Dear Friends,
This has without doubt been one of the more unique years in recent memory. We’ve all sat perched on edge wondering what the current pandemic will mean next. We’ve attempted to respond with wisdom and care while remaining unshaken by unnecessary fear. The fact remains we are not enriched or improved by being overly concerned with our earthly bodies – we are far more than just flesh and blood machines that need to keep physically healthy at all cost. We’re also thinking beings, spiritual beings.
It will be some time before we know the real impact COVID-19 will have on our world: economically, physically and spiritually. In a modern age where many need little, if any excuse not to engage in disciplines that nurture the spirit – attending public worship, studying scripture or acting visibly and materially in support of the relevance of the local church, some are saying that for the church COVID-19 is just another push down an already slippery hill.
Through history it has always been in the midst of the darkness – in the midst of what threatens – that faith speaks. A pealing note sounds as it has for two millennia. The expected one, the one longed for is born in a forsaken little town in a feeding trough because there was no room in the inn. It’s ironic that although not unexpected, the Lord’s coming is total surprise. “Today in the city of David a Saviour has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!”
We’ll miss corporate singing of carols this year but they can sound loud in our hearts just the same. Join us for worship in person or online, mindful that at the moment, reservations are important as we try to manage pandemic protocols and remain within our allowed capacity. Visiting Cathedral Signups from our website is preferred. If space is available you’ll know right away. Or you may wish to telephone the Cathedral Office 9-12 Monday-Friday.
7:00 p.m. Monday 21 December 2020 Blue Christmas: prayers on the longest night
10:00 a.m. Wednesday 23 December 2020 Holy Eucharist (BCP)
4:00 p.m. Thursday 24 December 2020 Holy Eucharist (contemporary)
8:00 p.m. Thursday 24 December 2020 Come Worship Eucharist
11:00 p.m. Thursday 24 December 2020 Holy Eucharist (traditional)
10:00 a.m. Friday 25 December 2020 Holy Eucharist (traditional)
8:00 a.m. Sunday 27 December 2020 Holy Eucharist (BCP)
10:30 a.m. Sunday 27 December 2020 Come Worship Eucharist
10:00 a.m. Wednesday 30 December 2020 Holy Eucharist (BCP)
11:00 a.m. Friday 01 January 2021 Holy Eucharist with the Bishop (BAS)
May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ Child. God’s blessing be with you and yours.
Sincerely,
Geoffrey Hall
Dean of Fredericton
GMH
