News from the Congregation September 24, 2021
‘To Leave in Risk is to Have Hope’; ‘Coming Home to the Cathedral’ | St. Francis Day on the Cathedral Green, Global Mission Fair; Congregation Fall 2021 Retreat Filled, Volunteer at CCC’s Sunday Soup Kitchen, | Sunday Programs 8:30 am Genesis Bible Study (Zoom), 10:30 am Worship Service - In-Person and Online |Weekday Programs M-S Morning and Evening Prayer, Wednesday: 7:30 pm Paul Bible Study.
Canon Lee
I had many favorite moments from last Sunday.
Watching Fr. Daniels preach his first in-person Sunday sermon. It was inspiring to witness the Holy Spirit move through him as he seized the moment and made the Word come alive.
Hearing the Cathedral choir's astounding rendition of David Lang's make peace. I find it difficult to visit other churches now because the difference in music quality is so noticeable. We are privileged to hear such world-class musicians every Sunday.
Sharing the Eucharist. Canon Malloy is one of the Episcopal Church's leading scholars and practitioners of liturgy. He and our chief sacristan Peter Ennis have designed a service that is both ancient and modern--appropriate for a 21st-century Cathedral.
Standing on the steps of the Cathedral before the service and greeting people as they came in. It was wonderful to see people again and to rekindle our bonds of shared affection. I was so moved to hear from one family, who lived abroad all last year, about their faithful attendance every Sunday night at the online service. And then, here we were, greeting each other in person after a long time apart.
Studying the Bible together. Genesis 12:1 is one of the greatest verses in the Bible. A family's journey to Canaan has gotten stuck. They are stuck in every way--barren, worshipping idols--and then, God speaks to Abram the life-giving Word: Lech-Lecha! Go forth!
The Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann makes this observation, which has a lesson for us:
The whole of the Abrahamic narrative is premised on this seeming contradiction: to stay in safety is to remain barren; to leave in risk is to have hope.
A Message from the Wardens
Senior Warden Marsha Ra on Home Coming:
In my last warden’s letter I reflected on the experience of Noah and his family when they returned to dry land after over a year in comparative isolation (with hundreds of animals, of course). How would our return to the Cathedral feel? As the date neared there was both excitement and trepidation expressed on ZOOM coffee hour. We were warned that we were not coming back to what was, but to something completely new. Who would come back? Who would not? Many of us were nervous.
I’m writing from the heart here. I do not know how it felt for anyone else. Here is how it’s been for me: absolutely wonderful! This was not washed out dry land. It was rich, fertile soil. The service is not completely new--same basic liturgy, same amazing organ and choir, just a wee bit shorter than the pre-pandemic service at 11:00. We are now worshipping together in a single service. Because tourism is so low right now, the majority of people who have come on Sunday are familiar members of our worshipping community. It was moving to see so many people stream in vaccinated, masked, and ready to thank God for everything. Finally we can sing together! The first Sunday I was honored to read from Revelation. The second Sunday Aries de la Cruz read and Father Paul Daniels preached. We knew from ZOOM days how good his preaching is. How wonderful to hear him while seeing him in the flesh! It was also quite moving to see Susan Sobolewski and Kyoko Toyama of the altar guild lay down the altar cloth on the new square-shaped altar that sits in the middle of the nave. The shape of the new altar emphasizes the experience of being around the table together.
Last week I was privileged to be a greeter. While most people were familiar, I did meet a couple of Columbia students-- which reminded me that we must be ready to welcome both the “family” and those who have never worshipped with us before. As time goes on I’m sure we will be blessed with the presence of many more visitors, especially as tourism increases in New York City. I think of these days as a quiet time and a time to prepare to welcome ever more people into the mystery of worship at the Cathedral. This, after all, is part of the Congregation’s mission: “To build and nurture an active Christian community; to support the mission of the Cathedral; to offer opportunities for exploring and expressing spirituality; through worship service and example, to bear witness to Christ’s healing and reconciling love to neighbors, pilgrim, and visitors.”
Our first Sunday back we had a lovely reception on the lawn as we bid farewell to associate organist Ray Nagem. There is no coffee hour inside yet and no Congregation table. Certainly we will find ways to enhance the community experience as the weeks go on and to ready ourselves for the time when there are more visitors at a service than congregation members. Like Noah, it’s time to plant the vineyard.
On-line worship continues with Morning and Evening prayer Monday through Saturday. Weekday 12:15 Eucharist continues in Saint Martin’s chapel. With Bible study back again twice a week we have many opportunities to pray in community and to grow together in the spirit. The presence of both on-line worship and in-person worship is the new reality. I like the fact that I can be physically present for the Eucharist, be moved by the space and the music and then go home and watch and listen, reliving some of the emotion of the in-person experience. I would love to hear from those of you who are not yet able to come back to live services. How does the streaming work for you? I pray that you can come back soon and share with us the Body of Christ.
NEWS FROM THE CATHEDRAL
St. Francis Day at the Cathedral
Sunday, October 3
We’re pleased to announce that we are able to come together in-person this year to honor the sanctity of the natural world and our connections to animals, the Earth, and one another. The service will also be livestreamed online, for the enjoyment of those who wish to join from home.
People wishing to attend in-person with their pets are invited to enjoy the service on the Pulpit Green, beginning at 10:30am via a screen mounted outside. Cathedral clergy will administer the Eucharist outside to those who wish to partake. All (human and animal) are welcome to attend pet blessings and festivities on the Pulpit Green immediately after the service, as part of a warm and welcoming afternoon outdoors. There will be activities on the grounds for children and a magical performance by the Mettawee River Theatre Company, choreographed by master puppeteer, Ralph Lee.
No passes will be needed to participate in the service outside on the grounds, or to attend the pet blessings or outdoor afternoon events. More info and RSVPs is available on our website, stjohndivine.org.
NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
Episcopal Diocese of New York - 5th Global Mission Fair
Saturday, October 16, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
In-person at The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine (also available via Zoom)
Featuring: The Rt. Rev. Dickson Chilongani, Bishop of the Diocese of Central Tanganyika in Tanzania; A Conversation Between The Rev. Paul Anthony Daniels
Assisting Clergy at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and The Rev. Ranjit K. Mathews, Canon for Mission Advocacy, Racial Justice, and Reconciliation. The Episcopal Church in Connecticut; Voices of the worldwide Anglican Communion including a performance by the renowned Youth Choir Young at Arts and a presentation of international music by the Choir of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine
Click here for more details and to register!
CONGREGATION FALL RETREAT LETTING GO – AND TAKING HOLD
October 29 - 31, 2021
Holy Cross Monastery, West Park, New York
ALL SPOTS ARE NOW FILLED. The following people have registered: Marsha R., Linda L., JoAnn B., Lauren M., Agnes M., Luz B., Meryl M. , Michael N., Frank W., Muriel K. Chris S., Titus P.) If you are not on this list but think you have registered, please contact Laura Freseman.
Please let us know If you wish to be put on the wait list by contacting Marsha Ra. She may be able to secure more rooms.
VESTRY MEETING NOTES
At the September Vestry meeting this past Tuesday, the Vestry discussed a proposal to amend the Congregation's bylaws so that three Vestry members are elected for a term of three years, rather than four members. This would mean a Vestry of 12 members rather than 15 members.
If you have any feedback about this proposal, please contact the Wardens, Marsha Ra or Bob Deming. The Vestry will vote on the amendment at the October Vestry meeting on Tuesday, October 19 at 6:30 pm on Zoom. All are welcome to attend.
GIVE/SERVE
Questions about Realm
Christopher Clowdus and Neil Reilly invite your questions about Realm, the Congregation's giving database, at this email address: stewardship@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 and to staff Saint Saviour's Table. Please CLICK HERE to sign up! Shifts are open through the first week in October. Thank you so much for volunteering!
THIS SUNDAY, September 24, 2021
In-Person Worship at the Cathedral
10:00 am - Doors to Cathedral open.
10:30 am - Eucharist Service (apprx. 1 hour)
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
11:45ish AM - Digital Coffee Half-Hour (Cathedral Zoom Link)
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