News from the Congregation May 13, 2022
‘‘ ‘Traveling in the Holy Land, Part 2’ ; ‘Sunday Coffee Hour Celebrating Stewardship’ ” | Sign E-Card for Dean Daniels, May 22 Dean Daniels’ Coffee-Hour Celebration, Volunteer at CCC’s Sunday Soup Kitchen, Aid for Ukraine, Columbarium Access | Sunday Programs: 8:30am Genesis Bible Study (Zoom-Returns May 22), 10:30am Worship Service - In-Person and Online, 7:00pm Compline | Weekday Programs: M-S Morning and Evening Prayer (Zoom), Wednesday: 7:30pm Romans Bible Study (Zoom - Returns May 18)
I am writing to you from Jerusalem in the last days of what has been a spiritually transformative pilgrimage. Of the many experiences from these twelve days, I think my favorite were the three days and two nights we spent in the West Bank. This picture is from Banksy's Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem, which is right next to the Israeli West Bank wall that separates the West Bank and Israel.
We spoke to a Greek Melkite Catholic priest and visited his parish in Zababdeh in the West Bank. He thanked us for having the courage to come to a place that many pilgrims and tourists never visit. I did not realize that he was speaking seriously, until he told us that a couple days before our visit, several young Palestinian boys had been shot at by Israeli soldiers just off the grounds of his church.
We also had an opportunity to speak to the Palestinian Arab Christian director of a center for reconciliation and peace in Bethlehem. He spoke to us about the difficulties of life under occupation, but also about his unshakeable faith and hope. At one point in his remarks, as he was speaking about the meaning of Jesus' resurrection to his life, he was overcome with emotion. He was unable to continue. His son finished his remarks.
Seeing historic sites of this historic place has been fascinating. But seeing the witness of real people to their living faith, no matter how heavy the cost, has been profoundly inspiring. One message that we heard from the Palestinian Christians we met was how our visit from the United States also gave them hope. Our shared faith was a source of strength for them. They asked us to please pray for them, and I hope we can remember them in our prayers.
I very much look forward to returning home to the Cathedral and seeing all of you again.
***
After I wrote the words above, I was given a final reminder of how much the Israeli-Palestinian conflict touches everything in this region. I just learned that Shireen Abu Akleh, the Palestinian American journalist killed this week in the West Bank city of Jenin, will be buried on Friday from a Greek Catholic church near Jaffa Gate, which is around the corner from our hotel here in the Old City of Jerusalem. Her funeral procession will start in the Beit Hanina neighborhood of Jerusalem, pass through Jaffa Gate and the Christian Quarter of the Old City, and will culminate at the Christian Mount Zion Cemetery.
Out of solidarity and respect, as well as because of security considerations due to the large crowds, all of the shops of the Old City will be closed on the final day of this pilgrimage. I ask that you join with me in praying for the repose of the soul of Shireen Abu Akleh and for her family.
A Message from the Wardens — The Stewardship Committee
SSC Corner | Festive Coffee Hour | Sunday May 15
The Stewardship and Communications Committee (SCC) cordially invites you to a festive coffee hour after the service, this Sunday May 15. We’ll be serving a wonderful assortment of homemade pastries, coffee, and refreshments in honor of all those who sustain us financially and with their gifts of time and talent. We are grateful for your generous contributions and want to celebrate the success of our most recent Lenten stewardship campaign which, through personal testimonials about the legacy they wish to leave, sustained giving at strong levels throughout the season leading up to Easter. Members of the committee will also be on hand to discuss how to give seamlessly through Realm and how congregation group leaders can make the most of the SCC’s social media and communication capabilities.
We look forward to celebrating in fellowship with you this Sunday!
NEWS FROM THE CATHEDRAL - Cathedral of Saint John the Divine (stjohndivine.org)
GOODBYE TO DEAN DANIELS
Sunday, May 22: Coffee Hour Celebration for the Dean
When: After the 10:30 AM service; Where: Cathedral Nave
We will be honoring Dean Dan at our coffee hour on May 22. If you would like to sign a card, this link will lead you to a group greeting card that you can sign. There will also be a physical card available at coffee hour on May 15.
Sunday, May 29: The Dean's final Sunday service
The Bishop of New York will preach.
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)
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, May 15, 2022
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 (Returns: May 18)
Sunday 8:30 am Bible Study | Genesis| Congregation Zoom Link (Returns May 22)