During Lent, I play Lent Madness, an online competition modeled after the NCAA postseason basketball tournament popularly known as “March Madness.” The main purpose of the exercise is to learn about saints, holy men, holy women. One of the holy men I was introduced to has become one of my inspirations, particularly during Epiphany. Epiphany is symbolized by the color green… for growth and rebirth. I think that is why I remember him during this season. He had a green thumb.
He is identified as “Phocas, the Gardener” and recognized as a saint in the Catholic and Greek Orthodox traditions. In the early 300s, he tilled a garden near the Black Sea city of Sinope, in modern-day Turkey. He provided food to the hungry and welcomed the stranger. His garden was both his livelihood and his ministry. He sold his produce to those who could afford it and used the surplus to feed the needy and the hungry. His ministry grew out of his Christian faith, as he shared both his food and his lodging with others.
His Christian generosity soon caught the attention of Rome during the time of the most severe persecution of Christians by the empire. Soldiers were ordered to find and kill him. Ultimately, they came to Phocas’s house where they asked for his assistance in finding their target. Without telling them who he was, Phocas asked them to stay at his house and prepared meals for them from his garden. While they slept, he dug his own grave.
The next morning Phocas revealed who he was. The soldiers were so taken with his generosity, they pleaded with him to denounce his faith. Phocas refused and said it would be an honor to die for Christ, which sadly he did.
Phocas’s inspiration is summed up in his collect:
Almighty God, you emptied yourself to take on the form of a servant, and you call your disciples to do the same. Kindle in our hearts the same love you bestowed upon Phocas the Gardener, that, in giving of our abundance to serve friend and enemy alike, we may reflect to the world around us the abundant generosity you show to us in your Son Jesus Christ, Our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AMEN.
|
|
Masks are optional at all services. |
|
Sunday, January 16, 2022
The Baptism of Our Lord
8 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Cathedral
Preacher: The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead
10 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Cathedral*
Preacher: The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead
Offertory Music: Grow in grace
by Malcolm Archer
The Cathedral Choir
*This service is live-streamed on our website and
YouTube channel.
Children's Chapel is offered every week during the 10 a.m. service. Children follow the cross at the beginning of the Gospel hymn to Cummings Chapel. This week they will learn about the baptism of Jesus. They will then join three families at the font to participate in the baptism of their little ones. Don't miss this special day!
12:30 p.m. Church Without Walls
Dean's Garden
|
|
Hakimian Family Nursery open 8:45 to 11:10 a.m.
The Cathedral Bookstore open 9 a.m. to Noon
|
|
Quiet Garden Morning: Saturday, January 22 |
|
Yeasting the New Year: Matthew 13:33 A morning of meditation, conversation, and silence in Cummings Chapel. We will look at words that describe 2021 and 2022 for us, and listen to the watchwords of others, including Jane Campion, Padraig O’Tuama, Amanda Gorman, Denise Levertov and Ecclesiastes. A small interactive art activity will be shared. Led by The Rev. Dr. Linda Privitera. Spaces are limited, please help us prepare by registering today! |
|
Saturday, January 22
9:30 a.m. to noon
Cummings Chapel
|
|
|
HabiJax
In December of last year, members of St. John’s Cathedral, St. Mark’s, and Church of Our Savior along with HabiJax volunteers enjoyed a beautiful day together. We did yard work, preparing the ground for sod then laid sod. It was a great day of doing God’s work and getting to know one another better.
GET READY – we will gather for a HabiJax Workday on Saturday, January 15, 2022. No equipment or expertise is required – just a servant’s heart and a smile!
Remember to dress appropriately. If you have favorite gloves, bring them but no worries if you don’t, HabiJax will provide gloves and equipment!
|
|
Blessings in a Backpack Packing Dates
Volunteers are welcome to come pack backpacks on January 26 at 9:30 a.m. at St. John's Cathedral. Contact: Joan Burchell burchelli@aol.com
The Sanctuary Guild Needs You!
Our Guild is made up of the Flower Guild and the Altar Guild. Together, we ready our beautiful spaces for all types of services. No matter what time you are able to give, there is an opportunity for you! Preparing our Cathedral for worship is a gift you can give to everyone attending or watching.
If you are interested in getting started or have questions please contact:
|
|
Tuesday, January 18
Bruce Hardman, Maggie Craddock
Wednesday, January 19
Bill Speer, Charles Keyser,
Vernon Garrett
Thursday, January 20
Lorraine Corey
|
|
Friday, January 21
Jackie Terry
Saturday, January 22
Jennifer Alexander, Allen Todd,
B.J. Dozier, Douglass Myers
|
|
Be Social with Us
Follow. Like. Share. Retweet. Repeat.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
