WORSHIP, FORMATION

With the excitement of so many returning to church for the first time since the onset of the pandemic, Canon Vicar Kathy Pfister will host the semester kick-off at 10 a.m. on Sunday, January 9, with a campus-wide open house, so that parishioners can reacquaint themselves with Cathedral spaces and perhaps explore some nooks and crannies for the first time. Canon Pfister said, “As I get to know the Cathedral, I am blown away not only by its beauty and rich history but by the vitality of ministry that continues to this day. Cathedral Open House is an opportunity to explore this amazing campus and reconnect with what makes it so special — the people!”

The open house will include tours, demonstrations, and treats as parishioners meet Cathedral staff in the places where they do their ministry, as well as learn more about this special place and the breadth of offerings available. Also on Sunday, January 9, the 9 a.m. Holy Eucharist will include the return of the Children’s Sermon!

Beginning the following week, January 16, adult formation will be offered each Sunday morning at 10 a.m. at the Dean’s Hour in Reynolds Hall. This spring, Dean Barkley Thompson will offer courses on the Atonement and on the Celtic saints. In Lent, the Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series entitled “For the Splendor of the Whole Earth,” will include renowned speakers who share with us theology and practice that empower us to be good stewards of creation.

This year’s Lenten Series grew out of the work of the vestry’s “Caring for God’s Good Earth” Task Force, chaired by vestry member Guy Hagstette, who commented, “The underpinning of the task force’s recommendations begins with formation. We are pleased and excited that the Adult Formation Council has chosen to adopt environmental stewardship as the beginning of our collective work on creation care.” Additionally, Canon Becky Zartman and Canon Bradley Varnell will present at the Dean’s Hour this spring, providing parishioners with a wealth of personality and knowledge.

At 10 a.m. on Sundays, the Cathedral will periodically also offer “Cathedral 101,” our single-session class for newcomers to the Cathedral. In February, our seminarian intern and former educator, Katy Campbell, will offer a new course for parents on “Bravehearted Parenting,” which acknowledges that parenting is both the hardest and most rewarding job in the world.

For our parish children and youth, Minister for Children and Families KariAnn Lessner and Minister for Youth Marcia Quintanilla

Cathedral Open House, 10–11 a.m., Jan. 9

Reacquaint yourself with the Cathedral’s campus and ministry at Cathedral Open House! Join us for tours, demonstrations and treats on this special Sunday. Meet your Cathedral staff and council leadership and learn more about this special place and the breadth of offerings available.

have assembled a stellar team of volunteer teachers to provide meaningful and fun Sunday school each Sunday morning. Sunday school for children and youth in the Latino congregation will also be at 1 p.m. each Sunday, and concludes with the joining of their families for communion.

About formation for our rising generation of Cathedral parishioners, KariAnn offered, “We are committed to linking arms with the adults in these children’s lives in laying a strong foundation for their faith to grow and flourish. We are poised in the edge of a wonderful rebirthing time and are ready to do the heart work it will take to safeguard them as they grow into their full stature in Christ.” And, of course, our Childcare Center for infants and toddlers continues to be staffed with CPR-certified caregivers.

This spring, Sunday evenings after The Well will continue to include the Cathedral’s quintessentially-Anglican “Tea & Toast” fellowship time in the Latham lobby, which serves gourmet breads, jams, and hot tea. Sunday evening formation, will be offered in the form of the periodic Theology Roundtable, led by Canon Pfister, Alan Jackson, and the Rev. Betty Adam. Additionally, from January 23–February 20, Canon Zartman offers a lively course entitled “How to Bible,” providing an introduction to Holy Scripture for those who may never have opened a bible before. Canon Zartman shared her excitement about the series by saying, “Reading scripture will change your life, if you read it. But getting into it and actually understanding what’s happening isn’t easy. So if you’ve ever wanted to just know more about what’s going on in the Sunday readings, or figure out how to incorporate scripture into your spiritual life, this class is for you. I’m especially thinking about new Christians and lifelong Episcopalians. I’m kidding. Sort of. But seriously this is your chance, and I guarantee it’s going to be so fun. You’ll never see scripture the same way again.”

The weekend of January 14–16 is the Annual Parish Retreat at Camp Allen, where parishioners of all ages will enjoy the sparkling facilities of Camp Allen’s brand-new Bishop C. Andrew Doyle Campsite. The annual retreat will include food, fellowship, and formation, as well as Camp Allen activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and skeet shooting. If you have not yet registered for the retreat, you can see if openings remain at www.christchurchcathedral.org/parishretreat.

At 10 a.m. on Sunday, January 23, the Cathedral will hold the Annual Parish Meeting, at which new vestry members will be elected, the parish finances will be presented, and Dean Thompson will deliver the State of the Cathedral Address. Additionally, the annual Dean’s Cross will be awarded to a parishioner who has exhibited a lifetime of service to Christ Church.

Saturday, March 5 marks the return of the ever-popular “Touch A Truck” event, hosted by Children’s Ministry. At Touch A Truck, kids are able to walk around, climb in, and touch those awesome vehicles that are every kid’s dream, including fire trucks, ambulances, classic cars, and the like.

About spring weekend offerings, Dean Thompson said, “What a spring we have planned! Throughout the long pandemic I have been gratified by the Cathedral’s resilience and strength. As we begin a new semester, we will see these virtues in action each weekend as we gather to worship and grow in faith together.” Of course, Cathedral ministry and programming occurs not only on weekends, but throughout the week as well. This spring the Cathedral will offer weekly small group Bible studies, Young Adult programming, the Dean’s Book Club, choir rehearsals, outreach opportunities, and much more. Learn more about Cathedral spring semester offerings in the Spring Program Guide, soon to arrive in your mailbox, and at www.christchurchcathedral. org/spring2022.

Registration recommended Registration required Registration closed Childcare available (3 mo. to 12 yrs.) Bring a friend!

JANUARY

Kathy Culmer Storytelling 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Story time with master storyteller Kathy Culmer. Come enjoy a time of reflection and story with one of our diocesan treasures — Kathy Culmer, as she shares stories and tales rooted in the Epiphany. JAN. 7

Bridge Night 6:30 p.m. McGehee Conference Room. 20s & 30s First Friday Fellowship 7:30–8:30 p.m. JAN. 8

Threads of Comfort and Joy 10–11 a.m., Second Saturday of the month, on-going. A gathering for those who love to knit and crochet.

Cathedral Open House Reacquaint yourself with the Cathedral’s campus and ministry at Cathedral Open House! Join us for tours, demonstrations and treats on this special Sunday. Meet your staff and council leadership and learn more about this special place and the breadth of offerings available. JAN. 11

Community of Hope — Circle of Care 6–8 p.m., Second Tuesday of the month. JAN. 13

Alzheimer & Dementia Support Group 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Second Thursday of the month.

JAN. 14 – 16 Annual Parish Retreat 4 p.m., Jan 14 to 2 p.m., Jan 16 Camp Allen. JAN. 16 Theology Roundtable McGehee Conference Room. We continue our study of ecological theology with an emphasis on interconnection and compassion.

JAN. 20

Amazing Women of Faith 6:30 p.m. A monthly, in-person gathering of women, where the stories and lives of Amazing Women are shared and discussed. Contact Canon Becky Zartman to attend. Third Thursday of the month. JAN. 23

Annual Parish Meeting 10 a.m. Reynolds Hall. The parish meeting takes place each year. It includes the annual financial report of the church, the year-in-review of the parish and the election of new vestry members, officers of the parish and council delegates. JAN 30

Cathedral 101 10 a.m., Mellinger; 12:15 p.m., Jeffers

WEEKLY

SUNDAYS

Children’s Sunday School 10–11 a.m., Jones 201–208. Youth Sunday School 10–11 a.m., The Treehouse.

SUNDAYS Deans Hour 10 a.m. in Reynolds Hall • Jan. 16 People, Prayer and Purpose: A History of Mission • Jan. 30 Epiphany Series: The

Atonement Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 13 SUNDAYS CONT.

Cathedral Tours Following the 11 a.m. service every Sunday and after the 9 a.m. service on the third Sunday of the Month (Jan. 16) . Latino Youth Sunday School 1:30–2:30 p.m., The Treehouse. Tea and Toast 5:45–6:30 p.m. in the Bookstore and Latham Lobby.

SUNDAYS How-to Bible with Becky 6:15–7:30 p.m., Sanders Hall. Have you ever started to read the Bible but quit somewhere in Numbers? Ever wonder what’s going on in the Sunday readings? This six-week course is an introduction to Scripture. Absolutely no prior knowledge required, and there is nothing that you “should” know. Just come, learn and have fun. Led by The Rev. Canon Becky Zartman. Jan. 23–Feb. 20

TUESDAYS

Tuesday Early Morning Men & Women’s Bible Study 7–8 a.m., Zoom. Led by Canon Vicar Kathy Pfister, Hybrid Jeffers/ Zoom WEBS: Women’s Evening Bible Study 6:30–7:30 p.m., Zoom. Led by Canon Becky Zartman. Seed Group for Youth 6:30–8 p.m., alternating Tuesdays. WEDNESDAYS

Men’s Morning Bible Study 7–8 a.m., Zoom. Hosted by Dean Barkley Thompson, the Men’s Bible Study gathers weekly to explore the scriptures. No prior Bible study is required for participants. WEDNESDAYS CONT.

Women’s Morning Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Hybrid. Gather for sincere and truthful conversation on the scripture reading for the following Sunday.

WEDNESDAYS 20s and 30s Wednesday Nights 6:30–7:30 p.m. We will gather on Wednesday nights to hangout, pray, and talk about faith and life. No previous registration or participation required. Just show up! Beginning January 12. • Jan. 12 — Desired as if we were

God: God and humanity in relationship • Jan. 19 — The Five Love Languages with Marcia Quintanilla • Jan. 26 — Finding your (attachment) style with Michael DeVoll,

LPC.

Buscando la Luz/Seeking the Light 7 p.m., Mellinger. A program offered by the Latino Ministry of the Cathedral to our Spanish speaking language congregation. Jan. 5, 12, 19. THURSDAYS

Thursday Lunchtime Men & Women’s Bible Study Noon to 1 p.m., Zoom Led by Canon Bradley Varnell

UPCOMING

FEB. 2

The Dean’s Book Club The March of Folly, by Barbara Tuchman, 6:30–8 p.m. in McGehee Conference Room

FEB. 12

Saving Susannah: A Tale of Blood Ties and Homesick Hearts 7 p.m. and February 13 at 3 p.m., Sanders Hall. $20/ticket, register in advance.

1117 Texas Avenue Houston, Texas 77002-3183

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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.

Bible Study

Women’s Morning Bible Study

Wednesdays, 9:30–11 a.m. Gather for sincere and truthful conversation on the appointed scripture reading for the following Sunday. Hybrid Jeffers/Zoom.

Thursday Lunchtime Men & Women’s Bible Study

Thursdays, 12–1 p.m., Jan. 27– May 19 The book of Romans has been a major player in Christian life from (almost) the beginning. Considered Paul’s theological masterpiece, this Epistle has been commented upon by a range of figures in the history of Christianity who found more than an occasional letter, but one of the most beautiful elucidations of the Gospel. This spring in-person and on Zoom. Led by The Rev. Bradley Varnell

Men’s Morning Bible Study

Wednesdays, 7–8 a.m. Hosted by Dean Barkley Thompson, the Men’s Bible Study gathers weekly to explore the scriptures. No prior Bible study is required for participants.

2022 Shared Bible Study Curriculum

Cathedral Commons

Exploring the Prophets

Tuesday Early Morning Men & Women’s Bible Study Tuesdays, 7–8 a.m., Jan. 11- May 17. Led by The Rev. Kathy Pfister, Hybrid Jeffers/ Zoom

Women’s Evening Bible Study Tuesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Jan. 11- May 17. Led by The Rev. Becky Zartman

JAN. 18 Cathedral Commons Season Launch

9 a.m. to 1 p.m., McGehee Conference Room A learning day about the Prophets of the Hebrew Bible. Starting with a conversation about Huldah, then teaching to help read and understand the implications for today, followed by lunch — adjacent but stand-alone from the Commons Study, all are welcome.