Traditions

Episcopal church keeps beloved tradition of Las Posadas alive
By Andrea Damewood
Eugene (OR) Register-Guard
December 17, 2007

As they have for the past 11 years, the soaring voices of the choir at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection on Sunday proclaimed not only “Joy to the World,” but also “Paz en la Tierra.”

Since Betty Jean Bartholomew joined the church and assumed the role of musical director, this south Eugene congregation has made it its habit to honor a tradition held dear by so many in the community — Las Posadas, the Latin American tale of Joseph and Mary seeking shelter in Bethlehem.

The service, held in both English and Spanish, is the best way to celebrate the spirit of loving all the world’s people, she said.

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St. Philip's Bethlehem Marketplace
by Chris Coduto
Arizona Daily Star
12.20.2007

A church patio became a bustling ancient marketplace — complete with animals, bartering and plenty of food — when St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church held its Bethlehem Marketplace on Sunday.

The annual event gives children an opportunity to learn what the ancient market in Bethlehem looked, smelled and felt like, said Rosalind Garcia, the church's director of children, youth and family ministries.

"We want to re-create the market in Jesus' time," she said.

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