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Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Members of St. Cyprian's,
We live in interesting times. St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church enters 2012 with confidence and excitement. The past year was one of tremendous accomplishment, but we are not sitting still and basking in the glow of our 1/2 brightly painted building. We are continuing to connect with our neighbors, care for our longtime congregation members, and discern what the Spirit is calling us to in this time and place. There are all kinds of hopeful, energizing conversations happening inside and outside the walls among a diverse array of people about what has happened here, is happening here, and might happen here. Every day without fail, someone calls, emails, or walks in to say "what about this?" or "would you all be up for this?" The question for St. Cyprian's is not whether we're going to live, or whether we have a future but what's life going to be like, and what does the future hold? Also, how do we remain rooted in our beautiful traditions but also present to our moment and context?
I'll never forget a few weeks ago when one of our community elders sadly shared a story with me about a former much beloved leader of our church who "pushed the young people away, did not like their style or culture." Unfortunately, in far too many instances that coldness to differing gifts, energies, cultures, ideas, perspectives, and styles is what is killing Episcopal Churches, and many of our mainline brothers and sisters. In many cases, our stately church buildings become known as "Grandma's church" or "Mom's church" because it is just not the place where the visions of daughters and sons have been appreciated and honored. This is not meant to diminish the importance of honoring our forebears or our wise elders. But most likely, their greatest memories of church are when they themselves were young and the church was a welcoming, lively,engaging, and active place to be. Today, whole generations are missing from many churches. So when new people wander in, they feel like they have stepped back in time--not back to the middle ages, or the time of Jesus (which might be kind of exciting) but back to 1950s America. I am typing this as I follow a debate on Episcopal Cafe, a website devoted to sharing news and commentary related to the Episcopal Church, about whether the Book of Common Prayer is a help or hindrance to the growth of our denomination. That very question to me betrays just how "insider" so many of us in the church can become.
My hunch is that the growth of any community of faith is based not so much on how they pray but on that they are praying in the first place. Growth comes as people are inspired by and invited to be part of a diverse community that really does love and care about each other. Not in a stiff-upper-lip, mind-your-own-business kind of love, but a truly engaged, curious, wide open door and arms kind of love, that says, "no matter how messed up your life is, I've been there, and I'm here to tell you, not just by my words but my actions too, that God really loves you."
As we honor and celebrate the witness of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this weekend, let us remember his recognition that "Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." Our world, our local communities need not just a condemnation of violence and greed, but an affirmation of love. Remembering as King preached and embodied so profoundly, "The good neighbor looks beyond the external accidents and discerns those inner qualities that make all... human and, therefore, brothers."
St. Cyprian's mantra "everyone matters" means that everyone who intersects with us, wanders in, offers support, seeks collaboration really has an influence on our life at Turk & Lyon. We are living as a people of faith inspired by our wandering ancestors Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Moses, Miriam and those liberated slaves. Our practice of hospitality, welcome of the stranger, is both risky and essential. Every person can offer us wisdom, encouragement, hope and even helpful caution about dangers that may lie ahead on our journey.
May St. Cyprian's continue to grow and deepen in our witness of faith, action and community. Here's to a 2012 full of hope, joy and good conversations among the deepest of insiders & furthest of outsiders. In closing, one of my favorite prayers from the Book of Common Prayer,
Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have
done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole
creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life,
and for the mystery of love.
We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for
the loving care which surrounds us on every side.
We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best
efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy
and delight us.
We thank you also for thosedisappointments and failures
that lead us to acknowledge ourdependence on you alone.
Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the
truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast
obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying,
through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life
again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom.
Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know him and
make him known; and through him, at all times and in all
places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.
See you soon at Turk & Lyon!
Peace,
Will
St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church
415-987-3029
turkandlyon@gmail.com |
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Honoring, Celebrating & Serving on
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
St. Cyprian's Deacon Eric Metoyer, congregants, and members of the Union of Black Episcopalians will participate in the "Renewing the Dream" Celebration hosted by the San Francisco Interfaith Council & The Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Foundation. Episcopal Diocese of California youth will also be participating in the march and then many will head out to various service projects around the city, including completing some painting projects at St. Cyprian's. Our vicar & St. Cyprian's congregation members will be on site to assist the youth and adult leaders with the project.
To participate in the March meet Eric (415.595.1533), Willie & Tommie at the Cal Train Station at 10:45 a.m. At 11 they will march to Yerba Buena Gardens.
To assist in the youth painting project at St. Cyprian's, meet us at the church from 1-3 p.m.
An interesting piece of history is that when the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr preached at Grace Cathedral in 1964 he was hosted in the home of a St. Cyprian's family. |
 Deacon Eric Metoyer reflects on Psalm 139 "You know me when..."
Read Eric's latest reflections by clicking here. |
Our Guest Preacher this Sunday will be
Panhandle Neighbor & Organizer Morgan Fitzgibbons Morgan Fitzgibbons is the co-founder of the Wigg Party, a neighborhood group working to make the community that lives around San Francisco's Wiggle bicycle route a leader in the transformation to sustainability and resiilience. He also has a Masters degree in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness from the California Institute of Integral Studies. Sunday's music, prayers & homily will connect in different ways to the witness, legacy & inspiration of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King. |
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SAVE THE DATES
St. Cyprian's Annual Meeting
Sunday, January 29th 2012 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m.
All pledging members of St. Cyprian's are welcome to participate as we approve our 2012 budget, elect new leaders, celebrate our 2011 accomplishments & envision the year ahead.
Ash Wednesday Service
Wednesday, February 22 6:30 p.m.
an ancient communal practice of opening up, reflecting on our choices, and committing ourselves to the way & wisdom of Jesus. Imposition of Ashes & Communion
Wednesday Lenten Series
February 29-April 4th
6:30 p.m. -8 p.m.
Each week we will share a meal, book, practices, & prayers.
Stay tuned for more information. |
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COMING UP at Cyprian's...
Beyond the Blaze is a benefit for the 60 residents on Pierce Street who lost their homes in the Western Addition's five-alarm fire in December. Sponsored by the Alamo Square Neighborhood Association, Saint Cyprian's, North of Panhandle Neighborhood Association and Scoutmob, this event will take place on Friday, January 20th, 2011 at St. Cyprian's (Turk St and Lyon).
This is a collaborative effort between musicians, community members, neighborhood associations, local merchants and other community sponsors; it will run from 6:30PM-10PM and is poised to be one for the books. Highly acclaimed sister resturauants NOPA and Nopalito, and soon-to-be Western Addition neighbor Bi-rite, will donate food for the cause. Speakeasy Brewery & Rolling Rock have generously donated beer for the occasion and Green Barrel as well as Matching 1/2 will be present serving wine and coffee.
With a line-up of diverse local musicians including Gaucho Gypsy Jazz Band, Even Taylor, Conspiracy of Beards and The Sundance Kids (more to be announced), there's something for everyone.
About the Fire
"On December 22, 2011, firefighters battled a wind-fueled, five-alarm blaze that tore through two residential buildings in the Western Addition neighborhood and displaced about 60 people Two other buildings, including a school, were damaged in the conflagration, which at its height was fought by 150 firefighters and support personnel. Two people were treated at hospitals - a civilian with smoke inhalation and a firefighter with minor neck burns, authorities said"-Justin Berton,Will Kane, San Francisco Chronicle |
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COMING UP at Cyprian's...
Music Legend & Three Time Grammy Winner Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Saturday, January 21, 8pm
"Ramblin' Jack Elliott has been a towering influence on a generation of folk and rock musicians, most notably Bob Dylan."
- The Boston Globe.
One of the last direct links to the great folk traditions of this country, Ramblin' Jack Elliott is one of the legendary foundations of American folk music. In the tradition of roving troubadours Jack has carried the seeds and pollens of story and song for decades from one place to another, from one generation to the next. In 1950, he met Woody Guthrie, moved in with the Guthrie family and traveled with Woody to California and Florida, from the redwood forests to the Gulf Stream waters. Along the way he learned the blues first-hand from Leadbelly, Mississippi John Hurt, the Reverend Gary Davis, Big Bill Broonzy, Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry, Jesse Fuller and Champion Jack Dupree. So it's fitting that earlier this year, he received his first Grammy Award in the Traditional Blues category for his album, A Stranger Here. (His two previous Grammys were in the folk category). He received the National Medal of Arts award and was honored with a special dinner at the White House. Recently the award-winning film The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack introduced a new generation to his timeless music and yarns. We are honored to have this national treasure start our concert year.
Americana/Country/Rockabilly artist Vikki Lee opens the concert.
More on Live Arts at Cyprian's, click here.
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Cyprian's Concerts with SF Live Arts
Music Legend & Three Time Grammy Winner Ramblin' Jack Elliott Saturday, Jan 21, 8pm
San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival: - Fri. Feb. 10: Foghorn Stringband, Jeff Kazor & Lisa Berman, Anne & Pete Sibley
- Fri. Feb. 17: Duo Night with Nell Robinson & Jim Nunnally, Misner & Smith
- Sat. Feb 18: Rita Hosking Band, Evie Ladin Band, Blushin' Roulettes
More on upcoming concerts with SF Live Arts, click here, for a full schedule of special events at Cyprian's click: http://liveatcyprians.blogspot.com/ |
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Still time to pledge for 2012
Click here to read about St. Cyprian's accomplishments in 2011, our plans for 2012 and why folks give for the life and work of St. Cyprian's Church. Your support makes a difference.
To download a pledge card click here. |
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Weekly E-Mail Archives
In January, 2011 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. |
St. Cyprian's is a congregation emboldened by the opportunity to engage with our energized urban neighborhood to create a community
where everyone matters.
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