A long-standing holiday tradition will continue at Becker United Methodist Church with the “Hanging of the Greens” service at 9 a.m. Sun., Dec. 1. While there is some disagreement among church elders as to the length of time the tradition has been ongoing, most agree that the service has been a part of the Christmas celebration at the church for over 30 years.
Rev. Diane Nelson, the new pastor at BUMC, explained that the “Greens” service takes place each year on the First Sunday of Advent, four weeks before Christmas, and is considered the “time of preparation” in advance of the celebration of the Birth of Jesus, which also includes the lighting of the Advent candle in the church.
Nelson and church members Alice Cowley, Barb Gulbrandson, Mary Jansky, Aletha St. Dennis and Elaine Schroeder stayed behind after a church board meeting last week to talk about the service and what it means to them.
One point all of the members emphasized was that the service is open to all members of the community, as the congregation was more than happy to share their Christmas tradition with their neighbors. Jansky said that, for her, “Advent helps me to prepare my heart for the birth of our Christ. Each symbol helps me realize the importance of the season, such as the star on the tree that reminds me that God wanted others to know of His birth.”
Others noted the poinsettia and Christmas rose were the “gifts of the poor” in honor of the Christ child, while the bright holly is present in remembrance of the “Crown of Thorns” worn by Jesus at his Crucifixion. The wreath is round, without beginning or end, and is evergreen and eternal as is the Love of God, another fitting symbol of Christmas that features in the service.
Nelson also said the Hanging of the Greens “brings back the sacred into the holidays,” and that the BUMC service is conducted in a joyous and “non-threatening” atmosphere where all are invited and in which the entire “church family” takes an active role. With the placement of each item, a story or an explanation is provided to the congregation as to why it is included in the service. Christmas carols are also a large part of the service, interspersed with the elements of the ceremony.
St. Dennis commented that, during the Green ceremony, “I think from what countries and cultures our traditions come, and I ask myself “Why are these symbols important?” I also enjoy it when all who come get to participate, even the children.”
Cowley noted she had first experienced the Greens service in about 1975, and found it to be both impressive and meaningful, so much so that that first service “did me in,” she said.
Bill Gulbrandson wrote that the service reminds him that the Christmas symbols have “a rich tradition, beyond enriching merchants, marketers and manufacturers”. Others wrote of the poinsettia, also known as the “Flower of the Holy Night”, while others noted the historical significance of evergreens, which the early Christians displayed in their windows as a sign that Christ had entered their home.
Patti Cox said the service meant preparation for the Birth of Christ to her, as well as a time to enjoy singing the beautiful Christmas carols along with the hanging of the wreaths.
The service is one of a number of unique features of the church, which also includes having the only church bell in the city still contained in the steeple, as well as having real stained-glass windows that the congregation enjoys each Sunday.
After the Dec. 1 service, there will be refreshments and fellowship in the church basement, and all are cordially invited to attend as well.
Rev. Diane Nelson, the new pastor at BUMC, explained that the “Greens” service takes place each year on the First Sunday of Advent, four weeks before Christmas, and is considered the “time of preparation” in advance of the celebration of the Birth of Jesus, which also includes the lighting of the Advent candle in the church.
Nelson and church members Alice Cowley, Barb Gulbrandson, Mary Jansky, Aletha St. Dennis and Elaine Schroeder stayed behind after a church board meeting last week to talk about the service and what it means to them.
One point all of the members emphasized was that the service is open to all members of the community, as the congregation was more than happy to share their Christmas tradition with their neighbors. Jansky said that, for her, “Advent helps me to prepare my heart for the birth of our Christ. Each symbol helps me realize the importance of the season, such as the star on the tree that reminds me that God wanted others to know of His birth.”
Others noted the poinsettia and Christmas rose were the “gifts of the poor” in honor of the Christ child, while the bright holly is present in remembrance of the “Crown of Thorns” worn by Jesus at his Crucifixion. The wreath is round, without beginning or end, and is evergreen and eternal as is the Love of God, another fitting symbol of Christmas that features in the service.
Nelson also said the Hanging of the Greens “brings back the sacred into the holidays,” and that the BUMC service is conducted in a joyous and “non-threatening” atmosphere where all are invited and in which the entire “church family” takes an active role. With the placement of each item, a story or an explanation is provided to the congregation as to why it is included in the service. Christmas carols are also a large part of the service, interspersed with the elements of the ceremony.
St. Dennis commented that, during the Green ceremony, “I think from what countries and cultures our traditions come, and I ask myself “Why are these symbols important?” I also enjoy it when all who come get to participate, even the children.”
Cowley noted she had first experienced the Greens service in about 1975, and found it to be both impressive and meaningful, so much so that that first service “did me in,” she said.
Bill Gulbrandson wrote that the service reminds him that the Christmas symbols have “a rich tradition, beyond enriching merchants, marketers and manufacturers”. Others wrote of the poinsettia, also known as the “Flower of the Holy Night”, while others noted the historical significance of evergreens, which the early Christians displayed in their windows as a sign that Christ had entered their home.
Patti Cox said the service meant preparation for the Birth of Christ to her, as well as a time to enjoy singing the beautiful Christmas carols along with the hanging of the wreaths.
The service is one of a number of unique features of the church, which also includes having the only church bell in the city still contained in the steeple, as well as having real stained-glass windows that the congregation enjoys each Sunday.
After the Dec. 1 service, there will be refreshments and fellowship in the church basement, and all are cordially invited to attend as well.
