CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
OCTOBER 2017 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY CARE LINE | 713-826-5332
Faith through the storm
Marjorie Thacker Leskovjan with some of her many photographs of Cathedral events through the years.
The stories behind the lens Cathedral member Marjorie Thacker Leskovjan is a lifelong shutterbug with a yen for telling stories. One of her favorite subjects to capture — over several decades — has been the community life of Christ Church Cathedral. Whether using a basic Brownie camera, Polaroid, or traditional point-and-shoot gear, Leskovjan has amassed a collection dating from the late 1970s of mostly candid shots showcasing parishioners observing or enjoying activities on campus, celebrating milestones, and working behind the scenes. The photographs have captured church
history and parishioner stories, she says. Being able to freeze moments in time has been an appealing draw for her to serve as an unofficial documentarian for Christ Church Cathedral, where she and members of her extended family have worshipped for many generations. “It seems like I was divinely guided to snap photos,” Leskovjan says. Doing so brings her a creative voice, a purpose, and personal validation. And in taking photos of others, she hopes to also validate them. “I try to tell a story in the picture so it doesn’t
PORTRAITS, page 6
Billingsley at the Bookstore BY LUCY CHAMBERS
On Sunday, October 22, the Cathedral Bookstore welcomes KPRC’s beloved weatherman Frank Billingsley. Frank will be in the store from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to sign and discuss his recently published book, Swabbed and Found: An Adopted Man’s DNA Journey to Discover His Family Tree. In this candid memoir, Frank explains how he combined cutting-edge DNA tests and genealogical programs with his investigative skills in his search for his birth parents. The science of genealogy is booming, and in his typical open fashion, Frank puts a human face on it. His story reminds us that FRANK BILLINGSLEY
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On Saturday afternoon, August 26, the rain began in Houston after Hurricane Harvey crashed into the Texas coast the day before. By the time Harvey left our region five days later, Houston had experienced more than fifty-one inches of rain, breaking every U.S. record. Harvey’s devastation is enormous, but it is THE VERY REV. not the main story. The BARKLEY THOMPSON main story is the abundant grace God continues to weave through the aftermath of the storm. Christ Church Cathedral is at the center. We are administering a network of Episcopal parishes, including St. Martin’s, St. John the Divine, Palmer, and others, that matches assistance with needs across the city. We have helped dozens of people with housing, transportation, food, clothing, and legal counsel. In addition to our own parishioners, we have enabled more than two dozen families from impoverished neighborhoods to secure housing, preventing them from lapsing into homelessness. More than one hundred Cathedral parishioners served on work crews cleaning out flooded houses or in the shelters. The Beacon was open every day during the first half of September, providing three meals per day. The Cathedral is serving as Christ’s hands and feet across the city. Parishioners Seth Hinkley and Gary Krause are serving as our Cathedral Hurricane Relief Coordinators. If you have any storm-related need, please contact them at hurricanerelief@christchurchcathedral. org or 346-704-1869.
FAITH, page 3
Our Cathedral Family We extend heartfelt sympathy
EE to the family of Cathedral member Tom Chambers, who died September 9th in Houston, Texas. He was the husband of member Tricia Chambers.
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar
EE On Sunday, September 10, were given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for Dorothy Viktorin and in loving memory of Joe Viktorin and Nancy Viktorin. EE On Sunday, September 17, were given to the Glory of God in honor of the thirty-fifth wedding anniversary of Bilinda and Brian Matusek. EE On Sunday, October 1, are given to the Glory of God in loving memory of Lisa Albright by Anne, Brynne, Joey and Joe Albright. EE On Sunday, October 8, are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Bill Renfro by his family. EE On Sunday, October 15, are given to the glory of God in loving memory of his parents, Frank E. Hood and Lillian Wadkins Hood, and his aunt, Margaret Hughes, by Frank E. Hood Jr. EE On Sunday, October 22, are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the Cathedral Bookstore’s 35 years of service to Christ Church Cathedral, The Diocese of Texas, and the downtown community, with special thanks to its faithful volunteers and supportive parishioners. EE On Sunday, October 29, are given to the Glory of God in loving memory of John W. Benzon by Annie Benzon and their daughters.
The flowers in the floor vases
EE On Sunday, September 10, were given to the glory of God in loving memory of Rebecca Jane Thomas, Rosa Allen, Loula Allen Smith, Rosalee Smith Maffitt, Thomas F. Maffitt, James Maffitt, and Skyler Herring by the Peter Maffitt family. EE On Sunday, October 8, are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Phyllis Keese Webb by her family. EE On Sunday, October 22, are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for her sister, Carol Lewis, by Ginger Hanning.
The flowers on the the organ console
EE On Sunday, October 22, are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Harvey M. Shepherd Jr. by his daughters.
The flowers at the Book of Remembrance
EE On Sunday, October 22, are given to the glory of God in loving memory of her parents, Roy and Lois Hanning, and brother-in-law, Bob Lewis, by Ginger Hanning. THE BULLETIN
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Panel discusses LGBTQ perspectives on faith BY ELAINE KRAUSE
LGBTQ people are found in every part of the world in every faith community. Given the widespread views of homosexuality and transgender people within various religions, their faith journey is often difficult. If gay or transgender people are from a traditional or fundamentalist background, they may be rejected by the religious community in which COMING OUT IN FAITH they were raised. Sometimes, they reject their childhood faith and seek another path. However, many search for a Saturday, Oct. 21 6–8 p.m., Hines Center way back to a faith community that will accept and welcome them. Each LGBTQ person’s faith journey is unique. On Saturday, October 21, Christ Church Cathedral and the Hines Center will hold “Coming Out in Faith,” an interfaith panel of seekers and searchers who explore the journey back toward faith. Panelists will discuss their faith journeys and how LGBTQ issues are addressed in their past and/or current faith communities. The panel, facilitated by the Very Rev. Barkley Thompson, will include: MICHAEL DEVOLL is a professional counselor in private practice who was raised in a fundamentalist Christian household and is now an active member at Christ Church Cathedral. NISHTA MEHRA is the daughter of Indian immigrants and a practicing Hindu. She’s chair of the English Department at the Emery/ Weiner School. She and her spouse, Jill Carroll, were legally married in 2015 and have a five-year-old son. RABBI GIDEON ESTES is the head rabbi at Congregation Or Ami in Houston, and openly gay. He grew up in the San Francisco Bay area and was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) in New York City. ERUM RANI is the co-founder of Iftikhar Community of Texas, a LGBT space for Muslim men and women, and gay. She grew up in a conservative, Pakistani family. Members of the LGBTQ community who seek a meaningful faith experience will find lots to think about at this program — and inspiration for the journey that calls to them. Family members and those who support someone who is LGBTQ will also enjoy the program and make new friends. “Coming Out in Faith” will be held at the Hines Center, and it is free. The event is co-sponsored by the Boniuk Institute at Rice University.
“Think Pink” in October By Kim Williams The month of October is the annual campaign for breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women. About one in eight women born today in the United States will be diagnosed with the disease. In an effort to promote awareness, the Pastoral Care Council sponsors Pink Ribbon Sunday by providing wrist bands and pink ribbon pins to be worn throughout the month of October. After each service, information on breast cancer and “pink refreshments” will be available in Reynolds Hall. The Pastoral Care Council invites our community to “Think Pink” as we continue to support awareness and continued research.
Finding our “Man in Black”
Diane Rehm comes to Cathedral on Sunday, November 5 Award-winning journalist, former National Public Radio (NPR) host, and current host of the weekly podcast "On My Mind," Diane Rehm will make a special appearance at the Dean’s Hour on Loyalty Sunday, November 5, from 10–11 a.m. in Reynolds Hall. She will be an honoree and keynote speaker at the Gala for the Houston Area Parkinson Society (HAPS) that same evening. Copies of her books are available in the Cathedral Bookstore.
Grief workshops at the Cathedral Christ Church Cathedral offers a se- sound, and church-based. Walking the ries of small group workshops for those Mourner's Path is not group therapy, it is who have suffered the loss of a loved one, spiritually directed. Participants find that while their pain is unique, or who would like support during the grieving WALKING THE MOURNER’S PATH they are not alone on their journey. They are able to process. Thursdays starting Oct. 12 allow Christ to be a part Walking the Mourn- 6–7:30 p.m., Mellinger Room of both the pain and the ers Path is a grief support ministry that consists of 90-minute work- healing, and they discover tools for movshops for eight consecutive weeks starting ing forward. If you have questions, if you know someThursday, October 12, and it limits participants to ten. Each workshop has two one who could benefit from this ministry, facilitators plus a member of the clergy or you would like to register, please conpresent. The program is a ministry dis- tact Pastoral Care Coordinator Kimberly tinct from other bereavement programs Williams at kwilliams@christchurchcain that it is Christ-centered, scripturally thedral.org or 713-590-3334.
FAITH, from cover The Every Members Canvass “Above all, clothe yourselves with love…” In addition to our hurricane response, the Gospel work of the Cathedral goes on. I’ve been deeply moved these past few weeks by the faithful and steady way our Cathedral lay leaders and staff have continued to carry out the ministry of the Cathedral without pause. We continue to worship, serve, learn, and provide pastoral care every day. We proclaim “God in the midst of the city” as the city recovers. That constant reminder gives Houstonians hope, and it demonstrates just how vitally important the Cathedral is in the life of our city. Perhaps the timing is fitting that we are reminded of the Cathedral’s important role just as our Every Member
I cried when we attempted to find a church home after our move to Houston 14 years ago. Not tears of joy but tears of fear. After having visited several churches, we feared we’d be unable to find a church home we loved as much as ours in Los Angeles. Why did we end up at Christ Church Cathedral — a “downtown” church? I reflected upon this over the summer while listening to a Johnny Cash song to which he wrote the lyrics “Man in Black.” “I wear black for the poor and beaten down, livin’ in the hopeless, hungry side of town… for those who never read or listened to the words that Jesus said CABRINA AND STEVEN OWSLEY about the road to happiness through love and charity, why you’d think he’s talking straight to you and me. Well, we’re doin’ mighty fine, I do suppose in our streak of lightnin' cars and fancy clothes, but just so we’re reminded of the ones who are held back, up front there ought to be a Man in Black.” Well, there is a man (or woman) in black, albeit under a robe, up front every Sunday. Each week we head downtown, many of us from other parts of town, to a place of respite from the world. Sometimes it’s not pretty getting there (in our house anyway), but once we walk through the Cathedral doors, to ask for forgiveness (again), for God’s love and peace, for the safety and health of our children, ourselves, our friends, families, the world, all seems right. The Holy Spirit is palpable. We can take a breath, begin again, and feel renewed. Now the tears are of gratefulness that we found our church home. We’ve all chosen Christ Church Cathedral and the many ministries of our downtown church for a reason. Steven and I encourage you to reflect upon those reasons when you make your EMC pledge this year. May the Peace of the Lord be always with you!
Canvass arrives. In order to continue pursuing ministry in the coming year successfully, we need the financial support of every parishioner. We kicked off the EMC on September 24 with a rousing and fun EMC Dinner. In this issue of The Bulletin, you will read EMC Co-chairs Cabrina and Steven Owsley’s heartfelt article about why they support the work of the Cathedral. Please commit to prayer your financial support of the Cathedral for the coming year. Loyalty Sunday is All Saints Sunday, November 5. In order to build our ministry budget for 2018, we need to receive all parishioners’ pledges by that time. Thank you in advance for supporting the mission and ministry of the Cathedral. I have never been prouder to serve as your dean than I have this past month. Well done, good and faithful Christ Church! PAGE 3
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Confirmation Retreat, Game Night, and more
IN PICTURES
Above: The Confirmation Retreat at Camp Allen was a hit with our Cathedral eighth-gr Left: The 20s and 30s group made Anglican Prayer Beads and walked the rosary one Wednesday night. From the files of Marjorie Leskovjan, bottom left to right: (L) Do you recognize this dashing pair? We love seeing them Sundays. (R) Tiny firefighters re-enact the saving of the Cathedral Rood Screen during the blaze of 1938. Anyone remember?
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Below: Award-winning mystery writer Louise Penny spoked to a riveted, full house for the start of our "Bestseller Series." Authors James McBride (Oct. 4) and David Eagleman (Nov. 16) are next.
Ways to connect with Cathedral friends BY KAREN KRAYCIRIK
The Cathedral offers many ways to get to know fellow members beyond Sunday worship. In the upcoming months, there are opportunities to create connections with one another through fellowship right in your neighborhood. Fall Neighborhood Gatherings are a great way to get to know others at a casual evening event. Four Cathedral families invite you to join them in their homes for light bites and beverages from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in October. Host loFALL NEIGHBORHOOD cations range from River GATHERINGS Oaks to Tanglewood to the Oct. 3, 11, 17, 18 Energy Corridor to the Museum District. Parishioners are encouraged to attend the neighborhood gathering that is closest to where they live, where they work, or on the date that is most convenient. Talk to Karen Kraycirik at 713-590-3338 to learn more. For those looking to get to know a smaller group of their cathedral neighbors, Foyers Fellowship Groups present an easy way to make those connections. These FOYERS GROUPS fellowship groups com- POTLUCK DINNER mit to meeting on several Oct. 22 in Reynolds Hall occasions throughout the year, taking turns each time to “host” a special gettogether. Registrants have the option to be randomly assigned to a group or to be assigned by their neighborhood. The foyers program has helped countless participants make friends in the congregation for decades. Sign up for Foyers before October 18 to attend the kickoff potluck on Sunday, October 22, at 6:30 p.m. in Reynolds Hall. In the wake of a hurricane, newscasters aired story after story of neighbors helping neighbors. As the city of Houston looks to the future, there has never been a better time to get connected to those who live nearby, and build lasting relationships that extend beyond the walls of Christ Church.
raders.
In the Cloister Gallery: The Glass Fortress: A Study of Life in Urban Landscapes by Vicky Gooch
Above: Bridge Night expanded to Game Night in September. It was such a hit that it's coming back Friday, October 6, from 6–9 p.m. in Reynolds Hall.
Through October 26 the show spotlights original oil paintings depicting people and landscapes inspired by the modern city skyline of Houston and those living in and around its imposing presence. PAGE 5
THE BULLETIN
PORTRAITS, from cover need an explanation,” she explains. A recent example, taken after Easter services, caught a group of Cathedral men in straw hats reacting gleefully when grandson Andrew, 5, tossed his into the air with exuberance amid an otherwise dignified assemblage. It’s currently her favorite photo of church life — but only one of many, she says. Another picture features the Cathedral’s youngest twins perched on the laps of the oldest twins, the late Peggy and Ruth Christian, who were in their 90s at the time. (They had been members since 1918 and rarely missed a service.) For some, mostly elder parishioners, the candids have netted a rare portrait for their families. One tale of particular poignancy, she says, involved a couple who passed away within two weeks of each other soon after she took their photo, rendering it a priceless keepsake. A church member since the late 1960s, Leskovjan initially photographed her own children “as they did their thing” in Sunday School. Since church membership at the time was lagging, her trio was most of the class, she quips. As other families joined the congregation, she expanded the scope of her subjects. Church leaders took note of Leskovjan’s skill and began to ask her to cover such events as Releasing the Doves, May Fete, the EMC’s “MercyAnn Goodness” skits and Rally Day. The courtyard has brought a host of spontaneous subjects, she says. In fact, her photos were used to recreate a replacement fountain following its theft in 1992 during a church renovation project. After taking photos, Leskovjan typically sends prints of the best ones to those in them. Many recipients over the years have written her thank you notes with background info. “People’s experiences are so interesting,” she says. From the family of the inseparable nonagenarians, for example, she learned of their love for animals and their ability to identify most aircraft flying over their homes. Taking photos was Leskovjan’s hobby (admittedly an expensive one, she notes) during her years working in the insurance business and later as she raised her family. A fan of iconic photographers Dorthea Lange and Ansel Adams, Leskovjan is selftaught. Like them, she tries to convey the sentiment behind the scene. She also has taken care to inscribe names, dates, and occasions on the back of each picture. THE BULLETIN
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Although camera technology has evolved, Leskovjan sticks with using film: “It’s always a treat when my pictures come back [from the developer’s].” And it’s a treat to know that many of her photos still hang in the homes of many parishioners, she says.
History and her story The native Houstonian is proud of her family’s seven-generation status on what remains of its original land holdings on Oates Prairie, now part of East Houston near Wallisville and Oates roads. “Our roots go very deep,” she explains. Her mother was a family historian, a mantle Leskovjan has shouldered happily. Leskovjan’s great, great grandmother, Mary Catherine (Kate) Holiday of Virginia, landed at Galveston in the 1850s at age 15 and traveled to Houston’s Allen’s Landing with a group of pioneering Episcopalians. They arrived on Main Street and promptly walked (barefoot and through the mud, family accounts say) to Christ Church to worship, according to family accounts. Young Holiday was later married, widowed ,and remarried, all while residing on the Oates Prairie property. She lived to age 91. Born Marjorie Thacker, the future photographer grew up in the family’s homestead and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School, where she had been a yearbook photographer and journalist. The family home that had been built before the Civil War burned down in 1955, just before it was to have received its historical marker. Saddened by not having documented that lost residence, Leskovjan became determined to document as much of life’s “important stuff ” as possible. She eventually thought Cathedral parishioners might appreciate having photos from their own moments in time. “I decided to document their stories,” she explains in a written account. “Old or new members, one-time attendees, homeless. It didn’t matter. Everyone has a story! I snapped away and wrote about some of the people, my friends…” When parishioners look closely at what Leskovjan’s photos have captured over the years, she hopes they’ll “see some of our shared history.” The Cathedral continues to document community events thanks to the photographs by ministry staff, Rob Mood, Jill Lefforge, Mark Johnson, and other parishioners.
Beyond The Camera Among the stories Leskovjan has collected by hearing from those whose photos she took are these from her notebook: Eleanor Munger: "She founded Omega House after angels and a dying AIDS patient visited in her dreams four nights in a row." Roni Carlson: “Along came this stately nurse wearing a starched, ironed white uniform and immaculately polished white shoes. She looked like an angel in white.” She was nursing director at Texas Children’s Hospital and won many awards for her volunteer work at the Cathedral, including at The Beacon, and was greatly loved by us all. The Unknown Man: “He wore a backward collar, walked with a cane and always came to the 9 a.m. service. Was he a priest somewhere?” Sexton Ardell Ray: “He has been at the Cathedral longer than anyone. He never fails to come to our rescue and we love him. He’s invaluable.” John Sullivan: “He played his trumpet for May Fete since 1927 and was so pleased to receive the recognition he so well deserved.” For his portrait, youngsters surrounded him at the fountain. “He was not only happy, but tearful.” Margaret Taggart: “Margaret always attended Women’s Bible Study and had a lot to offer. She gave of herself, knitting beautiful baby shawls for our newborn and elderly parishioners.” Bonnie Flowers: “She worked long and hard on the Altar Guild. The Cathedral was her home away from home. She always brought Canon John Logan cookies on Sunday mornings." Jimmy Clements: “He was the son of an Episcopal priest and lived in the parsonage at the church. He was in the first boys’ choir and I photographed him pointing to a vintage photo of that.
BOOKSTORE, from cover
who we are is not based on who gave us our eye-color but on who we love. Knowing our genealogical background is important, but wielding that information with care and compassion is a vital part of this new science. Join us to meet the optimistic man who has calmly kept us informed through so many storms and now provides wisdom on the many nuances of a thorough genealogical search and the surprising truths they often reveal.
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
Childcare available (3 mo. to 12 yrs.)
OCTOBER 17
TUE
Vicar's Road Show: American Denominations 6:30 p.m.,WITS Meeting House at 1519 West Main St. See Oct. 10 class. OCTOBER 20–22
OCTOBER 1 SUN Blessing of the Animals 4 p.m., Bishop’s Courtyard. Service in observance of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. OCTOBER 1
SUN
Youth Parent Meeting 10–11 a.m., Golding Chapel. 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.
OCTOBER 8 AND 15 SUN Children’s Parents Meet-ups 10 a.m., Jones Building. Meet your child’s Sunday School teacher and get to know other parents with children the same age as yours (ages 3 years–1st grade on October 8; grades 2–5 on October 15). OCTOBER 8
SUN
Mes de la Herencia Latina/Hispana 2:15 p.m., Reynolds Hall. The third of four celebrations of Latino and Hispanic heritage. OCTOBER 10
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. OCTOBER 11
WED
Vicar's Road Show: American Denominations 6:30 p.m., A 2nd Cup at 1111 E. 11th St. See Oct. 10 class. OCTOBER 12 OCTOBER 4 WED Author James McBride and Dean's Book Club 7:30 p.m., Cathedral. Best-selling author and accomplished musician James McBride will read from his new book, Five-Carat Soul. The Dean's Book Club will meet at the reading. OCTOBER 4
WED
Compline and Kitties 7–7:45 p.m., Friends For Life, 107 E. 22nd. Evening prayer with kittens. OCTOBER 6
FRI
Bridge Night and Game Night 6–9 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Bring a dish for the potluck social.
THU
Vicar's Road Show: American Denominations 6:30 p.m., La Madeleine at 770 West Sam Houston Parkway N. See See Oct. 10 class. OCTOBER 13
FRI
Buffalo Bayou Pontoon Tour 5:40–7 p.m., off-campus. The 20s and 30s group takes a bayou boat tour with historian and Cathedral member Andrew Groocock. ($) OCTOBER 15
SUN
Mes de la Herencia Latina/Hispana 2:15 p.m., Reynolds Hall. The grand finale celebration of Latino and Hispanic heritage.
FRI–SUN
Youth Fall Retreat A retreat open to all 6–12th graders. OCTOBER 22
SUN
Foyers Kickoff Potluck Dinner 6:30–8:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Make new friends by joining a Foyers social group. Foyers group assignments revealed at the potluck dinner. OCTOBER 27
FRI
Cathedral Boo Bash 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Family-friendly event with trick-or-treating and All Hallow’s Eve service.
WEEKLY SUNDAYS Dean’s Hour, Adult, Youth, and Children’s Sunday School Classes 10–11 a.m., various locations, beginning September 10. Exploring the Connections 10–11 a.m., Jeffers Hall. The class examines John Dominic Crossan’s The Problem of Paul.
Bring a friend!
TUESDAYS Jesus as . . . 7 a.m., Mellinger Room. Join the Vicar for a look at the ways in which New Testament images of Jesus are modeled on Old Testament figures. Education for Ministry (EFM) 6:30–9 p.m., Mellinger Room. Comprehensive adult theology program. ($) 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. WEDNESDAYS 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. Bilingual Eucharist 6–6:30 p.m., Golding Chapel. Cathedral 20s & 30s 6:30–8 p.m., Mellinger Room. 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. THURSDAYS
Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) 3–4:45 p.m., BYC (Treehouse). 6th– 12th graders play games, and discuss pop culture, Bible stories, and life.
Jesus as . . . 12 p.m., Mellinger Room. This is a repeat of the Tuesday morning bible study by the same name.
The Anglican Way 6–7:30 p.m., 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.
Branch Out 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., various locations. Jeremy Bradley and Christy Orman visit youth group members at school.
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.
NOVEMBER 1
MONDAYS Centering Prayer 11:15–11:45 a.m., Hines Center.
UPCOMING WED
All Saints’ Day Special Worship 12:05–12:45 p.m., Cathedral. Celebrating the saints and remembering the departed. This will take the place of regular mid-day worship. NOVEMBER 5
SUN
Healing Service 12:05 p.m., Golding Chapel.
Loyalty Sunday Turn in your pledge cards for 2018!
Bible “By the Glass” 6:30–8 p.m., OKRA, 924 Congress. Fellowship and Bible study.
Organ Recital and Evensong 4:15 and 5 p.m., Cathedral. Choral Evensong with the Cathedral Choir. 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.
“Deck the Halls” with wreaths and support our choir BY MEGAN CLAIR
The Cathedral Choir’s annual Wreath Sale will take place from October 15 through November 5, offering Cathedral members an opportunity to support the choir while bringing holiday cheer to friends, family, and business associates. The annual sale benefits the Cathedral Choir scholarship fund. It began years ago to help finance the very first choir trip to Europe in 1997. CATHEDRAL CHOIR Since then, the Choir has reWREATH SALE turned to England for a number Sundays, Oct. 15 – Nov. 5 of summer residencies, the next of which will take place in 2019. The greenery used to make the wreaths, centerpieces, and garlands comes from a sustainable forest in the Pacific Northwest and is shipped fresh. Items ordered for pick-up will be available at the Cathedral in early December. You can also make arrangements for direct shipment, guaranteed within two weeks after Thanksgiving. Order on the Cathedral website or stop by the cloister table on Sundays. There, you can see a sample wreath, ask questions, and place your order with a choir volunteer. You’ll get fresh and fragrant decorations for the holidays, cut your Christmas gift list down to size, and support the Cathedral Choir, all at the same time. THE BULLETIN
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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. (unless otherwise indicated) on the following dates:
Wednesday, October 4, at 7:30 p.m. in the Cathedral Five-Carat Soul, by James McBride National Book Award-winning author James McBride will read at the Cathedral from his new collection of short stories, FiveCarat Soul. The Dean's Book Club will meet there. Get free tickets at the Brazos Bookstore website.
Wednesday, November 1 News of the World, by Paulette Jiles In 1870, Widower Captain Kidd, paid to read the news aloud to townsfolk, is given $50 to deliver an orphan to her relatives. Her immediate family had been murdered by Kiowa Indians, who had then adopted her.
Wednesday, December 6 A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles In 1922, Count Alexander Rostov is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal and is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. His life there proves fascinating.