CALVARY EPISCOPAL CHURCH

821 South Fourth Street The Reverend J. Edward Morris, Rector

Louisville, Kentucky 40203 nedmorris@calvaryepiscopal.org

(502)587-6011

www.calvaryepiscopal.org

Christmas 2004

Sing now, and be merry, all rejoice and say:

our most precious treasure poor in a manger lies

and shines as the son in his mother's arms.

You are Alpha and Omega!

Where is the place of joy?

Probably nowhere else but there, where the angels sing

with the Holy Three together, and the Psalms ring

in the highest heaven's hall: Oh, that we were there!

(from a Medieval Latin hymn)

Dear People of God,

I greet you with great joy and good tidings as befits this Season when we welcome once again, our Savior Jesus Christ! As the words from the ancient and poetic hymn say, "Sing now, and be merry, all rejoice..." we also pause in the midst of a busy and demanding time of year to praise God and proclaim the good news of Christ's birth.

At Calvary Church, there is a tradition of wonderful worship and music, and this is especially highlighted at Christmas. Please plan to attend one or both of the Christmas Eve Services. At 4:00 p.m. there will be a celebration of the Holy Eucharist, Rite II, with an emphasis placed on the youth and children. At 9:30 p.m. we will begin our second service with the Lighting of the Christ Candle followed by a festival of Christmas music. The Christmas Eve liturgy, Holy Eucharist, Rite I, will begin at 10:00 p.m. The evening promises to be one of joyful celebration and meaningful worship.

Please note that on Sunday, December 26, there will be a combined service at 10:00 a.m. There will be no Christian Formation classes on December 26 or January 2. However, at the 11:00 a.m. service on January 2, we will hear the story of Epiphany (the Visitation of the Magi) told to our children from the chancel steps. Christian Formation classes for all ages will resume on January 9.

Enclosed in this letter, you will find a Christmas Offering envelope. I ask you to please give generously to this special collection. This is a great opportunity to end the year with a sign of gratitude for all of the blessings you have experienced from God over the course of the last 12 months. It is also a special opportunity to say thank you to God, for the most wonderful gift ever given.

It is extremely gratifying to say how special it is to be here with you. Ellen, Halstead, William, and I are so pleased to be at Calvary. Thank you for your warm welcome and well wishes. I thank God for being called to serve our Lord with you.

Merry Christmas,

J. Edward Morris