John Tampa leads worship for more than
420 parishioners and guests
“With cameras flashing, people buzzing in
amazed delight and children giggling, more than 420 people filled St.
Peter’s
new Fellowship Hall for the 4:00 p.m.
Children’s Christmas Pageant and family service on December 24, 2005. It was
the inaugural service in the new building, with construction and final
touches to the worship and fellowship hall completed just hours before. This
was the first celebration of the Christmas Eucharist by our parish in a
worship space other than our historic church building in more than 260
years. It was a remarkable, history-making day, full of joy and wonder, hugs
and high fives, and tears of thanks for all that God has given us.
The huge congregation (a standing room only crowd, with people lining the
walls all around the seating area) watched a cast of younger parishioners
process into the hall dressed as shepherds, Joseph and Mary, and angels.
Carols, prayers and a procession to the crèche began the service, which then
transitioned into the Service of Holy Eucharist. Parishioners and guests
shared in communion as a young persons’ choir and instrumental ensemble
performed several pieces, led by Choir Director Martha Johnson. The Very
Rev. John Tampa, Father Jim Birney and Clair Nevin-Field led the service and
administered communion."
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The “Post and Beam” architecture makes a dramatic statement inside the Fellowship Hall |
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Parishioners await the start of the service |
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Parishioners gather as the youth musical ensemble prepares to perform. |
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John Tampa makes announcements during the service |
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Shepherds, Mary and the Baby Jesus prepare to process to the altar |
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Angels, Assistant Choir Director Bruce Glenny, and parishioners join together in worship |
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Yes, the angels are “cute to kill”! |
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John Tampa administers communion |
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Parishioners and clergy sing the final hymn |
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"As the crowd sang Christmas
carols and drank in the warm, inviting atmosphere of the new worship space,
thoughts came to mind of Jesus’ instructions to Simon (Luke: 5:4). After
Simon, James and John had been fishing all night and gathered no catch,
Jesus said: “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
Simon did so and his nets were filled to overflowing. What followed was a
new beginning in Simon’s life, as he left his commercial fishing business to
follow Jesus as one of his apostles.
So St. Peter’s was filled to overflowing on Christmas Eve, 2005. We were
overflowing with people, to be sure, but also with joy, a tremendous sense
of accomplishment, and a realization that we had reached a new beginning in
our parish life. May we use this new space as a means to bring others to a
new life in Christ. May our new Fellowship Hall bring Honor and Glory to God
for centuries to come.”
Rip Tilden
Do
you have photographs and/or memories that you can share with the parish about
Christmas Eve, 2005 in the new Fellowship Hall? Send them to the
Webmaster
and they will be shown here for all to see.
"This morning, when I first
got up, I turned on the television set, and heard a woman describing her
most fond memory of Christmas as a child; it was a nice story. Well, my MOST
FOND MEMORY of CHRISTMAS is going to remain from last evening - - - the
vibrant and historic Service in the Great Room of the new Fellowship Hall.
We have more to do, but the accomplishments of many . . . brought it all
together on Christmas Eve. We can all be most thankful . . .
Best to all"
Hank Rentschler
. . . what struck me was the
undercurrent of excitement expressed from each parishioner whom I encountered.
Each had a smile on their face and a skip in their step -- from the men
placing luminaries along the drive; the Flower Guild ladies checking their
creations one last time; the chalicists making sure the new Holy Table was
just so; the children in costume preparing for the start of the "show."
It was heart-warming to see families pouring into the space to worship as
one body. Finally, there was room in the "inn" for all -- Alleluia!
Angela Hutton
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