Dec 22, 2024
Pilgrim House Holiday Celebration
Please join us for our always-special intergenerational Pilgrim House holiday program, complete with group caroling, favorite holiday readings, seasonal music, a performance by the Pilgrim House Chorale, a special guest (possibly from the far north) with a story to read and a big red bag, favorite foods, and more ... plus don’t forget to bring your favorite holiday food for our traditional potluck finger foods feast after the program.

Pilgrim House Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Arden Hills, Minnesota
pilgrimhouseuua.org
pilgrimhouse@pilgrimhouseuua.org

TRANSCRIPT
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NOTE: This is the transcript from Zoom and there are likely errors contained below. No effort has been made to proof read.
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10:15:02 So for those of you who don't know.
10:15:06 Our music this morning was provided by James
10:15:10 Chiri, who, by the way, is available for any events you might have.
10:15:18 So welcome to Pilgrim House and our annual holiday program.
10:15:22 We are a lay-led fellowship welcoming all regardless of race, gender, sexual, or spiritual orientation.
10:15:28 We have no creed. We encourage the openness to ideas. Here we explore, develop, and apply our own individual beliefs
10:15:36 with the encouragement and the acceptance of our
10:15:38 fellow pilgrims.
10:15:40 Wyatt?
10:15:42 You want to come up and light the chalice.
10:15:48 Let us treasure these.
10:15:51 Let us treasure these things, the times
10:15:55 and each other.
10:15:57 For we believe in the basic worth and dignity
10:16:01 of every living thing.
10:16:04 Every thought, every experience.
10:16:08 In these difficult times, let us treasure this time
10:16:12 this place and each other.
10:16:14 For we never know how long we will have.
10:16:17 that to do.
10:16:20 You might notice that the corral is up.
10:16:22 I think we'll hear from them next.
10:16:27 Seems like we were just here for Thanksgiving a couple weeks ago.
10:16:32 No, it's only a couple days till Christmas.
10:16:37 It seems more than fitting then this morning to open with our holiday program with Carl Stroman's composition, It's Christmas Again.
10:16:47 And what a wonderful time of year Christmas time is.
10:16:50 A time for memories, a time of friendship.
10:16:54 In a time of song with heartfelt wishes for peace on earth
10:16:59 Goodwill to all.
10:17:01 As we gather together.
10:17:04 with the friends we know.
10:17:06 For the corral's opening present.
10:17:08 present to you at this morning's Pilgrim House holiday celebration, we give you Carl Stroman's
10:17:14 It's Christmas again.
10:17:17 Let's begin our celebration.
10:17:36 It's a time to share.
10:17:41 It's a time for love to rise.
10:17:46 Turn to God.
10:17:59 Trails me.
10:18:58 It's a time of friendship.
10:19:13 Gather us together.
10:19:33 My friends.
10:19:42 I'm the fire.
10:20:38 asked me how the indigenous people celebrate Christmas and
10:20:42 Well, some do and some don't.
10:20:44 I lived with the Miloxo Ojibwe for a number of years in the early 1970s.
10:20:49 I know a little about them.
10:20:51 But I cannot talk about others with any authority.
10:20:55 The Midawi one.
10:20:58 Were there cultural and religious leaders.
10:21:01 Some were members by ancestry.
10:21:03 And some were elected.
10:21:05 They were the keepers of the Anishinaabe stories and culture.
10:21:10 and were consulted if someone was sick.
10:21:12 and took charge of the band's sacred artifacts.
10:21:17 to even photograph one of those sacred artifacts.
10:21:20 was to disturb the spirits within them.
10:21:24 Everyone was imbibed with the Spirit.
10:21:26 everything was imbibed with his spirit. Even the trees and the rocks.
10:21:30 And most importantly, the wind.
10:21:33 When a sacred pipe ceremony was done.
10:21:36 They gave homage to the four winds.
10:21:38 to Mother Earth and to Gichi Minato.
10:21:41 the Great Spirit.
10:21:44 Every boy was blown to his mother.
10:21:45 until he was 12 or 13.
10:21:48 When he was sent into the woods.
10:21:51 For a vision quest.
10:21:54 In that quest he would find his own Manitou or his personal spirit.
10:22:00 Upon return, the middleweight.
10:22:03 would not want to hear what his vision.
10:22:06 Because that was his.
10:22:09 was not to be shared.
10:22:11 But somehow they still judge whether the Vision Quest was good or not.
10:22:14 And if it wasn't, then why would it have to come back the next year and do it again?
10:22:20 In the 70s.
10:22:22 And I think most still today
10:22:26 have their personal medicine pouch.
10:22:28 on their belt or around their neck
10:22:31 The contents would be different for everyone.
10:22:35 But it was theirs.
10:22:36 And there's a loan and not to be shared or even talked about.
10:22:41 It represented their personal manito.
10:22:45 on the Mille Lacs Reservation, there were some Catholics.
10:22:48 Very few Protestants.
10:22:52 They celebrated Christmas like many of us.
10:22:55 But Art Garbo, the chairman of the Mille Lacs Band and four-time chairman of the Minnesota Chippewa Triumph.
10:23:00 Always let me know that a true Ojibwe
10:23:02 did not go to church.
10:23:06 He does not have special days to celebrate.
10:23:10 He always had his personal man of tow with him in his medicine pouch.
10:23:15 The church was wherever he was.
10:23:18 And the prayers were the way he lived his life.

10:30:37 Okay, I'll light one [candle] more.
10:30:39 For those Joys and concerns that we carry only in our hearts.
10:30:46 Oh, no, sorry, we have one more.
10:30:54 Our three pet chickens started laying eggs.
<many laughs>

10:31:12 Sheldon's?
10:31:15 Michelle, Carol?
10:31:22 Those of you that are performing today, watch the program and…
10:31:27 Come when it's your turn.
10:31:58 has strong.
10:32:05 Oh, justice lemonished to me.
10:32:17 Leave me more flowers bright.
10:32:24 the call of winter.
10:32:36 Isaiah was foretold.
10:32:43 So I am blind.
10:32:53 we beholden.
10:32:56 O virgin mords.
10:33:04 Night.
10:33:23 Give ourselves recurious and door.
10:33:44 O Lord, this reward.
10:33:51 To none yet firmly done.
10:34:08 O Lord.
10:34:18 Gary saved the front row for as many children as we can get up here.
10:34:21 So if the children and their parents want to come up. I know, I know.
10:34:29 Oh, no, you're good.
10:34:32 Do you want a chair or a stool? No, I'm going to stand.
10:34:35 You're just going to stand, okay? I am going to stand. Children, come on up.
10:34:38 Anyways, come up. Come on up.
10:34:42 This book is not as silly as the last one. This is a little more
10:34:46 Reminds me of Ben Cherry for some reason. He read a book once that's similar.
10:34:53 I thought of you when I picked a coat.
10:35:01 All right.
10:35:03 Life is given to us moment by moment. Each day holds promise of things to come and the potential to do something
10:35:12 You love…
10:35:14 Something you believe in. It is an opportunity to be brave.
10:35:18 to live with your whole heart and to become whoever you want to be.
10:35:23 It's called Why Not?
10:35:25 Kids love to ask the question, why? Well, this question is a little different.
10:35:32 Why not?
10:35:32 It's a little different.
10:35:37 This is it.
10:35:39 This is your time.
10:35:41 and wonderful life.
10:35:43 It is the greatest gift you will ever receive.
10:35:53 I know. That's why you read a book.
10:35:55 You can look up there too. That's right.
10:35:59 everything you want and everything you dream of is waiting.
10:36:05 You have a vast treasure of talents and potential hidden inside you.
10:36:11 And your life is ready for you to discover all of it.
10:36:18 Can you see it? There we go.
10:36:25 What do you see?
10:36:28 Not yet. Why not find out
10:36:33 how remarkable you can be.
10:36:40 Why not make the most of every moment?
10:36:43 like you're doing right now.
10:36:49 Yeah.
10:36:55 Yeah. You were born for wonder and awe. Mm-hmm.
10:37:01 You are here to marvel.
10:37:05 at the beauty of this world and to experience the joy of being alive.
10:37:11 You guys good with that picture?
10:37:14 All right. Turn the page.
10:37:18 Be a stranger to the ordinary.
10:37:21 get to know the unknown.
10:37:28 Why not try something you have never tried before?
10:37:38 That's why you have to do it, because my technician keeps up that way.
10:37:46 That's this one. We're going to the next one.
10:37:49 There we go. Why not go somewhere you've never gone before?
10:37:58 Stay curious. Have adventures. Make room for what you love.
10:38:04 Discover the world's wonders and know
10:38:07 You are one of them.
10:38:17 Yeah.
10:38:21 He is. So much of life depends on how you look at it.
10:38:26 And how you see yourself.
10:38:30 That's his reflection in the water.
10:38:33 You are shaped by the choices you make.
10:38:35 How will you answer when today asks.
10:38:38 what you learned from yesterday.
10:38:45 Next page.
10:38:49 Why not see how good your best can be?
10:38:56 All right.
10:38:58 why not make the most of your life?
10:39:02 Looks dangerous, huh?
10:39:04 It's getting tricky. Things won't always go as planned.
10:39:10 The way might be difficult.
10:39:13 you may get worn out and tired.
10:39:16 You may feel lost.
10:39:18 you might want to turn back.
10:39:21 Uh-oh.
10:39:25 But know that every step moves you a little closer to where you want to go.
10:39:30 If you have the courage to take it.
10:39:33 Embrace it all, even the messy parts. That's the best parts.
10:39:39 the messy parts.
10:39:42 And don't be fooled by fear.
10:39:45 It has a very…
10:39:47 It has a way of shrinking possibilities.
10:39:50 and diminishing dreams.
10:39:57 Have faith. Keep going. You can be the difference.
10:40:02 You are made.
10:40:04 Sunrises and second chances.
10:40:08 You are the hope of a brand new day.
10:40:17 Even if the odds are a million to one.
10:40:21 Why not be the one?
10:40:27 Don't wait for things to be great, to be grateful.
10:40:30 Paying attention is an act of love.
10:40:33 Noticing is caring.
10:40:40 Yeah, he's with the otter and the seal, all kinds of animals.
10:40:46 Yeah.
10:40:48 Noticing is caring. Beauty is all around and in everything. It just needs you to recognize it.
10:40:59 Yeah, they're all watching, aren't they?
10:41:01 What's that?
10:41:04 It's a swan.
10:41:08 Yeah. Why not look for the good in everyone and everything?
10:41:16 Nope, not yet.
10:41:18 I hope not. Whoop, whoop, whoop.
10:41:21 We're reviewing. Here we go. We're getting to the messy part almost.
10:41:26 And again, and again.
10:41:29 We're to the flying swan.
10:41:31 Or the goose or whatever. One more.
10:41:34 There we go. Open your heart.
10:41:38 take it all in. This is your everywhere.
10:41:42 This is your home.
10:41:44 Look at the next picture, Huey. What's happening?
10:41:48 What happened?
10:41:50 You are connected to everything and everything is connected to you.
10:41:55 every little bit of good helps.
10:41:58 Every act of kindness builds.
10:42:02 Every bit of compassion heals.
10:42:06 Everything you have ever loved becomes a part of you.
10:42:10 It all counts.
10:42:12 It's okay. It's okay.
10:42:16 Why not leave this world?
10:42:18 a little better than you found it.
10:42:22 So make it better.
10:42:24 Thanks.
10:42:33 We got some congress singing now.
10:42:37 Will. Hi, guys.
10:42:43 No.
10:42:46 You guys can stay up. You guys couldn't stay up front.
10:43:00 As soon as we get the words up, we can…
10:43:04 I don't think you're on the building here.
10:43:28 We probably didn't need the words for this, but… Here we go.
10:44:09 Take a boy.
10:45:25 Where is everybody?
10:45:27 I need more little kids up here.
10:45:29 They can be 10 or nine.
10:45:33 I'm Mrs. Claus.
10:45:36 And this is my very best friend, Matteo, my health friend.
10:45:41 And Santa is very busy today.
10:45:45 So getting, checking his list and everything. So I had the honor to come here.
10:45:51 And be with you guys.
10:45:53 I have a short story I want to read.
10:45:56 So let me get something here.
10:46:06 Okay. I love to hear all about it there, Huey. Okay, here's my story. It's called The Christmas Owl.
10:46:14 It's based on a true story of a little L
10:46:17 named Rockefeller. And I am sure many of your
10:46:21 Parents have heard of this story.
10:46:24 So I hope you can read it up here.
10:46:27 Well, I'm reading it to you guys, okay?
10:46:31 Once in a little town.
10:46:32 In a little front yard
10:46:34 lived a little owl.
10:46:37 in the branches of a very big tree.
10:46:40 For the curious little owl not
10:46:43 Even a year old.
10:46:45 The world was filled with wonder.
10:46:49 streams were for splashing.
10:46:51 Forests were for flying.
10:46:53 and friends of all feather were merrily made.
10:46:57 Can you see the picture of his friends up there?
10:47:01 One day when winter had arrived.
10:47:04 The town around her began to transform.
10:47:08 Houses were decorated.
10:47:10 Lights were strung.
10:47:12 Jingles and music filled the icy air.
10:47:16 Little Al watched and listened.
10:47:19 And that night, when darkness came.
10:47:23 The whole town glittered and glowed.
10:47:26 Have you guys been noticing all the lights that we're seeing lately? That's what Al was seeing.
10:47:31 What is going on here? She asked her friends.
10:47:34 Christmas, said Moose.
10:47:37 What is that, little owl said?
10:47:39 not sure said rabbit.
10:47:42 no idea said skunk
10:47:44 no one knows said squirrel, but it happens every year.
10:47:50 The next morning, confused as ever, little Al flew home.
10:47:55 Where she found some people standing around
10:47:58 The big trick of her tree where she lives.
10:48:02 It's beautiful, said one of them.
10:48:05 It'll be a perfect Christmas tree, said another.
10:48:09 Christmas tree? Little wound wondered.
10:48:12 My home is Christmas?
10:48:15 The workers began attaching wires and ropes to the tree.
10:48:21 As little Al hid in the shadows, the branches pulled tight around her and she was
10:48:27 trapped. Then she heard a roar.
10:48:30 And the tree shook.
10:48:32 And it was spinning and swaying and it was lowered down into a
10:48:37 into a truck. Little Al was dizzy.
10:48:41 Is this Christmas?
10:48:43 Say goodbye to our tree, someone called as the big trump rumbled away.
10:48:49 Your tree, wondered little owl.
10:48:51 Could you own a tree?
10:48:55 For hours and hours they drove.
10:48:57 The cold wind rushed beneath her feathers. Little Al was hungry, but there was nothing to eat.
10:49:04 She was thirsty, but there was nothing to drink.
10:49:07 But there was, and oh, she was lonely.
10:49:11 And her friends were far, far away.
10:49:15 Is this Christmas?
10:49:18 Little Al thought and pinned against the tree she tried to sleep.
10:49:23 At last, three days later.
10:49:25 The truck came to a stop.
10:49:28 Again, the tree jostled and lifted.
10:49:31 Then all at once the branches spread.
10:49:35 Worn and weak little owl edged out into the light.
10:49:39 Where am I?
10:49:42 Below her, hundreds of people stomped and scowled and cars clogged the streets.
10:49:48 Above, strange towers scraped the sky.
10:49:51 This is not home.
10:49:53 She tried to flap her wings, but she wasn't strong enough.
10:49:57 As her eyes were closing, she saw and heard.
10:50:03 There's an L in here.
10:50:06 And so you can see…
10:50:08 Someone saw the little owl and started taking the owl.
10:50:13 away from the tree.
10:50:16 And when little Al awoke, she was in a box.
10:50:20 It opened and a new face peered inside
10:50:25 Hello, little one.
10:50:27 I'm Ellen. Let's get you inside.
10:50:32 Whatever Christmas was, it seemed to have gotten inside this house.
10:50:37 The place was warm and cozy and it seemed
10:50:41 to be made for birds.
10:50:43 Why are you here, little Al asked.
10:50:46 broken leg, said Huck.
10:50:49 wings said falcon but ellen looks after us until we're ready to fly again.
10:50:55 After all this, little Al wondered.
10:50:58 Could a human really help?
10:51:03 Over the next day's little owl gulped down water and gobbled up the thawed mice.
10:51:09 She was given an x-ray and every day, Ellen
10:51:12 checked her feathers, eyes, and ears.
10:51:16 is helping. Could Christmas be caring?
10:51:20 Could Christmas be kind?
10:51:23 Ellen held little Al in her hand.
10:51:26 After all you've been through, she said, it's a miracle you're alive.
10:51:30 But was little Al ready to fly?
10:51:33 cried her friends.
10:51:35 And Ellen said, almost.
10:51:39 At last, at dusk on Christmas, they drove to the top of the mountain.
10:51:43 Ellen lifted little Al from the box and raised her arm.
10:51:47 You're free, she said. Welcome home.
10:51:50 For the last time the friends looked at each other, then little Al flapped her wings
10:51:56 and flew higher and higher into the sky.
10:51:59 But she wasn't going home just yet.
10:52:03 When at least she reached the very big tree, which was now a very big Christmas tree.
10:52:09 She settled on her favorite branch
10:52:12 Bright and brilliant, the city was not what she remembered. The cars had disappeared
10:52:19 The great towers were merrily lit.
10:52:21 The people were smiling and skating.
10:52:24 Some were even singing.
10:52:26 They held hands and hugged.
10:52:30 Is this Christmas?
10:52:31 Yes, little Al thought, it must be.
10:52:35 For some time little Al sat basking in the golden glow.
10:52:39 When at last the moon
10:52:41 peeked above the building. She knew it was time to go home.
10:52:46 You're back, her friends, cried, gathering round. And just in time for Christmas, squealed Moose.
10:52:53 Whatever that is, added Rabbit
10:52:55 Actually, I may have learned something about it, said little Al, as they all nuzzled close.
10:53:02 Could you tell us? Of course, said little Al.
10:53:06 knowing full well that this was Christmas too.
10:53:11 And that is the end of our story.
10:53:15 Little Al actually went all the way to New York City.
10:53:21 from this little place, I did have a map.
10:53:24 Let's see, maybe it's up there.
10:53:27 Anyway, it was quite a ways, as you knew. It took her three days to get there.
10:53:32 And she was very surprised. Now, again, this is a true story about the owl named Rockefeller.
10:53:38 So I hope you like that.
10:53:40 I enjoyed reading it to you.
10:53:44 Now, I'm going to ask my favorite elf, Mateo.
10:53:49 to come up and we have a few presents for people
10:53:54 So let me see. Here we go.
10:53:58 We'll put this down. Okay.
10:54:00 Let's see, who do we have?
10:54:03 Who do we have? All right.
10:54:06 Have a present for Emily. Emily, where is Emily?
10:54:13 Is there no Emily? Okay. Oh, there's Emily. I see Emily. I thought you were here.
10:54:20 I was starting to worry. Okay, thank you.
10:54:25 And Caitlin. Caitlin. Where is Caitlin? I haven't seen Caitlin for a while.
10:54:31 Where is she? Kate.
10:54:33 Oh, my goodness. Here she comes. Hi there.
10:54:40 It's good with CVSU.
10:54:42 Who do we have now? Oh, Kenny. Hi, Kenny.
10:54:47 Here you go.
10:54:50 You're so welcome.
10:54:53 And this is from, oh, not this from, this is for Huey.
10:54:57 Hi, Huey.
10:55:05 And this one is for…
10:55:11 We'll just put that there. Okay. Yeah, we'll get it.
10:55:19 You did?
10:55:20 Let's see. Who else do we have here? We have Kiri.
10:55:26 Kiri, where's Kiri?
10:55:29 Hi, Kiri.
10:55:34 Tyree. I'm sorry, Kyrie.
10:55:41 And now we have…
10:55:52 Yeah.
10:55:54 Laura. And this is for… Laura.
10:55:57 Laura. Where's Laura?
10:56:00 Laura.
10:56:02 Is there a Laura here?
10:56:06 Now, I guess. Maybe Laura will show up in a little bit.
10:56:11 And here is for Ethan.
10:56:14 Now is Ethan here?
10:56:17 I see you. Come on over.
10:56:21 It's so good to see you.
10:56:24 There you go, honey.
10:56:28 This is for Wyatt.
10:56:31 There he is. We missed you.
10:56:34 It's so good to see you.
10:56:46 They left.
10:56:48 Layla, where's Layla?
10:56:51 Aww.
10:56:55 This might be a little too old for you. I'm not sure, but I'm sure Daddy is.
10:57:09 Josephine?
10:57:18 Asher?
10:57:21 We're amazing.
10:57:26 You're right there in front of you.
10:57:30 Alan? Or Elon?
10:57:32 This is for Elon.
10:57:35 There she is. Oh my goodness, you are getting tall, Eli.
10:57:46 Okay. This one doesn't have a name on it. This might have been one of the extras. Oh.
10:57:51 Do we have any more needs? What?
10:57:53 In case you didn't get a present?
10:57:57 Yeah, we have three here. Okay.
10:58:00 This bag is so big. They get lost in here.
10:58:04 Okay, so…
10:58:10 I see Zane. Did you get one, Zane?
10:58:12 Oh, goodness. You can have that.
10:58:16 And then…
10:58:19 Key in…
10:58:21 Do we have now? Ian. Heon. Keon, hi.
10:58:26 Now this might be just a little over. Yeah, these are some of the…
10:58:30 We'll get some things changed. Ken.
10:58:32 Big brothers, so maybe.
10:58:36 I think this is really cool.
10:58:37 Oh, that one is cool. It's so nice to have you here.
10:58:43 I can't.
10:58:45 Caroline. Caroline, sure.
10:58:48 Oh, this one says Laura. Laura. Oh, here we go. Laura.
10:58:54 Yeah, it's for Caroline. Oh, I…
10:58:56 is to look for Laura. Oh, Caroline.
10:59:03 Okay, gotcha. I'm sorry. I get a little confused with all these. It's a lot to keep testing.
10:59:12 I'm so sorry. And did we miss anyone?
10:59:16 Did we miss anyone?
10:59:19 How did we miss you? We have a present for him.
10:59:24 Huh? No, for Kellen. Kellen. We have another one downstairs.
10:59:30 Oh, I'm sorry. It didn't get in our… They don't share this one.
10:59:35 Okay. Catalyn, you want to go grab that bag back in the back there?
10:59:44 You did great, Ms. Foz. I'm so sorry. Karen is one of our…
10:59:50 Greatest kids here, and how did we forget him? Well, you're not supposed to rape the kids. Oh, I didn't. I don't. I don't mean this.
10:59:57 Everyone is wonderful. So thank you so much. Now, is there anyone else? We do have some presents downstairs that I had labeled, and I guess I didn't bring them all up, so I apologize.
11:00:08 But we'll get those to you. So thank you very much and happy holidays for everyone.
11:01:26 We've got some digging in your flesh.
11:04:39 Don, you're up.
11:04:48 Take the middle mic. Yep. That one.
11:04:56 You've got to speak right into the mic, though. You've got to speak right into the mic.
11:05:02 Okay, yeah, that's good. I'm going to read a… a poem that's 108 years old.
11:05:12 Done. It was given to my father 90 years ago At Christmas time, it's a Christmas gift.
11:05:23 And… The poem is about creating a beautiful, joyful.
11:05:31 Flower garden.
11:05:38 Right, okay. You don't begrudge the labor when the roses start to bloom.
11:05:45 You don't recall the dreary days that They're perfume.
11:05:52 You don't recall a single care you spent upon the garden's there and all this And all the toil of tilling soil is quite forgot the day the first Pink rose buds and tiberi burst.
11:06:10 You don't begrudge the trials grim when joy has come to you.
11:06:15 You don't recall the dreary days when all your skies are blue.
11:06:21 And though you've trolled a weary mile. The ick of it was all worthwhile.
11:06:29 And all the stings, you know, and bitter flings are wiped away upon the day.
11:06:36 Success comes dancing down the way. The poem says that the poem says that ever to produce joy is barely remembered because Feelings of joy and satisfaction tend to totally dominate one's thoughts.
11:06:55 When it comes to gardening, though, my resulting soar bank would Disagree.
11:07:13 Okay, as soon as we get the words up, we'll… Star Silent Light.
11:07:47 Together now.
11:08:33 Who's the man now?
11:08:39 Oh, my God.
11:10:07 I know.
11:10:47 First verse again.
11:11:19 Sweet.
11:11:36 We have two great traditions for our holiday service. One of them is touch hands.
11:11:45 Al Potter is going to lead us in that today.
11:11:51 This is… very poignant for me. This has been… Don, you're for… Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
11:12:02 This is a very special moment for me to do this.
11:12:04 We've been doing this at Pilgrim Oster. 40 years, who could guess? Darlene Joyce is the one that started it.
11:12:11 I'm sorry, my voice is a little cracky. I just… It's very important. The way this works is we all stand.
11:12:20 Is that okay with you, Mel? Standing? Standing. No, no, I mean for the group, yes.
11:12:29 And your job, just to begin with. Touch hands, but the person on your side.
11:12:38 All right. Are we all set? Great, good.
11:12:44 Touch hands. Ah, friends, dear friends, as years go on and heads get gray, how fast the guests do go.
11:12:54 Touch hands. Touch hands with those who stay, strong hands to weak, old hands to young, around the Christmas board, touch hands.
11:13:07 The false forget, the full forgive. For every guest will go.
11:13:13 And every fire burn low and cabin empty stand. Forget, forgive, for who may say the Christmas day may ever come to host or guests again.
11:13:29 Touch hands.
11:16:21 As many of you know, I was born and raised in Berlin, Germany.
11:16:28 And…
11:16:29 It was a very strict and disciplined upbringing. And I'm trying to break all that now.
11:16:38 And I wrote this little ditty some years ago.
11:16:42 And I'm going to present it again.
11:16:44 It's for both kids and grown-ups.
11:16:47 Some of the thoughts are quite
11:16:50 pensive.
11:16:54 There's something shiny in my eyes here. Okay.
11:16:58 I remember Christmas when I was 10 years old or so.
11:17:03 How delighted I was.
11:17:05 to spot the first flake of snow.
11:17:08 My nose pressed against the window's icy pain.
11:17:13 I watched for little angels.
11:17:15 But sadly quite in vain.
11:17:18 The days seemed to crawl until Santa Claus came.
11:17:22 Hoping he would hear me.
11:17:25 I used to chant his name.
11:17:27 The day before Christmas, Dad and I went to the market to buy the tree.
11:17:33 And every year, a perfectly grown Fraser, it had to be.
11:17:38 On Christmas Eve afternoon, dad brought out the decorations.
11:17:43 All this took far too long, testing my youthful impatience.
11:17:49 Then dad was ready for the serious business at hand.
11:17:53 While the radio played songs of this season from all over the land.
11:17:58 Armed with drill and hammer, father searched for imperfection.
11:18:04 We've found the hapless tree would suffer surgical correction.
11:18:10 Candle holders were screwed into the trunk of the tree.
11:18:15 I was forbidden to touch them or woe to me.
11:18:19 While real candles were attached to the holders with care.
11:18:24 I admire dad as he continued to trim the tree with such flair.
11:18:30 After all ornaments were properly placed.
11:18:33 And the tinsel was quantified and strategically spaced. The tree was ready for our little family to gather around
11:18:43 infuse the spirit.
11:18:45 and meaning of Christmas abound.
11:18:49 Blue carp was a traditional meal on Christmas Eve.
11:18:54 Remember, a culinary delight my mother could flawlessly achieve.
11:19:00 By now it was dark and Santa was surely on his way.
11:19:05 It seemed to me Christmas Eve.
11:19:08 was always the longest day.
11:19:11 Finally, it was time for me to go to my room and wait for Santa's arrival.
11:19:17 who seem to always be late.
11:19:20 When I could hardly bear the suspense and anticipation.
11:19:24 Mother merrily rang the bell.
11:19:26 being my invitation to enter and admire the tree with candles shining brightly.
11:19:33 Flickering from the faintest movement ever so slightly.
11:19:38 I did not dare glance at the gifts placed under the tree.
11:19:43 Oops.
11:19:48 but wondered if Santa had brought some for me.
11:19:53 Now came the moment I feared
11:19:55 And I started to tremble.
11:19:58 My parents tradition of the Christmas preamble. I stood next to the tree
11:20:04 curt seat and looked straight ahead, struggling for composure.
11:20:09 Hoping my face wouldn't get red.
11:20:12 While reciting the Christmas poem I had practiced for weeks.
11:20:17 Fearing to omit a line or my voice emitting horrible shrieks.
11:20:23 Somehow I managed to get through this painful tradition
11:20:27 Only to enter phase two.
11:20:29 The sing-along piano.
11:20:31 Vendition. I played the piano and we sang joyful and loud the beautiful songs depicting what Christmas is all about.
11:20:42 Not always did Christmas Eve go smoothly and well.
11:20:46 The excitement could make my temp rise and my face swell.
11:20:51 A case of hives sometimes invaded my frightened frame.
11:20:55 But nonetheless, the festivities continue just the same.
11:21:01 This is the way Christmas was celebrated a long, long time ago.
11:21:06 Today, I still enjoy snowflakes and the beauty of fresh fallen snow.
11:21:12 But things have changed, and so have people and their lives.
11:21:17 The family has working husbands as well as working wives.
11:21:22 Santa still comes to visit the youngsters every year.
11:21:26 Some senators now are digital and some centers drink beer.
11:21:32 But the spirit of Christmas is there for all to receive, and good tidings will bring joy and angst relief.
11:21:42 Our society is high-tech, motorized, and seemingly uncaring.
11:21:47 But this time of year brings forth love and selfless sharing.
11:21:52 We dip into our pockets to help those in need.
11:21:56 We forget about bottom lines and selfish greed.
11:22:00 We adorn our homes with lights and awesome splendor.
11:22:04 to the spirit of Christmas.
11:22:07 We readily surrender.
11:22:09 If I were permitted a few wishes this time of year.
11:22:14 It would be for peace for all on earth far and nearer.
11:22:19 tolerance and acceptance of people
11:22:22 no matter what race or creed.
11:22:25 More awareness of the less fortunate and those in need.
11:22:30 I would implore all faiths, Jews, Christians, Muslims, or others.
11:22:36 To share our planet peacefully.
11:22:40 respectfully like sisters and brothers.
11:22:42 I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
11:22:57 The second tradition, I think, started with Dory Gamble.
11:23:00 Yes, I was going to say, that was going to be my very one comment, commentary.
11:23:07 And we will, when the words come up here, we will read them together.
11:23:12 Is this still home?
11:23:15 I set it here.
11:23:18 All right. So this one, please read along with me. This is our collective holiday blessing.
11:23:26 This holiday season.
11:23:28 Seek out a forgotten friend.
11:23:32 share some treasure, give a soft answer. Keep a promise.
11:23:38 Listen, apologize if you were wrong.
11:23:42 Be gentle. Laugh a little.
11:23:45 gladden the heart of a child.
11:23:47 take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.
11:23:51 Express your gratitude.
11:23:54 Have faith. Speak your love. Speak it still once again.
11:24:00 Thank you.
11:24:25 Okay, thanks.
11:24:27 As you use, we draw from various traditions to form our own personal life philosophies.
11:24:34 We do the same with our music. And this morning, the chorale attempts to underscore that with our musical selections.
11:24:41 We open this segment with several familiar carols set in a Baroque arrangement.
11:24:46 Reflecting the Judeo-Christian heritage that many of us bring to Pilgrim House.
11:24:51 Plus a style reflective of years of musical history.
11:24:55 The familiar quoted carol melodies include the hornpipe from Handles.
11:25:01 water music, angels we have heard on high.
11:25:04 Hark the herald angels sing and joy to the world.
11:25:07 We give you this arrangement of a Baroque Christmas festival
11:25:11 As arranged by Audrey Snyder.
11:25:31 We joyfully honor the birth of the Savior.
11:25:36 We sing and celebrate. We sing and celebrate. We sing and celebrate. We sing and celebrate.
11:27:03 And now.
11:27:27 I'm dreaming.
11:27:51 Lovely. Remember you.
11:28:48 We sing as hell.
11:28:54 Amen.
11:29:15 Our comfortable fall weather changed abruptly to winter this past week. Similarly, we now switch from traditional Christmas carols in the Baroque style to a modern secular jazz offering
11:29:28 In keeping with the seasons.
11:29:30 Seasons do come and go, but the spirit of the holidays remain with us and echoes throughout the year in the music of happiness and goodwill everywhere.
11:29:40 Carl Stroman, who composed this morning's opening number, It's Christmas Again.
11:29:44 captures those seasonal changes so well in another of his holiday compositions.
11:29:49 Christmas is forever, which we share now.
11:29:52 We give you Christmas is Forever by Carl Stroman.
11:30:30 In the world.
11:30:37 The children grieving the river.
11:30:45 The music of Christmas stars.
11:32:46 As a young middle schooler in a mixed community of Jewish and Christian students I well remember the holidays as a time to celebrate our various traditions together.
11:32:59 In particular, I remember singing the traditional Hebrew Hanukkah song, Mi Yimale.
11:33:05 Or who can retell? The English translation from the Hebrew?
11:33:10 Who can retell the things that befell us? Who can count them? In every age, a hero or sage came to our aid.
11:33:19 Hark, schmah, O Y Israel. In days of war, in Israel's ancient land, brave Maccabeus led his faithful ban.
11:33:28 And tonight, our people, as we dream. Will arise, unite, and be redeemed.
11:33:36 As familiar as it was to me from my middle school memories, it was not familiar to the chorale.
11:33:42 So be very impressed with how they've learned a lot of Hebrew very fast.
11:33:48 Even though it is actually contained in our hymnal, the Singing the Living Tradition songbook.
11:33:53 We give you the Hebrew folk song, me, as arranged by Jill Galena. We hope you enjoy it.
11:34:34 Of heroes came too.
11:35:07 Make America's me.
11:35:09 His faithful prayer.
11:35:23 We arise.
11:36:30 You deserve your rule.
11:36:45 pray that we pray.
11:37:19 Only in the hell.
11:37:52 Okay, well, let's see. Thanks.
11:37:54 So I want to thank our greeter, Kathy Honorud.
11:37:58 our beverage and treat coordinator.
11:38:01 Judy Rohde, Harlan.
11:38:05 Hagen, Stephanie, Lisa, and Kenny, and to all of you who brought Treach, thank you.
11:38:11 Leading the cleanup will be Paul Kurtz, Deb Magnusson, but they would love to have help.
11:38:18 to our technical team, Fred Green and
11:38:22 And Wayne LeBlanc. And to our performers today.
11:38:25 Jim Cherry, Nick and Ellen Sheldon, Carol Grosch, Michelle Gardner.
11:38:31 Wally Jensen, Benji Olsen, Matt Olson.
11:38:36 Don Wahlberg, Al Potter, Bruce Krebsch, and the Pilgrim House Chorale.
11:38:42 And to our music master.
11:38:44 Bill Roden.
11:38:48 And of course, thank yous would not be complete without a heartfelt thank you to Mel
11:38:55 for coordinating, scheduling, and organizing this amazing event.
11:39:00 Please join with us in singing Christmas Old Enzyme.
11:39:39 Amazing.
11:40:51 Happy holidays, everybody.
11:40:59 We're not going to wait for it to come up on the screen. Everybody knows it anyway. So we're going to extinguish the chalice with the words that are in the voting, and now they're on the screen.
11:41:09 We extinguish flames.
11:41:11 But not the light of truth.
11:41:13 The warmth of commitment or desire of commitment.
11:41:18 These we carry in our hearts.
11:41:20 till we are together again.
11:41:25 Next week, we have…
11:41:28 This was the program that was supposed to be, I think, three weeks ago.
11:41:32 And he…
11:41:34 He had emergency surgery and couldn't come.
11:41:37 So you got me instead, but he's going to come now, and it's much better than mine.
11:41:43 12.1 upstream Minnesota with Andy Goldman Gray.
11:41:49 And now…
11:41:52 Go have something to eat.
11:41:55 Please join us.
11:43:23 Thank you.