Volume 1, Issue 11
March 01, 2019
THIS SUNDAY @ ST. JAMES
LAST SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY - March 3
Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm 99
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Luke 9:28-43a

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

10:00AM
Ushers: Toni Alvarez and Jane Fisher
Lector: Katharine Nelson
Eucharist Minister: Pete Cabbiness
Preacher: Deacon Terrance
Celebrant: Dean Ryan

UPCOMING DATES
Interfaith Scholar Weekend
March 1st - 3rd

Men's Breakfast
Saturday, March 2 - 7:00AM
Yosemite Falls Cafe

Central Deanery Meeting
Saturday, March 2 - 10:00AM

Episcopal Church Women
Sunday, March 3 - 11:30AM
White Room - Zoe Eden

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Tuesday, March 5 - 6:00PM - 7:30PM
White Room - Zoe Eden

Ash Wednesday Services
Wednesday, March 6
12:15PM & 6:00PM
Chapel | Cathedral
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
Each week, in both the “Midweek Missive” and “The Gold Sheet” we will spotlight different ministries of the Cathedral. Our ministries are the lifeblood of the Cathedral’s mission and vision and they empower us to be the Church between Sundays. Amid our journey to grow and continue thriving, we need others to share their time, energy, wisdom, and leadership in the Cathedral’s ministries. We hope you will be inspired by and called to serve in one or more of the ministries featured throughout the season of Epiphany.
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. Our Cathedral campus has been entrusted to us by God and we must be good and faithful stewards of this bounty we have been given. 

It is no secret that during the “great disruption” the Cathedral campus was not properly maintained. Since the return of the Episcopal Church to St. James, both the Diocese and the Cathedral Congregation have worked in partnership to address the lengthy list of deferred maintenance issues. The transformation from two years ago has been remarkable . . . but there is also a great deal of work to be done!

At February’s meeting, Chapter voted unanimously to establish a Buildings and Grounds Committee that will be chaired by the Junior Warden, Pete Cabbiness, and report directly to Chapter. Currently, Pete Cabbiness has been doing the work of three people and a committee . . . by himself when it comes to the buildings and grounds. 

“Pete is an amazing servant-leader” said Dean Ryan. “Pete spends probably 15-25 hours a week on campus overseeing our campus operations including maintenance and rentals—all as a volunteer. It is time we get a team together to support this vital ministry. We need Pete’s leadership and vision, but we also need others to assist with helping to care for the Cathedral campus. Establishing a Buildings and Grounds Committee is a significant step in the right direction for the future of the St. James.”

What will the Buildings and Grounds Committee do?

  • Ensure the Cathedral’s buildings and grounds are fit for the exercise of the worship, mission, ministry and outreach programs.

  • Monitor the Cathedral’s buildings and grounds, and advise Chapter of issues regarding maintenance, repair or replacement. 

  • Research and recommend action plans to Chapter, including costs.

  • Act on approved proposals.

  • Liaise with contractors, campus security, technicians, staff and volunteers to ensure access and good communication.

  • Maintain and update with our security provider a campus security plan and procedures.

  • Organize regular Cathedral work days where volunteers can assist with “clean-up” tasks, and minor maintenance and repairs in the buildings and grounds.

  • Liaise with the Cathedral Treasurer and Dean to ensure timely payments are made to contractors and service providers.

  • Develop both a short-term and long-term “campus master plan.”

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
"TO SHARE OUR GIFTS" PRAYER
in this Season of Epiphany

All that we are, all that we have, and all that we will become is a gift from God. Gracious and loving Creator, do not let us neglect Your Spirit or the gifts You have bestowed upon us. Give us the courage to share these gifts with our Cathedral community and beyond. Grant that we might exercise our gifts with humility and to Your glory alone. O God, help us to see the good work You have ready for us, teach us to embrace that work with willingness and joy, and may we always faithfully share with your beloved creation the many gifts you have entrusted to us. We pray with grateful hearts, in the name of the One true light and hope, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ASHES TO GO
Bringing the Church and Lent to the People
Ashes to Go began in 2010, when three Chicago-area Episcopal churches took ashes to the train stations, bringing them to busy commuters. It was a hit and went viral in 2012, exploding across the nation. Ashes to Go is now being offered not only by Episcopal Churches, but many different denominations.

Next Wednesday, March 6 from 7:30AM to 9:15AM, St. James is taking Ash Wednesday and Ashes to Go to downtown Fresno. St. James will offer the Ashes to Go ministry at Courthouse Park (Tulare St. and Van Ness Ave).

The Dean and Deacons are hoping that some members of the congregation join us on Wednesday at Courthouse Park.

"We want to connect with the Fresno community and share a simple; yet, profound spiritual experience, especially with those in our community who might not be comfortable or familiar with the church," said Dean Ryan. "Ashes to Go is a wonderful opportunity to inspire others to reflect on their faith journey even if it is for a brief moment. It is also can be a catalyst for someone's Lenten journey that can lead to transformation and renewal."

To learn more about the Ashes to Go movement, watch the video above.
WEDNESDAY LENTEN SUPPER AND STUDY:
Learning to Walk in the Dark
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.
MEET THE NEW SENIOR WARDEN
by Emily Niblick
At February's Chapter Meeting, Dean Ryan announced that Stan Boone has accepted the call to serve as St. James new Senior Warden.

A phrase often used to present someone who is already known to a group of people, is “Ladies and gentlemen, I want to introduce a man who needs no introduction.” It is used so much, in fact, that it has become a cliché. According to the Oxford Dictionary, a cliché is one that “betrays a lack of original thought.” Well, I am going to use it now, not because of a lack of original thought, but because this man really needs no introduction!

Stan Boone, long time member of the Episcopal church, including Holy Family and now St. James, is known by just about everybody. He is friendly, oftentimes funny, helpful, generous, and now serving as our recently appointed Senior Warden. In light of his new role, we are honored re-introduce Stan to the St. James Family. 
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.  
PILGRIMAGE OF HOPE
Bishop David Rice Shares About the Walk to Sacramento
Bishop David Rice speaks to the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin about the Pilgrimage of Hope—a walk with a purpose—from Fresno to Sacramento culminating on May 20th, Day of the Immigrant. Please view and share the video—and if you can, please participate and/or support the Pilgrimage.
MEN'S BREAKFAST - SATURDAY, MARCH 2
The men of the Cathedral Congregation will gather on Saturday morning, March 2nd, at Yosemite Falls Cafe (4020 N Cedar Ave,--across the street from the Cathedral). The breakfast will begin at 7:00AM.
Meet Priscilla Metry. Priscilla has been a church volunteer since the beginnings of her relationship with God. She’s currently busy at St James with alter-guild, and choir where she not only sings, but is also the music librarian. Priscilla says she loves music, especially in the church where she’s been singing in choirs since she was six. One of her most recent accomplishments was organizing the St James Bell Choir. 

You’ll also find her working in the Thrift Shop, wheeling and dealing with folks in the community, having a lot of fun for a good cause. “Working in the Thrift Store is a lot fun,” she says. “I enjoy setting out the merchandise and organizing the inventory, especially the clothes.” 

Priscilla came to St James from Holy Family. She says that she’s a “cradle Episcopalian” and wherever she’s lived, she’s been involved in the church.  

“The most important part of church for me is the Sunday service, especially the sermon. I hope people are listening. Christ’s suffering motivates me.” Priscilla is also busy with ECW, Bible Study and Chapter activities. In her spare time she enjoys reading, walking and having coffee with friends. Thank you Priscilla!    
LENTEN WORSHIP SCHEDULE
+ 12:15PM – Eucharist
+ 5:45PM – Evening Prayer
+ 6:00PM – Eucharist
+ 6:45PM – Lenten Supper and Study concludes with Compline
CENTRAL DEANERY MEETING
Saturday, March 2
As members of the St. James Cathedral Congregation, you are invited and encouraged to attend the Central Deanery Meeting on Saturday, March 2 at St. James from 10:00AM - 12:00PM. The gathering will take place in the Fireside and Cathedral.

During the meeting, Bishop David, Canon Anna, and others will be addressing the group. You will hear important information and updates on the work and ministries of the Diocese.

Please plan to attend!
EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN (ECW) - SUNDAY, MARCH 3
The next meeting of the St. James ECW will be Sunday, March 3rd at 11:30AM in the White Room (Zoe Eden). The meeting will feature a potluck luncheon. We invite you to attend the meeting and bring a dish to share. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Janie Fischer.
BABY RUSSELL UPDATE
From Jim Mendez and Barbara Gallman  
Barbara and I would like to thank the congregation of the St. James Cathedral for all their prayers these past few months for our grandson Russell. He was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and a severe congenital heart defect in utero. He was 34 weeks when he was delivered on December 29, 2018. 

On January 7, 2019, he underwent the first of several expected open heart surgeries to improve his heart function. He struggled in the post-op period, but was finally able to be successfully taken off the ventilator on January 23, 2019. It has taken him time to be able to take adequate nutrition orally and to gain weight. He has been receiving fortified breast milk through an nasogastric tube but is now transitioning to bottle feedings. We are happy to report that he has left the hospital and is at home with his mother.   

We are thankful that Dean Ryan and Deacon Nancy came to the hospital on January 2, 2019, to baptize him; and that Deacon Nancy and Deacon Terrance brought blessings and holy oil to Russell on February 13th in the sacrament of the sick. 

Throughout this episode we have felt blessed by the support of others; blessed to be able to help our daughter; and blessed to have Russell in our lives.  

Jim Mendez and Barbara Gallman 
ADULT FORUM:
BY POPULAR DEMAND... 5TH SUNDAY ADDED
Want to learn of our church’s early foundings by Henry VIII? Henry’s wives? Have you wondered if Henry created a religion just to get a divorce? How did a young teenage King start a “reformation”?

Please join us at the Adult Forum for the continuation of the four-part discussion on the formation of the Anglican church. The discussion will examine English history before the reign of Henry VIII and the formation of the English Church through the reigns of Henry’s children: Edward, Mary and end with Elizabeth’s reign.

Please join Stan Boone as he leads the discussion at the Adult Forum. The final two sessions are Sunday, March 3 and a newly added session on March 10, all at 9:15 am in the Fireside Room.  

If you have not been able to attend all the sessions, it is not too late to join in; there is always a recap at the beginning of each session.
LENT IS COMING...BUT FIRST SHROVE TUESDAY
St. James will host a Shrove Tuesday Family Pancake Supper on Tuesday, March 5 at 6:00PM-7:30PM at the Cathedral. All are invited to attend. We invite you to a delicious supper of pancakes along with loads of bacon, egg dishes, fruits, desserts, and much more. Attendees are encouraged to bring a “breakfast" side dish.” A sign-up list is available at the entrance of the Chapel and Cathedral.

Why a pancake supper the day before Ash Wednesday? With the season of Lent beginning the next day (Ash Wednesday), historically people tried to use up all of their rich and fatty foods like butter, eggs and milk. Also celebrated as Mardi Gras ("Fat Tuesday" in French), the celebration takes place in many parts of the world. It is a fun and festive way to enjoy those final sweets before we turn our hearts, minds, and stomachs to the penitent season of Lent.
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.