Join us this Sunday, December 13, the third of Advent, a celebration of joy. This year we will be joining with others across the country on a journey to find more hope, love, joy and peace in the world even when we don’t see it! That is the concept behind this year’s Advent and Christmas season entitled “In Believe Even When…Fill the Night with Music and Light.” Especially this year, with the rise in cases of the COVID virus, when racism is running rampant in our nation, when we are more divided than ever, can we believe that there is a way forward together—all of us together? A short poem found on the cellar wall of a concentration camp shortly after the end of WWII becomes our anchor text as we journey toward Christmas. Readings for this service will include scripture from the Prophet Isaiah and the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke. The sermon by Pastor Lucozzi is entitled “I Believe In God: Joy Down in My Heart” Music under the direction of Peter Amidon includes excerpts from the anthem written especially for this worship series, “I Believe Even When” by Mark Miller, featuring soloist Cathy Hess. Our anthem for this Sunday is “Magnificat” written by Peter Amidon. Hymns for this Sunday include “My Heart Sings Out,” words by Ruth Duck, music traditional, “Shout for Joy,” a traditional African American spiritual and “See Now Like a Phoenix Rising” words by Billy Bragg, set to Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, arr. by Paul Halley. The children’s story for our service is Red and Lulu by Matt Tavares read to us by Sue Owings. Join us in raising your voices and sharing your light in ways that tell the world: do not be afraid!
