News from the Congregation June 24, 2022
‘‘ ‘Farewell Reflection from Paul Daniels’ ; ‘Tribute to Paul’ ” |Gay Pride March, Schola Cantorum Seeks New Choristers, Aid for Ukraine, Columbarium Access | Sunday Programs: 10:30am Worship Service - In-Person and Online, 7:00pm Compline | Weekday Programs: M-S Morning and Evening Prayer (Zoom)
Canon Lee
As some of you know, this Sunday we are celebrating the Reverend Paul Daniels at the Congregation's coffee hour. Fr. Daniels was initially hired for one year with an option to renew for a second year. His two years with the Cathedral comes to an end this summer. This Sunday, he will preach his final sermon at the Cathedral. I hope you can join us for the service and also for the hospitality afterwards.
It has been a privilege and a joy getting to know Fr. Daniels in these two years. It has also been fun having him as a neighbor on the Cathedral Close. What I may miss most is running into him in the lobby or in the laundry room and then, all of a sudden, being engaged in a deep, and deeply engrossing, theological discussion. I will also miss his kindness. I have given Fr. Daniels a chance to speak to the Congregation in the newsletter, so I hope you take the time to read his beautiful and moving reflection below.
Godspeed, Fr. Daniels! We have been blessed by your ministry among us!
The Rev. Canon Steven Lee
Canon Pastor and Vicar
Father Daniels Farewell Reflection
Whenever life presents to me a new call, a new turn on the way, a new set of questions and curiosities, I seek the wisdom of scripture, prayer, and the witness of the ancestors. Whenever life invites me into the new, the unknown, I look backward while moving forward, trusting that God has always been faithful to those who desired to (variously) live out the Gospel.
Coming to the Cathedral was no different. When Dean Daniel called me on 1 June 2020 to invite me as Assisting Priest to this community, I had just passed the church of my youth, on the way to the pharmacy for my parents. And when the call ended, and I’d given thanks to God for a unique and exciting opportunity, these words from Howard Washington Thurman came to mind: “We blend all that we are as individuals, and wait in the quietness for the Movement of the Spirit and the Mind of the living God in our midst.”
As it were, a new call, a new turn, a new set of questions and curiosities are upon me, and soon my time at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and with the Congregation of St. Saviour, will be complete. Where exactly I will be going is still in the works. But the prospects promise to be challenging and exciting, as well. Until then, I expect to be around, serving at the altar here, until mid-August at the most.
What a privilege, an honor, it has been to know, to love, to wait with you in the quietness of worship and wonder – to have felt the Movement of the Spirit and Mind of the living God in your midst and your ministry to the city of New York. I leave this place with overwhelming gratitude for the openness you have shown in allowing me to serve you. Together we have prayed, laughed, debated, and shared in the Mystery of faith. From virtuality to actuality, we grew stronger and stronger in hope that, one day, we would share the Table together even as a Pandemic promised only uncertainty and postponement. We have watched the world around us become more and more confusing and cruel by the day. Yet, through all of this, we have worked as a community to feed the hungry in body and spirit, to remember those we’ve lost, to give thanks for the blessings of a life so fragile in its constitution.
In short, you all have taught me how the dedication and faithfulness of a praying, Spirit-led people can show forth the light of Christ with their very lives. And for that, I am a better man, and I pray a better Priest in God’s Church.
I will never forget you. I will always pray that God’s blessings attend you day by day. And I promise to pay forward, in love and wisdom, all that you have so freely and kindly given.
Yours in Christ,
The Rev. Paul Anthony Daniels, II+
Assisting Pries
A Message from the Wardens
Senior Warden Marsha Ra: "Hail and Farewell" Reverend Paul Daniels
Many of us met the Reverend Paul Daniels virtually when we were “in exile” during the height of the pandemic. We saw him on ZOOM on Sunday mornings, preaching or leading us in discussion. In addition to his sermons and a much appreciated series on Howard Thurman, Paul attended the “coffee hour” after the service and was an important presence as discussions of racism and other issues arose spontaneously. One day after most of us were finally vaccinated, the Cathedral opened its doors again and we were able to worship together as the Body of Christ in the flesh! And there he was: I was so surprised that he recognized me from just seeing me on ZOOM and it was a happy embrace. So there you are! And so we had another year with Paul as one of the priests leading us in prayer in person during the week and on Sunday. His sermons were often challenging—a combination of an academic, scholarly approach softened with a hearty dash of mysticism. Sometimes I had to go home and watch the live stream to be sure I caught every point he was making. I should share that those of us who regularly attend morning and evening prayer virtually these days are part of a special community that is made up of people from California, Michigan, Florida and other parts of the country. When we thought that Paul was going to lead the spring retreat, two members who live in Santa Barbara planned to fly to the East Coast to attend—such was the impression he made from afar. I’m so sorry this turned out not to be possible, but extremely grateful for the time we’ve had with Paul.
And so, as he completes his doctoral work (he is now officially, Paul Daniels, ABD) and moves away from New York, we thank God for letting us get to know this young man and benefit from his wisdom. I confess to some a degree of envy (a sin, I’m told) of the people who will get to know him and have him as their priest in the future. However, I also know from experience that the Episcopal Church is small enough that we will certainly hear from him as the years pass. Who knows what position he may ultimately play in the common life of the greater church? I look forward to watching from afar as his ministry grows. May it flourish! Many blessings on you, Paul, and may the years ahead be filled with both exciting challenges and unexpected joys. May you find deep fulfillment in your life as a priest.
NEWS FROM THE CATHEDRAL - Cathedral of Saint John the Divine (stjohndivine.org)
Schola Cantorum - Open Children’s Choir
Schola members perform with the Cathedral Choirs and Orchestra for our Christmas and Spring concerts, and participate in regularly scheduled services, including Christmas Eve and Easter. St. Francis Day, a landmark New York City event, is a highlight for our Schola singers! This enthusiastic group of young singers ranges in age from middle school through high school. Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 4:15-5:30 pm at the Cathedral. Contact Samuel Kuffuor-Afriye at skuffskuffuor@stjohndivine.org further information and to reserve a place for the upcoming 2022-2023 season!
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.
HUMANITARIAN RELIEF FOR UKRAINE
Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting Action by Churches Together (ACT Alliance) as it provides critical assistance to support people affected by violence in Ukraine. Working through ACT member Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA) and other local organizations, ACT Alliance is providing emergency assistance such as food, shelter, water and basic supplies to refugees and people displaced within Ukraine. Donations to Episcopal Relief & Development’s Ukraine Crisis Response Fund will help the organization and its partners continue to provide assistance to people displaced by the crisis in Ukraine.
NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE Home - Episcopal Diocese of New York (dioceseny.org)
NYC PRIDE MARCH 2022 - Sunday, June 26 - Come join fellow Episcopalians this Sunday!
All are welcome to march with us for the annual NYC Pride March on Sunday, June 26!
Schedule and Other Information
1:00-2:45 p.m. - Pre-March Reception
Church of the Transfiguration
1 East 29th Street (between Fifth and Madison Avenues)
2:45 p.m. - Walk to March Check-in Point
Please remember to:
Dress appropriately for the weather
Bring water or other hydrating beverages
Bring banners, signs - and the more rainbows the better!
Please note that we do not have a float this year. We recognize this is a barrier for those who rely on the float for mobility and ask you to make the decision to march that is best for you.
Questions?
The Rev. Matthew A. Welsch (he/him)
Chair, Diocesan LGBTQ+ Concerns Committee
mwelsch@trinitywallstreet.org
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
THIS SUNDAY
In-Person Worship at the Cathedral
10:00 am - Doors to Cathedral open.
10:30 am - Eucharist Service (apprx. 1 hour)
11:30 am - All are Welcome Coffee 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 (On summer break, returns in September)
Sunday 8:30 am Bible Study | Genesis| Congregation Zoom Link (On summer break, returns in September)