Volume 1, Issue 12
March 06, 2019
THIS SUNDAY @ ST. JAMES
1st Sunday of Lent - March 10
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
Romans 10:8b-13
Luke 4:1-13

8:00AM
Preacher: Dean Ryan
Celebrant: Dean Ryan

10:00AM
Ushers: Jane Fisher & William Patterson
Lector: Pamela Johnston
Eucharist Minister: Jeni-Ann Kren
Preacher: Dean Ryan
Celebrant: Dean Ryan

UPCOMING DATES
Ash Wednesday Services
Wednesday, March 6
12:15PM & 6:00PM
Chapel | Cathedral

Preservation Society Meeting
Sunday, March 10 - 11:30AM
White Room - Zoe Eden

Lenten Worship Wednesdays
Starts March 17
12:15 & 6:00PM - Eucharist
5:45PM - Evening Prayer
Chapel

"Learning to Walk in the Dark"
Lenten Supper and Study Series
Wednesday, March 17 - 6:45PM
Fireside Room

Immigration 101 Forum
Saturday, March 16 - 1PM to 3PM
Cathedral
SHROVE TUESDAY AND ASH WEDNESDAY
WEDNESDAY LENTEN SUPPER AND STUDY:
Learning to Walk in the Dark
BEGINS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13TH AT 6:45PM
Throughout our liturgy in the Episcopal Church, we use the language of “light” and darkness. This imagery finds its roots in the Bible and dates before our modern industrial era, when nighttime truly meant darkness. Often in our society, pain, sadness, adversity, and tragedy are described as darkness—the absence of light and/or goodness. Throughout our lives, we will encounter both the light and darkness. 

The Reverend Barbara Brown Taylor is an Episcopal priest, theologian, professor, and is one of the most renowned Christian preachers in America. Reverend Taylor’s book, Learning to Walk in the Dark, will be the foundation of our Lenten Study at St. James Episcopal Cathedral. The Lenten Supper and Study will be Wednesdays in Lent, March 13, 20, 27, and April 10, 17. (Note: No meeting on Wednesday April 3rd) The Study will begin with a light supper at 6:45PM and the program will begin shortly after 7:00PM. Prior to the Study, at 6:00PM in the Chapel, a celebration of Holy Eucharist will be offered.

Barbara Brown Taylor’s book Learning to Walk in the Dark explores our contemporary uneasy relationship with darkness. Darkness, Taylor writes, is “shorthand for anything that scares me.” The absence of God or loss of a loved one or a life-threatening illness—the dark can scare us. Taylor shows us how to embrace spiritual darkness as a place where healing and growth occur. If we can learn to embrace the journey through darkness, then we will emerge stronger on the other side.

“Taylor challenges our negative associations with darkness and our attraction to light in this thought-provoking new book. She draws on her own experiences—from exploring caves and experimenting with blindness, to her questioning of her own religious training and faith—to explore what might be gained by embracing darkness.” (Spirituality & Health)

We hope you will join us for this thought-provoking Lenten Study. Copies of the Learning to Walk in the Dark will be available starting this Sunday at the entrance of the Chapel and Cathedral. Copies of the book are free to registered participants. To register for the Lenten Study, please click on the link below or register when you pick up your copy of the book. 

May our journey into the darkness lead to a glorious new light of insight and hope.
LENTEN WEDNESDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Starting March 17th
+ 12:15PM – Eucharist
+ 5:45PM – Evening Prayer
+ 6:00PM – Eucharist
+ 6:45PM – Lenten Supper and Study concludes with Compline
Lenten Stewardship Series
Dear Cathedral Family,

The fifth mark of Mission in the Anglican Communion is “to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the earth.”

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has this to say: “We have traditionally regarded sin as being merely what people do to other people. Yet, for human beings to destroy the biological diversity in God’s creation; for human beings to degrade the integrity of the earth by contributing to climate change, by stripping the earth of its natural forests or destroying its wetlands; for human beings to contaminate the earth’s waters, land and air – all of these are sins.”

As Christians and children of God, we are called to care for God’s creation. Bluntly, we have failed to care properly for God’s creation and the resources entrusted to us. We have sinned because we have chosen our own selfish needs over God’s will and love in creation. We are called by God, by our communities, by our human family, and by future generations to improve our habits of environmental stewardship. We are called to repent -- to turn in a different direction. If we do not care for creation, creation will be unable to care for us.

During the Season of Lent at St. James, we will set aside time for prayer, reflection, and dialogue around our care for creation. As we prepare our hearts, minds, and souls for the beauty of the Resurrection, we must also reshape our lives and habits so that we may be “agents of resurrection” for God’s creation.

Each week in the Midweek Missive, the Deacons and I will take turns providing a reflection inspired by the Anglican “Less Plastic for Lent Calendar.” The calendar can be downloaded below. We strongly encourage everyone to download the calendar to their mobile device. 

We hope that you will look daily at the calendar, reflect upon the information provided for the day, and pray each day for God’s creation. Most importantly, we hope that during this Season of Lent you will be inspired to rethink and reshape your relationship with God’s creation. 

May we have the courage and conviction to boldly care for God’s creation—and may we have the confidence to understand it begins with us.

In the name of our great Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier,

ryan+

The Very Reverend Ryan D. Newman
Dean
To download the "Lenten Environmental Calendar (Less Plastic for Lent)" click on the image above.
WEEK ONE: TITLE
Isaiah 24:4-5
by Deacon Nancy Key
Isaiah 24:4-5. “The earth dries up and withers, the world languishes and withers; the heavens languish together with hearth. The earth lies polluted under its inhabitants.” 

The picture painted by the prophet Isaiah is a dire one, starkly contrasting the lushness and abundance of the Paradise inhabited by Adam and Eve, by apples and snakes. Isaiah’s words startle us – how are we humans, for that is our first thought – to survive in a withered and dried up earth? And why is the earth polluted under our feet? What’s more, the verse following this scripture puts the blame squarely on us – the people – for having broken the “everlasting covenant.” 

How quickly we forget the covenant between God and us people – that God created the heavens and earth, and filled them with good things, calling the whole of creation “good.” Notice this is all creation – not just us humans, but the birds of the sky, plants of the earth, stars in the sky, and creatures of the sea - even the Leviathan, created for God’s sport. And then…. God charged God’s people to be its stewards. 

All things come of thee, oh Lord, and from thine own have we given thee. Holy One, teach us to love all that you have created, caring for your earth and creatures in thanksgiving to you.  
WIN A $25 GIFT CARD TO STARBUCKS
DIGITAL PROGRAM MARCH DRAWING
We hope you are enjoying the newly formatted service programs launched last December. The goal of the service program's redesign is to improve your overall worship experience. However, there is one challenge with any printed service program--the use of paper.

Each Sunday, service programs are recycled. However, we have a goal to reduce the amount of service programs printed at St. James, especially as our attendance grows at the Cathedral. By the end of Lent, we would like to reduce the number of programs printed by 20%.

There is a real easy solution to us achieving our goal; digital programs!

Did you know every week by Friday, on the St. James website, a digital version (PDF) of the service program is available for download. The digital service programs are also in color and include the "Gold Sheet."

We are strongly encouraging our St. James Family to download the Sunday service program onto their mobile device (iPhone, iPad, Kindle, etc.) in an effort to minimize our environmental footprint.

If you try out the digital program in March during Sundays, please show your device to one of the clergy and we will enter your name into a drawing on Sunday, March 31 for a $25 Starbucks card.

A download link is available each week in the Midweek Missive under the "This Sunday" section. In addition, the Sunday program can be downloaded by visiting: https://stjamesfresno.org/programs/
FROM BISHOP DAVID RICE
EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE CENTER OAKHURST (ECCO)
Dear Sisters and Brothers of The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin,

What you are about to read is the result of significant prayer, thought and discussion. In addition, the change about which we write is a tangible example of what we anticipate will be one of many initiatives and “emergences” designed to ensure that ECCO (our Camp and Conference Center) belongs to us. Framed another way and quite simply, ECCO must not merely be a part of The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin. We do not wish to run the risk of simply being customers and potentially infrequent customers at that ECCO must be “our” Camp and Conference Center, “our” home-away-from-home, the place where we belong; the place that belongs to us.

To that end, we are reducing the rates at ECCO for Episcopalians in San Joaquin by half. This reduction goes into effect immediately. Again, the impetus for this significant amendment is to underline our desire that Episcopalians from north to south and east to west, throughout The EDSJ, are not simply welcomed, we are deeply and sincerely invited to “come home” as frequently as possible.

We are foreshadowing other development initiatives and “emergences” in the days before us. We anticipate work to occur on our vast ECCO property which will enable our visit home to be enjoyable and memorable. Equally, we want our Camp and Conference Center to reflect who and where we are as a diocese, that is to say, the many ways in which we believe we are Called to be... must be evident and available the moment we arrive.

That is something of the work before us, so we ask that you watch that space. In the meantime, please contact our ECCO Staff and make arrangements to enjoy our ECCO Conference Center. Please book a time to come home.

Below this correspondence is information regarding amended rates and instructions. Blessings and Peace,
Bishop David

The Rt. Rev. David Rice 
Bishop of San Joaquin
Steve Rumage

Executive Director
Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst - ECCO
The Cathedral Choir of St. James
This past Sunday, we officially installed the Cathedral Choir. It is a growing and talented group of singers who have been instrumental in transforming our worship experience under the direction of Tim Peargin and Sherah Moore-Burdick.

The choir rehearses weekly on Wednesdays at 6:30PM. If you are interested in joining the St. James Cathedral Choir, please speak to im Peargin or Sherah Moore-Burdick--or any member of the choir.

Bless, O Lord, us your servants who minister in your temple. Grant that what we sing with our lips we may believe in our hearts, and what we believe in our hearts we may show forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
You are invited to Immigration 101 Forum!

On Saturday, March 16, SJ Raise (aka, the Immigration Task Force) will sponsor an introduction to immigration issues - Immigration 101 - to be held at St. James Episcopal Cathedral in Fresno.

Immigration 101 will provide you with a basic understanding of immigration law presented by an experienced immigration attorney, as well as a human perspective a DACA recipient impacted by immigration policy and practices. There will be time for your questions following the presentations.

We will begin the conversation with a brief history of The Episcopal Church's policies on immigration and immigration law since the 1990's. In general, The Episcopal Church has consistently passed resolutions asking for just immigration policy to be enacted by the US congress, as well as affirming the contributions of immigrants beginning with the birth of our country.

Please join us on Saturday, March 16 from 1:00 at St. James Episcopal Cathedral from 1PM to 3:00PM for this informative event! Refreshments will be served. There is no charge, but reservations are requested.
PILGRIMAGE OF HOPE:
A March for Immigrant Rights from Fresno to Sacramento
In the winter of 2017, the clergy and lay leaders began to dream of a pilgrimage...one where we, along with other faith communities and friends, would walk the diocese, engaging in formation and prayer along the way regarding the needs and concerns of our immigrant brothers and sisters. Now we are ready to make this dream a reality.  

Beginning May 4th, following Eucharist and a blessing at St James Cathedral in Fresno, pilgrims will begin their walk to Sacramento where they will converge with other faith communities, immigrants and concerned citizens on May 20th at the state capital to celebrate the gifts and contributions that our immigrant brothers and sisters bring to our communities, and to champion and advocate for immigrant rights. 

This will involve sixteen consecutive days of walking, praying, and reflecting. At stops along the way, walkers will gather with the local faith community to share the purpose of the walk, learn about local concerns of immigrants and pray together.

We invite you to join us in any way you are able:

Additionally, we ask you to consider making a financial contribution to help us make this pilgrimage possible. We are keeping our costs to a minimum, but do have some necessities to provide for our walkers and supporters: food, water, support for drivers who will travel with us, and educational and liturgical materials/resources for each hospitality stop in the evening.  
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE FORMING
St. James is blessed with an impressive campus! Maintaining and enhancing the beautiful buildings and grounds of St. James can be a daunting endeavor. However, this work is not a burden, but a blessing given to us by God. 

At February’s meeting, Chapter voted unanimously to establish a Buildings and Grounds Committee. The Buildings and Grounds Committee will ensure the Cathedral’s buildings and grounds are fit for the exercise of the worship, mission, ministry and outreach programs.

The newly formed Buildings and Grounds Committee will need a total of 5-7 people to serve. The group will meet regularly (about every 1-2 months) and report to Chapter. If you feel you might be called to serve on the Buildings and Grounds Committee, please speak to Dean Ryan or Pete Cabbiness.
ECW HIGHLIGHTS
by Emily Niblick
The St. James Episcopal Church Women (ECW) held their monthly meeting in the White Room in the Zoe Eden facility last Sunday, March 3rd.
There were eighteen women in attendance with a very nice lunch provided. Jane Fisher directed the discussion with the main topic being plans for this year.  

A card ministry was discussed and many agreed that they thought they would like for the group to participate. A card ministry involves sending a card and a note to those who may be having a tough time, or experience a loss, or a medical problem. It can be any situation in which a thoughtful “we care” will help people get through. It was decided to follow through on setting up this aspect of the ECW ministry.

Jane mentioned that St. James is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year. The Cathedral’s Preservation Committee is working on plans for a celebration. Jane asked for suggestions on how ECW might contribute to this special event. The group decided that ECW would sponsor an event in the Spring and one in the Fall.

Finally, the group heard about the need for volunteers to help the Altar Guild duties with preparation and cleanup on Sundays.
ADULT FORUM MARCH 17TH
CONCLUSION OF ANGLICAN CHURCH SERIES
Please join us at the Adult Forum for the conclusion of the five-part discussion on the formation of the Anglican church on Sunday, March 17 at 9:15AM in the Fireside Room. the Elizabeth’s reign.
FOOD BANK COLLECTION
Thanks to the generosity of the St. James community, our Food Bank guests are now enjoying peanut butter and oatmeal.

Throughout Epiphany, we are asking our Cathedral Congregation to bring jelly (for PB&J sandwiches). We’ll take any variety, but grape and strawberry are two kids’ favorites. Thank you!
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.