Pastor Mike’s Message- Hail the Coming of the Light

Advent is upon us, a time of reflection leading to our celebration of the arrival of the light—Jesus the Christ!

This is always an exciting and wonderful time at Trinity, and this year should be no exception. But it also can be a confusing time with multiple services and some changes in the schedule.

So allow me a few moments to be “practical” rather than inspirational—and I will do my best to explain some of the highlights of the coming season.

On December 11th, we will celebrate with choir and orchestra in the offering of the cantata, “Let Heaven and Nature Sing, Gloria!” There will only be two services on this day (at 8:45 and 10:45) and Sunday School will be held at 9:45. Please note that our Fellowship Committee will offer refreshments between the services, so come early (or stay late) for the chance to meet and celebrate together!

On Christmas Eve five services will be offered as we welcome the Christ Child:

3:00PM A simple traditional service featuring a sermon, Holy Communion (intinction), and carols. This service is “new” to Trinity, and offers those who prefer not to be on the roads on Christmas Eve the opportunity to worship.

5:30PM Our service for families with small children. This wonderful service is both short and child-friendly. As always,  J.J, will present the message. There are carols, special music, and the service ends in candlelight (and glowsticks for the little ones!). Please note: Holy Communion is not offered at this service.

7:00PM Trinity’s traditional Family Service. (Communion is not offered at this service.) The service includes the same children’s sermon used at 5:30PM and musical offerings from the children’s and youth choirs. Please come early (as seats tend to fill quickly) for this service!

9:00PM Our mid-evening service is something of a combination between our Family Service and Midnight Mass. There will be solo musical offerings, a traditional sermon, and carols. Holy Communion is offered at this service and will be distributed at the communion rail. There is no children’s sermon at this service.

11:00PM Trinity’s “Midnight Mass.” The service features a full traditional liturgy, music by the Chancel Choir, and Holy Communion distributed at the communion rail.

In case you haven’t noticed, Christmas itself is on a Sunday this year! That means we will have worship at Trinity. However, there will only be one communion service offered at 9:45AM. Please consider sharing your Christmas Day (as well as your Christmas Eve) with us! There is no Sunday School Christmas Day.

The following Sunday is New Year’s Day! Considering the holiday, Council and Worship and Music have decided to again offer one service at 9:45AM. This service will be what is becoming a “tradition” here at Trinity: “Come Before God’s Presence with Singing!” (There is no Sunday School New Year’s Day). This wonderful service will feature many of our talented Trinity vocalists as they offer songs of faith in a relaxed and festive celebration that includes Holy Communion. There is no sermon as the message is presented totally in song.

(Any who are interested in offering their gifts on this day should contact either me or Mark Herr.) Try to come a little early, seating can be tight—even on a holiday—for this service!

As the season progresses, we will try to remind you (as the Bible says, “in many and various ways”) of the schedule of our celebrations. Please make every effort to join us as we welcome the Christ Child. I am confident that your participation in worship will bring meaning and joy to the season and prepare you for a “Happy New Year.”

In Christ,
Pastor Mike