St. Nicholas came to visit us on December 6th. He is the patron Saint of Sailors. He born in Turkey in 3rd century AD. He was a devout Christian who was known for secretly helping people. He came from a wealthy family and once, helped a poor man with three daughters who had no money for their dowries, which meant the daughters would be sold into slavery. Nicholas dropped gold coins into their stockings down the chimney while they hung to dry (where we get our tradition to hang the stocking by the chimney with care). When St. Nicholas was visited us, he secretly put “gold” coins in the shoes that the children had left!

On Sunday, December 8th we are looking forward to having our seminarian, Justin Baker (NALS) preach for us.

We are also looking forward to having a visit from St. Lucia on December 8th. Lucia was a young Christian girl who, at about 14 years of age, died for her faith, helping others in 304 AD. Lucia would carry food to Christians hiding in the catacombs of Rome. She would carry the food in her arms and wore a crown of candles upon her head so, the Christians knew she was unarmed and offering support. Lucia means “Light”. The strongly Lutheran countries of Sweden, Norway and Denmark celebrate her feast day of December 13th.