St. Nicholas Day
I enter the Cathedral as I do each Sunday morning to find the Verger has arrived ahead of me. Dutifully Earlene, dressed in her black robe and gray cover, has unlocked the Cathedral doors, turned on the lights, and is at the Altar making sure everything is where it should be.
This day though something is different. I look again from the distance to see the form of a little girl. Dressed in Elsa (from Disney’s Frozen) garb, a little stuffed animal in hand, an angelic smile beams as she plays by the Altar as her Aunt “E” religiously prepares us for our ritual. And so our ritual begins, and the Verger leads me as she has for 12 years to my place and there one pew in front of me is that angel. Sitting quietly, though appropriately a little jittery in the choir pew below. She looks up at me and I smile. She looks at her Aunt “E” and glances back at me with a nervous smile in return.
St. Nicholas was a Bishop in what is known as modern day Turkey. We don’t know all that much about him really, other than that he probably knew some persecution under the emperor Diocletian, may have been present at the council of Nicea in 325 A.D. and that tradition has attached to him the characteristics of compassion to seafarers and an absolute devotion to children.
The lectionary reminds us of children striving to be near Jesus for a blessing, rebuked by disciples, and Jesus taking the moment for an object lesson in compassion. Taking them in his arms (the children) blessing them and letting all who could hear it, that to such as these belong the Kingdom of heaven, and in fact, if you can’t be child loving like
these, you may not get this Kingdom thing at all.
Below me in that pew, a beautiful child sits patiently and dutifully because she loves her Aunt "E". She plays quietly with her “stuffed friend” who she has brought along, and every now and then glances up at me, perhaps considering the next smile she may give. My heart fills!
I begin the liturgy………..”Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!”. The people respond: “And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen.” Somehow these words now have more meaning.
|
|
|
Sunday Bulletin
For those of you worshiping with us via Livestream, below please find the Sunday bulletin.
|
|
Adult Forums:
Dec 1-22 - Canon Grandfield will present "Basics of Mission"
|
|
Craig and Nyke Concert
Join Craig Thatcher and Nyke Van Wyk for their annual Christmas performance at the Cathedral on Sunday, December 8 at 4PM. Doors open at 3:15 PM. No ticket required. Freewill offering to benefit the church.
|
|
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
If you would like to remember or give thanks for a loved one by contributing toward the Christmas Poinsettias in the chancel of the Cathedral, please complete
THIS FORM.
The form should be sent along with a donation of your choice and the names of those you wish to remember or give thanks for. Please return forms to the Cathedral Office, ATTN: Peggy
no later than Monday, December 9
or you may place them in the offering plate on Sunday. The names will appear in the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day service bulletins. Volunteers will deliver the plants to the sick and shut-in members of the parish after Christmas.
|
|
Christmas Support
Each year our congregation identifies and supports a few families by helping them with the purchase of Christmas gifts. If you would like to be part of this gift of generosity, please submit a gift card to Target or Walmart in the range of $25-$50 and send them to the office by Thursday, December 12. Dean Pompa will get these to families.
|
|
Past & Present Program
If we are going into December, it must be time for the annual Cookie Exchange at the Past and Present Luncheon... AND, we are so pleased that Winston Alozie [our 321 Service pianist] will be able to come, once again, and play Christmas music for us all. So, gather up a friend, and if you have a pretty piece of Christmas china or glass bring it to show and share with us. The day is Friday, December 13th. The social time will be at 11:00 with the luncheon at noon. OH, and don't forget to bring your favorite cookies for the exchange. They can be homemade or those special cookies that you occasionally splurge on. We can't wait! R.S.V.P. Pam Bayliss 610-798-7671
|
|
Noche de Espiritualidad Hispana/Latina
IMÁGENES DE SANTA MARÍA LA VIRGEN
Latino Spirituality Night
IMAGES OF SAINT MARY THE VIRGIN
El
15 de Diciembre
, 2019
a las
6:00 p.m.
en
La Parroquia Catedral de la Natividad
, Episcopal
The Episcopal Cathedral Church of the Nativity
321 Wyandotte St
Bethlehem, Pa 18015
Procesión con velas y flores, cantos y devociones en español a
-
La Virgen
-
de Guadalupe, de Suyapa, de la Paz, del Rosario, de la Altagracia, y de la Divina Providencia
-
Madre de nuestro señor Jesucristo
-
Procession with candles and flowers, songs and devotions in Spanish to
-
The Virgin
-
of Guadalupe, of Suyapa, of Peace, of the Rosary, of Highest Grace, and of Divine Providence
-
Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ
-
Cena después. Todos son bienvenidos.
Dinner to follow. All are welcome.
|
|
Luminaria Night for New Bethany Ministries
Saturday, December 14, is Luninaria Night to raise funds for New Bethany Ministries (and to put ourselves in the Holiday spirit!). If you'd like to purchase kits of 10 luminaries ($10.00 each) and/or be a Block Captain to help your neighborhood participate,
email Dale
|
|
Youth Christmas Pageant
Nativity Pageant is being held Sunday, December 22 during the 10:30 AM Eucharist. (Please have your child arrive at normal Sunday School time of 9:20 AM.) Rehearsal is Saturday, December 21 from 10 AM-Noon in the church. Sign-up sheet is in Sayre Hall. If you have any questions, contact Jess Cleffi at
jcleffi@hotmail.com
or 484-695-2168.
|
|
Organ Noëls
December 25 at 3PM. Stephen Williams plays an offering of Christmas music for the organ including the delightful French Noels. This year Stephen will be joined by guest soloist Ian Murphy.
|
|
The South Bethlehem Historical Society ethnic Christmas tree exhibit
is now on display at the Steelstacks visitor center in Bethlehem. There are sixteen beautiful trees representing many countries including Nativity’s English tree. The displays also include information detailing the various Christmas cultures.
|
|
Mentors Needed
A high five with Lavar. A fist bump with Xavier. Not to mention their smile, and them your goose bumps. Be an "educator" (mentor), mom or dad for 40 minutes a week. The Fountain Hill Elementary School family needs you. Consider this wonderful volunteer option to help brighten your day, not to mention Lavar's or Xavier's. If you are interested, please contact the church office office at 610-865-0727 or Gene Witiak at 610-691-5520 or
thehug.witiak@gmail.com
|
|
The Philia Book Club
will not be meeting in December. However, you want to read
The Guest Book
by Sarah Blake. Kae Romeril will be our discussion leader at our January meeting.
|
|
 |
CHRISTMAS AT THE CATHEDRAL – 2019
Sunday, December 8
- 4:00 p.m. Craig & Nyke Christmas Concert (doors open at 3:15 p.m.)
Sunday, December 15
- 6:00 pm Noche de Espiritualidad Hispana/Latina IMÁGENES DE SANTA MARÍA LA VIRGEN
Sunday, December 22
- 10:30 a.m. Nativity Christmas Pageant (*There will be 8 AM Holy Eucharist )
- 5:00 p.m. Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Tuesday, December 24 – Christmas Eve
- 5:00 p.m. Festive Eucharist, Special Music, Children’s Sermon, Bishop Kevin Nichols Presiding
- 10:00 p.m. Music from the Rood Screen
- 10:30 p.m. Candlelight Festival Eucharist, Bishop Kevin Nichols Presiding
Wednesday, December 25 – Christmas Day
- 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music
- 1:00 p.m. Santa Eucaristía de la Navidad - en la capilla del buen Pastor (Holy Eucharist in Spanish in Good Shepherd Chapel)
- 3:00 p.m. Organ Noëls with Stephen Williams & guest soloist Ian Murphy
Saturday, December 28
- 5:00 p.m. Celtic Christmas, Candlelight, Live Celtic Christmas Music, Carol Sing-along
Sunday, January 5 – Celebration of the Epiphany
- Services Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday at 8:00 a.m., 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
- 9:15 a.m. Epiphany Breakfast with special guest Percy the Camel & Furry Friends
Sunday, January 26 – Parish Annual Meeting & Breakfast
- 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
- 9:00 a.m. Sunday School & Annual Meeting
- 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist
|
|
|
|
Nativity Cathedral
Home for Healing & Wholeness
|
Our Mission: Nativity Cathedral’s Home for Healing and Wholeness seeks to awaken the wonders of our spiritual lives and nurture healing, harmony and hope.
|
|
|
Reiki
: Reiki is a Japanese practice and technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing and wholeness. The word Reiki comes from the Japanese word Rei, meaning “God’s wisdom” and Ki, which is “life force energy”. Reiki is administered by “laying on of hands” and focuses on positive energy with restorative healing effects.
Instructor: Dr. Connie Andrejko, DO, IBCLC, FAAP, Reki Master. Connie Andrejko is a physician specializing in Neonatology and the Vice President of Medical Affairs form Onsite Neonatal Partners. Dr. Andrejko is a Reiki Master and has been practicing Reiki for more than 10 years.
Reiki Level I Instruction:
Learn about the foundation of Reiki and become attuned to receiving and channeling life force energy through the laying on of hands. During the Reiki 1 session, students will learn and practice how to give a Reiki treatment to others and to themselves. The history and principles of Reiki will also be reviewed.
Thursday, December 12
6:30PM-8:30PM in Good Shepherd Chapel (Lower Level of Sayre Hall)
$50.00
|
|
Reiki Healing Sessions:
For those who wish to receive a time of meditative Reiki treatment administered by qualified Reiki masters, these 25 minute sessions are an invitation for healing and wholeness in a safe and quiet environment.
When: Last Saturday of each month (Prior to Celtic Spirituality Night at Cathedral).
2:00PM-4:30PM. in Good Shepherd Chapel, (Lower Level of Sayre Hall).
$25 per session
(register and schedule a 25-minute session during that time frame).
|
|
Reiki Share Sessions:
The Reiki Share is a place and time where people, who have been attuned to any level of Reiki, can come and practice Reiki with one another.
When: Last Saturday of each month (Prior to Celtic Spirituality Night at Cathedral).
3:00PM-5:00PM in Good Shepherd Chapel, (Lower Level of Sayre Hall).
|
|
Laughter Yoga
Thursday, December 12
-
Join certified Laughter Yoga leaders: Lucy Dadlani and Lisa King in Sayre Hall, for our monthly Laughter Yoga event. We’re setting aside the second Thursday of each month from 7:00pm-8:00pm to join together in the four elements of joy: Laughing, playing, singing, and dancing. This promises to be a super fun and healthy night for all. Be prepared to leave feeling better! All activities will be done standing or seated. No yoga clothes or mats needed. No cost – a gift to you.
|
|
TonyTalks
:
Following Celtic Spirituality Nights, the last Saturday of each month, Dean Pompa invites you to a series of “TonyTalks”. Short (15 minute) talks on the topic of Celtic Spirituality and prayer. Learn about the Celtic Way, experience ancient forms of Celtic Wisdom and Prayer.
|
|
Candlelight Yoga and Compline
The beauty of a candlelit Cathedral invites you to a time of Meditative Yoga, a stretching of the body and holding in comfortable positions while inviting one to “detox” from the stress of the day and hard use of the body. Follow this experience with the beautifully sung prayer office of Compline, an invitation to holy peace.
No cost – a gift to you, but please bring a mat and a blanket or beach towel to enhance your comfort.
Lisa D. Bryan, MA, E-RYT500, is a Kripalu trained Yoga teacher (18 years experience) with a degree in Holistic Spirituality. She offers Yoga experiences that are meditation-in-motion and breath based. Combining East/West wisdom in a gentle and supportive methodology is her passion.
Wednesday, Feb 5, April 1, May 6
8:00PM-8:45PM yoga followed by Compline at 9:00PM
|
|
Cathedral Schedule
Friday, December 6
10:00 AM Memorial Service for Jeanne Zouck
10:00 AM Nativity Staffs the Thrift Shop
Saturday, December 7
9:00 AM Altar Guild Prep – Cathedral
9:00 AM TMF Meeting - Room 23
9:00 AM Moravian College Community Holiday Feast - Sayre Hall, Dining Room, Kitchen
10:00 AM Thrift Shop open until 1 PM
5:00 PM Holy Eucharist – Cathedral
Sunday, December 8
8:00 AM Holy Eucharist - Cathedral
8:45 AM 321 Contact Worship Service - Sayre Hall
9:00 AM Property Committee Meeting - Room 23
9:15 AM Sunday School & Adult Forum
10:30 AM Holy Eucharist - Cathedral
12:00 PM Youth Downtown Bethlehem Scavenger Hunt - Cathedral
4:00 PM Craig & Nyke Christmas Concert - Cathedral (doors open at 3:15 PM)
Monday, December 9
9:00 AM Flower Arranging for Hospital Visitations - Sacristy
3:15 PM Private Tutoring - Dining Room
Tuesday, December 10
1:00 PM Al-Anon Meeting - Room 21
1:30 PM History Group Meeting - History Room
7:00 PM Yarns of Love - Dining Room
7:00 PM Private Rehearsal - Good Shepherd Chapel
Wednesday, December 11
9:00 AM Holy Eucharist & Healing - Good Shepherd Chapel
9:30 AM EfM - Goodwin Room
10:00 AM Nativity Staffs the Thrift Shop
1:15 PM Yarns of Love - Dining Room
5:15 PM Cathedral Choristers - Choir Room
6:30 PM EfM - Goodwin Room
6:30 PM New Bethany Ministries Parenting Class - Good Shepherd Chapel & Nursery
7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room
Thursday, December 12
9:00 AM Preparations for Past & Present Luncheon - Dining Room, Kitchen
10:00 AM Nativity Staffs the Thrift Shop
6:30 PM Reiki Level I Instruction - Good Shepherd Chapel
7:00 PM Laughter Yoga - Sayre Hall
7:00 PM Cathedral Handbell Ringers Rehearsal - Bishop Gray Room
7:00 PM S-Anon - Room 21
Friday, December 13
10:00 AM Nativity Staffs the Thrift Shop
11:00 AM Past & Present Luncheon & Christmas Cookie Exchange - Dining Room, Kitchen
|
|
|
Cathedral Church of the Nativity
321 Wyandotte Street | Bethlehem PA 18015
|
|
Copyright © 2018 The Cathedral Church of the Nativity, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because of your affiliation with the Cathedral Church of the Nativity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
