From the Vicar

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Over the course of services during Holy Week and Easter, we welcomed approximately 12,000 worshipers. Chances are that among those 12,000 were people of great faith, people with flagging faith, and people with no faith. As I have said on numerous occasions, the Cathedral Congregation has a special vocation to offer radical hospitality and spiritual nourishment to all who come our way.

Many of you are among the 1,000 volunteers who welcome “the stranger” during special seasons and day by day and week by week through your gifts and offerings as ushers, greeters, and docents; singers, flower arrangers, and readers; communion, healing, and prayer ministers; Eucharistic visitors, teachers, urban and stewardship ministers; leaflet folders and congregation button makers, and through countless personal acts of ministry. One of our members has eloquently said, “Small acts of sharing can grow into something far beyond what we would ever ask for or could imagine when given out of faith and love.” I could not say it any better, and I offer my profound thanks for all that you do to offer that radical hospitality and spiritual nourishment at the heart of our beloved Cathedral. It is a great and immeasurable gift.

As a people of faith, one of the other great gifts that we offer to our friends and visitors alike is to meet people where they are on their spiritual journey. Novelist Doris Betts has said that faith is “not synonymous with certainty….[but] is the decision to keep your eyes open.” In her book Amazing Grace, Kathleen Norris makes the point that belief comes from the Greek root meaning “to give one’s heart to.” Quoting an old monk, she goes on to write that “…doubt is merely the seed of faith, a sign that faith is alive and ready to grow.”

The good news message of Easter is that God loved us enough to take on human flesh and dwell among us and that in Jesus’ death and resurrection we also have the prospect of new life and resurrection in Christ. For some, I know that just seems too good to be true. One of our calls as a community of faith is to help ourselves and others to keep our eyes open and to nurture that seed of faith….a sign that faith is alive and ready to grow.

Blessings and in faith,

The Rev. Canon Jan Naylor Cope

Cathedral’s 1,000 Volunteers

The nave radiated with good cheer and gratitude as the community paused this past week to honor the role volunteers play in our Cathedral life. The first reading (1 Corinthians 12:4-13) offered at the special Evensong framed the evening: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same God who activates all of them in everyone.” At the ceremony that followed, more than 140 volunteers who had reached a “milestone” year ranging from 5 to 50 years were recognized and received pins for the gifts devoted to one or more of the services that our vicar highlighted in this month’s message.

As we approach the summer and increased visitor volume, additional ushers, coffee hour hosts, and greeters are needed to extend hospitality to our visitors and members. A typical commitment for each ministry is one Sunday per month. Contact Ellen Spencer to learn more.

Are you searching for your volunteer role? Explore options with our Cathedral volunteer coordinator Valerie Ciccone.

Stewardship Update

We’re closing in on our final goal. To date we have raised $970,917, which is $127,054 more than this same time last year. This represents an increase of 15 percent. Help us close our gap which is now only $29,083! To make a pledge over the phone, or to ask questions about pledging, please call Nat Wyeth at (202) 537-5792 or email nwyeth@cathedral.org.

Photo Directory Sessions

We need your photo in the online Congregation pictorial directory. Sign up now to reserve a spot during three Sundays at coffee hour. An update for the Pictorial Directory is planned for June. One must be a member of the congregation to have a photo taken (applications for membership are available at the congregation table). To schedule an appointment, e-mail Ellen Spencer with your desired date and time range. Appointment requests and location will be confirmed via e-mail.

Dates available:
    April 29 10:10-11:15
    May 13: 10:10-11:15
    May 20: 10:10-11:15

Earth Day

Sunday, April 22

This special day focusing on a greater appreciation for the natural world and renewed attention to stewardship marks the launch of a bold, year-long series of programs focused on caring for the earth and its environment that will explore the rarely covered role of faith in environmental stewardship. The Cathedral plans to deepen the power of the creation care theme by partnering with Blessed Earth. The executive director of that organization, physician and author Dr. Matthew Sleeth, will preach at the 8:45 and 11: 15 am services and will participate along with the internationally acclaimed poet, farmer, and creation care activist Wendell Berry in the 10:10 forum. Learn more »

Four themes will be explored in the coming year, starting with Returning to Creation during October and November; Resting our Souls in December; Restoring Relationship in January-February, and Renewing the Earth in March-April. Each of these themes will be explored through the lens of faith and will focus on moving and inspiring action through lectures, forums, panel discussion, sermons, and small group discussions.

Mission Trip Report

by Pastoral Care Nurse Mary Wright Baylor

Our pastoral care nurse Mary Wright Baylor recently realized a lifelong dream to go on an international mission trip. Read her report on the joy and grace she encountered in her week in the Dominican Republic. Keep reading »

Urban Ministry Highlights

Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington
Help those in need gain dignity and self-reliance. To explore how you might help participants who are homeless or near-homeless, or to attend the free May 16 Next Step Breakfast at the National Press Club from 8-9 am, stop by the congregation table at coffee hours through May 6. Special guests at the Next Step Breakfast include Judy Woodruff of the PBS Newshour who will serve as mistress of ceremonies and the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, bishop of Washington, who will lead the participants in prayer.

Samaritan Ministry was founded in 1986 by 12 Episcopal parishes. The Cathedral congregation along with 44 parishes contribute volunteers and finances as partners with the program. Three Samaritan Ministry service centers in the DC metropolitan area need volunteers to answer phones, greet participants, write resumes, and instruct in beginning computer use. Learn more »

Environment Advocacy
The Environmental Advocacy Group asks you to adopt a new environmentally-friendly habit this month. Suggestion and pledge sheets are on the congregation table at coffee hours, each Sunday through May 6. Please sign your pledge to create a more earth-friendly lifestyle. On Earth Day, April 22, the Cathedral begins a year-long focus on creation care. The Environment Advocacy Group will help to support the activities and programs and sponsor activities to coincide with the programmatic themes. Learn more »

Literacy Workshop
Saturday, April 21, 9:45-noon, N4 conference room
Our guest speaker is Program Director Dawn Thomas of DC Learns, the area’s literacy umbrella organization. Meet current tutors and hear how your gift of one or two hours a week can make a significant difference. More than fifty tutors are needed for all ages and schedules. Learn more »

For more information on our outreach programs and advocacy groups, visit the Urban Ministry homepage.

Stations of the Resurrection: An Easter Pilgrimage

SATURDAY, APRIL 21 9:30 AM
Continue the celebration of the 50 days of Easter with Scripture, poetry, silence, and the glorious mosaics of the Resurrection Chapel as our guide. Learn more »

Literacy Program Workshop

SATURDAY, APRIL 21 9:45 AM
Meet current tutors and hear how your gift of one or two hours a week can make a significant difference. Our guest speaker is Dawn Thomas of DC Learns, the area’s literacy umbrella organization. Learn more »

Earth Day Holy Eucharist

SUNDAY, APRIL 22 11:15 AM
Live webcast. Dr. Matthew Sleeth, leader of the global creation care movement and executive director of Blessed Earth, will deliver a sermon titled “Are Christians Blessing or Cursing the Earth?—a Call to Action” at both the 8:45 and 11:15 am worship services. Learn more »

Earth Day Forum

SUNDAY, APRIL 22 10:10 AM
Live webcast. Internationally acclaimed man of letters and creation-care activist Wendell Berry speaks with special guest and fellow Kentuckian Dr. Matthew Sleeth about the importance of caring for the natural world. Learn more »

Earth Day Pilgrimage: Spring Forth in Praise!

SUNDAY, APRIL 22 1:30 PM
Celebrate the quickening of the earth and our relationship to her. The pilgrimage concludes with a special Evensong, Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan. Learn more »

The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan

SUNDAY, April 22 4 PM
This traditional blessing service of Scottish Tartans features bagpipes and drums from the Saint Andrew’s Society of Washington, D.C. The festivities continue with a concert and Highland dancing in the All Hallows Amphitheater. Learn more »

Cathedral Crossroads

TUESDAY, APRIL 24 6:30 PM
An evening of contemplative practice on the last Tuesday of each month; free and open to the public. General offerings 6 pm to 8:45 pm; special program entitled “Sacred Circle Dancing: Moving Meditations” 7:30 to 8:30 pm. Learn more »

American Choral Masterworks

SATURDAY, APRIL 28 5 PM
Conducted by Canon Michael McCarthy, the Cathedral’s chamber ensemble “Cathedra” performs works by Samuel Barber, Irving Fine, Charles Ives, Aaron Copland, and Morten Lauridsen. Learn more »

Holy Eucharist

SUNDAY, APRIL 29 11:15 AM
Live webcast. The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, preaches.