I Love Fall

By The Very Rev. Dr. Brian Baker, Dean of the Cathedral
Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento, California

Written for the Cathedral Cross Newsletter

I love Fall. The temperatures are milder and leaves are beginning to drop from the trees. It is clear that Creation is moving into a different season. A shift in seasons can often invite a shift in the way we live.

For my family, unstructured summer days have been replaced by the routine of school and after-school activities. Because these schools and activities are new, they are full of possibility, excitement and some anxiety. At the same time, the daily routine is helping keep us grounded. Personally, the regular routine at home makes it easier for me to maintain my discipline of reading and prayer. With the beginning of the school year, there is a combination of newness and familiar routine that I love.

I feel the same way about life at Trinity Cathedral. We have begun a new “program” year. Our Sunday school classes and groups for teens and adults have started anew. We resume familiar schedules and gear up for regular rituals like the St. Francis Blessing of the Animals, the ministry fair and our annual stewardship campaign. At the same time, new programs have begun: a new Sunday school curriculum, a new environmental ministry, new foyer (dinner) groups, a new ministry for young adults, a new men’s group, a new communications/evangelism ministry. And we have just consecrated our new Bishop.

This coming year is full of possibility, full of opportunity. I am personally energized by the possibility of welcoming even more new ministries. Most of the ministries listed above were grassroots efforts begun by two or three interested parishioners. Given the passion and creativity of Trinity members, I know there are more to come.

I am also excited about the possibility of welcoming more people into our remarkable congregation. Since arriving six months ago, I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of spirit of this congregation. I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to be a part of this spirit-filled community. And yet I have discovered that this is not an easy congregation to integrate into. Attending a new church often takes courage, especially if you have never been to church or have had negative experiences in church. As a congregation, not only do we need to greet visitors warmly, but we also need to help them get connected with other people and ministries. Our new communications and evangelism ministry is working on better published materials and better systems of greeting and following-up with visitors. I have asked each ministry to look for ways to invite new members into their group. Every member of the Church can help by greeting someone new at coffee hour. Even if they aren’t new to Trinity, they are new to you. With improvements that have already been made, we are well on our way to being a more welcoming and inclusive church. Oh, the possibilities!!!

Brian Baker
October 2006