CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
APRIL 2016 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY CARE LINE | 713-826-5332
Serving up gracious hospitality Tea sandwiches, deviled eggs, cheese logs, and cream puffs are the visible — and tasty — signs of a gracious hospitality committee working behind the scenes at the receptions that follow special-occasion services at the Cathedral (such as Evensongs or Confirmation). While their refreshments sustain those who attend the services, volunteers on the
Reception Committee also sustain their friendships through this church ministry. Members of the tight-knit group say their efforts are rewarding and fun, which is why they welcome sharing the experience with others interested in continuing the traditions. “The more hands, the merrier,” said Julie Thurmond, one of the regulars in the group,
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May Fete celebrates springtime, community Day’s events to include 1892 liturgy, parades, dancing, food, games, and more What comes to mind when you think of spring? Do you think of colorful flowers, bright green grass, and a beautifully sunny day? How about a celebration, a king and queen, and a maypole? It’s hard to believe it’s been another year, but May Fete, Christ Church Cathedral’s annual spring festival, is right around the corner. On May 1, the celebration will begin with a 10 a.m. service (combining the regular 9 and 11 o’clock services) that will offer a connection to traditions of the past. This opening worship service, in English, will feature the liturgy of the 1892 Book of Common Prayer.
This liturgical change will offer parishioners the exciting opportunity to sit in the pews and hear what those attending May Fete in 1899 might have heard. Following the morning MAY FETE Eucharist, the festivities Sunday, May 1 continue as we celebrate the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. children of the Cathedral in the Bishop’s Courtyard. There will be the crowning of the May King and May Queen, and the Buckaroo Band will accompany the maypole dance. It will be a festival filled with good food, great friends, and lots of fun.
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The four names for the holy meal Last month, I gathered with two dozen Cathedral children and their parents for a Saturday “Instruction in Communion” class. The kids ranged in age from two to eight. Some had been receiving communion already, while others were waiting to receive until they’d been THE VERY REV. taught about the meanBARKLEY THOMPSON ing and mystery of the sacrament. The class was a joy for me. Our parish children were attentive and inquisitive. We focused on the church as family, baptism as entrance into the church (including a reenactment of the children’s baptisms, with much splashing of water), thanksgiving and forgiveness, and the celebration that comes when we meet Jesus in the bread and wine. I also taught the children four names for the holy meal, each of which emphasizes a different aspect of God’s truth: 1) “The Lord’s Supper” emphasizes the centrality of breaking bread with those we love. It also focuses on the simplicity of the holy meal, with bread made of simple grain and water, and with wine made of grapes and time. 2) “Communion” emphasizes that the holy meal is what draws us together each week, from every corner of the city. It binds us to one another and to Jesus, through the bread and wine, into one Body of Christ. 3) “Eucharist” is a Greek word meaning thanksgiving, and it emphasizes that our abundant gratitude toward God should be at the very heart of every prayer, every action, and our worship. 4) “The Mass” comes from the final phrase in the Latin Eucharistic prayer, which translates to “it is ended; go forth.”
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Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with
EE James and Meredith Wiersma on the birth of Parker McKenzie Wiersma on February 8. EE Isabel and John Schulte on the birth John Robinson Schulte on November 17. EE New members: Peggy Russell, Holbrook Dorn, Greg Schwartz and Meg Harrison, Charlie Stack and Joyce Crum, and Kasey Berry.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to
EE The family of David Heal, who died February 12 in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England. He was the father of member Steven Heal and grandfather of Gabrielle and Jacqueline Heal. EE The family of Vernetta Tully, who died March 10 in Houston. She was the mother of member Lynn Ronkainen. EE The family of Margaret Thomas, who died March 15 in Athens, Ga. She was the mother of member Andrew Thomas and grandmother of David Thomas and Claire Thomas.
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar
EE On April 3 are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of James Leonard Dougherty, Jewel Kendall and William Brooke Hamilton, Henry Kendall Hamilton, Newton Gilbert Dougherty, and Maribel Kendall Daffan by Anne and Jim Dougherty Jr. EE On April 10 are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Cindi Blakely. EE On April 17 are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Ginny and Duncan Smith by John and Diana Smith. EE On April 24 are given to the glory of God and in celebration of the birthday of Nancy Stallworth Thomas by her family.
Cathedral’s own Bishop Benfield returns for visit, confirmation On April 17, Christ Church will welcome home the Rt. Rev. Larry Benfield, Bishop of Arkansas. Bishop Benfield will represent Bishop Andy Doyle and will confirm our youth confirmation class that morning. He will also preach and celebrate BISHOP’S VISIT TO CONFIRM at both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Holy Eucharist. Sunday, April 17 In the 1980s, Bishop Benfield was a member of Christ Church Cathedral, where he served on the vestry. From the Cathedral, he was sent to the Virginia Theological Seminary. He was ordained in the Diocese of Texas in 1990 and served as Episcopal chaplain at Texas A&M in College Station from 1990–1992. Bishop Benfield has been Bishop of Arkansas since 2007. The diocese has 56 congregations and about 11,000 members. Before his election, he was rector at Christ Church in Little Rock, Ark., a position he had held since 2001. Prior to seminary, Bishop Benfield was a commercial banker in Houston. He holds an BISHOP LARRY BENFIELD MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Please make plans to attend worship services on April 17 as we welcome Bishop Benfield home to Christ Church.
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It emphasizes that we are to take our joy from the Cathedral into the world, becoming messengers of grace to all those we meet. The next day during the 9 o’clock children’s sermon, I asked the kids if they remembered these four names for the holy meal, and I was gratified
that they could still enthusiastically recall each without prompting. On the way to the altar rail at that same service, one child asked her father, “Can my sister have the Body of Christ, Bread of heaven today, daddy?” Yes, indeed. And for that, I offer my own prayer of thanksgiving.
Volunteer team cooks breakfast for the masses Every Sunday, about 250 people, many of whom are homeless, attend Lord of the Streets Episcopal Church for worships services followed by a freshly cooked breakfast. On April 17, eight to ten Cathedral volunteers will gather at 6:15 a.m. LORD OF THE STREETS at Trinity Episcopal Church to scramble SERVICE DAY eggs, cook pounds Sunday, April 17 of bacon and 6:15–8:30 a.m. sausage, and stir large pots of grits for the community meal. We’re always looking for new volunteers to join the team, which performs this service four or five times each year. To learn more, contact Tracey Cabral at 713-320-1168. No experience is necessary.
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Stile Antico to pay tribute to “The Bard”
Renowned vocal ensemble Stile Antico comes to the Cathedral on April 15 for a concert of music connected to the life and work of William Shakespeare.
Based in London, the renowned vocal ensemble Stile Antico has performed at many of the world’s most prestigious venues and festivals. The New York Times calls them “an ensemble of breathtaking freshness, vitality and balance.” Alex Ross of The New Yorker declares that they have produced “perhaps the most STILE ANTICO ravishing sound I heard this year.” On Friday, April 15, at 7:30 p.m., Stile Friday, April 15 Antico will present “The Musical World 7:30 p.m of William Shakespeare,” a beguiling selection of music connected with the life and work of England’s greatest writer to mark the 400th anniversary of his death. Shakespeare’s plays and poetry brim with references to music. Stile Antico will explore rare surviving settings of his words by his contemporaries Thomas Morley and Robert Johnson, alongside music connected to the great events of his lifetime by William Byrd, Orlando Gibbons and Thomas Weelkes. Tickets are $40 for adults, $36 for seniors, and $10 for students and may be purchased online.
Explore the options at two Hines Center volunteer fairs In order to support ongoing operations and expand project and program offerings, the Hines Center for Spirituality and Prayer has scheduled a volunteer fair from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 16, and again on May 7. The fair will provide a great opportunity for Cathedral parishioners to hear about the overall work of the Hines Center and to browse booths in a low-key environment. The center will train all HINES CENTER interested volunteers, alVOLUNTEER FAIRS lowing them to polish April 16 and May 7 existing skills or discover 10 a.m. to noon new ones. Opportunities include helping with registration and tours (on an ongoing or substitute basis); operational support, including A/V and room setup, supply inventory and restock, and other logistical planning; social media marketing; project management and support; and special event staffing, serving as organizers, registrars, runners, or greeters or helping with setup and cleanup. Want be part of a new ministry? Come volunteer at the Hines Center. Be a part of a sacred space that changes lives from the inside.
Giving Tree to support youth missions This summer, the Cathedral will send more than 50 students on three mission trips: one for fifth-grade students to Houston, a second for middleschoolers to Missionpalooza in San Marcos, and a third for high-school students and adults to Costa Rica. The need for student scholarships is great, and we hope to raise more than $15,000. Visit the Giving Tree in the Cathedral cloister April 17 and 24 and May 8 and 15 to pledge your support for youth missions.
Articulate, share your faith at potluck dinner Enjoy a potluck meal and small group fellowship on Thursday, May 19, in Reynolds Hall as the Cathedral hosts a Sharing Faith dinner. The Sharing Faith SHARING FAITH DINNER program, which origiThursday, May 19 nated in the Diocese
of Texas and is now nationwide, is designed for Episcopalians to better know one another through the sharing of a meal and the sharing of stories of faith. At each table in Reynolds Hall, a trained moderator will prompt participants to share
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Canoecharist, Hattiquette, AIDS Walk, Spring Break, Diane Rehm, and more
IN PICTURES
Left and Below Left: Canon hats at “Hattiquette” on Feb
Below and Far Below: Cath Service Experience over the
Above and Far Above: Houston-area young adults celebrated a “Canoecharist” on March 5, paddling down Buffalo Bayou together in fellowship and service and ending with a Eucharist celebration at Allen’s Landing. Right: “Johnny’s Walkers,” the diocesan AIDS Walk team led by Canon John Logan, raised more than $16,000 on March 6 in support of the Houston AIDS Foundation. The team would like to thank all who walked and all who donated to the cause.
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n Glenice Robinson-Como and Canon Genevieve Razim model fashionable bruary 21 as part of the Cathedral’s celebration of Black History Month.
hedral youth served others around Houston as part of the Cathedral Urban e spring break holiday March 11–13 and enjoyed the pleasures of the city.
Above: The Cathedral 20s & 30s young adult group retreated to Lyon, just outside of College Station, for a weekend of spiritual renewal and practice February 19–21 led by member Kevin Vick. Below: Radio host Diane Rehm spoke to a full house February 17 about her new memoir, “On My Own.” This event was presented in partnership with Brazos Bookstore and Houston Public Media.
Left: The “big honking” youth service day on March 6 was spent at Hermann Park, where Cathedral youth worked to conserve and maintain the beautiful greenspace for the benefit of the city.
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Fifth-grade students to graduate to youth program April 24 The transition from elementary school into students have an opportunity to explore the middle school can be exciting, yet terrifying, youth space known as the “Treehouse.” This not only for kids, but also for parents. That’s way, students don’t get lost on their first day why at Christ Church Cathedral, we take this and parents know where students will be transition seriously. spending their time. We also reOur youth ministry team — FIFTH GRADE ENLISTMENT view all the different programs with the support of children’s Sunday, April 24, 10 a.m. and offerings we have for youth ministry — takes several steps at the Cathedral. to ensure that both students and parents feel One of the first events that fifth graders are comfortable. In addition to a mailed letter ex- invited to attend is our popular Destination plaining the transition process, our ministers Unknown Lock-In for middle-school youth meet face-to-face with all involved to answer on May 6–7. This is an action-packed advenany questions and concerns. ture where we will explore some of the excitWe also make sure that parents and ing things Houston has to offer, while building
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which got its start years ago as part of the Ladies Parish Association. While the scope, committee structure, and duties have evolved over time (and the group has expanded to include men), one thing that hasn’t changed is how the volunteers enjoy being together. “Their joy and camaraderie are apparent when you watch them in their element,” reports Karen Alston, minister for community life and stewardship. Alston recently did more than just observe, joining up for a crash course in the art of making one of the group’s signature items, deviled eggs, under the tutelage of committee member Joan Sachnik. Creating food with others is a timeless social tradition in our private lives, Alston said. Think of how we bake cookies with our children or impart holiday-meal recipes. In the context of church, we feed others, such as the homeless, so why not feed each other as part of spiritual growth?
Food for thought “They’ve got their system in place and execute a great spread,” Alston said. “They know what heats well, holds up well during a gathering, serves well, and tastes good.” And they know how to delegate. At the hub of activity and planning is Vicki Cawley, who keeps the group organized, informed, and assigned to needed tasks. A part of the committee for years, Cawley can estimate a reception’s likely turnout (usually 100–150 people), and can tackle any logistics, from getting supplies in place to polishing up silver serving pieces. “We have a great time while we’re doing something worthwhile for the church. We all get along, and it’s nice to see each other, since we attend different services,” said Cawley, who is also on the Cathedral Vestry. Other perks are being able to visit with the choir and to mingle with church members across congregations, she added.
Give and get Thurmond, who also serves on the Altar Guild and is an usher, typifies the group’s service attitude: “I feel the more you give, the more you receive. I learned that long ago as a volunteer, and it keeps me volunteering. It’s a joy to work with everyone. We’re there to support each other.” Like Cawley, she appreciates how the choir contributes to church life at all services and believes the Evensong receptions are a way to honor them. “I can’t sing, but I can cook,” she quips. Her goat cheese log and her cookie varieties are among the go-to eats at receptions. Menus THE BULLETIN
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up our community through fellowship. In the past we have watched the bats on Waugh Drive, explored the Orange Show, played laser tag and gone bowling, and ridden box sleds downhill at Addicks Dam. The best part about the lock-in is that participants don’t know what they will be doing in advance. (But don’t worry, no one is ever disappointed.) The cost for the lock-in is $40 and friends are always welcome to join us at any youth event. Financial assistance is available; contact Jeremy Bradley at 713-217-1349 for more information.
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, April 13 “Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande The goals of medicine seem too frequently to run counter to the interest of the human spirit. Gawande, a surgeon, argues that quality of life is the desired goal for patients and families. No Meeting in May
Wednesday, June 1 “The Great Divorce” by C.S. Lewis This allegorical tale about a bus ride from hell to heaven changes the way we think about good and evil. Dean Thompson calls the it “one of the most important theological texts of the 20th century.” trend toward finger foods and might also include some combination of mini-meatballs in sauce, fruits, cheeses, traditional tea sandwiches, and, more recently, boiled shrimp. New ideas on what to serve are quite welcome, she said. One way to get a taste of what the committee does is to bring something to serve at a special reception and to stay and help. Though often described as “a well-oiled machine,” the committee could use some extra parts, Cawley said. They especially need spry volunteers able to lift the heavier items and trays. Like the worship services they follow, the receptions have a special purpose in Cathedral life, Alston said. Whereas each regular service tends to attract a loyal following, the special-occasion services are “communal” and speak to all groups within the congregation. The receptions also offer an opportunity to reflect and converse, connecting a mix of parishioners as varied as the canapés that are prepped and served. To volunteer to help with special receptions at the Cathedral, contact Karen Alston at 713-590-3338.
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
APRIL 10–16
APRIL 20
Houston Compassion Week Weeklong celebration to highlight Houston’s compassionate culture.
Spring into Song 6:30 p.m., Music Box Theater, 2623 Colquitt. Musical tribute to iconic New York artists benefiting Compass. ($)
APRIL 13
WED
Dean’s Book Club 6:30–8 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. “Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande. APRIL 15
ONGOING THROUGH APRIL 22 Spring Neighborhood Gatherings Watch your mailbox for an invitation to gather at parishioner homes for fellowship and conversation.
FRI
Stile Antico 7:30 p.m. in the Cathedral. The British early-music vocal ensemble will perform. Benefiting the Cathedral Choir fund. ($)
SAT
Tulip Reception 12–2 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Celebrating sexton Friday Carr and his contributions. Youth Service Day 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Earth Day, we’ll work with Keep Pearland Beautiful. Wear outdoor clothes and close-toed shoes. ($) APRIL 24
SUN
Bring a friend!
WEDNESDAYS (cont.) Evening Adult Formation Class 6:30–8 p.m. Taught by Betty Adam, Art Callaham, and Ed Stein. 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.
UPCOMING MAY 1
WEEKLY
FRI
Cloister Gallery Opening Reception 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Featuring artist Cisco Willison. Bridge Night 6–9 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Bring a dish for the potluck social. 20s & 30s Outing 9 p.m. to midnight. Joystix, 1820 Franklin. Play vintage video games and enjoy young adult fellowship. ($) APRIL 9
APRIL 23
WED
Fifth Grade Enlistment 10 a.m. The fifth-grade class will graduate from the children’s program and join the Treehouse.
APRIL APRIL 1
Childcare available (3 mo. to 12 yrs.)
SAT
20s & 30s Brunch 11 a.m. The Boot, 1206 W. 20th St. Families welcome. ($) Youth Outing 12–5 p.m. We’ll walk over to watch the Art Car Parade. Bring a chair or blanket.
SUNDAYS APRIL 15–17 YES and Happening Camp Allen. Diocesan spiritual retreats for students in grades 6–8 and 9–12. ($) APRIL 16
SAT
Hines Center Volunteer Fair 10 a.m. to noon., 500 Fannin. Learn how you can get involved with the Cathedral’s Hines Center for Spirituality and Prayer. APRIL 17
SUN
Bishop’s Visit to Confirm Bishop Larry Benfield will confirm at 9 a.m. and be with us throughout the day. Lord of the Streets Service Day 6:15 a.m., Trinity Episcopal Church. Help cook eggs, meat, and grits during a twohour breakfast shift.
Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) 4–6 p.m., BYC. Gathering of youth for games, teaching, and worship. Bible Study “By the Glass” 6:30–8 p.m., OKRA, 924 Congress. Fellowship and Bible study for those living and working in the urban context. TUESDAYS Early Morning Co-ed Bible Study 7–8:15 a.m., Mellinger Room. Speaking of Faith 6:30–8 p.m., The District Bistro, 610 Main. Downtown discussion group on Krista Tippett’s “On Being.” WEDNESDAYS Women’s Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.
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APRIL 19 TUE Newcomers Welcome Party 6–8 p.m., The Deanery. Gathering to welcome those new or feeling new to the Cathedral.
May Fete 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Cathedral’s oldest tradition offers springtime merriment for all. Services at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. with celebrations in between.
MONDAYS
Bilingual Wednesday Eucharist 6–6:30 p.m., Golding Chapel.
APRIL 10 SUN Butterfly Flutter By 1–2:30 p.m., Nancy’s Garden. Mass flight of painted lady butterflies to raise awareness of Down syndrome.
SUN
stories of their faith journey through the use of structured questions. Sharing Faith provides a welcoming and safe way to engage one another, articulate our faith, and build relationships. “We have a story to tell, a story filled with hope and love and God’s grace and mercy,” says
MAY 5 THU Ascension Day 12:05 and 6 p.m., Cathedral Chancel. Holy Eucharist marking the final appearance of the Risen Lord to the apostles. MAY 6–7
FRI–SAT
Destination Unknown Middle school lock-in travelling to secret locations around Houston. ($)
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. “We’ve got a story of God in our lives, a story of ways that Jesus has already been working in our lives sometimes without our even knowing.” Invite a family member, neighbor, or friend to come with you. Please register in advance on the Cathedral website. PAGE 7
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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.
In the Cloister Gallery: Coastal Charm Artist Cisco Willison uses watercolors to capture the allure of relaxing beaches, colorful palm trees, and the majestic wildlife of the Texas Gulf Coast.
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At 2 o’clock, we will conclude the celebration with praise and thanksgiving to God at a Eucharist in Spanish in the Cathedral. The May Fete spring festival continues every year, but not without the generous support of Cathedral parishioners. Significant contributions of time, talent, and treasure ensure the event’s success. You can help, too, by signing up to volunteer or to become an underwriting sponsor for one of the many activities offered. Additionally, general donations are greatly appreciated to help keep the activities free of charge. For more information on volunteering or making a donation, stop by the May Fete cloister table on Sundays through April 17, or visit the Cathedral website. THE BULLETIN
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Pause, play, rewind education videos Have you ever sat in the Dean’s Class (or videos on the Cathedral website or visit another high-quality formation event at the www.vimeo.com/cccathedraltx to subscribe Cathedral) and found yourself wishing you to video channels. Catch up with Dean had a remote control? Now you can catch up Thompson’s introduction to “The Hero’s Jouron a missed lecture in a series, rewind to hear ney” before this series continues on April 10. that last important point, or share the experience of a CaIn the Hines Center for Spirituality and Prayer thedral speaker with friends and family around the globe. Having Fun, Wish You Were Here Beginning this spring, the with Micki Fine Adult Formation Council, Workshop: April 2, 12–4 p.m. with the help of Blueprint Stepping Beyond Diversity Film Co., is producing digiwith Carol Archer tal recordings of the Dean’s Introduction: April 6, 6–9 p.m. Class and other major formaIntro to Compassionate Communication MICKI FINE tion events. These videos will with Jim and Jori Manske be posted online each week Workshop: April 14, 6–9 p.m. for you to review, revisit, and Dance for Life: Salsa for the Brain share. This effort is a furtherwith Marie Gustin ance of the good work that paStudio Class: Tuesdays, April 19 to May 24, rishioner Art Smart undertook 10:45–11:45 a.m., and Thursdays, April 21 to for many years and represents May 26, 5:30–6:45 p.m. a new commitment to make JIM & JORI MANSKE Take $10 off any one class! (Code 10OFF) the excellent programming Ongoing programs six days a week: with which we are blessed Tai Chi | Labyrinth | Yoga | Meditation | Dance | Art available to a wider audience. Visit www.hinescenter.org to learn more and to register. You can find links to the