January 27, 2023

An important message from Dean Stratton

Dear Nativity Family: 

Navigating the ever-changing realities of COVID has been difficult to say the least. Over the last several years, we’ve learned new technologies, adapted our liturgies, and taken necessary precautions to safeguard our communities, especially the most vulnerable among us. I am grateful for the thoughtful care and concern that I’ve seen practiced in church communities during these difficult years, including the love shown in and through the Cathedral. 

COVID is still with us, and remaining diligent in our care for each other is not only smart, it’s the Christ-centered thing to do. As you may have noticed, the common Cup for Communion returned to use January 1st at Nativity, and although all are welcome to partake, please continue to use discretion when taking Communion. If you are sick, immune-compromised, have had a recent COVID exposure, or are simply not comfortable returning to the common Cup, you are encouraged to continue the practice of communing in one Kind (Bread only). As you’ve probably heard before, taking Communion in one Kind is full Communion. Jesus is fully present in the Bread, and you aren’t missing out on any graces by passing up the Wine. If you choose not to drink from the cup, simply cross your arms over your chest when the Wine is presented to you, or you may simply return to your seat after consuming the Bread. 

Currently, the Lehigh Valley is at COVID level Yellow. If we return to COVID level Red, the common Cup may again be suspended. Please watch the bulletin and Nativity Notes for updates. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me via my cell or email, and “above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:14).” 

In Christ’s Love and Solidarity, 

Fr. Jon 

Dean@nativitycathedral.org

(610) 849 6376 

Covid Level YELLOW — Masks optional but strongly encouraged for those with elevated risk: those over 65, those with weakened immune systems, or those at high risk for severe illness. The Community Level in Lehigh and Northampton counties is now MEDIUM, or level YELLOW.

Please see our website nativitycathedral.org for complete guidelines. 

Those who are in need of healing – Lillian Lewis, Robert, Susan Mast, Carol Czechowski, Bebe Lockwood, Dolores Cauller, Peggy Hilgert, Marion Chapman, Martha Golfphin, Emilia Isaacs, Puddy Cluett, Tracy Kehoe, Carol Trexler, Jon Knauss, Cornelia Miller, Judith Warner, James Reader, Lois Turner, William Bradley, Madeline Orellana, David Drum, Cameron Arcario, Leonard Jago, Nanci Funfgeld, Lee Velez, Lidia Hernandez, Katrina Hornberger, Emily, Tammy Gordon, Robert Stintson, David Drum.

Those serving in the military and places of danger – Nicole Albertson, Carlos Xavier Orellana, J.D., Oriana Marcial

Parish Cycle of Prayer – Maxwell, Benjamin, Collin, Amy, Harry Johnston; Jeremy Joiner; Winston, Marisa, Jerrell Palmer-Jones, Kim Jones; Ellen Jurgens.

The Church and the World – Christ Church Cathedral, Springfield Massachusetts; North Parish, St. Clair & Ashland; Kajo Keji, St. Paul Beliak Parish; The Church of Pakistan (United); the outreach ministries of Nativity, especially The Welcome Place.

For our Partner Cathedral – Emmanuel Cathedral in Romogi, for Pianaleh their Dean, and for the

people of that Cathedral church, that we may grow stronger in our partnership and in our faith

Our Healing Ministry resumes at the Cathedral  As available, there will be a healing team at the font and/or in the chapel to offer prayers for healing, laying on of hands as requested and/or anointing with oil. If there is a team present, please do avail yourself of this opportunity during the distribution of communion. Shalom.

Mindfulness Meditation Class is being held in person in the Good Shepherd Chapel on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm! The one-and-a-half hour class allows time for explanations, three 20 minute meditations (a 20 minute Guided Relaxation, 20 minute Walking Meditation, and 20 minute Silent Meditation) and discussion. The class will be led by Kevin Siddons, D. Ed. People new to meditation and seasoned meditators are all welcome. Masks are recommended.

Dean Installation Scheduled for Saturday February 11, 2023.

On Saturday February the 11th @ 5 PM, the Rt. Rev. Kevin Nichols will install the Very Rev. Jon Stratton as the new Dean and Rector of the Cathedral. Jon's friend and colleague the Rev. Aaron Rogers (not to be confused with the football player) will preach. 

You are warmly invited and encouraged to participate in this joyous occasion. More information will be forthcoming.

Please note that there will be no Celtic Eucharist on that day. 

Parish Annual Budget Meeting Our Annual Parish Meeting is Sunday, January 29 at 9:00 AM in Sayre Hall. (There is no 8:45 AM worship this day. Sunday School will begin at 9:00 AM.) This is an important time mandated by our canons (rules of order). This gathering is a time to celebrate our union in Jesus, highlight our mission and ministry, elect leadership, and faithfully present our financial budget and resources that fund our mission.

Set up a one-on-one meeting with Fr. Jon - During his first year at Nativity, Fr. Jon is looking to meet one-on-one with as many parishioners as he can. This is a great opportunity to get to know our new Dean as well as share your own story with the Cathedral's newest pastor. If none of the times listed work for you, feel free to email Jon to set something up. He can be reached at dean@nativitycathedral.org To set up a meeting click here.

Altar Guild News - The Cathedral Church of the Nativity has planned an annual meeting of the Altar Guild to be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary. We invite anyone interested to take part in this. 

Interested in becoming a verger? – Training will be taking place on Sunday February 5^th at

9:15 AM in the Sacristy. If you’re interested in becoming a verger for the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, please contact the office to sign up for training. You can call and ask for Nadia or send an email to adminassistant@nativitycathedral.org Everyone is welcome!

Adult Formation Forum –The following Sundays, Jan 22, Feb 5, and Feb 12, after the 321 service Dean Stratton will be hosting informal conversations with parents about what types of children's formation and worship services they'd like to see at the Cathedral. Please come and be part of the conversation!  

From 9:30AM-10:30AM we will be building community within our church, learning basic community organizing skills of the one-on-one conversations. We’ll have the opportunity to practice these conversations. Join us to get to know one another better and build a strong community.

Confirmation Classes 2023 - This year, confirmation classes will be offered at Nativity during Lent (Feb - April). The Rite of Confirmation is for folks who wish to make a public and informed declaration of faith in the presence of the Bishop and the gathered community. Class participants will learn about the church's theology, liturgy, mission, and more. If you haven't yet been confirmed or are new to the Episcopal Church, these classes are for you. If you'd like to register for classes or learn more, please contact the Cathedral's administrator at admin@nativitycathedral.org. Exact dates and times TBA. 

Volunteers needed for the English Language Class! - We are looking for dedicated volunteers who want to support immigrants and refugees as they learn to speak English. No other language is necessary for the volunteers. Classes are on Tuesday and Thursday from 7 pm- 9 pm here at the Cathedral. If you are interested, please contact Sally Doocey sbdoocey@gmail.com. We will have an informational session and training on February 5th at 3 pm. 

Volunteers needed for the Thrift Store - Do you love the awesome deals you find at our thrift store? You can be part of the team that makes it happen! Please contact Connie Gilbert cgil123@hotmail.com if you're interested. The hours available are Tuesday - Saturday 10AM – 2PM. 

Discipleship Groups for Lent - During Lent we are forming discipleship groups. This is a way for us to connect and support each other outside the walls of the Church. These groups of 5-8 people meet weekly to talk about their lives and their faith journey. If you are interested in participating or hosting a group, please fill out this form. https://forms.gle/aTugCfvfMTVUMy5i8

These groups will meet from February 22 – April 9, 2023.

The Spaghetti Supper is back! - Join us Sunday, February 19th for the Nativity Youth Camp Spaghetti Supper and Talent Show! Spaghetti–with meat or meat-less sauce–salad, garlic bread, and dessert will be served by the campers, counselors, and staff of Nativity Youth Camp. Enjoy the show while you eat, as members of our Cathedral community perform on stage for the Talent Show. Tickets are available for $10 and all proceeds go directly towards funding NYC 2023. Nativity Youth Camp is a free, week-long sleepaway camp, open to all youth from grades 2-12 in our parish community. We play games, sing songs, tell stories, and worship Christ together in nature, making lifelong friends and memories all along the way. For over 100 years the youth of Nativity Cathedral have participated in an annual Summer camping retreat, and we hope to continue that tradition long into the future. Everything that we do at Camp is made possible by you, so save the date and get your tickets once they become available to show your support! Ticket information coming soon!

Spots are now open to join the Talent Show at the Annual Spaghetti Supper! If you sing, dance, play an instrument, recite poetry, juggle, stilt walk - we want you! All ages welcome! To sign up, email Alan Mendez at alan.mendez07@gmail.com with your name, email address and phone number, a description of your act (acts should run no longer than 3 minutes), and a 2-3 sentence bio about yourself. Registration is open through Friday, February 10th. We look forward to you sharing your talent with us! Alan Mendez - 610-392-7891

Cupid's Chase 5K - Please join the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in the Cupid's Chase 5K on February 11th! We are walking/running/rolling in this race to support people with disabilities living independently. Join us for the race or donate to support. You can sign up or donate here. Please email our curate, The Rev. Maryann Sturges, for more information mphilbrook@nativitycathedral.org. 

Men’s Winter Coats Needed  The cold weather is here! Our Thrift Shop is in need of men’s winter coats. Please check your closets for coats that you could donate.

Collecting toiletries for women at Bethlehem Emergency Shelter We will be collecting gift cards so that we can purchase a range of toiletry items for them. Please bring a gift card, or make a donation with this specified in the memo. Coordinating the buying will help make sure we get exactly what the women need.

Join the Women's Bible Study in 2023! Our Women's Bible Study is every Tuesday at 9:30AM. This seven-week study will look at women in the Bible: New Testament, Old Testament and even some apocryphal texts! Join us on Tuesdays, at 9:30AM in the Goodwin Room.

2022-2023 BES Sheltering Season We still need volunteers to prepare and serve dinner, act as monitors for men’s and women’s showers, and to prepare “grab and go” bags for breakfast. BES is using SignUpGenius https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0845a8a72fa0fe3-besshelter4 to schedule volunteers. Please contact Deacon Rodney at deaconrodney@nativitycathedral.org for any more information or for help with scheduling.

Food Drive for Fountain Hill Elementary Food pantry items needed: rice, canned meat (tuna, chicken, etc.), easy lunches (peanut butter, jelly, ramen, mac and cheese) and canned fruits and veggies. Place in the boxes at the back of the Nave of the Cathedral. Or visit this Amazon Wishlist and order away!

Creation Care TIP of the week: Contribute to clean energy. Contact your electric company and choose a renewable supplier.

Contactos

Maryann Philbrook Sturges, Curate mphilbrook@nativitycathedral.org

La Canóniga Sandy Milien sandy@diobeth.org

Friday, January 27

10:00 AM Thrift Shop open until 2:00 PM

Saturday, January 28

9:00 AM Altar Guild Prep - Cathedral

10:00 AM Altar Guild Luncheon - Dining Room

10:00 AM Thrift Shop open until 1:00 PM

1:00 PM Rev. John R. Weiler Funeral - Cathedral

5:00 PM Celtic Spirituality - Cathedral

Sunday, January 29

8:00 AM Holy Eucharist- Cathedral

9:00 AM Annual Budget Meeting - Sayre Hall

9:00 AM Sunday School - Ground Floor

10:45 AM Holy Eucharist – Cathedral & Virtual

12:30 PM Spanish Holy Eucharist – Cathedral & Virtual

1:30 PM Coffee hour for Spanish service - Dining Room

Monday, January 30

6:00 PM Evening Prayer in Spanish - Virtual

7:00 PM Prayer Bead Meditation - Zoom

Tuesday, January 31

9:30 AM Bible Study - Goodwin Room

10:30 AM Staff Meeting - Room 23

3:00 PM Private Tutoring - Dining Room

6:00 PM Evening Prayer in Spanish – Virtual

7:00 PM ESL Classes - Rm 21 & 22

Wednesday, February 1

9:00 AM Holy Eucharist & Healing – Good Shepherd Chapel

10:00 AM Thrift Shop open until 2:00 PM

1:00 PM Yarns of Love – Dining Room

6:00 PM Evening Prayer in Spanish – Virtual

6:00 PM EfM – Room 21

6:30 PM Mindfulness Meditation – Good Shepherd Chapel

7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room

Thursday, February 2

10:00 AM Thrift Shop open until 2:00 PM

6:00 PM Evening Prayer in Spanish – Virtual

7:00 PM ESL Classes - Rm 21 & 22

** Visit nativitycathedral.org for links to virtual opportunities. **