From Your Ministry Coordinator
Dear Family in Christ… December 2011
Here we are…making preparations for the Christmas season! Doesn’t it seem that we
just put away the decorations? But here we are…lighting the lights and trimming the
trees. Many of us have already put our “Celebrate Jesus” signs out in our yards. Yes,
indeed…it’s almost Christmas!
Our outreach choir, “Voices of Praise” have been preparing for Christmas since
Wednesday, September 7! On that night we gathered together wearing shorts, fans
blowing and the air conditioners running! Christmas seemed so far away…but in the
blink of an eye here we are. Next week is it! Our cantata is called The Name,
Jesus! It may possibly be the most moving Christmas cantata we have ever done. I
am not sure why that is. Perhaps it is the style of music that appears in this
cantata…a wonderful blend of high-energy Gospel music that shakes the pews mixed
with slow, quiet arrangements that are so beautiful and tender. Maybe it’s because
this cantata uses so many familiar songs including “Come On, Ring Those Bells,” “O
Holy Night” the “ There’s Something about that Name” along with well loved carols
like “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Angels We Have Heard on High” and others.
Whatever it is, we love this cantata and can’t wait to share it with all of you! We look
forward to seeing you there.
This is a busy time for all of us. In addition to the planning, preparing, decorating,
baking, cooking, etc. etc. etc. we have many special events to attend as well. There is
no way to avoid it…its just plain busy! But, having said that, I pray that we as the
people of Emmanuel, in the midst of a very busy and stress-filled season, will be able
to rest and abide in the peace of that silent night in Bethlehem some 2000 years ago.
May the Holy Spirit work within each of us and allow us the spend this season with
“heavenly peace.” That’s what God wants for His children…to have lives filled with
peace and joy.
Merry Christmas!
Rich~
Dear Family in Christ… December 2011
Here we are…making preparations for the Christmas season! Doesn’t it seem that we
just put away the decorations? But here we are…lighting the lights and trimming the
trees. Many of us have already put our “Celebrate Jesus” signs out in our yards. Yes,
indeed…it’s almost Christmas!
Our outreach choir, “Voices of Praise” have been preparing for Christmas since
Wednesday, September 7! On that night we gathered together wearing shorts, fans
blowing and the air conditioners running! Christmas seemed so far away…but in the
blink of an eye here we are. Next week is it! Our cantata is called The Name,
Jesus! It may possibly be the most moving Christmas cantata we have ever done. I
am not sure why that is. Perhaps it is the style of music that appears in this
cantata…a wonderful blend of high-energy Gospel music that shakes the pews mixed
with slow, quiet arrangements that are so beautiful and tender. Maybe it’s because
this cantata uses so many familiar songs including “Come On, Ring Those Bells,” “O
Holy Night” the “ There’s Something about that Name” along with well loved carols
like “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Angels We Have Heard on High” and others.
Whatever it is, we love this cantata and can’t wait to share it with all of you! We look
forward to seeing you there.
This is a busy time for all of us. In addition to the planning, preparing, decorating,
baking, cooking, etc. etc. etc. we have many special events to attend as well. There is
no way to avoid it…its just plain busy! But, having said that, I pray that we as the
people of Emmanuel, in the midst of a very busy and stress-filled season, will be able
to rest and abide in the peace of that silent night in Bethlehem some 2000 years ago.
May the Holy Spirit work within each of us and allow us the spend this season with
“heavenly peace.” That’s what God wants for His children…to have lives filled with
peace and joy.
Merry Christmas!
Rich~
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Rich Criss Ministry Coordinator |