Weekly Announcements

In chronological order: Walker Events & Meetings-all at the church unless noted otherwise.

& Public Events organized by others that will be held at Walker

Bioneers: Wed, Dec 17, Potluck at 6:30 pm.  Movie at 7:15 “Journey of the Universe-The Epic Story of Cosmic, Earth, and Human Transformation” produced by Mary Evelyn Tucker, John Grim, and Brian Swimme Solstice circle meditation & discussion at 8:15. Free and open to the public

Blue Christmas Service:  Thurs, Dec 18, 7 to 8 pm. An informal gathering around the fire place for conversation and mutual support as we live with the realities of Joy and Sorrow in this season. All welcome.

Initiates:  Sun, Dec 21, 8 am to 9:45 am in the conference room.  FFI Howard Kranz

Sunday Celebration: December 21, 10 am. The Sunday Celebration Committee with the Walker Children present “The Story of the First Yule” by Andras Corban Arthen. Don’t miss this beautiful story about how YULING came into being.  When winter is too dark and cold, YULING is our best option!

Yule Celebration

December 21, 2014

Greetings by Don Browne & Beth Richards

Communal Singing of Christmas Carols: led by Howard Kranz & Dave Wojcik

Communal Reading:  Our mission is to nurture spirituality, build caring community & work courageously for peace with justice and mercy.

Welcome, Introduction of Visitors & Announcements

Invocation: “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” by Mary Parker followed by 5 minutes of silence

Advent Wreath Lighting by Nathan, Julia & Jane Gehrenbeck-Miller

Reader: “While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger” (Luke 2:6-7).

Reader: Tonight, angels far and near sing tender lullabies; well-worn fabric full of years holds in the warmth of parental love; animals and shepherds crowd in tight, glowing with adoration, while a muffled cry squeezes out to greet the world.

People: Tonight we give thanks for every child among us. Each new birth reminds us of the preciousness of life, the potential of tomorrow, the promise of God.

Reader: On this Christmas Eve, we light the Christ candle for the child-King, the infant-Redeemer, the lowly-Lord. And now we know . . . He is born and nothing will ever be the same!  (All the candles are lighted.)

“Magnum Mysterium” by the Walker Singers

Scripture Reading Luke 1:46b-55 by Peter Doughty

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.  He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.  He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.  He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Sermonette by Pastor Walter Lockhart

Offering and Congregational Song: “In the Bleak Midwinter”

The Story of the First Yule! by Andras Corban Arthen

Thank you to our Sunday School Children for their great acting!

Communion, Joys and Concerns& sharing of bread & juice brought by Allyson Hayward

Closing Song:  “Round and Round Song”

Refreshments in the narthex

Thanks for:  Hospitality set-up by Barbara Hager, Treats by Carole Megarry, Help is needed with clean-up.

Winter Solstice: Sun, Dec. 21. Gather at 4 pm, Solstice Candle Ritual from 4:30 to 5:45 pm. On the longest night of the year we gather to celebrate the rebirth of the Sun in our lives.  We will honor the quiet beauty of Winter and bless the Sun by lighting candles to represent what brings light to our lives.  Following the Candle Ritual those who wish may transition into the sanctuary, where a short drum circle with Drum Superior will segue into an evening concert with songwriter Lojo Russo and storyteller/musician Rachel Nelson.  All are welcome.  Free (suggested donation for evening concert $ 7)  FFI Bonita Blumenauer

Holiday Community Meal Ham Dinner:  Tues, Dec 23, 5:30 to 6:45.

Christmas Eve Service: Wednesday,  December 24, 4 pm. The Sunday Celebration Committee presents our beloved Christmas Eve Service with Music and Candlelight and Memories. You will be warmed and comforted by “Emma’s Quilt”. Children are invited to attend this service with their families. Childcare is also available. Come and welcome new birth with us!

Walker Women’s 4th Saturday Brunch:  Sat, Dec 27, 9:30 am in the conference room.  FFI Lulu Philips

Walker Men’s Group (4th Sat) :  Sat, Dec 27, 9:30 am in the home of a group member.  FFI Jim Feldman

MBOTMA Bluegrass Jam:  Mon, Dec 29, 7 pm

Breakfast for Dinner Community Meal:  Tues, Dec 30, 5:30 to 6:45.

Events held every week at Walker

Sunday Meditation Group 8:15-9:30 am.  FFI Nancy Larsen,

Celebration 10 am. Sunday School 10:30 am.

Shabach Tabernacle Service Sundays 1:30 to 3:30 pm. FFI Pastor Daniel Turner

Monday Morning Coffee Gatherings10 am at Lake Street Coffee, 3223 East Lake St.

Walker Singer Rehearsals Tuesdays 6:45 to 7:45 pm.  FFI Jim McCreary.

Community Meals:  Every Tuesday 5:30 to 6:45 pm

Aztec Dancers Mondays 6:30 to 7:30 pm.  Open to all.

Rosen Movement Class Wednesdays 9 am to 10 am.  FFI Phyllis Weiner

Materials are needed for the next Sanctuary Art Project which will be created by Adel Gardner and (hopefully) every member of the Walker Community. We will each create a part to be added to the whole. It is a simple project that will begin to be created after Christmas. Yarn is one of the materials that is needed  and Adel is requesting yarn donations to be brought to Walker. There will be a labeled container available in the clockroom for you to add your yarn donation. Further Information will follow. Thank you in advance!’ Adel

Ukulele Yule:  Friday, December 26,  7-9pm at Zeke’s Unchained Animal 3508 E. Lake St. The Fireroast Mountain Boys gather the community for the 8th annual seasonal affective roast of our Lord and celebration of the ukulele replete with cultural references to Monty Python, Elvis, Roof Raking, Comfort Food and the Hockey Puck Blues.

Advent Vigil for Peace:  Wed, Dec. 17, 7 pm at Hamline Church, St. Paul. The church will hold a candlelight vigil for peace as the nation struggles with the painful realities of racism, violence, and injustice.  FFI follow the link: Advent candlelight vigil for peace: