Christ Church Cathedral

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The Chronicle: Volume 61 #44 : July 22, 2010
The Weekly Newsletter of Christ Church Cathedral

 

 

THANK  YOU!!

   Thank you for visiting the website of Christ Church Cathedral, the Cathedral Church of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts. In the weeks to come, there will be new content, new links, more news, more about our sixfold ministry.

Please feel free to contact us with any suggestions, feedback, or questions you might have. Just e-mail us at  info@christchurchcathedralspringfield.org.

The “Electronichronicle”
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Click on the title to locate the article.

Dear friends,

       The character of a city is measured by the care it gives to its most vulnerable citizens. Here are two stories of care in our city – one sad, one happy.

Faithfully, in Christ, Jim

No One Not Prayed For!

      Did you know that if you are a member of the Cathedral, then you are getting prayed for, by name, by a member of the governing body of the Cathedral? There are sixteen members of the Executive Committee. They have divided up the names of all the members of the Cathedral and have pledged to pray for them. There is a poster in the hallway of the Cathedral that lists the names for which each Executive Committee member is praying. Check out who’s praying for you – and feel free to share any special prayer requests with that member.

Separating the wheat from the weeds

 

Rebecca’s Bible Study now on hiatus

Rebecca Scruton’s Thursday morning Bible studies have become a tremendous gift to the Cathedral these past few years. The group is now enjoying a hiatus.
Join Mark and Sarah Betsher at 88 Bellevue Avenue for the first Sunday of the month bible study of the Psalm appointed for that Sunday. Call the Betshers at 731-7362 for details.

Cathedral Choir Membership
Now is the perfect time to think about joining the Cathedral Choir.

You know how much music adds to the worship service. But did you know that singing is good for you? Many studies done over a number of years have focused on the health benefits of singing, and the evidence is overwhelming.

Loaves and Fishes
in July
We gather at 10AM to prepare the lunches
and at 3PM to prepare the supper.
Do join our happy kitchen crews for this very important ministry.

 

Dear friends,



      The character of a city is measured by the care it gives to its most vulnerable citizens. Here are two stories of care in our city – one sad, one happy.

Shrek – the nickname given to a homeless man because, well, that’s whom he looked like – was a regular guest at the Loaves and Fishes meal program in our undercroft. He was a good man, whose struggle with alcohol eventually landed him in the hospital withliver problems. He was released from the hospital and managed to stay sober for two weeks, living with a small community of friends in tents by the Connecticut River.
In a tragic accident earlier this week, Shrek drowned. All the care in the world –
from hospital personnel to friends who tried to rescue him from the river – couldn’t save him. Now, Shrek is resting fully in the arms of our Lord.

Two winters ago, our Monday night group encountered a woman named Donna at 1:00 AM on a street corner in the South End. She told us that she was HIV Positive and strung out on heroin and crack. She was turning tricks as a prostitute to support her drug habit. Donna said, “You people are nice, but I’m too far gone. I’ve lost my kids, I’ve got AIDS, I’m addicted to crack, and I’m a hooker. I’m beyond help. Nothing will do any good.” We talked with her for a long time, gave her some food and clothes, and prayed with her. This past Tuesday, several of us were spending the lunch hour on Main Street, handing out sandwiches, socks and prayers to those in need. We stopped to chat with a woman who looked at us, paused, then exclaimed, “I know you!” It was Donna. She looked vibrant and fresh, and she told us her story.
You’re the ones who prayed with me. That night turned out to be a new beginning. I’ve been sober and off drugs for 18 months, I have an apartment, and my kids live with me. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

We all held hands in broad daylight on Main Street – Episcopalians, mind you – and prayed. Please hold Shrek and Donna in your prayers – and all the others.


Faithfully, in Christ, Jim

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Separating the wheat from the weeds

      While we don't have a wheat field in the Fitch Courtyard, we do have a lot of weeds crowding out our flowers. We could use a volunteer or two to help tend our lawn where we gather for our lemonade each Sunday. Pick your own hours, come when you can. If you would like to help pick weeds or spread mulch, please let Fr. Mike know - among other things he can point out which are weeds!

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Vacation Bible School

      Are you ready for a High Seas Adventure? All hands on deck, because we’re about to set sail! This summer, the Christ Church Cathedral Vacation Bible School is all about sailing over the bounding main on a high seas expedition. Plan now to be with us from Monday, August 2 through Friday, August 6, from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM every day – lunch included.

      What will this expedition look like? We’ll Sing and Play Splash, there will be Goodies from the Gallery, we’ll play Ship Wreck Games, there will be a Bible Voyage, we’ll watch the Sail Away Cinema, and there will be a Floating Finale. All children, whether members of the Cathedral or not, are warmly invited to sign on the High Seas Adventure. Registration forms are available at the Cathedral office (736-2742).

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Executive Committee Notes

      The Executive Committee of the Cathedral held its monthly meeting on Monday, June 14. Mark Betsher was the chaplain for the evening, and he led us in an opening meditation on discerning God’s love in the beauty of creation. The Treasurer’s Report was encouraging: income is above budget and expenses are below budget. The bulk of the meeting was spent on discussing the progress of the ten goals that were set at the retreat in January. They include such activities as supporting José Reyes in his discernment for the ordained ministry; reaching out to a new target group; developing more small groups; upgrading our web site; and gelling the ministry teams. We also had check-ins on the Dominican Republic mission trip, the JustFaith program, our relationship with Loaves and Fishes, and our connections with the other three Springfield churches.

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Fine Coffee and Tea

      Doug and Elaine Culver and their children Clara and Coleman, our mission partners in China, have a new initiative called “Culver’s Collection.” The Collection consists of fine coffee and tea from Kunming, Southwest China. All proceeds are used for mission among ethnic minorities. For more information and to place an order, please contact: frontierproductions@mac.com.

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Holy Hot Dogs

     Holy Hot Dogs – better than Fenway Franks – will be on sale on Sunday, August 8, following the 10:00 AM and 12:15 PM services. Proceeds will support the mission trip to the Dominican Republic and Haiti next summer.

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Choose a Hymn

     As the Cathedral Choir takes a break, you’re invited to request a hymn, or several hymns, that you’d like to have us sing during the summer months. An old favorite? One that has special meaning for you? A new one that looks interesting? Give me a call, see me on Sunday morning, or email me at: jmbpbb@gmail.com
      I look forward to hearing from you!


Peter Beardsley, Canon Precentor

 

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How doth your garden grow?

      Do you remember that time last winter when you would have killed for a fresh tomato? We’re approaching the time of year in which our gardens are producing those tomatoes – and, more often than not, in greater abundance than we need. So if you’re finding that your back yard garden is presenting you with more vegetables than you could ever consume yourself, this is an invitation for you to bring those vegetables to church every Sunday. We’ll collect them and deliver them the next day to the Emergency Food Pantry of the Open Pantry Community Services, so that the fruits of our gardens will go to our Springfield neighbors who are in need.

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Creative Correspondence

      Our wonderful parishioner and friend Jillian McLeod has been involved in a creative project that she would be happy to share with others. She has become friends with a woman named Theresa who is in a nursing home. Theresa has composed a list of her friends with whom she would like to be in correspondence, but she is unable to write letters herself. So, after Jillian has a visit with Theresa, she goes homes and writes letters for Theresa. It’s not dictation, but simply the gist of what Theresa wants to say. On the next visit, Jillian reads the letters to Theresa to see if she has captured Theresa’s voice and sentiments correctly. If so, she then mails the letters.
Jillian wonders whether other members of the Cathedral might be interested in this kind of offering to those who are older, who would like to be in correspondence with friends, but who can’t put letters together on their own. If so, Jillian would be happy to talk with you. You may connect with her via her email address: jillian.mcleod@gmail.com

 

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Reconciliation Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

      A Reconciliation Pilgrimage to the Holy Land is set for January 1-12, 2011. This pilgrimage is being offered to all members and friends of the Diocese. It will be led by the Very Rev. James Munroe, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Springfield, and the Rev. Len Cowan, Rector of the Church of the Nativity in Northboro.

      The pilgrimage has two purposes. First, it will be an exploration into the land where Jesus walked. We will visit all the places that framed his earthly life and ministry, from a cave in Bethlehem to an empty tomb in Jerusalem. We will be in Bethlehem on Christmas Day, as it is celebrated by many Orthodox churches. Second, the pilgrimage will be an exploration into the conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians today, with an emphasis on special individuals and groups that are working toward reconciliation and peace. We will meet living examples of Psalm 85:10 – “Righteousness and peace will kiss each other.”

      Dean Munroe and Fr. Cowan have led this pilgrimage before, and they are excited to be able to offer it again. For further information and to register, please call Dean Munroe (413-736-2742) or email him at dean.javanet@rcn.com - or call Fr. Cowan (508-393-3146) or email him at info@churchofthenativity.org.

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Flower Power

      The Dean has a wonderful ministry he would like to see develop – it has to do with putting a smile on faces through flowers. I would like to head up this ministry, but I need five dedicated people to help me. We would meet every Monday morning at the Cathedral from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM to arrange one, two or three bouquets of flowers from the Sunday flowers. Then from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM we would deliver them to the sick or shut-ins or newcomers. You simply need a car and two free hours. Please let the Dean know if you would like to help me in this ministry. God bless you.


- Edith Ray

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People of the Passion

      On Good Friday during Holy Week this year, the noon service featured five parishioners offering reflections on “People of the Passion.” Todd Gardner spoke on Judas Iscariot, Alice Montgomery Bradford spoke on Simon Peter, Jim McBride spoke on Pontius Pilate, Dora Campbell spoke on Mary the mother of Jesus, and Michael Stenning spoke on the Roman Centurion. The reflections were deeply moving, and we now have them in print. Please treat yourself to a written copy of these talks, either on the table in the sanctuary on Sunday morning – or by calling the Cathedral office (736-2742) to receive one in the mail.

The Bishop’s Address

      Copies of Bishop Scruton’s address at this fall’s Diocesan Convention are available. Give the Cathedral office a call if you’d like one (736-2742), or pick one up on the table in the sanctuary.

 

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Camperships

     A number of Cathedral youngsters are attending the Episcopal summer camp in the Diocese of Rhode Island this July and August. In the past, parishioners have contributed with real generosity to a fund whereby we can provide scholarships so that our children can attend camp. The need is still there! If you’d like to help make a camping experience possible for Cathedral young ones, please speak to one of the clergy – or simply send a check to the Cathedral, with “Campership” on the memo line. Thanks!

 

 

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Salt and Pepper Shakers and Candy Dishes

      Our own Edith Ray has suggested a creative way of raising funds for those suffering in Haiti. Edith has a collection of salt and pepper shakers and candy dishes that she is willing to donate, and she is inviting others in the parish to contribute salt and pepper shakers and candy dishes as well.
      Once we have a large collection, we will hold a weekend sale, and the funds we raise will go to Haitian relief through Episcopal Relief and Development. You may drop off your contributions at the Cathedral at any time.

 

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Sunday Parking

      A reminder for those parking on the side of the Cathedral on Sunday mornings. Please pull up to the Cathedral, so that two cars can park in each lane. If everyone leaves his or her name on a card on the dashboard, then you’ll know whom to find if you’re blocked in – thanks!

 

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Education For Ministry (EFM)

     Have you ever thought you might want to study the Bible in more depth (without going to seminary?). Have you considered taking the time to learn about our faith and its history with people who like to discuss, ask questions and probe? Perhaps you would like to consider Education For Ministry (EFM). This is a program, from the University of the South-Sewanee, designed for lay people.

      There are no papers, no grades, just reading and discussion in a small group with a mentor. If this sounds like something which interests you, please contact Mariana Bauman or Phyllis Larson.

Daughters of the King

     Here is the Vision Statement of the Daughters of the King: “Empowered by the Holy Spirit, our vision as Daughters of the King is to know Jesus Christ, to make Him known to others, and to become reflections of God's love throughout the world.”

      Members undertake a Rule of Life, incorporating the Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service. A Daughter pledges herself to a life-long program of prayer, service and evangelism, dedicated to the spread of Christ's Kingdom and the strengthening of the spiritual life of her parish. All women are invited to discern if they are called to this special ministry of Prayer and Service. A new discernment / training will be held this summer. Please see Mariana Bauman if you are interested and for more details.

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Resting in Peace

     “Columbarium” – the dictionary describes it as, “A vault with niches to contain the ashes of cremated bodies.” Churches install columbaria as a meaningful way to honor the earthly remains of those who have died. It allows a family to place the remains of their loved one in the sacred space where he or she may have been baptized or married or worshipped over the years – a sacred space of prayer and music and worship. Columbaria are found in our National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and in a number of churches in our diocese. The location for our columbarium will be on the rear wall of the chapel in the right transept – not in the line of sight of those worshipping on Sunday morning. It is a reverent and peaceful space for those who wish to meditate and pray. A number of people have already made reservations for niches, including one Dean and two Bishops. If you would like to discuss the possibility of a niche for yourself and family members, please speak with Dean Munroe.

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Cathedral Choir Membership

 

Now is the perfect time to think about joining the Cathedral Choir.


You know how much music adds to the worship service. But did you know that singing is good for you? Many studies done over a number of years have focused on the health benefits of singing, and the evidence is overwhelming.


+ Singing releases endorphins into your system and makes you feel energized and uplifted.  People who sing are healthier than people who don’t.
+ Singing gives the lungs a workout,
+ Singing tones abdominal and intercostal muscles and the diaphragm, and stimulates circulation.
+ Singing makes us breathe more deeply than many forms of strenuous exercise, so  we take in more oxygen, improve aerobic capacity and experience a release of muscle tension as well.
+ Singing exercises the vocal cords and keeps them youthful, even in old age. The less age-battered your voice sounds, the more you will feel, and seem, younger.
+ Singing can help prolong life.

Professor Graham Welch, Director of Educational Research,
University of Surrey, Roehampton, UK


      I’m pleased to announce that we have openings for Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, and Basses. Give me a call: 732-6437 or 478-6114.


Peter Beardsley, Canon Precentor

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Loaves and Fishes
in July
First Thursday Lunch
July 1
Second Friday Dinner
July 9
Fourth Tuesday Lunch
July 27

    
      We gather at 10AM to prepare the lunches and at 3PM to prepare the supper. Do join our happy kitchen crews for this very important ministry.

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Prayer Shawl Ministry 
Third Saturday
July 17
The Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet
to knit and pray
in the Kendrick Room at 10:30AM.
Everyone is welcome.
Please join us in the Kendrick Room. You don't need experience and materials are provided if you need them.
     A Shawl Maker’s Prayer
Dear Lord: Bless my hands as I knit today. May each twist of the yarn guide me to create a pattern of love and comfort in my work and remind me of Your ultimate protection. Wrap me in Your spirit so that I will be more caring towards those in need. Grant me patience as I create this shawl. And bless my handiwork as it travels to bring comfort and peace to someone in need of Your warming embrace.
                                           Amen

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“The Episcopal Church Welcomes You!”

     The Welcoming Committee at the Cathedral makes those words a reality. This group is made up of those who serve as Greeters at the Sunday Eucharist, ushers, Coffee Hour Hosts, and others who work behind the scenes to serve our ministry of welcoming people into the life of the Church.

     We need people to serve at all levels: especially Greeters and Coffee Hour Hosts. If you would like more information about any of these ministries, please contact Fr. Mike, 736-2742, ext. 2; or Mavis Small Mayhew about Coffee Hour, 733-0950.

 

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Christ Church Cathedral is located at 35 Chestnut Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01103