Prayer Partner Theresa Healy

The evening was hosted by the Prayer Partners with Theresa Healy as Presider, Julie Madden and Pat Stevens as Readers, and Julie Kerr-Berry as Liturgical Dancer. The Schola under the direction of Anna Mae Vagle, with Joe Chouinard on piano and Kristin Ehlert on flute provided the beautiful music.

Julie Madden and I agree that the Advent Evensong is one of our favorite services during the year. It is very peaceful and centering. There is something so wonderful about going to a lovely, candlelit, incense filled, church on a winter evening and connecting with friends and family as we wait for the soon to arrive anniversary celebration of the Savior's birth.

The service began with Theresa Healy welcoming us and asking us to share programs if we could. It seems more people came then they planned (always good)! The Schola processed into the church singing "Creator of the Stars at Night" while holding lit candles which they placed on a table in from of the lectern. They positioned themselves at the front of the room and led us in "O, Come, O Come Emmanuel". Julie Kerr-Berry lit the 4 candles on the Advent Wreath and a short time later danced with the incense bowl to the Schola's "My Prayers Rise Like Incense Before You".

Then we recited Psalm 63:2-9 alternating between the Men and Women and ending with All of us together saying: "O God, You are my God, for You I long, For You my soul is thirsting" The Schola sang, what I think, is one of their best: "Come Unto Me" by Sweet Honey in the Rock. The Schola does this song so fantastically. Their harmonies are tight!

Julie Madden and Pat Stevens	Julie Kerr-Berry

Julie Madden and Pat Stevens offered a Reflection at the end of which we all said: "And You, O Living Love will be born within our hearts again, and again, and again".

The Reflection was followed by an invitation for all to offer prayers. Among the prayers: a desire for peaceful resolution to conflicts, remembrance of those in the Military right now, a wish for acceptance of all peoples, The Prayers were followed by the well-known Joan of Arc recitation of the Lord's Prayer (hand-holding all around) and the Sharing of Peace (hugs all around!).

The closing ceremony involved Julie Kerr-Berry slowly dancing around the Advent Wreath and one by one snuffing out each candle. The Schola picked up the lighted candles they had placed on the table at the beginning, processed to the back of the church, stood together and blew their candles out.

Janice LaDuke was baptized at St. Joan of Arc but her parents left St. Joan's in the early 70's and went to a "less radical" Catholic church instead. She's very glad to have found her way back to St. Joan's in 1994!! Janice is a librarian by profession and has been working in the library of a healthcare consulting firm since 1997. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to all kinds of music and working on her home near Como Lake in St. Paul. Janice is also Echo Thoren's assistant every Sunday at the 11:00 a.m. service.

Paul Oman is a software engineer and compulsive barefoot waterskier who skis in shows with the Twin City River Rats. In winter, Paul plays hockey and sings in St. Joan's choir. He hosts some events with the St. Joan Singles group and lives in Brooklyn Center.

Another excellent Joan of Arc reminder of the "true" nature of the Holiday Season has come to an end. Until next year....