturday morn-ing, February 14: Do Not BeAfraid. The Gospel and GodsResponse

Third lecture, Saturday morn-ing, February 14: In the Midstof the Congregation I Will PraiseYou. Doxology, Trust, andObedience

Dr. Miller will also preach onSunday, February 15, and assist inthe baptism of his grandson, Issac.Dr. Miller is the father of our own

Jonathan Miller and father-in-law ofSuzy Brooks Miller. - Pat Magee

Advent and ChristmasCome to Church School

by Mary Jo Blazek,Childrens Ministry Coordinator

Patrick Miller, Next Henrietta Perdue

Lecturer, on Psalms as Prayers

Stones first Health Fair had a great turnout, andthe participants and guests enjoyed themselves.The Health Ministry Committee plans to makethis an annual event.Above: Rich Frohlich gets some sage advice fromDr. Mario Giorgianni. Below: Parish Nurse MaJohnson checks Joan Helms blood pressure, as huband Dean looks on. (See page 6for more photosNote: If you still want a flu shot, give Mary a ca

Advent Taiz


4/8

The Lost Boys of Sudan provideduplifting music during our worship service on October 19. Thenduring coffee time, they sold colorful and eclectic African jewelryand craftsJerry Drino, director ofHope for

Sudan, was delighted by everyoneswarm welcome, and we were althrilled at the popularity of thecrafts. We raised almost $1500 injust over an hour money that wilbe well-used for Sudanese orphanseducation and support.

Many people have since mentioned they didnt get to buy anyof the jewelry, bowls or woodensalad tongs excellent and uniquepresents for Christmas gifts.

Well, there is good news. Ive been

in touch with their webmaster andtheyve just received a shipment ofwonderful new items from KenyaShes setting up a way to purchaseonline, and all money will go to theHope for Sudan charity, benefitingorphans from Sudan.

If youd like to purchase moreand support an excellent cause: goto www.hopewithsudan.org. If youdont have access to a computerplease ask me and I can put an

order in for you.- Alison van Diggelen


African Craft Sale

If youre hankering after theskirl of bagpipes, then this oneforyou!

The Stewart Tartan Pipes &Drums present their legendaryannual concert featuring bag

pipes, moving Scottish balladsenergetic fiddlers and dancing.Come for the music ... stay for

the shortbread!Where: St. Andrews Episcopa

Church, 13601 Saratoga AvenueSaratogaWhen: 3 pm, Sunday Dec. 7

(come early for a good seat)Why: Its free and its braw!

- Alison van Diggelen

A Scottish Christmas

Chris Nilson wrote the following accountof his experience in El Salvador this pastspring with the South Bay SanctuaryCovenant (SBSC).

My wife Suzanne and I (pic-tured below) approached our firstdelegation trip to El Salvador as a travelopportunity, but it turned out to be

much more.Back in the late 1980s, we had vis-

ited and traveled with a friend who wasstudying in Costa Rica. Being fluent andknowing the coun-try well, he showedus many things

we would neverhave seen on ourown. We learnedmuch more than

we would haveas casual visitorsand came awayconvinced thatopportunities likethis should not bepassed up.

When we heardof the SBSC del-egation trip preparing for February2008, we both saw it as a chance for asimilar experience. As we learned moreabout the trip, we felt excited, but alsonervous. This would indeed be a chance

to visit a place wed never see otherwise,and to meet local people, but there wererisks, even to our health and security. As preparations continued, we

learned about the history of the countryand its violent suffering, and also aboutthe community we would be visiting.It became clear that the relationshipbetween the people of SBSC and thepeople of Comunidad Octavio Ortiz(COO) had grown over a long time.

This relationship helped to answer acommon question from friends: Whatwill you be doing there? This questionhad been a challenge to answer, sinceit implied an expectation of projects like building houses or digging wells none of which was planned.

Instead, we would share a few days

of ordinary life with families who hadreceived delegates many times. Then,

we would spend several days in the capi-tal, San Salvador. Visiting the places

where FatherOctavio Ortizand Monse-or Romerolived, and werem u r d e r e d ,conveyed theshock of vio-lence that has

abated onlyrecently.

Interviews wi th theHuman RightsOmbudsman,public health

workers, and legislators helped us tounderstand conditions in the countryand efforts to improve them. A visit tothe US Embassy gave us insight into ourgovernments attitude and approach.

These things would be valuable educa-tion in themselves, but they providedcontext to the visit to COO, helpingus understand the difficult history thatled to its creation and compelling us toadmire the strength and humanity ofits people.A delegation trip is far more than

a travel opportunity. It is a modestchance to participate in the life of ElSalvador.

SBSC Delegation to El Salvador A Unique Trip

Stone Church received itsGreen Certification duringWorship on November 9,and the Green Men (aka

Jonathan Miller and Derk Johnson) were there to helpus celebrate!

Green MenInvadeStone Church!
http://www.hopewithsudan.org/http://www.hopewithsudan.org/


5/8

The lights! The trees! The songs!... the first Noel the angel did say ... Weindeed welcome the coming of theBabe of Bethlehem and the blessingsbrought to our world.

Our Advent Project this year will beto provide gifts for the Next Door Solu-

tions to Domes-tic Violence

holiday bou-tique, whichlets parents

in the program choose gifts fortheir children and teenagers, andfor the youth to shop for a gift for

their parents. Circlemembers may bringtheir contributions toDecember meetings.Other members of thecongregation who wishto participate will findbaskets for their gifts at

church on Dec. 14. A list of desireditems is on the PW Bulletin Board. Vol-unteers are welcome to help with theboutique on Dec. 16 - 18 evenings.

Fair Trade Sales: Fair Trade coffee,tea, chocolate, etc., will be availableon Dec. 14 during coffee time. Thosewho ordered Christmas baskets may

pick them up this month: if youmissed out, try again next year.

Used Cell Phones: Donate your oldcell phones to Next Door Solutions toDomestic Violence. The church officehas a box for this purpose.

Zephyr Self-Help Center: We againhad the pleasure of allocating moniesto many community organizations

during this season of giving. TheZephyr Self-Help Center in downtownSan Jose used our gift to purchaseused musical instruments to supporttheir program in which people withmental illness help each other recoverthrough support groups, networkingand creative activities.

PWP Epiphany Tea: Mark your cal-endars for the PWP Epiphany Tea onJan. 4, at Westminster PresbyterianChurch (on the Alameda) from 2 to4 pm. The program will be a festivalof harps.

Lucky/Save Mart Share Program:Sign up for the Share Program at Lucky,providing the school name (in ourcase, K. R. Smith school). Show thecard when you check out, and theschool will earn 3% of your total; ifyou dont want to deal with the card,save your receipts and place them,

along with your coupons, in the boxon the library cart. This month we artargeting coupons from PepperidgFarms cookies and Chex cereals (tomake that great snack mix).

PW December Schedule:Emerald Circle, 10:30 am, Dec. 4

Christmas Potluck at Catherin

Edwards homeAmethyst Circle, noon, Dec. 3

Christmas Luncheon at Jan Keiferhome

Sapphire Circle, 6:15 pm, Dec. 8Jeanette Rapps home

Focus Group, 9:30 am, Dec. 16Liz Shanderas home

Book Group I - no Dec. meetingBook Group II, 2:30 pm, Dec. 15

Lea Lawrences home, reading Mistresof the Elgin Marbles by Susan Nagel.

Prayer Shawl Ministry, 4 pm, Dec. 18Fireside Room

Bible Study, 9:30 am, Dec. 18Church Library

Fair Trade Sales, Dec. 14, durincoffee time

Presbyterian Women of thPresbytery Epiphany Tea, 2 - 4 pm

Jan. 4, Westminster PresbyteriaChurch - Catherine Amo

THE STONE NEWS, PAGE

PresbyterianWomen

Stones Mens Ministry includes mission

worktrips, a book group, and even flyingtrips! Contact Parish Associate DavidMcCreath for more detail.

Mens Mission TeamThe Mens Mission Team had another

successful trip to Westminster Woods. Alittle rain didnt stop any of their three proj-ects: adding drywall in the main tool shed,

removing a tree-damagedbridge, and constructing adeck railing for a cabin.

At their evening program,

an equally important partof each trip, they discussed future endeav-ors and expansion ofMens Ministry. As always, all men of the church are

welcome to come. -- Leland WongMens Book Group

The Mens Book Group will meet at7:30 pm, December 15, to select books for late

winter and spring reading. Bill Lakatos will bethe host. All men of the church are welcometo join.

-- David McCreath

MensMinistry

Top, Left: DaviMcCreath leads brief CommunioService, while Gar

Weiss looks onRight: After a londay, Bill LakatoLeland Wong anBruce Raby get somrelaxation time.

Bottom, LefGary and Art Holmeasure for a piecof drywall; RighLeland and Garinstall the piece.


6/8


Contributions for 2008 Must be Receivedby 12/31, Pledge Envelopes Available 12/1

Contributions to Stone Churchfor 2008 are due on or beforeDecember 31. In accordance withIRS regulations, 2008 contribu-tions must be made during 2008

to be deductible on your 2008 taxreturn.Please ensure that contribu-

tions toward your 2008 pledgesare either received in the officeby, or postmarked no later than,Wednesday, December 31, so your2008 statement shows your exactcontributions and conforms withtax law.

Donations received after Decem-ber 31 will be recorded in 2009.

Pledge envelopes for 2009 wbe available in the social hall aftDecember 17.

Those who pledge on a weekbasis will receive a 54-envelope bo

Those who pledge on a monthly quarterly basis will receive a small14-envelope box.

Pledge envelopes are not prvided for those making a one-timcontribution or for those witdirect withdrawal of funds frobank accounts.

If you have any questions, pleacontact Dick Kistler, treasurer, Sally Magee, financial secretary.

At its regular meeting on Novem-ber 18, the Session held a thought-ful conversation about the futureof Christian Education at Stone

Church. JonathanMiller, chair of CE,told Session he sawour growth of mem-

bership reflected in the church schoolprograms. He urged a look at our cur-rent programs to see if they will con-tinue to serve our kids as numbersincrease. He also urged us to lookdown the road when we will needa new generation of leaders for our

programs.One topic of discussion was a formerprogram, Logos. Session members

looked at the pros and cons of theirexperiences with it. Other points cov-ered in the discussion included: (1)

the strength of the youth programis its focus on spirituality, and (2)CE must serve a spectrum of needs,including active kids. Jonathan indicated his desire to

hold a summit meeting in the newyear, using it as a time of discernmentabout CE at Stone.

Ken Henry reported that he hadmet with the Presbyterian WomenCoordinating Team (PWCT), andnoted a need for better communica-

tion between PW and Session. Forhistorical reasons, PW has its ownlocal, Presbytery, Synod and National

structure, so its relationship to Ses-sion differs from, say, the Deaconsover whom the Session has a super-visory role. After discussion, the Ses-sion voted to have a member of thePWCT serve ex officio on Sessionwith voice, but no vote, for one year.PW would report to Session, with thegoal of giving Session an understand-ing of its work.

Derk Johnson reported on a success-ful Consecration Sunday, with receiptof 100 pledges (15 more than 2007).Through 11/17, a total of $378,000in pledges had been received, with the

possibility of at least $62,500 morefrom those who pledged last year.- Alice Thorn, Clerk of Session

SessionBeat

The Personnel & Administration Com-mittee is in the process of conductingRev. Ken Henrys annual review in prepara-tion for Januarys congregational meeting.The evaluation process has five components:

1) a self-evaluation by Rev. Henry.2) responses to an evaluation form by select-ed Session chairs and Deacon moderator.

3) responses to an evaluation form byselected staff members.

4) interviews with a cross-section ofmembers of the congregation.

5) responses from other member of thecongregation (in addition to those in #4).

If you would like to be part of group #5, pleasecontact Bob Lowry, P&A Chair.

Pastor EvaluationProcess Has Begun

More photosfrom Stonesfirst Health Fair(see also page 3)

Far left: Dr.Summit Majumderan InfectiousDisease expert,

talks withAudrey Clark.Immediate left:Dr. Ron Kite, anInternist from LosGatos CommunityHospital, talks witSara Holtzapple.


7/8

THE STONE NEWS, PAG

On October26, the StoneChurch Con-gregation wastreated to alovely brunchal fresco bythe Steward-ship Commit-tee as part ofConsecration

Sunday.


8/8


The Stone Church of Willow GlenPresbyterian Church (USA)

1937 Lincoln Avenue(corner of Clark & Lincoln)San Jose, CA 95125-3499

Website: stonechurch.org

Church Ofce:phone: 408-269-1593

fax: 408-269-8412

Rev. Dr. Ken Henry, PastorClaudia Hoagland, Ofce Manager

The Stone News Staff:June Tablak, Editor Emeritus, Church MouseEmily Hallman Moak Meacham, EditorPat Magee, Rhonda Lakatos, Jody Meacham,Fred Oliver, Lizanne Oliver: Assistant EditorsSylvia Snyder, Chief PhotographerDan Raby, Rod Thorn, Caryl Westerberg,Fred Oliver, Jody Meacham: Addl PhotosCatherine Amos, Dulcie Janzen,Sylvia Snyder, Jan Keifer, Jerry Keifer,Fred Gardner: Production

Family Christmas MovieNight is December 6, at 5pm. Come to see which moviegot the most votes! Bring

your favorite snacks, andwell provide pizza & drinks.

- Emily Meacham, M&E Chair

Nov. 30: 1st Sunday of Advent9 am -- 3 pm Stone Church Artist

Lyn Johnsons Triennial Art Exhibit

Dec. 2, 9, 16, and 23: Taiz

6:45 pm Taiz Services everyTuesday during Advent

Dec. 7: 2nd Sunday of AdventChildren sign The Lords Prayer

during Worship (page 3)10:30 am Advent Crafts Workshop

Dec. 14: 3rd Sunday of AdventChancel Choir presents Magnificatby John Rutter (see article at right)

Dec. 21: 4th Sunday of Advent

Childrens Choir presentsSanta Gives Back Christmas (page 3)

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve7 pm Family Candlelight Service11 pm Candlelight Service

(see article at right)

Advent and Christmasat Stone Church

On the Third Sunday of Advent, Decem-ber 14, Stones Chancel Choir will presentJohn Rutters Magnificat during the morn-ing worship service.

In theMagnificat, Rutter evokes the spiritof the exuberant festivals held in Europe inhonor of the Virgin Mary. The work is fullof energetic, syncopated rhythms and strongmelodies, with a hint of musical theatre.

We hope you will be filled with the joyand spirit of the season while listening tothis sacred musical offering. - Don Foster

Two Candlelight ChristmasEve Services are planned at StoneChurch this year: one at 7 pm andone at 11 pm.

At the 7 pm service, which will lastabout 45 minutes, the emphasis willbe on families with children, with anextended childrens sermon. Wel

light candles and sing Christmascarols, like Go Tell it on the MountainandAway in a Manger. The feelingwill be festive and informal. I inviteyou to bring your favorite bell toassist in the carols maybe eventwo or three! At the 11 pm service, the feel

ing will be more meditative andreflective. The choir will sing a fewanthems, and the congregationwill sing traditional favorites. Theemphasis will be on contemplating

this holy and joyful event. I willpreach a Christmas Eve sermonand it will be similar to a worshipservice on Sunday morning (unlikea Lessons and Carols service). And

yes, well light candles at this servicetoo. See you on Christmas Eve! Ken

Choir Sings Magnificat

Christmas Eve at StoneThis year, each

Stone Churchfamily will receive aWaiting for a SaviorAdvent booklet. Ithas daily prayers,Scripture selectionsand devotionalreadings, plus sug-gestions for family

activities and wor-ship, organized

around the themes ofHope, Expectation,The Nativity and Joy.We hope you and yourfamily enjoy this holiday gift. - Don Foster

If you have a Disabled PersonPlacard or Plates, would youplease let the church office know?We are trying to get an accurateaccounting of all members whoqualify for this type of parking.

-Bob Lowry, P&A Chair

We had a lot of fun on Green Sunday! The children received a fascinatingChildrens Sermon from Rev. Ken Henry and Alison van Diggelen, whichwas enhanced by some extra-special guests ! (see page 4)
http://www.stonechurch.org/http://www.stonechurch.org/

december 2008 stone newsletter, stone church of willow glen

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