VOLUME 2, ISSUE 3 JANUARY 29, 2020

Second Sunday after Epiphany SCRIPTURE READINGS Malachi 3:1-4 Psalm 84 Hebrews 2:14-18 Luke 2:22-40 8:00AM SERVICE Preacher: Deacon Angela Celebrant: Dean Ryan 10:00AM SERVICE Usher: William Patterson & Richard Jennings Lector: David Balabanis EM: Katharine Nelson Preacher: Deacon Angela 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) SHINE YOUR LIGHT SUNDAY Ingathering of Time and Talents Pledge Cards SUN. FEB. 09 @ 8AM & 10AM Chapel/Cathedral YOUTH MEETING WED. FEB. 12 @ 6:00PM Upper Room of Zoe Eden #FRESNO4ALL MAYORAL FORUM THURS. FEB. 13 @ 6:00PM Cathedral SHROVE TUESDAY TUES. FEB. 25 @ 6:00PM Fireside Room YOUTH ACTIVITY SAT. FEB. 29 @ 12:30PM Metalmark Rock Climbing

CANDLEMAS SUNDAY Bring a candle to Sunday service for a blessing and prayer

This Sunday, February 2nd, is the Feast of The Presentation of Our Lord (Candlemas) which commemorates the ritual purification of Mary, 40 days after the birth of her son Jesus. This day also marks the ritual presentation of the baby Jesus to God in the Temple at Jerusalem. The Gospel of Luke says that Jesus was met by Anna and Simeon. Simeon held the baby Jesus and called him a Light to the World. The festival is also called Candlemas because this was the day that all the Church’s candles for the year were blessed. For those of us who have not taken down our Christmas decorations and maybe suffered ridicule for this reality, Candlemas actually marks the conclusion of our Christmas observance in the Church. February 2nd is the official day the Church "pivots" from the cradle to the Cross. At both the 8AM and 10AM services, our service will conclude with a special liturgy focused on sending us out into the world as "Light of Christ." Also, the liturgy will call us to embrace this pivot from the cradle to the Cross.

FRESNO'S CATHEDRAL

First, and foremost, I want to say thank you to everyone who joined us for last Sunday’s Annual Meeting Extravaganza. It was an amazing “St. James Morning!” Secondly, as you have heard me say numerous times, including recently at our Annual Meeting, St. James has a "public role and purpose" in the greater Fresno area. As a Cathedral, we are firmly grounded in the spiritual world; yet, we also are called to have our foot in the secular world. One of our responsibilities is to be deeply committed to strengthening, empowering, and transforming Fresno and the surrounding communities through our thoughts, words, and deeds—especially our deeds! St. James has been given the amazing opportunity and honor to host the #Fresno4All Mayoral Candidate Forum on Thursday, February 13th, 6:00PM - 8:00PM. This is an extraordinary occasion for St. James to be the Cathedral for Fresno--serving our community by hosting this vital civic forum. This event will bring community members from all over Fresno to our Cathedral campus. It will also bring the news media and other dignitaries to St. James. We will need to expend time, energy, and resources to make sure we provide excellent hospitality to all who attend the forum.  "What can WE be" is a safe and welcoming place for our community to gather and hear from our mayoral candidates! To be clear: We are not, (nor will we be) engaging in political campaigning—we are the host venue for our community for this important civic event. Our sole focus and call is to extend hospitality! The organizations sponsoring the Mayoral Forum are committed to making this an outstanding event. All of the qualified candidates have been invited. The questions will be prepared by an independent panel and will cover a broad range of topics. Each candidate will have an equal opportunity to give his or her views and the moderator will be unbiased and promote a respectful and positive discussion environment.  Today’s Fresno Bee stated, “In all likelihood, the #Fresno4All Mayoral Candidate Forum will be the best attended of any held during this election cycle.”  This is an extraordinary opportunity for our Cathedral! We hope to enlist your help to make this an exceptional event for our neighbors. Also, we want to encourage you to attend the forum. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak to me. Blessings, ryan+

CONGRATULATIONS 2020 CONVENTION DELEGATES

Paul McGeary

Meta Schettler

Aaron Schuelke

At last Sunday's Annual Meeting, Paul McGeary, Meta Schettler, and Aaron Schuelke were selected by the Cathedral Congregation to represent St. James at the 2020 Diocese of San Joaquin Convention, November 13th and 14th, at ECCO. In addition to attending Annual Convention, delegates are also called upon to attend the three Central Deanery Meetings. Tim Marion and Evelyn Johnson-Todd were selected as Alternate Delegates. Congratulations and thank you for your leadership and service!

2020 ANNUAL MEETING A day of worship, conversation, and celebration

Outgoing members of the Chapter: Jim Mendez, Carol Gavette, and Emily Niblick.

During the Annual Meeting, the Cathedral Congregation participated in "World Cafe Table Talk" sessions. The exercise consisted of three twelve-minute table discussions. Each round, members of the congregation were asked to select a different table based on the questions that interested them the most. "Each table had a random mix of people," said Dean Ryan. "It was great to see people introducing themselves to each other. The conversations were absolutely amazing and insightful." Participants were encouraged to write others' responses on the tables that were covered in butcher block paper. These comments, questions, and insights are being consolidated into a single document by the Cathedral staff and will be made available to the congregation in the near future. Chapter and the clergy will spend a great deal of time studying the consolidated document. "There is a wealth of information we collected at the Annual Meeting," said Dean Ryan. "We need to study, pray upon, and empower the thoughts and feelings within those comments--they speak to our future and what we can be."

Below are the twelve discussion questions: What can we be as a congregation? What can we be as a Cathedral to the Fresno/Clovis area? What can we be as a Cathedral to the Diocese of San Joaquin? Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” What does Jesus mean and how should we “fish for people” in this time and place? Identify the current “personality” of St. James through the identity of a famous person (either real or fictious) and explain in detail your response. Example, St. James is “Betty White” because “XYZ”. Is St. James a “friendly community” or is it a “community of friends?” Explain your response. How are lay people empowered and not empowered for ministry at St. James Beyond the ministries of the Food Bank and Thrift Shop, what are some ways we can connect with and get to know the community surrounding the Cathedral? How are visitors/newcomers welcomed and connected at St. James? And how can we improve our ministries of welcome and connection? Looking at the list of values on the table: What ought to be the three most emphasized values at St. James in our vision and ministries. When it comes to “spiritual growth and formation,” what feeds you and what do you hope St. James can be and offer in your spiritual journey? What brings you joy at St. James and how do you share that joy with others

SHINE YOUR LIGHT SUNDAY Ingathering of "Time" and "Talent" Pledge Cards on Feb. 9th

Jesus says, "Let your light shine before others." We are called to share our light, the gift of our “time” and “talents,” with the community of God. One light dimly flickers in the night; however, a multitude of lights, glowing together, shine brightly within our world.  On Sunday, February 9th, as we continue our year-long stewardship campaign, “What Can We Be,” we are asking all of the Cathedral Congregation to offer a “Time” and “Talents” pledge card for 2020. Both of these gifts, can and will make a significant impact upon the continued growth and success of St. James Cathedral. “Time” and “Talents” pledge card will be available at the entrance of the Chapel and Cathedral and can be downloaded online. Thank you for your gift . . . thank you for shining your light!

Abram and Sarai were called by God and so are each of us! Come out and hear the story of their call and learn more about your own!! Ages 13-18 are welcome to come enjoy pizza, fellowship, and fun! When: Wednesday, February 12th at 6:00PM Where: Upper Room of Zoe Eden

The St. James Episcopal Youth Group has a lot of exciting things coming up this year! Looking ahead: Wednesday February 12th- Bible Study 6:00PM Dinner Provided Saturday February 29th- Metalmark Rock climbing 12:30PM lunch provided. Meet at St. James Youth Room at 12:00PM. Download the calendar to stay connected and up to date.

Download Youth Calendar for January-April

BUY A PLANT FOR YOUR HOME

It may not be the season to plant a tree or garden outside but you can purchase a plant for the indoors. The plant will produce oxygen improve your indoor air quality. You can choose a flower, herb, or a plant that bears fruit such as a tomato, pepper, or strawberries.

The strength of our St. James Food Bank Sunday Volunteers (Photo Credit: Tracy Rice)

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, February 1st, 7:30AM at Yosemite Falls Cafe (across from the Cathedral).

MEN'S GROUP The next breakfast gathering is scheduled for Saturday, February 1st, 7:30AM at Yosemite Falls Cafe (across from the Cathedral).

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE The next meeting will be Saturday, February 1st, at 9:00AM in the Conference Room.

PRESERVATION COMMITTEE There will be NO FEBRUARY MEETING of the Preservation Committee. The next meeting will be Sunday, March 1st, at 11:30AM in the Conference Room.

Annual St. Anne's Public House. The event will be held on Friday, February 21st, and Saturday, February 22nd, from 6:00PM- 8:30PM On Friday, SAPH will host a special "After Hours" session from 8:30PM - 10:00PM with live "British-themed" music and dancing with The Steven Menconi Band. SAPH will have great food, drink, Pub songs, raffle and silent auction and much more. Contact Episcopal Church of St. Anne for tickets.

MLK Day vandalism leads to call for peace and justice Clergy members in the Diocese of Olympia, in the wake of an outbreak of vandalism at their churches over the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, have responded with messages of love that invoke King’s own words advocating peace and justice in the face of hatred.

School trustee, student among dead in helicopter crash Sarah Chester, 45, a trustee of St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano, California, and her daughter Payton, 13, an eighth-grade student there, were among the nine people who died in a helicopter accident on Jan. 26 in Calabasas.

Rooted in Jesus conference: Innovation and Collaboration As The Episcopal Church grapples with how to stem its steep decline in an increasingly secular culture, the first-ever Rooted in Jesus conference offered a chance to share innovative ideas, collaborate and celebrate. Nearly 1,400 people attended the conference, held Jan. 21-24 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and various venues in Midtown Atlanta and hosted by the Episcopal Church Foundation in partnership with The Episcopal Church and several other Episcopal organizations.

Voorhees College educational mission partnership Christina Donovan considers herself a nontraditional undergraduate student. At age 27, she is older than many of her classmates at Voorhees College in Denmark, South Carolina. Yet she exemplifies, with her personal background and academic interests, the type of student whom administrators say they strive to serve at Voorhees, a historically black college whose ties to The Episcopal Church date to 1924.

Roman Catholic issue leads to move of Bishop Consecration The Diocese of Southern Virginia announced Jan. 17 that it would change the location of its Feb. 1 consecration of Bishop-elect Susan Haynes from a Roman Catholic church in Williamsburg in response to backlash from some Roman Catholics who said they were disturbed by the ordination of a woman bishop.

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