CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
JUNE 2022 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
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Vestry Report
The many blessings of welcoming the stranger
When the Guatemalan refugee family sponsored by Christ Church Cathedral first stepped off the plane, Mission Outreach Council Chair Susan Reedy said the family was only expecting to see a caseworker from Interfaith Ministries. “They had no idea that they would have a sponsor team,” Reedy said. “They were overjoyed to see us at the airport, and they were so cute about it. They had smiles from ear to ear. We had a big ‘Welcome to Houston’ banner and balloons and flowers and stuffed animals for the kids. They were just blown away.” Reedy, who as the chair of the Mission
Outreach Council led the Cathedral initiative to sponsor a refugee family, also became the volunteer coordinator by default. “The vetting process for volunteers is long and complicated, and so for the first few months, I was just getting everyone to understand the process and get through the training,” she said. “What has happened since last August is there has been such a flood of refugees coming in, resettlement agencies like Interfaith Ministries have been working to resettle people as quickly as possible. That’s why
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Summer fellowship at the Cathedral This Summer Christ Church Cathedral is offering a variety of ways to connect with others and grow in faith together. The Rev. Bradley Varnell, Canon Missioner for Community Life and Young Adult Ministry, says fellowship is vital in the life of the church and the Christian community. “Lots of folks, lots of groups gather together for fun. And that’s great. But I think, for a church, it’s important we know why, theologically, we do what we do. I’m a big believer that everything a church busies itself with should, in some way, point back to Christ — the only reason we’re here in the first place!! So what does this mean for fellowship, friendships, and community? Well, throughout Scripture what you see is that God is always dealing with PEOPLE, not isolated individuals.
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As we move into summer, there is so much to be thankful for at the Cathedral. Many friends have shared with me the joy of attending services and events in person and greeting old and new friends, in some cases for the first time in two years. Lent was a special journey this year, with the Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series theme: “For the Splendor of the Whole Creation.” It combined inspiring messages with hands-on experi- GUY HAGSTETTE, SENIOR ences that taught and WARDEN entertained members of all ages. Congratulations to The Rev. Becky Zartman and the Adult Formation Council! We paused to support the people of Ukraine in two vigils, one in March and one in April, which raised $35,707. The funds were sent to support Ukrainian refugees through three entities: Episcopal Relief and Development, Houston’s sister city of Leipzig, Germany, and the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center in Rome, which is led by Dean Thompson’s good friend and fellow priest the Rev. Austin Rios. We then entered Holy Week on Palm Sunday. For me, it was so powerful to experience Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Great Easter Vigil services, which culminated in a full church on Easter. It truly was a resurrection in so many ways. This year, Easter was quickly followed by May Fete on May 1, when the Cathedral community came together to worship and celebrate a tradition dating to the nineteenth century. Youth confirmation was just one week later and 14 young Episcopalians and two adults joined us as confirmed communicants of the Cathedral and future leaders of the Episcopal Church. Finally, we all are keeping Dean Thompson in our prayers as he recovers
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Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with
E new members: Julio Salazar and Marisela Noriega. E newly baptised: Leihlani Pacheco, Nora Rae Jacobs, Blakelyn Cossum, Maria Genoveva Argumedo, Aaron Noriega.
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar
E on May 8 were given to the glory of God in loving memory of Mrs. James A. Haralson by her daughter, Mrs. Gary P. Pearson and her grandchildren, Gary, Jim, and Mary Bain. E on May 15 were given to the glory of God in loving memory of their parents, Priscilla Rodman Wandel and John Philip Wandel, by Gail Wandel Hendryx and Deborah Wandel Francis. E on May 22 were given to the glory of God in loving memory of Barb Hornbeck. E on June 12 are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Jody Anderson and Zinkie and Fox Benton by Jane and Bill Curtis. E on June 19 are given to the glory of God in celebration of Bob and Carol Cossum’s 70th anniversary by their family.
The flowers on the World War I Memorial
E on June 26 are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the Ordination of the newest Deacons in the Diocese of Texas by the Commission on Ministry and The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Texas.
VESTRY, from cover
Cathedral staff win awards for Communications During their annual meeting, Episcopal Communicators announced that Christ Church Cathedral staff had been awarded two Polly Bond awards for work done in 2021. These awards recognize excellence in church communications across 18 different categories and are independently judged by well-respected and experienced communications professionals outside of organization membership. The best submissions on each category receive awards. The first award we received was an Award of Excellence (first place) for the
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THE BULLETIN
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A special Evensong on Pentecost Sunday The Cathedral Choir will celebrate Pentecost with the music by British and American composers at Evensong on Sunday, June 5, beginning at 5 p.m. Featured works will be the Festival Te Deum by Benjamin Britten and Leo Sowerby’s PENTECOST EVENSONG Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in D Major. An organ recital will precede Evensong at 4:15 Sunday, 5 p.m., p.m. Daryl Robinson and Matthew Dion will perJune 5 form works by César Franck, Libby Larsen, Dietrich
from his back surgery in mid-May. Thompson plans to return to the Cathedral in midJune after following his doctor’s orders to allow a full month of rest for his back to heal. It was a busy spring, but we aren’t slowing down. After the fifty days of Easter, we will mark Pentecost on June 5, as we also begin reading and discussing To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf during Cathedral Reads. There also will be more opportunities to catch up with friends during Summer Place each Sunday at 10 a.m. Personally, I am really looking forward to “Round-Up: A Walk Thru the Bible,” June 17-19. Meanwhile, the Mission Outreach Council will be meeting the refugee family we will be helping transition to life in our country while the Justice and Peace Council begins organizing us to help neighbors in need pay down their medical debt for only pennies on the dollar. And with our Astros perennially in contention for the World Series, we won’t want to miss Episcopal Night at the Ballpark, another great event organized by The Rev. Bradley Varnell and the Community Life Council. Finally, I want to express best wishes to The Rev. Simón Bautista as he is away on a well-earned sabbatical mid-April through mid-July. I can only mention a few councils in this
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message, but your vestry, under the very able leadership of The Rev. Kathy Pfister and Bilinda Matusek as Chair of the Mission and Ministry Committee, has been hard at work facilitating the inspiring work of all of our councils. The vestry also is very thankful to all of you for pledging a record-breaking total to the Every Member Canvass, which makes our job of ensuring we have the resources to offer so much throughout the year much easier. To that end, we celebrated a big victory when our Treasurer, Mike Bullington, joined Patrick Saccomanno and Karen Kraycirik in announcing our sale of state historic tax credits of over one million dollars earned from the “Sowing the Seed” campaign’s restoration of our historic buildings. Of course, these beautiful but old structures require the ongoing tender loving care of our Junior Warden Flo Ray and the entire Building and Grounds Committee. Whether it is solving sudden electrical surges, replacing aging boiler vents, sealing leaking pipes, or (God forbid) fixing malfunctioning air-conditioning, Flo, Karen and the entire committee are on top of it! It is such a joy to share this incredible place with all of you. Please join me as we worship, serve, learn and enjoy everything the Cathedral has to offer over the coming summer months.
A Christian response to medical debt NAN MORRIS
Last month the Mission Outreach and Justice & Peace Councils announced their joint project to help alleviate medical debt. But why is this project so important? And what is our Christian response to this problem?
What is it and who needs help? For those who like numbers, the US Census Bureau defines a high medical debt burden as debt that exceeds 20% of a household’s annual income. According to the Bureau, as of April 2021, 19% of U.S. households could not pay for medical care right away, and there was no difference in the share of households above and below the poverty threshold (19% in both groups). More than 1 in 4 households, with at least one member with a disability, had medical debt. Their report gives a number of other statistics and concludes saying “these estimates indicate that while fully insured households held less medical debt, they may still struggle to afford health care. was an important aspect of Jewish law. Its aim If you can’t pay your medical bill, several was to preserve a stable society and ensure things can happen. The hospital or physician some type of economic security to each housemay try to follow up and collect the debt or hold, no matter what their temporary misforthey may hire a collection agency. They can tune. Obviously the subject isn’t new and has also sell your debt to another entity. At this existed way before the advent of the credit card. point, you no longer owe the Our councils are partnerdebt to the original provider, ing with a national 501(c)(3) you owe another party instead. As they put it, “being sick nonprofit — RIP Medical Debt, The ramifications are many. You is not a crime but medical started by two former collecmay avoid getting follow-up care tions professionals — that lodebt turns it into one.” or preventative care until it’s too cates, buys, and forgives unpaid late. You may become delinquent medical debt. As they put it, “beon other bills or bankrupt. As shown above, the ing sick is not a crime but medical debt turns Census Bureau presents the issue through its it into one”. Through their search engine, they impact on households. This means individuals can locate debt in specific geographic areas and families, as well as the larger society, feel and, with donations like ours, buy medical debt the enormous knock-on effect. portfolios in bulk and retire them. The Bible A Christian Response also has something to say about the power of There are many layers to medical debt and small things, like mustard seeds. Our councils multiple opinions on how to solve it. People seek to raise $5,000 by July 10 which will in turn are expected to pay their debts. Yet “debt” is a extinguish approximately $500,000 worth of loaded term. The word “debt” can be a stum- debt. Additionally Dean Thompson has combling block to solutions as it can separate us mitted to match up to $5,000 from the Dean’s into “me versus you”. “I have insurance; I saved Discretionary Fund. So, if we raise $5,000, he’ll my money.” As opposed to “we” as members of match $5,000 and we can retire up to $1 milthe Body of Christ. So what does a Christian lion in debt. The leverage factor is huge. Please response to debt relief look like? Fortunately join us in this important mission where the gift there is no shortage of examples here. Both of a little can relieve so much. A tab for donations will be posted on the Cathe Old and New Testaments have numerous parables and lessons about debt and compas- thedral’s website starting in June. To donate go to the the QR code above or vission: Jesus at the Home of the Pharisee; the Unforgiving Servant; Deuteronomy 15:2 and even it www.christchurchcathedral.org/medicaldebt. For more information on RIP Medical Debt The Lord’s Prayer. The concept of the sabbatical and Jubilee years, where debt was extinguished, go to — www.ripmedicaldebt.org
Summer Place Summer Place offers parishioners a unique opportunity for fellowship, food and a chance to learn about our incredible array of Cathedral ministries. Each week, a different Cathedral council will host a special presentation in Reynolds Hall. Join us Sunday mornings, June 5 through August 14. Cathedral councils serve a specialized area of ministry through organizing special events and helping to resolve and uplift parish needs. As Bilinda Matusek, vestry member and chair of the Mission and Ministry committee notes, the Councils are a special part of Cathedral ministry. “The council system is unique and works especially well for the Cathedral. Each member serves a 3-year staggered term, and you’re able to develop leaders from within the community,” Matusek said. Councils range from 5 to 15 members, with a leadership team at the core of the group. “I like to refer to them as the triumvirate” says Senior Warden Guy Hagstette. “Each council is led by the council chair, a Cathedral staff member and a member of the vestry.” Summer Place offers the opportunity to highlight a different Cathedral council, learn about their work and connect with parishioners they may not always see each week. It offers attendees a chance to hear about Cathedral ministries, their accomplishments, and what they’re working toward for the upcoming year. “It also gives people the opportunity to explore and learn about our ministries in a safe and inviting way,” says Matusek. As some people may feel hesitant to approach someone directly about an area of interest,
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THE BULLETIN
Confirmation, May Fete, and more
IN PICTURES
Left, above: Confirmation: The Rt. Rev. Kathryn M. Ryan presided as 14 young Episc and two adults joined us as confirmed communicants of the Cathedral.
Above: The Cathedral Choir is up ready to perform for the 6:15 A.M. ANZAC Day service April 25. THE BULLETIN
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Right: The Costa Rica Team from Christ Church Cathedral, Houston, and St. James’, Aust at the Canterbury House in College Station in preparation for their m
Above: The May Pole Dance was a joyous performance in the Bishop’s Courtyard during May Fete. Below left, below right: The 2022 May Fete King and Queen pose in their crowns.
copalians
tin, met up for training mission trip June 19-27 PAGE 5
THE BULLETIN
WELCOMING, from cover
not everyone has a sponsor.” While the Cathedral had already been working with Interfaith Ministries to be matched with a family, the volunteers found out about their specific family just five days before they arrived. Reedy likened the experience to adopting a baby. “You don’t know where they are going to come from,” she said. While the initial intent of the Cathedral was to sponsor an Afghan family, the council told Interfaith Ministries that they wanted to sponsor whoever needed them. That turned out to be the family of four from Guatemala, part of an extended family, other members of which are being sponsored by Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church. “That’s nice that the two families are together,” Reedy said. “We’re sponsoring one and Palmer is sponsoring the other.” Reedy explains that there are different levels of sponsorship available, and the Cathedral wanted to provide assistance with welcoming the family by setting up their apartment and collecting the household items they would need. “In those five days we gathered furniture donations, shopped for household supplies, and provided their first week of groceries,” she said. “We gathered all that and moved it into their apartment and set it up so that it was ready for them.” There were Spanish-speaking Cathedral volunteers in the welcome party, which helped with communication. Also helpful is the fact that the mother of the family, Maria, is fluent in English.
“We’ve had a very easy time understanding Houston is. It’s just a breath of fresh air to see each other,” Reedy said. people who are so excited to be here.” The team has been careful not to bring up The Cathedral has already given the famanything about the family’s former situation ily a boost by providing the things that they which might be traumatic to relive. would otherwise have had to purchase out of “All refugees who qualify for refugee status their allotted government assistance. are under some kind of political, religious, “They are able to hold on to their savings or ethnic persecution,” Reedy said. “The first and buy their children new clothes and things thing out of Maria’s mouth like that while they are getwas that she was so relieved ting on their feet,” Reedy to be safe and so relieved said. “We give them a head “We give them a head start that her children were safe. start that way, but also our that way, but also our main She didn’t say it with a downmain mission is to just mission is to just welcome the trodden attitude. She just welcome the stranger and stranger and make them feel said it with the biggest smile make them feel Christ’s Christ’s love wherever they go, on her face, like she was exlove wherever they go, recrecognizing that they’ve taken a uding gratitude. It was really ognizing that they’ve taken very arduous and difficult path precious because it made you a very arduous and difficult to get here. realize all that a family will path to get here. We just do to get away from a daily want to make the road a dangerous existence.” little smoother for them.” The Cathedral’s official commitment is for This is the first family that the Cathedral six months, but Reedy said they hope to be has sponsored and Reedy says that now that a mentor to the family long after. For now, the team has the training, they will be able to they’ve collected all the material goods need- hit the ground running faster if the Cathedral ed. The new focus is to help them feel at home takes on more families in the future. in a new city and a new country. Reedy said “It’s been such a blessing to know these that the family has already asked if they could people,” Reedy said. “They love us, and it’s come to church at the Cathedral. The answer very easy to love them. It’s been fun, and the was an emphatic yes. children are really happy. It’s amazing how “They are very eager to hit the ground run- much joy it gives you to do work like this. ning to find jobs, educate their elementary-age All the time and energy spent is fulfilling bechildren, and they are very eager for everyone yond anyone’s wildest dreams, and it must be in the family to learn English,” Reedy said. “We because you’re in lockstep with what you are got them a bus pass and a map of the Houston supposed to be doing.” metro routes and the very next day they took For more information about any ongothe bus to Hermann Park. They want to see ev- ing needs for the family, please e-mail Susan erything. They are fascinated by what a big city Reedy at susan.reedy@comcast.net.
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Buxtehude, Larry King’s “Revelations of St. John the Divine” for organ and pre-recorded tape, and David Briggs’ “Variations on Veni Creator” for organ duet. Children are welcome and encouraged to attend either the service or our professionally staffed childcare. You are also encouraged to join us for a reception in Reynolds Hall following the service. Evensongs are the perfect opportunity to invite new friends or those curious about our Cathedral. This evensong is one of six choral evensongs throughout the year celebrating the major liturgical feast days. THE BULLETIN
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DARYL ROBINSON
Youth Ministry offers Summer Shade
MATTHEW DION
Summer Shade returns on June 16 with a spectacular lineup! Every Thursday night we will gather at 6 p.m. for a movie night, activity night, or game night. This year our lineup will even include a trip to watch the Astros! You can’t miss it! Summer Shade is for rising 6th graders through seniors who just graduated. Friends are welcome. This is a great opportunity to gather as a community for fellowship and fun! Registration is required for each Thursday event. See what we have planned at: www.christchurchcathedral.org/summershade
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Visit christchurchcathedral.org/events or call 713-222-2593 to learn more about these and other events at the Cathedral. Registration recommended
Registration required
JUNE JUNE 1 The Dean’s Book Club 6:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Dispatches From Pluto, by Richard Grant JUNE 3 Bridge Night 6:30 p.m. McGehee Conference Room.
Registration closed
JUNE 12
JUNE 23
Not Afraid of Virginia Woolf: Reading To the Lighthouse 2 p.m. Sunday, Zoom. With scholar Emma Ridder of UCLA.
THURSDAYS
“Little Daily Miracles:” Creativity and Modern Life | Cathedral Reads 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Zoom.
To the Lighthouse with Loose Canons 12:05-12:55 p.m., Sanders Hall, June 16, 23, 30 and July 14, 21, 28.
JUNE 16
WEEKLY
RSCM Gulf Coast Evensong 6-7:30 p.m., The Cathedral
JUNE 5 Pentecost Evensong 5 p.m. in the Cathedral. Preceded by Organ concert at 4:15. JUNE 8-10 CUSE Houston Mission 8 a.m. in the Treehouse for Youth. JUNE 9
JUNE 17-19 The Round-Up An opportunity to gather together as a church family during the summer for a time of fellowship, intergenerational learning, and fun! We will be learning with Walk Thru the Bible: Old Testament!
Alzheimer & Dementia Support Group 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Zoom. Second Thursday of the month. JUNE 11 Threads of Comfort and Joy 10–11 a.m. Mellinger. A gathering for those who love to knit and crochet.
Through August:
COMFORT CALLS
from the Vestry
A Vestry representative will call you to ask how we’re doing and to hear your hopes and concerns
SUMMER PLACE, from page 3
Summer Place provides a safe space to connect and learn. Be sure to check out Summer Place starting with the Vestry on June 5. SCHEDULE June 5 Vestry June 12 Youth Ministry Council June 19 Pastoral Care and National Cathedral Choristers June 26 Stewardship July 3
Community Life
July 10 Justice and Peace July 17 Mission Outreach Council July 24 Latino Ministry Council July 31 Welcome and Newcomers Council Aug. 7
Childcare available (3 mo. to 12 yrs.)
Christian Formation & the Arts: Cathedral Reads Discussion
Aug. 14 Young Adults and Jerusalem Peace Builders
Summer Shade 6th graders–graduating seniors.
SUNDAYS
June 16 Movie Night: Jurassic World Dominion
Summer Place 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall, June 5-August 14.
June 23 Activity Night: Let’s Make Pizza! with Alli
Art Space at Summer Place 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. For kids and kidsat-heart for a time of creative expression. June 5-July 31 (not meeting July 3).
June 30 Game Night: Cidercade
Cathedral Tours Tours are held every Sunday following the 11 a.m. service. They will also be held the third Sunday of each month (June 19) following services at 9 a.m. and The Well.
JULY 21
UPCOMING Lily Briscoe’s Painting Party 7 p.m. Art Cellar Houston, 1809 Eldridge Pkwy #210 Registration Required Cost: $20/individual, scholarships available. JULY 28
SUNDAYS To the Lighthouse Small Groups Six-week series June 12, 19, and 26. 2 p.m. Location TBA
Episcopal Night at the Ballpark 5 p.m. pre-game in The Bishop’s Courtyard. Walk to ballpark. Opening pitch at 7:10 p.m. $33 for adults, $16 for kids 12 and under. Purchase tickets in advance: www.christchurchcathedral.org/astros AUG. 7 All Cathedral Reads Conversation 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall.
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Making Our Home for Faith booklet containing resources for spiritual practices specific to the seasons of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. This was a guide for parishioners to make use of during the pandemic intended to offer ways to enrich our spiritual practice in daily life. The award was granted to Christ Church Cathedral Ministry Staff and Communications Team. The Making Our Home for Faith project was created and overseen by The Rev. Kathy Pfister. The Rev. Becky Zartman, along with dozens of parishioners and ministry staff, contributed by developing and finding available resources for inclusion. The layout and graphic design work for the booklet was done by Publications Editor Mark Bohenick. Making Our Home for Faith is available at: www.christchurchcathedral.org/homeforfaith The second award was an Award of Merit (second place) for the 2021 EMC Dinner Skit Video, written and produced by COO and Minister for Stewardship, Karen Kraycirik. This award was granted to both Kraycirik and Cathedral staff who invested time in working together under Kraycirik’s direction to pull together her vision to highlight the great ministries engaged at the Cathedral. The Polly Bond Awards ceremony is held each year in conjunction with the Episcopal Communicators annual conference, which was held May 3-5, in Savannah, Georgia this year. A full list of winners can be found at: https://episcopal-communicators.wildapricot.org/ Polly-Bond-Award-Winners. 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.
SUMMER FELLOWSHIP, from cover
Even when God speaks to an individual person and tasks them with something, it’s for the sake of a larger group — the family, the tribe, the clan, the nation. God is deeply, deeply concerned with communal relationships. The Good News of Christ is, in large part, the Good News that people who were separated have now been joined together — with God and with one another. When we gather for fellowship, when we invest in relationships, we are celebrating what God makes possible. Further, the great hope Christians await is the “marriage feast of the lamb”, an Image taken from Revelation 19:7. And, basically, it’s this big party where the saints and angels celebrate with God that heaven and earth have come together. It’s the ultimate sign of God’s desire to be WITH humanity. When we gather — whether it’s for book studies, baseball games, or just to hang out — ideally we are gathering to offer some kind of foretaste of that banquet, a little taste of what awaits us in heaven. Getting together is a theological imperative, because it lets us get a glimpse of the great party we’ve all been invited to, a party that won’t ever end.” THE BULLETIN
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Summer Place June 5-August 14 Starting June 5 for the Summer, a different council hosts each Sunday at 10 a.m. in Reynolds Hall. www.christchurchcathedral. org/summerplace
Art Space at Summer Place June 5-July 31 We break out the arts and crafts supplies for kids and kids-at-heart for a time of creative expression! (There will be no Art Place on Sunday, July 3.)
Summer Shade June 16-August 4 Summertime events for Youth, rising 6th graders through graduating seniors. www. christchurchcathedral.org/ summershade
Cathedral Reads June 12 through August 2 This program will be centered on a literary journey To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf. The Cathedral will offer a selection of events throughout the summer to include lectures, small group conversations, and our annual all-cathedral discussion with Dean Thompson. www.christchurchcathedral.org/ cathedralreads
The Round-Up June 17-19 An opportunity to gather together as a church family for learning and fun. This weekend adventure includes food, special music, and uses curriculum from Walk Thru the Bible in 5 lessons, covering the major events, geography, and people in the Old Testament. It is free and open for all ages. www. christchurchcathedral.org/roundup
Episcopal Night at the Ballpark July 28 Enjoy hot dogs, sodas, Cracker Jacks, and more! Gather in the Bishop’s Courtyard at 5 p.m. for some of your favorite ballpark treats, a raffle, and a guest appearance by the Shooting Stars. After the pre-game fun, the opening pitch will be at 7:10 p.m. www. christchurchcathedral.org/astros