Hello Friends,
On Sunday, December 13, the Sunday school children and youth led us in worship through their performance of this year’s Christmas pageant at both worship services. The “Not-So-Silent Night” was a play with actors depicting a courtroom scene in which the defendants, which were the shepherds, were charged with “disturbing the peace” as they discovered the birth of Jesus on that night in Bethlehem. The large cast of characters (played by the children and youth), which acted as witnesses for the defense attorney (played by Carmen O.) and the prosecuting attorney (played by Pastor Bob) did an excellent job of conveying their experience of the birth of the Christ child. At last being convinced that “this Good News was for sharing,” the judge presiding over the case decided in favor of the shepherds and the story of God’s plan was told. Meanwhile, the younger children acted in the pageant to form the nativity scene. The shepherds with their flock of sheep, farm animals, and a host of angels gathered around Mary, Joseph, and the newborn Savior to bring the pageant to its finale. Engaging the congregation in song, Christmas hymns interjected the acting at several cued points during the drama to reinforce the message of the coming of the Lord this advent season.
We can be so grateful to Wednesday S. (who directed the pageant), Leah W. (who organized the costuming and prop needs), Rachelle L., Vikki P-E., Alma Q., and Mark M. As members of the Christian Education team, each of these persons went the extra mile to make certain that this worship service was meaningful for both the children and youth, and the congregation. The families of our church are so blessed to have a team that is consistently committed to pointing our kids to Christ’s love and a team whose actions model this Good News that we have to share. Additionally, a special thanks is owed to Lori C., who remained with us each rehearsal to lead Mary and Joseph (ages 4 and 3), and to Bob G. and Lowell T. for lending us their musical talent during worship. Scott W. is to be praised for his support and tireless work in the facilitation of our sound system needs.
As the year 2009 draws to an end, the pastoral staff and Christian Education team members wish to say “thanks” to you — parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and congregation — for your support of our church’s ministry to children and youth. We realize that the miles you have traveled and the time you have spent in dedication to the growth of your child’s faith are too numerous to count, and the impact of your dedication will be too abundant to count, as well. We thank the Lord for each of you!
Please take some time today to reread the scripture passage from December 13 (Zephaniah 3: 14-20) as we celebrate the redeeming work that God is doing in us through Jesus Christ.
Singing a song of joy, Jonathan Tarman
