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Volume I:Number 2 + Epiphany 2013 + www.stpaulsokc.org
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Be Transformed By the Light
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 | | Dean Justin Alan Lindstrom |
When I was a teenager, my older brother and I would go over to Ryan's house, a friend from church, to hang out. He had the perfect house for, what we called, "the flashlight game." The downstairs had many windows and many hiding spots. When it was dark enough, one our friends would be selected as "it" and they would go outside with a flashlight. All the lights in the house and outside the house were turned off. The object of the one who was it was to shine the light in the eyes of someone in the house. The object of those in the house was to not get caught. There was great energy and excitement with this game. With hearts pounding the game would begin. We would send the flashlight guy out, and with a countdown and great anticipation everything started. You were not allowed to stay in one place very long and so we would move from one hiding place to another. Rolling on the floor. Crawling on hands on knees. Running from place to place. All the while beams of light permeated the darkness of the rooms. Trying to dodge getting caught up in the light everyone inside moved quickly and purposefully, while the one outside moved as well trying to catch one with the piercing light. It was great fun. Just writing about it now, so many years later, I can still feel the excitement of the game. At Christmas, we celebrate the Incarnation of God in Jesus. We celebrate the birth of Christ as the light of the world. It is Jesus, his ministry and message, the light of Christ, that transforms the darkness of this world into light through forgiveness, salvation, joy and peace. Much like in the flashlight game, the dark room is forever changed by the light shining in. We are forever transformed by the light of Christ piercing the darkness of our soul. We now enter into the season of Epiphany, where we recognize that Jesus is the light of the world and that we are forever changed by that light. But, different than the flashlight game where you want to avoid the light, we learn in Epiphany how to follow the light and be consumed by it. Instead of dodging and hiding from the light, we are drawn to the light of Christ because we know that it is the love of God in Christ Jesus that changes us and molds us more fully into the image of God. We move to the light and the season of Epiphany shares with us what that means and how to do that. We are to follow Jesus as his disciples. We are to take in the light of Christ, his love and grace, and be the people of God, to be Christ, in this world today and everyday. Through a life of prayer and worship, selflessness and service, love and compassion, we can be the light in the dark world. May we all be reminded to not hide from the light of Christ, but to seek it and be transformed by it so that we may be the light in the world today transforming the lives of all those we meet through the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us. God's Peace,  Dean Justin+
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IN THIS ISSUE Reflections
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 Installation of
The Very Reverend Justin Alan Lindstrom Fourteenth Dean of Saint Paul's Cathedral 11:00 am Saturday, January 26
Saint Paul's Cathedral |
Saint Paul's Annual Meeting 4:30 to 6:00 pm Sunday, January 27
Elections, Business and Dinner in Dean Willey Hall
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Meditation from Canon Joplin
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 | | Canon Susan Colley Joplin |
The Season of Epiphany is about God being made manifest in the world, through the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The heralding message of Epiphany is Arise! Shine! For your light has come! And in Epiphany, we celebrate moments when the glory of God breaks through to touch down on earth.
The word, epiphany, comes from the Greek word which means manifestations. From the Christian perspective, manifestations of God are shown to us in the Light of Christ and we look for ways in which the Light of Christ is made manifest in our lives.
Often for us, moments of fresh, new, bright light occur as affirmations of the sheer goodness of life. Brightness takes the form of moments which make it worthwhile having been born, just to have that happen.
One such moment came for me, in the Season of Epiphany, when I was 13. It was the first time I can remember seeing snow. Dazzling white snow was everywhere, falling from the sky, covering the ground. I could not have imagined ever seeing anything quite so magical. It was like the earth had a whole new skin.
Just as important was the experience that immediately followed. There was great delight in sharing the beauty of God's creation with others who were there that day. The Light of Christ manifesting in the warmth of heart-sharing and a sense of togetherness.
In what way does the Light of Christ light up your life? What parts of your life could use a little more lighting up?
In this Season of Epiphany, may you uncover and discover the ways in which God has been made manifest in your life. A blessed Epiphany to all.
Faithfully,
Canon Susan Joplin
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Meditation from Deacon Marilyn
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 | | Deacon Marilyn Robertson |
Ahhhh...the light is finally here! We have so longed for the arrival of Jesus, our Savior and now during this time of Epiphany, let us look to the light of Christ to guide and teach us. Jesus is our Creator...he shows us how to have compassion and acceptance of those around us. He walks with us on our daily journey and carries us when the journey is too steep or too long. Without Jesus, where would we find our hope? Without Christ's light, how could we find our way in this dark world? Let us remember that WE do not need to be the Savior nor the Sacrifice...Jesus was born into this world...came from heaven, became both God and man, and offered the ultimate sacrifice for us. This is how much God loves us!
From the Heartbeat of Saint Paul's:
The New Year presents a clean slate. People think that it's a good time to "remake" ourselves...to make ourselves better. During the New Year remember to be gentle with yourself. It's great to get more active and eat healthy. Make your goals obtainable. If the goals are out of reach, there will be less likelihood of success. Make small goals that can be gained in a reasonable time. We are a society of instant gratification. Reward yourself when a goal is met. Then set your sites on your next goal. Successful goals that are met will lead to more positive action and reactions in your life. The Oklahoma Memorial Marathon is a good goal to aim for to walk either the 5K, � or full marathon. Be motivated, be realistic and see what this New Year holds for you!!
Marilyn Robertson
Deacon and Cathedral Nurse
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Meditation from Canon Raab
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 | Canon Musician
H. Scott Raab |
An Olio of Thoughts about Epiphany(If you work crossword puzzles, you already know what an olio is) January 6: The Adoration of the Magi January 13: The Baptism of Christ January 20: The Wedding Feast at Cana and First Miracle January 27: Patronal Festival - The Conversion of Saint Paul February 3: Jesus Teaching in the Synagogue February 10: The Transfiguration What a great season to be a layperson! The Magi (three kings, wisemen, astrologers, whatever) were all laymen, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist (who was never ordained to do anything), the first miracle was at a wedding at Cana where Jesus was a guest (and not officiating), our Patron Saint Paul (Saul on the road to Damascus) was "blinded by the light", Jesus teaching the laypersons in the Temple, and the disciples (laymen) running around in a dither while Jesus was Transfigured before them. A lot of "m"words are heard throughout the church during the season of Epiphany: "manifestation," "Magi," "myrrh," "manger," "miracles" and "ministry" for starters and they all play important roles in the Epiphany season. The majesty of the mysterious, meandering Magi was mostly merited by the marvelous and magificent gifts they managed to offer the Messiah . . . Did you know that in the Book of Occasional Services (page 45) there is a service of Blessing in Homes at Epiphany? This is not the same thing as a house blessing but rather a blessing on the people in the house. Jesus is sometimes refered to as the Bright Morning Star. That reminded me of a wonderful American folk tune of the same name with deep spiritual overtones. The first time I heard it sung by Judy Collins I was totally done in. Now the Wailin' Jennys (yes, thats right) have an amazing version on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fq6lCcAkpU. Run to your computers right now to hear these wonderful singers. Speaking of Youtube, our own Musica Sacra has four wonderful videos up on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1zMmyPoxTAhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT49FpggQ_chttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BymQgPPSrDwhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj9Gj4a9Q0QThese videos are also embedded in our website ( www.stpaulsokc.org) on a new Video Library page in the Music section. To close with a poem: The Magi W. B. Yeats (1865-1939) Now as at all times I can see in the mind's eye, In their stiff, painted clothes, the pale unsatisfied ones Appear and disappear in the blue depth of the sky With all their ancient faces like rain-beaten stones, And all their helms of silver hovering side by side, And all their eyes still fixed, hoping to find once more, Being by Calvary's turbulence unsatisfied, The uncontrollable mystery on the bestial floor.
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Meditation from Kate Huston
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 | Kate Huston, Director of Christian Education
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We made it through Advent - the season of waiting - to Epiphany. Epiphany has always coincided, in my mind at least, with the concepts of new beginning and renewal. A whole new year for which to plan and reexamine the paths I have taken. We start off every new year with developing resolutions - to get healthy, spend more time with family, get organized, learn a new language - however, as most of us know from experience we usually let these resolutions go pretty quickly. The word epiphany means a sudden awareness of the essence or meaning of something, in many cases a divine experience. What would are lives look like if instead of making resolutions we tried to be more aware of the epiphanies in our own lives? Instead of trying to make ourselves better in some way, we tuned in to our hearts, minds and experiences of daily life? I think this would be much more difficult than keeping a resolution as it requires more of us. As the season of Epiphany reminds us that we celebrate the gifts the Magi brought to the divine child, it might be nice to try on a different sort of resolution for the new year - recognizing the divine around us, in us and through us.
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Feast of Lights
5:00 pm Sunday, January 6
Join us for worship in the Cathedral. The Liturgy of the Word will take place in the Cathedral, then we will process to the East Garden for the Liturgy of the Table by a fire. S'mores and hot chocolate to follow the service. This is a wonderful service for the whole family and a traditional way to mark the end of Christmas and the Day of Epiphany.
Sunday Forums in Epiphany What is a Vestry?
10:10 am January 6 in the East Garden Board Room Dean Lindstrom has training for all who may desire to be nominated for Vestry or are interested in what a Vestry does. Docent Tours
10:10 am January 6 throughout our campusThe Docent Guild will be providing tours of the campus for everyone. Dean's Epiphany Series on the Fruit of the Spirit10:10 am in Dean Willey HallJanuary 13, 20, 27 and February 3, 10 Dean Lindstrom will be teaching on the Fruit of the Spirit. We will gather to explore what Paul calls the Fruit of Spirit in Galatians: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. If we are to live in the power of the Holy Spirit how do these attributes transform our life and impact how we ought to live.
Bright Mozart
January 22, 7:30 pm at the Cathedral
Mozart, Flute Quartet No. 3 in C Major, K.285b
(violin, viola, cello and flute)
Franck, Sonata in A Major for Flute and Piano Goodman, "Off the Beaten Path" (violin, cello, clarinet and piano) (world premiere)
Mozart/Webster, "Magic Flute Fantasy" (flute, clarinet and piano)
Mozart, Flute Quartet No. 1 in D Major, K.285
(violin, viola, cello and flute)
Guest Artist and Commissioned Composer: Craig Goodman (flute) (Professor of Chamber Music, National Conservatory of Strasbourg, France)
Installation of The Very Reverend Justin Alan Lindstrom
Fourteenth Dean of Saint Paul's Cathedral
11:00 am Saturday, January 26 in the Cathedral
Annual Meeting
4:30 - 6:00 pm Sunday, January 27
Elections, business and dinner in Dean Willey Hall
Shrove Tuesday
Pancake Supper and Draping of the Cross
6:00 pm Tuesday, February 12 in Dean Willey Hall Ash Wednesday February 137:00 am - Rite I in the Cathedral Noon - Rite II in the Cathedral 7:00 pm - Rite II in the Cathedral
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Roof and Restoration Update
This is the first (and longest) of what we plan to be a weekly status report from the Roofing and Restoration (R&R) Committee. Its member are: Allen Christ & Todd Olberding (co-chairs), Allen Christ, Ann Baer, Steve Parker and Mike Murphy. Honorary members Dean Lindstrom, Robert Dennis & Vickie Norick We are using Mass Architecture for the building design and restoration work, Lingo Construction for the construction part and Butzer Gardner for the garden Courtyard Design.
Lingo and Butzer Gardner were both involved in the East Garden. They know St. Paul's and the importance of our sacred spaces.
We know that you, as SPC parishioners, are interested in our progress as we work toward restoring our cathedral to a state that will allow future members of SPC to celebrate the 150th anniversary in a well preserved, beautiful building.
Here are some of the key areas that we will report on during the R&R project:
o The roof replacement
o The brick, mortar, and stone restoration
o Internal water damage repair
o The garden Courtyard Design
One of our goals is to keep you informed as we progress through the entire project. Fortunately we have committee members who have been involved in multiple construction projects so ours is in good hands from both an experience and dedication perspective. There are a multitude of decisions to be made and we are working to make them wisely and in a timely, coordinated fashion. Logical work sequence and material availability often dictate when decisions are made, so it might appear that progress has stopped or isn't moving quickly enough. We'll emphasize different areas as they receive the focus, but rest assured none of them are ever far from our minds. So, for now, thank you for taking the time to read this note and we hope you will continue to stay informed. As the Dean pointed out, this is all about stewardship. We are so fortunate to have such a beautiful worship space. We plan to keep it that way.
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