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May 17, 2012 |
 TRINITY EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL
e-News
"A Growing community making disciples who love and serve Christ and His world"
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| Greetings!
 I remember when I was younger seeing "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You" signs outside every Episcopal Church. I thought they were helpful markers for people who were looking for an Episcopal Church. I never thought about how they could be a revolutionary statement of the gospel. The "you" in the sign meant everybody.
I never gave this much thought because I never imagined I could ever NOT be welcome. Of course I was welcome in church. To me the sing meant, "Here's an Episcopal church." I was an insider. But from the perspective of an outsider, a person who has been repeatedly been told they don't belong, the sign could possibly mean so much more. It could mean, "Although other places reject you, here you are welcome. Here you will be embraced. Here you can be loved for who you really are."
I think we, in the Episcopal Church, and specifically at Trinity Cathedral, have been making the transition from the first understanding of the sign to the second. We are growing into a community that truly welcomes and embraces all people. I remember former Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning saying "Baptism unites us in solidarities not of our choosing." At Trinity Cathedral these solidarities are becoming more diverse.
I am convinced of the importance of us proclaiming our welcome. There are people who have been so beaten down by life's circumstances that they can't imagine being welcome anywhere. There are messages from our culture that tell them they are worthless or evil. I am thinking specifically now of people who are in poverty/homeless and people who are gay, lesbian or transgender, but I am sure they are others. At Trinity Cathedral, we are called to be a sanctuary of welcome that can literally save people's lives.
Being this sanctuary is neither easy nor tidy. We are united in solidarities that can make us uncomfortable. But I believe that if we are faithful in our following Jesus, while we may not be comfortable, we will be given abundant life that is filled with the eternal love of God.
The vestry is in the middle of considering whether or not to become a "Believe Out Loud" congregation. Doing so would put us on record as fully welcoming people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. It would be a public statement of our welcome. This would communicate to LGBT people that our "Episcopal Church Welcomes You" sign really does include them. It would also be a witness to the wider world that there are churches that do not condemn people who are gay or lesbian.
Another topic we discussed at length at our vestry meeting was safety as it relates to ministries on our campus, and particularly our ministries to the economically disadvantaged. One of the challenges of being a congregation that welcomes everybody, is the fact that we welcome everybody. We don't screen people who walk on our campus. We don't know if someone is dangerous or violent. This has always been true. I remember in the 90's when we began to struggle with how to keep children safe from sexual predators. Because there is no way screening out pedophiles, we had to come up with procedures and education that can help us be vigilant. (Nancy Tennyson is an expert in this area.)
When we first increased our ministries to the economically disadvantaged, it took us a while to figure out appropriate boundaries. We now have clearly stated rules that apply to everybody on our campus. We have installed lighting in the courtyard. We are smarter about when we schedule programs so we don't overwhelm the facility. We called the police when necessary. Consequently we have a very calm and respectful campus. I don't know of any incidents where parishoners were threatened or assaulted by any of our guests. (We did have a parishoner who's pant-leg was nipped by a dog when he was in the courtyard. We now no longer allow dogs when people come for dinner.) Not only is our campus safe, there is a respectful caring atmosphere during our programs. This is evident at our Thursday night dinners. We have enough "regulars" now that we have a good sense of community and people help clean up afterward. Of course there are exceptions, and for those we need to be prepared. Last Thursday, in the afternoon (not at dinner), an argument broke out between two of our guests and one person stabbed the other. The argument moved to the sidewalk and the police were called. While this is an isolated incident, we are taking it very seriously. The vestry is looking at whether or not we need to make any changes to our policies or procedures. They also intend to hold forums in the coming months so people can be more informed about our ministries and voice their concerns.
Jesus never said it would be easy to follow him. (In fact he said it would involve a cross.) I am grateful for the members of the vestry who have taken on the responsibility of working out many of the details that allow us to follow Jesus more faithfully. Being on the vestry is certainly not easy. Please pray for them and thank them.
Blessings,
Brian
tvrbaker@trinitycathedral.org
http://blogs.deanbaker.org/ |
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Readings
May 20, 2012
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Psalm 1
1 John 5:9-13
John 17:6-19
Click to read the lessons.
The Very Rev. Dr. Brian Baker |
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Thursday Night at the Cathedral
5:45pm: Holy Communion
Lay-Led Liturgy every 3rd Thursday
Contact for Liturgy: Canon Walker
lwalker259@aol.com
6:15pm: Dinner (Donation)
Contact for dinners: Tracy Tschanz
rbpteambob@hotmail.com
7:00pm: Classes
Contact for Classes: Rev. Anne McKeever
amckeever@wavecable.com
TNAC Classes
Books are available in the Cathedral Bookshop
 Early Church History with Dean Baker, a continuing class in Classroom A. New participants are welcome!
Text: Early Christianity: A Brief History by Joseph Lynch.
 Jesus was an Episcopalian presented by Randy Knutson, MDiv and Canon Lynell Walker in the Assembly Area.
Text: Jesus Was an Episcopalian (And You Can Be One, Too!): A Newcomers Guide to the Episcopal Church by the Reverend Chris Yaw.
 An Introduction to the New Testament with Jerry Pare' in Classroom I.
Text: The Bible from Scratch: The New Testament for Beginners by Don Griggs.
 Living Compass: A Faith and Wellness Program for Heart, Strength, Soul and Mind with Rev. Anne McKeever in the Conference Room.
This Living Compass self-help group is limited to the first 12 people who commit to attending all six sessions. You are encouraged to explore the website to see if Living Compass is right for you: livingcompass.org.
Please contact Rev. Anne at amckeever@wavecable.com to reserve your space at the table. The book for the course will be available at the first class for a donation of $5-10.
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Thursday Lunch Bunch
Bring a Sack Lunch
Thursdays, Noon to 1pm
In the Assembly Area
Uppity Women of the Bible
Uppity Women of the Bible is a four volume DVD-based series featuring Hebrew Bible professor Dr. Lisa Wolfe. Combining careful scholarship with humor and fresh insights, Dr. Wolfe presents just what your group needs for lively, thoughtful discussion of The Song of Songs, Esther and Judith. This series is designed for adult study, each session ending with discussion questions so that participants can understand, debate, and explore the issues raised by the stories of these often misunderstood Biblical women.
Drop-ins are always welcome. Rev. Anne McKeever, Facilitator |
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Creative Writing Class
Thursdays at 4:30pm
Join us on Thursday afternoons for a Creative Writing Class. Come join others as together we paint with words, texture, plot, and emotion. Come discover the joyful play of working with language. The class guidelines are that all write, all may/may not share what they have written, and all must keep confident that which is shared in the class. Each afternoon is a unit in itself. Drop-in participants are always welcome.
Rev. Anne McKeever, Facilitator |
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 Centering Prayer
Every Tuesday evening, 6-7pm in the East Transept of the Cathedral
Centering Prayer is a method of contemplation that helps to quiet the mind and participate in God's presence. It is a receptive form of prayer - a kind of resting in God.Come. Learn to just be...in the midst of God's love. All are welcome.
Contacts are:
Nancy Earl:
nancy.c.earl@gmail.com
Shelley Mydans:
smydans@gmail.com
Sally Smith:
sally1369@comcast.net |
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Learn to Create Prayer Shawls
Third Thurs. of the month
10:00am-Noon, in Room F.
Please visit shawlministry.com to learn more about this ministry or contact Linda Greene at 916.208.9645. |
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The Labyrinth
Third Friday of each month in the
Trinity Cathedral
Great Hall
6:00 - 8:00pm
Join together for a peaceful, quiet evening of prayer and meditation. Walking the labyrinth may provide clarity, vision, focus, healing, discernment, peace, or spiritual insight. It is a spiritual tool and there is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth. Newcomers are welcomed and encouraged to come! |
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Alan Meyer Memorial Service
Saturday, May 19 at 7:00pm
The Cathedral was saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Alan Meyer on May 5th. His memorial service will be held at the Cathedral this Saturday, May 19th at 7pm. |
 River City Food Bank IngatheringSunday, May 20th.
RCFB is in particular need of donations this month as this is a low month for donations. Get your grocery bag and our needs list this Sunday after church as you exit. Fill it up and bring back on Sunday May 20th. Checks, made out to River City Food Bank and cash, placed in a pew envelope marked RCFB, are always appreciated. Questions? Contact Amy Dierlam at adierlam@rivercityfoodbank.org or call 233-4075. Also see our website for a specific list of needs. www.rivercityfoodbank.org. |
Health Resurrection
Remember to log your miles for our Health Resurrection 50 miles in 50 days challenge. JOIN US for fellowship and fitness as we take 1-2 mile walks on Sunday mornings between services. We will leave from the courtyard at 10:30 and be back by 11 at the latest. |
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30/40's & Beyond
Meets at 10:15am in the Conference Room.
This Sunday, we will continue our DVD series on Uppity Women of the Bible in the conference room. Join us! |
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Newcomers' Group
Meets at 10:15am in Room C
A new group begins this Sunday, May 20, with introductions.
New to Trinity Cathedral? We hope you can be a part of this Newcomers' Group. The sessions allow you to connect with others and learn more about offerings for you here at Trinity Cathedral. Come and learn about life at the Cathedral and opportunities for ministry. Contact Randi Strike: randiestrike@gmail.com. |
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EYF Potluck and Movie Night
Sunday, May 20th, 5-8 p.m.
Students in grades 6 through 12 are invited to join us in Classroom C on Sunday, May 20th, from 5-8 p.m. for a Potluck Dinner. Please contact Rev. Anne at amckeever@wavecable.com or 530-908-3616 to tell what you'll bring--a main dish, salad/vegetables, or dessert. Bring a DVD you'd like the group to watch and we'll vote on which to see that evening. We'll also make plans for what to do for fun at our summer meetings.
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Integrity of Northern California
is Proud to Welcome to Trinity Cathedral
The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus
Celebrating Harvey Milk Day
Tuesday, May 22 at 8:00pm
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SF Gay Men's Chorus |
Their special guests are The Sacramento Gay Men's Chorus.
This is exciting: Join them at 4:00pm on the steps of the Capitol when they will premiere the new Harvey Milk Anthem, Give 'em Hope!
Tickets for their 8:00pm performance at Trinity Cathedral are $35 reserved, $25 general, $40/$30 at the door, and $10 students/seniors.
Tickets available at the Cathedral Bookshop: 916-442-9194
Follow this link for more information. |
Speaking in Tongues
The Day of Pentecost, May 27th, is when  we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit given to the Apostles (and us!). This year we will continue the tradition of reading a verse from the Acts of the Apostles in different languages. If you are able to read in a language other than English and would like to share this, please sign up at the Welcome Center or contact Elizabeth Kenealey at superverger@yahoo.com. Let me know which language you would like to share and which service you will attend: 7:30, 9:00 or 11:15. |
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Jazz Mass on Pentecost Sunday!
Sunday, May 27 at the 9:00am Service
If you love jazz and gospel music, you'll want to join us for our
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Jim Martinez |
annual Jazz Mass on Pentecost Sunday, May 27th at the 9:00 am service. The dynamic Jim Martinez Jazz Praise Trio will join the Celebration Choir for music by Paul Halley, Burrell Gluskin, Leon Roberts, and a couple of new arrangements by Jim Martinez written especially for the service. Included will be Paul Halley's spectacular anthem "Freedom Trilogy," a choir favorite.
Please join us for some swinging sounds on Pentecost! |
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May is Skin Cancer/Melanoma Awareness Month
Free Screening Offered at Trinity Cathedral
on Sunday, May 27th at 10:15
Dr. Alison Boudreaux, Dermatologist, has offered to do a free screening at 10:15 in a private area blocked off in Classroom A for any who are concerned about abnormalities on their skin. There will be a sign-up sheet for all who are interested at the welcome center. We are deeply grateful for Dr. Boudreaux's willingness to share her knowledge and skill in seeking to provide preventative care to members and friends of the Cathedral this day.
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Sacramento PRIDE Parade
Saturday, June 2
Please join us on Saturday, June 2nd for the annual Sacramento PRIDE Parade. Bring your flags, music makers, etc. All are welcomed!!!
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A few of the Trinity participants in 2011 |
Parade Meet Up: 4th and N Street. Line up begins at 9:30am. Parade starts at 11:00am If you'd like more information or if you are interested in walking please contact Shireen Miles at (916) 203-5595 or
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Sarah Kenealey and Jacob McKoy will be married at
Trinity Cathedral
on June 2, 2012 at 5 P.M.
The Kenealey family is extending an invitation to our
Cathedral family to join us as we celebrate this
special occasion.
Reception will be in the Great Hall immediately following
the service.
R.S.V.P. To Elizabeth at superverger@yahoo.com
or by calling 916-761-9184.
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River City Food Bank Open House
River City Food Bank will host an open house for their church supporters on Sunday, June 3 from 11:30am - 1:30pm at their new location - 1800 28th St. (corner of 28th and R St.) |
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By the Grace of God,
the Rt. Rev. Barry L. Beisner,
Bishop of Northern California,
will ordain
Gary Neil Brown and Virginia Narsutis McNeely
to the Sacred Order of Deacons
on Saturday, June 9, 2012, 11 a.m.,
at Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento, California.
Clergy: Prayers and Red Stoles, please. Reception to follow. |
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Summer Sunday School
June 17 through August 19
 STUDIO GO! Game Show Theme
Students soon to be entering first grade through fifth grade are invited to participate in our lively Summer Sunday School program. We will meet from 10:15 to 11:10 in the Assembly Area every Sunday from June 17th through August 19th.
Serving as co-leaders with adult volunteers, Trinity's young adults entering grades six through twelve will engage the younger students in games, contests, dramas, story-telling and crafts.
We need LOTS of adult and young adult volunteers to make this program a success. If you can help with games, crafts, snacks, story-telling, dramas, art, contests for even ONE Sunday this summer, please contact Rev. Anne at amckeever@wavecable.com or 530-908-3616.
Volunteers are needed in the Assembly Area to decorate and rehearse on Saturday, June 16th, from 2-4 p.m. Please let Rev. Anne know if you will be there.
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Save the date for...
Trinity Women's One-Day Retreat
Mercy Center in Auburn
Saturday, August 18th, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Trinity women are invited to spend a summer day at the beautiful Mercy Center in Auburn for a Living Compass retreat led by Director of Adult Spiritual Formation, the Reverend Anne Dryden McKeever.
Living Compass is a faith and wellness program developed by an Episcopal couple, a priest/therapist and a teacher/therapist, dedicated to helping people learn to take care of themselves by loving God with all their heart, soul, strength and mind.
At our one-day retreat you'll have time to take the brief self-assessment and then to write, pray, discuss, plan, walk, pray, draw, sing, dance and pray as you consider options for ways to respond to what God has been whispering to you to change in your life.
The cost of $40 includes Living Compass materials and lunch.
Please sign up in the Trinity Bookshop with a check for $40 made payable to Trinity Cathedral with "Women's 8-18 Retreat" in the memo line.
Retreat Gift Certificates may be purchased in the Trinity Bookshop so friends, spouses and supporters can send a woman who would love a summer get-away to this one-day retreat. Please sign up and pay in the Trinity Bookshop by August 4th.
To learn more about the Living Compass program, go to www.livingcompass.org or contact Rev. Anne at amckeever@wavecable.com 530-908-3616.
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NorCal AIDS Cycle is on the road!
 It's finally here. By the time you read this, Gayle Monroe and I, plus 130 riders and support crew will be well into the four day journey from Beals Point at Folsom Lake. We'll make a big loop through Northern California, passing through Newcastle, Marysville, Gridley, Oroville, Durham, Colusa, Williams, Capay Valley, Woodland, Winters, Davis, and finish up on Sunday at the west steps of the State Capitol.
Gayle and I wish to thank all of you for joining our team with your financial support. It's because of you this ride is such a success. I am pleased to say that individually, we raised over $7,500. And as of yesterday our group total passed $260,000 to help fund HIV/AIDS service agencies in Northern California.
I must admit, I'm a little apprehensive. 330 miles is a long way to ride, and even though I did it last year, I'm still a little nervous. But with the support of the other riders, a first-class support crew, and all of you back home, I know I can make it. And we've been promised excellent weather this year!
As I did last year, I am dedicating this ride to my friend Ken Piercy, who succumbed to AIDS on April 10th of last year. He was loved by many and an inspiration to me.
For those of you who follow me on Facebook and Twitter, look for daily updates!
And I hope some of you can join us on the west steps of the State Capitol on Sunday at noon, for our closing ceremony. I hear a rumor that the UC Davis Marching Bad-Uh! will be providing music, assisted by Sacramento Cheer, plus lots of other things to do.
Again, thank you all for your generous support! Canon Link (and The Red Baron!) |
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From the Health Ministry... Weekly Recipe: Strawberry Ambrosia
Ingredients:
3 navel oranges, peeled and cut into thin slices
4 tsp. confectioners' sugar
9 large strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 kiwi, peeled and cut into 7-8 slices
1/4 cup orange juice
3-4 drops vanilla extract
1 Tbsp. unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup canned crushed pineapple. drained
Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
1 6-oz. container low-fat or fat-free vanilla yogurt (optional)
Directions:
In individual clear glass bowls or a serving dish or pie plate, arrange orange slices to cover bottom.
Place the sugar in a small strainer and sprinkle some of it lightly over the oranges.
Cover the orange with the strawberries and sprinkle on some sugar.
Add another layer of orange, then one of kiwi.
Finish with the remaining strawberries, sprinkling each layer with some sugar.
Combine the orange juice and vanilla in a small container.
Drizzle evenly over the top of the fruit. Add a layer of pineapple.
Top with the coconut and sprinkle on any remaining sugar.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 2 to 12 hours.
Using a turkey baster, remove excess juices from bottom of each dish.
Garnish with the mint and serve chilled.
If desired, stir the yogurt and pass it as a sauce to drizzle over the Ambrosia.
Nutritional information (Serves 4):
Calories: 76
Fat: >1g (>1g saturated fat)
Sodium:2 mg
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrate: 18g
Fiber: 3g
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Live Webcast
Saturday, May 19 at 12:30pm PDT
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will conduct a conversation about mission with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in a live webcast on Saturday, May 19 at 12:30 pm Pacific time. The live webcast will be available at no fee on the website of the Episcopal Church www.episcopalchurch.org
and will be available on demand afterwards.
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Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori |
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Hosted by Washington National Cathedral, the event will be moderated by David Crabtree, news anchor at WRAL-TV in North Carolina and an ordained deacon. Framing the conversation on the Anglican Five Marks of Mission, the questions to be explored are: "What does Mission mean to me"; and "What does mission look like in the world." "I look forward to a stimulating conversation with Archbishop Tutu, and am very grateful for this opportunity to prompt wider conversation about God's mission," Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori stated. The May 19 event is the first in a series of discussions about mission with the Presiding Bishop and other prominent religious leaders.
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 The Stations of the Light
Saturday May 19, 1:00-5:00pm
St. Francis Roman Catholic Church Parish Center (Entrance at K St. door - across the street from the church at 26th & K)
Join with Brother Mark and Katherine Gaffey as we use Scripture and art to look at the stories of people who encountered the risen Jesus the Christ. We know that the traditional Stations of the Cross before Easter seem to focus on sinfulness and fear--have you ever heard of the Stations of the Light? These post-Easter Stations focus on our blessing and God's great Love.
From 1:00 - 3:30pm we will prayerfully look at these Gospel stories.
If you want to join us just for the prayer service of The Stations of the Light, find us in the Parish Center--as we hope to begin this service at 3:30pm.
Free will donation....No need to register, yet you might want to send Mark an email to help in planning: brothermark@att.net
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 "Understanding Elder Abuse"
Sunday, May 20, 12:15pm at
Parkside Community Church, 5700 South Land Park Drive
Geneva Carroll, California State Certified Long Term Care Ombudsman, will educate on the definitions, the red flags, who are the victims, who are the abusers, and how to prevent elder abuse. Becky Anton, RN, Parkside Faith Community Nurse, will present the importance of the church and its role in elder abuse.
A light lunch will be served - donations will be accepted.
For further information follow this link. To register call Teri at 916-421-0492. |
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Shalom - Salaam - Peace
Standing on Common Ground
Sunday, May 20, 3pm or 5pm, at Congregation B'nai Israel,
3600 Riverside Blvd., Sacramento
Two concerts by the Sacramento Youth Symphony, benefiting Congregation B'nai Israel's music programs, will be performed. Participating religious leaders include Dean Baker.
Follow this link for more information or contact Sharon Gerber at 916.448.2881 / sharongerber@sixdegreez.net.
Follow this link to purchase tickets. |
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