August 2023 Bulletin

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL

An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas

Successful search for a new dean:

Reflections on the journey and the joy of finding a leader for Christ Church Cathedral

Floyd Robinson, who served on the search committee that identified The Rev. Canon Nathaniel Katz as our next dean, said that although he is most pleased with the outcome, he is somewhat sad that his work is done.

“You establish a new group of good friends,” he said. “We came from all of the Sunday services and didn’t know everyone at that table at first, but we know each other very well now.”

The group of thirteen, chaired by Linnet Deily, met every Monday night from mid-October through May.

“It was a really wonderful experience for me, and I think for everybody else on the committee as well,” said Eric Hagstette.

The search process for the new dean followed guidelines provided by the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, Bishop of Texas and the Diocese. A Parish Profile, with extensive input from Cathedral members, was used by priests to determine their interest in applying for the position.

Deily worked in close collaboration with Senior Warden Guy Hagstette as well as the Canon to the Ordinary, Christine Faulstitch, and the Canon for Transition Ministry, Kellaura Johnson. She said that the search committee, chosen from a pool of individuals who either applied to serve or who were nominated by others, represented a broad cross-section of the Cathedral community.

Committee member Erin McMillin was baptized at the Cathedral and has been a lifelong member. She said she was honored to be nominated to serve but was also nervous about the

REFLECTIONS, page 6

Grace in Motion: Rally Day’s call to discover, connect, and engage

This fall Christ Church Cathedral hosts its annual Rally Day, offering a chance to learn more about different ministry areas while highlighting the importance of finding one’s place and getting connected to the broader community. There are many ways to tap into all the wonderful ministries of the Cathedral including volunteering, participating in Sunday school, or joining service initiatives.

“Rally Day is a great reminder, year after year, to re-set and come back together as the summer winds down and the busy fall nears,” said Canon Bradley Varnell.

The theme for Rally Day 2023 is Grace in Motion: Praising - Growing - Serving - Giving - Belonging - Caring. Canon Kathy Pfister said “these action words were chosen for the way they describe the spiritual dispositions and habits that open us up to God’s movement in our lives. This theme serves as a reminder that our life of grace is active, always in motion.”

Over the years, Rally Day has taken many forms, noted Pfister, who shared that this year’s Rally Day will be a ministry fair. “The

RALLY DAY, page 3

The Cathedral welcomes the Rev. Liz Parker

The Rev. Liz Parker joins the Cathedral as a part-time interim associate during the last month of the leadership of the interim dean and first months of the leadership of the incoming dean. Liz will join with clergy colleagues in providing liturgical and pastoral continuity for our parish and will be a wonderful addition to the team.

Liz grew up in State College, Pennsylvania, a few blocks from The Pennsylvania State University campus. After graduating from PSU with a degree in theatre, Liz moved to Manhattan. During nearly a decade in the city she performed in Off-Off-Broadway venues, worked a variety of “make do” jobs, and fell in love with the Episcopal Church. With time, Liz discerned a call to the priesthood.

CLERGY, page 2

VESTRY NOMINATIONS

Our Cathedral Family

We extend heartfelt sympathy

E to the family of member Holt (Rocky) Wilson Page Jr. who passed away on June 21, 2023. Rocky is partner to member Robert Lee Halcomb.

E to the family of Harold (Harry) P. Dunn who passed away on June 23, 2023. Harry is spouse to member Susan Dunn

E to the family of member Peter Hafner Squire who passed away on June 24, 2023. Peter is son to Jane Anderson and sister to Josephine Ireland

E to the family of member Marilyn Samples Dyess who passed away on June 25, 2023. Marilyn is mother to Adrienne Dyess Danke and Liza Dyess.

E to the family of member Betty Jo Spence who passed away on June 29, 2023.

E to the family of member Carol Childe Cossum who passed away on June 30, 2023. Carol is spouse to member Bob Cossum

E to the family of Raymond Hedge who passed away on June 30, 2023. Raymond is brother to member Hollee Clawater

E to the family of Rebecca McNair who passed away on July 5, 2023. Rebecca is mother to member Harriet Alexander

E to the family of Michael Lazare who passed away on July 3, 2023. Michael is father to member Fred Lazare

While at Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, she met and married fellow seminarian Andy Parker. They served churches in Abilene, Amarillo, and Lake Jackson, and raised three sons: Will, Ben, and Caleb. Her sons and their families are her greatest joys.

Liz, who was widowed in 2018, most recently served at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church here in Houston. She retired from full time ministry in 2021. Liz likes to read, play games, swim, travel, and look at art, and sometimes paints, collages, and assembles art herself.

Interim Dean Gary Jones reflected, “I have only just met Liz and have had the opportunity to speak with her briefly, but I almost feel as if I’ve known her for a very long time. She has that effect. Liz is a delightful presence, she loves to preach, and it is not hard to discern that her manner of pastoral care is both healing and joyful. I know the Cathedral is going to feel deeply blessed to have Liz among us as priest and friend.”

Liz started at the Cathedral on Sunday July 16. Learn more about her at: www.cohousinghouston.com/lizparker.

The flowers on the Cathedral Altar

E on July 16 were given to the glory of God in loving memory of our friend Wendy Larson, who was an amazing and dedicated chair-side assistant for 26 years by Diana and John Smith.

E on July 23 were given to the glory of God in loving memory of her mother, Josephine Nash Taylor on her birthday, by Michaux Taylor Thomas

E on August 20 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Judy Mood and in honor of our 50th wedding anniversary by Rob Mood

E on August 27 are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for her marriage to the late Roy Nolen by Evelyn Nolen

The flowers in the floor vases

E on July 2 are given to the glory of God in honor of our grandchildren, Mary and Sam Holden by Sue and Hart Green

The flowers on the choir stalls

E on July 30 are given to the glory of God in honor of Kate Mumey as she begins her seminary journey by Jane, Rick, and Jack Mumey.

Destination Unknown

Our popular Destination Unknown LockIn for middle school youth returns with an action-packed adventure where we will explore some of the exciting things Houston has to offer while building up our community through fellowship. In the past we have watched the bats on Waugh Drive, explored the Orange Show, played laser tag and gone bowling, and ridden box sleds downhill at Addicks Dam. The best part about the lock-in is that participants don’t know what they will be doing in advance. (But don’t worry, no one is ever disappointed.) Save the date: September 22 from 6 –11:30 p.m.

Registration and additional details will be available soon. Contact Minister for Youth, Marcia Quintanilla for more information at: mquintanilla@ christchurchcathedral.org.

focus depends on the year,” she said. “We’ve done rallies against hunger and other community outreach. But this Rally Day aims to inform and invite members to explore the various ministries available.

“The last time the Cathedral hosted a ministry fair was in 2018, and the timing of this year’s couldn’t be more perfect with a new Dean coming,” says Canon Pfister. “We thought it would be important for our whole community to experience the breadth and depth of what the Cathedral has to offer.”

Canon Bradley Varnell said he’s excited about the ministry fair format. “We’ll be highlighting our ministries and inviting folks to prayerfully reflect on how they might be called to dive into life at the Cathedral in a new way.”

“People can walk around and visit with different ministries,” Canon Pfister continued. “The tables will provide information about the programs offered, ranging from Bible studies and children’s programs to various service initiatives.” She added that praising, growing, serving, giving, belonging, and caring are all interconnected.

Rally Day is an invitation to consider these six actions and to discern how, where, and

Celebrate teachers and students August 20

Back to School Blessings

Each year as students/teachers/administrators head back to school, we like to circle round them and offer prayers of love, encouragement, and protection.

We will recognize them and offer blessings and prayers during our 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. services on Sunday, August 20 in the Cathedral.

Pencil Pack for Students

Outreach is one of the best ways we can teach our children about the importance of helping others. This project is hoping to do just that — by encouraging families to make small donations towards the pencil pack project, and then inviting them to be a part of assembling the packs and writing a note of encouragement. Every child deserves to know that they matter and that there are people in the world praying for them and believing in their potential.

Join us Sunday, August 20, in helping Cathedral Kids assemble pencil packs for the students at Bruce Elementary at 10 a.m. in Reynolds Hall. We want to raise up a generation of folks that look not only to the needs of the world but to the needs of those who live near them as well.

with whom you are called to move in grace. Pfister added that “the answer will be different for each one of us,” and concluded that “we certainly don’t need to try to do everything all at once. Rather, let us each choose one or two areas to center our attention and energy.”

“Just pick a spot to start and make a commitment to that,” she counsels. “As an example, if you become a Sunday school teacher, you’re serving, but you’re also growing as a person, and finding a sense of belonging. But you might identify it first as serving.”

RALLY DAY

not just a simple gathering of volunteers, but a profound expression of unity and shared purpose within the church. “Through engagement in ministry, the congregation strengthens its bonds, nurtures personal growth, and collectively builds a church that flourishes on the principles of grace, love, and compassion.”

Sunday, August 27

Canon Pfister made it a point to emphasize that the ministries of the Cathedral don’t fall neatly into one action or another. “In fact, I find that if one just starts with one or two, the others flow along with it. The important thing is to check in with ourselves and discern how we would like to better experience grace in motion.” She also said Rally Day represents

Canon Varnell added that each member of the Cathedral has a part to play in the body of the church. Rally Day 2023 takes this premise seriously, and challenges everyone to ask where and how they can contribute. “There’s no one right way in which we are members of the body,” he said. “What matters is that we take seriously that we are members and ask how we can be present.”

Join us on Sunday, August 27 in Reynolds Hall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more at www.christchurchcathedral.org/rallyday

Temporary shift of services for The Beacon

The Beacon will be temporarily redirecting some of its services and resources for a two-week period in August, in coordination with partner agencies. Specifically, meals and shower services will shift to Lord of the Streets and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church / Moving Waters, giving individuals options on where to obtain these services. Staff and volunteers from The Beacon will be at both sites to welcome clients and help with coordination of services – delivering supplemental meals, helping with distribution, and providing information during this interim period.

During this time, The Beacon will be working with collaborative partners to achieve the following goals:

1. Update/repair plumbing and infrastructure on the block and in the building (including renovations to the client shower cabins)

2. Refine client intake process and entry points for clients to receive services

3. Improve the safety measures in and around the building

All of these enhancements will create a more welcoming environment for those whom we seek to serve, but it will take time. The upgrades and the simultaneous diversion of services will happen August 5-19. On Saturday, August 20, The Beacon will resume its normal hours and services within the facility.

Staff have been working very hard on the plans and have updated clients these past few weeks. Please keep everyone in your thoughts during these two weeks. We anticipate sharing positive results with you soon!

If you have any questions, please visit the FAQ page on The Beacon’s website at: beaconhomeless.org/FAQS or contact Becky Landes at blandes@beaconhomeless.org.

Summer Shade, Daryl Robinson Celebration, One Hit Wonders of the Bible: Bible Study, and

IN PICTURES

Above: Organist Daryl Robinson is honored at a celebration on his last Sunday at the Cathedral.

Right: Cathedral choir members stop for a photo in Belfast during their tour in Ireland and Scotland.

Left: Cathedral Youth attend EYE,

and more

Right:Cathedral members discuss ministry ideas at the 2023 Hispanic Lay Leadership Conference.

Below right: Kate Mumey is given a gift as she prepares to depart for Virginia Theological Seminary.

Below: Canon Bradley Varnell leads a special 4-week Bible study titled One Hit Wonders.

Above: The Latino Ministry Council hosts Summer Place.

the second-largest event of the Episcopal Church.

responsibility. Once the committee’s work was underway, however, McMillin quickly found her rhythm.

“The meetings were efficient and productive,” McMillin said. “We could come together and share what we had learned with the group.”

In the past year, the committee has considered more than 70 people for the role. For those who formally applied, the members divided up the work of researching them.

What the Cathedral community was looking for, according to Deily, was very similar to what they wanted a decade ago in a dean — someone who was both a good preacher and a good teacher.

“I think there’s a recognition that in any individual, you’re not going to have every single quality,” Deily said. “That’s why you have a larger staff that can help supplement. But those qualities really stood out in what people wanted. As we are a large, complicated parish, you also have to have somebody who has the ability to lead that parish.”

Committee members said they were very impressed with the quality of the applicant pool.

“This was the first search committee that I served on,” Robinson said. “And it came as a pleasant surprise that we had such diversity in the applicants, both men and women from different backgrounds.”

“They were all wonderful at what they do,” Hagstette said. “The question was, would they be a wonderful dean for Christ Church Cathedral? And that’s a tough call, but it was one we had to make.”

The vetting process for applicants was multi-layered. Committee members would research a candidate with one or two other committee members. Each member was required to write a solo report on their assigned candidate, which would be reviewed by the chairperson and discussed during committee meetings.

To learn more about candidates, members would listen to their sermons online and read their works. The process was confidential, and they did not discuss the candidates with anyone outside the committee.

“Not only did we research individuals but also their congregations to assess compatibility,” Robinson said.

“It was about trying to get a good picture of the person,” McMillin said. “Watching them preach was incredibly eye-opening. Even if we weren’t assigned that specific person, a lot of us would just go ahead and listen to some sermons by that person so that the next week it wasn’t just two people expressing an opinion,

Skills for showing up in hard places

We know that each of us will experience hard places and relationships. Grief, loss, and pain are a part of life. How can we enter into these places for each other? Our natural inclination is to avoid pain. In what practices might we engage to gain the perspective, proximity, and pace needed to respond with a Christ-like love?

Many of us are doing this already in lots of different ways. What are the practices that keep us tethered to the tender mercies of God? Where do we go to recharge our selfcompassion or our peace or perspective?

“Skills for Showing up in Hard Places” is one opportunity to think about compassionate responses to those who are hurting and begin to explore some practical skills for “showing up.” This is a class for anyone who wants to grow in caring for their neighbor, wants to think about “what to say” in hard times, or who might want to volunteer with Pastoral Care in the future. It is also a place to think about how our own spiritual practices of turning to God allow us to build endurance to live with pain or disappointment, grief or uncertainty in our own lives. Please join us for this three-week series on the first three Sundays in August at 3 p.m. in the Mellinger room. Please contact Minister for Pastoral Care, Claire Soard with questions at: csoard@christchurchcathedral.org.

it was five or six.”

As the search narrowed, Deily was in regular communication with each candidate, which allowed her to get to know them even better. In talking to Katz, Deily increasingly felt that he would be a good fit for Christ Church.

“I thought he had the depth of intellect, but also of faith that would be appropriate in this position,” she said. “As I watched him preach and reviewed older clips, I really felt he had that kind of strength. But it wasn’t just me. Since this was someone we were seriously interested in, it necessitated an in-person visit. We saw a number of candidates in person.”

For Katz, that meant a committee trip to The American Cathedral in Paris.

Robinson was one of the four members who traveled to Paris. He recalled meeting the very tall Katz standing under what seemed a very small umbrella at the library on a very rainy day.

“I immediately felt a warm, welcoming connection,” Robinson said. “The whole visit was like that. I was convinced that he was there with us for all the right reasons. He asked us very in-depth questions about our service to the Cathedral, and why we were interested in serving on the search committee. His then

fiance, now wife, Shelley was the same way. Both of them had a very keen interest in us as individuals.”

After the Paris trip, Katz and Shelley came for a Houston visit and McMillin was able to show the couple around.

“He is just a very gracious person,” she said. “Very humble. And he’s dedicated to the things that are important to the Cathedral.”

“They told us when we started the search that this was a Holy Spirit process,” Eric Hagstette said. “And we never quite knew what that meant, I think, until our last meeting. We just looked around at each other. It was a unanimous decision, and we had some very good finalists for this job.”

The committee’s final recommendation was forwarded to the vestry, which issued the formal call to Katz. With the dean set to assume his responsibilities on September 24th, Deily commended the dedication of the committee members, who invested significant time and effort into the search process.

“It was a joy to serve as chair, and I simply couldn’t have asked for a better committee,” she said. “It was a wonderful group of people who worked exceedingly hard and faithfully in this process.”

Search Committee Members: Guy Hagstette (Senior Warden), Matthew Wright, Consuelo Bravo, Eric Hagstette, Debby Francis, Bill McKenzie, Linnet Deily (Committee Chair), Will Randall, Kristin Johnson, Rob Reedy, Erin McMillin, Robin Bullington, Meredith Canada, Floyd Robinson, Flo Ray (Junior Warden).

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Visit christchurchcathedral.org/events or call 713-222-2593 to learn more about these and other events at the Cathedral.

AUGUST

Greetings from Greetings from

LOVE

AUG 3 THU

Summer Shade

6 :30 p.m., Aquarium + POST.

AUG 4 FRI

Bridge Night

6 :30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room.

AUG 5 SAT

Welcome Team Training

12:15-1:30 p.m. A class for those who serve or are interested in serving on the Welcome Team to learn welcoming skills and ways to welcome & interact with newcomers.

AUG 6 SUN

Parks and Reconnection

Join us for summer 2023’s best way to reconnect with your Cathedral family in a proven equation: Great Folks + Cool Park = FUN! Bring the kids and your lawn chairs. More information at: www.christchurchcathedral.org/parksrec

AUG 10 THU

Alzheimer & Dementia Suppor t Group

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Zoom. Second Thursday of the month.

AUG 20 CONT. SUN

Youth Confirmation Parent Meeting

12:15-1, The Treehouse. Confirmation meeting for parents of 8th grade youth who are interested in getting confirmed.

AUG 26

Latino Ministry Noche de Película/ Movie Night

5-7:30 p.m., location TBA.

AUG 27 SUN

Rally Day

10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Reynolds Hall.

WEEKLY

SUNDAYS

UPCOMING

SEPT 1 FRI

Bridge Night

6 :30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room.

AUG 6 SUN

Jerusalem Peacebuilder s 9 a.m., Cathedral; 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Jerusalem Peacebuilders (JPB) is an interfaith, non-profit organization with a mission to create a better future for humanity across religions, cultures, and nationalities.

AUG 13 SUN

Cathedral Reads

10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. We celebrate our summer of reading with a wrap up, round table discussions, good coffee and fun food. We’ve enjoyed reading this powerful novel together, and we hope that you will join us for our final activity this summer!

AUG 20 SUN

Back to School Blessings

Cathedral Tours

SEPT 3 SUN

Labor Day Weekend Popsicle Event

Come cool off with your Cathedral family! Grab a popsicle in Reynolds Hall and enjoy some relief from the heat.

www.christchurchcathedral.org/cathedralreads

Tours are held every Sunday following the 11 a.m. service. They will also be held the third Sunday of each month following services at 9 a.m. and The Well. On Wednesdays, tour guides are available to welcome you at the bell tower from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. You may spend your time alone or the guide will share the Cathedral’s rich history with you. Beginning September 1, these hours will change to 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

SEPT 4 MON

Labor Day Holiday Cathedral offices closed.

During 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. services. Each year as students/teachers/ administrators head back to school, we like to circle round them and offer prayers of love, encouragement, and protection.

Interim Dean Gary Jones’ Last Sunday 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. We offer thanks and celebrate Dean Jones.

Pencil Pack for Students

10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. The Cathedral Kids are assembling pencil packs for the students at Bruce Elementary.

SUNDAYS CONT.

Skills for Showing Up in Hard Places

3-4:30 p.m., Mellinger. Join Pastoral Care for a three-week series and build practical skills for anyone who wants to explore caring responses or engage in pastoral care ministry. August 6, 13, & 20 at 3 p.m. in the Mellinger Room. Contact Minister for Pastoral Care, Claire Soard with questions at: csoard@christchurchcathedral.org.

Through

A Vestry representative will call you to ask how we’re doing and to hear your hopes and concerns

SEPT 6 WED

Cathedral Book Club

Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus.

SEPT 10 SUN

Children’s Sunday School

10-11 a.m., Jones 201-208. Children’s Sunday School (3 years – 5th grade).

Youth Sunday School

10-11 a.m., The Treehouse.

Latino Ministry Sunday School

1-2:30 p.m., Jones 201-208.

Latino Youth Sunday School

1-2:30 p.m. The Treehouse.

SEPT. 11 MON

Pastoral Care Circle

6 p.m., Mellinger Room. Pastoral Care Circle is a place for fellowship and skill building in the ministries of Pastoral Care. Meets second Monday of the month.

August: COMFORT CALLS from the Vestry

1117 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.

Education for Ministry

Are you looking to deepen your faith? Do you want to know more about the Bible, Christian Tradition, and Church History? Are you hoping to understand how your personal experiences and beliefs bring you closer to God and God’s people? If “yes,” EfM (Education for Ministry) may be for you.

EfM is a four-year Christian Formation program founded and administered through the School of Theology of the University of the South at Sewanee. Through study, prayer, worship, and reflection, EfM seminar groups jour ney together through scripture, church history, and theology.

A seminar group consists of one or two mentors and up to twelve participants. The group meets up to 36 times during the course of a year. Years 1 & 2 study the Hebrew Scriptures, the Gospels, and the New Testament. Year 3 looks at Church History. Year 4 reads

systematic theology, developing and enhancing their own practice. Our primary practice is learning to do Theological Reflection as a group to tie our daily lives to our actions to serve Christ in the world. We currently have two seminar groups at the Cathedral. Both meet on Tuesdays. One meets in the morning and the other meets in the evening. Both groups meet for approximately 2 ½ hours. Preparation time outside of the group sessions is approximately 2 hours per week. Our first group meeting will be September 5, 2023. The cost is $325 per year plus the cost of your textbooks – which can be purchased through the Cathedral Bookstore. Financial assistance is available.

If you are interested in starting EfM this year, please contact Lucy Wagner at lmwagner1219@gmail.com.

Dean Jones’

Last Sunday: August 20

Don’t miss your chance to offer your gratitude and wish Interim Dean Gary Jones a fond farewell on August 20 – his last Sunday at the Cathedral. There will be a special time set aside to celebrate his ministry here at 10 a.m. in Reynolds Hall.