A Lunar Schtick is in the halls of this historic Garden City Cathedral
- Thomas Tittmann
- Apr 11
- 12 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
This is a second post introducing readers and seekers after "spiritual but not religious" frontiers to this historic Episcopal Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City, NY. Thanks to friend - Barbara - for passing this along. She's also a "Friend of Jerry" : )))
In the first post:
--I presented details of their upcoming series (April 11-May 4) entitled:
For events that include REGISTRATION, refer to the FULL SCHEDULE PAGE.
April Full Moon is April 13
ORDER OF THIS SERVICE
"FYI - tab" key returns you to the next item in the list...
MY "CREEDENTIALS" - PART 1
Raised Roman Catholic through 9 primary school years, 4 high school ones and 2 colleges. In the Fall of 1968, I had an epiphany/spiritual awakening (first of many) as I started my 3rd year at Iona College in New Rochelle ("graduate school" for my high school: Power Memorial Academy). As I recall, it was precipitated by my participation in an on-campus anti-war rally. Me and a few buddies went into NYC's East Village to pick up members of a protest group known as "The FUGS." As they were speaking in front of Spellman Hall, one of the Irish Christian Brothers heckled them through a megaphone...
...Shortly after, I saw the Dean of Students and told him what he could do with his school and his religion...used my refunded student loan money, bought a VW Bus...and in the spirit of S&G...went off to look for America...
Years later, Pink Floyd wrote a song for my "exit interview"...
MY "CREEDENTIALS" - PART 2
Throughout my rebellious years, I also had another "voice in my head"...known by various names: Holy Spirit...third eye...cosmic consciousness...that guided me to deeper places...that are still manifesting themselves...as I've explored different spiritual pathways...
I see myself as "a fortunate son"...See "INSPIRED MUSINGS" below for the song.
As I look back at what I called my restricting time at Iona, I remembered being exposed to a small but powerful book by Anglican author J. B. Phillips that "gave me permission to go on my spiritual quests...Journeys that brought to spend time with traditions such as: The Catholic Charismatic Renewal, The Episcopal Church, the Charismatic Episcopal Church, Recovery Groups, Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and, most recently, Bahai's...and also "NONES"...
Along the way Eileen and I worked with various youth groups and I spent almost 30 years in the basement playing with 5-8 year old Sunday school kids. GRAND!!!
Some of these pathways led me to a form of Christian contemplative prayer known as "centering prayer" and opportunities to sit with my wife Eileen in the presence of teachers like Thomas Keating and Richard Rohr. As part of his spiritual evolution, our son John started practicing...
Book Overview
This forty-year-old Christian classic and bestseller is a study group favorite; this book challenges readers' conventional views about God and encourages them to search for a meaningful redefinition of a higher power that is relevant to contemporary existence.
Your God is Too Small is a groundbreaking work of faith, which challenges the constraints of traditional religion. In his discussion of God, author J.B. Phillips encourages Christians to redefine their understanding of a creator without labels or earthly constraints and instead search for a meaningful concept of God. Phillips explains that the trouble facing many of us today is that we have not found a God big enough for our modern needs. In a world where our experience of life has grown in myriad directions and our mental horizons have been expanded to the point of bewilderment by world events and scientific discoveries, our ideas of God have remained largely static. This inspirational work tackles tough topics and inspires readers to reevaluate and connect more deeply with a God that is relevant to current experience and big enough to command respect and admiration.
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In this second post, I'll be offering some personal Reflections...Observations...
Before this post blasts off, here's some collegial humor to help loosen up our funny bones:
The Moon is in Whose Diocese?
[from the article] According to a remembrance written in 2016 by Renae Bennett, Orlando’s diocesan archivist, “During his visit, Bishop Borders mentioned to the pope that he was the ‘bishop of the moon.’ Responding to the pontiff’s perplexed reaction, Bishop Borders explained that according to the 1917 Code of Canon Law (in effect at that time), any newly discovered territory was placed under the jurisdiction of the diocese from which the expedition that discovered that territory originated.
'"ECUSA" me while I kiss the sky..."
--"Bishop" Jimi Hendrix
...more at the next link. And, YES! this spacey collection called "LUNAPRISE" includes Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon"...
"Us and Floyd" LI Pink Floyd Cover Band
Here's Long Island's Pink Floyd tribute band "Us and Floyd" that the Cathedral has engaged...
Since their event on the moon is sold out,
Odds and Ends: Putting some "pink" in the band...
FYI - the song is included in the above article
[from the article] The search for the right candidate didn’t take too long, and the band’s studio engineer suggested they consider Clare Torry for a song that would eventually become ‘The Great Gig in the Sky’, wailing at the song’s most climactic juncture as if she was an instrument herself. Interestingly, she had no idea whether the band were happy with her performance—she just turned up, did what she could, and then left with a small payment for her contributions and her time.
REFLECTIONS...OBSERVATIONS...on Selected Events
ART
Considering a Bishop's residence is called a "SEE"...and the parish includes a contemplative prayer group (info follows)...let's imagine this next image from the Cathedral's website in this light...
FYI - For over 50 years, our family has included a form of contemplative prayer known as Centering Prayer among its meditative practices...
'See' of Tranquility
Museum of the Moon - UK artist Luke Jerram.
Be sure to leave time to explore his site and his work at the Cathedral...
See next link:
April 11–May 4, 2025
Museum of the Moon — UK artist Luke Jerram's large-scale 20-ft, 3D representation of the moon — comes to the Cathedral nave this April and May. Created using detailed NASA imagery, this awe-inspiring work of art has been displayed in cathedrals, museums, and other public spaces the world-over.
This will be Museum of the Moon’s first installation in a house of worship in the United States and will serve as a powerful theological and cultural focal point, bridging sacred and secular understandings of existence. At the intersection of science, art, and faith, the moon becomes our companion through the journey from Passiontide to Eastertide. The moon that reflected the sun’s pale night light on the Holy Land during Christ’s life and earthly ministry hangs over our island today, reminding us of God’s creation amid a changing world. The moon invites contemplation of humanity's relationship with our cosmic neighbors, while celebrating the Creator's majesty in natural and divine realms.
We invite you to explore the schedule of events in this program and to join us as the Cathedral of the Incarnation embraces its role as the focal point for learning, contemplation, and prayer for our entire island home.
YOGA
A Kundalini yoga class at West Hempstead’s Echo Park introduced me to this healing practice…a practice that opened my heart and mind to the music of the East. In each class, Elena, our teacher, played a particular musician from this genre: Snatum Kaur. As I'd play her songs during my home practice, "Yogi YouTube" would offer suggestions that included similar artists.
One of those was Ajeet Kaur.
Kiss the Earth - La Luna
Walk quietly my love
Let's kiss this earth we walk upon
With our steps
The moon she shines
In the silence of your mind
Close your eyes
YaYa La Luna
YaYa La Luna
What is the sound
Of the song in your heart
Listen Close
Dance wildly my love
Let's throw our songs into the wind
And let them echo echo
YaYa La Luna
YaYa La Luna
Yoga is a Sanskrit word that comes from the root, “yuj” which means “to join together.” Simply put, Yoga means “union.” In many ways the term Yoga is similar to the English term, “communion.” It refers to the state of union or communion with God, one’s true Self, or Higher Power. Yoga also refers to the philosophy and practices that may be undertaken in order to achieve a state of union or communion. It delineates the conditions necessary to experience inner peace and enlightenment. Two main aspects of Yoga practice focus on how to bring flexibility to the body and how to have tranquility of mind. In the state of Yoga, the body, mind, emotions, soul are all in balance—a state of equanimity.
Ajeet teaches Kundalini yoga:
CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER: A PLACE FOR THOSE SEEKING AN INNER EXPERIENCE...
The underground church...filled with people in recovery and those who are seeking an inner journey of spirit...
Tuesday, April 29
7pm to 8pm
Online and In Person
Join us for an hour of contemplation and meditation at the Cathedral of the Incarnation's Museum of the Moon. UK artist Luke Jerram's large-scale 20-ft, 3D representation of the moon was created using detailed NASA imagery. This awe-inspiring work of art has been displayed in cathedrals, museums, and other public spaces the world-over. For the best experience, join us in person in Garden City, NY. We will also live stream the meditation.
The experience will include prayer, walking meditation under the moon, guided meditation, ancient chants performed live, and time for silence. Led by the Center for Spiritual Imagination's cofounders.
In Person:
Cathedral of the Incarnation
50 Cathedral Ave
Garden City, NY 11530
Join online:
...exists to deepen and enrich human relationships with God, self and neighbor in new and ancient ways.
Endorsements for the Center come from some of the folks who have played and are still playing an important role in my own growth - including:
“The Center for Spiritual Imagination is re-envisioning an inclusive and engaged spirituality for the 21st century, where the gifts of monastic spirituality are translated into a form that can be practiced in everyday life and where one’s commitment to contemplative practice leads to justice-making.”
— Richard Rohr, author of Universal Christ and Founder of Center for Action and Contemplation
“I am profoundly moved by the emerging work of The Center or Spiritual Imagination. We find ourselves in a time of great uncertainty in which many of the structures we have taken for granted are beginning to collapse. The Center is a space of calm and courage, a community rising to meet the challenges of our global crisis with vast generosity — embodying the unconditional mercy and justice Christ represents, without ever asking its members or those they so joyfully serve to adhere to any particular belief system. This is wisdom in action, the sacred pouring into the ordinary, love wildly blossoming in the most broken of spaces.”
— Mirabai Starr, bestselling author of Wild Mercy: Living the Fierce and Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics, Caravan of No Despair: A Memoir of Loss and Transformation and, an acclaimed translator and contemporary interpreter of the works of St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila.
“The Center for Spiritual Imagination provides much-needed resources and supports for living the Christian contemplative life of prayer, service and community in new and meaningful ways. Our rapidly changing world desperately needs the depths of contemplative wisdom preserved and translated for those outside the cloister, including young seekers, SBNR’s (spiritual but not religious), social justice and environmental activists. The Center is an invaluable gift for those who hunger for meaning and connection."
— David Frenette, author of The Path of Centering Prayer
“The Center for Spiritual Imagination is serving a deep and wide need in our contemporary world, re-imagining, re-membering, and celebrating the sacred in our everyday lives. The Center's radical hospitality offers pathways for any one to enter safely into the Spirit. This invitation reminds us that we are both unique and interconnected. May the Center reach all who long to respond to such a call.”
— Mirabai Bush, founder and senior fellow of the Center for Contemplative Mind in Society, co-author (with Ram Dass) of Compassion in Action and Walking Each Other Home, (and with Daniel Barbezat) Contemplative Practices in Higher Education.
Mondays 6:30pm to 7:00pm ET
Join us each week for a 30 minute practice of meditation and contemplative prayer led by our vowed New Monastic members. Click below for more info and details on how to join us online.
Incarnation's underground CRYPT...
Cathedral of the Incarnation - The Mystery of the Crypt
--This week John Ellis Kordes delves into the kidnapping of Garden City's founder.
...watch the rest of the video for the "remains" of this tale...
The name "Crypt" calls for this tune....A tale from the crypt of the Grateful Dead...and dig the creative stained glass medieval artwork featuring the visages of the band members...some of whom have passed on to what Pink Floyd sing about in "The Great Gig in the Sky."
MOON DANCING IN THE NAVE
Van Morrison, George Benson, Dr John, Santana, Etta James & Tom Scott Moondance - April 1977 (07:19)
MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU: HUMOR WARS...YOU'LL DIE LAUGHING...
President Skroob, the incompetent leader of Planet Spaceball. He is a parody of Emperor Palpatine with his name "Skroob" being an anagram of "Brooks".
LUNA WATCH PLAYLISTS
EARLIER MOON LANDINGS (POSTS)
INSPIRED MUSINGS...
OTHER CREATIVE EPISCOPAL CHURCH EVENTS
Evidence that the Grateful Dead have "mass" appeal...
At NYC's Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Divine...the world's largest Gothic cathedral...they celebrate an annual Halloween "Procession of the Ghouls."
I went several times with different friends...Here, bringing some playful light amidst the darkness...
And here, with an attitude of gratitude...I'm sportin' my Grateful gear...while holding a campaign poster for the then upcoming 2024 presidential elections
IMMIGRATION: WE'RE ALL STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND...
A friend sent this haunting video today...and it called out for a place in this post...
EPISCOPAL Diocese of LI & Cathedral of the Incarnation ministry among immigrants
--includes downloadable PDF presentation slides
I've enjoyed them live in NYC.
Noticing the singer's "universal visa" recalled this song - one that includes references to "moonlight"..."We're all reaching for the stars in the sky"...
[Verse 1: Miten]
Ever been lonely?
Ever felt out of place?
Ever cried yourself to sleep at night
Praying for descending grace?
Ever danced alone in the moonlight?
Dancing like there's nobody there
The whole world lookin' on, but
What do you care?
[Chorus: Miten & Deva Premal]
Humaniversal
We're all reaching for
The stars in the sky
Humaniversal
You and I
You and I
[Verse 2: Miten]
Ever been to India?
Seen the world from ground zero?
Thirteen-year-old mother with a baby in her arms
Knockin' on your taxi window
Lights change
And leave her standin' in the road
Still her eyes come back to haunt you
Wherever you go
[Chorus: Miten & Deva Premal]
Humaniversal
We can all hear
Her baby cry
Humaniversal
You and I
[Bridge: Miten & Deva Premal]
And after all
It's only life
We come and go
In the wink of an eye
We say hello
We say goodbye
That's all
(Ah)
That's all
(Ah)
(La la la la)
(La la)
[Verse 3: Miten]
And what about the Dalai Lama?
What about that smile?
A simple monk from the roof of the world
Living in exile
And he can't go back
And he can't go home
What does that say to you and me?
Speaking of love and compassion
Even towards his enemy
[Chorus: Miten & Deva Premal]
Humaniversal
(Ooh)
Say a prayer for his people
When you're driving home tonight
Humaniversal
(Ooh)
Say a prayer for him
When you turn out the light
(Ah)
Tonight
(Oh, ah)
[Outro: Miten]
Humaniversal
You and I
You and I
You and I
#music #humor #moon #mirror#CathedralOfTheIncarnation #GardenCity #EpiscopalChurch #bishops #diocese #Apollo11 #BishopBorders #PopePaulVI #PinkFloyd #UsAndFloyd #JimiHendrix #LukeJerram #yoga #KundaliniYoga #EchoPark #SnatumKaur #AjeetKaur #ContemplativePrayer #CenterForSpiritualImagination #meditation #RichardRohr #MirabaiStarr #DavidFrenette #MirabaiBush #RamDass #VanMorrison #Spaceballs #MelBrooks #GratefulDeadMass #crypt #GratefulDead #StPetersByTheSea #CathedralOfStJohnTheDivine #ProcessionOfTheGhouls #GratefulDead #CharlieBrown #GratefulPumpkin #Franciscan #immigration #ICE #Mojado #Miten #DevaPremal #CreedenceClearwaterRevival
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