Grace Cathedral

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. 
John 14:27 

Dear Grace Family,            

This Sunday’s Gospel from John reminds us that, although Jesus has ascended into heaven, he leaves us with the presence of the Holy Spirit. He also gives us peace.

We live in a tumultuous world. Life is frequently filled with conflict — whether between nations, groups and individuals. We also may feel the conflict in our own lives. In our families. In our own personal struggles.  In tumultuous times, it is important to remember Jesus’ promise of peace. It is a peace the world cannot give, rooted in divine love. It transcends all worldly divisions. It heals all things. It is constant. It is the true peace of Christ’s salvation.

This Sunday, we will baptize a number of infants into the household of God at the 11 am Holy Eucharist and 6 pm Vesper Light. What a beautiful scripture for such a special event!

This Sunday, I will also preach at all three services and share my family’s story of baptism into the Episcopal Church during WWII Japanese American incarceration in honor of my grandparents and AAPI month.

Later that evening from 8:30 pm, we will have Projecting Grace and AAPI month messages will be projected on the facade.

On Wednesday at 3 pm, the Requiem service for the Rev. Canon David Forbes, former Grace Cathedral precentor, vice dean, and founding head of the Cathedral School for Boys will be held in the nave.

I am pleased to let you know we will also have a special Vine service on Wednesday at 6:30 pm celebrating AAPI month. The Rev. Canon Debra Low-Skinner, Canon to the Ordinary, is presiding, with special music by Tim Be Told and rapper Son of Paper. Sample some delicious AAPI appetizers at a reception on the Plaza immediately after the service.

Everyone has been shocked and concerned about this week about mass shootings in Buffalo and Orange County. Sadly, gun violence is a perennial national scourge. Regarding the tragedy in Buffalo, it was especially excruciating, as the shooter targeted African Americans and espoused hateful white nationalism. Our African American brothers and sisters rightfully feel vulnerable, sad and angry. Prayers go out to the victims and all who suffer.

I want to remind folks of our gun violence altar in the back of the nave. I encourage you to visit and offer a prayer. Here is a prayer contained thereon, authored by immediate past Vice Dean the Rev. Dr. Ellen Clark-King:

Let us lament with all those who are touched by gun violence
Let us lament the shooter’s choice for violence
Let us lament laws that allow violent men easy access to guns
Let us lament our politicians’ unwillingness to work for change
Let us lament with the hearts broken by loss today
Let us lament all the lives cut short today
Let us lament, O God, and then let us rise from our knees to work for change
In the name of Christ, the prince of peace. Amen.

In Christ,
Greg+

The Rev. Dr. Greg Kimura
Vice Dean of Grace Cathedral