News from the Congregation March 25, 2022
‘‘ ‘Praise for the Cathedral’s Liturgical Experience’ ; ‘The Sins of This Broken Human Race’ ” |The Eucharist Cup Returns, Lenten Centering Prayer Programs, CCC Hoodies from the Heart Campaign, Volunteer at CCC’s Sunday Soup Kitchen, Aid for Ukraine, EAST Super Talk, Updated Cathedral COVID Policies, Columbarium Access | Sunday Programs: 8:30am Genesis Bible Study (Zoom), 10:30am Worship Service - In-Person and Online, 8:00pm Compline|Weekday Programs: M-S Morning and Evening Prayer (Zoom), Wednesday: 7:30pm Romans Bible Study (Zoom)
Canon Lee
Thanks to everyone who wrote emails, cards, text messages and made phone calls in response to my message last week. Emma and I are so grateful to be held in prayer by this church community and by members of the diocesan staff, including our bishops. As I never tire of saying, it is a privilege to work and live here on the Cathedral Close.
One of the great privileges we all share is the exceptional liturgy and music of Sunday morning worship. Recently, a professor of religion from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands worshipped with us and wrote the following letter to the Sub Dean. The letter eloquently describes the experience I have each Sunday in our new post-pandemic liturgy:
It is no exaggeration to say that I found it to be the most prayerful liturgy I have experienced in years, and that I have ever experienced in the Cathedral, which I used to frequent from time to time when I was at GTS.
As a former [Master of Ceremonies] in a cathedral (Auckland), and as a former lecturer in liturgy, I know that this kind of thing does not just happen "intuitively" or by accident, or because of an unthinking adherence to tradition. Cathedral liturgies in particular [are subject to] to all kinds of bombast - prompted in part by the scale of their spaces, and in part by the competing voices at the centre of a city and diocese. One often sees either excessive adherence to tradition, or some ecclesiastical version of military order (with vestiges of court ceremonial), or wild liturgical expressions that seem to be prompted more by the size of the stage, than the needs of the praying people. I hope you will not mind my saying that I have seen all of these at St John the Divine in the past - as I have seen them in other cathedrals across communions and around the world.
The trouble with all of this well-intentioned bombast is that it really doesn't help people do what they most need to do during a liturgy - that is, allow themselves to be transformed by God through participation in the liturgy. In order to facilitate that, what is required is a certain kind of attention, and a doing of only what is necessary, in the fullness of that word. I do not mean that the liturgy needs to be minimalistic or dour; celebration can also be necessary. But putting on a spectacle (of whatever stripe that might be) does not really help people to pray together (with or without words)- and that is what people are most desperately in need of, since, for most of us, there is so little room for this in our lives with others.
The way you created a open space - sonically, with lighting, with time (marking the beginning of Lent with a silent entry) immediately focussed attention. Somehow, in that vast nave, you have created a space that is both intimate, and solemn (without being burdensome). There was enough room for attention to be focussed on what mattered: Word, Table, Prayer, meal, community. The ample room gave space for gentle but deliberate gestures, so that the arrival at the altar did not seem merely perfunctory, nor like some kind of coronation ritual. Every gesture of your team of ministers held attention: one had the impression that everyone was listening (what a rare sight!), and that everyone was praying.
All of this does not, I know, just happen intuitively. It takes a huge amount of persistent, and patient effort, and occasionally digging one's heels in. It requires practice, and investment. And it requires thought and prayer. This email is just to thank you that you have taken the trouble to feed your people in this way. I for one deeply appreciate it.
A Message from the Wardens
Senior Warden Marsha Ra on "A Lent surrounded by Evil"
At a conversation group meeting of older Upper Westsiders last Monday, the leader, a loving 90 year old woman whose background includes singing at Grossinger’s (a Catskills resort, part of the “borscht belt”) raising five children, managing music festivals, and much more, decided that we should discuss how we are dealing emotionally with the war in Ukraine. How do we continue to function in the face of this humanitarian disaster? One member told of not being able to sleep. Another asked “why does God let this happen?” This question was asked to me, since I’m the only person in the group who absolutely believes in God. I did not say what I believe—that Jesus is with the victims in their suffering. I probably should have, but felt it just wouldn’t work with this very secular group. The response I did give was not taken well, and maybe you might not like my response either, which came in the form of a question.
“What is the surprise here?”
Do we not know our own human history? Have we not our whole lives long been faced with unfathomable disaster because of human cruelty? The Bible itself is full of stories of genocide. Warfare by killing and terrorizing innocent civilians is nothing new. In fact, it’s exactly how war is waged. In my own lifetime there has been plenty of it. As the 20th century ended we learned that 100 million civilians had died in wars over the course of that century. Do I hate what is going on in Ukraine? Absolutely! Do I pray for the Ukrainians? Of course! Have I written a check or two? Yes. But what does it matter how I FEEL about this? What does it matter that I weep every time the choir sings the lovely prayer for Ukraine or I see the tragedy play out on Cable TV? It doesn’t matter how I feel, or how my elderly friends feel. It doesn’t help. Is something wrong with me that nothing that is happening shocks me at all? I am, my friends, such a pessimist, especially about human nature, that nothing like this surprises me. Who was worse: Stalin, Hitler, Mao Tze Tung, Pol Pot, Idi Amin or Vladimir Putin? Were the killing fields in Cambodia shocking? How do the bombing of Hiroshima, Nagasaki, the battle of Britain and the bombing of Dresden fit into all this? We see human beings sinning on an epic scale so frequently, that I cannot understand the shock all around me at what Putin is doing. I cry, we all cry, and it is a good thing that we have empathy with those who are suffering. Some Christians will point to the confounding truth that these horrible events call out the most beautiful in human beings--that the love and sacrifice the people in the surrounding countries are showing is inspiring. Yet that love and kindness does not bring back to life one murdered child. Wouldn’t it be much much better if that love and sacrifice were not needed?
We must do all we can do, of course. I suggest that this Lent our prayers should include deep repentance for the sins of this broken human race.
NEWS FROM THE CATHEDRAL - Cathedral of Saint John the Divine (stjohndivine.org)
Common Cup for Eucharist Reinstituted
At the Cathedral, the Dean and Chapter have decided to resume the Common Cup for Sunday worship on Palm Sunday, April 10.
For the weekday Eucharist, the Common Cup has been restored starting this past Monday, March 14.
Updated COVID-19 Policies for Cathedral Buildings and Grounds
In light of the revised COVID masking and vaccination guidance released last Friday by the Mayor’s office, the Cathedral administration has taken a look at Cathedral COVID protocols and made the following adjustments:
Cathedral Office and Grounds:
Masks will be optional outdoors for visitors and staff, Monday-Friday.
Masks will be required outdoors for visitors and staff, Saturday and Sunday.
The Cathedral will discontinue health screening and temperature checks at the Security booth on the upper drive.
The Cathedral continues to require masks in the shared spaces in office buildings (hallways, restrooms, etc.) but are making masks optional in offices, depending on the agreement of all parties present.
In the Cathedral:
-- masks will be mandatory for congregants and visitors
-- vaccines will still be mandatory for congregants and visitors age 5 and up
-- clergy may unmask while leading worship
-- masks are optional for choirs and musicians
-- capacity will remain as is
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.
CCC Clothing Closet Hoodies from the Heart Campaign
This Lenten season, the Cathedral Community Cares Clothing Closet is hosting a clothing drive of hoodies and sweatshirts to bring warmth and love to our neighbors in need Donations of new, unisex hoodies in all sizes can be dropped off at the CCC Offices on the main driveway south of the Cathedral. All monetary donations made to CCC during the Lent season will benefit the Hoodie drive as well. As always, the Cathedral is abundantly grateful for the support and generosity.
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)
Episcopal Asian Supper Table Talk: “Proclaiming God’s Deep Economy”
When: Saturday, April 9 at 4:00 pm
Where: St. Thomas Fifth Avenue (in-person only, no Zoom)
RSVP to East@dioceseny.org before 2:00 pm Thursday, April 7th.
At EAST's first in person event in two years, Dr. Jonathan Tran will present Asian American Christianity as good news in the context of this racist backdrop. He will tell the story of an Asian American community attempting to live into God's “deep economy.” While being honest about Asian American racism toward others, he offers a Christian account of solidarity and liberation for all oppressed communities. The talk will be followed by a time for reflection and conversation, and light hors d'oeuvres. Dr. Train holds the George W. Baines Chair of Religion at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He is the author of Asian Americans and the Spirit of Racial Capitalism (Oxford University Press, 2022) which attempts to rethink how we think about race and racism.
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 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
An Invitation from the Committee to Elect a Bishop to Share Your Thoughts
The Committee to Elect a Bishop warmly invites and encourages lay and ordained members of the Diocese of New York to share their thoughts on the characteristics and qualities they want to see in the next Bishop Diocesan the major priorities of the Diocese of New York. All responses will ONLY be shared with members of the Committee to Elect a Bishop. Please click HERE to go to the Bishop Search Website and complete the simple online form.
Bishop Dietsche Announces Return of the Common Cup
Sunday, March 15, 2020 was the last day before we suspended public worship in the Diocese of New York as a response to the Covid pandemic. Over the two years which have followed, we have seen coronavirus infections rise and fall, with seasons of surge and seasons of relief. During that time churches have relaxed many or most of the restrictions on public worship which we had introduced earlier, but the single requirement which has continued across our diocese has been the restriction against administering communion wine in the Common Cup. We have for all this time received the sacrament “in one kind,” and we have found that we have been able to continue to be a sacramental people, and we have adjusted to that new reality. However, with the waning of the omicron surge, and the dramatic fall in the rate of infections in all parts of our diocese, I have a new message: I am happy to authorize, effective immediately, the return to Communion in Both Kinds, and to permit, and encourage, the restoration of the Common Cup in the worship of our churches.
Read rest of the letter here.
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, March 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
Sunday 8:30 am Bible Study | Genesis| Congregation Zoom Link