CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
OCTOBER 2015 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY CARE LINE | 713-826-5332
Much more than a “financial” return
Cathedral Organist Monica Czausz prepares for her upcoming Oct. 18 concert, which she will perform on the Cathedral’s 1938 Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ.
Accompanying the spiritual journey
When Christ Church hosts its inaugural “Boo-Bash” of family fun on the evening of Oct. 30, the Cathedral’s historic pipe organ will set a spooky mood with music played on the hour and half-hour from 6–8 p.m. “It’s certainly another example of the instrument’s many roles,” said the Cathedral’s newly appointed organist, Monica Czausz. On any given Sunday, the music of the pipe organ establishes the mood of the service, supports the congregation as they sing, and knits together separate parts of the liturgy.
Achieving that cohesiveness can be a tall order, Czausz said, but doing so is a pleasure, particularly at the Cathedral. “People have come to expect a certain music experience and style based in the Anglican traditions of choral music. “[There is] something fundamentally aweinspiring about the organ, from the rumble of its lower register to the high voices.” Czausz also appreciates how, as organist, she gets to provide both the first and last notes
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Family musician Justin Roberts to perform Oct. 3 Take one part indie rock star, add one part divinity school graduate, toss in a pinch of Montessori preschool teacher, then shake. What do you get? Grammynominated children’s musician Justin Roberts, that’s who. And on Saturday, October 3, he’ll perform live in Reynolds Hall at a special one-night-only concert for the whole family. Roberts is a friend and former classmate of our own Dean Barkley Thompson. He and his band, the Not Yet Ready for Naptime Players, will be performing at the Austin City Limits festival, and Roberts is swinging into town to put on a Houston show just for us. JUSTIN ROBERTS
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As retired members of our Cathedral community, our decision about pledging each year to the Every Member Canvass is straightforward. We are blessed to be members of the Cathedral and involved in its ministry. Our EMC goals have been to commit, to be as generous as CHARLIE AND possible, and to grow MIMI PRIOLEAU our contribution each year — even if by a nominal amount — in support of the important ministries of the Cathedral. Why do we feel so forthright about making a commitment each year? It’s quite simple — it’s the intangible return we enjoy from our EMC financial investment. It’s a return that is so much more than a “financial” return — it’s a spiritual, emotional, psychological, and hopeful return. Okay … being honest, how many weekends do we all wake up, dog tired, wanting to stay under the covers for a little longer, relax with a cup of coffee, read the morning newspaper, and put off facing the chaos that our big city presents each day (even on Sunday mornings)? Our lives seem to grow busier and busier, and weekends seem to offer a brief respite or time for escape. In sum, we live in the midst of a busy, bustling, chaotic city. Chaos aside, however, we get up, dress, drive downtown, and volunteer or attend services at Christ Church Cathedral — often passing other churches along the way. We do this and walk away from our Cathedral experience feeling more enlightened, optimistic, hopeful, and secure in our convictions and beliefs. In short, we are blessed to be members of this Cathedral with its incredible clergy,
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Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with
EE Members Tonya and Reid McLaughlin on the birth of Madeline James McLaughlin on July 22. EE The newly baptized: Zachary Paul Dinitz, William Dennis Dugat, Lucy Mae Ernest, and Samuel Christopher Freel. EE New members: Susan Reeves, Ben Powell VI, Robert Flores, Juliamaria Gaona, Alejandro Calvo, and Kristin and Andrew Ernest.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to
EE The family of John Robert Stovall, who died August 13 in Houston. He was the father of member John Michael Stovall and grandfather of Sydney Allen Stovall. EE The family of Declan Andrew Davis, who died August 28 in Houston. He was the son of members Ross and Melissa Davis and grandson of William and Kathryn Ann Davis. EE The family of Agnes Watson, who died August 28 in Houston. She was the mother of member Diana Smith. EE The family of William Augustus Wareing Jr., who died August 29 in Houston. He was the father of member Matthew Wareing and grandfather of John Randolph Wareing and Madeline Ann Wareing. EE The family of Jeremiah Upton, who died August 31. He was the son of Carl Garris and Amanda Upton.
“Boo-Bash” offers spooky fall fun Cathedral and downtown families are invited to the first-ever Cathedral Boo-Bash on Friday, October 30. At this new fall event, kids can dress up, listen to “spooky” organ music, trick-or-treat in the courtyard, and play other fun games. Every half-hour from 6–8 p.m., Cathedral Organist Monica Czausz will play music, answer questions, and let children take an up-close look at the organ console. “I am excited to share the Cathedral organ with new audiences in this playful and unexpected way,” BOO-BASH Czausz said. Friday, October 30 Children are encouraged to wear costumes (please, 6–8 p.m. nothing scary or violent), and they can trick-or-treat in the Bishop’s Courtyard at stations hosted by Cathedral members. There will also be seasonal activities, food, and games. Cathedral members are encouraged to invite their downtown-area friends and family to this event. “Not only is this event fun, but it is also strategic,” said Canon Genevieve Razim, referring to the Cathedral’s “Reaching Out to Downtown” vision initiative. “I’ve learned that downtown families and the managers of their residential buildings are interested in family-friendly events here in the neighborhood. This effort, along with others, will strengthen the downtown neighborhood and create new opportunities for our neighbors to enter into the vibrant Cathedral community.” If you have questions or are interested in helping with this event, please contact Karen Alston at 713-590-3338.
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar
EE On October 4 are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Charles and Agnes Watson by John and Diana Smith. EE On October 11 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Bill Renfro by his family. EE On October 18 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of his parents, Frank E. Hood and Lillian Wadkins Hood, and his aunt, Margaret Hughes, by Frank E. Hood Jr. EE On October 25 are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the Cathedral Bookstore’s 33 years of service to Christ Church Cathedral, the Diocese of Texas, and the downtown community, with special thanks to its faithful volunteers and supportive parishioners.
The flower in the Floor Vases
EE On October 4 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Edith Virginia Hellenguard Stapp on the centennial of her birth. EE On October 11 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Phyllis Keese Webb by her family. EE On October 18 are given to the glory of God in loving memory and gratitude for Doug Hoffman by Mary Hoffman.
The flowers on the Organ Console
EE On October 25 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Harvey M. Shepherd Jr. by his daughters. THE BULLETIN
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Be a Kids Hope mentor For eight years, the Cathedral has paired faithful, caring adults with at-risk elementary schoolchildren through the Kids Hope program. Mentors and prayer partners are always needed. If you can commit one hour a week during the school year in support of a child in need, contact Jennifer Sickman in the church office.
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Roberts’ music lives in the finest tradition of children’s entertainment, merging the joyful exuberance of youth, a lyrical style unafraid to tackle important issues, and a musical sensibility that JUSTIN ROBERTS IN CONCERT will keep parents engaged. Imagine an upbeat tune about why we throw tantrums spiked with Saturday, October 3, 5 p.m. recognizable rock riffs. Search for his 2006 song “Meltdown” and you’ll find out how fun that can be. Tickets for this early-evening show are $10 and can be purchased through the Cathedral website. This is a great opportunity to invite family and friends to your Cathedral for an evening of fun.
Who packs your parachute? Navy pilot Charles Plum flew 75 successful missions over Vietnam. On his 76th mission, he was shot down and parachuted into enemy territory, where he was held prisoner for six years. When he finally got home, Plum was a hero. He spoke around the country about his grit and endurance, receiving adulation wherever he went. One evening at a restaurant, a man Plum had never seen before tapped him on the shoulder, asking, “Are you Charles THE VERY REV. Plum, who flew off the Kitty Hawk in BARKLEY Vietnam?” THOMPSON “That’s me,” Plum answered. Then the man added, “Well, I packed your parachute.” Plum was shocked. After an awkward silence, the other man said, “I guess it worked!” and walked away, never to be seen by Charles Plum again. Plum couldn’t sleep that night, awakened to the realization that every time he’d flown a mission over Vietnam, someone else first had stood in the hold of the ship, carefully and patiently folding a parachute with Plum’s name on it. And in the end, that parachute was enough. It had saved his life. Plum’s newly-discovered gratitude for this quiet savior changed him. This month, we launch our Every Member Canvass, saying from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, “God provides you with every blessing in abundance, so that by having enough, you may share abundantly in every good work.” It is God who stands lovingly, carefully, and patiently in the background of our lives, preparing us for challenge and joy. It is God who readies us for life, and it is God who provides the spiritual parachute on those occasions when we discover we are crashing. Our stewardship is both how we express our gratitude to God and the way that we “pack the parachute” for so many others who rely upon the ministry of the Cathedral. This month God taps us on the shoulder, and we are reminded from whom our blessings come. Charles Plum still speaks around the country, motivating and inspiring people. But today his focus is not so much on himself. His speech is now titled: “Who Packs Your Parachute?”
Blessing creatures great and small In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, a nature lover and the patron saint of animals and the environment, we will hold our annual Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday, October 4, at 4 p.m. in the Bishop’s Courtyard. All creatures great and small — and their human companions — BLESSING OF are welcome. THE ANIMALS The event will feature returning visitors Barrio Dogs, Sunday, October 4 Ricco Suave, and the Nature Discovery Center. We will also 4 p.m. welcome for the first time K-9 Angels Rescue, an organization committed to rescuing and re-homing shelter dogs in and around the City of Houston, regardless of their breed or circumstance. This worship service offers an opportunity for pets to receive an individual blessing and a St. Francis medallion, while we celebrate the important place that pets hold in the lives of our families. Those whose pets do not travel well or do not get along well with other animals may bring a photograph of their pet. All pets should be held or remain on leashes or in crates and children must be accompanied by an adult. Children may also bring their stuffed animals to receive a blessing.
Bishop amends Unity in Mission approval to include marriage, Cathedral Vestry concurs The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle has amended the diocese’s Unity in Mission document to allow some parishes to officiate same-sex marriages. Previously, Unity in Mission allowed the blessing of same-sex unions. However, in June and July of this year, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage and the General Convention of the Episcopal Church both amended its canons to allow same-sex marriage and approved trial marriage liturgies that can be used for same-sex couples beginning in Advent of this year. For those parishes in the Episcopal Diocese
of Texas that have already undertaken a Unity in Mission discernment process and been approved by the bishop to bless same-sex unions, the bishop’s prior approval also includes approval to officiate same-sex marriages. Christ Church Cathedral’s Unity in Mission Task Force completed a prayerful and rigorous sixmonth discernment process last year, including communications to the parish through The Bulletin and public announcements at the Dean’s Class on Sunday mornings. In December, the task force recommended to the vestry that the Cathedral bless
same-sex unions. The vestry concurred and subsequently sought Bishop Doyle’s approval. The bishop extended approval in January. At its August meeting, the Cathedral Vestry again studied the task force’s report and voted to accept the bishop’s revised approval to allow same-sex marriages at Christ Church. The Unity in Mission Task Force studied Holy Scripture and theology carefully, engaging in lively, respectful, and prayerful conversation. In its report, one task force member concluded, “Isn’t it better for all concerned
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Rally Day, Hines Center Preview Party, Family Yoga, and more
IN PICTURES
Right: Sunday School students pack donated school supplies for a service project on September 13.
Above: Participants at the Family Yoga session on September 13 work in pairs to practice balance both on the mat and in their daily lives. Another class will be offered in December. Right: The Rt. Rev. Simon Makundi, the retired Bishop of the Diocese of Mount Kilimanjaro in the Anglican Church of Tanzania; his wife, Martha Makundi; and daughter Mkunde visit with Canon for Music Robert Simpson on a tour of Christ Church on August 25. Below left: A crowd of people enjoyed the fun and games of “Rally Day Roundup” on August 23 as we kicked off fall programs and ministries at the Cathedral.
Above right: Hines Center instructors field questions and introduce spiritual practices at the September 12 preview party for the Cathedral comm
Right: A worker installs nameplates on the plaque recognizing new members of the Bishop Richardson Society. Joining the requires only that you include the Cathedral Endowment in your estate and notify the office that you have d THE BULLETIN
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munity.
society done so.
Foyers groups form bonds, social connections over shared meals Every year, the fall season tends to signify new beginnings: the start of another school year, a new hope for a winning football season, and the creation of something else “pumpkin spice” flavored. Why not begin this fall with some new friends? If you’re looking to grow your social circle at Christ Church Cathedral, or want get connected in a FOYERS KICKOFF DINNER whole new way, Foyers social groups are the way to go. Sunday, October 18 Foyers are small groups of six to eight parishioners 6–7:30 p.m. that meet regularly throughout the year. Each fall, participants are assigned to a new, randomly selected group, and each member is asked to host a meal at his or her home, or even a preferred alternate venue, such as a park or local restaurant. Foyers groups are made up of church members, both old and new, and the age range of the participants is just as diverse. Each group sets the timing for its get-togethers so that it’s convenient for everyone. Some past participants have noted that even if you already know someone in your group, Foyers allows you to create an even deeper connection with them. As Psalm 55:14 says, “We who had sweet fellowship together walked in the house of God in the throng.” Sign up for Foyers on Sundays in the cloister or register online now through October 11. The Foyers Kickoff Potluck Dinner will be held in Reynolds Hall on Sunday, October 18, from 6–7:30 p.m. At the potluck dinner, we’ll reveal the members of each of the Foyers groups so you can start getting to know your new friends.
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to have loving partnerships looked upon with favor, rather than disdain, by Christ’s church? Just as loving partnerships between a man and a woman are more likely to succeed if the couple has benefitted from a Christian marriage, a church blessing of a samesex union is likely to produce a more loving and beneficial relationship to the couple and society than if it were withheld.” At its August meeting, the vestry concurred that this same sentiment applies to Christian marriage for same-sex couples. Reflecting on the process and its outcome, Dean Thompson offered, “Because we at the Cathedral have
been formed as a people who find our identity in the saving grace of Jesus, I believe our gracious community will grow stronger as we move forward together. As St. Paul says in Colossians, we will continue to allow the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts, clothe ourselves in love, and bear with one another in this and all things.” Any couple seeking to be married at Christ Church must undergo premarital counseling. Episcopal Church canons also allow any Episcopal priest to refrain from marrying any couple the priest believes to be ill-prepared for marriage. The entire Cathedral Unity in Mission Task Force report is available at www.christchurchcathedral.org/unity.
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a rich and traditional liturgy, an excellent program of vibrant music and choral performances, and an education program for all ages that is second-to-none. We depart downtown knowing that our EMC investment provides a return that is difficult to describe, but surpasses any metric of traditional financial analysis. Christ Church Cathedral is not only an oasis in the midst of downtown Houston, but also an oasis in our chaotic and hectic lives. It’s an oasis for our minds, our bodies, our children, and our souls. For this reason, it’s a straightforward decision to commit to the EMC each year and support the Cathedral’s important ministries. Believe us, the return is worth the investment. Mimi and Charlie Prioleau are the chairs of the 2016 Every Member Canvass. PAGE 5
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Dean’s Book Club selections The Dean’s Book Club discusses a different book at each meeting, including novels, nonfiction, and books on spirituality and faith. Books are selected by the group and are available for purchase from the Cathedral Bookstore. All are welcome. The club meets in the McGehee Conference Room from 6:30–8 p.m. on the following dates:
Wednesday, October 7 “The Bridge of San Luis Rey” by Thornton Wilder After a bridge collapse kills five travelers in Peru, a monk embarks on a quest to prove that it was divine intervention rather than chance that led to their deaths.
Wednesday, November 11 “A World Lost” by Wendell Berry Fifty years after the murder of his uncle, Andy Catlett confronts his own sense of culpability for the brawl that took his uncle’s life. Berry’s novel explores the power of memory and asks us what in our own past we might have remedied.
Wednesday, December 2 “The Road to Character” by David Brooks Responding to what he calls the culture of the Big Me, which emphasizes external success, Brooks challenges us, and himself, to rebalance the scales, focusing on what kind of relationships we have formed.
The Cathedral Bookstore is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 713-222-0286 for information and special orders.
Workshop aids those who grieve Christ Church Cathedral will host a Mourner’s Path workshop to offer longterm spiritual comfort for those who mourn and to assist those whose lives are negatively affected by grief. This grief workshop consists of eight small MOURNER’S PATH group sessions which are led by trained facilitaWORKSHOP tors and a clergy member. Walking the Mourner’s Thursdays beginning Path gained national recognition after the 9/11 October 8 tragedy when trained lay leaders from Episcopal and Lutheran churches offered New Yorkers grief relief as a form of support. Sessions begin on Thursday, October 8, and run weekly from 6:30– 8:30 p.m. in the Mellinger Room. If this type of grief support would be helpful for you or someone you know, please contact the Rev. Glenice Robinson-Como at 713-590-3319 by October 1 to register.
Noche Familiar, services in October continue heritage month celebrations Are you curious about what worship looks like when it has a distinctly Latino flair? Join us for the second half of Hispanic Heritage Month, which began September 15 and runs through October 15. On October 4, the music, prayers, and message of the 1 o’clock service will take on a Caribbean flavor. FAMILY NIGHT In the same way on October 11, we will celebrate Friday, October 9 Texas culture as it has been influenced and experi- 6–8:30 p.m. enced by the Latinos who live here. The celebrations continue with Noche Familiar (Family Night) on Friday, October 9. As always, Noche Familiar will begin at 6 p.m. with a potluck supper. Then, adults and children will go their separate ways to watch age-appropriate films exploring and celebrating Latino culture. We will come back together for conversation and depart at 8:30 p.m. Family and friends are welcome at all of these events, as are Spanish-speakers and English-speakers alike. For more information, contact Yency Bermudez at 713-590-3329.
Conversations across difference examine LGBT issues, racial inequality This past summer, the Justice & Peace Council’s documentary series, “Pray, Learn, Act,” jump-started some important conversations across difference with its explorations of human trafficking, mental health stigmas, and transgender isCOMING OUT IN CHURCH sues. This October, the council invites Saturday, October 10 you to dive deeper 9 a.m. to noon into conversations CRACKING THE CODES around transgender Wednesday, October 14 issues and race at two 6–8:30 p.m. upcoming events. First on October 10 is the return of Coming Out in Church, the conversations of which will focus this year on those who are transgendered. From 9 a.m. to noon, the panel discussion will seek to nurture understanding through storytelling and dialogue and to envision ways to create safe and hospitable space for those THE BULLETIN
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who find themselves on the margins of our help to perpetuate racial inequality. Both events are open to the public and free communities. Then on October 14, join us for a docu- of charge. Childcare is provided during the mentary night designed to help us think documentary program. and speak together as a community about racial inequality. We will gather first at 6 p.m. for a bilingual mass dedicated to prayer for racial reconciliation. After Eucharist, we will watch the film “Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Iniquity” over a light evening meal. We will follow the film with prayerful and facilitated discussion, looking at the social determinants, internal components, and external relationships that Researcher Joy DeGruy in the documentary “Cracking the Codes”
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
OCTOBER 10 20s & 30s Brunch 10:30 a.m. Hobbit Richmond. ($)
Childcare available (3 mo. to 12 yrs.)
SAT Cafe,
WEDNESDAYS Women’s Morning Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.
2243
Bilingual Eucharist 6–6:30 p.m., Golding Chapel.
Coming Out in Church 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sanders Hall. Panel discussion on the experiences of transgendered people and their families. ONGOING Fall Neighborhood Gatherings Watch your mailbox for an invitation to gather at parishioner homes for fellowship and conversation.
OCTOBER 13
TUE
Newcomers Welcome Party 6–8 p.m., The Deanery. Gathering to welcome those new or feeling new to the Cathedral. OCTOBER 14
OCTOBER OCTOBER 2
FRI
Cloister Gallery Opening Reception 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall.
WED
Cracking the Codes 6–8:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Service and documentary night on the topic of race and inequality. Dinner provided.
OCTOBER 3
OCTOBER 7
SUN
WED
Dean’s Book Club 6:30–8 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. “The Bridge of San Luis Rey” by Thornton Wilder. OCTOBER 8
THU
David Eagleman 7 p.m. in the Cathedral. The Baylor neuroscientist and author presents his newest book, “The Brain.” ($) OCTOBER 9
FRI
Noche Familiar 6–8:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Disfruten un cena y actividades para toda la familia. Geraldine Brooks 8 p.m. in the Cathedral. The author will present “The Secret Chord,” a novel about the life of King David. ($) 20s & 30s Pedal Party 8–10 p.m. Social gathering of young adults. ($)
SUN
Diocesan Adult Choral Festival 6 p.m., in the Cathedral. Festival concert sung by choirs from around the diocese. WED
OCTOBER 30
SAT
Blessing of the Animals 4 p.m., Bishop’s Courtyard. Service in observance of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi.
OCTOBER 25
Faith and Society Seminar 6:30–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall.
Justin Roberts in Concert 5 p.m., Reynolds Hall. The award-winning family musician will perform. ($) OCTOBER 4
OCTOBER 24 SAT Popcorn Theology 6–9 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Dinner and a movie for all ages. Split for ageappropriate films and theological discussion.
OCTOBER 28
Bridge Night 6–9 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Bring a dish for the potluck social.
OCTOBER 16 FRI Chill and Grill 6–9 p.m., Bishop’s Courtyard. Enjoy a “backyard style” barbeque and fellowship with residents of the downtown area. OCTOBER 16–18
FRI–SUN
Fall Youth Retreat Hang out and build community while building faith. OCTOBER 18
SUN
Monica Czausz Organ Concert 3:30 p.m. in the Cathedral. EYC Dynamo Outing 6–9:30 p.m., BYC. Youth-group outing to see the Houston Dynamo. Foyers Kickoff Potluck Dinner 6–7:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Make new friends by joining a Foyers social group. Each member or couple hosts one meal. OCTOBER 23 Game Night: Playing at Faith 6:30–9 p.m., Mellinger Room.
FRI
Bring a friend!
FRI
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. Does not meet Oct. 7. THURSDAYS 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. Mourner’s Path Workshop 6:30–8:30 p.m., Mellinger Room. Grief support program led by trained faciliators and clergy. Begins Oct. 8.
Cathedral Boo-Bash 6–8 p.m., Bishop’s Courtyard. Familyfriendly event with trick-or-treating and spooky music on the Cathedral organ.
FRIDAYS
WEEKLY
UPCOMING
SUNDAYS Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) 4–6 p.m., BYC. Gathering of youth for dinner, games, teaching, movies, and worship. Outing on Oct. 18. 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. MONDAYS
Men’s Early Morning Study Group (Second and fourth Fridays) 7–8 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.
NOVEMBER 6–8
FRI–SUN
The End of War Weekend-long speaker series exploring theological, moral, and pastoral implications of war and war-fighting. ($) NOVEMBER 20–22
FRI–SUN
YES and Happening Camp Allen. Diocesan spiritual retreats for 6–8th and 9–12th graders. ($)
Centering Prayer 11:15 a.m. to noon, Mellinger Room. 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. TUESDAYS Hebrews, James, and John(s) 7–8:15 a.m., Mellinger Room. Co-ed Bible study with Canon Art Callaham. Speaking of Faith 6:30–8 p.m., Honeymoon Cafe, 300 Main. Downtown community discussion group on Krista Tippett’s “On Being.”
DECEMBER 4–6 FRI–SUN Annual Parish Retreat Camp Allen. Fun and relaxing weekend for all ages. ($) PAGE 7
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Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Houston, Texas
1117 Texas Avenue Houston, Texas 77002-3183
PERMIT No. 6404
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.
ORGAN, from cover
of worship. While the prelude sets the stage for the range of experiences in the liturgy, the closing voluntary sends the congregation from the church — joyfully, solemnly, or anything in-between, depending on the occasion. In times of mourning, the organ provides comfort and support. In celebrations, she said, its music is “a backdrop whereby feelings of love, joy, and commitment can be observed.” As an immovable instrument, the organ is tied intimately to its physical space. In her performances across the country and internationally, Czausz said she has learned to adapt her playing to the space and the history of each building and to listen to what each church building is saying. “Every church fits its congregation in its own way. It’s a fit like that of a couple that has danced together for many years. You can tell they’ve adapted their style to each other.” The Cathedral’s pipe organ, more formally known as the Edwin Robinson Spotts Memorial Organ, has a top-of-the-line pedigree and reputation. It was built by the Aeolian Skinner Pipe Organ Co. of Boston and installed in 1939 following a devastating fire in the church chancel. At the time, committing to the new pipe organ was quite a financial stretch for the THE BULLETIN
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Cathedral, explained Canon for Music Robert Simpson. Deemed spectacular for its day, the organ also featured stops that foreshadowed by 20 years the baroque movement that would overtake the organ world in the 1960s, according to Simpson. Parishioner Gary Smith calls the Cathedral’s pipe organ the best service-playing instrument in Houston. “It’s historic. It’s easy to play. It has a glorious sound … and it makes [the organist] sound great,” he said. Smith, who is currently the associate dean of music at Rice University and a member of the Cathedral Choir, served as the Cathedral’s assistant organist in the late 1990s. Smith feels fortunate to have been part of the history of the Cathedral music program and is proud to have shared the organ bench with a lineup of extraordinary musicians. That distinguished list of organists and choirmasters includes several who continued on a national level at noted conservatories and major churches in New York. Steve Godowns is a Cathedral parishioner and also the organist at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Fort Bend. He is grateful to have been granted access over the years to practice on the Cathedral organs, a second of which,
much smaller, resides in the Golding Chapel. Playing the organ, with its multiple keyboards (known as manuals) and pedalboard, is a workout of the hands, feet, eyes and ears, Godowns said. Mastering the instrument takes coordination and years of practice. “If you tried to hire an orchestra to get the dynamics and power [of the organ] you’d need 60 to 100 musicians,” he said. But one musician, the organist, can harness the instrument “to provide good strong sounds for congregational singing, softer sounds for solo and choral accompaniment, and music for reflection and meditation.” And typically, they do so hidden from view in a discreet location. The organ is “a selfless instrument,” Czausz said. “We offer our services for the greater good and not the spotlight.”
In the Cloister Gallery: Allure Artist Tamara Kontrimas uses watercolors to express light and clarity and, through her paintings, show the textures, shapes, and beauty of the natural world.