CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
NOVEMBER 2019 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY CARE LINE | 713-826-5332
Upcoming Eucharist class is Thanksgiving preparation As we gather later this month with those we hold dear to observe Thanksgiving in our homes, be reminded that we come together each week at the Cathedral for another feast of thanksgiving and gratitude as we experience the Eucharist — a word derived from the Greek, “Eucharisteo” and meaning “to give thanks.” During the education hour at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, in the Cathedral, an all-ages class on how and why we “do Eucharist” to help enrich the experience of communion and to expand parishioners’ understanding of the sacrament. The guided conversation will be led by Dean Barkley Thompson and KariAnn Lessner, minister for children and families. “We want to teach people how to get their heads and hearts ready Eucharist at The Well Celtic contemplative service, Sundays at 5 p.m. for the Great Thanksgiving,” Lessand responses we put into practice each week, ner says. For some who choose to attend this oppor- she says. For others, it will be a reminder of tunity to learn about the Eucharist, the pro- what is meant by what we say and do. gram will be a primer on the Eucharist prayers EUCHARIST, page 3
Brothers and Bishops: Gresham and Bill BY WILL HAMILTON
Will there be a bishop sitting next to you in the pew next Sunday? How about a child who will someday be called to become a priest and then called to be a bishop? Well, in the 1920s, there were two young boys at Christ Church who later became bishops. Yes, and they were brothers! Charles Gresham Marmion Jr. was born in 1905, William Henry Marmion was born in 1907, and they attended Christ The Brothers Marmion grew up at Christ Church Church. Reportedly, Bill came to the Cathedral Cathedral and both became Episcopal Bishops.
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The fire of the Saints In Cormac McCarthy’s heartrending novel The Road, a father strives to protect his son in a post-apocalyptic world. The father seeks not only his child’s mere survival, but also the preservation of something true and precious in the boy’s soul. The father views his son as a vessel, and he speaks THE VERY REV. repeatedly of the “fire” BARKLEY the child embodies. As THOMPSON the father lies dying, the son expresses his desire to die, too. “You can’t,” the dad responds, “You have to carry the fire.” The dialogue continues. “Is it real? The fire?” the boy asks. “Yes it is.” “Where is it? I don’t know where it is.” “Yes you do. It’s inside you. It was always there. I can see it.” We Christians understand this fire within as the Christ incarnate in us and in all things. In many, most of the time, the fire is a hidden and low-burning ember, and it is rarely felt within or seen without. But in some throughout Christian history, the fire has burned brightly, enlivened by the Holy Spirit. We remember such men and women on All Saints, which we celebrate on November 3. I prepare for All Saints by meditating on the incarnate Christ within us, who desires nothing so much as to be fanned into flame by the Spirit. This year, I have been reminded of a Stephen Spender poem, which offers, in part: I think continually of those who were truly great. Who, from the womb, remembered the soul’s history Through corridors of light where the hours are suns, endless and singing.
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SAINTS, from cover
Whose lovely ambition was that their lips, still touched with fire, Should tell of the spirit clothed from head to foot in song… Who wore at their hearts the fire’s center.
Born of the sun, they traveled a short while towards the sun, And left the vivid air signed with their honor.
VESTRY NOMINATIONS
Accepted now through November 15 Submit to srwarden@christchurchcathedral.org
As we move into the season of increasing cold and darkness, may our lovely ambition be that our lives and lips, touched with fire, tell of the Spirit and leave the vivid air about us crackling with the warmth of the love of God. Perhaps, with God’s help, one day those who come after us will remember us as saints.
Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar
We extend heartfelt sympathy to
The flowers in the floor vases
EE new members Hilda Cantu, Robert Halcomb, David Hernandez, Sylvia Perales, Stephen “Craig” Kennedy, and Pamela Sterling, and returning member Charlie “Chuck” George. EE the family of Starling Cara Bohenick, who was born to staff member Mark Bohenick and his wife, Rachel. EE the family of Bo Ellis Bagheri who was born to members Cooper Bagheri and Laura Carr Bagheri. EE the family of Alisha Meghan Seme, who was born to curate the Rev. Greg Seme and his wife, Marie. EE Sylvia Garcia and Juan Castellanos, who were married in the Cathedral on September 21. EE Caroline Hoyt and Brian Lobo, who were married in the Cathedral on September 28. EE the families of Mary Compton Asby, Josephine Rose French, Benjamin Harrison Powell VII, and Rex Michael McLaughlin, who were recently baptized. EE the family of member Harry Deakin, who passed away September 13, 2019. Harry is husband to member Karen Deakin. EE the family of member Jarry Booth, who passed away September 20, 2019. Jarry is partner to member Craig Kennedy. EE the family of Nancy Allen, who passed away September 22, 2019. Nancy is mother-in-law to member Sherri Allen and mother to John Allen. EE the family of member Joan Brennan, who passed away September 20, 2019. Joan is grandmother to Rick Brennan. THE BULLETIN
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EE on Sunday, November 3, are given to the glory of God in loving memory of her brother, Joe Head, and their parents, Jane and Jack Head, and Mary Louise and Robert Thurmond by Julie and Bob Thurmond. EE on Sunday, November 10, are given to the glory of God in honor of their grandchildren, Grace, Camille, and Lily Holland, Ann Greathouse, and Barrett Colvin by Antha and Bill Holland. EE on Sunday, November 17, are given to the glory of God in loving memory of his parents, Nellie J. and Floyd W. Robinson Sr., and in honor of his mother’s birthday and his parents’ anniversary by Floyd W. Robinson Jr. EE on Sunday, November 17, are given to the glory of God in honor of Shirley Davis lovingly by Keith and Rick. EE on Sunday, November 24, are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Kristi Martin by her husband, Earle Martin. EE on Wednesday, November 27, are given to the glory of God in loving memory of the departed members of the Altar Guild. EE on Sunday, November 3, are given to the glory of God in honor of their granddaughters, Abigail Nicole deAlba, Olivia Kay Hunt, Ava Mary Hunt, and their grandson, Maximus Gabriel Hunt. The flowers are also given in loving memory of their great grandmother, Adeline deAlba, and their aunt, Cynthia Gayle deAlba Kimmins, by Kay and Arthur deAlba.
The flowers on the organ console
EE on Sunday, October 20, were given to the glory of God in loving memory of Harvey M. Shepherd Jr. by his daughters. EE on Sunday, November 3, are given to the glory of God in memory of their parents, Bill and Nell Murdaugh and Arthur and Hazel Smith, by Jim Murdaugh and Gary Smith.
Express the true meaning of Christmas BY DIANE AND CHRIS MCKEOWN
Micki Fine will also offer a class at the Hines Center on Saturday, November 16.
May all people and pigs be happy BY LUCY CHAMBERS
Who among us couldn’t use more lovingkindness in our lives? On Sunday, November 17, we’ll have the opportunity to visit with Houston’s beloved mindfulness educator and advocate, Micki Fine of Mindful Living, as she shares her new children’s book, May All People and Pigs Be Happy. This children’s picture book, written to help children of all ages access their innate kindness and empathy, provides a gentle story as well as instruction in loving-kindness meditation. The story centers around seven-year-old Claire and her stuffed pig, Pigalina, who teaches Claire to expand her focus from “May I
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Be sure to come to Reynolds Hall on Sunday, November 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the annual Alternative Giving Market and Great Holiday Cookie Tasting. The Alternative Giving Market (AGM) is an event hosted once a year by Christ Church Cathedral and gathers together a group of local, non-profit AGM MARKET agencies in ReynNOVEMBER 17 olds Hall. Each agency has an opportunity to de- Do your holiday shopping at the Alternative Giving Market, and try a scribe to us the wonderful chari- cookie or two at the Great Holiday Cookie Tasting. table work taking place in our community and to explain how we can help bring their favorite home-baked cookies for to support their needs. all to share. Drop them off at Reynolds Hall This is your chance to express the true before 10 a.m. and bring a copy of the recipe, meaning of Christmas by giving to those too. Judges will be on hand to see who is our people truly in need. With each donation, a Cathedral Master Baker for 2019. On your Christmas gift card will be provided to you marks, get set, bake! which can be given to your family and friends as a Christmas gift or gift of thanks. One hundred percent of your generous gifts will be presented to the agencies designated by you. All gifts are, of course, tax deductible. In conjunction with the AGM, we will be holding the Great Holiday Cookie Tasting. Parishioners are invited to
Eucharist serves many purposes, he notes. It provides a way for us to as“In the retelling of the Last Supsemble community and to answer per, we are all drawn into the body of a need for meaningful preparation Christ,” she says. to receive communion, whether atWe Gather Together tended by “those who are learning or At the Cathedral and in the Epis- in need of a tune-up.” copal Church, communion is open “Learning about the Eucharist to all who are baptized, not just those should not be once in a lifetime,” who are confirmed or a particular Callaham says. “Here is your opporage, explains the Rev. Art tunity to learn and to do so EUCHARIST CLASS Callaham, canon vicar. in the context of commuThe practice of coming DECEMBER 15 nity, which is the most aptogether for a communal propriate place to do so. We meal is central to the Eucharist (as do call it ‘communion’ after all.” well the secular holiday of ThanksLessner adds, “We encourage you giving), he says. “We cannot have to find your way to the table. All of us Eucharist without community.” need to be reminded that the table is The upcoming class on the set for all God’s children.”
EUCHARIST, from cover
What Canon Callaham Did this Summer Everyone has been asking the Canon Vicar how his sabbatical trip through Europe was this summer. Here’s your chance to find out! Come to the Mellinger Room on Sunday, November 3, at 6:15 p.m. to see slides and hear stories about the Callaham Family Adventures following the peripatetic steps of St. Dominic through Spain, France, Italy, and Germany. If you can’t make it but are still interested, ask Canon Callaham about his upcoming European pilgrimage trip, departing in June 2020, that also follows the path of St. Dominic. PAGE 3
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Blessing of the Animal, EMC Kick-off Dinner and Skit , Foyers Dinner, and more
IN PICTURES
Above: Cathedral staff pitched in to volunteer at The Beacon. Right: At the Foyers Kickoff Brunch, members were brought together for this year’s Foyers groups. THE BULLETIN
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Left below, below: Cute pups and pets came out for Blessing of the Ani in Oct
imals tober.
Grinning schoolchildren in Nagaseke, Uganda, photographed by Bill Wegener.
Take part in 1,000 Days of Love
Above, below: The Every Member Canvass Kick-off Dinner and Skit was a full house, with beautiful singing from Cathedral choir members. Left: Youth Confirmation kicked off this fall with a fantastic retreat.
In the Cloister Gallery: My Inner Peace
November 16–January 3 Dr. Laszlo Perlaky will have an opening reception Thursday, November 21, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Perlaky first imagines his photographs and then searches for the images during his multiple photography hikes. Starting in the dark at dawn, he waits for the magic moment visible for a few minutes at first light. When he clicks the shutter, he photographs that moment from his heart. Through his black and white photos, he shares these special moments with viewers, showing his inner peace and happiness.
A few months ago, we were reminded of the incredible work of Episcopal Relief and Development as they facilitate healthier, more fulfilling lives in communities struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster, and disease. They collaborate with communities in the U.S. on disaster relief, and around the world to address three life-changing priorities — Women, Children, and Climate — creating authentic, lasting results that can be sustained by the communities themselves. Many of you remember and supported the Cathedral’s multi-year participation in the Netsforlife® campaign. Through your generosity, our Cathedral family lived into our baptismal covenant and positively impacted thousands of lives. On September 4, 2019, the Episcopal Relief & Development launched a new campaign entitled One Thousand Days of Love. This campaign is a three-year, $3 million, church-wide fundraising campaign focused on improving the lives of children worldwide up to age six, through the Episcopal Relief & Development’s programs. “Through the One Thousand Days of Love campaign, we have the opportunity to help thousands more children reach their Godgiven potential to learn, grow, and thrive,” said the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, president of the House of Deputies of The Episcopal Church and honorary co-chair of One Thousand Days of Love. “I hope all Episcopalians will join me in giving generously to improve the lives of children around the globe.” According to Episcopal Relief & Development: “Research shows that the first 1,000 days for children are critical in setting a foundation that affects their ability to grow, learn, and thrive over their entire lives. Around the world, 155 million children under five are stunted due to inadequate nutrition and health care. Episcopal Relief & Development works with communities to ensure that children have access to food, clean water, and quality health care. “‘Love allows us to bridge great distances so that children an ocean away are as precious to us as the little ones living right down the block,’ said the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church and Honorary Co-Chair of One Thousand Days of Love. ‘Episcopal Relief & Development’s programs with children share our love with thousands of children in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. With your help, we can demonstrate God’s love to thousands more.’” To learn more about the campaign and how you can take part, please visit episcopalrelief.org/1000DaysOfLove. PAGE 5
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BROTHERS AND BISHOPS, from cover
first, drawn by the lure of playing basketball in the old Parish Hall and going out to Camp Allen which, in those days, was located on Galveston Bay in La Porte. The family’s medical expenses forced Gresham to drop out of high school and start work. Gresham’s financial support allowed his younger brother, Bill, to go to Rice Institute to study engineering. In 1929, Bill graduated from Rice and became Boys Executive at Christ Church. In September of 1929, Bill entered the Virginia Theological Seminary and graduated in 1932. Meanwhile, Gresham (despite lacking a high school diploma) entered the University of Texas and graduated with a degree in business administration. After a few months as a salesman, Gresham also entered the Virginia Theological Seminary, where he roomed with his brother. On February 4, 1931, the Christ Church vestry sent two letters to the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Texas to certify that Gresham and Bill were “worthy to be admitted to the Sacred Order of Deacons,” and they were subsequently ordained as deacons and priests by Bishop Clinton Quin. The Marmion brothers were assigned to small Texas churches and in the summers they were co-directors of Camp Allen. Gresham then served churches in Washington, D.C., before returning to Port Arthur and then Dallas. Bill then served churches in Alabama and Delaware. In 1954, Gresham was consecrated fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Kentucky. Three months later, Bill was consecrated third Bishop of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia. Two interesting facts: First, because there were not any other bishops consecrated between the brothers’ consecrations, the brothers sat side-by-side in the House of Bishops for 40 years. Second, Bill’s “home church” while Bishop of Southwestern Virginia was St. John’s Episcopal Church in Roanoke, where Dean Thompson later served as rector before coming to the Cathedral. Both Gresham and Bill championed racial equality. In 1935, while Gresham was serving churches in Eagle Lake and Columbus, Texas, a THE BULLETIN
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Poinsettia memorial Poinsettias are named in honor of Joel Roberts Poinsett, who introduced the plant in 1828 after discovering it in Southern Mexico. There are different names for the poinsettia including Flower of the Holy Night, the Crown of the Andes, the lobster flower, and the flame leaf flowers. Red and white poinsettias are a long-standing tradition at Christ Church Cathedral. Poinsettias can be given in memory or honor of someone special this Christmas. You may order online at our website. If paying by check, make your check for $10 per plant payable to Christ Church Cathedral, and on the memo line add Altar Guild poinsettias. Mail payments to Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002, Attn: Altar Guild. Please note the name of those you wish to remember, indicating if it’s a memorial. You may also visit with Lisa Viktorin (lviktorin@ christchurchcathedral.org) in the Cloister to place an order on November 24, December 1, and December 8. Donations received on or before December 9 will be listed in the Christmas dedications booklet. All others will be noted in January.
white young woman was killed near Columbus, and two African-American young men allegedly confessed. A mob of 700 forced the police to surrender the young men with the intent of hanging them. Gresham found out and went to the scene and pleaded with the mob to “let the law take its course,” but he was unsuccessful. In 1940, Gresham testified before a U.S. Senate subcommittee on federal legislation to fight lynching. In 1954, the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia had a new diocesan camp and conference center. Bishop Bill insisted that the center be integrated because discrimination was wrong, and after five years of controversy, he prevailed. He also led the integration of several parishes. Did they ever come back to their home parish of Christ Church? Yes, among other visits, they jointly solemnized the wedding of their sister, Catherine Lucille, in 1936, and in 1945, Gresham was here for the consecration of John Hines as Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of Texas. So, what do you think of that rambunctious child in the pews now? Who might he or she grow up to be? And, in case you think the influence of the Marmions no longer exists at the Cathedral, please be aware that there is a current member and former Junior Warden of the Cathedral who knew the Marmion brothers; his cousin married Bill Marmion.
The Rev. Jim Morgan leading prayer at The Beacon.
Sharing for God’s Work BY THE REV. JIM MORGAN, PASTORAL ASSOCIATE AND CHAPLAIN TO THE BEACON
One Thursday afternoon, one of our regular chronically homeless clients walked into my office and asked where I was preaching on Sunday. After I responded, he gave me a crisp $5 bill and said, “People have blessed me with some money this week, and I wanted to share some of it for God’s work.” I thanked the man and said it might be good to give the money to the Cathedral, which sponsors The Beacon. He replied, “Whatever you think is best, just make sure it gets in the plate.” The next morning, I took the gift to the Very Rev. Barkley Thompson, who graciously accepted the donation. Amazingly, this was just after the Sunday Gospel about the leper who returned to give thanks to Jesus. For me, it was a tremendous blessing to see a Bible story come to life in a new time, a new place, and a new setting — the Gospel lived out. Praise to you Lord Christ. Thank you to the Rev. Jim Morgan and everyone who works and volunteers at The Beacon for making a difference in the lives of so many.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Visit christchurchcathedral.org or call 713-222-2593 to learn more about these and other events at the Cathedral. Registration recommended
Registration required NOVEMBER 12
NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 1
FRI
All Saints’ Day Special Worship 12:05–12:45 p.m., Cathedral. Celebrating the saints and remembering the departed. This will take the place of regular mid-day worship. Bridge and Rummikub Night 6:30–9:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Enjoy a few hands of bridge or rounds of Rummikub with Cathedral friends. Bring a dish to share. NOVEMBER 3
Registration closed
SUN
Lord of the Streets 6:15–8:45 a.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 1012 Holman St. Serve breakfast to the parishioners of Lord of the Streets.
TUE
Bishop Richardson Society Event 6–8 p.m., at the home of the Tates. Members of the Bishop Richardson Society are invited to a festive celebration in thanksgiving of their inclusion of the Cathedral in their estate plans. NOVEMBER 15–17
FRI–SUN
YES and Happening Camp Allen. Diocesan spiritual retreats for 6–8th and 9–12th graders. ($) NOVEMBER 17
SUN
Micki Fine Book Signing 9:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 5:45–6:30 p.m., Bookstore. Mindfulness expert Micki Fine signs her new book for families, May All People and Pigs Be Happy.
Annual Blood Drive 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Cathedral. With the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. Organ Recital and Evensong 4:15 and 5 p.m., Cathedral. Choral Evensong with the Cathedral Choir, with a reception to follow.
NOVEMBER 3 SUN What the Vicar Did on His Summer Vacation 6:15 p.m., Mellinger Room. Hear and see all about Canon Callaham’s European tour through Spain, France, Germany, Italy, and England as part of his sabbatical where he followed the footsteps of St. Dominic. NOVEMBER 6
WED
Dean's Book Club 6:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Monthly book discussion group. NOVEMBER 10
Youth Service Day at the Beacon 7 a.m. to noon., The Beacon. This is a time for youth to work together, help others, and live out our missional calling.
Vanity of Vanities 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. This new Dean's Hour class runs until Nov. 10, where the dean will explore the idea of being in the world without clinging to it. 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. Tea and Toast 5:45 p.m., Latham Hall. Refreshments and fellowship for worshippers after The Well. Anglican Way 6:15 p.m., Sanders Hall. For those who wish to deepen their understanding of the Church, its faith, and mission. Centering Prayer 11:15–11:45 a.m., Hines Center.
NOVEMBER 17 SUN Alternative Giving Market 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Donate in the name of loved ones to various charities and outreach programs.
NOVEMBER 27 WED Thanksgiving Eve Services 6:30 p.m., Cathedral, in English. 7 p.m., in the neighborhood, in Spanish. NOVEMBER 28–29
THU–FRI
Thanksgiving Holidays Cathedral and offices are closed.
WEEKLY SUNDAYS Dean’s Hour, Adult, Youth, and Children’s Sunday School Classes 10–11 a.m., various locations.
Bring a friend!
SUNDAYS CONT.
MONDAYS
SUN
Loyalty Sunday Turn in your pledge cards for 2020!
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. (Begins Sept. 9) TUESDAYS Education for Ministry (EFM) 6:30–9 p.m., Mellinger Room. Comprehensive adult theology program. Registration for new students open until Sept. 17. ($) Seed Group — Central and West 6:30–8 p.m., off campus. Middle school youth group in a parishioner's home. 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., Mellinger Room.
Cathedral Road Show: Prayer Ladder 6:30–8 p.m., meets monthly at a choice of locations. Canon Callaham takes a close look at the meaning and practice of prayer. Tue., Nov. 12, in Montrose Tue., Nov. 15, online via Zoom Thu., Oct. 7, in Town & Country The Corinthians A weekly, co-ed Bible study on St. Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. Tue., 7–8 a.m., Mellinger Room Wed., noon–1 p.m., online via Zoom Thu., noon–1 p.m., Mellinger Room Cathedral 20s & 30s 6:30–8 p.m., BYC (Treehouse). Weekly discussion group and social gathering of young adults. Buscando la Luz 6:30–8 p.m., Mellinger Room. Spanishlanguage discussion group. Women’s Evening Bible Study 6:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. This new group will study the parables of Jesus this fall. Root Group — Central 6:30 p.m., off campus. High school youth group in a parishioner's home. THURSDAYS Branch Out 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., various locations. Minister for Youth Marcia Quintanilla visits youth in their schools.
DECEMBER DECEMBER 1
SUN
Advent Wreath Making 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. An intentional time set aside to "prepare him room" and make an Advent wreath to mark the coming of Christ.
Bilingual Eucharist 6–6:30 p.m., Golding Chapel.
St. Patrick Information Session 1 p.m., Sanders Hall. Dean Thompson will give a presentation on the St. Patrick pilgrimage.
Walk the Mourner’s Path 6–7:30 p.m., Dean’s Conference Room. A grief support ministry meeting for eight weeks. Register with Minister for Pastoral Care Jody Gillit.
Advent: A User's Guide 6:15 p.m., Mellinger Room. Ever wonder what all the fuss is about? Join Canon Callahan for a quick look at the history of Advent, the season of hope. 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 713-217-1347.
HAPPY, from page 3
be safe. May I be happy. May I feel love,” to “May YOU be safe. May WE be safe, and finally, to May ALL people and pigs be safe.” Micki will be in the Bookstore signing books and visiting from 9:45 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and 5:45–6:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 17.
The traveling mercies of LEVs BY JODY GILLIT
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20 Have surgery coming up and won’t be able to make it to church? Know someone who can’t make it to church on Sundays and wants to feel more connected to the church? Let a Lay Eucharistic Visitor bring Eucharist. Ever wonder who those folks are who come up after everyone else and hear the priest say to them “In the name of this congregation, I send you forth bearing these Holy gifts, that those to whom you go may share with us in the body and blood of Christ.” Those are your Lay Eucharistic Visitors preparing to take the sacraments consecrated THE BULLETIN
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at the altar to those who can’t be with us. Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEV) are lay persons who are authorized to take communion to the sick and the homebound following the principal celebration of the Holy Eucharist on Sundays. This ministry that serves a vital purpose for the church and its congregation to stay in communion and relationship, through the Holy Communion, with those who are unable to attend church due to illness or physical incapacity. Contact Minister for Pastoral Care Jody Gillit at 713-590-3319 or jgillit@christchurchcathedral. org if you are interested in having an LEV visit you, or if you might be interested in learning how to become an LEV.
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, November 6 A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines A deep and compassionate novel, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award. A young man who returns to 1940s Cajun country to teach visits a black youth on death row for a crime he didn’t commit. Together they come to understand the heroism of resisting. (From Amazon.com)
Wednesday, December 4 Dubliners by James Joyce An exceptional collection of stories/portraits about some of the residents of Dublin, Ireland early in the 20th century. Joyce’s writing is lyrical, intimate, and insightful. His characters run the gamut from very poor to very wealthy, and all have their personal battles, triumphs, and jarring revelations. (From Amazon.com)