He’s Coming to Town –, originally uploaded by richarddalton14.
Here Comes the Original Santa Claus!
Saint Nicholas, patron saint of sailors, merchants, repentant
thieves, students and children will be preaching in Rochester Hills.
In bright red cloak, bishop’s miter on his head, and crozier in his hand, Saint Nicholas is going to cause quite a stir at a little church in Rochester Hills. He will be at the Church of the Holy Redeemer for a special children’s service on Tuesday, December 7th at 7 pm. Then, he will preach at both of their Communion Services on Saturday, December 11th at 5 pm and on Sunday, December 12th at the 10:30 am. Holy Redeemer believes that celebration around Saint Nicholas Day, which is Dec 6th, along with a richer understanding and connection to this ancient bishop will enhance the holiday
season for both children and adults.
“These will be three wonderful opportunities for everyone in this season of Advent —– when we prepare for the coming of Jesus into this world, in the form of human frailty.” says Pastor Kenneth Tanner.
Saint Nicholas should feel quite at home during his visits to Holy Redeemer. It’s a unique church; much like those he cared for around seventeen hundred years ago as bishop — liturgical worship, Biblical faith, and an openness to God’s Spirit and gifts.” St. Nicholas’ arrival should be interesting; Holy Redeemer doesn’t have a chimney. He says, “No worry, I’ll squeeze in somehow, and have plenty of room in the pulpit.”
Saint Nicholas heralded from Myra, which is part of modern day Turkey. He devoted himself to the poor and the needy and is also known for some startling miracles. He even gave away his large inheritance. Truly, he was a giver. And he loved children.
Through the centuries, he has been beloved by all. In the year 2000, a
splendid bronze statue was installed in his home town square in Turkey in his honor. Five years later, the City Mayor decided to pander to the metamorphosis of Saint Nicholas into the more commercially lucrative Santa Claus. He took down the bronze statue and replaced it with a red-suited, plastic(!) Santa Claus statue on a tall pedestal. The protests came from far and wide, so the fine bronze statue was placed in front of the medieval church of St. Nicholas, for all to admire.
Few of us can travel to his birth-place in Turkey, but his upcoming visits to Rochester Hills will be times to remember. True to his nature, Saint Nicholas will be taking special joy from meeting the children who come to see him. No doubt, he will be well armed with little gifts for them all.
Join us on:
Children’s Service on Tuesday, December 7th at 7 pm.
Weekend Communion Services
Saturday, December 11th at 5 p.m.
Sunday, December 12th at the 10:30 a.m.
Church of the Holy Redeemer is at 3050 Grant Road
(Take Auburn Road just west of Crooks) Phone 248-852-4081
Map to the Church Campus
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Watch the Video about Church of the Holy Redeemer
Click Here For Interesting Information on St. Nicholas
