News from the Congregation February 25, 2022
‘‘ ‘Hearing From Other Congregations’ ; ‘My 50 Years at the Cathedral’ ” |Lenten Centering Prayer Programs, Volunteer at CCC’s Sunday Soup Kitchen, Columbarium Access | Sunday Programs: 8:30 am Genesis Bible Study (Zoom), 10:30 am Worship Service - In-Person and Online, |Weekday Programs: M-S Morning and Evening Prayer (Zoom), Wednesday: 7:30 pm Romans Bible Study (Zoom)
Canon Lee
This week I have been in Atlanta for the annual CEEP (Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes) conference. For one panel, I moderated a conversation between the Rev. Bowie Snodgrass and the Rev. Julia Whitworth. Both priests are familiar to our community, and both are flourishing in their churches. It is always good to renew connections with friends and colleagues across the wider church. I look forward to returning to the Cathedral this Sunday.
A Message from the Wardens
Senior Warden Marsha Ra on her 50 years at the Cathedral
Dear Friends,
On Reformation Sunday, 1972, I walked into the Cathedral for the first time, just two months after a very powerful and unexpected experience of God. I had spent those two intervening months reading the Bible, talking to believing friends, and trying to figure out what to do. It became clear that what I had to do was to worship God. I wasn’t worried about “salvation.” I wasn’t looking for anything to make my life better. I wasn’t looking for a community. It was just that I suddenly knew that there was God and that God knew me, and that everything mattered. I had to have a way to express gratitude and to stay connected to that strange overwhelming moment when I first felt the presence of God. It was also clear that I wanted to worship as a Christian worships, literally touching God in the concrete reality of the Eucharist. So here I am. For almost 50 years. I was baptized, became an acolyte, and began to center my life on the church. I had a husband and a challenging, satisfying career, but this worshipping God business, that’s what was and remains the most important to me. I didn’t come for community, but I found a wonderful one. I wasn’t even sure at the beginning that Jesus is God. I’ve come to realize that He is! It is through Him that God holds my hand as I go through everything wonderful and everything challenging.
I have been devoted in many ways to this community, and equally to the Cathedral itself. I have enjoyed and learned from four deans, four bishops, seven vicars and countless other wonderful clergy over the years. I have found a sense of balance to the enormity of this place by a relationship with Holy Cross Monastery and through the Order of Urban Missioners prayer group.
The music that I have experienced here has been a big part of my continuing ability to feel connected to the Transcendent. Classical music has been an important part of my life since I was a teenager. I gravitated to German Lieder and chamber music. Organ music was completely new and it took me years to really appreciate it. Choral music was more familiar. I am so thankful to Kent, Dan, Brian, Sam and all the singers who week after week augment our prayer and help us to pray with our whole selves.
As I am now entering the last phase of my life, I wanted to step back and very formally and publicly thank God for my long life, for finding me and bringing me to this place. Thank you to my friends in the Congregation of Saint Saviour. And a special thank you to the clergy who devote their lives to helping us keep Christ in our hearts and minds, to Steven, Patrick, Dean Dan, Paul, and Pamela and the many priests who have served the Cathedral over the past 50 years.
NEWS FROM THE CATHEDRAL - Cathedral of Saint John the Divine (stjohndivine.org)
Columbarium Visits - Please Schedule in Advance
Due to cleaning and ongoing construction at the Cathedral, some areas may occasionally be inaccessible. Anyone wishing to visit a loved one in the Columbarium is strongly encouraged to schedule their visit in advance via this Columbarium Visit Registration form.
NEWS FROM THE DEAN - Celebrate Marsha Ra’s 80th Birthday on Sunday, February 27
The Dean will be hosting a festive celebration for Senior Warden Marsha Ra's 80th birthday on Sunday, February 27 after the 10:30 AM service in the Nave. All are invited.
NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE Home - Episcopal Diocese of New York (dioceseny.org)
The Harlem Clericus & Manhattan North Inter Parish Council Lenten Program on Centering Prayer
An online introduction to and practice of Centering Prayer in English for beginners and experienced members with Diane Robinson, Chapter Coordinator, Contemplative Outreach, NYC. And Mark Lewis, Coordinator for Introduction to Centering Prayer
Wednesday, March 9, at 7 pm (to 8 pm)
Prayer as Relationship
Wednesday, March 16, at 7 pm (to 8:30 pm)
The Method of Centering Prayer
Wednesday, March 23, at 7 pm
Thought and the Use of the Sacred Word
Wednesday, March 30, at 7 pm
Deepening our Relationships with God
Wednesday, April 6, at 7 pm @Holy Trinity, Inwood
20 Cumming Street, NYC 10034
In person/hybrid: Introducing Thomas Keating
(one of the primary developers of Centering Prayer)
On Zoom
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83674252700?pwd=YWFQSjdBaW5GVWxYZW52Q0YyQjdBQT09
Meeting ID: 836 7425 2700
Passcode: centering
Or dial in: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Passcode: 466690571
NEWS FROM THE COMMUNITY
NEWS FROM THE VESTRY
GIVE/SERVE
Questions about Realm, the Congregation’s Online Hub for Giving, Volunteering, and Reaching Out to One Another
The Admin team would love to hear from you. Whether you need help making the shift to online donations, setting up your account, or just want to know what Realm can do for you, please contact Laura and Bob at this email address: info@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.. Please CLICK HERE to sign up! Shifts are open through the second week in June. Thank you so much for volunteering!
THIS SUNDAY, February 27, 2022
In-Person Worship at the Cathedral
10:00 am - Doors to Cathedral open.
10:30 am - Eucharist Service (apprx. 1 hour)
7:00 pm - Choral Compline
The Cathedral requires those entering its buildings to show proof of vaccination and to wear a mask.
You can also watch a Livestream of the Cathedral Worship Service
On Facebook: http://facebook.com/StJohnDivineNYC
On the Cathedral website: http://www.stjohndivine.org
WEEKLY CATHEDRAL CONGREGATION PROGRAMS
Monday-Saturday | 8:30 AM Morning Prayer | 5:30 PM Evening Prayer
Wednesday 7:30 pm Bible Study | Paul’s Letter to the Romans | Congregation Zoom Link (Returns March 9)
Sunday 8:30 am Bible Study | Genesis| Congregation Zoom Link (Returns March 6)