Nativity Notes
April 19, 2019
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Meeting Jesus

The Common Lectionary, that is the rota of scripture appointed for use in worship, directs the readings of John’s Gospel on Maundy Thursday. This is the account of Jesus washing his disciples feet the night before his death. This works nicely for the Cathedral as we continue the practice of ritual foot washing as part of our worship.

The Book of Common Prayer of course offers the choice of John’s gospel or the accounting of the last supper as given in Luke’s gospel. In this reading we are mindful of the intimate night of Jesus sharing in the Passover meal, taking bread and wine, and giving the disciples the truth that when they share in this meal going forward, Jesus himself would be present with them, even after his suffering.

Either reading leads us also to the same place. Jesus reminding those who will follow, that if they are to be of the Kingdom, they are to be servants, like him.

It is awe inspiring to me that we continue to meet Jesus in a simple but profound act of sharing bread and cup together. We take our place in the order of generations of followers who have extended hands to receive, and touched lips to the cup.

When we do this, we know that Jesus is with us. When we do this, we know too the truth of his presence; that we too are to be servants. Our hands extended to a world in need of good news, our lips afire with the truth of Love and nothing other, our hearts beating wildly because Jesus himself is in them.  

Adult Forums:

April 21 Easter Sunday - No Adult Forum
April 28 - May 12 Rev. John Marcantonio: Dreams: Tools for Self-Discovery & Spiritual Growth
Sunday Bulletin For those of you worshiping with us via Livestream, below please find the Sunday bulletin.
Cathedral Foundations is an experience for those who are newer to the Cathedral and/or the Episcopal Church to grow in understanding of our faith and practices. The Foundations experience takes place Sundays, March 31 through May 12 at 9:20-10:15 AM. The first three sessions will meet as part of Adult Forum in the Dining Room of Sayre Hall; the remaining sessions in the Goodwin Room (3 rd floor of Sayre Hall). Click here for more details. To register, email Dean Pompa at tpompa@nativitycathedral.org or call the church office at 610-865-0727.
Nativity Book Club  The book club will meet on Thursday, April 25 at 11 AM in Room 23 to discuss Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Barbara Iannelli will be the discussion leader. Also, bring along some ideas about what will be read in May. Some suggestions: Beneath A Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan, Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari, The Mother Tree by ?, The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks, and American Overdose by Chris Maggreal.
Past and Present Luncheon  For our closing Past and Present luncheon, our name becomes particularly meaningful as the program this month combines Hess's Department Store memorabilia [Past] with a fun fashion show courtesy of our very own Thrift Shop volunteers [Present]. We've been looking forward to this since it burst onto our brain waves around Christmas [We had to take naps after our first discussion.]. So please bring a friend and join us on Friday, April 26th for our "Thrifty Hess-Type Fashion Show" at 11:00. Lunch to follow. And Sarah says, "Yes. There will be strawberry pie." Yum! R.S.V.P.: Sarah Norwine (610) 954-8052 or Pam Bayliss (610) 798-7671.
Easter Egg Hunt   On Sunday, April 28, the Cathedral will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt. Toddlers up through 5th grade are welcome to participate. Children up to age 3 should be accompanied by an adult. Please meet downstairs in the Good Shepherd Chapel by 9:15 AM to receive further instructions. All Sunday School children will report back to the Good Shepherd Chapel after the hunt for additional festivities.
Cathedral Arts – On April 28 at 4 PM , Neil Harmon, recently appointed Professor of Organ at Brigham Young University will perform a recital that will also include his own compositions. On May 19 at 4 PM , Robert McCormick, Organist-Choirmaster at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Philadelphia will play a recital of works by Elgar, Bruhns, Vierne, delightful hymn settings, and will close with an exciting improvisation based on three themes presented to him just before he plays. A $10 suggested donation benefits the Cathedral Arts , and a reception will following each performance. Please come, celebrate with us!
Godly Play Introduction  Saturday, April 27, 9AM-3PM the Cathedral will be hosting a Godly Play orientation led by Dawn Stewart. Open to anyone in the Cathedral family, our community and the entire diocese. Program administrators, clergy, seminarians, teachers, and parents can all benefit from attending Godly Play training. This is a method for nurturing a child’s relationship with God, not simply “Sunday School” in the way most of us remember. Everyone connected to children in our community will gain insight from learning the underlying principles. Though Godly Play is often thought of as a children’s curriculum, the benefits from this program have no age restrictions. Bible studies, adult forums, senior center activities, or anywhere God’s stories are shared can discover the magic in how these stories are told. If you are involved with any of these ministries, please consider joining us on a personal journey of wonder. Register for this event by Wednesday, April 24, here . $10 registration fee includes lunch. Please contact Becky Berkenstock at bberkenstock@nativitycathedral.org with any further questions.
Nativity Youth Camp Registration forms are now available. Click here for more details.
Christophany Youth Retreat  April 26 at 6:30 p.m. to April 28 at noon. An event for middle and high school youth. Learn to overcome obstacles with God's help. Join up with youth from around the diocese at Bear Creek Camp in Wilkes-Barre. Activities will include the high and low ropes courses, a talent show, hiking and campfire. The cost to attend is $125. Scholarships are available. Contact Deacon Michele Causton, Coordinator of Diocesan Youth Programs, at youth@diobeth.org or visit HERE to learn more.
ShareCare Faith in Action is in need of 10 volunteer drivers. ShareCare is a program which links volunteers with individuals who are elderly or disabled.  Volunteers are needed to drive these individuals to a doctor appointment, the grocery store or pharmacy or to the bank.  Volunteers have complete control as to how many and which rides they are available for. It can be as little as one ride per month.  If you would like more information please contact ShareCare Faith in Action via email sharecarefia@aol.com or by phone 610-867-2177. If you would like to hear about my personal experience with ShareCare please email Cathy Bailey at cathybaileynnp@gmail.com . Thanks for considering this ministry. We are doing God's work in our community.  
Parishioners in the Hospital  If a family member is hospitalized, please contact either the clergy or leave a message with the parish office (610-865-0727) informing us of who is in the hospital and at which hospital.
Holy Week and Easter Service Schedule

Good Friday, April 19           
7:30 AM Liturgy & Holy Communion (reserved sacrament) – Sayre Chapel
12 Noon to 1:00 PM Good Friday Liturgy – Cathedral
5:30 PM Family Service & Stations of the Cross – Sayre Hall
Note: The Cathedral will be open all day Friday for private prayer.
 
Holy Saturday, April 20           
8:30 AM Morning Prayer – Good Shepherd Chapel
5:00 PM* Great Vigil of Easter – Cathedral
 
Easter Sunday, April 21          
8:00 AM* Holy Eucharist, Bishop Kevin Nichols Presiding & Preaching – Cathedral
10:30 AM* Festival Eucharist, Bishop Kevin Nichols Presiding & Preaching – Cathedral


*Nursery available for infants and toddlers during these services
Cathedral Schedule


Friday, April 19 - Good Friday
Thrift Shop Closed
7:30 AM Liturgy & Holy Communion (reserved sacrament) – Sayre Chapel
12:00 PM Good Friday Liturgy – Cathedral
12:00 PM Cathedral Office Closed
5:30 PM Family Service & Stations of the Cross – Sayre Hall
Note: The Cathedral will be open all day Friday for private prayer.

Saturday, April 20 - Holy Saturday
8:30 AM Morning Prayer - Good Shepherd Chapel
9:00 AM Baptism Rehearsal - Cathedral
9:00 AM Altar Guild Prep – Cathedral
10:00 AM Thrift Shop open until 1 PM
5:00 PM The Great Easter Vigil – Cathedral

Sunday, April 21 - Easter Sunday
8:00 AM Holy Eucharist, Bishop Kevin Nichols Presiding & Preaching - Cathedral
10:30 AM Festival Eucharist, Bishop Kevin Nichols Presiding & Preaching - Cathedral

Monday, April 22
Cathedral Office Closed - Easter Holiday

Tuesday, April 23
Cathedral Office Closed - Easter Holiday
Thrift Shop Closed

Wednesday, April 24
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
3:45 PM Homework Club - Welcome Place
4:30 PM Cathedral Choristers Rehearsal - 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, April 25
9:00 AM Past & Present Luncheon Preparation - Dining Room, Kitchen
10:00 AM Nativity Staffs the Thrift Shop
10:00 AM Diocesan Finance Committee - Room 22
11:00 AM Phila Book Club - Room 23
3:45 PM Homework Club - Welcome Place
6:30 PM Celtic Cultural Outreach Irish Language Class - Room 22
7:00 PM Cathedral Handbell Choir Rehearsal - Bishop Gray Room
7:00 PM S-Anon - Room 21

Friday, April 26
10:00 AM Nativity Staffs the Thrift Shop
11:00 AM Past & Present Luncheon - Dining Room, Kitchen


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