VOLUME 1, ISSUE 46
DECEMBER 5, 2019
Second Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12
8:00AM SERVICE
Preacher: Dean Ryan
Celebrant: Deacon Nancy
10:00AM SERVICE
Usher: Katharine Nelson & William Patterson
Lector: Jane Fisher
EM: Jeni-Ann Kren
Preacher: Deacon Nancy
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)
MEN'S GROUP BREAKFAST
SAT. DEC 7 @ 7:30AM
Yosemite Falls Cafe

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
SAT. DEC 7 @ 9:00AM
Conference Room

PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
SUN. DEC 8 @ 11:30AM
Conference Room

ACOLYTE TRAINING
SUN. DEC 8 @ 11:30AM
Cathedral

ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS
SUN. DEC 8 @ 4:00PM
Cathedral

ECW LUNCH MEETING
SAT. DEC 14 @ 11:30AM-12:30PM
Thai Royal Orchid
CATHEDRAL LAUNCHES
2020 STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
Dear People of St. James Cathedral,

What a difference a year can make! A year ago, the Cathedral Chapter had just concluded the search for a new Dean and the congregation found itself eagerly awaiting a “unicorn.” We soon realized that the “unicorn” was not a single individual but the collective whole of the Cathedral community. Together, over the past year, as we emerged from a period of transition, our Cathedral family has embraced the innumerable opportunities to listen, learn, grow, and serve together. The result is discernable and a reason for great joy and optimism.  

We have risen! Now… What Can We Be—This is both a question and a statement we seek to explore this upcoming year at St. James through our year-long stewardship campaign.

Historically, many churches engage the work of stewardship through a single lens of financial stewardship. However, stewardship is a multi-faceted embodiment and expression of our faith whereby we nurture, cultivate, and empower God’s resources entrusted to our care. Together, we have an amazing opportunity to embrace and share our gifts of time, talents, and treasure with God and God’s people. 

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. We will host an ingathering of financial pledge cards on Sunday, December 8th (Advent 2).

We are going to ask you to hold onto the “Time” and “Talents” 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) 

The initial aspect of “What Can We Be” campaign centers on our Cathedral’s financial sustainability. Financial stewardship is both a spiritual and practical endeavor of the heart and mind. Spiritually, as faithful people of God, we strive to remember that our treasure is not the source of our sustenance and strength, but rather the ever-present love of God that is generously given to us. The practice of sharing our abundance is a joyful expression of our love for the Divine and a faithful witness to our dependence on God.  
 
As a practical venture, financial stewardship allows St. James’ worship, ministries, outreach, and facilities to exist and thrive. We are grateful for all gifts, big or small, pledged, freely given, or willed. Our annual operating budget is established and managed primarily through our pledged-based giving. Pledged giving enables better fiscal planning, management, and transparency. 
 
For those current pledging members of the Cathedral Congregation, we greatly appreciate your continued commitment and willingness to document that commitment. For those members who have donated, but not pledged in past years, and for those who might be new to our community and/or new to the Church, we are asking you to prayerfully consider transforming your financial gifts into a pledge. 

Below this letter is the vision statement for the “What Can We Be” stewardship campaign. It is through this lens we begin the next chapter of St. James being our spiritual home and the Cathedral for the people of the Central Valley and the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin.

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!

Faithfully in Christ,
 
The Very Reverend Ryan D. Newman
Dean
VISION STATEMENT
Both a profound discernment question and a prophetic statement of vision, What Can We Be will allow the St. James Cathedral community to further explore, define, and articulate its baptismal identity within and witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ. 

In this Christian year, What Can We Be will shape our discussions, deepen our existing bonds with one another and those we serve, help us to cultivate new relationships, and empower the ministries of the Cathedral. 

Through the reflecting waters of our baptism, may God give us the courage and the strength to discern and declare What Can We Be.
FAMILY ADVENT WREATH LIGHTING SERVICE
For the 2nd Week of Advent
Last Sunday, many of you had an opportunity to make an Advent Wreath following the 10:00AM service. Below is an order of service for the Second Week of Advent.
Opening:
A member of the family lights last week’s candle and then another purple one, saying: “I light these candles to remind us that we must prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child.”

Prayer for the Second Week of Advent:
“Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.”
(BCP p. 211)

Read: Matthew 3:1-3
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’

Read or Sing (Hymn 76):
“On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry announces that the Lord is nigh; awake
and hearken, for he brings glad tidings of the King of kings...”

Closing Prayer:
Dear Christ, the light of all who love you, help us to make ready for Your birthday by preparing room for you in our hearts. Let no selfishness of ours darken our homes. Let no ill feelings spoil the joy of being together. Draw us closer by showing us how to truly love and serve you. Amen.
ACOLYTE TRAINING SUNDAY
The Acolyte Ministry is open to all! Yes, that means adults and youth are welcome to participate.

St. James needs more acolytes! Would you consider serving in this vital worship ministry?

This Sunday, December 8th, from 11:30AM - 1:30PM, the Dean, Deacons, and Emily Cabbiness will provided an "Acolyte Training 101" to anyone interested in the ministry. No experience is required.

We will offer a pizza lunch prior to the training. If you are interested, please RSVP. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak to the Dean, Deacons, or Emily.
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.
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
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.
The Episcopal Church Women of St. James (ECW) will be holding a lunch meeting, 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
Series continues studying the Gospel Stories of Advent
St. James is currently hosting a four-part “deep dive” Scripture study on the Advent Gospel lessons. The class 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 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.
Are you putting up your Creche any time soon? 
A brief history of the Nativity Scene
You’ll be interested to know that the very first Nativity scene was created in 1223 and that St. Francis of Assisi was responsible for the idea. He asked Pope Honorius III for permission to arrange a manger scene in a cave in the Italian village of Greccio. A living ox and an ass stood in attendance and he invited the townsfolk to the cave to hear him preach about the “Babe of Bethlehem.” St. Francis, the Poor Man of Assisi, has inspired Christians for hundreds of years through his devotion to Jesus and his example of simple living.

Did you know that you can follow his example by becoming a lay Franciscan in the Episcopal Church? To learn more, go to tssf.org (Third Order Society of St. Francis). Or contact Deacon Terrance Goodpasture.
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.
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, 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.
PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
The next meeting will be Sunday, December 8th, at 11:30AM in the Conference Room.
DECEMBER CHAPTER MEETING
The next meeting will be Sunday, December 15th, at 11:30AM in the Conference Room.
Last month’s consecration and installation of the first black female bishop in the Church of England were celebrated by a wide array of Anglican Communion leaders, including numerous leaders from The Episcopal Church.
St. Paul’s Church’s community-wide Thanksgiving dinner began in the 1970s when Allison Scott’s family and another family, totaling 11 children and four adults, wanted to use St. Paul’s parish hall for their joint family dinner. Once it was agreed, Scott’s mother, Dorothy, suggested inviting widows from the community who might not otherwise have a place to go, and from there, Thanksgiving dinner grew and a St. Paul’s tradition emerged.
Louie Crew Clay, a longtime advocate for the full inclusion of LGBTQ people in The Episcopal Church, the founder of Integrity and a former member of the House of Deputies, died on Nov. 27 at age 82 with his husband by his side, according to the Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton, a close friend.
The Rev. Gwen Fry resigned Nov. 25 as president of Integrity USA – the nonprofit organization dedicated to LGBTQ advocacy within The Episcopal Church – as the organization’s volunteer board faces members’ accusations of mismanagement and lack of transparency.
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.