Welcome to Christ Lutheran e-news, a weekly electronic newsletter which highlights programs and activities of our congregation. Feel free to .


    
The Feast of the Epiphany is one of the Church's most ancient celebrations. We'll celebrate this Sunday morning, and again at Wonder and Wisdom at 5:00, when we'll all take a role in a pick-up pageant, and enjoy a feast around the Lord's Table, too. You know the drill by now: invite a neighbor, a grandchild, a grandpa, and welcome the wonder and wisdom of every generation.
Music Notes
Tom Berryman, Music Director
This past Christmas Eve was quite an exciting musical evening. Ross Petot, Max Petot and John Clark brought refreshing jazz harmonies to familiar carols and Jeff Kinney, Hannah Kinney and Rony Figueroa helped introduce the hispanic tradition of Las Posadas at the afternoon service.
 
For the evening service, my fall and resulting sudden departure reminded me, and perhaps all who attended, of the substantial skill and leadership our CLC singers and players demonstrate weekly. They admirably and ably met the needs of this festival service, offering beautiful music and lifting the worship. I offer much gratitude for their service.

Here is a musical New Year's wish from composer, William Walton in his setting of an anonymous 16th century text:

What cheer? Good cheer! Be merry and glad this good New Year!
Lift up your hearts and be glad in Christ's birth', the angel bade,
Say each to other, if any be sad: 'What cheer? What cheer?'

Now the King of heav'n his birth hath take,Joy and mirth we ought to make: Say each to other, for his sake:'What cheer? What cheer?'

I tell you all with heart so free Right welcome, welcome ye be to me:
Be glad and merry, for charity! What cheer? Good cheer!
Be merry and glad this good New Year!


What cheer?
What cheer?


Adult Formation
ADULT FORUM


Russell Pollard continues our conversation on difficult biblical texts this Sunday and next, guiding us in a discussion of slavery in the Bible. Join us at 9:00 in the Memorial Room.
                                 
CLC BOOK GROUP January 6, 2020, 7:30 p.m.

The book group will meet next Monday, January 6, 7:30 p.m. to discuss the novel 
Little Fires Everywhere,  by Celeste Ng.


                                     
BIBLE STUDY

Pastor Richard Hurst is hosting the Bible Study Group at his home this Thursday, January 2.  The topic centers on "A Christmas Carol" - more specifically the ghost of Christmas Present.  Gather at 9:45 am for coffee,  with the discussion at 10,  followed by a luncheon beginning around 11:30.  

All are invited!  The address is 166 South Main Street, Natick;  Feel free to contact Rev. Hurst at 508-335-5703 for more information.  

Call to Action


 (Almost) last chance to donate to the minibus project. Vote with your dollars to the minibus acquisition to choose a wig for Pr. Bourret to wear--at least on Sunday mornings: 


Indicate your choice with your accompanying contribution.  





Also: We hope to fill the bus with quilts, both child- and adult-sized, as well as children's and adult sized  small  sweaters and sweatshirts and hoodies-even size medium is too big for most migrants-and sleeping bags. Gently used are fine, or apply for a Thrivent Action Team grant and purchase some new ones! 

                                      





Register now for our 2020 mid-winter retreat at Camp Calumet, January 31-February 2. Registration forms are available in the narthex or in the January  Reporter


             
   
          
Looking Ahead


As close as we are to acquiring a minibus for Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey in El Paso, we'll soon be planning for Pastora and her husband Fernando to return to Boston to pick it up. Watch for a planned blessing of the minibus and send-off for Pastora and Fernando!

                                 




                                                    
On Sunday, January 5,  we celebrate the Second Sunday of Christmas ,  10:00 a.m. worship. Pastor Rebecca Bourret   preaching and presiding.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEK - Second Sunday of Christmas
January 5, 2020

At the turn of the year we meditate on endings and beginnings, knowing that all the world's time begins and ends in God. We watch and keep vigil for the coming of God's justice.

            First Reading                          Psalm                     Second Reading                         Gospel
             Jer 31: 7 - 14                          Ps 147                        Eph 1: 3-14                          John 1:10-18
Sing For Joy
Enhance your understanding of the weekly scripture readings by listening to Sing For Joy http://www.stolaf.edu/singforjoy/ from St. Olaf College.  The Sing For Joy radio program, produced by St. Olaf College , has a simple mission: to explore the weekly themes of Christian worship by providing the best in sacred choral music and thoughtful commentary. The musical performances eloquently "do the talking," while the concise remarks from host Pastor Bruce Benson illuminate the meaning of the texts.
Do you have information for our weekly e-news? 
Please be in touch by email if you have news to include.
STAY CONNECTED: 
Like us on Facebook