CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
SEPTEMBER 2015 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY CARE LINE | 713-826-5332
Answering the call for support Hospital and home visits from the Cathedral bring comfort and blessing The birth of twin daughters was a double blessing for first-time mother Maria Hernandez. Delighted by her newborns and grateful for their safe delivery (a bit early at 36 weeks), she asked for a Cathedral priest to visit the hospital and bless Ellen and Elliana soon after their late November arrival. “It was a spiritual thing. I wanted God to be with them, to protect them and to keep
them healthy,” she said. Hernandez recalls how quiet and still her twins remained during the quick ceremony, which also blessed her as a new mother. “I felt that I was at peace and that God will hold my hand throughout this journey,” she said. Hernandez’s call to the church for support
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Youth ministers Jeremy Bradley and Christy Orman make a hospital visit.
Bolz-Weber, Karr to present new works The Bible is filled with strange and sometimes circuitous paths to faith. David is anointed while tending his father’s sheep to become King of Israel and Judah; Amos is called from dressing sycamore trees to deliver God’s prophecy; and Mary Magdalene is healed of seven demons to become one of the first to receive the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. Unfortunately, contemporary accounts of the onset of faith tend to fall into more predictable NADIA BOLZ-WEBER
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MARY KARR
Prepaid postage In 1848, General Zachary Taylor was fresh from his victories in the MexicanAmerican War when the Whig Party set its eyes upon him as a presidential contender. In an era of frequently rancorous and deadlocked political party conventions, Taylor was joyously and reTHE VERY REV. soundingly elected at BARKLEY the Whig convention THOMPSON in Philadelphia as the party’s candidate for president. But the general himself was not present; he was back at home in Baton Rouge, La., tending to his farm. Enthusiastic Whig Party leaders immediately dashed off a letter to Taylor, extending the offer and honor of the nomination, and they eagerly awaited Taylor’s acceptance. And waited … and waited. A second letter was sent, to which there was also no reply. Only after a third missive was sent (by which time some Whig Party leaders were rethinking their choice of candidate), did Taylor finally get the word of his nomination. You see, in the 1840s, virtually all U.S. postage was paid on receipt. General Taylor’s letters had arrived at his local post office with postage due, and because of a mix-up, the invitations kept ending up in the dead-letter box. So it was that Taylor almost missed becoming president of the United States due to a letter that got lost in the mail! In light of the Taylor incident and others, U.S. Postmaster General Cave Johnson introduced the prepaid postage stamp. From then on, if a sender wanted to ensure that a correspondent received a letter, package, or gift, the sender could pay the postage in advance. The recipient had to do nothing at all except receive with open arms whatever gifts were
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Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with
EE New members Ben and Sarah Powell, John Keeton, and Page Keeton. EE The newly baptized: Evelyn Marie Heins.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to
EE The family of Royal Merle Hanning, who died July 22 in Sherman. He was the father of Virginia Hanning. EE The family of Lisa Kay Albright, who died August 7 in Houston. She was the wife of Doyle Joe Albright and mother of Victoria Albright, Stephanie Albright, and Doyle Joe Albright III. EE The family of Charles Bishop Headrick, who died August 10 in Houston. He was the husband of Dorthyle Headrick.
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar
EE On September 6 are given to the glory of God in honor of the birthdays of her husband, Ron Paget; of her daughter, Melissa O’Dell; and of Gary Gaston, and also in celebration of her family by Carolyn Paget. EE On September 13 are given to the glory of God in honor of the thirteenth birthdays of Caroline and Alexander Paden by their family. EE On September 20 are given to the glory of God and in celebration of the eleventh birthday of John Peyton McDonald by his family. EE On September 27 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Tom Cobb.
Will you extend the invitation? The expression of faith found at Christ Church Cathedral is too good not to share. Invite a neighbor, friend, or family member to church on September 20 for Invitation Sunday. Every Sunday is a good time to invite someone, but this global event provides focus and intention to our promise made at baptism to share the good news of the love of God INVITATION SUNDAY in Jesus Christ. On Sundays, stop by the Welcome Table in Reynolds September 20 Hall and pick up some wallet-sized “invitation cards” to assist you. One side features a beautiful image of Cathedral life and the other side includes an invitation along with pertinent information. Keep the cards in your purse or wallet, and as you are in conversation with someone, extend your invitation with the card. When you extend an invitation, share why the Cathedral is your church home. Commit to providing your guest a ride to the Cathedral or to meeting them at a specific location, such as the courtyard fountain. Attend worship with them and provide assistance with the prayer book and hymnal as needed. Introduce them to others and to at least one clergyperson. Invitation Sunday is rooted in the conviction that the Holy Spirit is moving in the lives and hearts of the people you know, and that some are prepared to receive and accept an invitation. Remember, invitation itself is success. Leave the person’s “yes” or “no” to God. Contact Canon Genevieve Razim with any questions you may have. Notify her that you have invited someone, regardless of the person’s response, and there will be much to celebrate on September 20.
The flowers in the Floor Vases
EE On September 13 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Rebecca Jane Thomas, Rosa Allen, Loula Allen Smith, Rosalee Smith Maffitt, Thomas F. Maffitt, James Maffitt, and Skyler Herring by the Peter Maffitt family.
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patterns. In September, we will hear two unique lectures by women whose paths toward faith will both challenge and inspire. Mary Karr is a memoirist whose 2009 book “Lit” chronicles her life from the end of high school in East Texas through motherhood, addiction, divorce, and into an uneasy truce with the Roman Catholic Church. On September 17, she will read from her new book, “The THE ART OF MEMOIR Art of Memoir,” and share how her spiriThursday, September 17 tual journey informs her process and her 7:30 p.m. practice. This ticketed event includes a ACCIDENTAL SAINTS copy of the book. Wednesday, September 30 Later in the month we’ll hear from Lu7 p.m. theran pastor and author Nadia Bolz-Weber, a luminary in the Emerging Church movement. In her most recent book, “Accidental Saints,” she shares her personal stories of encountering God in the most unlikely people. Bolz-Weber will visit the Cathedral on September 30 in a free presentation. These lectures are presented by the Cathedral’s Adult Formation Council in cooperation with the Diocese of Texas, Brazos Bookstore, and Inprint Houston. Learn more about these events and more fall education programs through the Cathedral website. THE BULLETIN
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Every Member Canvass
9.27.15
XT? EMC Dinner kicks off stewardship season The Every Member Canvass, the Cathedral’s annual stewardship campaign, begins Sunday, September 27, with a celebratory dinner and performance in Reynolds Hall. This year’s show is titled “What Will They Think Of Next?” and will feature music and skits, plus a dinner catered by restaurateur Claire Smith of Canopy and Shade. Tickets will be on sale in the cloister on Sundays in September.
Celebrate Hispanic culture, contributions at Fiestas Patrias The traditional Fiestas Patrias celebration at Christ Church is one of many activities held throughout the city of Houston and throughout this nation to honor the presence, heritage, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States. Our Fiestas Patrias event on Saturday, SepFIESTAS PATRIAS tember 19, is key to the Cathedral’s celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Saturday, September 19 5–8:30 p.m. which runs from September 15 through October 15. Eight Latin-American countries celebrate their independence in the month of September: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, México, Chile, and Belize. In addition, October 12 is recognized as Columbus Day. Christ Church Cathedral, aware of the importance of honoring heritage, culture, and diversity, wants to be part of this significant celebration alongside our very own Spanishspeaking community of worship. The Cathedral’s Latino community invites you to be a part of the nationwide celebration on September 19 from 5–8:30 p.m. in Reynolds Hall. Let us dance, enjoy our countries’ signature foods, and learn from each other. This year, we will crown a prince and princess of Fiestas Patrias. All children ages 3–12 are invited to wear the native dress of their countries of origin to participate in the drawing. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $3 and food (sold separately) starts at $1. Come share in the joy of being who we are and in the joy of being part of this nation.
Childcare center to see changes this fall As the fall semester begins at Christ Church, you’ll see a few changes on Sunday mornings for children, including a new childcare center supervisor, new registration and check-in procedures, and new children’s Bibles available in the church pews. Elizabeth Cuevas has been hired as the supervisor of the Childcare Center, and will be introducing a new curriculum there on SunCUEVAS day mornings during the 9 and 11 o’clock services beginning September 13. Cuevas comes to the Cathedral with eight years’ experience as a nursery supervisor and 12 years as a lead teacher of young children at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church. For the past two years, Cuevas has used the Jesus Storybook Bible with toddlers at Holy Spirit, and she brings this curriculum here to the Cathedral. The wonderfully rich stories in this bible are paired with “trading cards,” one of which goes home each Sunday with the children to be added to a collection. Parents who choose to utilize the Childcare Center during worship are welcome to pick up children at the Peace, which follows the Liturgy of the Word, or to wait until the end of the service.
Also in the childcare center, registration and check-in will become computerized, offering better record-keeping and providing more security. Look for these changes this fall. Within the Cathedral itself, copies of the Beginner’s Bible and the Paraclete Bible for Kids may now be found at the end of each pew. These bibles are a supplemental resource, along with the children’s worship bags, for parents to help engage children in worship. Children are always welcome in the Cathedral.
Training offered for new pastoral care volunteers The pastoral care office will host a Community of Hope class this fall to train new volunteers interested in joining the Shepherds, the team of lay pastoral caregivers that was commissioned earlier this spring. The Community of Hope training model is shaped by Benedictine spirituality. Through spiritual formation and prac- COMMUNITY OF HOPE tical lessons on care Thursdays beginning giving, the volun- September 24 teers in the class will learn to match theological insights and spiritual practices with their experiences of ministering to others and giving spiritual guidance. Classes will meet on Thursday evenings for ten weeks beginning September 24. Upon completion of the training program, the volunteers will be commissioned as Shepherds and will begin their pastoral care work to assist in deepening our reach into our Cathedral community. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Shepherds program, please contact Canon Glenice Robinson-Como at 713590-3319. Registration for the Community of Hope training program ends September 6. PAGE 3
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Summer Missions and Camps, Documentary Series, Bingo Night
IN PICTURES
Above: Four young women who participated in this summer’s mission trip to Costa Rica hosted a luncheon and presentation on August 16, raising more than $3,000 in support of Hogar Escuela, a school in San Jose where the team worked. Right: The Justice & Peace Council hosted a series of documentaries this summer, covering the topics of human trafficking, mental health stigma, and transgender issues. The evening programs included a Eucharist, dinner, and panel discussion with local experts.
Above: The Cathedral was well-represente also by clergy and staff. Jeremy Bradley, led sessions at the Episcopal camp.
Below: The diocesan Intermediate Miss Experience from July 31 to August 2 and
Taylor Swift fans can “shake it off” at concert pre-party Are you going to the Taylor Swift concert at Minute Maid Park on September 9? If so, gather up your squad of friends and swing by Reynolds Hall before the show for a “Shake It Off ” pre-party. And even if you didn’t score tickets, stop on by from 4–6 p.m. as we enjoy pizza and beverages and rock out to some of Taylor Swift’s best tunes. Bring along your favorite dessert to share with the group. There will also be poster-making supplies available so you can really show off your “Swiftie” spirit. THE BULLETIN
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This event is free and open to Taylor Swift fans of all ages. Please let us know you’re coming (and how many friends you’re bringing) by registering online by September 8. Pre-party attendees can park in the Cathedral garage (with free validation) and walk to the concert at Minute Maid Park. The Cathedral is not selling or providing tickets to the show, and concert tickets are not required to attend the pre-party.
Above left: Over the summer, Cathedral youth met up with other Episcopal youth in Houston for a weekly lunch and movie. Above right: Jennifer Trusty sets up a table with daubers and snacks for the 20s & 30s Bingo Night on July 30. Below: Cathedral middle-school youth joined up with students from around the diocese for Missionpalooza on July 19–24. The group worked on mission projects in San Antonio, including building a house with Habitat for Humanity.
ed this summer at Camp Allen, not only by campers, but , KariAnn Lessner, Eileen O’Brien, and Art Callaham all
sion Trip participated in the Cathedral Urban Service stopped by Summer Place on Sunday morning.
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Cathedral organist scores big win at AGO competition in Fort Worth Monica Czausz, the Cathedral’s newly appointed organist, recently won a top prize at the prestigious Regional Competition for Young Organists, hosted by the American Guild of Organists (AGO). Czausz faced two rounds, performing first in Oklahoma City in April at a chapter-level competition, and then going head-to-head against two other chapter winners to take the Southwest Region prize this summer in Fort Worth. Her competition performance included 50 minutes of music, after which she was judged the winner by unanimous decision. As the top performer, Czausz was then invited to perform a full-length recital for those gathered in Fort Worth for the regional AGO convention. The very next day, she flew to Connecticut for a scheduled concert at the National Convention of the Organ Historical Society. As a true “rising star” of the AGO, Czausz has subsequently been invited to perform at the group’s national convention next summer in Houston. Our Cathedral Choir has also been asked to present Evensong services for this prestigious group of musicians.
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set its pastoral care ministry in motion on her behalf. Whereas hospitals once informed churches when parishioners were admitted — whether ill, injured, in labor, or scheduled for surgery — changing privacy laws ended the practice. Now, churches rely on family members, friends, or even word-of-mouth for news of parishioners’ health needs. The nature of the hospital visits themselves, however, has not changed.
Cathedral Organist Monica Czausz (center) with her fellow chapter-level winners in the Regional Competition for Young Organists.
Comfort and camaraderie
Prayers for comfort and strength brought both to 12-year-old Adelaide Gilley as she headed into back surgery earlier this summer. Adelaide admitted she had been a little scared and overwhelmed by what she faced, but that she felt safer after the priest’s visit. “[The pre-op prayers] reduced our tension and worry, and made my daughter’s father and I feel much better about it,” said Adelaide’s mother, Alexandra Bentlif. She had Life’s passages let the Cathedral know about the impending Ted Dom, now a member of the church surgery and subsequent six-day hospital stay. Adelaide’s big surprise came soon after survestry, asked the Cathedral for help when his elderly mother’s declining health in 2012 gery, when she was feeling a bit lonely in her hospital room. Youth ministers from the Camerited hospice care. During their visits, the clergy sought out thedral popped in to keep her company, wish his mother’s needs and conveyed God’s love her well, and deliver amusements. She especially liked the drawing pad to her. A Sunday-afternoon they brought. pastoral visit became a brief “I knew I could bear Bentlif finds her daughter’s prayer service encircling her this. I knew I could do it. recovery thus far remarkably bed, since family members I felt so ‘held up’ that I swift. Adelaide, meanwhile, is and friends were also present. could not fail. God was looking forward to being able “It was impromptu, but really constantly holding me.” to do more of the youth activinice,” Dom said. Ann Miller ties offered at the Cathedral in On another visit, the priest the year ahead. And having fostered an especially strong connection with his mother and encour- received well-wishes from her friends, she aged her to eat some ice cream despite having said she’ll be sure to offer them to people she stopped taking food. Dom still considers that knows if they also need support. turnaround remarkable. “It was the last thing Continuing care she ate.” The church can also support those with In bringing comfort and peace to his ongoing health issues. Such was the case for mother, Dom also found comfort. “She didn’t Cathedral Choir member Ann Miller, who pass away without a final blessing from a per- considered the church to be her “rock” durson of God,” he explained. He said that he ing a 2014 struggle with ovarian cancer. felt blessed and felt also that he had been a Several groups and countless individuals at good, responsible son as his mother neared the Cathedral, starting with the choir, rallied around her with prayer, food, and kindness, her death. THE BULLETIN
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she said. “I lacked for nothing.” Volunteers acted as caregivers for Miller, especially while her husband, David, was working out of the country. A friend in the choir initially contacted the church on Miller’s behalf, and Canon Pastor Glenice Robinson-Como brought her prayers and comfort on the day of her surgery. During her treatments, Miller began attending Como’s weekly healing service at the Cathedral. Offered in the Golding Chapel on Mondays at noon, “[The services] helped me to find strength and witness the love of God to support me and give me hope for recovery,” Miller said. Miller received a handmade prayer shawl from the Cathedral, which she took to every chemotherapy session and keeps in her home as “a reminder of all the love and care that was given me.” A personal note and call from Dean Barkley Thompson further reinforced the message that the Cathedral held Miller in its heart. “I felt it every day,” she said. “I knew I could bear this. I knew I could do it. I felt so ‘held up’ that I could not fail. God was constantly holding me.” She knows that her care by the Cathedral community was not different or special, and that all who need it are treated the same way: “When something happens, it’s good to know you have somewhere to call.” To inform the Cathedral about a pastoral need, or to become a pastoral-care volunteer, please contact Canon Robinson-Como at 713590-3319. If you have an emergency need after business hours, call 713-826-5332 and a priest will answer.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Visit www.christchurchcathedral.org or call 713-222-2593 to learn more about these and other events at the Cathedral. Registration recommended
Registration required
Registration closed
SEPTEMBER 17
SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2
WED
20s & 30s Fajita Fiesta 6:30–8 p.m., Mellinger Room. Fajitas, cerveza, Mexican Coke, and fellowship. Dean’s Book Club 6:30–8 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. “God’s Secretaries” by Adam Nicolson.
THU
Mary Karr and the Art of Memoir 7:30 p.m. in the Cathedral. Memoirist Mary Karr will present her latest book. ($) SEPTEMBER 18 Game Night: Playing at Faith 6:30–9 p.m., Mellinger Room. SEPTEMBER 19
FRI
Cloister Gallery Opening Reception 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Featuring artist Jennifer Aden.
Fiestas Patrias 5–8:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Celebrating the cultures of Latin America. ($)
Bridge Night 6–9 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Bring a dish for the potluck social.
SEPTEMBER 20
SEPTEMBER 7
MON
SUN
Invitation Sunday Welcome your neighbors, friends, and loved ones to church.
Labor Day Holiday Cathedral and offices are closed. SEPTEMBER 9
FRI–SUN
YES and Happening Camp Allen. Diocesan spiritual retreats for 6–8th and 9–12th graders. ($) SEPTEMBER 12
SAT
20s & 30s Brunch 10 a.m., Harry’s, 318 Tuam. ($) Hines Center Preview Party 6–8:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Learn about the progress of Hines Center construction, programming, and marketing.
SEPTEMBER 20 SUN Blood Drive 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., San Jacinto entrance. For St. Luke’s Blood Center. SEPTEMBER 24
THU
Come to the Table Annual fundraiser and gala dinner in support of The Beacon. ($) SEPTEMBER 27
SUN
EMC Kickoff Dinner 5:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. “What Will They Think of Next?” Dinner and performance to kick off stewardship season. ($) SEPTEMBER 30
WED
Nadia Bolz-Weber 7 p.m. in the Cathedral. The “unlikely” pastor will present from her new book.
SEPTEMBER 13 SUN Family Yoga 4:30–5:30 p.m., BYC. Yoga class focusing on finding sustainable balance in our family life. Offered by the Hines Center.
The Just War 6:30–8 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Study on the theories of war and warfare.
THURSDAYS SUNDAYS The Anglican Way 6–7:30 p.m., Dean’s Conference Room. Course for all those who wish to deepen their understanding of the Church. Begins Sept. 13.
Bible “By the Glass” 6:30–8 p.m., OKRA, 924 Congress. Fellowship and Bible study for those living and working in the urban context.
Women’s Lunch Bible Study 12–1 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Men’s Lunch Study Group (Biweekly) 12:15–1:15 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Community of Hope Training 6–7:30 p.m., Dean’s Conference Room. Training for lay pastoral caregivers, or “shepherds.” Begins Sept. 24. FRIDAYS Men’s Early Morning Study Group (Second and fourth Fridays) 7–8 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.
TUESDAYS
Mindful Self-Compassion Workshop 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sanders Hall. Offered by the Hines Center. Begins Sept. 18. ($)
Hebrews, James, and John(s) 7–8:15 a.m., Mellinger Room. Co-ed Bible study with Canon Art Callaham.
UPCOMING
Speaking of Faith 6:30–8 p.m., Honeymoon Cafe, 300 Main. Downtown community discussion group on Krista Tippett’s “On Being.” Education for Ministry (EFM) 6:30–9 p.m., Mellinger Room. Comprehensive adult theology program. ($)
OCTOBER 4
SUN
Blessing of the Animals 4 p.m., Bishop’s Courtyard. Service in observance of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi.
Compassion Cultivation Training 6:45–8:45 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Offered by the Hines Center. Begins Oct. 6. ($) Memoir Writing Workshop 6:30–8:30 p.m., BYC. Begins Sept. 29. Offered by the Hines Center. Also on Thursdays at Spring Street Studios. ($)
WEEKLY
WEDNESDAYS
SUNDAYS
Women’s Morning Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.
Meet Your Shepherds Sundays 10–10:30 a.m., Golding Chapel. Get to know your pastoral “shepherds,” assigned to you by family name. Sept. 6, A–D; Sept. 13, E–H; Sept. 20, I–M and S–V; Sept. 27, N–R and W–Z.
Buscando la Luz (Second and fourth Wednesdays) 6:30– 8 p.m., Bride’s Room. Spanish-language discussion group. Cathedral 20s & 30s 6:30–8 p.m., Mellinger Room. Weekly discussion group and social gathering of young adults.
Centering Prayer 11:15 a.m. to noon, Mellinger Room.
Taylor Swift Concert Pre-Party 4–6 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Listen to Taylor Swift tunes, eat pizza, and make posters.
SEPTEMBER 11–13
Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) 4–6 p.m., BYC. Gathering of youth for dinner, games, teaching, movies, and worship.
MONDAYS
WED
Faith and Society Seminars 6:30–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Conversation with the dean about Holy Scripture, faith, and society. Required session.
WEDNESDAYS (cont.)
SAT
FRI
Bring a friend!
SUNDAYS (cont.)
Youth Service Day 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Packing breakfast bags for the elderly at Interfaith Ministries.
SEPTEMBER 4
Childcare available (3 mo. to 10 yrs.)
Bilingual Eucharist 6–6:30 p.m., Golding Chapel. Jerusalem 6:30–8 p.m., Dean’s Conference Room. Survey course on Jerusalem’s history.
OCTOBER 8 THU David Eagleman 7 p.m. in the Cathedral. The Baylor neuroscientist and author presents his newest book, “The Brain.” ($) OCTOBER 9
FRI
Geraldine Brooks 8 p.m. in the Cathedral. The author will present “The Secret Chord,” a novel about the life of King David. ($) PAGE 7
THE BULLETIN
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Did you know you can read The Bulletin on our website? If you’d like to go “online-only,” contact Anne Shepard at ashepard@christchurchcathedral.org or call her at 713-590-3301.
Forming the spirit within, listening to God “We are not human beings having a Teilhard offers the prayer: “Only God spiritual experience,” the philosopher could say what this new spirit gradually Pierre Teilhard de Chardin once forming within you will be. Give said. “We are spiritual beings havour Lord the benefit of believing ing a human experience.” that his hand is leading you, and How is God speaking to and accept the anxiety of feeling yourthrough our lives? Through a proself in suspense and incomplete.” gram of spiritual direction, indiAnyone desiring a deeper relaviduals work with trained directionship with God may meet with BROOKE tors to focus on the development SUMMERS-PERRY a spiritual director, and the Hines of a deeper relationship with God. Center can assist you in finding the As a team, the director and the seeker (or best match. The number and frequency of “directee”) look to recognize God in the sessions is set by the directee. Call 713opportunities that arise in daily life and to 590-3302 or visit www.hinescenter.org. discern the most fulfilling choices we can Brooke Summers-Perry is the executive make for ourselves on our journey. Spiritual directors are trained in the director of the Bishop John E. Hines Center ministry of “holy listening.” Unlike a thera- for Spirituality and Prayer. pist or coach, a spiritual director’s role is to listen deeply and notice the work of God, In the Cloister Gallery: Jennifer Aden who is the real director in the relationship. September 4–30 By meeting in direction regularly, we beLocal artist Jennifer Aden will come more aware of the spirit moving in present a series of watercolor our daily lives. God is able to work through paintings capturing the us by leading us to new ways of prayer, emotions at play between practice, and awareness to engage our spirlight and dark. it more deeply in our human experience. THE BULLETIN
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PREPAID, from cover
sent through the mail, even an invitation to be president. It seems so many of the things we receive have, as it were, postage due on receipt. There is always fine print, always strings attached. Even the most important, intangible things in life such as acceptance and love are, in our experience, conditional. If we don’t pay the postman, we are left empty-handed. The grand exception is the grace of God. Repeatedly in the gospels, God’s love, incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ, shows up with healing power and accepting embrace, without conditions, with no postage due. This is no less true in our own day. And unlike the U.S. mail, God’s grace refuses to settle in the dead-letter box. It arrives newly, day after day after day, as good news to be received with no strings attached: We are cherished and accepted by the God who creates us in love more than we can ask or imagine. The invitation we receive from God to be part of the life of grace is a greater gift even than a summons to be president. This month, as we begin a new semester of ministry, programming, and fellowship at Christ Church, it is my hope that every Cathedral parishioner will accept God’s gift of grace with open arms and joyous heart.