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Title: ELCA Christmas Special "The Manger is Empty" ELCA NEWS SERVICE - NEWSBRIEF December 20, 1996 ?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 [log in to unmask]; Frank Imhoff, Assoc. Dir., (312) 380-2955 or [log in to unmask]; Melissa Ramirez, Assist. Dir., (312) 380-2956 or [log in to unmask]