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Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Members of St. Cyprian's,
Last night we had a wonderful discussion at Eat, Share, Pray led by Eric Metoyer. We asked about the question, "where's God?" Everyone who spoke gave heartfelt testimony to both the closeness of God (nearer than our breath) and also the need to let go of harmful and limiting images of the Divine we may have grown up with. While many in the room grew up with some version of God as an "old white man with a long beard," others shared images of God as a playful, creative child, and a tender wise old woman with dreadlocks.
 | Icon from St. Gregory's of Nyssa,
San Francisco |
Contemporary theologians, artists and liturgists of nearly all Christian traditions today invite us to broaden and deepen our imagery. We need to be reminded regularly that there are an infinite variety of ways to experience and imagine the Divine presence. Upon closer look at our ancient sacred texts, it's clear that we humans have been enormously creative in our conceptions of God. Sallie McFague writes about God as mother, and also the world/earth as God's body, but those images are certainly not brand new. With all the potential controversy and misunderstanding, no wonder some traditions ban all images for God. I think I lean more on the side of multiple and varied imagery for the holy, rather than nothing but that may because I prefer clutter over sterility. But who knows a few days at a Zen Retreat Center, Quaker Meeting House, or in Amish Country, I might change my mind.
Since moving to San Francisco (5 years ago this month) I've sensed that we collectively are much better at saying what we don't believe than what believe. We're much better at articulating what we are against than what we are for. Perhaps that's not just a Bay Area phenomenon. One of the biggest challenges the church faces today is being ignored or disregarded as a relic of the past by those who might just have the most "good news" to offer, instead of being recognized as the dynamic, living, evolving, participatory and transforming community that we are. God's out there working in the culture around us. The church as an institution seems far too often left behind or just irrelevant to the hopes, dreams, and concerns of those around us.
Another challenge is we fail to confidently recognize that we as a faith community have many valuable gifts to offer others --- even those whom we may easily disregard as either having it all, or infinitely different than ourselves. On Wednesday at our Noonday Eucharist we celebrated Philip, and the wonderful story in Acts of the Apostles of his encounter with a stranger, an Ethiopian Eunuch passing by on a chariot. It is a radical story about the Spirit of God opening up new possibilities and relationships across the confines of race, class, culture, religion and sexuality. Here's just one of many thoughtful perspectives on this passage.
Lots is happening on the corner of Turk & Lyon this month as we repair our tower and wall, begin the St. Cyprian's Oral History Project, welcome a new Sunday musician, prepare for the Bishops Visitation, continue building momentum for our Community Kitchen project and launch our 2012 Stewardship Campaign in November. "Many hands make the load lighter." We are truly blessed not to be going it alone--being held up by the Spirit, our neighbors, and developing institutional partners. Our Wednesday morning Eucharist and regular Eat, Share, Pray conversations, as well as Sunday worship, provide welcome pauses, and reminders that we are part of a bigger picture and that we are truly blessed. The founding pastor of Washington, DC's The Church of the Saviour communities, Gordon Cosby, says, "A church is a group of people collapsing into God and collapsing into one another." Let's keep on collapsing into God and each other--- even as we repair that collapsing wall and tower.
See you soon at Turk & Lyon!
Peace,
Will
St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church
415-987-3029
turkandlyon@gmail.com
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St. Cyprian's own Bruno Peguese,
stands for Diocesan Office,
receives endorsement of UBE
Congratulations to St. Cyprian's long serving leader, Bruno Peguese on his willingness to stand for election and on receiving the endorsement of UBE. We give thanks for Bruno's faithful leadership. The message below is from the President of the Northern California chapter of the UBE, Brenda M. Paulin.
The Northern California/Vivian Traylor Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) endorses the candidacy and election of Bruno Peguese for Standing Committee. We encourage your support.
Please see his qualifications below:
Bruno Peguese
St. Cyprian's / San Francisco Deanery
Interests:
Reading, golfing, camping, writing, and family
Professional associations:
Bureau of Investigative Services (PI) Notary Public; California Community Colleges
Summary of activities within my congregation / diocese:
Senior Warden; committee member of building and grounds; various other capacities involved in the revitalization of our church.
Major activities beyond diocese:
NOPNA Community Organization; transit-oriented-development workshops and activities.
In my opinion the major issues facing the church are:
The most urgent of issues is the deterioration of church congregations. I'm of the feeling it's not just one thing that is causing the lapse in our church commitment, but a number of things that must be addressed almost simultaneously if we want to regain the Christian vision.
Why are you running for this position?
I believe it is important that we all get involved in the politics of the church-at-large. It's healthy to do so, is informative and adds to our resources, both personal and corporate. My church, St Cyprian's, wants to re-establish the relationship it once had for so many years within the diocese.
Brenda M. Paulin, President, NCVTC UBE |
Celebrate!
SAVE THE DATE
The Bishop Visits St. Cyprian's on Sunday, October 30 Baptisms, Confirmations, Receptions & an Installation will all happen on Sunday, October 30th when the Bishop of California
visits our regular Sunday morning service.
Together we will celebrate the ministry we share at St. Cyprian's.
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Eric Metoyer asks"who's God?" Read Eric's latest blog post here.
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Traces of the Trade Film & Discussion
The Racial Reconciliation Task Force of the Diocese of California invite you to a special screening of...
Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North and discussion following the film. Traces of the Trade is a documentary of the personal journey of the descendants of a slave trader as they reconcile their ties to their ancestors with who they are today. Come share a simple meal, view the film, and join the discussion.
When: Wednesday, October 26, 6.30 p.m.
Where: St Cyprian's, 2097 Turk Street, San Francisco
Cost: Free
Contact: Eric Metoyer, eric_metoyer@yahoo.com, 415.595.1533
More about this powerful film available here. |
Next @ Cyprian's w/ SF Live Arts
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Turkish Folk Music, Sufi Mystic Stories & Images from Ancient Turkey: An Evening with Latif Bolat
Saturday, November 5
Free Lecture at 6:30 p.m.
Live Performance at 7:30 p.m.
Latif Bolat: One of the most well-known Turkish musicians in the U.S.
Latif Bolat mesmerizes audiences with his mastery of a vast repertoire of Turkish folk music, Sufi devotional songs, classical pieces and sacred ballads that he composed. He employs traditional instruments such as the long-necked lute, the baglama, and the oud, bendir and ney flute.
Now residing in New Mexico and Turkey, Bolat is in the midst of a world tour. He regularly performs in India, Indonesia, Bulgaria, Turkey,the Philippines, Australia, England, and all across Canada and the United States. He has appeared at Carnegie Hall, recorded four popular CDs, and composed music for the PBS Documentary: "Mohammed: Legacy of a Prophet" and George Lucas's TV series "Young Indiana Jones." He also co-authored a book with the compelling title "Quarreling with God." The Turkish Ministry of Culture has sponsored translations of his work on Sufi poetry, and the California Arts Council awarded Bolat with a grant for his contributions to the preservation of Turkish traditional music.
Bolat performs at Cyprian's Saturday, November 5 following a special bonus lecture and discussion on 1000 Years of Turkish Sufi Mystic Music, Poetry and Philosophy.
Cyprian's is honored to host Latif Bolat for this exceptional evening of music, reflection and cultural awareness. His appearance is part of the SF Live Arts series at Cyprian's. The concert and lecture are separate events, but there is no charge for the lecture.
LECTURE
Saturday, November 5
Doors open 6pm for 6:30pm start, free event
Lower level community hall
PERFORMANCE Saturday, November 5 Doors open 7:30pm, performance at 8pm Concert in upper level CYPRIAN'S, 2097 Turk St at Lyon
$18 adv/$20 door; $16 for kids, seniors, and students with ID.
Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.comSwankety Swank, 289 Divisadero, San Francisco Phoenix Books & Records, 3957 24th St., San Francisco Down Home Music, 1034 San Pablo, El Cerrito See Getting to Cyprian's above for transit and parking information. Refeshments served for both events.
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Building Repair Underway...
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According to Rob Crum, St Cyprian's volunteer building envelope specialist "construction is commencing and we are moving forward in a positive way, making the church water tight. From what we have discovered, this is a job that definitely needed to be done." This week the following is taking place, according to Michael Helquist of the St. Cyprian's Building Committee,
- cutting out around windows
- repairing termite damage
- steeple to be prepared, sealed, and painted
- roofing starts with sub-contractor after steeple is painted
We will keep you informed of our progress. Click here and here for images of what the completed tower and new paint may look like, if and when funds are available to paint the entire building.
Colors were chosen in consultation with a professional colorist, conversation with nearby neighbors and voted on by the congregation. If you would like to give to this important and historic improvement please send checks to:
St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church
St. Cyprian's Tower Society
2097 Turk Street @ Lyon
San Francisco, California 94115
Thank you to Everest, the St. Cyprian's Building Committee, Rob Crum, and everyone who has given to this effort.
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St. Cyprian's
Oral History Project
begins this Fall
The St. Cyprian's Oral History Project will begin with some initial interviews after our 10:10 a.m. worship service on two Sundays this fall, November 6th & December 18th. In the coming days many of our community members will receive a packet of information explaining this important project which seeks to document the stories of this unique congregation. There will also be possibilities for home visits by our archivists. For more information please contact Doe Yates at 415-584-8221 or doedeartoo@sbcglobal.net
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Let's build
a community kitchen!
   
 Dinner for a
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY KITCHEN
Saturday, November 12
5-7 p.m. @ Cyprian's Join local foodies, grandmas, students, chefs, gardeners, and culinary entrepreneurs for a conversation about creating a community kitchen for the neighborhood. The delicious food we'll share at this event will be generously donated by NOPA restaurant.This event is being organized by the St. Cyprian's Kitchen Team & our neighborhood allies, from USF, NOPA Restaurant & Slideranch.
Space is limited so please RSVP by October 31st by emailing: turkandlyon@gmail.com
Above are recent photos taken in the St. Cyprian's Kitchen --- USF Students from Professor Melinda Stone's class, and St. Cyprian's members preparing food for SF Deanery Meeting. |
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From the Cyprian's Kitchen...
Back in the early 1980s St. Cyprian's put together a cookbook of recipes from our church community. Each week we will share a recipe from the cookbook in this e-newsletter. The book of recipes was dedicated to Miller Johnson, a member of St. Cyprian's who was a Master Chef.
Our next recipe was shared by Willoughby Gray.
Apple Stuffed Squash
3 acorn squashes
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 small red winesap apple
12 link sausage
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons sugar
Wash squash and split in half; lengthwise. Scrape out seeds and pulp. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and dot with butter. Peel and core apples, cut in halves and place a half in the hollow of each piece of squash. Sprinkle with sugar and place in baking pan. Add small amount of water, cover and bake in a hot 400 degrees oven for 45 minutes to an hour.
Brown sausages in frying pan and add two sausages and slice of apple on each squash. Return to oven for 15 minutes.
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EAT, SHARE, PRAY
Every Wednesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Each week, friends, neighbors and members of St. Cyprian's gather over a simple meal, share a conversation about topics that matter and close the evening with meditation & Night Prayer. All are welcome.
Upcoming topics:
Wednesday, October 19
The Sacraments
Wednesday, October 26
Special Documentary Film Showing: Traces of the Trade
(see above for more information)
If you are interested in helping with this series, email eric_metoyer@mac.com |
Seeking A Partner
St. Cyprian's is seeking a congregation or group to share our space.
Who we are/what we offer: A small but dynamic and diverse group that lives its tagline: faith, action, community. We come from many parts of the city to be here at the corner of Turk and Lyon and have made reintegrating this church into the neighborhood a priority in the past year. Our church was founded as a spiritual home for black Episcopalians in the 1870s and drew Afro-Caribbeans and West Indians in the early part of the 20th century. St. Cyprian's has a long and storied history that we are committed to remembering, and it has a future for which we are laying a new foundation.
What we are seeking: A congregation or group in need of weekly space for meeting or worship on a year-round basis. We are not looking to merge with another faith group at this time but would be open to joint activities in spiritual formation, neighborhood outreach, and our community-based programs.
What we've been doing: More than would seem possible with a small group. We have a full schedule of concerts in conjunction with SF Live Arts, community hall rentals, and faith programs. We also have regular space-use arrangements with several organizations, including the Bay Area Organizing Committee; the Village Project, an after-school program for underserved children; Al-Anon; Alcoholics Anonymous; and Simply Sandwiches, a group that makes sandwiches for clients of the AIDS Housing Alliance.
We are an open-minded, open-hearted congregation and seek a space-use partner with similar values.
Interested? Contact us for more information turkandlyon@gmail.com
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The Village Project hosts,
"A Senior Moment, Dancing Down Memory Lane"
The Village Project and the Bayview Y will present, "A Senior Moment, Dancing Down Memory Lane", on Monday, October 24, 2011 at the Jazz Heritage Center and Yoshi's Jazz Club, 1330 Fillmore. Senior community members who have given their time and dedication to serving their communities will be recognized. The honorees are Ms. Betty Hammond, Western Addition, Ms. Espanola Jackson and the late Ms. Eloise Westbrook, both from Bayview. There will be a wine reception/ Awards presentation in the Lush Life Gallery, featuring Lady Mem'fis & band, Dancing in the Koret Lobby with a DJ spinning oldies - but goodies from the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's, along with blues by The Silver Fox Blues Band in the Yoshi's lounge.
Join us for "A Senior Prom for the 50 +" and enjoy tantalizing food, dancing, no host bar, raffles and plenty of fun.
When: Monday, October 24, 2011. 6 pm to 11 p.m.
Where: Jazz Heritage Center/Yoshi's Lounge, 1330 Fillmore
Cost: Free for the 50+; Juniors under 50: $20
Tickets @ www.Brownpapertickets.com Who: "A Senior Moment" is sponsored by The Village Project & The Bayview Y, in collaboration with The Fillmore Center Plaza, The Jazz Heritage Center/Lush Life Gallery, Yoshi's, The Western Addition Family Resource Center, Planet Fillmore, Gussie's Chicken & Waffles, West Bay Conference Center, King/Garvey Housing Development and Renaissance Parents of Success. This community event is funded by a grant from the Dept. of Public Health
Adrian Williams is Executive Director and founder of the Village Project, a service organization focusing on education and cultural enrichment for youth and their families in the Western Addition. The Village Project organizes family events, including this year's upcoming 6th annual Kwanzaa Celebration (Dec. 26 Jan 1) and most recently, Mardi Gras San Francisco Style/ Fat Tuesday in the Fillmore held on March 8th and Grilling in the MO on June 11, 2011 held at Hamilton Rec. Center.
NOTE: The Village Project will sponsor its 5th after school program. Their enrichment program is free, and is located at St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church, 2097 Turk Street.
For more information, visit www.thevillageprojectsf.org. Program hours are from 2 pm to 6 pm, Monday Friday for youth 6 to 14 years old.
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NEARBY EVENT at USF
University of San Francisco: the State of Black San Francisco sponsored by USF's African American Studies/McCarthy Center
Wednesday, October 19th (6-8 pm in Berman, Fromm Hall)
USF has assembled a panel with the ultimate goal of sparking an on-going public discussion. The event is a panel conversation about "The State of Black San Francisco" designed as a robust conversation inclusive of a diversity of perspectives that is designed to inform and engage students at USF and to encourage a broader public dialogue. The panel will be facilitated by Professor Stephanie Sears, of the Department of Sociology at USF. Panelists include:
Professor James Taylor, USF Department of Politics
Professor Rhonda Magee, USF School of Law
San Francisco County Supervisor Malia Cohen
N'Tanya Lee, Former Executive Director, Coleman Advocates for Children, Youth, and Families
Malik Looper, Looper Consulting and Mission Y
Reverend Malcolm Byrd, AME Zion (invited but not confirmed)
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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.
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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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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 88 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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