When God Says Yes to You

The Gospel of Luke will tell us this Sunday that “Jesus entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.” (Luke 10:38) Martha, as far as we know, is either a widow or an old maid—the sad result either of a serious tragedy or a life that somehow had gone way off course. With no man in her life, the assumption during Biblical times would be that Martha had somehow lost favor with God for something she had done wrong. She was off every dinner party list, people avoided eye contact with her in the marketplaces, and no one ever stopped by just to see how she was doing. Instead, Martha abided in the shadows…silent, submissive, indistinguishable.

Yet when this famous man, this teacher, this healer, this prophet named Jesus enters her village, Martha finds him and invites him into her home. Martha took a risk in inviting Jesus…many would call this more than a risk. Martha took a leap of faith. You see, Martha didn’t believe all the religious hype of the day that God was somehow punishing her or found her unworthy. She heard of this rabbi proclaiming a loving, liberating, life-giving God, and she wanted to learn more about him, so much so that she invites him to dinner. And her risk, her leap of faith, pays off. Jesus says yes to Martha. Jesus comes to her home. God says yes to her.

A common theme I hear as a pastor and priest in my pastoral conversations with you is a general feeling of unworthiness: that God is somehow too busy, too holy, or too occupied to have anything to do with us. What would it mean for each of us to take a leap of faith, as Martha did, and invite Jesus into our lives more deeply? We might be very surprised by God’s response.

– The Very Rev. Gray Lesesne, D.Min., Dean and Rector

TODAY! Lemonade on the Lawn

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 10AM-3PM

Coburn Place supports survivors of domestic violence in Indianapolis. Their annual lemonade stand raises funds for youth services, including new school shoes and money for field trips. These relatively small contributions allow more kids to be kids.

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You’re Invited! Altar Guild Training

SUNDAY, JULY 17, AT 11:30AM

Interested in setting the Lord’s Table? Do you enjoy a quiet, hands-on ministry? Are you a church nerd, or aspiring church nerd, who would like to learn the long names for each element involved in the Eucharist? If you answered yes, Altar Guild is for you! Altar Guild will be hosting a training session on July 17 at 11:30 a.m. We’ll start in the Nave and move to the sacristy. If you can’t attend but would like more information about the Altar Guild, contact Anne Tordai.

EMAIL ANNE TORDAI

Black Women’s Health Disparities

SATURDAY, JULY 30, 10AM

Even as health care for Black Women has improved, vast disparities persist. To better understand the underlying causes and how we can be a part of the solution, Dr. Kimberly McElroy-Jones of Eskenazi Hospital will help us unpack this important systemic racial issue. There will be time during scheduled breakout sessions to discuss ways to address these issues and actions we can take at CCC.

This Zoom event is a partnership between The Diocese of Indianapolis Racial Justice and Education Team and the Christ Church Cathedral Racial Justice Team.

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Benefit Concert: Send Alejandro Reyna to Aspen Music Festival

SATURDAY, AUG. 5, AT 7PM

Alejandro Reyna, a member of the Cathedral’s Coro Latinoamericano, has been accepted into Seraphic Fire’s Professional Choral Institute at the Aspen Music Festival. This benefit concert will help raise funds to cover tuition, housing, and travel expenses.

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Cathedral Women Festive Tea

SUNDAY, JULY 24, AT 11:30AM

The Cathedral Women invite everyone to enjoy a festive celebration honoring all those who worked so hard for a successful 56th Annual Strawberry Festival. Wear your fanciest hats and enjoy tea, coffee, punch, treats, and finger sandwiches! The financial report from the 2022 Strawberry Festival also will be presented. All are welcome!

Mark Your Calendar: Vestry Quarterly Check-in This Month

SUNDAY, JULY 31, AT 9AM, 11:30AM, AND 2:15PM

As part of our leadership’s renewed commitment to transparency and collaboration, we invite you to join our Vestry for a quarterly update after each service. We’ll share highlights of our work together over the past three months and make plenty of time for your questions, comments, and feedback. We’ll meet in-person in the Parish Hall.

CCC 101 Offered for Newcomers

SUNDAY, JULY 31, AT 11:30AM

Are you new (or new-ish) to Christ Church Cathedral? Welcome! CCC 101 is your opportunity to learn more about who we are as an active community of faith and how we live into our mission to Glorify God, Serve Our Neighbors, and Transform Our City.

Join us for lunch and lively discussion!

RSVP BY TUESDAY, JULY 26

Stained Glass Project COMPLETE!

On July 4, crews began the extensive project to replace the protective coverings on CCC’s magnificent stained glass windows. Although the project was projected to last until July 20, we’re pleased to announce that the crews have completed the work a full week early! This is the kind of project that happens roughly every 30 years, and we’re very thankful for the leadership of Floyd Acoff, our Director of Property and Facilities, for coordinating and overseeing the work. The previous coverings had gotten dingy with age, and the new coverings—which provide extra insulation and security—really make our windows sparkle. We thank you for your patience through this process.