CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
JANUARY 2018 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
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What we enjoy Anglican priest and theologian Sam Wells says that “sin is our tendency to use what should be enjoyed and enjoy what should be used.” Philosophers would make a similar observation by making the distinction between things with utilitarian value, imputed value, and intrinsic value. Things with utilitarian value perform some important function in our lives. For example, the roof over my head is valuable because it protects me from the rain. By contrast, things with imputed value are valuable only because we decide that they are valuable. Diamonds, for instance, are not all that THE VERY REV. BARKLEY scarce in nature, and we THOMPSON can even manufacture them in the laboratory. Even so, human society has imputed value to diamonds. We have decided that they are valuable, and so they are. Each year’s fads (remember Cabbage Patch Dolls?) reveal the folly of much imputed value in our society. Of course, some things have both utilitarian and imputed value. Yes, diamonds are valuable because they glitter (imputed value), but they are also among the hardest substances on earth and thus are useful as drill bits (utilitarian value). As another example, I need a car in order to get from point A to point B (utilitarian value), but I may purchase a particular make and model because I, or the people around me, declare that it is cool (imputed value). But what is intrinsic value? Things with intrinsic value are worthy in and of themselves, regardless of their utility or their popularity. As Christian people, our best gauge of intrinsic value is God. There are things upon which God gazes
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Ardell Ray Day
Celebration honoring Ray's 40 years of service Traced to its Latin roots, the name “Ardell” means industrious and eager. At the Cathedral, however, Ardell means much, much more. Dedication. Commitment. Constancy. Hands on. Loyalty. Or so say members of the staff and congregation. To mark and celebrate senior sexton Ardell Ray’s four decades of taking care of the church buildings — and supporting programs within them — we are coming together in his honor for a party on Sunday, Jan. 7 "Ardell is a saint among us," says Dean Barkley Thompson. in Reynolds Hall during the 10 o’clock hour. (And since Ray’s the guest of honor, his colleagues will han- a way for the congregation to reflect on what his dle the venue prep.) contribution has been — for 40 years.” No cake, though. Peach cobbler is his favorite A Cathedral is more than the high profile dessert, organizers explain. people,” Callaham says. “It is also those who “This is a party for Ardell, and we want it to be serve behind the scenes. “To recognize them is an opportunity for him to receive thanks from part of doing church.” the entire community,” says Canon Vicar ArLong-term parishioner Dieter Ufer, who has thur Callaham. “We have all benefited from Ar- served several times as the Cathedral’s junior dell’s work. This will be an ‘act of Thanksgiving,’ RAY, page 6
Take the road to potluck and prayer on Marathon Sunday BY KARIANN LESSNER
Marathon Sunday on January 14 has its challenges. Navigating road closures and excited participants can making getting to church in the morning feel daunting. We'd THE WELL, POTLUCK, AND COMPLINE like to propose a winning solution: Come January 14 to the Well, the 5 p.m.
ROAD, page 2
Harp, flute, and strings often play at The Well service.
Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with
EE new members Scott Blackmon, Kirk Cooper, Jorge Camacho-Correa, Katrina Chan, Ty Chapman, David and Lorraine Frazier, Cecilia Juarez, Kimberly MacQueen, Marc Matejowsky, Jan May, Mas and Bethany Podgorny, Paul and Nora Rycroft, Jeffrey and Olivia Simmons, and Cameron Wright. EE returning members Lisa Lee and her children Robert Kidd, Sophie Kidd, and Juliann Kidd, and Susan O’Connor. EE Carol Nave and Matthew Trudo, who were married in the Cathedral on November 18. EE Laura Bancroft and David Haltom, who were married in the Cathedral on December 2.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to
EE the family of Cathedral member Nina Meyer, who died November 26. Nina is the wife of Cathedral member Aaron Cox.
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar
EE on Sunday, January 7, are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Scott Cawley by his family. EE on Sunday, January 28, are given to the glory of God in loving memory of her parents, Mary John and Ralph Spence, by Judy Tate.
The flowers in the floor vases
EE on Sunday, January 7, are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Forrester Carlyle Lord, his wife Anne, and daughter, Ava; the Clark Stockton Lord family; and the Stacey Lord Murphy family by Kathy and Tom Lord.
ROAD, from page 1 Celtic service. By that time of day, all the roads have reopened and things start getting back to normal. Then, stay for potluck dinner, where the Cathedral will provide beef stew with mashed potatoes. We ask folks to please bring the following: surnames A–K dessert; L–Z salad or veggie. After a hearty meal with your Cathedral family, stay for Compline (also known as Night Prayer) at 7 p.m., led by our children. What a wonderful way to start the new year: beautiful evening service with Celtic music and Eucharist, scrumptious dinner and fellowship, and rounding out the evening with prayers from the voices of our children. Who could ask for more? For more information, please email KariAnn Lessner at kalessner@christchurchcathedral.org. THE BULLETIN
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Music, comedy, and wine: a Music Box Cabaret to benefit COMPASS COMPASS and Houston’s Music Box in the courtyard, and seating is limited. TickTheater are teaming up for a benefit event, a ets are also available online at the Events Page Music Box Cabaret. Plan on at houstoncompass.org. joining the COMPASS board, MUSIC BOX CABARET Proceeds from ticket sales COMPASS BENEFIT staff, and friends on Tuesday, will benefit COMPASS’s homeFebruary 6, at 6:30 p.m., for a February 6, 6:30 p.m. less clients as they strive for stawine reception, followed by bility and independence. For this talented resident company’s tribute to further information, contact Cynthia Branpopular music and hilarious comedy. non at cbrannon@houstoncompass.org or Tickets will be on sale Sunday mornings visit houstoncompass.org.
Meet our 2018 Vestry nominees To be voted on at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 21 Nominated for three-year terms MEREDITH CANADA has attended Christ Church Cathedral since 1997. She and her partner, Michelle Hale, became confirmed members of the Episcopal church and of Christ Church Cathedral in May 2010. Meredith has served as a member and chair of the Mission Outreach Council, the Welcome and Evangelism Council, and currently serves on the board of directors as president of COMPASS. Meredith practices law as General Counsel of OneSubsea, a Schlumberger company. KRISTY GREENWOOD was born and raised in Oklahoma, but her career took her many different places and she finally settled in Houston in 2008. She is relatively new to Christ Church Cathedral, joining in 2013. She has been a member of the Adult Formation Council for the past three years and serves on the Altar Guild in many capacities. She is the senior manager over risk management of Musket Corp, the fuel procurement subsidiary of Love’s Travel Stops. EVELYN NOLEN first joined Christ Church Cathedral in 1986 and rejoined in 2011 from Palmer, where she was active with the Way Station. Since 2011, she has been chair of the Adult Formation Council, a lay Eucharistic minister, and a board member of Compass. She is retired from Rice University, where she was an editor. She is married to Roy Nolen, a former senior warden. They have a son, Rives; a daughter-inlaw, Stephanie; and two grandchildren, Larkin and Austin. ROB REEDY, a longtime Houstonian, started attending Christ Church in 2000. In 2005, he married Susan Gross Reedy, a lifelong member, in the Cathedral. Rob and Susan chaired the 2016 Every Member Canvas and will chair the 2018 Beacon annual fundraiser. Rob also serves on the Mission Outreach Council. He is the Managing Partner of Porter Hedges LLP and is a board member and past President and Chairman of the Alley Theatre. WALKER C. TAYLOR has been a member of the Cathedral for most of the last 32 years. He has served on the board and as President of the Beacon, Chair of the Mission Outreach Council, Chair of the Stewardship Council, as an usher, lay reader, occasional accompanist to the Children’s Choir, and singer in the Parish Choir. A native Houstonian, Walker is married to member Susan Taylor. He works at Chevron as General Counsel of Downstream Americas, Shipping and Pipeline.
What we think about when we think about God Anyone who has taken one of Canon Vicar Art Callaham's road show classes will be familiar with his frequent musing on the life of faith being about both "what we do — and what we think we're doing." Whether in service, prayer, reading, or study, finding meaning in the life of faith is both about action and reflection on the action. What happens, though, when the action IS reflection? Or, rather, what happens when we begin not just to think about God, but to think about how we think about God? We enter the realm of theology, and things get complicated quickly. Join Canon Callaham this spring at sites around the city for a thoroughly theological experience in his new Vicar’s Roadshow class entitled, “Simple Systematics.” The intention of his Simple Systematics course is not simply to throw you into the complicated end of the pool. Rather, as the title of the course suggests, the aim of the five sessions will be to build a simple framework, or system, with which myriad thoughts about God can be structured for reflection, digestion, and understanding. The course will begin with an exploration of theories of God: "who," or better, "what" is God and how can we best understand the divine nature. Next, we'll look at people, the other part of the relationship of faith. We'll also spend part of the second section looking at the "people problem," sin, its causes, and what, if anything, God intends to do about it. The March session will focus on Jesus and the role he plays in the God-people economy of sin and salvation. This portion of the study will also highlight the unique nature of Christian theology apart from other world traditions. April will bring a look at the Bible and the Church. And, finally, we'll wrap up the study with a look at the Holy Spirit and what, if anything, we have to look forward to in the future. No particular background in theology is required to participate in this course. Simply having the willingness to reflect on your thinking about God will be sufficient, and perhaps, even delightful.
Costa Rica Mission Trip info session BY JEREMY BRADLEY
Since 2015, the Cathedral has been sending high school students and adults on a short-term international mission to Costa Rica. We have established a partnership at the Cathedral and in the Diocese of Texas with the Diocese of Costa Rica. It has been a fruitful and fulfilling INFO SESSION friendship that we hope to continue for years to come. Sunday, January 28 From June 24 to July 1, 2018, we will again send a mission team to San Jose, Costa Rica to build a youth center, teach VBS (Vacation Bible School) and build community. We will have 25 spots available for high school students and adults. This will be a multi-generational mission trip and the primary high school mission trip. We have also invited Trinity Episcopal Church in Galveston to join us in mission. As leaders within the diocese concerning mission, it’s important for us to spread our knowledge and invite others to participate in the life-changing work. On January 28, from 12:15–1 p.m., we will have an informational session in the Treehouse (located on the third floor of the McGehee building) for all interested in going on the mission. We will discuss the work we will be doing while on the trip, requirements, application process, and cost. Contact Minister for Youth and Young Adults Jeremy Bradley with questions at jbradley@ christchurchcathedral.org.
Support the Treble Choir on its way to an international choral festival BY GEORGI SILVERMAN
The Treble Choir of Houston at Christ Church Cathedral has been accepted to perform this July at KATHAUMIXW, an international choral festival located in Powell River, British Colombia. KATHAUMIXW (ka-thou-mew) is a word from the language of the indigenous tribes that live in Powell River and means “a gathering together of different people.” More than 1,200 singers from around the world gather at this festival every other year to share their music, culture and friendship. Acceptance to KATHAUMIXW is competitive and based on choir’s performance videos. The Treble Choir of Houston is an ethnically
diverse group of forty young women that range in age from ten to eighteen. These remarkable young ladies manage to balance Treble Choir rehearsals and performances with their schoolwork, orchestras, sports, and other activities because of the love of singing and great friendship they find in this group. On Sunday, February 4, the choir will sing during the 11 a.m. service, and immediately afterwards there will be a Spaghetti Luncheon in Reynolds Hall to raise funds in support of the girls’ travel. Please join us to learn more about our upcoming trip and support our girls. Being accepted at KATHAUMIXW is a great honor, but to make this dream come
true for our girls, a minimum of $70,000 must be raised. Although each student is responsible for paying a portion of her expenses, outside funds must be found to support the effort. Many choir members do not have the financial resources to attend. At the luncheon, there will be an opportunity to contribute to this once-in-a-lifetime experience for the deserving girls of the Treble Choir. The ticket for lunch is $10. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door before lunch, and donations will be accepted via cash and check. Treble Choir appreciates the support of the Christ Church Cathedral congregation. PAGE 3
THE BULLETIN
Christmas at the Cathedral, Parish Retreat, Radicalized Religion, and more
IN PICTURES
Above, Left : A Sunday School morning reenactment of David and Goliath in the Bishop's Courtyard. Right, Below: Christmas at the Cathedral with families from Small Steps Nurturing Center was a hit.
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Right: Speaker Christine Mabon led friendships we need to have at this year
d a talk on the five r's Parish Retreat.
Above: Bishop C. Andrew Doyle signs a copy of his new book, The Jesus Heist, for Frances Kittrell at the Cathedral Bookstore. Left: Understanding Radicalized Religion, a panel discussion at the Hines Center, drew quite a crowd. PAGE 5
THE BULLETIN
Brigid’s Place Celebrates 20 Years BY MARTHA FRANCES
Start the new year with service The next service date for Lord of the Streets (LOTS) is Sunday, January 21, 2018. Meet friends and fellow parishioners at 6:15 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church at 1015 Holman Street to serve breakfast to the 250+ people who attend Lord of the Streets Episcopal Church. Park in the Houston Community College lot with an entrance on Fannin, directly east of the church parking lot on Holman. Be sure to wear long pants, socks, close-toe and close-heel shoes, a cap (to restrain hair), and a shirt. Volunteers 16 years or older can sign up online at http://tinyurl.com/signUpLOTSCCC. Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Service to the community finishes at about 8:45 a.m., in time for the 9 a.m. service at the Cathedral.
RAY, from page 1
warden and continues to care deeply about the buildings’ integrity, remembers when Ray started here in April 1978 as assistant sexton. (Ray earned the full sexton title in 1981.) “For many years, he was a ‘one man band,’” called upon to ring the bells for services and greet parishioners, make repairs to windows, plumbing and furniture, paint and basic electrical work. No challenge deterred him, Ufer recalls of the early years. He’s still a bit in awe of Ray’s seasonal climb through a window to access the cooling tower to engage or disengage the drainage. (This was before the church had a central air conditioning system.) Junior wardens have come and gone, Ufer says, but they learned from Ray how to manage their duties “smoothly and correctly.” For Ray, meanwhile, that longevity means he long ago reached an ability to anticipate what needs attending. “He puts church first in every sense of the word,” Ufer says. “And he has more love and respect for the physical plant than anyone I know.” Callaham agrees: “Ardell is as much a part of the fabric of the Cathedral as the building itself,” he says. “We count on Ardell the way we count on the building. He has been good for us and good to us.”
Weather or not “Having heard innumerable stories about Ardell’s love and care for the Cathedral in my five-year tenure at Christ Church, I experienced it for myself during Hurricane Harvey, when Ardell traveled through the hurricane by bicycle to ensure the Cathedral's safety,” THE BULLETIN
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says Dean Barkley Thompson. “He called me from the midst of the storm to say, 'Don't worry Dean, I'll take care of everything.' And he did. Ardell is a saint among us." As the Cathedral added programs and outreach, the sexton corps grew to include Ray, Brandon Johnson, and Shadrick Griffin, managed by Facilities Manager Frank Guevara. They share in the caretaking of the buildings and what goes on in them. “We've met here in the wee hours due to fire alarms and threat of flood,” says Guevara. Ray is the “master mind” of the group, Guevara continues. He knows every set-up in the book without even to consult the set up notes. “They’re in his head.” As the Cathedral’s longest serving sexton, Ray “knows where the pipes are buried. He’s the institutional memory of the physical plant,” says David Simpson, chief operating officer. It is rare for the Cathedral — and churches in general — to have a staff member with such a long history, he says. Most last three or four years. When pressed for why he has remained so long, Ray says, with a small smile, “Because the people are nice, and I am treated nicely.”
In the Cloister Gallery: Gail Siptak, paintings On view until January 26, with a reception for the artist Thursday, January 4 from 6–8 p.m., these paintings provide a starting point to contemplate the human condition.
For two decades, Brigid’s Place has provided a safe community for exploration of spirituality where women (and sometimes men) can open themselves to personal and group empowerment. Brigid’s Place honors twenty years of fruitful spiritual community as well as its founder, the Rev. Betty Adam, with a luncheon at the Briar Club on Saturday, February 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Brigid’s Place began as a small ripple, and over time, its programming has grown. Its diverse offerings have included centering prayer, creative writing, interfaith conferences, feast day celebrations of Brigid, Mary, and Mary Magdalene, SoulCollage®, and the ongoing Anam Cara women’s friendship group. At the luncheon, Brigid’s Place will continue the tradition of dialogue, study, and celebration by hosting keynote speaker, The Rev. Betty Adam the Very Rev. Cynthia Kittredge, dean and president of the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest. Her insightful scholarship and captivating teaching will inform her topic, “Women and Gender in the Book of John.” In appreciation for Betty Adam’s vision and leadership, Brigid’s Place is initiating the Betty Adam Scholarship Fund so those not otherwise able may access its programs. There also will be a silent auction before the meal in support of the organization. For those who have participated in any programs over the past twenty years, there is an opportunity to contribute a few sentences to a book of remembrances. They may be emailed to brigidsplace@brigidsplace.org or mailed to the address listed below. Brigid’s Place has enjoyed the support of countless individuals and groups in providing innovative and life-changing programming. Tables for ten ($1,000) as well as individual tickets ($100) are available now. To attend, register online at brigidsplace.org or send a check to Brigid’s Place, c/o Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002. Remembrances may also be sent here. Brigid’s Place was founded on Betty Adam’s desire to create a safe community for women to explore their spirituality. For twenty years, it has been a light and treasure to Houston, offering hundreds of programs for thousands of individuals.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Visit christchurchcathedral.org or call 713-222-2593 to learn more about these and other events at the Cathedral. Registration recommended
Registration required JANUARY 21
JANUARY JANUARY 4
THU
Cloister Gallery Reception 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Gail Siptak's paintings provide a starting point to contemplate the human condition. JANUARY 5
Registration closed SUN
Lord of the Streets Service Day 6:15 a.m., Trinity Episcopal Church. Help cook eggs, meat, and grits during a twohour breakfast shift.
Bad Gift Bingo 6–8:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Soup, Salad, treats and Bingo. Bring a wrapped white elephant gift. Bridge Night 6:30–9:30 p.m., the McGehee Conference Room. Bring a dish to share with the group.
JANUARY 21 SUN Annual Parish Meeting 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Meeting to discuss the business of the Cathedral and to elect new members of the vestry. JANUARY 27
SAT
YogaMass® 4 p.m., Hines Center. A unique worship experience that engages and integrates the physical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. ($)
JANUARY 28
JANUARY 7
SUN
Ardell Ray Day 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. A celebration of senior sexton Ardell Ray, who has worked for the Cathedral for 40 years. JANUARY 12–14
FRI–SUN
JANUARY 15 Martin Luther King Day Holiday Cathedral offices are closed.
MON
Education for Ministry (EFM) 6:30–9 p.m., Mellinger Room. Comprehensive adult theology program. ($) Bible by the Glass North 7 p.m., Brixology in the Vintage; 110 Vintage Park. An extension of our popular downtown bible study, hosted in Spring Cypress. WEDNESDAYS
Women’s Morning Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room. (Starts Jan. 10)
Sowing the Seed Kickoff Event 6:30–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Find out how you can help “sow the seeds” for future generations.
Bilingual Eucharist 6–6:30 p.m., Golding Chapel.
SUNDAYS
The Well + Dinner + Compline 5 p.m., Cathedral. Quarterly dinner following the Well service, finishing with Compline.
SUN
Prophets 7 a.m., Mellinger Room. Join Canon Callaham for a weekly Bible study series that examines the stories and writings of the prophets. Material in this class is (largely) identical on Tuesdays mornings and Thursday noontimes. (Starts Jan. 2)
Costa Rica Mission Trip Info Session 12:15–1 p.m., Treehouse. Information for all those interested in this trip.
JANUARY 14
Vocation Stories 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Dean Thompson will chat with the Rev. John Logan about his time at the Cathedral.
Healing Service 12:05 p.m., Golding Chapel.
Wrestling with God: the Character of Jacob 10 a..m., Reynolds Hall. Dean Thompson offers the first of a three-part study of this most complex biblical character.
WEEKLY
Marathon Sunday Plan your route to church.
Centering Prayer 11:15–11:45 a.m., Hines Center.
Dean's Men’s Morning Bible Study 7–8 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Join Dean Thompson this spring for a study of the Old Testament character David, from shepherd boy to king of Israel and Paul’s Letter to the Romans.
YES and Happening retreats Temple, TX. Diocesan-wide youth retreats. SUN
MONDAYS
TUESDAYS
Plaid and Axe-Throwing Night 8p.m., Houston Axe Throwing. An outing of fun with the 20s & 30s group. ($) JANUARY 7 SUN Epiphany Organ Recital & Evensong 4:15 and 5 p.m. Featuring organist Jeremy Bruns and the Cathedral Choir.
Bring a friend!
Bible “By the Glass” 6:30–8 p.m., OKRA, 924 Congress. Fellowship and Bible study.
FRI
Translating Observance of the Feast of the Epiphany 12:05 p.m., Cathedral. Celebrating the adoration of God in Christ by the Magi.
Childcare available (3 mo. to 12 yrs.)
Adult, Youth, and Children’s Sunday School Classes 10–11 a.m., various locations. (Starts Jan. 7) Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) 3–4:45 p.m., BYC (Treehouse). 6th– 12th graders play games, and discuss pop culture, Bible stories, and life. (Starts Jan. 7) 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.
Cathedral 20s & 30s 6:30–8 p.m., Mellinger Room. Weekly discussion group and social gathering of young adults (Starts Jan. 10) Buscando la Luz (Second, third, and fourth Wednesdays) 6:30–8 p.m., Bride’s Room. Spanishlanguage discussion group. (Starts Jan. 17) THURSDAYS Prophets 12 p.m., Mellinger Room. This is a repeat of the Tuesday morning bible study by the same name. (Starts Jan. 4) Branch Out 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., various locations. Jeremy Bradley and Christy Orman visit youth group members at school. (Starts Jan. 11)
The Vicar’s Road Show: Simple Systematics 6:30–8 p.m., meets monthly at a choice of locations. Canon Callaham leads a search for a simple explanation for God, the universe, and everything. Choose the location that works best for you. See our website for full location addresses. Thu., Jan. 4 at Town & Country Tue., Jan. 9 in Montrose Wed., Jan. 10 in the Heights Tue., Jan. 23 in Tanglewood
UPCOMING FEBRUARY 3
SAT
Brigid’s Place 20th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon 11 a.m., Briar Club. Featuring keynote speaker the Very Rev. Cynthia Kittredge and honoring founder the Rev. Betty Adam. ($) FEBRUARY 4
SUN
Treble Choir Luncheon Fundraiser Noon, Reynolds Hall. The Treble Choir will hold a spaghetti luncheon as a fundraiser for its upcoming trip to Canada. ($) FEBRUARY 6
TUE
COMPASS Fundraiser 7–9 p.m., Music Box Theater. An annual evening of fun and music to support the ministry of COMPASS. ($) FEBRUARY 8
THU
Hearing the Gospel of Mark 6:30–9 p.m., Hines Center. Professional storyteller Kathy Culmer shares the Gospel of Mark in its entirety. ($). FEBRUARY 13
TUE
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Feast and make merry on the night before Lent. Wear your Mardi Gras best and dance to live music. PAGE 7
THE BULLETIN
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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.
VALUE, from cover
and declares “It is good,” and among these are most especially our relationships with those we love. We don’t rightly value our parents, children, and friends because of what they do for us or because they are beautiful, talented, or rich (though they may be all of these). We rightly love them because they are inherently, intrinsically valuable as children of God. This returns us to Sam Wells’ comment: “Sin is our tendency to use what should be enjoyed and enjoy what should be used.” Too often, we act as though the material things in our lives have intrinsic value. Rather than using them to carry out the functions for which they were made, we make them the center of our enjoyment, and they become idols. In contrast, we sometimes treat the people in our lives as means to ends. Rather THE BULLETIN
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than experiencing joy in the very fact of our loved ones, we use the people we love to fulfill us, prop us up emotionally, or further ourselves in life. We enjoy the things we should use, and we use the things we should enjoy. This is, indeed, the very definition of sin. We are entering into the Epiphany season, which is that time in the Church year when we are to open ourselves to wonder. This Epiphany, I encourage us all to look upon our relationships anew as the places in which we find joy. I also encourage us to look upon the things in our lives as the (perhaps) useful but inert objects that they truly are and refuse to give them value they do not deserve. When we do these things, grace will emerge and sin will flee. We will enjoy being in relationship with our fellow children of God. And God, too, will gaze upon this shift in us and say, “It is good.”
Dean’s 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. on the following dates:
Wednesday, February 7 Jesus Heist: Recovering the Gospel from the Church, by The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle Bishop Doyle looks at what it means to direct the message of Jesus toward ourselves rather than toward others.
Wednesday, March 7 Stoner, a novel by John Williams The life and times of college professor, archetype, and existential hero William Stoner are presented in this classic novel.
Wednesday, April 4 The Underground Railroad, a novel by Colson Whitehead (winner of the Pulitzer Prize) Escaped slaves Cora and Caesar take the “Underground Railroad,” a secret network of tracks and tunnels beneath the US Southern soil that literally transports them to freedom.