Sunday, November 29, 2015

First Sunday of Advent

First Evangelical Lutheran Church 900 Main Street Brockton, MA 02301

www.firstevlutheran.org

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Today’s altar flowers are given to the Greater Glory of God and in memory of my mother,

Gunborg Linnea Carlsson by Kerstin & David Denholm.

Presiding Minister: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

Assisting Minister: James Benson

Lector: 9 am : Chris Dunphy

Crucifer: Brittany Czarnowski Acolytes: Aurelia Portal & Manny Robinson

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Vision Statement

Our vision is to become a visible, outreaching community resource consisting of diverse, ac-

tive, enthusiastic and supportive Christians of all ages, working together with dynamic leader-

ship and ministering to the spiritual and social needs of the congregation and community.

Our Mission Statement:

Gathered in Christ, Together We Serve

A Congregation of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church 900 Main Street Brockton, Massachusetts 02301

Telephone: 508-586-9021 Fax: 508-583-5501

Website: www.firstevlutheran.org

Ministers: The Members of First Evangelical Lutheran Church

Pastor: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

E-mail: jjohnson@firstevlutheran.org Cell: 508-944-7109

Parish Administrator: James E. Benson

E-mail: jbenson@firstevlutheran.org Cell: 508-207-8746

Church/Financial Secretary: Paula M. Fedele

E-mail: pfedele@firstevlutheran.org

Minister of Music: David N. Burnham

Sexton: Brian Gagne

Pastors Emeriti: The Reverend Michael P. Fruth, Ph.D., Pastor of FELC for 29 years

The Reverend Kenneth W. Hilston, Jr., Assistant Pastor & Pastor of FELC for 31 years

Minister of Music Emerita: Hope E. Mehaffey, Minister of Music at FELC for 53 years

The Service text and Music is from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2009 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual

License #27131. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.

Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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PRELUDE David Burnham, Organist

“Pastorale” (from the First Sonata) Alexandre Guilmant

Sunday, November 29, 2015 First Sunday of Advent

CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,

clothed in majesty ever since the world began,

who loves us and frees us from our sins,

who leads us with all the saints to everlasting life.

Amen. Let us draw near with a true heart

and confess our sins to God.

Silence is kept for reflection.

God our maker and redeemer,

we confess that we have sinned against you

in thought, word, and deed.

We come for refuge to your infinite mercy.

You have given your only Son to die for us;

have mercy on us, and for his sake,

forgive us all our sin.

By your Holy Spirit, increase in us

true knowledge of you and your will,

and true obedience to your word,

that by your grace we may come to everlasting life;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen. Almighty God has had mercy on us,

and God’s only Son has been given to die for us,

and for his sake God ☩ forgives us all our sin.

Believing in Jesus’ name,

you have received power

to become the children of God;

you have received the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

WELCOME

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GREETING The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be

with you all. And also with you.

GATHERING HYMN 259

“Fling Wide the Door” Macht Hoch Die Tur

KYRIE PG 147

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PRAYER OF DAY

The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house

of Israel and the house of Judah. 15In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous

Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16In

those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which

it will be called: “The LORD is our righteousness.”

Let us pray.

Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection alert us to the threaten-

ing dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of justice, for you live and reign with the

Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THE FIRST READING: Jeremiah 33:14-16

The Lesson Ends: Lector: The Word of the Lord Congregation: Thanks be to God

ADVENT HYMN 240

First candle is lit during the following verse:

“Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah” (verse 1) Tif In Veldele

Light one candle to watch for Messiah

let the light banish darkness.

He shall bring salvation to Israel,

God fulfills the promise.

LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH

BLESSING (spoken together)

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe.

You call all nations to walk in your light

and to seek your ways of justice and peace,

for the night is past, and the dawn of your coming is near.

Bless us as we light the first candle of this wreath.

Rouse us from sleep,

that we may be ready to greet our Lord when he comes

and welcome him into our hearts and homes,

for he is our light and our salvation.

Blessed be God forever.

Light one candle to watch for Messiah

let the light banish darkness.

He shall bring salvation to Israel,

God fulfills the promise.

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The Lesson Ends: Lector: The Word of the Lord Congregation: Thanks be to God

THE PSALM: Psalm 25 Chanted Responsively

1To | you, O LORD,

I lift | up my soul.

2My God, I put my trust in you; let me not be | put to shame,

nor let my enemies triumph | over me.

3Let none who look to you be | put to shame;

rather let those be put to shame | who are treacherous.

4Show me your | ways, O LORD,

and teach | me your paths.

5Lead me in your | truth and teach me,

for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all | the day long.

6Remember, O LORD, your compas- | sion and love,

for they are from | everlasting.

7Remember not the sins of my youth and | my transgressions;

remember me according to your steadfast love and for the sake of your good- | ness, O

LORD.

8You are gracious and up- | right, O LORD;

therefore you teach sinners | in your way.

9You lead the low- | ly in justice

and teach the low- | ly your way.

10All your paths, O LORD, are steadfast | love and faithfulness

to those who keep your covenant and your | testimonies.

THE SECOND READING: 1 THESSALONIANS 3:9-13

9How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God

because of you? 10Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and

restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

11Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. 12And

may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we

abound in love for you. 13And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be

blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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The gospel is announced. The holy gospel according to Saint Luke the twenty-first chapter.

Congregation: Glory to you, O Lord.

GOSPEL: Luke 21:25-36

[Jesus said:] 25“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations

confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is com-

ing upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27Then they will see ‘the Son of Man com-

ing in a cloud’ with power and great glory. 28Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise

your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

29Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30as soon as they sprout leaves you can

see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31So also, when you see these things taking place,

you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all

things have taken place. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

34“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries

of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, 35like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on

the face of the whole earth. 36Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these

things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

The gospel concludes: The gospel of the Lord. Congregation: Praise to you, O Christ.

CHILDREN’S SERMON 9:00 AM

SERMON Pastor Jeff Johnson

HYMN OF THE DAY 436

“Wake, Awake, for the Night is Flying” Wachet Auf

APOSTLES CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Emmanuel has come, is here, and is coming soon. Let us join in prayer for the church, the

earth, and those who are in need, that all receive what God promises to give.

A brief silence.

Come to the church, saving God. Grant to your people your redemption. Stand with all Chris-

tians who are persecuted for the faith. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Come to the earth, creating God. Protect the lands from environmental disasters. Nurture the

animals and plants that you have made. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Come to the nations of the world, sovereign God. Inspire all leaders to work for justice. Bring

peace to Jerusalem. We pray for peace throughout the world. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Come to all in need, mighty God. Protect those who suffer injustice. Comfort those who live

in fear. Heal the sick. Accompany the dying. We pray especially for . . . . Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Reveal yourself to this congregation and to our community, gracious God. Deepen our love

for one another. In this season, give us compassion for all who suffer, and keep us from selfish

excess. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered. Loving God, you bring to yourself all the faithful

who have died. Strengthen us in holiness until with all the saints we come to see you face to

face. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Receive our prayers, merciful God, and make us ready to receive you when you come through

Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

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PEACE

The presiding minister and the assembly greet each other in the peace of the risen Christ.

The peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

OFFERING

CHOIR OFFERTORY FELC CHOIR

“Lo! He comes with Clouds Descending ” Sam Batt Owens

OFFERTORY CANTICLE 686 “We Give Thee but Thine Own” (first verse) Heath

OFFERING PRAYER

Let us pray,

God of abundance, we bring before you the precious fruits of your creation, and with them our

very lives. Teach us patience and hope as we care for all those in need until the coming of your

Son, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

DIALOGUE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE

PREFACE

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places

give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ.

You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will also

make all things new in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness. And so,

with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your

name and join their unending hymn:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

Holy God, You alone are holy. You alone are God.

The universe Declares your praise:

Beyond the stars; Beneath the sea;

Within each cell; With every breath.

We praise you, O God.

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Generations bless your faithfulness:

Through the water; by night and day;

Across the wilderness; Out of exile; Into the future.

We bless you, O God.

We give you thanks for your dear son:

At the heart of human life; near to those who suffer;

Beside the sinner; Among the poor;

With us now.

We thank you, O God.

In the night in which he was betrayed, Our Lord Jesus Christ took bread, And gave thanks;

broke it, And gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; This is my body, given for you.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, And gave it for all to drink, Saying:

This cup is the new covenant in my blood, Shed for you and for all people for the

forgiveness of sin.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

Remembering his love for us on the way, At the table, and to the end, we proclaim the

mystery of faith.

We pray for the gift of your Spirit: In our gathering; Within this meal; Among your people;

Throughout the world.

Blessing, praise, and thanks to you, holy God, Through Jesus Christ, by your Spirit, in your

church, without end.

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THE LORD’S PRAYER

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those

who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

Goodness is stronger than evil. Life is stronger than death. Taste the goodness and life of God.

LAMB OF GOD

THE COMMUNION (The assembly may be seated)

Christ welcomes you to this Feast of the Baptized. This morning's communion will be a communion at the rail using

Intinction as the method of distribution. Please come forward at the direction of the ushers, receive the bread from the

Pastor or Assistant, then to the cup and dip the in either the wine (the chalice closest to the bread) or in the grape juice

and proceed back to your seat by the side aisles. If you require gluten free bread, please indicate such to the Pastor/

Assistant.. Please Do Not Drink from the Cup. Small Children and infants are assisted by adults.

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HYMNS DURING COMMUNION

438

“My Lord, What a Morning” Burleigh

464

“Bread of Life, Our Host and Meal” Jesus, Feed Us

POST-COMMUNION BLESSING Assembly stands

The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.

Amen

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray,

Holy One, we give you thanks that in this bread and cup we have feasted again on your end-

less love. Let that love overflow more and more in our lives, that we may be messengers to

prepare your way, harvesters of justice and righteousness, and bearers of your eternal Word,

our Savior Jesus Christ.

Amen.

THE BLESSING

May God direct your ways in peace, make you abound in love for one another and for all, and

strengthen your hearts until the coming of our Lord Jesus. Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and

Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.

Amen.

THE SENDING HYMN 244

“Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers ” Haf Trones Lampa Färdig

DISMISSAL

Go in peace. Christ is with you.

Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE

“Trumpet Tune” Carson P. Cooman

POST-COMMUNION CANTICLE 501

“Come with Us, O Blessed Jesus” Werde Munter

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I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and Understanding.

Jeremiah 3:15

Installation of

The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

as the Pastor of First Evangelical Lutheran Church

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

7:00 pm

OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEK

TODAY:

7:45 & 9:00 AM FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT/WORSHIP 10:15 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL

BOOK OF FAITH CLASS

CHOIR REHEARSAL

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2:

10:00 AM BIBLE STUDY

2:00 PM FOOD PANTRY TRUCK TO BE UNLOADED/VOLUNTEERS WELCOME

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5:

9:00 AM WREATH HANGING & PREPARATION FOR INSTALLATION SERVICE

NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6:

7:45 & 9:00 AM SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT/WORSHIP 10:15 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL

BOOK OF FAITH CLASS-YOUTH ROOM

YOUTH MEETING

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Let Us Pray for our members that are homebound or ill,

or otherwise in need of our prayers:

Francella MacFarland, Mary Haraldstad, Marian Nelson, Donna Persson, Carolyn Kenyon, Leah Benson-(St.

Joseph’s), Laura Erickson, Eric Johnson, Jeanne Newman, Jeanne’e O’Connell, Alice Regnell, Gary Eli-

asson-(Champion), Elsa Persson, Vivian Tofteroo, Annette Lindh, Beatrice Monson (Golden Living Center,

Attleboro), Craig MacNevin, Trudy Ciancarelli (Notre Dame Health, Worc), Ethel Sylvia, Joanne Shotwell,

Dolly Anderson (West Acres), Carolyn Perry, Deborah Washburn, Phyllis Bolinder

and for those members of our extended family:

Scott Dunne, son of Phyllis & John Dunne, John Core—brother of Jeanne Govoni, Frankie Vigorito-friend

of the Rovaldis, Bob Lowe-friend of Susan Rovaldi, Bernice Ethier—grandmother to Emily & Chris Kostka,

Don Surgens—friend of the congregation, Lorena Giordano—sister-in-law to Carolyn & Phil Giordano, Da-

vid Thompson – Brother of Bob Thompson, Steve MacLeod —Friend of the MacNevins, Jeenie Heeley—

grandmother of Jason Caffelle, Callen Pellerin-nephew of Jason Caffelle, Rachel Grabau-daughter of Russ &

Marian Grabau, Marilyn Gilmetti-friend of Lloyd & Wilette Thompson, Brigitte Shaw– mother of Angie

Goucher, Sharon & Randall White-friends of Angie Goucher, Evelyn Shanahan-cousin of Barbara DeCarli, -

Audrey Gordon- aunt of Barbara DeCarli, Carol Redden-friend of Barbara DeCarli, David Carlson-brother

of Ruth Johnson, Kristiana, Steve, Steven & Lillian Pastir-friends of Beth Christensen, Bob Cook & Sharon

Palumbo-friends of Jean-Ellen Ouellette-Kenney, Sheldon Lee—friend of Lloyd & Wilette Thompson, Juanita

Jenkins-sister of Tana Jenkins, Maureen Pigeon-friend of Pat McAfee, Kevin Gagne-brother of Brian Gagne,

Janice Barber-friend of Pastor Jeff. Sebastian Sousa-son of Stacey Weatherbee , Sylvia Foster-aunt of Pastor

Jeff,

and for a Special Measure of God’s Grace upon:

Lance Corporal Jarod Maze—godson of Jeanne Govoni to be deployed to the Middle East, Captain Scott

Friski U.S.A.F ,— grandson of Phyllis Nielsen, Sgt. Erik Akerblom—now stateside, Sgt. Ryan R. Casey,

USMC serving in California—grandson of Carole Casey, SPC Shawn Jenkins-son of Tana Jenkins-now

serving in Afghanistan, Lance Corporal Joseph Reardon, USMC, cousin of Dana Christensen.

THE 2016 OFFERING BOXES ARE LOCATED IN THE

HALLWAY OUTSIDE THE PARLOR.

Please remember to pick up your own and the boxes belonging

to your family members, who could not be with us today.

Thank you!

Martha Guild is looking for donations of spritz, pepparkakor, or

other cookies for Lucia Fest. Cookies may be dropped off Sun-

day morning December 13th. Thank You!

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The Giving Tree is now on display in front of the Chapel. This year we are supporting Ruth House and oth-

ers in need. Please select an ornament from the Giving Tree for a gift card in various denominations to ei-

ther Target or Market Basket. (Generic gift cards like Visa, Master Card or American Express are also ac-

ceptable.)

Sign your name in the log book next to the ornament number you have selected. Return your gift card to

either Paula in the church office during the week or deposit the card into the wrapped

gift box by the tree on Sundays. The last collection day is Wednesday, December

9th.

Our Youth Group will shop with the gift cards to purchase the items request-

ed. It is great fun to see our youth and the shopping carts lined up at the check-

out! Please contact Liz Belanger or Lynn Pearson with any questions you may

have. We sincerely appreciate your generous support!

Parish Nurse-Health Ministry By the nineteenth century religious denominations in the U. S. were implementing health ministry pro-grams with congregations. A parish nurse focuses on the promotion of health and well-being of physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. Spirituality is an important aspect of health as it can affect other needs. Faith, prayer and healing go together. A parish nurse works with the pastor, other healthcare members, and lay people in the congregation. The most common intervention of the parish nurse is to fulfill the role of educator, counselor, advocate and facilitator. HEALTH is a good acronym: 1.Health Counseling 2. Educator of Holistic Health 3. Advocate/Resource Person 4. Liaison to Community Services 5. Teacher of Volunteers 6. Healer of Body, Mind, Spirit. A parish nurse functions independently as defined by the Nurse Practice Act of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Scopes Standards of Parish Nursing Practice. (Established 1998). Jesus sent his disciples, a group of people he chose, out to do his ministry, to preach and heal the sick. Jesus stressed healing the whole person, body, mind and spirit. As we look to expand our health ministry here at First Lutheran, we will need all who can provide any help, skill, little or great, drawing us all together for the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being and wholeness of our church family.

Sandy White

Please plan ahead: 2015 Annual reports from all commissions/committees are due to Jim

Benson by Monday, December 28 so that the annual report can be assembled and mailed in a

timely fashion. It is preferrd that reports be e-mailed to Jim at jbenson@firstevlutheran.org

and that they be a Word document in 12 point, Times New Roman font. If you have any

questions please speak to Jim. Thank you!

On Saturday morning, December 5 at 9 am volunteers are needed to help members of the

Worship & Music Commission with hanging wreaths and swags in the church and doing final

preparations for Pastor Jeff’s Installation. All are welcome—coffee and goodies will be pro-

vided.

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Lucia Fest

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Time: 4:00 p.m.

Come, participate in this joyous festival!

Lucia, the Queen of Light, brings the promise of

light for the upcoming holidays.

Traditional Swedish refreshments will be served

following the program.

Bring your children and grandchildren

to this family event.

A special visitor from the North Pole will drop by.

Cost of ticket: $5.00 adult. Children under 12 free.

Tickets may be purchased after services or from the church office.

Save the date

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Installation help needed: Volunteers are needed to provide baked goods and other items for

Pastor Jeff’s Installation Service on Tuesday, December 8 and help is needed in the kitchen

prior to the reception and following the reception clean-up help is needed.

If you can help in any way please speak to Pat McAfee or Jim Benson after church this

morning

ATTENTION COMMISSION/COMMUITTEE CHAIRPERSONS: Our Finance Com-

mittee along with treasurer Al bandlow and administrator, Jim Benson are beginning to

develop the 2016 budget. We ask that all Commissions/Committees submit budget requests

to Jim no later than Monday, December 7.

RECORD BROKEN!!!

The November distribution of food by our Food for Friends Food Pantry broke previous rec-

ords both for the number of clients served and the amount of food distributed.

We served 297 client families and we distributed 32,579 pounds or 16.28 tons! of food.

We want to thank everyone who donated turkeys or funds to cover the cost of turkeys as well

as all our wonderful volunteers. Our regular volunteer base was supported by 20 students

from Stonehill College that came to assist. The members of the MYCW (Mass Youth Com-

mitted to Winning) basketball team that uses the Fruth Center’s Hilston Gym were there in

force along with some of their parents as well as their coaches. We are truly thankful for the

great volunteer support that we receive from outside our walls. Every client was served—we

did not run out of turkeys or chickens and we still have relatively good supplies of dry goods

and will replenish our inventory over the next few weeks before our December 12th distribu-

tion. Please feel free to join us anytime between 7 and Noon on December 12 to help—or, if

curious about what we do and who we serve just stop in and observe.

Again, THANK YOU to all who support this ministry to our community.

The MYCW team, parents and

coaches at the November food

pantry distribution.

Photo by Chris Newman

Thank you the

Stonehill students

that helped at the

November food

pantry distribution!

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NEW VESTMENTS: This morning you will notice Pastor Jeff wearing a new vestment

called a chasuble. At the request of Pastor Jeff and the Worship and Music Committee the

Congregational Council approved the purchase of a complete set of these vestments to be

purchased using memorial gifts. We have a chasuble for each liturgical color of the church

year—simple in design this set is made of lined silk damask with cotton velvet adornment.

Following is a brief history and explanation of a chasuble:

The chasuble /ˈtʃæzjʊbəl/ is the outermost liturgical vestment worn by clergy for the celebra-

tion of the Eucharist in Western-tradition Christian Churches that use full vestments, primari-

ly in the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran churches. In the Eastern Churches of

Byzantine Rite, the equivalent vestment is the phelonion.

"The vestment proper to the priest celebrant at Mass and other sacred actions directly con-

nected with Mass is, unless otherwise indicated, the chasuble, worn over the alb and

stole" (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 337). Like the stole, it is normally of the

liturgical colour of the Mass being celebrated. The chasuble originated as a sort of conical

poncho, called in Latin a "casula" or "little house," that was the common outer traveling

garment in the late Roman Empire. It was simply a roughly oval piece of cloth, with a round

hole in the middle through which to pass the head, that fell below the knees on all sides. It

had to be gathered up on the arms to allow the arms to be used freely.

In its liturgical use in the West, this garment was folded up from the sides to leave the hands

free. Strings were sometimes used to assist in this task, and the deacon could help the priest

in folding up the sides of the vestment. Beginning in the 13th century, there was a tendency

to shorten the sides a little. In the course of the 15th and the following century, the chasuble

took something like its modern form, in which the sides of the vestment no longer reach to

the ankle but only, at most, to the wrist, making folding unnecessary.

At the end of sixteenth century the chasuble, though still quite ample and covering part of the

arms, had become less similar to its traditional shape than to that which prevailed in the

nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when the chasuble was reduced to a broad scapular,

leaving the whole of the arms quite free, and was shortened also in front and back. Addition-

ally, to make it easier for the priest to join his hands when wearing a chasuble of stiff (lined

and heavily embroidered) material, in these later centuries the front was often cut away fur-

ther, giving it the distinctive shape often called "fiddleback". Complex decoration schemes

were often used on chasubles of scapular form, especially the back, incorporating the image

of the Christian cross or of a saint; and rich materials such as silk, cloth of gold or brocade

were employed, especially in chasubles reserved for major celebrations.

Source: Wikipedia

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In Grateful Recognition

Sir Winston Churchill, the great Prime Minister of Great Britain once remarked that “We make a living by

what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” We are blessed as a congregation that we have so many

that give and that give freely of their financial resources as well as of their time and do so quietly, humbly, and

of good spirit and in the process enrich not only their own being but enrich the lives of others as well.

Today, we recognize one from among us that has given so much of his time, knowledge and compassion in

enriching the lives of others—Phil Robinson.

As many of you know a short time ago when Phil retired he and his wife Kris made the difficult decision to

transfer their church membership to Zion Lutheran in Plymouth to be closer to their Kingston home—even

after this move Phil continued his deep involvement in our Food for Friends Food Pantry ministry. Phil has

now made the tough decision to retire from his Food for Friends involvement as he pursues other works of

generosity at Zion and the joys that come with retirement.

Nearly a decade ago Phil was among the first volunteers of Food for Friends, a new vision, a new ministry of

the church—moving from those in need to being handed a small amount of food or coming to a church door

that boasted a sign “No Food”—to a pantry that in 2015 will serve over 900 families and distribute more that

300,000 pounds of food. As a start up ministry Phil was involved in every aspect of the pantry—setting up

shelves, procuring food, stocking shelves, managing distribution. Since its beginnings with about 600 square

feet of space, borrowed space in church refrigerators and closets, 40 or 50 clients and a distribution of 20,000

pounds annually, picking up food in Boston in a pick-up truck — Phil has helped grow Food for Friends to

meet the growing needs of a community—now at the Fruth Center in more than 2,500 square feet, nearly a

thousand clients annually, a distribution of more than 150 tons of food, our own truck, 10 freezers and 3 re-

frigerators—Phil—you will be missed!

Our client volunteers, some who are here this day to honor Phil, will miss greeting Phil at 7 am on the second

Saturday of each month with a friendly smile and hug which was always appreciated and exchanged. Our own

First Lutheran volunteers, the Girl Scouts and other groups and individuals that help monthly will also miss

Phil’s smile and determination to get the job done.

Phil will be missed—we ask that you keep Phil and Kris in your prayers as we know they will continue to pray

for us and for the ministry of Food for Friends. THANK YOU PHIL!

Phil