When the Gospel is Difficult

Sometimes the words of scripture are easy on the ear. But other times they are more challenging. We can often gravitate towards things in life that are easier, that we prefer—and this temptation can also influence how we read the Bible. The words from Jesus in this Sunday’s Gospel might grate more on our ears than when he calls us to love our neighbors —although I would argue that is his hardest teaching of them all. But they are Jesus’s words nonetheless, and we cannot necessarily disregard them. We don’t get to choose to keep some parts of Jesus, and get rid of others. We get him all.

We cannot forget, however, that God is merciful, slow to anger, and of loving kindness. If there is to be a judgment of this world, it will be enacted by the same God who would leave the ninety-nine sheep behind just to find you and me. The fire of God is refining, not destructive. And I don’t know about you, but I need that refinement every day. To be open to this refinement is to be open to a new way of life, one that is not always easy or in alignment with the ways of the world.

And yet Paul calls us on: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.”

– The Rev. Canon Greg Baker
Canon for Spiritual Formation

First Outreach Grant Announced Today!

We are pleased to announce that the Outreach Ministry Team has made their first recipient selection for the newly refreshed Outreach Grant program, a partnership comprised of both funding and faithful volunteer engagement. Dayspring Center is the inaugural recipient and provides emergency shelter, clothing, and three nourishing meals a day for homeless families with children in central Indiana.

The partnership includes a $45,000 grant along with an additional commitment of time and talent contributions from you, our CCC community!

The first day of service and opportunity to volunteer your time and talent will be on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. where we will assist with painting residents’ rooms and serving lunch.

We look forward to building this new, refreshed relationship with Dayspring Center and the shared work we will do to glorify God, serve our neighbors and transform our city!

Updates to Our Security Policy

Christ Church Cathedral is a spiritual hub of transformation for our city and diocese. Our unique location in the center of our city gives us the opportunity to be a space of deep peace in a troubled world, and we strive to be a safe place for all. You may have noticed over the last year, we have had the support of an outside security firm during our Sunday worship. We are grateful to them and how they have become beloved members of our CCC community.

In the wake of continued violence across the nation, CCC Vestry and staff have updated our security policy to include the following changes:

Beginning Aug. 14, the St. Francis Door will be locked during services.
Accommodations will be made to ensure those who need to access the Cathedral from the wheelchair ramp will be able to do so.
CCC hired security guards, in uniform and who have received specialized training, may be armed while in the Cathedral.

If you have questions about our new policy, please know that our Wardens and staff welcome your feedback.

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP p.815)

Anglican Identity
WEDNESDAYS AT 6:30PM, SEPT. 7 THRU OCT. 5

Join us Wednesday evenings this Fall at CCC to explore the roots of Anglican identity and what it means to call ourselves part of the Anglican tradition. Through conversation and reading we’ll explore the roots of our church, how some of our traditions evolved, and how the Episcopal Church came to be. Most importantly, we’ll discuss how CCC fits into the story of Anglicanism, and each week we’ll study how the pillars of our strategic vision are connected to our overall Anglican identity.

Sacred Ground: Exploring Race and Racism in America
THURSDAYS, SEPT. 8 THRU NOV. 17

Join us on Thursday evenings this Fall for Sacred Ground, an 11-part-film and readings-based dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. Small groups are invited to walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity. Through an immersive online curriculum, we will explore documentary films and readings that focus on Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories as they intersect with European American histories.

Sacred Ground is part of Becoming Beloved Community, The Episcopal Church’s long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, our ministries, and our society. This series is open to all, and especially designed to help white people talk with other white people about these most important issues. Participants are invited to peel away the layers that have contributed to the challenges and divides of the present day – all while grounded in our call to faith, hope and love.

REGISTER NOW

Celebrate CCC at the Fall Ministry Fair

SUNDAY, SEPT. 11, AT 11:30AM & 2:15PM

In recent years, it’s become more evident than ever that the church is more than the place where we worship: it’s the community that serves together and cares together. We invite you to (re)connect this fall at our Ministry Fair!

What energizes you? What gives you fulfilment? How would you like to challenge yourself? Take some time to sit with these questions and then chat with ministry representatives on Sunday, Sept. 11, to learn which ministries are a good match for your passions.

DOWNLOAD THE MINISTRY GUIDE

Dive Into Education for Ministry

TUESDAYS STARTING SEPT. 13 AT 6:30PM

At CCC we heartily believe that everyone is called to ministry in some way, whether your ministry includes preaching and celebrating the eucharist for hundreds of people, caregiving for an individual, or even just lending a sympathetic ear to a friend. If you enjoy careful consideration of scriptures and other theological writings, Education for Ministry (EfM) may be your next step in your ministry journey. Developed and overseen by The School of Theology–University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, EfM is an in-depth study of scripture, church history, selected readings and shared theological reflection within a small community of people seeking to deepen their prayer lives and an awareness of God in their ordinary daily lives.

The CCC EfM group meets weekly September through May. EfM is a four-year certificate program, but because we know life sometimes interrupts our best plans, participants are asked to reaffirm their commitment each summer. Visit the EfM webpage to learn more or email Jude Magers or Theresa Stinson.

REGISTER

Book Study: “The Church Cracked Open”
SUNDAYS IN SEPTEMBER

This September, our Sunday Forum at 11:30 a.m. will focus on the book “The Church Cracked Open: Disruption, Decline, and New Hope for Beloved Community” by the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers. In this book Mother Stephanie, who serves on the staff of the Presiding Bishop, examines how events of the last few years have spurred Christians to wrestle with difficult questions around systemic racism, establishment, and privilege.

Complimentary paperback copies of the book are available at the church. We invite you to take one per household.