CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
JUNE 2017 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY CARE LINE | 713-826-5332
Rewinding Babel
Sunday, June 4, is Pentecost. It’s a weird day, when strange things happen. It’s a day with which our Pentecostal brothers and sisters are very comfortable, but which we Episcopalians find discomfiting. In order fully to understand Pentecost, we have to travel much further back in history THE VERY REV. BARKLEY than the time of Jesus. THOMPSON We must travel, in fact, to pre-recorded history, to a time just after Noah’s Great Flood, a time (we are told in Genesis) when all the people of the earth spoke the same language. People were connected, and communicated with one another, but in their affinity for each other they forgot— or willfully ignored—the God who created them in love. At a place called Babel, they decided to build a tower that would reach to the heavens and block out God, in order to demonstrate their own selfsufficiency. So God knocked them from their tower and bewitched their tongues. God gave them different languages, so they could no longer understand one another, and God scattered them across the earth. Thus began a human predicament. Because we are detached from the God who made us in love, we are detached from one another. Because we often lack an ability to connect, to understand—which is both a lack of language and a lack of empathy—we take the path of least resistance. We keep our heads down. We avert our eyes. We seek anonymity, even in crowded places. We pursue what we need for our own ends and get out as quick as we can. Heck, we do all these things even in the church! But on that day of the first Christian Pentecost, something different happens.
BABEL, page 2
An array of Mexican pastries and hot chocolate, both made in-house, at the brunch buffet at nearby Xochi.
Breaking bread after church
Several new restaurants near the Cathedral have opened this past spring, offering parishioners a bevy of walk-to culinary diversions to sample after Sunday services, Summer Place programming, or The Well. One block north of the Cathedral is the new Pearl Restaurant & Bar at the Sam Houston Hotel, 1117 Prairie St. Located within the revamped 1924 landmark building, the
restaurant’s menu by chef Chris Loftis features Gulf Coast dishes at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Young diners can find simple fare in the sides (like macaroni and cheese). Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Info at pearlrestauranthouston.com or call 832-200-8800. Mars Bakery, Moku (Poke) Bar, and Arte Pizzeria opened up this spring at the
RESTAURANTS, page 6
New Hines Center Executive Director named The Board of Directors for the Bishop John E. Hines Center for Spirituality & Prayer is pleased to announce that Monica GrinagePrince became the Hines Center Executive Director on May 22. Prior to her appointment, Monica served as team leader for the International Facility Management Association, managing and facilitating global events and conferences. Most recently, she traveled from Houston to facilitate a conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Monica’s colleagues speak of her in glowing terms, saying, “Monica is excellent working with volunteers, board members, and managing communications and speakers.” Monica grew up in Lansing, Michigan, going to her mother’s choir practice at church, where she says the sacred music settled into her consciousness and informed her spirituality and faith. She attended college at Tennessee State University in Nashville. Of her new role, Monica says, “I am grateful and honored for the
HINES DIRECTOR, page 8
MONICA GRINAGE-PRINCE
Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with
EE new members Terry and Diane Rainosek, Byron and Janice “Jan” Collier, and Bryan and Natalie Manfull and their baby daughter Betty Ann. EE Will and Amy Geise on the birth of their daughter, Libby Geise, on April 12, 2017. EE the newly baptized: Lesly Chavez, Adrain Deleon, Mary Bryan Hampton, William Hampton, Heily Hernandez, Julian Jackson, George Platt, Reed Spain, Charles Sumption, Theodore Sumption, Katherine Theriot, Olivia Upchurch, and Anthony Vargas. EE Kathryn Schieffer and Philip Broderick, who were married in the Cathedral on April 22, 2017. EE Alison Sutton and Brian Reynolds, who were married in the Cathedral on April 29, 2017. EE James Hughes and Arturo Gutierrez, who were married in the Golding Chapel on May 6, 2017. EE Our recent confirmands: Gus Thompson, Henry Thompson, Adelaide Gilley, Mansfield Owsley, Bailey Randall, Grace Randall, Will Moss, Austen Furse, Will Hayes, Alex Lasater, Camille Letchford, Olivia Kim, Parks Dagley, Wyatt Marucci, Sandy Paden, Audrey Hudson, Brigid Ferris-Hughes, Lilly Ruch, Aidan Kuo, and Ryan Kuo.
BABEL, from page 1 The tape reverses. Babel unwinds. God sends the Holy Spirit to the disciples. Because Jesus has ascended to heaven without them, the disciples are confused and worried. They don’t know how they’ll find the strength or the words to carry on, to communicate the Gospel of love to the scattered and babbling world around them. But when the Holy Spirit enters the room and enters the disciples, they find that they are intimately connected to God, and they can speak in languages other than their own. Their Gospel words become universal. And to the crowd — at least to those who honestly desire to hear — the disciples’ message resonates in their ears. They understand it, and it leads them to seek understanding among one another. They no longer pass each other by, babbling to themselves. They engage one another. They share in God and the wonder of God. They are changed, on that day and forever. The message of this account is that, when we truly are infused with the Spirit of God’s love, our separation from God and the separation of the human condition are repaired. That Spirit flows in us and between us, from one to the other, overcoming differences in language, culture, politics, and religion; lifting our faces to make eye contact; perhaps even bridging the chasms between us in the pews. It is the Pentecost miracle, for which we are thankful.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to
EE Robert Perry Russell, who died on May 10 in Lubbock, Texas. Robert is the husband of Cathedral member Anne Flanagan, father to sons Robert Perry Russell III and Christopher Ross Russell and wife Holly, and grandfather to Adelaide Elizabeth. EE Cathedral member James Lee Ketelsen, who died on April 28 in Houston. James is the husband of Kathryn Lloyd Ketelsen, father to daughter Lee Ketelsen and Adam Parker, father-in-law to Catherine Giddings Ketelsen, and grandfather to Naomi Parker and Jake Parker. EE Cathedral member Margaret Ross Taggart, who died on April 20 in Houston. Margaret is the wife of Morris Taggart, mother to Dee and Pete, his wife Katy, and grandmother to Connor and Cameron.
The flowers on the floor vases
EE on Sunday, June 18, are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Nelle and William Stewart and Helen and Mike V. McEnany by their children, Judy and Michael McEnany.
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar
EE on Sunday, June 4, 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 Sunday, June 18, are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Zinkie and Fox Benton by Jane and Bill Curtis. EE on Sunday, June 25, are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for their 65th wedding anniversary by Bob and Carol Cossum.
The Flowers at the World War I memorial
EE on Sunday, June 25, 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 BULLETIN
PAGE 2
Support refugee families with VBS Each year, Vacation Bible School (VBS) incorporates an outreach service project into its week and looks to the Cathedral for support. This year’s project gives children an opportunity to prepare a “Peace Pack” to be given to a refugee family new to our Houston community. These packs (which are clear and meet school district guidelines) will include some basic necessities, handmade flash cards, and other tokens of peace, hope, and love designed to make families feel welcome and help with their transition to a new home. “With this project, we encourage children to be part of the winds of change by taking responsibility for a refugee family,” says KariAnn Lessner, Minister for Children and Families. Interfaith Ministries will distribute the completed Peace Packs. If you would like to sponsor a Peace Pack, the cost is $12 per pack and may be given to KariAnn Lessner. For information, please email kalessner@christchurchcathedral.org. Sponsorships will be accepted through the end of June.
Quarterly update from the Vestry Reformation has been the watchword for the Cathedral this Spring. Our Dean began in February a four-part series of lectures on Luther’s Reformation at the Dean’s Hour; this year marks the 500th anniversary of Luther’s historic actions at Wittenberg. The Dean will lead a pilgrimage to Germany this summer, visiting many of the key sites critical to Luther’s reformation efforts. In addition, the Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series of speakers continued the theme of reformation, and SENIOR WARDEN our distinguished panel of LINNET DEILY speakers each wove that topic into their own presentations. The Series has gone each year from strength to strength and our Adult Formation Council, which both selects the theme for the annual series and also invites the speakers, has done an exceptional job presenting thoughtful and challenging programs for us. Our Holy Week services began with noon Eucharists each day and then progressed to Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the extraordinary Easter Vigil – and the Easter Day itself, a very full day which concluded with an Easter service at The Well on Sunday evening. As our congregation continues to grow, so has our attendance at all of these services, and, as one parishioner noted to me, “There were lots of babies at the 9 a.m. service on Easter, which is great for the future of this church!” Our Vestry has focused this quarter on the report from the Historic Preservation and Renovation Task Force, chaired by Jim Murdaugh, which outlined the major work that needs to be done to the physical plant of the Cathedral. The Vestry met at our annual retreat in February, and, after hearing the full report, voted to move forward with preparations for a capital campaign. As the Dean outlined in his comments at the Spring Gatherings held in parishioners homes throughout the city, the campaign will include a component for the preservation and renovation work that needs to be accomplished, a component for the replenishment of the dollars borrowed from the Cathedral’s Endowment which was used to build The Beacon, and, as has been the tradition for
VESTRY, page 6
Compline and Pajamas: A summer of prayer, projects Learn the rhythms of prayer this summer and take part in life-affirming outreach while making memories in your Cathedral home with this summer’s Compline and Pajamas. On Wednesdays June 21, and July 26, from 7–8 p.m., Compline at the Cathedral will be preceded by a service project benefiting the people and animals of Houston. On Sunday evenings from 6–8 p.m. on July 9 and August 8, Compline will be held after The Well, the 5 p.m. Celtic service, following a potluck dinner. If attending the common meal, please bring a dish to pass. (Surnames A–K please bring salad or veggie; L–Z dessert. The Cathedral will provide the main dish.) Compline, also known as “Night Prayer,” is meant to be said just before bedtime. We encourage our whole Cathedral family to come — and if you have kiddos, feel free to bring your children in their pajamas.
Como, Razim take summer sabbaticals This summer, Canon Genevieve Razim and Canon Glenice Robinson-Como will take 90-day sabbaticals, a long tradition for clergy in accordance with diocesan guidelines for their employment. These extended periods of leave bring rest, refreshment, and the renewal of their vision for ministry once every seven years. They will explore new ministry horizons and reconnect with family and God. Canon Razim’s THE REV. GENEVIEVE sabbatical includes RAZIM a variety of activities: "Praying the Gospel of St. John" at Society of St. John the Evangelist; attending the "Quality Service," a four-day seminar at The Disney Institute; celebrating her son Alex Razim's graduation from Strake Jesuit; experiencing the Iona Pilgrimage with John Philip Newell; and taking a family cycling trip. Canon Robinson-Como has planned an equally peripatetic time of renewal that will
include a trip to England to explore developments in end-of-life care as well as time to visit family on the East Coast. Both cathedral canons received grants from the Quinn Foundation to underwrite a portion of their time away. In their absence, their ministry continues. Cathedral THE REV. GLENICE member Lori SweeROBINSON-COMO ney is serving as the Lay Minister for Welcome & Evangelism and will contact and meet with newcomers. Elizabeth Cuevas, the Cathedral program assistant, will be in the office throughout the summer serving in her usual capacities. Kimberly Williams, the pastoral care coordinator, and Katherine Whitney, lay-chair of the pastoral care council, will collaborate to ensure continuity of programming and care. If you have specific questions or need help figuring out whom to call about what, the Rev. Arthur Callaham, the Canon Vicar, will be available throughout the summer. PAGE 3
THE BULLETIN
May Fete, Confirmation, Destination Unknown, LOTS, and more
IN PICTURES
Below Left: Rooftop Yoga by the Hines Center at the top of the a success, it's happening again in June.
Below: Late-night Broomball was just one of the many adventures youth discovered at at Destination Unknow
Above: The annual tradition continues: our Cathedral children dance around the Maypole at May Fete. Right: May Fete's sweet queen being crowned by the Very Rev. Barkley Thompson. THE BULLETIN
PAGE 4
e Cathedral Garage was such See the calendar for details.
wn, the middle school lock-in.
Above: This year's confirmation class. Left: Lord of the Streets volunteers at work making breakfast for this special Sunday service. Below Left: Parishioners enjoying May Fete. Below Right: The Latin/Hispanic congregation made a huge, loving celebration for mothers on Mother's Day.
PAGE 5
THE BULLETIN
RESTAURANTS, from page 1
Conservatory Underground Food Hall and Beer Garden, one block west of the Cathedral at 1010 Prairie St. This handful of small, independent, locally-owned food shops share the open seating areas located beside leafy, “living” walls. Mars Bakery opens at 7 a.m. Sundays with doughnuts, kolaches, and other breakfast treats. If you haven’t tried a poke bowl yet, a burrito-bowl-with-sushi dish from Hawaii, opportunity now knocks at Moku. Melange Creperie and El Burro and the Bull barbecue shop remain. Info at conservatoryhtx.com or call 832-919-8382. An outpost of Local Foods opened up at the corner of Main Street and Prairie, two blocks from the Cathedral, in an airy new three-story space in the former home of Byrd’s Department Store. Brunch delights include smoked salmon “benedict,” brioche French toast, shrimp and grits, and chicken chilaquiles. Info at houstonlocalfoods.com or call 713-227-0531. Just east of the Cathedral at 1515 Texas Avenue, a pair of related restaurants opened this past spring by Astros-owner Jim Crane. Modern Italian trattoria Osso & Kristalla has an array of Italian pastries (bombolini, anyone?), kefir (consider it a cousin of yogurt), and strong Italian coffee in the morning. At lunch, choose between salads, pastas, woodfired pizza, and rotisserie meats. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Info at ossoandkristalla.com or call 713-221-6666. Meanwhile, at the more upscale Potente, also at 1515 Texas Ave., executive chef Michael Parker’s dishes spotlight daily seafood selections, steaks, and homemade pastas alongside an extensive wine list. The elegant décor, designed by Gensler, evokes “an Italian villa with a modern twist.” Three private dining spaces are also available in the working wine room, a private room, and on the dining
VESTRY, from page 3 many years, a component of outreach. The Vestry then authorized the Dean and the Warden’s Committee to interview and select a capital campaign consulting firm to assist in that effort, and we chose Alexander Haas from Atlanta. The firm has interviewed the staff and senior leadership of the Cathedral and will return this summer to talk with a sampling of parishioners. Based on the feedback from those interviews, we will make a final decision on the launching of the campaign. These are impactful and exciting times at the Cathedral as we both work to preserve our historic structures and also continue our faithful ministry in this city. THE BULLETIN
PAGE 6
terrace. On Sundays, it’s open only for dinner, 5–10 p.m. Info at potentehouston.com or call 713-237-1515. Hugo Ortega’s amazing brunch is now right downtown at Xochi in the Marriott Marquis Hotel, 1777 Walker St. The latest dining concept from the recent James Beard award-winning chef features authentic Mexican cuisine that “celebrates the flavors of Oaxaca.” That means a menu encompassing
house-made masas, classic moles, chocolate, tlayudas (fire-roasted tortillas with toppings), and beans cooked with avocado leaves. The setting pops with Mexican folk art plus plate glass views of Discovery Green. If you don’t want to make the walk, there’s $6 valet parking with validation. Sunday brunch runs 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Info at xochihouston.com or call 713-400-3300. Bon appétit!
Left: An Age of Oaxaca, one of the many delectable beverages at Xochi, is made with mezcal, bourbon, Peychaud bitters, charred tortilla agave nectar, and muddled orange and cherry. Right: Crisped tortillas and fresh salsa on the brunch buffet at Xochi.
Meet the CUSE interns Each summer, the Cathedral Urban Service Experience (CUSE) hires three interns to take groups of people around the city to volunteer at different service sites and serve as tour guides to Houston. They also go on Missionpalooza, the diocesan middle school mission trip, with Jeremy Bradley. In between shepherding 433 people through Houston this summer to 17 different service sites to complete over 8,000 hours of volunteering, our CUSE interns also come to services at the Cathedral. We encourage to you say hello and ask them about their experiences with CUSE. SPENCER WRIGHT has been attending Christ Church Cathedral for about six months. He is originally from Missouri but has lived most of his life in either East Texas or here in Houston. He graduated in May from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in education. EMMA VORHOLT for the last year has been working at Walt Disney World. She and her family have been members of Christ Church Cathedral since 2014. Emma has been part of the Costa Rica mission trip team for two years. Currently, she’s completing her bachelor’s degree in history at the University of Alaska Anchorage. ZACH LEWIS will be a sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin. He is studying political science and economics. He plays soccer, works on cars, and likes to hang out with friends. CUSE was the first of many mission trips for him. He is excited to come back and serve the beautiful community of Houston.
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
JUNE 25–JULY 2
JUNE JUNE 2
FRI
JUNE 5–8
JUNE 12-15 MON–THU Latin/Hispanic Vacation Bible School Off campus. Vacation Bible School en espanol for our Latino community children.
JUNE 11
SUN
Mission Commission 9 a.m., Cathedral. The blessing of youth missioners .
Dean's Book Club 6:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. The group will discuss Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance.
THURSDAYS Summer Shade for youth Every Thursday this summer, Cathedral youth venture out for outings, movies, and service projects: Cistern and Bat Bridge Outing (6/1), VBS @ CCC (6/8), Wonder Woman (6/15), Houston Furniture Bank (6/22), NASA (6/29). More on the youth web page. JULY 3–4
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.
MON–TUE
Cathedral offices closed For the Independence Day holiday. JULY 16–21 Middle-School Mission Trip Louisiana. Join youth from around the diocese at Missionpalooza. ($)
MONDAYS JUNE 21 WED Documentary Night: E-Team 6:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. A multifilm-fest award winner, E-Team (Emergency Team) chronicles the work of Human Rights Watch in documenting and reporting war crimes to the rest of the world. Movie followed by a discussion with Stuart Kensinger of Houston, founder of Jerusalem Peace Builders and a frequent traveler to Syria before the present hostilities. JUNE 21
JUNE 11-14 SUN-WED 5th Grade Mission Trip The 5th grade mission trip will be in Houston as we partner with Cathedral Urban Service Experience (CUSE) to showcase our great city and some of its greatest need.
Summer Place 10–11 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Join these councils for fellowship and treats: Pastoral Care (6/4), Justice and Peace (6/11), Youth (6/18), and Community Life (6/25).
WED
MON–THU
Vacation Bible School 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Cathedral. Enjoy the breeze in our Colors of the Wind and explore the diversity, uniqueness and depth of the Anglican Communion through kindness, hope, hospitality, gratitude and humility.
UPCOMING
SUNDAYS
JUNE 14
JUNE 4 SUN Evensong with Organ Recital 4:15 and 5 p.m. Featuring organist Patrick Parker at 4:15 p.m. and the Cathedral Choir at 5 p.m..
Bring a friend!
WEEKLY
SAT
Rooftop Yoga 7:30–8:20 a.m., Cathedral garage rooftop. Bring your mat, some water, and a friend! Experience downtown Houston from the fifth floor rooftop. Reception to follow at the Hines Center.
SUN–SUN
Costa Rica Mission Trip The Costa Rica Mission trip returns to the Limon Province in partnership with the Diocese of Costa Rica. ($)
Bridge Night 6–9 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Bring a dish for the potluck social. JUNE 3
Childcare available (3 mo. to 12 yrs.)
Healing Service 12:05 p.m., Golding Chapel. Bible “By the Glass” 6:30–8 p.m., OKRA, 924 Congress. Fellowship and Bible study. WEDNESDAYS Women’s Morning Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Bilingual Eucharist 6–6:30 p.m., Golding Chapel.
JULY 21 FRI Organ Recital 7 p.m., Cathedral. Monica Czausz's last organ recital as staff organist prior to her departure for the Curtis Institute. Reception to follow.
WED
Compline and Outreach 7–8 p.m., Cathedral. Learn the rhythms of prayer, take part in life-affirming outreach, and make memories in your Cathedral home. JUNE 23
Centering Prayer 11:15–11:45 a.m., Hines Center.
FRI
Cloister Gallery Opening Reception 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Images of Wharton County, photography by Sharon Joines.
In the Cloister Gallery: Emotions and Relationships On through June 20, artist Hans Uli Zwar portrays human experience through abstract paintings rendered in acrylics on canvas.
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 Ramona Sikes at rsikes@christchurchcathedral.org or call her at 713-590-3301.
HINES DIRECTOR, from page 1 opportunity to lead the Hines Center. I look forward to working with the board of directors and staff to accomplish our goals and objectives and expand the Center's exposure for future growth and success.” As executive director, Monica is tasked to nurture the Hines Center’s spiritual programming, manage Hines Center staff and volunteers, and develop the revenue streams necessary to make the Hines Center self-sustaining. Monica will focus on enhancing the movement studio, which includes yoga, tai chi, and the labyrinth, as well as offering spiritual workshops and programs both for the Cathedral and to attracting millennials living and working downtown. Dean Barkley Thompson, who chairs the Hines Center Board, says, “Monica Grinage-Prince brings to the Hines Center a combination of spirituality and business acumen that will enable the Center to flourish. The board and I are extremely pleased that she is joining us.” The Hines Center is the cornerstone initiative of the Cathedral’s Vision Action Plan, “A Future Filled with Hope.” The Hines Center’s mission is “to facilitate knowledge of and relationship with God by nurturing the spirituality of Cathedral parishioners and those who live and work in downtown Houston through spiritual practices, prayer, and opportunities for both Christian and interfaith lecture and conversation.” THE BULLETIN
PAGE 8
Smart summer documentary series Join Cathedral members and friends Wednesday nights from 6:30–9 p.m. in Reynolds Hall to experience three fascinating films, each coupled with a light supper and discussion. Sponsored by the Justice and Peace Council, these events are free to the public; donations are accepted for dinner. Contact Council Chair Elaine Krause if you have any questions at 281-745-6748 or at elainewkrause@gmail.com.
June 21 — E-Team
A multi-film-fest award winner, E-Team documents the work of Human Rights Watch in documenting and reporting war crimes to the rest of the world. Winner of the 2014 Sundance Award for cinematography,
In the Cloister Gallery: Images of Wharton County Starting June 22, artist Sharon Joines captures the area’s land, small-town persona and history — the beautiful and the everyday, as well as the quirky.
the film takes us to the frontline in Syria and Libya. The movie discussion features Stuart Kensinger of Houston, founder of Jerusalem Peace Builders and a frequent traveler to Syria before the present hostilities.
July 19 — Welcome to Leith
Another Sundance Award winner, this 2015 film depicts what happens when a noted white supremacist moves into a small town in North Dakota. Residents do what they can to prevent him from taking control of the municipality. With incredible access to residents and white supremacists, Welcome to Leith examines a small community struggling for sovereignty against extremist outsiders.
August 9 — Gender Revolution
This new National Geographic documentary, Gender Revolution, takes viewers across the U.S. and to other parts of the world to explore the evolving concept of gender. Former TODAY anchor Katie Couric narrates the film and provides the audience with a newcomer's lens to this complex topic. Discussion following the film will be led by several members of the Cathedral EYC.