eConnections - March 7, 2025
eConnections
The Weekend of the First Sunday in Lent
March 9, 2025
The Dean's List
"God's righteousness is revealed like a trumpet blast from another world that interrupts one's obligation to nation, and also interrupts the nurturing of religious thoughts and feelings. A 'No' to these assumptions knocks one to the floor, but a 'Yes' to God's righteousness and glory sets one on one's feet again." Karl Barth 1886 - 1968
Swiss Reformed theologian Karl Barth said famously that theology should be done with the Bible in one hand and the New York Times in the other. While I am not an NYT subscriber (apart from my daily games), I find that reading through Isaiah as part of our congregational discipline, then scrolling through the daily news from my various sources is quite challenging - and more than a little sobering - these days. About a month ago, someone asked me for any guidance I might have about staying centered in the midst of gathering chaos and anger. My sermon on February 23 which featured the Ten Imperatives of Jesus straight out of Luke 6:27-36 (Love; Do good; Bless; Pray; Turn; Give; Do not judge; Do not condemn; Forgive; Have mercy), reminded us of the moral and ethical foundations of the Household of God which, in turn, serve as the standards for our orientation with respect to "the world." Or at least for our striving. More than one person commented that they don't really feel up to that challenge right now, which I totally get. So, descending from the God-level beatific vision of humanity to a human-level, practical suggestions of "Things to Do Right Now" so as not to lose ourselves, here is a short, absolutely non-exhausting list of things I've been trying to do:
1) Stay Connected. Connection to affirming, welcoming friends and communities that allow us to be open and honest about ourselves and our hopes, fears, joys, and sorrows is of paramount importance. None of us is alone. Conversely, it is also important for us to stay connected somehow with those who disagree with us if only so that we do not lose sight of one another’s humanity.
2) Seek Solace. In whatever way works for you - prayer, meditation, intentional silence, music, poetry, etc. – take time every day to seek out that which transcends this moment and brings peace.*
3) Create. Add something uniquely yours to the world. Write a letter. Write a song. Play an instrument. Paint. Build something. Work on a puzzle. Declutter a room. Anything that brings you joy in the work of co-creating our world.
4) Go Outside. The Earth communicates constantly-but-oh-so-slowly in moments, seasons, years, centuries, and millennia, and in languages that we have, for the most part, long forgotten. We are, however, profoundly of the Earth, humans from humus, and spending time in nature is restorative.
5) Find Your Voice. As a matter of personal and communal integrity, it is vital for us to find ways to advocate that which we are for, and to speak out against and resist (peacefully) malice, injustice, and oppression.
Do you have other ideas, thoughts, or suggestions? Let me know.
The Stewardship of Time
We need help. In every ministry. Perhaps especially Altar Guild/Sacristan, but all the rest, too. Gifts of time are offered directly in service to Jesus and to the Body of Christ, the Church. Our Sunday and weekday ministries are vitally important to our particular manner of worship. Please pray about how God might be calling you to serve. If you have any questions at all about any ministry, please let me know.
Eucharistic Inclusion Thesis
Jack Consolie, a senior seminarian at Notre Dame who has been part of the Cathedral Community (mostly on Fridays) even from his undergrad days, presented his senior thesis yesterday. His subject was Eucharistic Inclusion from Post-Colonial, Feminist, and Queer Perspectives. It was a lot to consider - especially in an hour - but Jack made a compelling argument demonstrating how each flowed from the other. Nan Noecker, Mtr. Tina Velthuizen, Tamisyn Grantz, and I were present to hear what he had to say and cheer him on.
Jack is scheduled to present at our Sunday adult forum in the coming weeks. He will also be our preacher at both services on the Second Sunday of Easter (April 27).
All-Indiana Clergy Retreat
Episcopal clergy from Northern Indiana and Indianapolis will gather at the Waycross Camp & Conference Center this week from Monday afternoon through Wednesday morning.
Out of the Office
I will also be out of the office on Thursday, March 13 and Friday, March 14. Canon Terri Bays will preside and preach at the Friday Noon Eucharist this coming week.
Blessings,
Brian
Let Us Pray: Called to Common Prayer. Continuing last year's practice, we are hoping to open the Cathedral for prayer every day during Lent. Volunteer officiants, readers, and musicians are needed lead the Daily Office. Click here to view the schedule and sign up. Click here for the readings and collects appointed for each service.
40 Days through Isaiah & Luke. A daily discipline of Scripture reading through the book of the prophet Isaiah and the Gospel according to Luke. Click here for the reading schedule.
A Lenten Century. Exercise is a great opportunity for contemplation and prayer. The Lenten Century is both an invitation and challenge to keep moving. 100 miles, 100 kilometers, or whatever number is right for you, let's get up and get going walking, running, cycling, swimming, or anything else. Click here for a Lenten Century log sheet.
Living Matthew 25. This community-wide effort offers dozens of opportunities from a host of sponsors from which to pick and choose. The Living Matthew 25 schedule is available here and is posted at several places at the Cathedral of Saint James.
Lent Madness. Learn saints whose faith has been an example and inspiration for generations of Christians in this wonderful, whimsical March-Madness style bracket featuring 32 notable faithful followers of Jesus as they vie for the "Golden Halo." Click here for the Lent Madness website.
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, March 11
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, March 11
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, March 11
March 9th @ 9:15 am Challenging the Systems of Our Beliefs (Part 2)
On Sunday, March 9, Cathedral Administrator Canon Joe Anand-Obleton will present “Challenging the Systems of Our Beliefs: Part Two.” In this series, we are called to contemplate the roots of our beliefs (why we believe what we believe). Discussions will encourage us to spread this knowledge and promote just peace. Attendance at Part 1 is not necessary to join us for Part 2.
Upcoming Adult Forums
March 16th Story & Song, Part Two: Tales from the Camino de Santiago with Fr. Brian Grantz
March 23rd Inclusion in the Eucharist: A History of Inclusion in the Book of Common Prayer with Jack Consolie
March 30th Inclusion in the Eucharist: Living Out an Anglican Tradition with Jack Consolie
Saturday, March 29 @ 7:30 pm
Faculty conductor Cynthia Katsarelis from Notre Dame’s Sacred Music program leads a special collaboration with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra and South African soprano Goitsemang Lehobye. The program features Nkeiru Okoye’s Songs of Harriet Tubman and Louise Farrenc’s Third Symphony. There will be a pre-concert conversation at 6:30.
For more information and tickets, please click here.
Photo Gallery.
Construction.
Top Left: Looking out the new entrance from the hallway outside the Story Makers classroom. Top Right: The ground level elevator door. The floor of the elevator is visible about halfway up. Beneath that, you can see the hallway outside the Youth Room on the lower level. Bottom Left: The upper level elevator opening with newly completed brick work. Bottom Right: The grid for the new ceiling in Cathedral Hall was installed on Thursday. Lighting and ceiling tiles might just maybe be done by the end of this coming week.
Cathedral
Calendar
Sunday, March 9
The First Sunday in Lent
Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 am
Spring Forward one hour
8:00 am
The Great Litany &
Holy Eucharist: Rite One
9:15 am
Growing in Our Worship
Story Makers
Adult Forum
10:30 am
The Great Litany &
Holy Eucharist: Rite Two
11:45 am
Hospitality
12:00 pm
Youth Group
Monday, March 10
Cathedral Office: Closed
Fr. Brian at Indiana Clergy Conference
5:00 pm
Evening Prayer
6:00 pm
Education for Ministry
Tuesday, March 11
Cathedral Office: 9 am - 1:30 pm
Fr. Brian at Indiana Clergy Conference
8:00 am
Morning Prayer
5:30 pm
Finance Committee Meeting
Wednesday, March 12
Cathedral Office: 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
Fr. Brian at Indiana Clergy Conference
5:00 pm
Evening Prayer
6:00 pm
Story & Song Team Meeting
7:00 pm
Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, March 13
Cathedral Office: 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
Fr. Brian Out of the Office
8:00 am
Morning Prayer
Friday, March 14
Cathedral Office: 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
Fr. Brian Out of the Office
12:05 pm
Holy Eucharist
Canon Terri Bays, presiding & preaching
1:00 pm
Community Lunch at Grill 362
Saturday, March 15
9:00 am
Morning Prayer
10:00 am
Diocese of Northern Indiana Commission on Ministry
Sunday, March 16
The Second Sunday in Lent
8:00 am
Holy Eucharist: Rite One
9:15 am
Growing in Our Worship
Story Makers
Adult Forum
10:30 am
Holy Eucharist: Rite Two
11:45 am
Hospitality
12:00 pm
Youth Group
Looking Ahead
Story & Song Parish Retreat
Friday, March 21 & Saturday, March 22
Dining Out Group
Thursday, March 27
Collect for the Last Sunday after the Epiphany
(March 2)
Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Mar 9 Steven Mast
Mar 12 Paul Detrisac
Mar 13 Mackenzie Keller
Mar 14 Matthew Craker
Remembering also those who have gone
into the nearer presences of God:
Mar 13 Ruth Warner (125)
Cathedral Prayer List
For the repose of the soul of Wade Sheets; and for his wife, Sue.
For the repose of the soul of Tammy, daughter of Tony Molnar; and for Tony and his family.
For the repose of the soul of Robert Snyder, husband of Fr. Brian's cousin Terri (Sell) Snyder; and for Terri and their family.
For James Ellar, high school classmate of Mike Jaworski, who has a recurrence of cancer.
For Greg, cousin of Alison Grantz, whose leukemia prognosis is now, sadly, terminal following two unsuccessful bone marrow transplants. Please pray for Alison's mother, Cheryl, and the Gotsch family.
For Marci & Kevin, friends of Patty Hans
Janet Subbert, aunt of Nan Noecker
For Karen Slack and John Slack
Josh Young, Kerrin Young, and Violet Young
For Tim Lane and Dan (sons-in-law of Karen Slack) who are recovering from surgery and for Corrine, Tim’s wife.
For Elaine Mick
For the Proffitt Family and for the Hillman Family
Ann and Bill Young
Corey Davis and Kenya Pearson
Steven Mast
Mary Brooks
Jamie, Mimi, Joely, Mia, and the entire Jeter Family
Bill Jones and his family
For Mary Beth Wright
Kathleen Murphy, mother of Jen Mosley; and for Richard Murphy Jr., Richard Murphy III, and for Jill Bird
Mary M. Burman
Carolynn Raney
For Carl and Melinda Stopczynski; and for Alison Abbot -- cousins/extended family of Mike & Lisa Jaworski
For Joan Machatton
Jennifer & Mike Mosley
Jim Arns
For Cindy Ahlgrim
For Joni Carlson, who continues treatment of an ongoing issue
For Mike Jaworski and for Lisa.
For Michael, son of Diane Hoist, and his family.
For Joseph Hilliard
For Tim Haywood, and Janice
Fred & Kate Mast
Paula Fowler
Canon Tina Velthuizen's grand-nephew, Jordan, who is struggling
Connor Gibbons
Olivia, who has leukemia, and her family
Sheila & family
Tammy, daughter of Tony Molnar
Alan Thompson
Tony Molnar
Dan & Gail Mandell
Ron Gunn
Alissa Broussara
Cherryl Andries
Becky Ballentine
Marge Johnson
Jo Dorsch
Sharron McGowan
Joyce Marchant
Fr. Paul Tracy
Richard Bitner
Al Caparell; Tony Lemna; Mike; Denise & Demetrius
For those expecting children: Connor Wilson and Genesis Dylewski
For those who are traveling, especially Mtr. Tina Velthuizen and Betsy VanderBurg
For those preparing for Holy Baptism: Grayson Woodruff, son of Lesley & Ryan Woodruff.
For those preparing for Holy Orders: Nan Noecker, diaconate, diaconate
How may we pray for you? To add (or remove) a petition from the Cathedral Prayer List, please send an email to Deacon Clay Berkley. If you are requesting prayer for someone else, please make sure you have their permission to add their name and any details to the prayer list.
Ministries
March 9, 2025
8:00 am
Lector Jane Hunter
Eucharistic Minister Daniel Armounfelder
10:30 am
Lectors Paul Hochstetler & Stephen Drendall
Acolytes Kirk Philippsen, Bear Kallenberg, Cynthia Katsarelis
Eucharistic Ministers Nan Noecker & Rick Hilliard
Ushers Stephen Drendall & Nicole Pinter
Hospitality Host Joe Anand-Obleton
Linen Care DeDe Guth
March 12
Counters Sue Lowe & Peg Swadener
March 14
Folder Shela Raman McCabe
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