"Ordinary," "usual" and "normal" will continue to describe our Sunday liturgies for the rest of this month. This Sunday we will hear from the Gospel according to Saint Mark for the last time this year as Jesus responds "do not be alarmed" to disciples who are both confused about the implications and afraid of the natural and human-made disasters that surround them. His is a timely response for us.
This Sunday's 10:00 a.m. forum, "Hoping/Coping with the Holidays," will be led by Pastor Bill Eschen who will help us deal with the normal (and this year, extraordinary) stresses of the holidays. Again, timing is everything!
During Brunch, Vicar Dustin Wright will gather those interested in the ministry of advocacy, particularly advocacy for immigrants. These efforts will include Saint Peter's Church, Pastor Arias and Sion Lutheran Church and the New Sanctuary Coalition, of which we have been a part for the past year.
Our 78th annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service is scheduled for Tuesday, November 20 at 6:00 p.m., but there is a change in venue: St. Bartholomew's Church, 325 Park Avenue and not 5th Avenue Presbyterian Church as previously announced. However, the Senior Minister of 5th Avenue Presbyterian, Scott Black Johnson, will be the preacher!
Finally, before some very advanced notice of much that is yet to come, please note that Pastor Stahler will be away for a much deserved vacation beginning Wednesday, November 14 and continuing through the Thanksgiving holiday.
Looking ahead:
Sunday, November 25, the Last Sunday after Pentecost, at all liturgies: We will be receiving new members.
Sunday, December 2, the First Sunday in Advent at the 11:00 a.m. mass: Three members of our congregation - Juliet Anna Gresh, Lilly Ann Johns and Sophia Grace Vitarius, will affirm their faith and be confirmed, and we will celebrate the fifth anniversary of ordination and give thanks for the ministry of Pastor Jared Robert Stahler.
150th Anniversary Celebrations:
Friday, December 7:
Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Lella and Massimo Vignelli's design for Saint Peter's Church.
6:00 p.m. Solemn Vespers in the Sanctuary
6:45 p.m. Opening of the Exhibit, gallery viewing and reception.
Festive attire suggested.
Saturday, December 8, 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary:
Ordination mass - Metropolitan New York Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Sunday, December 9, Second Sunday in Advent
Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Consecration of Saint Peter's Church
ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson, presiding and preaching at
11:00 a.m. Solemn Mass in the Sanctuary
5:00 p.m. Jazz Vespers in the Sanctuary
12:30 p.m. in the Living Room: Festive Brunch
2:00 p.m. in the Theater: Voices of Saint Peter's: The First 75 years
Looking further ahead:
Saturday, December 15, 10:00 a.m. in the Living Room and Warming Pantry: Families@SaintPeter's Advent Gathering: Cookie baking and other Advent activities
Sunday, December 16, Third Sunday in Advent: Hanging of the Greens, all day.
Friday, December 21, 6:00 p.m. Caroling in the Plaza
Sunday, December 23, Fourth Sunday in Advent
Monday, December 24, ChristMass Eve
5:00 p.m. Lessons and Carols
First Vespers of ChristMass
7:00 p.m. Misa de la Natividad
11:00 p.m. Solemn ChristMass
Tuesday, December 25, ChristMass Day
11:00 a.m. ChristMass
1:30 p.m. Misa de la Natividad
I know, I know: TMI! But...enjoy ordinary, extraordinary soon to come!
Peace and Joy,
Amandus J. Derr
Senior Pastor