June 29, 2017
A Note From Father Richard Lawson

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint John's Cathedral,

I look forward to meeting everyone in the coming weeks. My first day in the office will be July 17, and my first Sunday to preach and serve at the altar will be July 23.

The Reverend Katie Pearson
In the meantime, I have good news. Episcopal priests should have good news, of course. I am delighted to announce that the Reverend Katie Pearson will be joining our staff on July 17, my first day. Katie will oversee pastoral care and work closely with the newly formed pastoral care committee. Katie is a graduate of Sewanee and Iliff School of Theology in Denver. She is married to Don, and they have three adult children. Katie was ordained a transitional deacon this summer, and she will be ordained a priest in December of this year. Katie has a lot of experience in multiple Episcopal parishes, including service as senior warden, which means she appreciates the presence and work of our Wardens and Vestry.

Perhaps most important, Katie is joyful, wise, and approachable, in addition to being an inspiring preacher. She also has an important connection to the Cathedral: Katie's mentor is the Reverend Sarah Berlin, Saint John's former Canon Pastor and someone whose wisdom and insights I have already come to rely upon.  By October, the Vestry and I plan to call a Canon for Cathedral Life, and Katie is a candidate for that position. 

T he Reverend Bonnie Sarah Spencer
I am also happy to announce that the Reverend Bonnie  Sarah Spencer will be joining the staff for a short season as our assisting priest. I first met Bonnie at General Seminary in New York almost twenty years ago. Bonnie is a highly regarded priest in the Diocese of Colorado, having served as the Rector of St. Paul's in Fort Collins. Currently, Bonnie serves two days a week as chaplain at Denver Hospice. She is also married to Catherine, and they live in Denver.

Bonnie will work about three days a week, starting July 19. Primarily, she will preside and preach regularly at the Wednesday morning and evening Eucharists, serve as clergy liaison to Faith in Action, and assist with pastoral care. Bonnie will serve in this capacity until the vestry and I call a new priest for our second Canon's position.

As the Cathedral gives thanks for the Reverend Canon Charles LaFond, who has accepted new positions with the nonprofit Heading Home and with the School of Celtic Consciousness, I want to echo Saint John's appreciation and affection for Charles. I am very aware of the profound spiritual difference Charles has made at the Cathedral. His compassion, sense of humor, and deep relationship with Christ will be missed. 

As for stewardship in the fall, I look forward to working with the chair of the stewardship team, David Ball, and with the entire stewardship team. My hope and plan is that we will continue on the course set by this team, a course that has been carefully organized and prayed about for some time.

Last but not least, in this new season at the Cathedral, I give thanks for what remains steady and trustworthy in all seasons: the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit, whom scripture describes as the giver of spiritual gifts, especially the gift of wisdom. And I give thanks for the presence of people whom this Spirit draws to the altar at Saint John's, where - among other places - I look forward to meeting you very soon.


The Reverend Richard Lawson
One Last Word of Thanks
I so appreciate the gifts and notes from you last Sunday. I'll treasure your kindness and thoughtfulness always, as I make my way on another pilgrimage. Your well wishes and kind words come from your love of God and of each other. Blessings always.
 

You can hear and read Mother Evelyn's sermon from
Sunday
HERE.
FORMATION
Ong
oing, In-depth Book Study 
Wednesday mornings
11 am-12:30 pm
Wellspring Center 

The Wednesday morning book study group will begin reading Where God Happens by Rowan Williams on June 7. Purchase a copy and join us!

If you have questions, please write Anna Wadsworth at jawadsworth@icloud.com
FAITH IN ACTION
Loaves & Fishes

Bags for food can be picked up now, and they can be dropped off throughout the month of July. For more information about loaves and fishes, click HERE
Peanut Butter and Jelly Needed

Michael, who runs the counter at the Network Coffee House, sends his thanks for the ongoing contributions from Saint John's parishioners. The Network provides our homeless neighbors with a simple lunch, and large jars of peanut butter and jelly are always welcome. Place donations in the baskets at each entrance  to the Cathedral.

CATHEDRAL COMMUNITY
Rooms Are Filling Up Fast! Register Now!
August 4-6
Cathedral Ridge
Space is limited and filling fast! Register now. The Lodge is full, but there is still room in the cabins for both full weekend and single night. This will be a wonderful chance to get away, and a great opportunity to get to know our new dean, Richard, and his family.

Questions? Contact Jennifer Allen.

Cathedral Work Day
Saturday, July 15 
8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Pitch in this summer with the Cathedral Work Day. We have a number of tasks we need your help with:
  1. Murphy oil soap the Cathedral pews. Remove any wax still remaining on the cushions. Vacuum under/around pews and in the Narthex.
  2. Clean the three main stairwells (walls and floors) located in the Roberts' building.
  3. Polish the brass nameplates on All Souls Walk.

At 1:00 pm we will stop work and have a potluck lunch.

Sign-up today!
Cathedral Closed
The Cathedral will be closed Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4 for the Fourth of July holiday. There will be no prayer services. We will reopen Wednesday, July 5.
Blood Pressure Screenings
Due to the July 4 holiday, there will be no blood pressure screenings this Sunday. They will resume August 6 and continue on the first Sunday of each month.
Children & Youth
Kim's Retirement Cookout
Sunday, July 2
After 10 am Service

Come and join us as we say goodbye to a part of our Saint John's family. 

We wish Kim and Mac the best of luck in their next venture in life. We will celebrate their ministry work, loving support, and caring friendship by having a cookout on  July 2nd on the west lawn following the  10 am service. 

Please let us know how many will be joining us and whether you'd like hamburgers or brats. We look forward to seeing you there!

Sign Up  HERE.

Congratulations Elam!

Congratulations to Elam Fifer-Whiting for joining the Colorado Youth Leadership Program, an initiative of the diocese aimed at young people who want to explore their faith more deeply, develop their potential as leaders, and discover how they can make a difference in the world.

Elam has served Saint John's in a number of ways, including singing in the choir and serving as an acolyte. He was recently installed as a verger. He is looking forward to growing as a leader, both in church and in life.
Music Camp
REGISTER NOW
Aug 14-18, 8:30-11:30 am
Ages 5-12
  • Violin
  • Singing
  • Movement and Rhythm
  • Get to Know the Orchestra Show and Tell
Cost: $90


Questions?   alberto@sjcathedral.org