the most wonderful night of the year - sunshine cathedral...

The Most Wonderful

Th e Sunshine Cathedral Walt Lawrence & Stephen Lewis Center for Worship and the Arts

Night of the Year

Welcome home to Sunshine Cathedral for another blessed Christmas Eve service. We hope you’ll join us throughout the New Year and help us share the light of hope, compas-sion, and goodwill with the world.

Speaking of hope, compassion, and goodwill, I am reminded this year of that famous story, A Christmas Carol.

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, a story of a bitter, misanthropic, miserly Mr. Scrooge, has become part of the fabric of Christmas for many of us for most of our lives. Mr. Scrooge is chronically unhappy, suspicious, void of sentiment, and generally unpleasant. One night, however, he is visited by the ghost of his late business partner (Mr. Marley)

who, in the afterlife, regrets having not been more generous, kind, and joyful in life. As a disembodied spirit, he shows an act of kindness and generosity that would have been unlike him in life: he visits Mr. Scrooge for the purpose of warning him that a life of selfi shness is a burden not only in life, but beyond. To drive the point home, three other ghosts will visit Scrooge before the night is over.

The Ghost of Christmas Past visits to remind Scrooge of a more innocent time in his life. In his younger days he had a kind employer, a loving sister, and a fi ancée. However, the fi ancée felt neglected and called off the wed-ding because she realized that her husband-to-be loved money more than he would ever love her. She eventu-ally married someone else, started a family, and was happy. Scrooge’s greed and unfettered ambition would harm his relationships and contribute to increasing unhappiness.

The Ghost of Christmas Present visits next and shows Scrooge things that are happening all around him which he has been too self-absorbed to notice. One of those things is his underpaid assistant’s young child who is seriously ill and may not survive if their conditions don’t improve.

The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Be fi nally pops in to show Scrooge the aftermath of the death of a disliked per-son. The departed’s housekeeper and the undertaker steal some of his possessions. His business associates will only attend his funeral if a repast is served. The ghost even shows a couple rejoicing that the man has died as now they won’t have to repay a debt they owe him. Then Scrooge is shown that his assistant’s child had died, and in the end, Scrooge gets a glimpse of his own neglected burial plot and headstone. He realizes he is the deceased person in the vision.

Scrooge wakes up in the morning a changed person. His dreams (or visions or metaphysical encounters) have taught him a lesson. Life is to be lived with joy and love, compassion and generosity. He’s complained enough, scoff ed enough, overlooked people too often, and played the miser for far too long. It’s time to rejoin life and engage with his fellow humans in a more life-enhancing way.

The next thing we see is Scrooge sharing holiday wishes with everyone he meets. He joins his nephew for Christmas dinner, and he even sends food to his assistant’s family so they can have a proper Christmas feast. He also intends to pay his assistant a better wage. Scrooge has become kind and generous and as a result, much happier.

The old familiar tale still speaks to us today. Christmas calls us to care for others, to care about what happens to people, those we know well and those we don’t know at all. It is more important to share money than to hoard it, better to wish people well than to ignore them or wish them ill, more noble to care for the welfare of all than just the success of a few. The message is moral, political, religious, spiri-tual, and social and it rings true as it refl ects the very words of Jesus: “Love your neighbor as yourself” and “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

This Christmas, let us return to love, let us choose to be generous, let us care and share and become conduits through which divine Love can fl ow and bless our world.

Holiday Blessings!

Fort Lauderdale, FL 3 December 24th, 2017

Lessons & Carols - 9 am Service

Processional O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel, and with your captive children dwell. Give comfort to all exiles here, and to the aching heart bid cheer. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come within as Love to dwell.

O come, you Splendor very bright, as joy that never yields to might. O come and turn all hearts to peace, that greed and war at last shall cease. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come within as Truth to dwell.

O come, you Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by your presence here. And dawn in every broken soul as vision that can see the whole. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come within as Light to dwell.

O come you Wisdom from on high, from depths that hide within a sigh, to temper knowledge with our care, to render every act a prayer. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come within as Hope to dwell.

Bidding Prayer Remain standing

Children of God, be it this day before Christmas our care and delight to hear again the message of the angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, and the babe lying in a manger.

Therefore let us read and mark in sacred scripture the birth of this blessed child.

But fi rst, let us pray for the needs of the whole world – for peace on earth and goodwill among all people; for unity and concord within this parish and within the Blessed Community, the Kin-dom of God which Jesus proclaimed, and let us pray also for blessings to fl ow into our community, our nation, and the whole world.

And because this of all things would rejoice the heart of Jesus, let us remember the poor and challenged, the cold, the hungry, and the oppressed; the sick and those who mourn, the lonely and the unloved, the aged and the little children, and those who seek spiritual peace, comfort, strength, or guidance.

Lastly, let us remember before God all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore, and in a greater light, that multitude which no one can number, who are held forever in the love of God.

These prayers let us humbly off er, using the words of Jesus which we now sing:

The Prayer Jesus Taught UsCreator which art in heaven, hallowed be thy

names. Thy kin-dom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kin-dom and the power and the glory forever! Amen.

Be seated.

Service of The Word Welcome

Please rise as you are able.

Opening Affirmation Sunshine Cathedral is a diff erent kind of church where the past is past and the future has infi nite possibilities.

The Call to Worship (Psalm 118)Clergy: This is the day our God has made!Congregation: Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

December 24th, 2017 4 Sunshine Cathedral

1st Lesson: “In this Night” (by Dorothee Soelle)“In this night the stars left their habitual places and

kindled wildfi re tidings that spread faster than sound.In this night the shepherds left their posts to shout

the new slogans into each other’s clogged ears.In this night the foxes left their warm burrows and

the lion spoke with deliberation: ‘This is the end revolution.’

In this night roses fooled the earth and began to bloom in the snow.”

Carol Please rise as you are able.

Lo! How a Rose e’er Blooming Lo! How a rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse’s lineage coming as those of old have sung. It came, a fl oweret bright, amid the cold of winter, when half-spent was the sky.

Be seated.

2nd Lesson: Luke 1.26-28 “God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean

village of Nazareth to a young woman engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the maiden’s name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her: ‘Hail Mary full of grace; God is with you!’”


Angels, from the Realms of GloryAngels, from the realms of glory, wing your fl ight o’er all the earth; you who sang creation’s story, now proclaim Messiah’s birth. Come and worship, come and worship, worship now, rejoice and sing.

Shepherds, in the fi elds abiding, watching o’er your fl ocks by night, Joy with us is now residing, yonder shines the infant Light. Come and worship, come and worship, worship now, rejoice and sing.

Sages, leave your contemplations, brighter visions beam afar; seek the great Desire of nations, you have seen the natal star. Come and worship, come and worship, worship now, rejoice and sing.

Saints before the altar bending, watching long in hope so dear, suddenly the Word descending, in the temple shall appear. Come and worship, come and worship, worship now, rejoice and sing.

Be seated.

3rd Lesson: Luke 1.29-35 “Mary was thoroughly shaken, wondering what

was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, ‘Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will…give birth to a son and call his name Jesus. He will be great...

The holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest will hover over you; Therefore, the child you bring to birth will be called Holy…’"


Sing We Now of ChristmasSing we now of Christmas, Noel, sing we here! Hear our grateful praises, to the babe so dear. Sing we Noel, the child is born, Noel! Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noel!

Angels called to shepherds, ‘Leave your fl ocks at rest, journey forth to Bethl’hem, fi nd the child so blest. Sing we Noel, the child is born, Noel! Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noel!

In the town they found him, Joseph and Mary mild, seated by the manger, watching the holy child. Sing we Noel, the child is born, Noel! Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noel!

Be seated.

4th Lesson: Luke 1.39-55 “Mary rushed to see her cousin Elizabeth. As

soon as Elizabeth laid eyes on her she was fi lled with excitement and shouted out, ‘Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb…’

And Mary began to pray: ‘I’m bursting with God-news; I’m dancing the song

of my God. God took one good look at me, and look what happened— I’m the most fortunate woman on earth! What God has done for me will never be forgotten, the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.

Divine mercy fl ows in wave after wave on those who are in awe before God.

God scatters the braggarts and knocks tyrants off their high horses, and pulls victims out of the mud.

The starving poor are invited to a banquet; the selfi sh reap what they have sown.

God has promised grace and mercy, and that promise is good, especially right now.’”


Carol ~ Ave Maria Tara Sperry, soloist

5th Lesson: Luke 2.1-7 “About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a

census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the fi rst census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Every adult male had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fi ancée, who was pregnant.

While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her fi rstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.”


O Little Town of BethlehemO little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light – the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary and gathered all above, while mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondrous love. O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth, and praises ring, to God we sing: May peace prevail on earth!

Be seated.

6th Lesson: Luke 2.8-14 “There were sheepherders camping in the

neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrifi ed. The angel said, ‘Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born nearby, one who is divinely anointed. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.’

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: ‘Glory to God in the heavenly heights! Peace to all of humankind!’”


While By Our SheepWhile by our sheep we watched at night,

glad tidings brought an angel bright. How great our joy! Great our joy.

Joy, joy, joy! Joy, joy, joy. Praise we our God who dwells within! Praise we our God who dwells within.

There shall be born, on this great day, in Bethlehem, a Child on hay.

How great our joy! Great our joy. Joy, joy, joy! Joy, joy, joy.

Praise we our God who dwells within! Praise we our God who dwells within.

There shall the child lie in a stall,this child who shall affi rm us all.How great our joy! Great our joy.

Joy, joy, joy! Joy, joy, joy. Praise we our God who dwells within! Praise we our God who dwells within.

This gift of God we’ll cherish well, Jesus, the Christ, Emmanuel.

How great our joy! Great our joy. Joy, joy, joy! Joy, joy, joy.

Praise we our God who dwells within! Praise we our God who dwells within.

Be seated.

7th Lesson: Luke 2.15-21 “As the angel choir withdrew…the sheepherders

talked it over. ‘Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what has been revealed to us.’ They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger…They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were amazed.

Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen.” When the eighth day arrived, the day of circumcision, the child was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was born.”



While Shepherds Watched Their FlocksWhile shepherds watched their fl ocks by night, all seated on the ground, the angel of heaven came down and glory shone around, and glory shone around.

‘Fear not!’ was said, for mighty dread had seized their troubled minds; ‘Glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and humankind, to you and humankind.’

‘To you in David’s town this day is born, of David’s line, the baby who is anointed, and this shall be the sign, and this shall be the sign…’

‘The precious babe you there shall fi nd to human view displayed, all meanly wrapt in swathing bands and in a manger laid, and in a manger laid.’

Be seated.

8th Lesson: “For So the Children Come” (by Sophia Lyon Fahs)

“For so the children come and so they have been coming…

No angels herald their beginnings. No prophets predict their future courses…

Yet each night a child is born is a holy night.Fathers and mothers – sitting beside their

children’s cribs feel the glory in the sight of a new life beginning…

Each night a child is born is a holy night – a time for singing, a time for wondering, a time for worshiping.”

Carol ~ O Holy NightSara Burns, soloist

Homily: Rev Dr Durrell WatkinsSenior Minister

OffertoryCarol of the Bells

Sunshine Cathedral Music Ministry

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation Carol

I Heard the Bells on Christmas DayI heard the bells on Christmas day their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth goodwill to all.

I thought how, as the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom had rolled along th’unbroken song of peace on earth goodwill to all.

And in despair I bowed my head, ‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said, ‘for hate is strong, and mocks the song of peace on earth goodwill to all.’

Yet pealed the bells more loud and deep: ‘God is not dead nor does God sleep; the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth goodwill to all.’

Then ringing, singing on its way, the world revolved from night to day; a voice, a chime, a chant sublime of peace on earth goodwill to all.

Communion Closing Carol Silent Night

Benediction Please rise as you are able.

Recessional CarolDeck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la, la la la la. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la, la la la la.Don we now our gay apparel, fa la la la la, la la la la.Troll the ancient Yuletide carol, fa la la la la, la la la la.

See the blazing Yule before us, fa la la la la, la la la la.Strike the harp and join the chorus, fa la la la la, la la la la.Follow me in merry measure, fa la la la la, la la la la.While I tell of Yuletide treasure, fa la la la la, la la la la.

Fast away the old year passes, fa la la la la, la la la la.Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, fa la la la la, la la la la.Sing we joyous all together, fa la la la la, la la la la.Heedless of the wind and weather, fa la la la la, la la la la.

Dismissal One: Our worship has ended, let our service begin.

All: Thanks be to God.


Sunshine CathedralSunday Morning

A Positive Worship Experience

10:30am

Fourth Sunday of Advent


Service of The Word Announcements

&Welcoming Guests


Opening Affirmation Sunshine Cathedral is a diff erent kind of church where the past is past and the future has infi nite possibilities.

The Call to Worship (Psalm 118)Clergy: This is the day our God has made!Congregation: Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

The Processional Hymn

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel O come, O come, Emmanuel, and with your captive children dwell. Give comfort to all exiles here, and to the aching heart bid cheer. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come within as Love to dwell.





Gradual

A Reading from the Gospel According to Luke (1.26-35)

“God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a young woman engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the maiden’s name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her: ‘Hail Mary full of grace; God is with you!’”

“Mary was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, ‘Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will…give birth to a son and call his name Jesus. He will be great… The holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you; Therefore, the child you bring to birth will be called Holy…’”

In these human words, God's voice is heard.Thanks be to God!

AdorationDeacon: (+) Blessed be God: our creator, redeemer, and sustainer.Congregation: And blessed is God’s kin-dom, now and forever. Amen.

Lighting of the Advent Candles: Gloria, Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, Gloria, alleluia, alleluia!

Glory to God, glory to God, glory in the highest!

Glory to God, glory to God, alleluia, alleluia!Be seated.

Share in the Chair

A Reading from the Psalter (Psalm 89.1-2)“Your love, O LORD, forever will I sing; from

age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness. For I am persuaded that your love is established for ever; you have set your faithfulness fi rmly in the heavens.”


Marianne Williamson has said:“Miracles occur naturally as expressions of

love. The real miracle is the love that inspires them. In this sense everything that comes from love is a miracle.”




Response

Anthem Carol of the BellsBy Peter J Wilhousky & M Leontovich

Arranged by Peter J Wilhousky

Homily Rev Dr Durrell WatkinsSenior Minister

Choral Invitation to Prayer

Sign of Peace Good to Be Alive

Tithes & Offerings

Stewardship Thought “Every time we give, it’s Christmas.” Dale Evans

Offertory O Holy NightSara Burns, soloist


Doxology Old HundrethPraise God the Love we all may share; praise the God the Beauty everywhere.

Praise God the Hope of good to be; praise God the Truth that makes us free.

Amen.


Service of Holy Communion

Preparation of Gifts&

Eucharistic Intentions

Wes Brooks 12/24/2003Chuck George 12/24/2004Ray Dillinger 12/25/1995Jeff Adams 12/27/1986Valariee Morris 12/28/1994Kurt Depetris 12/28/1998George Lane 12/28/2005

Norman McLean 12/28/2008Fernando Herrea 12/29/1991Bob Astbury 12/29/1996Arnold Thomas 12/29/1998Wayne Bennett 12/29/2014Paul Bass 12/30/2014

We Remember

Our Shared Witness(by Durrell Watkins, based on the Apostles' Creed)

Clergy: Let us affi rm the gospel message.

Congregation: “I believe in God, the Good, and in the message and mission of God’s anointed prophet, Jesus the Wayshower who was born of Mary, suff ered under Pontius Pilate, was executed for empowering the powerless and restoring the dignity of the marginalized, and yet he lives in our hearts and ministry. I believe in the omnipresent power of divine Love, in the Blessed Community, in the sacred value of all people, and in life without end. Amen.”

Praying the CommandmentsClergy: Hear the Commandments of God – Worship nothing other than the omnipresent, eternal God. Do not try to confi ne God to any image. Do not use God’s name in hurtful or hateful ways. Remember a day each week for worship and renewal. Honor your elders. Do not murder. Do not break sacred vows. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness against anyone. Do not begrudge whatever good fortune your neighbor may enjoy. But remember, the Apostle Paul said that love is the fulfi llment of the law. Another New Testament writer said God is love and whoever lives in love lives in God and God lives in them. And Jesus, quoting the Torah, said that scripture could be boiled down to just this: loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves. We keep the commandments when we live in love.

Congregation: Dear God, please fi ll our hearts with your healing love. Amen.

Intercessions There is only one Presence and one Power

in the universe and in me God, the good, God, the good,

God, the good omnipotent.

Clergy: Let us pray for our loved ones, our neighbors, our leaders, our nation, the community of nations, those who feel poor or unsafe or unwell, for our church, and for all who have been entrusted to the care of our prayers.

Congregation: May they be filled with loving-kindness; may they be well. May they be peaceful and at ease; and may they be happy.

Clergy: And let us affirm blessings for our lives.

Congregation: There is good for us and we ought to have it.

Clergy: Let us remember our loved ones who have died (+).

Congregation: To God, all are alive.

Clergy: And with people all over the world we pray…

Congregation: May peace prevail on earth.

Clergy: Joining hands and hearts together, let us continue praying as Jesus taught us…

Model Prayer Creator, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy names. Thy kin-dom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kin-dom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.

Be seated.


Sursum CordaClergy: Lift up your hearts!Congregation: We lift them up to you, for in your presence it is right to do.

Clergy: Lift up your hearts!Congregation: In joy together laud, we lift them up, we lift them up to God.

Clergy: It is right and good and a joyful thing everywhere and at all times to off er praise and worship. Therefore, joining with souls of every age, we continue our praise in song.

SanctusAdeste, fi deles, laeti triumphantes;

venite, venite in Bethlehem. Natum videte Regem angelorum.

Venite adoremus, venite adoremus, venite adoremus, Dominum.

The Lord’s Supper

Invitation to Communion

Communion Song

One bread we bless and shareOne cup of wine out-poured

Become our sacred meal with Christ, the living word

Is not the bread we breakA sharing in our eyes

In our bread the grain of wheat becomes the source of life



Is not the cup we blessThe hope of Christ out-poured

In our wine the fruit of Christ has conquered fear and more



Prayer of Thanksgiving Please rise as you are able.

Benediction


The AngelsStill Sing

Recessional Song

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la, la la la la. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la, la la la la.

Don we now our gay apparel, fa la la la la, la la la la.Troll the ancient Yuletide carol, fa la la la la, la la la la.

See the blazing Yule before us, fa la la la la, la la la la.Strike the harp and join the chorus, fa la la la la, la la la la.

Follow me in merry measure, fa la la la la, la la la la.While I tell of Yuletide treasure, fa la la la la, la la la la.

Fast away the old year passes, fa la la la la, la la la la.Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, fa la la la la, la la la la.

Sing we joyous all together, fa la la la la, la la la la.Heedless of the wind and weather, fa la la la la, la la la la.

The Commission

Our worship has ended; let our service begin. Thanks be to God!

Ways you can support the Sunshine Cathedral Foundation

Stained Glass Window Project5 Chancel Windows & 10 Doors

available for donor naming.

Seating ProjectOf the 512 installed, 203

available for donor naming.

Columbarium & Memorial Chapel A consecrated memorial/resting place for a departed

loved one off ers comfort to the bereaved. It affi rms our belief in the “cloud of witnesses”, the everlasting community of souls that dwell forever in divine Love as well as in our hearts. It is a visible reminder that the Blessed Community cares for its members in life and beyond. It off ers a practical and convenient way to plan for one’s own interment thus relieving the surviving family and loved ones the burden of making diffi cult decisions. It honors the departed in a way that is environmentally friendly.

Become a Sunshine Cathedral Foundation Pillar

The Pillars Society is the heart of our program to secure our future. It is the major method of the SCF to establish a long term endowment fund to support our Cathedral family. Upon request, Pillar Society funds are used to support various needs of the Sunshine Catheral.

For more information about these projects,please contact Foundation Chair, Dr Keith Muller at 954.462.2730.

Th ank you for your support.

Happy Holidays!


Sunshine CathedralChristmas eve services

A Positive Worship Experience7pm & 9pm

The Most Wonderful Night of the Year


Service of the WordChoral Introit Once In Royal David's City

The Welcome Rev Dr Durrell WatkinsSenior Minister

Processional Hymn Please rise as you are able.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel O come, O come, Emmanuel, and with your captive children dwell. Give comfort to all exiles here, and to the aching heart bid cheer. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come within as Love to dwell.




AdorationDeacon: (+) Blessed be God: our creator, redeemer, and sustainer.Congregation: And blessed is God’s kin-dom, now and forever. Amen.

Lighting of the Christ CandleGloria, Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, Gloria, alleluia, alleluia!

Glory to God, glory to God, glory in the highest! Glory to God, glory to God, alleluia, alleluia!

The Invocation (Christmas Eve Prayer by Sam Trumbore) "May returning to the story of Jesus’ birth be a homecoming to truth and meaning, for us tonight, an inspiration toward new life and love, and a prod to work toward a world with peace and equity, compassion and justice for all."

Amen.

“Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” Dale Evans

“[Darlings] dear, if Fairies may for a moment lay aside cunning tricks and elfish play, ‘tis at happy Christmastide. We have heard the children say - gentle children, whom we love – ‘Long ago, on Christmas Day, came a message from above.’ Still, as Christmastide comes round, they remember it again - Echo still the joyful sound: ‘Peace on earth, good-will; [Amen]!’ Yet the hearts must childlike be where such heavenly guests abide: Unto children, in their glee, all the year is Christmastide! Thus, forgetting tricks and play for a moment, [darlings] dear, we would wish you, if we may, Merry Christmas, glad New Year!” Lewis Carroll (A Fairy Message at Christmas)

“Let me not wrap, stack, box, bag, tie, tag, bundle, seal, keep Christmas. Christmas kept is liable to mold. Let me give Christmas away, unwrapped, by exuberant armfuls. Let me share, dance, live Christmas unpretentiously, merrily, responsibly with overfl owing hands, tireless steps and sparkling eyes. Christmas given away will stay fresh—even until it comes again.” Linda Felver

“Give us, O God, the vision which can see Your love in the world in spite of human failure. Give us the faith to trust Your goodness in spite of our ignorance and weakness. Give us the knowledge that we may continue to pray with understanding hearts. And show us what each one of us can do to set forward the coming of the day of universal peace.” Frank Borman

“All God needs is a little space in the manger, just a little willingness on our part in order for the Divine to be born on earth.” Marianne Williamson

“A sleeping infant reminds us of the uniqueness of God…We could well say that God is where we fi nd God.” William L. Fischer


“If we would take just half the measure of what we spend on Christmas pleasure To give to others who have less, our love for Jesus we’d express.What we spend on Christmas stuff (it’s really way more than enough) to others can mean so much more than trifl es we often use it for.The bible tells us how to live; a frequent lesson we read is ‘give.’ It’s time to spread uncommon cheer: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.” Joanna Fuchs

“What is Christmas? It is…a fervent wish that every cup may overfl ow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.” Agnes M. Pahro

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” Norman Vincent Peale

“…Christmas is…about being good to one another…it’s about kindness.” Carrie Fisher

“As I read the birth stories about Jesus I cannot help but conclude that though the world may be tilted toward the rich and powerful, God is tilted toward the underdog.” Philip Yancey

“Christmas is a season for kindling the fi re for hospitality in the hall, the genial fl ame of charity in the heart.” Washington Irving

“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.”Charles Shultz

“We are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.”Laura Ingalls Wilder

Be seated.


Queen Elizabeth II has said:“At Christmas, I am always struck by how the spirit of

togetherness lies also at the heart of the Christmas story. A young mother and a dutiful father with their baby were joined by poor shepherds and visitors from afar. They came with their gifts to worship the Christ child.”


Steve Maraboli tells us:“Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry,

clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you.”


Robert Louis Stevenson wrote:“May the Christmas morning make us happy to be

[God’s] children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts.”



Our Spiritual Practice is: Progressive, Positive, & Practical

Our Affi rmation is: Sunshine Cathedral is a diff erent kind of

church where the past is past and the future has infi nite possibilities.

Our Desire is: To rescue religion from irrelevance, practice positive thinking, be justice workers, build

community, value diversity, and help people experience peace, hope, and joy in their lives.

Sunshine Cathedral 101 Sunshine Cathedral is affi liated with both the International Council of Community Churches (ICCC, or “ITripleC”) and Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC). The ICCC (ITripleC) is an association of autonomous congregations and independent movements. The ITripleC includes progressive, evangelical, and liturgical parishes and is a member of the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches and is historically committed to racial diversity and social justice. The ICCC was formed in 1950 as the result of a merger of two organizations in the community church movement. MCC was founded in 1968 by Troy D. Perry, a minister from the Pentecostal tradition who felt called to start a church that would welcome and affi rm the LGBT children of God. Sunshine Cathedral Sacraments: Holy Communion & Baptism Holy Communion is a ritual feast symbolizing our unity with all life and with the Source of all life (open to everyone, regardless of religious affi liation, church membership, or personal belief; Holy Communion is celebrated at most worship services). Baptism is beingimmersed into the life of the spiritual community and can be celebrated with a water ritual. Sunshine Cathedral Sacramental Rites: Rite of Anointing (for praying for the sick or acts of consecration), Rite of Blessing (any ceremony intended to confer a blessing on a person, home, object, pet, or endeavor), Celebration of Life (funeral or memorial service), Collection of Off erings (sometimes called “the Sacrament of Sharing” or “building a culture of generosity”), Rite of Confi rmation (attaining membership), Rite of Matrimony (wedding), and Rite of Ordination


Gradual

A Reading from the Gospel According to Luke(2.7-14, 16, 20)

“Mary gave birth to her fi rstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fi elds, keeping watch over their fl ock by night. Then an angel of God’s presence stood before them, and divine glory shone around them, and they were terrifi ed. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will fi nd a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among all people!’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen…”


Sunshine Cathedral Beliefs:We have no formal creed but as Christians, Jesus is our primary faith symbol/example and we seek to understand the message and mission of Jesus by careful and open-minded study of the scriptures. Our worshiping community is open to those who do as well as those who do not primarily identify as Christian, and still, our roots are in the progressive Christian movements; and, the message and ritual of our church are inspired by the progressive Christian witness.

- We teach the omnipresence of divine Life(“God”) and the sacred value of all people- We affi rm that peace and social justice arespiritual goals.- We have found that optimism, gratitude,and generosity are spiritual tools that enrichand empower one’s life.- We encourage prayer, positive thinking,and faithful worship.- We present a social gospel, that is, we fi ndin the teachings of Jesus a call to affi rm thedignity of all people, to be mindful of thosewho have been marginalized in society,to model inclusivity, and to care for the mostvulnerable among us – this gospel call tojustice for all includes an intentional affi rmtion and celebration of the LGBT community.

Our presentation of the Christian

message is compatible with the 8 Points of Progressive Christianity (ProgressiveChristianity.org): [Progressive Christians] (1) Believe that following the path and teachings of Jesus can lead to an awareness and experience of the Sacred; (2) Affi rm that the teachings of Jesus provide but one of many ways to experience the Sacredness and Oneness of life, and that we can draw from diverse sources of wisdom in our spiritual journey; (3) Seek community that is inclusive of all people, including but not limited to conventional Christians and questioning skeptics, believers and agnostics, women and men, those of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and those of all classes and abilities; (4) Know that the way we behave towards one another is the fullest expression of what we believe; (5) Find grace in the search for understanding and believe there is more value in questioning than in absolutes; (6) Strive for peace and justice among all people; (7) Strive to protect and restore the integrity of our Earth; (8) Commit to a path of life-long learning.


Join the Cathedral at

Easter!

Ash Wednesday ServiceFebruary 14th - Noon

G F M SM 30th - 7 pm

E S Worship Services

on Sunday,April 1st

9:00 am and 10:30 am

Be seated.

Anthem It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the YearBy Edward Pola and George Wyle

Arranged by David T Clydesdale

Homily Rev Dr Durrell WatkinsSenior Minister


Choral Invitation to Prayer

Sign of Peace Good to Be Alive

Ave MariaTara Sperry, soloist

Worship Leaders

7 pmD

D E H

M A S G

LR N D

D M KR M

9 pmD

D M K

M AB S

LT W

D E HR P

CR D D WR D R G

R A AR

R K T


17 Things I Am Thankful For in 2017Rev Dr Durrell Watkins, Senior Minister

Sunshine Cathedral ’s new, beautiful, comfortable seats

Our new fl ooring in the Worship Center

The successful “Outlandish” performance series (with another great season planned for 2018)

Sunshine Cathedral’s marketing and outreach eff orts to let more people know they are God’s miracle and not God’s mistake!

SC’s representation at the International Council of Community Churches’ annual conference

A record number of groups meeting on the Cathedral campus (45 and climbing)

Our church cruise last January (with another one coming up next month!)

South Florida Gay News' read-ers naming Sunshine Cathedral Broward's Best Spiritual Center for the 5th consecutive year

SC's powerful Civil Rights tour through the South (with another one scheduled next year)

A grant from Our Fund which allowed Sunshine Cathedral to expand its Brown Bag Lunch program

Sunshine Cathedral’s wonderful Music Ministry

The honor of receiving the United Nations Association-Broward Chapter Human Rights Award

The Cathedral’s Holiday Concert this year with its record attendance

The labor of love that is Spirit & Truth - the Cathedral’s daily devotional magazine

The launching of Light for the Path – a weekly online bible study that SC now off ers

T h e S u n s h i n e C a t h e d r a l Foundation which addresses the bricks and mortar needs of Sun-shine Cathedral

Those who so lovingly and gen-erously donate time, talent, and treasure to Sunshine Cathedral

Tithes and Offerings Generous God, we gladly give from the heart to support the work of this generous ministry. Please bless every gift and every giver. Amen.

Offertory O Holy NightSara Burns, soloist


Service of Holy CommunionBidding Prayer

Children of God, be it this Christmas Eve our care and delight to hear again the message of the angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, and the babe lying in a manger. Therefore we have read in sacred scripture the birth of this blessed child. And now, let us pray for the needs of the whole world – for peace on earth and goodwill among all people; for unity and concord within this parish and within the Blessed Community, the Kin-dom of God which Jesus proclaimed, and let us pray also for blessings to flow into our community, our nation, and the whole world.

And because this of all things would rejoice the heart of Jesus, let us remember the poor and challenged, the cold, the hungry, and the oppressed; the sick and those who mourn, the lonely and the unloved, the aged and the little children, and those who seek spiritual peace, comfort, strength, or guidance.

Lastly, let us remember before God all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore, and in a greater light (+), that multitude which no one can number, who are held forever in the love of God.

These prayers let us humbly offer, using the words of Jesus which we now sing:


ConnectionsFirst Thursday

Evening Prayer & MealFirst Thursday of the month

Clergy Coff ee HoursEvery Thursday

at Warsaw Coff eeWilton Manors (adjacent)

10 am - noon

Flash Fire Pizza2nd Tuesday of the month

California Pizza Kitchen3rd Wednesday of the month

Bereavement Group Begins Monday, January 22nd

Memorial Day PicnicMonday, May 28th

Fall Harvest PicnicSaturday, November 17th

Model PrayerCreator, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy names. Thy kin-dom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kin-dom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.

Be seated.

Sursum CordaClergy: Lift up your hearts!Congregation: We lift them up to you, for in your presence it is right to do.

Clergy: Lift up your hearts!Congregation: In joy together laud, we lift them up, we lift them up to God.

Clergy: It is right and good and a joyful thing everywhere and at all times to off er praise and worship. Therefore, joining with souls of every age, we continue our praise in song.

SanctusAdeste, fi deles, laeti triumphantes;

venite, venite in Bethlehem. Natum videte Regem angelorum.

Venite adoremus, venite adoremus, venite adoremus, Dominum.

The Lord’s Supper Concelebrant: The Apostle Paul wrote, “the cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the [love] of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the [life] of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.”

Celebrant: On the night of his betrayal and arrest, the Lord Jesus took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body…Do this in memory of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant…Do this, as often as you drink it, in memory of me.”

Invitation to the Sacrament of Communion


“Becoming Truly Human”Huntsville New Church

Imagine a little baby that has been born—six pounds, eight ounces, and just eighteen inches long. And yet wrapped up in that little bundle of sweetness and innocence is terrifi c potential — potential for growing, learning, living, and loving; latent talents and abilities for reaching out, serving others in wise and loving ways, and impacting human lives for good—both in this world and forever in heaven.

Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself.” “Love your enemies,” he said, teaching us that we have the ability to benefi t human lives, even of people who make themselves our enemies—supporting what is good and true in them, helping them (as much as possible) to make changes in their lives for the better, and encouraging them on a journey up gently sloping pathways toward [wholeness].

The message of the Lord in the Judeo-Christian scriptures is clear—at the heart of all human potential is the God-given ability to love. The birth of genuine love—in our lives and in relation-ships—is actually prefi gured in the story of [Christ’s] birth on earth. His birth was the birth of divine love into the world; and in a symbolic way it pictures the birth of unselfi sh love into our own hearts, minds, and lives. Each story…leading up to his birth, each character we meet in the divine narrative, every word that is spoken and every action that is taken, mirrors a part of our own growth and development, as genuine love, compassion, wisdom, and usefulness are gradually born in us. The story of Christmas, on a personal level, is about the potential for love and genuine humanness being realized in us...

Communion Carols: Sing We Now of Christmas

Jesus, Our Brother, Strong and GoodAngels from the Realms of Glory

O Little Town of BethlehemI Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

What Child is This?Away in the Manger

Silent Night

Prayer of ThanksgivingPlease rise as you are able.


Benediction

Recessional Song

Our worship has ended; let our service begin. Thanks be to God!

Postlude

The Samaritan Institute at Sunshine Cathedral

Back to Basics: A Samaritan Institute Series

BTB is a series of four 1-day workshops. People are asked to read a book before the workshop, to spend 3 hours during the workshop discussing the ideas of the book, and then those who want Samaritan Institute credit will be asked to write a short refl ection paper after the workshop. Anyone can take one, a few, or all of the workshops. Those who take all four workshops for credit will be awarded a Certifi cate of Positive Spirituality. The CPS will be a prerequisite for those who wish to pursue training as a Sunshine Cathedral Prayer Chaplain as well as those who wish to pursue training as a New Thought community minister.

The BTB workshops are named for the books that each will be based on: The Magic of Believing (Jan 6, 9 am – Noon; book by Claude Bristol), The Power of Positive Thinking (Feb 3, 9 am – Noon; book by Norman Vincent Peale), The Healing Light (Mar 3, 9 am – Noon; book by Agnes Sanford), and Shift Happens (Apr 14, 9 am – Noon, book by Robert Holden). Those “auditing” the workshops (participating but not wishing to earn credit) can do so at no cost. Those taking the workshops for credit will be asked to give $10 per workshop. Let’s get Back to Basics and embrace the simple and beautiful power of positive spirituality.


A special thank you to our Sunshine Cathedral FoundationCampaign IV - Seating Project business partners.


Sunshine CathedralAIDS Walk Team

Goal - $5,000.00

Join the Sunshine Cathedral team by contacting Rev Ty

or register online at

fl ordiaaidswalk.donordrive.com


2019 CruiseAd


Ad PlacementSunshine Cathedral off ers ad placement in our weeky publication, SunBurst as well as online through our website.

For more information please contact Rev Kevin Tisdol at [email protected]


Spiritual Principles Taught at Sunshine Cathedral

God is omnipresent (“There’s not a spot where God is not”).

All people have sacred value. Love makes a family & Mutuality makes a rela-

tionship holy. Our habitual thoughts matter (“thoughts held

habitually manifest eventually”; “Change your thinking & change your world”).

Beliefs are well-rehearsed opinions and can be changed.

Sunshine Cathedral’s Dial-a-Prayer

Local - 954.462.2004, press 3 (Toll Free for those outside of Broward

County - 877.750.6390, press 3)

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The Samaritan Institute at Sunshine CathedralVarious self-paced course are available.

Workshops, retreats, study groups, and classes off ered throughout the year.

Our new year long Prayer Chaplain Training Program begins in January. Graduates of the Prayer Chaplain program are eligible to apply to a New Thought com-munity minister training program.

See our Back to Basics course description on page 22.

Contact Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins for information([email protected])

1480 SW Ninth AvenueFort Lauderdale, Florida 33315

954.462.2004www.sunshinecathedral.org

Full-Time Staff Rev Dr Durrell Watkins is Sunshine Cathedral’s Senior MinisterRev Dr Robert Griffi n is Sunshine Cathedral’s Exeutive Minister

Rev Anne Atwell is Sunshine Cathedral’s Minister of ConnectionsRev Ty Bradley is Sunshine Cathedral’s Social Justice MinisterKurt Litzenberger is Sunshine Cathedral’s Facilities Manager

Part-Time Staff Rev Dr BK Hipsher is Sunshine Cathedral’s Virtual Church ChaplainRev Kevin Tisdol is Sunshine Cathedral’s Director of Lay Ministries

Mr Trevor Stewart is Sunshine Cathedral's Bookkeeper

Artists-in-Residence Barbara Ramcharitar, MA (Organist) Co-Director of Worship Arts

Sara Burns, BA (Vocalist) Co-Director of Worship Arts

Phil McChesney (Handbell Choir Director)

Edwin Neimann, MM (Pianist)Tara Sperry, MM (Vocalist)

Teresa Flores, MM (Percussionist)Paul Phillips (Bass Guitarist)

Gary Lane (Assistant Organist)

Sam Miller, MFA (Videographer)

Volunteer Clergy & DeaconsDeacon Ed Huckemeyer, DD: Minister of Pastoral Care

Deacon Michael Karban: Chancel MinisterDeacon Lydya Chapman: Coordinator of Women’s Ministries Rev Elder Don Eastman: Consultant for Systems & Vitality

Rev Margarita Rodriguez: Minister of Spiritual CompanionshipRev Lynda Pantoja: Board member/Spanish ministries

Rev Nancy Davis: Teaching AssociateRev Ren Bell: Visitation/Music Ministry

Rev Marshall Snyder: Music ministry/Usher/VisitationRev Marian Cavagnaro: Hospice Chaplain

Deacon Jean Johnson: Community ChaplainDeacon CJ Ashton

The Cathedral Staff CATHEDRAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mr Dennis McWilliams ChairRev Dr. Durrell Watkins Vice-ChairMr Robert Rhoads TreasurerMs Mary Fedoration Secretary

Mr Bill Vaccaro, Mr Ernie Curinga,

Ms Melody Fiore, Mr Robert McCormick, Ms Lynda Pantoja, Ms Cathy Tullo,

Ms Twila Wilson

Keith Muller, PhD ChairPaul Fasana Vice ChairJim Pamplin Treasurer Secretary

Bobbye Schuler, Chuck Lane, Gary Lane, Kewan Smith, Robert DeCamilo

Rozen Patterson, EdD, Santiago Madrinan, Reverend Durrell Watkins, DMin

Mark Ketcham EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 954-764-5150 [email protected]

Program Director 954-764-5055NOBLE A. MCARTOR ADULT DAY CENTER


2017 Sunshine Cathedral Angels

Th ank You!

Host DedicationsPhil Cordell In apprecia on of family and friends.

Sunshine Cathedral Founda on In apprecia on of all that we do together.

ArchangelRev Dr Durrell Watkins & Rev Dr Robert Griffi n In memory of our departed loved ones.

Paul Fasana In memory of Robert S. Graham.Dr. Phillip & Sara Burns In honor of our family.

Angel

Mark Messinger & Sco Schwab In honor of the love of family and friends.Peter B. Cinelli MD In memory of Michael A. LiPuma.

Robert McCormick & Bary Cli on In memory of mother, father, brother, Charle Carver & Primo Garcia.

CherubimAndre Caetano & Mike Manning In honor of our loving families.Rev Anne Atwell & Amy Walker In honor of family and friends.Bart Palumbo & Carlos Varela In memory of David.

Brad Sterl & Tedd Davis In honor of Aus n & Dylan Smith 18th Birthday.Brad Sterl & Tedd Davis In memory of Robin Karnash.Brad Sterl & Tedd Davis In memory of our Mothers Ma lda Davis and Liz Sterl.Deacon Ed Huckemeyer In honor of the residents at Presiden al Place, an ALF.

Francis J DeStefano In Memory of Grace Dondero Skuches.Deacon Jean Johnson & Norma Wingo In honor of our loving church family.

Rev Kevin Tisdol & Michael Mitchell In honor of our 30 years of love.Robert Rhoads & Michael Zemblidge With gra tude for our clergy, staff , and volunteers at Sunshine Cathedral.

Rick Killoran & Dave Keller In memory of our parents.Terry Regnier

Tom Lander & Mike McQuillan In memory of Father John McNeil. In honor of Charles Chiarelli.

SeraphimBill & Darlene McMillan In honor of Sara and Phillip Burns and the Sunshine Cathedral family.

Christopher Seay In honor of all fi refi ghters and fi rst responders. Frank Marin & Larry Poole In memory of Cira, Georgina, Santos, George, Dorothy, Rick, Clemencia & Pedro Jr. & Sr.

Jack Huizenga In memory of my parents and sister.Glenn King In memory of James Shipp. In honor of Robert DeBolt.Laura Solis In memory of our departed parents.

Marc Dickerman In memory of Lila & Sidney Dickerman.Mary & Tom Fedora on In memory of Sophia Ryder and Steve Fedora on.

Melody Fiore In honor of my church family.Sam Miller & Tara Sperry

Stephen Plescia & Keith MullerRev Ty Bradley

In memory of our families.In memory of Karen Jo Bradley-Torres.


SunBurst NewsSunBurst NewsChristmas Eve Worship Times Lessons & Carols – 9 am (Dec. 24) Advent 4 – Love – 10:30 am (Dec. 24). Christmas Eve Special Celebration – 7 pm & 9 pm (Dec. 24)

First ThursdaysJoin us the fi rst Thursday of every month beginning Janu-ary 4, 2018. First Thursday is a service of Evening Prayer followed by a FREE soup and bread supper. Prayer is from 6 pm to 6:15 and dinner is any time you show up from 6:15 pm to 8 pm. We really would love to have you pray with us at 6, but whether you join us for prayer or not, Soup’s on just for you. Need a bite on the way to (or after) A Course in Miracles, before a 12 step meeting, on your way to choir practice? Or, maybe you just want to gather with the faithful one more time for prayer and refl ection? Then First Thursdays are something you will love! Join us for prayer and food (feeding soul and body) the fi rst Thursday of every month. And remember, the meal is simple but it’s also FREE. Everyone is welcome.

New Year’s EveGot plans for New Year’s Eve? Now you do! After a sold out show this past February, Pam Ann returns to the Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale with a special New Years Eve show for South Florida: “NYE Flight 2018”. Get tix at https://pamann.ticketleap.com/

A Star-studded Season at Sunshine CathedralGuess what entertainment luminaries are coming to Sunshine Cathedral January - March 2018: Jackie Hoff man, Randy Rainbow, Coco Peru, John Waters, Dixie Longate, and Miss Richfi eld 1981. Tix are already available at https://www.outlandishfl .com/

A Course in MiraclesA miracle is a change of perception from fear to love. ACIM is a path to peaceful and joyful living and a means of spiri-tual healing through forgiveness, love, and positive thinking. To learn more about ACIM join the group that meets every Thursday at 6:30 pm. Reverends Nancy Davis and Margarita Rodriguez facilitate the group.

Community Office HoursSomething New in 2018 – Every Thursday in 2018 a pastor will be available to you closer to the gayborhood. For two hours on Thursday mornings a pastor (they will rotate) will be available at Warsaw Coff ee on 13th Street in Fort Lauderdale (Wilton Manors adjacent) for you just to drop by and chat. We’re not starting until the New Year, but keep in mind, in 2018, if you live north of Sunshine Cathedral you won’t have to drive as far to see a pastor…at least one day during the week.

Daisy TroopGirl Scout Daisy Troop 12519 now meets the fi rst and third Thursdays of each month at Sunshine Cathedral in Room #8 (Graham/Fasana Center above the Chapel) from 6 pm to 8 pm. It’s for girls 5 to 7 years old (Kindergarten and First grade).

2018 Florida AIDS Walk The Florida AIDS Walk is scheduled for Sunday, March 18, 2018. This year, Team Sunshine Cathedral will be walk-ing with and for Team SunServe. SunServe provides social services outreach to all people with a special emphasis on LGBTQ youth, seniors, and people living with HIV. And every dollar that SunServe raises through the Florida AIDS Walk is returned to them along with a dollar-for-dollar match through the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. To register for the Florida AIDS Walk, please go to Team SunServe’s home page at http://fl oridaaidswalk.donordrive.com. If you have any ques-tions, please contact Rev. Ty at 954-462-2004 ext. 208 or [email protected]

Sunshine Cathedral 2018 Civil Rights Bus TourApril 3 – 7, 2018, we will be visiting Jackson (MS), Birming-ham (AL), Memphis (TN), Little Rock (AR), and New Orleans (LA) – with two nights in the Big Easy! Hotels (4 nights, double occupancy), bus travel, venues, and two meals (in-cluding authentic Memphis BBQ) are all included in the price ($780 pp). Non-refundable $250 deposit due by January 20, 2018. Tour begins in New Orleans (transportation to and from N.O. not included). More info is available at SunshineCathe-dral.org.

The Samaritan Institute (TSI) NewsBack to Basics: A Samaritan Institute SeriesBTB is a series of four 1-day workshops. People are asked to read a book before the workshop, to spend 3 hours during the workshop discussing the ideas of the book, and then those who want Samaritan Institute credit will be asked to write a short refl ection paper after the workshop. Anyone can take one, a few, or all of the workshops. Those who take all four workshops for credit will be awarded a Certifi cate of Positive Spirituality. The CPS will be a prerequisite for those who wish to pursue training as a Sunshine Cathedral Prayer Chap-lain as well as those who wish to pursue training as a New Thought community minister. The BTB workshops are named for the books that each will be based on: The Magic of Believing (Jan 6, 9 am – Noon; book by Claude Bristol), The Power of Positive Think-ing (Feb 3, 9 am – Noon; book by Norman Vincent Peale), The Healing Light (Mar 3, 9 am – Noon; book by Agnes Sanford), and Shift Happens (Apr 14, 9 am – Noon, book by Robert Holden). Those “auditing” the workshops (participat-ing but not wishing to earn credit) can do so at no cost. Those


S H P MPlease hold these in the power of loving prayer:

“I have found an available God...If God is our [Parent], then all the qualities of the [Parent’s] mind must inhere in the [Parent’s child]...We have resources on which we have not drawn.” (Henry Victor Morgan)

We pray for the following: Walt L.; James; John D.; Cindy & Richard; RB; Walt G.; Bill; Sandy; Deborah and Daniel; Jody P.; Dan; Maddy; Marion; David; Joy; Sara; Adrianne; Jacqueline; GLF; Susan; Ed; Diane; Allen C.; Heidi C.; Cherry M.; Shelly; Wanda; all those mourning the loss of David; Bob; Jerry; Bill; Barbara; CJ; Maria; Joyce; Scott; Mary; Grace T.; Emma; John M.; Jarrett; Tony; Jean M.; Gene A.; Troy P.; the Global Justice Institute; the Sunshine Cathedral; the elderly; the lonely; all who struggle with de-pression; the LGBT community; those in war zones; those who lack adequate food, shelter, or medical care; civil liber-ties in the US and beyond; wisdom and guidance for the leaders of the world; and for peace in the world.

Let us pray: Peace and goodwill, hope and joy, health and prosperity, kindness and compassion: these are the bless-ings this Season off ers, and we claim them for ourselves, for those we hold in prayer, and for all who are dear to us. We are held forever in God’s love and all is well. Amen.

“Affi rm your good. You do not have to beg God to do some-thing.” (Emmet Fox)

Sunshine Cathedral Financial InformationFinancial reports and board minutes are published at www.sunshinecathedral.org From the home page, click on “About Us” “Mission Possible” and “Financial and Administrative News”The Sunshine Cathedral Board meets monthly on the second Tuesday of each

Financial Data Snapshot from 12/17/2017 Generosity Income Needed $10,405.87

Generosity Income Received $8,166.90Our Abundance and/or Need --$2,238.97

Per Capita Giving $18.11

Worship Services 621Online Virtual Resourcing 9,498

The Samaritan Institute at Sunshine Cathedral Offers Prayer Chaplain TrainingSpend 2018 training to become a certifi ed Sunshine Cathe-dral Prayer Chaplain. The 12 reading courses involve reading a text, attending a monthly meeting to discuss the texts, and writing refl ection papers. The cost is only $10 per meeting ($120 for the year). Chaplain trainees will pray weekly for all who are on the Cathedral prayer list. Once certifi ed at the end of the training, chaplains will be available to pray with people individually upon request. The Back to Basics series is the fi rst third of the Prayer Chaplain training. Sunshine Cathedral Prayer Chaplains will be eligible to be certifi ed as Divine Sci-ence Practitioners (no additional coursework will be required).

New Thought Community Minister TrainingThe Samaritan Institute at Sunshine Cathedral is launching a new 2 year minister training program. This is not for the train-ing of pastors or institutional chaplains (for that, one would need to pursue a Master of Divinity degree from a seminary such as Chicago Theological Seminary or Earlham School of Religion). New Thought Community Ministers will be avail-able to do weddings, home blessings, prayer work, memori-als, off er spiritual guidance, and teach religious education courses. The program consists of completing the Prayer Chaplain year long course which will be followed by a second year of prescribed coursework to complete the preparation for ordination as a New Thought community minister. SC New Thought Community Ministers will be licensed as Divine Sci-ence ministers.

TSI DegreesThe Samaritan Institute will still off er Florida state approved religious degrees. The Bachelor of Ministry and Master of Re-ligious Studies degrees are off ered. The B.Min. (120 credits) can be earned by means of portfolio assessment, transfer credits, and TSI courses. The M.R.S. (30 credits) can be earned by means of transfer credits and TSI courses only. For more information, contact Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins ([email protected]).

A Free Course: Divine Science: Its Principle & PracticeThe Samaritan Institute is off ering FREE credit for the fol-lowing course. To receive credit you must tell Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins that you are taking the course (there will be discus-sion with Rev. Durrell at the end of the course), and you must be present for the entire session of each of the 12 teleconfer-ence meetings.DS: Its Principle & Practice is the foundational course and text for all further Divine Science studies. Space is limited, so register for the study at [email protected] ASAP.This Divine Science Teleconference Book Study is led by Rev. Rita Caiazza, January 22 through April 9, 2018. Monday evenings at 7:30 PM (EST) - Plan on 1 to 1 ½ hours per class call. Group discussion will center on the opening and closing questions posed in each chapter of the text. In preparation for each Monday evening call read and meditate on the sched-uled chapter.Study Group members are invited to purchase the book Divine Science Its Principle and Practice from DSFI (divine-sciencefederation.org) at a discount - $10 including s/h. This study course is off ered at no charge. Email for details and to register: dsfi @me.com.

the most wonderful night of the year - sunshine cathedral...

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