VOLUME 1, ISSUE 44 NOVEMBER 20, 2019

Last Sunday after Pentecost- Christ the King Sunday SCRIPTURE READINGS Jeremiah 23:1-6 Psalm 46 Colossians 1:11-20 Luke 23:33-43 8:00AM SERVICE Preacher: Dean Ryan Celebrant: Dean Ryan 10:00AM SERVICE Usher: The Lazanos Lector: Janie Fisher EM: Pete Cabbiness 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) CATHEDRAL THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON SUN. NOV. 24 @ 11:00AM-1:30PM Zoe Eden ADVENT EDUCATION SERIES MON. NOV. 25, DEC 2, 9, 16 6:00PM - Eucharist 6:30PM - Dinner and Class ADVENT WREATH MAKING SUN. DEC 1 @ 11:15AM Fireside Room ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS SUN. DEC 8 @ 4:00PM St. James Cathedral ECW MEETING SAT. DEC. 14 @ 11:30AM Thai Royal Orchid

CLOVIS WEST STUDENTS DONATE TO FOOD BANK School's annual ingathering this year benefits St. James Food Bank

On Monday, St. James was the recipient of a blessing of food. With the closure of the USDA commodity distribution center in Pinedale, Clovis West was looking for another local food distribution site to help.  A full truck load of cans, jars, and dry goods parked on the green by the education building. A team of 30+ students from Clovis West High School waited eagerly to unload the food and fill two of the classrooms in the education building. Fort Washington Elementary, Valley Oak Elementary, Liberty Elementary, and Kastner Intermediate School all collected food to donate. According to Mr. Bryan Speed, Activities Director at Clovis West, Liberty Elementary made the single largest donation with 3,000 cans!

Each bag, box, and crate of food was handed along a chain of students happily encouraging each other and sharing jokes while they worked. Even with so many hands at work it took almost an hour to unload! With Thanksgiving coming up next week, Christmas just a month away, and less school provided meals available with Winter Break starting soon this donation is much needed and a true blessing. According to published figures on the internet the zip code that includes St. James has an unemployment rate as high as 40%. With the minimum wage in California set at $ 12.00 an hour; with the average rent in Fresno at $ 1,089, and utility rates higher than the national average, it’s easy to see that some of our neighbors don’t have enough money left to buy sufficient amounts of food, and thus lack many of the fruits, vegetables and proteins that are required for strong healthy bodies. This massive donation will allow our food program to give out more food to more people and make our city a healthier place to live.

ORDINATION OF A DEACON St. James hostsTom Hampson ordination service

On a beautiful Saturday morning last weekend, Bishop David Rice ordained Tom Hampson to the Sacred Order of Deacons at St. James Cathedral. The service drew together all of the Diocese for a spectacular and spirit-filled celebration. During the service, Bishop reminded Tom of the sacredness of the ministry he is about to take on. "As a deacon in the Church, you are to study the Holy Scriptures, to seek nourishment from them, and to model your life upon them. You are to make Christ and his redemptive love known, by your word and example, to those among whom you live, and work, and worship. You are to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world. You are to assist the bishop and priests in public worship and in the ministration of God's Word and Sacraments, and you are to carry out other duties assigned to you from time to time. At all times, your life and teaching are to show Christ's people that in serving the helpless they are serving Christ himself." A special thank you to the St. James Altar Guild, St. James Choir, ushers, and the Cabbiness Family for all there hard work to make this a special day for Tom Hampson and his family, the Diocese, and the Cathedral.

“WHY WE WALK” The story of Hugo Hernandez By Jim Mendez

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:2,9-10

As individuals it is impossible to help everyone who is in need. There are just too many people in need, and just too many needs. Sometimes, though there are people right in front of us that need assistance. Sometimes it is too hard to look away. In our social justice work Barbara and I recently encountered a family that is suffering and would appreciate your assistance, if you are able to help. On November 15, 2019, Barbara and I attended a leadership meeting of Faith in the Valley, Fresno at St. James Cathedral. We heard testimony from two teenage children about an incident that involved their undocumented immigrant father, Hugo Hernandez. Hugo, who works as a farm laborer, is the sole financial provider for the family. He and his wife, Lupe, have four children, ages 16, 15, 11, and a 2-year-old. Their youngest child has health conditions that prevent Lupe from working outside the home. The family has lived in Fresno for more than 10 years. Hugo and his family are parishioners at St. Anthony Mary Claret. On Tuesday, November 5th, 2019. Hugo was stopped by immigration officers while taking his two older children to Duncan Polytechnic High School in Fresno. After being stopped, the ICE agent demanded that Hugo get out of the car. The agent reached inside the car, opened the door, took off Hugo’s seat belt and forcibly removed him from his car. The episode was captured on video. Prior to ICE violently extracting Hugo Hernandez from the car, you can hear the son advising his father to not say anything, to not leave the car and the agents telling them to turn off the video. Hugo is currently being detained at Mesa Verde ICE Processing (detention) Center in Bakersfield. You can see the video below .

The video of the incident is very upsetting. Many of the attendees at the Faith in the Valley Leadership meeting were brought to tears over the event that affected the lives of the man’s children. At the Faith in the Valley Leadership meeting we heard emotional and moving testimony from the two teenage children about the horrific experience. We prayed with and for them that they may have the strength to endure this situation and fight to get their father released. We also prayed for justice and mercy. They, along with their mother, are working to get their personal story heard. They are working with other community partners that can advocate on behalf of Hugo, and other families impacted by the current immigration regulations and enforcement. Hugo was able to obtain pro bono legal counsel from Linda Barreto and the New American Legal Clinic. More information will be forthcoming to support advocacy efforts to obtain the release of Hugo. At this time the family’s most pressing needs are financial. Faith in the Valley is currently trying to raise funds to help the family with two months living expenses, such as rent, bills, food and money for bond. Faith in the Valley’s goal is to raise $9,000 total: $5,000 for bond, and $4,000 for two months living expenses to support his wife and four kids until he can hopefully be released. Although Faith in the Valley has helped the family organize the fundraiser, all proceeds will go directly to the family.  SJRAISE (the Diocesan commission on immigration) and St. James Clergy have donated to help Hugo Hernandez’ family. If you would like to help you can make a direct donation through the   GoFundMe Page . If you prefer, checks can be made payable to Guadalupe Jacinto (wife). Ariana Martinez-Lott of Faith in the Valley, Fresno will deliver any checks to the family.

PASTORAL MESSAGE FROM BISHOP RICE Sunday's mass shooting in Fresno

These are the inconceivable tragedies which, once upon a time, we convinced ourselves wouldn’t occur in our own neighborhood. Unfortunately, with undeniable regularity, gun violence happens where we all live. Last night a mass shooting occurred in Fresno, the See of the Diocese Of San Joaquin, more specifically, this horrific event took place in a neighborhood in alarming proximity to our cathedral. What we have discovered is that no one is exempt, no neighborhood is completely safe, and act we must. Our action requires an active form of prayer and that means we certainly pray for the end of gun violence. We pray for the families of those who have lost their lives. And we pray for those who survived last night’s inexplicable tragedy. The active praying part of all this requires that we don’t simply offer words of hope and consolation, we pray by contacting legislators and lawmakers and we demand a different way. We pray by reaching out to family members who have suffered loss. We pray by reaching out to law enforcement expressing our support. And we pray and act to ensure that our prayers are real and meaningful and that they make a difference. And so, pray we must; act, we must; and putting an end to this plague upon our country and in our neighborhoods, we must. The Right Reverend David Rice Bishop of San Joaquin If you wish to pray today, here is a link to the Litany in the Wake of a Mass Shooting from Bishop's United Against Gun Violence.

Join us this Sunday for a Thanksgiving Celebration!! Members of the congregation are invited to bring side dishes and desserts. Members of the Chapter will bring the main dishes (aka proteins). All are welcome to attend. If you have any questions or need additional information, please speak to Kathy or Pete Cabbiness .

GUEST ACCOMPANIST THIS SUNDAY

Pianist Matthew Horton has accompanied performing ensembles throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Born and raised in Tulare, CA, Horton earned a B.A. and an M.A. in Piano Performance from California State University, Fresno. He has taught at CSU Fresno, Fresno City College, and Porterville Community College. Horton currently serves Fresno Pacific University as accompanist for Concert Choir, Men’s Chorus, Women’s Chorale, Crosswind, Opera at Pacific, and the Theater Department.

FOOD BANK INGATHERING Yellow Bag Ministry needs items

It's that time of year that our Yellow Bag Ministry is very busy. Requests from our neighbors that are seeking shelter are in need of hats, gloves, socks, scarves, coats and blankets.  Please remember how very blessed we all are and let us reach out to those less fortunate. All of us at the Food Bank want to thank St.James for their generosity in helping with this vital ministry.

On Sunday, November 17th, the Fresno Master Chorale performed two master works by contemporary composers, Ola Gjeilo and Dan Forrest. The Sunrise Mass by Gjeilo (pronounced Yay-lo) utilizes the words of the Latin Mass and reimagines them as brush strokes of sound and light used to tell the story of both the creation of the universe and the life a single person. With “ravishing harmonies” Gjeilo instigates feelings of angst and tension, suspended notes and extended chords transport the audience to an ethereal place where anything is possible. The entire piece was performed with the choir and orchestra lit only with small music lamps. The beginning movement “Spheres” starts in near total darkness with a deep blue light bathing the performers, creating a feeling of open space. As the music continues, the lights begin to swirl and change, mimicking the otherworldly beauty of the aurora borealis and the story of the creation of light in the void. The "Spheres" referred to here are the planets themselves, as well as the sphere's of the earth. The instrumentation relies heavily on haunting strings and vocal harmonies working together to create suspended chords filled with dissonance, always moving towards a resolution. Sunrise Mass journeys from creation to the first sunrise, to the chaos and cacophony of the city, and ends with a beautiful tribute to “Identity” where the instruments and singers find harmony while portraying truly unique elements, in this movement each individual part is equally important to the whole. They discover their "identities" but still strive for a harmony of sound and tempo for the benefit of the entire group.

Dan Forrest’s “Jubilate Deo” uses the text of Psalm 100:1, “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” In this piece Forrest uses multiple languages and their iconic cultural sounds to make "all the earth" sing. Like Gjeilo, Forrest is a neo-romantic composer who uses dissonance to illustrate conflict in the world but always leads the listener to a place of peace and comfort. Jubilate Deo is “joy-filled” and hopeful in its setting. To illustrate the meaning behind the Psalm and, perhaps more poignantly, the purpose for music like Jubilate Deo, the second movement is a duet sung in both Hebrew and Arabic. Despite their differing tonal qualities and vowel sounds the soprano and alto parts weave together into a beautiful tapestry of complimentary color and sound, bringing peace where conflict can so easily live instead.  Gjeilo relies exclusively on the tonal similarities of strings and voice with little variation in the way of woodwinds. The effect is pure harmony and an almost "audible" conversation between instrument and voice. The versatility of the instruments, both string and voice, allows for a fuller expression of the mood of the music without losing any of the meaning behind the Latin text. For Jubilate Deo, Forrest adds horns and percussion to fill out the sounds and add a bombastic quality to the sound. Even in the more haunting melody of the Mandarin piece, which is accompanied by the traditional Erhu, joy is the undercurrent. A favorite for audience and performers was the movement sung in the Zulu language. Djembes and marimba accompanied the percussive and exciting text. It was impossible to stand still when the drums started beating. Literal shouts of joy, “Ama humbo!” could be heard from the baritones as the rest of the choir filled the space with the Zulu psalm text. Spontaneous applause followed the song, unencumbered by the tradition of silence between movements.

Sunday’s concert was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for both audience and performers. The Paul Shaghoian Performing Arts Center at Clovis North High School was a place of joy and gladness on Sunday, just ask anyone who was there.  Members of the St. James Cathedral Community singing with the Master Chorale: Aaron Burdick Kourinthia Burton Rick Dejong Priscilla Metry Joe Vigil

OPTIONS FOR THANKSGIVING DAY

AT ST. JAMES It’s time for The Second Annual Cabbinness Family Thanksgiving at St. James!!! All are welcome to come Thanksgiving Day to St. James for a home cooked meal. Games including basketball and volleyball starting at 2:00PM. Dinner will be served at 3:30PM, everything included, just bring your appetite! Following dinner, the movie “It Happened on Fifth Avenue” will be shown at 5:30PM. This event is open to all who have nowhere to be on Thanksgiving, or just want to spend Thanksgiving with a group of people. No need to RSVP—just drop in!

AT ECCO Join ECCO in celebrating Thanksgiving without the hassle. Let their expert kitchen staff prepare a variety of turkey, prime rib, and ham plus all the trimmings. A delicious variety of desserts, beverages, and much more are included at a reasonable price; $40 adults, $20 children 4-11, free for children under four years old. The day begins with Holy Eucharist at 11:00AM with Bishop Rice presiding. Appetizers will be served at 12:15PM and the meal will begin at 1PM. Reservations are required! For more information and/or to reserve a spot please either call (559) 683-8162 or visit the ECCO website

HELP WANTED! St. James seeks Onsite Event Manager

Due to the demand and St. James' needs, we are looking to hire someone ASAP as the "Onsite Events Manager." The Onsite Events Manager will be on campus during all major event rentals; typically, Saturdays from about 4:00PM to 1:00AM, and occasionally Friday evenings too. The Events Manager will be the onsite point person for renters; providing entry into the facility, addressing needs and any concerns, providing general oversight and hospitality, coordinating with Pete Cabbiness, Dean Ryan, and security officers, supervise the renter's breakdown and cleanup of the venue, and lock-up of all campus venues following events. The starting pay rate for the position is $17.00 per hour and will likely include some overtime pay. This is a part-time position at St. James and applicants must be 21 years or older. If you are interested or might know someone who might be interested, please contact Dean Ryan for additional information. A resume and letter of interest may be submitted to Dean Ryan.

ADVENT EDUCATION SERIES Four-part series explores the Gospel Stories of Advent

St. James will be hosting a four-part “deep dive” Scripture study on the Advent Gospel lessons. The class will meet on Monday evening starting November 25th and conclude on December 16th. Co-facilitated by the Dean and the Deacons, 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. We are asking for participants to pre-register for the education series. You can register online or there will be a sign-up sheet at the entrance of the Chapel/Cathedral for the next couple of Sundays. SERIES OUTLINE November 25th: Watchfulness  Matthew 24:36-44. Jesus reminds the Disciples about the necessity for watchfulness. December 2nd: Repentance Matthew 3:1-12. John the Baptist preaches repentance as we prepare for the coming of the Lord. December 9th: The Messenger and the Messiah Matthew 11:2-11. John the Baptist presses Jesus on his identity. December 16th: Prelude to the Birth of the Messiah Matthew 1:18-25. An angel foretells of Jesus’ birth

REGISTER FOR ADVENT EDUCATION SERIES

CHRISTMAS 2019 SCHEDULE Cathedral adds a Children's Service

This Christmas at St. James will feature a new service--a 4:00PM Children's Service. The Children's Service is designed to support families who want a Christmas worship experience accessible to the whole family, especially for the youngest kids. The service will be simple, relaxed, family-friendly, and will run about 35-40 minutes. Eucharist will be celebrated at the service. Dean Ryan will offer a children-focused message. Additionally, per tradition, we offer Christmas Eve Services at 6PM and 11PM that will include music and all of the beautiful Christmas traditions. The late service will begin at 10:30PM with a Carol Prelude--we will sing a collection of our favorite Christmas hymns. On Christmas Day, we will offer a service at 9:00AM in the Chapel.

ACOLYTE SUNDAY Sunday, December 8th, St. James will be holding an Acolyte training following the 10:00AM service. Lunch will be provided. RSVP here.

BLANKETS NEEDED FOR DOG SHELTER The blankets will be given to the Fresno County Humane Animal Services—the only City/County no-kill shelter in the area. On Sundays, blankets can be dropped off at the entrance of the Chapel/Cathedral. During the week, blankets may be delivered to the Cathedral Office.

INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE THIS SUNDAY! Sunday, November 24, 5:30 PM Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service @ The Unitarian Universalist Church, 2672 E. Alluvial Ave, Fresno. (Pickup choir rehearsal at 4:00.) The Interfaith Alliance of Central California invites you to a Thanksgiving Service for the community with inspiration and music from our many greater Fresno faith traditions. An offering will be received for community support. Please bring a plate of fruit, vegetable(s) or sweets to share following.

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.

CONSTRUCT AN ADVENT WREATH You are invited to an Advent Family Activity! Following the 10AM service on Sunday, December 1st, in the Fireside Room, start the season together building an advent wreath for your home. St. James will provide metal advent wreath forms, ribbon, wire to attach greens to forms, greenery and a handout for suggested advent prayers. Advent Candles will be available for a small donation. Bring your clippers or older scissors and start the season with your very own handmade wreath. Reserve your space—a sign-up sheet is available in Fireside Room on the bulletin board.

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

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE The next meeting will be Saturday, December 7th, at 9:00AM in the Conference Room.

Harry Potter Day at San Francisco cathedral Based on the number of excited children who showed up to Harry Potter Day at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral on Nov. 16, you might find it hard to believe that the last book in the series was published 12 years ago. About 80 children – far more than the cathedral staff initially expected – from around the Bay Area came to make wands, play Quidditch and learn how prayer can fend off scary feelings.

Congregation near death row prison braces for an execution Federal executions are scheduled to resume next month for the first time since 2003, at the prison in Terre Haute, Indiana, and the nearby congregation of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church has joined other faith groups and anti-death penalty advocates in leading discussions on the issue.

Dolores Huerta: We need spiritual guidance and activism Legendary labor organizer and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta galvanized some 800 delegates and others Nov. 16 at the 124th annual meeting of the Diocese of Los Angeles, leading rousing chants of “We’ve got the power” and “Si se puede! Si se puede!” And she brought petitions to be signed.

Confederate symbols workshop guides priests When the Rev. Hannah Hooker traveled last week to the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, she brought along her thoughts of a specific stained-glass window back home in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she serves as associate rector of Christ Episcopal Church. The window depicts Bishop Leonidas Polk preaching at the church’s dedication in 1839.

Faith leaders deliver letter to House members On Nov. 18, 26 prominent faith leaders including Presiding Bishop Michael Curry delivered a letter to members of the U.S. Congress affirming their support of H.R. 2407, Promoting Human Rights for Palestinian Children Living Under Israeli Military Occupation.

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.

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