The parish children share their liturgical dance during the Gloria:
Shepherds we have heard on high... they walk in a circle, one direction and then the other.
 
First "Gloria" chorus, everyone comes together in the center.

Second "Gloria" chorus everyone turns out and praises God with their hands lifted up.

Children bring a bear to the service so it may be blessed and sent to Swaziland.
The hospice there uses the bears as a transitional object to help children cope with
losing a parent to HIV/AIDS.

Here are our two favourite bears!

The "Bear Garden" after it has been blessed.

Here's Barbara, overjoyed with her collection of bears -- and a wonderful problem:
where will we get enough boxes to pack these up and send them to Swaziland?

These are the bears Barbara brought for the teddy bear offering.
JD ('Just' Diane) didn't realize she had asked Barbara to get down on sore knees!

Here is three of four of the B family. Dana is out warming up the car!

Linda helps clean up after the service, sporting this exquisite blouse!

And what could be finer than to see Tamara help Grandma Janet get
candles down from those high shelves in the sacristy! So young and
already helping out on Altar Guild!
What you don't see here is the Offertory. JD got to do the solo verses
on the spiritual "Amen" while walking the aisle singing with people, singing
to people, smiling with people -- and basically having way too much fun.
Lisa kept the choir and the congregation going with the Amen refrain.
Everyone had a great time doing something a little different.
See the verses at the end of this page.

The Bell Choir warmed up musically and spiritually.

Their many hands work as one body.

And Janice puts her heart and soul into directing.

The Chancel Choir goes over some fine-tuning.

They are diligent, caring and full of vigor.

No one misses a beat.
    
The acolytes wait patiently for the Processional to begin.

The Chancel Choir helps lead the congregation in singing carols.

In addition, they provide special offerings during the carol time.

The congregation enjoys singing along to their favourite carols.

Choir members get ready for the Processional.

Daniel is acolyte and crucifer tonight, a ministry he truly savors!

Even the baptismal font is decorated for the holiday!

There is always time to take a break from conversation and give JD a smile!

Senior Warden Jim and daughter Sarah -- I have yet to get Nancy's photo, though! 

Mary and Bruce were at the 5:30 service, but come back to enjoy the carols.

Would you believe that just before I took this photo she was smiling at me!
Nothing is sweeter. Read Fr. Bill's sermon. He explains it better than I can.

Judy shares a grandmother's love.

It isn't often Mark is in one place long enough for me to get his picture!

Pointsettas are abundant and beautiful.

The wreaths on the doorway match the large wreath above the altar.

David's "pewlabras" line the center aisle, making the worship setting
absolutely stunning.

Merry Christmas!

Web master's note:
If I took your picture and it doesn't appear on this page, it is because
of my poor photography skills. There were several photos that didn't
turn out. If only I could have those live moments back again!
Amen

Amen. Amen. Amen, amen.

Way back in the Garden
Yahweh made a promise
Savior’s comin’

Hear the ancient prophets
Talk about Messiah
How they long to see him!

Come the holy angel
Gabriel come from heaven
Says have no fear now

Gabriel has the good news
Says unto the Virgin,
“He will be the Saviour!”

What you thinkin, Mary?
Will you be the Mother
Of the great Messiah?

See the girl Mary
Noddin in agreement,
“Be it done unto me!”

Mary goes a walkin’ now
Up to see her cousin
Talkin’ ‘bout salvation

Mary and Elizabeth
Jesus and the Baptist
John leaps to be with Jesus!

In the town of Nazareth
Joseph is a carpenter
Engaged to Mary

Kindly man is Joseph
Listens in his dreamin’
God tells the story:

“Call his name Immanuel,
God is with us.”
Joseph waits for the baby!

Off we go to Bethlehem
No room and no hospital
For the birthin of the Christ Child.

In a humble stable
Joseph cares for Mary
And Messiah’s in a manger.

Then to simple shepherds
Tending in the fields
Come the angels singing,

“Glory to the One God
Peace on the earth now
Good will to everyone!

“See the little baby
Lying in a manger
This is Christmas morning!”

Shepherds run to greet him
Worship and adore him
And they share the news with everyone!

Make us all like shepherds
Burstin with the good news
That Jesus is the Savior!

Over in the east lands
Sages see a new star
What can this mean?

Ready for their journey
Wise men bring the presents
For the new-born King of kings.

Gold and myrrh and frankincense
How they tell the story
Of Jesus crucified!

Yes, the Christ was crucified.
Yes, he died to save us.
And he rose on Easter!

Now he lives among us.
Here in every one of us.
Praise the Name of Jesus!

Ask the Holy Spirit
To help you share your Jesus
With your friends and neighbors!

Amen. Amen. Amen, amen.