News from the Congregation October 16, 2020
Jesus Tears the Firmament; ‘Joy Grows as It Is Shared’; Mourning into Unity Vigil, Intro Meeting on Diaconate | Stewardship Sunday Programs (9:45 am Visit with the Vicar, 10 am Genesis Bible Study, 11 am Worship Service, 11:45 Stewardship Video, 12 pm Coffee Half-Hour) Weekday Programs (Tuesday YESS Bible Study, Wednesday Bible Study and Compline Service, Friday Midday Prayer and Meditation.)
Canon Lee
In his new memoir, the Episcopal priest Dale Coleman relates this fascinating conversation between a Roman Catholic archbishop and Pope John Paul II:
I recall Archbishop J. Augustine Di Noia, when he was theologian for what was at the time called the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, at a Conference on the Nicene Creed at Christ Cathedral in Charleston, January, 2001, saying to me over a glass of a single malt scotch, that His Holiness John Paul II, had asked him to define this strange New Age prevalent in the United States. Di Noia said to the Pope, “It is the attempt to cultivate spirituality in a closed system.”
I have been mulling over this thought-provoking comment all week. "It is the attempt to cultivate spirituality in a closed system." As I understand it, the "closed system" might refer to ourselves, so this describes an attempt to create a meaningful spiritual life based solely on our inner resources.
Or the closed system might refer to the natural world. So this describes an attempt to create a meaningful spiritual life, without reference to a supernatural realm, but based solely on our visible and material universe.
In either case, those of us who follow Jesus experience a different reality. Through our study of Scripture, our fellowship, our breaking of bread and our prayers, this closed and self-referential system breaks wide open. There is a tear in the firmament.
Through that opening, we encounter the resurrected Christ. Like Thomas, we set aside our doubts and answer, “My Lord and my God!"
Marsha and Tim
Our Senior Warden, Marsha Ra, reflects on the importance of joy:
“Joy grows as it is shared.” Ann who attends evening prayer said that last night and I believe she is right. Can we experience joy even as tears are flowing or when facing a difficult future? I think so, yes. I think so. Perhaps it is a case of hysteria, but although I’m facing a difficult medical future, I keep experiencing joy, laughter, hope, love. All grace I guess. And I find the source of that joy in other people, in friends and strangers even as we are supposedly isolated and talking through masks.
On Wednesday of this week I left the apartment and got into a Lyft car to go off for some pre-op screening. I was screened and approved and then took a taxi home. In that two hour time period I interacted and shared time with two drivers, some clerical staff, a medical tech and a nurse practitioner. The nurse was especially interesting, competent and helpful—an immigrant from Nigeria who had a great sense of humor and radiated joy. She found me funny, encouraged me about the treatment I will be undergoing and she had some practical suggestions that I will follow. God bless nurses! We had a short conversation about the gift of life and gratitude. How can we face difficult circumstances and still find and share joy? This is the challenge I have given myself and offer to you. These days have been difficult for everyone. Some people have gotten sick; some have lost loved ones; others are having financial problems. Several friends have had to leave the city. Yet on a certain level we are all in the same boat, so why the long faces?
Look for and then share the joy. Everyone. The LYFT driver Wednesday who confided that his wife faced a cancer scare that turned out to be nothing; the taxi driver who was ready with warmth and humor when I had a hard time getting into his cab. The Nigerian nurse. The woman who checked me in. The screener at the entrance to the clinic. The surprise offers from people in the congregation to drive me to appointments. Feeling loved certainly calls forth gratitude and joy. And knowing that God loves us, each and everyone is I believe the deepest source of all that joy.
NEWS FROM THE CATHEDRAL
Monday, October 19, we invite you to join the Cathedral and interfaith community on the steps of the Cathedral. United by sorrow, people will join together to mourn and to work towards a new vision of national solidarity. The Cathedral, in partnership with Mourning Into Unity, will host a prayer vigil and candlelit procession in solemn recognition of our collective grief and affirmation of our shared commitment to one another. We will build a bridge between the mourning that we must undertake and the unity that we need as we approach what promises to be a chaotic election cycle. During the event, social distancing guidelines will be followed to keep participants safe.
Interested in the Diaconate?
The Episcopal Diocese of New York is providing an informal talk with the Rev. Deacon Denise LaVetty, Director of Diaconal Formation and Transition, on Tuesday October 20 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. To RSVP email lavetty@icloud.com.
THIS SUNDAY, October 18, 2020
(To access each program on Zoom, click the link in the title.)
9:45 AM - Visiting with the Vicar
Join the Vicar fifteen minutes before Bible study to say hello and check in with other members of the congregation.
10:00 AM - In the Beginning: A Study of Genesis
Join the Vicar for a study of the first book of the Bible. Discover Genesis, not as a collection of ancient mythological stories, but as the Word of God addressing our fundamental and deepest needs. This Sunday, we continue our study of Genesis 4, under the heading: "The First (Dysfunctional Family."
11:00 AM - Congregation Watch Party for Cathedral Worship Service
Watch the Cathedral worship service on Zoom with other members of the Congregation. As a way to maintain a prayerful atmosphere, we will be turning off Zoom chat for the duration of the service.
You can also watch the Cathedral Worship Service
On Facebook: http://facebook.com/StJohnDivineNYC
On the Cathedral website: http://www.stjohndivine.org
11:45 PM - Vicar and Friends
Join the Vicar and occasional guests right after the service for a brief time to say hello and check in with other members of the congregation. This Sunday, the Stewardship Committee will launch the 2021 Campaign with a special video.
12:00 PM - Digital Coffee Half-Hour
Join us at this week’s Digital Coffee Hour to meet members of the congregation.
WEEKLY CATHEDRAL CONGREGATION PROGRAMS
Tuesdays | 6:30 PM - YESS Bible Study
The Young Episcopalians of Saint Saviour continue their Bible study of the Gospel of Matthew.
Wednesday | 7:30 PM - Midweek Reflection and Discussion
This fall, join the Vicar on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 8:15 PM for a time of reflection and discussion about what the Church is and how it can provide us with spiritual resilience in these difficult times.
Wednesdays | 8:30 PM - Congregation Compline
Friday | 12:15 PM - Midday Prayer and Meditation
Join the Vicar for a simple 15-minute prayer and meditation service on Fridays starting October 2. Stay afterwards to connect with the Vicar and others in the parish.
Reminder: you can find a directory of weekly programs with links to each program’s Zoom by clicking here.