It was illegal to celebrate Christmas in Massachusetts between 1659 and 1681. As late as 1850, Worcester's courts were in session, its markets open and its churches closed unless December 25 happened to fall on a Sunday. The Puritans insisted there was no Biblical justification for celebrating Jesus' birth on December 25. They noted correctly that the Church didn't celebrate the "Christ Mass" on December 25 until the fourth century and that Church leaders chose the date because it was already a pagan holiday marking the winter solstice.
The Puritans also turned their noses at other December festivities rooted deeply in European culture and transplanted to New England soil. In the northern European agricultural societies, December had long been the "punctuation mark" in the rhythmic cycle of work and rest. By mid to late December, the harvest was gathered, the meat was hanging in the smokehouse and the barrel of ale was ready to be rolled out. In other words, the hard work was done and folks were ready to party! It was a rowdy, boisterous time. A time to eat, drink and be merry. Get drunk and fight. Roll around in the hayloft.
December's drunken excess and merriment often progressed into troublemaking with distinct class overtones. Roving bands of drunken workers roamed the streets singing raunchy songs denouncing their rich landlords and bosses. They pounded on doors and broke windows demanding bonuses of food and beer. Since this was the same time the church celebrated the Christ Mass, religion, class politics and drunken revelry got all mixed up together.
This fine European tradition followed the farmers and sailors across the Atlantic to New England where bawdy and violent scenes of Christmas excess were displayed on the streets of Boston, Springfield and Worcester. The Puritans responded by banning the celebration of Christmas altogether.
Of course the ban didn't work. How can you ban that much fun? Drunken, singing mobs continued to roam the streets taunting the rich (this was called wassailing by the way). When the straight-laced North American Church leaders (and the wealthy elite who were targets of the revelry) realized they couldn't ban the holiday, they decided to wrestle Christmas away from the mobs by inventing new Christmas "traditions" that would make the holiday more religious and family-oriented. Enter the Christmas tree, St. Nick, gift giving and Christmas caroling. My point in sharing this brief history of holiday cheer and merriment is to offer my response to Christians who bemoan the plight of Christmas in our culture by wishing we could return to the good old days when Christmas was a purely religious and churchy affair. Yes, I agree. Christmas has become too secular. Madison Avenue, the shopping malls and the internet have turned it into a consumer feeding frenzy. Christmas is just another opportunity for some to get drunk and act silly at the office party. But to long for the days of yore when Christmas was a purely religious event? To wish the church still had Christmas under its exclusive control? That time probably never existed. As social historian Stephen Nissenbaum observes, "the church's hold over Christmas was (and remains still) rather tenuous."
Church and culture have long wrestled with each other over Christmas. Within the heart and soul of western culture, the desire to worship and the desire to party have been the yin and yang of Christmas for many years. Of course worship and celebration are not exclusive. It's just a matter of how you choose to worship and how you choose to celebrate.
So, here's my prayer that your Christmas worship will be celebratory, and your Christmas celebration worshipful. Receive the good news with great joy! Merry Christmas!
With great joy and thanksgiving, we welcome seven new members into our fellowship of worship and ministry.
Dr. Pam Tucker has a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and her own start-up company. But the big excitement in Pam's life is that she's expecting a baby girl!
Chester Rosson is no stranger to the church. Chester has been an active participant and choir member for a number of years.
Dr. Barbara Burnham is also no stranger as she too has been an active participant and choir member for a number of years.
Devin Zimmerman is a graduate student at the University of Texas studying library science. Devin hopes he's can remain in Austin upon the completion of his degree.
Nicole Harter is also a graduate student at the University of Texas studying comparative literature. Nicole has been active in our college-age Sanctuary Ministry.
Tom VandeStadt and Robin Chapman moved here recently from Syracuse, New York. Tom is our pastor and Robin is an attorney. They have an eight-year old daughter, Alex, active in the Sunday School program.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
VOTE APPROVES FREEZE NIGHT AND LIFEWORKS
At our November 11 Congregational Meeting, Ben White moved that the Congregational Church of Austin host a freeze night program for youth, sponsored by the Austin Area Interreligious Ministries. During the discussion, it was noted that food will be brought from outside to be warmed in our ovens. There was some discussion as to where the youth would eat, in the choir room or Appel Hall. Moderator John Moore stated that the Trustees will determine the conditions and use of the facility. The motion passed unamimously.
Regarding LifeWorks, John Moore outlined the history of the program and our church's relationship with it. Prior to a motion being proposed there was considerable discussion both for and against the LifeWorks proposal. Included among the concerns were a) that we may be in the same situation we were in the last time we hosted a program by this group and that our facility may deteriorate; b) that the goals and outcomes expected of the program are not clear; c) that other better programs might be available. On the other hand, people expressed a strong desire to minister to homeless youth and to express Christ's love in an unconditional manner. Suzanne Bradford moved that we accept the LifeWorks proposal, with the detailed conditions to be worked out by the Board of Trustees. An amendment that there be a contract for a period of one year was approved. The amended motion passed by a vote of 26 to 7.
TOM'S INSTALLATION DATE SET
On Sunday, December 9, at 3:00 pm, Tom VandeStadt will be officially installed as the pastor of the Congregational Church of Austin. Members of the South Central Conference and Brazos Association will be present to participate in this service of worship and celebration. Please mark your calendars and plan on being present to share this joyous afternoon with your church. (Additional parking: 2306 Nueces.)
A Note to Share
Dear Friends,
The abundance of your caring for me and my family for the past few weeks has been more than I could possibly acknowledge to you individually. So, this is my way of saying thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your kindnesses, including delicious meals, wonderful calls, visits, notes, cards, bouquets and plants.
Most of all, I feel that all of your expressions of caring reflect how the love of Jesus is alive and at work. Your love is Christ's love. I am so grateful to be a part of that.
I love you all and thank you.
Jean Appel
CELEBRATE DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS
1 - Sarah Moore
3 - Sally E. Tomasek
6 - Robin Rosson
6 - Lisa Miriam Kirch
7 - Jeffrey Lemley
12 - Sarah Clarissa Kirch
13 - Aidrey Loomis
13 - Carol Ann Burlinson
14 - Jake Burlinson
15 - Sara Ross
20 - Carol Barrett
28 - Larissa Pickens
29 - Lynn Loomis
A R E M I N D E R : To: Trail of Lights Volunteers
Over a mile long, the Trail of Lights in Zilker Park is made up of over 35 lighted figures and scenes. Our church has participated previously, and we are asked again to provide volunteers. Our block of time: 5:45 - 10:15 pm, Wednesday, December 19th. Duties involve keeping an eye on the displays, welcoming visitors, and assisting with lost children. An occasional break is built in, so that we may walk around and look at the light displays. An added plus: Andrea Putz will provide hot chocolate.
We need 10-12 volunteers from our church. (Unless we get that many persons, our church will have to cancel our participation.)
Advent Worship and Celebration
The Christian Church's season of Advent begins on December 2 and runs through Christmas Day. We invite you to prepare for Advent by marking your calendar with the following worship events at our church.
December 16 - Third Sunday of Advent, we will host a special Advent Candlelight Service entitled, Longing For God. This will not be a traditional carol singing service, but a more reflective service focusing on our longing to experience God's presence in our lives. Service time: 7:00 pm
December 23 - Pat and Mel Oakes will host the Annual Christmas Party in their home, 2507 Briargrove 78704-2703, 7:30 - 10 pm.
Christmas Eve Worship and Celebration
On December 24, Christmas Eve, we will celebrate with a service of readings and carols, as we share the story of Jesus' birth with scripture and song. This service will begin at 6:00 pm.
Christmas Day Worship and Meal
This year on Christmas Day, we will be starting a new tradition. We're inviting folks to join us for a brief worship service at church beginning at 12:30 pm. Then we are going to serve a meal to homeless adults and youth, providing them with a space to eat and spend Christmas afternoon. This is the first year we are trying this, so please keep us in your prayers and please support us if you can. Consider joining us for worship at 12:30 if you are in Austin, providing a dish that can be served during the meal (you can leave it at church before Christmas if you can't be here on Christmas), and helping to serve the meal. Craig Headley is organizing this event so please call him if you can participate in any way by providing food or serving. John Moore will be the on-site organizer of the meal on Christmas Day
A CHRISTMAS INVITATION
From: Pat & Mel Oakes
Pat and Mel Oakes invite you to their annual Christmas open house on Sunday evening, December 23, 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm. Their home is at 2507 Briargrove Drive near Zilker Park. If Yulefest is still underway, you may need to plan your route to bypass Zilker Park. Call Pat or Mel to find out alternate routes to their home. All ages are welcome. If you would like to come and don't have transportation, check with Louise in the office or with another church member.
CHRISTMAS COOKIES
'Tis time to get ready for our traditional Christmas Cookie Swap. Bake your goodies and bring them to share at fellowship time after worship on December 16. Have fun and let your creativity reign - the more different kinds and shapes of cookies we have, the merrier!
SPECIAL ALERT TO OUR YOUNGEST AND OLDEST MEMBERS: Children (and bigger kids), please join some of your older church family on Saturday, December 15, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm to make cookies for our Christmas Cookie Swap and do secret stuff. We'll make some little Christmas surprises for your parents. Please bring your imagination and any holiday cookie cutters you have at home. Sorry, active parents, you cannot stay for this - only childless people and folks over 50 are allowed. Parents of young children will just have to find something else to do that afternoon (like maybe Christmas shopping without the kids.)
Note: We will bring our Christmas celebration to a joyful culmination at our annual Epiphany Potluck on January 6. Please mark your new 2002 calendars now!
A Report From Texas Impact
Fran Briggs
If you look closely at our church's budget, you will see a line item supporting Texas Impact, and you may wonder--what is Texas Impact?
Since 1973 Christian and Jewish supporting organizations, individual members and local faith communities have worked with members of the Texas legislature to insure freedom of opportunity, justice, and economic opportunity for all the citizens of Texas. Positive outcomes are measured from a faith perspective. These outcomes come about when people are informed about issues and trained to advocate on behalf of these issues.
In the last legislative session Texas Impact supported a death penalty moratorium, campaign finance reform, the development of a global warming plan for Texas, the simplification and standardization of welfare delivery, and a reduction in the number of Texas children without health insurance coverage.
If you are interested in any of these issues and want to know more about them, visit the Texas Impact website at www.texasimpact.com. Our church is playing an important part in supporting Texas Impact, and you can become an individual supporter too.
New Year Blood Drive
Keep your calendar open for Saturday, January 19th, Our church would like to host a blood drive for the neighborhood that day (including other churches/religious institutions and University students). Sign-up sheets will be put in the fellowship room for people to indicate their interest. Basic criteria for donation is that the donor must be 17 years old, weigh at least 110 lbs, and be in good health. More detailed criteria will be put next to the sign-up sheet. Please let Andrea Putz know if you are interested but cannot make it that
P E R S O N A L S
Catherine Hubbs
Hildegard Everett died on Monday afternoon, November 12 with Rizer and John Towery at her side. Her long wait was over. She had told Rizer she was ready to go, and those of us who remember her vitality, sense of fun, hospitality, and continual giving of herself to others rejoice that she has slipped the confines of her failing body.
Jean Appel is now at Christopher House. Home help care was proving insufficient, and Vic is able to stay with her there, where she is constantly receiving visits and cards. Thank you, Jean, for the beautiful letter you sent us all, read by Tom from the pulpit on a recent Sunday (See copy elsewhere in December newsletter) You have done so much for us all. Please let us do a little bit to tell you how we love you. You can write to Jean and Vic at Hospice Austin, 2820 East MLK Blvd., Austin, TX 78702
The Michael Adams family was suddenly without a home when their oven thermostat malfunctioned and the family returned to find their house on fire. Friends took them in, and Michael wants to thank all the church family who helped clear up. He and Kerry took time off work. Then came the tornadoes and flood of the 16th. Water poured into the kitchen. But when this was written, one bedroom has been repainted and is ready for occupancy. And Michael sends heartfelt thanks for all the help from many friends.
The tornadoes and flood of November, 2001 will go down in history, and many of our congregation were caught in the weather. Jay was trapped at the church when the heavens opened. He took up the basement carpet, and thanks to him the basement was not nearly as badly flooded as would otherwise have been the case. Robin Rosson, returning home from ACC, was caught for three hours on a bus stopped by creek overflow which turned the road into a river. Finally he got off, phoned to tell his mother where he was, and bought some supper. Fran and Rambie Briggs had no flooding at their home but had to borrow a friend's boat to go out and get theirs because both boat and dock were in the middle of the lake. Pat Oakes stayed late at school to help send children home and then made the mistake of thinking she could drive home. She drove through water which was much too high for safety and swears that next time (let's hope there isn't one) she'll stay put.
Fortunately the weather was much better for Louise Whitworth when she spent November 9-10 going up to Oklahoma City to attend a meeting of the Governing Board of Inspiration Point Arts Colony in Eureka Springs.
We heard from Yoshi and Setsuko Kaneda recently that they have just returned from a very interesting trip to Italy and Greece. Yoshi has enrolled in the basic education course of Interim Ministry Network and is doing field work at a nearby UCC church as an Interim Consultant. After certification he might get a call for this ministry in the San Diego area. They have joined University City United Church, which they evidently enjoy very much.
If you'd like to know what can be done with a North American Rail Pass, check with Marilyn Gaddis and George Carruthers. Armed with one, they went to Niagara Falls, Ontario for two days sightseeing, visited Marilyn's nephew and family in Albany, New York, celebrated a Canadian Thanksgiving in Montreal, and had an extended stay in Nova Scotia, which included an Elderhostel on the migration in 1773 of the Scottish Highlanders, a stay at a lovely old inn, field trips, and dancing and music by the locals. They had a four-day visit with Kaye and Ray Salas, former church members, in Cranberry, Pennsylvania, took in a Homecoming at the University of Wisconsin in Madison (even though their Badgers were defeated), and came home with memories of magnificent fall colors.
If you've missed Ellen and Paul Deisler in church lately, it may be because they were in Santa Fe, Lubbock, or the Smoky Mountains. The Santa Fe trip was to visit their daughter Julie, look in on Bandolier Monument, and look up Paul's roommate from Texas A&M days in Lubbock on the way home. The Smoky Mountains trip was a family wedding and mini-family reunion at a lodge there. What a nice place for weddings and reunions!
Suzanne Shepperd VanderPoel is thankful and joyful that Rocky Rest, the family home in Burnet where she grew up (a Texas Historical Monument and site of one of the last famous Central Texas Indian battles) has been taken off the real estate market. Her father's widow has decided it should remain in the Shepperd family. Suzanne encourages everyone to attend Main Street in Bethlehem which is offered on Saturdays and Sundays during the first two weekends of December by her grandmother's old church, the First Baptist Church of Burnet. The best way is to take the Austin Steam Train excursion trip. Please see Suzanne for details.
For stark beauty try the road from Ft. Stockton into Alpine, Texas during a November morning thunder shower. As Clark and Catherine Hubbs drove toward the meeting of the Desert Fishes Council in Alpine, the Davis Mountains rose suddenly, immense and black, out of the desert with the mottled, clearing sky behind them. Both meeting and setting made the trip memorable.
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