CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
MAY 2017 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
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The Spirituality of a Pint with Friends
The Cathedral rood screen:
A gateway to grace Whether you’re touring the Cathedral or sitting in the pews every Sunday, the rood screen that frames the chancel in trefoils, tracery, and religious symbols draws wonder on many levels. “The term 'rood' means 'cross,' and just as the cross of Christ serves as a conduit to God's grace, medieval rood screens served as open gateways to the grace the faithful received at God's altar. Just so at Christ Church,” says the Very Rev. Barkley Thompson. “The
beauty and symbolism of the Cathedral's rood screen is a reminder that God beckons to and through the cross to be in loving relationship with God.”
That’s r-o-o-d, not r-u-d-e The old English word “rood” historically refers to the displayed figure of Christ on the cross, explains church archivist Patty Hurt. Screens beneath a rood were typically
ROOD SCREEN, page 6
An evening of Celtic celebration
EARL GREY IN THE MORNING
On Sunday, May 21, at 6 p.m., immediately following the Cathedral’s Celtic Eucharist service, The Well, the Hines Center for Spirituality and Prayer will open its doors for a festive celebration of gratitude and grace entitled, “A Celtic Evening.” Honoring donor Donald McDonald and celebrating the beauty of Celtic culture, the evening will feature fiddle and guitar music by local band “Earl Grey in the Morning” and light bites and tasty beverages. The Bulletin published an article on the origins and development of the beautiful Celtic cross in the Hines Center in
CELTIC CELEBRATION, page 8
On St. Giles’ Street in Oxford, England, sits the Eagle and Child pub. It is a narrow, nondescript building, but it once served as the location for the regular gathering of some of the most important literary and philosophical figures of the twentieth century, the Inklings, consisting of J.R.R. Tolkien, Hugo Dyson, THE VERY REV. Owen Barfield, and, of BARKLEY THOMPSON course, C.S. Lewis. At the Eagle and Child, Lewis first circulated a draft of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in 1950. But more important to the Inklings than professional conversation was the conviviality of friends. C.S. Lewis hearkened to the atmosphere of the pub as a central image for the love between friends in his book The Four Loves: “Those are the golden sessions; when four or five of us have come to our inn; when our slippers are on, our feet spread out towards the blaze and our drinks at our elbows; when the whole world, and something beyond the world, opens itself to our minds as we talk … Life — natural life — has no better gift to give. Who could have deserved it?” Lewis’ image is one of friends truly attentive to one another while raising a pint of beer. It is a spiritual image. I find it compelling, and it has led me (as an aficionado of beer) to think deeply about what we might call “the spirituality of beer.” In our American context so devastated by addiction, a spirituality of beer may seem contradictory. American culture is saturated with alcohol. Too many Americans misuse alcohol as a crutch to social interaction or as an escape from life’s difficulties, and for those addicted
CHEERS, page 3
Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with
EE new members Joseph Carroll, Jennifer Trusty, Bette Moser, and Laura Bennett.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to
EE the family of member Anne Richardson Woods, who passed away on March 9, 2017, in Houston, Texas. Anne and her late husband, Bill Woods, were Cathedral members. EE the family of member Lisa LaHue Roys Vick, who died March 11, 2017, in Sugar Land, Texas. Lisa was the wife of Travis Vick, Jr. and mother of Liza Roys and Joseph Roys. EE the family of member Thomas Michael Cassin, who died March 13, 2017, in Houston, Texas. Tom was the husband of member Jo Anne Cassin and father/ father-in-law of Sherra and husband Andy Sowell, Cristina and husband Craig Freedman, Michaela and husband Bobby Schroeder, Travis and wife Brittany Hansen Cassin.
The flowers on the floor vases
EE on Sunday, May 7 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Helen Fisher by Phil and Tish Drilling, Katie and Jackie. EE on Sunday, May 14 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of their mother, Elizabeth Hail Smith, by her children Avon S. Duson and Frank C. Smith, Jr.
The flowers on the floor vases and choir stalls
EE on Sunday, May 21, are given to the glory of God in remembrance of John Philip Wandel and Priscilla Rodman Wandel by their family.
EE The flowers on the Cathedral Altar
EE on Sunday, April 23, were given in memory of and thanksgiving for the life of Donald Jui-Ling Lin by his daughter, Jennifer Lin Sickman. EE on Sunday, April 30, were given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for her family by Penny Morris. EE on Sunday, May 7, are given to the glory of God in loving memory of their nephew, Tyler Bludau, by Shirley Bludau and Mike Grimes. EE on Sunday, May 14, are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Mrs. James A. Haralson by her daughter, Mrs. Gary P. Pearson, and her grandchildren, Gary, Jim, and Mary Bain. EE on Sunday, May 21, are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Mary Ellen and Stanley Shipnes, Emla and Earle Martin, Katherine Cummings Martin, William Bourke Cassin, and Thomas Michael Cassin. The flowers are also offered with prayers for Stuart Pawling Shipnes by Kristi and Earle Martin. EE on Sunday, May 28, are given to the Glory of God in thanksgiving for the Cathedral community, and in loving memory of their parents, Betty and Fred Flanagan and Helen and Ed Shirey, by John Flanagan and Mark Shirey. THE BULLETIN
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Making memories at May Fete the church they call home. On Sunday, May 7, our commuAll of this would not be possible nity will celebrate cherished tradi- without our generous and deditions and look to the future in our cated community. We encourage annual May Fete. It is delightful you to donate or give your time to hear from parishiowith the many different ners with fond memories MAY FETE ways to volunteer. For of May Fete from their Sunday, May 7, more information about childhood who watch 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. sponsorship and voluntheir children and grandteer opportunities, as children enjoy our celebration to- well as a schedule of events for the day. The children we see playing day, visit the Cathedral web site at this May 7 may also one day bring christchurchcathedral.org/event/ their children and grandchildren to may-fete-2017. BY ANNA NETTLES
In the Bookstore: Seasonal Offerings
Confirmation, Mother's Day, and graduation cards and gifts are now available.
Plans forming for more neighborhood faith, fellowship, and service In response to a parish-wide invitation to the March 26 Neighborhood Initiative Information Session, a group of energized parishioners gathered from central, east, and west Houston neighborhoods to explore what it looks like to be “church” in those settings. Through their percolating ideas, leadership, and commitment to gather on a regular basis, these parishioners will add new programs to the list of existing Neighborhood Initiatives, which will be open to all Cathedral members and newcomers. Some possible ideas include once-a-month potlucks, weekly conversation and prayer at a neighborhood coffee shop, or monthly service at a neighborhood charity or elementary school.
New fellowship ideas will exist alongside current neighborhood programs: The Vicar’s Road Show, Bible by the Glass Downtown and North locations, spring and fall Neighborhood Gatherings, Neighborhood Foyers Groups, and regularly scheduled worship services in retirement communities including Holly Hall and The Buckingham. The Latin/Hispanic congregation has flourished with excellent neighborhood services and events, such as regular Bible studies, Friday Eucharist in four different neighborhoods, Summer Vacation Bible School, Thanksgiving Eve service, Stations of the Cross, and posadas. This community has truly brought church to the neighborhood.
One easy-to-organize neighborhood fellowship idea is to plan or host a Sharing Faith Dinner in May or June. It is a simple, casual dinner with eight to ten people, reflection questions, and a facilitator. The Cathedral will help interested neighborhood parties host them by assisting with invitation lists, Sharing Faith Dinner materials, instructions, and a facilitator. It is an enjoyable way to become acquainted and begin being “church” in the neighborhood. For information on how you can become involved in the formation of or join neighborhood groups, contact Elizabeth Cuevas, assistant to Canon Genevieve Razim and Karen Kraycirik, at ecuevas@christchurchcathedral.org.
CHEERS, from page 1 to alcohol, a positive usage of beer is, indeed, impossible. As a parent of teenagers, I especially worry about the danger our society’s uncritical use of alcohol poses for our young adults. In order for beer to have any efficacy at all, spiritual or otherwise, it must be considered anew. Beer must not be a means of drunkenness; it must not be used medicinally; and it must not be imbibed as an escape valve from mature and responsible living. What then is the alternative? It begins with the appreciation of beer as a combination of God’s most basic blessings — water and grain — and the realization that ancient civilizations from the Egyptians to the Celts of Ireland recognized God at work in beer. In these contexts, beer was understood as a divine gift, and it was consumed from communal vessels in gatherings almost liturgical in nature. It continues with the historical knowledge that beer often protected societies from tainted water and in many eras served as a hedge against the ravages of whisky and gin. It concludes with the awareness that, understood spiritually, beer serves as a complement to the love and interaction of friends. Referring to a very specific beer — Guinness Stout — in his book The Search for God and Guinness, Stephen Mansfield writes about the myriad instances where a pint can spiritually accompany and amplify our experience in the world: "I think of the two and a half centuries of life lived with the dark stout in attendance at many a meaningful moment: when a baby was born or the grandfather died, when the son made it through [college] or the just-wed couple sheepishly locked the bedroom door. People naturally toast these changes with something in their glasses, something that they value and that brings them joy … And their lives are certainly richer for what it can mean and for the friendship and fun they celebrate with those they hold dear." On Thursday, May 25, at 6:30 p.m., I will offer a class at the Bishop John E. Hines Center for Spirituality and Prayer on the spirituality of beer, at which we’ll investigate these themes and raise a pint among friends. I hope you’ll attend.
Johnny's Walkers in their Wellies The day of the AIDS walk may have been a washout, but our fundraising efforts were not! Overall, Johnny’s Walkers raised over $17,700, the second largest amount we've raised in our nine-year history. Thank you to all who walked and supported the team. We are looking forward to next year and perhaps a little sunshine! Johnny’s Walkers walked to support those with AIDS, even in the rain. Top left: Nan Morris, Cassie Morris, Vickie Cawley, Phyllis Renfro. Next row: Wayne Mathis, Walker Taylor, Cathy Troisi, Wyn Bomar. Front row: Pat Robson, John Logan, Katie Kian, Andre Jackson, a Cathedral friend, Susan Taylor, Ted Dom. Not pictured: The Rev. Glenice Como, Harold Gordon, Valerie Meisel, plus others who supported Johnny’s Walkers from a dry perch.
In the Cloister Gallery: Art is What Unites Us On view through May 22 are paintings by Raquel Fernandez and photographs by Richard Dickson. This eclectic collection brings together images that reflect what art can do to bring people together.
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THE BULLETIN
Peeps Diorama Contest, Palm Sunday, Easter, ANZAC DAY, and more
IN PICTURES
Above: Below: Right:
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Right: Below:
Left: Below:
Below Left: Below Right:
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THE BULLETIN
ROOD SCREEN, from page 1
associated with Medieval Latin-rite churches, particularly in England, and were meant to separate the chancel from the nave. Rood screens — sometimes a full wall with a door — created a space within a space for worship and, from a practical standpoint, enabled services to continue regardless of what was going on beyond its confines, explains the Rev. Ed Stein. (The screens also kept down any drafts in the dead of winter.) During the Reformation, rood screens were demolished in iconoclasm acts, though replacement screens have since returned, Stein says, and display varying complexity of crucifixion tableaux above their main archway.
How it came to be in 1893 When Christ Church was rebuilt in 1893, it included a rood screen that was both “ornamental and a nod to the Old World tradition,” Stein says. Had the church been built before the 1850s — or the 1950s, — a rood screen likely never would have been considered, if even thought of, he says. Architectural historian and Rice University lecturer Stephen Fox notes a rood screen would have been “highly unusual for an Episcopal Church built in Texas in the 1890s.” As an architectural-liturgical artifact of High Church Anglo-Catholic ecclesiology, he says, it “did not comport with Southern Low Church Evangelical churchmanship.” The 1964 commemorative tome, A Happy Worldly Abode penned by Marguerite Johnston to mark the Cathedral’s 125th anniversary, attributes the interior design of the church to Silas McBee, an ecclesiologist, amateur architect, editor of The Churchman magazine, and commissioner of endowments at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. It was McBee who incorporated the rood screen into the interior design. McBee reportedly believed the Gothic Revival style, in vogue at the time, “most adequately expressed the composition, tone, and proportions for religious architecture.” As church consultant, McBee handled the interior design in great detail, often conveyed through letters. Archive materials marked “Houston Architectural Society” say McBee was strongly influenced by the Oxford movement “which equated ‘appropriate’ ecclesiastical architecture with Gothic.” Rick Newlin, a church docent of four decades who has collected materials related to the screen along the way, believes the screen came from Tennessee. On tours he recounts lore that it may have been intended for another church when McBee selected it for use in Christ Church, possibly as a cost-saving measure. THE BULLETIN PAGE 6
The rood screen after the 1938 fire.
When initially installed, the screen was positioned flush with the chancel’s corners. However, it arrived too big for the space. Johnston’s book cites letters to building committee chairman W.V.R. Watson in which McBee says: “I take full responsibility but thought it would be more beautiful…”
The meaning behind the symbols Cathedral tour coordinator Judy Mood describes the rood screen as representing the Gates of Heaven, through which we travel to receive communion. Comprised of solid English oak, the screen features many symbols of heaven and earth, says Newlin. The central cross, for example, has three points representing the Trinity, within a circle of four radiating points indicating earth, wind, fire, and water.
Similar imagery is apparent above the wainscoting panels in the nave, he adds. Since the number seven represents perfection and completion, examples can be found in the screen and throughout the church interior. (There are seven crosses above the screen, for example, seven candles in the altar’s reredos, and seven levels between the pews and where the clergy stands during services). Today, the rood screen sits a bit closer to the pews to give the choir more room, a shift visible in the change of woodwork, Newlin says. That repositioning occurred after the devastating March 1938 fire that started in Waddell’s Furniture Store — located behind the north end of the church — and spread to more than a dozen buildings in the area. When Waddell’s collapsed aflame into the church building, damage affected the chancel, sanctuary, chapel and organ. Though scorched, the screen survived, however, due to lauded efforts of a firefighter who trained his fire hose on it, according to church accounts. While his faith as a Roman Catholic is cited, his name has been lost to history. Faint evidence of the blaze remains on the back of the screen, Mood says. As with the stained glass windows, the rood screen is a must-see at the Cathedral. Tours run every Sunday following the 11 a.m. service and weekdays at 12:35 p.m. Evocative of God’s grace to newcomers and parishioners alike, the Cathedral rood screen is, as Newlin calls it, “a giant work of art.”
“Footsteps of Jesus” pilgrimage Dean Thompson will lead a pilgrimage there is an opportunity to renew baptismal to the Holy Land on September 3–12, 2018, vows), the desert where Jesus was tempted where pilgrims will take the "Footsteps of Je- after his baptism, the Sea of Galilee, Capersus" course at St. George's College, the An- naum, the source of the Jordan River, the site glican Center in Jerusalem. Dean of the Transfiguration, Bethphage Thompson serves on the North INFO SESSION (where Jesus entered Jerusalem American board of St. George's. in triumph), the Garden of GethWednesday, May 17 The Footsteps of Jesus course semane, the Wailing Wall, the Way allows pilgrims to follow the jourof the Cross including the site of ney that Jesus’ first disciples made through the crucifixion and Jesus’ tomb, and Emmaus the Holy Land. Just as Jesus’ first disciples did, (where Christ appeared after his resurrecpilgrims will be struck anew by the power of tion). Pilgrims will also have a chance to worJesus’ teaching and healing ministry. Pilgrims ship with the local Anglican community. Dean Thompson will host an informational will experience both the joy and the trepidasession on the Footsteps of Jesus pilgrimage tion of the journey to the cross, and renew on Wednesday, May 17, at 6:30 p.m. in Reyntheir encounter with the risen Christ as they olds Hall. The cost of the pilgrimage, not break bread together at Emmaus. including airfare, is $2,450. There is an addiSites the pilgrims will visit include the place tional charge for a single room. Participation of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, the fields where in the pilgrimage is limited. Pilgrims will be angels visited the shepherds, Jesus’ childhood able to register for the pilgrimage immedihome and the site of the Annunciation in Nazareth, the site of Christ’s baptism (where ately following the information session.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Visit christchurchcathedral.org or call 713-222-2593 to learn more about these and other events at the Cathedral. Registration recommended
Registration required MAY 17
MAY
WEDS
The Footsteps of Jesus Pilgrimage Information Session 6:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. The pilgrimage consists of the "Footsteps of Jesus" course at St. George's College, the Anglican Center in Jerusalem from Sept. 3–12, 2018. MAY 18
MAY 4 THURS May the Fourth Be With You 6–9 p.m., MATCH, 3400 Main at Holman. And also with you! Bring the whole family for a fun movie night watching and discussing the first released “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.” MAY 5
Registration closed
FRI
Bridge Night 6–9 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Bring a dish for the potluck social.
THU
Sharing Faith Dinner 6:30–8:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Enjoy a potluck meal and small group fellowship.
FRI–SAT
MAY 19 FRI Episcopal Night at the Astros Pregame Cookout 5–6:30 p.m., Bishop's Courtyard. Hot dogs and beverages will be offered in the Bishop's Courtyard, and tickets to the game are available online or in the cloister ($) SUN
Shawl Blessing 11 a.m. Cathedral. Water Wars 2:30–5 p.m., the Deanery. Youth will play poolside for an afternoon of spiritual formation, food, and fun. Parents can meet with the dean at 4:30 p.m. Celtic Cross Celebration 6 p.m., Hines Center. Honoring Donald McDonald and his gift of the hand carved Celtic cross to the Hines Center.
Lord of the Streets Service Day 6:15 a.m., Trinity Episcopal Church. Help cook eggs, meat, and grits during a twohour breakfast shift. Bishop’s Visit to Confirm Bishop Andy Doyle will confirm at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., and be with us throughout the day.
MAY 29
Buscando la Luz (Last 3 Wednesdays) 6:45–8 p.m., Bride’s Room. Spanish-language discussion group.
MON
Memorial Day Holiday Cathedral offices are closed.
WEEKLY
Sunday School 10–11 a.m., various locations. Spanishlanguage classes at 1 p.m. for children and youth, until May 21. Christian Meditation 10–11 a.m., Bride’s Room. Learn and practice a form of prayer taught by Jesus. This class, open to all, includes teaching, meditation, scripture, and prayer. Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) 3–4:45 p.m., BYC (Treehouse). Gathering of youth for games, teaching, videos, and worship. 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. Dean's book study of the Earthsea Trilogy 6 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Discussion of Ursula Le Guin's trilogy, May 7 and 14. MONDAYS Centering Prayer 11:15–11:45 a.m., Hines Center. Healing Service 12:05 p.m., Golding Chapel.
Canticles: Ancient Songs of Faith 7–8:15 a.m., Mellinger Room. Co-ed Bible study with Canon Art Callaham. MAY 25 THU Ascension Day 12:05 and 6 p.m., Cathedral Chancel. Holy Eucharist marking the final appearance of the Risen Lord to the apostles.
WEDS. CONT. Moving into Prayer 11:30 a.m., Hines Center. Yoga and scripture. ($) or free with membership.
TUESDAYS
SUN
Bring a friend!
First Day of Summer Place 10 a.m. Reynolds Hall. Snacks and refreshments hosted each Sunday by ministries and councils of the Cathedral, every Sunday until August 20.
Bible “By the Glass” 6:30–8 p.m., OKRA, 924 Congress. Fellowship and Bible study.
Destination Unknown Lock-In Cathedral. Fifth through eighth graders band together for unknown exciting adventures and an overnight. MAY 14
SUN
Adult Sunday Formation 10–11 a.m., various locations.
Last Day of Sunday School 10 a.m. Final sessions of Sunday classes for adults, children, and youth.
MAY 12–13
MAY 28
SUNDAYS
MAY 21
MAY 7 SUN May Fete 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Cathedral’s oldest tradition offers springtime merriment for all. 1892 service at 10 a.m. and Spanish service at 2 p.m., followed by afternoon celebrations. There is no Sunday School.
Childcare available (3 mo. to 12 yrs.)
Education for Ministry (EFM) 6:30–9 p.m., Mellinger Room. Comprehensive adult theology program. ($) WEDNESDAYS Women’s Morning Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.
Bilingual Eucharist 6–6:30 p.m., Golding Chapel.
Cathedral 20s & 30s 6:30–8 p.m., BYC. (Treehouse) Weekly discussion group and social gathering of young adults. (No meetings during Lent) THURSDAYS Men’s Lunch Group: G.K. Chesterton (Biweekly) 12 p.m., Dean’s Conference Room. Branch Out Jeremy Bradley and Christy Orman visit Houston area schools to say hello to our youth members. FRIDAYS Men’s Morning Study Group 7–8 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.
UPCOMING JUNE 4
SUN
Pentecost Organ Recital & Evensong 4:15 and 5 p.m. Featuring organist Monica Czausz and the Cathedral Choir. JUNE 5–8
MON–THUR
Vacation Bible School 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Explore the diversity, uniqueness and depth of the Anglican Communion through kindness, hope, hospitality, gratitude and humility. Register online ($).
MISSION TRIPS JUNE 11–14 Fifth-Grade Mission Trip Houston. The fifth-grade class will participate in our CUSE program. ($) JUNE 25 – JULY 2 High-School Mission Trip Costa Rica. Fifteen youth will join 12 adults to aid our companion diocese. ($) JULY 16–21 Middle-School Mission Trip San Antonio. Join youth from around the diocese at Missionpalooza. ($) 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 Ramona Sikes at rsikes@christchurchcathedral.org or call her at 713-590-3301.
Dean’s Fall 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., usually on the first Wednesday of the month except in July and August.
Wednesday, May 3 Burial Rites by Hannah Kent On a farm in Iceland, Agnes awaits execution for the murder of her former master. However, the farmer’s family learns there is another side to Agnes’ story. How can one woman hope to endure when her life depends upon stories told by others?
Wednesday, June 14 Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance J. D. Vance tells the true story of what a social, regional, and class decline feels like when you were born with it hung around your neck. "You will not read a more important book about America this year."—The Economist
Wednesday, September 6 My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel by Ari Shavit As it examines the complexities and contradictions of the Israeli condition, My Promised Land asks difficult but important questions: Why did Israel come to be? How did it come to be? Can Israel survive? THE BULLETIN
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In the Cloister Gallery: Emotions and Relationships On view May 24 through June 20, artist Hans Uli Zwar portrays human experience through abstract paintings rendered in acrylics on canvas.
CELTIC CELEBRATION, from page 1 February of this year. Lovingly carved from a single felled cypress tree in Australia, the eleven-foot cross stands like a sentinel over the center’s inlaid labyrinth, almost glowing in the low light. A gift from Cathedral parishioner Donald McDonald made the commissioning of the Celtic cross possible — along with three additional panels that can be found in the Hines Center’s prayer and meditation room. A CELTIC EVENING The Bishop John E. Hines Center for Spirituality and Sunday, May 21, 6 p.m. Prayer serves the downtown Houston and broader spiritual communities. Its aim is to help people from all walks of life find a deeper spiritual connection to themselves, to God, and to one another. Learn more about the Hines Center and its upcoming spring and summer workshops at hinescenter.org.