This Sunday December 9 we will welcome Donna Marie Todd, story-teller, who will present the proclamation at both services, in the form of a story-sermon. A story-sermon is a style of preaching in which narrative is the primary means of conveying the message of a given scriptural text. The listener will be struck foremost by a sense of hearing a wonderful story; upon reflection during and afterward, however, fuller meaning emerges as the listener reflects on the story and its characters. This is a powerful means of conveying the message of our faith, and Donna Marie Todd is one of the finest practitioners of this preaching style in the US. (That she was recently selected to edit the journal of Biblical story-tellers is ample proof of this.)
Donna Marie will be using the lectionary readings for this Sunday (Isaiah 11.1-10 and Matthew 3.1-12) as the basis for a story about a man preparing to meet his Maker and a congregation struggling to learn the true meaning of initiation into the faith and hospitality. A musician also, Donna Marie has woven into this story-sermon participation by worship music leaders in the form of the songs "Shall we gather at the river" and "Down to the river to pray." The message is such that even some children who usually depart for extended session during worship may wish to remain to hear the story this week.
On December 16 the Adult Choir will present a special musical offering, A Christmas Garland, by Conrad Susa. This extended work is a medley of Christmas carols, some familiar some new. For this performance the choir will be accompanied by organ (our own Carla Sperry), piano (local resident Adele Holevas) and harp (newcomer Jilliona Bailey). The choir is excited to bring this message of the birth of the Prince of Peace in song.
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