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Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Members of St. Cyprian's,
The past week for St. Cyprian's has been a time of serious conversation and deepening awareness. We've had several opportunities to appreciate the unique gifts and challenges that are part of our community's life as a church. All the while, we're seeking to work together in new ways with our distinct and vibrant neighborhood.
On Sunday, our Bishop's Committee met with two facilitators from the Episcopal Diocese of California for a Mutual Ministry Review, where we shared both deep gratitude for the work we've done together in the past, and the difficulties we face as a mission with limited resources. Next month, the Bishop's Committee will meet again for a half-day retreat where we will share our dreams for the future, and commit to a plan for moving forward. All of us are growing, learning, and changing as we wrestle with many tensions, complexities, obstacles and frustrations. But even in the face of disappointments and failures, we are learning to trust God and each other. We are recognizing the gifts we have and the joy of being on a journey together.
On Sunday, we'll hear the following scripture, which the church historically has attributed to Peter:
"Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God's will, than to suffer for doing evil." (1 Peter 3:13-17)
One of St. Cyprian's Kitchen Team members on Tuesday night, after learning that a grant we had submitted was turned down, said, "Well, I guess we'll have to walk instead of run." That's the kind of creative and committed response that people of faith over the years have practiced in the face of disappointment and sadness. The Kitchen Team together chose not to be afraid or intimidated. Instead, we persist in hope and keep our eyes on the good thing that is our longing for a space where we may safely prepare and share food with our neighbors.
Last night, at Chile Pies & Ice Cream, we shared food with our neighbors and celebrated one of our hardworking members, Michael Helquist. The corner shop was packed with people from the many groups with whom Michael has worked through the years to make our neighborhood a more livable and connected place. When Michael was named District 5 person of the month, he quickly decided to share the blessings of this honor with our little church by inviting his friends and neighbors to give to our sidewalk garden project. There was much warmth and appreciation among the diverse crowd of people--much like our 50th anniversary at Turk & Lyon celebration, and the concerts we've been hosting each month. The joy we experienced was a manifestation of the kind of environment we know God's Spirit yearns and groans to see.
See you soon at Turk & Lyon.
Peace,
Will
Peace,
Will
St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church
415-987-3029
turkandlyon@gmail.com
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The Village Project
Partnership expands for daily Summer Space Use
The Village Project's Executive Director Adrian Williams and the Bishops Committee of St. Cyprian's Church signed a new space use agreement late last week. The agreement grants the Village Project daily use of our community hall and kitchen at no cost from June 6- August 12th. Adrian's unique program provides nearly 30 children affordable, safe, fun, and educational summer experiences. Many thanks to the dedicated work of our Senior Warden, Bruno Peguese and our Space Use Coordinator, Michael Helquist for working through the details of this agreement, so we may accommodate the Village Project and the many others who use our space as well.
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Pies for Parklets
Last night, 60 people squeezed into Chile Pies & Ice Cream to honor St. Cyprian's member Michael Helquist, who will be named as District 5's Person of the Month in June by Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi & raise some money for our Green Turk & Lyon Project.
Many thanks to Chile Pies for hosting us, to James Munden for donating the beautiful design sketches, and for everyone who turned up to celebrate Michael. You can read all about our plans by visiting:
http://greenturkandlyon.blogspot.com/ 
Photos by Dale Danley & Lyon St. drawing by James Munden
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Welcome our Beatitudes Society Fellow
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary student Kelsey Schleusener has been awarded a paid Summer Fellowship by The Beatitudes Society. Kelsey will serve at St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church in San Francsico, CA from June 6 - July 29, 2011. Kelsey's work will focus on helping develop our interfaith network within the North Panhandle neighborhood of the Western Addition, assisting with the creation of a community & congregation directory, and finding ways to share what St. Cyprian's is doing throughout the city.
Kelsey is part of the 2011 class of 20 Summer Fellows who will work with organizations at the intersection of faith and public life such as Bread for the World, Interfaith Worker Justice, Faith in Public Life, and Interfaith Power and Light. They will participate in weekly theological reflection sessions facilitated by a local mentor. Using a small group study specifically designed to help them learn to articulate a public faith, the Summer Fellows will explore links between social change advocacy and Christianity. The Summer Fellows will also receive media training from Auburn Media to hone their public speaking skills. The students will be awarded a cash stipend by The Beatitudes Society to help cover summer living expenses.
The Beatitudes Society develops and sustains emerging progressive Christian leaders at seminaries and divinity schools who will: Advocate for justice, compassion and peace; Reclaim a Christianity that welcomes all people, especially those at the margins; and Articulate a Christianity that dares to speak and act for our fragile planet and our most vulnerable citizens.
In addition to the Summer Fellowships, The Beatitudes Society provides students and emerging progressive faith leaders with resources that complement their graduate theological studies, and sustain these leaders in their first years of ministry. Prophetic Preaching Workshops provide emerging leaders with a unique interactive process to develop their skills as articulate advocates for social change. The Beatitudes Society recently created the Brave Preacher Award which honors the courage it takes for pastors to preach a compelling, prophetic sermon in response to tragic events such as the January 8, 2011 Tucson shootings.
For more information about The Beatitudes Society as well as a complete listing of campus Summer Fellowship sites, please visit www.BeatitudesSociety.org.
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Coming up...
Gentle Flow Yoga with Peter Wong
BEGINS TONIGHT Thursdays 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.
An Evening of Song
Saturday June 4, 7:30pm
$13 advance / $15 door
Joshua Raoul Brody and Merle (Ian Shoales) Kessler host 25 different singers, each performing their favorite song; which may (or may not) have a "spring into summer" theme. They will be backed by the amazingly versatile Experimental Love Orchestra. Our version of American Idol won't involve any judging, but will be tons more fun.
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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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Every Friday Morning, Simply Sandwiches
Each week a diverse group of between 10 and 15 people gather at St. Cyprian's to make sandwiches for hungry people throughout San Francisco. To get involved simply come by the church on Friday from 10:30-noon.
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Lift Every Voice!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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Help a neighbor
One of St. Cyprian's neighborhood artists, Kelly Malone is battling cancer without health insurance. People in the panhandle are sharing this website which explains her situation and how to help. Please donate if you can and share with your network.
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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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