E-MINDER: the Church of the Incarnation

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THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 9 –

DECEMBER 16, 2007

 

 

This past Sunday, for the annual Christmas Pageant, the children of Incarnation presented the story of Saint Lucia and the customs surrounding her feast day — December 13.  Afterwards, it was noted that pageant directors Elizabeth and Adelaide had eliminated from their narration some of the gore and horrors of Saint Lucia's martyrdom.  I personally thank them for doing so.  The full details — for those who desire them — can be found here.

 

Questions also arose at Coffee Hour as to why Saint Lucia, who was Italian, is mainly remembered and celebrated in Scandinavia.  There are two commonly-given answers to this query.  The first is that the Nordic countries are particularly dark and cold by mid-December, so Lucia (which means "light") is an appropriate and sought-after saint for the season.  The other is a legend of "a ship carrying a maiden 'clothed in white and crowned with light' [who] appeared on the shore in Värmland (Sweden) during a great famine. The maiden, widely believed to be Lucia, distributed food and clothing to the needy, thus endearing herself to the Swedish people."[*]

 

Thank you, Elizabeth and Adelaide, for directing a delightful pageant and inciting such interest in Saint Lucia!

 

THIS WEEK AT INCARNATION

 

Wednesday, December 12       12:15 pm. Holy Eucharist

                                                6:30 pm. Holy Eucharist and Homily 

                                                           

Friday, December 14               12:15 Holy Communion with prayers for healing.

                                                6:00 pm.  Greening the Church.  The Men's, Women's, and Twenties & Thirties Groups will decorate the church for Christmas.  All are invited to the Rector's apartment for refreshments afterwards.  Come to the 35 Street door for the decorating.  If you arrive well past six, and the door is locked, join us at 209 Madison Avenue for refreshments.            

 

December 16^th

Third Sunday in Advent

 

8:30 am:  Holy Eucharist

in the Chapel of the Nativity

Homily: the Rector

 

10:00 am: Adult Forum meets in Parish House to study the book of Isaiah.

 

11:00 am: Communion with Choir

Sermon: the Rector, "No Offense"

Music of Bach, Berger and Hindemith

 

5:00 pm: Festival of Lessons and Carols

with Chamber Orchestra and Choir.

Bach-Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G, BWV1049; choral music of Darke, Bach, Kodaly, Poulenc, and Tavener with traditional carols by Willcocks, Putter and Near.

Sermon: the Rector, "Royal Watchers"

The service will be followed by the annual Christmas Party.

Invite your friends, family and neighbors!

 

COMING UP AT INCARNATION

Wed., December 19                 7:15 pm. Feeding the Soul: Soup & Silence, Part II.

                                                A simple meal and quiet time for contemplation will be offered in the Parish House as a way to observe Advent, a penitential season of anticipation and preparation for the arrival of Christ.  Please inform Amanda (212 689-6350) if you plan to attend.

 

Mon., December 24                 10:30 pm. Musical Prelude featuring soloists from the choir.

                                                11:00 pm. Festival Eucharist with choir and organ – Music of Haydn, Poulenc, and Widor, with traditional carols.

 

Tues., December 25                11:00 am.  Holy Eucharist with Visit to the Crèche with soloists from the choir.

 

Sun., December 30                  5:00 pm.  New Year's Contemplative Candlelight Communion, followed by a sparkling cider and champagne reception.  Happy New Year!

 

Mon., December 31-               Church and Parish House closed for New Year's

Tues., January 1, 2008             holiday.

 

Be well.

 

~the Rev. Amanda Kucik Rinas: amanda@churchoftheincarnation.org 

More details available online: www.churchoftheincarnation.org.

 

The featured image is found at http://www.georgia.se/images/lucia2.jpg

 

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[*] http://gustavus.edu/events/stlucia/about.cfm