CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
JUNE 2016 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY CARE LINE | 713-826-5332
Prayer and holy places What follows is Dean Thompson’s travel journal entry from May 11, when he was on pilgrimage at St. George’s College in Jerusalem. When I was a child, I found myself at First United Methodist Church in Paragould, Arkansas, virtually every time the doors opened. And whenever my mother volunteered to help with some church activity, I’d sneak away to a little prayer room adjacent to the balcony staircase at THE VERY REV. BARKLEY the back of the narthex. THOMPSON The room had originally been meant for storage, but some family in the congregation once upon a time paid to have it adorned with carpet, a couple of chairs, and a prayer desk. For some reason, the first time I discovered the little prayer room it conveyed a sense of peace. I returned to it every chance I got. It is the first place I ever prayed, on my own, in the words of my six-year-old heart. It is the first place I considered holy, even before I could articulate a sense of what that word might mean. Today, this very day, thirty-seven or so years later, I have visited three of the holiest places on God’s earth for Muslims, Jews, and Christians. Early this morning, my fellow Christians and I were allowed to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock on Haram Al-Sharif. The name means “The Noble Sanctuary,” and after Mecca and Medina, it is the third holiest site in Islam. The Quran says that Mohammed traveled to Al-Aqsa on his night journey, and from there ascended to heaven. Of course, the site is sacred to Jews and Christians as well. Haram Al-Sharif is built on the Jewish Temple Mount, and the temple itself was built on the traditional site of
HOLY PLACES, page 6
Lighting the way to understanding Acolytes learn church liturgy by doing, gaining an introduction to the idea of service in church and learning more about their faith along the way. Their training covers acolyte tasks and traditions, liturgical nuances, and service “mechanics” (as in who stands where and does what when). Camaraderie within the group imparts how to handle the role’s biggest challenges: lighting the notoriously uncooperative altar candles, carrying the tippy, superheavy processional cross, and remembering
the order of their altar duties. Since the Cathedral’s acolytes are students in seventh grade through high school, their maturity, awareness, and self-reflection deepen as they grow with the program, said the Rev. Ed Stein, who instructs and mentors the group. Newcomers might begin “a bit oblivious” to what goes on in a service, but most “come to understand what happens and why.” When polled informally about their acolyte experiences, a mix of students agreed that
ACOLYTES, page 3
Bridge Group bidding for a fuller house of cards Decks of cards and dedicated parishioners LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE are building bridges to Wednesday, June 8 lasting relationships as 6:30–8:30 p.m. they meet monthly for some friendly rounds of party-style bridge. The established, but expanding, bridge group invites other experienced players within the Cathedral community to their next rounds of play on the first Friday of the month, 6–9 p.m. in the McGehee Conference Room. These noncompetitive evenings include time to socialize and enjoy potluck refreshments.
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Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with
EE those who were confirmed by Larry Benfield on April 17: Emma Lea McKenzie, Virginia Isabel Lummis, Abbie-Louise Milby Lord, Carolyn Quinn Ogle, Jacqueline McKnight Heal, Madeleine Claire Giles, Elodie Frances Giles, Zoë Astrid Doyle, Devin McClain Williams, Margaret Lee Shelburne, Catherine Page Shelburne, Daniel Ross Schaan, Margaret McNair Alexander, Josephine Luce Tysor, Matthew Kerr Mackey, Louisa Lanier Sarofim, Thomas Nesbit Razim, Paul Henry Goza, Molly Hope Dagley, Jessi Lanier Vorholt, Charles Crighton Jeffers. EE Diana Kirkland and Dallas Hansen, who were married on May 30 in the Cathedral. Diana is the daughter of David and Anne Kirkland. EE Megan Harrison and Greg Schwartz on the birth of Harrison Schwartz on May 5. EE New members: Brittney Beres, Neel and Lisa Bonner, Katy Brooker, Laura Carr, Will and Susan Dugat, Rory Hatch, Dan and Ruth Hawk, Adam Jackson and Beth Wiedower Jackson, JC and Martha Melcher, Jay Norcross, Christy and Alex Orman, Charles Rotramel, and Alexandra Smith.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to
EE the family of Morris Vold, who died April 18 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He was the father of member Donald Vold. EE the family of member Ardon Judd Jr., who died April 25 in Houston, Texas. He was the husband of member Rue Judd. EE the family of member Eugenia Odell Still, who died April 24 in Houston, Texas. She was the mother of Kathryn Still Wilson and Charles Henry Still Jr. and grandmother of Anna Kathryn Still, Henry Grant Still, and George Odell Still. EE the family of Margaret Ann Hudson, who died May 2 in College Station. She was the mother of member James E. Hudson III and grandmother of Serena, Audrey, and James IV. EE the family of member Martha Grady, who died May 6 in Houston, Texas.
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar
EE on June 5 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Scott and Harvey Shepherd and in thanksgiving for their parents by Norman and Frances Kittrell. EE on June 12 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Clifton E. Speir by his wife, Barbara Speir and his family. EE on June 19 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Zinkie and Fox Benton, by Jane and Bill Curtis. EE on June 26 are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the Ordination of the newest Deacons in the Diocese of Texas by the Commission on Ministry and The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Texas.
The flowers in the Floor Vases
EE on May 15 are given to the glory of God in remembrance of John Philip Wandel and Priscilla Rodman Wandel by their family. EE June 19 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of our parents, Nelle and William Stewart and Helen and Mike V. McEnany by Judy and Michael McEnany.
The flowers in Pulpit and Lectern vases
EE on May 15 are given to the glory of God in remembrance of John Philip Wandel and Priscilla Rodman Wandel by their family. THE BULLETIN
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Summer Shade adds options
The Cathedral’s youth program does not take a summer hiatus. Summer Shade will meet on Thursdays, but the time and venues will change weekly as activities rotate through outings, service opportunities, and going to the movies. (Lunch is always part of the plan.) Watch for weekly updates on what’s up, where, and when via Youth Enews and Instagram (@ccctreehouse). Questions? Contact Jeremy Bradley, minister for youth and young adults, at jbradley@christchurchcathedral.org.
Coming Out in Church panel continues the conversation The Cathedral’s Justice & Peace Council will host its fifth “Coming Out in Church” conversation on Saturday, June 11, from 9 a.m. to noon in Sanders Hall. Panelists leading the conversation include the dean, the Very Rev. Barkley Thompson; Sara Fernandez, board chairman at the Association for Family and Community Integrity; and musician Ellis Montes, author of the blog “Openly Episcopalian” and a member of La Iglesia Episcopal San Mateo. Although there have been COMING OUT IN CHURCH dramatic changes in the political climate in recent years and Saturday, June 11 increased protections for the 9 a.m. to noon LGBT community, many LGBT individuals struggle with experiences of marginalization within the contexts of church and family, says the Rev. Eileen O’Brien. In Houston. Studies show that a disproportionate percentage of Houston’s homeless teens are LGBT. The Coming Out in Church program strives to create a safe space to discuss the experiences and struggles of LGBT individuals and their families and friends. The conversation also welcomes those who simply want to ensure that our church communities are places to grace and reconciliation for all people. This program is free and open to the public. Every effort will be made to facilitate conversation in English and Spanish. Childcare and a light breakfast will be provided.
ACOLYTES, from cover “gaining a deeper understanding of Church and God” influenced their decision to join the program. A few of them also recalled being children and watching the acolytes who carried the cross or helped the clergy at the altar. They aspired to do so when they were old enough and now are glad to have the role.
Ask an acolyte Being an acolyte is “cool,” said Maddie and Elodie Giles, who head to high school next fall. They have realized they are part of a tradition of service that dates to the beginning of the Church. Elodie finds her duties “an interesting way to practice service to God.” For Tommy Hayes, who will be a junior, participation “keeps me going to church. It’s a good way to get involved, to help out, and to meet people.” Rising freshman Zoe Doyle also said she gets more out of her church attendance: “I feel like I understand it more. I am ‘one with the service.’” And graduating senior Pete Bechtol said being an acolyte forged “a strong connection to the service itself; it (has) involved me in worship and strengthened my faith.” He also considers his service “a great way to become closer to the community at Christ Church.”
That lengthy commitment provides continuity in the ranks, which are organized into small groups of mixed ages to encourage leadership and mentoring. From a practical standpoint, the groups enable any shift-swapping when there are schedule conflicts, something acolytes must handle themselves. Fisher, who will be a group leader next fall, said being an acolyte taught him to be more responsible. “When it is your turn to show up and serve, you need to be there and do your job well.”
Training tips Training initially takes three or four hours and adheres to a guidebook Stein penned. It’s pithy, prayerful, and wry enough for its teen-aged readership. Passages encourage them “to feel the rhythm of the liturgy,” to listen for something thoughtful in the readings and preaching, to enjoy the music, and to talk to each other. “Every so often go into the church by yourself and just take it all in.” Stein encourages his young flock to serve with confidence, reverence, and attentiveness. They should make a service “as glorious as possible, but their way of doing it should not draw attention.” Sometimes, they need reminding that the clergy’s microphones are live, he added.
Altering the altar server program for Spanish Service The acolyte program supporting the Spanish-speaking congregation is currently under reassessment so that its participants can be present for the entire service, says the Rev. Simón Bautista, canon missioner for Latino Ministries and Outreach. Since the program welcomes children ages 7 through high school, changes to the Sunday School program earlier this year affected the ability of student-acolytes to be present for the entire service. “We are exploring creative ways to maintain our services with at least three acolytes per service,” he says.
Six years of service Each fall, every seventh grader of the Cathedral community has the opportunity to join the acolyte ranks. Despite their full schedules of school activities, sports, and special interests, many students serve as acolytes until they head to college. Few extra-curricular programs can claim that longevity, Stein observed.
Why should kids have all the fun this summer? In June, “When Mama’s Happy Camp” at the Hines Center for WHEN MAMA’S Spirituality and Prayer will offer HAPPY CAMP mothers and other caregivers two June 6–9 ways to gain a variety of whole life 9 a.m. to noon balance insights and practices. A daytime session for those seeking community, self-care, or something to do while their children are at Vacation Bible School at the Cathedral runs June 6–9 from 9 a.m. to noon. The fee is $15 per
MAMA’S, page 8
Here’s the pitch
This year’s Episcopal Night with the Astros will take place Friday, July 1, as the Astros face the Chicago White Sox. As always, the Cathedral will host a free, pregame cookout, 5–6:30 p.m., in the Bishop’s Courtyard. The festivities are a wind-up to walking over to Minute Maid Park for the game, which starts at 7:10 p.m. and culminates with a fireworks display. Group seating tickets cost $21 for adults and $12 for children (age 12 an under) and are available on Sundays in the cloister, online, and by contacting Karen Alston, minister for community life and stewardship, at 713-590-3338 or kalston@christchurchcathedral.org.
A new pattern for the Prayer Shawl Ministry The Prayer Shawl Ministry is changing its distribution schedule for shawls blessed by the Cathedral. Starting June 5, 2016, prayer
shawls will be available on the first Sunday of the month in Reynolds Hall between the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services.
To receive a prayer shawl at other PRAYER SHAWL DISTRIBUTION times, please contact Canon Glenice First Sunday of the Month Robinson-Como at 713-590-3319 or 10 a.m. gcomo@christchurchcathedral.org. PAGE 3
THE BULLETIN
May Fete, Destination Unknown, and more
IN PICTURES
Right: The glee bubbled over at the Teacher Appreciation Agape Brunch, held Pentecost Sunday. Below: Rescheduled to May due to April’s flooding, the Newcomer’s Welcome Party enabled participants to learn more about each other as well as the church
Above: Destination Unknown’s activity-packed lock-in for our middleschoolers always delivers smiles from its participants. Right: Ironically, rainy conditions prompted moving Water Wars inside. The Treehouse converted into a water park for the wet and wild games.
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Right: As part of May Fete, the worship service circa 1892 inspired the dean and vicar to dress for the times. The day’s traditions unfolded indoors, with a procession of children (below); the Wheel of Clergy (bottom right); and the maypole dance (above).
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THE BULLETIN
HOLY PLACES, from cover Abraham’s binding of Isaac. The Dome of the Rock is centered on that very spot. Not only were we allowed to enter (thanks to the good relations of St. George’s College), but we were also allowed to descend into the grotto below the rock itself and see the literal bedrock on which the three Abrahamic religions are built. As heady as that experience was, scarcely an hour later I found myself leaning in prayer against the Western Wall, the last remaining portion of King Herod’s Temple Mount. The Western Wall is the only tangible connection between modern Jews and their temple forebearers, and as such it is the most sacred Jewish holy place. Three hours after that, I walked, foot weary and emotionally exhausted, into the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, whose precincts include the sites of both the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. Attestation to the accuracy of the church’s location are very early, dating to the second century A.D. All that is to say, in a day, in the city known for eons as the “center of the world,” I encountered the holiest sites and central places of prayer for the three religions that together make up the majority of the world’s population. I’m still processing the experience, but this much I already know: Prayer is the key word. When we descended into the grotto at the Dome of the Rock, a lone woman was already there, devotedly kneeling and saying her morning prayers. (It’s little known in the Western world that the Dome of the Rock is
specifically intended for use by women.) At the Western Wall, Jewish men and women of all types engaged in intense and sometimes sobbing prayer, moving their bodies back and forth and pressing on the wall as if in desire to become one with it. At the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, I saw Christians of all stripes. At the Rock of Anointing, on which Jesus is said to have been prepared for burial, men and women remonstrated and kissed the stone. Around Golgotha, one could barely move for all the people praying in various postures. In ardent and sometimes anguished prayer, they brought with them their pains, sorrows, fears, and–yes–demons, and committed them all to the cross of Christ, in hopes that these men and women might rise from prayer as Jesus rose from the tomb, redeemed in new life. As I prayed at the Holy Sepulchre, the distance of time and geography between the little prayer room at First United Methodist Church in Paragould and the holy city of Jerusalem seemed to vanish. The reality that God has been with me, behind and before a lifetime of prayer, no matter where I have been
when I prayed, became palpable. The further truth became transparent that wherever women and men render their hearts vulnerable to God in prayer, that place is holy. And through the sacramental grace such holy places communicate, we become holy. I am convinced that God offers us specific and profound thin places like Haram Al-Sharif, the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre — or a little prayer room off the balcony stairwell of a small town church — in order that we ourselves may become thin places, that we may become sharers and receivers of God’s grace, even and especially across religious divides. The sun shone brightly in Jerusalem today, and through the great oculus of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre bright rays poured on those who’d come seeking the Son of God. “He is not here,” the light seemed to say, hearkening to the words of the angel on Easter, “He has risen!” Jesus resides not in the holy tomb, but is incarnate in the hearts of all God’s holy children, most especially when our hearts commune — whether in yearning, sorrow, or joy — with God in prayer.
Meet the CUSE interns JULIAN BORDA is a University of Chicago sophomore studying American history. A repeat cabin counselor at Camp Allen, he aspires to be an Episcopal priest. He enjoys reading famous people’s biographies, talking theology, and playing soccer, poker, and board games. DAVIS MATHIS, born and raised in South Texas, is an English major heading into his senior year at Trinity University. He loves to read and write, and he’s always looking for good conversation. In his free time he enjoys music, sports, and people. ALLI ELBERT is studying sociology at the University of Mississippi, where she is a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. In junior high, the College Station native participated in CUSE, which introduced her to the value of service. Her interests include puppies, pizza, and Sonic. THE BULLETIN
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Their mission is service As Christians, we are called to mission service. Our youths are fervent in their desire to serve, proclaim the good news, and worship God. Mission trips this summer offer three opportunities for them to do so. Please support them as they head out to help others by making a donation to the mission program via the Giving Tree.
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 JUNE 6–9
THIS MONTH
Registration closed MON–THURS
Vacation Bible School 9 a.m. to noon. VBS returns to the Cathedral for children ages 4 through fourth grade. When Mama’s Happy Camp 9 a.m. to noon. Hines Center. Runs in conjunction with VBS. JUNE 8
JUNE 1 WED Dean’s Book Club 6:30–8 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. “The Great Divorce” by C.S. Lewis. JUNE 3
FRI
Cloister Gallery Opening Reception 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Featuring artist Joe Synan. 20s & 30s Lunch 12 p.m., Honeymoon Café.
WED
Learn to Play Bridge 6:30–8:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Learn the basics on how to play bridge. JUNE 9
THURS
20s & 30s Outing 7–9:30 p.m. Free concert at Discovery Green. Meet at the Cathedral. JUNE 11
Childcare available (3 mo. to 10 yrs.)
JUNE 12
SUN
MONDAYS
20s & 30s Brunch 1 p.m., Bistro Menil, 1513 W. Alabama.
Centering Prayer 11:15 a.m. to noon, Mellinger Room.
JUNE 19–22
Bible Study “By the Glass” 6:30–8 p.m., OKRA, 924 Congress. Bible study for those living and working in the urban context.
Fifth-Grade Mission Trip Houston. The fifth-grade class will participate in our Cathedral Urban Service Experience program. JUNE 22
WED
Compline and Pajamas 7:30–8:30 p.m. Waugh Bat Bridge, 401 S. Heights Blvd. A new series of evening prayers invites families to come together and experience some of the city’s natural world attractions.
SAT
WEDNESDAYS Bilingual Wednesday Eucharist 6–6:30 p.m., Golding Chapel. When Mama’s Happy Camp 6:30–8 p.m. to noon. Hines Center. THURSDAYS Summer Shade Starting June 2, join Jeremy and Christy on Thursdays to watch movies, serve others and enjoy Houston. Ends Aug. 18. FRIDAYS
Coming Out in Church 9 a.m. to noon, Sanders Hall. Panel discussion on the experiences of LGBT individuals and their families.
Men’s Early Morning Study Group (Second and fourth Fridays) 7–8 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.
Bridge Night 6–9 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Bring a dish for the potluck social.
UPCOMING JUNE 25 SAT Ordination to the Diaconate 10 a.m. in the Cathedral. Seminarians from around the diocese will be ordained as deacons.
JUNE 4 SAT Picnic en el Parque 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hermann Park. The Latino Ministry will host an outdoor day of fellowship for the parish.
Bring a friend!
JUNE 12 SUN Lord of the Streets Service Day 6:15 a.m., Trinity Episcopal Church. Help cook eggs, meat, and grits during a two-hour breakfast shift.
During the summer
THE CATHEDRAL BOOKSTORE
will be closed on weekdays starting June 20.
JULY 1
FRI
Episcopal Night at the Ballpark 5 p.m., Bishop’s Courtyard; 7:10 p.m. Minute Maid Park. Free pregame cookout and special seating and prices for Houston Astros vs. Chicago White Sox. ($)
JUNE 26 TO JULY 3
JULY 6
High-School Mission Trip Costa Rica. Fifteen youths will join 11 adults to aid our companion diocese.
Learn to Play Bridge 6:30–8:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Learn the basics on how to play.
WED
JULY 13
WEEKLY SUNDAYS Summer Place 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Fellowship hour with refreshments hosted by ministries and councils of the Cathedral. June 5, Justice & Peace; June 12, Youth Ministries; June 19, Adult Formation; June 26, Religion & the Arts.
WED
Summer Documentary Night 6–8:30 p.m. A viewing of La Bestia, followed by conversation about the global refuge crisis and human trafficking. JULY 17–22 Middle-School Mission Trip San Marcos. We’ll join with more than 200 youths from around the diocese for Missionpalooza.
Compass seeks volunteers for shifts Monday through Thursday Are you compassionate and a good listener? Such attributes, plus a willingness to help the homeless population, are just what it takes to help Compass interview its homeless
and unemployed clients. Shifts run Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Dunn Outreach Center. Compass requests volunteers to commit to
the same day each week. (The need is currently greatest on Tuesdays.) Training is provided. For info contact Executive Director Cynthia Brannon at cbrannon@houstoncompass.org. PAGE 7
THE BULLETIN
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.
MAMA’S, from page 3 day, with a discount for participants with children in VBS (promo code VBSMAMA). An evening edition offers similar programming on Wednesdays, starting June 8, 6:30–8 p.m. The four-week session costs $40. Brooke Summers-Perry is adding camp director to her role as the Hines Center’s executive director. A busy working mother of three, she has acquired a vast reservoir of mom resources that she can’t wait to share. To register, visit www.hinescenter.org.
Serve with sizzle at LOTS
The need to support our street community neighbors with a hot breakfast after they attend Lord of the Street services does not take a summer break. If you’d like to help scramble eggs, cook pounds of bacon and sausage, and stir large pots of grits, the summer service opportunities are Sunday, June 12 and Aug. 28. Our volunteers gather at 6:15–8:45 a.m. or so at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1015 Holman St. LOTS is one of the many projects of the Cathedral’s Mission Outreach Council. Volunteers need no experience, but they do need to be age 14 or older. If would like to volunteer occasionally or on a regular basis, please contact Tracey Cabral at 713-320-1168 or traceyepc@yahoo.com.
In the Cloister Gallery: Experiments in Watercolor: Joe Synan Joe Synan’s artwork reflects his lifelong passion for the outdoors plus occasional objects from his formal education in architecture, engineering, and theology. THE BULLETIN
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In the Hines Center for Spirituality and Prayer Happy(er) Hour
with Hines Center program providers Meet the Hines Center staff, teachers, and patrons in an informal social setting; different presentation each week. Free.
Thursdays, 4–7 p.m.. HAPPY(ER) HOUR
Navigating Life’s Storms with Darden Oxley
Series on coping with transitions and tools to move forward in a positive way Saturdays starting June 11, 9:45–10:45 a.m. $15 per session
Photographic Self-Expression: the “Not a Selfie” Photo Workshop for Teens with Michael Perkola
“NOT A SELFIE”
June 13–17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., $125
Ongoing programs six days a week Labyrinth l Yoga and Movement l Meditation l Art
Visit www.hinescenter.org to learn more and to register.
BRIDGE, from cover Bridge novices and beginners, meanwhile, can learn the game or advance their skills at a new series of bridge lessons this summer on Wednesdays, June 8, July 6, and Aug. 3, 6:30–8 p.m. in the McGehee Conference Room. For more information on the Cathedral Bridge Night and lessons, please contact Karen Alston, 713-590-3338.