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October Edition , 2009 Pentecost

Our Worship Life

Sundays Holy Eucharist 8:30 AM, Rite 1 10:30 AM, Rite 2

Church School Classes meet at 10:30 AM

Wednesday 12:10 PM,

Holy Eucharist

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A Word From Our Dean...

Dear Cathedral Family, Recently, we have enjoyed a number of exciting events. First, we welcomed quite a few new members who come to us from the Church of the Epiphany in Providence which sadly had to close. These folks bring interest, energy and determination to the Parish family. And we are most grateful. I trust that each of you is making a point to embrace these sisters and brothers feel as part of our community. We were blessed with a noteworthy and delightful Silent Auction for the benefit of the Food Pantry ministry. The committee labored long and hard and those who attended contributed $ 1300 toward this very necessary work. As this month unfolds there are several more things about which I want you to know: On Sunday, the 18th of October, Newport Collaborative Architects will make a presentation after the 10:30 Eucharist of the concept plan for the redevelopment of the Cathedral Close. A steering committee appointed by the Bishop has been working on this project in conjunction with representatives from the Cathedral Chapter, the Diocesan Office, Hallworth House and the Edwards Homes. I pray that each of you will be present to consider these plans which MAP OUT OUR FUTURE. At the end of that week the whole Diocese will gather here at 6:00pm to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Cathedral. Bishop John Zawo of our companion diocese, Ezo, in the Sudan, expects to be here to preach. There will be a great reception in Synod Hall afterwards. Please mark your calendars for this very, very special event and be present to welcome folks from all of the parishes to their cathedral home. You can read about much more in this issue of The Record which is lined up for your worship, pleasure and interest. Faithfully,

Harry KraussHarry KraussHarry KraussHarry Krauss

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From The Deacon's Bench By The Rev. Barbara Mays-Stock

Have you ever heard it said that there are angels everywhere, ready to assist you when you need it? That they are put into your life by God, knowing that, sooner or later, you will need that assistance? Have you ever thought about the opportunities everyday for you to be an angel for someone? I think that when Jesus said, “I am with you always, to the end of the ages,” he meant more than that He, himself was to be there. I think that we are all put here to be helpful to one another— to be angels for one another. Here at the Cathedral of Saint John, we have many such opportunities to be angels for one another. Some of those opportunities are very obvious, while others are less easily apparent. The Food Ministries at the Cathedral continue to feed more and more people each week, and these ministries are surely among our most visible and vital ministries in outreach to the local community. It is an opportunity to be an angel in the best way— you never even know who you are helping when you give. And the need is getting more and more acute all the time. We give thanks constantly for the efforts of our parish members to actively work in the Meal Site and the Food Pantry and for the generous ongoing donations made to support the purchase of food for those in need. Our children have had a great opportunity for global outreach in their effort this past year for Heifer, International. They sent many animals and trees to people in great need. Now they will begin to explore a relationship with the children of the Diocese of Ezo, in the Sudan. This is a Companion Diocese for us, along with Louisiana. I am incredibly excited to see the growth of mission and outreach zeal in our youth. “...And a child will lead them…” is what I keep thinking about when I think about our Church School. The work of our hands in knitting and sewing has made it possible for us to give comfort to those facing life-threatening illness or great loss, and our prayers are manifest in each item we give, whether to a new Mom, her infant, someone who is ill or even to those we do not directly know. Additionally, this group has made infant hats and baby blankets for Kent Hospital and scarves and hats for our sailors and soldiers in the Armed Forces. Also, several baby quilts have been made for Blue Denim Ministries. The ministry of hospitality at the Cathedral is evident all over the place— in our reception of the young people who entertained us so divinely last Spring, in our wonderful dinners for meeting, Town Halls, and in celebrating the new arrival of members. People give freely of their time to create schedules and train new volunteers. Other angels here labor in the everyday work of keeping us together as a parish. Many of you have served

on a large variety of committees and commissions, both for our parish and for the wider Diocese, and you all know how important your work is. You are truly appreciated for your efforts. And if I had a nickel for every time Miss Tinker has been an angel for me, I’d have a hefty bank account! I personally have experience the angel in many of you when you, indeed, minister to me and to The Dean and to Mark. Kind words, prayers and intentions have meant so much to each of us when we have found ourselves in a place where we needed them. So, thank you for taking on the role of angel, and keep up the good work! Your Sister in Christ,

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PURE WARTER I came across this in my files from a long time ago. I somehow thought it was still worth sharing. Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio "To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:" 1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good. 2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. 3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. 4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch. 5. Pay off your credit cards every month. 6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. 7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone. 8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it. 9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck. 10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. 11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present. 12. It's OK to let your children see you cry. 13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. 14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it. 15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks. 16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind. 17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful. 18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger. 19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else. 20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer. 21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special. 22. Over prepare, then go with the flow. 23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple. 24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you. 25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?". 26. Always choose life. 27. Forgive everyone everything. 28. What other people think of you is none of your business. 29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time. 30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. 31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does. 32. Believe in miracles. 33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do. 34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now. 35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young. 36. Your children get only one childhood.. 37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. 38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

(Continued on page 4)

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(Continued from page 3, Pure Warter) 39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back. 40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. 41. The best is yet to come. 42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. 43. Yield. 44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Blessings to you all, Deacon Mark

-Thoughts from the Senior Warden-

I have always been very proud to be a member of the parish family of the Cathedral of Saint John – but never more than I am right now. Events of the last few weeks have clearly emphasized just what a warm and caring community we really are. Two weeks ago, many former members of the Church of the Epiphany were formally welcomed into our family during the 10:30 Eucharist. To celebrate the event, we were all treated to a fabulous luncheon generously planned, prepared, and served by our Liberian ladies. The food was delicious, Synod Hall was full, and it was a joyous occasion as we became acquainted with our new parishioners. And last Friday night, I think we really showed what we’re made of. The Food Pantry Ministry has been in ever increasing need, and to raise additional operating funds, we held a silent auction. As a family, the Cathedral members really stepped up to address the need. We had a team who tended to the nuts and bolts of such a venture and many who provided delicious refreshments. We were able to secure a variety of items for auction due to both the generosity of our own members and that of many businesses throughout the state. Attendance was strong, the bidding was lively, and Mr. Bush ‘rocked the house’ at the keyboard, keeping us all in a festive mood. As I write, the final figure is not in, but we’re currently standing at well over $1500.00 to be deposited to the Food Pantry fund.. If we could be so giving this year, imagine what next year can bring. Congratulations, Everyone – I hope you’re as encouraged and proud of our parish as I am. Let’s keep the momentum going. God’s Peace To All Leah Nastasi A thought from the Senior Warden:

…….Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.

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Greetings From our Candidate for Holy Orders, Joyce Thorne I send greetings to my Cathedral family. I have finished my third week of senior practicum at Grace Church and it is clear to me now why a candidate for the Ordinate is placed in a parish other than their own. All services in the various parishes are not worshipped in the same way. The services at Grace Church are somewhat different than at the Cathedral of St. John. Their 8 AM service is held in the chapel and without music. Instead of coffee hour between services, there is a Bible study group and a class in church history. The ten o’clock service is basically the same as the Cathedral’s ten - thirty service. Their coffee hour is held outside after the ten o’clock service if the weather is good. My first Sunday there, I found two parishioners whom I had worked with quite a few years back which made me feel less alone. This past Sunday was the blessing of the animals and the parishioners brought their pets to the ten o’clock service to be blessed. The pets spent their morning at mass and believe it or not, the pets were very well behaved. After the service, coffee hour was outside and they even had treats for the pets. Now I wish to thank my Cathedral family for their continued support, prayers and love and know that you are missed. I will try and keep you posted of my progress Peace and God Bless, Joyce T. Thorne Deacon Student

In case you are a knitter and just can’t make morning meetings at the Cathedral…..

(Editor’s note: Here is a pattern for you to try at home, to make a very nice Baby Blanket, perfect for donating to Blue Denim Ministries!) Cast on 100 stitches. Knit across. Knit in the garter stitch for 10 rows ( for those new to the craft, that means knit stitch in each row-- very simple and gives a nice ridged effect.). Row 11: Knit first 10 stitches and place a plastic marker on the needle. Pearl until the last 10 stitches in the row and place another marker, then knit the last 10 stitches. The markers will help you know when you have reached 10 stitches on each end. Row 12: Knit across. Continue in this pattern (row 11 & row 12) until the desired length is reached-- 46-50 inches is a good size for a crib or pram blanket. Knit the last 10 rows, as you did the first 10 rows. Finish off. Let Deacon Barbara know if you have a Baby Blanket to donate! Watch for other patterns as space allows in The Record, or stop by on Tuesday mornings, 9:30-Noon.

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One Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words….. Thank you, Providence College volunteers!

….and look who got out into the middle of the runners to bless everyone! The Dean, with the runners and our friends from Providence’s finest!

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Cathedral of Saint John Providence, RI

Junior Warden’s Report: September 2009 Blessings all!

The “Weekend Warriors” were back at it on Saturday September 5th. We had help from 15 PC Students during their “Day of Service”. Some headway was made in preparing the Portico for painting. Most of the wooden columns and fascia boards were scraped and primed, the masonry section of the col-umns was repaired, all of the shield-like roof ornamentation was scraped and primed and the new ramp was stained. Overall we made good progress. I expect that on October 3rd we’ll put a finish coat of paint on the columns and fascia boards.

Our furnace contractor Energy Efficiency has yet to provide the final item in order to complete our application for the RI Heating System Rebate. I am expecting a $200.00 rebate for installing a more efficient boiler.

Rick Boyajian Construction used his 70 foot lift to get a close-up view of our tower roof in order to estimate repairs to make it water-tight. We also are waiting for a quote from Casa Buena Builders for the tower roof repairs. Additionally, both vendors have been asked to quote roof and molding repairs to the “Portico”.

I have not yet received a response from our insurance company (E.A. Robbins) regarding quotes to repair damage to the church school room and remove asbestos. The estimates went out in July and I called to remind them last week. I estimate the total to effect repairs from the pipe burst to be about $15K.

Roger Sherman and I took a look at the window sash that came out of the nave some time ago and agreed that it is beyond repair. Roger was kind enough to obtain pricing from two millwork companies to remake the sash for us. We have various prices for fabricating ranging from 2 to all 42 sash in the nave with prices running between $1600.00 to $1165.00 per sash depending on the volume of business. The pricing does not include; removal, glazing, painting, and installation which we would hope to do ourselves.

Soon it will be time to get back to indoor projects as the weather turns cold (brrr). See you in church! Andy

REMINDER!! Saint John’s Weekend Warriors

will be attacking more items on “The List” 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Saturday November 7

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Toast of Selina Aramide Coker-Olawoye By Emmanuel A. C. Orji A Pastor once went late to a synod meeting. By the time he arrived the synod venue, all the parking spaces had been used up. So, he decided to park at an unauthorized place. But before making for the synod hall, he wrote a message which he left on his car for the attention of the police. When the policeman on duty saw the wrong parking, he was infuriated. As he came close to the Pastor’s car, he saw the note on the car. It read :FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES. The reaction of the pastor was spontaneous. He turned the pastor’s note and wrote on it’s reverse side “LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION”. I came in this evening only to be asked to propose the toast of my sister, Mrs. Selina Aramide Coker- Olawoye who I am used to simply call Olu. Because she is my sister, I would have preferred that an independent person proposed her toast, rather than be led into the temptation of doing so myself since that would amount to my blowing my own trumpet. Besides, given what I know of Olu, I am likely to be tempted to talk for long about her. But on a second thought, I am persuaded to accept the assignment on the ground that, if I do not blow my own horn, someone else could use it as a spittoon. In spite of the temptation to talk for long, I will short-circuit my speech and talk for a short while only. But, I even have another problem. A birthday is a day set aside for men and children only. The reason for this definition is that women seldom reveal their age. Before I proceed to carry out this assignment therefore , let me first of all congratulate Olu for her courage to tell us her age. The year 1949 is significant to me for two reasons. First, it was the year that Olu was born. Secondly, it was the year that I rounded up my secondary school education and sat for the Cambridge School Certificate examination then popularly known in Nigeria as Senior Cambridge. Olu happened to be our baby of the family at the time Everyone loved her as she grew up into a pretty baby. And that reminds me of a song that was popular in the 1940s. While I do not remember the lyrics again, I know that they ended with the words “pretty baby”. And whenever I came around Olu then, I would sing it, and she reacted as if she knew what I was singing. To know Olu is to love her. And the more you know her the more you admire her. I will now dilate on a few of her many sterling qualities. First, I shall recall one of her greatest attributes, which is why she invited us to this ceremony, and that is her sense of gratitude which can be compared to the response of the one of the ten lepers recalled in the biblical story told in Luke 17:11-19 , which I prefer to call the rarity of gratitude, very vividly epitomized in a song I learnt from my friend, Dr. A. K. Achinivu, sometime Head of the Department of Music, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka:- Sadly ten men lepers afar off stood, Jesus have mercy upon us they prayed, Wondrously Jesus’ love made them whole, One came back thanking, but, Where are the nine? Where are the nine? (2ce) Were there not ten made whole? Where are the nine? Olu is steadfast, amiable and firm in her resolve over anything in which she believes. Olu says things as they are, because she is always brutally frank, and could not care whose ox was gored. Olu is deeply emotional over her relationship with friends and filial relations. Whatever she has, she shares with people in her belief that Christianity is not about the survival of the fittest but the protection of the weakest. And that accounts for why she is kind and un-derstanding. Even distance never affects her relationship with her kith and kin in Nigeria . On a personal note, I recall with joy that in1999, when I celebrated my 70th birthday, she took the trouble to travel from here to Nigeria to attend the ceremonies marking the event.

(Continued on page 8)

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(Continued from page 7; Tribute to Selina) Olu’s sense of appreciation beggars description because she realizes that appreciation is the oil that lubricates the wheels of all relationships, including the relationship between God and man. Olu is always happy because she believes that happiness is like a perfume. You cannot pour it on others without dropping them on yourself. A hardworking woman, Olu believes that chiefly the mould of a person’s fortune is in his or her own hands, hence her attitude to work. Olu believes so much in herself and has developed a poise which she exhibits as she walks, ever moving with the effortless grace of royalty. As a nurse, she has contributed to humanity in a unique fashion. But she has been at her best in her role as mother and housewife. Her family, both immediate and extended, mean so much to her. I can continue ad infinitum on my toast of Olu. But I am in honour bound to keep my promise to make this speech short. Infact, I must remind myself that watches as well as men need to de wound up And so,I must end this toast. And I have chosen to do so on a note of prayer by reading from the customized birthday card which I now request one of my children here present to hand over to Olu:- Dear sister, May God give you….. For every storm, a rainbow, For every tear, a smile, For every care, a promise, And a blessing in each trial, For every problem life sends, A faithful friend to share, For every sigh, a sweet song, And an answer for every prayer. May we all rise to wish Olu a great and happy birthday

A New Sound System For Synod Hall

A big “Thank You!” goes out to William McBorrough, as he has provided the Cathedral with a brand new sound system for Synod Hall! Now we can run this system independently of the system that is in the Nave of the Cathedral. Well done, and thank you, Bill!!!

As we all know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Please do whatever you can to support the foundation of your choice in their efforts to find a cure.

DEADLINES FOR The RECORD The Record, our parish newsletter, is published monthly and is available by email, hard copy and on the Cathedral website. If you would like to receive the Record electronically, please give your email address to our Parish Administrator, Miss Tinker or call the church office at (401) 331-4622. Please send articles to Deacon Barbara at BMaysStock@cox.net. The deadlines for submission to The Record are as follows:

October 23 for the November edition November 23 for the December edition

December 19 for the January, 2010 edition

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The Dean and Chapter The Dean and Chapter The Dean and Chapter The Dean and Chapter of of of of

the Cathedral of Saint John the Cathedral of Saint John the Cathedral of Saint John the Cathedral of Saint John in Providencein Providencein Providencein Providence

invite you to be presentinvite you to be presentinvite you to be presentinvite you to be present at at at at

a Diocesan Eucharista Diocesan Eucharista Diocesan Eucharista Diocesan Eucharist offered in celebration offered in celebration offered in celebration offered in celebration

of of of of the 80the 80the 80the 80thththth Anniversary Anniversary Anniversary Anniversary

of of of of the Designation of Saint John’s Church the Designation of Saint John’s Church the Designation of Saint John’s Church the Designation of Saint John’s Church

as as as as the Cathedral of the Diocese of Rhode Islandthe Cathedral of the Diocese of Rhode Islandthe Cathedral of the Diocese of Rhode Islandthe Cathedral of the Diocese of Rhode Island

and and and and the 219the 219the 219the 219thththth Convention Convention Convention Convention

of of of of the Diocese of Rhode Islandthe Diocese of Rhode Islandthe Diocese of Rhode Islandthe Diocese of Rhode Island

Friday, the TwentyFriday, the TwentyFriday, the TwentyFriday, the Twenty----third of October,third of October,third of October,third of October, at six o’clock in the eveningat six o’clock in the eveningat six o’clock in the eveningat six o’clock in the evening

A Reception will be held afterward in Synod HallA Reception will be held afterward in Synod HallA Reception will be held afterward in Synod HallA Reception will be held afterward in Synod Hall

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Sunday

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the Food P

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4 H

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0AM

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Choir R

ehearsal 9:50AM

Church S

chool 10:30AM

HE La Inglesia del M

esias 6:00P

M

5

6 Prayer S

hawl M

inistry

9:30AM

Diocesan E

CW 1:30

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itchen 4:00PM

Diversity C

omm. 7P

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Taize 4:00P

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Colum

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18 H

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ECW Bake S

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chool 10:30AM

Town M

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HE La Inglesia del M

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Staff M

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Holy E

ucharist in

Celebration of 80th

Anniversary the

Designation of S

aint John’s

Church 6P

M Reception

following in S

ynod Hall

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219th D

iocesan Convention

at the Marriott H

otel

Providence

Food P

antry 11AM

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Stew

ardship Sunday

HE 8:30&

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Adult E

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ehearsal 9:50AM

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chool 10:30AM

HE La Inglesia del M

esias

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inistry 9:30A

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itchen 4:00PM

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3

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All Souls D

ay

Food P

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Memorial S

ervice for Mr.

Sum

merville 3

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October

2009

2009

2009

2009

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The Episcopal Cathedral of Saint John 271 North Main Street

The Record

Mailing Address

Goes Here

The Very Rev. Harry E. Krauss, Dean The Rev. Barbara Mays-Stock, Deacon

The Rev. Mark Warter, Deacon Mr. John Higginbotham, Seminarian

Mr. Brink Bush, Music Director/Organist Leah Nastasi, Senior Warden Andy Costa, Junior Warden

Church Office Hours 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Monday through Friday Office closed on Saturday

Office Phone: (401) 331-4622

Email: hkrauss@cathedralofstjohn.org deaconbarbara@cathedralofstjohn.org

The Newsletter of

The recordThe recordThe recordThe record

Welcome to The Cathedral of Saint John

Diocesan Clergy Photo, 2009