June 16, 2016

 

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL 

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

Like so many of you, I am heartsick over the killing of 49 people in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando.  Once again a deranged gunman opened fire on innocent people.  This time in a gay nightclub - a place that is supposed to be a safe haven for people who often do not have safety anywhere else.  This act of hate heightens the insecurity felt by people who are gay or lesbian - the attack could easily have been here in Sacramento.  LGBTQ people are attacked in Sacramento - for them, the world is particularly unsafe.
The world is made more unsafe by hate-filled language that incites violence.  Many of you saw the video of a sermon preached at Verity Baptist Church in North Sacramento.  Pastor Jimenez preached a 45-minute diatribe against people who were gay, in which he lamented more people weren't killed by the gunman.  He said that the government should line people up and shoot them.

It is not hard to see how the tragedy in Orlando happened.  People spew hate, against people who are LGBTQ, against Muslims, against people of color, and other groups.  If you listen to Pastor Jimenez's sermon, which I don't recommend, you can easily see how someone could be motivated to respond with violence.   Then we make it shockingly easy to buy assault rifles - weapons designed for warfare.

In the wake of this terrible tragedy, I am inspired to respond in two ways:

First, I want to respond as quickly and fully as I can to counter hate speech.  We need to stand firmly against anyone who demonizes other people and groups.  We must safeguard the dignity and safety of all people, regardless of religion, race, sexual orientation and gender identity.  Speech that marginalizes any group of humans needs to be opposed.  Standing in solidarity against hate is part of the reason the interfaith prayer service at Trinity Cathedral at 6:30pm tonight is important.  We need to stand in solidarity and speak out against words that seek to divide us and incite violence.  We need to model love so hate does not get traction - and we need to let people in marginalized groups know they are not alone.  
Second, I believe we need to make it harder, if not impossible, for civilians to buy assault rifles.  A deranged or radicalized person should not be able to go out and easily buy an assault rifle. If assault rifles were illegal, then it seems reasonable that a potential gunman might choose a weapon that is easier to get, a weapon that is less lethal, or the act of trying to acquire an illegal weapon could be noticed by law enforcement.  But to simply allow people to buy assault rifles with no constraints is absurd.
  
I am afraid that these shootings will continue until something changes -- until we change. While I am not certain of the path forward, I believe that when enough of us have had enough of this senseless killing, we will no longer abide the hatred underneath the violence, and the ready access to weapons designed for slaughter.  I, for one, have had enough. 
I look forward to tonight where I can hear prayers of hope and love that will shine light in our dark and troubled world.  I believe there is a way forward for us, and together we will find it.

Blessings,
Brian

The Very Rev. Dr. Brian Baker, Dean
Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento
In this edition....
Church Video...
Your Contact Information...
The Reading Corner...
Cathedral Bookshop...
Ongoing...
TNAC on June 16...
Interfaith Prayer Service...
Floyd School Luncheon...
This Sunday...
You are invited...
The Abrahamic Religions...
In the Community...
TREE attends Rally...
Charis...
Help Kobe and his Family...
e-News Submission Guildlines...
Join Our Mailing List

Links

Church Video

The Stewardship Committee is working to develop and produce a video on Trinity's ministries, programs and services. We are seeking talented individuals who are willing to donate their talent and time to assist us on this project. The work will primarily be meeting periodically to develop messaging and review pictures/videos for production. If interested or if you have any questions, please contact Rod Thomas at 502-558-2497 or email him at rthomas0604@gmail.com .

Your Contact Information

If you have moved or changed your phone number or email address please contact the church office at 916-446-2513 to update your contact information in the church database.  We don't want to lose you.

If you have questions about an update or want to talk with someone please contact Randie Strike at 916-446-2513 or on her cell phone 916-203-7586.    Thank you.

The Reading Corner...

There's always something new in our library, which you can check out on the SECOND Sunday of the month.     ~~Phyllis Ehlert
 
Must we keep talking about money? The Miracles of Barefoot Capitalism by Jim Klobuchar and Susan Cornell Wilkes, describes the new phenomenon of microloans, whereby a person in a Third World country can revolutionize his or her life for as small an amount as thirty-five dollars.  
Cathedral Bookshop 
 
Bookshop Hours: 
Tue, Wed, Thu:
11:00am - 5:00pm
Sun: 8:30am - 1:00pm
  
Phone: 916-442-9194 

Ongoing... 

Traveling Bible Study and 
 Spirituality Group
Every Sunday at 5pm young adults gather at restaurants, coffee shops, and other fun locations around Sacramento for fellowship and conversation on the Bible and spirituality. If you would like to be added to the email list contact Rev. Megan at megan@trinitycathedral.org
Lunch Bunch
is on hiatus until
September 8.
 
If you have any questions, contact the Rev. Pamela Anderson at pamela@trinitycathedral.org
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Writing
Writing Group
Meets on Thursdays at 
2:30pm in the
Conference Room

Anyone who would like to write in an informal setting is welcome to drop in. Writing prompts are offered, we write for 20 minutes, then share what emerges or not, as the spirit moves. For information, please contact June Gillam at jgillam@wavecable.com. 
Centering Prayer 
Centering Prayer
 
Tuesday's, 6-7pm,
Thursday's, Noon-1:00pm,
Cathedral East Transept
and
Friday's, 5:15pm,
St. Paul's - 15th and J
(Please don't come later than 5:20 because doors close to provide for a quieter experience.)
Contact the Rev. Anne Slakey at
  
Centering Prayer is a method of meditation 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. 
 
Cathedral Contacts are:
Shelley Mydans: smydans@gmail.com
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Contemplative Eucharist
at St. Paul's
1430 J Street
4:30 pm on the Third Saturday of the Month
Contact Sally Smith at sally0236@comcast.net for more information.
Thursday Night at the Cathedral
 on June 16

Interfaith Prayer Service - 6:30pm
Interfaith Prayer Service for Orlando

Thursday, June 16 at 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Trinity Cathedral is hosting an interfaith prayer service in response to the shooting that happened Sunday, June 12th, 2016 at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

Representatives from multiple religious traditions including the Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, Protestant traditions and others, will bring prayers and musical reflection in response to the Orlando massacre.

 We stand in solidarity against fear and hatred with our sisters and brothers who have been targeted because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, or culture.

 All are welcome.
Floyd School Brunch Floyd School Luncheon
Friday, June 17 at 11:00am

The end of the year Secret Pal and Floyd School luncheon will be Friday, June 17 at 11:00 am in the Assembly Area at Trinity. All Secret Pals and volunteers who have helped with the school are encouraged to come.

Please bring a salad and we will provide the rest: rolls and butter, drinks and dessert.

You can sign up at the Welcome Center to let me know you are bringing a salad and so I will know how many to plan for.

Thank you for helping with Floyd School it has been a great year.

Canon Nancy Tennyson
This Sunday - June 19
Newcomers' Group
Meets at 10:15am in Room C.

The group will discuss Ministry Opportunities
 
If you have questions about the Newcomers' Group contact Randie Strike at email randie.trinity@gmail.com
Small Group Bible Study
Meets from 3-5pm in Room C
 
We will focus on one of the Sunday readings, usually the Gospel.  Our intention is to let God's Word speak to us through a study method called Lectio Divina.  Contact Kelly Mieske at 916-719-8149 for more information.

Next Week and Beyond... 

You are invited to an Iftar dinner -- join us to break the fast with new friends and to celebrate the spirit of Build for Unity.

Families welcome -- No cost to attend

Join friends and neighbors for a Ramadan Iftar: the meal served at sundown to break the day's fast.  Stemming from the Build for Unity Habitat for Humanity project, this is an opportunity to share a meal and build new relationships within our community.

When: Friday, June 24
7:00 pm: arrival
7:30 pm: program and social hour
8:30 pm: meal is served

Where: Masjid As Subur - 4920 15th Ave, Sacramento 95820


Questions? Contact Rev. Megan at megan@trinitycathedral.org
The Abrahamic Religions
Sunday's at 10:15am beginning June 26.

Gather for an exploration of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam with Professor Andre Jensen. Sessions will introduce core tenets and practices of these faiths, and participants will be encouraged to identify areas of comparison and contrast between them, with the aim of understanding and appreciating Christianity's sibling religions. (For those who couldn't make the January Islam series, the last four sessions of this class will cover the same material but offer more time for discussion.)  Andre has been teaching philosophy at Sacramento City College for over twenty years and has been teaching World Religions for seven years.  The class will gather in the Assembly Area on Sunday mornings at 10:15am beginning June 26 and ending August 14.  This will be an exciting class and we hope that you will be able to attend!

In the Community... 

TREE Logo
Lyle Gramling and Ann Rothschild at the Rally

On Wednesday June 8, Fossil Free California held a rally at the headquarters of the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) to lobby for their divestment from Fossil Fuels.  This includes coal mining and the appalling effects of Mountain Top Removal mining, and Fracking for Natural Gas, which has proven worse for the global warming atmosphere than car exhaust,  and threatens water sources and earthquake faults.
Ann and Lyle were there-note TREE are Active!

Donation and Volunteer Opportunities... 

Charis is a dynamic young adult member of our congregation. She struggles with several major health issues which has left her unable to work and care adequately for herself. She could really use some help while she is in the process of seeking SSDI. I have a full list in my office, as well as a sign up list. Needs include: help with house cleaning, groceries, hot (vegan) meals, and rides to doctor appointments. If you can help, please call, email, or visit Rev. Megan: megan@trinitycathedral.org, (916) 930-8020. 

Annie, Kobe and Chad Barajas

Kobe Barajas and His Family

Need Your Help 


Kobe Barajas has a terminal brain tumor. He is 13 years old and has been dealing with brain cancer since he was 9. He is not expected to live more than 6 more months. His mother is Annie Barajas who attended Trinity with her parents Rane'e and John Les Callett in the 1990s. Annie has had to quit work to take care of Kobe and his twin brother Chad. The family has less income than the rent right now.

 

They are getting help from the River City Food Bank for food for the family. You can send cash donations to Steve Skiffington's discretionary account or put them in the offering plate on Sunday marked "For Kobe". You can also help by donating gas cards or grocery gift cards for Safeway or Save Mart. They can be placed in the Floyd School box and I will pick them up and give them to the family. Please put gift cards in an envelope and write Barajas Family on the envelope.


Thank you so much for helping this family.


Blessings,
Canon Nancy Tennyson

 

Note:  Donations are NOT tax deductible

 

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