VOLUME 2, ISSUE 13
April 16, 2020
Second Sunday of Easter
Psalm 146, 147
Exodus 14:5-22
1 John 1:1-7
 John 14:1-7
SUN. APRIL 19 - 10:00AM
Officiants: Cathedral/Diocese Staff Clergy
Preacher: Canon Anna
SUNDAY WORSHIP
SUNDAYS @ 10:00AM

WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING
TUESDAYS @ 9:00AM
ALL ON-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
ARE SUSPENDED UNTIL MAY 24

SERMON DISCUSSION
SUNDAY, APRIL 19 @ 11:30AM

EARTH DAY SERVICE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 @ 1:00PM

CHAPTER MEETING
SUNDAY, APRIL 26 @ 11:30AM
Alleluia. Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

An amazing and powerful moment in the Easter liturgy. Did you miss it on Sunday or want a chance to see and experience it again? Above is the clip of the "Easter Proclamation" from Sunday's service.

Happy Easter and may we all be blessed in this season we celebrate our Risen Lord.

Alleluia. Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
DIOCESE EXTENDS SUSPENSION UNTIL MAY 24
Sisters and Brothers of The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin,

Alleluia! Christ Is Risen!

At the time of writing this correspondence, there have been over 2,000,000 cases of COVID-19 reported worldwide and over 130,000 deaths. In the US, there have been well over 600,000 cases reported and over 26,000 deaths. These are staggering, shocking and sobering numbers. I know you are aware of these same numbers as we are perpetually confronted by them through our 24 hour news cycles. Due to the fact that we are aware of these mounting numbers, each day, each moment, it is perhaps far too easy not to look beyond the numbers into the deeper reality they represent. Family members, loved ones, mothers, fathers, grandparents, young and old alike, are no longer with us due to this insidious pandemic. And the numbers of those struggling with the virus and who will struggle, is incomprehensible. Again, in our worldwide human community, these are our family members and our loved ones about whom I write and for whom we continue to pray.

A month ago, in consultation with diocesan leaders, I suspended public worship and public gatherings until April 20. This was an extremely difficult decision at the time, upon reflection, it was, I believe, one of the most important decisions ever made during and for the life of EDSJ. Even though there is evidence that the trajectory of COVID-19 is beginning "to flatten" in particular parts of the US and globally, I would suggest we run an extreme risk of placing one another in harm's way by lifting our suspensions prematurely. As we have heard together, when and where a "flattening" has occurred, it is clear that our sheltering-in-place measures, washing hands routines and wearing masks efforts have contributed substantially to any flattening phenomenon. As a result of our experience over the last month and our continued responsibility for one another, again, after consultation with diocesan leaders, we will further our suspension of public worship and public gatherings until May 24.
This decision remains difficult however I pray time will confirm it is very much the right decision, the faithful decision, the decision which comes as a result of looking beyond the numbers to lives of family members and loved ones.

I believe, Sisters and Brothers of EDSJ, we are being redefined by this pandemic, moreover, I believe we are exercising a faith during these challenging days which will mark one of the most extraordinary time in our lives.

Please continue to pray for one another. Please continue to reach out to one another. Please continue to do the things for yourself (social distancing, washing hands, wearing masks) which is the most faithful and loving way of taking care of one another. This is how we express and reflect the resurrection hope which is God's gift to all of God's People.

Alleluia! Christ Is Risen!

You remain in my daily prayers

Easter Blessings,
+David
WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING
Every Tuesday at 9:00AM
St. James is offering continued opportunities to be engaged in prayer and community.

How can you join in?
Every Tuesday morning at 9:00 log into this Zoom link. Put in the password 023672 or stay in the waiting room and an Admin will let you into the room.

What do you need to bring/do?
There is no required level of involvement. This group is designed to provide prayer opportunities for anyone interested. Come with your prayer requests, share them in chat, or offer a voiced prayer. Kourinthia or Deacon Angela will facilitate, offering their own prayers and petitions, and ending with the collect of the day.

Where can I find more information on how to prayer/what prayers to use?
The Book of Common Prayer has a section on Prayers and Petitions. The Episcopal Church offers resources on prayer and offers a place to submit prayer requests. If you are interested in more information on prayer and spiritual development reach out to a Diocesan clergy person.

We invite you to share your prayer requests and to view the Prayer List each day and pray for those asking for prayers.

Through a simple form, you can submit a prayer that will be posted on the Prayer List web page or you can submit a private prayer request to the Cathedral clergy.
Dear Cathedral Community:

Proverbs 3:9 tells us: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, and with the first fruits of all your crops.” (NIV)

While we are sheltering at home, the mission and ministries of the Cathedral continue to thrive. We still have financial obligations: Staff to pay, grounds to maintain, buildings to upkeep, insurance premiums, security costs, and some unexpected new expenses due to the shelter in place order. The Cathedral clergy, staff, and lay leaders are deeply committed to ensuring the momentum we have built is not slowed by the pandemic. 

Unfortunately, since the suspension of public worship services and on campus activities, the Cathedral has experienced a 60% drop in pledge/giving income.  In addition, we are unable to generate any rental income during this period. If this trend continues, the Cathedral will have a significant cash flow issue and may not be able to meet its financial obligations to our staff, ministries, and vendors.

It is crucial that you please keep your pledge/giving current; and if you are able to do so, please consider giving an additional gift of support to the Cathedral especially during this Easter season.  We realize, since we are not worshipping at the Cathedral and life is uniquely hectic and unsettling these days, remembering to regularly mail your pledge/gift might not be the first thing on your mind. 

In an effort to simplify giving, St. James has partnered with Authorize.Net, the world’s leading secure online payment platform. Through the  St. James website  (and the link below), you can quickly and securely submit your pledge/gift by electronic check and credit card.  Please note:  The fees passed along to St. James are significantly less with electronic check payments compared to credit card payments.

In addition, through the site, you are able to specify if you would like to make your donation a recurring gift. When you select this box, a member of the Cathedral staff will follow up with you by phone to confirm your recurring gift and preferred frequency of that gift. If you already have established a recurring gift through your 2020 Pledge, no further action is required.

The Chapter of St. James is working tirelessly to keep Cathedral expenses low. Yet, it is also imperative that we continue meeting our financial obligations now to avoid a greater financial burden in the future (ie. having to obtain loans to cover operational costs).

There will be a day when the ban is lifted, and we once again worship together and resume normal operations on campus. Honoring our obligations TOGETHER now, will ensure that our return to the Cathedral campus will be joyous and seamless. 

Thank you for your continued generosity and support!

Blessings in the name of the Risen Lord,

THE LEADERSHIP OF ST. JAMES CATHEDRAL
NEW WEB SERIES LAUNCHED
Interconnected: Pastoral Voices from St. James Cathedral
During Holy Week, the Cathedral premiered a new web series, "Interconnected: Pastoral Voices from St. James Cathedral."

In the most recent episode, Deacon Terrance talks about the ways we can refocus our prayer life amid these difficult days.

In each episode, a member of the clergy from St. James Episcopal Cathedral take a few minutes to share some pastoral insights and encouragement--and whatever else is on their heart, mind, and soul. We hope each episode will offer comfort, support, and hope, especially during this challenging time in our world.
EASTER SERMON
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s preaches at National Cathedral
To view Bishop Curry's sermon, click on the link above.

To read the full sermon transcription click here.
ST. JAMES LAUNCHES DIGITAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Monday evenings offers to us "Five Good Minutes"
Every Monday at 6:00PM a new episode of "Five Good Minutes" premiers on St. James' YouTube Channel and Facebook page. If you don't get a chance to view it, you can always view past episodes on both broadcast platforms. "Five Good Minutes" is a production of the Dean, Deacons, and Cathedral Administrator.

As the "five" say, "In each episode, our goal is for the five of us, to share at least five of the most important newsworthy items in the life of the Cathedral. . . and we do this all...in 'Five Good Minutes' (or so)."
WORSHIP

St. James offers Sunday worship each Sunday at 10:00AM on our YouTube Channel, Facebook Page, and Website. Archives of these services are available.
SERVICE PROGRAMS

Starting this Sunday, we will once again begin offering digital service programs. Visit the St. James website to download the program. If possible, for our creation care work, please do not print the program.
SERVICE SURVEY

To help us improve our digital church experience, please evaluate your experience of our "live stream service," by taking a moment to complete a short survey following Sunday's service.
SUNDAY SERMON DISCUSSION

Sundays at 11:00AM-12:00PM
Following the 10:00AM service, Dean Ryan will host a sermon discussion. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us for the conversation. Participate either through  Zoom: Sermon Discussion or call-in (669) 900-6833 and enter the meeting ID 675-773-097.
FOOD BANK EXPANSION PLANNED
Your support is needed to make this project a reality
Recently, the St. James Episcopal Cathedral Chapter approved the construction budget to move the Food Bank to a permanent location on campus, in the west wing of the former school building. While the chapter has approved expending some budgetary funds, we need your help to cover all expenses. 
 
Fortunately, an anonymous donor has agreed to provide a matching grant of up to $10,000 for donations from members of our congregations towards this Food Bank move and renovation.  
 
Won’t you help the Food Bank continue and improve its ministry to the 175 families who benefit from this program three times each month? We will be inviting the congregation to give to the project specifically at the next “Quarterly Food Bank Free-Will Offering” beginning on Sunday, March 1 and continuing for the entire month of March. Your contribution will then be doubled through the matching gift. 
 
Please make your check payable to St. James Cathedral and write in the notation section “Food Bank Construction.” Let’s match this. If we are able to raise sufficient funds, the Food Bank will be into the new location within the next two months. Thank you!
OBSERVE EARTH DAY, APRIL 22
Earth Day 2020 will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 22! This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of this day. On Earth Day, enjoy the lovely scent of fresh air, clean up some litter, plant a tree, or simply enjoy companionship with nature! Walk through the woods in search of emerging wildflowers and green moss.
BISHOP DAVID JOINS PANEL DISCUSSION
AT NATIONAL CATHEDRAL
Honest to God: Earth Day | April 22 @ 5:00PM (PST)
The Reverend Canon Stephanie Spellers, Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Evangelism, Reconciliation and Creation, hosts a panel discussion on healing the earth in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of Earth Day. Reverend Traci Blackmon, Reverend Margaret Bullitt-Jonas and Bishop David Rice join Canon Spellers to remind us of the urgency of collective, inspired, and loving action to end the climate crisis.

Free; Registration via Zoom required. Also available on  Facebook live . For more information, please visit the National Cathedral website .
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE
The next meeting will be May 2 at 9:00AM and will held in a Zoom Conference .
Call in option: (669) 900-6833 and enter the meeting ID 738-270-106.
PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
The next meeting will be May 3rd at 11:30AM and will held in a Zoom Conference.
Call in option: (669) 900-6833 and enter the meeting ID 378-306-618.
MEN'S GROUP
Postponed until further notice. Thank you for your understanding.
BIBLE STUDY- THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Look for more information in the coming weeks.
It may not have merited a single mention in the online video of your socially distanced Easter Sunday service this year, but behind the scenes – before, during and after Holy Week – the federal CARES Act has been and continues to be a big deal for churches.
When the Rev. Robert Pace woke up the day after Ash Wednesday “feeling miserable,” he didn’t think too much of it. His symptoms all pointed to a standard case of the flu – except the cough that just kept getting worse.

At the height of the influenza pandemic in 1918, the Rev. John Misao Yamazaki stopped holding services at St. Mary’s Japanese Mission, the Episcopal church in Los Angeles he helped found more than a decade prior. Before mandatory quarantines were enacted, Yamazaki began visiting homes to pray for sick children and families.
The Episcopal bishops in the six New England states making up Province I issued the following joint statement on April 14 in response to the Trump administration’s recent effort to remove the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe’s 300-acre reservation in Massachusetts from federal trust, essentially leaving the tribe landless.
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.