Sunshine Cathedral Bulletin for Sunday, February 18, 2024

Welcome Home To Your . . .

Your Local & Global Queer Church Community for All A Positive Worship Experience Theme for Today: The Wilderness is Rough, But There’s Still Good News First Sunday in Lent February 18th 2024 All Are Welcome!

Service of Gathering Welcome

Opening Prayer (Sunshine Cathedral 2024 Daily Prayer) Rev Dr Durrell Watkins

Rev Dr Durrell Watkins, Senior Minister Rev Dr Robert Griffin, Executive Minister

Announcements

One: Let us pray in unison:

Rev Dr Anne Atwell Minister of Connections

Right now, I am tapping into the universal life force.

I wish for all who are suffering to find relief and hope.

I deny fear any power over me.

I will be a bright light in the world.

I am serene and confident and full of joy.

I expect blessings.

Nothing is too good for me May we all be strong and wise and loving.

May Love heal our world.

Let there be peace.

Amen.

Please rise as you are able.

Introit

An Evening Prayer (AAHH)

If I have wounded any soul today, if I have caused one foot to stray, if I have walked in my own willful way, dear God, forgive.

If I have uttered idle words or vain, if I have turned aside from want or pain, lest I offend some other through the strain, dear God, forgive.

Prophetic Witness

Heal Our World

Heal our world, Spirit, heal our world; Hear our cry and turn our nations back to you.

Lord, heal our world, hear us, O Lord, and heal our world; Receive our prayer and heal our broken world.

Receive our prayer and heal our broken world.

Sunshine Cathedral Affirmation Sunshine Cathedral is a different kind of church where: *Our God is love. *Kindness is our worship. *Compassion is our prayer. *The sacred value of all people is our creed; and *Healing the hurts caused by hatred is our mission.

Please be seated.

Rev Dr Durrell Watkins

Clarion Call Sung Response

The Call to Worship One: This is the day that has been made.

All: Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Heal our world, Spirit, heal our world; Hear our cry and turn our nations back to you.

Lord, heal our world, hear us, O Lord, and heal our world; Receive our prayer and heal our broken world.

Receive our prayer and heal our broken world.

Service of Praise

Crucifer - Deacon Lydya Chapman

Service of Proclamation

Processional Hymn Jesus Shall Reign (Hymns of the Spirit)

The Wisdom of Jane Goodall Rev Marian Cavagnaro

Unto your temple, Lord, we come with thankful hearts to love freely; and pray that this may be our home until we touch eternity:

“My job is to collect stories of hope — because there's so much going on that's awful. Animals becoming extinct, forests disappearing, people suffering tremendously. If this is the only aspect that gets out to the general public, they think there's not much we can do and they do nothing. And so these stories that show what can be done I think are tremendously important.”

The common home of rich and poor, of gay and straight, and great and small; large as your love for evermore, and warm and bright and good to all.

In these human words, God's voice is heard.

Thanks be to God. Please rise as you are able.

And dwell now with us in this place, your light and love, to guide and bless!

Here make the wellsprings of your grace like fountains in the wilderness.

May the good news be spoken here; the gospel light forever shine; may perfect love cast out all fear, and human life become divine.

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The Good News According to Mark (1.9a, 12-14 New Jerusalem Bible) Rev Marian Cavagnaro

sing and never tire, there’s a great camp meeting in the promised land.

Service of Sacraments

…Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.

He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted…and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.

Sacrament of Sharing (Tithes & Offerings) Rev Dr Robert Griffin Offering Prayer

9:00 Rev Kevin Tisdol /10:30 Deacon Michael Karban

One: Because we value our community and believe in our inspired mission, because we want every person to live with hope and joy, and because we know that even a little can mean a lot, we participate in the Sacrament of Sharing, the joyful giving of resources meant to help more and more people discover that they are God’s miracle and not God’s mistake.

In these human words, God's voice is heard.

Thanks be to God. Please be seated.

The Anthem

Lost In the Wilderness

By Stephen Schwartz Performed By Aaron Ball

All: We give what we can and do so with love. Every dime and every dollar given with the intention to bless others will make a difference in someone’s life. This brings us joy, and in this way, we worship. God bless our gifts to faithful service, for the sake of your love. Amen.

Homily The Wilderness is Rough, But There’s Still Good News – Rev. Dr. Robert Griffin Altar Call and Anointing

Please rise as you are able.

Prayer Chorus

Offering Music Partita No 3 in E Major III, Gavotte en Rondeau

By J.S. Bach Performed By Laura Gonzalez

Abide with Me

Abide with me; the dawn of day is here; Darkness is vanished, light is shining clear; Truth’s glorious message makes the glad earth free; O holy Comforter, abide with me!

Rise as you are able.

Doxology

I need Thy presence, satisfying, pure; All else is changing, Thou alone art sure.

Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?

Through joy eternal, Lord, abide with me.

What Gift Can We Bring?

The gift we now bring, this present, this token, these words can convey it, the joy of this day!

When grateful we come, remembering, rejoicing, this song we now offer in honor and praise!

Hold Thou Thy Truth before my wondering sight; Shine in my soul, fill me with life and light; Heav’n’s morning breaks, its glory now I see; Thou in rich blessing dost abide in me.

Pastoral Prayer and Affirmations Sign of Peace

Walk Together Children

Sacrament of Hospitality

Work together children, don’t you get weary, work together children, don’t you get weary, work together children, don’t you get weary, there’s a great camp meeting in the promised land.

We’re gonna work and never tire, work and never tire, work and never tire, there’s a great camp meeting in the promised land.

We Remember Bart Hale Craig Veser Evvie Cippoletti Tony Maurizio Jack Davis Jason Davis Edward Chaney

Sing together children, don’t you get weary, sing together children, don’t you get weary, sing together children, don’t you get weary, there’s a great camp meeting in the promised land.

We’re gonna sing and never tire, sing and never tire, 3

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Eucharistic Intentions & Intercessions

feast, (+) remember me.”

In his name, we share grape and grain, love and life. Amen.

One: Our hearts are set on God’s loving presence. Let us affirm our trust in God.

Sung Response For bread before us broken, for wine before us poured, for words which you have spoken, we give you thanks, O Lord.

In prayer that we’ll be strengthened and be again restored, in faith that you will aid us, we seek your table, Lord.

9:00 Rev Dr Anne Atwell /10:30 Deacon Michael Karban

All: I believe in God, the Good, and in the message and mission of God’s anointed prophet, Jesus the Wayshower, who was born of Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was executed for empowering the powerless and restoring the dignity of the marginalized, and yet he lives in our hearts and ministry.

I believe in the omnipresent power of divine Love, in the Blessed Community, in the sacred value of all people, and in life without end. Amen.

Invitation to Communion Rev Kevin Tisdol One: These are the gifts of God for all the people of God. All: Thanks be to God. Communion is Shared The ushers will direct you row by row to come forward for Communion. If you would like a communion kit to serve yourself communion in your seat, tell your usher. “Taste and see that God is good.”

Rev Dr Anne Atwell Mother-Father God, we affirm blessings for all who are on the Cathedral’s prayer list and for all who are on our hearts.

We trust you to lead, guide, and direct each of us in the ways of happiness, well-being, and right action. We pray for those who hold authority in the nations of the world that they may be guided by wisdom and motivated by a love of justice and peace. We pray for our departed loved ones, (+) let light perpetual shine upon them. And with people all over the world we pray – may peace prevail on earth.

And with people all over the world we pray, May peace prevail on earth!

Communion Song

Be Still

Prayer of Thanksgiving

9AM - Rev Kevin Tisdol / 10:30AM - Deacon Michael Karban

Please rise as you are able.

The Prayer of Protection The light of God surrounds us; the love of God enfolds us.

The power of God protects us; the presence of God watches over us. Wherever we are, God is.

Benediction

These prayers we offer in the names of all helpers of humanity, and in the spirit of Jesus, son of Mary, as we continue to pray as Jesus taught us: Model Prayer Creator which art in heaven, hallowed be thy names.

Thy kin-dom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And leave us not in temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kin-dom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Please be seated.

The Lord’s Supper

Rev Dr Durrell Watkins

Final Song Dwelling in Beulah Land Far away the noise of strife upon my ear is falling; Then I know the pains of earth beset on ev’ry hand.

Doubt and fear and things of earth in vain to me are calling; none of these shall move me from Beulah Land.

I’m living on the mountain underneath a cloudless sky (praise God).

I’m drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry.

O yes, I’m feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply, For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.

Viewing here the works of God, I sink in contemplation; hearing now a blessed voice, I see the way God planned.

Dwelling in the Spirit here, I learn of liberation.

Gladly will I tarry in Beulah Land.

I’m living on the mountain underneath a cloudless sky (praise God).

I’m drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry. O yes, I’m feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply, For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.

I’m living on the mountain underneath a cloudless sky (praise God).

I’m drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry. O yes, I’m feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply, For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.

9:00 Rev Dr Durrell Watkins/10:30 Deacon Michael Karban

Celebrant: We celebrate this Eucharist to the glory of God and with special intentions for peace in our world.

Rev Dr Durrell Watkins & Rev Marian Cavagnaro

One: Referring to the Christian Mass, Thich Nhat Hanh said: “This piece of bread is the body of the whole cosmos.

Look deeply and you notice the sunshine in the bread, the blue sky in the bread, the cloud and the great earth in the bread...What is not in a piece of bread? The whole cosmos has come together in order to bring to you this piece of bread. Eat it in such a way that you come alive, truly alive.”

One: The Apostle Paul wrote, “Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the life of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.”

Commissioning One: Our worship has ended. Let our service begin!

All: Thanks be to God! Postlude

All: At the Last Supper, Jesus said, “When you share this 4

Barbara Ramcharitar

us for this profound and sensual prayer experience.

SUNSHINE CATHEDRAL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS - remember to support our performing arts series and tell your friends about it, too. You can find out about upcoming shows and access tickets at SunshineCathedral.org/arts.

GIVING STATEMENTS – Sunshine Cathedral 2023 Giving Statements have either been sent out by USPS or email if we have that information on file. If you do not receive your Giving Statement by 29 February, please contact Pastor Robert at Robert@SunshineCathedral. net to request your statement. Thank you so much for your financial support of the ministry of Sunshine Cathedral.

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK About Lent

by Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins (Senior Minister, Sunshine Cathedral) Lent is the season of preparation that precedes Easter. It is said to last 40 days but Lent takes 46 days.

Why? Because Sundays aren’t meant to be counted in Lent. Sunday is traditionally called “The Lord’s Day” because it is a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, the legendary and poetic way of affirming that his purpose and place in our lives did not end at Golgotha, but rather, we experience him with us still in song, sermon, sacrament, scripture, and imagination. Since every Sunday is a little Easter, we omit them from the days of Lent. Subtract the 6 Sundays from Lent, and we are left with 40 days.

Lent is a time to renew spiritual practices or take them deeper. In the early church, preparation for baptisms (which would take place at Easter) could last a year.

Lent is a shorter time of learning and recommitting to the path. It is a time for “alms-giving” (giving generously to church and charities), regular worship, and daily prayer.

Pray with us on Thursdays (Evensong) in Lent, join us daily on Facebook for Midday Prayer, watch The Queer God Squad each day, worship with us on Sundays, and bring non-perishable food items throughout Lent to support our food sharing program.

We invite you to observe these Lenten disciplines as a way to grow spiritually and to prepare for a renewal of Easter joy in your life.

GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP – Those who don’t live locally but who wish to be part of the Sunshine Cathedral community can learn about the Sunshine Cathedral Global Fellowship by visiting SunshineCathedral.org OUR SUNDAY BROADCAST is made possible by Happening Out Television Network and donors who support our televised ministry. Happening Out is housed at Sunshine Cathedral Square. Happening Out programming can be viewed on YouTube, Facebook, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Google TV, and Roku.

SAINTS OF THE WEEK January 18: Gladys Alberta Bentley (August 12, 1907 – January 18, 1960) - an American blues singer, pianist, and entertainer during the Harlem Renaissance. Gladys was lesbian, preferred men’s suits to what was considered women’s attire, and right before her death became an ordained minister.

January 19: H. B. Jeffery (1872 – 1954) - Studied with Malinda E. Cramer, Emma Curtis Hopkins and Thomas Troward. He worked with Emma Curtis Hopkins on High Mysticism, and taught courses based on Hopkins’ work.

His own books include Spirit of Prayer, Fruit of the Spirit, and Coordination. Jeffery taught, “God is the One Good.

Thus goodwill is the Will of God manifest in [us].”

A PRAYER FOR 2024 by Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins (Put this prayer where you will see it every day and use it throughout 2024) Right now, I am tapping into the universal life force.

I wish for all who are suffering to find relief and hope.

I deny fear any power over me.

I will be a bright light in the world.

I am serene and confident and full of joy.

I expect blessings. Nothing is too good for me.

May we all be strong and wise and loving.

May Love heal our world. Let there be peace. Amen.

January 20: St. Sebastian (d. 288) – victimized by the persecutions of the Emperor Diocletian. Sebastian was “executed” by arrows, but somehow survived and was miraculously healed by a woman named Irene. When the newly revived Sebastian went to the emperor to confront him (feeling, apparently, immortal after his last brush with death), the emperor had him beaten to death on the spot. In art, Sebastian is often depicted as beautiful, athletic, nearly nude, pierced by arrows, taking joy in his faithfulness but also suffering agony because of his mistreatment. Gay men often identify with the paintings of Sebastian and relate the picture to their own life experiences.

POTLUCK – Join us Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 6 pm for our monthly potluck. Bring any dish you want to share… this is basically an indoor picnic where we enjoy one another’s company and tasty food.

EVENSONG – Thursdays in Lent at 7 pm, we are offering a weekly prayer service that includes readings, moments of silence, candle lighting, and prayer choruses.

We are offering this as a spiritual discipline for Lent. Join

January 21: St. Agnes (d. 304?)— Traditionally, a young teenager from a wealthy Roman family who refused to marry or to worship non-Christian deities. She was con5

SunBurst Cathedral News

demned first to brothel, and then to death.

January 22: Alexander Men (1935-1990)—Russian Orthodox priest and martyr. As Russia entered a phase of rapid change under Gorbachev, reactionary forces murdered him with an ax blow to his head while on his way to church.

January 24: St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622)—Bishop of Geneva, a stronghold of Protestant Calvinism where Catholics were persecuted. Rather than respond defensively, Francis chose to demonstrate love and self-sacrifice in the face of hatred. He helped found an order in which women, rather than living separate cloistered lives, became engaged in helping people in need. He taught that the path to holiness was open to lay persons in the world, not just the clergy. He is known as the patron saint of writers.

Sunshine Cathedral Weekly Financial Information Financial Data Snapshot: 11 February 2024

Weekly Generosity Income Needed $12,043.96 Generosity Income Received $11,855.15 ($188.81) Our Abundance and/or (Need) Per Capita Giving $29.48 SC Square Worship Services SC Global Fellowship People at SC Square (Weekly Avg) Food Sharing Ministry - Total Reached

Florence Li-Tim Oi (1907 – 1992) - the first woman ordained to the priesthood in the Anglican Communion (Hong Kong, Jan. 24, 1944).

271 211,431 6,000 912

Thurgood Marshall (1908 – 1993) – the first African American US Solicitor General and the first African American Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. He argued (and won) the legendary Brown v.

Board of Education, ending legal racial segregation in the public schools. As a lawyer, he argued 32 cases before SCOTUS (winning 29) and as Solicitor General he argued 19 cases for the government (winning 14). Marshall was graduated first in his class from Howard University Law School and as a jurist was pro-choice.

Detailed information located at SunshineCathedral.org Any questions email: Robert@SunshineCathedral.net

Donating to Sunshine Cathedral Venmo or CashApp Venmo - @SunshineCathedral CashApp - $SunshineCathedral Text to Give - 954.399.7333

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Silent Helpers Prayer Ministry WE PRAY FOR THE FOLLOWING...

Lewis family; Lois A.; CL & RL; GH; Beth; KW; TS; DK; PB; M. Krause; Maureen; Wilfredo; Gilbert; Rodney; Dana; Diane; Ukraine; Israelis & Palestinians; Anita; those who are incarcerated; an underground lgbtq church in Kenya; Walter; Byron; Steve; Jason; Lenae; SD & KW; Vickey; Kevin & Kellie; Sharon; Dale; Charlie’s grandbaby; Devon; BK; Doug; Don & Mary Lou; Jason; Kay W.; Cynthia; Eadie; Jackie; Steve; Tim C.; Maricely; Tino; Mama Tullo; Lipi; Marie; Jenny (obm); Jean & Norma; Mitch; Rosa; Joe; all who worship with us online and their various concerns; Troy & Phillip; Don E.; those in nursing care and assisted living facilities; LGBTQ+ communities; Global Justice Institute; DSFI; INTA; the Sunshine Cathedral ministries, members, and friends Let us pray: Each of these is part and parcel of God. Each lives in a field of unlimited possibilities.

Each deserves rich experiences of love, hope, wisdom, strength, peace, and joy.

We affirm blessings for one and all. Amen.

Sunshine Cathedral Daily Prayer for 2024: "Right now, I am tapping into the universal life force.

I wish for all who are suffering to find relief and hope.

I deny fear any power over me.

I will be a bright light in the world.

I am serene and confident and full of joy.

I expect blessings.

Nothing is too good for me.

May we all be strong and wise and loving.

May Love heal our world.

Let there be peace.

Amen."

by Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins REMEMBER Prayers can be submitted via SunshineCathedral.org or by emailing any SC clergyperson.

You can hear a prayer at anytime by calling 954.462.2004 (press 6).

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Sunshine Cathedral Church Affiliates

The Cathedral Staff

Divine Science Federation International Council of Community Churches International New Thought Alliance Metropolitan Community Churches

1480 SW 9th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315 954.462.2004 SunshineCathedral.org

Sunshine Cathedral Programming

Executive Leadership Team

Administration Ministry Assisted Living Facility Ministry Broadcasting Ministry Center for the Performing Arts Local & National Partnership Ministry Food Sharing Ministry Global Fellowship Ministry Global Justice Institute Partnership Music Ministry SAGE - Friendly Visitor Program Samaritan Institute Sunshine Social Services - SunServe Social Justice Ministry Advisory Team Sunshine Cathedral Foundation Wellness Ministry Worship Ministry

Rev. Durrell Watkins, DMin, Senior Minister Rev. Robert Griffin, DMin, Executive Minister Rev. Anne Atwell, DMin, Minister of Connections Rev. Kevin Tisdol, Minister of Education Mr. Darren Loli - Director of Communications Mrs. Sara Burns, Co-Director of Worship Arts & Vocalist Ms. Barbara Ramcharitar, Co-Director of Worship Arts & Organist

Artists-in-Residence

Jessica Borbone, Vocalist Gabe Salazar, Vocalist Aaron Ball, Vocalist Teresa Flores, Percussion Felipe Diaz, Percussion Laura Gonzalez, Violin David Suarez, Flute Jihong Adams-Park, DMA, Pianist Kurt Litzenberger, Set/Sound & Lighting Phi McChesney, Handbell Director

Sunshine Cathedral Partnership

Support Ministries Leaders

American Red Cross | South Florida Region BOLD Justice Broward House Broward Women's Chorus Campbell's Company Care Plus Care Resource The Cupboard - Kosher Pantry Feeding South Florida Fort Lauderdale Seventh-Day Adventist Church Gateway Terrace Apartments Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida Happening Out TV Network Homeless Outreach - Hollywood Latinos Salud Medflo (ALF) Opera Fusion Our Fund The Pantry of Broward Paradise Manor (ALF) Presidential Place (ALF) Pride Center Project Lifeline (United Way) Publix The Residences at Equality Park SAGE Salvation Army - Fort Lauderdale Chapter South Florida Hunger Coalition TLC Little Free Pantry Unlimited Healthcare Williamsburg Landing (ALF) Women in Distress

Rev. BK Hipsher, DMin, Virtual Minister Rev. Kurt Krieger, Seasonal Members Chaplain Rev. Marian Cavagnaro, Hospice Chaplain Rev. Ren Bell, Hospice Chaplain Rev. Lynda Pantoja, Interfaith Spirituality Rev. Margarita Rodriguez, Minister of Spiritual Companionship Deacon Ed Huckemeyer, DD, Diaconal Minister of Pastoral Care Deacon Jean Johnson, Community Chaplain Deacon Lydya Chapman, Women’s Ministries Deacon Michael Karban, Diaconal Minister of the Chancel Deacon Sue Gallagher, EdD, Teaching Associate Peggy Brereton, Usher Team Leader Trevor Stewart, Bookkeeper

Consultant

Rev. Elder Don Eastman, Systems & Leadership

Officers of Sunshine Cathedral Board of Directors Gary Grieve, Chair, Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins, Vice-Chair; Linda Edin, Secretary; Lynda Pantoja,Treasurer, BOD@sunshinecathedral.org

Chair of Sunshine Cathedral Foundation Dr Rozen Patterson Info@SunFound.org

Sunshine Cathedral Two Sunday morning services 9:00am & 10:30am (Live Broadcast) Sunday 5:00pm in Second Life 1480 SW 9th Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 954.462.2004

Note: Sunshine Cathedral is not liable for any vehicle incident, including acts of nature, while attending any events.

CCLI - Copyright: 11274929 | CCLI - Streaming Plus: 20947089 CCLV - Video: 21-03857842

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