World AIDS Day Commemorations, Festivals of Lessons and Carols Highlight Church Events
Episcopal News Service. November 30, 2005 [113005-2-A]
According to the December 2005 UN AIDS report (see http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4450872.stm) there are an estimated 40.3 million people currently living with HIV across the world, with nearly 5 million infected this year alone.
To bring attention to the remaining challenges and celebrate the progress made in the battle against this epidemic, World AIDS Day is commemorated on December 1 around the globe. Observed annually since 1988, this year’s theme “Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise” is an appeal to governments and policymakers to ensure that they meet the targets they have agreed on in the fight against HIV and AIDS. In the UNGASS Declaration of Commitment signed by all 189 UN members in June 2001, the following targets were set for the end of 2005:
* Reduce HIV prevalence by 25% among men and women aged 15–24 in the most affected countries.
* Ensure that at least 90% of young people aged 15–24 have access to the information, education, and services necessary to develop the life skills required to reduce their vulnerability to HIV infection.
* Reduce the proportion of infants infected with HIV by 20% by increasing access to services that prevent mother-to-child transmission.
* Increase annual spending on HIV and AIDS to $7–$10 billion in low- and middle-income countries and those countries experiencing or at risk of rapid expansion of HIV epidemics.
The Episcopal Church continues to respond to those in the church living with HIV/AIDS and to the growing community of those affected by AIDS—caregivers, partners, friends, and loved ones—through the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition (NEAC.)
NEAC provides support for HIV and AIDS ministries across the church in the United States. It is a ministry rooted in faith and hope in the risen Christ as expressed in the Covenant established at Baptism. It includes:
* Educating all Episcopalians about HIV/AIDS issues and empowering them to act on that information
* Advocating for the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of all people infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS
* Promoting pastoral care for all persons affected by HIV/AIDS, and
* Furthering the development of networks and communities of support for all those engaged in HIV/AIDS ministries in the Church and the world.
For more information on the work of this important ministry visit http://www.neac.org/
* CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA: Phoebe Griswold to speak at Grace Church
* SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: A Hawaiian feast
* NEW YORK CITY: Special Eucharist for World AIDS Day
* CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS: Faith and the Millennium Development Goals
* NEW YORK CITY: Crafts at the Cathedral
* LOS ANGELES: The Diocese of Los Angeles meets in convention
* BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: Community blood drive
* SPOKANE, WASHINGTON: “Night Light”
* TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA: Festival Service of Nine Lessons and Carols
* FORT WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA: Celtic worship
* NEW YORK CITY: Narnia: A multimedia festival
* BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA: “Amahl and the Night Visitors”
* NEW YORK CITY: Seminary open house
* SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Advent meditations
* BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA: A Baroque holiday
* HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT: Holiday concert
* NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY: Handel’s “Messiah”
* WASHINGTON, D.C.: Annual Christmas pageant
* OSSINING, NEW YORK: Trinity Church offering service of lessons and carols
Today...
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA: Phoebe Griswold to speak at Grace Church -- Phoebe Griswold, a dynamic advocate for the global mission of the Episcopal Church and wife of the Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, USA, will speak at Grace Church at 6:45 p.m. Her presentation about worldwide connections in the Anglican Communion promises to be a positive, uplifting story of the ministry of the entire church. The program is open to the public. For information call 843.723.4575.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: A Hawaiian feast – Episcopal Campus Ministry and ELCA Lutheran Campus Ministry sponsor the celebration of the Feast of King Kamehameha and Queen Emma with Holy Eucharist and a festive evening meal. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information contact the Rev. Mary Shehane at 206.524.7900, ext. 19 or email shehane@drizzle.com.
Coming December 1, 2005…WORLD AIDS DAY
NEW YORK CITY: Special Eucharist for World AIDS Day – A requiem Eucharist in commemoration of World AIDS Day, December 1, will be held at 6:15 pm, at St. John’s in the Village Episcopal Church. Sponsored by the Diocesan Episcopal AIDS Committee (DEAC) and the Faith Communities Project of the AIDS Institute, the service will focus on those we have lost and the ongoing devastation of the pandemic. To include a loved one on the list of remembrance, email the name to pthompson@stjvny.org. Additional names may be recited from the congregation following the reading of names submitted in advance. St. John’s is located at 224 Waverly Place at West 11th St., one block west of 7th Ave. All are welcome.
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS: Faith and the Millennium Development Goals -- Boston Theological Institute, Episcopal Divinity School (EDS) and Bread for the World Institute have collaborated to present a series of lectures on Faith and the Millennium Development Goals. The series continues on December 1, 7-8:30 p.m. at Sherrill Hall, Episcopal Divinity School, with "Develop a Global Partnership for Development" with Raymond Helmick. Other lectures include: "Becoming Ambassadors of Hope" with Robert Seiple on December 8; and "What Can a Person of Faith Do?" with Gloria White Hammond on December 15. For information on this and future lectures visit http://www.bostontheological.org/; http://www.eds.edu/ or http://www.bread.org/
Coming December 2, 2005…
NEW YORK CITY: Crafts at the Cathedral – The Cathedral of St. John the Divine will host a weekend crafts show in Synod Hall December 2, 5-8 p.m.; December 3, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.; and December 4, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Come visit two floors of superbly hand-crafted gifts. Daily admission is $6; Weekend admission $7. The cafe will be open during show hours. Proceeds benefit Cathedral programs. For additional information visit http://www.craftsatthecathedral.org/
LOS ANGELES: The Diocese of Los Angeles meets in convention -- The Diocese of Los Angeles meets in convention December 2-3 at the Riverside Convention Center, Riverside, California. For more information: http://www.ladiocese.org/; http://www.episcopalnews.com/
Coming December 3, 2005…
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: Community blood drive -- The parishes of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland will sponsor an American Red Cross blood drive simultaneously at 15 Episcopal churches from Calvert to Garrett Counties on December 3, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donors should visit http://www.ang-md.org/ or call 1.800.GIVE.LIFE.
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON: “Night Light” -- The Diocesan Youth Commission will host a sleepover at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on December 3 for youth in grades 7-12. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the history of the church and enjoy food and activities. The fee is $10. For information contact Tara Polley at 509.624.5780 or email theark4u@spokanediocese.org.
Coming December 4, 2005…SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA: Festival Service of Nine Lessons and Carols -- The adult choir of Christ Episcopal Church, in downtown Tuscaloosa, will celebrate the Advent season on December 4 at 5 p.m. with the Festival Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. The program will open with the tolling of the church bell to summon the people to prayer followed by the choir singing a medieval chant from the back of the nave. Following the service, dinner will be served in the parish hall. For information on the service or dinner reservations call 205.758.4252 or 205.758.0927.
FORT WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA: Celtic worship -- St. Thomas' Church, Whitemarsh cordially invites you to experience the splendor of candlelight, the richness of the Word and the musical beauty of Celtic worship on December 4, 5:30 p.m. All are welcome. A free-will offering will be taken.
Coming December 6, 2005…
NEW YORK CITY: Narnia: A multimedia festival -- Trinity Church/St. Paul's Chapel multimedia festival exploring author C.S. Lewis and "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" continues on December 6 at 6:30 p.m., with “How to watch a movie.” The festival runs through December 13. For information visit http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/resources/?narnia
Coming December 8, 2005…
BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVIA: “Amahl and the Night Visitors” -- Linda Laubach and Stephanie Halinski star, with members of the DeSales University Chorale, Trinity Episcopal Church Choir, and others in Gian Carlo Menotti’s well-loved opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” This production, co-sponsored by DeSales University and Music and the Arts at Trinity Church, will be performed on December 8, 8 p.m. at Connelly Chapel, DeSales University and on December 9, 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church. For information contact Lorenz Maycher at Lorenz@trinitybeth.org
NEW YORK CITY: Seminary open house -- General Theological Seminary’s master’s degree program for lay people and the Center for Christian Spirituality is hosting an open house on December 8, 6-7:30 p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to meet faculty, discuss the content of the courses, as well as explore either full or part time study at GTS – either for personal enrichment as an auditor, for credit, or as part of a degree program. To attend the event, contact Helen Goodkin at 212.243.5150 ext. 461 or email goodkin@gts.edu.
Coming December 9, 2005…
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Advent meditations – The Arts at Saint Mark’s Cathedral present an evening of advent meditations on December 9 at 7:30 p.m. The event will feature Cathedral organist J. Melvin Butler, who will play Olivier Messiaen’s Suite “La Nativité du Seigneur” while Joanne Snow-Smith, noted University of Washington art historian, will project art masterpieces depicting various scenes of Christ’s birth. General admission is $18 and $12 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets visit http://www.ticketwindowonline.com/ or call 206.325.6500.
Coming December 16, 2005…
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA: A Baroque holiday – All Saints’ Episcopal Church will present a Baroque Holiday with Musica angelica Baroque Orchestra on December 16 at 8 p.m. The All Saints’ Choir, Parish Choir, Choristers and a host of soloists will feature the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and more. Suggested donation is $15 adults, $10 students/seniors, and free with a Music Guild donor season pass.
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT: Holiday concert –Trinity Episcopal Church’s Music and Arts Series continues on December 16 at 7:30 p.m. with the Salvation Army Band and Trinity Choirs holiday concert. A free-will offering will be divided between the Salvation Army and Episcopal Relief and Development’s hurricane relief fund. For complete information about the series visit http://www.trinityhartford.org/
Coming December 18, 2005…
NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY: Handel’s “Messiah” -- The choirs of Christ Church, First Reformed Church and Emanuel Lutheran Church join the New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra for this second annual event. Admission is $17 and $15 for students and seniors. For information visit http://www.newbrunswickchamberorchestra.org/
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Annual Christmas pageant – The Washington National Cathedral’s annual Christmas pageant will be held December 18 at 3:30 p.m. This service for children will include the reenactment of the story of Jesus’ birth including visits from the three magi, animals, and angels. It is free and open to the public.
OSSINING, NEW YORK: Trinity Church’s Service of Lessons and Carols -- Trinity Church will once again offer the Anglican Service of Lessons and Carols on December 18 at 4 p.m. This retelling of the Advent and Christmas mysteries in Scripture, anthems, carols and hymns has been an Anglican tradition and a celebration for all Christians for generations. Trinity's Evensong Choir of over 20 voices is ecumenical; singers from many Christian denominations join the Chancel Choir to offer this special service. Bishop Catherine S. Roskam of New York will officiate. For more information and directions visit http://www.trinityossining.org/ or call 914.941.0806.