The well beloved verse from Revelation 21:5, “See, I am making all things new,” pretty much sums up my feelings from Sunday two weeks ago. Traditionally known as “Homecoming Sunday” here at the Cathedral, this Sunday was a bit different from how it has been observed in the past (the Ministry Fair has been moved to October 11—more on that below), but with the streamers in procession at 10:30, the return of the Choir under the leadership of Bruce Newsick, an excellent sermon by Professor Peter Bolland, and a wonderful presentation by Taylor Milan-Samuel, Rev Martha Anderson and our growing Cathedral contingent of children on their Camp Steven’s retreat a few weeks back, the service was full of joy and possibilities.
Then to top it off, after the 10:30 service, our newly formed Call Committee met with Canon Beth Scriven, Canon to the Ordinary for Leadership Development in the Bishop’s office, for their orientation. We will be commissioning them on October 18 as they begin their important work.
Next month Canon Richard Hogue will be back with us from his paternity leave, perhaps a bit sleep deprived but ready to guide us into this year’s Stewardship Campaign, “A Future with Hope,” which kicks off Sunday, October 11. The ministry fair has been moved to that day so we can experience fully how stewardship is indeed the giving of time, talent and treasure. The Cathedral has an abundance of gifts and this is a time to celebrate them. And certainly having Canon Richard back with us, along with his family, is among them!
Finally, this coming Sunday at 2 pm there is an Interfaith procession entitled “All are Sacred,” which commemorates World Day of Migrants and Refugees. It will be held very near the Cathedral at Laurel Street and 6th Avenue. Organized by the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego, Bishop Pham invites all people to stand in solidarity “with those who have fled war, persecution, and hardship.” Our own Bishop Susan was invited to be one of the speakers. However, she will be at the House of Bishops and has asked me to speak in her stead. I do hope if this issue is one close to your heart, you will join us.
As I have stressed since I came on as Interim Dean in June, while leadership transitions are a time of prayer, assessment, and dreaming, they are not times for standing still waiting to see what happens next. God is very much calling us to be present in the moment, and responding now to the cares, concerns, and hopes of a world very much in need of God’s abundant wisdom, grace and renewal. It speaks to the Cathedral’s commitment to this vision that we are not only looking to the future but staying grounded in the present in this moment as well. Which truly does allow us to look forward to the future with hope.
Blessings,
Allisyn
