News from the Congregation April 30, 2021
Changes to Worship But Still in Community | Blessing of the Bicycles, Blood Drive, Confirmation, Volunteer at CCC’s Sunday Soup Kitchen, EfM Open Meetings | Sunday Programs (9:30 am Vicar’s Open Space, 10 am Genesis Bible Study, 11 am Worship Service, 12 pm Coffee Half-Hour Conversation with Abby R. Nathanson of Episcopal Futures ) |Weekday Programs (M-S Morning and Evening Prayer; Wednesday: 6:30 pm YESS Bible Study, 7:30 pm Bible Study - Paul’s Letter to the Romans, 8:30 pm Compline; Thursday: 6:30 pm EfM Class, Friday: Midday Prayer and Meditation, 12:15 pm Vicar’s Open Space).
Canon Lee
Our Vicar is still recovering from the second (Pfizer) vaccine shot he received this week, so 3 brief points:
(1) Senior Warden Marsha Ra has written another wonderful essay. I hope you agree that keeping the Wardens' column is a decision that has borne good fruit.
(2) Please note the many notices for upcoming events.
(3) Finally, with the announcement of the Cathedral's plans for Re-Gathering, the time has come to begin thinking about the pivot to the future world of "hybrid" congregational life. As a first step, the Sunday morning Bible Study on Genesis will end on Sunday, May 23rd. The Wednesday evening Bible Study on Romans will end on May 19. The Friday noonday Angelus and Silent Prayer service will end on May 21. Some of these suspensions may be permanent, and some may be temporary. Letting our programming lie fallow for a season will give us space to let the Spirit speak to us.
EASTER SEASON: COFFEE HOUR CONVERSATIONS WITH THE VICAR
Conversations begin approximately 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM
Sunday, April 25 - The Rt. Rev. Allen Shin, Suffragan Bishop of New York; and the Rev. Kyrie Kim, Missioner for Asian Ministries at the Episcopal Diocese of New York
Sunday, May 2 - Abby Ring Nathanson, Managing Director, Episcopal Futures Initiative at the Episcopal Diocese of New York
Sunday, May 9 - The Rt. Rev. Cathy Roskam, retired Suffragan Bishop of New York, and Marsha Ra, Senior Warden, in conversation about Bloomingdale Aging in Place
Sunday, May 16 - Vestry Meeting
Sunday, May 23 - The Rev. Canon Dr. Titus Presler, vicar of St. Matthew’s Church in Enosburg Falls, Vermont; convener of Green Mountain Witness, the evangelism initiative of the Diocese of Vermont; and president of the Global Episcopal Mission Network.
Sunday, May 30 - Join the clergy and staff from the music and liturgy departments for a conversation about the Cathedral's re-gathering plans.
Marsha and Bob
Our Senior Warden on Dreaming about worshipping in the Cathedral
Plans for in-person worship have been announced!
Over the past 13 months I have dreamed about being back in the Cathedral. The dreaming is based on memories, which I confess may be somewhat unreliable. Although the details may have been altered by my brain, the basic fact is that--just like death and taxes--change is a constant in life and a constant at the Cathedral. What matters is how we respond to a change that we may not actually want to embrace. How resilient are we? My dreams of the Cathedral tend to settle on services in locations that were actually no longer available to us when we closed down--like the 9:00 a.m. Eucharist in the Great Choir! In my memory I’m usually sitting on the south side in the first row not far from Susan Sobolewski and Ron and Barbara Williams. Or I am at a service in Saint James Chapel. Or I am staying up all night on Maundy Thursday, making my annual confession and sharing intercessions with a few friends who have all gone on to their reward. There is the memory of Christmas Eve when I was an acolyte: The intimacy of the service of lessons and carols before it became wildly popular with the additional of the giant puppets. At the late Christmas service there was nothing like being near the head of the procession as we rounded the corner near the west doors and started up the center aisle. The lights were turned out and the entire congregation held candles and sang “Of the Father’s Love begotten.” It took my breath away.
There have been so many changes since I first walked into the Cathedral in October 1972. When I first arrived we were using the 1928 prayer book. When we switched to the 1979 prayer book we dropped the prayer of humble access which I had loved. There used to be a crystal star hanging high above the ambulatory. It would be lit on Christmas Eve and remain on until Lent. Somehow that practice stopped and the star completely disappeared after the restoration in 2007.
Worship on Sunday at 11:00 took place in the nave. The great Kent cross (the one we reverence on Good Friday) was set up directly behind the altar so that you could contemplate the cross during the service. The crossing wasn’t used at all because bits of the dome were falling down and work had to be done to secure all the mortar in place. Very soon scaffolding went up cutting off the nave from the crossing. I remember serving as an acolyte and looking up every Sunday at the stained glass window of St. John with his head on Jesus’ breast at the last supper. It became a sort of icon for me. Then one day the scaffolding came down and we moved east to the crossing—so it was no longer possible to contemplate that stained glass Saint John during the service. The Choir area was only used for the really big services. For a decade or more the 9:00 a.m. in St. James (in English) competed with the 9:30 Spanish language Eucharist in Saint Ansgar’s—organ in St. James; guitar in St. Ansgar’s. Strangely enough only the congregation that prayed in English complained, although the Spanish group could clearly hear the English group across the ambulatory.
A year after I began to worship in the Cathedral Alec Wyton, the music director, retired and a new director was brought in. I think it was Richard Westenberg. Several regular worshippers left the Cathedral because “the Sanctus was too long!” Isn’t that a great reason to look for another church?
Women were admitted to the acolyte corps which resulted in several long-term acolytes (men) leaving in a huff. It was bad enough having to share the honor of being an acolyte with women, but at least these women should cover their hair! (I was one of the women and I told the angry guys that I would cover my head when they covered theirs.) At times I would be asked to distribute the Communion wine. Sometimes a person on the Communion line would refuse to accept it from me. I once went over to Canon West and mentioned that these particular people wouldn’t accept from me so would he go over and give them the cup? “My dear, if they don’t receive from you, they don’t receive.” God bless him.
There were many “Barchester Towers” moments when Harry Pritchett became Dean. That Trollope series is perfect for those of us who get caught up in the politics of the church. The first volume is particularly funny and apropos since it deals a lot with church music. Dean Pritchett objected to any settting that wasn’t sung in English. Think of what gorgeous Mass settings could no longer be used. After much Sturm und Drang within the congregation the Dean relented and allowed a little Latin to be included once a month. And then there was the battle of the incense. Allison Pritchett was allergic to the incense and so Harry moved to eliminate it from the service. He did so for Lent and there were complaints that he had removed the “spirit” from the service. He also followed the prayer book a little more closely than Dean Morton had--all reasons for loud complaints and gnashing of teeth.
In December 2001 a fire completely destroyed the north transept. The air in the Cathedral remained acrid from the taste and smell of smoke for several years. The walls were dark and covered with soot. During the restoration from that fire a gigantic gray wall was erected cutting the nave off totally from the crossing. Only half the church was used while the other half was cleaned inch by inch. The great organ was dismantled and sent off for cleaning. (We will soon experience that again when thousands of pipes will fill the crossing and then be taken away for cleaning from yet another fire.) One advantage to the days of the gray wall was improved acoustics when the Philharmonic performed. Some people left because of that wall—I couldn’t understand why. Patience and we got the Cathedral back in pristine condition. The floors in the ambulatory chapels were so clean that they were like mirrors at first.
During the period when Alan Dennis was the sub-dean, the decision was made to move the 9:00 a.m. service from Saint James chapel to the choir area. A rug was laid down for toddlers who played during most of the service, but came forward for Communion. The disadvantage of the location of the 9:00 was being disturbed by tourists who would flood in by the hundreds and take pictures of the congregation at prayer. That ended when the decision was made not to allow tour groups in during Sunday morning services.
Through all of these changes one thing remained constant for me: I was praying with a community that I had developed a great affection for. And that is what I concentrate on when I imagine us back together.
During the week I meet a few friends at the Cathedral and share the Eucharist, and then we go to lunch in the neighborhood. I imagine getting up early on Sunday morning and attending the 8:00 a.m. mass. Then perhaps over to Tom’s or the Hungarian Pastry shop for something yummy and return to church for Morning Prayer to hear a sermon and enjoy the music.
I think I can be very happy with the new set up at least for now. I will miss singing hymns, but that will come eventually. Friends, we have been through a kind of hell. To see one another face to face and to share the Body of Christ…. Is there anything better to look forward to? Of one thing I am certain: whatever the pattern is when we first go back will change as we live with it. At some point we will be able to share the common cup again. We will be able to join in hymn singing. But for now I ask you, my beloved community, to join me in thanking God that we are seeing the end of this plague and that we will see one another again to worship together right in the Cathedral—in a chapel, in a bay, in a circle, in a square, facing east or facing west—whatever--we will be together!
CONFIRMATION
The Bishop of New York has announced a plan for Confirmation at the Cathedral and at "regional" churches across the diocese. Candidates in the Congregation whose confirmations in 2019 were delayed due to COVID may have the chance to be confirmed in the coming months. Please contact the Vicar if you are in this category and are still interested in being confirmed. (New candidates will be confirmed at the Easter Vigil next spring.)
LEARN
Education for Ministry (EfM) Open Meetings 2021
By now we’ve all realized that 2021 is not like other years. EfM with the Congregation is no exception. This year, there will be three evenings when interested folks can zoom in and get a taste of what it is that we do: Thursday, May 20, Thursday, May 27, and Thursday, June 3. We gather at 6:30 and end pretty close to 8:30. It would be helpful to know if you plan to join us but not absolutely essential.
Donna Devlin, Mentor
sarahannb@aol.com
NEWS FROM THE CATHEDRAL
The Blessing of the Bicycles – Saturday, May 1
This year’s Blessing of the Bicycles will be held on the west front stairs of the Cathedral Saturday at 9 am. The service is a lovely way to start the recreational cycling season, and pay tribute to the bike messengers and delivery people whose hard work has kept the city going over the past year. All are welcome to take part, whether you ride a bike, unicycle, scooter, or roller skates! (And if you haven’t seen the video of the 2020 service, check it out on the Cathedral’s YouTube channel.)
NYBC Blood Drive – Monday, May 3
The Cathedral is proud to once again partner with the New York Blood Center and Mount Sinai Morningside for a blood drive on Monday, May 3. Appointments are encouraged, though walk-ins will be accommodated if space and time permit. Click here to schedule your appointment. Thank you in advance to everyone who gives blood!
The Cathedral in the Media
There’s been quite a bit of great media coverage of Cathedral services and programs these past few weeks. Following the Cathedral’s Service of Prayer, Justice, and Truth on April 21, AM/NY posted an in-depth article covering the vigil and the Cathedral’s history of standing with our neighbors in support of racial justice.
The Cathedral’s Mia Michelson-Bartlett doubles as Manager, Visitor Services and as the knowledgeable instructor for Body and Soul: Yoga from the Cathedral. Reuters videographers recently attended the filming for an upcoming yoga session, and the resultant piece on their Twitter account is a wonderful introduction to the program, all shot within the evocative setting of the Cathedral at dusk. Body and Soul returns on May 10, so reserve your tickets now!
GIVE/SERVE
Questions about Realm
Christopher Clowdus and Neil Reilly invite your questions about Realm, the Congregation's giving database, at this email address: stewardship@saintsaviour.org.
CCC - Volunteer Opportunity at Sunday Soup Kitchen
Join us at CCC's Sunday Soup Kitchen (8:30 am - 11:00 am) to help prepare and distribute food and to staff Saint Saviour's Table. Please CLICK HERE to sign up! Shifts are open through the first week in June. Thank you so much for volunteering!
NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
Medical Students from the Columbia Harlem Homeless Medical Partnership (CHHMP) a project of Columbia University medical students in partnership with the Center for Family and Community Medicine (CFCM) will provide a brief overview of current understandings about the COVID 19 vaccines, followed by time in small groups to answer all your questions about the vaccines and safety protocols!
Tuesday, May 4, at 6:30 pm
Zoom Meeting ID: 951 5197 5519
Passcode: vaccine
Zoom link
Connect by telephone:
+1 929 205 6099
Meeting ID: 951 5197 5519
Passcode: 4455445
THIS SUNDAY, April May 2, 2021
9:30 AM - Open Space with the Vicar
Join Vicar Lee and others for 30 minutes of conversation, community, and pastoral support. Come and go as you please!
10:00 AM - In the Beginning: A Study of Genesis
Join the Vicar for a study of the first book of the Bible. Discover Genesis, not as a collection of ancient mythological stories, but as the Word of God addressing our fundamental and deepest needs.
11:00 AM - Watch the Cathedral worship service on Zoom with other members of the Congregation. As a way to maintain a prayerful atmosphere, we will be turning off Zoom chat for the duration of the service.
You can also watch the Cathedral Worship Service
On Facebook: http://facebook.com/StJohnDivineNYC
On the Cathedral website: http://www.stjohndivine.org
12:00 PM - Digital Coffee Half-Hour
Join us at this week’s Digital Coffee Hour to meet members of the congregation or hear guest speakers, This week the Vicar Lee will speak with Abby R. Nathansan, Managing Director of the Episcopal Futures Initiative.
WEEKLY CATHEDRAL CONGREGATION PROGRAMS
Monday-Saturday | 8:30 AM Morning Prayer | 5:30 PM Evening Prayer
Wednesdays | 6:30 PM - YESS Bible Study
Join the Young Episcopalians of Saint Saviour as they read through the book of Exodus. No preparation needed.
Wednesdays | 7:30 PM - Wednesday Bible Study
Join the Vicar for a study of Paul's Letter to the Romans. The source of so many changed lives and pivotal moments throughout Christian history, Paul's greatest epistle invites us to transformation in our own lives and time.
Wednesdays | 8:30 PM - Compline
Thursdays | 6:30 PM - Education for Ministry
Education for Ministry is designed for lay people who want to delve more deeply but are not necessarily interested in ordination; EfM classes provide a more formal study of scriptures and the history of the faith. Current Topic: “Living into the Journey with God”
Fridays | 12:00 PM - Midday Prayer and Meditation
The Angelus and 10 minutes of silent meditation.
Fridays | 12:15 PM - Open Space with the Vicar
Join Vicar Lee and others for 30 minutes of conversation, community, and pastoral support. Come and go as you please!