The New Church Day Picnic and Pageant is a private event for the New Church community to gather and celebrate the beginning of the New Church. It is described as the day in 1770 when the Lord sent His twelve apostles out "to the entire spiritual world to preach the gospel that the Lord God Jesus Christ reigns and that His kingdom will last for ages of ages" (True Christianity 791).
This year's picnic and pageant will take place on Monday, June 19. The picnic will begin at 6:00 pm with the pageant to follow at 7:30 pm.
Picnic
Congregants are welcome to bring a picnic and join us on the Cathedral lawn in celebration of New Church Day at 6:00 pm.
Pageant and Rain Plan
The New Church Day pageant will begin at 7:30 pm on the East lawn of the Cathedral grounds. In case of rain, we will have an indoor worship service instead. The service will include the same readings and some of the actors in costumes from the pageant. Please check the Bryn Athyn Church Facebook page and website for updates.
Road Closure (New This Year)
To maintain a reverent sphere during the pageant and also for the safety of walkers, the Bryn Athyn Police will be closing Cathedral Road from Huntingdon Pike to the end of the Cathedral parking lot from 7:15 to 8:30 pm. If you plan to come for the pageant only, please park before 7:15 pm or plan to park across the street at the college. Glencairn, Cairnwood, and Cairncrest will remain accessible through Quarry Road, the Pike, and Sleepy Hollow.
Offertory
This is a worship service so there will be an offertory bowl which will go toward supporting the pageant.
Cathedral Lighting and Music
The Cathedral will be lit and there will be music playing from 9:00 - 11:00 pm.
Want to Meet a New Friend at the New Church Day Picnic?
This year at the New Church Day picnic, we will reserve a special area for people who are looking for new connections. Perhaps you are new to this church community, perhaps you are hoping to meet some new friends, or maybe you just want some company? Why not join us? We will try the potluck approach to this section of the picnic, so bring some food to share, along with your own plate, cup and silverware. Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Look for the red and white balloons and join us!
Any questions? Contact Nina Dewees by phone 215-947-6225, x206 or email nina.dewees@brynathynchurch.org.
Gifts
For any questions regarding New Church Day gifts for children, please e-mail churchoffice@brynathynchurch.org.