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Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Members of St. Cyprian's,
I woke up this morning earlier than usual to discover that there wasn't any coffee in the house. This was a serious problem and called for the drastic measure of walking to the grocery store at 5 a.m. On the way I noticed how very different our street looks and feels at this time of morning. I saw through the window of one large house, whose lights were on, what I imagined was a parent packing her children's bag lunch. Once I got to the store, I discovered all the aisles were full of boxes, and workers were putting things on shelves. As I peered through sleepy eyes at the bags of coffee I noticed that the man down the aisle from me taking out cereal boxes had a familiar face. I knew him from another institution in the city where he works as a janitor. We talked for awhile, about his family and after checking out I headed home coffee in hand. This simple walk to the grocery store reminded me that each of us sees things and experiences the world from a limited perspective, our own. But when I ended up back home I couldn't help thinking about that parent in the window and that friend at the grocery store. Perhaps the parent because last night at St. Cyprian's I sat in a circle listening to mothers discussing ways to overcome the significant challenges facing California's public schools? Perhaps the grocery store worker because I'm contemplating what my other 1/2 time job will be? One of the gifts of being part of a church and a diverse one, is that hopefully we become more and more curious about other people. Not in a gossipy or intrusive way, but in such a way that helps us develop greater compassion for and solidarity with others, especially those that seem very different from us. Jesus' teaching to "love our neighbors as ourselves," asks us not just to care about others but also that we equally love ourselves, that we be curious, aware of and responsive to our needs and desires. When we truly learn to love, forgive, and appreciate our full selves, we are much better at loving, forgiving, and appreciating others. In many ways being a church is like being at a school that urges us to practice again and again loving neighbors and loving selves. Curiosity though is a critical part of the equation --- we can't love ourselves if we aren't paying attention, asking questions, digging deeper, and we can't love others if we aren't doing those same things. See you soon at Turk & Lyon.
Peace,
Will
St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church
415-987-3029
turkandlyon@gmail.com
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Vigil for a Fallen Pedestrian
St. Cyprian's Senior Warden, Bruno Peguese and Junior Warden, Jarie Bolander (both pictured above) were among those St. Cyprian's members who participated in a vigil for fallen pedestrian, James Hudson, on Wednesday evening at the corner of Turk and Masonic. Here is a portion of Jarie's remarks speaking as President of the North of the Panhandle Neighborhood Association, "Most of us did not know James Hudson. He is just a name in the paper. Someone who was unlucky or maybe in the wrong place at the wrong time. But not for me. James, Melissa and Yannik's death's were avoidable. They were victims of an Auto-Centric mindset that plagues our culture and our city. That mindset needs to Change. That change needs to start with Masonic! We all know that Masonic is dangerous. We all know that it needs to get fixed. In fact, several fixes have been tried and injury and the loss of life still continues. We need to think different and find ways to make Masonic Safe Now!" You can read more about the plans to make Masonic & Turk Streets safer by clicking here.
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Jesus Walked - a letter to SFMTA The Reverend Will Scott, pastor of St. Cyprian's Church wrote a letter to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency in support of safety improvements to Masonic & Turk Streets. You can read the letter here.
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Pies for Parklets
Fundraiser to Green Our Corner at Turk and Lyon
Which do you like best when it comes to pies? Sweet or savory? Peach blueberry or green chile apple? Perhaps an organic pinot noir, a chocolate stout, or ecco organic coffee? Take your pick and help St. Cyprian's make Turk and Lyon greener and more sustainable. Stop by our fundraiser May 25, pay at the door and get a coupon for a free treat at Chile Pies. Your donation will help transform the corner of Turk and Lyon into a mini-park with less concrete, more street trees, native plants, benches and bike racks. Pies, drinks, and a cheer for St. Cyprian's member Michael Helquist, who will be honored as District 5's Person of the Month by Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi. That's a lot of goodness in one celebration -- hope you'll be part of it.
Wednesday, May 25, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Chile Pies (& ice cream), 601 Baker @ Fulton
Free treat with each $15-$20 donation
All proceeds will fund Green Turk and Lyon project
http://greenturkandlyon.blogspot.com/
Info: greenturkandlyon@gmail.com
http://greenchilekitchen.com/chilepies/
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Remembering Elbert S. Alston
Elbert S. Alston, 93, retired CPA, devoted father, and committed member of St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church, died on April 29, 2011, at UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco. Born in Huntington, West Virginia, on July 12, 1917 to Carrie J. Alston and Rhuden D. Alston. After graduating from West Virginia State University, Bert served in WWII as a munitions expert. According to his son George, Bert became a Lieutenant with the U.S. Army Air Force, was part of the "90-day Wonder Program," served in Iwo Jima and taught classes in Aerospace-Rocketry to other officers. After six years of service, he was honorably discharged. Following the war, Alston studied at Harvard University where on November 24, 1947, he received an MBA in accounting. While in Massachusetts, Bert met his wife Winifred, an artist, and began attending a number of Episcopal Churches together. In Boston, Bert and Winifred adopted their only son, George, before moving to California in the early 1960s. As a CPA, Bert worked in the savings & loan industry, for Transbay, Fidelity Savings, and Citicorp Savings. Citicorp/Citibank recognized Bert with a special recognition of Outstanding Achievement for his 25 years of work. Active at St. Cyprian's since the late 60s, Bert served as treasurer, on the vestry and was highly respected for his commitment and thoughtfulness. In addition to his active engagement in the church, Bert served for 28 years as a member of the Board of Directors of PACT INC. and was on the board of Oakland Neighborhood Housing Services Inc.
He is survived by: Son, Mr. George Alston, Sister, Ms. Gladys La Chapelle & Family, Nephews Mr. Harry L. Alston Jr. & Family, Mr. Douglas Alston & Family, Niece Lynn Alston & Family.
A Committal Service is being held today at 3 p.m. at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo, the Reverend Will Scott of St. Cyprian's Church presiding.
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Coming up...
Men of Endurance and Fret NotSaturday, May 14th 8pm
Rural mountain gospel meets urban soul music gospel. With four powerful voices (lead by Pastor Kenny Mason) and backed by a dynamic rhythm section, Men of Endurance captures the blues and soul sound that influenced artists such as Little Milton, Wilson Pickett, James Brown, Jackie Wilson and many others. Performing at blues festivals, as well as gospel festivals, all over the west, they received the 2004 Gospel Singing Award from the Bay Area Blues Society. Lead by Lori Arthur's intense and fiery singing, Fret Not plays old-time, boot-stomping roots gospel with songs from the traditions of America's white and black rural churches; backed by fiddle, bass, guitar and banjo.
More information here.
Vieux Farka Toure, guitar masterclassMonday, May 16th 7 - 8:30 pm "The Hendrix of the Sahara" shares his wisdom at St. Cyprian's for enrolled students. Gentle Flow Yoga with Peter WongThursdays starting, May 26th 5-6:15 p.m. This class will incorporate slow sun salutations, soft movements and openings while concentrating on awareness of mind, body and breath. This calm and gentle yoga practice will culminate in restorative poses to bring students into a meditative state. The sessions are perfect for seniors and beginners of yoga. Peter Wong is a certified yoga teacher who fell in love with the practice of yoga as his spiritual awakening began. For more information: http://peterwongyoga.com/ The classes are donation-based; the rate is $10-$15 per class. Students can pay more or less depending on what they can afford. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.
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SAVE THE DATE
Cyprian's Talks
a conversation about faith, race & sexuality
Dean Emeritus of Grace Cathedral Alan Jones interviews the Reverend Dr. Horace Griffin author of
Their Own Receive Them Not: African American Lesbians And Gays in Black Churches
Wednesday, June 8
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Cyprian's Talks is the first in a series of public conversations about topics that matter held in the sanctuary of St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church, a unique church rooted in the African American & Caribbean history of San Francisco Our inaugural discussion focuses on a sensitive subject one that gets far too little attention in the mainstream media, even as many politicians and religious leaders continue to use our differences to divide us rather than draw us together. These civil discussions are free and open to the public.
The Reverend Dr. Horace L. Griffin, a native Floridian and School of Theology graduate of Boston University, he served most recently as Associate Priest for Youth and Family Ministries at All Saints Episcopal Church, Glen Rock, NJ. While on the faculty at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in the Diocese of Chicago, he was ordained a priest in 2005. A professor of Pastoral Theology and Leadership at Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, he teaches courses in Congregational Leadership and Gender and Sexuality. His work at All Souls includes adult formation and pastoral care. As an openly gay priest and author of Their Own Receive Them Not: African American Lesbians and Gays in Black Churches (2006 Lambda Literary Award Winner), he is involved in progressive Christian conversations on race and homosexuality currently taking place in the Episcopal Church USA and Anglican Communion.
The Very Reverend Alan W. Jones was the Dean of the Episcopalian Grace Cathedral in San Francisco from 1985 until January, 2009. Previously, he served as the Stephen F. Bayne Professor of Ascetical Theology at the General Theological Seminary in New York City from 1972 - 1985. During his tenure, he founded and was the first director of the Center Christian Spirituality at General. Now a U.S. citizen, he was born in England and received his Ph.D. from the University of Nottingham. He is a prominent lecturer in Episcopalian and academic circles both nationally and internationally. He is a prolific writer as well of books, articles, and editorial opinions. Jones was also the moderator of The Forum at Grace Cathedral.
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Volunteers Wanted Music-loving, stay-up-late types who will help strike the set and lock up the building after performances at Cyprian's. Get two free tickets to any concert you cover. Hours: 10:30 to midnight, sometimes earlier. Contact: michael.helquist@gmail.com.
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Help St. Cyprian's Sing!Recently the Bishops Committee of St. Cyprian's Church approved a job description for a new position we're calling the "Worship Music Coordinator." Please share the link below with those you know who may be interested in helping us build community through song. This is an ideal job for someone looking for a part-time job, a student or a retired person. http://www.saintcyprianssf.org/jobs/
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 Bi-Monthly Newsletter Available Online
MAY & JUNE Issue Uploaded
Stay connected to all that is happening at St. Cyprian's by reading our bi-monthly print newsletters online. |
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Weekly E-Mail Archives
In January St. Cyprian's began sending weekly e-newsletters. You can find an archive of all these messages here. Forward messages and invite friends, neighbors, and distant congregants to join our list. |
| Saint Cyprian's Episcopal Church has been a member of the San Francisco community for over 87 years. We are a passionate group of seekers, thinkers, dreamers, doubters and believers from many walks of life. We hope you can come join us on Sundays and throughout the week as we together seek to be a people of faith, action & community. |
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