What is this EMC thing?
EMC campaign chairs see the Cathedral as home and family
The 2023 Every Member Canvass (EMC) pledge campaign co-chairs have strong roots in Christ Church Cathedral, and they are equally invested in its future.
Longtime members Jim Murdaugh and Gary Smith met at the Cathedral on Christmas Eve in 1994, at the 11 p.m. service.
“I was starting my job as organist at the Ca thedral a week later and wanted to see what that service was like,” Smith said.
Now the couple are married and received their crosses for 25 years of continuous service in the choir in September.
Catherine and Will Randall are lifelong Epis copalians. Will grew up in the Cathedral and
when the couple was to be married, The Rev. Betty Adam provided their marriage counsel ing. The Randall’s three children have been baptized and confirmed at the Cathedral as well.
“I love how people come together here,” said Catherine, who has served on the vestry and is incoming director of the Altar Guild. “There’s so much support for all the activities that are offered. The community really supports and loves one another. It is nice to have that sense of similar purpose at Christ Church.”
“I do feel like it’s our spiritual home,” adds Will, whose father and brother have chaired
Choir members receive Barnard Cross for dedication and service
To honor his twenty-fifth anniversary as Cathe dral organist and choirmaster, Bill Barnard was given a Jerusalem cross by the choir in the fall of 1983 in recognition of his dedication to ministry and service to the parish.
Since that time this cross has been presented to honor those who have offered their time and talent to enriching our worship for 25 years as members
I am a life-long Episcopalian and have been a member at Christ Church Cathe dral for over fifteen years. As we kick off another stewardship season at the Cathe dral, I realize that many members of our com munity did not grow up in the Episcopal church but have come here from other faith traditions. The Episcopal church, and the Cathedral, have a lot of acronyms that are shortcuts for describing how we live out our faith. The “EMC” is one of those.
GAY GULLEDGE, CHAIR OF THE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL
I remember having a conversation with a fellow Cathedral member who grew up in the Baptist church. This probably oc curred while standing around in the clois ter chatting between services. There was likely a table with festively dressed parish ioners encouraging folks to sign up for the “EMC Kick-Off Dinner.” It went some thing like this, “What is this EMC thing, and why do we need to kick it off?” I re plied, “It’s the Every Member Canvass,” as if that explained everything. Well, friends, to say the least, I had not provided much illumination. “It’s the kick-off of the stew ardship campaign. You know, the pledge drive.” Slightly more recognition of the “kick-off” part, as it was autumn in Texas, after all. I suspect we then moved on to another topic.
In the interest of furthering the under standing of Episcopalian terminology, here is my (hopefully) better attempt at defining the EMC — Every (all) Member (a person belonging to a particular group, in this case, Christ Church Cathedral) Canvass (seek support).
Your Stewardship Council has worked prayerfully to develop a theme for the
Your EMC co-chairs for 2023 are Catherine Randall, Will Randall, Jim Murdaugh, and Gary Smith. Jim Murdaugh and Gary Smith receive the Barnard Cross for 25 years of faithful service as choir members.We celebrate with
E new members: Chris, Leigh, Austin and Jessica Matthews
E returning members: Alan and Nancy Floring
E Luke Francis Kosobud who was baptized on September 4.
We extend heartfelt sympathy
E to the family of Julie Heath who passed away on August 23, 2022. Julie is mother to member Tony Heath.
E to the family of Verlinde Doubleday who passed away on August 28, 2022. Verlinde is sister-in-law to member Josephine John
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar
E on September 18 were given to the glory of God in loving memory of Patrice Schexnayder by her family.
E on September 25 were given to the glory of God in honor of The Very Rev. Gary D. Jones, Interim Dean of Christ Church Cathedral.
E on October 16 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of his parents, Frank E. Hood and Lillian Wadkins Hood and his aunt, Margaret Hughes by Frank E. Hood Jr.
E on October 23 are given to the glory of God in loving memory and gratitude for Doug Hoffman by Mary Hoffman
WHAT IS EMC, from cover
2023 EMC which encompasses our baptismal covenant to seek and serve Christ in all persons, to strive for justice and peace among all people, and to re spect the dignity of every hu man being, recognizing that everything we have and every thing we are is a gift from God. Our Cathedral is a complex and glorious organism, which requires stewardship (care) from all of us. The things you see at the Cathedral every time you come — our historic campus, beautiful liturgies, amazing music, community out reach, pastoral care, educational programs — all require financial support.
2023 EVERY MEMBER CANVASS
A few years ago, I decided to take a leap out of my comfort zone and become a member of the Stewardship Council. Working with the faithful members of the Council has been an enlightening experience. It has helped me understand that the consideration of your annual pledge is not only a financial commitment, but also a recognition of God’s love, and a reflection of God’s glory.
Miracles happen every day at the corner of Texas and Fannin. We receive God’s grace upon grace, through the gift of Jesus Christ. We seek your continuing support of these ministries, both financially and in other ways — through your gifts of time and talent. In this season of change within our community of faith, it is even more important to sup port the Cathedral’s continuing mission and programs by making a pledge — to “stand firm and steady.”
Upcoming Fall 2022 Cathedral Youth Ministry events
SEED groups for middle school youth begin October 4 at 6:30 p.m.
These groups meet every other week for fun and small group dis cussion that takes a deep dive into questions about faith.
This is an excellent way for middle school youth to connect and meet in small groups for fellowship and bible study. Never been to SEED Group? Curious about Seed Group? This is your perfect op portunity to check it out — there’s no better place to be!
Costa Rica Mission Trip Info Session
Join Minister for Youth Marcia Quintanilla on Sunday, October 9 at 12:15 p.m. in the Treehouse (located on the third floor of the Mc Gehee building) for an information session for all interested in going on the Costa Rica mission trip.
She will discuss the work they will be doing while on the trip, re quirements, the application process, and cost.
Youth Sunday October 23
Youth Sunday is a Sunday dedicated to celebrating the youth of the Cathedral, and their ministry in our community. The music, readings and prayers have been selected by youth members of the Youth Ministry Council, and their choices reflect not only their faith, but their hope for our church and the world. We are gifted with the musical talents of the youth community and additional Cathedral Youth serve as readers, intercessors, social media guides, and acolytes.
Youth Service Day at The Beacon
Join us on Sunday, November 6, as we come together to serve at The Beacon from 7-10 a.m. The mission of The Beacon is to provide essential and next-step services to restore hope and help end home lessness in Houston. You must register to attend. The fun begins at 7 a.m. Donut holes and kolaches will be provided!
Come for a time to work together, help our neighbors, and live out our missional calling.
Please contact Marcia Quintanilla for more information at mquintanilla@christchurchcathedral.org
Formation Hour special guest
SR. NORMA PIMEMTEL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY
Sunday, October 23
Don’t miss a presentation during Formation Hour by Sister Norma Pimentel on October 23. She will speak on the role of faith based communities with regards to the immi gration crisis. Time Magazine notes that “As executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, she directs efforts to provide shelter, food, sanctuary and comfort … Her organization has housed and assisted well over 100,000 people at the border.”
Coming Out in Church — as an Ally
What does it mean to be an Ally of the LG BTQ+ community? How can we become bet ter at showing our support?
The Justice & Peace Council of Christ Church Cathedral is hosting “Coming Out in Church — as an Ally” panel discussion on Saturday, October 15 from 9:30 a.m. to noon in Reynolds Hall on the Cathedral campus at 1117 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002.
Canon Bradley Varnell will facilitate a dis cussion for panelists to share their history and experience as Allies. Panelists will share best practices and offer insight on the importance of being an Ally.
Light refreshments will be served at 9:30 a.m. followed by the panel discussion. Please register to attend at: www.christchurchcathe dral.org/comingoutinchurch
This event will also be recorded and made available for those unable to attend.
Blessing of the Animals
Join us Sunday, October 9 at 4 p.m. in the the Bishop’s Courtyard for Blessing of the Animals. This annual event occurs in observance of the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
Weekday worship and spiritual reflection
The Cathedral offers many opportunities for worship during the week both online, and in-person.
Morning Prayer
7:30 a.m., Monday-Friday on Zoom
Evening Prayer
6 p.m., Monday– Friday on Zoom
Each weekday members of the Cathedral gather together to pray the daily office. Attend via Zoom.
Noonday Devotionals
Noon, Monday–Friday on Facebook.
Noonday Devotionals are welcome pause in a busy day. Short, sweet and share-able, each day we offer an opportunity to slow down, tune in, and reflect on God’s amazing love.
Oración del mediodía
Mediodía, lunes y jueves en Facebook
Spanish Noon Day Prayer is an offering of our Latino Ministry to mainly Spanish speak ing people who may want to join us for short of prayer at noon on our Facebook page. Prayer consists of a brief lesson and a short meditation, followed by offering prayer of in tersection and thanksgiving.
Rally Against Hunger, Input Sessions, and more IN PICTURES
Above, below: Volunteers help pack 100,000 meals during Rally Against Hunger.
Right: Cathedral members donate blood during the MOC’s annual blood drive.
Above: The Rev. Kathy Rock Pfister, Canon Vicar, leads the opening session of The Anglican Way. Below: Minister for Children KariAnn Lessner kicks off Sunday School with upbeat worship for Cathedral kids.
Above, below: Parishioners offer feedback during the first of two congregational input sessions offered by the Vestry.
previous EMC campaigns. “It’s got everything for us. We like the people, and we like the downtown aspect of it. I feel like the Cathedral is going to provide whatever a person in the church needs and keeping that going is some thing we feel is important, not only for us but for others.”
Jim, who has been a lay reader and served on the vestry, has helped with previous Every Member Canvass campaigns and capital campaigns. Gary is a current member of the vestry and serves on the Community Life Council and the Buildings and Grounds committee.
the Cathedral community a part of their ex tended family.
“From the day we first came to the Cathe dral we felt welcome,” Gary said. “Now we are a married gay couple, but even before we were married, back in the mid-90s when we first started attending, we never felt out of place.”
“I’m a big believer in downtowns,” Jim said. “I think it’s important to have a vital, active church in the middle of Houston. I like seeing all kinds of people from God’s world in the congregation.”
The music program, excellent preaching, and the words of the Episcopal liturgy are also an integral part of their experience.
“I’m a big believer in downtowns,” Jim said. “I think it’s important to have a vital, active church in the middle of Houston. I like seeing all kinds of people from God’s world in the congregation.”
Both men grew up in evangelical churches and say they learned at an early age the impor tance of supporting your church financially.
“I upped my pledge when I joined the ves try,” said Gary, who also noted that the couple now tithes. “I wanted to do something to show that their confidence in me was well placed. The Cathedral doesn’t operate for free. We all enjoy the programs and we all need to share that financial responsibility.”
“It’s easy to call it an obligation but it’s re ally not,” adds Jim. “When you start getting involved, it’s something that you want to do.”
When asked what they value most about be ing members, the couple said that the friend ship they were offered from the start has made
WORSHIP, from page 3
Holy Eucharist
Noon, Wednesdays in Golding Chapel
Prayer, scripture, reflection, and com munion are offered each Wednesday in an intimate and quiet setting.
Bilingual Holy Eucharist
6 p.m., Wednesdays in Golding Chapel
With prayers and scripture in both Eng lish and Spanish, the bilingual Eucharist is a wonderful way to center in the middle of the week and the end of the day.
Centering Prayer
11:15 a.m., Mondays in Mellinger Room
Meeting with a group once a week enhances one’s private practice and is encouraged by the late Father Thomas Keating. This group provides fellowship with people who are either developing a centering prayer practice or who may have been practicing for years.
When asked to chair the campaign, Cathe rine speaks of her admiration for all the people who chaired it previously.
“We felt honored that we’d been asked to do something that those strong and dedicated
Cathedral Book Club
parishioners have done before us,” she said. “Everyone does their turn. I think about our children and setting an example for them to be all in as well.”
The Cathedral’s momentum is also a reason that Jim and Gary are enthusiastic about the campaign.
“We don’t want that to slow down at all,” said Gary. “The dean of the music school at Rice once said you’re either moving forward or you are falling back. You never stand still. The Every Member Canvass is an opportunity to continue moving forward at the Cathedral.”
“I can’t look in any specific direction and not feel the Cathedral’s influence in our lives,” Will said. “Part of my faith is rooted in doing and giving back to others is a big part of that.”
The Every Member Canvass (EMC) cam paign helps cover the costs of everything from lightbulbs and coffee cups to innovative pro grams and vital technology.
Visit www.christchurchcathedral.org/emc to learn more,
A different book is discussed the first Wednesday of the month. Everyone is welcome to attend and join the discussion from 6:30-8 p.m. Please order books from the Cathedral Bookstore. Sessions will be in-person, with Zoom options available. Contact Louise Lang ford at llangford@christchurchcathedral.org to learn how to participate.
Wednesday, October 5, 6:30 p.m.
Horse, by Geraldine Brooks, a novel
A discarded painting in a junk pile, a skeleton in an attic, and the greatest racehorse in American history: from these strands, a Pu litzer Prize winner braids a sweeping story of spirit, obsession, and injustice across American history.
Wednesday, November 2, 6:30 p.m.
Peace Like a River, by Leif Enger, a novel
Leif Enger’s debut novel, Peace Like A River, was launched to criti cal acclaim in 2001 and went on to sell over one million copies. Now a perennial, best-selling American classic, it is at once a heroic quest, a tragedy, and a love story, in which “there is magic... none more po tent that Leif Enger’s prose” (Newsday). Enger brings us eleven-yearold Reuben Land, an asthmatic boy in the Midwest who has reason to believe in miracles. Along with his sister and father, Reuben finds himself on a cross-country search for his outlaw older brother who has been charged with murder. Their journey unfolds like a revela tion, and its conclusion shows how family, love, and faith can stand up to the most terrifying of enemies, and the most tragic of fates.
Wednesday, December 7, 6:30 p.m.
The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris, by David McCulloch
In The Greater Journey, David McCullough tells the enthrall ing, inspiring — and until now, untold — story of the adventurous American artists, writers, doctors, politicians, and others who set off for Paris in the years between 1830 and 1900, hungry to learn and to excel in their work. What they achieved would profoundly alter American history.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Visit christchurchcathedral.org/events or call 713-222-2593 to learn more about these and other events at the Cathedral.
recommended Registration required Registration closed Childcare available (3 mo. to 12 yrs.)
OCTOBER
OCT. 2 SUN
EMC Kickoff Dinner
6 p.m., Reynolds Hall.
OCT. 3 MON
Fall Neighborhood Gathering Oct. 3, Briar Forest.
OCT. 4 TUE
Youth Seed Group
6:30 p.m., Off campus.
OCT. 5 WED
Cathedral Book Club
6:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Horse, by Geraldine Brooks.
OCT. 7
Bridge Night
FRI
6 :30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room.
OCT. 8 SAT
Kayaking at Lake Conroe
10 a.m. to noon Spend a few hours kaya king Lake Conroe.
OCT. 9
SUN
Costa Rica Mission Trip Info Session
12:15 p.m., McGehee building. Mes de la Herencia
1–4:30 p.m., Cathedral/Reynolds Hall.
Blessing of the Animals 4 p.m., Bishop’s Courtyard.
OCT. 10 MON
Fall Neighborhood Gathering Rice Village.
Community of Hope — Circle of Care
6–8 p.m., second Monday of the month.
OCT. 13
Alzheimer & Dementia Support Group
WEEKLY
THU
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Zoom. Second Thursday of the month.
St. Theresa’s Short Story Book Group 2 p.m., various locations. Contact Valerie Meisel at vhmtexas@gmail.com. Second Thursday of the month.
OCT. 20
20s-30s Happy Hour
6-8 p.m., Memorial Trail Icehouse.
Amazing Women of Faith
THU
SUNDAYS
Formation Hour
10 a.m., Reynolds Hall
6:30–7:30 p.m., The Pearl. A monthly gathering of women, where the stories and lives of Amazing Women are shared and discussed. Third Thursday of the month.
OCT. 23
Youth Sunday
9, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Cathedral.
SUN
• Oc t. 2 Cathedral Commons: Eating and Drinking in the FirstCentury, Canon Becky Zartman
• Oc t. 9 The Very Rev. Richard Sewell, Dean of St. George’s Col lege, Jerusalem
• Oc t. 16 The Vestry Presents: Con gregational Input Session — The Search for the 9th Dean of the Cathedral (Part II)
Cathedral Tours
Tours are held every Sunday following the 11 a.m. service. They will also be held the third Sunday of each month (Oct. 19) fol lowing services at 9 a.m. and The Well.
Latino Ministry Sunday School
1–2:30 p.m., Jones 201–208.
Latino Youth Sunday School
1–2:30 p.m., the Treehouse.
Anglican Way
6:15–7:45 p.m., Sanders Hall. Intended for those who wish to deepen their understand ing of the Church, its faith, and its mission. Those new to the congregation and adults seeking to be baptized, confirmed, or re ceived are especially encouraged to attend. Led by Canon Vicar Kathy Pfister.
MONDAYS
Centering Prayer
11:15 a.m., Mellinger Room.
TUESDAYS
Morning Bible Study
OCT. 27 THU
Fall Neighborhood Gathering Spring.
OCT. 28-NOV. 1 FRI-TUE
Day of the Dead Altar
7 p.m. to noon, Columbarium. Cel ebrates and remembers our loved ones who have passed.
OCT. 30 SUN
Boo Bash
10 a.m., Huffington Playground. Children are invited to wear costumes to church and join in the food, fun and fellowship.
• Oc t. 23 Sr. Norma Pimemtel, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley
• Oc t. 30 Lecture Series by The Very Rev. Gary Jones, Part I of II
Youth Sunday School
10–11 a.m, (grades 6–12 and Confir mation class).
Children’s Sunday School
10–11 a.m., Jones 201–208. Children’s Sunday School (3years – 5th grade) will gather in Golding Chapel for a time of music, story, and prayer. We will then walk together to the Jones building.
Save the Date: Beacon Celebrates 15 Years of Ministry
The Beacon’s Annual Come to the Table Event for 2022 will be a celebration marking their 15year anniversary, as staff and volunteers honor the past and plan for the future. The event is set to take place at The Beacon on Thursday, December 8, 2022, starting with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. followed by a four-course dinner. Learn more at www.beaconhomeless.org
Alternative Giving Market Save the Date
7–8 a.m., Zoom. Led by Canon Vicar Kathy Pfister. Begins Oct. 4.
EFM: Education for Ministry Morning group 9:30 a.m. to noon; evening group 6:30–9 p.m.
Women’s Evening Bible Study
6:30–7:30 p.m., Zoom. Led by Canon Becky Zartman.
Tuesday Evening Bible Study: Pray Like Jesus
7–8 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room, Led by Canon Bradley Varnell.
WEDNESDAYS
Men’s Morning Bible Study
7–8 a.m., Zoom, Offsite. Begins Oct. 5.
Women’s Morning Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Hybrid: Zoom, Jeffers, Led by Flo Ray.
Cathedral Tours Tours are available on Wednesdays fol lowing Noon Eucharist.
THURSDAYS
JOIN US IN SUPPORTING THE WORK OF THE BEACON Thursday, September 19
The Alternative Giving Market (AGM) gives small non-profit agencies a place to exhibit the good work they are doing in our community. Hosted by the Mission and Outreach Council, the AGM gives the Cathedral family a chance to learn about these agencies and how we can help to support their work while honoring family, friends, and colleagues during the holidays. This year’s AGM will take place on Sunday, November 20, in Reynolds Hall.
Garden Party Reception in Nancy’s Garden – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday Lunchtime Bible Study 12:05–1 p.m., Zoom. Led by Canon Bradley Varnell.
4-Course Dinner in our Day Center – 7:00 p.m.
CHEFS COMMITTEE
UPCOMING
Bryan Caswell of Reef & 3rd Bar/El Real Tex-Mex Cafe
Kevin Hart of Harold’s Restaurant and Tap Room Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi of Kata Robata Sushi + Grill
Look for more details in the November Bulletin.
Ryan Lachaine of Riel
NOV. 6 SUN Cathedral All Saints Evensong 5 p.m., Cathedral
Bobby Matos of State of Grace/La Lucha/Superica
Hugo Ortega of Hugo’s/Backstreet Cafe/Caracol/Xochi
Ruben Ortega of Hugo’s/Backstreet Cafe/Caracol/Xochi
Mike Puccio of The Beacon
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. POSTAGE PAID Houston, Texas
PERMIT No. 64041117 Texas Avenue Houston, Texas 77002-3183
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.
Fall Neighborhood
Gatherings
Hosted in the homes of parishioners throughout Hous ton, Fall and 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. RSVP to Lisa Cantu indicating the date of the party at least two days before your preferred date (lcantu@christchurchcathedral.org / 713-222-2593).
Capacity is limited at each venue and a reservation is re quired. We look forward to seeing you!
Hosts
Rob Mood, Briar Forest, Oct. 3
Susan Hoffius, Rice Village, Oct. 10
Brian & Bilinda Matusek, Spring, Oct. 27
BARNARD CROSS, from cover
of the Cathedral Choir.
Two members were recognized this year for reaching that milestone. On Sunday, September 18, 2022, crosses were presented to Jim Murdaugh and Gary Smith for 25 years of faithful service as choir members.
Welcome our Interim Dean Gary Jones
The Very Rev. Gary Jones, Interim Dean to Christ Church Cathedral! Dean Jones will be with us over the coming months as we navigate this interim period and begin the search for our next Dean.
We are delighted to welcome
