Adult Education at Christ Church Cathedral

Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15-October 15

Since 1968, this period of 30 days has been set aside as Hispanic Heritage Month. It is marked with many special events organized by Hispanic Communities involving celebrations, educational events, and official recognitions. This time was chosen because between September 15-18, seven Latin American countries gained independence from Spain; and because October 12 is remembered as "El Dia de la Raza," or "The Day of our Identity, or race." October 12 for many is Christopher Columbus Day – the discovery of the Americas. However, for the indigenous peoples of the Americas, the arrival of Columbus was the end of their cultures as they had existed before. However, the Latino community, while recognizing the loss of cultures pre- Columbus; this day is also the celebration of what resulted – a new culture and identity based on the blend of European, Indigenous, and African influences that give us the Latino culture that exists today. The gift of the "Dia de la Raza" is the affirmation that life comes out of death; and that a mixture of heritages and influences produce something of great value. It offers us hope for a future of diverse gifts coming together to give birth to new ways of living together. This is the witness of Latino culture and a gift to our world

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ACTS

ACTS – Action Centered Tutoring Services – is a non-profit ecumenical organization that provides students with a caring and nurturing adult tutor. There are several ACTS programs in Springfield, including one here at the Cathedral. Our own Anibelka Reyes is the Director of the Cathedral program, and she is looking for tutors. If you are of high school age or older, would you prayerfully consider supporting ACTS this fall by spending two hours a week helping one child? There is an orientation session for tutors on Wednesday, September 21, and the tutoring sessions begin on September 28, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. For further information, please contact Anibelka at 386-6722.

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ADULT FORUMS FOR 2011

Sept 18 - "The Journey to Priesthood" with Jose Reyes

Sept 25 - The opening of the Stewartship art exhibit in the Brooks Art Gallery

Oct 2 - 'Gleaning our libraries" - a display of our ready to pass on books

Oct 9 - "Life Transitions", with Tako and Bill Dwyer

Oct 16 - The annual gala Stewardship Brunch

Oct 23 - Dr. Henk van Os

Nov 13 - A talk by Dr. Karl Donfried

Nov 20 - A video about Palestinian Christians, introduction by Donna Barton

Nov 27, Dec 4, Dec 11 - "A Thrill of Hope" - the Christmas Story in word & art.

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The Screwtape Letters

The Screwtape Letters, written by C.S. Lewis, is a series of letters from a senior devil in hell who signs his letters as “your affectionate Uncle Screwtape.” The letters are mailed to a junior tempter on earth who is addressed as “My dear Wormwood.” Screwtape is advising Wormwood on methods of securing the damnation of a known as “the Patient.” In the body of the thirty-one letters that make up the book, Screwtape gives Wormwood advice on methods of undermining faith and promoting sin in the Patient. This book is a small masterpiece, full of humor and wisdom, about living out the Christian faith. It’s been read by millions since Lewis wrote the first “Letter” to a newspaper during WW II. We’re going to get together to study these “Letters” for four Monday evenings this fall, beginning on September 19. Copies of the book are on sale at the Cathedral every Sunday – $10. Pray that our gatherings will be deeply blessed. The Screwtape Letters is a compelling encouragement to connect with a gracious God, full of mercy and love and hope.

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Gleaning Your Library

Feel lighter and freer in just three weeks! Reduce your book baggage and free up some space on your library shelves. Take all those books that you know you’re not going to read or use again and bring them to the Cathedral (minus the Danielle Steele genre). On Sunday, October 2, all of these books will be on display in the Kendrick Room – ready for you to peruse and perhaps find one or two to take home. It’s the Christ Church Cathedral Library- Gleaning, Overpacking-Overcoming, Traveling Lightly Experiment. Join us!

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A New Brooks Foyer Exhibit

For the past two years, our Stewardship Ministry Team has presented a fall exhibit in the Brooks Foyer Gallery. These two exhibits have featured photographs of parishioners, accompanied by stories of their experiences of God’s faithfulness within the Cathedral family. On Sunday, September 25, this year’s exhibit will have its grand opening. Over twenty-five Cathedral singles and couples will be featured, with stories that focus on their approaches to financial stewardship. Please join us for this gala opening.

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Woof! Meeow! Baa!

Which is to say, the annual Blessing of the Animals is just around the corner! All animals, large or small, living or stuffed, are invited to come to church at the 10:00 AM service on Sunday, October 2. October 4 is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, a saint who encourages us to give thanks for the great gift of the animals in our lives. We’ll have a loud and wonderful service!

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A New Bishop

The organizers of the search for the new Bishop of our Diocese want to make sure that every Episcopalian in the Diocese has an opportunity to contribute to what the “profile” of the new Bishop will look like. On Tuesday, October 18, all Cathedral members are encouraged to join with other area Episcopalians at a meeting at 7:00 PM at St. Paul’s Church in Holyoke. The search process will be outlined, and those in attendance will be invited to offer suggestions and opinions and views and hopes and fears and prayers.

Do you have an idea for the Adult Education Group?

Is there a topic you want to explore with your fellow Christians at the Cathedral? Please see Mark Betcher, Convener; Dean Jim Munroe, Canon Michael DeVine, Canon Bill Dwyer and Jean Burnett