We had a wonderful gathering at the Cathedral last Saturday for the ordinations of Christopher Dodson, Richard Liantonio, Janette Platter, and Brandon Smee as priests. It was especially great to see Richard being ordained and to be with him as he celebrated the Eucharist at both services on Sunday morning. Fr. Richard was ordained deacon in February and has been serving with us since last March. I am grateful for Richard’s ministry and for being a part of our Cathedral family. Thank you for all you do and will continue to do in your ministry.

Speaking of ministries, one of the greatest ministries we have at the Cathedral is our choir, and everyone now has the chance to experience them firsthand. Our Director of Music, Lucas Fletcher, is looking for volunteers to sing with the choir and offers the following:

• On Sunday, September 20, we begin a series of “open houses” with the choir. Anyone interested in seeing the choir up close in action can join us at 10 a.m. in Haden Hall as we rehearse. You may also sit with the choir in the gallery during the service, no singing necessary.
• On Thursday, September 24, the choir will host an open house from 7-8 p.m. during our rehearsal in Haden Hall. Come enjoy some great food, conversation, and music. Even better, bring a friend!
• On Sundays, September 27 and October 4, we will offer the opportunity to learn more about hymn-singing. Anyone who is interested should gather around the grand piano in the Nave after the organ postlude. We’ll talk about our hymnal and practice a few simple hymns. Each gathering will last about 20 minutes. These same hymns will appear during our annual Hymn Sing and dinner on Friday, October 9.

I hope you’ll consider coming and experiencing all that the choir adds to our worship.

Don’t forget to join our Deanery friends at the End of Summer Picnic this coming Wednesday, September 9, from 5 -7 p.m. Due to the heat, the picnic will be in Founders’ Hall. We are still taking sign ups for our Croquet Tournament: Tiki Cup on Saturday, September 12. It is always a fun time, and I look forward to it every year. Sunday, September 13 is our Ministry Fair after both morning services. Come learn about all our ministries and see what volunteer opportunities are available.

This Monday is Labor Day, and I’d like to share one of two Collects from the Prayer Book for this national holiday.

Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Please continue to pray for one another, for our Cathedral family, our nation, and the world.

Dean Andy+