CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
FEBRUARY 2016 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
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Morphosis In 1991, a new word entered our common lexicon. The term was the product of two events in pop culture that occurred almost simultaneously: the release of Michael Jackson’s “Black or White” music video and the Arnold Schwarzenegger film “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.” The word was morphing. Until 1991, any television or film special THE VERY REV. effect that involved BARKLEY THOMPSON something transforming from one state of being to another had a choppy quality to it. Think of old movies like “The Wolf Man,” in which the protagonist’s transition from person to feral creature was accomplished by a stop-and-start, chunky sequence of frames. “Black or White” and “Terminator 2” changed all that. With them came a new technology that allowed for fluid, almost miraculous transformation. At the end of the music video for “Black or White,” for instance, a sumo wrestler morphs into supermodel Tyra Banks seamlessly. In 2016, this technology is so ubiquitous that we scarcely notice it. It has been fine-tuned and is used in movies, television shows, and even commercials so often as to be mundane. But when I was a college student in 1991, this new morphing effect was enough to make me put down my Nintendo Gameboy (um … I mean my philosophy textbook) and pay attention. It turns out, though, that the idea of morphing — of miraculously transforming from one thing into another — is not new at all. It is as old as the Christian Church. St. Gregory of Nyssa in the 4th century speaks repeatedly of morphosis as the goal of Christian life. The very reason for being Christian, Gregory contends, is so that we can be morphed into
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Sextons get it done, faithfully Ask a sexton about the “typical” work day and they will likely answer that there is no typical day. Or so observes Shadrick Griffin, who five months ago joined the Cathedral’s ranks of modern-day sextons. Fellow sextons Ardell Ray and Brandon Johnson share in the caretaking, upkeep, and other support of campus buildings — and what goes on within them. “We get the job done,” Griffin says of the multitude of responsibilities they encounter each day in tending to worship, fellowship, concerts, special events, classes, and programs. Griffin’s regular responsibilities range from
making coffee to ensuring that the buildings are secured. On any given day, he also might be preparing a space for use or restoring it afterward. And if so called, he’ll tend to smaller, impromptu tasks such as assisting with the parking gates or searching for lost items. With hundreds of lights in each of the buildings, keeping bulbs burning brightly is a recurring task. In some cases, changing burned-out bulbs requires use of a power lifter to reach them. That’s something Griffin rather enjoys, despite having to maneuver around the tight spaces in the sanctuary. The view from above is a bonus, he says.
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Sexton Shadrick Griffin works with Facilities Administrator Frank Guevara to update a room in the Jones Building.
Lenten speakers to focus on health, healing
THE MOST REV. GEORGE CAREY
With the start of Lent in February, we will once again welcome regional and national speakers to our Cathedral for the 2016 Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series. This year, we’ve assembled a diverse group of thinkers to focus on the broad topics of health, healing, and wholeness. The Lenten Series is presented by the Adult Formation Council in partnership with Brigid’s Place, the Episcopal Health Foundation and the Stuart family. In a departure from previous years, the series will
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Radio personality Diane Rehm to present new memoir In the last decade, she has brought the very Though Diane Rehm is, perhaps, best known as a radio personality, her talents and insight that makes her a great interviewer to experiences reach far beyond those of an bear, writing memoirs that have brought naaverage DJ or talk-show host. Born to im- tional acclaim. Her most recent book, “On My Own,” explores the dynammigrant parents and raised in the charged-but-polite political DIANE REHM: ON MY OWN ics of her 50-year marriage to her second husband, John, her care climate of Cold War-era Wash- Wednesday, February 17 ington, D.C., Rehm’s view on the for him during his final years, and her grief in the wake of his death. world is as unique as her iconic voice. On Wednesday, February 17, Rehm will For more than thirty years, Rehm, the host of WAMU’s The Diane Rehm Show, has been discuss this latest memoir with Craig Cohen, a trusted source for news and commentary, host of Houston Matters, at a reading and daily interviewing leaders from the world of book signing in the Cathedral. Rehm’s appearance at Christ Church is sponsored by politics, culture, and the arts.
the Adult Formation Council and is a part of our ongoing partnership with Houston Public Media and Brazos Bookstore. Tickets to the event are $24 through Brazos Bookstore and include a copy of the book.
Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with
EE The newly baptized: Olutomi Eli Ayodele Ajayi, Knox Edward Bernard, Audrina Bella Hernandez, Diego Sebastian Holbrook, Olivia Clare Holbrook, Miles Patrick Lusk, and Julia Schmidt Tabolsky. EE Member Brianna Stiglets and Matthew Lum, who were married December 31 in the Cathedral. EE New members: Les and Karen Massoletti, Shannon Lacy, and Henry and Jean May.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to
EE The family of Eldo Manning Jones, who died January 7 in Austin. He was the father of member Patrice Jones Domercq and grandfather of George Easterly and Elizabeth Easterly. EE The family of Joe Yee, who died January 2 in Houston. He was the brother of member Steven Yee. EE The family of Betsy Thompson, who died December 4 in San Antonio. She was the sister of member Mary Sue Barnum. EE The family of Francisco Vargas, who died December 20 in the Dominican Republic. He was the father of member Amarilis Bautista and grandfather of Maria Bautista, Lily Bautista, and Maria-Teresa Bautista Vargas.
We express our gratitude for
EE The steadfast youth who serve each week as acolytes and assist with our worship.
The flowers on the Cathedral altar
EE On February 7 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Scott Cawley by his family. EE On February 15 are given to the glory of God. EE On February 21 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of her parents, John and Marion Merritello, by Carol Nielsen and family. EE On February 28 are given to the glory of God in honor of our children, Meme and Jeff Greathouse, Will and Sara Holland, and Mariann and Travis Colvin, by Antha and Bill Holland.
The flowers in the floor vases
EE on January 31 were given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Missy Crunk Welsh and in honor of the marriage of Kathryn Welsh Smith on January 16. THE BULLETIN
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Additional poinsettias at the rood screen at Christmas were given to the glory of God
EE In memory of Dr. and Mrs. Earl W. Clawater Jr., Dr. Raymond Hedge, and Frederick M. Hedge by Wayne and Hollee Clawater. EE In memory of Debra Moeller Witte and John and Gail Adams by William D. Moeller and Richard L. Adams. EE In memory of Don Hornbeck and Jay Goodheart by Barb Hornbeck. EE In memory of James and Gilda Dadura by Anne Dadura. EE In memory of Henry Manela by Mr. and Mrs. Dan Rogas Jr. EE In memory of their mothers by Ellen Luby and Sterling Minor. EE In memory of her daughter, Melissa Hoiland, and of her niece, Rhoda Montgomery, by Mary Worrell. EE In thanksgiving for their daughters, Jordan and Madison, by Mr. and Mrs. Dan Rogas Jr. EE In honor of Penny Morris and family by Ashly Evans. EE In memory of Raymond J. and Helen E. Hamilton and James O. and Frances Hall by Ron and Charlotte Hamilton. EE In memory of their parents, Alice and John Meyers and Jean and Edgar Marston; their grandparents; and Charles Hansell Watt III by Graeme and Edgar Marston. EE In thanksgiving for the lives of Beth and Sam Holden and Mary and Sam Holden; Leslie and John Jostes; Lyn, Su, and Karen Jostes; and Donna Boyd by Sue and Hart Green. EE In loving memory of Edwin and Virginia Brooks, Ann Brooks Bonne, Hart and Mary Green, Ira Harris Green, Bill and Mickey Holden, and Rhoda Montgomery by Sue and Hart Green. EE In memory of her husband, Mack Goble; her parents, Gladys and Jim Russell Jr.; and her brother, Jim Russell III, and in thanksgiving for her five children, Lydia Goble Lague, Nancy Goble, Russ Goble, Carolyn Goble Smith, and Michael Goble, by Dolores Goble. EE In loving memory of Augusta Patten Travis; Lt. Col. Thomas R. Travis, USA; AN Tarbell G. Travis, USN; SP2 Phyllis A. Travis, USA; and Capt. Michael Allison Patten, USN, by John Patten Travis and family.
Dean Thompson announces transitions of Weldon, O’Brien New leadership for the Beacon
“Let the good times roll” at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper At one time, Christians worldwide would, on the eve of Ash Wednesday, clear out their pantries to prepare for the coming of Lent. How exactly does getting rid of food pave the way for repentance? It was common practice to indulge in rich, luxurious foods that one might sacrifice during the upcoming forty days, such as eggs, milk, and sugar. Pancakes are prepared using a simple and tasty recipe that includes all of these ingredients, making it easier to ensure that all temptations are removed from the cupboard without waste. This tradition continues at our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake
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Spring break adventure to include Cathedral Urban Service Experience This year, our spring break trip for youth will stay local for a weekend of fun that incorporates volunteering, adventure, community, and a bit of mystery. On March 11–13, we will partner with the Cathedral Urban Service Experience program, which provides groups of students with opportunities to serve persons who are being denied justice, peace and dignity by their community. We will volunSPRING BREAK teer with different nonprofit organizations in the EXTRAVAGANZA Houston area during the day, and at night, we’ll go out into the city for fun and adventure. March 11–13 The total cost for the trip is $175, which covers food, van rentals, lodging, activities, and a T-shirt. Register online through the Cathedral website. As with all youth events, friends are explicitly welcome to join our group. If you need financial assistance or have questions about the program, contact Jeremy Bradley at 713-217-1349.
In mid-February, Beacon Executive Director Charly Weldon will leave the Beacon to become chief executive officer of Family Services of Greater Houston. Family Houston is a nonprofit and human services leader in our city, having operated in Houston since 1904. Family Houston served more than 77,000 clients last year. During Weldon’s six-and-a-half year tenure, the Beacon experienced a 60-percent increase in days of service and daily service hours, a 68-percent increase in nonprofit and corporate grant awards, and the creation of the annual gala “Come to the Table.” (The latter event raised $180,000 for the Beacon in its first year in 2011, and by 2015, CHARLY WELDON proceeds had grown to $375,000.) Weldon also facilitated the Beacon’s integration into the Houston/Harris County Continuum of Care initiative to end chronic homelessness. Dean Thompson said, “Charly has contributed professional leadership as well as passion for ministering to Houston’s most vulnerable citizens. Especially during times of great challenge, Charly’s level head and patient demeanor have ensured that the Beacon continued to move forward in its mission to the homeless and working poor.” The Beacon’s executive committee has begun the search process for the next executive director.
Called to serve in college ministry Upon completion of her curacy in June, the Rev. Eileen O’Brien will be named by Bishop Andy Doyle as campus missioner to the University of Houston. Curacies are priest-in-training programs, which last two years and serve as the priest’s first assignment after seminary. As the campus missioner at UH, O’Brien will be responsible for developing Christian communities that support the spiritual growth of residential and commuter students alike. O’Brien hopes to develop a diverse network of peer groups across the Houston area with the support of UH alumni, faculty, staff, and students. O’Brien first joined the Cathedral staff in April 2006 as director of youth ministries THE REV. EILEEN O’BRIEN with the commission to create what would become the Cathedral Urban Service Experience (CUSE) program. In the summer of 2014, O’Brien was sponsored by the Cathedral to enroll in the Virginia Theological Seminary. Upon her ordination three years later, Bishop Doyle assigned O’Brien to Christ Church for her two-year curacy, during which she has ministered to the Cathedral’s Latino congregation and served as the staff liaison to the Justice and Peace Council, among other roles. Between now and June, there will be opportunities to celebrate both O’Brien’s Cathedral ministry and her exciting new opportunity at the University of Houston. Dean Thompson says, “Eileen is a rising star in the Episcopal Church. The Cathedral has been blessed to have her serve among us on two occasions, and next summer I will miss her daily presence, faith, and passion for ministry. She will do stellar work at UH.” PAGE 3
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Advent and Christmas Celebrations
IN PICTURES
Above: Over nine consecutive nights leading up to Christmas, the Latino congregation celebrated “Las Posadas” in homes throughout the city and at the Cathedral itself. Right: On the first Sunday after Christmas, the Latino congregation staged “Las Pastorelas,” a morality play about shepherds seeking to adore Christ.
Top and Above: The children of the Cathedral wore costumes and recreated the story of the nativity in a pageant on Christmas Eve narrated by Canon Art Callaham and by Jamie Martin-Currie, missioner for Christian formation in the Diocese of Texas. Left: Curate Eileen O’Brien reads the Gospel lesson on Christmas Eve with assistance from youth acolytes.
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Above: The Cathedral 20s & 30s feast together at a holiday party on December 16. Left: The top prize at the Cathedral Gingerbread Contest went to a group entry by Yuna O’Brien, Elizabeth Pujol, Julie Thobae, Jim Bogel, and Anne and Mike McKann.
SEXTONS, from cover
Sometimes the heavy lifting is exactly that, as in when Griffin helps the altar guild move around the large brass candleholders and flower-laden vases or helps move office furnishings. Griffin especially likes to set up and monitor the large events held at the cathedral, such as when a popular author is featured. When possible, he’ll listen to an intriguing program as he performs his duties. He also enjoys working on children’s events, particularly when the children perform plays based on their Bible lessons. Despite working behind-the-scenes, Griffin makes opportunities to meet members of the congregation and to greet those he has already met when he sees them at services and events. “It’s who I am,” he says. One rewarding aspect of his day is when he encounters and assists older members of the church with getting around the campus. For Griffin, the role of sexton is “to assist” with what — or who — needs help in the moment and to handle things in such a way that people “are not disturbed or distracted” from whatever has brought them to the Cathedral. With their range of responsibilities, it often feels as if the sextons are everywhere on campus, observes Senior Warden Wayne Clawater. “They’re very professional about the way they go about their jobs.”
As sextons, Griffin, Ray, and Johnson each mastermind” of events and organization. work a shift rotation that ensures at least two (All of the sextons follow Ray’s lead on such of them are on campus throughout the day things, Guevara says.) Johnson, who joined — and often well into the night. Griffin, for the team three years ago, is “Mister Fix-It.” The Cathedral community appreciates the example, works on Tuesdays through Fridays sextons’ dedicated service, Clawater says. and again on Sundays. Despite his short tenure at the Cathedral, “The sextons are always there, always helpful, Griffin feels like he has known his colleagues always providing us what is needed.” all his life. Each of them has his own specialty, he explains. “We teach each other what we know.” Facilities Administrator Frank Guevara keeps track of what needs attention on campus and which sexton’s expertise (or else which contractor) might best resolve it. He characterizes his job as being a bit like Mission Control, as he monitors one heck of a never-ending “honey-do” list “The Faithful Sexton of This Church” of tasks to be completed and In the early days of Christ Church, sexton Friday Carr served the issues to be addressed. young congregation so well and so faithfully that, upon his death in As a newbie sexton, Griffin 1902, the vestry honored him with a large plaque in the bell porch is proving to be a fast learner of the church. During Black History Month, we invite all Cathedral who does a little bit of everyparishioners to dig into the history of Christ Church to learn more about Friday Carr’s life and legacy. Please send any information thing, as needed or requested, you uncover (stories, records, photos, and more) to Canon Glenice Guevara says. Ray, the CatheRobinson-Como in the church office. We also invite you to participate dral’s head sexton, has been in our full slate of Black History events scheduled throughout the on staff for 30-plus years, and month. See page 7 for more details. Guevara considers him “the PAGE 5
THE BULLETIN
A legacy of greatness “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” (George Santayana) Often, as I ride my bike or walk around my neighborhood, I notice and appreciate the diversity of it. On any morning I may pass Africans training for a marathon, Indians gathering for morning conversation, or Asians practicing tai chi. These neighbors remind me of what it takes to make a great nation — for greatness is not obtained through one culture, one person, or one community. THE REV. GLENICE ROBINSON-COMO Greatness is obtained through collaborative effort and the offering of our varied gifts, working together to produce God’s very best. The Rev. Martin Luther King once said that everyone has the power for greatness, because greatness is determined by service. Black History Month honors the lives of many African Americans who have given of their time, talents, and service to our nation. We must not forget the heroes, from the artisans to the scientists — people like entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker, inventor Frederick M. Jones, medical innovator Patricia Bath, and engineering pioneer Henry T. Sampson. So we remember their stories of courage, pain, and promise. May their legacies become so imbedded within our tapestry of history that we are drawn deeper into our service to God and to the world. Black history is also our story of the ugliness of slavery and injustice, where remnants of racism continue to fester and plague our nation. Yet still we labor together to continue a legacy of greatness, where strength overcomes adversity and ushers in a path to a more peaceable kingdom. As we continue to build upon our legacy, may our shared history become so ingrained within us, that we develop an awareness of all who have contributed to this great nation. It is then that we will truly know greatness, because we will have fully embraced where we have been.
In the Cloister Gallery: Gulf Coast Wildlife Studies in Metal
through February 25 Houston artist John Barber will exhibit sculptures of the fish, turtles, and rays of the Gulf Coast crafted from carbon steel. THE BULLETIN
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Quarterly update from the vestry The final quarter of the year produced and highly functional. The center’s execuanother highly successful Every Member tive director, Brooke Summers-Perry, and Canvass and a wonderful Advent season, those assisting her have done a phenomenal which encompassed our fun and relaxing job. The grand opening was January 23 and classes have begun. All Cathedral Parish Retreat weekend at Camp members are encouraged to activate Allen and culminated in our beautheir complimentary “seeker” memtiful Christmas services. So many berships and to explore the center’s individuals had a role in the EMC spring offerings. campaign’s success, but we’d like to Finally, we thank all of our outextend special thanks to the 2016 going vestry members, who have chairs, Mimi and Charlie Prioleau. We are confident that, because of SENIOR WARDEN served diligently and faithfully over WAYNE CLAWATER their three-year terms. Special apthe success of the EMC, the 2016 budget that the vestry approved at its Janu- preciation and recognition go to our outgoary retreat will allow us to give proper at- ing senior and junior wardens, Bess Waretention to the Cathedral’s physical facilities, ing and Ted Dom. They did an outstanding and also to continue our robust activities job, and we are so lucky to have had them and programs of ministries, outreach, edu- in positions of leadership and responsibility cation, community life, and evangelism. at the Cathedral. Your vestry is looking forward to another The past quarter also saw the completion of the construction of the Hines Center. It is eventful and exciting year. We can’t wait to a truly amazing facility, and is both beautiful get started.
SHROVE, from page 3
Supper. (The holiday’s name is derived from a word meaning “to seek penance.”) This year, the merriment will take place in Reynolds Hall on Tuesday, February 9, from 6–8 p.m. We’re clearing out the Cathedral’s kitchen cabinets to make the famous celebratory meal of pancakes, bacon, sausage, fruit, and, of course, our secret-recipe pancake bread pudding with delicious rum sauce. In addition to stuffing ourselves silly, we’ll paint our faces, dance to SHROVE TUESDAY a live zydeco band, snap mementos in the photo booth, and watch our PANCAKE SUPPER little ones take part in a finger-puppet Mardi Gras parade. Tuesday, February 9 Tickets are available online and in the cloister with a suggested dona- 6–8 p.m. tion of $10 per adult and $5 per child, or $25 for the entire family. You are also encouraged to join the krewe of volunteers that helps us decorate, cook, serve the food, and clean up. For more information, contact Karen Alston at 713-590-3338 or visit the Cathedral website.
LENTEN, from cover
meet in two sessions each Sunday in Lent the ways in which we heal the soul even in (beginning February 14 and continuing the midst of bodily illness. through March 13). On Sunday mornings, From a literary perspective, historian and our speakers will present a 45-minute lec- artist Kayleen Asbo will speak February 28 ture in Reynolds Hall at the 10 on healing and wholeness in the o’clock hour. That evening, they ROBERT C. STUART pages of Dante’s Divine Comedy. will return for a 90-minute facili- LENTEN SERIES On March 6, nurse and public tated question-and-answer session Sundays in Lent health researcher Mimi Kiser will at 7 p.m. A light, meatless supper 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. discuss the role of faith communities in public health. Wrapping up will precede the evening session at the series on March 13, the Rev. Nicholas 6 p.m., and childcare will be provided for Porter, an Episcopal priest and activist, will the entire series. explore the role that the church can play in Our first speaker on February 14 will be the healing of the nations. the former Archbishop of Canterbury, the These events are free and open to the Most Rev. George Carey, addressing the public. We welcome you to make these sesrole of the international church in the healsions a part of your Lenten discipline, and ing of its members. Next, on February 21, to invite friends to whom these topics may we will hear from author and inspirational be of particular interest. speaker Beth-Sarah Wright, speaking about
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
FEBRUARY 19–21
FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2
TUE
WED
Dean’s Book Club 6:30–8 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. “The Secret Chord” by Geraldine Brooks. FEBRUARY 5
FRI
Bridge Night 6–9 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Bring a dish for the potluck social.
FRI–SUN
Intermediate and Jr. High Retreats Camp Allen. Diocesan retreats for grades four through eight. ($)
Candlemas 12:05 p.m., Golding Chapel. Eucharist celebrating the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. FEBRUARY 3
Childcare available (3 mo. to 12 yrs.)
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY A monthlong series in honor of sexton Friday Carr (1853–1902). February 7: Meet Me at the Labyrinth 1 p.m., Freedmen’s Town Labyrinth, 1407 Valentine. Presentation by artist Reginald Adams and lunch at a local food truck. February 14: Advocating Literacy and Education 12:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Helen H. Kimbrough will discuss her books and literacy initiatives for children.
FEBRUARY 6
SAT
Diocesan Youth Choral Festival 3 p.m. in the Cathedral. Music performed by young singers from around the Diocese of Texas. FEBRUARY 7
SUN
Youth Super Bowl Party 5:30 p.m. Join us as we yell and scream at a TV. FEBRUARY 9
TUE
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Feast and make merry on the night before Lent. Wear your Mardi Gras best and dance to live music. FEBRUARY 10
WED
Ash Wednesday Mark the start of Lent with the imposition of ashes at services at 7 a.m., 12:05 p.m., and 6 p.m. in English ( ) and at 7:30 p.m. in Spanish. ( )
February 27: An Afternoon with Lauren Anderson 12 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Houston Ballet’s first black principal dancer will discuss her career and her faith. FEBRUARY 13
SAT
20s & 30s Brunch 10:30 a.m. Weights & Measures, 2808 Caroline. Families welcome. ($) Youth Service Day 10:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Valentine’s Day crafts at a Vita-Living home for adults with disabilities. Lunch provided. FEBRUARY 14
SUN
Lenten Evensong 5 p.m. Cathedral Choir. FEBRUARY 15
MON
President’s Day Holiday Cathedral and offices are closed. FEBRUARY 17
WED
Diane Rehm: On My Own 7 p.m. in the Cathedral. The NPR host will present her new memoir. Sponsored by Brazos Bookstore. ($)
MONDAYS Centering Prayer 11:15 a.m. to noon, Mellinger Room.
20s & 30s Retreat Weekend retreat on mindfulness. Facilitator: Kevin Vick. ($)
Bible Study “By the Glass” 6:30–8 p.m., OKRA, 924 Congress. Fellowship and Bible study for those living and working in the urban context.
FEBRUARY 25–27
TUESDAYS
THU–SAT
Icon Workshop Writing the icon of St. Michael Astride. Continues March 10–12. ($) FEBRUARY 26
FRI
Noche Familiar 6–8:30 p.m., BYC. Disfruten un cena y actividades para toda la familia.
Early Morning Co-ed Bible Study 7–8:15 a.m., Mellinger Room. Begins Jan. 12. Taco Tuesdays 7:30–8 a.m. outside Golding Chapel. Come to Morning Prayer and stay for breakfast. Through Feb. 9.
SUNDAYS
Speaking of Faith 6:30–8 p.m., The District Bistro, 610 Main. Downtown discussion group on Krista Tippett’s “On Being.”
Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) 4–6 p.m., BYC. Gathering of youth for games, teaching, and worship.
Education for Ministry (EFM) 6:30–9 p.m., Mellinger Room. Comprehensive adult theology program. ($)
WEEKLY
WEDNESDAYS
February 21: Hattiquette 12:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Wear your best hat as we enjoy Sunday tea and honor the lives of African American milliners. Prize for best hat. FEBRUARY 5 FRI Choir Cabaret 7 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Live entertainment, dinner, and auction supporting the choir’s tour of England. ($)
Bring a friend!
Women’s Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Bilingual Wednesday Eucharist 6–6:30 p.m., Golding Chapel. Evening Adult Formation Class 6:30–8 p.m. Taught by Betty Adam, Art Callaham, and Ed Stein. ROBERT C. STUART LENTEN SERIES Reynolds Hall. 10 a.m. class, 6 p.m. dinner, 7–8:30 p.m. conversation. February 14: George Carey “Healing and the Church.” The former Archbishop of Canterbury will speak on the healing power of shared faith. February 21: Beth-Sarah Wright “Healing and the Self.” The inspirational speaker will explore how faith can affect mental health. February 28: Kayleen Asbo “Journey to Wholeness.” The cultural historian will examine healing in Dante’s Divine Comedy. March 6: Mimi Kiser “Health and the Public.” The Emory educator will discuss the intersection of religion and public health. March 13: Nicholas Porter “Healing of the Nations.” The founder of Jerusalem Peace Builders will talk on healing our global relationships.
Cathedral 20s & 30s 6:30–8 p.m., BYC. Weekly discussion group and gathering of young adults. THURSDAYS Men’s Lunch Study Group (Biweekly) 12:15 p.m., Dean’s Conference Room. FRIDAYS Men’s Early Morning Study Group (Second and fourth Fridays) 7–8 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room. The Way of the Cross 6:30 p.m., Cathedral. Meditation on the events recorded in the Gospels. Bilingual. Begins Feb. 12.
UPCOMING MARCH 11–13 Youth Spring Break Extravaganza Our youth will participate in the Cathedral Urban Service Experience. ($) PAGE 7
THE BULLETIN
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MORPHOSIS, from cover
new creatures, so that — as Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount — we can “be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Gregory is not so naive as to think we will attain perfection fully in this life. But he does believe that Christians can — through humility, study, prayer, attention, and accountability to one another, always assisted by the grace of God — experience a divine transformation. In fact, he dedicated his entire life to assisting his fellow Christians in this very endeavor. It’s crucial to note that, unlike the instantaneous special effects in our Hollywood films and music videos, true morphosis is the result of years of faithful practice. It takes time, and progress may be at any given moment imperceptible. (True morphosis is more akin to the stop-and-start, chunky experience of transformations in old movies.) We most often obey the commandments in the Sermon on the Mount (when we obey them at all) in apprehension that if we do not, we THE BULLETIN
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ultimately will be punished by God. But Gregory’s idea of morphosis frees us from such a punitive understanding of faith. For Gregory, Jesus’ sacrifice of himself acquits us of guilt, and we are freed to live not to avoid divine punishment, but rather to enjoy the divine presence. In other words, through the miraculous morphosis that grace accomplishes in us when we cooperate with it (we have to do our part!), we become more Christ-like and therefore able to cleave more closely to God. We actually begin to experience God’s presence more fully and more often in our daily lives. What an incredible gift! This is a transformation worth experiencing, for a life worth living. Lent begins this month, which is the time in the church year when we are encouraged to take on new spiritual disciplines and practices through which, by God’s grace, we can begin to morph into the likeness of Christ. This can be our 1991, when something new and profound enters our lives.
In the Hines Center for Spirituality and Prayer Cosmic Consciousness with Mark Ryan
Lecture: “Illuminations Beyond Religions” Feb. 6, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Six-week course: Wednesdays, Feb. 17 to April 27, 7–8:30 p.m.
Stepping Beyond Diversity MARK RYAN
with Carol Archer
Seven-week course: Mondays, Feb. 15 to May 9, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Contemplating the Celtic Way with Marcus Losack
Sponsored by Dean Barkley Thompson Lecture: Feb. 18, 6–9 p.m.
The 21 Skills of Spiritual Intelligence MARCUS LOSACK
with Cindy Wigglesworth
Lecture, workshop, and practice groups: Feb. 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality with Randall Sylvester
Nine-week course: Wednesdays, Feb. 17 to March 13, 1:45–3:45 p.m.
The Path of the Mystics with Kayleen Asbo
KAYLEEN ASBO
Workshop: Feb. 27, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Also: Ignite Your Life, Yoga for Couples, Multigenerational Dance, Enneagram Intro and Subtypes, Connecting with Children from the Heart
Visit www.hinescenter.org to learn more and to register.