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The Cathedral CAll
September 2011
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Dear Friends in Christ,
The tenth anniversary of what has become known as 9/11 falls on a Sunday. So on Sunday the 11th of September, we will be mindful of that awful day that has so greatly influenced our national life and our view of the world. Just think, it has led to the infringement upon our civil liberties, to the invasion of another nation and a seemingly endless war in yet another. These international ventures have contributed to a national debt that haunts us as we have paid for them over the last nine years with borrowed money to the tune of over $1,223,872,500,000. They have led to nearly tripling the number of deaths that occurred on 9/11 itself.
Most of us can remember where we were on that fateful morning in September of 2001. The images of airplanes flying into buildings and people walking out of the cloud of destruction as they sought distance from the devastation that had so nearly claimed their lives are still vivid. And of course, we cannot forget those who did not walk out including the first responders of the New York Fire and Police Departments.
There was a moment in time following 9/11 that the United States was held in the thoughts and prayers of many around the world. I remember attending a breakfast meeting in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and one of my table companions talking about being in Dublin and attending a service at Christ Church Cathedral memorializing those who had been killed in the attacks. He spoke about the moving and heartfelt words of the Anglican Archbishop of Dublin who connected the words of faith to the deeds of humankind.
Following the 9/11 attacks, our national emotions included anger and fear. There were cries for revenge; there was an increase Islam phobia. The rational desire for justice was overwhelmed by these emotions and this played into the geo-political goals of American leadership. We went to war, and at war we remain.
When Christian people gather on Sunday morning the eleventh of September, many will read the same Gospel account as we will be reading. It is the account appointed for the 13th Sunday after Pentecost. I turned to that reading when I became aware that 9/11's tenth anniversary would fall on a Sunday. It is from Matthew and it is about forgiveness. Peter asks Jesus about forgiveness: Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. Jesus then expounds upon this with the so called Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. Forgiveness is a core value in the New Testament, Jesus includes it as an imitation of the Divine in his prayer, the Our Father.
There is in some expressions of common wisdom an understanding that forgiveness is a sign of weakness. Thus it would have been a moment of weakness for Jesus on the cross when he called for forgiveness for those responsible for his execution. The proud and strong declare, "We will never forget."
But wait, that is not what forgiveness is all about, it is not about forgetting; and it is not about ignoring the need for justice. To forgive is not to forget, it is to overcome the often heavy burden of human brokenness and find anew the presence of God. It is not about ignoring the need for justice, it is about providing the space in which God's presence can empower the quest for justice.
The quest for justice often includes accountability. None of us is above accountability, and indeed as Paul says, We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But while forgiveness makes room for justice, revenge can bring ruin to all involved. Indeed, as Paul understood it, revenge or vengeance is too heavy a burden for humankind. It was, and is, destructive. So he says in Romans, Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, vengeance is mine says the Lord. In other words, revenge is so powerful a drive that only the holy one of creation can manage it.
Anniversaries are often times for celebration, but not always. Certainly the tenth anniversary of 9/11 is not a cause for celebration. It is a time to remember, to reflect, to memorialize and to pray for fresh vision to see the presence of God in the midst of the valleys of the shadows of death. And, as is true with all anniversaries, this 9/11 anniversary is a time to look to the past, contemplate the present, and envision the future even as we remember that Christ has die. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Faithfully,
Bill
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The Future of Saint John
Dear Friends in Christ,
The Vestry will be reporting to you on Sunday the 25th of September about the outcome of the several meetings and conversations concerning the future of the ministry here at Concord and Market. These meetings and conversations have engaged parish leaders who have been involved with the ministries located at Saint John's as well as the Vestry and the Bishop. Please note now that there will be one service on the 25th and it will begin at 10:00 that morning. The meeting will follow the service.
There are and will continue to be two major concerns for me in the coming church programmatic year: the care and nurture of the people of the Cathedral, and the present and future ministry for children and young people provided by the Choir School. I know that these concerns are shared by the Cathedral's leadership and by the Bishop. I am committed to being part of that caring and nurturing, and to being as helpful as I can be in assisting the Choir School's leadership in the School's present work and in the discernment of its future.
Whatever course we find ourselves on over the days and months ahead, I am, and I hope you are as well, mindful of the many blessings provided by the Cathedral Church of Saint John for its members, its ministries, and for the Diocese of Delaware. These blessings are part of the very essence of this Cathedral Church. Christians are thankful people, and the Christian people of Saint John's, and all who have been touched by it, will always have cause for thanksgiving.
My admonition for us all is that we live as thankful people and stay engaged on the journey ahead. As long as there is a Saint John's at Concord and Market, there will be ministries to do, liturgies to celebrate, lives to nurture, and the ever present opportunities to witness to the love of God as we know it in Messiah Jesus. I am mindful that thankfulness enables spiritual and emotional health for people and for their communities, including their faith communities. During the days ahead, the people of Saint John's have one another and their mutual ministry in serving the Brandywine Village, especially in serving the little ones of the Village.
There is much that is out of my control and yours as the journey unfolds for Saint John's. But being out of control is not an invitation to cease being involved. For wherever the journey leads, there is still life and work for now. And the quality and prosperity of that life and work depends upon the Holy Spirit and upon us. Our ongoing presence, prayers and financial offerings are in our control. Whatever comes, we will not just be going through the motions with our continued engagement. Being faithful in the time and place provided for us is never just going through the motions.
I am thankful for the blessings I have through my participation in the life and work of Saint John's, and to the Vestry, the Bishop, and all of you who allow me to be involved.
Faithfully,
Bill
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A WORD FROM OUR NEW CHOIRMASTER, EUGENE LAVERY
As the new Organist/Choirmaster of the Cathedral Church of Saint John and Artistic Director of the Cathedral Choir School, it is my pleasure to introduce myself and my family. I am originally from New Zealand where I held multiple cathedral positions and was first immersed in the Anglican choral and liturgical tradition. I relocated to New York in 2007 to undertake a Master of Music Degree in Organ from The Juilliard School and to hold the position of Assistant Director of Music at The Reformed Church in Bronxville, NY. I met my wife Sharon at Juilliard and we have an energetic 16-month-old toddler named Ryan and we are expecting another son in November. I look forward to being a member of the cathedral parish and furthering the mission of both the cathedral and the choir school through my work.
Come out to meet Eugene at these
upcoming events:
Sunday, October 16, 2011
3:30 p.m. Organ Recital featuring Eugene
4:00 p.m. Choral Evensong followed by a welcome
reception
Director's Tours:
Meet our students and hear first-hand how he Choir School is making a differencec in their lives! Sit in on a rehearsal and see the Choir in action!
Fall tour schedule:
Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45 p.m.
September 21
October 19
November 16
December 7
Seating is limited! Call (302) 654-6279 x2 for reservations.
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NEW CHOIR SCHOOL YEAR BRINGS
EXCITING CHANGES!
Welcome back to the start of a fresh new program-year at the Choir School! We have exciting developments to share with you including: a new Artistic Director, a new After-School Program Coordinator, a state-of-the-art computer lab and a newly organized library of mentoring resources.
Our Artistic Director, Eugene Lavery is busy settling into his new role here at the Choir School. He is most eager to meet all of our choristers and adult singers and resume our task of making great music together.
With the generous support of Speer Trust funds, the Choir School has hired Eric Hydeman to serve as our After-School Program Coordinator. Eric is a 2010 University of Delaware graduate with a major in history and a passion for education. He is a second year Public Ally, and he will be assisting Leslie Acker-Rowe as he manages the Homework Club and after-school enrichment activities. Leslie will continue to oversee the whole after-school program with particular emphasis on mentoring.
Wait until you see our new computer lab! Sadly, West Center City Seekers closed its after-school program last year, and through the efforts of Esther Summers and Howard Starkweather, former volunteers at WCCS and now homework helpers at the Choir School, we have made a new home for six Macs from the WCCS program. Many thanks also to Nick Orlando for his sharp eye and quick response in securing no longer needed office furniture from Work First Casualty Company. This area business was downsizing its office space, and we were most fortunate for their largesse in donating a truckload of furniture to the Choir School. The computer lab now has six individual office cubicles to house each computer. And new desks for new choir school staff are in place as well as filing cabinets for all. We appreciate the very hard work of Kevin and Alex Noel, Ben Osbun, Anita Manning, Dana Robertson, Arlene Knotts, Aniah Knotts and Isaiah Jones for moving and assembling furniture, and for cleaning and setting up offices in preparation for a new program year. We could not have done this without you!
Many hands have made light the gargantuan task of organizing our library of books, games, school supplies and mentoring resources. Susan Thomas-Holder, Beth Jones, Debbie Layton and Leah Rowe have lent their time and expertise in preparing our resource library for a new year of reading, research and recreation. Blessings upon each of you!
Exciting times are upon us! Be sure to stop by and visit the newly renovated second floor. And perhaps you'd like to pull up a chair and stay awhile. We are always looking for volunteers to lend a hand!
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CHOIR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES RESUME
Wednesday, August 31 - First full choir rehearsal 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Monday, September 5 - Labor Day Holiday- Choir School/Cathedral Offices CLOSED
Tuesday, September 6 - First day of Homework Club 3:00-6:00 p.m.; normal schedule of choir rehearsals resumes for all students this week
Sunday, September 11 - Choir resumes singing at Sunday morning liturgy; 8:55 a.m.-noon
Monday, September 12 - Piano and voice lessons resume this week
Saturday, September 17 - MANDATORY Student and Parent Orientation 10:00 a.m.; Orientation for Mentors/Homework Helpers 10:00 a.m.; Combined Welcome Back Potluck Lunch 11:30 a.m.
Monday, September 19 - Choir School Board Meeting 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 21 - Choir School Director's Tour 5:45-6:45 p.m.
Thursday, September 29 - Choir School CLOSED - NO Homework Club, Mentoring, Piano Lessons, Choir Rehearsal (Public School Holiday - Rosh Hashanah)
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LITURGICAL MINISTERS
(Formerly referred to as "Participants")
SEPTEMBER 4
7:30 a.m.
Communion Assistant Roberta Walker
Acolyte Roberta Walker
Lectors Linda Whitehead Alice Coleman
Altar Guild Team 1
10:30 a.m.
Communion Assistants Tracey Dixon, Walter Meredith
Acolytes Cameron Dixon, Tracey Dixon
Lectors Barbara Davison Dan Colburn
Vestry Greeter Anna Winslow
Greeter Team/Ushers Jane Runkle, Jack Runkle, Anita Manning
Altar Guild Team 1
SEPTEMBER 11
7:30 a.m.
Communion Assistant Bill Kauffman
Acolyte Bill Kauffman
Lectors Anne Kauffman Audrey Johnson
Altar Guild Team 2
10:30 a.m.
Communion Assistants Odette Hartenauer, Rich Wadman
Acolytes Traey Dixon, Adele Meredith
Lectors Barbara Davison Odette Hartenauer
Vestry Greeter Julie Casey
Greeter Team/Ushers Cislyn Taylor, Helen Whitson, Paula Glover
Altar Guild Team 2
SEPTEMBER 18
7:30 a.m.
Communion Assistants Roberta Walker
Acolytes Roberta Walker
Lectors Marsali Hansen Sherry Goodill
Altar Guild Team 2
10:30 a.m.
Communion Assistants Catherine Maguire Beverly Romain
Acolytes Charles Gibb, Walter Meredith
Lectors Susan Thomas-Holder Michael Shaw
Vestry Greeter Dan Colburn
Greeter Team/Ushers Tom Angell, Scott Serota, Laura Eisenman
Altar Guild Team 2
SEPTEMBER 25
7:30 a.m.
Communion Assistant Greta Parris
Acolytes Greta Parris
Lectors Greta Parris Linda Whitehead
Altar Guild Team 3
10:30 a.m.
Communion Assistants Adele Meredith (Need substitute)
Acolytes Mali Mase, Lydia Stinson
Lectors Adele Meredith Dan Hayes
Vestry Greeter Tabe Mase
Greeter Team/Ushers Bud Walls, Al Grunfeld, Russel Dutton
Altar Guild Team 3
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Greater Brandywine Village Revitalization
Village Fresh Farmer's Market
Located on the corner of Market Street and Concord Avenue (Next to the Cathedral of Saint John's parking lot).
September 8th and 22nd
4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
An Urban Farmer's Market & Community Garden Project
We welcome vendors, committee members and volunteers. To sign up or to hear updates on Village Fresh please contact
Steve Kuzmicki at (302) 571-9050
gbvr.villagefresh@gmail.com
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REMINDER
Special Parish Meeting
Sunday the 25th of September
10:00 a.m.
There will be one service on the 25th beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the meeting will following the service. This meeting is sponsored by the Vestry of the Cathedral and its purpose is to provide an update on the deliberations concerning the future for mission and ministry here at Concord and Market.
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SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
Bill and Anne Kauffman
9/1
Scott Serota and Tom Angell
9/11
Richard and Debbie Layton
9/14
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
Joe Tatnall 9/2
Sei-Mongli Boayue 9/3
Vickie Forster 9/5
Dan Hayes 9/7
Ruth Muller 9/8
Britany Donaldson 9/10
Ethan Koob 9/12
Nick Orlando 9/13
Anna Spencer 9/20
Catherine Maguire 9/20
Patti Van Voorhis 9/22
Kiara Pugh 9/22
Jane Runkle 9/23
Beverly Romain 9/23
Diane Drummond 9/25
Chance Hayes 9/28
Yei-Lehelhn Boayue 9/29
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Cathedral Church of Saint John
10 Concord Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19802
(302) 654-6279 FAX (302) 777-5789
Sunday Service Hours:
7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
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