Tag Archives: Bible

Bethlehem Christian Families 2024

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements and tagged with , , , ,

Olive Wood Nativity

Bethlehem Christian Families

On Saturday and Sunday, February 10 and 11, 2024, we will have a special opportunity to view products and creations in olive wood created by the hands of Christian artisans in and around the Holy Land region. The Rishmawi Family has been designated as the representative for these wonderful Christian artisans and has been authorized to show their olive wood carvings.

These items will be displayed on tables in the parlor (the room near the Sanctuary and the church offices).  The items will be available both before and after our regular worship services.  These are on Saturday, February 10, at 6:00 p.m., and on Sunday, February 11, at 10:00 a.m.

Most, if not all, of the items on display will also be available for purchase.  The sale of these items supports the Christian families and their ongoing witness to the Gospel in the land of Jesus’ birth and ministry.

We have welcomed our Christian brothers and sisters from the Holy Land to MLLC over the years for we are united in our faith in the saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Body of Christ stands together in faith, hope, and love.

Nativity Olive Wood

The tradition of Olive wood carvings in the Holy Land has been handed down from father to son since the 12th century. Due to the difficulties the last few years in the Middle East, tourism has been dramatically reduced and these folks have suffered greatly.  This is causing the Christian community to immigrate to different countries leaving the Christian population at 2% today from 25% fifteen years ago.

We invite you to visit their display tables and view some of the finest handcrafts available from the Holy Land.  This Family strives to bring these fine carvings to our church.

You can view these beautiful items On-Line @ http://www.bethlehem-art.com/

“We call on our churches worldwide to recognize that the very presence of the Christian communities in the Holy Land is threatened by the severity of the present conflict and by the economic devastation the conflict has caused. When the Mother Church is endangered, the entire Churches must be involved “   – The Christian Bishops of Jerusalem

Pentecost 2023 – Wear Red to Worship

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Pastor's Ponderings and tagged with , , , , , , , , ,

Holy Spirit Icon Pentecost

The Great Festival of Pentecost

On the weekend of May 27-28, 2023, we will be celebrating one of the central festivals of the Church Year.  This is the Day of Pentecost.  It is the celebration of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on the whole church.  We read about this dramatic giving of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1-42.  This giving of the Holy Spirit was a powerful kick-start of the mission and ministry of the Church following the Ascension of Jesus ten days earlier.

At MLLC we are offering two distinct worship opportunities for the celebration of Pentecost.

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Saturday, May 27 at 6 p.m. – The Vigil of Pentecost.

This is a time of waiting, listening, and praying as we prepare for the grand festival.

Readings, candles, Pentecost Sermon of St. John Chrysostom, Holy Communion

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Sunday, May 28, at 10 a.m. – The Day of Pentecost

Festival Worship Service for Pentecost

Reading of Acts 2, Pentecost Sermon of St. John Chrysostom, Holy Communion

Penteocost fire bw

The Festival Vigils

At MLLC we offer both the Vigil and the Festival services for all three of the Major Festival celebrations:  Nativity (Christmas), Resurrection (Easter), and Pentecost.  Each of the Vigils is on the night before the grand festival day.  Each of the Vigils includes a special time using handheld candles. The Vigil of the Nativity is more commonly known as, “The Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.”  The other two use the titles, “The Vigil of Pentecost,” and, “The Great Vigil of Easter.”

Christmas Eve 2014 Candles

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Remember to Wear Red for Pentecost

red pentecost 2

It is happy tradition that people are encouraged to wear something Red to worship on Pentecost Weekend.  We follow this at MLLC as well.  It is not required, for it is simply a joyful way to celebrate the Holy Spirit and our life together in Jesus.  Look through your drawers and closets for red ties, red shirts, red dresses, red skirts, red suspenders, red coats, or whatever you could wear for this holy and joyful weekend of worship.

Holy Week Schedule 2016

Posted by Pastor David Tinker in Announcements and tagged with , , , , , ,

Holy Week Schedule

We invite you to Holy Week 2016

 

Maundy Thursday, March 24

Maundy bread wine
Worship at 7:00 p.m.
Remembering the Last Supper,
Washing of Feet and Hands, First Holy Communion, Presentation of Bibles to First Communion Candidates

 

Good Friday, March 25

Good Friday nails crown thorns

7:00 p.m.
Prayer and Readings, Tenebrae,
Remembering Jesus’ death on the cross.
Reflections by the Apostle John

 

Note the Three Options for attending Worship on Easter:

A grand celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord!

Saturday at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday at 7:30 a.m.
Sunday at 9:00 a.m.
Details below:

 

The Resurrection of Our Lord: The Vigil of Easter, March 26

Vigil cross symbols

Worship at 7:00 p.m. (will last until about 8:20-8:30 p.m.)
Service of Light, Service of Readings,
Baptisms or Remembrance of Baptism, Initial Holy Communion of Easter
Entry of Easter Flowers into Sanctuary

 

The Resurrection of our Lord:  Resurrection Sunday, March 27

Resurrection Easter cross flowers
Sunrise Service 7:30 a.m. – Carmine Cemetery – bring a lawn or folding chair for seating.  The service will be held at the covered pavilion at the cemetery in the event of rain.

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Easter Breakfast 8:00 a.m. – in Fellowship Hall

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Festival Worship 9:00 a.m. – Sanctuary

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Sunday School Resurrection Celebration and Egg Hunt ~10:15 a.m.