This past Sunday evening Winebrenner Seminary hosted its second annual “Christmas at the Chapel” on the Scotland campus in Pennsylvania. People from the greater Chambersburg area came, but there were quite a few others from further away, like Harrisburg, Lancaster and Maryland. All told, about 250 attended. David Newell, Scotland Campus director, led the service. Dennis Koontz served as song leader with Mike Walker, Steve Dunn, Dave, and me as readers. Phil Shuman from Shippensburg played the organ with assistance from Mark Wilson who played the flute, piano, and trumpet at various times. The order of worship originated in 1880 and became known as the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Coming from an Anglican tradition it follows a formal liturgy that incorporates readings from both the Old and New Testaments. Over the years the celebration retained the nine readings and the opening song, but otherwise witnessed flexibility in song choices, special music, and prayers. The order of service also includes a homily which Mike delivered this year on the angelic message given to the shepherds of Bethlehem. |
Reading through the texts, with intermittent carol singing, presented the Christmas story in a moving way, connecting Old Testament passages with their New Testament fulfillment. Times of quiet reflection and the special music accentuated the significance of Christ’s humble birth and his world changing mission. This year Sarah Walker Baumgardner, Mike Walker’s daughter, sang two vocal solos including one of my favorites, “O Holy Night.” In addition a select choir from Global Vision Christian School (our Korean students) led the congregation in “Lo, How a Rose.” The music filled both the hall and the soul as well. |
The service concluded with a traditional candle lighting by the congregation, all singing Silent Night. From the front of the sanctuary it was a grand and awesome sight to see the room aglow with the warm yellow light. Before the closing blessing, I led the congregation in a dedication moment for the new bell pavilion in front of the church building. It was dedicated in memory of Melinda S. Walker and in honor of the Walker family. Mike secured the 1853 bell from our Harrisburg First Church when they sold their bethel earlier this year and had it transported to the Scotland Campus. It provides an appropriate link for the Churches of God mission then and now. I offered the closing blessing and we five worship leaders recessed to greet the congregation. I suggest readers plan to come next year. I certainly will! |
Ed
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Train Your Church Leaders
I didn't know how to engage volunteers. I didn't know how to turn the youth into an effective team. I didn't know how to develop young leaders. I was young and available. Luck wasn't enough. I needed training. I wasn't the only one.
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Listen to my interview with author Reggie McNeal, as he speaks about the importance of building a coaching culture in your church: http://www.coachingclarity.org/?p=917
Thanks!
Brian Miller