What is Advent all about? How is Advent different than Christmas? Check out this classic video, as Busted Halo explains the significance of this special season in the Church, and why the experience of waiting, hope, and preparation is still so important in our lives today! Click here for 2 minutes of Advent inspiration!

You can also click here for the full listing of cathedral Advent offerings as well. 
In This Issue
Quick Links
Ongoing Bible Challenge

As part of our Christian Formation offerings, we continue our Bible challenge on Saturday,  December 2 , from 10 - 11 am, and we hope you will mark your calendar to take part in this ongoing discussion. 
Special Sunday Docent Tour

December 3

You have probably already seen the newly-installed Christ Church Cathedral timeline in the north corridor. Today you can join Ruth Bamberger, one of the creators of the timeline, to explore not only the history of Christ Church, but also the efforts and decisions made in creating this new addition to the cathedral. Join Ruth in the north corridor after the 10 am service for a 30-minute stroll through 200 years of history and the two years of effort bringing the timeline to completion. 

Advent Village

December 3
 
On this first Sunday in Advent, all are invited at the cathedral to celebrate the beginning of the new season with Advent Village! Enjoy hot cocoa, create an Advent wreath with fresh pine for your home, and partake in this wonderful Cathedral tradition.

If you have branch cutters or pliers at home, you are encouraged to bring them. Join us in the Undercroft following the 10 am service on Sunday, December 3. 

Navajoland Fundraiser

The Native American Ministry Council will be selling SHIMA soaps, honey, and blue corn meal for gifts and stocking stuffers on Sunday, December 3, 10 and 17

Look for the table in the hallway or in the Undercroft. The parishioners of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland produce the Shima products. All proceeds from our fundraiser are contributed to their ministry. 

Christmas Card Sale

December 3

The cathedral youth group members will be selling Christmas cards on Sunday, December 3, in the South Corridor   as a fundraiser for their summer service projects. These are professionally printed cards featuring nativity imagery from the cathedral's stained glass. There will be three different card designs, and the cards will sell individually for $2.50, or in packs of 3 cards for $7. Be sure to get yours!
Theology Uncorked

December 3

Theology Uncorked is an opportunity to have conversations about theological topics in a casual setting. It's God talk with refreshments! Our 2017-18 meetings are scheduled at 4:30 pm, many before our services of Choral Evensong at 6:00 PM, so you will be able to take advantage of both offerings.
 
Join us on Sunday, December 3, for Looking Back: Situating the historical, political, and theological contexts of Luther's reforms with an eye towards understanding the process of reformation today, with  Dr. David Mengel , discussion leader.
An Advent Procession with Lessons & Carols
Sunday, December 3 @ 6 pm

This beautiful service is a wonderful way to begin the season of waiting for Christ's birth. It is built around the seven Great "O" Antiphons that were traditionally sung at Vespers on the seven days prior to Christmas and eventually became the seven stanzas of the familiar Advent hymn "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." 

During the service, music, Scripture readings, and prayers invite us to reflect on each of the antiphons. Seven gorgeous banners bearing the "O" Antiphon symbols, each carried in procession while its corresponding antiphon is sung, make  this a visually as well as musically rich experience. This service will be live streamed on cincinnaticathedral.com.
Advent Series

Our 2017 Advent Series, scheduled for Wednesday evenings, December 6, 13, and 20 , will focus on the nexus between the liberation event in Exodus and the theology of Incarnation. We will begin with Evening Prayer at 6:05 pm, enjoy dinner together at 6:30 pm, and being learning together at 7:00 pm. 

The evening will conclude with Compline at 8:05 pm. Our theologians-in-residence, the Rev. Dr. Shane Phelan and the Rev. Elizabeth R. Broyles, will lead the series. They will also share in the liturgical and preaching duties at the cathedral during the month of December. Join us! 
Exodus: The Big Read Continues

Exodus: The Big Read Continues!
We continue reading and meeting to discuss the Book of Exodus on Sundays immediately following the ten o'clock worship service throughout the coming year. We invite you all to join us for any or all of the upcoming dates. In addition, we have listed out some optional readings as well.

December 3: Mishpatim - The Law.... Suggested Reading: Exodus 19 - 23:33 (Optional Reading: Goldingay 82-89 / Fretheim 239-251 / Meyers 161-180 ). The Rev. Susan C. Lehman, presenting.

December 10 & 17: Adult Forums on Exodus and Incarnation, as led by Sr. Shane Phelan and Sr. Elizabeth Broils. 
Annual Giving Tree


Parkway Place, the beautifully rehabbed apartments in the historic YMCA building at Central Parkway, offers affordable housing for 65 independent seniors. Our Giving Tree Ministry this year will collect items for our Parkway Place neighbors.  You will find gift tags on the tree beginning Sunday, December 3 .  Please deliver all gifts to the front desk no later than Sunday, December 17 .

If you would enjoy bundling and delivering the gifts to Parkway Place, please sign up at the front desk, or email Ms. Hannah Teetor.
 
Thank you in advance for your generosity!
With Gratitude

A Message from Mark Priest 

I wanted to thank everyone for the prayers and gifts that you shared with me this past weekend. I have to say, though, that I enjoyed the personal interaction on Sunday the most.

Thank you for welcoming me into your community and church over these past 11 years. I have very much enjoyed my time with staff, Vestry, Wardens and the congregation. What a wonderful 11 year journey! 

I look forward to celebrating the reopening Centennial Chapel with you soon.
2018 Annual Appeal Update

Ever closer to our goal! Your Annual Appeal Committee would like to report that this year's numbers have reached 149 pledges totaling  $338,401.00.

This Sunday is our ingathering of pledge cards, so be sure to bring yours if you haven't already turned your in!

And as always, you can drop your pledge off at the Annual Appeal table on Sundays in the narthex, or you can always pledge online as well. 
Cookbook Recipes Needed

The deadline for submitting your favorite recipes for our the cathedral's Bicentennial Cookbook is December 17th (only 2 weeks away!) Remember, we want to include recipes from everyone in our cathedral family, so please be sure to get those to us as soon as possible. 

Although the printed cookbook won't be ready until this spring, we are selling gift certificates for the cookbook in advance - if you wish to give the new cookbook as a Christmas gift, simply purchase a gift certificate, wrap it up or tuck in the stocking of someone special this holiday season, and we will deliver the cookbook to you in the spring.

The cookbook price is $20, and all proceeds will go to the Third Century Vision Scholar House Project. Please stop by our table in the undercroft during the coffee hour this morning to pick up
recipe forms, purchase gift certificates, or reserve your copy of this wonderful new cookbook! Questions? Contact Dawn Bruestle.
Upcoming Services with Incense

Many people are surprised the first time they smell the unusual fragrance of incense in church. It is a scent you are unlikely to encounter anywhere else except in sacred worship.  In our liturgy, we use incense primarily to focus our attention, by symbolically purifying our intentions and our worship space. Many people enjoy the fragrance, but we are aware that some of our members may be sensitive to it. 

Please note the following upcoming services that will include the use of incense:   December 3 (The First Sunday of Advent) at 10:00 am; December 3  (An Advent Procession with Lessons and Carols) at 6:00 pm. December 24 (Christmas Eve) at 11:00 pm (no incense at 4:00 pm); December 25 (Christmas Day) at 10:00 am; January 6 (The Epiphany) at 12:10 pm; January 7 (The Baptism of Our Lord) at 10:00 am; January 7 (An Epiphany Procession) at 6:00 pm. 
Christmas Flower Array

Christmas will be upon us soon and many of us like to celebrate the Birth of Christ by donating to the Christmas flower array to honor or memorialize family and friends. Envelopes will be in the narthex and pews now through Advent. 

The last day for inclusion in the Christmas service bulletin will be Monday, December 11
Boars Head Ticket Requests


It's almost that time of year! The Boar's Head event is quickly approaching (December 30 & 31) , and now is the time to get your advance tickets. Please submit a ticket request form, with your self-addressed, stamped envelope, to Christ Church Cathedral: attn. BH Tickets

You can also find the form with dates, times and ticket allocation, either at the front desk or on the cathedral website. Starting from the front pews, the Ticket Committee assigns seats, first-come, first-served. No requests are handled by phone. The cathedral office must receive all request forms by Friday, December 8 , because on Saturday, December 9 , all remaining tickets will be made available at the onsite ticket distribution beginning at 8:30 am.
2018 Nominating Committee

December 3

We want to hear from you! It's hard to believe that we are nearing the end of 2017 and before you know it, we will be preparing for the new year. The 2018 Cathedral Nominating Committee is asking for your help in nominating parish members to fill leadership positions within the cathedral. This year, we are seeking candidates for Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Vestry, Trustee of Endowment Funds, Convention Delegates and Nominating Committee. Prayerfully consider cathedral members (or even yourself!) who are qualified to oversee the governing bodies of our cathedral. Please fill out a nominating form and leave it in the nominations box at the Fourth Street reception desk. Nominations will end December 3
Poinsettia Delivery

December 7
 
Each Advent, we have a great opportunity to reconnect with parishioners we don't see very often by making visits to deliver Advent poinsettias.  The visit reminds the recipients that we think of them often and that they are in our prayers, and the lovely plants offer holiday cheer.
 
Plants will be available for pick up and delivery the Second and Third Sundays of Advent.  You may pick them up after the service and deliver them at a time convenient for you. Think about making your visit with another friend from the Cathedral, or take your family along. Sing carols, ask the person you visit to share their Christmas memories, offer a good word and a prayer! Enjoy this ministry of connection.
 
Everything that you need for you visits will be available in a labeled packet next to the poinsettias -- name of recipient, address and phone number, greeting card, and a worship bulletin.
 
Sign up at the front desk or by contacting Canon Sherilyn Pearce  before Thursday, December 7 .
Advent Retreat

December 9
9:30 am - 3 pm

Our Advent retreat this year will be led by the Rev. Dr. Shane Phelan and the Rev. Elizabeth R. Broyles of the Companions of Mary the Apostle. The retreat will take place in the library. There is no charge. Light refreshments will be provided through the day. A minimum of 10 people need to register in order for this event to be offered at this time. In the event that we do not have a minimum of 10 registrants, this 
please contact Kathy Noe or sign up at the front desk.
Handel's Messiah

December 10

Collegium Cincinnati will perform at Christ Church Cathedral on Sunday, December 10 , at 6 pm. It's back! After rave reviews in 2016, the Collegium will  return with its captivating and electrifying presentation of Handel's complete Messiah. With sixteen singers and chamber orchestra, you'll hear each beautiful detail of this magnificent work. Ticket information available here.

Habitat 4 Humanity 
House Dedication

December 11


The HOPE Coalition is excited to announce their  House Dedication on Saturday, December 16 at 11 am!  Everyone -- and we mean everyone -- from our coalition partner churches and ministries and supporters are all invited to attend. Simply click here for more information on this exciting event!
Blue Christmas

December 16
 
Christmas holidays don't feel bright 
and cheery for everyone. Living in the midst of grief-the death of a loved one, picking up the pieces after a divorce or separation, coping with job loss, living with illness, or other circumstances that mute our experience of deep joy-these things can make holiday festivities painful for many people. 

With this in mind, Christ Church Cathedral will be offering Blue Christmas; A Service for Grieving, Praying, and Healing. Our worship will be candle lit, with space for silence and reflection, with music and meditations for honoring our grief and holding out hope for healing and wholeness. All are welcome on Saturday,  December 16, at 3 pm.
New Books in the Cathedral Library

 FICTION
  • Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
     
  • The Last Ballad by Wiley Cash
     
  • A Casualty of War: A Bess Crawford Mystery by Charles Todd
 
NONFICTION
  • Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson
     
  • Martin Luther: The Man Who Rediscovered God and Changed the World by Eric Metaxas
     
  • Grant by Ron Chernow
     
  • Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century by Jessica Bruder
     
  • Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreamsby Matthew Walker
     
  • An Appeal to the World: The Way to Peace in a Time of Division by the Dalai Lama
     
  • Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBIby David Grann
Annual Christmas Offering

The Vestry of Christ Church Cathedral is dedicating this year's Christmas offerings to the HOPE Coalition's efforts with Habitat for Humanity (H4H). Habitat for Humanity is a Christian housing  ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing around the world. 

What the Greater Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity offers is a hand up - not a handout- to families who build and work alongside our volunteers. The HOPE Coalition effort was founded in the Cathedral Cafe three years ago, and represents not only Christ Church Cathedral, but also additional Cincinnati Episcopal churches and faith based organizations that look to fund and build at least one house a year.

For every dollar you contribute, the Coombe Fund will provide matching funds to maximize the contribution we can offer to The Greater Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity efforts, as we work locally to increase affordable housing for our brothers and sisters. Look for the Christmas offering envelopes at the cathedral and please be generous! 
Sacred Spaces Concert

Saturday, December 16 | 2 pm

This Advent Season, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and Holy Cross Immaculata are hosting a wonderful concert of music and song. The concert is called "Sacred Spaces." Conductor & Music Director, Joao Carlos Rocha, will be conducting the Sacred Spaces Ensemble which is a 17 piece orchestra. In addition, there will also be a 12 piece choir, including 4 very talented soloists. The music will include Mozart "Coronation Mass in C Major" and Schubert "Mass #2 in G Major." For a special treat, they will also perform Handel's Messiah. The concert will be performed at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Over-the- Rhine.
"Believe" Holiday Concert

December 16 & 17
 
Peace, love, and light
Saturday, December 16 @ 8 pm Sunday, December 17 @ 2 pm

Enjoy music of the season sung by Cincinnati Men's Chorus, an ensemble-in- residence at Christ Church Cathedral, at the chorus's annual holiday concert. Both performances will take place at Walnut Hills High School (3250 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45207). Tickets available here
First Annual Twinklepalooza

December 17

Candy Canes, Blinky Lights, and Carols!
 
You're invited to join the Sunday noon worship community in a festive caroling romp through downtown Cincinnati on the Third Sunday of Advent, Sunday, December 17. 

We will gather in the Cathedral Café at 1 pm to adorn ourselves with blinky lights, Santa hats, tinsel garland, and reindeer antlers; fill our pockets with candy canes to hand out; and then take to the streets. 

We will travel by foot and by trolley between the cathedral and OTR.  We will be back at the Cathedral by 3 pm. Prizes to the wearers of the top three ugliest Christmas sweaters!
 
This is an event not to be missed and comes with bragging rights.  People with cow bells will not be turned away.  Sign up at the front desk or by emailing Hannah Teetor.
A Ceremony of Carols

December 19

Join us as the sopranos and altos of the Christ Church Cathedral Choir perform here on Tuesday, December 19 , at 12:10 pm. For four decades, the sopranos and altos of the Christ Church Cathedral Choir have presented Benjamin Britten's masterpiece, A Ceremony of Carols , during the holiday season. This lovely collection of carols is gloriously medieval in spirit - sometimes joyous, sometimes mysterious, and always deceptively simple. This year's performance features Elizabeth Motter on harp. 
Winter Family Camp

December 28 - 30

Come back to camp, and relax after the holidays at Procter. Be present with your family and friends, let the fine folks at Procter Center do the cooking and cleaning. We'll play and pray  together, eat tasty food, get goofy with some holiday crafts and activities, sing camp songs and if we're lucky enjoy some sledding and fun in the snow. 

There will be a balance of family time, kids activities and the "campiness" you love at Procter. Share with your friends! You won't want to miss this fun and rejuvenating program! Register here or email Director of Camp and Youth Ministry Andrea Foote.

A Hungry Cast & Crew

The medieval cast and crew of our annual Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival consumes 48 loaves of bread, 15 pounds of ham salad, 20 gallons of lemonade and much more. 

Please help feed this hungry lot with your donations of crackers, plain
chips and pretzels, baked goods and cookies, bricks of cheese, nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, a cooked ham or turkey. To protect costumes, please do not donate any dripping, gooey or sloppy foods. Monetary gifts are also welcome. To make your donation, please contact Kathy Jose or speak to her or Pat Haug on a  Sunday morning. 
Submissions Deadline


The deadline for content submissions for your Weekly GPS is each Wednesday at noon. Please email copy -- including the name/date/time of your program offering, as well as a contact name and contact information -- to Sarah Hartwig .

Christ Church Cathedral