eConnections - December 1, 2023
eConnections
Notes & News from the Cathedral of Saint James
December 1, 2023
The Season of Advent
In this Week's eConnections:
The Dean's List
Stewardship 2024
SMH December Outreach
Intergenerational Formation
Ecumenical Bible Study
Advent Schedule
Raising Cane Resumes
Kegg Organ Dedication & Reception
Christmas Flowers & Greens
Greening of the Church
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Givelify
Gather & Grow
Cathedral Calendar
Volunteer Schedule
For Your Prayers
The Dean's List
And, We're Back
Tamisyn and I had an interesting adventure on our annual excursion to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for Thanksgiving, thanks in large part to a long bout with COVID, the sequel. By about the fourth day I was feeling mostly fine, but still needed a daily nap and an early bedtime. Not feeling well at the beach is, however, scientifically proven to be better than not feeling well in South Bend. We still managed to have a wonderful time, particularly Tamisyn, who had 22 people in addition to me to talk to and help her get wherever she wanted to go. And, as a wonderful bonus, we were able to stop in Charleston, West Virginia on the way home to visit with our dear friends Bishop Matthew and Melissa Cowden.
Thank you, as always, for the gift of time away. Now, let's step into... um... Advent.
Deacon Clay Berkley
We are pleased to announce that Bishop Doug Sparks has assigned Deacon Clay Berkley to serve at the Cathedral of Saint James. Deacon Clay has been worshiping with the Cathedral community regularly for the past several month while on a ministerial sabbatical. Those who have been at the Cathedral for awhile will also remember that he served his diaconal formation internship with us several years ago. Deacon Clay will be splitting his ministry time between us and new responsibilities working directly with the Bishop. Deacon Anne and I will soon meet with Deacon Clay to map out the ministry roles and responsibilities this new partnership presents.
Welcome Deacon Clay!
Rite One, Inclusive Language
As you may be aware, I am quite fond of making changes in our worship to distinguish one liturgical season from another. This coming Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent: the beginning of a season of anticipation and preparation for the coming of the Lord both historically in the manger at Bethlehem and eventually in the second coming at the fulfillment of history. Advent is the beginning of a new liturgical year, in this case Year B in our three-year cycle of Sunday morning readings.
To set apart the Advent season this year, Dr. Steve Wietstock and I put our heads together and drew up a traditional language (Rite One) service that - with permission from the Bishop - uses inclusive language wherever possible following guidelines established by the General Convention. The same core liturgy will be offered at both 8 am and 10:30 am on the four Sundays of Advent, with the addition of choral and congregational singing at 10:30. Come check it out!
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
Our intergenerational formation event this Sunday focuses on Saint Nicholas of Myra, whose feast day falls on December 6. All are invited to meet in Cathedral Hall (the lift was working as of this morning) for Nicholas related crafts, pastries, oranges, gelt, and - rumor has it - a visit from Saint Nicholas himself.
Sunday, December 3 at 9:15 am in Cathedral Hall
The gelt (chocolate coins) are gluten-free, dairy-free, and processed in a nut-free facility.
Called to Leadership
Among the several tasks of the Annual Parish Meeting upcoming in January is electing persons to serve in leadership positions on the Cathedral Chapter and as Delegates to Diocesan Convention. If you are interested in learning more about these positions or in being nominated, please speak with Fr. Brian Grantz or Senior Warden Elizabeth Burman.
Read on below for more lots more information about Advent and Christmas.
Blessings,
Brian
Stewardship 2024
SMH December Outreach
Upcoming Events
Reception Contributions
Betsy VanderBurg is seeking contributions of cocktail style foods — both sweet and savory — for the reception following the organ dedication on December 9. Can you contribute something? Please let Betsy know either in person or by sending an email to vancebetsy@comcast.net
Givelify
Support Cathedral Ministry
Sponsor Altar Flowers or
Christmas Poinsettias & Greens
Give to Care & Share
or the Clergy Discretionary Fund
Check out the Gather & Grow project Facebook page.
Cathedral Calendar
This Week at CSJ
Sunday, December 3
The First Sunday of Advent
Year B, Advent I
8:00 am Holy Eucharist: Rite One
with Ingathering of 2024 Pledges
9:15 am Intergenerational Formation
10:30 am Holy Eucharist: Rite One
with Ingathering of 2024 Pledges
11:45 am Hospitality Hour
12:00 pm Youth Group
12:30 pm Ecumenical Bible Study
Monday, December 4
Administrative Offices Closed
7:00 pm Education for Ministry
Tuesday, December 5
Administrative Offices: 9 am - 1:30 pm
No Events Scheduled
Wednesday, December 6
Administrative Offices: 9 am - 1:30 pm
8:30 am Staff Meeting
9:30 am Raising Cane Bible Study
Call (425) 426-6335; Access Code 782266
7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, December 7
Administrative Offices: 9 am - 1:30 pm
No Events Scheduled
Friday, December 8
Administrative Offices: 9 am - 1:30 pm
12:05 pm Holy Eucharist
Saturday, December 9
2:00 pm Kegg Organ Dedication and
Advent Festival of Lessons & Music
Sunday, December 10
The First Sunday of Advent
Year B, Advent II
8:00 am Holy Eucharist: Rite One
with Ingathering of 2024 Pledges
9:15 am Christian Formation
- Growing in Our Worship
- Story Makers
- Adult Forum
10:30 am Holy Eucharist: Rite One
11:45 am Hospitality Hour
12:00 pm Youth Group
Looking Ahead
Sunday, December 17
Greening of the Church
- Garlands & Wreaths
Sunday, December 24
Advent IV Services
Adorning of the Church
- Poinsettias & Creche
Family Christmas Celebration
Contemplative Candlelight Service
Monday, December 25
Christmas Day Eucharist
Making Sunday Worship Happen
Sunday, December 3
The First Sunday of Advent
8:00 am Lector Volunteer Needed
8:00 am Eucharistic Minister Volunteer Needed
10:30 am Lectors Kirk Philippsen & Stephen Drendall
10:30 am Server Ainsley Gray
10:30 am Eucharistic Ministers Cherry Radin & Mary Beth Wright
10:30 am Ushers Dave & Donna Woods
10:30 am Hospitality Nancy Ross
Counters: Wednesday, December 6: Rick Hilliard & Nan Noecker
Folder: Friday, December 8: Gay McCrea
Volunteers Needed
Sunday, December 17
10:30 am Usher
For Your Prayers
For Dan Demler, Sr.
For Jo Dorsch.
For continued healing for Jim Mostrom, (twin) brother of Deacon Anne Wietstock.
For Tim Haywood, who is currently receiving treatment for bladder cancer; and for Janice Haywood.
For Grace Yakes, niece of Mtr. Tina Velthuizen, who is suffering from an abdominal ailment.
For Tamisyn Grantz.
For Gloria Henry, sister of Tony Molnar.
For Connor Gibbons
For Olivia, who has leukemia, and her family.
For Sheila & family.
For Vince.
For Amber.
For Sandy.
For John G.
For Dede.
For John Monroe, brother of Sue Fain.
Caitlin H.
Steve B.
Cherryl Andries.
The LaFiero family.
Sharron McGowan.
Kara.
Bernard.
Rhonda.
Tammy, daughter of Tony Molnar.
Alan Thompson.
Peju, Bunmi, and the Okanlami family.
Gussie Wietstock, mother of Steve Wietstock.
Mike Jaworski, and Lisa.
Marilyn Klopfenstein.
Tony Molnar.
Dan & Gail Mandell.
Ron Gunn.
Cobie.
Alissa Broussara.
Nan Noecker as she continues her diaconal formation.
Becky Ballentine; Jo Dorsch; Sharron McGowan; Joyce Marchant; Dave & Alice Miller; Fr. Paul Tracy; Ginger & Richard Bitner.
Al Caparell; Tony Lemna; Mike; Denise & Demetrius.
For those awaiting the birth or adoption of a child: Christopher & Andrew Hillak.