eConnections - July 5, 2026

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eConnections

The Weekend of the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
(Year A: Proper 9, Track 1)

July 5, 2026

The Dean's List

Sestercentennial
Happy 250th America. May we continue to aspire to that which we once proclaimed.

Oops.
A subcontractor working on St. Margaret's House's building project connected a water hose to an external tap on our office building. Except the connection did not seal entirely. And apparently they forgot the water was on. So... a restoration company hired by DJ Construction set up fans and dehumidifiers on the lower level of the office building. They will run throughout this weekend. Not that there's really any reason to go down that hall, but please avoid it (and the IT room and youth classroom) this weekend.

Saint James Weekend
Celebrate Saint James weekend this year with a trip to the ballyard down the street on Saturday, July 25th and a special liturgies for Saint James Sunday on the 26th. Here's what's on tap:

Saturday, July 25
7:05 pm South Bend Cubs vs. Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at Four Winds Field

We have a block of tickets available for purchase at $18 each ($20 if paying by Givelify).
Use the sign-up sheet at the back of the Church, or contact Joe Anand--Obleton here.
First come, first served. Tickets have now been offered to neighboring churches, as well, so please sign up today if you intend to go.
Payment must be received by July 11 or tickets will be released.

Sunday, July 26
8:00 am Holy Eucharist according to the 1789 Book of Common Prayer
10:30 am Saint James Sunday Celebration

Blessing of the Labyrinth
Seating of the Honorary Canons
Holy Eucharist: Rite Two

11:45 am Pot Luck Picnic (Burgers & Brats on the Blacktop?) We'll provide the burgers, brats, and beverages. Please bring a side, salad, or dessert. In order for us to make an educated guess about how much food we need, please sign up here.

Discretionary Tales
Our Assistance Ministry continues on the first Wednesday of each month, with people lining up outside our doors through the night in hopes of receiving $50 in cash assistance. By our 8:30 am start time, there are far more people waiting than we have the capacity to help.

After a somewhat tense experience in June when a few of our guests tempers flared, St. Margaret's House offered to hire an off-duty South Bend police officer this month to provide security. Officer Dawson's presence was quite positive; he established rapport with those in line and reported that he, himself, was quite pleased to have an opportunity to interact with our guests under pleasant circumstances. Katie Elliot and I agreed to continue having an officer present in the future, for which we will split the cost.

Also present with us on Assistance Days are representatives from Living in Transition Effectively, who offer substance abuse recovery support and have Narcan available to those who may need it; and Health Plus Indiana, who offer access to free HIV and Hepatitis C testing, medical care, and mental health resources.

Generally speaking, about twice as many people line up on Assistance Day than we have resources to help. This past winter, with the help of a generous grant from the Diocese of Northern Indiana, we were able to offer $50 each to 60 people through the hardest months. This month we had to reduce our number back to 30 people. Given currently available resources, we can sustain this for another three months.

Thanks to the wonderful ministry of The Fellowship of St. John, those at the back of the line don't leave empty-handed. Each month the Fellowship prepares and distributes between fifty and sixty sack breakfasts. Members of the Fellowship of St. John also help us manage the flow of people into the sanctuary, and provide fruit and beverages to those who come inside for assistance.

And finally there are the personal connections and prayers. We ask every person - after they receive assistance - if there is anything they would like us to pray for with them. Most people say "yes," with many asking for specific prayers ranging from hardship and heartache to employment and housing to safety and family. It is a privilege every time.

I will be out of town for the August Assistance Day, so my spot is available for someone who would like the opportunity to distribute funds and offer prayers. Joe Anand-Obleton will be there to instruct you how we go about this. The Fellowship of St. John and I are also planning a conversation about the optimal number of volunteers needed to effectively staff this ministry; probably 8-10. If you have two hours (8 am - 10 am) on the first Wednesday of the month, please consider lending your prayers, presence, and good humor to this ministry.

Blessings,
Brian

Worship

Diocese of Northern Indiana

Formation & Spirituality

Outreach & Evangelism

Cathedral Calendar

Saturday, July 4
Independence Day

No Events Scheduled

Sunday, July 5

The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Year A: Proper 9, Track 1
Deacon Clay away

8:00 am  Holy Eucharist: Rite One

10:30 am  Holy Eucharist: Rite Two

11:45 am  Hospitality Hour

Monday, July 6  Eva Lee Matthews
Cathedral Office: Closed
Deacon Clay away

No Events Scheduled

Tuesday, July 7
Cathedral Office: 9 am - 1:30 pm
Deacon Clay away

No Events Scheduled

Wednesday, July 8  Priscilla & Aquila
Cathedral Office: 9 am - 1:30 pm
Deacon Clay away

No Events Scheduled

Thursday, July 9
Cathedral Office: By Appointment Only
Canon Joe & Deacon Clay Out of the Office

No Events Scheduled

Friday, July 10
Cathedral Office: By Appointment Only
Canon Joe & Deacon Clay Out of the Office

12:05 pm  Holy Eucharist

1:00 pm  Community Lunch at TBD

Saturday, July 11 Benedict of Nursia
Deacon Clay away

No Events Scheduled

Sunday, July 12

The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Year A: Proper 10, Track 1

8:00 am  Holy Eucharist: Rite One

9:00 am Intercessory Prayer

10:30 am  Holy Eucharist: Rite Two

11:45 am Intercessory Prayer
Hospitality Hour

12:30 pm Fellowship of St. John

Ministry Schedule

Sunday, July 5
Year A: Proper 9, Track 1

8:00 am
Lector Michael Marcks
Lay Minister Mary Young-Marcks

10:30 am
Lectors  Amanda Helfrich & Paul Hochstetler
Eucharistic Ministers Andy Helfrich, Cherry Radin
Ushers Nicole Pinter, Erica Vitale
Acolyte Aley Vitale-Richards
Hospitality Lisa Philippsen to the rescue!
Linen Care  Mary Lehman
Sacristan  Volunteer Needed

Tuesday, July 7
Counters Rick HIlliard & Dave Woods

Friday, July 10
Folder DeDe Guth

Prayer List

Collect for the Sixth Sunday
after Pentecost (Proper 9)

O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer for Our Country
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Anniversaries & Birthdays

Jul 05 Matthew Worns
Jul 06 Paul Hochstetler
Jul 08 Joe & Michael Anand-Obleton (7)
Jul 09 Norma Verduin (100)
Jul 09 Charissa Adishian
Jul 10 Rick Hilliard
Jul 10 Janice & Richard Miller (51)
Jul 10 Thomas Worns

For Your Prayers

☩ In Thanksgiving...

As we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s independence, let us give thanks for the aspiration and courage shown by our forebears in 1776 and let us pray that we continue to the live into the ideals of equality, justice, and freedom they so beautifully articulated.
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, that as we begin the transition to new leadership, we may follow where God’s Spirit leads.

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

John Worns (father of Michael Worns) and the entire Worns family.
Roger Noecker (former husband of Nan Noecker; father of Adam Noecker)
Julie Guiler (stepdaughter of DeDe Guth)
Ed Carlson (brother of Joni Carlson) and for his entire 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 Woodruf (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:

Michael
Rose Tinder (sister of Berkleys and mother of Olivia Shoppell)
Myra Anthony
Angelica Healy
For Cooper, Emily, and Seth
Tim Irwin and Family (friends of Sherry Berkley)
Melody Sallak (aunt of Christopher Hillak)
Mary Mitchell (cousin of Deacon Clay)
Kathy Nate (friend of Deacon Clay)
Pamela Lax
Scott Bianchini (husband of Canon Carol Bianchini)
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
Kevin Renfro (our guest trumpeter)
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:

Olivia Shoppell (Niece of the Berkleys)
Damien Owens
Nadine Collier & the Collier Family
Bill Young (Catherine Craker’s Father) and for the entire Craker and Young families.
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:

Laura
Mary Beth Wright
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
Mike Jaworski and Lisa
The Jeter Family: Jamie, Mimi, Joely, Mia, and the entire family
Bill Jones and his family
Joan Machatton
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
William, prayers for his sick mother (Bonnie);
Brazney, prayers for a closer relationship with God;
Austin, a home for him and his wife;
Jennifer, her brother just passed;
Marlene, librarian job;
Marilyn, for her family in Chicago, and daughter in Minnesota's domestic situation, and who also needs both a kidney and pancreas transplant;
Amy, prayers for fixing her relationship with her sister Taylor;
Anthony, prayers for his mother, who has diabetes and with whom he's living to take care of her; and
Roberta, prayers for her daughter who seriously burned her foot.

☩ For Those Preparing for Holy Orders

Nan Noecker (Diaconate)

☩ World, National, and Local Community Concerns

For the people of Venezuela as they attempt to recover from two massive eathquakes and for all the emergency responders and aid workers providing assistance.
For an end to wars and for a lasting Peace in all regions of the world, especialy in Iran, Israel, Lebanon (and throughout the Middle East), and Ukraine.
For the Episcopal Diocese of Western NY as they begin a search for their next Bishop and who offer their prayers for our diocese in our period of transition.

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-ObletonJuly 17, 2026