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Church (o^ Christmas in Bethlehem D Dili r^larlc Tsrapli relations with PhrisHan OriVirkri/w onH fVu> AnrutninnR Shmuel . STAFF PHOTO/WAYNE CAYIORD Leonard A/Vorris puts finishing touches on his in­ terpretation of Herod's song from Lanny Wolfe's "Noel, Jesus is Born". Baptists present program "Noel, Jesus is Born" is the name of the candlelight Christmas program to be presented at the First Baptist Church, 509 Front Street (South Rt. 31), McHenry. The church's 23-voice choir will perform the Christmas musical Sunday evening, Dec. "where fine food and drink are surrounded by the warm beauty and charm nf nature" | (Emuitrtj Squire | iSeBtaurant & iCounge 8 18, at 6:30 p.m. The musical will tell the story of Jesus' birth and then come alive through shepherds and wisemen,Mary and Joseph, and othe soloists. Leonard Morris will present a special dramatic presentation of Herod's song. By Bill Clark Bethlehem - Not even Santa Claus spends as much time getting ready for Christmas. And one wonders if he would have the patience to carry out the elaborate preparations which go on in this famous town yearly to oversee the smooth celebrations of three different Christmases. That's right - three. For the Holy Land there are a trio of distinct celebrations every winter: The Roman Catholics celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25, according to the Gregorian calendar; the Eastern Orthodox Church considers Jan. 7 their Christmas by the Julian calendar; and the Armenians, who also go by the Julian calendar, celebrate Christmas Jan. 19 on the Feast of Epiphany, the anniversary of the spiritual birth of Jesus. This prolonged Christmas season does have its advantage', the various churches can avoid stepping on each others' toes in the popular Basilica of the Nativity - the fortress-like church that stands over the grotto where Jesus is believed by many Christians to have been born. But someone must oversee these complicated proceedings every year. Shmuel Hamburger, a young Israeli official, supplies the patience, diplomatic finesse and plain hard work required for this operation. Mr. Hamburger, who works in the civil ad­ ministration of Judea and Samaria, is responsible for Israeli relations with Christian communities - and the little town of Bethlehem falls right into his province. Mr. Hamburger sees to it that Christmas celebrations are conducted with safety, religious decorum and appropriate respect for the benefit of the many thousands of local and foreign Christian pilgrims who flock to Bethlehem for these three Christmases. Not a single incident, whether by terrorism or by civil disturbance, has been recorded in the last 17 years - the period since 1967, when Israel assumed administration of Judea and Samaria. "The greatest efforts are made to keep the utmost security without imposing on the Christmas ceremonies/' says Mr. Hamburger. "We know that terrorists want publicity, and that they must consider all the international media which come to Bethlehem for Christmas to be a tempting opportunity." Worldwide attention focuses each Christmas on the Basilica of the Nativity, the oldest func­ tioning church in the world. It was originally built 17 centuries ago, by order of Emperor Constantine. Through the centuries little appendages have been added to the building and various Christian communities have laid claim to some, or all, of its stones. Today, the three major Christian denominations share the church year round - the Roman Catholics, the Greek Orthodox and the Armenians. Each controls its own area of the church, or shares certain parts in accordance with an agreement established under the Ottoman Turks in 1757. S m a l l e r C h r i s t i a n denominations have special Christmas concessions and thus, Egyptian Copts have the right to worship in the Armenian section for a particular period on Christmas day (Jan 19). As the Christmas season approaches, Mr. Hamburger makes sure that all the details for the ceremonies and pageantry are properly tended. For example, a clergyman travelling from Syria can obtain special permission to cross into Israel for the •' holy day. Arrangements for the reception of foreign dignitaries must be made. Matters of protocol must be resolved. And most im­ portantly, security precaution s must be thorough. ^ There are other details. A few years ago there was some dif­ ficulty selecting someone to prepare the banquet for all tlwi notables arriving on Christma-s Eve for ceremonial processions. Mr. Hamburger resolved the issue with a deft proposal which was acceptable to all: he callicd on Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem to provide a kosher feast. Tod ay, the repast has become a tradition - right down to the mashgiah, a religious food in­ spector who supervises the feast to make sure all food is coiTect according to Jewish dietary laws of Kashrut. I 1 IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS That's the tune they're humming at the former Weslay Sears Estate in Grayslake! Folks come for miles around to see the pretty Christmas Decorations on the pic­ turesque 13 acres of grounds.. .and dine at Lake Coun­ ties finest'restaurant. Enjoy lunch, early evening din­ ners or regular dinners with your favorite cocktail...or stop by during the weekend for Saturday lunch or Sun­ day brunch! Regular hours Christmas Eve, Christmas Day Dinners Noon to 9. Please make your reser­ vations now! (New Years Eve and Day the same). Your hosts, BUI and Kris Govas 223-0121 Rout* 120 and 45, Gray slake (Closed Monday) 0 JOHN L. FREUND FREUND FUNERAL HOMES • WONDER LAKE 7611 HANCOCK DR. S15-72S-0233 COOPER-FREUND • MARENGO 205 N. STATE S15-54S-7345 Faith prepares annual Christmas MacLennan prepare for Christmas program at Faith Chruch. Faith Presbyterian Church, 2107 W. Lincoln Road, is currently preparing its annual Christmas program, which promises to be very different from prior years. This year's program, which is to be presented Dec. 18 at 7 p.m., involves no rehearsals, and all children attending Sunday School will participate. While the nativity story will remain traditional, it will be presented in a new way. Each Sunday School class has been acting out different parts of over the past several weeks while a seriefc'of photographs were being taken. The pictures are being made into slides, which will be put in HI story sequence along with narration to be recorded by the children. In attempting to ke<r?p the story authentic, costumes and live animals were used, along with varied locations. One Sunday, the children were taken to the Tom and Karen ' Thames Farm in McHenry. At the farm, pictures were taken depicting Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem and Joseph's con­ versation with the innkeeper was represented. Inside the manger see me with bseph, Baby Jesus and live animals was recoiled. Members of Faith Church eagerly look forward to the Shmuel Hamburger is also on hand for the annual cleaning of tl.ie great church - an event vtrhich is something of a ceremony itself. On that day, also, certain stones are cleaned several times over - once by each denomination claiming jurisdiction over it. And then the stones won't fe$l a broom for another 365 days - for this an­ cient basilica is cleaned only once a year. It's all done ac­ cording to that status quo negotiated by the Turks 227 years ago, with Mr. Hamburger and the Israeli administration today filling the role of referee. "Israel has a very great commitment to the protection of rights and the sanctity of Christian holy place," says Mr. Hamburger. "And being sen­ sitive to the status quo, and all the details found in preparing for important holy days, insures that this commitment is kept." And when it's done correctly, Christmas in Bethlehem is one of the greatest spectacles in the world. Bishops and patriarchs pass in procession. Scores of choirs from around the world lift their voices in the night air over Manger Square in front of the Basilica of the Nativity. Coor­ dinated radio and television transmissions flash the great event live to millions of people around the world. And con­ tinuing over the winter weeks, the liturgy of dozens of denominations in many languages is echoed safely throughout this renowned church in the Judean hills. program presentation of this special program Dec. 18. Photographers and others helping with picture taking were Richard Kucik, Jim Taylor, Adam Taylor, Kingston Bowen and Karl Zaehler. Faith Presbyterian Church, located. at the intersection of Chapel Hill and Lincoln Roads, welcomes all those interested in worship and Sunday School to attend. Classes for first grade through adult are offered at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday and again at 10:45 a.m. for two-year-olds through fourth grade. Worship services are at 8:3d-VW"l!IHa 10:45 a.m., with nursery available. Call the church at 385- 5388 for more information. SHEPHERD of the HILLS LUTHERAN CHURCH 404 N. Green St. Rev. Roger W. Schneider Phone 385-7786 or 385-4030 Sunday Church 8:30 fit 10:45 Sunday School 9:1 5 Nursery Services Available WONDER LAKE BIBLE CHURCH Phone: 728-0422 or 728-1687 7501 Howe Dr. Wonder Lake, III Merle D. Conklin, Pastor Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship Service 10:50 am Prayer Hour - Wed 7:30 p.m. ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH_ (Missouri Synod). 4206 W. Waukegan Rd. (Rt. I 20) Rev. Hermann F. Graef 385-0859 385-1616 Sunday Worship 7:45 & 10:30 Nursery Services at 10:30 Education for Eternity, Sunday School Children & Youth 9:00 a.m. McHENRY COUNTY FRIENDS MEETING (QUAKER) I st ft 3rd Sunday I 1:00 a.m. For information call 385-8512 or 312-683-3840 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY Lincoln Rd & Eastwood Lane Sunday Service & Sunday School 10:30 Wed. 8 p.m. Reading Room Tues Sc 1 hurs 2-4 Saturday 11-12 Noon ALLIANCE BIBLE CHURCH 3815 W. Bull Valley Rd. Rev. Gerald Robertson Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Morning Worship I 1:00 a.m. Evening Worship 7:00 p.m. Choir Practice 6:00 p .m. Wednesday Bible Study ^^n^Prajer^3( ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH JOHNSBURG Rev. Leo Bartel, Pastor Rectory Phone: 385-1477 Sat. Eve. Mass 5:30 p.m. Fulfills Sun. Obligation Sun. Masses 7, 9 & I 1 a.m. Weekdays 7:30 & 9, Sat 8 a.m. cJoin Us In Worship IN THE CHURCH OF YOUR CHOICE THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS 312-587-7727 (Office) 31 2-497-4527 (Pastor's Office) Rev. J. W. Hughes, III » Sunday Schedule: Worship Services 8:1 5 & 10:30 am Sunday School 9:1 5 a.m. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 4918 E. Wonder Lake Rd. Wonder Lake, Illinois Phone: 728-1091 Pastor - Dennis Shaw Sunday Worship 1 I a.m. Bible Study 10 a.m. Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study 7 p.m. MARANATHA ASSEMBLY OF GOD (Charismatic/Pentecostal) Pastor Lawrence Thompson I 309Court St. 344-0557 Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:4^ a.m. Evening Worship 6:00 p.m. Wed. Family Nite 7:00 p.m. Thurs. Youth 7:00 p.m. I > W&& ' >L\" 1 MOUNT HOPE UNITED METHODIST 101 5 W. Broadway, Pit takee Highlands Church Phone 312-497-3805 Linda Mi lewicz.Perconte. Pastor Personage (312) 497-3024 Sund. ay School 9:15 a.m. Woirship 10:30 a.m. ' PENEC;OSTAL CHURCH OF GOD 4010 We stwood Dr.. Wonder Lake 815-653-9980 Junie A. Long, Pastor Si.inday School 10a.m. Sunda y Morning Worship 11 am Sunday Evening Worship 6:30 pm Friday Bible Study 7 pm Wed Bible Study 6:30 Dm AIaiMLAKEI" EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH 4815 N. Wilmot Road Church Phone 497-3000 Parsonage 497-3050 Rev. Marlowe Shoop Sunday School for all 9:45 a.m. Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Weekday/Night Growth Groups TME CHURCH OF SI. MARY 01 1ME ASSUMPTION 1403 N. Richmond Rd.. Mcllcnn > 385-0024 REV. JAMES G. GAY NOR. PAS I OH NATIVITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 3'306 E. Wonder Lake Rd. Bo* 157 Wonder Lake, Illinois Phone 653-3832 Sunday Worship 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:00 a.m. (Nursery Facilities Available) ST. FRANCIS POLISH NATIONAL CATHOLIC CHURCH Flanders Road East of Ringwood Road Sunday Masses I I a.m. Rev. Adalbert (Wojciech) Bazarmk McHENRY EVANGELICAL FREECHURCH 3031 Lincoln Road 344-1111 Church Pastor Roy Wisner 1-653-9675 Sunday Service 10:30 Sunday Eve Service 6:00 p.m. Sunday School 9:1 5-10:1 5 FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2107 West Lincoln Road (Across front"outdoor Theater) -» Worship 8:30 fit 10:45 Children fi( Adult Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Bible Study - Weds. 9:30 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Eric J. Snyder Phone 385-5388 or 385-8460 Nursery Services Available Home of The Joyful Noise Christian Preschool George R. Justen Funeral Home 3519 W. ELM STREET McHENRY 385-2400 Freund Funeral Home ' 7 6 1 1 H A N C O C K D R I V E WONDER LAKE 1 /28-0233 Peter M. Justen Funeral Home 3807 W. ELM STREET McHENRY 385-01063 Glaviano's Interiors 414 S. ROUTE 31 McHENRY 385 3764 McHenry " Savings & Loan , 1209 N. GREEN STREET McHENRY 385-3000 This space available to advertisers for pennies an issue. Brake Parts Co. P.O. BOX 11 McHENRY 385 7000 First National Bank off McHenry 3814 W. RTE. 120 McHENRY 385 5400 McHenry Paint, Glass & Wallpaper 3411 W. ELM STREET McHENRY 385-7353 Ace Hardware 3729 W. ELM STREET McHENRY 385-3660 McHenry Plaindealer ' 3812 W. ELMStREET McHENRY_ 385-01 70 Mitchell Sales, Inc. BUICK - OLDS 903 N. FRONT STREET McHENRY 385-7200 McHenry Truck Line, Inc. P. 0. BOX 575 McHENRY 385-0712 McHenry State Bank ^ 3510 W. ELM STREET. McHENRY 385-1040 Coast to Coast Hardware 4400 W. RTE. 120 McHENRY MARKET PLACE 3B5-6655 ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH Rev. Edmund Petit, Pastor Sat. Eve (Sunday Obligation Fulfilled) 5 p.m. Sunday 7:15, 8:30, 9:45 II & 12:15 UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH 258 Sunnyside, Lakemoor Rev. Nolan Hilderbrand 312-279-6289 Sunday 9:45 a.m. fit 6:30 p.m. Wednesday 7:30 p.m. Bible Study Fri. 7:30 p.m. Wed. 7:30 p.m. Bible Study FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3717 W. Main Street Church Phone 385-0931 Thomas Lowery. Pastor Parsonage Phone 385-1352 Sunday Service 9:30 a.m. Church School 10:45 a.m. CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC CHURCH 5006 E. Wonder Lake Road Wonder Lake, III Sun Masses 8, 10 am fic noon Sat Evening Mass 5:00 p.m. Fulfills Sunday Obligation RINGWOOD METHODIST CHURCH Ringwood, Illinois Pastor Gordon Smith Res. 648-2848 Church 653-6956 Sunday 9:15 a.m. Church School 9:45 a.m. ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 3706 St. Paul's & Green 385 0390| Rev. Marion Mailey, Rector Sunday Services Nursery Provided 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharisj_ 9:30 a.m. Christian Education 10:00 A.M. Family Eucharist Wed. 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Holy Days as Announced FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH I 509 Front St. 385-0083 Thomas R. Roberson, Pastor Bible Study-Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:45 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Wed. Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. CHURCH OF GOD OF McHENRY (Pentecostal) 3813 John St., McHenry, III Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship I0J Sunday Evenhtg-6-00 p.m. Kevin Grissom, Pastor Phone 344-2032, 344-3950 THE CHURCH OF ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION 1403 N. Richmond Rd.. McHENRY .385-0024 Rev. James G. Gay nor, Pastor .Rev. James Novak, Asst. Priest Rev. Walter Johnson, V*• Rev. Stanley Ryzner Rev. C. Alfred Dietsch Saturday Evening Mass 5:00 p.m. (Fulfills Sunday Obligation) Sunday Masses 6:30, 8:00, 9:30, 9:45. 10:45, 11:00, 12 noon !