I am writing this to you Wednesday, June 23, the day before I head out of town for vacation. As I attempted to work the first three days of this week, I realized how absolutely exhausted I am. And so I wonder also about you all and how you are doing.

The pandemic is moving behind us (at least in Vermont) yet its effects will linger for months and years to come. Each of us put so much energy into trying to feel "normal" in the midst of great upheaval; trying to make sense of something very few of us had ever experienced; trying to get through each day with technology we didn't know how to use, teaching skills we didn't know we needed to have; trying to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from something we couldn't see; experiencing incredible political turmoil; trying to get our heads and hearts around the other pandemic of systemic racism; and not being able to call in reinforcements when we most needed them. It has been an exhausting 16 months. And now that the coronavirus pandemic is lifting around us here in Vermont, our bodies and minds might just finally be giving in to the sheer exhaustion of carrying that weight for so long.

And so I am going on vacation. I hope and pray that each of you will find some time to acknowledge the real pain and exhaustion of the past year and a half, and to be gentle with yourself and those around you as we come out of our isolation, out from behind our masks, and join, once again, in this human project of living in community. God keep you until we meet again.

We are pleased to announce that a new position has recently been filled at the Cathedral: Coordinator for Children's Formation. Katie Gonyaw has been hired to engage families with young kids at the Cathedral by overseeing Church School curriculum, offering leadership in the classroom, and supporting our Church School teachers. Katie will begin in July, and brings a wealth of experience in early childhood education in addition to her great enthusiasm.

Over the past year, the pandemic has created an endless loop of ambiguity, where planning is derailed as the coronavirus surged and spread. Thanks to recent vaccination rates in Vermont, and after a year of gathering on Zoom and experimenting with hybrid outdoor services, the Cathedral is finally able to focus now on taking the next step: in-person, indoor worship.

Our Nave has been used in a number of ways over the past 16 months - sound stage, vaccination clinic, storage area. Now we are inviting our community to join us to prepare it for its intended use: worship.

We are seeking volunteers to join us on four Saturday mornings in July to get the Cathedral back into shape. Tasks will include rearranging the Children's corner, storing kneelers, cleaning wood chairs, and clearing out the Narthex kitchen. Mopping, bathroom cleaning, and dusting are NOT included - our regular custodial service will handle those things.

If you are available and would like to join us for one or more of these Saturdays, we would welcome any help we can get. Teens - get some community service hours in this summer! If you have questions, please contact Jennifer in the Cathedral office at [email protected].

Saturday, July 10, 9 a.m. to noon

Saturday, July 17, 9 a.m. to noon

Saturday, July 24, 9 a.m. to noon

Saturday, July 31, 9 a.m. to noon

For about sixteen years, long before we leased our parking area, a dedicated and changing crew has promoted the CCSP parking lot as the easiest in-and-out spot for access to the July 3^rd Burlington waterfront fireworks.

Over the ensuing years, it has become not only the premier parking spot but also somewhat of a tradition for many families. As we gradually begin to experience our “new life” together, what better way would there be than to spend an evening at the Corner of Hope and Gratitude!

Two years ago, we parked 50 cars at $20 per car and, with a few kind additional donations, we were, for the first time, able to provide over $1100 to our Outreach Ministries. We hope to do the same this year.

We will be there early afternoon to close off the lot with saw horses so that we can assure full availability. By 4:00 p.m. we are ready to greet visitors, some of whom have been coming from New York since the initial year. Reservations are accepted from congregation members for whom we try to give prime parking – please send an email to Maureen ([email protected]) to reserve spaces, and make your online contribution here.

The slow pace from 4-7 p.m. allows greeters, friends and visitors fellowship time with appropriate snacks and beverages; we look forward to greeting many of you face-to-face for the first time in 2021. We have filled the lot every year with a mad scramble beginning at about 8 p.m., when folks desperately seeking a spot form a line to get in. Then we really go to work. As darkness spreads, anticipation heightens and the community energy soars, we continue to patrol the entire grounds to assure safety for everyone and the church property. By 9:50, the fireworks are over and those who have parked with us are headed home clearing traffic far before others. We would love to have you join us.

Maureen and Tom Rees

We are so thankful for the amazing development of the COVID-19 vaccinations over the past year. In Vermont, the large number of vaccinated people has enabled our church, our city, and our country to relax many of this past year's safety protocols. Thank you for your faithfulness and patience.

Here at the Cathedral, we want people to gather in health and safety. It's summertime. Be healthy. Enjoy the gradual reopening of long-closed parts of our world. We exist for grace and hospitality, and good health epitomizes those values.

In that spirit, if you would like to share your vaccination status with us at the Cathedral, we would welcome the information. Please email the Cathedral office at [email protected], and enjoy the summer!

This Sunday is the Fifth Sunday After Pentecost. Click here for the latest edition of The Sunday Paper, a weekly publication for children that includes Scriptural images, and stories that relate the Gospel to the Old Testament, the life of the church, and their own lives.

To join us online, use the link here.

To dial in by phone, call 1-646-558-8656, enter the Meeting ID#: 848 0522 8551

Password: 1973

View or download the order of worship for the online Service of the Word here.

Morning Prayer, Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. by Zoom or Facebook Live.

Compline, Sundays at 9:00 p.m. on Zoom or Facebook Live.

Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m. on Zoom.

Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

This weekly e-newsletter is circulated on Fridays. Please have your pieces submitted to Jennifer Sumner at [email protected] by noon on Wednesday. Thank you.