eConnections - December 22, 2023
eConnections
Notes & News from the Cathedral of Saint James
December 22, 2023
Christ + Mass
The word mass derives from the Latin term missa which means to send. That same root gives us the words mission and dismiss. Christmas, therefore, means the sending of Christ, the anointed one, the Messiah.
X-mas
The X in X-mas is not our (Roman alphabet) letter X, it's the Greek letter chi. Chi is the first letter in the Greek word Christos, or Christ. X-mas is an abbreviation for Christmas that has been around for a very long time, not a recent invention of anti-Christmas culture warriors. I realize you probably already know this, but just in case you didn't, now you can stay out of at least one argument over the holidays.
Holidays, by the way, is a contraction of Holy Days, which we Episcopalians (among other liturgical types) would assert is a collective term for all of the days from Christmas Day through the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. This includes the feasts of St. Stephen (Dec 26), St. John (Dec 27), the Holy Innocents (Dec 28), and the Holy Name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Jan 1), not to mention the 12 days of Christmas in general. So there's another argument you can avoid.
Advent 4 & Christmas Eve
When Christmas Day falls on a Monday, the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve occur concurrently the day before. Because the duration of Advent is determined by the four Sundays prior to Christmas Day*, and because the Advent season builds thematically week by week towards its Christmas culmination, the Fourth Sunday of Advent is essential in the Church's telling of the story of the sending of Christ. So while Sunday is a day upon which a lot of church happens, please remember that we are maintaining a clear distinction between Advent 4 in the morning and Christmas Eve in the evening; one does not suffice for the other. Is it a lot in one day? Yes. But a) it will be fun; and b) this only happens once every six years or so,** so...
* The First Sunday of Advent is the Sunday closest to the Feast of St. Andrew (Nov 30). It's just easier to find Christmas on a calendar and count backwards four Sunday.
** That said, because 2024 and 2028 are leap years, the next time Christmas falls on a Monday is 2028, just five years from now.
Family Christmas Eve / Contemplative Christmas Eve
Variations in worship services in the Episcopal Church sometimes feel - admittedly - like distinctions without a difference. So... let me explain what we're doing on Christmas Eve.
The 5 pm Family Christmas Eve service will be choral, meaning that a) there will be music; b) the Cathedral choir will be present to help lead worship; and c) that it is a sung Eucharist. It differs from previous years in that it is not specifically designed for children, but we are attempting to make it child-friendly.
The 11 pm Contemplative Candlelight Christmas Eve service is designed to be more meditative, deliberative, and quiet. We will sing hymns, but the service will not be choral in the sense that a) the choir will not be there (formally); b) the preludes are absent this year; and c) it is a "said" service.
Incense Reminder
The late service on Christmas Eve is one of two occasions annually when we use incense during the service.
2024 Annual Meeting | Survey says: January 14
Surveyor-in-Chief Kim Gray says, "We asked and we answered! More than 25 individuals/households gave their preferences for an Annual Meeting date and time. Based on these results, the Chapter decided our Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 14th, at 12pm. (In case of inclement weather, our back up date will be Sunday, January 21st, at 12pm.) Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for more information coming next week!"
The results of the surveys:
Friday, Jan. 12, 6pm - 5
Saturday, Jan. 13, noon - 4
Saturday, Jan. 13, 5pm - 4
Sunday, Jan. 14, 12pm - 12
Friday, Jan. 19th, 6pm - 5
Saturday, Jan. 20th, noon - 5
Saturday, Jan 20th, 5pm - 4
Sunday, Jan. 21, noon - 10
Advent Blessings (and Merry Christmas!)
Brian
Christmas at the Cathedral
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SMH December Outreach
Upcoming Events
A CASE FOR LOVE is a documentary wholly-produced by Grace-Based FilmsTM, and explores the idea that the personal practice of unselfish love has the power to positively transform each of us, those around us, and by extension, the world. Although inspired by faith traditions, given the highly divided nature of our current society, this message appeals to not only religious communities but to secular audiences as well.
This documentary examines the question of whether or not love, specifically, unselfish love, is the solution to the extreme societal and political divide facing the U.S. It is divided into 7 chapters and focuses on subjects from across the U.S., striving to live their lives selflessly. All are common, everyday people of various ethnicities, from various walks of life, from various socio-economic backgrounds, all dealing with a variety of issues.
During filming, the team traveled across the US, interviewing everyday people from various walks of life and ethnicities striving to live their lives selflessly. In addition to these subjects, well know figures including Pete Buttigieg, Al Roker, Sam Waterston and Jon Meacham weigh in as well. In the end, Bishop Michael Curry places what we’ve seen into context.
What’s the verdict on “A Case for Love”? Come watch and decide for yourself
Let's go! This movie will screen at Cinemark Movies 14 in Mishawaka on Tuesday, January 23 at 7 pm. You can purchase tickets directly below.
Anyone needing assistance with tickets should contact Fr. Brian Grantz.
Support Cathedral Ministry
Sponsor Altar Flowers
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 24
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Year B, Advent 4
8:00 am Holy Eucharist: Rite One
10:30 am Holy Eucharist: Rite One
11:45 am Hospitality Hour & Adorning of the Church
Christmas Eve
5:00 pm Family Christmas Celebration
11:00 pm Contemplative Candlelight Christmas
Monday, December 25
Christmas Day
Administrative Offices Closed
10:00 am Christmas Day Eucharist
Tuesday, December 26
The Second Day of Christmas
The Feast of St. Stephen
Administrative Offices: Closed
No Events Scheduled
Wednesday, December 27
The Third Day of Christmas
The Feast of St. John
Administrative Offices: 9 am - 1:30 pm
10:00 am Annual Meeting Planning Group
Thursday, December 28
The Fourth Day of Christmas
The Feast of the Holy Innocents
Administrative Offices: 9 am - 12:00 pm
No Events Scheduled
Friday, December 29
The Fifth Day of Christmas
The Lesser Feast of Thomas a Becket
Administrative Offices: Closed
12:05 pm Holy Eucharist
Saturday, December 30
The Sixth Day of Christmas
No Events Scheduled
Sunday, December 31
The First Sunday after Christmas Day
Year B, Christmas I
8:00 am Holy Eucharist: Rite One
10:30 am Christmas Hymn Sing &
Holy Eucharist: Rite Two
Bishop Doug Sparks, presiding
11:45 am Hospitality Hour
Looking Ahead
Monday, January 1
Offices Closed
Tuesday, January 2
Offices Closed
Wednesday, January 3
Raising Cane resumes
Sunday, January 7
Epiphany Tea
Ecumenical Bible Study
Sunday, January 14
Annual Parish Meeting
Saturday, January 27
Chili Contest
Making Sunday Worship Happen
Sunday, December 24
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
8:00 am Lector Kate Lee
8:00 am Eucharistic Minister Kirk Philippsen
10:30 am Lectors Dominic Vitale-Richards & Tom Burman
10:30 am Server Volunteer Needed
10:30 am Eucharistic Ministers Charry Radin & Mary Beth Wright
10:30 am Ushers Keith LaPierre & Volunteer Needed
10:30 am Hospitality The Daughters of the King
Counters: Tuesday, December 27: Peg Swadener & Liz Burman
Folder: Friday, December 29: Gay McCrea
Volunteers Needed
Sunday,. December 31
8:00 am Lay Minister
For Your Prayers
For those in this Christmas season who experience loneliness, depression, anxiety, fear, and sadness; and for those for whom the abundance of Christmas for others is a reminder of their own poverty.
For those who are traveling.
For the many people who have COVID, RSV, or flu.
For Dan Demler, Sr.
For Tim Haywood, who is currently receiving treatment for bladder cancer; and for Janice Haywood.
For the repose of the soul of Ginger Bitner. Please pray for Rich Bitner and their family, as well.
For the repose of the soul of Gloria Henry.
For Davion, who is paralyzed.
For Allison & Shane, who are expecting a child in a higher-risk pregnancy.
For Suzanne, who has pneumonia.
For Jo Dorsch.
For continued healing for Jim Mostrom, (twin) brother of Deacon Anne Wietstock.
For Grace Yakes, niece of Mtr. Tina Velthuizen, who is suffering from an abdominal ailment.
For Tamisyn Grantz.
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; Richard Bitner.
Al Caparell; Tony Lemna; Mike; Denise & Demetrius.
For those awaiting the birth or adoption of a child: Christopher & Andrew Hillak.