Grace Cathedral

Dear Grace Cathedral Friends,

Cathedral life is thriving, and we are happy to share it with you.

This Sunday marks the fifth week of Lent, the last week of this season of reflection, prayer, and penitence before Holy Week. On Sunday, we will hear John’s story of Mary of Bethany lavishing Jesus with expensive perfume. Her gesture is so loving that it is almost scandalous in its generosity. As a faithful community, we are invited to imagine how we can love generously as well.  

Participating in the second annual Grace Cathedral Community Treasure Swap is one way. This Sunday, April 6, after the 11 am Eucharist, lavish the community and spare the landfill with an item you can share. Bring a treasure to swap for another. Quality items in very good condition including books, accessories, clothing, and home goods will be exchanged in the Chapter House dining room.

More Eco-Justice offerings, inviting generosity toward the planet and its people, will follow in the months of April and May as part of our Creation Care programming initiatives. Contact stephm@gracecathedral.org for more information.

Showing courage is another way we can be generous. Next Sunday, April 13, is Palm Sunday. We are honored to be hosting the Bishop of Washington, DC, Marian Budde. Bishop Budde will be preaching at the 11 am service and sharing a conversation with Bishop Austin and Dean Young at 1 pm in the Nave. Join us for these occasions to learn how Bishop Budde courageously invites inclusion, compassion, and justice.  

Finally, be generous with yourself and deepen your relationships with the Grace Cathedral community.

Be generous to yourself. Join our annual Congregation Retreat, held at the Bishop’s Ranch in Healdsburg over Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-26. The retreat is for all ages and includes fantastic food, social and programming time together, worship, and relaxation. Registration is open. Reach out to kates@gracecathedral.org with questions.

Mary of Bethany’s act of love filled the house with fragrance. Together, we can ensure that our generosity as a community has its own lasting effects.

With generous hope,

Mary Carter