Lutheran Church in Toledo, Ohio celebrates Christmas

During my visit to family in Michigan and Ohio we all were able to attend a number of recitals and Christmas events. I want to share the last one with you. It took place in an historic centenary church in downtown Toledo, Ohio, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, a member of ELCA. 

The church presented a Brass and Organ concert of Christmas music in their lavishly decorated sanctuary. 

 

We were treated to the sound of the pipe organ.

I have a feeling that they don't use the altar in this church....

This tree was in the front on the left. When I took a closer look at the decorations I was amazed to see that the Chrismons were the exact same styrofoam and gold bead ornaments that we made in high school at Christ the Master. The very same and no doubt as old as we are!

See how many of the designs you recognize! Maybe you made one of them.

The other attraction to this event was the church-wide display of a collection of 1200 nativities from around the world. The church building was a labyrinth of hallways and rooms and all were filled with nativity displays and countless decorated Christmas trees, each with its own theme. 

There was a display of Precious Moments figures. The company that makes these is in Ohio so they gave a special presentation on the history of the designs and the company.

From Mexico

Native American theme

Peru

African

Poland

Laos

Every ornament on this tree is a nativity scene.

Children's toy sets

There were nativities made of every kind of material. This mezanine was filled with many. I only took photos of some of the more interesting ones but there was SO much to see and many more wonderful ones.

My daughter, Katie, searched diligently and finally found the set of plastic figures from her childhood, the first nativity that we owned. This one was in pristine condition compared to our much loved one. (We had a different stable than this but that stable was also in the collection elsewhere.)

I was enamored by this upstairs room that was called the "Lady's Parlor" and was the place where the church women gathered for their teas and meetings. This church was very much focused on community works throughout its history. 

I absolutely love these stone windows with leaded glass. The view here is of the Toledo courthouse.

We came across this "nativity" tucked in a hallway as we exited the church's back door.

We all agreed that it is "disturbing" (as is so much modern art).

Blessed Advent

 Second Sunday

Happy December

 Happy St. Nicholas Day 

Time for reviewing the year, and goodies for accomplishments. Usually the goodies come after the recitation of a poem. 

I am decorating for the season, much, much less than I used to. But I found these old pieces. The little bear was one of the very first Christmas decorations I ever bought. The snowmen are part of a herd the children made. (Do snowmen come in herds or flocks or murmurations? Hm. I looked it up; the collective of snowmen is a melt. Now we know.)

Outside and Advent

 Frosty Days

We have had more winter in this November than we have had ALL winter for years. Maybe the warm period is ending. 

In Zürich

Out of the city

Frosty morning windows

The garden, slumbering. Yes, the greenhouse has heat and wool blankets. 

And now it is Advent. 

Blessed First Sunday in Advent. (We improvised.)

Thanksgiving and Beyond

Being Grateful 

Despite once again transporting nearly my whole kitchen across the country, I am thankful to have had a lovely Thanksgiving celebration with some family and friends in the old family home. And we even managed to find a turkey, after a considerable hunt - not one prepared for roasting, but I made it work and it was good - and still is. 

Christmas Shopping

Then comes my annual stroll around Zürich to see the Christmas markets, the lights and displays. And I find a few baubles for my collection. Fortunately, I do not have to shop for people anymore, so I just enjoy the sights. 

Market stalls on the Main Street.

Store display 

The Christmas markets in the main train station 

And THE TREE. This year it is Sponsored by the Lindt chocolate company. 

 

A little train ran around the base of the tree.

Where one gets his picture taken in front of the tree.

The market is under new management this year, so the stalls are different -  no longer plan brown wood, now painted. I like the old ones better.