Re: [Worship] Help - Hanging of The Greens?

[Sylvia and Mark Britton <msbrit@usit.net>]

Dear Robert,

We do a Hanging of the Green service too, much like the other one
described, so that we can get the church decorated! :)

We've pretty much made it our own and don't follow any prescribed
liturgy or script.

Last year we included information about several Christmas Symbols.  We
had used the symbol theme all year long in worship, at Passover and
Easter, and at other times during the year.  So at Christmas we used the
tree, and decorated it with "Chrismons".  Chrismons is a copyrighted
word coined to describe ornaments that represent Christ. Christ -
Monograms.  Our tree is decorated with gold, silver and white ones made
or purchased by our congregation.  I think the original idea for
Chrismons stipulated that the ornaments should be hand made, but this is
one way we have adapted it :o)

We also used poinsettias and their legend, the candy cane and it's
legend, the nativity, and of course the greenery.  We use garlands and
wreaths.   We use poems, stories and scripture throughout the service. 
The entire service points to Jesus as God's only Son.

This year we are using the greens, the tree, the poinsettias and the
Christmas Nail.  Our Drama Group will be passing out the nails in a skit
with a piano solo playing as they pass them out. 

We have several songs prepared by the choir, solo or two, some narration
and background music that is usually played by one of the youth. Lots of
congregational singing. The children's choir sings too. Our goal is to
lift up Jesus and get the entire congregation involved, not just the few
who usually sing and play on Sundays.

The congregation decorates the tree during the service, a family sets up
the nativity while scripture is read, folks from the congregation place
the greenery and poinsettias during the service. Pastor spoke throughout
the service and delivered his sermon at the end.

Last year was a wonderful success because it really did get everyone
involved together and the unity was so uplifting.

I have a copy of the service if you would like to see it. Let me know.

Sylvia

The 21st Century Homekeeper
http://www.christianhomekeeper.com
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