Surprise Birthday Tribute For Rev Steven Gordon
Surprise Birthday Tribute For Rev Steven Gordon
Senior Minister Rev Steven Gordon got a birthday surprise Sunday morning during the Advent luncheon in the undercroft following the Greening of the Church service at the Newtown Congregational Church.
Rev Gordon, who will be 50 on December 7, was stunned and amused during the mild roast and presentation of huge magnifying glasses, a cane with a horn on it, and some other spoof gifts that were presented along with the roast and a halo of balloons prepared by the visiting clown.
Later he was very moved and speechless with the words coming from the huge crowd that assembled to wish him well and present him with a card signed by all and a monetary gift collected from his parishioners.
The traditional first Sunday of Advent luncheon followed the âGreeningâ service and the lighting of the first Advent candle by David, Mary, Richard and Robert Andreotta. The church children attended and participated in the service by bringing decorations for the Christmas tree that was lighted during the service after John Marcucilli explained the origin of the custom. The Childrenâs Choir sang âEverlasting Joyful Praiseâ for the introit, under the direction of Mrs Andreotta.
The tradition of evergreens and garlands was explained by Stephanie Wiedermann, Sherie Roberts read scriptures, Keith Roberts explained the tradition of the Advent wreath, Jodi Miklaszewski talked about regular wreaths and their origin, and Lynn Buttner explained the origin of the poinsettias.
Senior Choir Soloists were Joe Kewley, Keith Roberts and Sharon Goodkowsky, who sang âNova, Novaâ with the choir for the anthem. Ms Goodkowsky also read a poem, âIn Search of Our Kneeling Placesâ by Ann Weems, and Rev Gordonâs Advent message was âThe Christmas Scout.â
Wreaths and holly were on sale following the event and some stayed on for a Christmas craft workshop.
Special Advent Bible Study, âThe Bible and Handelâs Messiah,â will be conducted by Rev Gordon and the Rev Janice Touloukian, following the worship service December 12 and 19 at 11:30 am.