CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
AUGUST 2022 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY CARE LINE | 713-826-5332
An important announcement from the Dean and Senior Warden The following letters were originally shared with the Cathedral congregation on July 5. Dear Cathedral Family and Friends,
Heeding a call to serve When Lay Eucharistic Visitor Keith Frazier thinks about what inspires him to serve at Christ Church, he reflects on a lyric from a praise song by Andy Gullahorn — “…Walking through a garden of a thousand burning bushes looking up to heaven for a sign.” “I think faith calls us always,” Frazier said. “Most of us don’t listen because we are waiting for God to come down and say, ‘I want you.’” The “call,” however, can be as simple as a willingness to match an interest with a need. Or just saying yes to an ask. For longtime Cathedral member Flo Ray, teaching the Bible is an abiding interest. She has taught Sunday School to both children and adults and said that the experience prepared
her well for a 21-year stint as the religion teacher at Episcopal High School. “I really believe the words that are in the prayer book,” Ray said. “We say things like we are going to praise God not only with our lips but in our lives. That sticks with me. If I have that attitude that God has prepared me to walk into a good work today, I might notice it when it comes up. That’s part of why I do things, but I also do things because they’re fun.” Since the 1970s Ray has volunteered in a wide range of roles. Ray was the first chair of the former Christian Education Council, now known as Adult Formation, and served as a member of the
CALL TO SERVE, page 6
Rally against world hunger On Sunday, September 11th the Cathedral will Rally Against Hunger as we gather to pack 100,000 meals for our neighbors across the globe. Following a combined service at 10 a.m., we will work shoulder to shoulder to measure, bag, seal, and box 100,000 meals that will be shipped to the hungriest regions on our planet. With decades of experience, our partners at Rise Against Hunger will bring the raw materials and organize our efforts. Our job is to provide a willing spirit and working hands. The pack will take place in
RALLY, page 7
Sunday, Sept. 11
Just over a decade ago, I entered the search process that resulted in me being called as the eighth dean of Christ Church Cathedral. I accepted the call to serve as dean with boundless joy. Our ten years of shared ministry have enlivened me beyond belief, as together we’ve proclaimed God in the midst of the city THE VERY REV. (Psalm 46:5). I have BARKLEY loved this decade with THOMPSON you, as I deeply love Christ Church. Both globally and personally, the past year has been one of challenge. Throughout the year, I have had occasion for discernment and introspection, as I have imagined what fidelity to my calling as a priest will look like for the next decade of ministry. Additionally, as Jill and I prepare to become empty nesters this summer, we have also considered how we might respond to this change in our household makeup. During this same time, the wonderful parish of St. Mark’s in Little Rock, Arkansas began a rector search after the retirement of its long-time rector. St. Mark’s is the largest parish in Little Rock. It is a congregation I have observed, and whose fidelity to the Gospel I have admired, for more than twenty-five years. St. Mark’s is a vibrant place that shares Christ Church’s commitments both to
ANNOUNCEMENT, page 3
Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with
E New Members: Michelle Menjivar and Richard Paredes, Ahmad and Husnia Sayed, and Taylor Kidd. E Births: Leon Francis Landry (Parents: Matt and Keisha Landry). E Baptisms: Ophelia Collins, Frances Jackson, and Roslyn Evans.
We extend heartfelt sympathy
E to the family of Marvin Nelson Lasater who passed away on June 3, 2022. James is father to Jeff Lasater. E to the family of Fred Deen Herring who passed away on May 20, 2022. Fred is father to Lucy Chambers. E to the family of Betty Trelford Hellmann who passed away on June 4, 2022. Betty is mother to Richard Hellmann. E to the family of Sandra B. Altman who passed away on June 12, 2022. Sandy is spouse to Dian Austin. E to the family of Charles W. Ligon who passed away on June 14, 2022. Charles is father to Katharine and Louise Zipps. E to the family of Patrice Schexnayder who passed away on June 28, 2022. Patrice is spouse to Barry Schexnayder and mother to Johnny and Will Schexnayder. E to the family of The Rev. Betty Conrad Adam who passed away on June 30, 2022. Betty is spouse to member Ken Adam.
Flowers on the Cathedral Altar E on July 10 were given to the glory of God in loving memory and thanksgiving for the life, service and compassion of The Rev. Betty Conrad Adam. E on July 17 were given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the dedication and service of the councils of Christ Church Cathedral. E on July 31 were given to the glory of God in loving memory of Canon John Logan.
Enhancing client care at The Beacon The CEO of The Beacon, Becky Landes, is pleased to announce that Stephanie Truong has been selected as the organization’s Chief Program Officer. This newly added CPO position will ensure quality of services across all the organization’s programs and offerings for individuals in need. While the position is new, Truong has been with The Beacon for more than six years, starting as a staff attorney within the Beacon Law program and eventually being promoted to Program Director in 2020. Landes shared, “Stephanie is passionate about giving a voice to the marginalized in order to achieve a positive social impact. That passion, her ‘can do’ attitude, along with her persistence to find the best path forward in any scenario, are characteristics that will serve her well in her new role.” During her time at The Beacon, Truong has made it a priority to focus on best pracSTEPHANIE TRUONG tice models for client care and engagement beyond traditional legal aid. She has completed training in evidencebased approaches such as Motivational Interviewing and was certified as a trauma-informed trainer through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in 2019. In addition to her progressive management experience and familiarity with local nonprofits, Truong’s social work and law degrees have prepared her to lead The Beacon’s program development into the future.
Education for Ministry fertile ground to grow your faith The Education for Ministry (EfM) program is now accepting new students for the 2022–2023 year. EfM at the Cathedral meets on Tuesdays. There is a morning group that meets from 9:30 am to noon, and an evening group that meets from 6:30 to 9 p.m. starting September 6, 2022. Both groups meet in person in the Latham Building. Like the mustard seed, we need fertile soil to grow. EfM is the fertile soil and we are the mustard seeds. Learning about the Old and New testaments, church THE BULLETIN
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history, and discovering theology is the light shining on the soil, warming it so the seed will sprout. Bringing the light of what we learn to share in an intimate group setting each week allows for insights and growth — new affirmations and understandings — that can sustain and support us in our lives as Christians living day-to-day in the world. EfM was developed by the School of Theology of the University of the South to introduce lay persons to theology their clergy
studied. We meet in small groups on the parish level. The seminar group is the nucleus of the EFM program. A group consists of six to twelve participants and a trained mentor meeting weekly over the course of a ninemonth academic year. The course content includes EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY Old Testament, New Testament, church history, Tuesdays, starting September 6 and theology. For more information on tuition, registration, or about EfM in general contact Lucy Wagner at: lmwagner1219@ gmail.com.
ANNOUNCEMENT, from cover outreach and to a culture of embrace for all of God’s people. Additionally, Arkansas is my home state and is still the home to all of both Jill’s family and mine. Earlier this spring, St. Mark’s search committee and I engaged in conversation, and with bittersweet emotion I write to you to share that I have accepted St. Mark’s call to become their next rector. Over the past ten years at Christ Church, we have walked the Way of Jesus together. We have grown as a parish, both numerically and financially; revitalized Cathedral ministry; emerged stronger from Hurricane Harvey; restored our historic Cathedral; increased our outreach; persevered through a global pandemic; and positioned Christ Church for a future filled with hope
(Jeremiah 29:11). Beyond this good work, when I recall all of the Cathedral parishioners I have baptized, married, and buried—when I recall all the ways that we have traveled the journey together—I know that Christ Church will always be a part of me, and a part of my heart will always remain with you. My final Sunday at Christ Church will be August 14. As I reflect upon our tenure together, I am reminded of St. Paul’s encouragement to the Christians at Colossae: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15). I am thankful for, and to, each of you. Grace and peace, The Very Rev. Barkley Thompson Dean
memory, and we will certainly cherish our memories of Dean Thompson’s time with The past decade has been one of growth us, we are also a community of hope and exand excitement for Christ Church Cathedral, pectation for an even better future. God has and Dean Thompson’s leadership, youthful great plans for us, and in this moment, we energy, spiritual guidance and unceasing have work to do. hard work have played an instrumental role. Since being informed of the news, your Both as a community and as individuals, Junior Warden, Flo Ray, past wardens Matt we have been transformed. We will be forWareing and Erin McMillin, and I have ever grateful for his time with us, and we will taken initial steps to prepare Christ Church always love Barkley, Jill, Griffin, and Eliza. Cathedral for those plans. Bishop On the evening of Saturday, August Doyle has provided guidance about 13, we will host a parish-wide event the transition. The vestry is already to celebrate the past ten years with hard at work to identify interim Dean Thompson and his family. dean candidates and commission a Our transformation under Dean search committee that will find our Thompson’s guidance is not transinew dean. Our hopes are to have an tory nor is it dependent upon his GUY HAGSTETTE, interim dean in place by Rally Day presence here in Houston. For while SENIOR and for the search committee to beour deans and rectors always have WARDEN gin its work soon thereafter, with our been very important, our foundation new dean selected by spring 2023. When is built on this community — each and every we begin our search, Episcopal priests from one of us. The Cathedral has grown in imthroughout the Church will take note beportance for me — after more than a quarter cause we are unique — a historic cathedral century and the tenures of three deans — in in an urban setting with very solid finances large part because of the amazing people I joined with a thriving parish that is focused have met sitting in the pews each Sunday. Fion God’s work through worship, formation nally, Dean Thompson hired well, and we will and mission. continue to be blessed by our four dedicated We stand on the shoulders of the saints priests and a committed staff, all of whom who came before us. We must now live into are unmatched in the Episcopal Church. that same commitment, so we and future This is not the first time our community generations can continue God’s work just has faced such a transition, and after the as we have since 1839. The vestry and I will departures of almost two dozen rectors and keep you informed as we venture into this deans, we continued to grow and thrive. We new era together. will celebrate our 200th anniversary in 17 Yours faithfully, years, and I fully expect this church to be at the corner of Texas and Fannin in another Guy Hagstette 200 years. For while we are a community of Senior Warden Dear Cathedral Family and Friends,
Celebration of ministry for Barkley and Jill Thompson The Thompsons will be returning to their beloved home state of Arkansas in just a few short weeks and beginning a new ministry in Little Rock. We have been privileged to share life with the Dean and his lovely wife Jill for the last nine and a half years. Their children, Griffin and Eliza, have grown up before our eyes and are now university students. But before the Thompsons leave Houston, we need to have a party! The Vestry of the Cathedral would like to invite you to a Celebration of Ministry for the Thompsons on Saturday, August 13th at 7 p.m. in Reynolds Hall. Food and beverages will be served in grand Cathedral style. Parking will be available in the garage. The event is free, but we do need you to RSVP at http://www.christchurchcathedral.org/ rsvpthompsoncelebration so that we can get a headcount for food (and the fire marshal). There will be a slide show, so if you have any photos of Barkley, Jill, or a group that includes either or both of them, please send image files as .jpg, .png, or .tiff to Brant Mills at bmills@ christchurchcathedral.org. We look forward to sharing stories, laughs, and memories with you! PAGE 3
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Costa Rica Mission Trip and more
IN PICTURES
Above: Dean Thompson discusses medical debt relief with parishioners at Summer Place on July 10.
Above: Costa Rica Mission Trip THE BULLETIN
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Above: Members of the Latino Ministry Council host Su
Don’t miss Cathedral Fall Gatherings Hosted in the homes of parishioners throughout Houston, Fall & Spring Gatherings bring together clergy, staff, and parishioners in a more intimate setting for a chance to mix and mingle. We hope you’ll join us at one of our four Gatherings this season. Building community at the Cathedral is important! Our faith isn’t individual, but deeply, deeply communal. It’s not a mistake that every Sunday the Nicene Creed speaks of what “we” believe. Getting to know the folks we share the pew with isn’t just a nice perk of going to church — it’s a requirement! To better be the Body of Christ in our little corner of the world, we have to know our fellow members — their gifts, talents, strengths, and weaknesses. It’s through these fellow members that we experience the love and grace of God — and, at times, the mercy and forgiveness of God. In a large place, building a community is a little more challenging than at a smaller parish. One way we hope to help you and your families find “your people” at the Cathedral is through our Gatherings! They provide a great opportunity to meet folks from all across the Cathedral in a more relaxed setting. You can expect food, drinks, and a really good time chatting with new and old friends. Take a look at our Fall Gathering dates, mark them in your calendar, and RSVP to Lisa Cantu. We can’t wait to see you there!
Fall Gatherings Sept. 29 Oct. 3, 10, 24 Location information to come.
ummer Place on July 24.
Make a difference with Kids Hope BY JENNIFER SICKMAN
For more than 15 years, in spite of the interruptions and stresses of hurricanes, flooding, and pandemics, a cadre of volunteers for Kids Hope at Christ Church Cathedral has provided reliable, caring, one-on-one mentoring, project partnerships, reading buddies, and program support for at-risk students and their teachers at public schools in the Cathedral neighborhood. During this past academic year through a variety of online and in person efforts including partnering with students in holiday craft projects and Lego Imagination build, Kids Hope volunteers shared their time and attention with more than three dozen students. This month, Bruce Elementary holds its annual Back to School event. Kids Hope expects more than 50 students to sign up, requesting a Kids Hope mentor of their very own. Unfortunately, as in previous years, this means we will most likely have more sign ups than we have mentors. If you can find a few hours available to share with an elementary-aged student, you will find that the experience will not only help a child in need, but will also expand your own
world view, connecting you to the extended Cathedral neighborhood. Most likely you will also discover what is common sentiment among mentors, mentors get as much out of the experience as the children they mentor, reaping rewards that far exceed the time and energy they invest. Please consider joining Kids Hope. There are a myriad of roles available to meet a variety of volunteer schedules, preferences and talents. The need is there, and it is greater than ever. Stop by the Kids Hope table Sunday morning in the cloister and talk to a Kids Hope volunteer about their experiences. Ask about how you might get involved, or contact Jennifer Sickman, Kids Hope Director at KidsHope@ ChristChurchCathedral.org. Join us! You will be glad you did. Kids Hope USA is a national organization that provides resources for volunteer mentors for children from underprivileged backgrounds in a school setting. At Christ Church Cathedral Kids Hope is sponsored by the congregation through donations and volunteers, and supported by a cadre of volunteers who mentor, pray and plan activities for each school year. PAGE 5
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CALL TO SERVE, from cover
Conferencia Te
Conferencia Te is where women get together for discussion. We will have a special guest or a presentation from a member of the Latino Community discussing the topic that the team has chosen. It’s a good way to learn from CONFERENCIA TE one another and August 20 to share our stories together. The event will be August 20, 6-8 p.m. in the Mellinger Room. For more information please contact Sylvia García, assistant to the Latino Ministry, at 713-590-3329 or email sgarcia@christchurchcathedral. org or Amarilis Bautista-Vargas, Coordinator for Conferencia Te at 240-515-6991.
Religion and the Arts Council. She has been on the Altar Guild for many years. “When I was a little girl, my grandmother took me with her to do her Altar Guild things on Saturdays,” Ray said. “The way she treated everything with holiness and respect made an impression on me.” After retirement, Ray chose to work one morning a week at the Beacon and also joined a Wednesday morning Bible Study that she later ended up leading. “You can’t prepare a lesson without learning it first,” she said. “My Bible study teaches me something every single week.” Ray currently serves on the Vestry as a Junior Warden and is a member of the 9 o’clock choir. “We rehearse one hour a week during the school year, and I absolutely love it,” she said. “People say, ‘I would love to sing in the choir but I’m not very good,’ and I say, ‘that’s why you come to the choir practice.’ Our choir director is one of the best voice teachers for amateurs I think anywhere.” Member Kristin Johnson, who has been at the Cathedral since 2005, said that her Council experiences have enriched her life. As a member of the Children’s Ministry Council, she relished making worship bags for the children. “It was a very quiet time to sit in the sanctuary,”
Blood Drive, September 18 Christ Church Cathedral is hosting a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 18 in Sanders Hall. All it takes is one blood donation to help save up to 3 lives. Perhaps you know someone who has received a donation or heard the stories of many young children undergoing bone marrow transplants for cancer and requiring multiple transfusions to save their lives or the child with severe sepsis requiring prolonged hospitalization and many transfusions to save her life. There are many more stories yet there will always be a need for blood and blood products. You must reserve a time to donate in advance. Sign up for a time at: www.christchurchcathedral.org/blooddrive THE BULLETIN
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Johnson said. “I had a lot of opportunities for reflection.” Next, Johnson served on the Justice and Peace Council. “I was drawn to the work that they were just beginning to do with migrants and asylum seekers,” she said. “We took a trip to a refugee camp on the southern border. It woke me up to the understanding that small gestures of service can make a tremendous difference.” Later Johnson organized another trip to the border with Canon Simón Bautista — a third one is in the works — and rolled onto the Mission Outreach Council. Here she is helping to expand migrant ministries, in part through the recent Cathedral adoption of a refugee family from Guatemala. “I greatly benefited from the way that the Council system is set up,” she said. “It provides an opportunity for fellowship and service and a way to find your passion. For me, that trip to the border was my Holy Spirit moment, in that I felt like my eyes were opened to a new perspective.” Parishioner Bob Richter said that God doesn’t always speak to him in any language he understands but it certainly doesn’t stop him from volunteering. “I like helping people, and I think Jesus told us that’s what we need to be doing,” he said. In 30 years at the Cathedral, Richter has said yes a lot. He’s headed usher teams and mentored elementary school children. He served as chairman of the Altar Guild and of the Every Member Canvass. “I’ve done quite a number of things at the Cathedral, and oftentimes I didn’t even choose them,” Richter said. “I started being a Lay Eucharistic Visitor because of Canon Luchy Littlejohn who asked if I’d be interested in doing something like that. I told her I didn’t know anything about it but I’d sure like to learn.” Now, for Frazier, the role of Lay Eucharistic Visitor is the only one that he wants to do after years of service in other areas. “It is the thing that gives me the most joy,” he said. “It’s personal and it is intimate.” Frazier said that one of the reasons he goes to church is for communal worship. “I’m 74 now. What happens one day when I’m sitting at home and I can’t go to church?” he asks. “I would miss that. I would hope that someone will come to me and bring me communion to help me feel a part of the community. It’s about not being alone.” For those thinking about volunteering, Ray said there is a place for everyone. “Don’t tell me what you can’t do, tell me what you can do and what you like to do,” she said. Learn more about volunteer opportunities during The Fundex, finding your ministry at the Cathedral August 28 at 10 a.m. in Reynolds Hall. “If you feel even the slightest inclination to serve the people of the Cathedral, to serve the Lord, get with it. The clock is ticking,” Richter said.
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 AUG 13 cont.
AUGUST AUG 5
FRI
Bridge Night 6:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room.
lf
oo W
MON
TO THE Community of Hope — Circle of Care LIGHTHOUSE
Second Monday of the month, 6–8 p.m. THU
Alzheimer & Dementia Support Group 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Zoom. Second 10 AM Thursday of the month. REYNOLDS HALL AUG. 12
AUG. 7FRI
of CATHEDRAL your Baptism Remember the WaterALL DISCUSSION Pool Party 6:30–8:30 p.m., The Quillian Center. Cathedral Intergenerational event: all are welcome. AUG 13
Celebration of Ministry for Barkley and Jill Thompson 7 p.m., Reynolds Hall. RSVP at: www.christchurchcathedral.org/ rsvpthompsoncelebration AUG 20
AUG. 7 a SUN in All Cathedral Readsr gConversation i V Hall. 10 a.m., Reynolds
AUG 11
SAT
www.christchurchcathedral.org/cathedralreads
SAT
Threads of Comfort and Joy 10–11 a.m., Zoom. A gathering for those who love to knit and crochet.
SUNDAYS Summer Place 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall, Aug. 7, 14 SAT
Conferencia Te 6–9 p.m., Mellinger. Contact Sylvia García, assistant to the Latino Ministry, at 713-590-3329 or email sgarcia@christchurchcathedral.org AUG 21
SUN
Blessing of the Backpacks 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. Each year as children, teachers, and administrators prepare to head back to school we as a church family bring them to the front of the church to surround them with prayer and encouragement. Instruction in Eucharist 10–10:50, Cathedral. Designed to help us learn/remember why and how we receive the Eucharist.
Cathedral Tours Tours are held every Sunday following the 11 a.m. service. They will also be held the third Sunday of each month (Aug. 21) following services at 9 a.m. and The Well.
Cathedral Tours 12:30 p.m. Tours are available on Wednesdays following Noonday Prayer (August 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31). THURSDAYS Summer Shade Aug. 4 Candytopia
UPCOMING SEPT. 7
Community of Hope International Training Mondays 1–3:30 p.m., Jeffers, 11 weeks beginning August 29.
Book Club 6:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Matrix, by Lauren Groff.
TUESDAYS EFM: Education for Ministry There is a morning group that meets from 9:30 am to noon and an evening group that meets from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Begins September 6, 2022. Contact Lucy Wagner at: lmwagner1219@gmail.com
Fundex — Discernment in Ministry and Life through Fun! 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. AUG 31
WEDNESDAYS
MONDAYS
SUN
AUG 28
Childcare available (3 mo. to 12 yrs.)
WEEKLY
WED
Lay Eucharistic Visitor Training 6–7 p.m., Reynolds Hall A
THOUGHT LINGERS, LOVE PLAYS
AUG 8
Registration closed
WED
SEPT. 11
SUN
Rally Against Hunger 11 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Sign up at: www. christchurchcathedral.org/rallyvolunteer SEPT. 18
SUN
Blood Drive 10 a.m., Sanders Hall. www.christchurchcathedral.org/blooddrive
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
RALLY, from cover
two locations: in Reynolds Hall and in Sanders Hall (bilingual). Ages 5 and up are invited to participate, and an extended children’s program will be offered for those under 5 years of age. For those parishioners that have difficulty standing for long periods, sealing stations with chairs will provide a great opportunity to participate without too much physical strain. Thanks to many generous donations to the Dean’s discretionary fund, this event is free of charge. Rally Against Hunger T-shirts are available for $10 after morning services in RALLY DAY the Cloister. September 11 In order to pack 100,000 meals, we need everyone’s participation! And there are special volunteer opportunities for those who would like to help lead this effort: “Super Volunteers” agree to come on Saturday, September 10 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to set up the materials and to be trained as station leaders. Station leaders help direct the work of all the other volunteers the next day during the meal pack. “Cleanup Volunteers” show up at 1 p.m. on Sunday, when the morning volunteers are running out of steam. This crew helps complete the pack and load the truck. Visit www.christchurchcathedral.org/rallyagainsthunger for additional information about the event and to sign up to volunteer and make a difference. PAGE 7
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1117 Texas Avenue Houston, Texas 77002-3183
PERMIT No. 6404
Did you know you can read The Bulletin on our website? If you’d like to go “online-only,” contact Ramona Sikes at rsikes@christchurchcathedral.org or call her at 713-217-1347.
Children’s Ministry to host pool party for all Come enjoy some time with your family and friends as we wave goodbye to summer 2022 with a celebration and splash! Everyone (the whole church family) is invited to bring a picnic supper to this free event at the Quillian Center (10570 P O O L PA R T Y Westpark Dr.) Friday, August 12, from 6:30– 8:30 p.m. A short liturgy will be shared, intended to mark a day to remember each of our baptisms and the promises we make to each other in our baptismal covenant. REMEMBER THE WATER To be sure there will be sun, lots of water, OF YOUR BAPTISM POOL smiles, and memories made. If you have any PARTY questions, please email KariAnn at kalessner@ Friday, August 12 christchurchcathedral.org
Remember the
WATER BAPTISM
of your
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Thank you for your generosity July 10, 2022 marked the end of the campaign to relieve medical debt sponsored by the Mission Outreach Council and the Justice & Peace Council. The two councils joined forces to shine the light on the crippling effect of medical debt on so many and to challenge our Cathedral family to raise $5,000. Dean Thompson pledged an additional $5,000 from his discretionary funds for the cause. We hoped that we could meet this goal. The medical debt initiative cleaved to the vision action plan “Rooted in Christ/ Built on Christ’s initiatives “Serving the World in God’s Name,” by engaging new outreach and justice initiatives to embody the Gospel in the world. We shared with you the details of the medical debt situation throughout the United States and explained that we were partnering with a nationally known 501(c)(3) nonprofit — RIP Medical Debt — that locates, buys and forgives unpaid medical debt. We asked and you responded generously and with compassion. We are pleased to announce that, including the contribution by Dean Thompson, more than $29,300 was raised — more than 5 times our goal! This amount exceeded all of our expectations and will allow us to relieve over $2,000,000 of medical debt. Once again, the Cathedral has shown a commitment and willingness to help those in need. We cannot thank you enough for your generosity. Each contribution has had a tremendous effect and will allow so many to be relieved of their medical debt.
