A Ministry Heart     

Recognizing Informal Ministry by Members of Trinity Cathedral

By Rev. Deacon Steve Skiffington

In healthy congregations ministry happens every moment of every day, and that is certainly the case here at Trinity Cathedral. Speaking from a Deacon's point of view, whether the ministries are formal (an organized group operating under a name, such as Family Promise) or informal (an individual or small group which is more casual in organization and usually with no group name) they are still the result of the Ministry Hearts of Trinity Cathedral.  Formal ministries tend to get the attention, but I think it's high time we recognize that ministry has many faces in many places.

Because I spend a lot time here, I am blessed to have the opportunity to hear and listen to many stories that others may never get the chance to hear, and so it's obvious to me that Trinity has what I call The Ministry Heart. What has been nagging at me lately is that others may not know that, and that's a shame because I believe that a large part of helping our ministries to grow is the sharing of stories. We've got the stories, we just don't have a way of sharing them, and so I want to start sharing stories of informal ministries, and to do that I need your help.

Here is how I see it working. If you have performed or taken part in an informal ministry, or know of a ministry by another member of the congregation, please share it with me and in turn I'll share it with the congregation via the e-news under the banner "A Ministry Heart". This will not be a regularly scheduled feature in the e-news, but will appear whenever I receive a story from you. I also realize there are reasons why a member would like their ministry shared but may not want their name used, and I will honor that, but I would still love to share the story of their ministry. Only two rules:

1. It must not be an on-going organized ministry, such as Mens' Breakfast or the Sole Stitchers. What I'm looking for are stories of personal endeavors driven by the Ministry Heart of individuals or small groups.

2. If you want to share the story of another's ministry, please get their permission and be sure to ask if they want their name kept anonymous. If you share the story with me, I will assume you have permission.

So that's it. I know we've got the stories, I just need your help in getting them heard.   The ministry doesn't have to be a grand gesture, it can be a simple - and as important - as running an errand, responding to a call, being there for someone who has a need. It's called Building The Kingdom.

                 In the next e-news I'll be sharing such a story.

Thursday Night at the Cathedral

 on January 9 

6:00pm - Candlelight Compline

6:15pm - Dinner ($7.00)

7:00pm - Classes 

CLASSES FOR EPIPHANY 1

Beginning TONIGHT

from 7 to 8:30 pm on

January 9, 16, 23, 30 and February 6,

room locations to be announced

First Peter

Presented by the Rev. Dr. Peter Rodgers and four Fuller seminarians.

The First Epistle of Peter is a short and beautiful letter that outlines the heart of Christian faith and life. It is written to Christians in Asia Minor in the first century who are experiencing "suffering for the name of Christ." Peter writes to encourage them to stand fast and live Christ-like lives in the midst of these trials. Rich in Old testament quotations and allusions to the words of Jesus, and their application to God's people, the letter is as relevant today as it was in the days f earliest Christianity. For five weeks we will study together this remarkable letter.

The Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Aslan

Presented by Susan Hotchkiss and Andre Jensen.

Available for purchase in the Trinity Bookshop.

Come join us as we explore Jesus as we've never experienced him before.

"In Zealot, Reza Aslan doesn't just synthesize research and reimagine a lost world, though he does those things very well. Aslan rips Jesus out of all the contexts we thought he belonged in and holds him forth as someone entirely new. This is Jesus as a passionate Jew, a violent revolutionary, a fanatical ideologue, an odd and scary and extraordinarily interesting man." - Judith Shulevitz

Embracing an Adult Faith: Marcus Borg on What It Means to Be Christian

Presented by Rev. Anne McKeever

This is a five-session series for those seeking a richer understanding of issues in contemporary Christian practice and theology: Who was Jesus? Who is God? What is salvation? How do we practice our faith? How do we live in community? Each week we'll view and then discuss a short DVD segment of a lecture and discussion led by Marcus Borg, retired Hundere Chair of Religion and Culture in the Philosophy Department of Oregon State University and the author of nineteen books. Embracing and Adult Faith participant Workbooks will be available for purchase for $10 in class. Some workbooks will be available to check out and borrow for five weeks.

A Pizza Making Team

Pre-Order Your Super Bowl Pizza!

Today the Episcopal Youth Fellowship (EYF) will begin taking pizza orders for pick-up on Super Bowl Sunday, February 2nd.

New Sunday Morning Class

January 12, 19 - 10:15 to 11:15

Facilitator: Morey Lloyd in Room A

Unraveling the Rivalry - The Messianic Buddha and

The Enlightening Christ

Encountering the Light source with unexpected findings              Psalm 89

In the Beginning, In the End and In the Now of Eternity

Creative Chaos & Chaotic Creation

Psalm 40

Becoming One with Nothing and Being Nothing without One

The Difference between One & Zero

Psalm 139

Growing in Faith

Meets in the East Transept of the Cathedral at 3:00pm

For those who want to be baptized and confirmed, or received into the Episcopal Church or reaffirm your faith. 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)

Newcomers' Group

January 19 at 10:15am in Room C.

A new group begins with Introductions. 

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.