The Episcopal Church of the Nativity
731 8th St, Lewiston, Idaho
Worship
Join us for Worship at Church of the Nativity!
For a glossary of worship terms, click here.
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Music
Episcopal Church of the Nativity enjoys a rich musical tradition at the center of which is the liturgical music for Eucharistic services led by the music minister, organist, and the choir (except for in the summer when our choir is on hiatus). On occasion, we feature hand bells, brass, and other instrumental performances by various members of our congregation and the larger community.
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Programs, educational sessions, and activities centered around music add to the ways we use our “reason, memory, and skill” in our music ministry. For example, in 2015, our music minister led a special program on hymnody with an activity where the parishioners involved worked as a team to carefully select a tune and write a hymn reflective of the unique qualities of Nativity and our life together. In 2018, the choir participated in a city-wide service, “Peace in the Valley,” to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the armistice with other choirs from the local area at Lewis-Clark State College. In 2019, the congregation was invited to participate in a “Christmas Hymn Bracket,” where people voted for their favorites and results were posted in the Parish Hall. Each week the bracket became smaller and ended with a tie between “Joy to the World” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.”
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Desiring to be a hub for the community, Nativity has welcomed performances by local music groups including the Lewis-Clark State College Concert Choir, the University of Idaho Vandaleers and the Palouse Choral Society Chamber Choir. We have also hosted guest lectures, film screenings, and more from the college and community on topics ranging from church music to minstrelsy.
Baptism
Baptism is the rite administered through water that signifies our union in Christ through his saving action once for all. In the water of Baptism “we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit.” (Book of Common Prayer, page 306) The Sacrament of Baptism is available to those of any age in the Episcopal Church. Contact the priest to schedule Baptism preparation sessions. For infants and small children, the parents chose godparents, usually three per child, at least one of whom is a member of the parish. Godparents should be those who are most likely to be in contact with the child through growing up years and who can support the child in spiritual growth and development. Older children and adults also benefit from a godparent or sponsor from the congregation as someone with whom they will have a continuing connection in the parish family as mentor and friend.
Weddings
The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage in the Episcopal Church is available for those meeting specific requirements. At least one of the parties must be baptized Christian, sufficient time for pre-marital counseling is given, and in the case of previous marriages an additional process involves looking at causes for breakup and learnings from the previous marriages that give insight and help to make the proposed marriage successful, and in the continuing care of children from previous marriages. This applies to same sex couples as well. Beginning the pre-marital counseling 6 months before the date of the wedding is optimal.
Funeral/Memorial Services and Columbarium Information
As death approaches, the priest should be notified in order that the ministrations of the Church may be provided (Book of Common Prayer, page 462). The time of death is a particularly holy time and of great significance in the life of faith. The priest may be called directly and will be in touch as soon as possible. In making plans for the funeral/memorial service talk first with the priest. (Except in cases of urgent pastoral necessity, funerals are not conducted on any Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, or the day before Easter Sunday.) Niches in the Nativity Columbarium may be purchased through the Church Office. The emphasis of the funeral service is on the deceased person’s resurrection life with Christ and is thus an Easter celebration. In the Episcopal Church the Eucharist is frequently celebrated as part of the memorial service. Lessons from the Bible are read. Remembrances or tributes (also known as eulogies) are limited during the service but are welcome at the reception or time of gathering of family and friends. If the person who died was an active member of the parish, please consider Nativity for memorial gifts.