This year St. Ansgar will hold its St. Lucia Festival on Sunday, December 9th at 4PM. The event is free and open to the public.
What is the St. Lucia Festival? It is a Swedish Christian tradition that dates from the 14th century. According to the old Julian Calendar, December 13th was the longest night of the year, and thus marked the first step toward spring, with its promise of light and sunshine. It is on this date that the people of Sweden celebrate the Lucia Festival. Christian legend has it that the Romans betrayed Lucia. Later, Vikings impressed by her faith, are said to have brought her legend to Scandinavia from Sicily, where she is the patron saint of fishermen.
Every year at St. Ansgar, the St. Lucia legend is told. Authentic Swedish carols are sung, and a young woman from the congregation is crowned the “Queen of Light.” Traditional Scandinavian refreshments are served, and unique items from our International Table are available.
This year, St. Ansgar is pleased to announce that Kristina Ann Birthisel, age 16, will be honored as this year's Queen of Light." Kristina is a mostly home-schooled student and plans to attend Greely High School and/or USM Early Studies Program next semester. She is the daughter of Karen and Bill Birthisel of Cumberland.
Ever wonder what makes the julekake bread at St. Ansgar's fair taste so wonderful? Long to know the secret behind St. Ansgar's famous fish chowder?
Mark your calendars for Friday, November 9th. Bakers will be churning out loaves all day. The chowder team will start at 6PM. Come, help out, and learn how to cook like a civic minded Lutheran. Who needs the Food Channel?
Members and Friends,
It's that time again! Your help is needed - from set-up to clean-up. As usual we will need baked goods and candy. Volunteers are also needed to work in the kitchen, dining area, and at the tables from 10AM - 2PM. Please contact St. Ansgar if you can help. Leave a message for Julie D.
This year the famous St. Olaf Christmas Festival will be simulcast at movie theaters all across the country. The simulcast presentation on December 2nd will begin at 4PM. The closest participating theater to Portland is in Lowell, MA. Tickets are $20.
If you are interested in attending, we strongly encourage you to buy your tickets early. They go on sale online Friday, November 2nd. If you would like to travel to the simulcast as part of a St. Ansgar group, there will be a signup sheet at the church.
More information including locations and ticketing can be found at the St. Olaf Christmas Festival's website.
During coffee hour on November 4th St. Ansgar's Sunday Schoolers will be selling baked goods to raise money for outreach, activities, and Cup International, an organization that runs an orphanage and medical clinic in Southern India. For such a worthy cause these treats are sure to be guilt free! Enjoy.
We accept donations of non-perishable food items, toiletries, and cash on the first Sunday of every month to benefit Project Feed.
