STHE
C AT H E D R A L Q U A R T E R L Y s FALL/WINTER 2020
A LETTER FROM THE DEAN
VIRTUAL WORSHIP:
A NEW KIND OF CHURCH The Very Rev. Katherine (Kate) B. Moorehead, 10th Dean of St. John’s Cathedral and Dean of the Diocese of Florida
DEAR FRIENDS s
T H E C AT H E D R A L Q U A R T E R LY is a publication of St. John’s Cathedral that celebrates who we are as a community, a parish and a cathedral for the Diocese of Florida. Wherever you are on your journey of faith, YOU ARE WELCOME HERE. If you have a story to share, we’d love to hear from you. Send copy to npurcell@jaxcathedral.org s Nancy Purcell, Editor Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @jaxcathedral
We began to ask you to have tools with you at your screen: a prayer book, a candle, a piece of bread, and eventually even your cell phone as we figured out how you could text in a donation. I asked Tim Tuller to give you a few sentences of commentary about the piece of music at the offertory. We consulted with film makers and script writers who suggested that we film people wishing us welcome and offering the peace. And we just kept on trying, making mistakes, and trying again. (Remember the Sunday when
Throughout human history, one can see that the evolution and development of the tools that we use to communicate has caused us to evolve and grow as a human race. Think back to the 1500s and the invention of the printing presses. When people began to hold books in their hands, they began to ask to read the Bible for themselves. The Bible was then translated from Latin and Greek into S “ W E N OW H AV E P E O P L E WO R S H I P I N G the native languages of its WITH US FROM ALL OVER THIS COUNTRY readers, and people began A N D S O M E A B R OA D A S W E L L .” S to interpret the Scriptures for themselves. This led to all technology failed and I ended up the Protestant Reformation, the alteration filming eucharist from my house at my of worship itself and the way that people prayer desk?) We are so blessed to have conceived of God and Jesus. When we an incredible team on our staff: Nancy change our technology, we change right Purcell is a rock star. Pam Searcy and along with it. Liesl Gavronsky have pivoted and learned more about liturgy and technology than I It is clear to me that this pandemic has thought possible and thank God for Fouad sped up a process of development that Raja, who majored in film at UNF. He is had already begun. Even before the virus, God’s gift to us! I had felt moved to install cameras and livestream our worship online so that I now know that virtual worship is not people who were ill, sick or out of town just here for the time of pandemic. When could watch the worship from their the pandemic ends, we will continue to homes. I began to ask the Bishop about offer this kind of worship online. We now coming up with a way to track virtual have people who worship with us from all attendance. Did anyone at the National over this country and some abroad as well. Church care about how many people were This is a church plant. It is a new kind of watching? church, here to stay with us. It will form and shape us just as we form and shape it. When the pandemic hit, I was grateful And the Holy Spirit will be with us online. for our cameras and equipment, but we quickly realized that to simply film Thank you to every one of you who a congregation worshipping was not worships with us. adequate. We needed to turn the chancel into a kind of television studio and we With love in Christ, needed to worship in a way that would get people actively worshipping with us from home and not just watching.
V E ST RY R E P O RT
V I TA L S I G N S A N D I N V I G O R AT I N G I N I T I AT I V E S The Rev. Dr. Bob Dannals, Senior Associate
The Dean and Vestry of St. John’s Cathedral held its annual retreat by Zoom on Saturday, September 26, 2020. Here are the summary highlights of a very inspiring gathering:
W O R K I N G F R O M T H E V I S I O N S TAT E M E N T A N D M I S S I O N I M P E R AT I V E , T H E V E S T RY S E T O U T T O A D VA N C E V I TA L I N I T I AT I V E S F O R O U R C O N G R E G AT I O N F O R T H E N E X T 1 8 M O N T H S A N D B E YO N D . O U R M O T T O Love at the Core O U R V I S I O N Through the heartbeat of our sacred worship, we bring together people of profound differences to serve God, to love and learn from one another. O U R M I S S I O N Inspired by the love of Jesus, we are building the kingdom of heaven, where differing people live in community, serving God and each other.
O U R C O R E VA L U E S • Love • Service • Community • Compassion • Diversity • Joy • Thanksgiving • Authenticity
OUR CORE STRENGTHS • Excellence in worship and music, preaching and teaching • A talented and diverse laity • Spiritual formation for all ages • Small groups for discipleship • Historic and beautiful facilities • Financial resources • Urban location • Communications and online abilities • Pastoral care/community-building and outreach During the coming 12-18 months, the Dean and Vestry are calling on our congregation to embrace and focus on serving others — to find ways to assist those in our congregation and in the community during these pandemic times. Each of the seven Councils will be called upon to offer elements of service in its areas of ministry. We believe as we act on our faith it will deepen our relationship with God and each other, and that we will be blessed in the serving. One opportunity will begin next month — 2020 Acts of Gratitude led by the Parish Life Council. We will be challenged to complete 2,020 ways of serving each other and the community. The Council will be advancing forward doable service ministries for all ages, such as preparing a meal, sending a card or doing yard work. There will be projects that families can complete together, as well as ones that singles can take on comfortably. So, look for these opportunities and make a commitment to participate.
In addition to outreach, the Dean and Vestry also set forward the following initiatives for the coming 18 months and beyond: • To make our current Sunday virtual service into a permanent worshipping community following the pandemic; • To enhance the parish-wide “shepherding” ministry started during the pandemic and increase our pastoral presence and contacts, recruiting more volunteers, improving our training of lay pastoral caregivers, and broadening our reach; • To consider establishing innovative in-person worship opportunities in addition to our traditional worship at 10am (or when we return to 8, 9 and 11a.m. schedule). In the meantime, provide monthly outdoor “family” worship opportunities, giving children and youth a chance to be together (safely) in worship which is short and lively; • To address building foundation issues at the Cathedral, including water intrusion and mold; • To set forth a zero-based budgeting process for the Cathedral, especially as we look at the need for frugality during the pandemic; • To develop several plans during the coming months: Preventive Maintenance, Emergency Exit, and Environment and Safety; • To set forth a plan for growth — in membership and giving at the Cathedral. Following the pandemic, the Cathedral seeks to be poised to be a vital downtown, thriving community of growth and opportunity; and, • To nurture and increase our small groups, including Bible studies, book groups, prayer gatherings. During the pandemic, to continue the valuable Zoom classes and groups, inviting new participants. St. John’s Cathedral has a long history of leadership in service to the community. We seek to intentionally connect more of our people to the myriad of existing ministries and to new endeavors. The Dean and Vestry call upon all of us to re-dedicate ourselves during this challenging time to be the people of God and a committed congregation of Christ in downtown Jacksonville — to be...
S T E WA R D S H I P A N D D E V E L O P M E N T
“ C O U N T O N M E ! ” I S A G R E AT S U C C E S S The Rev. Dr. Bob Dannals, Senior Associate
As members of St. John’s Cathedral, we are part of a story that has been going on long before we arrived. A story of faith, proclaiming good news, and reaching out in love and service to Jacksonville and beyond. Alive in the story now, we seize the unique and challenging present period to respond well to the needs in front of us and define what is possible for the future, through our faith, our presence, and our generosity. When the COVID-19 pandemic came upon us, the Dean, the staff, and the Stewardship & Development Council met to discuss our way forward. Because of the mandates to “stay home” if possible, the tentative “opening up” of our society, and the continuing isolation felt by many, we felt the need to create participation and involvement, but to do so safely. So, we harkened back to an old tried-and-true manner of an every-member effort: The Pony Express. By delivering over 50 “touch-free” satchels to people’s doorsteps, asking them to complete their pledge cards for 2021 and consider “a plus” amount for the rest of 2020 and deliver the backpack to the next residence, we created instant fun energy for the campaign. Whether or not people carried bags from one place to the next, everyone felt connected. What a gift! Part of this year’s campaign was an appeal to “pledge plus.” During the coming months, we seek to “survive” in 2020 so that we can “thrive” in 2021. Many people decided to make this extra
commitment and responded with incredible generosity. The news and the numbers are coming in, and the response so far is a resounding statement of commitment. We are grateful! Please see the numbers below. They show significant increases in the amount of giving for 2021, and many of you have made an extra “plus” gift. With over 125 pledges yet to come in, we are hopeful that we’ll shape a budget for next year enabling the Cathedral to thrive as we come out of this pandemic. In deep gratitude for your giving, we want you to have both a face-collage poster of the Cathedral and a yard sign. If you let us know that you wish to have one or both, they will be delivered to you. Please contact Pam Searcy (psearcy@jaxcathedral. org), and she’ll make sure you get them. Nothing that happens at St. John’s would be possible without your generous financial support. Especially in 2021, so much of our operating budget relies on direct pledging and giving. And we want to assure you that every dime is carefully used to advance our congregation’s mission and ministries. We extend our deep gratitude to the Development Council — John Erstling, Chris Hayes, Martha Greene, and Cindy Cooper — and to Pam Searcy and Nancy Purcell of the staff. Again, thank you, thank you for your generosity.
$0
WE’RE ALMOST THERE! HELP US REACH OUR GOAL!
S T E WA R D S H I P A N D D E V E L O P M E N T
S M A N Y P E O P L E D E C I D E D TO M A K E T H I S E X T R A C O M M I T M E N T A N D R E S P O N D E D W I T H I N C R E D I B L E G E N E R O S I T Y. T H E N E W S A N D T H E N U M B E R S A R E C O M I N G I N , A N D T H E
R E S P O N S E S O F A R I S A R E S O U N D I N G S T AT E M E N T O F C O M M I T M E N T. W E A R E G R AT E F U L ! s
P L E D G E C A M PA I G N C O M PA R I S O N S
2019
Pledge Campaign
2020
Pledge Campaign
T O TA L PLEDGES
370
337
T O TA L AMOUNT PLEDGED
$1,311,750
$1,379,475
2020
Pledge Plus Campaign
83 $62,387
2021
2021
Additional Projected Pledges
Pledge Campaign
201
136
$808,223
$657,762 based on 2020 pledge
$1M
KEEP THE PONY EXPRESS RIDING!
$1.5M
$1.379M
BOOKSTORE
A D V E N T U R E S I N V I R T U A L R E TA I L I N G Kathryn Bissette, Cathedral Bookstore Manager
The Cathedral Bookstore & Gift Shop has been operating virtually and physically since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We receive orders by phone and email and offer curbside delivery or contactless pickup in the Bookstore Lobby area. We also welcome you to come in and shop using social distance practices (maskwearing and sanitizing your hands as you enter our lobby area). Our current store hours are 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. A bookstore website will be available soon.
F I R S T M O N D AY B O O K C L U B Under the leadership of our wonderful Sandi Dunnavant, our First Monday Book Club moved to Zoom in April, and we have seen considerable growth in our membership. We now have members in five new states: Georgia, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, and Virginia! Stay tuned for a new spin-off club forming later this fall—the Third Thursday Art@Noon Salon. It’s sure to become another fun way to learn and connect with our expanded Cathedral family.
V I RT UA L T RU N K S H OWS We’re trying some new retailing ideas this fall—virtual trunk shows via Zoom and Facebook Live. These will offer Christmas gift-giving ideas and let you meet the creators of jewelry, art, and other unique gift items. You can then purchase directly with these vendors and receive a special “Love at the Core” discount! EBA-Sponsored Zoom Conversations with Authors The Cathedral Bookstore & Gift Shop is a member of the Episcopal Booksellers Association (EBA), a national organization with 25 member stores located in Episcopal churches in the U.S. The EBA asked Dean Kate to discuss her latest book, Angels of the Bible, on Thursday, November 12, at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to this Zoom conversation, and copies of all of Dean Kate’s books are available for purchase in the bookstore. Thursday, January 14, at 7 p.m., noted scientist and theologian, Ilia Delio, will have a live conversation about her newest book, Re-Enchanting the Earth: Why AI Needs Religion. The book is available in the bookstore. Your book purchase will serve as your ticket to this event.
BOOKSTORE EVENTS F I R S T M O N D AY B O O K C L U B NOVEMBER 2
ANGELS OF THE BIBLE: LIVE C O N V E R S AT I O N W I T H D E A N K AT E
Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Sponsored by the Episcopal Booksellers Association (EBA)
DECEMBER 2
NOVEMBER 12 7 to 8 p.m.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Noon to 1 p.m.
A RT @ N O O N SA LO N TRUNK SHOW: DEIRDRE H A N D C R A F T E D J E W E L RY October 22 | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. | Zoom October 22 – 27 | Bookstore hours | Shop in person
NOVEMBER 19 12 p.m. Check the website, the Eagle newsletter, or call the Bookstore for Zoom links and more information.
N E W P O D C A S T : F I N D I T W I T H K AT E God often speaks through the voices of people and for a few years now, friends have been telling me to launch a podcast. “It is a way to reach the unchurched, the young, the seekers…” these were some of the words that I heard. Will Ketchum, a faithful member of the Cathedral and one of the most gifted marketing and branding experts around, told me that he would help. Find it is an attempt to speak out into the wider world. It is designed for people who are looking for peace, for comfort, for answers. It is my hope that people who are lonely and hungry will find this podcast and be fed. That is my prayer. Look for Find It with Kate wherever you subscribe to podcasts and on our website. New episodes will be added every week.
COMMUNITY
G E T I N V O LV E D W I T H
F A M I LY P R O M I S E Lynn S. Doiron, Outreach Council Chair
St. John’s Cathedral hosted two homeless families during the week of September 6-13, 2020. Due to the pandemic, your Outreach Council decided to host them off the property. We provided the funds for our guests to stay at an extendedstay hotel for the week, and we provided gift cards for them to purchase groceries since they had a kitchenette. We felt that this was a safer alternative for both the families and our church volunteers. We want you to know that since March, Family Promise of Jacksonville has continued to minister to homeless families in Jacksonville. During the “shutdown,” the families stayed in one house owned by one of the host churches. Various host churches provided gift cards for groceries and restaurant take-out food. St. John’s had a Host Week scheduled in early May; however, the participating families had just moved into their own homes, and new families hadn’t come into the program yet. Since the beginning of June, Host Churches have continued to host Family Promise, either in their churches or at extended-stay hotels. We understand that many local Family Promise affiliates have shut down during this pandemic, but Family Promise of Jacksonville has continued to serve homeless children and their families. We hope to have volunteer training for Family Promise volunteers soon. Please contact me at doironl@comcast.net or 904-703-0847 (call or text) if you would like to participate.
L E T ’ S TA L K
A CIVIL DISCOURSE SERIES S E C O N D T U E S D A Y S 6 : 3 0 – 8 P. M . What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus Christ and an American citizen in this fraughtfilled 21st Century? We are living in a time of significant challenges given the COVID-19 pandemic, a divisive general election campaign, racial strife, political unrest, and a host of tangled emotions relative to one or all challenges. Our core institutions – health, education, criminal justice, political leadership, and the church – are being called into question. Some say American democracy is at risk. You are invited to join the conversation. Each month’s dialogue will be posted on Realm under the Let’s Talk tab where dialogue resources and Zoom invitations. Please contact Rev. R. Gregg Kaufman with questions or concerns. Gkaufman8@mac.com
BACK TO WORK: HOW SHOULD WE REBUILD OUR ECONOMY? October 13
VOTING: HOW SHOULD WE SAFEGUARD AND IMPROVE OUR ELECTIONS? November 10
T H E I M M I G R A N T H O LY F A M I LY A N D I M M I G R AT I O N I N A M E R I C A T O D A Y. December 8
J O I N U S I N A PA R I S H -W I D E E V E N T TO CONDUCT TWO THOUSAND AND T W E N T Y A C T S O F G R AT I T U D E I N
A C T S O F G R AT I T U D E All people associated with the Cathedral are invited to participate as we come together as one body in service to many others. Service will take different forms, and everyone can join in the fun – all in the name of St. John’s Cathedral and in thanksgiving for our many blessings.
C E L E B R AT I O N O F T H A N K S G I V I N G !
More information coming soon including examples of Acts of Gratitude (individual, family, those sheltering in place, youth, virtual/online friends). Let’s make Thanksgiving extraspecial this year as we offer Two Thousand and Twenty Acts of Gratitude. Sponsored by: Parish Life Council.
F O R M AT I O N A N D S P I R I T U A L I T Y
O U R S T E P S T O WA R D B E C O M I N G
BELOVED COMMUNITY Owene Courtney, Director of Formation and Spirituality
Since the murder of George Floyd erupted a maelstrom of racial trauma and demonstration, St. John’s Cathedral clergy and staff have tried to determine and discern how to respond to the congregation and the community in an appropriate and pastoral way to soothe the pain and the confusion we have all faced. Our first step was to invite the congregation to read A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines and then have a conversation with Dean Kate Moorehead about the book. Simultaneously we invited J. Chester Johnson, author of
backgrounds discussed their experiences with racial injustice and their perspectives on navigating this uneasy climate. In the last few years, the national Episcopal Church under the leadership of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry produced The Becoming Beloved Community Vision Document. This work helps us understand and take up the long-term commitments necessary to form loving, liberating, and life-giving relationships with each other. Together, we are growing as reconcilers, justice-makers,
S I A P P R E C I AT E S A C R E D G R O U N D F O R O U R G R O U P ’ S
D I V E R S I T Y A N D E V E R YO N E ’ S W I L L I N G N E S S TO S H A R E T H O U G H T S AND EXPERIENCES WITH C ANDOR AND CHRIST’S LOVE. s – Rev. Gregg Kaufman
Damaged Heritage: The Elaine Race Massacre, to lead us in a discussion about his book, sharing the stage with Dr. Catherine Meeks, the Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing. Both of those events were educational and enlightening, and they opened up the way for having hard conversations about racial inequality, including the necessity for truth and reconciliation conversations.
and healers in the name of Christ. Out of this project came the Sacred Ground curriculum, a film-based dialogue series on race and faith. St. John’s Cathedral began offering this curriculum in small groups in August, and at this point, we have five small groups meeting. Several members from St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, the St. Stephen AME Church, St. John’s Cathedral, and others participate.
In July, we were fortunate to have Khalil Osiris, founder of Reflecting Freedom Network, join us to moderate five Truth and Reconciliation Conversations. In these conversations, men and women from various
We are also participating in a consortium of interfaith civic groups, including OneJax and 904WARD, who meet regularly to share our efforts towards and vision for creating an inclusive and respectful community in Jacksonville and surrounding areas.
Learning and change come through historical, Biblical, and personal reflection. The material is challenging and multi-dimensional. I enthusiastically read and watch the varied reference materials, and I’m excited about what’s next!
“
Our group “connected” immediately—sharing sincere questions and valuable insights; personal experiences; intelligent and caring options to important challenges — challenges within our personal lives, our State and nation. I eagerly anticipate each meeting! ~Dee Beggarly
“
Participating in the first Truth and Reconciliation conversation was intimidating because I grew up in the 50’s in an all-white neighborhood not understanding or really even hearing about racial oppression until the late 60’s. I had no idea what I was going to say. I did have the desire, as a Christian, to help those who are suffering and in pain. I could feel the heavy weight of their oppression and wanted to be a part of the healing process in our country. During the conversation, I learned how to express my sorrow for the forgotten wounds of my brothers and sisters. For the first time in my life I was able to verbalize the way I felt about racism. My hope is to continue to engage in more dialogue for a deeper understanding of what systemic racism means. I want to take the necessary steps to eradicate racism by first following the teachings of love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. ~Linda Crofton
“
“
Sacred Ground is the perfect name for this group experience. Together we seek the Holy One’s direction and Spiritual insight into foundational relationships.
FAITH FORUM
C O N F I R M AT I O N D U R I N G C O V I D - 1 9 Michael Corrigan, Vestry and Confirmation Teacher
As happens each year, the time had come to gather those young members of the parish who were ready to commit to a mature relationship with Jesus. These young people are typically in their mid-to-late teen years and are already taking some part in the active life of our Cathedral family. This is a time for deep personal reflection, instruction in the Christian faith and practices of the Episcopal Church, and preparation to receive the sacrament from a bishop. This year’s journey began for five young parishioners on Tuesday evening, April 14. The class connected via Zoom each week from then through May 26. During classes, thorough discussions about the Book of Common Prayer included the Rite 1 and Rite 2 Eucharist services, the Baptism service, the Collects in the earlier part of the text and the Prayers in the later part, the Lectionary, and the Catechism. Beyond the BCP, the seasons of the year and the liturgical calendar were discussed, as were the books of the Bible and how they were selected, and the topic of apostolic succession leading to a history of the Episcopal Church and its precursor Church Of England. Early in the class, a significant discussion was held about selecting a sponsor, someone with whom the young person already has a relationship that will permit them to talk about anything and everything, including ongoing spiritual development. Topics that particularly resonated for the students included the real presence of the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist, the Apocrypha and whether it is or should be considered on par with the 66 primary books of the Bible, and personal prayer as a part of our daily activities that goes beyond the eyes closed, hands folded variety of prayer. When asked to provide a written response to what in the class stood out for them, responses varied by student.
“This class has taught me that instead of a requirement, confirmation is a choice to take on the life of a Christian man with the help of God. A choice that I can make individually when I am ready.” -- Andrew “You will begin to realize the importance of prayer and realize that you can do normal actions with the intention of pleasing God and that can count as one of your prayers for that day.” – Ben “I also learned about things I hadn’t been thinking about, like what is a covenant? It is a relationship initiated by God and it is responded to by the faith of a group of people.” -- Faithe “When we participate in communion, we are becoming one with Christ by drinking his blood and eating his body. This class has made me think more about joining myself with the Christian community and making myself better for the lord.” – Katie “I’ve also learned that sacraments are Christian rites that one takes part in (like baptism or communion) and that we believe will strengthen our bonds with God. I never realized that until now. It’s made me realize that this (practicing sacraments) isn’t just a check-list.” – Luke The youth were asked to write these statements in the form of a letter to their 12-year-old selves, and one of them closed in a way that properly ends our class for this year: “I love you. You are strong when you lean on Christ. Don’t forget that, please.”
L E T T H E C H U R C H S A Y, “A M E N ! ”
A G R E AT C L O U D O F W I T N E S S E S S U N D AY S T H R O U G H N O V E M B E R 2 2 AT 9 A . M . O N Z O O M In this series, various parishioners and friends of the Cathedral will lead discussion about holy women and men who were instrumental in the church in transformational times in our history. Some of the Christians who have inspired other Christians in different times and places that we will explore include: Frederick Douglass, Albert Schweitzer, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mary Bethune Cookman.
T H E WAY O F L O V E I N A D V E N T S U N D AY S AT 9 A . M . O N Z O O M NOVEMBER 29 The Annunciation: Saying “Yes” to the Journey
DECEMBER 6 Mary and Elizabeth: Journeying with Family and Friends
DECEMBER 12 The Birth of John the Baptist: Journeying with Community
DECEMBER 20 The Birth of Jesus: Journeying with the World
C H I L D R E N , YO U T H A N D FA M I L I E S
CHECKING IN WITH
C H I L D R E N A N D YO U T H M I N I S T R Y Liesl Gavronsky-Howsare, Children, Youth and Families Minister
We have had a fantastic year so far, considering the pandemic and adapting to this new way of life. With Christ, we shall forever prevail in these days of uncertainty. I’m so grateful for all of our fabulous volunteers who continue to pour their hearts into the children of St. John’s, even from afar. During this time, I’ve felt called to bring God’s word to the Cathedral children and beyond its walls. Even though things are tough right now, I cannot help but see some advantages. Our new virtual youth and children’s ministry is full of different offerings to keep our children and youth engaged and involved.
fortunate to have such talented teachers! Our new virtual youth offerings include a CONFIRMATION CHECK-IN CLASS every first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. via Zoom with Michael Corrigan. I encourage all youth to use this opportunity to come together as we continue this new journey together. In addition, youth are encouraged to join us on Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. for SOCIAL-DISTANCE SUNDAY SCHOOL. We use the curriculum, “I will with God’s help,” as we continue to learn and grow together. During the week, we gather from 6 –7 p.m. on Wednesday nights, following the social-distancing protocols.
S OUR CHILDREN’S VIRTUAL MINISTRY IS IN FULL SWING. s
Our Children’s Virtual Ministry is in full swing. I’m super excited about our NEW VIDEO SERIES, Out of the Mouths of Babes: Contemplative Conversations With Dean Kate Moorehead. If you are interested in having your children participate in this new virtual project with Dean Kate, please let me know. Making these videos provides an excellent opportunity for children to come and explore the Cathedral. As they visit, Dean Kate talks with them and answers any questions they may have. Our amazing volunteers continue to produce the most beautiful virtual lessons I’ve ever seen. We are so
Please be on the lookout for our Virtual offerings this Advent. We invite all children to participate in our virtual projects. We’ll start with a Virtual JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM TREASURE HUNT. We’ll host LIGHTNING OF THE ADVENT WREATH AND PRAYERS every Sunday night during Advent. Please keep your eyes and ears open to hear from Ms. Cheryl about our BIG PAGEANT PLANS! We miss you all so very much, and I look forward to seeing you all soon.
F A M I LY S E R V I C E ON RIVER FIELD O N A L L S A I N T S ’ S U N D AY
GOT TO GET THE WIGGLES OUT ON SUNDAY MORNING? HERE’S YOUR CHANCE! Bring your family and friends to the River Field on the Episcopal School of Jacksonville campus, Sunday, November 1, at 9 a.m. The River Field is located at the back of the campus next to the river (hence the name), and it is where ESJ plays soccer. The Rev. Adam Greene, headmaster, is allowing St. John’s Cathedral to use this wide-open space for a socially distanced service for children and families on All Saints’ Sunday: “The People in Heaven.” In the 30-minute worship service, we will remember those in heaven. Eucharist will be offered, followed by some running on the field and a few other treats! We hope to see you there. Please invite your friends and neighbors. You may bring blankets and/or tailgate chairs as there is no seating on the field.
W O R S H I P, M U S I C & A R T S
VIERNE 2020 Tim Tuller, Canon for Music
Canon for Music Timothy Tuller will mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of French organist and composer Louis Vierne (1870-1937) with a series of recitals featuring Vierne’s music. Louis Vierne was born in Poitiers, France. He was nearly blind from birth due to congenital cataracts. At the age of seven, he underwent a partially successful treatment, though he remained legally blind all his life. Vierne attended the Institute for Blind Youths and undertook private compositional study with César Franck in 1888. He became a full-time student at the Paris Conservatoire in 1890. While at the Conservatoire, he continued to study with Franck, and then with Franck’s successor Charles-Marie Widor, who took note of Vierne’s extraordinary talent and made him his assistant at Saint-Sulpice. In 1896 Alexander Guilmant succeeded Widor as professor or organ at the Conservatoire, and Vierne helped teach his organ class. In 1900 a jury consisting of the most illustrious organists in France unanimously elected Vierne to the post of Organist at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, a position he remained at until his death in 1937. While at Notre-Dame, Vierne’s reputation as both organist and composer grew. He undertook recital tours to England and America. Vierne died at the organ console during an organ recital at Notre-Dame on June 2, 1937. It was his 1,750th organ recital. Vierne led a complicated life, both emotionally and physically. These trials and tribulations are expressed in his music. In addition to his troubles with eyesight, Vierne lost his brother and son in WWI and went through an agonizing separation and divorce from his
wife. At one point, he badly fractured his leg in a street accident in Paris. It was at first thought his leg would have to be amputated, but fortunately, this did not prove necessary. However, he had to spend a year completely relearning his pedal technique at the organ. The six organ symphonies are Vierne’s artistic testament. They are formidable works, all milestones in twentiethcentury organ music development. Each piece exploits the full musical possibilities of a large symphonic organ. Tim will play all six symphonies in sequential order. The first recital will be Sunday, October 11, at 5 p.m. and will feature Symphonies 1 and 2. The second recital will follow two weeks later, on October 25 at 5 p.m. with Symphonies 3 and 4. The final concert will be on Sunday, November 8, at 5 p.m., presenting Symphonies 5 and 6. The Jacksonville Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is sponsoring these concerts. Seating will be limited due to the social distancing protocols, and masks must be worn. These concerts will also be live streamed on the Cathedral’s website: jaxcathedral.org.
T H E C AT H E D R A L C H O I R I S I N ! The Association of Anglican Musicians (AAM) has recently joined an international group of more than one hundred performing arts organizations to sponsor research into the implications of COVID-19 in rehearsal and
performance settings. The study is being led by scientists from the University of Colorado to provide musicians and performing arts organizations with scientifically sound, best practices regarding rehearsing and performing. The Cathedral Choir has returned to partial “social distance” rehearsals using the following guidelines from this study: 1) Masks are always to be worn when rehearsing and performing. 2) Singers must be six feet apart. 3) Rehearsals are to last no longer than 30 min in any one space. Our basic default for live service musical offerings this fall will be octets-groups of eight singers. This format will allow us to continue to sing quality Anglican repertoire in the manor the Cathedral Choir is known for, albeit on a scaled-down level. As time goes on and guidelines change, we’ll keep abreast of them and adapt accordingly.
Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No. 227 Jacksonville, Florida
256 East Church Street Jacksonville, FL 32202
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
F E A S T D AY A N D H O L I D AY W O R S H I P S E RV I C E S Please Note: Services and service times are different this year. CLERGY The Rt. Rev. S. Johnson Howard Bishop of Florida
A L L S A I N T S ’ D AY – N O V E M B E R 1
9 a.m. Family Service: “People in Heaven” River Field | Episcopal School of Jacksonville
The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Dean
10 a.m. Traditional Worship Service with Necrology Cathedral
The Rev. Dr. Bob Dannals Sr. Associate
T H A N K S G I V I N G D AY – N O V E M B E R 2 6
The Rev. Cn. Raja Zabaneh Canon for Pastoral Care
10 a.m. Holy Eucharist Cathedral
The Rev. Jon Baugh Priest Associate The Rev. Saundra Kidd Deacon
CHRISTMAS EVE – DECEMBER 24
Brief Services with Eucharist. Reservations will be required. 2 and 4 p.m. – Family-oriented services 6 and 10 p.m. – Traditional candlelit service C H R I S T M A S D AY – D E C E M B E R 2 5
The Cathedral will be open for prayer. No worship service.
S T. J O H N ’ S C A T H E D R A L C H O R A L S E R V I C E S Offered virtually only. Recordings will premiere on our website and YouTube Channel at 5 p.m. on the days stated below.
S T. A N D R E W ’ S D AY C H O R A L E V E N S O N G – N O V E M B E R 2 2 A DV E N T P RO C E S S I O N – N OV E M B E R 2 9 F E S T I VA L O F N I N E L E S S O N S A N D C A RO L S – D E C E M B E R 3 1
V E S T RY Charles Winney Treasurer
Chris Haley Stewardship & Development
Steve Busey Chancellor
Jayne Hill Parish Life
John Sefton, Sr. Warden
Joe Kincart Formation & Spirituality
Martha Cox, Jr. Warden
Laura Lane Outreach
Bruce Barcelo Pastoral Care
Jane Lester Worship, Music & Arts
Tom Burrell Worship, Music & Arts
Lisa McKenna Properties
Michael Corrigan Pastoral Care
Claude Moulton Finance
Martha Greene Stewardship & Development