Coming up Saturday, July 10, 2004...

LOS ANGELES - Cathedral Center to share in celebrating Asian, Pacific Islander cultures with 30th Annual Lotus Festival in Echo Park, 840 Echo Park Ave., 213.482.2040. (Cathedral congregation's celebration of the Holy Eucharist in Korean is set for 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, July 11.) Enjoy native foods, art, and Dragon Boat races on Echo Park Lake. Annual festival derives its name from the lotus blossoms now in flower along Echo Park lake. Opening Ceremonies begin on Saturday at 12:00 noon; all-day programming will include live music, dance and entertainment from a variety of performers representing many of the diverse countries of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Malaysia is this year's highlighted country. Fireworks over Echo Park Lake will conclude the day's activities at 9 p.m., with music provided by Taiko drummers. Information: www.laparks.org; www.cathedralcenter.com.

Coming up Sunday, July 11, 2004...

HOUSTON - Along the new light rail system ... Jazz Eucharist, 12:30 p.m. at Trinity Church, 1015 Holman, 713.528.4100. Also, in Spanish: La Santa Eucharista en espanol, 9am, la Iglesia de San Mateo, 6635 Alder St., 713.664.7792.  

PASADENA, California - "Summer Sabbath for the Soul, Part Two," Rector's Forum with Anne Breck Peterson, 10:15 a.m., All Saints' Church, 132 N. Euclid Ave., 626.796.1172, www.allsaints-pas.org. "Are you prepared to meet God in Paris? Or at the beach? Or in Bakersfield where your relatives live? Allow summer's change of pace and possible vacation time to nudge you toward a different rhythm for your life," says Peterson, senior lay associate for liturgy and leadership development at All Saints. "We have models for this rhythm in the Bible. On the seventh day of really good, creative work, God rested. Jesus taught and healed people like crazy, and then withdrew from the clamoring crowds to a quiet place to pray, rest and regroup. What are the experiences that will refresh you in the deep ways your soul requires? What pieces of a full-on time-out can you translate to your ongoing life? This second in a two-part series explores ways to find Sabbath rest that will feed your soul."

PHILADELPHIA - Sunday is opening day for the Diocese of Pennsylvania's new Camp Wapiti, located in northeast Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay. Young campers will begin a series of nature walks and environmental education today at the Diocese of Pennsylvania's new camp and retreat center. Because development is currently underway at the new site, campers will be currently housed at a neighboring camp facility. Information: 215.627.6434.

WASHINGTON, D. C. - Washington National Cathedral honors "the Greatest Generation" now through Labor Day, Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues Northwest, 212.537.6200, www.cathedral.org

* Veterans' Tours, during regular tour hours. The Cathedral is offering complimentary guided highlights tours to veterans. In addition, special tours of War Memorial Chapel will be available Monday through Saturday at 1:15 pm. This chapel, located in the Patriots' Transept, was dedicated in 1957 as a tribute to all who have served our nation. It depicts events, individuals, and symbols representing the struggle for freedom, and the sacrifices necessary to ensure that freedom. Information: www.cathedral.org

* Exhibit: "Faith & Courage: U.S. Chaplains' Service in World War II." Now through September 26, (Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday 10 am-4 pm; Sunday 1-4 pm) Rare Book Library Exhibit Room
 
Faith and Courage pays tribute to a special group of veterans whose story is rarely told: U.S. military chaplains of all faiths. Their dedicated service to the well-being of others, their humble self-sacrifice, and their common, but little-known bravery exemplify personal values and characteristics that are still inspiring today. Their story is told through dramatic and evocative wartime photos and artifacts such as a chaplain's letters written to those at home and field worship items including a portable organ, a battlefield communion kit, and hymnal and prayer book chest used in the field.

This exhibition is part of "America Celebrates the Greatest Generation," a 100-day tribute to the heroism, culture, and heritage of the World War II generation that takes place following the dedication of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC and the Capital Region. From Memorial Day through Labor Day 2004, more than 90 WWII-themed exhibitions, performances, walking tours, restaurant experiences, and hotel packages will pay tribute to the men and women who served in World War II and on the home front. americasgreatestgeneration.com

"State Day" at the Cathedral: Prayers on Sunday, July 11, will remember the State of Pennsylvania.

Next Major State Day: Services on Sunday, July 18, will remember the State of Nevada.

And on Monday, July 12...

NEW YORK CITY - Trinity Church Wall Street to commemorate the life of Alexander Hamilton. On Monday, July 12, Manhattan's Trinity Church, Wall Street, will mark the 200th anniversary of the death of Alexander Hamilton with a 10 a.m. service celebrating the Founding Father's life and accomplishments. Hamilton, who is buried in the Trinity churchyard, died in New York City on July 12, 1804, after suffering wounds in a duel fought with Aaron Burr. The celebration will end with a wreath-laying at Hamilton's grave in the Trinity churchyard. The service of commemoration will feature speakers and representatives of historical and civic groups, as well as Hamilton's living descendents.

Reputed for his brilliant financial and political thinking, Hamilton was the first Secretary of the U.S. Treasury, a member of the Constitutional Convention, co-author of The Federalist Papers, and founder of the Bank of New York. His likeness graces the ten-dollar bill. Yet he is perhaps best known for his duel with Aaron Burr, his long-time political rival and vice president of the United States. In the duel, both men reportedly shot at each other, but only Burr found his mark. Hamilton died the next day. His death was widely mourned, according to reports at the time. A grand funeral took place on July 14, with the oration delivered by Gouverneur Morris, a leading figure at the Constitutional Convention and former minister to France. On his death bed, Hamilton asked the Rt. Rev. Benjamin Moore, Bishop of New York and sixth rector of Trinity Church, to give him Communion. Bishop Moore at first refused, as dueling was strictly forbidden by the Church. Moore later relented.

Hamilton had close ties to Trinity and New York City. In 1783, he moved to the city from Albany, New York, and set up a law practice. Five of his eight children were baptized in Trinity Church. His eldest son Philip, also killed in a duel in New Jersey, in 1801 at the age of 20, was buried in Trinity's churchyard. His wife, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, who died in 1854 at the age of 97, was buried beside her husband. Hamilton's grandson, also named Alexander Hamilton, was a Trinity vestryman from 1885 to his death in 1889. Burr also had a link with Trinity -- he rented his home, Richmond Hill, near the corner of Charlton and Varick streets, from the church in 1797. An exhibit dedicated to Hamilton's links with Trinity will be opened in the church's museum during July.

Information: www.trinitywallstreet.org (See also Trinity Sunday sermons on-line.)

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