January–February 2011
i in G iMeS
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the St. Cyprian’s newsletter
FINDING LIGHTS IN EPIPHANY Epiphany is upon us, that season after Christmas when the church focuses on the appearance of Christ in the world, as well as a day that recognizes the coming of the Magi, those wise sojourners from afar who traveled a long way to find the Christ child. In some ancient liturgies these three enthralling words appear in relation to Epiphany: illumination, manifestation, and declaration. Throughout the world the church honors Epiphany in different ways, recalling Jesus’ baptism and one of his first miracles, turning water into wine. On the ninth Sunday following Epiphany (March 5) just before we enter the season of Lent we read of how Jesus took a few of his followers up to a high place to experience what is called the transfiguration. In some ways this whole period of time between Christmas and Ash Wednesday can be appreciated as a time of getting to know Jesus, of being introduced or reintroduced to his teachings on love, solidarity, change, and compassion, and to his fearless and worryfree approach to life. We may want to spend some time each day paying attention to the stories about Jesus that speak to us, both personally and as a community. I remember as a child being startled by someone suggesting in a rather intellectual, academic voice that the Magi probably didn’t visit the baby Jesus in a manger, but in a house, or somewhere in Egypt. This person was approaching scripture using what is often called the historical critical method. The questions that were being raised did not fit with the images that folks had given me, the crèches or the Christmas cards of shepherds and wise men together hanging out in a barn. Some people suggest that questions like those raised by archeology, biblical scholars, and a whole range of other experts can ultimately lead us away from good old-fashioned faith. I have found that the more questions that get asked, the more fascinating, layered, and meaningful the stories become.
This Epiphany, as we explore the stories of Jesus, lets also “learn to love the questions themselves” as one famous poet suggests, digging beneath the surface and appreciating the complexity, layers, and variety of meanings that can be found—just as, looking back in our own lives, we can find many ways of interpreting events, people, and circumstances. Now, hanging in the new Cyprian’s Gallery on the lower level of the church, our next-door neighbor and artist Pat Preble presents paintings depicting biblical scenes in contemporary environs. The arts are such a gift for opening up conversation, stimulating new questions, and deepening our appreciation for all the ways we encounter the holy. This month, as St. Cyprian’s has prepared to welcome SF Live Arts, which will be hosting an eclectic array of concerts twice a month in our sanctuary, a small group of us have been exploring ways to improve our lighting. The more people have gotten involved, the broader the possibilities have become and the more likely something will be done at a price we can afford. I think this search for lights in Epiphany is a helpful metaphor for our life of faith at St. Cyprian’s and beyond. The more we open ourselves to the questions and appreciate the stories, the voices, • Holiday and anniverand perspectives of others—even sary party strangers—the broader the possibilities for meaningful change. Blessings • Concert series starts on your search for lights this season February 11 and beyond. Let’s together be open to the questions, the strangers, • Bishop’s Committee and the variety of interpretations and annual meeting we may find for our lives, stories, and experiences. • Neighborhood gallery
INSIDE
Peace, Will
• Workday • Calendar
THE NEWS FROM ST. CYPRIAN’S... welcome again, rev. will The members of St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church proudly announce the hiring of Reverend Will Scott as the new Vicar of St. Cyprian’s. After more than a year of uncertainty about the church’s future and leadership, in came Will Scott. A driven individual with a vision who sees a seamless partnership between the church and the neighboring community. Our holiday and 50th anniversary party on December 18 was a huge success, drawing at least 100 people; many were from the neighborhood and all of them have an interest in what St. Cyprian’s is doing now. We feel that Rev. Will’s tenure here at St. Cyprian’s has helped bring about this renewed spirit, and we welcome you to join us to share in our new beginning. God bless. —Bruno Peguese, Senior Warden annual meeting and an invitation to serve The congregation will gather after service on Sunday, January 30, for our annual meeting. In addition to electing new leaders to the Bishop’s Committee, we will discuss our hopes for the year ahead and approve a budget. Please send or bring in your 2011 pledge by January 28 in order for us to prepare for this important meeting. In the coming year, the BC will meet on the fourth Sunday of every month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Speaking of which...are you interested in helping to support the life and work of St. Cyprian’s Church? Consider being part of the Bishop’s Committee. The governing board of our church, the Bishop’s Committee is a group of lay people elected from and by the congregation. Members act as representatives and leaders in overseeing and developing strategies for the life of our church. The Bishop’s Committee also guides and coordinates the church committees. Our church is currently designated as a mission church. As the committee’s name suggests, it is accountable to the Bishop of California, the Rt. Reverend Marc Andrus, who is designated as our rector. Below are a few of the requirements of BC members. If you are interested in serving or think you know someone who may be helpful to our work, please be in touch with either our senior warden, Bruno Peguese, or the Reverend Will Scott. To be eligible for the committee, you must be a pledging member of record, 16 years of age or older, and an active communicant of the congregation. labyrinth walk: january 17, 6–9 p.m. Join us for reflection on the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as we contemplate the question “What would Martin say today?” using the ancient spiritual practice of walking meditation. Why the labyrinth? The intricate patterns of this continuous path evoke images and metaphors of relationship that are more common in movement than in sitting meditation. This gathering will be facilitated by Deacon Davidson Bidwell-Waite. All are welcome. To learn more about other local events honoring the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., please visit www.norcalmlk.org and www.sf-interfaith.org.
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Cyprian’s neighborhood gallery To kick off our 51st year at Turk and Lyon, the hallway at the foot of the stairs has been transformed into an art gallery. Different artists will be featured throughout the year. Please be in touch about artists you’d like to see featured in this space. This month, Pat Preble shares with us two series that reflect the breadth of her work: Biblical Themes In Modern Dress and the Paths Of Golden Gate Park. Check out Pat’s work Detail of a painting in the online at http://www.patpreble.com. In series The Paths of Golden March, we will present photographs by Gate Park, by Pat Preble. the Reverend Ida Louise Johnson. sf live arts music series St. Cyprian’s is excited to launch in February its new performance venture, Cyprian’s, with a much-respected music series produced by SF Live Arts. For 30 years, the Noe Valley Ministry hosted this series and presented Grammy and Academy Award winners as well as emerging talent. The music ranges from jazz, folk, world music, bluegrass, old-time, and eclectic mixes of all. Cyprian’s will host two or three performances each month, beginning Friday, February 11, at 8 p.m. with the opening of the San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival. Performer Nell Robinson will re-create a 1930s radio show and old-time music revue. Please plan on welcoming her and her guests John Reischman & the Jaybirds, Summertown Road, and the “fine-feathered song sisters” The Henriettas. Cyprian’s will also share our beautiful space with other performances through the year, including student music recitals, spoken word, and lectures. Please stop by our new Web site at http://liveatcyprians.blogspot.com for a complete update on St. Cyprian’s latest engagement with our neighbors and community. workday makes the place shine Lots of cleaning, sorting, and several cans of fresh paint had St. Cyprian’s glowing for its 50 anniversary and holiday party. The week before the party, neighbors joined congregation members for an afternoon workday. The downstairs bathrooms are now bright with new paint, and the women’s has a new floor. Volunteers also washed the exterior doors and windows, cleared out closets, and made three trips to Goodwill and one to the city dump. Thanks to all who contributed to the make-over and deep appreciation to Hospitality Committee for keeping everyone Jarie Bolander, president of the nourished. Look for another North Panhandle NeighborSt. Cyprian’s workday in the late hood Association...and really winter or early spring. great volunteer painter.
50 Years at Turk and Lyon We’ve got history here. Although St. Cyprian’s roots extend even deeper into the past, for 50 years our congregation has gathered in the church on the corner of Turk and Lyon streets for faith, worship, hospitality, and community outreach. On December 18, more than 100 people celebrated our longevity with music, great food and drink, and dancing. The sanctuary offered a candlelit glow for the guitar music of Brian Dowdy, and the community room rocked with the DJ spins of Nathan and Alecia McDowell—Nathan was a St. Cyp’s acolyte. We were honored to have as special guests Barbara McLaughlin, wife of our former pastor Elmer McLaughlin; the Very Reverend Rowan Smith, former dean of St. George’s Cathedral in Cape Town, South Africa; members of the Brahma Kumaris Center; and lots of neighbors from the North Panhandle Neighborhood Association, including current and past presidents Jarie Bolander and Michael Helquist, both members of St. Cyprian’s as well. So many people helped make this a wildly successful event: a huge thanks to all.
Dynamic DJ duo of Nathan and Alecia McDowell
Sandra, Kira, and Susanna, all smiles
Tommy and Willie looking sharp on the dance floor!
Finally, the moment the kids were waiting for...
On the Calendar MONDAYS Al-Anon, 6:30–7:30 p.m. One of our new banners, displayed on both the Turk and Lyon street sides. Our thanks to designer Damon Styer and New Bohemia Signs for printing.
Keeping in Touch Does St. Cyprian’s have your e-mail address and correct mailing address? At our annual meeting on January 30, we will begin gathering information for a new congregation directory. Also, this winter we intend to begin a weekly e-mail newsletter. If you know of people who may wish to be on the distribution list, please send their e-mail addresses to turkandlyon@gmail.com. If you want to hear from us, we want to hear from you!
FRIDAYS Simply Sandwiches works downstairs, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. SATURDAYS Alcoholics Anonymous, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. JANUARY 17, 6–9 P.M. Labyrinth walking meditation JANUARY 30 ANNUAL MEETING, after the 10:10 a.m. service FEBRUARY 11, 8 P.M. Opening night, San Francisco Bluegrass & Old Time Festival FEBRUARY 12, 8 P.M. Festival continues with the Stairwell Sisters, Cahalin Morrison and Eli West, and Misner & Smith FEBRUARY 18, 8 P.M. Festival continues with Jackstraw, the Water Tower Bucket Boys, and the Brothers Comatose Designer and editor: Jennifer Wolfe • jpaigewolfe@gmail.com Contributing writer: Michael Helquist
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SUNDAYS, 10:10 A.M. • LITURGY AND MUSIC WEDNESDAYS, 9 A.M. • MORNING COMMUNION
St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church 2097 Turk St. San Francisco, CA 94115
415.567.1855 WWW.SAINTCYPRIANSSF.ORG
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St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church has been a member of the San Francisco community for over 80 years. We are a passionate group of seekers and worshipers from many walks of life.