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December 5, 2013
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 TRINITY EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL
e-News
"A Growing community making disciples who love and serve Christ and His world"
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Greetings! 
I was at a gathering of area Episcopal clergy on Tuesday. We were discussing the joys and challenges of Advent. There seems to be an inherent tension in Advent, with our liturgical tradition encouraging quietness and our culture encouraging business. Todd Bruce, the rector of Trinity Church in Folsom had an interesting suggestion. He recommended we embrace the heightened activity of Advent; just let it be. And then let Christmas be the time of quiet that comes when God enters our heart anew. Todd talked about how this pattern more closely matches his experience of the divine. He lives his frenetic, full life and then there is an experience of God's presence that invites calm. He experiences Christmas, after the worship services, as this time of quiet and stillness as everything seems to mellow out.
What if we saw the weeks after Christmas as a holy, quiet time of resting in God's presence. We could then look at Epiphany as the time of re-entering the world - taking our experience of God's love into the world. To me it seems Todd is suggesting that the goal is not a holy Advent as much as a holy Christmas. That doesn't mean Advent can't be a time of holiness. In fact, if we look at all of our Christmas preparations as sacraments, as symbolic acts that express our love of others and our gratitude for our blessings, then Advent can be very holy and transformational. We just don't have to feel like we are betraying the season if our Advent is full of activity as we prepare for Christmas. Our quiet time with God will come in its due season.
Speaking of sacramental activity, because of the extreme cold temperatures we are hosting homeless people overnight tonight. If no other church steps up, we may do the same thing tomorrow night. It is such a blessing to be part of a community of faith that is so ready to serve others sacrificially.
Blessings,
Brian
The Very Rev. Dr. Brian Baker
Dean, Trinity Cathedral
Sacramento, CA
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THANK YOU TO VOLUNTEERS
Dear volunteers extraordinaire" once again you have helped make Trinity's Hosting of Family Promise a welcoming, warm place to be for our 4 families in November!! We had a total of 13 - 7 adults, 4 children and 2 babies/toddlers.
Thank you, thank you for giving of your time and talent - we all benefited!!
Also I would like to recommend that as you consider end of the year giving, Family Promise is a part of the Book of Dreams, asking for money to purchase
cots for our families. These cots would be such a welcome addition. You might have seen the article on the front page of the Bee with Family Promise and Trinity highlighted!! Wonderful exposure for Family Promise and Trinity I might add.
Blessings, Lyle Gramling
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Adopt-A Floyd Family for Christmas Project
We won't be doing the Christmas Gift Bags this year, another church has asked to do them and we want to focus on the Family Christmas Project. Sign-ups to shop for gifts for children and families will be held after Sunday services on December 8, culminating with a festive "Gift Wrapping Pizza Night" for all Santa's helpers on Wednesday, December 18 at 6 PM in the Great Hall.
~~ Deacons Virginia & Steve
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Trinity takes...
FINAL Edition of Read ONE Bible Story a Week is Available
We're in the home stretch for the Bible Challenge, friends! Pick up a copy of the December 6, 2013 through January 6, 2014 edition of Read ONE Bible Story a Week in the Trinity Bookshop and the Welcome Center. Open your heart to what God is telling you through Holy Scripture.
Please contact Rev. Anne at amckeever@wavecable.com if you have questions or comments.
Follow this link for a list of
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Weekly reading list...
Day 333: Micah 4, Psalm 120, Matthew 26
Thu, December 5, 2013
Day 334: Micah 5, Psalm 121, Matthew 27
Fri, December 6, 2013
Day 335: Micah 6, Psalm 122, Matthew 28
Sat, December 7, 2013
Listen to Scripture in Church
Sun, December 8, 2013
Day 337: Micah 7, Psalm 123, Mark 1
Mon, December 9, 2013
Day 338: Nahum 1, Psalm 124, Mark 2
Tue, December 10, 2013
Day 339: Nahum 2, Psalm 125, Mark 3
Wed, December 11, 2013
Day 340: Nahum 3, Psalm 126, Mark 4
Thu, December 12, 2013
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Cathedral Bookshop
Our Stamp Santa has arrived with 10 versions of Christmas stamps.
We have a new supply of blue or purple Advent candles and are fully stocked with books for present and future classes.
Bookshop Hours:
Tue, Wed, Thu:
11:00am - 5:00pm
Fri: 10:00am - 2:00pm;
Sun: 8:30am - 1:00pm
Phone: 916-442-9194
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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 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 |
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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, 4:30-6:00pm in the Conference Room.
Newcomers are always welcome. We write to a prompt and then share what we choose to share with the other participants.
Contact facilitator Rev. Anne at amckeever@wavecable.com if you have questions.
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Walk the Labyrinth
Third Friday of the Month,
6:00-8:00pm
The next Labyrinth is
Friday, December 20
from 6-8 pm
For more information please contact
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| Thursday Night at the Cathedral
December 5
The forecast for Thursday night is 25 degrees. Trinity is going to host a special Safe Ground night. If you can help with this, please contact Deacon Steve (deaconskiff@gmail.com; 916-204-4955).
If you are a regular TNAC participant, dinner will be served in conjunction with Safe Ground.
Dean Baker's class on the Old Testament will meet at 7 pm in the Assembly Area. All other classes are canceled.
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 Put a lid on it!
Face it, we Episcopalians love our coffee and tea. And we like to drink them during meetings, classes, choir rehearsals and retreats. Unfortunately, we are sometimes prone to spill those beverages, and the proximity of carpeting seems to increase the likelihood of a spill! Also unfortunate is, that if the spill isn't cleaned up quickly, it makes a stain in the carpet which can be difficult to remove. Our valiant Cathedral custodians have spent countless hours trying to clean coffee and tea stains on our carpets.
In order to help prevent these spills, we now have available plastic lids to go on those paper Java City cups. While they won't completely stop a spill from happening, they can certainly slow it down and lessen the severity of it. And when a spill happens, give the custodian on duty a call, so they can get it cleaned up quickly (the custodial cell phone number is 916-912-0881), Even better than the plastic lid on the paper cup, is to bring that insulated tumbler from home with the leak-proof top. Better for the carpet, and better for the environment. So next time you pour that cup of coffee or tea, put a lid on it! |
 Trinity Hiking Guild Saturday, December 7, meet at the Cathedral at 8:45am
Dear Trinity Hikers,
I'm about all healed up from my foot injury [or at least enough to give it a try], and a grueling travel schedule in October, and am anxious to get back on the trail again. Don't want to push it for our first time out for a while, so lets do a walk on the American River Trail starting in Discovery Park. We will car pool as usual from Trinity, gathering at 8:45 for a 9:00 departure. We will be back at the cathedral by 11:00 at the latest, so no need to pack a lunch. Just bring snacks and plenty of water. Looking forward to catching up with you!
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Trinity Cathedral Remembers
Sandy Hook Elementary
by Rev. Deacon Steve Skiffington
On Friday, December 14, 2012, a twenty year old man shot and killed his mother, then drove to the school he attended as a child and killed twenty children and six adult staff members. Twenty-eight people died that day.
To remember them, and to make a personal effort toward ending gun violence in our country, on Sunday December 8th we will be passing out index cards after each service with the name of one of the victims printed on them. We will be asking that you take the card home, do something of personal meaning to you, write that action on the front of the card next to the name and bring it back on Sunday, December 15th. There will be a section in the Great Hall where you can post your card. Please do not sign your card, just post it. As we have three major services, each victim will have three cards with their name, and the actions taken by a Trinity Cathedral member.
+ Pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased.
+ Pray for healing for that person's family and friends
+ Perform one concrete act of compassion/concern in that person's memory. Examples:
- Volunteer an extra shift at a food closet, school, or other service organization.
- Write a letter to your local newspaper or legislator advocating for measures that support families, fund/provide mental health services, provide resources for youth, work to reduce gun violence.
- Donate to organizations that do any of the above.
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Streets Closed December 8
The California International Marathon will run this Sunday, causing some intersections near the church to be closed. The race starts at 7am near Folsom Dam and travels Oak Ave, Fair Oaks Blvd, and J Street to the Capitol. AVOID L STREET. See runcim.org for more information.
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 Soul Survivor
Finding A Faith That Can Survive The Church
Meets at 10:15am in Room A
How does one nurture a Christian faith vigorous enough to thrive in spite of wounds received at the hands of a church?
That will be the central question driving a discussion course that will be offered for seven Sundays starting November 3. We will consult the wisdom of various wise leaders, including some who were not Christians. The resource book will be Soul Survivor by Philip Yancey. Class facilitators will be Vaughn Wolff and George Swank. Questions? Contact George Swank at gswank2@pacbell.net
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Newcomers' Group
Meets at 10:15am in Room C
The group will discuss Worship/Stewardship.
Everyone is welcome to be with us, especially, Newcomers and visitors. If you have questions contact Randie Strike at email randie.trinity@gmail.com or 916-446-2513.
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30/40s and Beyond
Meets at 10:15am in the Conference Room
The group will meet during Advent for an Advent Meditation of Henri Nouwen. Daily devotional booklets will be available.
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Dean Baker presents the...
OLD TESTAMENT on Sunday Mornings
December 8
Dean Baker will offer his Old Testament class from 10:40 to 11:10 a.m. in the Assembly Area.
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 St. Nicholas Night
Sunday, December 8, 4:30pm
Come to make Christmas crafts, worship at service with St. Nicholas and enjoy a wonderful dinner. During dinner you can have your picture taken with St. Nicholas. Cost is $5.00 per person and $12.00 per family. This is a great time to invite family and friends. For more information please contact Rev. Kathy Hopner at 930-8027
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Memorial Service for Jonathan Bush
A memorial for Thomas Bush's son, Jonathan, will be held at Trinity Cathedral on Tuesday, December 10 at 1:00pm. The Cathedral will be hosting the reception and need three people to help in the kitchen before and after. Please call or email Lin Crane (812-4325 or lincrane@hotmail.com) if you can help.
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Thursday Night at the Cathedral
on December 12
6:00pm - Candlelight Compline
6:15pm - TNAC Dinner ($7:00)
7:00pm - TNAC Classes
Classes-7 to 8:30 p.m.
 Journaling through Advent with Henri Nouwen
Canon Lynell Walker, Facilitator
Thursdays: Dec. 12 and 19
Advent is easy to miss. It's a hectic time. The hope of this class is that it will give us a chance to pause, at least five nights, and listen to the summons of Advent. Participants are invited to order this book through the Cathedral Bookshop and bring a journal for posting reflections. It's winter. It's time to pause.
 Let Every Heart Prepare: Meditations for Advent and Christmas by the Rev. Barbara Cawthorne Crafton.
The Rev. Anne McKeever, Facilitator
Thursdays: Dec. 12 and 19
Rev. Crafton's stories and reflections will be used as springboards for the sharing of our own Advent and Christmas stories and traditions.
Randy Knutson and Rhonda Canby present the Bible Challenge, through January 2, 2014. It's never too late to start reading the Bible-a little bit every day, with Sundays off - and then to discuss the readings with a group of cheery, open-minded folks.(Conference Room.) |
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Graveside Service for Anne Adams
A graveside service for long-time Trinity member, Anne Adams will be held on Sunday, December 15, at 12:00 noon, in Lodi Memorial Park and Cemetery, 5750 E. Pine St, Lodi, CA. Following the service there will be a reception at Wine and Roses' Towne House Restaurant, located at 2505 W. Turner Road in Lodi.
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 Journey Down the Camino de Santiago
Sunday, December 15 at 4pm in the Assembly Area
We will share in a Journey Down the Camino de Santiago. Elba White, Donna Chipps, Emma and Theo Blinn and Canon Lynell Walker will share their experiences of walking this ancient pilgrimage. Questions will be most welcome!
~~ Canon Walker+
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Growing in Faith
For those who want to be baptized and confirmed, or received into the Episcopal Church or renew your faith. Come to our first meeting on Sunday, January 5 at 3pm to find out more. Growing in Faith is for all of us. It is an opportunity to explore your journey of faith and become more aware of where God is calling you. All are welcome! Contact Jerry Paré (930-8032 or jpare111452@gmail.com)
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Christmas @ Trinity Cathedral
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 Christmas Altar Flowers
Christmas Altar Flower Donation Forms are 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
- Click here for a printable form In addition, flower committee members will be in the narthex and Great Hall on Sunday December 8 and December 15, 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 16. You can drop it off at the office or mail it 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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 A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Saturday, December 21 at 7:30 pm
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is a service celebrating the birth of Jesus, which is traditionally followed at Christmas. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short Bible readings, interspersed with the singing of carols, anthems, and hymns.
- Brich an, O schönes Morgenslicht (Christmas Oratorio) - Johann Sebastian Bach
- Christ the Appletree - Stanford Scriven
- An Advent Procession (Veni Redemptor Gentium) - Donald Pearson
- This Little Babe - Benjamin Britten (Cathedral Choristers)
- A Tender Shoot - Otto Goldschmidt
- In the Bleak Midwinter - Harold Darke
- Here is the Little Door - Herbert Howells
- On this day, earth shall ring - H. C. Stewart
- Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich hier - Johann Sebastian Bach
The format was based on an Order drawn up by Edward White Benson (who became the Archbishop of Canterbury) for Christmas Eve 1880 in Truro, England, and has since been adapted and used by other churches all over the world. The best-known version is broadcast annually to millions of listeners around the world from King's College, Cambridge, on Christmas Eve, featuring carols sung by the famous King's College Choir. Please join the Trinity Cathedral Choir and Choristers as we begin our Christmas celebration!
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 Greening the Cathedral
Monday, December 23 at 5:00pm
Please join us to "green" the Cathedral at 5pm. Wear comfortable clothes and bring gloves and garden snipers to help build the garlands. A soup supper will be provided.
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 Christmas Eve Refreshments!
The Hospitality Committee requests every one's help in supplying hors d'oeuvres and sweet treats for our Christmas Eve receptions. So please try to bring a plate of goodies to share, and drop them off in the kitchen before the Christmas Eve service you attend. And if you can help plate before a reception or serve during the reception, please e-mail Georgianna Pfost at dugongs@sbcglobal.net. This is a great time and way to welcome guests! Thank you!
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 | | Charis Hill |
Arthritis Foundation Fundraiser
My name is Charis Hill. I became a member at Trinity Cathedral on Mother's Day 2013. I am 26 and I have Ankylosing Spondylitis. It's a chronic, autoimmune, progressive, degenerative, painful disease - a very severe form of arthritis that ruthlessly attacks the body with aggressive inflammation that can cause spinal fusion, fatigue, severe joint pain, stiffness, progressive loss of flexibility, eye issues, lung issues, disability, and much, much more.
My journey began in February of this year with two separate visits (in two weeks) to a local Urgent Care Clinic. The first visit I suspected pneumonia, the second I suspected a heart attack. After tests and consultations I was told, "none of these tests shows anything wrong with you, perhaps you're suffering from depression and anxiety, would you like some antidepressants?" I said no to the medication.
I decided to reach out to my father to ask about the medical history on his side of the family. I received this email from him: "I talked to my rheumatologist. He says it sounds like you could have A.S. That's not a happy thought, and I'm qualified to say so...Before I go any farther - you need to get to a rheumatologist - I need you to call me."
This May, 47 people donated $2,500 in my honor to the Arthritis Foundation's Walk. I am honored to announce I have been chosen to be the Adult Honoree of the Jingle Bell Run/Walk this December 14th, a fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation. I would be honored for you to join my team or make a donation. Trinity is my closest family, so I'm asking for this support from my heart. Read my story and donate or join my team at www.tinyurl.com/supportcharis.
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Advent Retreat: "A Season of Peace--
Advent through Epiphany"
Saturday, December 7, 1:00PM--5:00PM
with Brother Mark Schroeder, O.F.M.
at St. Francis Parish Center, 26th & K Streets
We will be looking at the Gospel readings of this season--in a simple, relaxed format. There will be time for silence, discussion, and prayer experiences. Please consider joining us, away from the hustle and bustle of shopping and parties, as a wonderful way to put Christ back in Christmas for you. Donation only. No registration necessary, yet a quick email will help with the count, to brothermark@att.net .
~~ Submitted by the Rev. Anne McKeever
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Two Opportunities to Speak Out for the Protection of Low-Income Housing in Sacramento
WHERE TO BOARD THE BUS: Sacramento Housing Alliance's Headquarters, 1800 21st Street.
DEPARTS: 3pm sharp
DESTINATION: Building Association of Northern California's offices in Roseville.
Press Conference @ 4:15 pm & Deacon Steve to Preach
BUS RETURNS TO SACRAMENTO: Approximately 6:30
WHAT: Board of Supervisors Meeting
WHERE: The board's chambers at 700 H Street
As this e-news goes to press, we do not have a meeting time, but stay tuned to the next e-news for that.
This will be the last time the supervisors take public comments before they take action on the plan.
Follow this link for more details...
~~Submitted by Deacon Steve Skiffington
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