August 6, 2019

Dear Friends,

A great deal has been happening at the Cathedral during the summer. The old asbestos tile has been completely removed and the 8,8000 square feet of Nave floor has been scraped and is ready for the new tile which will be installed in the next few weeks. Important organ repairs are being completed and the Northwest Garden and Outdoor Performance space is nearly finished. Everything should be in order for our homecoming event on September 15. Please put this date in your calendar. After a service with special blessings for the newly completed work, there will be a picnic on the grounds, with special music by The Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys and a brass quintet.

Many of us have experienced an unexpected spiritual blessing celebrating the early Sunday Mass in the beautiful St. Alban's Chapel, with its cloister and garth. It has also been a blessing to share services with St. Peter's Church and to make new Christian friends.

We have exciting plans for the fall, including the Bible Symposium on October 12 on “The Bible and the Imagination of C.S. Lewis,” with Dr. Michael Ward. You have already seen some of the outreach initiatives being prepared by Cathedral Arts.

I also want to give you an update on the finances of the Cathedral. As of this date, we have raised $150,000 of the $270,000 needed for the Nave floor. If you haven't had a chance to contribute yet, please participate in this effort as you are able. Our pledged income is behind where it should be, due to the disruption in services. Please help us by keeping your pledge up to date.

I am looking forward to being together with you again in September, as we come home to the sacred space that is The Cathedral of All Saints.

May the Lord bless you, and give you rest and renewal this summer.

The Very Reverend Dr. Leander S. Harding

Dean of The Cathedral of All Saints

Archdeacon of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany