Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last: Grant that your church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may strive to secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Lesser Feasts and Fasts, p. 171)
Last week you heard me say in my sermon that we need to be the light of Christ and share that light with the world. The season of Epiphany is a time when we hear of that light being shared and we are called to follow that example. Sharing that light is exactly what we’ll do when we come together tomorrow, January 18, for our Diocesan service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The day begins at 11 a.m. with a fundraising luncheon benefiting The Rev. Canon Edward L. Warner chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians of West Missouri (reservations required). The Evensong service for Dr. King begins at 4 p.m. with a reception to follow in Founders’ Hall. Our former Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev. Michael Curry, will be the featured speaker for the luncheon and preacher for the service. The service is open to all who wish to come.
This coming Tuesday, January 21, is the National Day of Racial Healing, focusing on restoring individuals and communities to wholeness, repairing damage caused by racism, facilitating trust, building authentic relationships, and bridging divides. This is especially timely as it follows our Nation’s observance of Martin Luther King, Jr Day. The Cathedral will be open on Tuesday for prayer during the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Prayer guides are available online so you can pray from anywhere.
Following this we have even more chances to share the Epiphany light. January 18 (The Feast of the Confession of St. Peter) begins the traditional Week of Prayer for Christian Unity that goes until January 25 (The Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul). These days from MLK Day through Jan. 25 give all of us a time for prayer and growth, a time for hope and healing, and a time to make a difference in our lives and communities. Please take the time to pray.
Other upcoming events include diaconal ordinations next Saturday, January 25 at 10 a.m., and our Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 26 following the 10:30 a.m. service. I remind you that the 10:30 a.m. service will be the only service that day as we bring all three congregations together to elect new members to the Vestry and hear about our vision for the Cathedral in 2025.
The Annual Parish meeting, Vestry elections, and diocesan services are all normal parts of the life of the Cathedral which I have the honor and duty to oversee. These duties, however, never overshadow my greatest duty which is to serve all of you first. Please know that I always have time for you. I’m always happy to meet, have a meal, listen, grab a beverage of your choice, answer questions as I’m able, or just pray. The Cathedral is the people, and I was called to serve you in this place. Being the Dean comes with many responsibilities and can mean making difficult decisions at times, but I take it very seriously and it is always my pleasure to serve. I ask for your prayers as I continue to pray for all of you. Let us all continue to pray for one another, for our Cathedral family, our nation, and the world.
For posts not listed here, visit our From the Dean Archive page.