Weekly E-News

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Letter from Richard Hogue: Community Dinner Party Project

Hello St. Paul’s,

As many of you know, Community Dinner Party Project has been a growing ministry for St. Paul’s. The concept is simple: offer a safe, non-sectarian space for people to share a good meal, create community, and explore spirituality in an organic and open way. So, why not invite neighbors to share a meal and leave the rest up to the Holy Spirit?... Click here to read the letter.

8 am - Holy Eucharist - In the Cathedral

9 am - Forum - In the Guild Room

10:20 am - Sunday School Check-In - In the Great Hall

10:30 am - Choral Eucharist - In the Cathedral or Worship Online

12 pm - Coffee Hour

5 pm - Evensong - In the Cathedral or Worship Online

Forum: Seeking the Sacred in Our Day to Day World (Part 3)

9 am, In the Guild Room

Led by the Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas

The season of Lent calls upon us to enter into a period of self-examination in which we face, hopefully with honesty and compassion, the nature of our relationship with God and the sacred within our midst. What gives us life? What distracts us? What are we missing as we go about our busy lives, often on autopilot? During this Lenten forum series, utilizing the wisdom found in An Altar in the World, A Geography of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor, as well as the wisdom of those present, the Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas will help guide our exploration to help us understand “no physical act is too earthbound or too humble to become a path to the divine.” While it is not necessary to have a copy of the book, it will help deepen the exploration. 

Evensong

In the Cathedral or Worship Online

Please join us for Choral Evensong this Sunday, an evening service shaped by choral prayer and sacred poetry.

The music centers on texts of longing, trust, and the search for God’s presence. Tomás Luis de Victoria’s Jesu dulcis memoria reflects on the sweetness of Christ’s name and the joy found in His nearness. The psalmody and canticles continue this meditation, leading to Felix Mendelssohn’s expressive anthem Richte mich, Gott (Psalm 43), a prayer that moves from distress and questioning to hope, asking God to send forth light and truth to guide the faithful home.

Together, these choral settings invite us into a quiet reflection on faith, consolation, and divine guidance at the close of day.

Choral Evensong will be sung by the Cathedral Schola, with Michael Lawrence, organist, under the direction of Seonjeong Park. All are warmly welcome.

Easter Flower Donations

The abundant and beautiful Easter flowers and other decorations in the Cathedral each year are the result of many donations. You can participate this year by giving "in thanksgiving for...", "in memory of...", or "to the glory of God." The time is quickly approaching, so be a part of the seasonal Cathedral beauty now. The deadline for attribution in announcements is March 22. For questions email Kathleen Burgess, (burgessk@stpaulcathedral.org).

New Facilities Team Members

We are thrilled to introduce our newest team members , Charlie Owens aka “Charlie Brown” (pictured) and Brennan Maclean who have joined our facilities team.  Charlie had worked for us in the past- glad he joined us again; he now is a chef at Sycuan and in his spare time he devotes time to different outreach projects. Brennan has a background in facilities, event set-ups and hospitality, and provides ESL instruction for international and adult learners. He also devotes his time to different outreach events and projects.  Both of them will bring a wealth of experience and fresh ideas to our team. Please extend a warm welcome to Charlie and Brennan.

2026 Formation Opportunities

The life of faith is a lifelong journey of learning and growth in discipleship. This year, give yourself the gift of time to pray, study, and reflect with fellow parishioners, through our formation offerings. Between Sunday morning forums, book studies and in person classes, we have something for everyone. Click here for all the details!

Sacred Ground in Action Initiative

Remembering Reverend Jesse Jackson

There would not have been … a Barack Obama in 2008 without Jesse Jackson,” according to Senator Bernie Sanders. (L more, click here)

In this Christian Century article, author Adelle M. Banks pays tribute to the Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. She quotes Willam Barber: “ 'Jesse Jackson was a gift from God and a witness that God exists in the ways he cared for and lifted all people, the way he called forth a rainbow coalition of people to challenge economic and social inequality from the pulpit to a historic presidential run, the way he dared to keep hope alive whenever the nation struggled with being who she says she is and yet ought to be. For more on the legacy of Rev Jackson (Click Here).

Prayer: Lord God, you call us to your Way through servant leaders like the Reverend Jesse Jackson. May his soul rest in your gentle presence. Give us the compassion and courage to honor his life by acting on our faith to action for justice. Amen.

Sacred Ground in Action Initiative 

Thanks for Sending the Love

Your letters of support to our neighbors in Minnesota providing mutual aid to those feeling the brutal force of ICE have been very warmly received. Cn. Lisa Churchill will continue to collect those for another week or two (Fair Trade table); even though ICE has been stood down, they haven’t entirely left, and the havoc wreaked endures. Likewise, the need for monetary support has ballooned, particularly in one of the hardest-hit areas, Columbia Heights—Little Liam’s neighborhood. A 501(c)3 has been established and they’ve distributed over $300k, but the need far exceeds resources. If you feel so moved, you may visit their donation site: heightsnext.org (Click Here)

For questions please reach out to spcheadverger@gmail.com.

Simpler Living Creation Care Ministry

Reflection, Fasting, and Solidarity with our Neighbors

Lent invites us to reflect as well as to consider a fast that brings us closer to God.

Some people have been reflecting more and more on the changes to God’s good creation that increase the need for food, shelter and safety. For our migrant neighbors, this reality is one of the reasons to leave a home that's known and face the peril of migration to another land.

In “Immigrant Advocacy is Climate Action” from The BTS Center (Bangor Theological Center,) author Allen Ewing-Merrill equates solidarity with our migrant neighbors and the work of climate justice because “impacts of the climate crisis are major drivers of human migration." To learn more (Click Here).

The World Council of Churches asks “how much is enough” and suggests a fast on climate and inequality: Learn more (Click Here).

Some folks will fast from carbon: mindfully reducing their carbon footprint by driving less, combining errands, taking public transportation, walking more. Some will fast from consumption: buying less, making do creatively. Some will move from fasting to action by participating in rallies, like the 3/28 No Kings Rally or ICE OUT rallies. Some will increase their prayer and meditation practices.

Whatever we are called to do, let’s do it with a Lenten practice that becomes a faithful habit!

Queen's Courtyard: Update

Work continues on the waterproofing and re-landscaping of the Queen's Courtyard. The rain slowed things down a bit but we are still confident that the courtyard will be back in use well before Easter. 

Noon Eucharist

Friday, February 27, 12 pm, In the Cathedral

A brief and informal celebration of the Eucharist in our intimate Chapel. This service is held weekly on Fridays.

Virtual Organ Recital Rerun

Friday, February 27, 1 pm, Online Only (YouTube)

This week's Organ Recital rerun will be performed by Grace Lewis McLaren. Recital includes Toccata in F Major, BuxWV 157, and Chaconne in e minor, BuxWV 160 by Dietrich Buxtehude (1636-1707); Prelude in b minor, BWV 544 by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750); Adagio by Samuel Barber (1910-81); and Sonata III: con moto maestoso by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847). This video originally aired on March 8, 2024.

Please remember this is virtual only. This video will populate at the top of the "Videos" tab of our YouTube channel on Friday at 1 pm.

Partners in ministry

Interfaith Vigil for Earth Justice

Monday, March 2, 12 pm, 385 W. Broadway

As members of various faiths, we are called to stand together in silence for and solidarity with our Earth at this time of climate chaos and environmental devastation driven by human greed and indifference. We call out and resist federal policies that have reversed the progress made in addressing climate disruption and the ruthless steps of the current administration to monetize Earth in our name.  

Join us at one of our monthly Interfaith Vigils for Earth Justice on the first Monday of each month at 12-1 PM at the U.S. District Court building, 385 W. Broadway. Please wear black if you can–and if standing for 40 minutes will be difficult for you, feel free to bring a folding stool. This event is open to persons of faith and no faith–do join us!!

With the severe reduction in clean energy initiatives, a rollback on many of the plans that would help meet California’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2035, and new proposals to increase oil and gas drilling that will harm wildlife and add to pollution of the air and water, we are compelled to respond. This vigil is one of the ways that our faith calls us to public witness. For more information click here.

Chapter Meeting

Tuesday, March 3, 5:30 pm, Virtually

The cathedral’s Chapter (board of directors) will hold its regular monthly meeting on March 3. Items on the agenda will include the approval of the annual Parochial Report and the Chapter Covenant. All parishioners are welcome to attend and observe. For the Zoom link and agenda contact Chapter clerk the Rev. Michael Kilpatrick.

Family Ministry Invites You to Serve the Community

Saturday, March 7, 8:30 am, In the Cathedral

St. Paul's Family Ministry is partnering with Groundwork for a community service opportunity on Saturday, March 7 at 8:30 am. You're invited to join us plant and weed at Groundwork's 4-acre EarthLab. All ages are welcome! Meet in the parking lot at 1110 Carolina Ln, San Diego. Please register so we know who to expect: Volunteer Sign-Up. Questions? Contact Taylor, milamsamuelt@stpaulcathedral.org.

ECHO: Listen Beyond the Final Note

Saturday, March 7, 7 pm, In the Cathedral

You are warmly invited to a quiet Lenten evening at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

During Lent, the Cathedral calls us to slow down, to pray, and to listen more deeply. On Saturday evening, the chamber vocal ensemble ECHO will offer a meditative Lenten service shaped by music, silence, and reflection.

Rather than a traditional concert, this gathering is intended as a time of prayerful listening. Sacred works by Arvo Pärt, Lotti, Rheinberger, and Gjeilo will be offered without applause or spoken commentary, allowing space simply to rest in the sound and in the stillness that follows. The service will conclude in silence, so that all may depart quietly and unhurried.

The service will be led by Interim Choir Director Seonjeong Park, with organist Bruce Neswick, whose long association with the Cathedral and the wider Episcopal music community has been a gift to many.

No musical background is needed — only a willingness to come, sit, and listen. All are welcome. More details from interim choir director Seonjeong Park (watch the video, Click Here).

Community Dinner Party Project

Wednesday, March 11, 6 pm, In the Guild Room

The Community Dinner Party Project is a monthly meeting of people from Bankers Hill and surrounding neighborhoods. Although sponsored by St. Paul’s Cathedral this space is intended to be a non-sectarian, non-religious, safe environment to make connection and form cohesion with your community. 

Our theme will be “Opening Day,” serving hotdogs, hamburgers and their vegetarian equivalents, and we encourage you to wear your Padres or other favorite MLB team’s gear. Please contact Rev. Richard Hogue (hoguer@stpaulcathedral.org) with any questions. 

Outside Organization

Passion & Devotion - La Jolla Symphony & Chorus

Saturday & Sunday, March 14/15, 7:30 pm, In the Cathedral

Join La Jolla Symphony & Chorus for a one-of-a-kind collaboration with community partner San Diego Ballet. La Jolla Symphony & Chorus will perform Bach’s St. John Passion, a work akin to opera in its scope and drama.

The musical performance will be complemented by atmospheric elements and choreographic excerpts featuring dancers from the San Diego Ballet, incorporating classical and contemporary dance.

This unique concert will take place in the gothic architectural setting of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, creating a beautifully immersive acoustic experience. 

Learn more about this program by attending our free, public lecture series in collaboration with San Diego Early Music Society. Get tickets (Click Here).

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