eConnections - October 11, 2026

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eConnections

The Weekend of the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
(Year A: Proper 23, Track 1)

October 11, 2026

The Dean's List

It's Always Something.
There is always a project at the Cathedral. Always.

Throughout my career, I have told every incoming Junior Warden, “We’ve done so much already. I just don’t think you’re going to be all that busy.”

“Ha!” says God. “Hold my frosty beverage!” says every building. “@#$%&!” says every Junior Warden, eventually.

I’m either hopelessly naive or much more of an optimist than I care to admit. I think I need to spend some time in prayer with Eeyore.

Over the summer, we had the whole “melting circuit breaker” incident, which nearly caused a fire in the office and classroom building. Fortunately, a St. Margaret’s House staff member stationed near the breaker panel smelled smoke—and the lovely, acrid scent of melting plastic. As it turned out, the electrical draw from our new kitchen equipment, under sustained use, exceeded the capacity of a short section of the wiring.

Before we could repair the plaster in the entryway and Memorial Chapel, we needed to address drainage problems on the roof above those areas. We did—or so we thought. The plaster was expertly repaired and beautifully repainted. Then came a hard rain, which revealed that another roof drain, one that hadn’t come up in our earlier conversations, also needed to be sealed where it met the roof. Oops.

Back in the kitchen, the St. Margaret’s House kitchen crews were frustrated by frequent drain backups at the dishwasher and three-basin sink. After some back-and-forth about cutting a hole in the wall to see where the drains went, Kirk Philippsen and Matthew Worns went a-sawin’ one day, creating a three-by-three-foot opening for the plumber to have a gander.

We had visions of replacing every drain in the walls and under the parking lot. Fortunately, once the plumber understood the layout, the solution was simply to snake the drains and remove accumulated gunk extending as far as 75 feet. Yuck! The drains are working properly again, and we’ve pledged to snake them more often.

Meanwhile, we’ve had some minor leaks on the roof of the classroom and office building. We sent up a roofer to investigate, but he was chased away by bees. We then sent up a beekeeper, who informed us that they were actually yellow jackets living in the walls and entering through holes in the mortar between the bricks. Those holes might also help explain the water leaks. At least in part.

The yellow jackets are gone, and the main holes have been plugged. But tuck-pointing the building will soon be on the agenda.

Then there’s the proposed ramp to the Cathedral’s front entrance. It’s a good idea, if a pricier—and, of course, more complicated—one than you might expect a 40-foot-long, wedge-shaped mass of concrete to be. A recently completed survey of our property (thank you, St. Margaret’s House!) will tell us exactly how high the ramp needs to rise. Then we’ll return to our architect, Joe Dzierla, to solicit bids and get a better sense of what we’re facing.

Sanctuary lighting? That’s on the list, too. We’re gathering ideas and bids. But replacing the light fixtures also means rewiring the sanctuary, which is undoubtedly a good idea. The wiring has been updated at some point between the building’s construction in 1894 and today, but exactly when remains a mystery. Sometime after the knob-and-tube era, at least. We have circuit breakers, not fuses, just so you know.

We should probably repair, reseal, and restripe the north parking lot fairly soon, too. And fix our eight miles of sidewalks. And replace the carpeting. And…

All of which is to say: Thank you, Cathedral congregation, for your continued love and care for our buildings and grounds. Your generosity makes possible some truly amazing worship and ministries.

And thank you, Kirk Philippsen. And Eric McManus. And Dave Woods. And Jane Hunter. And Tim Gray. And the endless succession of Junior Wardens who somehow find far more to do than I ever imagined.

You are all a gift to our Church and to the wider community.

Stories of Resilience
Do you have a story about a time when the Cathedral of Saint James showed resilience? Or when God did something amazing here or was clearly present in this place? The Dove Faith Cafe invites you to tell your story in a special event at Trinity Church, Fort Wayne on the eve of Diocesan Convention. The submission deadline for your story idea is this coming Thursday, October 15. Speak with Fr. Brian if you have any questions.

Octoberfest for Kids Postponed
As it turns out, Saturday, October 17 is a busy day for parents and kids alike. Oktoberfest at the Grantzhaus for Kids has, therefore, been postponed. Please join us for our Ockoberfest for All of Us Carry-In Supper Celebration on Friday, October 30! <see below>

Blessings,
Brian

Worship

Last Chance! Go to the Survey

Click on the image above to watch the slide show of Cathedral pets from our
St. Francis Day Celebration!

We invite you to remember beloved family and friends who have gone before us into the nearer presence of God by writing their names on the prayer cards at the back of the Church. The cards are hung throughout the church so that we might be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses as we pray, baptize, and share communion on All Saints Day: November 1. All names are read aloud in the litany of the faithful departed prayed on that day, as well.

Diocesan Convention

Submission Deadline: Thursday, October 15

Cathedral Kids :)

Fellowship

Oktoberfest Carry In RSVP

Formation & Spirituality

Outreach & Evangelism

Cathedral Calendar

Saturday, October 10 Vida Dutton Scudder

No Events Scheduled

Sunday, October 11
The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Year A: Proper 23, Track 1
Dcn. Anne Wietstock & Dr. Steven Wietstock away

8:00 am
Holy Eucharist: Rite One

9:00 am
Intercessory Prayer

9:15 am
Adult Forum: Have Mercy Part 2 of 2

10:30 am
Holy Eucharist: Rite Two

11:45 am
Intercessory Prayer
Hospitality Hour
Youth Group

4:00 pm
Preconvention Deanery Zoom Meeting

Monday, October 12 Edith Cavell
Cathedral Office: Closed

3:00 pm
Diocesan Fall Clergy Retreat
continuing through Wednesday

6:00 pm
Education for Ministry

Tuesday, October 13
Cathedral Office: 9 am - 1:30 pm
Fr. Brian Out of the Office

All Day
Diocesan Fall Clergy Retreat
continuing through Wednesday

5:30 pm
South Bend Hall of Fame Induction Event
including The Hon. Pete Buttigieg

Wednesday, October 14 Samuel Schereschewsky
Cathedral Office: 9 am - 1:30 pm
Fr. Brian Out of the Office

Through Lunchtime
Diocesan Fall Clergy Retreat

7:00 pm
Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, October 15 Teresa of Avila
Cathedral Office: 9:00 am - 1:30 pm

5:30
Finance Committee

Friday, October 16 Latimer, Ridley, and Cranmer
Cathedral Office: 9:00 am - 11:00 am

12:05 pm
Holy Eucharist

1:00 pm
Community Lunch at Grill 362

Saturday, October 17 Ignatius of Antioch

No Events Scheduled

Sunday, October 18
The Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
Year A: Proper 24, Track 1

8:00 am
Holy Eucharist: Rite One

9:15 am
Adult Forum: Ritual Well
with The Rev. Jean Culbertson Sutton

10:30 am
Holy Eucharist: Rite Two
The Rev. Jean Culbertson Sutton, preaching

11:45 am
Hospitality Hour
Youth Group

12:30 pm
Fellowship of St. John

Ministry Schedule

Sunday, October 11
Year A: Proper 23, Track 1

8:00 am
Lector Kate Lee
Lay Minister Daniel Armounfelder

10:30 am
Lectors Christopher Hillak & Tamisyn Grantz
Eucharistic Ministers Rick Hilliard, Betsy VanderBurg
Ushers Erica Vitale, Michael Worns
Acolytes Cynthia Katsarelis, Jack Laney, Matthew Worns
Hospitality Rhonda Culbertson
Linen Care DeDe Guth
Sacristan Adam Bosler

Wednesday, October 14
Counters Sue Lowe, Betsy VanderBurg

Friday, October 16
Folder DeDe Guth

Prayer List

Collect for the Twentieth Sunday

after Pentecost (Proper 23)

Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Anniversaries & Birthdays

Oct 11 Mike & Peg Swadener (18)
Oct 12 Dave & Donna Woods (52)
Oct 13 Rhonda Culbertson
Oct 13 Rose Grantz
Oct 13 Mary Lehman
Oct 13 Mary Young-Marcks
Oct 14 Jared Fernley
Oct 14 Sue Lowe
Oct 16 Zeke Kallenberg
Oct 17 Adam Bosler (11)
Oct 17 Beth Marchant
Oct 17 Cherry Radin

For Your Prayers

☩ In Thanksgiving...

For Bishop Doug Sparks, in gratitude for his years of leadership and heart for this Diocese; may his upcoming retirement be a season of rest and blessing. We also pray for the Diocese of Northern Indiana, as we begin our search process for our ninth bishop diocesan.

☩ Requiescat in Pace
For those who have departed this life, and for their families mourning their loss:

Phil Roy, longtime friend of Carl Marseilles
Fr. John Young, cousin of Kelly Marseilles
Keely Twibell
Alaya Maez and for the entire Maez family

May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon them.

☩ For Those Serving in the Armed Forces at Home and Abroad

Loren Bates (Tina Velthuizen’s great-nephew)
Colin Woodruff (Nan Noecker’s grandson)
Cade Dorsch (Jo Dorsch’s grandson)
Brittany San Felipe (Erica Vitale's stepdaughter and wife of Chezka San Felipe)
John Jarrett (Erica's Vitale’s stepson, and husband of Ines Dutra)
Kristoff Richards (Extended Family of Erica Vitale)
Nathan Whitfield (Al and Norris Whitfield's son)
Will Cook (Brian and Tamisyn's Godson)
Nick Reardon ("Nephew" of the Grantzes)
Graham Sparks (Bishop Doug and Dana Sparks’ Son)
Riley Suter (friend of Jesse Grantz)

☩ For Those in Need of Healing & Recovery
For those facing illness, surgery, or physical distress:

Canon David Seger
Emma Givens (Steven Mast’s aunt)
Leo
Jennifer Brandyberry (sister of Christopher Henderson)
Michael Anand-Obelton and for Joe
Mary Beth Wright
David Carlson (close friend Mary Young-Marcks)
Mike and Lisa Jaworski
Myra Anthony
For Cooper, Emily, and Seth
Tim Irwin and Family (friends of Sherry Berkley)
Kathy Nate (friend of Deacon Clay)
Pamela Lax
Stephen Foley
Candy McCarthy (Joann Dorsch’s daughter)
Helene Dauerty
Rebecca Maloy (recovering from surgery) and for Cynthia Katsarelis.
Joshua Henderson (Chris Henderson’s brother)
Mary Brooks
Tim Lane, (son-in-law of Karen Slack, recovering from shoulder surgery)
Joni Carlson (continuing treatment)
Gideon and his family (healing)
Olivia (leukemia) and for her family
Robin & Laurie (healing from health issues)

☩ For Strength, Guidance, & Comfort
For those seeking spiritual support and peace:

Foster Norman
Tracy Norman
Scott Christian (Canon Carol Bianchini’s brother) and for his family
Adam Bosler and his Family
Treshawn Visnaw
The Bullock Family
Juan Jacob Allen Obleton
Robin Warr
Lori
Ariel Obelton
Ebony Bailey
Ann and Bill Young (Catherine Craker’s parents) and for the entire Craker and Young families.
Nadine Collier & the Collier Family
Marci Ullery (friend of Patty Hans)
Patty Hans
Derek (guidance)
Billy Hans (health & guidance)
Joseph Hilliard (strength & guidance)
Joyce (strength & guidance)
Marshall Moore (strength & guidance)

☩ General Intercessions
For friends, family, and members of the community:

Trice Berkley
Laura
The Anderson Family
Cherryl Andries
The Ashby Family: Shaun, Shirley, and Roland
Richard Bitner
Alissa Broussara
Mary M. Burman
Al Caparell; Tony Lemna; Mike; Denise & Demetrius
Cobie (Tina Velthuizen’s sister)
The Demler and Martindale families
Paula Fowler
Connor Gibbons
Ron Gunn
Tim Haywood and Janice
Rick Hillard
The Jeter Family: Jamie, Mimi, Joely, Mia, and the entire family
Bill Jones and his family
Dan & Gail Mandell
Joyce Marchant
Fred & Kate Mast
Sharron McGowan
Michael (Diane Hoist’s son) and his family
Elaine Mick
Tony Molnar
Richard Murphy Jr. and Jill Bird
Daniel & Amy Petry (parents of Amanda Helfrich)
The Proffitt and Hillman families
Carolynn Raney
Sheila & family
Karen Slack
Kevin Smith
Alan Thompson
Mthr. Tina Velthuizen
Deb Walter (friend of Sherry Berkley)
Kitty Ward
Donnie Zigler

☩ For those Discerning or Preparing for Holy Orders

Demi Chowen (Presbyterate)
Nan Noecker (Diaconate)

☩ World, National, and Local Community Concerns

As we enter election season in our country, let us remember to pray for all election workers and county clerks, especially those in Indiana and Michigan, who give of their time and talent to ensure that our elections are free and fair.
Pray for all victims of gun violence, especially for those killed or injured in recent shootings and for their families and friends. Pray also for first responders and medical staff who care for them.
Pray for the victims, survivors, and rescuers in the aftermath of flooding and mudslides in China and Nepal; for victims of wildfires in Europe and North America; and for those devastated by earthquakes in Colombia and Venezuela.
For Canon Terri Bays as she enters a period of discernment as one of three candidates from which the recently formed Diocese of the Great Lakes will elect their first bishop. We pray for her, for her family, and for their diocese and our own as this process moves forward. Come, Holy Spirit!
For protection of the lives and livelihoods of immigrants and for the families and communities mourning the loss of their loved ones.
For an end to wars and for a lasting Peace in all regions of the world, especially in Iran, Gaza, and Ukraine.

Please remember our assistance ministry guests who have asked for our prayers.
These are their requests from Wednesday, October 7

For Healing and Support
·         Anne Marie Praying for healing.
·         Dejou Praying for mental health support.
·         Michelle Praying for successful cancer treatment and for her family.
·         Richard Praying for his wife’s health
·         Jimmy Praying for mental health, for stability in life, and for peace of mind.
·         Amy Praying to get clean from addiction, to be focused for her son.
·         Nikole Praying for her father who is in Hospice care and in remembrance of her late mother.
·         Raul Praying for successful rehab.

For Housing, Life Stability, & Thanksgiving
·         Sabrina Praying for housing.
·         Tracy Praying for housing
·         Samuel Praying for safe and drug-free shelter and in thanksgiving for his and his wife’s continued recovery.
·         Brendon Praying for his general well-being.
·         Rachel Giving thanks for The Cathedral of St. James and the work we do for the community.
·         Matthew Praying for an improved life and giving thanks for Hope Ministries.
·         Jeffery Praying in hope of a potential new job at Notre Dame.
·         Steven Praying for his new app development business and for success to assist others.
·         Max Praying for peace in life and for his mother’s job.
·         Adam Praying for good days for everyone.

Peace, Spiritual Growth, Comfort & Guidance
·         Edward Praying for a level head and for better decision-making.
·         Dawn Praying for peace.
·         Asheli Praying for legal matters
·         Moe Praying for peace
·         Timothy Praying for an end to the struggles of the world.
·         Robert Praying for a clearer understanding of Scripture.

How may we pray for you? To add (or remove) a petition from the Cathedral Prayer List, please send an email to Deacon Clay Berkley. If you are requesting prayer for someone else, please make sure you have their permission to add their name and any details to the prayer list.

Cathedral Leadership

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Joe Anand-ObletonOctober 14, 2026