Christmas in Chelsea Square

Aired 2011-12. The Chapel of the Good Shepherd, a 194-year-old seminary in the heart of New York City’s historic Chelsea district, was the site for readings from Scripture, a variety of choral works and musical performances. The holiday special “CHRISTMAS IN CHELSEA SQUARE,” a service of Lessons and Carols from the General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church, was broadcasted on Saturday, Dec. 24 (11:35 PM-12:35 AM ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

“CHRISTMAS IN CHELSEA SQUARE,” FROM THE HISTORIC GENERAL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY IN NEW YORK,  BROADCAST DATE: SATURDAY, DEC. 24 2013, ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

The holiday special “CHRISTMAS IN CHELSEA SQUARE,” a service of Lessons and Carols from the General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church, was broadcasted on Saturday, Dec. 24 (11:35 PM-12:35 AM ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

The Chapel of the Good Shepherd, a 194-year-old seminary in the heart of New York City’s historic Chelsea district, was the site for readings from Scripture, a variety of choral works and musical performances.

Bishop Catherine Roskam and the retiring Bishop Suffragan of the Dioceses of New York hosted the program, which was rich in liturgy and Christmas carols. The Dean of the Seminary, Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee, introduced the Seminary’s mission to the viewers.

Members of the seminary community offered readings from scripture interspersed with choral works, and other musical performances featuring a pipe organ, woodwinds and brass. Christmas carols were also played on chimes. The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, delivered a brief homily.

The special ended in the Seminary Refectory with a warming hearth fire and a bright Christmas tree. It was here that “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” the beloved poem by Clement Clarke Moore, was read to a group of young children. This reading of the poem has become a Christmas tradition at the seminary over the years. Moore was a professor of biblical languages at the Seminary.

The producer for the Seminary Christmas Special was Bruce Parker; the executive producer for CBS is John P. Blessington.

Finding Common Ground: Today's Interfaith Movement

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Refugee Resettlement: Faith Communities Making a Difference

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Stewards of the Earth: One Planet, Many Faiths

Aired 2011-12. Many religions are moving toward expressing a greater awareness of our human responsibility for the life of planet earth.  This program visited sites where creative recycling and practical approaches to conservation are being taught and practiced. It is a blend of practical skills and new moral awareness.  

Unemployment: How Faith Communities Reach Out to Help (wt)

Aired 2011-12. With so many people in America out of work it has become a personal and family crisis for many. To give practical, emotional and spiritual support many faith communities started local programs to assist job seekers. The free workshops we visited were run by local professionals or by imported talent - and they were inspiring. Watch online

A Christmas for Everybody from The Church of St Paul & St Andrew United Methodist

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Faith in Action: Young People Making a Difference

Aired 2011-12. Over recent decades various groups have worked to reduce tensions among various people in conflict. Programs have been developed to bring youth groups together to expose them to each other in ways that can increase common understanding and reduce hostility. Palestinians and Jewish youth and youngsters from Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic were among those programs we visited.

Haiti: Religion's Response to Disaster

Aired 2011-12. The world has seen what a major earthquake can do and the effect is all the greater when the victims are among the poorest. Haiti has a complex history, and people around the world know it, and turned their hands and hearts to help. The stories of heroic Haitians and of self-sacrificing outsiders were told, to remind us of the ongoing needs of our hurting neighbors.

Ministry of Animals

Aired 2011-12. More than pet lovers attest to the strong, even spiritual relationship between animals and humans. Most people have them as friendly, casual companions but others use animals as their eyes, ears and helpers in managing their lives. This program explored the many uses of animals to assist those in need and even as an early warning system of possible danger.

Pascha: The Resurrection of Christ

Aired 2011-12. Presented by the National Council of Churches USA; Produced by the Greek Orthodox Church This program offered the viewer an opportunity to witness portions of the services leading to Orthodox Christian Pascha, featuring highlights of Holy and Great Week and focused on the deeply moving and ancient services that recount the Gospel narrative leading to the death and the Resurrection of Christ.  A beautiful narration explained the symbolism and relevance of the services and guides us through the week. Videotaped at Greek Orthodox Churches in New York, including the magnificent Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, the climax of the program was the procession to the exterior of the Cathedral on Holy Saturday where Archbishop Demetrios of America proclaimed the Gospel of the Resurrection and lead the faithful in the joyous hymn, "Christ is Risen!"

Time to Say Goodbye

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