St. Nick and the Holy Land

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Have you wondered how to put Christ back in Christmas? Are you looking for inter-generational, meaningful fun?

St. Nick is the answer!

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara, now in Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,” Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra.

In the weeks leading up to St. Nickolas Day December 6, All Saints-by-the-Sea will be commemorating St. Nicholas in three ways:

  1. Flat St. Nicholas contest for all ages: Download a St. Nick template (http://www.afedj.org/StNicholasDay2014.html). Color and decorate your Flat St. Nicholas. The more creative, the better! Cut out Flat St. Nicholas and affix to cardboard, a wooden stick, etc. Take a picture of Flat St. Nicholas in a unique location.Send your best photo to adelavis@afedj.org for a chance to win a prize and have your name and photo posted to the AFEDJ website!
  2. Mite boxes. (Get yours at the Welcome Table.) Your St. Nicholas offering will support the educational needs of children throughout the Holy Land through scholarships, teacher training, books, and supplies. Your awareness and generosity through AFEDJ (American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem) can transform lives both in the Holy land and in your own home.  Your support matters in changing the life of a child in a volatile and Holy land.
  3. Consider an upcoming Holy Land pilgrimage through Iyad Qumri, the Palestinian Christian pilgrimage leader who has been our guide on the recent All Saints by-the-Sea pilgrimages. Iyad is a great leader and knows his Bible backwards and forwards. He has upcoming trips beginning April 6 and April 28.

Please join us in this meaningful and spirited celebration of St. Nicholas. Contact Karen Telleen-Lawton for more information.