September 8, 2016

 

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL 

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"A Growing community making disciples who love and serve Christ and His world"
, Brian Baker
  
I returned from Burning Man early Tuesday morning. The trip was very successful and included a TEDx talk and a Eucharist at the Temple. Both were very well received. I return convinced that there is a role for the church among those who haven't been to church in years. I'll preach and write more about this in the future.

For this edition of the enews, I'd like to focus on our upcoming strategic planning efforts.  In 2014 we conducted a survey to help guide the ministries of the church.  The results told us that the top priority for respondents was to "make necessary changes to attract families with children and youth to our church."  Since then, we have made changes to our programming and facility and I'm happy to report that our attendance at the family service and children's chapel has increased 30% in two years.   Other priorities included attracting new members to the church and creating more opportunities for people at the church to develop meaningful relationships.  We have been working on these priorities as well. 

While the survey helped guide the staff in making programming decisions, it did not result in a comprehensive plan for the congregation.  The vestry has decided to work on a plan that we will implement in the next few years that will help us address the ministry priorities and move us to a more sustainable financial position.  We are working with Caroline McCall from the Center for Church Vitality to guide us through a planning process. The results of this process will be presented at our Annual Meeting in February and will guide the work of the vestry at its retreat in March. 

The vestry will be seeking input from as many members of the congregation as possible. There will be two opportunities for members of the congregation to provide input. First there will be a series of facilitated small group discussions in the fall. I am hoping we get wide representation since these discussions will help shape the vision we cast for our future. Second, we will share the findings of these discussions and provide opportunities for people to respond to these findings either in person on on-line. 

I am grateful for the members of the Vestry and the Strategic Planning Steering Committee: Anita Williams (chair), Jason Lyons (senior warden) and Linda Aston in leading us in this important effort.

Blessings,
Brian
The Very Rev. Dr. Brian Baker, Dean
Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento
In this edition....
T-ACT...
Secret Pals...
Volunteer...
Your Contact Information...
The Reading Corner...
Cathedral Bookshop...
Traveling Bible Study...
Lunch Bunch & Writing Group...
Centering Prayer...
Story Listening Experience...
TNAC on September 8...
Fellowship Groups...
Charlie Gray Memorial Service...
This Sunday...
Memorial Services...
Article Headline
Family Promise...
Spiritual Practices and Wellness Day Retreat...
Centering Prayer...
Transgender Day of Remembrance...
TREE Tip...
e-News Submission Guildlines...
Join Our Mailing List

Links

Trinity-ACT

Hello!  A special thanks to all of you who came out to our very well-attended August 31st T-ACT meeting on the impact of the election for communities of color.  

At the meeting, we heard moving testimonials from five different Area Congregations Together (ACT) leaders working within other local faith communities in the areas of mass incarceration and criminal justice, improving resources to support at-risk students in school, and immigration reform.

Voter Engagement:
This fall, Sacramento ACT member congregations are working as a part of a non-partisan effort to register new voters, and to engage and involve them, focusing on a local parcel tax that will be important to improve prevention services in schools and two ballot initiatives, as well as Proposition 55 and Proposition 57. The former measure extends Proposition 30, the initiative which raised taxes on the top 2% of earners, and the latter gives the decision to prosecute a juvenile as an adult to judges rather than prosecutors.

In the last election, ACT was highly successful in conducting issue education and engaging thousands of low propensity voters, those who have lower turnout than other voters, and whose needs are far too often ignored because their voices go unheard.  We got a lot of people out to the polls. Some local elections were decided by just a few hundred votes, so we know we made a difference.  YOU can be a part of this effort!!

Please take a look at the attached flyer and show up at the Sacramento Food Bank (3333 3rd Avenue) at 9 am this Saturday, September 10, if you can to help represent Trinity.  If you can't come Saturday, let me know of your interest and I will let you know about other opportunities to become directly involved. You can also find out more about ACT's non-partisan voter engagement work by calling 955-6264, at the Sacramento ACT website, or on Facebook at fb.com/SacramentoACT.

Shireen Miles
 
~~Submitted by Pamela Anderson
Secret Pal
Secret Pals
 
We are looking for Secret Pals for the teachers and staff at Leataata Floyd School. Each teacher and staff person fills out an information sheet about themself and the work they do at the school. The Secret Pal (parishioner) is encouraged to send little notes of encouragement, to remember his or her birthday, special holidays, and help with supplies that might be needed.
 
A sign-up sheet will be available in the Great Hall or you can call me at 916-715-6942 or email me at mmhust@hotmail.com with any questions.
 
Thank You for your support of the teachers and staff at Leataata Floyd School.
 
~~Mary Hustler

Volunteer...

Ushers Needed
Ushers
We have openings for ushers on:
the 3rd Sunday at 11:15
 
the 5th Sunday at 11:15
 
the 5th Sunday at 9:00
 
Please contact Randie Strike, randie.trinity@gmail.com or 916-203-7586, if you feel called to be an Usher.
Thank you.

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
 
We're back from summer vacation and should be in our groove, but what is that? Jessie Clemence addresses the issue in her book, If I Plug My Ears, God Can't Tell Me What to do & Other Ways We Miss Out on God's Adventures. She thinks sometimes we are willfully deaf because God asks us to do hard things-like quit a job, stay at a hard job, become a missionary, support a missionary, go to Ninevah, love someone who is unlovable, build an ark, save the Israelites! She would hear us pray, "Dear Lord, please note that I am not interested in doing these things because they are hard and uncomfortable. Also, the pay is often atrocious and people will think I'm a wacko. Amen."
Cathedral Bookshop 
 
Come see new items:
Gifts for ordination and
Same-sex wedding cards
 
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
Thursday's at Noon
in Room F
Dennis Hock
will facilitate the group
as they embark on a weekly, chapter-by-chapter exploration of Thomas Moore's spiritual classic Care of the Soul: A Guideline for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life.  Come join us!

If you have any questions, contact the Rev. Pamela Anderson at pamela@trinitycathedral.org
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Writing
Writing Group
Meets on Thursdays at 
3:00-4:30pm 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.
Story Listening Experience and Training
Saturday September 17th 10am-12pm, Assembly Area
All are Welcome to this free event
 
One of the simplest yet profound ways we can minister to each other and our neighbors is through practicing presence and deep listening. A Minister friend of mine often says "we are called to listen each other into wholeness." And what a gift of ministry that is. Each of us has a story that the world would be greater for knowing. And each of us has the capacity to listen to others and provide strength and energy for the story teller. Over the next year, the Cathedral will offer experiences for more and more parishioners to share powerful stories of their life and ministry in the world. We trust that these stories will be great tools for all of us to grow closer to Christ and our call in the world. I hope you will join me for a morning of story listening experiences and training that will help all of us strengthen our skills and presence for this journey.

The Rev. Megan Anderson
Thursday Night at the Cathedral
 on September 8

Compline - 6:00pm
Dinner - 6:15pm ($7)
 
Classes - 7:00pm 
TNAC Classes
Beginning September 8 at 7:00pm

The Song of Solomon Exposed
 
Facilitated by Morey Lloyd
Take a tour of the most controversial book in Hebrew Scriptures. A book in the Wisdom tradition without Wisdom teachings. A book in Holy Scripture without the mention of the Name of the Lord. A book of Erotic poetry without moral lessons. No prayers, no introduction and no explanation! "Oh, I wish to be kissed with the kisses of his mouth!", thus begins our journey. Together let us peruse the passion and the pleasure of unadulterated desire for the meaning of life, liberty and the pursuit. Six weekly sessions using only the Biblical texts: Hebrew, Greek, Latin and the English versions. Drop-ins always welcomed.

Heirs to the Forgotten Kingdoms: Journeys Into the Disappearing Religions of the Middle East by Gerard Russell

Facilitated by Susan Hotchkiss
In this book, former British and UN diplomat Gerard Russell introduces the world to seven little known religions of the Middle East, writes their histories, participates in ancient rituals as well as discusses modern threats to their continuing existence.  Not only is reading this timely, it will be fascinating to learn about these peoples, their religions and their cultures.  The book is available in the Cathedral Bookshop.

For the Jesus & Buddha: The Parallel Sayings edited by Marcus Borg

Facilitated by Andre Jensen
This class will reflect on the affinities between Christianity and Buddhism as revealed in Marcus Borg's beautiful compilation of text and illustration. We'll discuss how close the parallels are, where differences between them seem most significant, and how our consideration of them enhances our understanding of our own faith. These conversations are sure to be thought provoking.

For more information about Adult Spiritual Formation
at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral,
please contact:
The Rev. Dr. Pamela Anderson:
Fellowship Group Kick Off
Friday, September 9

The Adult Ministries program will launch a variety of fellowship groups this fall.  There will be a kick off on Friday, September 9th at Ted and Elba White's home where you can learn about the different opportunities.  This will be a dessert potluck, so if you are able, please bring something to share.  If you are planning on attending, please RSVP to Ted and Elba at (916) 684-4015.
 
Follow this link for a listing of fellowship groups that we have to offer.  Please note that they are still forming and more may be added.  If you are interested in joining a group, you can sign up for one on the night of September 9th or on Sunday morning, September 11.  If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Dr. Pamela Anderson at Pamela@trinitycathedral.org 

 

 

The Memorial Service for Charlie Gray will be Saturday, September 10 at 1pm 
This Sunday - September 11
Sunday Morning Journey
(Formerly the 30/40's and Beyond)
Beginning September 11 at 10:15am
in the Conference Room
 
The group will start up with the Discovery DVD Series - Your Spiritual Journey developed by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. This DVD series provides an array of topics dealing with the church and our spiritual journeys. Topics include What we Believe and the Creeds, Prayer, Ministry and our Gifts, and Mission work in our daily lives. Each Sunday we will watch one or two of the segments followed by discussion. Scripture readings and thought provoking questions are provided to continue pondering the topic throughout the week.
 
All are welcome! Come join us any Sunday morning. Contact Amy Dierlam at dnarock@pacbell.net if you have questions.
Finding Peace and Joy in Troubled Times 
Meets at 10:15 in Room A
Facilitated by Dean Baker
 
Christianity invites us to live our lives free of fear and judgment.  Ideally, we can be grounded in Christ's peace even when the world around us is falling apart.  Dean Baker will be teaching a series of classes that will explore aspects of the Christian worldview and Christian spiritual practices that can help us connect more closely to the love of God so we can live in peace with greater joy and wonder. 
Newcomers' Group
Meets at 10:15 in the Cathedral
 
The Group will Tour the Cathedral.   ALL are welcome to join us!
 
If you have questions about the Newcomers' Group contact Randie Strike at email randie.trinity@gmail.com
Crochet / Knitting Group
Meets in the Great Hall at 10:15am
  
Please join us for a crochet/knitting gathering. They will help people who want to learn to crochet and/or knit
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.

 

 

The Memorial Service for Lee Roberson will be Sunday, September 11 at 3pm

Next Week and Beyond... 

Memorial Services for...
 
 
... Sue Pendleton will be Saturday, September 17 at 11am


 
... Anne Braxton will be Sunday. September 25 at 3pm

Young Adult Group Fall Welcome Lunch
Sunday, September 18, 12:45pm, Conference Room
 
Young adults are invited to this meet and greet lunch gathering. Please RSVP to Rev. Megan at megan@trinitycathedral.org
Family Promise Family Promise
Returns to Trinity
September 18-24
 
We are again blessed to host the homeless families of Family Promise Sacramento for the week of September 18-24, 2016. As the families come in each day at 5 p.m. to spend the night in our Great Hall, we need hosts to greet and serve them, folks to prepare or buy dinner for them, and overnight hosts to make sure they are comfortable and safe and who can set out a simple breakfast for them in the morning. At the end of our host week, we also need volunteers to help break down the cots and load them in the Family Promise trailer, launder the bedding, and haul the trailer to the next host church. You only need volunteer for one evening during the week. If you wish to drop off a dinner at the kitchen with instructions on how to prepare the food, that works too!

Please sign up at the Family Promise poster hanging in the Great Hall, or contact Eleanor Taniguchi, Family Promise Coordinator: ehtaniguchi@gmail.com or text 916-708-4295.
 
Spiritual Practices and
Wellness Day Retreat
 
When: Saturday, October 15, 12:00pm-5:00pm
Where: The Cathedral Assembly Area
Who: All ages and backgrounds are welcome!
Cost: $10 (Lunch included). Cash or check at the door please. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
 
Please RSVP to Rev. Megan by Monday October 10th: megan@trinitycathedral.org
 
This day retreat will focus on spiritual practices and self care. The program is ideal for all ages and backgrounds. Throughout the day, participants will explore what balance means in their professional, social, and spiritual life. Each segment of the day will be rooted in exploring different spiritual practices. From meditation, to art, to play, to song, there will be something for everyone. Ample socializing time and lunch will be provided as well. Please be in touch if you have any questions. I hope to see you there!
Centering Prayer (day of silence)
Contemplative Vision:
Awakening to Beauty, Truth & Goodness
Saturday, October 8, 2016, 9:00am to 3:30pm
Mercy Center, Auburn
Cost: $35.00 (includes lunch)
(non-refundable payment due with registration)
 
Contemplative Outreach of Sacramento/Stockton Area (COSSA), along with Mercy Center Auburn, invites you to a day of silence, prayer, and reflection.
 
This day of silence will include several sessions of Centering Prayer, some teachings by Fr. Thomas Keating and Fr. Richard Rohr, followed by reflective sharing. Our day of prayer, contemplation, and peace will allow for a deeper journey into the healing silence of God.
 
Centering Prayer is a gentle, silent method of consenting to God's presence and healing action within us. Based on the rich Christian contemplative heritage, Centering Prayer offers each of us a way to be open to God. By taking time to "rest in God" each day, we open our awareness to the gift of God's "constant and persevering" presence.
New to Centering Prayer? We will provide in-depth instruction and practice to all newcomers. These opportunities will help to fully acquaint you with this richly rewarding connection to God.
 
Register on line at www.mercycenter.org or
follow this link for a flyer with registration form.

Save the Date!

Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil

Saturday, November 19, 6:30pm

  at Trinity Cathedral.


The International Transgender Day of Remembrance memorializes those killed due to their actual or perceived gender identity and expression. The first memorial was a candlelight vigil in November 1999 to honor Rita Hester, murdered in 1998. Since then, annual memorials have been observed around the world around November 20.

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, the Sutter Gender Identity Support Group, the Gender Health Center, and PFLAG Sacramento are pleased to co-sponsor the Annual Candlelight Vigil in observance of the International Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 19. This event features guest speakers and is open to the Sacramento community and to all.  Please join us for refreshments after the memorial. 
TREE Logo TREE TIP
  
by Ann Rothschild
  
Good news comes in Threes
  
1.   Following TREE's showing of the film The Last Mountain, which showed the horrors of mountain top removal for coal mining to feed those coal-fired power plants that give us our electricity, I was somewhat mollified to read that grants totaling around $39 million have been awarded to communities in many Appalachian states to retrain and compensate workers who have been laid off from coal mining jobs (Sac Bee. 8-25-16. 8A). With a loss of about 23,000 coal jobs between 2011 and 2015, this means coal mining is declining-good. And good that those losing jobs are being supported to retrain in other fields.
  
2.   As people nation-wide are stepping back from investment in coal, Fossil Free California is focusing its lobbying efforts at CalSTRS, the State Teachers' Retirement System, to persuade them to divest from fossil fuels. Check your investment portfolio-you don't want to invest in a losing business, let alone one that is environmental suicide, do you? If you would like to join this friendly and active group, contact www.fossilfreeca.org .
  
3.   The village of Ashton Hayes in England (1,000 people) has worked for the last ten years to cut greenhouse gases-by using clothes lines instead of dryers, taking fewer flights, installing solar panels, and double glazing windows. They have cut their emissions by 24 percent, according to surveys. And they have impressed others by their efforts (with no government prodding): about 200 towns and counties around the world are following their lead, from Norway to Taiwan.

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