March 17, 2023
From the Dean and Rector
Beloved,

Here at this Cathedral we have made concerted efforts to adjust some of the language of our liturgies to reflect the full diversity of God and of God's creation. We have avoided some (but not all) references to God as "Father" and have rearranged sentences a bit to avoid (here and there) references to God as "He". Our efforts, as they always will, fall short of all the glory of the Godhead, and may fall short of your own wishes for our common faith language.

This Sunday, at the 11:00 service, we are taking a step back from that to experience the liturgy as it reads in our "Rite 1" services. Those of us of a certain age who grew up in the Episcopal Church know that language well. The "Rite 1" language we have in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer was translated from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer (itself a translation of the 1662 BCP) which was in use across the Episcopal Church until the 1979 version was published. It is my "mother tongue" for our Common Prayer as it is for many of you. For others of you, it will be a new experience.

There is a particular beauty to the way the Elizabethan language slides around on the tongue and lands gently on the air. I pray that you will forgive the move, for a short time, to the more gendered God language, and enter into the beauty of the ancient words spoken for hundreds of years by faithful Anglicans and Episcopalians. As the Benedictine Rule asks of the faithful, I ask the same, which is to "listen with the ear of your heart."

Beloved, I love you and God adores you.

Greta+
Cathedral Church of St. Paul News & Events
Thank You
Thank you to all who responded to our request for snacks for the Elmwood Pod Community! There is still time to donate - bring your contributions with you to church this Sunday. We appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity.
Do These Belong to You?
These hearing assistance devices were found in the Parish Hall after church last Sunday. If they belong to you, we'd love to return them to you! Reach out to us in the Cathedral office at admin@stpaulscathedralvt.org, or 802-864-0471.
Provide a Meal for a Member in Need
Parishioner Fran Carlson has been caring for her husband Steve, who is ill. If you would like to support her in this difficult time by dropping a meal off, click the Meal Train link here: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/6v6y8d and select a date that works for you.

Providing meals is a way to demonstrate our love and care for our St. Paul's community.

Thanks!
Florence B. Price Choral Mass Setting at the 11:00 Holy Eucharist this Sunday, March 19
The Fourth Sunday in Lent is traditionally known in Western Christianity as Laetare Sunday, and it is often understood to give a bit of lightness and joy to the otherwise austere Lenten season. On Laetare Sunday, which this year will be March 19, at the 11:00 Eucharist, a quartet of singers from Counterpoint will offer Florence Price’s Communion Service in F. Nathaniel Lew (Professor of Music, St. Michael’s College) will direct, with David Neiweem accompanying on the organ. The Cathedral Choir will have that morning off.

The mass setting by Florence B. Price is rarely heard. Price was born to an African American father and a white mother in 1883 in Little Rock, Arkansas. After high school, she studied organ, piano, and composition at New England Conservatory, graduating with a degree in piano pedagogy and organ. Price then returned to Little Rock, where she lived and worked, with a two-year interlude teaching at Clark University in Atlanta. To escape the terror and oppression of Little Rock’s Jim Crow environment, she moved with her husband and children to Chicago in 1927 in the Great Migration.

While in Chicago, Price’s work as both a teacher and a composer flourished. However much of her music was generally unknown until 2009, when a large collection of her manuscripts turned up in St. Anne, Illinois, in a house that was practically falling down; since then, Price’s music has grown more available and is increasingly being performed.

Among Florence B. Price’s works is the choral setting of parts of the Communion service that the Counterpoint singers will offer. Although it is undated, Price probably composed it in the 1930s, for use at Grace Presbyterian Church on the South Side of Chicago. Simple in its compositional style, this music has a depth and richness that will offer much to our celebration of the Eucharist that day.

At one time the Cathedral Choir occasionally offered a choral mass setting at the 11:00 service, but we have not done so since before the pandemic. It will be good to welcome Nat Lew and members of Counterpoint to St. Paul’s on Laetare Sunday.
—Mark Howe
This Sunday in Adult Forum: Resisting Structural Evil
This Sunday at 10 a.m. in the Commons Room, Ann Boyd will be leading an examination of parts of Cynthia Moe-Lobeda's book, Resisting Structural Evil: Love as Ecological Economic Vocation. We are aware of many ways that Earth and the community of life are suffering, and seek ways that we can undo man-made systems that cause suffering with God's help. Come share in our exploration of this question.

This event is also accessible by Zoom using the link here.
 
Check out these links for parts of the book for discussion and some quotes for thought.
Snack Donations Sought for Elmwood Pod Community
The new Elmwood Community Shelter has been operational for a few weeks now, and has begun to assess its needs. In response to the local faith community's offer of support, Champlain Housing Trust has asked for donations of snacks for residents.

Let's welcome our new neighbors by bringing in the following requested items for the next few Sundays, and delivering them on our assigned date, Sunday, March 19. They have asked for the following items, which have proven to be popular with residents:
  • Individually wrapped snacks such as granola bars, oatmeal packs, cookies, and chips.
  • Liquid coffee creamer.

The Elmwood Community Shelter (ECS) provides specialized support services to people with mental and medical health issues, substance use disorder, and other challenges with accessing traditional shelter options. The screening process for ECS is operated from a low-barrier perspective—meaning that there is no requirement that people be sober, compliant with mental health or substance use disorder treatment. While engagement to on-site social services and housing resources are strongly encouraged, guests of the shelter are not required to participate in these programs to maintain guest-status at the ECS.
Lenten Offerings
We hope you will join us during the season of Lent for one (or all) of the following offerings:

Adult Forum Discussion, Resisting Structural Evil: The increasingly pressing and depressing situation of planet Earth poses urgent ethical questions for Christians. But, as author Cynthia Moe-Lobeda argues, the future of the earth is not simply a matter of protecting species and habitats but of rethinking the very meaning of Christian ethics. The earth crisis cannot be understood apart from the larger human crisis -- economic equity, social values, and human purpose are bound up with the planet's survival. In a sense, she says, the whole earth is a moral community.

Reading the book is not a prerequisite for participation. Scanned excerpts of the book are available here. Online copies of Resisting Structural Evil can be borrowed through your local library. Members of the Fletcher Free Library in Burlington can explore their ebook and audio book selection here.

We'll gather in the Commons Room two Sundays in Lent: March 19 at 10:00 a.m., led by Ann Boyd and Sylvia Knight; and March 26 at 10:00 a.m. led by Tonita Branan and Sylvia Knight.

The Gospel According to Pixar Movie Nights: Using a book called The Gospel According to Pixar as a guide, we'll gather in the Commons Room during Lent to watch a film together and discuss how these themes compare to those found in the Gospels in a fresh, new way. All ages welcome!!

Friday, March 31 from 5 - 8 p.m. we will share some pizza and watch Finding Nemo

Questions? Email the cathedral office, or call at 802-864-0471.
Episcopal Relief and Development During Lent
Each year St. Paul's has dedicated our fundraising efforts in Lent to support ERD. Right now ERD is focusing significant efforts on supporting victims of the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Since the disaster occurred, ERD has:
  • Distributed 40,000 winterization kits that include blankets, pajamas and mattresses.
  • Provided over 230 buildings, including church halls, mosques, schools and municipal halls, for shelters.
  • Begun setting up child friendly spaces, assisting in family reunification and providing emotional support for unaccompanied children.
  • The local network of partners had supplies and staff prepositioned throughout the region, which allowed for rapid mobilization in the midst of complex weather and transportation conditions. Local partners are continuing to prepare for a long-term, sustained response.

Please continue to pray for those who have been affected by the earthquake. Donations to the Turkey-Syria Earthquake Response Fund will help the organization to continue to respond to communities impacted by this disaster. We hope that you will consider making a contribution, by either mailing a check to the Cathedral with "ERD" in the memo line, or using the ERD line on the donation page of the Cathedral website here. There will be a formal ingathering at the Cathedral on the last Sunday in Lent, March 26, 2023.
Easter Flowers
It is a tradition at St Paul’s to honor your loved ones at Easter by donating to the flowers used in the colorful natural adornment of the Cathedral with a financial contribution to the flower guild.
 
Whether remembering a departed loved one, giving thanks for a special occasion, or celebrating your blessings, all gifts are appreciated and put to good use. Names of loved ones being honored are printed in the Easter Bulletin.
 
The Flower Guild is not a budget line item. All flower displays throughout the year are funded by contributions from Easter, Christmas, funerals, memorial celebrations, and parishioner generosity. Your thoughtfulness is enjoyed and appreciated throughout the year.
 
You can find contribution forms on the Narthex table, or you can use the online form here. To easily make your gift please send your donation with the list of honorees, identifying whether they are in thanksgiving for or memory of, to the Cathedral or donate directly online by March 31 to ensure your inclusion in the bulletin.
Join the Flower Guild for Easter Preparations
For our newer members and visitors, an acknowledgment that the St Paul’s Flower Guild has not gone away. It is our tradition to keep the Cathedral stark, bare of floral arrangements throughout Lent. During this quiet time of reflection, we are preparing for a gloriously colorful celebration of His Resurrection on Easter morning.

As I write, trees and bushes are being pruned to be forced into bloom. Plants and fresh flowers are being chosen and ordered. Plans are in place, and YOU are invited to join in the decorating party on Holy Saturday morning, April 8, 9-12 to make it happen.

Whether you are an experienced arranger, interested in learning, or just want to offer time as a schlepper (we need many) your valued time will be much appreciated. Please join us for a busy and fun morning on April 8. Snacks will be provided. A sign up sheet is on the narthex table.

Also, we will gather on Saturday April 1 from 1-3 in the Parish Hall to create floral gifts for those who are homebound in cooperation with the Pastoral Care Committee. Again, all are invited to participate. Those Easter extensions of our inclusive caring and remembrance will be available for delivery following Services on Palm Sunday.
Join the Welcome Ministry in Planning the Agape Meal
On Thursday, April 6 St. Paul's will host the Agape Meal as part of our Maundy Thursday celebration. Deriving from the Greek word Agape, meaning love, the agape meal is a communal meal celebrating the ancient tradition of table fellowship.

The Welcome Ministry is looking for help in putting this event together:
  • Set up: Thursday, April 6 at 9:00 a.m., directly following Morning Prayer. Seeking five or six people to move chairs and bring tables up to the Nave, using the Pillsbury's pickup truck. After they're in place, set tables with tablecloths and place settings.
  • Bring Candles: This year we're asking attendees to bring candles and candle holders from home to the meal. Any size or color will work! Candles can be retrieved from the chapel after Easter services.
  • Food donations: A sign-up sheet requesting food donations will be on the Narthex table soon.

Contact Welcome Ministry chair Penny Pillsbury with questions: 802-862-3575, or ppills949@gmail.com
1971-1972: Reimagining the New Cathedral
After the fire of 1971, the concept for the new St. Paul's Cathedral was to create a physical manifestation of St. Paul's multiple functions: its service as a parish church, its role as a contributive agency in the community, and its position as the Bishop's church and the church of the diocese - a Cathedral in the true sense of the word.

Diocesan leadership determined that the new cathedral should make an architectural statement, seeking to redefine what a modern cathedral should look like.

Over 100 parishioners were involved in the planning of details for the new building, the furnishings and its use. Contributor's decisions were guided by the concept of a medieval cathedral - the medieval church serviced its community in countless ways, all unified and given life by its worship. Social services, the arts, delivery of medical services, and even commercial activity emanated from the cathedral and its staff. Planners wanted St. Paul's to have the same vibrancy.

With these goals in mind, six architecture firms were invited to compete in the design competition. Design judging took place in January, 1972, and Burlington Associates was selected the winner by unanimous vote.

The resulting design, in the Brutalist style, was lauded for its overall drama and simplicity, its ability to capture the essence of spirituality by the manipulation of natural light in the worship space, and the use of formed concrete to create neutral surfaces as the backdrop to multiple uses: dance, music, lectures, with liturgical function as the priority. It was furnished with movable modular wooden chairs and altar that permit its reconfiguration for services and concerts.

Now, almost 50 years later, the Cathedral is just as innovative and distinctive as the day it was dedicated. Situated on a bluff overlooking Lake Champlain like a spiritual lighthouse, it marks the edge where the city’s natural and urban landscapes meet; its location enabling St. Paul's to serve the needs of its community while acting as a visual reminder of our ministry. 
Jubilee Year of Service, Quantified
We are proud of the spirit of service and community at the heart of this parish. In 2023, as we celebrate our jubilee year, we are reflecting on the many ways in which we can fulfill our mission to emphasize mercy, forgiveness, and solidarity in our community.

One very particular way to manifest the love of God is through our volunteer work - whether within the Cathedral or out in the community.
And so we are polling the St. Paul's community: How do you give your time and talents to others?

Thank you to everyone who has already responded! If you take a moment to fill in this form, located on our website, to let us know how you're involved in local or national charitable organizations. We'd also love to know if there are positions out there for anyone who may want to get involved but doesn't know where to start. We'll tally up everyone's answers and show how many small acts of kindness and generosity can contribute to major change and impact. Alternatively, email your approximate hours volunteered and list any organizations to which you contribute to the Cathedral office: Admin@stpaulscathedralvt.org.

Later on this year, we'll pull together everyone's responses as another way to show how we're making an impact on our community. Thank you!
From Out of Vermont Kitchens: Recipe of the Week
Throughout the cookbook, there are recipes - such as this week's - designated as being "from The Silent Kitchen."

It turns out that each year during Advent and Lent, silent retreats were held at the Diocesan headquarters at Rock Point, and for several years a group of friends calling themselves "The Silent Kitchen" would come together to provide food for these retreats. They worked in silence to produce memorable meals, and their recipes are now a special legacy to all of us.


Excerpted from the introduction of the 1990 edition of Out of Vermont Kitchens:

St. Paul's Cathedral published our first cookbook, Out of Vermont Kitchens, in 1939. The world and the small corner of it that is Vermont were very much different then, and yet some things stay the same. The values that first book represents - fresh ingredients cooked with pleasure and creativity for family and friends - are with us still today.

Vermont itself is a blend of old and new, a study in contrasts. It is still a rural state with many small family dairy farms and sugarbushes, but in recent years an influx of new residents from "down country" has brought us new life and richness with their interest organic gardening, sheep raising, and the production of a variety of cheeses and homecooked products now sold far beyond our borders. While treasuring our wonderful maple syrup and dairy products, we also welcome the addition of a broadened range of produce, herbs and spices to our shelves.

Vermont is a place of distinct seasons and sometimes harsh climate, but always of outstanding beauty. Much of our life continues to involve church suppers, town fairs, country auctions, and rigorous outdoor activity, along with a penchant for self-reliance and the homegrown. Our more recent neighbors have often settled here because they too love these simper pastimes and values. Those of us fortunate enough to live here wouldn't be any other place.

So come into our kitchens. Sit down and browse awhile through our recipe files and well-thumbed favorites. Then join us around the table to share a dish that, in the universal spirit of kitchen creativity, you have made your own.
Children's Corner
All children ages four to 11 are welcome to join us next week for Church School downstairs in the Parish Hall at 10:00 a.m.

Thank you to the adults who have volunteered to help out in the classroom! Church school volunteers can have a major impact on the youth in our congregation.

Click here to download the Sunday Paper for the Fourth Sunday in Lent.
Coffee Hour: Can you bring something to share?
The Welcome Ministry is a small, but mighty group of volunteers who are responsible for set up and clean up of our weekly get-togethers after both 9 and 11 a.m. services. Coffee Hour is a great way to meet and visit with fellow worshipers in an informal setting.

We could use your help in providing the goodies we love to snack on during coffee hour! Please think about bringing food to share or sign up on the sheet in the back of the church with what you might be able to bring to a future coffee hour! We will always have coffee, but the food depends on all of us!

We hope you will join us for Coffee Hour after the services (regardless of any contributions!). Please look for the sign-up sheets in the Narthex or in the Parish Hall on the beverage table. We appreciate your contributions.

The Welcome Ministry: Penny Pillsbury, Sue Simmons, Nadine Carpenter, Debbie Altemus, Shannon Williamson, Richie Amerson, Miriam Burns, David Turner, Cecile Woodbury, Brenda and Bill Kirby. 
Join Us For Worship
Join us for our Worship, in person on via our Live Stream on YouTube.

Sunday, March 19, 9:00 a.m. in person, 11 a.m. in person and live streamed.

You can view or download the order of worship on our website.
 
Other Regular Services
All are welcome to join us for our weekday services:
 
Morning Prayer, Monday - Friday at 8:30 a.m. on Zoom.
Tuesday - Friday at 8:30 a.m. in person.

Compline, Sundays and Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m. on Zoom
Coming up at St. Paul's
Sunday, March 19: Holy Eucharist, 9 & 11 a.m.
abcdeAdult Forum, Resisting Structural Evil, 10 a.m.
abcdeChurch School, 10 a.m.
abcdeFlorence Price Choral Mass Setting at 11 a.m. Eucharist
abcdeSilent Vigil & Witness Against Racism, 1:00
Sunday, March 26: ERD Ingathering, both services
abcdeHoly Eucharist, 9 & 11 a.m.
abcdeChurch School, 10 a.m.
abcdeAdult Forum, Resisting Structural Evil, 10 a.m.
abcdeSilent Vigil & Witness Against Racism, 1:00
Friday, March 31: Finding Nemo, The Gospel According to Pixar, 5 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 1: Choir Rehearsal 10 a.m. – Noon
abcdeFlower Guild bouquet preparation, Parish Hall, 1 – 3 p.m.
Sunday, April 2: Palm Sunday, Holy Eucharist 9 & 11 a.m.
abcdeChurch School, 10 a.m.
abcdeSilent Vigil & Witness Against Racism, 1:00
Monday, April 3: Tenebrae, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, April 4: Tenebrae, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 5: Tenebrae, 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 6: Maundy Thursday, Set up for Agape Meal, 9 a.m., Agape Meal, Washing of Feet, Holy Eucharist, Stripping of Altar, 6 p.m.
Friday, April 7: Good Friday, Liturgy of the Day 12:15 & 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 8: Holy Saturday Liturgy of the Day, 8:30 a.m.
abcdeDecorating of Nave, 9 – 12
abcdeGreat Vigil of Easter, 8 p.m.
Sunday, April 9: Easter Day, Festive Holy Eucharist 9 & 11 a.m.
abcdeNo Church School
For Our Prayers This Week
We pray for blessings and joy for those who celebrate birthdays this week: Macaulay Onuigbo, Gerald Davis, Silas Brown, Alida Beste, Anne Clark.

Let us name before God those for whom we offer our prayers: Rick; Bee; Fran Carlson, Colin MacDonald; Clair Viens; Devin Starlanyl; Karin Davis; Laura Macke; Jay Slobodzian; Thomas McGrade; Ashton Christy; Robert Libbert; Scholar's House; James Booze; Jennifer Jenkins; Michael Fay; Henry Maciejewski; P.J.; John; Lindsey Fay; The Anthony Family in Moscow, Russia; Nancy Bishop; Marie Cole; Kim Martin; Helene; Karen Lewis; Sandy Nicholson; Cole; Nancy Johnson; Ella Baskett; Mary Magot; Jean Erno; Jackie; Lillian Robinson; Emily Harwood; Peter Adams; Elizabeth Webster; Pat Barra; David Glendinning; Debbie Altemus; Vaughn Altemus; Naomi Hodgett; Helen McGrath; and Mary Carter.  For all those suffering from COVID-19 in our country or around the world. For those who have died from COVID-19 and for the grief of those who loved them. For Ukraine and those fleeing its borders and for the people of Russia, and the ongoing wars in Myanmar and Ethiopia. For all victims of gun violence.

We pray for those who are in the discernment process, our seminarian, Susan McMillan; for Trinity Fellow, the Revd Nitano Muller.

We pray for the response of the soul of those who have died: Vincent Pelletier, Phillips Kerr.
Quote of the Week

“Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.”

--St. Patrick

Lessons for March 19: The Fourth Sunday in Lent
Sunday's Collect
Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Community News & Events
Christ Church Montpelier Hosts Bach Marathon
Christ Episcopal Church in Montpelier presents the seventh annual Bach organ marathon on Sunday, March 19 beginning at 2 p.m. Six organists from around Vermont play the glorious organ music of J.S. Bach.

Sunday, March 19 at 2 p.m.
Admission is free, though contributions are welcome. Proceeds benefit the music scholarship fund of the Governor's Institute of Vermont.
Woman This and Woman That: An Evening of Suffrage Plays
St. Michael's College Department of Fine Arts and Theater presents an evening of theater focused on women's suffrage.

Directed and costume-designed by St. Paul's parishioner Peter Harrigan, these two one-act plays and a poem set to new music by local musician and composer Tom Cleary revisit a time when the advocacy and determination of women were catalysts to necessary social change: the right to vote.

March 22-25 at 7 p.m. each night in the McCarthy Arts Center Theater. Admission is free, and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To learn more, check out the link here.
Episcopal Youth Event 2023
Join the Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont Delegation
The Episcopal Youth Event (EYE), a triennial gathering of high school aged youth and their mentors, will be held July 4-8 at the University of Maryland in College Park.
 
The Diocese of Maine has invited members of the Dioceses of Vermont and New Hampshire (youth in grades 9 to12) to apply to be a part of their delegation.
 
Those interested should email Emily Keniston, director of faith formation in the Diocese of Maine, as soon as possible.
 
For frequently asked questions and more information about EYE, click here.
JUMP: Moving Forward
With the recent resignation of Director Wanda Hines and Mary Stannard-Carter, the Joint Urban Ministry Project (JUMP) is undergoing a restructuring period. Due to the need to hire new staff, JUMP is in a process of "regrouping" and has temporarily ceased direct services to clients. The JUMP Board plans to re-open to clients later this spring, and will be in touch soon with additional details.
Submission Deadline for St. Paul's eNews
This weekly e-newsletter is circulated on Fridays. Please send your submissions to Jennifer Sumner at admin@stpaulscathedralvt.org by noon on Wednesday. Thank you.
Contacts:

The Right Rev. Shannon MacVean-Brown, Bishop of Vermont

The Very Rev. Greta Getlein, Dean and Rector

The Ven. J. Stannard Baker, Cathedral Deacon and Diocesan Archdeacon

Mark A. DeW. Howe, Canon Precentor and Director of Music

Jennifer C. Sumner, Office Administrator

Barbara F. Comeau, Financial Administrator

Katie Gonyaw, Children's Formation Coordinator

Grace Jack, A/V and Social Media Coordinator