VOLUME 2, ISSUE 19
May 27, 2020
Day of Pentecost
Psalm 104
Acts (Hechos) 2:1-21
1 Corinthians 12:3B-13
John (Juan) 20:19-23
SUN. MAY 31ST - 10:00AM
Officiants: Deacon Stephen Bentley, Cathedral/Diocese Staff Clergy
Preacher: Bishop David C. Rice, Deacon Nelson Serrano Poveda (Translating)
SUNDAY WORSHIP
SUNDAYS @ 10:00AM

SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR
SUNDAYS @ 11:00AM
ALL ON-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
ARE SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY

BINGO NIGHT
FRIDAY, MAY 29 @ 6:00PM - 7:30PM
THIS FRIDAY, MAY 29TH AT 6PM
This Friday, May 29th, at 6:00PM until 7:30PM, St. James will host a Cathedral Bingo Night on Zoom. The event is for the young and the young-at-heart. All are welcome! There will be prizes for each Bingo round.

To join the fun, use this link to access the fun and fellowship on the 29th of May.

When you login into the Zoom Room for Bingo Night, we will share a link with you that will allow you to digitally access your Bingo card(s). If the little ones need their Bingo Card(s) printed out--there is an option to print a card. After each round, we will be able to clear and reset your cards. All you will need to do each round is check-off your numbers and enjoy the fellowship of the gathered group.
Join us this Sunday, May 31st at 10:00AM for the Day of Pentecost service. As always, the service will be available on YouTube, Facebook, and the Cathedral website. Bishop David Rice will be the preacher and the bilingual service will feature special music.

There is also still time to submit your Pentecost Red photo.
COVID-19 LETTER
May 21 Update from Bishop David
Sisters and Brothers of EDSJ

I hope my words find you safe and well. As I have communicated in my previous pastoral letters during these pandemic times of COVID-19, we have seen illnesses and deaths in an unprecedented manner. At the time of writing this correspondence, close to 5 million cases worldwide have been reported and over 1.5 million cases in the US. And we are approaching 325,000 deaths globally and shy of 92,000 deaths in our country. I realize we see the very same statistical information each day through our various news streams. My concern is that we may not pause enough during this informational storm and truly consider those who suffer from a debilitating and life threatening virus. Equally, I’m afraid we may not reflect enough upon the people who are no longer with us and those who grieve them. Please Church, do not get lost in the continuous numerical totals or the constant partisan politicizing or the ceaseless self-serving positioning. This is a time, as it is in all times, when and where we remember who we are and to Whom we belong. This is a time, as it is in all times, for us to be the Church.

In my last issued pastoral letter, I identified that we would continue to suspend public worship and public gatherings through May 24. Again, after considerable thought and prayer and consulting with diocesan leadership, I am extending that date until such time when we can confidently resume our gatherings in a safe and healthy manner. I realize in my two previous pastoral letters, I provided forecasted dates for potential reopening. In this instance, I am electing to refrain from predicting a prospective date as I do not want to raise expectations unnecessarily regarding a resumption of public worship and gatherings. I will say, we continue to rely upon science and the health-related data provided. Moreover, we continue to rely upon our belief that we are guided by our commitment to public health and our faith-informed responsibility for one another.

As a diocese, we will continue to follow the lead of the state of California with regards to measurements, requirements, protocols and when reopening may occur.  And when and where those measurements, requirements and protocols may differ from the position of local counties, we encourage the safest and most cautious option for adherence. I write those words because at the time of crafting this correspondence the rates of cases increase in the counties of Fresno and Tulare. Last weekend during our Deanery Meetings via ZOOM, I was asked if reopening would take place at different times for different Faith Communities given our varied circumstances, contexts and conditions. My response at the time was my deep hope that EDSJ make covenant in an act of solidarity to reopening simultaneously. Sisters and Brothers, I do hope we will follow that very good way.

Last week, I assembled a small diocesan working group with the task of providing information throughout EDSJ pertaining to “moving towards reopening.” It is my intention to have this information available to everyone in the next two weeks.

Most importantly EDSJ, sheltering-in-place, wearing masks and gloves, namely, ensuring that we are exercising our responsibility for others by taking care of ourselves, remains the very best thing we can do.

I pray for the safety and wellness of us all. And I pray that we may continue to exercise patience and kindness and generosity and care.

Please, if you have questions or wish to make comment, do not hesitate to contact me.

Blessings

+David
PASTORAL LETTER FROM
THE EPISCOPAL BISHOPS OF CALIFORNIA
“Jesus said: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27)”

From the beginning of the pandemic, our Episcopal congregations and our respective dioceses have been strengthened by prayer, study, and praise. In this time, our churches have never “closed” or ceased in teaching, fellowship, prayer and service to our communities; we have simply continued our gatherings on-line and in homes, bowing to Christ’s authority and the teaching that we are to act out of love for others.

As the weeks go on, the weather is nicer, and our solitude continues, there is pressure to get out, be among people and gather. Churches are a place where we feel that pressure intensely, for we are a people that is embodied and communal, and we often refer to ourselves as “family.”

Over the past few weeks, we have carefully considered how and when we will re-gather in person. We recognize that our plans are not as simple as unlocking a door and walking in. All of our congregations are actively making plans centered spiritually on our love for others, and scientifically on the realities of disease. The reminders from the CDC, and state government tug us into the reality that we still do not know enough about COVID-19 to gather safely in the same ways as before; we need to find new ways to keep our people safe.

We are grateful for our rights as Americans and as Christians. Even so, we put priority not on standing up for those rights, but rather on having the mind of Christ and becoming servants of God, of our congregation, and of our community. (Philippians 2:5-11)

For these reasons, each of our dioceses will follow its re-entry protocols as planned. We are carefully monitoring directives from local governments and especially the State of California, which will not permit in-person worship until stage three. When the time comes, we will make decisions that we and our discernment partners think best for the diocesan families we serve. For now, we will not re-gather in our church buildings but will continue to attend church virtually in our homes, greeting each other via technology, and loving God and our neighbor. We will continue to protect, serve, and advocate for the most vulnerable among us. (Matthew 25:31-46)
The way in which each of us loves our neighbor is sacrificial; it is a holy offering not only for our faith communities, but also and very importantly, for first responders and health care workers who are putting their lives on the line. As God’s people, we make this profound offering prayerfully and reflectively, knowing that in God we live and move and have our being.

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

In Christ,

The Right Reverend Marc Handley Andrus, Bishop of California
The Right Reverend Lucinda Beth Ashby, Bishop of El Camino Real
The Right Reverend Diane M. Jardine Bruce, Bishop Suffragan of Los Angeles
The Right Reverend David Rice, Bishop of San Joaquin
The Right Reverend Susan Brown Snook, Bishop of San Diego
The Right Reverend John Harvey Taylor, Bishop of Los Angeles
The Right Reverend Megan McClure Traquair, Bishop of Northern California
PHOTOS NEEDED FOR PENTECOST SERVICE
Wear red, take a photo, and share it with us!
The Cathedral is looking ahead to Pentecost. We would love your participation in our May 31st Pentecost service. This year for Pentecost, as we did in Holy Week, we are asking the Cathedral community to submit pictures.

What we're looking for:

  • A picture of you and your family, including your pets, wearing red. Pictures can taken indoors and/or outdoors and should be taken in a well lit area. 

  • Props: A candle or some other festive decoration is welcomed addition, but not necessary. 

In order to allow the photos to be included in the service video, we are asking for all submissions be turned in by 9:00PM on Tuesday, May 26th. To submit photos, click on the button below.
WE NEVER CLOSED!
This article first appeared in Cathedral's Blog and Facebook page last Friday.
I am growing very tired of having to respond to the bungling of our nation’s COVID-19 response by some of our nation’s leaders. Today, our President declared “churches as essential” and demanded that governors immediately allow for the reopening of churches and offered some veiled threat if they did not comply.

Mr. President… yes, you are correct, we are essential! However, the last time I checked, our churches, temples, mosques, and other houses of worship ARE OPEN!!! (May I remind you that our country has many faiths and many different sacred spaces—not just churches). We are open and we have never closed!

We are open—worshipping together online. We are open—gathering online for fellowship, education, and inspiration. And because we are called to care for one another and to protect one another, especially the most vulnerable among us, we are NOT gathering together in person! We will not gather together in our buildings until it is safe for all of our congregants, friends, and guests—and for those who we will meet after we leave our place of worship.

St. James is open…open to sharing God’s love and peace. St. James is open to those in need. St. James is open to being a responsible and loving neighbor, especially during this pandemic. St. James is open and will never close.

Thank you Mr. President; however, we do not need your guidance or politicizing when it comes to our communities of faith. Unlike some in our country’s leadership, we, the communities of faith like St. James, are listening to the real experts (the scientists, physicians, and health officials), we are faithfully following and practicing social distancing guidelines, and we are responding with empathy and kindness to those impacted by this terrible virus.

We are open and will never close our hearts and minds to others!

Faithfully,

The Very Reverend Ryan D. Newman
Dean, St. James Episcopal Cathedral
We are sad to announce that Charlie Wadhams died on Tuesday of last week, May 19, 2020. Charlie and Anne were faithful members of St. James Episcopal Cathedral, and before that, of Holy Family and St. Columba’s. Charlie was 93. 

Charlie enlisted in the US Navy in 1944, serving in Pearl Harbor. He remained armed forces reserves until he retired in 1976 as Commander. Charlie worked in the life insurance and financial planning industry as a General Agent in New York, Washington, DC, and Fresno, California. Over the years, we have seen many of his five children, 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren in church.

Due to the global pandemic, the family is postponing his memorial service until an appropriate time to celebrate his life. To view Charlie's obituary and to leave memories or condolences online, please click here
Almighty God, our Father in heaven, before whom live all who die in the Lord: Receive our brother Charlie into the courts of your heavenly dwelling place. Let his heart and soul now ring out in joy to you, O Lord, the living God, and the God of those who live. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our understanding: Deal graciously with Anne, Jean, Bill, Tad, Peter, Andrew and all of Charlie’s family and friends in their grief. Surround them with your love, that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss, but have confidence in your goodness, and strength to meet the days to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
DEAN RYAN'S SERMON
Exodus 3:1-12 - "Here I Am"
Last Sunday, May 24th, the 7th Sunday in Easter, Dean Ryan was the preacher for the Cathedral/Diocese service. Below is a link to Dean Ryan's sermon focused on Exodus 3:1-12, the story of Moses before the burning bush.
DIGITAL ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE WEEK
Due to the holiday, there was no episode produced this week. The next episode will air at 6:00PM, June 1st, on the Cathedral's Facebook page and YouTube channel.
During the month of May the St. James Youth group will be meeting weekly on Wednesdays at 6PM. All youth ages 10-18 are welcome to join. The group will be discussing how the week has gone, plan future activities, and choose a movie for our end of the month movie night on Netflix Party!
DIGITAL COFFEE HOUR
Following the conclusion of the 10AM service join us on Zoom
Every Sunday, following the 10:00AM service at approximately 11:00AM (maybe a little bit before), St. James hosts a "Digital Coffee Hour" on Zoom. We invite you to grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us for the conversation. We invite you to grab a cup of coffee or tea or your favorite drink and join us for the conversation.

To participate, log into the  Cathedral Coffee Hour on Zoom. The meeting password is " james4147".

You can also join the conversation by phone. Call (669) 900-6833 and enter the meeting ID 821-8772-3828. You will be prompted to enter the phone password "492292".
WORSHIP

St. James offers Sunday worship each Sunday at 10:00AM on our YouTube Channel, Facebook Page, and Website. Archives of these services are available.
SERVICE PROGRAMS

Starting this Sunday, we will once again begin offering digital service programs. Visit the St. James website to download the program. If possible, for our creation care work, please do not print the program.
SERVICE SURVEY

To help us improve our digital church experience, please evaluate your experience of our "live stream service," by taking a moment to complete a short survey following Sunday's service.
CALCULATE YOUR WATER FOOTPRINT
Find out what your water footprint is and how you can reduce your impact. This calculator will show you how your lifestyle impacts the rest of the world and how you can make a positive difference. Share with us ways you plan to reduce your footprint!

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE
The next meeting will be in June (Date and Time TBA) and will held in a Zoom Conference. Call in option: (669) 900-6833 and enter the meeting ID 738-270-106.
PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
The next meeting will be will be in June (Date and Time TBA) and will held in a Zoom Conference. Please note the date and time change. Call in option: (669) 900-6833 and enter the meeting ID 378-306-618.
MEN'S GROUP
Postponed until further notice. Thank you for your understanding.
BIBLE STUDY- THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Look for more information in the coming weeks.
Concerned by the increasing financial needs of the Latino community in Gwinnett County, Georgia, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rev. Irma Guerra began searching for ways to fill those needs beyond what her parish was doing. The associate rector for Hispanic ministry at Christ Episcopal Church in Norcross’s search led her in April to begin volunteering at Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries.
The economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic is transforming the 38-year-old feeding ministry of one Diocese of Newark congregation. Toni’s Kitchen at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Montclair, New Jersey, has quadrupled the number of meals it serves each week, causing the ministry to run far over budget and turning its normally quiet building into a bustling food warehouse.
On May 22, the Supreme Court of Texas issued a ruling against the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth and in favor of a breakaway group now affiliated with the Anglican Church in North America in a dispute over which group legally controls the diocese’s property.
Abu-Ali Abdur’Rahman, on Tennessee’s death row since a 1987 murder conviction, was confirmed in 2014 as an Episcopalian by Tennessee Bishop John Bauerschmidt. Christ Church Cathedral in Nashville counts the 69-year-old Abdur’Rahman as one of its parishioners, and Episcopalians there regularly visit him and are among the most dedicated supporters of his legal team’s efforts to stop his execution.
As St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Renton, Washington, rapidly transitioned to online services during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in the Seattle area, its rector soon saw an unfilled need. While livestream Morning Prayer provided a suitable, albeit short-term, substitute for the usual Sunday Eucharist, there wasn’t a readily available blueprint for mourning and honoring the dead.
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.