VOLUME 1, ISSUE 37
OCTOBER 03, 2019
17th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 22)
Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4
Psalm 37:1-10
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Luke 17:5-10
8:00AM SERVICE
Preacher: Dean Ryan
Celebrant: Dean Ryan
10:00AM SERVICE
Ushers: Carol Mohan and Jane Fisher
Lector: Emily Niblick
EM: Jeni-Ann Kren
Preacher: Dean Ryan
Celebrant: Dean Ryan
FOOD BANK
2nd-4th Wednesdays @ 2:30PM

THE COTTAGE SHOP
Wednesdays 12:30PM - 4:30PM
1st-3rd Sat. @ 9:00AM-1:00PM

CHOIR REHEARSAL
Thursdays @ 6:30PM

FOOD BANK: TJ FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Sundays after 10AM Service (White Room)
MEN'S BREAKFAST
SAT. OCT. 5 @ 7:30AM
Yosemite Falls Cafe

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS MTG.
SAT. OCT. 5 @ 9:00AM
Conference Room

140TH CELEBRATION
SUN. OCT. 6 @ 11:30AM-1:30PM
Zoe Eden

BIBLE STUDY
WED. OCT. 9 @ 10:00AM-11:00AM
Fireside Room

CENTRAL DEANERY MEETING
SAT. OCT. 12 @ 10:00AM-12:00PM
Fireside Room

THE BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
SUN. OCT. 13 @ 10:00AM
Cathedral Lawn

EUCHARISTIC MINISTER TRAINING
WED. OCT. 16 @ 6:00PM-8:00PM
Fireside Room
CHAPTER NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCEMENT
Three Candidates Named
We are pleased to announce that three members of our Cathedral Congregations have been nominated to serve three-year terms on Chapter; Stan Boone, Katharine Nelson, and Aaron Schuelke.

On Sunday, October 20th, the Cathedral Congregation will vote to name four people to Chapter. Those four names will be forwarded for affirmation to this year's Diocese Convention on October 25th and 26th. Upon affirmation by Convention, the new members of Chapter will be installed at January's Annual Meeting.

We are hoping to elect four members to Chapter. Thus, we are still seeking nominations. If you are interested in nominating someone or yourself, please fill-out a Nomination Form and send it to Dean Ryan ASAP.
CHAPTER NOMINEES
Each nominee was asked to respond to the following question:

Please write a statement discussing your vision for St. James Cathedral in the next three years. Also, please briefly share your qualifications and leadership experience.
STAN BOONE

My vision for St. James is that it continues to be the heart of the diocese and a guidepost for good worship, liturgy and education. I recognize that St. James is a congregation blended from multiple worship families and each has unique hopes for St. James. I also realize the St. James is growing, and new people arrive each week. We need to hold tight to our foundation as a welcoming liturgical church while honoring the vision of the Bishop and the National Church. The Cathedral should be a vibrant congregation that welcomes all in the true spirit of "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You."  

Our congregation faces challenges of our aging facility but also great opportunity to grow in our current location. The Chapter will need to continue to be good stewards of the physical plant while determining how best to meet the needs of the congregation.  

I have served as the Senior Warden for both St. James Cathedral and Holy Family Church, both terms during great transitions for both congregations. I possess the ability to bring people together and to keep the vision focused on animating a sense of tradition while being progressive. Both are important to the growth of our church congregation. 
KATHARINE NELSON

My vision for St. James Cathedral in the next three years brings to mind an actual image of a young mustard bush. We are no longer just the seeds of our faith planted on our new (old) property. Rather, we are starting to grow and take shape. St. James Cathedral is becoming a purposeful tree that provides some form of needed sanctuary for all those who relate to it. I see people deepening their relationships with God and each other, ministries growing in spiritual formation and outreach, and creativity flowing as we invent new ways to maximize our talents and finances in a time where no one seems to have time. 

I feel qualified to serve on the chapter because I am invested in the life of our cathedral. I want to help discern how God is helping us shape our mustard bush into a tree! I have served in some church leadership roles in the past. I was an elder in the Presbyterian Church and served 2 years on the session, which is the equivalent to the chapter. I chaired the Christian Education team and taught Sunday School. I was a member of the staff/parish relations committee in the United Methodist Church. I hope my diverse church background will help me in my role on chapter as I might be able to offer a different perspective as we plan. It is an honor to be considered to serve on the chapter of St. James Cathedral.
AARON SCHUELKE

I began worshiping at St. James last year. It is wonderful to witness all the new life that has come into our congregation over this past year and the exciting ways we are growing as a community. I am very interested in discerning as part of chapter how we might continue to find new ways to serve Christ in each other and our neighbors. I feel it is important that we have a broad and bold vision of what it means to be the Episcopal Church for the Fresno community. We also need to be mindful that we are the Cathedral church for the diocese, and expand our reach and offerings in that regard as well. I have worshiped in Episcopal congregations, both large in small, across the country. I have served on the vestry and as a delegate to diocesan council in my home parish in Texas.
MEMBER PROFILE PROJECT UPDATE
Two weeks ago, St. James launched a bold and vital initiative,  The Member Profile Project.  Since the launch last week, 47 profiles have been completed.

However, we need 100% participation from the members of the Cathedral Congregation.  When you fill out a Member Profile, you are not just sharing information, you are building up the Cathedral of St. James and strengthening that sacred bond that draws us together as a community of faith.

This is one of the most important endeavors of our Cathedral’s resurrection! Our community, our Cathedral family, is the most important asset of St. James. The Cathedral’s membership database is an extension of our Cathedral family—it is a vital resource tool that establishes, maintains, and deepens our sacred connections with one another. 

If you do not have access to an internet enabled device or you would like assistance, each Sunday, 8:45AM – 9:45AM until the end of October, a member of the St. James team will make themselves available in the Fireside Room. They will assist you with filling out the form. The process should only take about five minutes. 

Please take five minutes and fill out your profile!
Within the Episcopal Church, laity assist the clergy during the celebration of Holy Eucharist, administering the elements (the wine or the bread). Eucharistic Ministers are vital members of the St. James worship team.

Have you ever thought about serving as a Eucharistic Minister? We are seeking to grow this ministry at St. James. No previous experience is required. We are hoping to grow the group to about 6-8 Eucharistic Ministers who would serve on a rotating basis during Sundays. Eucharistic Minister are needed for both the 8:00AM and 10:00AM services!

On Wednesday, October 16th, the Dean and the Deacons will host an introductory training workshop for new and continuing Eucharistic Ministers. The evening will begin at 6:00PM with dinner (provided by St. James). The training workshop will begin at 6:30PM and conclude 8:30PM. 

Those interested in attending the Eucharistic Minister Training Workshop, please register below. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak to your Cathedral Clergy. 
SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 20, 2019
QUARTERLY FOOD BANK FREE-WILL OFFERING
On Sunday, October 20th, during both the 8:00AM and 10:00AM services, we are inviting the Cathedral Congregation to participate in the quarterly free-will offering to support the St. James Food Bank. On this special Sunday, all cash gifts and any checks with the memo line “Food Bank” offered during the collection will be given to support the ministry of the St. James Food Bank.

The St. James Food Bank is blessed to have YOUR support—YOUR financial and food donations. This ministry is thriving because of your generosity and prayers. THANK YOU!

Please support the St. James Food Bank on Sunday, October 20th. 
2019 FRESNO/CLOVIS CROP HUNGER WALK
Join the St. James Team on Sunday, October 20th!
You can make a difference in local AND global hunger by walking in our CROP Hunger Walk this year. If you can't walk, please sponsor Team St. James. Together we are raising money to fight hunger and to walk in solidarity with all the people around the world who are walking for food, for water, and for firewood every day.

To sign up to walk, please check at the Crop Hunger Walk table outside the church front doors. To donate, a check made out to CWS/Crop will be happily accepted, cash, too, or donations may be made online.

Let's flight hunger together!

When:
Sunday, October 20th

Location:
First Congregational Church of Fresno, 2131 N Van Ness Blvd., Fresno, CA

Sign In Time:
1:30PM

Walk Time:
2:30PM
October's Youth Activity is a Halloween Party! Come in your spookiest costume, trick or treat for goodies, take your scariest photo booth pictures, and carve your best pumpkin. First prize for best costume is $25 Starbucks Card, with other prizes for all participants. Best pumpkin will receive a $20 Starbucks Card and be featured in the Midweek Missive the following week!

RSVP for the party so we can have enough food and goodies for everyone!

Click below to send Kourinthia an email telling her you're coming. 
The 10AM service will be held on the Cathedral lawn in order to accommodate our animal guests. It will be a shorter, pet-friendly service with a blessing and Eucharist. For those seeking a more traditional service on Saturday, October 13th , we recommend attending the 8AM service in the Chapel of the Holy Innocence.
FOOD BANK COLLECTION
Pasta Sauce
The St. James Food Bank needs our assistance to stock the shelves!

For the next couple of weeks, we are asking the Cathedral Congregation to bring on Sundays jars of the PASTA SAUCE for the Food Bank. A cart will be located at the entrance of the Chapel and the Cathedral for the collection. Thank you for your continued support of the St. James Food Bank!
IN HONOR OF ST. JAMES' 140TH ANNIVERSARY AND THE UPCOMING CELEBRATION THIS FALL, THE PRESERVATION COMMITTEE IS OFFERING ARTICLES IN THE "MIDWEEK MISSIVE" HIGHLIGHTING THE HISTORY OF THE CATHEDRAL.
WE HAVE MUCH TO CELEBRATE!
By Emily Niblick
Wow! What a ride I have been on this summer!

Back in June I stepped into the first meeting of the Preservation Society here at St. James. I discovered that during the previous weeks, due to housecleaning in preparation for moving things around and making new offices in the administration building, folks had discovered a treasure trove (well, at least to people like me) of old journals and publications from the Cathedral’s early and middle years. I remember the first item I saw was a journal of the Young People’s group that formed in 1914. The secretary was one Lucy Borchers, and here I could read her very nicely written minutes and be in the meeting room with them! I began to wonder about Lucy and her family (her father was a merchant in early Fresno) and that led to this and this led to that and…
Then I found that this year marks one hundred and forty years since Reverend D. O. Kelly came to Fresno and saw that this, more than any other place in the Central Valley, was the perfect place for a church! And so it began, in a lawyer’s office in the Fresno of what was still the wild west.

My appetite was whetted. I wanted more. I discovered that long before Fresno even existed, in the mid 1850’s, Bishop Kip, Episcopal bishop of all gold rush California, made a fantastic trip—first by boat from San Francisco to Monterey, then down the coast to a small village of adobe houses, surrounded by vast acres of ranchland, that would be called Los Angeles; then by mule and wagon from Los Angeles through Tejon Pass, down the treacherous path that would become “the Grapevine”; and into the Great Central Valley. With no trains yet, roads that were tracks through the dust, he traveled to Fort Miller. An Army outpost out where Millerton Lake is now, set there to protect the few residents in the area from bad guys and the indigenous peoples (who were the only ones who had been here a long time). And there he served communion to the soldiers.

The next thing I knew in this whirlwind tour of the history of our church, I was transported to a meeting of the very first vestry, which marked the official beginning of St. James. I looked into what information I could find about them—how one had recently gained American citizenship, claiming that he no longer recognized Queen Victoria as his monarch, and another from Scotland who had emigrated here. Others were from the East, come to California to make their fortunes, or at least a living—one a doctor, another a lawyer, and many farmers. And many who had fought on opposite sides in the Civil War.

I followed Reverend Kelly as he and his congregation built the first church in 1881, where downtown Fresno is today. Small, cramped, it lasted only until 1901, when a beautiful new church was built at Fresno and N streets. 

1910—and the part of the bishop of California’s diocese that he referred to as “the tail” because it stretched out so far away from his home in San Francisco—yes, our own San Joaquin, became a Missionary District, and formed our own diocese, with Reverend Louis C. Sanford becoming our first bishop, and suddenly we were one in our own land. Trains went up and down the Valley by then, with Fresno as an important stop, and we pulled away from the control of those who seldom saw us.  
I have seen documents pertaining to gifts to the church in honor of sons who went to war in 1917, off to see the sights of Paris (or so it was assumed). I read of a church sexton who died, and had no money for a funeral or burial, and the chapter took the matter up and made sure he had both. Even though the church was in hard times financially.
I whizzed through the great growth of St. James in the twenties and thirties, and the coming of Dean James Malloch, an erudite and thoughtful leader who made a mark not only here but nationwide. In my mind, I sat by the radio and tuned it to KMJ to hear the Radio Forum of Better Understanding; to hear Dean Malloch and his friends Rabbi Greenberg and then Father Dowling of the Roman Catholic church in Fresno discuss the issues of the day and promote peace among all our brothers and sisters, and eventually to warn of the specter of war as it rose on the horizon.

On, into World War II, and the important contributions of brave men and women from St. James. One, an Army nurse; another, a sailor on a ship that saw a kamikaze pilot flying his zero into the side; and, yet another, who helped form the milestone setting constitution of Japan after the war's end.

Into the fifties, and the earthquake damage that caused the need to move from the church at Fresno and N to a new patch of ground in what had been farm country just a little while before. As Dean Harry Lee presided over the groundbreaking for a new Cathedral at Cedar and Dakota, in 1959.

As I said earlier---what a trip I have had! I am all worn out! But not too tired to miss our wonderful 140th celebration this Sunday after church! Please come and enjoy a wonderful meal and see for yourself the treasures which we have discovered. The same ones I have used for a wonderful, magical tour through St. James’ history. Remember, as I may, the scene in 1925 when our church celebrated the anniversary of that visit so long ago by Bishop Kip to Fort Miller; and how the members of St. James drove in their Model A’s and T’s as far as they could and then walked the rest of the way to where Fort Miller had stood, to join in celebration and a picnic! And you only have to walk from the Cathedral to the Zoe Eden facility.

In closing, I also want to take this opportunity to thank all those who have told me how much they enjoyed my historical travels this summer. I would still like to write about St. James’ history, but I am going to change from a weekly article to one each month. So watch the Midweek Missive for more. Also, if you have a curiosity about some aspect of St. James’ past, or an idea for a great story, please let me know! You can always see me in church or email me at emilyeniblick@gmail.com. 

Thank you!

CHOIR REHEARSALS
Choir have resumed rehearsing on Thursday evenings, 6:30PM-8:00PM, in the Chapel. If you are interested in joining Choir, please come to rehearsal. For more information, please contact Sherah.
BIBLE STUDY- THE BOOK OF REVELATION
The mid-week Bible Study has returned. The study is led by Emily Niblick and meets weekly on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 10:00AM to 11:00AM, in the Fireside Room.
MEN'S GROUP
The next breakfast gathering is scheduled for Saturday, October 5th, 7:30AM at Yosemite Falls Cafe (across from the Cathedral).
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE
The next meeting will be Saturday, October 5th, at 9:00AM in the Conference Room.
CENTRAL DEANERY MEETING
The Cathedral is hosting the Central Deanery Meeting in the Fireside Room on October 12, 10:00AM-12:00PM. It is a great opportunity to come and represent the Cathedral to the Diocese, meet members of the laity and clergy throughout the Valley, and get more information on the upcoming Diocesan Convention October 25-26.
It’s a scene familiar to many clergy: Someone walks into the church office wanting to speak to a priest, clearly in distress. Within a few minutes of conversation, it becomes clear that the person is suffering from a mental illness.
The Episcopal Church condemned the Trump administration’s decision, announced Sept. 26, to further slash the number of refugees to be resettled in the United States to a historic low of just 18,000 – a move that threatens to cripple the ability of Episcopal Migration Ministries and other agencies to maintain the United States’ decades-old policy of welcoming those in need from around the world.
Though a number of Episcopal churches have worked to acknowledge and repent for their congregations’ historic involvement with white supremacy or slavery, it’s rarely as personal as it is for the Rev. Natalie Conway and Steve Howard of Memorial Episcopal Church in Baltimore.
In April, the world lost a 700-year-old glacier to climate change. Oceans are warming, oxygen levels are declining as ocean acidity rises, and fish are dying. At the same time, sea levels are rising and island nations are poised to disappear.
In the summer of 1969, homosexuality was still classified as a mental illness by the American Psychiatric Association, sodomy was a felony in 49 states, there had never been an openly queer elected official in the United States and there were divisions in The Episcopal Church about whether homosexuality was sinful.
The dead are buried in books. At Auschwitz, the Nazi death camp in Poland that came to symbolize the Holocaust, the Book of Names memorializes 4.2 million known victims in oversized books displayed in Block 27, a red-brick former barrack, as part of a permanent exhibit honoring the dead.
If you have any feedback, comments, or questions for the Midweek Missive Editors, please email us . Submissions to the Midweek Missive are welcomed and must be submitted to midweek@stjamesfresno.org by Tuesday at noon.