News from the Congregation August 30, 2019
Cathedral Choir’s England Trip, Mary Elizabeth Mitchell Farewell, Homecoming Sunday, Potluck, New Cathedral Children’s Choir Auditions, Unburdening - a new Saturday Meditation Series
From Fr. Steven
I am returning from vacation this Friday, August 30 and will be back at work at the Cathedral on Saturday. I hope you have all had a wonderful summer, and I am looking forward to another wonderful year together.
The Rev. Steven Lee
Vicar
From Marsha and Tim
Welcome back! We hope your summer has been enjoyable and that you were able to rest up and re-charge. You will notice a new, temporary configuration of all Sunday services while the Cathedral is being washed down after the Palm Sunday fire. We should be back to our normal configuration by the end of November. If you were away in August, the backpack project was completed. 75 backpacks were blessed on August 4 and given out to children on Saturday, August 24. Special thanks to everyone who donated, packed, or helped hand out!
The Cathedral Choir’s Journey to England
The Cathedral Choristers, along with the professional Choir and the Chorale, have just returned from an extraordinary 10-day journey to England. They were resident at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London for 7 days, and then sang at two Evensongs in Canterbury Cathedral.
They were delighted that the Dean joined them on this trip and participated in the services at both Cathedrals. Dean Daniel wryly noted that the Dean of Canterbury Cathedral had his very own staircase (“The Dean’s Staircase”), and wondered aloud (with tongue in cheek) why he didn’t have one.
When they weren’t singing or practicing, the children had the opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, Dover Castle, and Oxford, and also take in a performance of “As You Like It” at Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. Congregation Warden and chorister parent Tim Dwyer served as one of the adult chaperones.
Now we are jumping into a glorious fall program with many opportunities to deepen our faith and strengthen our community.
Mary Elizabeth Mitchell farewell September 1
Vestry member and healing minister, Mary Elizabeth Mitchell is leaving us to take up a new ministry in the Peace Corps beginning September 8. She will be serving in Morocco. Those of us who have worked with her will certainly miss her, wish her God speed and that she will come back to us after she completes her service. She will be commissioned in her new ministry at the 11:00 a.m. service on September 1
Homecoming and Potluck Sunday, September 15 in the Cathedral Nave, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Come and reconnect. It would be splendid if you could bring a dish to share. Such items as hummus with crudités, chips and salsa, cheese and crackers, slice hard salami, salads (green, pasta, etc.) with vinaigrette dressings, no mayonnaise please, well done quiche, fruit, cakes, cookies--nothing that has to be heated. Bring your contribution to the tables that will be set up in the nave before the 11:00 a.m. service. Please contact the wardens (wardens@saintsaviour.org) for further information and to let us know what you will bring. Our usual Second Sunday fellowship lunch will resume in October.
An Exciting music opportunity for children, grades 5 - 9
Cathedral Music Director Kent Tritle writes:
“Dear Parents,
“We are beginning a new Children’s Choir at the Cathedral of St John the Divine! This musical opportunity is for children in grades 5-9 and will rehearse on Thursdays from 4-5 pm under the direction of Mr. Bryan Zaros, Associate Choirmaster of the Cathedral. This choir will be singing for Cathedral services throughout the school year. THERE IS NO COST TO PARTICIPATE. Whether you are a member of the congregation at the Cathedral or a member of the larger community, we welcome any and all inquiries! To arrange for an audition and for further information please write directly to Mr. Zaros: bzaros@stjohndivine.org. Rehearsals begin on September 5 at the Cathedral Choir Room!“
Saturday, September 8, Cathedral nave: Unburdening - An introduction to learning and using contemplative meditation in today’s distracted world
This six session series led by congregation member Mark Dilcom is designed for the person who wants to learn about the ancient tradition of contemplation used in all major faith traditions to build a deeper relationship with the Divine, explore one’s innate spirituality, and sense life’s flow all around them. Each session will feature gentle body movement, silent meditation, discussion, and practicing some of the prayer forms that respect each participant’s faith and beliefs. There will be light snacks and drinks afterward. There will be an introduction session on September 8 at 10:00 am at the Cathedral. For those who cannot attend in person, this session will be available via video and phone conference. Sessions will meet on the second and third Saturdays ofSeptember 14/21, October 12/19, and November 9/16. Because of the cleaning project underway in the Cathedral, Unburdening will take place in different areas of the nave. We will meet near the Cathedral visitor’s desk at 10:00 am. Please feel free to bring meditation blankets, cushions, or yoga mat. Chairs will be provided. Body movement exercises are encouraged, not required. Register at MarkDilcom.com and click on Upcoming Programs. A contribution of $10 per session for program costs is welcome, but not necessary.
Congregation Retreat at Holy Cross Monastery October 25 – 27. Sign up by September 30 The retreat is structured around the monks’ daily offices which are chanted in their chapel. All are welcome to join the brothers in these meditative sessions. Between the offices, the retreat group meets in a comfortable room and is led in conversation and prayer by the retreat leader, Jennifer Allen, our seminarian intern at the Cathedral. More information at the welcoming table or emailwardens@saintsaviour.org
Blessings from Tim and Marsha
AUGUST 31, 2019