"Rejoice always," begins the reading from First Thessalonians. Isaiah and the psalmist make clear that God is

turning our mourning into laughter and shouts of joy. "All God's children got a robe," go the words of the spiri-

tual. It is not so much a stately, formal, pressed outfit as it is a set of party clothes, clothes that make us feel

happy just to put on. We receive that robe in baptism, and in worship we gather for a foretaste of God's party.

Christmas Musical Order of Worship December 13 & 14, 2014

(See a separate handout for announcements and calendar)

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 508 Center Street

Ashland, Ohio 44805 phone 419-289-2126

web www.trinityashland.org

e-mail trinity@trinityashland.org

trinitylutheranchurch

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WELCOME TO WORSHIP!

For directions or help with special needs, just ask a host or usher.

For those with young children - DIAPER CHANGING AREA - Infant Nursery

- CHILD CARE for children age five and under - Nursery area

- PARENT PAGERS - available for use by parents with children in the Nursery

For older adults and those with special needs - LARGE PRINT WORSHIP BULLETINS

- HANDICAPPED-ACCESSIBLE RESTROOMS - North and West Office hallways

- WHEELCHAIRS available - Kitchen area

- HANDICAPPED PARKING - near Worship entrances

- COURTESY PARKING - available for the 10:45 a.m. services

For more information

- WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS - available from the hosts and ushers

- TOUR OUR CHURCH - please speak with a pastor following worship

- PAST SERMONS on the web - visit <www.trinityashland.org>

OUR 10:45 RADIO BROADCAST on WNCO - AM 1340 is sponsored by Don and Sue

Bowman in memory of loved ones, and by an anonymous member to allow the listeners to enjoy

the Christmas Musical.

THANK YOU - Randy Smith and his Set-up Crew, including Mary Johnson and the Trinity youth

- Chris Vanderzyden, the Praise Team and the other men and women who set up and tear down

the stage, choir risers and chairs

- Wendy Shreffler, who recruits so many of the volunteers needed this weekend,

- All of the staff and volunteers who do all of the tasks “behind the scenes” that make the

musical possible. COPYRIGHT INFORMATION: LITURGY and TEXTS from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright ©2013 Augsburg

Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26213.

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WELCOME to the third Sunday of Advent. We gather this day to praise God and give thanks

for God’s love and grace in sending to us Jesus. The good news is that Christ has come. We

blend our voices in hymns of joy and adoration. The color blue in our paraments and pastoral

stoles remind us of the hope we have in Christ as our light and our life.

THIS BULLETIN contains the order for worship, including the hymns. The words will also be

displayed on the screens. Our freewill offering helps with the extra costs of this service.

IN ADDITION TO THE FREEWILL OFFERING, the extra costs of this service are partially

underwritten by the Trinity Music Fund, originally established by Marjorie M. Ginn, with

additional bequests from Mrs. Ginn, Marvene Mateer, Jack Myers and Geneva Cole; the

Saturday Night Service Fund, established by an anonymous donor; and the newly-established

Helen McPherson Loyd Fund. Additional gifts are welcome at any time. Please contact Pastor

Mitchell or Ron Marenchin for more information.

THE WORSHIP CENTER AT JACK’S PLACE is regularly used for one of our four worship

services each weekend - the Praise Worship on Sunday mornings at 10:45 a.m. We invite you to

return here for worship next weekend or to the Sanctuary for our other three services. Please see

the back cover of this bulletin for information on special worship opportunities on Christmas Eve

and Christmas Day.

WE INVITE THOSE ATTENDING ON SATURDAY to a punch and cookie reception after

the service in the main hallway.

+ + + GATHERING + + +

The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.

GATHERING MUSIC The Trinity Orchestra

Overture (Sing We Now of Christmas) - French Carol, arr. David Hamilton

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Pastor Sanford C. Mitchell

More announcements and the calendar are in a handout

available from the hosts and ushers.

CHRISTMAS MUSICAL WORSHIP

December 13, 2014 - 6:30 p.m.

December 14, 2014 - 8:30 & 10:45 a.m.

Third Sunday of Advent

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*ENTRANCE HYMN Awake, Awake, and Greet the New Morn

*Please stand, as able. Please turn and face the cross as it processes.

Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-708618

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*CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Pastor Jeff Messner

+ The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

And also with you.

Let us approach the throne of grace with repentant hearts.

Silence is kept for reflection.

Faithful God,

we confess that we have been unfaithful to you.

Like dry leaves and withered grass,

our lives are blown about by our sins

and the powers of evil around us.

Restore us, O God;

let the light of your face shine on us,

and we shall be saved.

Amen.

God is patient, not wanting any to perish,

but all to come to repentance.

In the name of + Jesus Christ,

I bring you this good news:

You are free from all that imprisons you;

your sins are forgiven;

God heals your broken hearts.

Live in peace and harmony as you wait for the day of God.

Amen.

Please be seated

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three can - dles

three can - dles

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH / CANTICLE OF LIGHT

Prayer by Candlelight - Martin Kral (2010)

Cantor sings Refrain first time, then All repeat

Cantor sings Stanza 1, then All repeat Refrain

1. Oh, how it flickers reminding me how

You came to bring light to brighten my days.

And oh, how the wax melts reminding me how

my sins will be melted away. Refrain

LEADERS:

6:30 Kathy Kollar, Kristopher, James

8:30 D.J.& Shawn Rausch, Daisy, Glenn, Elinor

10:45 Gary & Cheryl Hildebrand, Sarah & Rylie Hildebrand

LEADER: 46bMy soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

47my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

CONGREGATION: 48for you, Lord, have looked with favor on your lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed; 49you, the Almighty, have done great things for me,

and holy is your name. 50You have mercy on those who fear you,

from generation to generation. 51You have shown strength with your arm;

and scattered the proud in their conceit,

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52casting down the mighty from their thrones

and lifting up the lowly. 53You have filled the hungry with good things,

and sent the rich away empty. 54You have come to the aid of your servant Israel,

to remember the promise of mercy, 55the promise made to our forebears,

to Abraham and his children forever. - Mary’s Magnificat, Luke 1:46b–55

(As three candles are lit) Blessed are you, O Lord our God,

ruler of the universe.

Your prophets spoke of a day when the desert would blossom

and waters would break forth in the wilderness.

Bless us as we light the candles on this wreath.

Strengthen our hearts as we prepare for the coming of the Lord.

May he give water to all who thirst,

for he is our light and our salvation.

Blessed be God forever.

Amen

Cantor sings Stanza 2, then All repeat Refrain

2. Oh, how the flame burns reminding me how

Your free gift of love can warm me inside.

And oh, how the smoke climbs reminding me how

My prayers are lifted up high. Refrain

PRAYER OF THE DAY Pastor Messner

PASTOR:

Let us pray.

Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God,

and open our ears to the words of your prophets,

that, anointed by your Spirit,

we may testify to your light;

through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen

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ANTHEMS THE WONDER OF CHRISTMAS David Hamilton

LET US ADORE HIM

Christmastime - Michael W. Smith & Joanna Carlson

For Unto Us - George F. Handel

O Come, All Ye Faithful - John Francis Wade

COME AND BEHOLD HIM - Dee Pinkley, soprano

Dona Nobis Pacem - Latin canon

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - Henry Longfellow / Jean Baptiste Calkin

+ + + WORD + + +

God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching and song.

FIRST READING Isaiah 61:1–4, 11 Hazel Acuńa

The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,

because the LORD has anointed me;

he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,

to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives,

and release to the prisoners; 2to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor,

and the day of vengeance of our God;

to comfort all who mourn; 3to provide for those who mourn in Zion —

to give them a garland instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

the planting of the LORD, to display his glory. 4They shall build up the ancient ruins,

they shall raise up the former devastations;

they shall repair the ruined cities,

the devastations of many generations. 11For as the earth brings forth its shoots,

and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,

so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise

to spring up before all the nations.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

ANTHEM SING NOEL - Stan Kopp, baritone

African Noel - Traditional

Go, Tell It on the Mountain - John W. Work / Traditional Spiritual

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SECOND READING 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24

16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in

Christ Jesus for you. 19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise the words of prophets, 21but test everything;

hold fast to what is good; 22abstain from every form of evil.

23May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound

and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

ANTHEM I Wonder as I Wander - Appalachian Carol / John Jacob Niles

*GOSPEL John 1:6–8, 19–28

The holy gospel according to John.

Glory to you, O Lord.

6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that

all might believe through him. 8He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 19This is the

testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" 20He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, "I am not the Messiah." 21And they asked him, "What then?

Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?" He answered, "No." 22Then they said to him,

"Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" 23He said,

"I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness,

'Make straight the way of the Lord,'"

as the prophet Isaiah said.

24Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25They asked him, "Why then are you baptizing if you are

neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" 26John answered them, "I baptize with water. Among you

stands one whom you do not know, 27the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his

sandal." 28This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

The gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

Please be seated. ANTHEM Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne - Emily S. Elliot / Timothy R. Mathews

SERMON THE “CAMEST” JESUS….WHAT? Pastor Sanford C. Mitchell

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*STATEMENT OF FAITH - adapted from Luther’s Small Catechism Pastor Mitchell

What do we believe about Jesus Christ,

who was born in Bethlehem,

died at Calvary,

and rose again on Easter?

I believe that Jesus Christ

– true God,

Son of the Father from eternity,

and true man,

born of the Virgin Mary

– is my Lord.

At great cost he has saved and redeemed me,

a lost and condemned person.

He has freed me from sin, death,

and the power of the devil

– not with silver or gold,

but with his holy and precious blood

and his innocent suffering and death.

All this he has done that I may be his own,

live under him in his kingdom,

and serve him in everlasting righteousness,

innocence, and blessedness,

just as he is risen from the dead

and lives and rules eternally.

This is most certainly true.

Please be seated.

OFFERING We Three Kings - John H. Hopkins, Jr.

CAROL MEDLEY

Please join the choir on the printed stanzas, as directed

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Charles Wesley / Felix Mendelssohn

Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn king;

peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled."

Joyful, all you nations, rise; join the triumph of the skies;

with th’angelic hosts proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!"

Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn king!"

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The First Noel - Traditional English

The first Noel, the angel did say,

Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;

In fields where they lay, keeping their sheep,

On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,

Born is the King of Israel.

Silent Night! Holy Night! - Joseph Mohr / Franz Grüber

Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright

‘round yon virgin Mother and Child.

Holy Infant, so tender and mild,

sleep in heavenly peace,

sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night! Son of God, Love's pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face,

With the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord, at your birth,

Jesus, Lord, at your birth.

O Little Town of Bethlehem - Phillips Brooks / Lewis Redner

O little town of Bethlehem,

how still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep

the silent stars go by;

yet in thy dark streets shineth

the everlasting light.

The hopes and fears of all the years

are met in thee tonight.

ANTHEM The Wexford Carol - Traditional Irish

Shawn Rausch, alto

PRAYERS Pastor Messner

After each portion of the prayers:

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

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LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen

+ + + SENDING + + +

God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

BLESSING Pastor Messner

God most high, God with us, God poured out on us,

Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen.

SENDING SONG O Come, All Ye Faithful - Latin Hymn / John Francis Wade

Choir O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him!

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

All O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant;

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!

Come and behold Him born the King of angels:

O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him!

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Women and Children

Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation;

Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!

“Glory to God, all glory in the highest!”

O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him!

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Choir Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;

Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv'n:

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!

O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him!

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

*DISMISSAL Pastor Mitchell

Through us, God wants to bless our community.

Go in peace. Share the good news.

Thanks be to God.

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2014 TRINITY CHOIR

SOPRANO – Patty Abel, Hazel Acuńa, Jena Barrick, Sara Barrick, Pam Bradley, Jane Burns,

Carolyn Daugherty, Becky Dickerhoof, Connie Ericson, Bobbie Harris, Heidi Holst, Kathy

Jacque, Carolyn Marenchin, Shirley Maurer, Marsha McNutt, Ann Miller, Dorothy Pflueger,

Joyce Picking, Julia Picking, Dee Pinkley, Cyndi Sawchak, Natalie Scott, Kathy Shelly, Emily

Smith, Catherine Swope, Kim E. Tanner, Gracie Vermillion, Kay Wolf

ALTO – Leesa Cox, Marty Duffey, Cuda Ingmand, Betty Keppler, Carol Obrecht, Pam Potter,

Stacey Prichard, Shawn Rausch, Barbara Rhoades, Becky Schaaf, Helen Steiger, Carolyn

Yannayon

TENOR – Tom Burns, Christopher Holst, Dave King, Michael Koch, Lee McClish, Kirk Rader,

Mark Rafeld, D.J. Rausch, Judy Staley, Steven Wolgast

BASS – Bob Harpster, Stan Kopp, Pr. Jeff Messner, Pr. Sanford Mitchell, Stewart Myers, Dick

Obrecht, Pr. Robert Pflueger, Mike Sattler, John Swope

ORCHESTRA

by David Hamilton

VIOLIN I

Jane Reed

Krista Solars

Bob Kennat

VIOLIN II

Ann Mohr

Amanda Wolgast

Allie Squires

Abigail Merkle

VIOLA

Jim Froelich

Patty Knox

Jordan Koogler

VIOLONCELLO

Miles Richardson

STRING BASS

Dave Lenigan

Adam Wolbert

FLUTE

Lori Lower

Lucas Snader

OBOE

Kristen Smith

CLARINET

Tim Workman

Kathy Kollar

TRUMPET

Jim Benshoff

Marty Sawchak

Philip Barrick

FRENCH HORN

Corinne Aebersold

ALTO SAXOPHONE

Fred Ackerman

Michael Daugherty

TROMBONE

Dan Forbes

Matthew MacDonald

John Walker

TUBA

Al Lawrence

PERCUSSION

Dave Wolbert

Austin Crist

TIMPANI

Brad Weidenhamer

HARP

Randal Miller

KEYBOARD

Kim Wolbert

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DIRECTOR - Ronald Marenchin

REHEARSAL ACCOMPANIST - Mark Koehler

SECTIONAL LEADER - Dee Pinkley

CHOIR LIBRARIANS - Dick Obrecht & Stan Kopp

MUSICAL LIBRARIAN - Cheryl Hildebrand

CHOIR ROBES - Gracie Vermillion & Kay Wolf

DECORATIONS - Sondra Hays & Cynthia Messner

STAGE MANAGER, LIGHTS AND SOUND -

Chris Vanderzyden, Chuck Benway

MULTIMEDIA - Tim Murawski

VISUAL IMAGES - Kirk Rader

SATURDAY REFRESHMENTS -

Merk Bon, Jean Culler, Bev McMillen,

Carol Meininger & Lorraine Ogden

10:45 RADIO BROADCAST - Bob Pinkley

PHOTOGRAPHY - Maurer Photography

SATURDAY MUSICIAN DINNER -

Kathie Buchanan-Hogue

and her Kitchen Crew

MUSICAL STAFF AND COMMITTEES

IMAGES used in THE WONDER OF CHRISTMAS include (in order of appearance):

Sandro Botticelli, “The Mystical Nativity,” c. 1500

Fra Bartolomeo, “Prophet Isaiah,” c. 1516

Francisco de Zurbaran, “Adoration of the Magi,” 1639-40

Peter Paul Rubens, “Virgin in Adoration before the Christ Child,” c. 1615

Fra Bartolomeo, “The Adoration of the Christ Child,” c. 1499

Lorenzo Lotto, “Adoration of the Shepherds,” c. 1534

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, “Nativity,” 1732

Andrea del Sarto, “Holy Family (Barberini),” c. 1528

Fray Juan Bautista Maino, “Adoration of the Shepherds,” 1612

Cornelis Saftleven, “Annunciation to the Shepherds”

Govert Teunisz Flinck, “Angels Announcing the Birth of Christ to the Shepherds,” 1659

Caravaggio, “Adoration of the Shepherds,” 1609

Abraham Bloemaert, “Adoration of the Shepherds,” 1612

Jusepe de Ribera, “Adoration of the Shepherds,” 1650

Lorenzo Lotto, “Nativity,” 1523

Battista Dossi, “Nativity,” c. 1520

Lorenzo Lotto, "Holy Family with Angels," 1536-37

Tiziano Vecellio, “The Holy Family with a Shepherd,” c. 1510

Andrea Mantegna, “Madonna with Sleeping Child,” 1465-70

Leonaert Bramer, “Journey of the Three Magi to Bethlehem,” 1638-40

Corrado Giaquinto, “Adoration of the Magi”

Abraham Bloemaert, “Adoration of the Magi,” 1623-24

Giorgione, “The Holy Family,” c. 1500

Giorgione, “The Adoration of the Shepherds,” 1505-10

Gerrit van Honthorst, “Adoration of the Child,” c. 1620

Jacopo Bassano, “Adoration of the Shepherds,” c. 1550

Jacopo Bassano, “Adoration of the Shepherds, 1590-91

Francesco Antonio Altobello, “Adoration of the Shepherds”

15

6:30 P.M. SATURDAY WORSHIP / WORSHIP CENTER at JACK’S PLACE

HOSTS & USHERS

Tim & Jeanne Saner

Doug Culler, John Maurer, Ron McConnell, Larry & Nancy

Seidner, Dwight & Beth Souder, David

CRUCIFER Gabe Kral

BANNER BEARER Cassie Schuster

NURSERY

SUPERVISOR

Jen James

8:30 A.M. SUNDAY WORSHIP / WORSHIP CENTER at JACK’S PLACE

HOSTS & USHERS Ron & Nancy Mosher

Merle Witmer, Don Price, Glenn Magrum, David Morr, Dave Shaw,

Doug Scott, Dave Will

CRUCIFER Alex McMillen

BANNER BEARER Johannah Hendershott

INFANT NURSERY Supervisor - Sara Paddags

9:30 A.M. SUNDAY SCHOOL

HOST Brian Hickey

INFANT NURSERY Supervisor - Sara Paddags

10:45 A.M. SUNDAY WORSHIP / WORSHIP CENTER at JACK’S PLACE

HOSTS & USHERS Bill & Carol Poeppelman

Bill Smith, Shawn Pence, Jenny Pence, Jeff Banks, Kathy Banks,

Paul Keske, Alex McMillen, Natalie Shreffler

CRUCIFER Ashley Connolly

BANNER BEARER Will VanScoy

CHILD CARE (Infant) Supervisor - Sara Paddags

(Toddler) Supervisor - Jen James

PARTICIPATING IN OUR SERVICES

CHRISTMAS EVE, DECEMBER 24

4 PM PRESCHOOL CELEBRATION For families with preschool children who wish to celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus and

then return home for family activities. A children’s sermon is included as well as a message

for the adults, delivered by Pastor Sanford C. Mitchell. The Preschool Choir will sing

Christmas selections. Please bring a can of food wrapped in white paper for the children to

present at the manger during the White Gift Ceremony.

6 PM CHILDREN’S CHOIRS

A service of carols with anthems from our Cherub and Junior Choirs and Luther Bells. Pas-

tor Jeff Messner will deliver the message and a children’s sermon. This service does not

include a candlelighting ceremony to encourage those with smoke-related allergies to wor-

ship with us on Christmas Eve.

7:30 PM COMMUNION BY CANDLELIGHT The Sacrament of Communion, a beautiful candlelighting ceremony, special music by the

Sonrise Singers and soloists, and the congregational singing of carols. Pastor Mitchell will

deliver the message.

8 PM PRAISE COMMUNION IN THE ROUND IN THE WORSHIP CENTER AT JACK’S PLACE, OUR FELLOWSHIP HALL

The Sacrament of Communion, a beautiful candlelighting ceremony in a meditative setting,

and special music and congregational carols led by the Praise Team and High Praise, our

youth choir. Pastor Messner will deliver the message. We encourage people attending this

service to park in the Chestnut and Walnut street lots.

9:15 PM COMMUNION BY CANDLELIGHT The Sacrament of Communion, a beautiful candlelighting ceremony, and special music by

soloists and ensembles and the congregational singing of carols. Pastor Mitchell will de-

liver the message.

11 PM FESTIVAL WORSHIP Broadcast live over WNCO - AM 1340 and the internet.

The late hour lends a special awe and festive nature to this service, which is preceded by a

recital of Christmas carols beginning at 10:30 p.m. The service features anthems by the

Choir, Trinity Bells, Trinity Brass and soloists, carol singing, and a candlelighting cere-

mony. Pastor Mitchell will deliver the message.

CHRISTMAS MORNING, DECEMBER 25

10 AM LESSONS AND CAROLS What better way to begin your Christmas Day than to celebrate the entire Christmas story

in words, carols, vocal solos and special music by brass and strings.