An ELCA Congregation in Decorah, IA
At the Christmas Day Worship service, a special reading from Isaiah, the 52nd chapter, said: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” A low brass quartet helped celebrate the message of rejoicing in the birth of Jesus.
The Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Good Shepherd featured many Christmas carols, special selections by the choir, clarinets, flute, and guitar, and an offertory composed by Music Director, Brooke Joyce.
Children processed into the sanctuary with white and gold streamers, laying them in front of the altar, and played bells during the well-known hymn, “Hark the Harold Angels Sing.” Candles were lit by congregation members while singing, “Silent Night.” Luminaries lined the sidewalk and entry way. Old and new friends gathered to celebrate the birth of the Christ child.
To prepare for the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Good Shepherd children created luminaries to line the sidewalks leading into the church. They filled the luminaries with sand before adding votive candles into the base of the luminary.
Candles to be used during the service were placed inside holders and arranged in baskets for distribution.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
AT
GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH
Pastor Amy Larson
Brooke Joyce, Music Director
Thursday, December 24 – Christmas Candlelight Service
4:15 p.m. – Special Gathering Music
4:30 p.m. – Worship Service with Holy Communion; Children invited to join opening procession with gold and white streamers and spontaneous bell-ring during a carol; Choir offerings; Luminarias placed along entry sidewalk
Friday, December 25 – Christmas Day
9:30 a.m. – Worship Service with Holy Communion; Low Brass Ensemble offerings
Sunday, December 27 – Service of Lessons and Carols
8:45 a.m. – All are welcome to join the pick-up choir at 8:45 to rehearse for the Offertory, “Good King Wenceslas”
9:30 a.m. – Service of Lessons and Carols (No Communion)
The Good Shepherd children presented a Christmas Program on Sunday, December 20. The program included special music as well as scripture readings and hymns. Children processed into the sanctuary in costume, then read Bible passages and narrated a short poem. The program sequence was News for Mary: Luke 1:26-28; The Family Arrives: Luke 2:1-7; The Angels and Shepherds Arrive: Luke 2:8-16; The Magi Arrive: Matthew 2:9-11; and The Sending: Isaiah 9:6. The program concluded with a live creche scene in the the front of the sanctuary.
After the program, a simple supper was enjoyed in the Fellowship Hall.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Good Shepherd is fully accessible to all. (Learn more)