September 2017 Bulletin

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CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas

SEPTEMBER 2017 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG

AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY CARE LINE | 713-826-5332

Faith and foul play:

The mystery of the clergy-detective Whether read or watched, a well-spun mystery tale can be absorbing, entertaining, and a pleasurable mental workout. As it turns out, there are a surprising number of fictional cases involving a clergy-detective or detective sidekick (not always appreciated by the

official inspector). The Rev. Arthur Callaham finds an intriguing connection between literary mystery and Anglican theology. He will be exploring this thread (somewhat playfully, he says) in

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Do priests, bikes, and intrigue go together? Apparently. Above left is the Rev. Sidney Chambers of PBS's "Grantchester," below left is Father Brown of PBS's "Father Brown," and right is the Rev. Art Callaham of the Cathedral's "Holy Mysteries."

Latin/Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrating with pride the diversity of our culture BY LOURDES LOERA

During National Hispanic Heritage Month, occurring across North America from mid-September to mid-October, Christ Church Cathedral will proudly celebrate the diversity of Latino/Hispanic culture for four Sundays. All Cathedral members and friends are welcome to get to know the vast diversity of culture through food, dance, singing, and fellowship at this year's Mes de la Herencia (Heritage Month). It is an annual tradition on the part of the Cathedral’s Latin/Hispanic congregation, and members are very happy to continue to share and celebrate Latino/

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Traditional mariachi band from last year's celebration

Stained glass When I stand in the Bishop’s Courtyard and look across from the fountain to the Cathedral façade, I see tall, arched bays. From that vantage point, the bays house the opaque outline of figures. The scenes are mysterious. If I didn’t know what they were, I’d walk by them and wonder at the kind of people who would go THE VERY REV. to such lengths to install BARKLEY them and tend them. I’d THOMPSON walk away confused as to their value. Yet, when I stand inside Christ Church Cathedral and look at those same bays, I see vivid biblical scenes in blazing color: pictures of St. Paul, St. John, the Resurrection, and Jesus as the Good Shepherd. The bays, you see, are filled by Christ Church’s amazing stained glass windows, produced by some of the masters of the art, including Sharp, Lamb, and Tiffany. But to see the windows’ glory, you must come inside the church. They cannot be understood from the outside. The Cathedral’s windows are rendered priceless not only because of the artists who made them, but also because they include some rare scenes. In the east transept, we have a King David window with a menorah, as well as a window with a scene of the child Jesus helping with Joseph’s carpentry. On the west wall of the nave, we have a nativity window that includes black glass, so that the incoming sun illuminates only the infant Jesus while leaving the remainder of the scene in nighttime darkness. My favorite window is the crucifixion window above the World War I memorial. At the foot of the cross, in addition to the biblical characters, there are a doughboy, a sailor, a USO volunteer, and a Red

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Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with

EE Nicole Hall and Vincent Schuster, who were married in the Cathedral on July 22, 2017. EE Frank Jay Crosbie, who was baptized in the Golding Chapel on July 28, 2017. EE New members Julian Borda and Daryl Robinson.

We extend heartfelt sympathy to

EE the family of Cathedral member Charles Campbell Evans, who died July 6, 2017, in Houston, Texas. EE the family of Cathedral member Nancy Breckendridge Lennard, who died July 16, 2017, in Houston, Texas.

The flowers on the Cathedral Altar

EE On Sunday, August 6, were given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the birth of Bennett Thomas Cobb, son of Lauren and David Cobb, and in loving memory of Tom Cobb and Jennifer Cobb. EE On Sunday, September 3, are given to the glory of God in honor of the birthdays of her husband, Ron Paget, her daughter, Melissa O’Dell, and of Gary Gaston, and in celebration of her family by Carolyn Paget. EE On Sunday, September 24, are given to the glory of God in honor of the 15th birthdays of Caroline and Alexander Paden by their family.

Quarterly update from the Vestry In the Cathedral calendar year, we tend Well,” is now an integral part of the Sunday to think of the summer period as “quieter” worship offerings and continued the regumonths in terms of activities: our Sunday larly scheduled service at 5 p.m. morning classes take a brief vacation and The Justice and Peace Council has stimuinstead we have the opportunity lated thoughtful discussion by hostto visit with friends at 10 a.m. ing a documentary series throughout through “Summer Place;” the choir the summer, first with “E-Team” in takes a short break from their rigJune, followed by “Welcome to Leith” orous Thursday evening rehearsal in July and the “Gender Revolution” schedule; the Bookstore closes its in August. doors for a few weeks; and even Our Mission Outreach Council our book club takes a couple of SENIOR WARDEN and Latino Ministry sponsored a LINNET DEILY months off. However, when I rehuge yard sale in July, generously supflect on the buzz of activities that ported by donations of gently used have taken place through the summer, I re- clothing and a wide range of other goods. alized our energies have simply been redi- We raised over $2,600, almost double the rected elsewhere. original goal, to assist low-income students Our young people and their adult lead- who are heading off to college. ers have used their summer break for a vaFor great fun, the Bridge Club sponsored riety of mission projects. The fifth graders four nights of bridge lessons in July, hoping worked in Houston with our CUSE (Cathe- to attract and instruct new participants – and dral Urban Service Experience) volunteers they were highly successful in meeting their on service projects, our middle schoolers goal. I spoke with some new members last traveled to Louisiana for service work there, week who told me how much they enjoyed and our high school students returned to the lessons and also felt they had made sevCosta Rica to participate in mission work eral new friends in the process. where they have previously served. We also Our summer also included some major conducted Vacation Bible School at the Ca- changes with familiar faces at the Cathedral. thedral in June and held a Latin/Hispanic To begin, Kathy Jackson, who has managed VBS off-campus. the Cathedral Bookstore since l993, has reWe provided a Compline service four dif- tired and Lucy Chambers has been named ferent evenings in the summer, the first two the new manager. We will celebrate this imservices on Wednesday evening and then portant ministry and these two leaders on the final two offerings on Sunday evening. September 29 from 4–5 p.m. in the Mellinger Our new Sunday evening service, “The VESTRY, page 6

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Hispanic culture with everyone as part of their heritage and roots. Each Sunday’s celebrations will start at 2:30 p.m., following the 1 p.m. service, in Reynolds Hall. There will be delicious, homemade, typical food dishes from different parts of Latin America (voluntary contribution) and fresh, natural, agua fresca ($1).

These four Sundays will feature: September 10: Family karaoke, raffles, and a live DJ September 17: Dance with guest dance groups and raffles October 8: Dance featuring children and young people from the Latino community, raffles, and a surprise family show October 15: Live music with the ever-popular Maestro Alfredo and his group, and raffles Everyone is invited to attend, and if they wish, they may wear colorful and/or folkloric garments to help celebrate this important and fun event. Anyone wishing to contribute their time and skills to carry out this event can contact event leaders Verónica Ramírez (832-361-6546 or moo.eyes@hotmail.com) and/or Lourdes Loera (832-361-6551 or Lourdes-loer@hotmail.com). THE BULLETIN

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EMC Kickoff Dinner Sunday, September 24, at 6:30 p.m. If you've ever wondered what goes on "behind the scenes" at the Cathedral, you’ll love this year's Every Member Canvass skit: The Daily Office. It’s a whole new world “on the inside!” Plus, you’ll hear some sweet melodies as staff members serenade the crowd with croons and tunes. Dinner will be served and catered by Claire Smith and her team from Canopy/Shade. There are also fun opportunities to volunteer at the event; contact Karen Kraycirik to learn more. Tickets are $18 for adults, $10 for kids, $50 per family maximum, and can be purchased in the cloister Sundays or online anytime.


Of pets and blessings In honor of nature lover and patron saint of animals and the environment St. Francis of Assisi, the Cathedral will hold the annual Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday, October 1, 2017, from 4–6 p.m. in the Bishop’s Courtyard. All creatures great and small – and their human companions – are BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS welcome. Sunday, October 1, 4–6 p.m. The Blessing of the Animals service, sponsored by the Pastoral Care Council, offers an opportunity for pets to receive an individual blessing and a St. Francis medallion while celebrating the important role pets hold in the lives of our families. This year’s event will feature Natural Pawz Treat Truck, the Nature Discovery Center, K–9 Angels Rescue, and the Houston Mounted Patrol. Members who have pets that do not travel well or do not get along well with other animals may bring a photograph of their pet. All pets should be held or remain on leashes or in crates, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Children may bring stuffed animals to receive a blessing as well.

Unique interfaith dinner highlights women in the Muslim faith Eid al-Adha, translated as “festival of the sacrifice,” is one of the holiest celebrations in the Islamic calendar, and this year it falls on September 1. Muslims observe Eid as the time Ibrahim prepared to sacrifice his son but was told by God to kill an animal instead. The celebration symbolizes Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah and marks the end of the Hajj, the annual Islamic

pilgrimage to Mecca. The holiday by observant Muslim women, and EID AL-ADHA is marked by prayers, shared meals, CELEBRATION a meal catered by Fadi's Mediterraand generosity to friends, family, nean Grill. Tuesday, and those in need. Presented by Houston Pink Iftar, September 12, On Tuesday, September 12 at 6 6 p.m. Women's Interfaith Table of Houston p.m. in Reynolds Hall, Houston (WITH), and the Hines Center for women of all denominations will Spirituality and Prayer, this unique gather to celebrate Eid. The evening includes gathering provides an opportunity for women an informative talk, a call to prayer, prayers EID, page 8

The perks of parent meetings BY ELIZABETH GOZA

This fall, the Children and Youth Ministry leadership will hold a set of parent meetings on their ministries for parents/guardians to gain insight into what’s happening as their children develop spiritually at the Cathedral. Attendees may also ask questions, provide feedback, and offer suggestions for improvement or change. These meetings also present the perfect opportunity to get to know the families of your child’s Cathedral friends: people with kids the same age as your own, going through stages of life similar to your family's, who search out and appreciate everything the Cathedral has to offer. At these meetings, you can sit, relax, and get to know each other. You may find you have a few things in common even beyond the shared experience of raising children and attending the Cathedral (which in itself is already a lot in common!). And, on a practical side, you might be able to connect on carpools, sleepovers, acolyte scheduling, and babysitting.

Ages 3 years to 1st Grade (Cathedral Godly Play) October 8

10–11 a.m. in the Jones Building, rooms 201, 203, and 204

Grades 2–5 (Rotation) October 15

10–11 a.m. in the Jones Building, rooms 205–208

Grades 6–12/EYC

October 1 10–11 a.m. in the McGehee Conference Room December 10 3:15-4 p.m. (Location TBD) PAGE 3

THE BULLETIN


Back-to-School Sunday, Bridge Night, Missionpalooza, Summer Shade, and more

IN PICTURES

Above: Every Thursday this summer, the youth of Christ Church Cathedral got together for service, fellowship, movies, and fun. Here they are, giving their time to the Houston Food Bank. Below: It's no mystery why Bridge Night has nearly doubled in size: after an excellent set of lessons by parishioner Rick Newlin this summer, plus the conviviality of our parishioners and friends, it's become "the place to be."

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Below: After the Children's Liturgy pictured here, nearly every member at the 9 a.m. service stood to bless our many teachers and students on "Back-to-School Sunday."

Above and below: Missionpalooza missioners on the lookout for the "Swamp Thing" (and alligators) this summer in Louisiana after their mission work.

Above: Summer camp at Camp Allen is a favorite for Cathedral children and youth. PAGE 5

THE BULLETIN


Attend Quiet Day, an Anglican tradition this fall This September 23, amid the hubbub of “back-to-everything,” the Cathedral will host an Anglican tradition called Quiet Day. A Quiet Day is an organized day set aside for reflection, meditation, prayer, and fellowship with people who choose to be in silence together, usually conducted in a peaceful environment. Lucky for Cathedral parishioners and friends, our campus fits the bill quite well. A retreat of sorts, a Quiet Day often begins with morning prayer, quiet reflection, and

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a class this fall that spotlights some 20th century British mystery writers. “Holy Mysteries” will meet after The Well on Nov. 12 and 19 and Dec. 9 and 17. Traditional strawberry scones and modern childcare will be offered, he notes, but, alas, not the whiskey or smokes so often featured in these page-turner tales. To whet the appetite, the Cathedral will host highly acclaimed mystery writer Louise Penny for an evening of reading from her latest book, Glass Houses, discussion, and signings on Thursday, September 7, at 7 p.m. Tickets ($8 or $32 with the book) are available at the Murder by the Book website (murderbooks.com).

Long literary and Anglican roots An online roster of fictional clergy-detectives lists more than 320 inquisitive examples, from priests to rabbis to church ladies, and including a spate of nuns, mostly medieval. (For a full list, visit www.detecs.org.) “Holy Mysteries” features works by English writers G.K. Chesterton and James Runcie.

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Room. Secondly, Monica Czausz, our wonderful organist, has completed her Master’s degree at Rice and is going to Philadelphia to pursue an artist diploma at the Curtis Institute of Music. We are delighted to welcome Daryl Robinson as our new organist; he was most recently the assistant professor of organ studies at the Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. Our summer ‘quiet’ is coming to a close – and now we really get into high gear with Rally Day, when we launch the new program year for the Cathedral. Our theme this year is “We are Christ Church,” and we will celebrate the men and women who have played key roles through the decades in making this Cathedral strong. Please come explore the ways in which you, too, can participate. THE BULLETIN

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an intention to let go of concerns or worries. Meditation follows, and it may take many forms and occur in many settings: with art supplies, in comfortable chairs, even outdoors. The topic for this Quiet Day, the first in a series of three, is "Departure." Using the stories of Abraham and Ruth, attendees will examine the ways in which leaving and moving on frame spiritual growth. Canon Callaham, who will facilitate the day, will invite parishioners to reflect on times when they

Their short story collections inspired recent television shows on PBS: “Father Brown” and “Grantchester.” Both authors have ties to Anglican traditions, according to their bios. Runcie grew up in a clerical household, where his father was the Archbishop of Canterbury. Chesterton, considered a lay theologian and polymath in his day, was a cradle Anglican who converted to Catholicism at the age of 48. Some online sources say his inquisitive fictional priest originally was an Anglican. The featured writers take different tacks in depicting the human condition, moral codes, beliefs and mores. Their characters also highlight the role of clerics in society. “We allow them [clergy] into our lives,” Callaham notes. “They see everything – and they keep their mouths shut.” Chesterton’s Father Brown, an amiable Catholic priest with unshakeable faith, “represents innocence in a dark world,” Callaham explains. In the original stories, which date between 1910 and 1935, Fr. Brown roams countryside locations (often on his bicycle). Tweaked into the early 1950s for modern viewers, the cases unfold in the fictional community of “Kembleford.” As portrayed, the seemingly unworldly but wise Fr. Brown has likely seen or heard it all. He believes in redemption. He’s also confoundingly nosy. Heart-broken, conflicted and a bit prickly, Runcie’s very human Sidney Chambers, vicar of Grantchester, is far from an innocent, having served in World War II (and likely suffering from what is now called post-traumatic stress disorder). The post-war stories occur in another small community, one Chambers finds too confining, “a bastion of good behavior.” Still, the vicar with vices — as well as doubt — tries to do the right thing. “There’s a grace in him,” Callaham explains. As a keen judge of human character, Chambers sees the subtleties of life and humanity. He ponders

felt departure at different points in their lives, including departure from their own religious community. There will be two more Quiet Days at the Cathedral: one in the winter themed “Wandering,” and a third in the spring themed “Arrival.” Registration is free and encouraged as spaces will be limited. A light, boxed lunch may be purchased in advance. Contact Canon Callaham (acallaham@christchurchcathedral.org) to learn more.

In the Cathedral Bookstore: Come by to see what’s new for the fall

Follow us on Instagram at #cathedralbookstore Visit our blog at cathedralbookstore.wordpress.com

these shades of gray in voice-over sermon snippets Runcie calls “moral meditations.” In one, Chambers expounds, “We all deserve to be forgiven,” and later ponders, “How long is enough?” for penance. His hard-boiled inspector responds, “Buy me a pint and shut up.” Callaham hopes to include other collections such as D.M. Greenwood’s accounts of “low level ecclesiastical civil servant” Theodora Braithwait and Harry Keelman’s tales of Rabbi Small. Visit the Cathedral Bookstore for copies of books the class will discuss.

Of light and darkness Yes, it’s fine to enjoy unraveling fictional heinous crimes, Callaham says. As with using dark humor, “we brush up against and acknowledge our vulnerability — in a safe place. We flirt with a taboo and come out safe on the other side.” Worship is another safe place, one for experiencing faith’s mystery, he says. “So much of what we are about as Church is about mystery.” More specifically, the “Holy Mysteries” referenced our weekly prayers is short-hand for the Eucharist and more broadly the other sacraments of the church. From an Anglican theological perspective, he says, how they work “is all just beyond our ken.” “The Eucharist reminds us of the commitment within the Anglican tradition to let that be a mystery. We simply say ‘Jesus is present’ in the communion. We don’t know how. It’s a mystery. Not knowing is an important part (of faith) and becoming okay with that and with the joy and the light is where faith is.” It’s all right to ask questions and not understand, he says. “The journey of faith is one of always searching a never quite finding.”


CALENDAR OF EVENTS Visit christchurchcathedral.org or call 713-222-2593 to learn more about these and other events at the Cathedral. Registration recommended SEPTEMBER 1

Registration required FRI

Bridge Night 6–9 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Bring a dish for the potluck social. SEPTEMBER 3

SUN

Cathedral Timeline 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Parishioners are invited to add their personal milestones to the Cathedral’s timeline. SEPTEMBER 4

MON

Labor Day Holiday Cathedral and offices are closed. SEPTEMBER 5

TUE

Vicar's Road Show: American Denominations 6:30 p.m., Table 57 at HEB at 5895 San Felipe at Fountain View. Canon Callaham will explore the tapestry of American denominational Christianity, its history, and its cultural impact, through lecture and conversation. SEPTEMBER 6

WED

SEPTEMBER 12

Registration closed TUE

Women’s Interfaith Eid Celebration and Dinner 5:30 p.m., Cathedral. Women of Muslimfaith will gather with women from other faith traditions for a model interfaith dinner. ($) SEPTEMBER 13

WED

Vicar's Road Show: American Denominations 6:30 p.m., A 2nd Cup at 1111 E. 11th St. See Sept. 5 class. SEPTEMBER 14

THU

Vicar's Road Show: American Denominations 6:30 p.m., La Madeleine at 770 West Sam Houston Parkway N. See Sept. 5 class. SEPTEMBER 17

SUN

Mes de la Herencia Latina/Hispana 2:15 p.m., Reynolds Hall. The second of four celebrations of Latino and Hispanic heritage.

Dean's Book Club 6:30–8 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Discussing My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel by Ari Shavit.

Compline and Potluck Dinner 6 p.m., Cathedral. Quarterly gathering for The Well, shared dinner, and short service of Compline.

20s & 30s Fajita Fiesta 6:30–8 p.m., BYC (Treehouse). Fajitas, cerveza, Mexican Coke, and fellowship.

Vicar's Road Show: American Denominations 6:30 p.m., WITS Meeting House at 1519 West Main St. See Sept. 5 class.

SEPTEMBER 7

THU

SEPTEMBER 19

Author Louise Penny 7 p.m., Cathedral. This best-selling writer reads from her latest mystery, Glass Houses. ($)

SEPTEMBER 21

SEPTEMBER 10

SEPTEMBER 23

SUN

Sunday School starts Various times and locations. Sunday School for adults, youth, Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) and children starts today. Prayer Shawl Blessing 11 a.m. service, Cathedral. Required Confirmation Parent Meeting 12:15–1 p.m., Treehouse. For parents of confirmands. Mes de la Herencia Latina/Hispana 2:15 p.m., Reynolds Hall. The first of four celebrations of Latino and Hispanic heritage.

TUE

THU

Come to the Table Annual fundraiser and gala dinner in support of The Beacon. ($) SAT

Fall Quiet Day 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Cathedral campus. Join cathedral members, clergy, and special guests for a day of quiet reflection. SEPTEMBER 24

SUN

EMC Kickoff Dinner 6:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. “The Daily Office” Dinner and performance to kick off stewardship season. ($) LOTS 6:15 a.m., 1015 Holman Street. Volunteer to cook breakfast for approximately 250+ people who attend Lord of the Streets Episcopal Church.

Childcare available (3 mo. to 12 yrs.)

SEPTEMBER 28

THURS

The Bread of Life 6:30 p.m., Hines Center. Join Canon Art Callaham for an exploration of the spiritual dimension of bread and baking. ($) SEPTEMBER 29

FRI

Bring a friend!

TUESDAYS CONT. Bible by the Glass North 7 p.m., Brixology in the Vintage; 110 Vintage Park. An extension of our popular downtown bible study, hosted in Spring Cypress.

Bookstore Appreciation Tea 4–5 p.m., Mellinger Room. Thank you tea for Kathy Jackson, Lucy Chambers, and the Bookstore volunteers.

WEDNESDAYS

WEEKLY

Bilingual Eucharist 6–6:30 p.m., Golding Chapel.

SUNDAYS Dean’s Hour, Adult, Youth, and Children’s Sunday School Classes 10–11 a.m., various locations, beginning September 10. Exploring the Connections 10–11 a.m., Jeffers Hall. The class examines John Dominic Crossan’s The Problem of Paul. Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) 3–4:45 p.m., BYC (Treehouse). 6th– 12th graders play games, and discuss pop culture, Bible stories, and life. The Anglican Way 6–7:30 p.m. (except Sept. 24), McGehee Conference Room. Dean Thompson’s exciting 6-week course on what it means to be Anglican. For any who want a deeper understanding, as well as adults seeking baptism or confirmation. Celtic Eucharist, “The Well” 5 p.m., 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. TUESDAYS Jesus as . . . 7 a.m., Mellinger Room. Join the Vicar for a look at the ways in which New Testament images of Jesus are modeled on Old Testament figures. Education for Ministry (EFM) 6:30–9 p.m., Mellinger Room. Comprehensive adult theology program. ($)

Men’s Morning Bible Study 7–8 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Women’s Morning Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.

Cathedral 20s & 30s 6:30–8 p.m., BYC (Treehouse). Weekly discussion group and social gathering of young adults. Buscando la Luz (Second, third, and fourth Wednesdays) 6:30–8 p.m., Bride’s Room. Spanishlanguage discussion group. Community of Hope International Shepherds Training 6–9 p.m., Mellinger Room. Train to support members experiencing the many challenges of life by offering prayer, a listening ear, or a pastoral presence. THURSDAYS Jesus as . . . 12 p.m., Mellinger Room. This is a repeat of the Tuesday morning bible study by the same name. Branch Out 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., various locations.

UPCOMING OCTOBER 1

SUN

Youth Parent Meeting 10–11 a.m., McGehee Conference Room. Parents meet and discuss hopes, thoughts, and dreams for the Cathedral’s youth ministry. Blood Drive 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., San Jacinto entrance. Benefits the St. Luke’s Hospital. Pink Ribbon Sunday 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Pastoral Care ministries will provide pink ribbons and refreshments. Blessing of the Animals 4 p.m., Bishop’s Courtyard. Service in observance of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. 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.

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Cross nurse. The window reminds us that the salvation story is not just a tale of long ago, but an ongoing epic that includes even us. Stained glass became popular in the Middle Ages as a way to tell the salvation story to an illiterate populace. For those who had no other access to the story of God’s amazing grace, stained glass became a portal for understanding that the world is permeated by hope and

purpose. For the first time in centuries, we again live in a world that is increasingly illiterate about many of the very things we cherish about God and faith. Like someone staring at stained glass windows from the outside, unchurched people may view the church as something vague, opaque, and mysterious. They may be confused at the things we value. But those of us within Christ Church Cathedral know that our experience of church is, like the stained glass of our windows, glorious and revelatory. In the church, we encounter the grace that makes all the difference in our lives, and our calling as we begin a new program year is to invite others inside to hear the story, see the color, and be transformed by the blazing light.

EID, from page 3 of faith to break bread together and share their stories. Wafa Abdin, Vice President of Immigration and Refugee Services at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, will lead the program with a discussion on Muslim traditions and also recent immigration changes that affect many Muslims traveling abroad. Tickets are $40 per person, and a table for eight is $320. Each table will be joined by one THE BULLETIN

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In the Cloister Gallery: Exploring Two Paths in Watercolor Through September 27, artists M. T. Crump and Cliff Hamberlin share a range of their pieces from realistic to abstract.

to two women from a Muslim-faith background who will serve as conversation leaders. Check-in opens at 6 p.m., and the program begins at 6:30 p.m. Purchase tickets through the Hines Center website, hinescenter.org, at the link to online ticket sales, or remit payment to Pink Iftar, c/o Rothko Chapel, 1409 Sul Ross, Houston, Texas 77006, (713) 524-9839. Contact Suna Umari, (713) 416-2437, sunaumari@sbcglobal.net, with questions.


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