St. James Episcopal Church

The Longest Night service December 21, 6 pm On the longest night of the year (the winter solstice), the Clinton Area Ministerium hosts a Longest Night service. The service is offered as a live-streamed Zoom service at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85145916501... Subject to COVID-19 restrictions, the service will also be offered as an in-person gathering at Stone Presbyterian Church, 8 South Park Row, Clinton NY; mask-wearing and social distancing is observed. This service acknowledges those experiencing grief, loss, or hardship during the holiday season. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with cancer, among other things can be difficult. The pain of loss is felt by many at this time of year. This service offers a sacred, gentle space to gather, remember, and comfort. The service bulletin will be posted closer to the event. Consider having a candle nearby to light in memory of loved ones.

Advent Journey December 15th - A Lutheran Christmas in Bethlehem Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, ... and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. -John 4: 7-8 The main church in Bethlehem is the Church of the Nativity. It is shared by the Roman Catholic Church, Greek Orthodox Church, and the Armenian Apostolic Church. Lutherans also make up a large proportion of Bethlehem Christians, although they do not share in ownership of the Church of the Nativity. We can learn from them and see a glimpse of what Advent and Christmas look like for those in Bethlehem. Join us daily in words and meditations from "House of Bread: A Guided Advent Journey for Families" part of the Makan Initiative, lovingly dedicated to the women of Bethlehem and their families. http://www.bethlehemchristmaslutheran.org//the-mission-ch/

Advent Journey December 14th - Christmas in Armenia Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.... Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 24: 4-5 Orthodox Christians make up a majority of Christians in Bethlehem. It is important to remember they are not only our brothers and sisters in Christ, but are also an ancient denomination with beautiful and rich traditions. Orthodox Christianity is unique in the fact that it is not only a theologically unique branch of Christianity but also a cultural stronghold for those who practice it. Orthodo Christmas is celebrated on January 6th. The focus is not only on the physical birth of Christ, but also on the baptism he received. One tradition is blessing the house blessing for the coming year, which is a tradition practiced around the world, though in recent years it’s popularity has declined in America. The Blessing of a Home at Epiphany V. God shall watch over your going out and your coming in. R. From this time forth for ever more. Let us pray. O God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Light of the nations and the Glory of your people, bless (N &N) who dwell in this house. May it be for them a place of peace and health, that they may rejoice in the gifts and graces you have bestowed upon them and dedicate their talents for the good of those for whom your Christ came and gave his life, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Join us daily in words and meditations from "House of Bread: A Guided Advent Journey for Families" part of the Makan Initiative, lovingly dedicated to the women of Bethlehem and their families. https://buildfaith.org/chalking-the-door/

Prayers for the parish, musicians and clergy of The Episcopal Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine. Lord, have mercy. The Cathedral of St. John the Divine parishioners, concert audience, clergy and staff are all safe after a shooting at our outdoor Christmas Carols for the Community Concert today. Our prayers are with all those affected by this. - Isadora Wilkenfeld, Cathdral spokeswoman... The Cathedral responds "Our gratitude goes out to the first responders who were swift to take action in response to the shooting on the Cathedral's front steps following Sunday's "Carols for the Community." and reports clergy have set up a pastoral care hotline that they will be monitoring while the Cathedral is closed. https://www.nytimes.com//nyreg/nyc-shooting-cathedral.html

Advent Journey December 13th - Third Candle:Joy - Shepherds Candle Today we celebrate Joy by lighting the pink candle. This candle connects us to the joy Jesus brought when he was born. Read Philippians 4:4-5... Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Use today to find a moment of joy, perhaps some cleaning or decorating will bring the Christmas spirit. Discuss with someone close to you how you have found joy in the past year, with family, friends or your church community! This week we look at Advent and Christmas Traditions from Anglicans, Armenian Orthodox and Lutherans living in Bethlehem today. Join us daily in words and meditations from "House of Bread: A Guided Advent Journey for Families" part of the Makan Initiative, lovingly dedicated to the women of Bethlehem and their families.

Zoom Information for Advent Series on Becoming the Beloved Community - https://mailchi.mp//zoom-information-for-advent-series-on-

Advent Journey December 12th - Walk Reading: Corinthians 2:6-9 "So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight..."... Take some time today to enjoy God’s Creation. While outside notice how God has created all of Earth to work together, birds being able to survive, thrive and fertilize the Earth. Even though it is in the middle of winter, there is still food! It is clear this year we are spending more time away from each other and the physical church, yet we are still part of the world and God’s Creation. We might have possibly found that God connects with us beyond church walls. God is with us through good and bad times, whether we can actively see God in our life or not. Notice God’s presence and stay tuned to the fact we walk through life by faith not sight. Join us daily in words and meditations from "House of Bread: A Guided Advent Journey for Families" part of the Makan Initiative, lovingly dedicated to the women of Bethlehem and their families.