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Life at your Cathedral Parish

THE OPEN DOOR

Now that our celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the founding of the congregation in 1860 and the centenary of the completion of the present cathedral in 1911 are over, we are moving boldly into the next chapter of our lives.

Cathedral Nite is off to an energetic start, and you will find information on new programs for Lent in this issue of The Open Door. If you have not yet come to Cathedral Nite, we encourage you to be a part of this

evening of food for body, mind and soul. We are also about to offer opportunities for deeper Bible study, and some new adult formation groups on Sunday mornings. We hope that everyone will find a place for spiritual growth in these groups and gatherings.

Also now underway is a congregation-wide visioning journey, led by Dr. Frank Scott, the Junior Warden, with a group of congregational leaders, and supported by the Sub-Dean. Over the next three months or so, we shall be envisioning our future together to see how we can build on our strengths and branch out in new ways in our work of knowing Christ and making Christ known. The leadership of Vision 151+ will be drawing us into conversation in a range of ways, from house groups to Sunday Forums, and we encourage you to be a part of this.

Vision 151+ is a clear reference to our 150th anniversary celebrations, and an acknowledgement that we cannot ever rest on our past achievements. The work that we do to build up the Body of Christ in our generation will be part of what our successors celebrate 150 years from now. What testimony shall we leave for them?

I am very grateful to Frank, Drew and the Vision 151+ leadership for taking on this journey so enthusiastically. They are reminding us that God has given us so much, and they are challenging us to ask what magnificent gift we might give back to God in mission here at Saint John’s. This is both a spiritual and a practical challenge, and I hope that we shall all take it up.

We have a wonderful opportunity to shape our future together at Saint John’s during this visioning journey, and I am excited to see how we articulate our mission for the next 3-5 years as we seek to be faithful to our call to be the heart of the city in the heart of the city.

March 2012

From the Dean: Living Vision 151+

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Holy Week and Easter - April 1-8 The Reverend Canon Martin Draper will be our guest preacher for Holy Week. The nursery will be open for all evening services during Holy Week.

Palm Sunday - April 1 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:15 am Solemn Eucharist, the Blessing of Palms, and the Passion No Christian Education classes today. 6:00 pm The Wilderness Holy Monday - April 28:30 am Morning Prayer 5:00 pm Evening Prayer 7:00 pm Eucharist and Meditation Holy Tuesday - April 38:30 am Morning Prayer 5:00 pm Evening Prayer 7:00 pm Eucharist and Meditation Holy Wednesday - April 47:00 am Eucharist 8:30 am Morning Prayer 5:00 pm Evening Prayer 5:30 pm Eucharist (Saint Martin’s Chapel) 5:30 pm Holy Week Family Service (Saint Francis Chapel) 7:00 pm Tenebrae

Maundy Thursday - April 5 8:30 am Morning Prayer 5:00 pm Evening Prayer 6:00 pm Parish Soup Supper7:00 pm The Liturgy of the Lord’s Supper9:00 pm - 8:00 am, Friday All night Prayer Vigil Good Friday - April 68:30 am Morning Prayer 12:00 noon Good Friday Liturgy 5:00 pm Evening Prayer 7:00 pm Good Friday Liturgy Holy Saturday - April 78:30 am Morning Prayer 5:00 pm Evening Prayer 7:00 pm Easter Vigil, Baptisms and Confirmations, and the First Mass of Easter Easter Day - April 87:30, 9:00, 11:15 am Festival Eucharist of Easter Day No Christian Education classes will be held. 6:00 pm The Wilderness

Staff and Vestry Clergy The Very Reverend Peter Eaton Rector and Dean, Ext. 7721 The Reverend Canon Andrew Van Culin Sub-Dean, Ext. 7721 The Reverend Canon Rebecca J. Crummey Ext. 7704 The Reverend Blake Sawicky Curate, Ext. 7731

Senior Staff Kim McPherson Director of Religious Education Ext. 7729 Mike Orr Communications Director Ext. 7730 Stephen Tappe Organist and Director of Music Ext. 7726

Vestry Tom Stoever, Senior Warden Frank Scott, Junior Warden Mary Ellen Williams, Treasurer David Abbott, Clerk Class of 2015 Susan Chenier, Larry Kueter, Ned Rule, John van Camp Class of 2014 David Abbot, Newt Klusmire, Jim East, Mary Ellen Williams Class of 2013 Scott Barker, Brad Case, Jane Horn, Kaye Siemers

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The Dean’s Forums in March will be focused generally on the process by which we are preparing for the Blessing of Same-Gender Relationships. March 4 – The Discernment Committee’s ReportAs the Bishop requires, the Dean established a discernment group in the autumn to help the congregation and the leadership explore whether it is right for the Cathedral to proceed with the matter of blessing life-long, faithful, same-gender relationships. Today we shall hear from the group about their work and their report. March 11 – Same-Gender Blessings, the Bible and TraditionToday we shall look at the complex issues that underlie the debate on same-gender blessings and the evidence from the Scriptures and Tradition. How do we read those verses from the Bible that are relevant to this subject, and how do we understand the Church’s tradition in the light of this new development in our common life? March 18 – Responsible Citizenship with Mayor HancockToday we take a break from our series to spend time with our Mayor, Michael Hancock, who will lead a discussion in our occasional series on “Responsible Citizenship” about a number of issues that face our city. March 25 – Rites of Blessing: The Way ForwardAt this Forum, we shall address any unanswered questions from 11 March, and hear how we shall be moving forward in the process of discernment and the implementation of the Bishop’s policy for blessing same-gender relationships.

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The Sacrament of Confession in Lent Those who wish to explore the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent are welcome and encouraged to speak to one of the clergy. The sacrament is available daily after the 5:30 pm Eucharist, or by appointment with one of the priests.

Adult Christian Formation on Sunday Mornings Starting in Lent Lent, in addition to the Dean’s Forums, there will be the following two opportunities for adult Christian formation on Sunday mornings between the 9:00 and 11:15 services:

• A Book for Lent. Join Father Sawicky in reading Love Unknown by Ruth Burrows, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent Book for 2012. Please get a copy and begin reading as soon as you can.

• Reading the Bible Together. This Sunday morning Bible study, led by the Sub-Dean and others, will deepen our ability to read and understand the Scriptures more effectively, and allow the riches of the Bible to shape and inform our lives of faith. The Gospel of John is our subject. Bring your Bibles.

In Lent, beginning March 14, we are adding a mid-week Bible study:

The Dean’s Bible Study, led by the Dean and the other clergy, on Wednesday mornings will follow the 7:00 am Eucharist. Come to the Mass and stay, or arrive after the service. Bring something for breakfast and join us as we read the Gospel of Saint Mark together. We begin at about 7:30 am and are done by 8:15 am; perfect for those on their way to work.

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Volunteering at Saint John’s

Volunteers are needed for the Welcome Center Reception Desk. We have openings all week to serve, Monday through Friday. To serve, contact Christine@sjcathedral.org or call her at 303.577.7721.

Women’s RetreatFriday, March 23 - Sunday, March 25 at Cathedral Ridge. Come to beautiful Cathedral Ridge for a weekend of relaxation, community building and spiritual refreshment. Saint John’s Women are planning a weekend spiced with a variety of spiritual practices, worship, activities, reflection and rest. Retreat Leaders: Canon Rebecca Crummey & Kim McPherson. Cost includes lodging, meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners) and all activities. (Scholarships are available). Please contact Sue Abbott at abbottsuef@aol.com with questions.

Single: $150. Double: $140. Triple: $ 115. Dorm-style: $95

Register online at sjcathedral.org today!

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By Marilyn Munsterman Saint John’s Church in the Wilderness, an English Gothic cathedral erected in Denver in 1911, has been beloved by generations of its parishioners. Now we have a close-up of its extraordinary beauty. In Glory in the Wilderness: The Art of Saint John’s Cathedral, Denver, Colorado, 1911 - 2011 by Ann Lindou Jones, with photography by Susie Masterson, we can see this stunning edifice in great detail.

Jones’ lucid text tells the history of the cathedral and its artists with an economy and clarity that brings our story to life. She provides details that help us visualize the process of creating this inspiring building. This book, a gift from Ann Jones to the Cathedral, could not have happened without the support of the clergy and staff of the Cathedral, especially David Porterfield and Nancy Woodward.

As with most books on historic buildings, photographs of the Cathedral and its treasures dominate the work. The colorful and detailed photographs are possible, due to the daring work of Susie Masterson, who took photographs at times on top of a twenty-five foot scissor-lift, or climbing high into the organ loft. These images from a talented artist are in glorious color with crystal clear detail of the beautiful stained glass windows, carvings, paintings and other artworks.

The stained-glass windows are beautifully presented, especially those designed by Connick Studios. This renowned Boston studio designed impressive windows for cathedrals, churches and libraries here and abroad. We are perhaps the only church with as many as 27 windows by this renowned firm. It is also a joy to open to pages that show how the glowing reflections from the windows paint a picture on the interior limestone walls. How lucky we are to be able to open this book and feel the special beauty of our spiritual home.

There are photographs of treasures that are not visible to us now and some that give us a view of spaces and objects we will never get to see except in this book. The two stunning ceramic altar vases by Paul St. Gaudens are too fragile to be used on the altar. There are also photographs of some of the 5,961 pipes for our historic organ as they were being reinstalled after a two year absence while they were restored by the Spencer Organ Company of Boston. One little known treasure that can be seen is the lovely Bach window in Saint Martin’s Chapel. Many regular worshipers in the chapel have never seen it; it is partially hidden behind the small organ console at the side of the chapel.

We are blessed with a wealth of treasures, and this book brings them to life. It is too easy for us to pass by the Edgar Britton windows depicting the travels of Jesus in the west entry hall. We may be looking elsewhere as we exit through the Narthex and forget to look up at the Tiffany window with its opalescent glass, a hallmark of Tiffany and Company. The close-ups of the magnificent carved oak statues on the reredos surrounding the Cathedral altar show magnificence of the historic work from Oberammeragau. We really see the history of salvation before us on the reredos: prophets from Hebrew scripture; the writers of our Christian scripture and the translators of the Bible as well as Thomas Cranmer, who brought us our Book of Common Prayer. The photographs in the book actually show the statues better than we see them from the pews.

Church architecture can give us our story in a special way; engaging with it can be a form of prayer. I see the text and images in this book as a special prayer book that anyone can use, but especially the Saint John’s family. This book is now one of the treasures of our common life and should be a part of every parishioner’s library, or better, on our bedside tables. Available in the Cathedral Library, at the Tattered Cover Bookstore, and at GuestGuidePublications.com.

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Lenten Meditation and Reflection On display in your library now is a large selection of books which can be valuable resources during our daily Lenten times of meditation and reflection.

Favorite authors such as Evelyn Underhill, Thomas Keating, Henri Nouwen and Sam Portaro are represented with selections of daily readings for deepening the Lenten observance. Gardeners will find Lenten inspiration in a beautiful volume called Thorn, Fire and Lily, while “faith-inspired exercises of the five senses” are brought to us in Martin Warner’s Known to the Senses, and Kevin Scully’s Sensing the Passion. A book of Lenten meditations for women, Gifts from Within, uses the words of women from various backgrounds to explore their uniqueness and the gifts of their feminine spiritual nature.

As we continue our Lenten journey, we can be guided by James Kennedy as he reflects on his pilgrimage to Lindisfarne in Holy Island; by Alan Jones’ Passion for Pilgrimage; or by adventurous travels through the maze of Edward Hays’ The Lenten Labyrinth. And we can find hope and joy along the way in the beautiful book, The Lenten Spring by Thomas Hopko, as we make our progress through Lent and Holy Week to a blessed Easter.

Book Club Our next meeting will be on Sunday, March 11, at 10:00 am in the Library.

The book selection is The Life You Can Save: Acting Now to End World Poverty and John Hart will be our discussion leader. Amazon says: “. . . around the world, a billion people struggle to live each day on less than many of us pay for bottled water. In The Life You Can Save, Peter Singer uses ethical arguments, illuminating examples, and case studies of charitable giving to show that our current response to world poverty is not only insufficient but morally indefensible. The Life You Can Save teaches us to be a part of the solution, helping others as we help ourselves.” For more information, please contact Susan Montgomery at 720.949.1815.

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Our nursery is a cheerful, safe and welcoming environment for our very youngest members. It is staffed by professional caregivers as well as volunteers—all trained to ensure your child’s stay is safe in every possible way! Nursery Volunteers begin the introduction to our Christian tradition through creative play and stories. During weekday or other offerings, older children are welcome, too.

Sundays8:30 am - 12:45 pm 5:30 – 7:30 pm for the Wilderness

Wednesdays 4:00 to 8:45 pm and during special services & events throughout the year.

When you visit us, parents are asked to fill out an information sheet and to alert caregivers of anything that might make their child’s time in the nursery more pleasant. Please have your cell phone (on vibrate) handy in case we need to call you.

Sundays9:00 am Children’s Chapel (Ages 3 & up) Saint Francis Chapel, 2nd FloorThe Children’s Chapel time includes a lesson with activity, confession, prayers, hymns, songs and involvement every step of the way! Parents may drop off children or remain in Chapel.

10:15 am Godly Play (Ages 3 - 3rd Grade)In Godly Play, we create a safe and beautiful space where children are deeply respected as they see, hear and wonder about stories from the Bible or another part of our Episcopal tradition. Using hands-on materials and “wondering questions” to reflect on the story together, children then choose from a variety of materials—art supplies, building materials, books, etc —to make their own creative responses, and to help make the stories truly their own. Prayers and a feast (snack) round out the session. 3-4 year olds: Preschool Godly Play, Room 101K-1st Grades: Godly Play Class, Room 1032nd-3rd Grades: Godly Play for Older Kids, Room 107

10:15 am SOWhAT (4th - 5th Grade) Room 204SOWhAT stands for: Stories, Outreach, Wonder, Arts & Theology. At this age, children can begin to delve more deeply into the meaning of biblical core stories, and to learn ways to respond that are more sophisticated. This year, we are working with the creation story, delving into the mystery and meaning contained in each of the “days.” From creating pinhole viewers to a meditation on thirst, this class will deeply engage in wondering, and in reaching out to people in need.

Wednesdays4:00 – 5:00 pm Godly Play, Room 103. Ages 4-9.Director of Christian Education, Kim McPherson leads this Godly Play class. Younger children and those attending choir may be signed in to the nursery in advance.

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SJC Kids Pledge, Too!It’s not too late to pledge! Please encourage your child to participate. This is a wonderful way to teach our children the spiritual discipline of giving some of our money to help others. This year’s campaign will go to Episcopal Relief and Development. To learn more: www.er-d.org. If you haven’t turned in an animal pledge card yet, they are on the table just outside room 103. You have all of 2012 to bring your money, and with all of us pledging we are able to raise a lot of money to help ERD be the hands of Christ in the world. Last year, our children’s pledges and offerings totaled $8,991.85!

We provide a caring, peaceful, justice-seeking and fun community in which youth can engage their faith in relevant ways. After the 9:00 a.m. service, all youth gather in room 300 for refreshments and some play time. Pool or ping pong, air hockey or cards, this is a time for laughter and fun. Then they gather for consideration of a topic, and separate into middle and high school groups (in rooms 208 & 209) for deeper conversation relevant to their age group. We encourage questions and conversation in a trusting atmosphere, and will intersperse the year with a variety of spiritual practices.

SundaysSundays at 10:15 am. After the 9:00 am service, all youth gather in room 300 for refreshments. Conversation and activities around a chosen topic follows. Sometimes Middle & High School groups break into smaller groups (rooms 208 & 209) for age-relevant discussion.

Important dates for YouthPalm Sunday: Youth will read the Passion Gospel at the 9:00 am service.Easter Sunday: Youth will hide eggs and help with the Easter Egg Hunt on the east lawn.

Confirmation for High School YouthA group of high school youth are meeting regularly to prepare for confirmation at the Easter Vigil service, April 7. For more information, please contact Kim McPherson at Kim@sjcathedral.org.

Youth Mission TripsBoth trips (MS to Leadville, CO and HS to New Orleans) are full, but to be on the waiting list, please contact Blake Sawicky at Blake@sjcathedral.org.

Youth are involved in many ways at Saint John’s To serve as an Usher, please contact Deanna White at deanna_white1500@hotmail.com. To serve as an Acolyte, please contact Connie Kurtz at mamadogwood@q.com. To serve in the choir, contact Stephen Tappe at tappe@sjcathedral.org. To be involved in general service, please talk to the youth leaders.

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Meet the ParentsJoin us Sunday, March 4 in Room 202 at 10:15 am. This is a good way to get to know other parents, drink excellent coffee and feast on doughnuts. Drop off your children at their classes and come on up the stairs to join us.

First and Third Tuesday Play DatesTuesdays, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm in the Nursery and Room 300. First Tuesday Play Dates have been so much fun for the kids and moms that we’re adding another...Third Tuesdays! Join other parents and young children to play and get to know one another. Bring trikes and other ‘big muscle’ toys. There is a kitchen with a kettle for tea, too.

SJC Kids & Parents e-Newsletters If you have not received our newsletter, please contact carol@sjcathedral.org. These are short and focused on events and programs for families with children. This is a great way to connect to our Christian Education program and get involved.

ServingWe would love to have you serve our children! For more information about our programs, or how you can help, please visit sjcathedral.org or call our Director of Religious Education, Kim McPherson at 303.577.7729. Easter ServingOn Easter Day, April 8, we’ll need some help in the Activities Room from 8:00 - 8:50 am. Please contact Kim McPherson if you can help.

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2012

Christophe Mantoux, organist. Paris, France

FRIDAY

3/2

Music at Noon: The Polite Jazz Quartet

TUESDAY 3/13

Alan Dominicci, organist

FRIDAY

3/16

The Tallis Scholars Oxford, England. Doors open at 6:30 pm

SATURDAY

3/24

Music at Noon: The Renaissance Project

TUESDAY 4/10

Joyce Shupe Kull, organist

FRIDAY

4/27

Kantorei Spring Concert

FRIDAY

5/4

Music at Noon: Opera Colorado Young Artists

TUESDAY 5/8

Colorado Chorale Bernstein and Britten

FRIDAY

5/18

Ars Nova Singers, New Perspectives: Modern Masterworks

FRIDAY 6/1

Christopher Houlihan, organist. The Complete Organ Symphonies by Louis Vierne

FRIDAY 6/15

SATURDAY 6/16

CATHEDRAL MUSIC All Music at Noon concerts are FREE to the public. Visit sjcathedral.org for current concert and ticket information.

Friday, March 2, 7:30 pm - Christophe Mantoux, organistChristophe Mantoux’s career as a concert organist has taken him to more than twenty countries in Europe, North and South America, South Korea, Japan and the United States. This all-French recital will include works by Charles-Marie Widor, César Franck, Jehan Alain, and Maurice Durufle. Freewill offering.

Tuesday, March 13, 12:00 pm, Dagwell Hall - The Polite Jazz Quartet Please join us for this free lunchtime concert, during which audience members are welcome to eat a bag lunch. Music at Noon programs generally last 45 minutes to an hour - perfect for a lunch hour getaway!

Friday, March 16, 7:30 pm - Alan Dominicci, organistAlan Dominicci, a long-time Denver resident, studied with famed French organists Andre Marchal and Jean-Jacques Grunenwald in Paris. In this recital, Alan will perform works by Louis-Claude Daquin, Franz Liszt, Vincent Persichetti, Cesar Franck, Louis Vierne, Olivier Messaien, and Grunenwald. Freewill offering. Sunday, March 18, 3:30 pm – EvensongChoral Evensong in the English Cathedral tradition, featuring Felix Mendelssohn’s popular setting of Hear my prayer, and also including works by Thomas Tomkins, Adrian Batten, and Francisco Guerrero. Friday, March 23, 7:30 pm, Dagwell Hall - Lea Shaw, sopranoOne of the Cathedral’s own youth choristers, Lea Shaw, will give a vocal recital with Cathedral Assistant Organist Richard Robertson on piano. This concert includes songs by George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, Georges Bizet, and Claudio Monteverdi, and is a benefit for Saint John’s Music Program. Freewill offering. Saturday, March 24, 7:30 pm - The Tallis ScholarsThe Tallis Scholars have established themselves as the leading exponents of Renaissance sacred music throughout the world, and are renowned for their purity and clarity of sound. The ensemble gives around 70 concerts each year across the globe; they have performed at such distinguished venues as the Sistine Chapel, London’s National Gallery, and the BBC Proms, and with such luminaries as Sting and Sir Paul McCartney. A limited number of premier seats are available in the first few rows of the Cathedral for $75.00 each; all other tickets are general admission, and are $45.00 for adults and $35.00 for students and seniors aged 65 and over. Tickets are available for purchase at sjcathedral.org. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Ticketed event Evening concerts begin at 7:30 pm, and doors open 30 minutes prior, unless otherwise indicated. Concert dates and times are subject to change.