April 11, 2013

Trinity Cross_YellowTRINITY EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL 

e-News

Visit our home page at 

"A Growing community making disciples who love and serve Christ and His world"

Greetings!

 

Brian BakerThese are fascinating times for the church. Some might say these are the worst of times. I tend to think of them as the best of times.


On one side of the conversation, churches throughout the nation are in decline. All denominations are seeing significant decreases. Among 18-29 year-olds, the number is even higher: 1/3 of young adults have no religious affiliation. That number is probably significantly larger in the Northwestern U.S.

Many of these young adults have negative views of Christianity.  According to a study by Kavid Kinnaman (published in 2007 in the book unchristian co-authored with Gabe Lyons) most young adult non-Christians believe the church is anti-gay, hypocritical (non-loving), judgmental, too concerned about getting converts (versus actually caring about people,) and too political. His polling indicated people weren't necessarily uncomfortable with the Bible or Jesus, it was the behavior of Christians that bothered them.

I don't find any of this surprising. I regularly hear of people's dissatisfaction with Christian churches. What intrigues me is the disconnect between what people outside the church believe is true about the church -- anti-gay, judgmental, etc. -- and my experience of the Episcopal Church. At Trinity I experience a quality of community and depth of spiritual transformation that doesn't look anything like people's negative perceptions of Christians. While we are not a perfect community, we are a community where people regularly are brought alive by Christ's love.

How do we bridge this gap? How do we bring the message of Christ's love to those who have no religious affiliation. One of the things that was clear in the Pew study was that many of the "nones" believed in God, prayed and had active spiritual lives. They just weren't looking for a church. While Episcopal Christianity certainly isn't right for all of them, I am sure there are some who would benefit from our liturgy, community and spiritual disciplines. I know many of them have been so damaged by church that they aren't going to wander in on their own. Even if invited, many of them won't feel comfortable walking into a church building.

The reason I think this is the best of times for the church is that there are many, many people who are hungry for what we have to offer. There are many people around us who are spiritually hungry, who are searching for spiritual connection. But they aren't looking for rote religion. They are looking for an authentic, caring community that proclaims a gospel that transforms the human heart. We are that community. We have that gospel.

The challenge for us is to figure out how to connect our gospel with people who either won't think to come to church, or may even believe that churches are places of judgement and hypocrisy. How do we deliver the gospel of Christ's love to those outside the church. I think the Christians that figure this out will be the ones that lead Christianity through this challenging time of transition. I think we can figure this out. What we have is too good to keep to ourselves.

I am meeting tonight with a small group of young adults, some members of Trinity and some not, to explore what our form of Christianity might look like in non-church settings. I would appreciate your ideas as well.
  
Blessings,
  
Brian
  
The Very Rev. Dr. Brian Baker
Dean, Trinity Cathedral
Sacramento, CA
916.446.2513
http://blogs.deanbaker.org/
In this edition....
Employment Opportunity...
Parish News...
Article Headline
Centering Prayer...
TNAC - April 11
This Sunday...
Newcomers Group...
30/40s and Beyond...
Sundays with Morey...
Movie Night at the Cathedral...
Walk the Labyrinth...
TREE Tip...
Trinity Women's Retreat...
Article Headline
Bible Challenge...
Clara's House Fundraiser...
e-News Submission Guildlines...

Links

for Lent/Easter 2013
 
Join Our Mailing List
Employment Opportunity:
  
Director of
Family Ministries

 

Reporting to the Dean of the Cathedral, the Director of Family Ministries will be responsible to maintain and support the year- round Christian education of the youth of the Cathedral. The programs include children from birth through the senior year of high school and their families. This is full-time salaried position with work days that include Sundays and Christian holidays.
  
Follow this link to continue reading and download a full PDF of this job posting.

Bible Challenge 

 Weekly reading list...

 

Day 95: Ruth 1-4, Psalm 79, John 14
Thu, April 11, 2013
  
Day 96: 1 Samuel 1-3, Psalm 80, John 15
Fri, April 12, 2013
  
Day 97: I Samuel 4-6, Psalm 81, John 16
Sat, April 13, 2013
  
Listen to Scripture in Church
Sun, April 14, 2013
  
Day 99: I Samuel 7-9, Psalm 82, John 17
Mon, April 15, 2013
  
Day 100: I Samuel 10-12, Psalm 83, John 18
Tue, April 16, 2013
  
Day 101: I Samuel 13-15, Psalm 84, John 19
Wed, April 17, 2013
  
Day 102: I Samuel 16-18, Psalm 85, John 20
Thu, April 18, 2013
 
Follow this link for resources on the Diocese of Northern California web site.

Foyer Groups are taking a break for April, May, June, July, August & September. We are thinking of starting an activities group such as movies, biking, dancing or whatever people would like to do.

 

Please send feedback to: carolynconrad1@yahoo.com Please send an email with your ideas and we will see if there is interest. Thank you in advance for your input.

Cathedral Bookshop
  
Vintage postage stamps from 1960's thru 1990's, donated from a private collection, are now available in the Bookshop. 
  
Priced at face value. They come in booklets and sheets as well as different themes such as cartoon characters, historical figures, celebrities, sports, flowers, Christmas, and others.
  
Please come in and select for your own postal use, as gifts or to add to a collection.
  
Bookshop Hours:
Tue, Wed, Thur:
11:00am - 5:00pm
Fri: 10:00am - 2:00pm;
Sun: 8:30am - 1:00pm
  
Phone: 916-442-9194 

Ongoing... 

Change in Thursday Centering Prayer Time

Thursday Centering Prayer will be meeting at 1 PM beginning on April 11. We hope this move will be a more convenient time.

 

If you have any questions contact Sally Smith (sally1369@comcast.net) or Shelley Mydans (smydans@gmail.com).

Centering Prayer 

Centering Prayer

Tuesday's, 6-7pm, Cathedral East Transept and

Thursday's, 1:00-2:00pm, Cathedral East Transept

 

Centering Prayer is a method of contemplation that helps to Come. quiet the mind and participate in God's presence. It is a receptive form of prayer - a kind of resting in God. 

 

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 

Thursday

Lunch Bunch 

Thursdays, noon -1:30pm in the Assembly Area

 

Please bring your Bible for our discussion of the Bible Challenge readings.

 

Contact is Rev. Anne-amckeever@wavecable.com

 

Thursday

Writing Group

Thursdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

 

Everyone is welcome to join us on in the Conference Room. We will write to a prompt and share what we choose of our writing with the group. 

 

Contact facilitator Rev. Anne at amckeever@wavecable.com if you have questions.

Thursday Night at the Cathedral

Thursday, April 11

 

Candlelight Compline at 6:00pm

 

Dinner at 6:15pm - Chef Steve Campbell is preparing a spaghetti dinner

TNAC Spring Classes 2013

Classes Meet on Thursday Evenings

from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Beginning April 11

 

The Episcopal Church Welcomes YouThe Episcopal Church Welcomes You: The Rev. Anne McKeever in the Conference Room

Everyone interested in the Episcopal Church is invited to learn about our history, faith, traditions and quirks. Recommended books: Your Faith, Your Life: An Invitation to the Episcopal Church by Jenifer Gambler and Bill Lewellis, and The Episcopal Handbook from Morehouse Publishing, both available in the Cathedral Bookshop. A few copies of each book will be available to borrow from Rev. Anne. Please contact her at amckeever@wavecable.com to reserve a book.

 

Emmett FoxEmmet Fox and New Thought: Vaughn Wolff in the Trinity Bookshop

Continuing with the writings of Emmet Fox, we will now explore scripture as a guide to heal the soul using prayer as treatment along with our ability to choose and create new thoughts. Understanding the underlying spiritual principles on our journey brings us to practical and effective demonstrations of God's great goodness to ourselves and the environment we live in. When we finish with Fox's Power of Constructive Thinking, we will take up his book, The Sermon on the Mount. These books are available for sale in the Cathedral Bookshop. Newcomers are welcome.

 

Liturgical Life Principles book cover Understanding How We Worship: Canon Lynell Walker in Classroom I

Continuing our discussions of Liturgical Life Principles: How Episcopal Worship Can Lead to Healthy and Authentic Living by Dr. Ian S. Markham, we will explore connections between Episcopal liturgy and our lives. The book is available in the Cathedral Bookshop. Newcomers are welcome.

 

Trinity Roots-Hear Trinity parishioners share their historical, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Facilitator: Kevin Sanders, in Room A

April 11: Shireen Miles will discuss "How my Hometown Came to be Named after my Maternal Great Grandma: A Peek into the History of Northern California and the Life of Susan Engels Roop, a Gutsy Young Pioneer Woman".

 

The Bible Challenge TNAC Discussion Group: Rhonda Canby and Randy Knutson in the Assembly Area. Bring your Bible and discuss the readings for the week. Newcomers are always welcome.

 

Dean Baker Presents the Old Testament: Assembly Area, first Thursday of each month: May 2, June 4, July 11. Come learn about the books of the Old Testament we're reading for the Bible Challenge as we ponder: Who is God?   All are welcome. Most Thursday evening classes attend this presentation once a month.

This Sunday
Youth Sunday has been postponed
until April 28

Newcomers' Group

Meets in Room C at 10:15am

 

The group will discuss Ministry Opportunities.

 

If you have questions contact Randie Strike at email randie.trinity@gmail.com or 916-446-2513.

30/40s and Beyond Bible Challenge

Meets in the Conference Room at 10:15am

 

The group will continue their discussion on the Bible Challenge.  Join us even if you have not read the bible lately. Questions? Amy Dierlam: 601-1699 or dnarock@pacbell.net

People Preparing for Pentecost

50 Ways to Love your Leaver

A reflection on the life of our Lord from end to beginning

 

Presented by Morey Lloyd

in Classroom A

on Sundays at 10:30am

Beginning April 14

 

April 14 Cross Words from Jesus - Words Spoken in the NOW!

Often the last words of the dying will speak what has been stored up for a life time

 

April 21 Christ Is Outstanding in His Field - Linguistic Resurrection

What we do and who we are is manifested by how we stand

 

April 28 First Last Words of the Rising Lord - Let Bygones Be Bygones

Hearing the last Judgment for the first time - "Peace be to you"

 

May 5  Pentecost is Perplexing - Drunk with Joy

How often do we find that what we say, do and mean to say and do needs interpretation?

 

Next Week & Beyond

Movie Night at the Cathedral

Wednesday, April 17 at 7pm, Conference Room

 

Movie Night will feature a brief video from the Living the Question series on how we live out the good news of the resurrection. What does it mean to be a people of the resurrection? What real difference does Easter make in our lives? How does Jesus' triumph over death affect the daily stories that seek to defeat our longings for peace and joy? Join Canon Walker as we explore the complex issues in this cornerstone of our Christian faith.

Labyrinth
Walk the Labyrinth
Third Friday of the Month,
6:00-8:00pm
  
The next Labyrinth is
Friday, April 19th
from 6-8 pm
  
For more information please contact
Rhonda Canby at rcanby@msn.com.   

TREE LogoTREE's 7th Annual Earth Day Fair

 

Once again, we are grateful for creation and invite you to celebrate with us on Sunday, April 21st, at our 7th Earth Day Fair, in the courtyard from 8.30a.m.-12.30 pm.   Buy a Solar Cooker and a TREE stainless steel waterbottle, check on the latest information about genetically modified food, and take home a free tomato plant. Visit the SMUD, Sierra Club, and Mountain Lion Foundation tables. Borrow environmentally informative books and videos from our own church library. Bring your family and friends. We look forward to seeing you there.  Follow this link for a printable poster.

Cathedral OrganOrgan Concert Benefits NorCal AIDS Cycle

Sunday, April 21, 4:00pm at Trinity Cathedral

 

Join Canon David Link for an afternoon of pipe organ music by J.S. Bach, A. Herbert Brewer, Sigfrid Karg-Elert, and much more.

 

NorCal AIDS Cycle is a 335 mile/four day bike ride through Northern California, which benefits agencies in the Sacramento area serving those suffering from HIV/AIDS. This year, Canon Link has teamed up with the River City Food Bank to form a NCAC team, the River City Roadies.

 

The suggested minimum donation is $10, and we hope you'll join us!

Mercy Center, AuburnSave the Date...
Trinity Women's Retreat
August 10th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join Trinity women at the peaceful Mercy Center in Auburn for a Saturday of prayer, crafts, laughter, lunch, Holy Eucharist, dance and spiritual surprises. Cost of $40 includes lunch. Watch for details to be revealed. Facilitators: Rev. Anne McKeever and Victoria Beck.
Of Interest
2013 Bishop's ConferenceBishop's Conference
April 26 and 27
at Trinity Cathedral

Presented by The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California and Episcopal Community Services (ECS), this year's event will feature Keynote Speaker Rod Dugliss, PhD, Dean of the School for Deacons, and will highlight existing Social, Economic Health, and Environmental Justice ministries throughout the diocese and perhaps spark a new ministry at your faith community. A concurrent Youth Event, "Striving for Justice & Peace," will also be available.
 
Follow this link for more information and registration.  
A Murder AnnouncedMission Avenue Players presents...
A Murder Is Announced 
by Leslie Darbon
(Adapted from Agatha Christie's novel)
  
Trinity parishioner Dale Reinhard has a starring role! 
  
For performance dates, times and to purchase tickets call 916.877.6004 or see http://www.missionavenueplayers.com/index.php/upcoming-performances
Camp Noel PorterCamp Noel Porter Summer 2013
  
Under the theme Wilderness Journeys: Wild Faith for a Wild World, the youth of our diocese and their friends are invited to grow in their faith and have a lot of fun at Camp Noel Porter this summer!

Children and youth age six through twelfth grade are encouraged to register early for one of five summer camp sessions designed especially for their age group.

Additionally, Camp Noel Porter is thrilled to offer a NEW summer camp experience with a special Youth Choir Camp for campers entering grades 3rd through 9th. 
Bible Challenge
Trinity Takes... 
Bible Challenge

by The Rev. Anne Dryden McKeever,

 Director of Youth and Adult Spiritual Formation.
 
 
 

 

Weekly Bible Challenge

Read Just ONE Story a Week

Free copies of the April Weekly Bible Challenge are available in the Cathedral Bookshop and Welcome Center. Read just one rip-snortingly exciting Bible story a week and peruse a few questions to ponder on your own or discuss with someone of your choice. No deadlines, no meetings, no guilt!

 

Seven Trinity Bible Challenge groups continue to meet, always welcoming newcomers and drop-ins. Bring your Bible, open your heart, listen, share, and learn with us! Follow this link for a list of active groups.
 

Rev. Anne McKeever

amckeever@wavecable.com 

Donation & Volunteer
 Opportunities... 

Single morning volunteer opportunity

 

The Sacramento interfaith group is organizing teams to work at the East Lawn Cemetery on Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Groups of 5 to 50 are invited to clean headstones and do some light refurbishment. This might be a great family effort on a beautiful day in April! A headcount is needed as quickly as possible, so if you're interested contact Deacon Virginia at virginiamcneely@msn.com or 916-444-0720.

Fundraisers... 
Clara's House 
BATTER UP!
River Cats Baseball Game Supporting Clara's House
Sunday, May 5 at 1:05pm
  
Clara's House Clinic invites you and your family to an afternoon of baseball and fun when our own River Cats play the Las Vegas 51's on Sunday, May 5 at 1:05 PM.
  
Cheer for the home team while supporting the work of Clara's House Clinic. Clara's House Clinic relies on the support of the community to continue providing health care to the uninsured.
  
Tickets are $10, $15 and $20. Part of the proceeds will go to Clara's House.
  
Buy your tickets now by visiting
www.rivercats.com/fullcountdiscount, and select: Clara's House and enter offer code: Fundraiser. Pick-up a flyer in the back of the cathedral to order by mail, or contact Mary Ellen Howard at 916.201.6562. See you at the ball game.

Submit ButtonTo Submit an Article to the e-News

 

e-mail articles to punderwoodtrinity@gmail.com

 

Images should NOT be embedded in articles.  Please send images as e-mail attachments in .jpg format.

 

The deadline for the Thursday e-News is noon on Wednesday, the day before publication.