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Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Members of St. Cyprian's,
On Sunday, we will read the powerful story of a poor unmarried girl in Nazareth being greeted by an Angel named Gabriel. I like to refer to angels as extraterrestrials (see Cuban artist Antonia Eiriz image for a frightening interpretation of the scene), because in a way that's what they are. So this alien, Gabriel seems to be sent by God to ask Mary a favor, not a "can I borrow some flour" kind of favor, more like "would you co-sign a substantial loan with me even though I don't, and have never had a job" or "give me your house", or "join me in a revolution" sort of request. We don't know how many other women in 1st century Palestine or any other era and place were approached in the same way & refused, but we do know that this young woman named Mary said in her own way "sure, I'm up for the adventure."
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by Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937)
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 | | AntoniaCuban Eiriz (1929-1995) |
I love the poem below, and hope you will join us at St. Cyprian's in the coming days as we explore the layers of this incredible story of Christ's incarnation (the definition of which is "embodied in flesh"). Help us "embody in flesh" Divine love for all.
Annunciation - by Denise Levertov
'Hail, space for the uncontained God'
From the Agathistos Hymn, Greece, VIc
We know the scene: the room, variously furnished,
almost always a lectern, a book; always
the tall lily.
Arrived on solemn grandeur of great wings,
the angelic ambassador, standing or hovering,
whom she acknowledges, a guest.
But we are told of meek obedience. No one mentions
courage.
The engendering Spirit
did not enter her without consent.
God waited.
She was free
to accept or to refuse, choice
integral to humanness.
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Aren't there annunciations
of one sort or another
in most lives?
Some unwillingly
undertake great destinies,
enact them in sullen pride,
uncomprehending.
More often
those moments
when roads of light and storm
open from darkness in a man or woman,
are turned away from
in dread, in a wave of weakness, in despair
and with relief.
Ordinary lives continue.
God does not smite them.
But the gates close, the pathway vanishes.
______________________________
She had been a child who played, ate, slept
like any other child - but unlike others,
wept only for pity, laughed
in joy not triumph.
Compassion and intelligence
fused in her, indivisible.
Called to a destiny more momentous
than any in all of Time,
she did not quail,
only asked
a simple, 'How can this be?'
and gravely, courteously,
took to heart the angel's reply,
perceiving instantly
the astounding ministry she was offered:
to bear in her womb
Infinite weight and lightness; to carry
in hidden, finite inwardness,
nine months of Eternity; to contain
in slender vase of being,
the sum of power -
in narrow flesh,
the sum of light.
Then bring to birth,
push out into air, a Man-child
needing, like any other,
milk and love -
but who was God.
 | | M�ire Gartland (contemporary) |
More inspiring images of the Annunciation available here and here. How would you depict this incredible scene? For some fun Nativity films & even more engagement of the story click here.
See you soon at Turk & Lyon! Peace, Will
St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church
415-987-3029
turkandlyon@gmail.com
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Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori
offers Christmas Message
"The great prophets before Jesus proclaimed a vision of a nation and a people redeemed. We continue to share that yearning - as the Christmas hymn puts it, "the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight." We've seen abundant hopes spring up in the past year across the Arab world and Eastern Europe, and in the global Occupy movement. Those voices seek a world of greater justice, communities in which decisions and the gifts of creation are more available to all. Our understanding of salvation is most profoundly about justice in community, and as Christians we believe that help and healing for all are grounded in the incarnate presence of God - among us and within us."
To read the Presiding Bishop's full message click here.
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Deacon Eric Metoyer lights & anticipation
Read Eric's latest reflections by clicking here.
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2012 Pledge Campaign Underway
St. Cyprian's is in the midst of our 2012 Pledge Campaign. Last week a letter and pledge cards were sent out to our long time congregation members and friends, yesterday you should have received the same letter & cards digitally. Each week a different member of the congregation has spoken up about why they give to St. Cyprian's. Check out why Jennifer Wolfe contributes time, talent and treasure to the life of this church by click here.
An excerpt:
"In the context of a community, I had my spiritual center reset, contemplated things larger than myself, and resolved to be a better person. Whatever else is going on in my life, it never occurs to me to not be there on a Sunday morning because I have "something else to do." What could be more important than coming together with a community of like- and not-like-minded people to reset my spiritual center, contemplate the larger questions of life, and resolve to be a better person? I really value the conversations that happen here every week.
That ultimately is why I give-because what I get out of coming to St. Cyprian's is a gift I could never live up to, a debt I could never repay." To download a pledge card click here.
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Cyprian's Presents...
Dec 17th - The Nutcracker for Two Guitars,
Judson-Tyler Duo
Tchaikovsky's orchestral masterpiece has lost an incredible 13,890 pounds,* but The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, The March of the Toy Soldiers, The Waltz of the Flowers remain for this unique holiday experience at Cyprian's. The Judson-Tyler Duo captures the soaring grandeur of The Nutcracker in the intimately beautiful voice of two classical guitars. Hear this perennial classic refreshed with new color-and a few twists. (*figure based on the average weight of a modern symphony orchestra).
The Judson-Tyler Duo (Zachary Judson Selissen and Michael Tyler Roberts) joined forces in 2006 as graduate students at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. They discovered not only a shared history as electric guitar-wielding classic rockers who developed a passion for the classical guitar, but also a common interest in a wide range of music, from jazz to tango to the Baroque. Their repertoire reflects these diverse interests, though they share a particular weakness for the amazing music of Latin America. Always focused on creativity, they frequently incorporate improvisation into their repertoire, and possess a growing body of original compositions and arrangements.
Judson-Tyler has honed their duo skills through coachings with the Katona Twins, March Teicholz, David Tanenbaum, and Larry Ferrara, and have performed numerous times in concert halls and at private events.
Nutcracker for Two Guitars: A Perfect Early Evening Treat for the Whole Family
Doors open 6:30 pm, performance begins 7 pm
Approximately one-hour performance
Meet the artists after party in community hall
Wine, beer, sodas, water and treats available
Cyprian's 2097 Turk at Lyon (located within St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church)
Tickets sold at the door: $10 - $15 sliding scale with kids 10 years & younger free.
and coming in 2012...
San Francisco Live Arts performances: Jan 21: Ramblin Jack Elliott
Feb 10th & 11th: San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival Feb 17th & 18th: San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival
Cyprian's presents:
February 3: An Evening of Kirtan with David Newman, 7:30 p.m.
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Holiday Concert with
Even Taylor at Cyprian's
Wednesday, December 21
6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
In the midst of winter, join us for a warm evening with Even Taylor. Even has been writing and performing since she was a wee lad. Making us laugh and cry and laugh and cry, her moving voice and words compel the audience to reach into the depths of their heart they didn't know existed. Our dear friend Lisa Foster will open our set with a Cajun Story-telling session. Expect fun games and refreshments in the Community Hall. Bring a small inexpensive gift for our white elephant exchange!
-- Rose Johnson
Cyprian's is pleased to host this special concert to support local artist Even Taylor with her Kickstarter goal of raising funds to produce her first album. Collaboration -- more is better at Turk & Lyon.
Lots of ways to help:
- donate $5 or more to Even's Kickstarter goal now and get free entry to concert
- donate $15 and get free entry and pre-buy the album
- pay $5 at the door for concert
Listen to Even talk about her plans at her Kickstarter page:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eventaylor/help-even-taylor-do-some-fancy-pants-recording
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Celebrate Christmas with St. Cyprian's
Neighborhood Christmas Pageant
December 23rd 5-6 p.m.
Neighborhood Pageant at St. Cyprian's
Come help tell that old & inspiring story in new ways at the St. Cyprian's Neighborhood Pageant. Everyone who shows up gets to put on a costume, play an angel, wise person, or shepherd. We'll sing familiar carols (led by Nikola Printz & other students of the San Francisco Conservatory) with a few surprises thrown in. Costumes provided, cookies & eggnog to follow. All are welcome.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Saturday, December 24th 8 p.m.
Candles (lots of them), carols (lots of them) & community (lots of it) as we celebrate together Jesus' birthday. A deep and engaging Christmas Eve service for all ages.
Christmas Day
Sunday, December 25th 10:10 a.m.
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Thank you folks !
HOLIDAY PARTY Thank you
Thank you to the nearly 150 people that showed up for the NOPNA/St. Cyprian's Holiday party on Friday night. Many thanks to Jarie Bolander, Leela Gill, Jane Catherine Zimmerman, Matching Half Cafe, Max Jacobs, Miranda Jones and the Nopalitos, Molly McEachen and Rachel Caine Bi-Rite, Salt & Honey Catering, Verde SF. Thank you to everyone who helped organize, set up, decorate, and clean up.
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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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