News from the Congregation December 11, 2017
A Message from the Wardens of Saint Saviour
“Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen” (Collect for Second Sunday of Advent)
Dear Members and Friends of the Congregation of St. Saviour,
THANK YOU!
Heartfelt thanks to all who participated in the toy drive for Cathedral Community Cares (CCC). We were able to present boxes of toys to representatives of CCC at our Christmas party yesterday. You have made it possible for some struggling parents to share the joy of the coming of Christ with their little ones. And while we are thanking you—thanks to the 50 volunteers who made the crafts fair work. We had the support of many Cathedral departments: Security, Facilities, Production, Visitor Services, and Cathedral Programming, Communications, and of course, the Dean and Chapter. We cannot report on final numbers since there are several bills yet to pay, but we do know it was profitable and that we had more people come than ever before.
BEAUTY AND THE PURSUIT OF SOCIAL JUSTICE
On Tuesday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. in Cathedral House, Prof. John Thatamanil will continue his series called What's Love Got to Do with It? – Beauty and the Pursuit of Social Justice. “A handful of modern and contemporary theologians have noted a curious omission in much recent theology: whereas the ancient church routinely appealed to the true, the good, and the beautiful when speaking of God, much modern theology has forgotten the beautiful.” Professor Thatamanil will speak about the dangers of this forgetting and his own recent turn to the beautiful in thinking about God, the life of faith, and the pursuit of social justice. Dr. T allows plenty of time for discussion after his presentation. At the first session discussion was lively and people just didn’t want to go home! A light dinner will again be served.
PASSES FOR CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
If you need tickets for the Christmas Eve Eucharist, you can call the office (212-316-7483) during normal business hours and request them. Your wardens will also have some with them on Sundays in Advent until they are all given out.
USHERS AND ACOLYTES NEEDED FOR CHRISTMAS EVE
On Christmas Eve the world descends upon the Cathedral while a good number of congregation members and volunteers leave New York to be with their families. This creates a big hole in the usher and acolyte volunteer corps. And as Christmas is a Sunday this year, we will have a service at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday plus Lessons & Carols and the Evening Eucharist, creating an even bigger challenge. If you can help usher, contact Tim Dwyer, Head Usher, and if you can help acolyte contact Lisa Chin, Head Acolyte or Harry Johnson.
STEWARDSHIP
If you haven’t yet handed in a pledge card for 2018, we urge you to do that now. Making a commitment to your congregation enables us to support the Cathedral, offer opportunities for spiritual growth, and reach out to the needy through Cathedral Community Cares. We are a remarkable community, diverse in every way. It is a privilege to worship with you week to week. That said, we each have to take responsibility for the financial health of that community if we are able. Pledges are a promise to give. If your situation should change after the promise is made, just tell one of the wardens and the amount pledged will be adjusted as you direct us.
ANNUAL MEETING FEBRUARY 4th 12:30 SAVE THE DATE!
This year’s meeting may be one of the most important in the history of our community. Please make every effort to attend and help to shape our future direction.
All Blessings in this season of Expectation!
Your wardens,
Marsha Ra and Tim Dwyer
DECEMBER 11, 2017