During Advent we invite the whole congregation to join our children for the Jesse Tree devotions each Sunday in the nave at 9:10. It is a tradition at LCH for the children to present this short service of music and readings each Advent. During these four Sundays, the children will be focusing on the people in the Old Testament that lead the way for Christ. This year the Jesse Tree service will be held on December 1, 8, 15, and 22. The older children will read Bible stories and prayers, the youngest children will hang ornaments on the tree representing each story, and everyone will sing the Jesse Tree song.

Sometimes called the Root of Jesse or radix Jesse in Latin, the Jesse Tree is a visual representation of Jesus’ genealogy dating back to Jesse, the father of David. The Jesse Tree is found in the writings of Church Fathers, Latin hymns, and in visual arts—especially during the 12th to 16th centuries.

Each week’s presentation is divided into segments referring to key figures in the genealogy. Segments begin with one child who introduces the character by describing key events in their life and relating those events to our lives today. During this presentation, one of the younger children hangs the individual’s symbol on the tree. Then all the children sing the verse about that individual from the Jesse Tree song, with the congregation joining in the chorus. Each week, the chorus grows as new inviduals are added. And when Advent IV arrives, we can sing the whole story of the Jesse Tree:

Jesse Tree, Jesse Tree,
sign of God’s fidelity,
that he may love eternally—
 
the promise made to Noah,
and Abraham and Isaac,
and Jacob on a journey,
and Joseph and the tribes;
 
and as well to Moses,
and David who’d be king,
and Solomon, his son,
and Jonah in the sea;
 
to prophets like Isaiah,
and to Ruth, a woman wise,
and Daniel in the den,
and to John who baptized;
 
and last made to Mary,
and Joseph in a dream,
was Jesus, Son of God,
who came here to redeem;
 
all who waited for the coming of Emmanuel.

LCH resumes is regular schedule of worship services and Christian education offerings on September 1. There are three Sunday worship services:

• Holy Communion at 8:00 am each Sunday morning. Music is led by the Early Worship Ensemble.
• Choral Euchartist at 10:30 am each Sunday morning. Music is led by the LCH Choir.
• Compline at 7:30 pm on the first and third Sunday of each music. This quiet and contemplative service is offered by the Men’s Schola.

Christian Education is offered Sunday morning between the two services at 9:20 am.

• Sunday School is offered for children from kindergarten through senior high. The older children (grades 6-12) meet in the Rainbow Room. The younger children (grades k-5) meet in the Godly Play Room. (See The HeartBeat for weekly topics.) All are welcome! (Check
• Adult Forum meets in the Boardroom. For four Sundays in September, Marsha Schweitzer will lead the Adult Forum. Topics of discussion, by popular demand but subject to change, center around the broad idea of Mysticism. (See The HeartBeat for weekly topics.) Everyone is invited to bring their refreshments and join in the discussion.

Several other groups that have been on hiatus over the Summer will resume meeting. Please see The HeartBeat, our newsletter, for more information.

Children Lead Jesse Tree Devotion Each Sunday at 9:10 am

During Advent the whole congregation joins our children for the Jesse Tree devotions each Sunday in the nave at 9:10. It is a tradition at LCH for the children to present this short service of music and readings during Advent. Each week the children focus on the people in the Old Testament that lead the way for Christ. This year the Jesse Tree service will be held on December 2, 9, 16, and 23.

Sometimes called the Root of Jesse or radix Jesse in Latin, the Jesse Tree is a visual representation of Jesus’ genealogy dating back to Jesse, the father of David. The Jesse Tree is found in the writings of Church Fathers, Latin hymns, and in visual arts—especially during the 12th to 16th centuries.

Each week’s presentation is divided into segments referring to key figures in the genealogy. Each segment begins with one child who introduces the character by describing key events in their life and relating those events to our lives today. During this presentation, one of the younger children hangs the individual’s symbol on the tree. Then all the children sing the verse about that individual from the Jesse Tree song, with the congregation joining in the chorus. Each week, the chorus grows as new inviduals are added. And when Advent IV arrives, we can sing the whole story of the Jesse Tree.

2018 Advent Devotions Available

For many years LCH maintained a tradition of creating a devotional for the Season of Advent, using short meditations written by parishioners.

Our intern pastor this year, Vicar Andrew Flatt- Kuntze, brought this project back to life. He selected the verses, recruited the writers, and gentle encouraged everyone to meet the deadlines and guidelines. A special thank you to all writers for your thoughtful participation.

Download your copy of the 2018 Advent Devotions booklet.

For many years, the Lutheran Church has observed Earth Day, in April, with special projects and worship. Sunday, April 30, is our 2017 Earth Day celebration.

The liturgy, sermon, Sunday School, and music will all reflect our care for God’s wonderful creation. Please join us for this important event.