VOLUME 1, ISSUE 47
DECEMBER 11, 2019
Third Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 35:1-10
Psalm 146:4-9
James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11
8:00AM SERVICE
Preacher: Dean Ryan
Celebrant: Dean Ryan
10:00AM SERVICE
Usher: Jane Fisher & William Patterson
Lector: Jeni-Ann Kren
EM: Kourinthia Burton
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)
ECW LUNCH MEETING
SAT. DEC 14 @ 11:30AM-12:30PM
Thai Royal Orchid

YOUTH HOSTED EVENT-ZOO LIGHTS
SAT. DEC 14 @ 6:00PM-8:30PM
Fresno Chaffee Zoo

CHAPTER MEETING
SUN. DEC 15 @ 12:00PM-12:30PM
Conference Room

ADVENT EDUCATION SERIES
MON. DEC 16
EUCHARIST @ 6:00PM in Chapel
DINNER @ 6:30PM
LESSON @ 7:00PM
Fireside Room

Church Nerd Alert: Advent is my favorite liturgical season of the year. 

Why? It might be the expectation and anticipation of the coming hope and joy Christmas brings to the world. It might be the mystery and stillness of the liturgical season. It might simply be that I know Christmas is just around the corner.

However, I also realize and personally experience the “crush” and “demands” that often occur between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Beyond the cozy confines of the Cathedral, the Advent Season can feel rushed, hectic, and disorientating. As a family, we are trying to squeeze in as many family moments as humanly possible; unfortunately, as a member of the clergy in Advent, my work-life balance is a bit skewed toward work.
Amid the hustle and bustle, I find great peace and renewal through music. Following Thanksgiving (and maybe a little bit before Thanksgiving—sorry Christmas music police), I submerge myself in the endless collections of traditional and modern Advent/Christmas music, especially the reinterpretations of Advent and Christmas hymns. 

One artist is my “everything” when it comes to Advent/Christmas music, Future of Forestry. Eric Owyoung is the musical genius behind the band. Their four Advent/Christmas albums are extraordinary. If there was a modern soundtrack to the coming of Christ, it might be the music of Future of Forestry. 
O Holy Night
"Still Still Still" with intro "Collide"
When the days are short and the nights are long, and the season feels more about commercialism then Jesus Christ, I retreat to the sounds of Future of Forestry. In a matter of moments, I find myself re-centered on the coming of Christ and the expected Good News. I am reminded of our Lord’s love, power, and glory that began in the most humble and meek manner.

During this busy season of Advent, I hope and pray that each of us can find a few moments to still our hearts, minds, and souls and allow ourselves to ponder the goodness and love that comes with the birth of Christ.

Happy Advent Cathedral Family! 

Blessings,
ryan+
Silent Night
The “  What Can We Be” campaign will be a year-long stewardship campaign focused on broadening our community’s definition and understanding of stewardship. This year, the Stewardship Packet contains not one but three pledge cards—a time pledge card, a talents pledge card, and a treasure (financial) pledge card.

Last Sunday, we began the ingathering of treasure (financial) pledge cards. Throughout December, we are inviting members of the Cathedral Congregation to submit their pledge card during the offertory, mail, or drop-off their pledge card at the Cathedral office. Our goal is always 100% participation!

For the other two pledge cards, "Time" and Talents," we are going to ask you to hold onto those pledge cards until after our Annual Meeting/Ministry Fair gathering on Sunday, January 26, 2020. Our “Time” and “Talent” pledge cards will be gathered together on Sunday, February 9, 2020—a day we are calling “Shining Light Sunday” inspired by that Sunday’s Gospel reading from Matthew; “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (MATTHEW 5:16) 

Below is a link to the full 2020 Stewardship Packet, including copies of pledge cards. Packets are also available in the Cathedral Office and at the entrance of the Cathedral and Chapel.

If you have any questions or concerns, or need additional information, please do not hesitate to speak to the Dean, Deacons, and members of the Cathedral Chapter.

We thank you for your continued support of St. James through your gifts of time, talents, and treasure!
A Message from our Brothers and Sisters at Faith in the Valley
As you may recall from the video that captured the arrest of a father of four, we want to first and foremost thank you for the way in which you have already stood with the family in this difficult time. Collectively, we have been able to raise close to $7,000 !

Sandra, the 15 year old daughter, is wanting to raise awareness to the way in which immigration is conducting these terrorizing arrests in our communities. She will be hosting a march that we and a few groups are helping her organize. Beyond the march, she is feeling called to step into her leadership and be involved in immigration advocacy. Please help her spread the word by sharing with your networks. Below is also a flyer she made on her own. We are so impressed by her initiative. 

March details on Facebook:

She and her brother will also be attending their dad's bond hearing. Their lawyer would like to have a community letter to hand to the judge. Please consider signing the petition:


~ Ariana Martinez-Lott
Faith in the Valley (Fresno)
FOOD BANK WINTER DRIVE
The Food Bank's Yellow Bag Ministry is very busy during the Holiday Season and the need is great this year!!

Members of the community are in need of hats, gloves, socks, scarves, coats and blankets. Donations can be brought to the Chapel/Cathedral on Sundays or to the Cathedral Office during the week.

Please help the Food Bank serve those in need, especially during this season! The St. James Food Bank continues to be thankful for the congregation's continued generosity in helping with this vital ministry.
CHRISTMAS FLOWER OFFERING
Would you like to make an offering for Christmas poinsettias and special floral arrangements? This is a wonderful way to make the Cathedral look festive for Christmas and to dedicate a gift in thanksgiving or in memory of someone.

Forms will be available this Sunday and also can be download (see link below for the fillable PDF form).

Please make checks payable to “st. James” and write “Christmas flowers” in the memo line. Deadline: Wednesday, December 18th at noon to be included in the Christmas Programs.
What's up with the pink candle
in the Advent wreath?
By The Reverend Tim Schenck
Few things get church folks more riled up than a conversation about what color candles to use in the Advent wreath. All purple, all white, all blue, all red, three blue and one pink, three purple and one pink, or some other color combination thereof. 

And that's even before the discussion over whether or not to add a white Christ Candle in the middle on Christmas Eve. 

I know of one cleric who was even accused of "ruining Advent" for using the "wrong" color of candles one year. 

And let's not get started on those liturgical factions crusading for either blue or purple vestments and altar hangings during Advent. I'm not even going to touch that holy war.
GREENING OF THE CATHEDRAL
Sunday, December 22
All hands on deck to help load in Christmas trees, poinsettias, lights, wreathes, etc. to decorate our beautiful Cathedral for the Christmas service!

We invite to join us for the “Greening of the Cathedral” on Sunday, December 22rd after the 10:00AM service. This is a great family-friendly activity. All are welcomed!
FAMILY ADVENT WREATH LIGHTING SERVICE
For the 3rd Week of Advent
Opening:
A family member lights the two purple candles and the rose (pink) one (a symbol of joy), saying: “I light these candles to remind us that we must prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child.” (The pink candle symbolizes joy in the midst of waiting.)

Prayer for the Second Week of Advent:
“Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.”
(BCP p. 212)

Read: Luke 1: 26-33, 38
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Read or Sing (Hymn 73):
“The King shall come when morning dawns and light triumphant breaks; when beauty gilds the eastern hills and life to joy awakes. Not, as of old, a little child, to bear, and fight, and die, but crowned with glory like the sun that lights the morning sky...”

Closing Prayer:
Dear God, bless our family. Help us make our home a happy place for you. Be with us in all we do together that we may please You. Amen.
January and February Worship Ministers Schedule Now Available

If you are interested in serving during Worship Services please talk to a member of clergy or Kourinthia.

The Schedule is available here in PDF format and also in the Forms section of our Church Website.
ZOO LIGHTS FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES
Saturday, December 14th 6:00-8:30PM the St. James Youth Group will be hosting an event open to all ages.

This event is a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful lights, see the animals, and even get a free photo with Santa!

Meet at St. James Cathedral at 6:00PM to caravan over.

RSVP with Kourinthia
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

The St. James Episcopal Youth Group will be painting their new dedicated Youth Room!

Saturday, January 11th 9:30AM-12:30PM in the Upper Room of Zoe Eden (The Gym).
Youth ages 10-18 are invited to come and paint the room, lunch and snacks will be provided.

Sunday, January 12th following the 10:00AM service the Upper Room will be blessed and an Open House for all members of the congregation will follow.
The Episcopal Church Women of St. James (ECW) will be holding a lunch meeting, this Saturday, December 14th, 11:30AM-12:30PM at Thai Royal Orchid. (6735 N First St #110, Fresno, CA 93710 (the SW corner of First and Herndon). Please RSVP with Janie Fisher to reserve your spot.
ADVENT EDUCATION SERIES
Monday night is the final session
St. James is currently hosting a four-part “deep dive” Scripture study on the Advent Gospel lessons. The last clclass runs through December 16th. Do not worry if you missed the first two sessions, please join us! Co-facilitated by the Dean and the Deacons, each week, the class will look ahead to the upcoming Gospel reading for Sunday. Each session will explore in-depth the Gospel reading and its overall connection to the themes of Advent. The group’s questions and discussion will be instrumental in shaping the sermon for Sunday.

Mondays will begin at 6:00PM with Eucharist in the Chapel. Followed by a light dinner being served at 6:30PM in the White Room. The class will begin at 7:00PM in the White Room and conclude no later 8:30PM.

UPCOMING SESSIONS:

December 16th: Prelude to the Birth of the Messiah
Matthew 1:18-25. An angel foretells of Jesus’ birth.
Western Massachusetts backpack ministry offers supplies, support for women released from jail

By David Paulsen
Episcopal News Service
A small Episcopal congregation in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts is helping female prisoners adjust to life back in the community after their release with backpacks full of supplies and expressions of support.

In three years, the “Love in a Backpack” ministry at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ashfield has assembled and distributed more than 100 backpacks for women released from the Franklin County jail in Greenfield and a women’s prison in Chicopee. Organizers and volunteers hope to expand the ministry in the future as they enlist other churches and community partners to join in the effort.

Some of the women, after completing their sentences, are released with nothing to help them start rebuilding their lives, coordinator Mary Link told Episcopal News Service. The backpack “gives them something they can say is theirs,” though the personal connections sometimes are even more important than the physical items.

“It helps them in that scary moment when they’re going back out, that somebody somewhere has faith in them,” Link said.

St. John’s, with an average Sunday attendance just under 30, has long been active in organizing and supporting community ministries in Ashfield, a town of about 1,700 people. An initial grant from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts allowed the church to hire Link part time three years ago to coordinate those efforts, which included a drive to collect soap and paper products for a food pantry and outreach to low-income single mothers who may feel isolated living in the hill towns of Western Massachusetts.

The backpack ministry, meanwhile, continues to grow and flourish, with help this year from a $5,000 diocesan grant.

The seed for the ministry was planted a few years back when senior warden Susan Todd learned of the struggles of prisoners re-entering society, sometimes needing to start from scratch obtaining basic supplies like toothpaste and shampoo. A group from St. John’s visited the Western Massachusetts Regional Women’s Correctional Center in Chicopee to learn more.

“Our understanding was there were more services for men when they got out than for women,” Link said. “That may be changing, but certainly we’re making a difference in that.”
Photo: Diocese of Western Massachusetts, via video
DECEMBER CHAPTER MEETING
The next meeting will be Sunday, December 15th, at 11:30AM in the Conference Room.
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, January 4th, 7:30AM at Yosemite Falls Cafe (across from the Cathedral).
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE
The next meeting will be Saturday, January 4th, at 9:00AM in the Conference Room.
PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
The next meeting will be Sunday, January 5th, at 11:30AM in the Conference Room.
As the impacts of the climate crisis become more dire with each passing year and the catastrophic future scientists predicted decades ago inches closer to reality, governments have still not taken the actions necessary to protect humanity. Instead of declining, emissions of greenhouse gases have been increasing. And while nations are being warned that the commitments they have already made – such as the Paris Accord – are not enough to ensure a livable future and must do more, the Trump administration has chosen to abandon that agreement.
Slogans like “All are welcome!” and “God loves you – no exceptions!” are a common sight at Episcopal churches, but one diocese is expanding on those messages and making them more specific, targeting those who need to hear them most.

In October, the Diocese of Fort Worth in Texas launched an evangelism initiative “aimed at the unchurched, the dechurched, those wounded by the church, those who sometimes are told that God hates them,” with a website as its centerpiece: godlovesall.info.
An informal tent city has taken stake in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, alongside the entrance to the Santa Fe Street Bridge, one of three bridges connecting the sprawling northern Mexico border city to El Paso, Texas.

In recent months, Mexican families fleeing rising violence perpetrated by drug cartels in the country’s south have arrived at the U.S. southern border seeking protection in the United States via the asylum system. Unlike Central American asylum-seekers who have been arriving steadily at the U.S.-Mexico border for more than a year, there’s no “official” system for handling the surge in Mexicans seeking the same protection from violence and persecution.
The Rt. Rev. Martha (Marty) Stebbins became the first woman bishop in the 152-year history of the Episcopal Diocese of Montana and the 100th female bishop in the Anglican Communion when she was consecrated on Dec. 7 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Helena.

During announcements at the ordination and consecration, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry said to a cheering congregation that Stebbins was the 100th woman to be ordained a bishop in the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Angola was officially inaugurated as a new Anglican Diocese this week, following 16 years as a missionary diocese and after more than 40 years of war.

The Primate of Southern Africa, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba led the special service of inauguration and also installed Bishop André Soares as the Bishop of Angola.

The Archbishop said it was an inspiring event: “What an experience and enriching time.
What a joy! We inaugurated a fully-fledged diocese and installed Bishop André as diocesan.”
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.