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November 29, 2012 |
 TRINITY EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL
e-News
"A Growing community making disciples who love and serve Christ and His world"
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In 2006, three years after the watershed ordination of Bishop Gene Robinson in New Hampshire, the Episcopal General Convention took a disturbing step backward when it passed a resolution calling for a moratorium on same-sex blessings and consecrating bishops who were lesbian or gay. After this convention two concerned priests, The Rev. Bonnie Perry and The Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers, decided to form an organization, The Chicago Consultation, that would provide scholarly resources and hold conversations to help people in the moderate middle understand how our theology, tradition and scripture support the full inclusion of people who are lesbian or gay. Because I was just beginning my ministry at Trinity Cathedral, I was not at the 2006 General Convention. I first became aware of the Chicago Consultation when I was preparing for the Convention in 2009. I was impressed with the materials they provided for deputies to Convention and was even more impressed with the gatherings they had at Convention. At the end of the Convention, I was asked to join Bonnie and two others in leading the Chicago Consultation. I eagerly accepted. The four co-conveners, often joined by a larger steering committee meet monthly by phone. We also have an annual day-long meeting in Chicago. I will be in the middle of our Chicago meeting when you receive this e-newsletter. As we are close to achieving all our goals in terms of LGBT inclusion in the Episcopal Church, we will be looking at our future as an organization. We may choose to disband -- we don't have a need to continue our organizational life forever. Or we may look at other arenas. We will be considering doing more work with the wider Anglican Communion. One of the things we learned in this past decade is that our life as a church can be significantly influenced by our sibling provinces in the Anglican Communion. We also know that in Africa, people are killed for being gay or lesbian. In 2011 we held a consultation in South Africa that brought together clergy, lay-leaders and scholars from North America and Africa. It was a very successful first effort. We are considering a similar consultation in Kenya in 2012. I was not involved in the South Africa consultation, but have been asked to help lead the Kenya consultation, if we choose to hold it. Please keep us in your prayers as we meet from noon on Thursday to noon on Friday. I would like to let you know of two other things coming up: - On Sunday at 9am and 11:15am we will have the O Antiphons service and there will be no sermon.
- On Tuesday at 6:30pm Trinity Cathedral will be hosting Abraham's Tent, a gathering of Christians, Muslims and Jews. At this meeting, I will be giving a introduction to Christian belief as well as a description of its various sects.
Blessings,
Brian
The Very Rev. Dr. Brian Baker
Dean of the Cathedral
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Readings for
December 2, 2012
The First Sunday of Advent
O Antiphons at
9:00 and 11:15 services
Click here to read the lessons.
The Preacher is
7:30 - Rosemary Braxton
9:00 & 11:15 - No Sermon
12:45 - The Very Rev. Dr. Brian Baker |
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Featured in the Bookshop!
Beautiful hand-embroidered purses and bags! Great for gifts!
Miao women in central China make these very special textiles by hand in their villages. They are using the weaving and embroidery skills that have been passed down from generation to generation. The products are assembled in small factories in the region by other Miao women. The Miao women embroiderers are grateful for this extra income which helps send their children to secondary school. China Ethnic Crafts also employs Miao and Tujia students from the local teacher's college, helping them earn their school fees. Manufactured under the name: Shenaini -- meaning "God Loves You" in Chinese, China Ethnic Crafts exists to be a blessing to the minority peoples of the region. |
Flowers at Trinity Cathedral Have you enjoyed the flowers while worshipping at Trinity? Have you ever wondered... Who does those? Could I do that? Being on the 'flower committee" is a once a month committment, NO previous training required. If you enjoy flowers and appreciate that they are apart of our worship experience... you qualify. You will be gently guided and 'trained' by our loving team members. |
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What is a Virtual Food Drive?
River City Food Bank's Virtual Food Drive is the easiest, greenest way to help families, seniors, disabled people, veterans and others in need in our very own community. Help us raise $10,000 by December 31 to meet need during the fall and winter months by participating as an individual, or as part of a team.
Click here to participate in the RCFB Virtual Food Drive... |
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 Yarn for Prayer Shawls
Prayer Shawl ministry member has several spare skeins of medium worsted acrylic yarn (washable), in rose, pale green, country blue, linen, and cherry red, and also extra crochet hooks. If interested or for more info, e-mail dugongs@sbcglobal.net, subject line "Free Yarn", or call (916) 266-1802. |
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Thursday
Lunch Bunch
Thursdays, noon - 1:30pm
Assembly Area
We will read and discuss the Living Compass Advent Meditation booklet.
Thursday
Writing Group
Thursdays, 4:30pm
Conference Room
We will read and write about the Living Compass Advent Meditation booklet.
Contact Rev. Anne at amckeever@wavecable.com. |
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Thursday Night at the Cathedral
Holy Eucharist: 5:45
Dinner: 6:15 ($7.00)
Classes: 7:00
Classes:
Book Club: Kevin Sanders will facilitate a discussion of "Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History" by S. C. Gwynne.
"Praying Our Goodbyes" by Joyce Rupp is a guide to helping us re-orient ourselves and calm the anxieties caused by change. Her book invites participants into a journey where we can become whole again. Facilitated by Canon Lynell Walker.
Advent Classes:
December 6:History of the Bible (Assembly Area)
December 13: How to Choose a Bible (Bookshop)
December 20: Ways to Read the Bible (Assembly Area) Dinner on November 29 will be a Mexican Feast prepared by Chef Oscar Bautista Cost is $7 Sign-up at the Welcome Center, buy your dinner ticket Sunday in the Bookshop or purchase a ticket at the door. Questions about dinner: Cherie Chamness (442-9194) or Randie Strike (446-2513) |
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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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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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 Weekly Reflection
Trinity Cathedral parishioners have been writing weekly reflections during the Season after Pentecost. These reflections have reminded us that stewardship involves more than our financial contributions. Stewardship is also about discovering our own calling to reflect the image of God into the world in which we find ourselves. This week's reflection is the final in this series.
Luke 19: 1-10
This is the story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector. Because he was short and the crowd was blocking his view, he climbed a Sycamore tree to see Jesus as he was passing by. Well, I had a Sycamore tree in my back yard when I was growing up, and I can vouch that it is a great tree to climb. . . More. |
Trinity-Area Congregations Together UPDATE
Since Trinity's listening campaign identified homelessness as a major issue of concern to our congregation in early summer, our T-ACT (Trinity-Area Congregations Together) group, in collaboration with St. Mark's United Methodist Church, has been engaged in a research project to identify targeted areas where the people of our two congregations might be able to make a visible impact on homelessness in our community.
Click to read more... |
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2011 House Construction |
Gingerbread House Construction
Saturday, December 1
9:00 - Noon in the Great Hall
Students in grades 6-12 and their families are invited to come to make Gingerbread Houses to sell the next day for EYF's annual fundraiser to send our students on a summer mission experience. Please bring a bag or two of candy to share along with your creative ideas to make your house gloriously covered with snow and candy. |
 Men's Advent RetreatSaturday, December 1, 9-2pm at
the Campus Commons Clubhouse
The retreat will include:
- Morning Prayer
- Thinking about US at Advent
- Thinking about God at Advent
- Thinking about God and us
- Eucharist to end the day.
Cost is $20 (includes lunch)
To make a reservation or for more information, email Chris Sanft at chris@sanft.org or Randy Cheek at randycheek1947@att.net
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 Trinity Hiking Guild
Hikers,
I can't see us hiking through the precipitation that is coming this weekend, so stay inside, stay dry, and stay warm. Hopefully the third Sunday of December will bring brighter, dryer skys.
George Johnston |
Marathon this Sunday!
May Impact Your Drive to Church
The California Marathon is this Sunday. If you are coming to Church from Business-80W and normally exit at the "J" Street exit, we recommend that you continue to the "P" Street exit. If from Business 80 East, take the "N" Street exit. For more information see: http://cdn2.ngin.com/attachments/photo/1281/3507/mi18tofinish.jpg to see the part of the race that will impact Trinity members |
 Ingathering for River City Food Bank
December 2
This Sunday we are having an ingathering for the hungry served by River City Food Bank. If you forgot to bring your food, you can leave it in the barrel in the narthex on any Sunday, or you can donate by cash or check in an offering envelope, marking it River City Food Bank, or you can visit the River City Food Bank website rivercityfoodbank.org and shop for groceries with a virtual cart to contribute to the food bank. |
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An Advent Procession
Sunday, December 2nd at 11:15 am
One of the great liturgical traditions here at Trinity Cathedral is the Advent Procession and Eucharist held on the first Sunday of Advent. This is a unique service that has at its center the Great 'O' Antiphons of Advent. These ancient texts reflect some of the names given the Messiah in the Old Testament writings such as O Adonai, O Wisdom, O Root of Jesse, and O Emmanuel. These in turn are the basis for the great Advent hymn "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," which is sung in the course of the service. The service is in a "Lessons and Carols" format, with each of the antiphons highlighted by readings from scripture and appropriate prayers. The beautiful and mystical music for antiphons has been composed by Peter Hallock, and are set for choir with organ and handbells. Each of the antiphons is visually represented by large banners that are carried in procession as the antiphons are sung, first in Latin to Gregorian chant, and then in English Hallock's luminous settings. The music will also include a vigorous "Advent Processional" by Donald Pearson, and the classic Advent Carol "Adam Lay Ybounden" by John Ireland. New this year, another service featuring the 'O' Antiphons will be held at 9:00 am, with a non-traditional setting of the antiphons composed by Kathy Powell, sung by the Celebration Choir. The format will be as at the 11:15 service with Advent banners, lessons, and prayers. Also included will be music by John Ness Beck and Andrae Crouch. Join the Cathedral choirs for this powerful and unique way to start the season of Advent! |
Alternative Christmas Fairs
December 2 and 9 from 8:30-12:30
In the Great Hall
The Alternative Christmas Fair is back by popular demand!!
There will be 15 various vendors here providing you with an alternative to shopping in the malls.
Support local and global artists, craftspeople, and non-profit agencies. Along with notecards, knitwear, jewelry, and artwork from local artists, vendors include:
- Pottery from Nicaragua
- Crafts from African Team Ministries
- Crafts from Nepal
- TREE's offerings of stainless steel bottles, doggie poop bags, and solar cookers.
Do come and bring a friend too!! It will be festive indeed!! |
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2011 Advent Wreath Making |
Make an Advent Wreath
Sunday, December 2,
10:15-11:00 in Room A
Observe the season of Advent with an Advent wreath made by you. Our dear Harry Katzakian has crafted wooden Advent wreath bases to form our evergreens. Please come and make an Advent wreath for your family and pick up the printed service for observing Advent in your home. Everything will be provided we just need you. |
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Newcomers' Group
Sunday's at 10:15am in Room C
Today the group will discuss Ministry Opportunities.
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 Randie Strike: randiestrike@gmail.com. |
Living Compass Advent Meditations: FREE!
Pleases pick up a Living Compass Advent Meditation booklet in the the narthex or Welcome Center. This booklet guides readers through the season of Advent, December 2 through December 23rd. |
The Bible Challenge Is Drawing Near! Please pick up a Bible Challenge booklet in the narthex or at the Welcome Center in the Great Hall that lists the daily readings from January 7, 2013 through January 6 2014. Visit the Trinity Bookshop to find a Bible to be blessed here at Trinity on January 6, 2013, Epiphany Sunday. Then prepare to take the challenge along with hundreds of Trinity parishioners, thousands of diocesan parishioners, and ten of thousands of Episcopalians throughout the country as well as Anglicans around the world. Please sign up in the Welcome Center to indicate your interest in joining a Bible Challenge group beginning January, 2013. Contact Rev. Anne McKeever at amckeever@wavecable.com if you'd like to become a facilitator (discussion launcher, not a teacher) of a Bible Challenge group. |
 Christmas Altar Flowers
Starting on December 2, the first Sunday in Advent, Christmas Altar Flower Donation Forms will be available at Trinity Cathedral.
You will find them:
- Outside the church office
- In the Welcome Center at Coffee Hour
- Printed in the Cathedral Announcement Sheet included in the Sunday Service Program
In addition, flower committee members will be in the narthex and Great Hall on Sunday December 9 and December 16, wearing carnations and handing out donation forms as well.
You can also donate without a dedicated form:
- Write "Christmas Flower Donation" on a sheet of paper.
- Include your name, telephone number and your memorial or thanksgiving.
- Please indicate how you would like your name to appear in the Christmas Service Program.
The deadline for Christmas Flower Donations is Monday, December 17. You can drop it off at the office or mail it in to Trinity Cathedral Flowers, 2620 Capitol Ave., Sacramento CA 95816.
Please make your check out to Trinity Cathedral Church. Write "Christmas Flowers" on the memo line.
Although there have been suggested donation amounts over the years, the current committee welcomes all donations with gratitude and thanksgiving. |
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 Abraham's Tent Meeting
Tuesday, December 4, 6:30pm at Trinity Cathedral
Abraham's Tent, includes members from the Christian, Muslim and Jewish faith traditions. You are invited to join the group, learn more about what they do in the community, and hear our own Dean Brian Baker talk about Christianity. |
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Choral Compline
Thursday, December 6th at 6:00 pm
Resurrexit will sing a service of Choral Compline (night prayer) in place of our usual monthly Evensong service.
The psalm and responsories are sung to plainsong ('Gregorian' chant). Other music to be sung includes:
- Te lucis ante terminum - plainsong with fauxbourdon by Thomas Tallis
- Nunc Dimittis - plainsong with fauxbourdon by Thomas Morely
- Hide me under the shadow of thy wings - John E. West
- Closing responses - Peter Hallock
Resurrexit is Trinity Cathedral's ten-voice chamber choir, and is conducted by David Link, Canon for Music. Please join us for this short service, which is a quiet and peaceful way to end the day, especially during this busy and frantic holiday season. |
 Sacramento Area Congregations Together Thursday, December 6th at 6:30pm at
St. Mark's United Methodist Church
Click to read more about this meeting... |
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Vocal Art Ensemble in concert
Friday, December 7th at 7:30 pm
Follow the Vocal Art Ensemble into the mesmerizing sounds of the East as they gather silken songs, choral gems, instrumental spices, and exquisite tapestries of vocal beauty. This rich and varied concert experience sets ancient jewels from the Old and New Worlds, melts divine male plainchant with luscious Eastern European women's chorus, and weaves together elegant Polish Magnificats with vibrant Zambian celebrations. The creative ethnic flavors of Fiesta Dance'N Fitness: Multicultural Arts & Wellness will join our caravan, stirring your sense of adventure on a musical journey of minstrels and dance under the Magi's crystal skies.
Suggested donation: $6 - 20 |
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 Parish-Wide Advent Retreat
Living a Prayerful Advent
Mercy Center - Auburn
Saturday, December 8, 9:00am - 3:00pm
The cost is $35.00 (includes lunch) and the retreat is limited to 50 participants.
The focus of this retreat is to discover ways to pray that will help sustain you through this hectic season and to prepare your hearts to receive the Holy Infant Child this Christmas Season.
Canon David Link will lead off the retreat teaching us ways to pray with music. We will close with a sung Compline service in the retreat center's beautiful Chapel. Registration forms are available in the Cathedral Bookshop. Contact Canon Walker you have further questions at: lwalker259@aol.com or 446-2513 ext. 25
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2011 St. Nicholas Night |
St. Nicholas Night
Sunday, December 9, 4:30pm
Come to make Christmas crafts, worship at service with St. Nicholas and enjoy a wonderful dinner prepared by our wonderful Chef Tom Robbins. During dinner you can have your picture taken with St. Nicholas. The picture will be e-mailed to you. The picture makes great Christmas card. $5.00 per person and $15.00 per family. Please sign up at the Welcome Center so we know how many to prepare for. This is a great time to invite family and friends who don't usually come to church. |
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 Cookies, Cookies, Cookies
Friday, December 14 at 7:30pm
We will have our Second Annual Christmas Cookie Exchange in the Assembly Area. Each person is asked to bring 5 dozen cookies with the recipe. We will have some cookies for tasting and most for exchanging. Bring a few baggies to take your cookies home. Coffee and hot cider will be available. This is an adult only event. Please sign up at the Welcome Center so we know how many to plan for.
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From the Health Ministry...
Weekly Recipe: Lemon-Raspberry Muffins
Ingredients:
1 lemon
1/2 cup of sugar
1 cup of nonfat buttermilk
1/3 cup of canola oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 cup of white whole-wheat flour, or whole-wheat pastry flour
1 cup of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 teaspoon of baking soda
¼ teaspoon of salt
1 ½ cups of fresh or frozen (not thawed) raspberries
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Coat 12 large (1/2-cup) muffin cups with cooking spray or line with paper liners.
Use a vegetable peeler to remove the zest from the lemon in long strips.
Combine the zest and sugar in a food processor; pulse until the zest is very finely chopped into the sugar.
Add buttermilk, oil, egg and vanilla and pulse until blended.
Combine whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.
Add the buttermilk mixture and fold until almost blended.
Gently fold in raspberries.
Divide the batter among the muffin cups.
Bake the muffins until the edges and tops are golden, 20 to 25 minutes.
Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.
Serve warm.
Nutrition information (per muffin, makes 12)
Calories: 185
Carbohydrates: 27 g
Fat: 7 g (1 g sat, 4 g mono);
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 18 mg
Dietary fiber: 2 g
Potassium: 47 mg
Sodium: 245 mg |
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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Here's a wonderful way to get in the Christmas spirit! Bring the whole family to see a delightfully funny play titled, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," directed by Michael Walker of St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Carmichael. The play is certainly not about your typical Christmas pageant . . . it is a pageant that is invaded by the Herdman's who are "the worst kids in the whole history of the world." What chaos . . . and joyful moments result!
Two performances only with dessert reception after each performance:
Saturday, December 8 at 7 PM Sunday, December 9 at 2 PM
Performance Location: St. Michael's Church, 2140 Mission Avenue, Carmichael
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 Fr. Kent McNair's Retirement
Sunday, December 16, 2:00-5:00pm
at Faith Church in Cameron Park (530-676-3754)
Fr. Kent McNair's last Sunday at Faith Church will be December 16. All are welcome to join in a farewell party. A celebration of Kent's 20+ years of service to Faith Church will include music and drama, prayers, food and fellowship.
If you are interested in attending and willing to carpool as a driver or passenger, please sign-up at the Welcome Center or contact Randie Strike at randie.trinity@gmail.com or 916.446.2513. |
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