The Smell of Grace
Nineteenth-century English novelist and poet Rudyard Kipling mused in his poem Lichtenberg that “smells are surer than sights or sounds to make your heartstrings crack.” There’s something about our human sense of smell that summons visceral emotions and reactions in a way that words cannot.
This Sunday, we will be plunged into a Gospel story full of smells as Mary opens a bottle of perfume and anoints Jesus’ feet during a dinner she and her sister Martha are hosting. Hers is not only an act of love and devotion, but also a foreshadowing of the anointing Jesus will receive at his burial. The Gospel of John emphasizes: “The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”
This is the smell of grace. A smell of a love that is a ripe concoction between all that is earthly and all that is heavenly, so pungent it awakens you, so sweet it almost gags you, so aromatic it clears you out, so powerful it lingers with you for hours—so much so that you can’t even wash it off of your fingers or out of your nostrils—this is what grace smells like, what unconditional loves smells like, poured out onto the feet of Jesus and onto the floor of Martha and Mary and Lazarus’ dining room.
As you and I imagine ourselves in this story this Sunday, I invite us to breathe in this smell of grace, and to allow ourselves to experience all the emotions that come with that smell. And as we breathe out, and as we go out into the world in Christ’s name, may we reflect that grace in our words and deeds.
–The Very Reverend Gray Lesesne, D.Min. |
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First Friday Evensong Dedicated to Ukraine
SUNDAY, APRIL 3 AT 4PM
On the first Sunday of each month, we offer a Choral Evensong featuring special music and instrumentalists. This Sunday, we dedicate our prayers to the people of Ukraine. Be with us for a Choral Evensong featuring the Ukranian Anthem and John Rutter’s newly composed “A Ukrainian Prayer.” |
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Support for Ukraine Rally
SATURDAY, APRIL 9 AT 3PM
As our community comes together to rally for the people of Ukraine and protest the war of Russian aggression, we will use our place on Monument Circle to offer water and a blessing station. Be with us as we serve our neighbors and pray for the people of Ukraine. Contact Canon for the Circle Mariann Scott with questions at marianns@cccindy.org
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Acolyte Training for All Ages
SUNDAY, APRIL 3, AT 11:30AM
Do you like to light fires? Be a part of bringing beauty to our sacred liturgy. Lead processions, assist at the Eucharist, bring the Gospel to the people, light and carry candles, ring the bells. Consider serving as a family. All ages encouraged to attend. Please contact Andrew Troche and Daniel Ramirez. |
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First Sunday Fiesta
SUNDAY, APRIL 3 AT 2PM
The first Sunday of each month, after our 1 p.m. service offered in Spanish, we gather together for fellowship and delicious food. Be with us and experience the warm generosity of our community, and if you are able, bring a dish to share! |
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Welcoming The Rev. Jodi Baron
MAY 25-31 AND JUNE 1-3
It is with great joy that we share that The Reverend Jodi Baron has accepted our call and will join us in late June as CCC’s Canon and Senior Associate! She comes to us from Michigan where she and her husband, Christian, have served as Co-Rectors of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Beulah.
Jodi also served from 2020-2022 as Co-Rector of Church of the Holy Trinity in Manistee, Michigan.
She brings with her a passion for creating spaces where all people can worship in the language of their hearts and advocate for the people in our city who are most vulnerable to the injustices that permeate the margins of our society.
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Holy Week and Easter at CCC
APRIL 10-17
We begin Holy Week with the joyful celebration of Palm Sunday then quickly turn our thoughts to Jesus’ persecution and passion upon the cross. Be with us throughout the week as we journey in prayer and contemplation throughout the week leading up to the Great Vigil of Easter and the triumphant return of Christ on Easter Day.
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Decorate Easter Eggs and Learn About Pysanky
SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 10AM TO NOON
Families, youth, and adults are invited to help decorate Easter eggs for the children’s egg hunt on Easter Sunday. Youth and adults also have the opportunity to learn about the Ukrainian wax-method of egg dying called “Pysanky.” |
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Donate Flowers for Easter
Help make our Eastertide celebration more beautiful and joyous! Please give in memory, honor, or celebration of a loved one or special occasion. Will you consider a donation of $25, $50, $100? We are grateful for your gifts!
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Joyful Noise Registration Is Open, Volunteers Needed!
MAY 25-31 AND JUNE 1-3
Do you know a child who enjoys music, art and making new friends? Consider our week-long FREE Joyful Noise summer day camp for kids in grades 3 through 8 (as of fall 2023)!
Campers will make new friends in an inclusive Christian community, develop new musical and artistic skills and take daily field trips. Campers receive breakfast, lunch and snacks.
Adult volunteers are also needed to help us create a safe and fun environment for our campers. Volunteers assist with camp activities and field trips, and ensure camper safety. We are in high need of your time and talent in this way!
Interested? Contact Stephany Cohen at lscohen.music@gmail.com or Christopher Caruso-Lynch at chrisl@cccindy.org
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SAVE THE DATE: 2022 Bake Week and Strawberry Festival
BAKE WEEK: MAY 1-4
FESTIVAL: THURSDAY JUNE 9
Mark your calendars! This year’s Bake Week is May 1-4 and Strawberry Festival is Thursday, June 9. More information on how you can help is coming soon! |
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Racial Equity Workshop: A Groundwater Presentation
SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 9AM TO NOON
In this virtual webinar hosted by CCC, organizers from the Racial Equity Institute will use stories and data to present a perspective that racism is fundamentally structural in nature. The Groundwater metaphor is designed to help participants at all levels internalize the reality that we live in a racially structured society, and that that is what causes racial inequity. The metaphor is based on three observations:
- racial inequity looks the same across systems,
- socio-economic difference does not explain the racial inequity; and,
- inequities are caused by systems, regardless of people’s culture or behavior.
Embracing these truths helps leaders confront the reality that all our systems, institutions, and outcomes emanate from the racial hierarchy, on which the United States was built. In other words, we have a “groundwater” problem, and we need “groundwater” solutions. Starting from there, we begin to unlock transformative change.
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REGATHERING UPDATE: Masks Optional
Face masks are optional for all vaccinated individuals at CCC. We are excited to see everyone’s smiling faces! (Masks are still required for those who are unvaccinated.) Thank you for all your patience and cooperation over the last two years.
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GOOD WORD SUBMISSION FORM
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CONNECT WITH CATHEDRAL MEMBERS
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