Volume 1, Issue 5

January 16, 2019

THIS SUNDAY @ ST. JAMES EPIPHANY 2 - January 20th Scripture Readings Isaiah 62:1-5 Psalm 36:5-10 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 John 2:1-11 9:00AM Ushers: Jane Fisher & Richard Jennings Lector: Emily Niblick Eucharist Minister: Peter Cabbiness Preacher: Dean Ryan Celebrant: Dean Ryan 

UPCOMING DATES Bible Study on the Apocrypha Thursday, January 17 - 10:30AM Fireside Room Combined Service Sunday, January 20 - 9:00AM Annual Meeting of the Cathedral Congregation Sunday, January 20 - 10:30AM Zoe Eden Feast of the Presentation of our Lord (Candlemas) Saturday, February 2 - 6:00PM

ANNUAL MEETING THIS SUNDAY

We worship as one congregation this Sunday at 9:00AM. Following the service, the Cathedral Congregation will gather in Zoe Eden for the Potluck Brunch and Annual Meeting. The meeting is important to the mission and ministries of St. James. Please plan to attend this vital gathering.  In preparation of the Annual Meeting, we invite you to download the 2019 Annual Meeting Packet by clicking on the image to the below. Packets will be provided also at the meeting.

CLICK IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD THE ANNUAL MEETING PACKET

CALL FOR CONVENTION DELEGATE NOMINEES

During the Annual Meeting of the Cathedral Congregation, we will need to select two delegates to attend the Annual Convention of the Diocese of San Joaquin, October 25-26, 2019, at The Episcopal Conference Center (ECCO). With the Cathedral clergy and wardens, convention delegates represent St. James at this vital meeting of the Diocese. RESPONSIBILITIES OF A DELEGATE Attend three Central Deanery Meetings  Attend Diocesan Convention October 25-26, 2019 at The Episcopal Conference Center (ECCO) Report to the Cathedral Congregation about Convention.

Worship Ministries, Part Two: Ushers/Greeters, Acolytes, & Altar Guild

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.

ALTAR GUILD Chalice, ciborium, lavabo bowl, cruets, purificators, lavabo towel, corporal, as well as the veil and burse for veiling the chalice; these items with the strange names are all an important part of the Eucharist, the center of our Sunday worship service. It’s not really so complicated; the lavabo bowl is the bowl containing the water which cleanses the priests’ hands before preparing, purificators are the small squares of white linen which are used to wipe the rim of the cup after you take the wine, the paten is the plate used to hold the bread during consecration and administration of communion. It may sound strange, but all these items form a very important part of worship each Sunday. So who is responsible for making sure these items are where they need to be? Is it the priest? No, he or she has plenty else to worry about. The task of making the Eucharist possible falls to the Altar Guild, a small group of men and women who are responsible for preparing the altar for Sunday worship as well as all other services or ceremonies. Apart from the altar itself, they also care for the items and sacred elements that are utilized in services--a very important job, indeed, and quite rewarding. Altar Guild is a ministry at St. James which is open to everyone. If you are interested in the Altar Guild ministry, please sign-up at the Ministry Table located at the entrance of the Cathedral or speak to Carol Gavette. Who: Anyone 16+ and older. Open to men and women! Time involved: Usually Altar Guild members serve once a month and the Altar Guild organizes occasional work days throughout the year.

USHERS/GREETERS “For our congregations to thrive—spiritually and numerically—we need more than a newcomer ministry. For us to live into God’s call to share the good news of Christ far and wide, to serve the poor, and to love our neighbors, we need a ministry that is deeper and wider than we have imagined, that not only invites and welcomes visitors but also works to fully incorporate them into the body of Christ.” (Mary Parmer) The ministry of Ushers/Greeters at the Cathedral is just the beginning of creating a “deeper and wider” ministry to incorporate others into the life of St. James Cathedral and the body of Christ. This ministry might be the most important ministry on Sunday because ushers/greeters are called upon to make a sacred connection with those coming to St. James.  There are practical roles: Setting out the name tags, greeting worshipers, handing out service programs, obtaining the congregational count, delivering the elements of bread and wine, overseeing the offering collection, and providing general hospitality. However, there is also a profound spiritual role ushers/greeters play at services. For many visiting St. James, an usher/greeter is the first person they meet. Ushers/Greeters set a tone; and hopefully, the message they share with others says that St. James is a welcoming, thoughtful, and intentional community of faith.  In the future, we hope some ushers/greeters will want to build a deeper and wider ministry that helps others to fully connect to and incorporate them into the body of Christ. If you are interested in serving as an Usher/Greeter, please sign-up at the Ministry Table located at the entrance of the Cathedral or contact Dean Ryan. Who: Anyone ~16+ and older. Time Involved: Ushers/Greeters typically serve about once per month.

ACOLYTES "Acolytes" were first mentioned in a letter from the pope written to the Bishop of Antioch dated in the year 251 A.D. (CE). At that time, acolytes were members of the clergy-ordained Church leaders-serving alongside bishops, priests, deacons and others. Today, acolytes are lay members of the Church. At St. James Episcopal Cathedral the Acolyte Ministry is open to all congregants ages 8 and up (including adults). Acolytes fully participate in the liturgy (worship) of the Church. From the beginning to the end of the service, acolytes serve as representatives of the congregation at God's altar and assist the clergy with leading the worship service. Becoming an acolyte is a great way to get involved at St. James, especially for the youth of the Cathedral! Acolytes function in two ways: First, there are practical jobs that we "do" as part of our service: carrying a torch, cross, Gospel Book, sometimes a banner/flag; giving out and receiving the alms basins, and helping the clergy ready the table for celebration of Eucharist, among other things. Secondly, acolytes are living symbols of faith--they represent something much larger than ourselves. Serving and leading our congregation in worship is an important ministry and should be undertaken reverently, faithfully, and joyously. St. James will host an acolyte training in the Spring for anyone, young and young-at-heart, interested in the ministry. The time will serve as a chance for new acolytes to learn the ministry as well as a refresher for current acolytes who already regularly serve. Anyone age 8 and up is welcome to attend the training and serve as an acolyte. If you are interested in serving as an Acolytes, please sign-up at the Ministry Table located at the entrance of the Cathedral or contact Dean Ryan . Who: Anyone age 8 and up, including adults. Time Involved: Acolytes will serve approximately every 3-4 weeks, pending on the number of participants in the ministry. To view the previous installment of the "Share Your Gifts" Spotlights, please see the previous issue of the Midweek Missive .

"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.

THE MINISTRY OF DEACONS Part Two: Leading the Prayer of the People

When present, the deacon leads the congregation in the Prayers of the People. This function is consistent with the deacons’ ordination role to “interpret to the church the needs, concerns and hopes of the world.” This role is consistent with the deacon as “herald or messenger;” the deacon frames the topics, and the people respond to the call for prayers. In the absence of a deacon, another baptized person may serve in this function.  While Deacon Nancy and Deacon Teri Van Huss have been writing seasonal Prayers of the People for the “Hub” (Episcopal churches in Fresno, Tulare, Visalia, and Hanford), Dean Ryan and Canon Anna have contributed, as will Deacon Terrance. Other resources may be used as well.  You’ve probably noticed that when your Cathedral deacons lead the Prayers of the People, we stand in the midst of the congregation (as we do when proclaiming the Gospel). This is because deacons can be thought of as “connectors” of the laity to the concerns of the world. Our ministry has been described as that which has one foot in the world, and the other foot in the church – and as such, among the people is a most appropriate place for us to stand.  Our Book of Common Prayer specifies that Prayers of the People cover six categories:  The Church The nation, and all in authority The world The local community  Those in need Those who have died The emphasis of the Prayers of the People is intercession: asking God to relieve our needs, remedy our concerns, and fulfill our hopes. The Episcopal Church encourages local congregation to tailor the prayers to their own needs using its specified categories. Worshippers at St. James participate in the Prayers of the People by asking for prayers using the prayer request cards, and through silent or spoken prayers during the prayers.  It is also appropriate for deacons to bid the confession following the prayers of the people, as is our practice at the Cathedral.  Deacon Nancy and Deacon Terrance

KICKOFF SUPERBOWL WEEKEND WITH CANDLEMAS ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND

On Saturday, February 2nd at 6:00PM, in the Chapel, the Cathedral will celebrate the feast day of Candlemas, also known as the Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. The Feast commemorates the presentation of Jesus and the purification of Mary in the Jerusalem Temple forty days after Jesus' birth, in accordance with the requirements of Jewish law (Lv 12:2-8).  There is a great deal to celebrate on February 2nd.  Candlemas is the third and final “festival of light” during the darkest time of year. The other festivals are the Nativity and Epiphany.  To celebrate the light, special candles can be lit during the Eucharist and candles utilized throughout the year are blessed.  February 2nd is the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. The Lord Jesus is presented by Joseph and Mary to the Temple. A man named Simeon, who was a priest sees baby Jesus and offers the prophetic words which we now know as the Nunc Dimittus—a song sung often during Evening Prayer. An added bonus from some: With Sunday, February 3rd being Superbowl Sunday, come to Candlemas on Saturday night and you can spend all day Sunday preparing for the game. However, Church on Sunday will be over by 11:30AM—some four hours before kickoff. So join us for both, Candlemas on February 2nd and another “super” Sunday with your Cathedral Family on February 3rd.

ADULT FORUM: CHURCH HISTORY SERIES Starts Sunday, February 3rd

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 a three-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, beginning on Sunday, February 3 at 9:15AM.

FOOD BANK COLLECTION

Thanks to the generosity of the St. James community, our Food Bank guests are now enjoying peanut butter and oatmeal. Starting this Sunday, January 13th through the majority of 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!

MEET THE NEW CHAPTER MEMBERS

DR. RICHARD JENNINGS

Having served on diocesan committees and governing bodies of the Diocese of San Joaquin, and the vestry of Holy Family for many years, I have an understanding of the challenges and the opportunities that exist as we “take back” St. James. Today we occupy over 10 acres in a transitional neighborhood with over 25,000 square feet under roof. What an opportunity to develop programs to meet our needs and the needs of our neighbors! I am convinced that if we continue to work together, over time we can develop a faith community that provides spiritual growth to its members and its community, and that in doing so reaches out and makes life easier and fuller for its neighbors. The challenges are great, and the rewards...are greater.

CAROL MOHAN

Compared to many of you, I am a relatively new Episcopalian. I was a “cradle Methodist" with roots in North Carolina, but years later went through a period of searching and seeking. One Sunday, about 13 years ago, I attended a service at Holy Family and was totally swept away by the most beautiful liturgy I had ever heard. I finally had found my truest and deepest spiritual home. Soon after being received into the Episcopal Church, I served for many years as coordinator of Altar Guild at Holy Family. Professionally, I have been a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for over 35 years, teaching nutrition to students at CSUF and helping people in community and clinical settings choose the best foods to stay healthy. I currently work as a Renal Dietitian counseling patients with chronic kidney disease to help them avoid or delay the need for dialysis. I am honored to be a member of the Cathedral Chapter. There is so much to be done and the future seems very exciting, challenging and filled with God's promises of goodness and love. I will do my best to serve God's family at St. James.

ECW LUNCHEON AND MEETING, FEBRUARY 3

All women are invited to a very special ECW luncheon and meeting to be held on February 3rd in the White Room in Zoe Eden. The gathering will begin after the 10:00 service that morning. Luncheon is being provided by the St. James Men’s Group as a thank you for all that ECW does for the Cathedral. Special Guest Dean Ryan will also attend.  If you are planning on coming, please RSVP to Jane Fisher at claricejane@comcast.net or sign up on the sheets provided at the Cathedral on Sunday morning. The men want to make sure they prepare enough for everyone!

STEVE BERGLUND Meet Steve Berglund. We call him “Mr. Wizard” because Steve can fix just about anything. “I’ve always liked working with my hands, “he says. “I can’t think of a better way to serve our church.”  A lifelong Episcopalian, Steve remembers when St. James Cathedral was downtown. “I sang in the choir as a kid, and really enjoyed it.” He now enjoys being the Cathedral handyman.  A graduate of Fresno High, he’s been a small business owner in our community for most of his life. “I enjoy solving problems, being creative and fixing things.” Some of Steve’s most recent projects include creating storage space and shelving for the Food Bank, increasing security provisions on campus, major landscaping projects, repair of restrooms and fixtures and on...and on.  If you stop by the Cathedral on any day of the week, you’ll probably catch him somewhere on campus, in the middle of a task, working quietly, totally focused, and making sure that every detail is just right.  Thank you Steve!

The Bible study on the Apocrypha continues this Thursday at 10:30AM in the Fireside Room. This week we will be studying the book of Tobit.  This is a fascinating story of a faithful Hebrew man living in exile, his son who is his pride and joy, God's special agent angel Raphael, and a young woman with bad luck with husbands--as soon as she marries them a demon kills them. Come join us and find out what all this means on Thursday! For more information or to express interest in attending the study, please email Emily Niblick. All are welcome!

FOOD BANK WEDNESDAY NEXT DATE: JANUARY 23TH St. James Food Bank serves the community on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 2:30PM – 4:30PM. Volunteers are always needed and should arrive by 1:30PM. Thank you for your generosity and support!

DON'T MISS OUT In last week's Midweek Missive, Emily Niblick offered a wonderful feature article on St. James' new Dean, The Very Reverend Ryan D. Newman. Emily traces Dean Ryan's journey from his childhood, to his call to ministry, through his professional ministry career. Learn how Dean Ryan and Dr. Erin met. It is a worthwhile read... don't miss out!

Read the Article About Dean Ryan

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.

‌ ‌ Sign-up to receive the Midweek Missive