eConnections - February 10, 2023
eConnections
Notes & News from the Cathedral of Saint James
February 10, 2023
The Dean's List
Discretionary Tales
Sometimes really funny things happen. On our rainy, blustery Thursday, a young-ish couple came to the door seeking assistance. The man had recently been released from jail. While in jail, he was referred to the Cathedral by a fellow guest of the County whom I have helped in the past. He and his girlfriend were looking to make a change in accommodation to escape the negative influence of their housemates. I was happy to do what we could. The man, however, did not have an ID, which is necessary for cashing a check. "No problem," I said, "I can write a check to your girlfriend," who at this moment had excused herself to use the Cathedral's comfort facilities. "What's her name?" Our suddenly embarrassed guest, looking down and shuffling his feet a bit, said, "I don't actually know; I've always just called her 'Babe.'" I worked around this conundrum by asking for her ID when she returned, reading her name aloud to make sure I was pronouncing it correctly so she and I would repeat it several times, hopefully searing it into his memory in the process.
But wait, there's more. There was some commotion outside our doors around that time (not unusual) that involved top volume screaming laced with some pretty colorful adjectives (well, really one adjective employed with varying shades of meaning). As I headed up the stairs to write the check, our male guest opened the door and yelled out, "God bless you! And watch your mouth!" Predictably, that was not well received, but his heart was in the right place.
By your generosity, we put them up for two nights at an inexpensive motel just to give them an opportunity to get off the street and consider their next move. Thank you for making that possible AND thank you for allowing the Cathedral of Saint James to be spoken of in the county jail as a place that will help if we can.
Tomorrow's God Outside Hike Cancelled, BUT...
With no one able to commit definitely to tomorrow's schedule God Outside Hike at Chain O' Lakes State Park, we decided to cancel that event. If, however, you want to meet up tomorrow at 9:30 am at the Nature Center at Potato Creek State Park to walk trails 1 & 2, Tamisyn and I will meet you there.
Remembering Absalom Jones
This Sunday we will incorporate an observance of the feast of Absalom Jones, America's first black priest, in both services. There will also be a special program for children during the formation hour from 9:15 am - 10:15 am. Come learn about and celebrate this faithful and formidable saint of God.
Shortcakes Meeting Sunday
Any and all are invited to attend an organizational meeting for the 2023 edition of Shortcakes on the Blacktop. We will meet in Cathedral Hall this coming Sunday, February 12, at Noon.
Blessings,
Brian
The Butterfly Garden
Hello all,
Our beautiful cathedral butterfly garden is doing its best to wake up for spring, but the hungry wild bunnies who have adopted us are busy eating every sprout. If you find yourself with leftover bunny-friendly greens (carrot tops, more bagged salad than you can eat, unwanted parsley garnish, etc), please bring them to church for our starving guests and perhaps they will thank us by leaving us a few crocuses!
- Dr. Catherine Craker
Faith Formation
Sunday Faith Formation
February 12, 2023
9:15 am Faith Formation in Cathedral House
All Children Together: Story and Activities on the Feast of Absalom Jones (Age 3 - Grade 6)
Adult Forum
12:00 - 2:30 pm Youth Group
Youth Group | February 12 from 12 - 2:30 pm
Youth Group meets this Sunday at noon in the Youth Group room. Our Christmas party had to be moved due to schedules, so we are going to enjoy pizza and a movie this Sunday in the Youth Group room.
Next Sunday, February 19, there will be no Youth Group. There will, however, be Youth Confirmation Class in the YG room downstairs. We will be discussing the vital role, and meaning, of the Sacraments in the Episcopal Church. Youth Confirmation class meets from 12 - 1:30 pm.
Adult Forum | This Sunday, Feb. 12 at 9:15 am
Join us in the Conference Room each Sunday at 9:15 am for robust conversations on faith, practice, and the Christian life. We're currently nearing the end of a series on Wealth, Poverty, and the Christian life. This Sunday, join us for our final Adult Forum of this series with Dr. Thomas Burman, Director of the Medieval Institute at the University of Notre Dame. He will be leading us in a discussion on 'Poverty and Religious Life in the High Middle Ages.
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So, what's next?
Lent 2023 Series: "Benedictine Spirituality: A Lenten Journey of Reflection and Renewal"
You are invited to participate in a five week Lenten series (February 26 - April 2, 2023) that will introduce you to the expansive tools and practice of Benedictine Spirituality. We will be reading the Rule of Saint Benedict together (we have a copy for each of you who attend!), which is a guide for monastic life and serves as a source of inspiration and wisdom for individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs. Whether you are seeking balance in your life, looking to deepen your spiritual journey, or simply seeking a greater understanding of this rich tradition, this program is designed to meet you wherever you're at. We hope you will join us.
Miss an Adult Forum? Listen to past discussions here.
This Sunday...and Next.
Celebrating the Feast of Absalom Jones | February 12, 2023
All kids (ages 3 - grade 6) are invited to join together for the chance to learn about the life and example of Absalom Jones. We will meet in the children's classrooms in Cathedral Hall.
Paint the Lent Madness Saints | February 19, 2023
In a Lenten tradition unlike any other, we will be painting the Lent Madness Saints for a third consecutive year. Check out this year's bracket at lentmadness.org
Join us for a joint Lenten Book study with St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Mishawaka on Silence by Shusaku Endo. Here is a preview of the book:
'Seventeenth-century Japan: Two Portuguese Jesuit priests travel to a country hostile to their religion, where feudal lords force the faithful to publicly renounce their beliefs. Eventually captured and forced to watch their Japanese Christian brothers lay down their lives for their faith, the priests bear witness to unimaginable cruelties that test their own beliefs. Shusaku Endo is one of the most celebrated and well-known Japanese fiction writers of the twentieth century, and Silence is widely considered to be his great masterpiece.'
Two Meetings:
March 8, 2023 from 7 - 8:30 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mishawaka (Discussing First Half of Book)
March 29, 2023 from 7 - 8:30 pm at Cathedral of Saint James (Discussing Second Half of Book)
Want to join? Email Steven Slaubaugh: formation@stjamessouthbend.org
Service Opportunities
Cathedral Calendar
This Week at CSJ
Saturday, February 11
9:30 am Impromptu Hike
Potato Creek State Park, Trails 1 & 2
Sunday, February 12
The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
Absalom Jones observance
8:00 am Holy Eucharist: Rite One
9:15 am Christian Formation
Nursery Open
Growing in Our Worship & Storymakers
Adult Forum
10:30 am Holy Eucharist: Rite Two
11:45 am Hospitality
12:00 pm Youth Group
12:00 pm Shortcakes on the Blacktop
Organizational Meeting
Monday, February 13
Administrative Offices Closed
6:30 pm Education for Ministry
Tuesday, February 14
Administrative Offices: 9 am - 1:30 pm
5:30 pm Finance Committee (a very short meeting)
Wednesday, February 15
Administrative Offices: 9 am - 1:30 pm
9:30 am Visitation with the Dorsch Family
10:30 am Requiem Eucharist for Rob Dorsch
7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, February 16
6:30 pm Confirm, not Conform (Adults)
Friday, February 17
Administrative Offices: 9 am - 1:30 pm
12:05 pm Holy Eucharist
Saturday, February 18
No Events Scheduled
Sunday, February 19
The Last Sunday after the Epiphany
8:00 am Holy Eucharist: Rite One
9:15 am Intergenerational Formation
Lent Madness: Paint the Saints
10:30 am Holy Eucharist: Rite Two
11:45 am Hospitality
12:00 pm Confirm, not Conform (Youth)
2:20 pm St. Margaret's House Winter Walk
Sunday, February 5
Ecumenical Bible Study at 12:30 pm
Looking Ahead
Saturday, February 11
Chili Contest at 5 pm
Sunday, February 12
Feast of Absalom Jones
Shortcakes Meeting at 12 pm
Sunday, February 19
Paint the Lent Madness Saints at 9 am
St. Margaret's House Winter Walk at 2:20 pm
Wednesday, February 21
Pancake Dinner at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 5:30 pm
Wednesday, February 22
Ash Wednesday
Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes
7:00 am & 7:00 pm
Ashes to Go
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Weather permitting
Saint Pauls' Episcopal Church, Mishawaka
Serving Our Parish
Sunday, February 12
8:00 am Lector: Jane Hunter
8:00 am Server: Steven Slaubaugh
9:15 am Children's Formation: Aubree Schenkel & Abby Gray
10:30 am Lectors: Nan Noecker & Celeste Hilliard
10:30 am Server: Anne Gray
10:30 am Lay Ministers: Tim Gray & Matthew Worns
10:30 am Ushers: Michael Worns & Volunteer Needed
10:30 am Hospitality: Rhonda Culbertson
Counters (Feb 14): Mary Lehman & Peg Swadener
Volunteers Needed
February 19: 10:30 am Server
February 26: 10:30 am Usher
For Your Prayers
A Collect for Black History Month
from Common Worship
Compassionate God, who sent Jesus Christ to deliver us from all manner of injustices and inequalities, create in us new hearts and enlarged visions, to see the image of God in every person irrespective of background, race and ethnicity. May we be generous in our love of others as we work towards ending misunderstanding, racism and injustice; creating communities of human flourishing, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Prayers of thanksgiving for successful surgery for Mary Beth Wright today.
For the repose of the soul of Shannon, sister of Eric McManus.
For Julie Guiler, daughter of Joe Guth.
For Donna Woods, and for Dave.
For Peju, Bunmi, and the Okanlami family.
For Gina Dudeck & Dale Brucki
For the Raman family.
For the Henderson family.
For the Gurbick family.
For Milo & Gussie Wietstock, parents of Steve Wietstock.
Mike Jaworski, and Lisa.
Marilyn Klopfenstein
Gloria Henry, sister of Tony Molnar
Tony Molnar
Greg Gotsch
Dan & Gail Mandell
Russell Cartwright
Ron Gunn
Mother Tina Velthuizen
Cobie
Alissa Broussara
Doug Martindale
Dave and Alice Miller
Norris Whitfield
Mary Beth Wright
Nan Noecker as she continues her diaconal formation
Becky Ballentine; Rob & Jo Dorsch; Sharron McGowan; Joyce Marchant; Dave & Alice Miller; Fr. Paul Tracy; Bill Brennen; Ginger & Richard.
Al Caparell; Tony Lemna; Mike; Denise & Demetrius
For those preparing for marriage: Matthew Diehl & Chau-ly Phan (September 30).
For those awaiting the birth or adoption of a child: Christopher & Andrew Hillak.
Social Media
Cathedral of Saint James Podcast
Our adult forum conversation with Dr. Samantha Slaubaugh on 'Wealth, Poverty, and the Patristic Period' is now available on Apple Podcasts:
Cathedral of Saint James Livestream
We livestream each 10:30 AM Sunday service on YouTube and Facebook.