I’m looking forward to our annual Cathedral Cup Croquet tournament tomorrow starting at noon on the North lawn. This year’s theme is “Tiki Cup” and will be great fun as we come together for some friendly competition and fellowship. If you didn’t sign up to play, feel free to come and enjoy the day as a spectator. All are welcome to cheer the teams on and join in the fun. We’ll see if last year’s champions can hold on to the Cathedral Cup, or if another team will take the crown.
On a different note, today marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. A day that all of us who were alive when it happened will likely never forget. From New York City to Washington, DC, to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in acts of terrorism against the United States. Thousands more were wounded. The nation seemed to come together after those events as differences were put aside and Americans helped other Americans to cope with what had happened. Today, we’re witnessing a nation deeply divided and polarized, mostly across the political divide. Tragic events continue to happen in communities across the country. We are, again, a country at war. We do not have to be so divided. We need to remember that we are all children of God. As Christians we are called to love one another, even when we disagree, and work for the good of all people no matter who they are or what they believe. These acts of violence must stop. This Sunday we will remember all those affected by the events of 9/11 in our prayers as we continue to pray for peace in our world.
Also, this Sunday, we invite you to come to our Ministry Fair following both morning services. You will have the opportunity to learn more about all ministries at the Cathedral and sign up to be a volunteer. It is through these ministries that we do what we can to love one another, help one another, and serve one another. It is through these ministries that we reach out in love to a hurting world. It is through our service that we strive for justice and peace. Please join us.
Here is one of several prayers I will make available on Sunday for you to pray as we continue to remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart and especially the hearts of the people of this land, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP p. 823)
Please continue to pray for one another, for our Cathedral family, our nation, and the world.
Dean Andy+