November, 5:00 p.m. on a sunday evening. It's cold, but not yet winter freezing cold. There is activity in downtown Northhampton, MA as several people set up for a meal and a worship service. In the morning, I preached at Immanuel in Amherst, MA and have decided to pay a visit to Cathedral in the Night. I am glad I came. This ministry presents another model in our NeXt Church series. Every sunday evening whether the weather is cold, warm, sun, rain or snow, worship is held outside with onlookers, shoppers, homeless people, visitors from area congregations, confirmation students. Immediately after the worship, a meal is served for all who come, especially for those people for whom this may be their only meal today.

Pastor Stephanie Smith is preaching this evening.

This ministry is a partnership with the Lutheran Church, The Episcopal Church and the United Church of Christ.

The event attracts people walking the streets of Northhampton.

Guests contribute to the worship experience.

You can learn more at www.cathedralinthenight.com Churches might want to consider planning a trip, combined with a visit to Northhampton, you can help bring and serve the meal - they had chilli and corn bread the night I was there. What a great idea for youth groups, confirmation or mission groups.

When your congregation sends funds to the New England Synod, you help make new ministry like this possible. Thank you on behalf of the people who are fed and served, as the gospel is proclaimed in the cold of the night.