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WORSHIP SCHEDULE
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SATURDAY:
November 4
5:00 PM Holy Eucharist - Sayre Chapel
SUNDAY:
November 5 - All Saints' Sunday
10:45 AM Bilingual Holy Eucharist w/Music - Cathedral & Virtual
WEDNESDAY:
November 8
9:00 AM Holy Eucharist & Healing - Sayre Chapel
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November 5th is the day that we will celebrate our In-gathering Sunday,
All Saints' Day and Nativity's Anniversary!
Please remember to bring your pledge cards!
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All are invited! Nativity will be having a Potluck Lunch this Sunday, November 5 at 12:00 pm in Sayre Hall after the 10:45 am service. We want to remind you that this will be the only service of the day and we want you present. We are asking everyone who is able to bring your favorite dish to the party! Those whose last names begin with the letters A through H, please bring an appetizer; those whose last names begin with the letters I through Q; please bring a main course, and those whose last names begin with the letters R through Z, please bring a dessert. We will be providing soft drinks, coffee, tea and water as well as dishes, napkins and utensils. This will be a family-friendly event! Come join us for food, fellowship and fun! | |
What does it REALLY mean to love your neighbor? | What does it REALLY mean to love your neighbor?. The Cathedral Church of the Nativity · Original audio | | | |
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Set up a 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 [email protected]
To set up a meeting click here.
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Meet with Reverend Maryann - Want to chat? Need to talk about something? Book a meeting with our curate, the Rev. Maryann Sturges. To set up a meeting click here. | | |
Stewardship Campaign 2024:
Rooted in Abundance
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Dear Beloved Community,
Jesus reveals abundance. The disciples didn’t think there was enough bread to feed the five thousand, but with Jesus there was more than enough and some left over. The self-righteous didn’t think there was enough grace for those cast out, but with Jesus there was more than enough and some left over. The respectable religious leaders didn’t think there was enough blessing for the poor, but with Jesus there was more than enough and some left over. Jesus reveals abundance, and it is out of that abundance that lives are changed, neighbors are served, and the Beloved Community grows.
The Cathedral Church of the Nativity is blessed with an abundance of resources and ministries. The testimonies on this page bear witness to that abundance and the eternal impact Nativity has on the lives of our siblings, friends, and neighbors. We are rooted in abundance, and during this season of stewardship, I ask that you make a generous financial pledge to the Cathedral for 2024 as a tangible sign and symbol of gratitude for the abundance with which God has blessed us.
You can make your pledge by following the link on this page, or you can fill out a pledge card the next time you are at church and drop it into the offering plate. A pledge is simply a spiritual intention of what you plan to give to your church in the year 2024 that helps the Cathedral leadership create a sustainable, mission-focused budget for the coming year.
I appreciate your generosity. No pledge is too small. No pledge is too big. All pledges are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the abundance of grace found all around us.
In Christ’s Love,
Fr. Jon Stratton, Dean & Rector
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We have a Breakfast Buffet on Sunday mornings from 9AM to 2PM. We hope this will encourage parishioners from each of our four services to come together in Sayre Hall for food and fellowship every week.
If you like our breakfast and would like to see it continue, please sign up by scanning the barcode or clicking on this link.
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Children's Soft Space in the Cathedral.
Last summer, Nativity experimented with creating a "soft space" for children during worship in Sayre Chapel. Although parents and guardians appreciated a more child friendly space, many felt that the chapel was too separated from the rest of the congregation. It was also difficult for children to "see the action" taking place during the service.
It's important that our sacred space be accessible to people of all shapes and sizes, and starting Sunday, November 5th, on All Saints' Sunday, the soft space will move to a location set within the pews on the east side of the Nave where there will be soft cushions and extra room to accommodate the children of the parish and their families.
"Suffer the little children and forbid them not to come unto me for such is the kingdom of heaven."
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Hi Nativity Moms!
We have restarted our meetings for the Nativity Mom's Group. Please JOIN US following the Contemporary Service every 3rd Sunday of the month, in the Goodwin Room above Sayre Hall. Please forward this to anyone that might be interested in coming to our meetings. Hope you can make it!
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Support our Relief Efforts in the Middle East. | |
Since the start of the current Israel-Hamas war, Episcopal Relief & Development has been supporting long-time partners in the Holy Land including Al Ahli Hospital, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, to provide emergency medical support in Gaza. Despite being hit by two explosions that damaged buildings and claimed hundreds of lives, the hospital is still serving those who are in need of care. Episcopal Relief & Development stands with the brave staff of Al Ahli Hospital as they risk their lives to help others.
Please pray for peace in the Holy Land and consider making a contribution to the Episcopal Relief & Development Middle East Fund to help meet the growing needs of all people in the region.
Stay informed about the Episcopal Relief & Development response at episcopalrelief.org.
| | | Day of the Dead Altar - On November 5th, you may notice an addition to our cathedral, our Dia de Muertos ofrenda, or Day of the Dead Altar. This is a Mexican tradition that honors the lives of those who have died by creating a space to remember them, celebrate their lives, and pray for them. You'll see photos of loved ones. You'll see favorite foods and drinks of loved ones, we'll put out traditional pan de muertos (bread of the dead) and flowers like marigolds. If you'd like to add a photo please bring it and place it on the altar (with your name on the back) or email a digital photo to the Rev. Maryann ([email protected]). This is a way that we can honor and remember those we love who have already crossed over to the other side during this season of All Souls and All Saints Day. | |
In Loving Memory: An Evening of Eclectic Acts - IceHouse Tonight | Saturday, November 4. Tickets $25 available on Eventbrite- In Loving Memory In brief, this is a multi-media concert of dancers, musicians, poets, and circus/performance artists who developed their work in response to their personal experiences of death, loss, and remembrance. | | | |
Join us in celebrating 26 years of Luminaria Night!
December 9, 2023
Rain date: December 16, 2023
What is Luminaria Night?
On a single evening at dusk over 4,000 homes across the Lehigh Valley will light luminaries along neighborhood streets and sidewalks. We believe in being the light in your neighbor's darkest hour and do this to remember those in need throughout the holiday season.
How to buy Luminaria Kits?
Each $10 Luminaria kits consists of ten white paper bags, ten votive candles, and ten cups of sand. If you saved sand from last year, please purchase a kit without sand. 100% of kit purchases benefit New Bethany.
- Order through your neighborhood block captain for home delivery
- Find your block captain here
- Last day to buy through your block captain is November 28
- Purchase kits at our various retail locations
- You can purchase kits through December 9 in person at the following locations
- Suite 106 at the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley (next to uBreakiFix and the Patio)
- Starting 10/22/23, Monday - Friday, 4 - 6 pm
- December 2, 12 - 3 pm
- December 9, 10 am - 2 pm
- New Bethany Office 333 W 4th St, Bethlehem, PA 18015
- Monday - Friday 9 am - 3 pm
- Main Street, Bethlehem - more details coming soon
- Methods of payment include checks, PayPal, Venmo, credit card, and cash.
We Need Your Help!
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Luminaria kit assembly is in full swing at Suite 106 (next to uBreakiFix and the Patio) in the Promenade. If you or a group would like to volunteer, you can sign up here.
- We have volunteer opportunities most Mondays – Thursdays from 4 - 6 pm.
Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
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2024 Youth Pilgrimage - Plans are being made for our youth pilgrimage trip for next summer, and if you and/or your highschooler is interested in getting more information, please join us for a preliminary discussion on Sunday, November 12th, at 9:45 AM (Sunday school time). We'll be meeting above Sayre Hall in the new Youth Room (Rm 22). | |
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Call For Artists—and Everyone! In the month of December, Nativity Cathedral will be hosting a display of small artwork (12x16 inches & smaller) reflecting on Advent. All ages are invited to prepare a painting, drawing, mixed media creation, or poem that engages imaginatively with the story of Christ's birth or the implications of the Incarnation. Please feel free to interpret this theme broadly. The artwork will be displayed in the Cathedral throughout the month of December.
If you plan to participate, please let Bryana know by emailing her at [email protected]. Completed work should be dropped off ready to hang (i.e. framed and with hanging wire attached to the back) between 9:45AM and 10:45AM on Sunday, November 26th in Sayre Hall. (Bryana will be there to collect it between the 9AM and 10:45AM services.) If you want to participate but are unable to drop off your work at that time, you can email Bryana to arrange an alternative drop-off time.
| November Artist Gathering: Our November artist gathering will be held from 6:30-9pm in the dining room of Sayre Hall on Wednesday, November 15th. All are welcome to attend! Please RSVP with a quick email to Bryana at [email protected] if you plan to be there. We'll spend this time working on our individual projects for the Advent display and drawing inspiration and encouragement from one another. Bring along your own materials and whatever else you may need to work on the piece you have in mind. | |
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Nativity Altar Guild - Our Altar Guild is looking for additional members. You can learn how to set up the Eucharist and how we keep the services going smoothly. Please reach out to our contact person, Catherine Alling, by email at [email protected] or let Dean Stratton or Rev. Maryann Sturges know that you are interested in this ministry.
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The LGBTQIA Spirituality Group - Are you looking to connect with others on the common ground of queerness and Christianity? The LGBTQIA Spirituality Group meets on the last Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Dining Room! For more info and to stay in the loop, reach out to Vinny at [email protected]. | |
Fountain Hill Food Pantry Volunteer Training | |
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We are excited to move into the fall with a new schedule. We will operate during the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 4PM - 6:30PM and the third Sunday of each month from 12PM - 1PM.
In moving forward, we ask all prospective and current pantry volunteers to review the volunteer training slide deck, attached. The sign-up form for this fall's operating hours can be accessed at the end of the training.
Again, thank you for your consideration and willingness to support this important initiative. Your commitment is truly appreciated.
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Creation Care TIP of the week: Consider switching to detergent strips for doing the laundry. It cuts down on waste, plastic packaging and shipping costs. Check out products from Well Earth Goods and True Earth. | |
Please contact the Director of Administration, Christa Warda via email at [email protected] or by calling the Cathedral office 610-865-0727 regarding the items found.
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Covid Level GREEN — Masks optional. We have been following the CDC’s guidance for masking recommendations based on Covid-19 Community Levels. The Community Level in Lehigh and Northampton counties is now LOW, or level GREEN. At this level, people may mask at any time depending on your personal circumstances. Please remember to stay up-to-date with Covid 19 vaccinations.
Please see our website nativitycathedral.org for complete guidelines.
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Parking in the lower lot is reserved for handicap only. Parking is available in the upper lot, in the New Street garage at 324 S. New Street, at the Fourth and Wyandotte lot Sundays until 1 PM, and on the street along Fourth Street and in the 400 block of Wyandotte Street. | |
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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; Tracy Kehoe; Carol Trexler; Jon Knauss; Cornelia Miller; Judith Warner; James Reader; Lois Turner; Madeline Orellana; Cameron Arcario; Carl Chegwidden; The Rev. Gwendolyn-Jane Romeril; Kate Sukla; Barry Bowman; Judy Trickey; Presiding Bishop Michael Curry; William Cauller; Tim Peetz; Svend la Rose.
Those serving in the military and places of danger – Nicole Albertson; Carlos Xavier Orellana; J.D.; Oriana Marcial
Parish Cycle of Prayer – Betsi Strasser; Harry, Frank, Alice, Susan, Jon Stratton; Dakota, Madison, Tyler Strohl; Maryann, Shawn Sturges; Lucy Suarez.
The Church and the World – Trinity Cathedral Omaha, Nebraska; St. Luke’s, Scranton and the Diocesan ECW; Kajo Keji, St. John Mondi Parish; La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico; the outreach ministries of Nativity, especially Better Buy Thrift Shop.
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.
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Praying our Light to Shine! Praying our way to hope with Anglican Prayer Beads. An offering from our Ministry of Healing and Wholeness.
In the 1980’s a group of Episcopalians set out in group contemplative prayer using beads. The experience is similar to the Roman tradition of praying the rosary but unique in that there is a more meditative focus. This type of prayer will deepen and transform your devotions into a richer spiritual experience. Yet more transformative is to do so in community with Cathedral companions and our friends! Prayer beads are not required. Contact the church office for beads 610-865-0727 or email
Prayer Bead Meditations: Monday Evenings at 7 PM
Live virtually on Zoom
Meeting ID: 811 2302 4927
Passcode: 785220
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Mindfulness Meditation Class 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 Dr. Kevin Siddons. People new to meditation and seasoned meditators are all welcome. Masks are optional and supported. Newcomers are always welcome! | | |
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Our Healing Ministry resumes at the Cathedral
As available, there will be a healing team at the front 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.
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Friday, November 3
10:00 AM Thrift Shop - open until 2PM
Saturday, November 4
9:00 AM Altar Guild Prep - Cathedral
10:00 AM Thrift Shop - open until 1PM
11:00 AM Pietrzak-Ferree Wedding - Cathedral
5:00 PM Holy Eucharist - Cathedral
Sunday, November 5
10:45 AM Bilingual Holy Eucharist w/Music - Cathedral & Virtual
12:00 PM Nativity Potluck - Sayre Hall
Monday, November 6
3:45 PM Fritz/Nativity Homework Club - The Welcome Place
7:00 PM Prayer Bead Meditation - Zoom
Tuesday, November 7
1:00 PM History Group Meeting - History Rm, Deanery
7:00 PM ESL Classes - Rm 21, 22 and Sayre Hall
Wednesday, November 8
9:00 AM Holy Eucharist & Healing - Sayre Chapel
10:00 AM Thrift Shop open until 2:00 PM
1:00 PM Yarns of Love – Dining Room
3:45 PM Fritz/Nativity Homework Club - The Welcome Place
6:00 PM EfM Meeting - Rm 21
7:00 PM Mindfulness Meditation - Good Shepherd Chapel
7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal - Choir Rm
Thursday, November 9
10:00 AM Thrift Shop Open until 2:00 PM
3:45 PM Fritz/Nativity Homework Club - The Welcome Place
7:00 PM ESL Classes - Rm 21, 22 and Sayre Hall
7:00 PM Worship at Lehigh Univ. – Packer Chapel
** Visit nativitycathedral.org for links to virtual opportunities. **
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Copyright © 2023 The Cathedral Church of the Nativity, All rights reserved. | | | | |
