News from the Congregation May 18, 2019
From the Vicar
O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
I have some sad news to share with you. Some of you are aware that last Sunday afternoon, Dr. Young Kun Kim, a long-time member of the Congregation and a friend to many of the clergy and staff of the Cathedral and the Diocese of New York, was attacked at the Citibank ATM on 96th Street. He was severely injured and was in a coma for several days following the attack. He died from his injuries yesterday.
I visited Dr. Kim and his grieving family this past week, and I know that many of you, when you learned of the news from media reports, have been praying for Dr. Kim and grieving with his family. For those of you who are only learning now of what happened, please realize that it was the wish of the family to maintain their privacy during this very difficult week.
I only met Dr. Kim a few times in the past two years, but he was such a kindly man and so gentle that the thought of the violence visited upon him last Sunday, has been, at times, too much to bear. I am sure the same is true for many of you.
I have been reminded this week of my very first day "on call" as a hospital chaplain intern, when the entire chaplaincy office was away on retreat. It was then that I had my first emergency call, and it was to care for a grieving couple who had lost their baby in childbirth. Then, as now, the situation was unbearably tragic, and I didn't know where to put those feelings of helplessness and grief. It was only when the chaplain team had returned from retreat that I could begin to process my grief with the support of the community.
So one way we can grieve is collectively to hold Dr. Kim and his family in prayer. We can surround them with our love. And just as importantly, we can also hold each other in prayer and surround one another with love.
Finally, I'd like to share with you the public statement the family issued yesterday:
Young Kun Kim
Family Statement
Our beloved Young Kun Kim has passed away. Please take comfort in the fact that he was surrounded by loved ones and family, and that he was not in pain, even in his last moments.
The family would like to express that my father's life-long wish has been to bring peace and harmony to the world, on the global and local scale. My father held no hatred in his heart for anyone, and always reminded people of the importance of human rights, human dignity, and respect for each other.
We would like to mention that my father had written an Advance Directive, detailing his wishes for end-of-life care. This document helped us immensely while we were making the most difficult decisions of our lives.
We would also like to thank the New York City Police Department 24th Precinct and the entire staff of The Mount Sinai Hospital for their professionalism and support.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to your favorite charities or community centers. We did not want to name specific organizations - there are so many good causes, big and small, and so many in need.
There is no way to make sense of this attack, but perhaps it can serve as an urgent reminder that we need more love and compassion in this world.
Blessings,
Steven
From the Wardens
We were shocked and saddened to learn that our dear friend Dr. Young Kun Kim, a regular attendee of the 11 o'clock service, was severely injured in the course of a violent robbery on Sunday afternoon and that he died from his injuries yesterday. We ask that you keep his family in your prayers.
The spirit alive among us!
Last Sunday, people from the various communities that call the Cathedral home came together for a moving dedication of the AIDS Memorial quilt panels. Stewardship chair Kevin de l’Aigle talked about the names project and the days in the late 80’s early 90’s when the community lost dozens of its members in the AIDS pandemic. Arthur Fiacco played from the Bach cellos suites, Congregation member David Turley presented Dean Daniel with a citation from Governor Cuomo, and the wardens read a partial list the names of those lost.
During a period of silence many of the people assembled said the names of their loved ones. After a final prayer by the Vicar, Arthur played some joyful strains from those same Bach suites and people were encouraged to enjoy the potluck prepared by members of the Cathedral Chorale and the Congregation. The Chorale’s presence, celebrating the end of their magnificent music season, gave the event even more of a spirit of community. We were also honored that the visiting Bishop of South India, the Right Reverend George Stephen Jayaraj, and his family joined us and relaxed between services with our community. Someone slipped some party music into the sound booth and the nave became a lively place indeed. We wonder what the tourists thought as they came through the nave and witnessed over one hundred people eating, drinking, talking and laughing?
Taking the Love of Christ to the Streets! May 20, AIDS Walk Cheerleaders
Join clergy and laity on the corner of 110th Street and Amsterdam Avenue to cheer on the AIDS marchers this coming Sunday. A bagpiper will play and we will hand out tokens—specially designed rose window fans with a healing message—to the marchers. We expect a lot of walkers coming by between 10 and 11, so come after the 9 or before the 11 to show your love and caring.
Cathedral Community Cares Collections
Continuing our support of CCC, we are collecting products for hygiene kits—dental care products, soap, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, etc. In addition, CCC Manager Thomas Perry tells us he can always use clothes that are appropriate for job interviews. As usual, please leave items next to the sign on the table near the coffee set-up before or after the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. services.
Wishing you all a spirit filled Pentecost!
Tim Dwyer
Marsha Ra
MAY 18, 2018