The great irony and pain of American history is our myth of divine exceptionalism, of being a redeemer nation, set so perfectly to music in "God Bless America." In their recent book, Captain America and the Crusade Against Evil, Robert Jewett and John Shelton Lawrence refer to this tendency as "zealous nationalism," that "seeks to redeem the world by destroying enemies." The ironic aspect is that in a nation where Christianity has flourished, this myth has undermined the Christian message of salvation through God's love and justice in the cross. Redemption is not a matter of human will, moral purity, or military might; redemption is the free gift of a suffering and bleeding God. In the Christian story, everyone --- and every nation --- stands in need of God's redemption. And the Bible itself teaches that no one, apart from God's action, is holy. Much of American public religion, however, interprets our nation as good, pure, innocent, and morally upright --- and our enemies as evil. In effect, we have placed ourselves above the Scripture's assessment of the human problem of sinfulness. We substituted gospel humility with national hubris...And pride, whether personal or national, according to St. Augustine, is not a sign of righteousness. Rather, it reveals a persistent spiritual resistance to the grace of God.

Diverse faith communities, like St. Cyprian's, have a vital role to play in communicating an alternative vision of faith and politics, one that challenges the myth of American exceptionalism and zealous nationalism. We have important perspectives to share about how faith nurtures our witness for peace, justice and a healthier planet.  

This Sunday, at St. Cyprian's we will hear the voices of youth from The Village Project. In the weeks that follow in this newsletter you will read about St. Cyprian's plans to provide college scholarship and mentoring support to youth connected with this program and the wider St. Cyprian's family, building on a bequest made many years ago by a beloved member solely for the purpose of making the expense of education easier for others. Following Sunday's service, members of the congregation will invite our neighborhood to participate in a communal art project as part of Sunday Streets.

See you soon at Turk & Lyon!

Have you taken our survey?   

In an effort to gather valuable information for our developing faith programs at St. Cyprian's, Junior Warden Jarie Bolander created a survey. Please take a few minutes and fill this out for us. Begin by clicking here.  

What's going on with that wall & tower repair?   

Despite temporary setbacks and unforeseen challenges, the St.Cyprian's Building Committee has confirmed that by September 19th (we're waiting on windows to be delivered) work will begin on a major building issue that has plagued our church's life for many years. The leaky Lyon Street wall and bell tower roof will at last be repaired. St. Cyprian's congregants and friends have already committed to paying for over 1/2 the cost of this significant project with new funds and are working together to raise more. Thanks to the generosity and stewardship of generations of St. Cyprian's members and the commitment of our Bishop's Committee, we will begin our 89th year in San Francisco with one less worry and an inspiring symbol of our community's strength, vitality and resilience. If you would like to contribute to this effort send checks to: 

St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church

Tower Society 

2097 Turk Street (@Lyon)

San Francisco, California 94115  

Many thanks to each member of the Building Committee (Michael Helquist, Bruno Peguese, Tommie Collie, Kevin Johnson, & Philip Gerrie) & Rob Crum whose expertise has been critical to this effort.  Thank you to those who have contributed financially and to those who will. Every gift matters. 

Welcome Doe Yates

Doe Yates, a Deaconal postulant in the Episcopal Diocese of California and a student in the School for Deacons, will be working this fall and winter on an Oral History Project at St. Cyprian's, helping to gather the stories of our community's elders and long time congregants. Doe will be working with Rebecca Nestle, who will help provide production and technical support. More about St. Cyprian's Oral History Project will be shared in the weeks to come. Below Doe shares some of her own unique and inspiring story.    

I was born in Edwards, MS and at the age of four, my family moved to Yakima, WA where I was raised. I attended elementary through high school in Yakima and attended Yakima Valley Jr. College for a period of time. While in Yakima, my family and I attended the Baptist Church.

In 1959, I moved to San Francisco to attend the Louise Salinger Academy of Fashion and graduated with a credential in Dress Design, Pattern Making, Fashion and Modeling.

I remained in San Francisco and ultimately was confirmed to the Episcopal Church and was confirmed in 1962 at Grace Cathedral by The Rt. Rev. James A. Pike, Bishop of California.

I was employed in various departments of the U.S. Federal Government until retirement in 2009, i.e. VA Hospital, Social Security Administration, and U.S. Department of Labor (Office of Foreign Labor and Office of Job Corps).

My hobby is gardening. I grow a sustainable garden on my patio and all my vegetables and dwarf fruit trees are grown in containers. Vegetables included are Mustard, Turnip, Collard, Cabbage, Broccoli, Green Beans, Artichokes, Carrots and Tomatoes. Fruit trees include Lemon, Orange and Tangerine. I have enough to eat, some to freeze and some to share. 

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.