CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
JULY 2016 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY CARE LINE | 713-826-5332
Cathedral Choir on the move The Apostle to When their choirs are on summer break, the cathedrals of England invite select choirs from around the world to apply to fill in for them. As it has every few years since 2000, the Cathedral Choir has had the honor of representing Christ Church Cathedral by singing at several of these treasured sanctuaries. This year’s concert tour includes Durham, Bristol, and St. Paul’s cathedrals. “For a choir to sing in these great cathedrals is the liturgical equivalent of performing at Carnegie Hall,” says Canon for Music Robert Simpson.
“It is a privilege for us to have been selected and entrusted with maintaining the musical excellence of these three great cathedrals while we are there,” he says, “It is a responsibility we take very seriously.” When the choir leaves on its sixth such tour July 20, members will be packing their purple vestments as well as their music. This trip will be a return visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, but a first chance to sing Evensong and Sunday services at Durham and Bristol cathedrals. “These extraordinary opportunities are
CHOIR page 5
The Cathedral Choir during a recent tour to St. Paul’s Cathedral in London
Cathedral communications gains new leadership
VICTORIA (TORIE) LUDWIN
Dean Barkley Thompson is pleased to announce that Victoria (Torie) Ludwin joined the Cathedral ministry staff in June as minister for communications. Ludwin will work with the clergy and staff to connect members, newcomers, and the downtown community with the programs, events, fellowship, and service in abundance at the Cathedral. “Both Torie’s background and gracious demeanor will be great gifts to our Cathedral staff. Those who
COMMUNICATIONS, page 3
the Apostles
In 2003, author Dan Brown published his sensationalistic novel The DaVinci Code, and three years later the book was followed by a movie of the same title starring Tom Hanks. The DaVinci Code caused controversy by its supposition THE VERY REV. that Jesus married Mary BARKLEY Magdalene, who then THOMPSON bore him children. Because of this storyline, interest in the person of Mary Magdalene spiked. As a result, many people developed a renewed interest in the apocryphal gospel accounts of Mary, especially in the Gospel of Mary and the Gospel of Philip, discovered in the Egyptian desert in 1896 and 1945, respectively. At one point, the Gospel of Philip mentions a kiss between Jesus and Mary, and some keyed onto that particular passage as real-life evidence of Dan Brown’s fictional thesis. Alas, both the Gospel of Mary and the Gospel of Philip were written at least a century after the events of Jesus’ and Mary’s lives (and long after all four biblical Gospels.) The Gospel of Philip is also a Gnostic text, and in Gnosticism the “kiss” serves as a metaphor for the transmission of sacred knowledge. So, rather than Jesus experiencing a romantic interlude with Mary, the Gospel of Philip portrays Jesus passing along to Mary privileged and holy information about salvation and grace. That actually tells us much more about the real Mary Magdalene and her relationship with Jesus than any fanciful storyline in a cloak-and-dagger novel can do. There are many problems with the apocryphal gospels, and good reason
APOSTLES, page 2
Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with
EE The newly baptized: Alma Alamos, Natalia Ava Injac, Philip Jocob Injac. John Robinson Schulte, Leighton Elizabeth Stage, and Niccolo Guiseppe Vaccaro EE New members: Jennifer Cameron, John Proffitt, and Rob Reedy. EE Amy Tellegen and William Geise, who were married on May 20 in the Cathedral. EE Ben and Winnie Powell on the birth of Leigh Frances Powell on January 12. EE Aaron and Lindsey Wolf on the birth of Grant Jones Wolf on March 17.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to
EE The family of Virginia Kirkland Innis who died May 16 in Boston, Massachusetts. She was the mother of member Barbara Chiles EE The family of Gilbert Stafford who died May 17 in Jacksonville, Texas. He was the father of member Bart Stafford. EE The family of former member and Cathedral Chancellor Robert Stanley Pieringer who died June 10 in Seattle, Washington. He was the husband of Kay Heffler Pieringer and father of Walter Pieringer, Daniel Pieringer and Stephen Pieringer.
We pray in support of our missioners in Costa Rica
EE Griffin Thompson, Barkley Thompson, Francy Bermudez, Bilinda Matusek, Austin Orfield, Tomas Esquivel, Carey Vorholt, Emma Vorholt, Georgia Letchford, Maria Hernandez, Sarah Kuo, Rachel Balk, Maggie Lennon, Yency Bermudez, Francisco Bermudez, Maria Bermudez, Steven Bermudez, Maria Bautista, Haley Wilson, KariAnn Lessner, Merrell Goza, Eileen O’Brien, Rex Bowen, Meredith Moore, Michelle Umana, and Jeremy Bradley.
EE We congratulate our graduating high school seniors
EE Annie Alexander (UT). Maria Bermudez (SFA), Pete Bechtol (UT), Connally Bell (UC Boulder), Alice Chambers (Washington & Lee), Hannah Curtis (Swarthmore), Madeline Davet (Duke), Katherine Furse (Georgetown), Noel Higgason (UVA), Maggie Jones (Rhodes), Sarah Kuo (Northwestern), Christopher Lao (Georgia Tech), Alex McKenzie (UH), Chris Randall (Washington & Lee), Gabriel Theis (UH), Mary Holloway (Texas A&M ), and Caroline Sasser.
EE The flowers on the Cathedral Altar EE on July 3 are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for the work of our Altar Guild by Sue and Hart Green. EE on July 10 are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for the lives of their children and grandchildren: Anne Schweppe Ashmun, Laura Randall Schweppe Ashmun, Stuart Whitaker Ashmun, Jr., Jane Venable, Mary Stewart Burgher, Mary Meyerson, Ballard Burgher, Elizabeth Whitney Burgher, Eleanor Stewart Burgher, Martha Burgher Plunkett, and Jack Plunkett by Dr. and Mrs. H. Irving Schweppe, Jr. EE on July 17 are given to the glory of God and in honor of the 64th wedding anniversary on July 26, 1952, of Mary Barden and Millard Worrell and in loving memory of Melissa Hoiland by Mary Worrell. EE on July 24 are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Hugo V. Neuhaus, Jr.
The flowers in the Floor Vases
EE on June 5 are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving and in honor of the tenth wedding anniversary of Melissa and Michael Jacobs. EE on July 3 are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Diane Tobola on her birthday by her family. EE on June 10 are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Geraldine and John Naschke by their daughters, Kathy, Gerrie and Nancy.
The flowers on the choir stalls
EE on May 31 are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mrs. Beverly Bond Holmes by her family, Mr. and Mrs. Dean Barnes and Ms. Katie Barnes.
APOSTLES, from cover
Available in the cloister on Sundays
$10 THE BULLETIN
PAGE 2
they have never been considered scripture by the Christian world, but what they get right is Mary’s portrayal as a leader among Jesus’ most important and trusted intimates. For example, the Gospel of Mary portrays Mary sitting the apostles down and teaching them — even Peter — the meaning of Jesus’ message. It gives her pride of place among the Twelve. This is almost certainly a fair depiction of Mary’s stature among Jesus’ inner circle. After all, the four canonical Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — all portray Mary Magdalene as the first eyewitness to the Resurrection. She is first to reach the tomb of Jesus on Easter morning, and she is the first to take the news of Jesus’ resurrection to the apostles, who, I might add, all still cower in hiding after
the crucifixion. As a result, Gregory the Great referred to Mary as the “first witness of Divine Mercy,” and Hippolytus of Rome called Mary the apostle to the apostles. In Anglicanism, Mary Magdalene has often been studied and revered. In the Roman Catholic tradition, last month Mary finally received recognition commensurate with her role in salvation history. On June 10, Pope Francis declared that Mary Magdalene’s annual observance will henceforth be a full feast day on the Roman Catholic Church’s calendar, on equal par with the feast days of the twelve apostles. Pope Francis titled his decree “Apostle of the Apostles,” to honor this singular woman who, first among all humanity, experienced the joy of the risen Lord. It’s about time Mary Magdalene received her due.
COMMUNICATIONS, from cover have worked with her in the past give her the highest recommendation. I’m pleased she has joined the team.” Ludwin has worked in marketing, advertising, and strategic communications for more than 15 years, most recently at Texas Children’s Hospital and The Houston Seminar. She serves on the boards of Lawndale Art Center and Gulf Coast: A Journal of Literature and Fine Arts, and has led the book club at Inprint since 2008.
Primate Michael B. Curry with the Rev. John A. Logan at the Seminary of the Southwest
Honorary degree recognizes canon emeritus
Beacon Law pilot program A year-long pilot program launched in April between Beacon Law and the Harris County court system is providing re-entry civil legal aid services for defendants in the drug and veteran courts. The partnership’s goals are to help each participating defendant succeed upon completion of his or her rehabilitative programming and to reduce recidivism. Beacon Law will represent clients and educate them about civil legal matters to support their rehabilitation, recovery, and re-entry into society as productive members. Toward that, Beacon Law will ensure access to Texas identification cards and driver’s licenses, clear eligible criminal history, and provide counsel in family, public benefits, consumer debt, employment, housing, and other areas as they relate to the individual’s re-stabilization. If the pilot program proves beneficial, its scope might expand to include other diversion courts addressing mental health and young women escaping prostitution.
Comfort Calls help us assess how we’re doing Earlier this summer, members of the Vestry began reaching out to parish members during the annual “Comfort Calls” program. For the past several years, this program has fostered inspiring, heartfelt conversations about your church community. In the words of Dean Barkley Thompson, “This is truly an opportunity for the congregation to let their lay leadership know what they are excited about; it is also a way for them to inform us about what we can do better.” Information from these telephone calls provides church leaders with valuable insight
and feedback for affecting ever-stronger community at the Cathedral. During one of the first years of this program, the process revealed that there were dozens of pastoral care concerns and life transitions needing a closer look by clergy. This new information sparked ideas for improving the pastoral care system and ultimately led to a shift in the community’s overall approach to that area of ministry. This crucial feedback from parishioners was further reflected in the pastoral care initiative of the Vision
CALLS, page 8
The Rev. John A. Logan Jr., canon emeritus, has served seven of the nine bishops of the diocese. While Logan downplays his decades of influence, the Seminary of the Southwest has recognized his long service and long reach, and awarded him an honorary doctorate of divinity at the 65th commencement, held May 24. He was one of three recipients of special recognition, joining Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael B. Curry and Bertha Sadler Means, an educator, justice leader and founding member of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Austin. Logan’s citation recognized his “sixty three years as a devoted priest, respected preacher and teacher, and carrier of the Gospel to the streets” as well as his “keen intellect, extraordinary discipline, and deep liturgical understanding” in tireless service to the Episcopal Church of Texas. In conveying the degree, Bishop Dena Harrison described Logan as “an icon of faithfulness,” and noted how “his love for God and for God’s Church has inspired generations of Episcopalians to greater faith and service, and his devotion to the Diocese of Texas and its history has enriched our common life in countless ways.” An in-depth account that chronicles and spotlights Logan’s legacy, entitled “60 Years in Black & White: Canon Logan Celebrates Rare Milestone,” by Luke Blount, is available on the diocese website: www.epicenter.org. PAGE 3
THE BULLETIN
Sharing Faith Dinner, O’Brien reception, VBS, bridge lessons, and more
IN PICTURES
Above: The Reverend Eileen O’Brien at her farewell reception at the Cathedral. She began her new post in the Cantebury Campus Ministry at the University of Houston this summer. Right: One of the many summer CUSE volunteers giving her time in service. Below: Members of Kid’s Hope; its next meeting is Tuesday, July 5 at 5 p.m. in the Jeffers Conference Room.
THE BULLETIN
PAGE 4
Below: Bridge lessons continue this summer on W July 6; see the calendar
CHOIR, from cover
only possible thanks to the enormous efforts of many people and the generosity of the Christ Church family,” Simpson says. “The choir is blessed by the appreciation and deep support of the entire parish, especially at times like the Christmas wreath sale and Choir Cabaret, as we seek to raise travel scholarship assistance. I am joined by every member of the choir when I express my great thanks to each of you.”
Wednesday, r for details.
Reverence and reverberation
Above: Another successful “Sharing Our Faith” dinner. Left: The Very Reverend Barkley Thompson on a panel discussion at the Alley Theater following a performance of “The Christians.”
A memory-making experience for choristers, these tours also can be a spiritual pilgrimage and historical highpoint as members look across these treasured sanctuaries and understand they are standing in history. Choir member Bill McKenzie is looking forward to his fifth choir trip to England. “It is still one of my favorite ways of spending a vacation.” Yes, leaving Houston’s summer weather is a plus, he quips, but conditions can be variable across the pond, where the air conditioning is less prevalent. Like Simpson, he appreciates how “the English cathedrals really are the ‘big leagues’ for church choirs. As a choir, we really feel the challenge to be at our very best, and we always grow muORGAN CONCERT AND sically from the EVENSONG experience. “And, as lovely as Sunday, July 17, 4:15 p.m. our own cathedral is, there is nothing quite like the experience of singing in these centuries-old stone buildings, with their five-to-10 second reverberation time, knowing that you are continuing an ageless tradition of gathering for this sung prayer service in the early evening.” The trips are always a great opportunity for making memories and building community within the choir, especially for newer members, he says. To prepare for the tour, the choir has been rehearsing intensely, following a two-week hiatus after Pentecost Sunday. Since the services on the tour will differ in their lessons and psalms, the music will also vary, though the Evensong services will include a few shared pieces.
Hear them while they’re here
Above and left: Vacation Bible School brought nearly 150 children, staff and volunteers together for an amazing week of fellowship.
Christ Church Cathedral’s congregation already may have heard some of the repertoire since Simpson selected some of the music earlier in the year for the choir to prepare. On July 17, an Evensong service here at the Cathedral will share more of the concert tour music. That service, at 5 p.m., follows an organ concert at 4:15 p.m. by Monica Czausz, Cathedral organist. PAGE 5
THE BULLETIN
Dean’s Fall Book Club selections Although the Dean’s Book Club takes a break during July and August, summer affords a chance to get ahead on what the group will be discussing when it reconvenes. The book selections are available at the Cathedral Bookstore, which is open 8:45–11:15 a.m. on Sundays in July. All are welcome to attend the discussions when the club meets in the McGehee Conference Room from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the following dates:
Wednesday, September 7 The Map that Changed the World by Simon Winchester In 1793, canal digger William Smith traced the placement of fossils uncovered in his excavations to create an epochal and remarkably beautiful hand-painted map — one that scholars at the time were loath to accept.
Wednesday, October 5 All the Old Knives by Olen Steinhauer Image of the freight train featured in the documentary “La Bestia”
View and discuss at summer documentary series Social issues and their intersection with faith form the theme of a summer documentary series hosted by the Justice and Peace Council addresses current social issues and their intersection with faith. On Wednesday, July 13, the screening of “La Bestia/ The Beast” follows the 6 p.m. bilingual service in Golding Chapel, and it includes a meal and film-related conversation. The event runs 6:30–8:30 p.m. in Reynolds Hall. Presented in Spanish with English subtitles, this film highlights the plight of Central Americans fleeing violence and “LA BESTIA/THE BEAST” poverty in their own countries Wednesday, to seek a new life in the north. July 13, 6 p.m. As the world faces a global refugee crisis, spurred on by wars in the Middle East and a changing climate, complex questions arise about borders, boundaries, and what exactly it means to respect the dignity of every human being. On Wednesday, Aug. 10, again following the 6 p.m. bilingual service, from 6:30–8:30 p.m., the screen“FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.” ing features “For the Bible Wednesday, August 10 Tells Me So.” This award6 p.m. winning film explores the spiritual conflict some LGBT persons experience within the context of their own religious beliefs, their particular faith community, and their families. Families profiled include those of former Rep. Richard Gephardt and Bishop Gene Robinson, with additional theological insights provided by Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard’s Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and others. This documentary series is free and open to the public. Some of the material in the films may not be appropriate for children. THE BULLETIN
PAGE 6
Six years ago in Vienna, terrorists took more than 100 hostages, and despite the CIA’s involvement, the rescue attempt went terribly wrong. Had their agent been compromised and if so, how?
Wednesday, November 2 Immortal Diamond by Richard Rohr In his earlier works, Franciscan Richard Rohr talked about how the ego (or the False Self) gets in the way of spiritual maturity. But what is a True Self? How is it found, and how does it relate to the spiritual journey?
Who are they? Getting to know your Cathedral staff MARILYN DYESS (Music Administrator) has spent the last 15 years working in the Episcopal Church, first at Trinity, Houston, and then at St. Mark’s, Houston. She has been a member of the Cathedral Choir since 1993 and holds a bachelor of music in vocal performance. Marilyn and her husband, Richard, have two daughters and three grandchildren. EMILY GORDON (Hines Center Director of Programming) earned a master’s degree in religious studies from Sacred Heart University, and worked as a teacher and administrator at the School of the Holy Child in Rye, New York, prior to her return to Texas last year. She lives with her three children (ages 15, 11, and 5) and their dog, Jett.
In the Bookstore: Everybody’s Got a Seed to Sow The Cathedral Bookstore will be open 8:45–11:15 a.m. on Sundays during July. Everybody’s Got a Seed to Sow: The Brookwood Story by founder Yvonne Streit is available in the bookstore this summer. Brookwood and its contribution to the lives of special needs adults, may inspire you to make the drive to Brookshire and see God’s hand at work. Earle Martin, author of The Boy Who Saved My Life and a Bookstore volunteer, is our Brookwood connection.
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 JULY 8
Registration closed FRI
Noche Familiar 6–8:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Disfruten una cena y una noche festiva de baile para toda la familia. Cloister Gallery Opening Reception 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Featuring artist David Webb. ONGOING THROUGH JULY 3 High-School Mission Trip Costa Rica. Fifteen youths will join 11 adults to aid our companion diocese.
THIS MONTH 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. ($) 20s & 30s Lunch 12 p.m., Hard Rock Café, 502 Texas Ave.
JULY 10
SUN
20s & 30s Brunch 1 p.m., Barnaby’s Cafe, 801 Congress Ave. JULY 13
WED
JULY 15
Integrity Service 7–9 p.m., Golding Chapel. LGBT Episcopalians and their straight friends meet for Eucharist followed by a potluck dinner and Integrity Houston chapter meeting in McGehee Conference Room.
MON
Charitable Feeding Class 12–1:30 p.m. Dunn Center. JULY 17
SUN
England Tour Recital and Evensong 4:15 and 5 p.m. Featuring cathedral organist Monica Czausz and the Cathedral Choir. JULY 17–22
JULY 15 FRI 20s & 30s Outing 7–9 p.m. Texas Rock Gym, 526 Campbell Rd.
During the summer
THE CATHEDRAL BOOKSTORE
will be closed on weekdays. In July, it will be open on Sundays from 8:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Through August:
COMFORT CALLS
from the Vestry
A Vestry representative will call you to ask how we’re doing and to hear your hopes and concerns
Bring a friend!
Bilingual Wednesday Eucharist 6–6:30 p.m., Golding Chapel. THURSDAYS
SUN
Middle-School Mission Trip San Marcos. We’ll join with more than 200 youths from around the diocese for Missionpalooza.
Summer Shade Join Jeremy and Christy on Thursdays to watch movies, serve others and enjoy Houston. Ends Aug. 18. FRIDAYS Men’s Early Morning Study Group (Second and fourth Fridays) 7–8 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.
UPCOMING AUGUST 3
WED
Learn to Play Bridge 6:30–8:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. AUGUST 6
JULY 24 SUN Compline and Pajamas 7:30–8:30 p.m. The Skyspace at Rice University. A series of evening prayers invites families to come together and experience some of the city’s natural world attractions.
WEEKLY
WED
Learn to Play Bridge 6:30–8:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Learn the basics on how to play bridge.
SAT
FRI
Independence Day Holiday Cathedral and offices will be closed. JULY 6
JULY 16
Summer Documentary Night 6–8:30 p.m. A viewing of “La Bestia,” in Spanish with English subtitles, followed by conversation about the global refuge crisis and human trafficking.
Bridge Night 6–9 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Bring a dish for the potluck social. JULY 4
Childcare available (3 mo. to 10 yrs.)
SUNDAYS Summer Place 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Fellowship hour with refreshments hosted by ministries and councils of the Cathedral. July 3, Pastoral Care Council and Community Life Council; July 10, Welcome & Evangelism Council; July 17, Stewardship Council; July 24, 20s & 30s; July 31, Mission Outreach Council.
SAT
Picnic en el Parque 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hermann Park. Rescheduled. The Latino Ministry will host an outdoor day of fellowship for the parish. AUGUST 10
WED
Summer Documentary Night 6–8:30 p.m. A viewing of “For the Bible Tells Me So.” This award-winning film explores the spiritual conflict some LGBT persons experience within the context of their own religious beliefs, AUGUST 28
SUN
Rally Day 10–11 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Fun activities for all ages as we celebrate and explore the Cathedral’s ministries.
MONDAYS Centering Prayer 11:15 a.m. to noon, Mellinger Room. Bible Study “By the Glass” 6:30–8 p.m., OKRA, 924 Congress. Bible study for those living and working in the urban context. WEDNESDAYS Women’s Bible Study (First and third Wednesdays) 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.
SEPT. AND OCT. SUNDAYS Fiestas Patrias Cathedral. Will spotlight different dance groups, music, and organizations starting at the 1 p.m. service in Spanish on Sept. 11 and 18 and Oct. 2 and 9. The latter concludes with a dance party of varied music, featuring Alfredo Mendez and his group. 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.
Hines Center revised membership format brings flexibility, accessibility For ease of access to programs that encourage health, happiness, and wholeness, Hines Center for Spirituality and Prayer has revised its membership format and its website’s navigation menu.
THE BULLETIN
PAGE 8
The new “Sessions Membership” includes unlimited yoga and movement classes; instruction in art and writing; and other opportunities for discussion and learning on a variety of topics. Members can pick and choose which sessions to sample and when. Individual Sessions Memberships cost $50 per month. Family Sessions Memberships cost $75 per month. The first month begins on the date of purchase, so there’s no need to wait to get started. New sessions are developed and added to the calendar often. Participant feedback on the sessions and suggestions on others to offer will help Hines Center design programming around the interests and needs of its audience. If you have a suggestion or comment about ongoing programs at the Hines Center, please contact Emily Gordon at emily@hinescenter.org.
In the Cloister Gallery: Houston Time Portal
In May David Webb’s collection of early 20th century postcards juxtaposed with Webb’s original photographs of the same spots highlights a century of cityscape evolution and and culture in Southeast Texas.
CALLS, from page 3 Action Plan: A Future Filled with Hope, and the added benefits and resources that are now available to the congregation through this visioning work. “I love making Comfort Calls,” says second-year Vestry member Bob Richter. “It helps me to realize all of the ways that the congregation is touched by the church, and I find that to be truly fascinating.” This year, when your phone rings, please take a moment to answer that call. Help your Cathedral learn, honestly and prayerfully, “How are we doing?”