The Grapevine a bimonthly publication of Christ Church Cathedral Hartford, Connecticut Christ Church Cathedral From the Canon Vicar… November/December 2009 On Being Agents of Hospitality “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suf- fering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.” (Romans 12: 9-13) e world abounds with signs of God’s graciousness: the breathtaking beauty of creation, the abundant re- sources of the earth, and the tender love of family and friends. As agents of God’s graciousness, our ancestors in faith at this Cathedral have developed a long and distinctive history of hospitality to the Diocese and the city of Hartford. It is not surprising, therefore, that in addition to worship and outreach, current members consider hospitality to be one of the strengths of the Cathedral community. Our desire to extend hospitality to a variety of persons is reflected in our mission statement: • to be an open and nurturing Christian community gathered for worship, spiritual growth and service; • to be a spiritual and liturgical center for the people of the Diocese of Connecticut, and, • to welcome and serve those who live in, work in, and visit the city of Hartford. On Sunday, November 8th, the Cathedral community once again will be offered a unique opportunity to mani- fest the graciousness of God. As most of you are aware, on that day our brothers and sisters from St. James’ Episcopal Church, Zion Street, Hartford, will begin a new phase in their journey with God by becoming a parish in residence at the Cathedral. e Reverend Leigh Preston will continue to serve the congregation of St. James’ as their missioner, a position funded by the Diocese. Although they will be recognized as a separate parish, the people of St. James’ will be invited to participate in the full range of Cathedral services and minis- tries: our 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. services, the 9:00 a.m. Bible Study, the 11:30 a.m. Adult Forum and Christian Formation for children and youth, the Cathedral Choir, and our outreach programs. In addition, members of St. James’ may also consider becoming dual members of the Cathedral, a unique status offered to any Episco- palian in the Diocese. In addition to extending customary forms of hospitality, here are three specific opportunities for each of us to welcome our brothers and sisters from St. James’: 1. Attend their last service at 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 1 at St. James’, 75 Zion St., 2. Attend their first Spanish service at 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 at the Cathedral, and 3. Share your story with, and listen to the stories of the people of St. James’ during a forum at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 29 in the Cathedral Auditorium. Recalling the words of our Lord, “whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” (Mt. 10:40) I remain yours in Christ, In this issue… • Page Two - All Saints’ Sunday • Page Five - Diocesan News • Page Six - Images from Youth and Choir Pilgrimage to England • Page Eight - Christmas Liturgy Schedule • Page Eleven - Calendar for November/December
Transcript
The Grapevinea bimonthly publication of Christ Church Cathedral
Hartford, Connecticut
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From the Canon Vicar… November/December 2009
On Being Agents of Hospitality
“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suf-fering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.” (Romans 12: 9-13)
The world abounds with signs of God’s graciousness: the breathtaking beauty of creation, the abundant re-sources of the earth, and the tender love of family and friends. As agents of God’s graciousness, our ancestors in faith at this Cathedral have developed a long and distinctive history of hospitality to the Diocese and the city of Hartford. It is not surprising, therefore, that in addition to worship and outreach, current members consider hospitality to be one of the strengths of the Cathedral community. Our desire to extend hospitality to a variety of persons is reflected in our mission statement:
• to be an open and nurturing Christian community gathered for worship, spiritual growth and service;• to be a spiritual and liturgical center for the people of the Diocese of Connecticut, and,• to welcome and serve those who live in, work in, and visit the city of Hartford.
On Sunday, November 8th, the Cathedral community once again will be offered a unique opportunity to mani-fest the graciousness of God. As most of you are aware, on that day our brothers and sisters from St. James’ Episcopal Church, Zion Street, Hartford, will begin a new phase in their journey with God by becoming a parish in residence at the Cathedral. The Reverend Leigh Preston will continue to serve the congregation of St. James’ as their missioner, a position funded by the Diocese. Although they will be recognized as a separate parish, the people of St. James’ will be invited to participate in the full range of Cathedral services and minis-tries: our 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. services, the 9:00 a.m. Bible Study, the 11:30 a.m. Adult Forum and Christian Formation for children and youth, the Cathedral Choir, and our outreach programs. In addition, members of St. James’ may also consider becoming dual members of the Cathedral, a unique status offered to any Episco-palian in the Diocese.
In addition to extending customary forms of hospitality, here are three specific opportunities for each of us to welcome our brothers and sisters from St. James’: 1. Attend their last service at 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 1 at St. James’, 75 Zion St., 2. Attend their first Spanish service at 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 at the Cathedral, and3. Share your story with, and listen to the stories of the people of St. James’ during a forum at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 29 in the Cathedral Auditorium. Recalling the words of our Lord, “whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” (Mt. 10:40) I remain yours in Christ,
In this issue… • Page Two - All Saints’ Sunday • Page Five - Diocesan News • Page Six - Images from Youth and Choir Pilgrimage to England • Page Eight - Christmas Liturgy Schedule • Page Eleven - Calendar for November/December
Page Two
Cathedral News... Youth Confirmation Sessions
In preparation for confirmation at the Easter Vigil (Sat-urday, April 3, 2010), all youth who are at least 16 years old are expected to participate in classes which will be held on Saturdays from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. in the Youth Room. Our first session will be held on November 21. We will schedule all subsequent sessions at that time. Please contact Canon St. Louis at [email protected] or (860) 527-7231 x111 for further information or to register for sessions.
All Saints’ Sunday
This is a reminder that Holy Baptism will take place on All Saints’ Sunday, November 1 at the 10:00 a.m. service. Incense will be used in procession at this service.
Since Daylight Saving Time ends on this day, remember to set your clocks back one hour on Saturday, October 31.
In addition, Commemoration of All Faithful Departed will be celebrated in the Cathedral on Sunday, November 1 at 5:00 p.m. Music for the mass will be the beloved Ga-briel Fauré Requiem in its entirety. A necrology will also be read. Cathedral members are asked to submit names of de-parted loved ones to be read and prayers offered up in their memories. It might be especially appropriate in this time of ongoing war to remember servicemen and women who have served our country by paying the ultimate sacrifice. If you would like to submit names, please contact Debby Van Camp in the Cathedral Office at 527-7231 or by e-mail at [email protected] by Wednesday, October 28. Please make every effort to attend this special liturgy.
Volunteers Needed
If you would like to help brighten Christmas for our brothers and sisters who are homebound or in health care facilities, how about taking one of the plants from our Christmas decorations to him/her? Most of the homes and healthcare facilities are close to the Cathedral (within a 2-10 mile radius), so it will not take much time to de-liver a plant. A sign-up sheet can be found on the bulletin board in the Auditorium next to the Coffee Hour sign-up sheet. If you would like to volunteer, please put your name next to the name of the person to whom you’d like to take a plant. If you need directions, please feel free to contact Canon St. Louis at (860) 527-7231 x111 or [email protected]. Plants may be delivered immediately fol-lowing the Christmas Day service or anytime during the week after Christmas Day.
Wednesday Choral Evensongs
The Cathedral Choristers will sing Choral Evensongs on Wednesday, November 18 and Wednesday, December 16 at 5:30 p.m. These short 30-minute offices are a ministry of prayer and peace not only to the Cathedral congrega-tion, but also to the surrounding workers and visitors to downtown and have started to attract a nice following. All are encouraged to attend.
Stop Smoking for Life
If you smoke, but would prefer that you didn’t, this pro-gram is for you. The program consists of three or six in-dividual counseling sessions held at Hartford Hospital or Blue Back Square in West Hartford. Using a one-on-one personalized treatment approach, sessions will focus on learning about behavioral strategies and medication op-tions, as well as providing ongoing support in your efforts to quit smoking. Sessions will be paid for by the Cathe-dral’s Hartford Hospital Bed Fund.
Please contact Rose Fichera-Eagen at [email protected] or (860) 523-8700, or Canon St. Louis at [email protected] or (860) 527-7231 x111, if you have any questions or would like to register for the program.Friends Dinner to Honor Bishop John
Shelby Spong
On Saturday, November 14 at 6:00 p.m., the Annual Friends dinner will be held to present the Canon Jones Award to retired Bishop John Shelby Spong. Space is still available for the dinner by calling or emailing Debby Van-Camp in the Cathedral office. The cost for the reception and dinner is $50 for current Friends members, $75 for non-members. The deadline for reservations is November 6.
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Holiday Closings
The Cathedral and the Cathedral Office will close at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25, and be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, with the exception of the 10:00 a.m. service and the Thanksgiving meal in the Cathedral House. The office will be closed that day. All of the Cathedral buildings will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday, Friday, November 27.
The Cathedral and the Cathedral Office will also be closed on Friday, December 25, (except for the Christ-mas Day service), Monday, December 28, and on Friday, January 1.
Lunch…Plus!The Cathedral House Auditorium continues the Lunch…Plus! series on Thursday, November 5 at 12:05 p.m. The Kelet Duo will perform a program of violin and piano duos entitled “From the Yellow River to the Danube.”
The Kelet Duo brings together a vast array of musical styles creating a fusion that is unique in the chamber music world today. Composed of Taiwanese pianist Pi-Hsun Shih and Hungarian violinist Katalin Viszmeg, the Kelet Duo performs a breathtakingly varied rep-ertoire offering audiences an extraordinary concert experience. It is a partnership based on a fresh and powerful approach in the search for new sounds. The name Kelet was taken from Hungarian meaning “east, awakening, and rising.” In the case of the Kelet Duo, it reflects the musicians’ country origins (Eastern Eu-rope and the Far East). In addition, the metaphor of Kelet represents the transcendent power of its artis-tic ideals. Katalin and Pi-Hsun have a passion for un-derstanding the voice of every composer and culture. Their musicianship encompasses classical style while highlighting their versatility by bridging folk, film mu-sic, ethnic, and avant-garde. Based in West Hartford, Connecticut, both Katalin and Pi-Hsun are faculty members of the Hartt School Community Division. They are extensively involved in music education and have been recognized for their motivating outreach programs for students of all ages in their community. Katalin was the Third Prize winner of the Hungarian National Solo Violin Competition, and Pi-Hsun was the Second Prize winner of the International Chamber Music Ensemble Competition. They have performed extensively in North and South America as well as in Europe.
This Lunch...Plus! can be heard for a donation of $7, which includes lunch. ($5 for “Friends,” seniors and students with I.D.)
On Thursday, December 3 at 12:05 p.m., the very popular Christmas program “A Mini-Medieval Mad-rigal Mélange” returns for its third year. Last year saw the Auditorium overflowing with approximately 125 guests and the lobby crowded beyond capacity. This year we will take reservations to avoid this problem. There will be only 96 spaces available for the lunch and downstairs seating. If you’ve not attended this event in the past three years, consider it this year as part of your holiday festivities. The feast is a fun-filled, fast-paced event replete with a King, Queen, Duke and Duchess, not to mention a 6’4” jester and a kitchen wench.
Enjoy madrigal singing, beautiful costumes, music of the season and witty repartée in this part theater, part music, but all fun and energetic Christmas program.
The cost is a $10 donation for lunch and program. Seating will be ONLY by reservation. Please make your reservation no later than Monday, November 30 by contacting Debby VanCamp in the Cathedral office.
Cathedral Crafters Craft Fair
The Cathedral Crafters will hold a Craft Fair on Thurs-day, December 3 in the lobby of the Cathedral House starting at 10:00 a.m., and on Sunday, December 6 during Coffee Hour in the Cathedral House Audito-rium. Handmade items will be on sale as well as can-dy and other foods. Proceeds from these events will benefit Cathedral organizations to be determined.
Dear Friends,
The generosity of so many of you during my absence has ensured that Church Street Eats, Tuesday with Manna, Saturday in the Park and now Fridays at the Cathedral will happen. The commitment of time, talent and treasure is a witness of our listening to what God asks of us – to feed people who need to be fed and to do it in HIS name.
– Rose Fichera-Eagen
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Dear Grapevine... Dear Grapevine:
Bible Study saved me.
Weary from years of hearing haranguing hermeneutical homily, of feeling pew-bound by proscriptive pulpit biblical scriptural interpretations, it was through a most unsettling season of my life, and at a crossroad with myriad choices, that I found myself seeking a new church home. Growing in Christ, connecting to the greater spiritual source, learn-ing, being nurtured, and applying how to be fed to love and serve the Lord, was the essential topic for which I needed immediate guidance. (Grapevine, am I really writing this?) I needed a catalyst. I needed to rediscover how to believe, to do – to feel and do – and to find a place where intellect and heart have common ground, have application, but also speak from a variety of preaching voices.
Christ Church Cathedral’s top-notch ministerial staff grabbed me, revived me, moved me gently, and spoke to heal me.
Bible Study at Christ Church saved me from other years of being shunned for asking questions that other clergy would not broach to discuss. (My questions, they said, disarmed them or made them feel uncomfortable — like back in semi-nary, I guess? But what’s a pastor for?) Bible Study at Christ Church Cathedral offered context to the writings of the ancients. Bible Study — though sometimes bordering seminary academic postulation — spoke to my needs. It saved me.
It saved me because the different preaching voices and styles not only stimulated insight, but also generated added questions. (It’s the questions that keep me revived. It’s the questions that keep me grounded in a spiritual community. It’s the questions that keep me rowing toward God.) For me, scholarship is an essential, but the priestly scholarship, plus our passion, and our study of the Word through discussion and inquiry have carried more weight in directing my new journey and easing me from years of weariness and ex-cathedra bully-pulpit damnation. (The Word — and Cathedral Bible Study – will set you free. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!)
Bible Study saved me from feeling “outside of the box” and from being without a developing spiritual community. (You get to learn with the many people found in your Sunday morning pew.)
It was not that I arrived at Bible Study an empty vessel. I came with some biblical knowledge. From my salad days, I had sung the old church hymns — even learned and listened to contemporary gospel-generated music. I had heard and performed the sacred choral classics. I had incorporated the stories from Testaments Old and New into the good practices of teaching literature to young people. I had used high and low cultural and visual/artistic iconography in my classroom. I had visited many of the definitive European cathedrals to learn architecture, design, and all about their depictions of “The Madonna and Child” — but, no, not the pop singer! Yet, I needed a place where much of me — the feelings, the doubts and the spiritual beliefs — might find validation, might find fertile ground. (Gosh, this sounds urgent! And as I look back, I realize my desperation was probably palpable.) Hartford’s venerable and sacred space on Main Street is now my place.
So, Grapevine, I must finish with this: Inspired by the liturgy, catalyzed by a wonderful discussion group which is grounded through theological history and theological teaching, along with being inspired toward personal moments of healing, I hear and learn; I do and I begin to understand — a little more and a little bit more each week. And so it is, dear Grapevine, I know that Bible Study at Christ Church Cathedral saved me.
In deference,Tom Smith—an “eight o’clocker”
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The GrapevinePublished by Christ Church Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut. Please submit articles for the Janu-ary/February issue by Tuesday, December 1. Text files should be in WORD format. If you are submitting photos, please email the
raw picture file for proper editing. All submissions should be sent to [email protected]
The Rt. Rev. Andrew D. Smith, Bishop of ConnecticutThe Very Rev. Mark B. Pendleton, Dean
The Rev. Canon J. Allison St. Louis, Vicar Richard Baraglia, Parish Committee Chair
Amy Beveridge, Parish Committee Vice-Chair
Diocesan Convention Elects New Bishop of Connecticut
While the deadline for this issue of the Grapevine fell before the actual date of this year’s Diocesan Con-vention (October 23 and 24), this year’s gathering is to be a very exciting one as Bishop Andrew D. Smith’s successor is slated to be elected. Bishop Smith has served as our Diocesan Bishop since 1999. There are just four candidates on the ballot including our Bishop Suffragan James Curry, the Reverend Mark Del-cuze, Rector of St. Stephen’s in Ridgefield, Connecticut, the Reverend Dr. Ian Douglas from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the Reverend Beth Fain, Rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Houston, Texas. Under the Rules of Order, no other candidates can be nominated from the floor. Each parish in the diocese is to be represented by their clergy and two lay delegates. The election is unique in that the winning candidate must receive a majority of votes cast in two orders. That is, the lay delegates and the clergy delegates vote separately and the candidate must receive the majority support in both groups. For the results, go the Diocesan web site, ctdiocese.org and click on ‘Election of the 15th Bishop of the Diocese of Connecticut’.
Diocesan News...
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Images from the Youth & Choir Pilgrimage...
First day tour of Ely Cathedral Evensong rehearsal in the Quire Group gathers outside Tower of London
Choir photo in the Lady Chapel, Ely A view of King’s College Chapel, Cambridge James Romanik on top of old Ely
Erik Eickhoff rehearses with the Choir The complete group on the lawn of Ely The Hail Mary pass?
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Advent/Christmas… Advent Forum
As a result of the recent economic downturn, most, if not all, of us have been challenged to use our financial resourc-es with greater wisdom. What many of us have experi-enced as a (hopefully) temporary situation is an ongoing, daily struggle for many of our more financially vulnerable brothers and sisters. To understand more fully what it is like to be poor in the richest nation in the world, we are inviting everyone to participate in the Just Neighbors pro-gram, “a dynamic interactive program that allows you to walk in the shoes of the poor, experience their frustration, and learn how to help.”
The first session will be held on Sunday, December 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the Cathedral Auditorium. In Session 1, “Who is My Neighbor?”, we will meet three families who are struggling to survive on minimal income, learn more about the challenges they face on a daily basis, explore the ways that our call to justice and compassion can serve as a basis for social action, and reflect on our motiva-tions for responding to their needs. At the end of the first session, we will schedule Session 2, “Making Ends Meet,” in which we will view a video about an impoverished fam-ily and then try to balance that family’s budget, thereby giving us further insight into the impact of a never-ending “financial juggling act” on their lives and relationships.
If you are interested in learning more about Just Neigh-bors, feel free to visit their website at www.justneighbors.net or contact Amy Beveridge at [email protected], Tim Cole at [email protected] or Canon St. Louis at [email protected] or (860) 527-7231 x111.
Angel Tree
During Advent you will see an evergreen tree in the Ca-thedral House Auditorium decorated with angel orna-ments. Each ornament will contain the name and age of a child. These children attend Betances School, which is located in the Sheldon/Charter Oak neighborhood of Hartford, and the Milner School, Vine Street, Hart-ford. Each holiday season, Center for Youth, a program of Hands on Hartford, gives toys and warm clothing to more than 1000 children living in areas of some of the city’s poorest families.
Christ Church Cathedral is a member of Hands on Hartford, and will be responding with our hearts by giving gifts to some of these children. We would like the congregation to choose a name off the Angel Tree on Sunday, November 29, and buy a game, book, or a stuffed animal for the child indicated on the ornament. The gifts should be back to the Cathedral by Monday, December 14. Please wrap and make sure the angel or-nament is attached to the gift.
Lessons and Carols
A traditional service of Lessons and Carols will be held at the Cathedral on the second Sunday of Advent,December 6 at 5:00 p.m. The liturgy will begin with the traditional singing of “Once in Royal David’s City,” and will feature beautiful carols - both choral and con-gregational - and the retelling of the Christmas story read by members of the Cathedral community. Please plan to attend this very special service.
Christmas Angelicus at the Cathedral
Chorus Angelicus/Gaudeamus choirs directed by Nicho-las White will present their very popular Christmas con-cert “Christmas Angelicus” at the Cathedral on Saturday, December 19, at 5:00 p.m. Billed as “A New England Tra-dition,” the 60-voice children’s choir and adult professional ensemble based in Litchfield county will fill the Cathedral with old and new arrangements of carols and seasonal songs, along with traditional carols for the audience. Spe-cial guests include John McDonough, narrator, and Kevin Jones, organist. Admission: $40/$25/$20/$15.
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The Liturgies of ChristmasThursday, December 24
Christmas Eve10:30 p.m. – Nativity Concert featuring Handel’s Messiah, Part I
for soloists, choir and organ
11:00 p.m. – Festive Holy Eucharist with carols and anthemsCelebrant and Preacher
Bishop SmithIncense will be used at this liturgy.
followed by a Christmas Reception in the Cathedral House from 12:15 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Friday, December 25Christmas Day
10:00 a.m. – The Holy Eucharist with carols and sermonCelebrant and Preacher
The Very Reverend Mark B. Pendleton
Free parking on Christmas Eve will be available for everyone in the parking lot on Main and Talcott Streets, and for the physically challenged in the Cathedral alley. Security will be provided.
Sunday, December 27The First Sunday of Christmas
8:00 a.m. – The Holy Eucharist
10:00 a.m. – Community Lessons and Carols with the Holy EucharistCelebrant and Preacher
Cathedral Family Birthdays…Hearty good wishes to each of the following as they celebrate their birthday!
Christmas CDs available
Last year’s Cathedral Choir recording “Sav-ior of the Nations, Come,” is once again available in the Cathedral Gift Shop for $12 (plus sales tax). Enjoy one for your-self or share some Christmas music with a friend or two. Proceeds directly benefit the Cathedral Choirs.
Savior of the Nations, ComeCarols, Anthems and Organ Music
of Advent and Christmas
from
Christ Church CathedralHartford Connecticut
The Cathedral ChoirThe Very Reverend Mark B Pendleton, Dean
Kevin Jones, Canon Precentor & Director of Music
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THURSDAY, November 5
The Kelet Duo - “From the Yellow River to the Danube”
$7 donation for lunch & program
$5 for “Friends,” Seniors and Students with I.D.
THURSDAY, December 3“A Mini-Medieval Madrigal Mélange”
$10 donation for lunch & program$8 for “Friends,” Seniors
and Students with I.D. Reservations only!
12:05 TO 12:35 P.M. in the Cathedral House Auditorium
All are welcome!
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Calendar…
November01 - St. James’ last service on Zion Street01 - Requiem03 – Midday Organ Recital05 – Lunch…Plus!07 – Day of Repentance08 – Lector Workshop08 – Parish Committee Meeting08 – St. James’ Services begin09 – Cathedral Crafters10 – Midday Organ Recital14 – Friends Dinner15 – Forum17 – Midday Organ Recital17 – Soup & Services18 – Choral Evensong20 – Hartt School of Music Choirs Concert21 – Youth Confirmation sessions begin21 – St. Barnabas Meeting22 – Harvest Sunday23 – Cathedral Crafters24 – Midday Organ Recital25 – Office closes at 12:30 p.m.26 – Thanksgiving Service26 – Thanksgiving Holiday – Office closed27 – Thanksgiving Holiday – Office closed28 – Angel Tree
Contact us!
Christ Church Cathedral45 Church Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06103860.527.7231 telephone
860.527.5313 faxwww.cccathedral.org
The Very Rev. Mark B. Pendleton, Dean860.527.7231, ext. 107, [email protected]
The Rev. Canon J. Allison St. Louis, Vicar860.527.7231, ext. 111, [email protected]
Canon Kevin Jones, Precentor & Director of Music860.527.7231, ext. 112, [email protected]
Leslie Jones, Assistant to the Dean for Administration & Communications860.527.7231, ext. 115, [email protected]
Debby Van Camp, Administrative Assistant860.527.7231, ext. 100, [email protected]
