Grace Cathedral
Article | July 26, 2024
Congregation Update: What Do You See?
Blog|The Rev. Canon Mary Carter Greene
Dear Grace Cathedral Family,
Our fulsome celebration of the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women continues with women presiding, preaching, reading, inspiring music, and praying, online and in the cathedral all week.
This Sunday, July 28, we look forward to the theme continuing in the prophetic voices of our preachers: The Rev. Canon Sally Bingham at 8:30 am, The Rev. Canon Anna Rossi at 11 am, and The Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers at 6 pm.
The Gospel of John this Sunday places Mary Magdalene as a centerpiece to Jesus’s resurrection. In the Gospel passage from John 20, Jesus tells her to not hold onto him, and this command empowers her in a way. It means she will be the one to carry this life-changing message to the disciples; it makes her the first witness. And once a witness, she is moved to act.
We have witnessed new life, and we, too, are called to respond. So, as we continue this witness by celebrating the 50th anniversary of ordination of women to the Priesthood and the ongoing gains in equity among clergy, this is a good time to look around and consider other areas where we still have work to do – in the church, in society, and in our own hearts. Then, as Mary Magdalene did, we are called to witness and respond to these needs.
Our annual survey of the congregation invites your responses to many questions, including where you feel we are called to witness and act for Social Justice. We hope you will take some time to consider the issues of our day and share your thoughts on Grace Cathedral Survey when you answer it. This survey will take about 20 minutes to complete. Please plan to complete this survey before August 12.
The Gospel of John ends with purpose, saying, Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:30-31).
It is a delight to have life together with this community, and I look forward to sharing more with you on Sunday.
With every blessing,
Mary Carter
The Rev. Cn. Mary Carter Greene
Canon Pastor