ELCA Christmas Special "The Manger is Empty

?THE MANGER IS EMPTY? CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

?The Manger is Empty," a dramtic Christmas story by Pastor Walter
Wangerin, Jr., is being featured throughout the Christmas season as a
special broadcast off ?Lutheran Vespers," the radio ministry program of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  Master storyteller and
popular author Wangerin tells the poignant true story of a faithful church
member and her Christmas Eve funeral service.  Wangerin?s own seven
year old daughter, Mary, responded with the insight and imagination only
a child can offer at Christmas.  Mary's child-like faith taught her father
and the whole congregation that Christ's love is present even in midst of
pain.  The presentation includes original songs and orchestration
composed by singer/songwriter Ken Medema.  In many markets "The
Manger is Empty" broadcast will be Christmas Eve, in some it will be
repeated on Christmas day.  Wangerin, the host of "Lutheran Vespers,"
is heard weekly on 187 stations in the United States, Africa and Guam.

[Editors: For information about the broadcast in your market call
800/638-3522.]

For information contact: Ann Hafften, Dir., ELCA News Service, (312)
380-2958 or AHAFFTEN@ELCA.ORG; Frank Imhoff, Assoc. Dir., (312)
380-2955 or FRANKI@ELCA.ORG; Melissa Ramirez, Assist. Dir., (312)
380-2956 or MRAMIREZ@ELCA.ORG