ANNOUCEMENTS FOR THE WEEK of NOVEMBER 30, 2014
Advent Begins November 30th!
With the celebration of Thanksgiving and the frenetic consumerism of Black Friday in our rearview mirror, we have a long list of our own traditions to help us focus on the road ahead, preparing us to celebrate Christ’s birth, including:
Poinsettias on the Altar: The deadline for ordering poinsettias is Monday, December 8th. A sign-up sheet is in the narthex at the rear of the church for your convenience today and next Sunday.
Christmas Baskets: Helen Butrimowicz is looking for volunteers to provide baked goods and other items and to pack up a dozen baskets for delivery to those unable to join us during holiday services. The baskets will be prepared on Sunday, December 7, in the undercroft following the 11a.m. service.
Advent Services: Mark your calendars for our mid-week Advent Services on Wednesdays, December 3rd, 10th and 17th at 7pm. Join us before the services for a soup supper, beginning at 6pm. To volunteer to bring your specialty, contact John Lindemann at the church office or sign up on the Soup Supper sheet in the narthex. If needed, we will reimburse you for your ingredients.
FLC’s Annual German Christmas Service: On Sunday, December 7th at 4p.m. The homily and liturgy are presented in German by Pastor Dutzmann, along with traditional German Christmas hymns and Lutheran music selections from Bach, Telemann and Johann Crüger. Featuring Audrey Fernandez-Fraser (soprano), Héloise Dégrugilliér and Thilo Henkes (recorders), Allison Drenkov (cello), and Bálint Karosi (organ). A reception follows the service with German kuchen and tea.
Caroling in the Courtyard: Join us on December 14, following the 11a.m. service as we sing of good cheer to neighbors and passersby (and offer them a little hot chocolate and cookies). All ages and all voices welcome!
CONFIRMATION CLASS – Next Sunday, December 7, at 12:30
Meets following the 11 a.m. service. The final class of the year will meet on Sunday, December 21.
A Living Nativity, December 6 & 7, 6pm – 8pm
See how Bethlehem looked 2,000 years ago when God, in His mercy, took on human flesh and came to live with us as we live so that He can live with us forever as He lives. At Our Savior Lutheran Church of Westminster, MA (the junction of Routes 2 and 140). Visit www.livingnativity.net.
Lutheran Essentials – Wednesdays during Advent
We’ve been meeting for several weeks to discuss “The Spirituality of the Cross,” written by Gene Edward Veith, Jr. The book explores the author’s journey to becoming a Lutheran. We will continue to meet through Advent on Wednesday evenings, December 3rd, 10th, and 17th, following the 7p.m. service (we’ll take a break for Christmas and New Years, and dive back into the book on the 7th of January).
Even if you’ve missed our gatherings, please join us. The book for the study, as well as copies of the Book of Concord, are provided free of charge. IF you have any questions, please contact Pastor, the Elders or Paul Edmon.
While We’re Planning Ahead
The next FLC Voters’ Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2015, following the 11am service. We look forward to having voters, those who want to be voters, and members of the congregation join together to review and make decisions about the business of the church.
Altar Flowers and Coffee Hour
There are still many openings for both Altar Flowers and Coffee Hour sponsors after the 11am service! Sign-up sheets can be found on the bulletin board in the hallway next to the church office.
Ushers/Lectors Needed
Help FLC on Sunday mornings by serving as an usher or lector! To usher, speak with or email Head Usher David Litke (david.litke@gmail.com) or speak with any of the ushers To lector, let Ron Eisner (at ron.eisner@verizon.net) or any of the Elders know if you’re interested.
This Week’s Calendar
Monday, December 1:
7 pm – Choir Rehearsal
Tuesday, December 2:
3 pm – Staff Meeting
Wednesday, December 3:
6 pm – Soup Supper
7 pm – Advent Service
8 pm – Lutheran Essentials
Friday, December 5:
7:30 pm — Antico Moderno Concert
Saturday, December 6:
6 – 8 pm – A Living Nativity, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Westminster, MA
Sunday, December 7:
12:30 pm – Campus Connections
12:30 pm – HomeBound Basket Preparation
12:30 pm – Confirmation Class
4 pm – FLC German Service/Reception
4 pm – Installation of Pastor David Boyd at Trinity Lutheran LC, Keene, NH
6 – 8 pm – A Living Nativity, Our Savior Lutheran Church in Westminster, MA
SPECIAL NOTE—USE OF CHURCH: The Garden Club of the Back Bay will be using the church undercroft and the courtyard during the week for its annual Christmas wreath decorating, beginning later this afternoon.
The church office is typically staffed Monday through Friday, from approximately 10am to 5:30pm. If you have reason to visit the church during the week, please call 617-536-8851 to make sure we’re home. Thanks!
