CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
JULY 2017 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY CARE LINE | 713-826-5332
Cathedral changes key with new organist
Daryl Robinson, left, will become Cathedral organist this summer upon Monica Czausz's departure.
The Cathedral organist plays an instrumental role in worship and upholds the music tradition as a pillar of the church. As organist duties shift this summer from Monica Czausz to Daryl Robinson, both musicians have reflected upon the privileges and responsibilities at their fingertips. Both appreciate how the music they play inspires the congregation’s spiritual journey during weekly services as well as at life’s most
joyous and mournful passages. Unlike in their recitals, which spotlight their performance, at church, their skilled presence at the console is put in service of worship. Czausz was organ scholar prior to being appointed Cathedral organist in 2015. She leaves to pursue an artist diploma at Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, having just completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music
ORGANIST, page 6
Become a Shepherd at Christ Church Cathedral the many challenges of life. Pastoral care at Christ Church SHEPHERD TRAINING They also connect members to Cathedral is administered not Registration support ministries such as the only by priests and lay leaders, it opens August 1 Mourners Path grief program, is also coordinated and supported home communion, or our baby by our Shepherds, who are trained basket program. As an extension of our clergy using the Community of Hope International (who are always available to our members) (COHI) model for lay pastoral care leaders. our pastoral care ministry teams work to enShepherds support our members by ofsure that none of our members walks alone. fering prayer, a listening ear, or a pastoral SHEPHERDS, page 6 presence when members are experiencing
Reflections on Germany I write this column twenty-four hours after returning to Houston from the Cathedral’s pilgrimage to Germany. Fortyone parishioners and I charted the progress of Martin Luther’s Protestant Reformation, which began exactly five hundred years ago. Our pilgrims visited Wittenberg, where Luther was a professor and pastor, and THE VERY REV. where he nailed ninetyBARKLEY five theses (points of THOMPSON debate) against abuses in the Catholic Church on the Castle Church door in 1517. In Wittenberg, we also worshiped at the City Church, where Martin Luther served as pastor for many years. In addition to Wittenberg, our pilgrims visited Wartburg Castle, where Luther hid from the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor for ten months, during which time he translated the New Testament from Latin into German. We visited Mainz, where decades before Luther’s Reformation, Johannes Gutenberg unveiled his miraculous printing press, which enabled Luther’s ideas to spread across Europe like wildfire. (I even got to operate a replica sixteenth century printing press!) And, we traveled to Worms, where Luther stood firm against the Holy Roman Emperor’s demand that he recant his teachings and declared, “Here I stand. I can do no other.” All of these destinations inspired our faith and deepened our knowledge of church history. Even so, our pilgrims were also exposed to the contradictions and tensions within German history. On the façade of the City Church in Wittenberg, we saw the grotesque relief equating Jews with swine, which revealed for
GERMANY, page 8
Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with
EE the newly baptized: Chloe Ellen Cummings, Rhett Justin DiLauro, Jamison Ross Forshey, John Henry Darwin Forshey, Nelly Huerta, Poppy Frounfelkner, Emerson Grace LaForge, Rixon Lee Kokernot LaPoint, Christian Blake Marku, Lilda Piedra, Jonah Douglass Pietsch, Rose Ann Reddell, LayLa Uribe, Maximilien X. Walker, and Valerie Marie Walker. EE new members: Mr. James “Jim” and Mrs. Mary Bratton, Mr. Manuel and Mrs. Leah Romero, Ms. Elizabeth Charpiot, and Ms. Etta Davidson. EE Erin Osborn and Benjamin May, who were married in the Cathedral on May 20, 2017.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to
EE the family of Cathedral member Jo Kathryn Horan who died June 2, 2017 in Houston, Texas.
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar
EE on June 11, were given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the generous outreach and ministry of Christ Church Cathedral by Bill and Jenny Eggleston. EE on July 2, are given to the glory of God and in celebration for the life of Sam Holden, Jr. by Sue and Hart Green. EE On July 23, are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Hugo V. Neuhaus, Jr. EE On July 30, are given to the glory of God, in thanksgiving for Lighthouse, a special needs children's ministry, by George Daponte and his family, Tim, Ginnie and Matthew.
The flowers on the floor vases
EE on July 2, are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Diane Tobola on her birthday by her family.
The flowers on the choir stalls
EE on June 4, were given to the glory of God and in honor of the wedding anniversary of Melissa and Michael Jacobs.
The flowers on the organ console
EE on July 23, are given to the glory and God and in thanksgiving for the talent and dedication of Monica Czausz by Vicki Cawley and Lisa Viktorin. THE BULLETIN
PAGE 2
Save the date for the Beacon’s “Come to the Table” fundraiser On Thursday, September 21, the Beacon will host its annual “Come to the Table” fundraiser to support its homeless day center and services. Several award-winning chefs from Houston’s most distinguished restaurants will serve hors d’oeuvres and a four-course meal in the same kitchen and dining room that serves hundreds of homeless men and women each day. This year’s fundraiser is hosted by Bess and Matt Wareing. Tickets and tables are available at beaconhomeless.org.
Growing in Christ: Education for Ministry JULIAN BORDA
On Trinity Sunday, Christ Church Cathedral celebrated Carolyn Swann’s graduation from the four-year Education for Ministry (EfM) program. EfM is a program based at the School of Theology in Sewanee, Tennessee that has provided rigorous theological education for the laity of the Episcopal Church since 1975. It plays an essential role in preparing its students to support the Church’s mission to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with all people. Lucy Wagner, a 1996 graduate of the program and the EfM Diocesan Coordinator since 2002, explains that the unique format of EfM “helps focus (one’s) ministry” and “shows how God moves in (one’s) life.” Students meet weekly in groups of twelve to discuss readings from and about the Old Testament, New Testament, and Church history and explore Christian themes of creation, sin, judgment, and redemption. Each student participates in group prayer, and often presents a theological reflection upon the readings for the day. Lucy recounts the excellent books EfM students read, such as Diarmaid MacCulloch’s Christianity: the First Three Thousand Years, and the thought-provoking films that they
view together, such as "As it is in Heaven" and "Tea with Mussolini." Leslie Coe, a 2015 graduate of EfM, says that during her four years she has developed a “greater depth of knowledge” about God and His Church. A unique aspect of EfM is the emphasis on the historical context of the Bible, which allows for a richer understanding of its often difficult and confusing passages. In addition to pondering how the Bible applies to their lives, students ask how their lives apply to the Bible — how their personal experiences, cultures, and traditions help them to come to an understanding of God’s Word. Through these questions, students develop a keen understanding of the Church and of their role within it. Kay Lewis and Michael Thomas, two students in the program, find that EfM is an excellent opportunity for laypeople to “take initiative” in their spiritual lives in addition to the spiritual guidance provided by the clergy. Carolyn Swann, the recent graduate, says EfM has made her “less of a bystander” in the way she practices her faith and has made her “more aware (and) more perceptive” of everything that God does in the world around her.
EFM, page 7
An invitation to Noche Familiar The Latino Ministry is having the traditional “Noche Familiar” or “Family Night” on Friday, July 7, from 6–8:30 p.m. at Sanders Hall. The theme will be, “We come from many countries but we are one NOCHE FAMILIAR large family.” Now that there is so much Friday, July 7, fear and concern in our immigrant com6–8:30 p.m. munity due to the recent laws of the State of Texas regarding immigration, it is important to reaffirm the values of supporting each other, and the importance of living in community. As usual, Latino Ministry welcomes everyone to attend and invites people to bring a dish to share.
Learn new tricks, make new friends at summer bridge lessons Summer is a great time to learn something new. Things slow down, the sunlight sticks around a bit longer, and there are endless reasons for people to gather together. If you’re looking for an activity to spark your interest, challenge your mind, and introduce you to new people — have you ever thought about learning to play bridge? Bridge is a four-person card game that is a favorite among all ages. It keeps your brain sharp, utilizes problem solving skills, and increases communication skills. Many great minds have gravitated to the game of bridge, such as Bill Gates, Margaret Thatcher, Warren Buffet, Charles M. Schulz, and even Gandhi.
This summer, your Cathedral is offering conference room. Snacks will be provided. It is free bridge lessons taught by parishioner Rick strongly recommended that you attend all four Newlin, one of the main organizers of the Ca- sessions. Please register in advance via the Cathedral’s monthly Bridge Night (first Friday of thedral’s website or by contacting Karen Krayeach month). Beginners, elementary level, and cirik, minister for community life. intermediate players are all welcome Those who complete the lesBRIDGE LESSONS sons will be invited to join the — no prior knowledge is required. Cathedral’s monthly bridge group All you need is the desire to learn the Wednesdays, July 12, rules of the game. “I’ve been playing July 19, Aug. 2, that will meet on Friday, August 4, from 6–9 p.m. The Cathebridge for twenty years, and I still 6:30 –8 p.m. dral bridge group offers a casual, find that I am always learning somefriendly, noncompetitive environment in thing new,” says Newlin. This summer’s lessons are comprised of four which to play bridge, meet some new people, Wednesday night sessions (July 12, 19, 26, share a potluck, and continue to learn the and Aug 2) from 6:30–8 p.m. in the McGehee rules of the game.
A sweet evening Each spring, COMPASS holds a musical fundraiser to support its mission to assist the disadvantaged and unemployed in gaining direction and control over their lives through employment or other appropriate means. Guests at this year’s February fundraiser were feted with a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception, and entertained by the talented Music Box Theater Company performing songs from the ‘80s in its signature skit format. In addition to an auction, a raffle was held, and Nell Richardson was the lucky winner: an evening of food and song with our Dean Barkley Thompson performing musical favorites, accompanied by Michael Sandeen on the guitar. The gathering for Nell and her guests was May 18 at the Sandeens’ house, with fabulous food and beautiful renditions of songs by the Beatles, James Taylor, the Eagles, Kenny Loggins, and even Elvis. COMPASS greatly appreciates the support from Christ Church Cathedral members and friends. It was formed in 1981 initially as a ministry of Christ Church Cathedral. Learn more about COMPASS at houstoncompass.org. PAGE 3
THE BULLETIN
VBS, Mission Trip and more
IN PICTURES
Left, Above, Right: Vacation Bible opportunity to make art, sing, and
Below, Right: Missioners on the H Ward Multi-Service Center and so
Above: The Latino Ministry held Vacation Bible School in the neighborhood, and it was a huge success. THE BULLETIN
PAGE 4
e School gave children ample d play games.
Houston Mission trip at work planting at the Third orting clothes at the Emergency Aid Coalition.
PAGE 5
THE BULLETIN
Donate to the Cathedral Yard Sale The Cathedral is collecting gently used items for a huge yard sale July 22, co-sponsored by the Mission Outreach Council and the Latino Ministry. The proceeds of the sale will go directly to help low-income students with the expenses that come with going to college. Please bring working appliances, clothing, shoes, furniture, lamps, rugs, yard, sports, or grill equipment, and working laptops, iPads, phones, and computers to the Cathedral reception weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays to the cloister table. The yard sale will be held on Saturday, July 22, at 8226 Jennings Street in Houston (ZIP 77017) from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and everyone is welcome.
SHEPHERDS, from page 1 The Community of Hope International (COHI) training for lay pastoral care leaders was created in 1994 by the Rev. Helen Appelberg, Assistant Director of Pastoral Care at St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston. With support from hospital chaplains and advice from Esther de Waal, an authority on Benedictine spirituality, Appelberg formed a training course for people to become lay chaplains that was rooted in the ageless principles of the Rule of Benedict and sustained by clinical pastoral practices. This training course has been adapted at Christ Church Cathedral for our Shepherd training. The Cathedral will hold Shepherd training on Wednesdays in September (6, 13, 20, and 27) at 6 p.m. in the Dean’s conference room. Registration opens August 1. To learn more or sign up for the training program, contact Pastoral Care Coordinator Kimberly Willliams (kwilliams@christchurchcathedral.org) or Council Chair Catherine Whitney (cswshepherd@ gmail.com). Canon for Pastoral Care Glenice Robinson-Como is on sabbatical until October 2017. THE BULLETIN
PAGE 6
ORGANIST, from page 1 and organ performance at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. The high points of her five years with the Cathedral have been the most demanding programs, she says. All the music preparations with and by the choir for the major feasts and Holy Week, for example, can be harrowing, but ultimately rewarding — and very exciting. “We bask together in what we’ve accomplished,” she says. In demand as a concert organist, Czausz is grateful for all she learned in her time at the Cathedral. That includes mastering anthem accompanying, service playing, and being able to adapt in the midst of real-time choir volume and music direction. Says Canon for Music Robert L. Simpson, “Watching Monica grow from a promising college freshman to a nationally renowned concert organist has been a rare privilege for me. Apart from her extraordinary talent, she has won the hearts of every choir member with her selfless spirit and unfailing cheerfulness. We will follow her career with great pride.”
The organ The Cathedral’s landmark pipe organ, known as the Edwin Robinson Spotts Memorial Organ, was installed in 1939 following the devastating church fire in the chancel. Tonal renovations and a new console further improved its ability to convey the full spectrum of joy, comfort, support, love and grief. Many professional organists consider the organ here the best service-playing instrument in Houston because of its glorious sound. Czausz joins that assessment, adding: “Our pipe organ is a pillar of the Cathedral’s music tradition. Getting to know the personality of the four manual Aeoline-Skinner organ and the nuances of the venue allowed her to further hone the many voices it harnesses on behalf of the church’s elegant music tradition, she says. For example, the sanctuary’s acoustics are not reverberant, something that can hide the occasional musical misfire. Making the music seamless, meanwhile, requires more tapering and artistry through registration. “It’s exciting to think of how, regardless of who is at the bench, the organ has its voice,” she says. “It will take on different accents based on who plays it, but it has its own personality. It’s supportive and gently guides the choir and congregation, but does not steal that spotlight.” Czausz will perform a final organ recital on Friday, July 21, at 7:30 p.m., with a reception to follow. She views that upcoming program as “a thank you recital, a gift to the church” that will display her performance range. The mixed program is likely to include pieces by Bach and Mendelsohn, a powerful, 17-minute piece by Max Reger, and a traditional anthem for recital attendees to sing.
Music Ministry
Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company, 1938 2012 new console by Richard Houghten, Inc. with shell by J. Zamberlan & Co. Great reed chorus by Manuel Rosales Organ restorative work by Joseph Sloane
Incoming Cathedral organist Daryl Robinson will begin his tenure services on August 6. HeDean has Theat Very Rev. Barkley S. Thompson, Robert Canonsince for Music beenEpiscopal getting to know the pipeL. Simpson, organ here his Czausz, Cathedral Organist Houston, TX appointment earlier thisMonica summer. Robinson is no stranger to the Cathedral, its music tradition, or the congregation’s music appreciation. He has performed with Houston Chamber Choir, for example, and has presented an Evensong organ recital here. Professional reviews of his concerts note his depth of interpretive skill. Simpson is looking forward to working with Robinson. “There is absolutely no one who is better able to step into the important role of Cathedral organist than Daryl, a person I have known and worked with in the past. With a major concert career already established and a significant teaching post in hand at the University of Houston, he feels a large part of his calling is as a church musician. Christ Church is truly blessed to have him assume the position of Cathedral organist.” A Pasadena native, Robinson was previously assistant professor of organ studies at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. Upon Robinson’s return to Houston, he will also become assistant professor and chair of organ studies at University of Houston’s Moores School of Music. He will balance his academic and Cathedral duties with opportunities to perform as a concert organist. He considers the Cathedral congregation musicsavvy as well as mission-focused and is pleased “the stars aligned” to allow him to return to churchbased music traditions, something he has missed. He’s looking forward to learning more from working with the choir and its director, Robert Simpson, also the Cathedral canon for music. The Cathedral’s Anglican music program is the “hub of music for the Diocese,” Robinson says. He considers it a privilege for him to become a music minister who will be able to tap the emotional range of the instrument in support of liturgy and church life. He looks forward to becoming engaged in the life of the congregation.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Visit christchurchcathedral.org or call 713-222-2593 to learn more about these and other events at the Cathedral. Registration recommended
Registration required
Registration closed
WEEKLY
JULY JULY 2
SUNDAYS
SUN
Lord of the Streets Service 6:15–8:45 a.m., Trinity Episcopal Church at 1015 Holman. JUNE 25–JULY 2
Summer Singers in the Parish Choir 8:20 a.m., 2nd floor of Latham. Parishioners are welcome to sing with the Parish Choir during the summer. Call Canon for Music Robert Simpson for more information at 713-590-3311.
SUN–SUN
Costa Rica Mission Trip The Costa Rica Mission trip returns to the Limon Province in partnership with the Diocese of Costa Rica. ($) JULY 3–4
MON–TUE
Cathedral offices closed For the Independence Day holiday. JULY 7
Childcare available (3 mo. to 12 yrs.)
JULY 21 FRI Farewell Organ Recital 7:30 p.m., Cathedral. Monica Czausz's last organ recital as Cathedral organist prior to her departure for the Curtis Institute. Reception to follow.
FRI
Noche Familiar (Family Night) 6–8:30 p.m., Sanders Hall. The theme will be, “We come from many countries but we are one large family.” Feel free to bring a dish to share.
JULY 16–21
Bridge Night 6–9 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Bring a dish for the potluck social.
Middle-School Mission Trip Louisiana. Join youth from around the diocese at Missionpalooza. ($)
JULY 9 SUN
JULY 20
Compline and Pajamas 6–8 p.m., Cathedral. Worship in the Celtic service at the Well, share a common meal, learn the rhythms of prayer, and make memories in your Cathedral home.
Spirituality of Coffee 6:30 p.m., Hines Center. the Rev. Jacob Breeze, founding pastor of Holy Family Church, will explore the intersection of spirituality and coffee. ($) JULY 22
JULY 19 WED Documentary Night: "Welcome to Leith" 6:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. A Sundance Award winner, this 2015 film depicts what happens when a noted white supremacist moves into a small town in North Dakota.
SAT
Yard Sale to benefit low-income, college-bound youth 7 a.m to 3 p.m., 8226 Jennings St. Proceeds from this yard sale will go directly to support low-income students with the expenses that come with going to college. JULY 26
WED
Compline and Outreach 6–8 p.m., Cathedral. Learn the rhythms of prayer and take part in life-affirming outreach.
Upcoming in the Cloister Gallery: City ArtWorks’ Colors Our City Starting July 22, art by Houston area students, will be on view through August 18, 2017, with an opening reception on Friday, July 28, 6–8 p.m. City ArtWorks is an art education non-profit organization celebrating 35 years of service to the Greater Houston area.
THU
Summer Place 10–11 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Join these councils for fellowship and treats: AFC/ RAC (7/2), Hines Center (7/9), Stewardship (7/16), 20s&30s (7/23), and Mission Outreach/Latino MInistry (7/30).
Bring a friend!
WEDNESDAYS Women’s Morning Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Bilingual Eucharist 6–6:30 p.m., Golding Chapel. Free Bridge Lessons 6:30–8 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Wednesdays in July (12, 19, 26) and August 2, learn how to play bridge with parishioner Rick Newlin. Please register in advance and plan to attend all four lessons. THURSDAYS Summer Shade for youth Every Thursday this summer, Cathedral youth venture out for outings, movies, and service projects: "Despicable Me 3"(7/6), Houston Food Bank (7/13), Bowling (7/20), "Valerian" (7/27). More on the youth web page.
SUNDAYS Celtic Eucharist, “The Well” 5 p.m., The Cathedral. Drawing inspiration and music from the Celtic tradition, this service focuses on prayer, silence, meditation, and grace. MONDAYS Centering Prayer 11:15–11:45 a.m., Hines Center. Healing Service 12:05 p.m., Golding Chapel. Bible “By the Glass” 6:30–8 p.m., OKRA, 924 Congress. Fellowship and Bible study.
UPCOMING AUGUST 4
FRI
Pop-Up Video: "Because of Winn Dixie" 6:30–8:45 p.m., theater room in Jones Building basement. Celebrate the completion of Summer Reading of the book Because of Winn Dixie with a film screening of the title. AUGUST 8
SUN
Compline and Pajamas 6–8 p.m., Cathedral. A reprisal of the July 9 Compline.
EFM, from page 2 The most powerful element of EfM, however, is the presence of Jesus himself at the meetings. As Michael remarks, “Where two or three are gathered in My name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20, NRSV) The Cathedral hopes that you will consider this unique opportunity to grow your faith and your relationship with Christ. EfM will accept new students in September, should places be available. The group will meet Tuesdays starting September 5 from 6:30–9 p.m. in the Mellinger Room. A bilingual EfM group is also in formation, and it will meet Thursdays in the fall from 6:30–9 p.m. Participants must be bilingual to register. Anyone interested in joining should contact mentors Lucy Wagner (lmwagner1219@gmail.com) or Marilyn Dyess (marilyndyess@ gmail.com) to learn more. Tuition is $375 per academic year. PAGE 7
THE BULLETIN
Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID
1117 Texas Avenue Houston, Texas 77002-3183
Houston, Texas PERMIT No. 6404
Did you know you can read The Bulletin on our website? If you’d like to go “online-only,” contact Ramona Sikes at rsikes@christchurchcathedral.org or call her at 713-590-3301.
GERMANY, from page 1 the first time to many in our group the antiJewish prejudice that was part and parcel with German (and all European) Christianity for centuries. In the churchyard near that relief is a twentieth century monument, acknowledging and lamenting that ancient Christian anti-Jewish prejudice made space for Hitler’s destructive and murderous anti-Semitic “Final Solution.” That history was made even more real when our pilgrims visited the Dachau concentration camp memorial. In stunned silence, we walked the paths around the concentration camp barracks, visited the Jewish memorial, and saw reminders of the ultimate horror that one people perpetrated against another. After our time in Dachau, we gathered as a group and shared reflections of sorrow and hope. Our commitment to stand for love, hope, and in solidarity with all our brothers and sisters was renewed. On our final day of pilgrimage, we traveled by cog wheel train and cable gondola to Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany. From the top of the world, it almost felt as though we were looking at creation from God’s vantagepoint. We could see the whole as a beautiful sum of all parts. It was a fitting end to a meaningful pilgrimage. Thanks be to God. THE BULLETIN
PAGE 8
In the Cloister Gallery: Images of Wharton County On view through July 20, artist Sharon Joines captures the area’s land, smalltown persona and history — the beautiful and the everyday, as well as the quirky.