"A gospel that doesn't unsettle, a Word of God that doesn't get under anyone's skin, a Word of God that doesn't touch the real sin of the society in which it is being proclaimed, what Gospel is that?" Archbishop Oscar Romero 

Dear friends, neighbors, and members of St. Cyprian's,   

Today, people throughout the world are honoring the martyr Oscar Romero who stood with the poor and victims of El Salvador's civil war. Romero's witness challenged the powers that be, political and religious, reminding us that following the way of Jesus means questioning the way things are, and speaking up in the face of oppression and injustice. St. Cyprian's witness through the years is one of profound courage, struggle and perseverance. Members of our congregation, some still active, many who have passed away, and a number who are home bound were deeply engaged in the ongoing movement for Civil Rights. Different generations chose different paths to bring about change, hope and new possibilities in their lives and the lives of others. Movements for social change as scholars like, Howard Zinn, Alice Walker and Cornell West attest are interconnected. When we look at the story of St. Cyprian's, we see that there are a multiplicity of ways that the unsettling gospel has gotten under this community's skin and challenged her members to speak up, stand up, and question society's ills. Sometimes that witness is subtle, other times loud and clear. Last night, during our Lenten series, I was reminded how our very location (whether intentional or coincidental), at Turk & Lyon Streets, makes a statement about status, class, location, and privilege. Our guest thought that because she saw the word Turk, that we must be located in the Tenderloin, others when they see Lyon think we must be some where in Pacific Heights. Anyone who knows San Francisco recognizes that one of those neighborhoods is often represented as the definition of "down-and-out" and the other as "upscale." Well, St. Cyprian's is neither, and we are both. St. Cyprian's is and perhaps has always been a bridge community where the rich man and Lazarus actually sit down for a meal and get to know one another. That's an unsettling witness, that's good news.

Thank God for Oscar Romero, who pushes us all to ask important questions, build bridges and share tables, unsettling as that may be. 

Wednesdays in Lent 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

During the ancient season of Lent, St. Cyprian's will welcome a variety of groups from our eclectic neighborhood as we learn more about what is happening around us. We'll share good food, great talk and stories. Following the program we'll gather upstairs in the sanctuary for meditation and reflection on our Lenten journey.   

Our next guest, is St. Cyprian's own Dale Danley, who will be interviewed by long time church member and former panhandle resident Robyn Amos. 

Dale Danley is an advocate for his neighborhood park, the Panhandle of Golden Gate Park. In January 2010, Dale Danley volunteered to take over what had been known as the "Panhandle Clean-up". He created the Panhandle Park Stewards, a neighborhood-based group working in partnership with city staff to promote and preserve the Panhandle and improve access for all members of the community. In addition to coordinating a monthly community work day, he has led the development of a capital improvement proposal that will be implemented soon.

Robyn Amos is a teacher, mother and third generation San Franciscan. She describes herself as an Episcopalian by choice who seeks to serve God and find His light in everyone.

Weekly - Wednesday, March 16 through Wednesday, April 20

6:30 p.m.- 7 p.m.  Simple dinner
7:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Stories & comments

7:30 - 8 p.m. Lenten Meditation in Sanctuary

Christianity for the Rest of Us: How the Neighborhood Church Is Transforming the Faith By Diana Butler Bass

BIKE NOPA, whose leaders will be interviewed in a few weeks as part of our Lenten series, recently covered some of St. Cyprian's programs focused on livability. Check out the post here. 

Benefit concert for Japan earthquake and tsunami

Holy Child and St. Martin, Daly City, and Christ Church, Sei Ko Kai, San Francisco, in collaboration with the Asian Commission in the Diocese of California presents "We are all connected and together we shall rise," a benefit concert for the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The event will feature Native Brew of San Francisco, Uncle Experience, and The HCSM Choir and Cultural Dance Troupe. Refreshments served.

When: Saturday, April 2, 7 p.m.
Where: Holy Child and St. Martin, 777 Southgate Avenue, Daly City
Cost: $10 and above donation
Contact and RSVP: the Rev. Leonard B. Oakes, RevnLeonardOakes@gmail.com, 650-534-5831  
Link: HCSM event web page