June 2023 Bulletin

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL

An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas

Search Committee update

Having completed in-person meetings with select prospects, the work of the Search Committee continues, entering its final phase – narrowing the field of prospects. The Search Committee has vetted nearly 70 prospects and visited in person with a handful of those. For the next step, select prospects travel to Houston, if not local, for several days to spend time with the Search Committee.

ERIN MCMILLIN

During a visit, the prospect joins the entire Search Committee for an interview that explores, to a greater extent, topics from the smaller group’s visit with the prospect and touches on additional top ics. The prospect also leads a brief, in formal Bible study for the committee, as well as a Eucharist, so we can see his/her teaching, preaching, and worship styles and skills first-hand. Over the course of the visit, the prospect and his/her part ner join the entire committee for a casual dinner, take a tour of Houston if he/she is not local, and spend time with smaller groups of the Search Committee for cof fee and meals, learning more about the Cathedral and the city. These visits are a wonderful way for the committee to get better acquainted with the prospect in both formal and informal settings. While the committee ascertains if the prospect is a good fit for the Cathedral, the pros pect also gets a better idea of the role of the Dean and the Cathedral community.

The Search Committee is excited about this next step in our work and is grateful for your patience and support. Please con tinue to keep us in your prayers, asking that the Holy Spirit guide us in choosing our next Dean.

Casa Mateo — Hope through hospitality

In 2019, parishioners from Christ Church Cathedral began traveling to the southern border to learn more about the crisis asso ciated with increasing numbers of people fleeing to the US. They visited shelters and refugee encampments, and met with govern ment officials and community leaders. They spent time with individuals who had left their countries of origin to escape violence, perse cution, and devastating poverty. Most had no access to food, shelter, medical care or knowl edge of how to navigate our country’s legal

In early 2022, the same parishioners visited an emergency shelter in Houston that was in undated with men, women and children from all over the world who were desperately seek ing help. Arriving with articles of clothing and a willingness to serve, our parishioners realized that the demand for another shelter that could offer comprehensive services far outweighed the need for donations or volun teers. Through meetings with leaders from the

CASA MATEO,

One Hit Wonders of the Bible: a new bible study

Our Cathedral Family

We celebrate with

E New member Judy Lynn Spinella

E The newly baptised: Valeria Aguinaga, Jesse Aguinaga, Nicol Aguinaga, Aaliya Garza, Delia Garza, Ashley Gonzalez, Leyla Gonzalez, Allegra Hsu, Astrid Hsu, Kailani Martinez, Leonardo Martinez, Amelia Mosqueda, and Leonel Mosqueda.

We extend heartfelt sympathy

E to the family of member Michael Gordon DeVoll who passed away on April 6, 2023. Michael is spouse to Gary Gee

E to the family of member Sylvia Houston who passed away on April 26, 2023. Sylvia is spouse to Ron Riddel

The flowers on the Cathedral Altar

E on May 27 were given to the glory of God in joyful thanksgiving for the life of Carter Roberts Boyd

E on June 25 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.

The flowers on the choir stalls

E on May 14 were given to the glory of God in celebration of the upcoming marriage of their daughter, Rainey Knudson and Steve Satterwhite by Sally and Norman Reynolds.

Sensing the sacred

The beloved author and recent guest at the Cathedral, John Philip Newell, tells a story about a conversation he had with a woman from Florida who was in her 70’s. She told about a time in her adolescence when she was in church with her family and a dog happened to wander down the center aisle, making its way to the altar, where it sniffed around a bit and then walked out.

“The dog didn’t like what it smelled,” the woman told John Philip. “It didn’t smell natural.” The young girl also got up and followed the dog out. She said she never went back.

John Philip admits that the story is a bit eccentric, but he says that the woman did not tell her story with a hint of arrogance or pride. Nor did she apologize about her instinct for the sacred, that what we do in church should align with a sanctity inherent in our souls and in the creation.

As John Philip notes in his book Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul, John Scotus Eriugena (c. 815-877) was one of the early theologians who taught that there are two books through which God is speaking: the first book is the book of the Holy Scriptures, and the second book is the vast, living text of the universe, all creation. We, and all creatures, are made of God. “I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you,” Jesus said. (John 14:20)

That is, we are inextricably united with the divine, and growing in a sacred life is not about acquiring something we do not already have. Instead, growing in a sacred life, growing “into the full stature of Christ,” as Paul put it, is about wakening to what is already true about us but that we too often forget. It

is about “relearning what our soul already knows.” Something deep within each of us knows when “something doesn’t smell right” in the spiritual life.

Some of you might remember that the Sunday before I arrived at Christ Church Cathedral, our brilliant Children’s Minister, KariAnn Lessner, gave a children’s homily in which she pre-emptively addressed some of the questions or concerns that might be on the hearts and minds of cathedral children (and adults). She asked the children gathered at the front of the church, “Do you know what it’s like when your teacher is away, and you suddenly have a substitute teacher? The Interim Dean is sort of like that. You don’t know what to expect, and it’s okay to be a little nervous. He’s sort of like your substitute teacher.”

It was a great analogy, and all I could add was this simple reminder: “Although a teacher has left and another will be coming soon, your real Teacher (upper case) never left you and never will.” Try to take that in: There is a Way, a Truth, a Life, a trustworthy Presence in you that is vast and eternal, as well as intimately close and loving, “numbering the hairs of your head.” This is the Life that is the Light of all people, and this Life and Light is in you.

The authenticity and depth of spiritual life and maturity in the people at Christ Church Cathedral are testimony to the quality of leadership you have had in the past and will soon have again: they do not need to give you something new; they simply help you to relearn what your soul already knows and waken you to the wonder and miracle of who you already are.

The Cathedral Altar Guild

They quietly work behind the scenes and give reverent attention to ensure our most Holy spaces are ready for use when needed. “Here, we prepare the altar for one of the most sacred times we have in church: the Eucharist… And whether we prepare it for one person or for 500 people at Easter or Christmas, we are in communion with Christ, and that’s our time — a really special time,” said Whitney Ogle, Altar Guild Director-in-Training.

Ogle was first asked to join the group at Christ Church Cathedral in 2008. She said she wasn’t expecting the invitation but was happy to hear there was a place she could help out. She had been part of the Cathedral since 1996 and was looking for ways to be more involved. “My girls were in elementary school at the time, and I said I’d be happy to learn more about what they do.”

ALTAR GUILD, page 6

THE VERY REV. GARY JONES

Cathedral Youth Summer Shade events return

Summer Shade returns on June 8 with a spectacular lineup! Every Thursday night, we will gather at 6:30 p.m. for a movie night, activity night, or game night. This year our lineup will include a trip to watch the Astros and a visit to the Downtown Aquarium! You

2023 Every Member Canvass Kickoff Event

New Hope Housing celebrates 30 years

New Hope Housing started in 1993 through the vision of the Mission Outreach Council, when Church parishioners saw that our city had a severe homelessness problem. The People of the Cathedral set to work securing a decent place to live for those with nowhere to call home.

At the time, the Cathedral was raising money to restore the historic Cathedral structure. Parishioners were asked to participate in a dollar-for-dollar fundraising campaign that matched every $1 raised for the restoration with $1 to invest in community solutions. New Hope Housing was incorporated and received $1.25 million to purchase land and build Houston’s first 40 units of single room occupancy (SRO) apartments dedicated to housing the homeless.

so far, with much work ahead.

I’ve been in your seats scores of times, hostage to closing remarks that drone on too long. But the producers of today’s luncheon asked me to comment on why New Hope Housing is important to me, and how it became an important focus for me. Ok.

This could have been a more dramatic and embellished close but then, the Hollywood writers are on strike, so you get the gift of a short commentary that comes from me.

We will talk a bit about empathy and hope and incremental effort and fairness and promises.

No Place like the

niors who have just graduated. Friends are welcome. This is a great opportunity to gather as a community

You must register for every Thursday event. Make

SUMMER SHADE, page 8

By 1996, New Hope had one part-time employee in a tiny office at the Cathedral. As the organization grew, New Hope occupied pro bono office space in the Dunn Center until 2018, when they moved to offices atop their newest building, NHH Harrisburg SRO on the light rail in the East End.

Over the last three decades New Hope has become a ministry with 11 apartment communities across our city. They have offered life-stabilizing housing + services to more than 13,000 Houstonians of limited means—seniors, veterans, people with physical and cognitive disabilities, the formerly homeless, and low-income working families.

Something in my history must have connected me to this cause. My grandmother lived in a 3-story Victorian house on Austin Avenue in Georgetown Texas, the main street and pre interstate, the highway from Austin to Dallas. It was on about 4 acres with a barn in back — Think To Kill a Mockingbird milieu.

There must have been a Hobo code on the place because there were often homeless sleeping in the barn or on the back porch, always provided with a plate of chicken, slice of pie or something. Over and over, I heard the family underscore our obligation to help those less fortunate. Because without luck that could be us.

Sunday, October 2 6 p.m., Reynolds Hall

staff were recognized for their hard work in receiving two Polly Bond awards this year which acknowledge excellence and achievement in the ministry of church communication.

The first award was an honorable mention for work on our Parish Profile awarded to Mark Bohenick, Guy Hagstette, and Brant Mills. The second award was an Award of Excellence (first place) to Karen Kraycirik and Cathedral staff for work on the EMC Video Skit.

On May 4, 2023, New Hope celebrated 30 years of service at a luncheon attended by some of the parishioners who helped gave impetus to the organization’s mission. New Hope’s first employee and current CEO, Joy Horak-Brown, acknowledged the Cathedral’s role in their success and announced that New Hope will break ground on three new apartment developments this year—increasing the number of people they can house by 50%.

Mack Fowler, Cathedral parishioner and New Hope Chairman Emeritus, has devoted 24 years to the organization’s success. Mack delivered the following comments during the luncheon. His meaningful words illuminate the incredible work New Hope has accomplished

Then there is Odessa where I grew up. I remember many men, mostly disabled from laboring in the oil fields, hanging out near the Texas Pacific tracks, living in rundown boarding houses, and eating at what we called pray to eat missions in the area. I explored this scene a bit, likely related to some bohemian literature I was fascinated with at the time and curiosity about how their lives really worked. Their dignity impressed me. And they could be convinced to buy a quart of beer for underage ….

But, I have never been homeless.

I dropped out for a while in the 60’s to channel Jack Kerouac, hitchhike, hop freight trains and work itinerant farm labor. But while I have slept in numerous flop houses, never homeless.

HOPE, page 8

Confirmation, May Fete, Senior Sunday, and more

IN PICTURES

Above: 5th graders prance around the May Fete pole.

Below: Bishop Kai Ryan says a prayer over new confirmands in the

Above:: The Lonestar Bluegrass Band offers entertainment during May Fete celebrations.

Above: Our May Fete queen and king take their thrones as festival events begin.

Right: Canon Kathy Rock Pfister prays over graduating high school seniors on Senior Sunday.

Below: The Nature Conservancy in Texas’s Jaime González discusses the role nature can play in making the city more climate-ready and more healthy for all Houstonians.

Above: Canon Simón Bautista Betances prays over graduating high school seniors on Senior Sunday.

the Cathedral.

City of Houston, non-profits and other faith-based organizations, they were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and pleas to build a new shelter. Inspired by the model of a successful Austin-based shelter serving asylum seekers and displaced immigrants, they proposed the creation of a similar facility in the city of Houston. The Episcopal Diocese of Texas generously offered a 6-acre campus and building, Christ Church Cathedral granted seed funding to make the needed modifications to the campus, and Casa Mateo was born.

To help launch this new initiative, Christ Church Cathedral hosted an event featuring Barbara Brown Taylor and John Philip Newell on May 15, with proceeds benefitting Casa Mateo. More than 200 supporters attended the event and helped raise over $25,000.

Susan Reedy and Kristin Johnson, who are leading the effort, offered remarks at an opening reception for the authors. Johnson explained that the trip people make to the southern border of the United States is not an easy one, and that the majority of those who come to seek asylum in the US are families with children. They are often fleeing violence, corruption and/ or extreme poverty in their countries of origin.

Reedy went on to add that the right to seek asylum is legal and protected by US and International law, but is a complicated legal process. She added that the people who have been allowed to enter the US and seek asylum possess tremendous gifts and capabilities, but often do not have access to resources that will allow them to create a foundation for success in a new country - something Casa Mateo aims to provide. She went on to explain that Casa Mateo will have the capacity to serve approximately 50 people at a time, predominantly women and children, upon opening in early 2024. Residents will be allowed to stay for 90 days and will receive assistance with healthcare, legal aid, ESL classes and other services.

The availability of safe shelter not only staves off homelessness in our community, but also protects this vulnerable population from threats of crimes such as human trafficking and extortion. Casa Mateo will be the first of its kind in Houston, creating opportunities for immigrant families to not only survive, but to thrive in our community.

Casa Mateo’s mission to offer “hope through hospitality” was inspired by Matthew’s gospel in which Jesus says, “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in” He goes on to say, “‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Johnson was clear that the US faces a tremendous immigration crisis, with record numbers of people arriving at the border, and that Casa Mateo’s work will not solve those complicated problems. She added that in the meantime we can can give water to the thirsty, feed the hungry, and welcome the stranger.

Both John Philip Newell and Barbara Brown Taylor applauded the Cathedral for its efforts to support Casa Mateo. The audience was reminded of Jesus’s time as a refugee and Newell offered that we should look at those who seek refuge with faith rather than with fear.

If you would like more information on Casa Mateo or would like to make a donation, please visit www.casamateo. org or email info@casamateo.org

WONDER, from cover

books leave a mark in Scripture and in our memories, but have you ever wondered about the one-hit wonders of the Bible, those books that you can read in one short sitting, that don’t come up often in the lectionary, that never make the top-ten list of Bible favorites?

Revisit some of these books in our new four-week Bible study led by the Rev. Bradley Varnell. Though small by comparison, these words still pack a punch.

SCHEDULE

July 9 - “Where you go, I will go” The Book of Ruth

July 16 - “Hurl me into the sea” The Story of Jonah

July 23 - “My own heart” The Letter to Philemon

July 30 - “Draw near” The Epistle of James

Cathedral

THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS

Cathedral Reads kickoff

This summer our Cathedral Reads program will be centered around The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende. Join us on Zoom for our kickoff event on June 11 at 2 p.m. Additional information available soon at: www.christchurchcathedral.org/cathedralreads

ALTAR GUILD, from page 2

She soon learned how members of the Altar Guild go about their special duties to attend to and ensure the altar and eucharistic elements are prepared for each service. “We take care of the linens and chalices and wash them to make sure they’re ready for use... [Our work] involves all the things the priest needs for communion, including the wine and the bread.”

Ogle said being a part of the Altar Guild is her way to give back to a church that has done a lot for her, and that she enjoys working in the sacristy. “It’s a nice, quiet, contemplative time to be in a beautiful, sacred space and do your work for God.” She said she often prays while working, and added that ”God is with us everywhere, but you can really feel God’s presence in this space.”

Along the way she says she has gotten to know “a lot of really great people,” and being part of this ministry “is a great way to build community and get to know others as you work together to prepare for each service.” She added that she appreciates getting to know clergy better and enjoys helping them directly with anything special they need for worship.

Altar Guild members would love for anyone interested in learning more about this area of ministry to reach out and ask questions. The Altar Guild is a great way to serve the community and be involved, and they can use your help.

To learn more, please reach out to: Catherine Randall, Director at 713-515-3351, catherinerandall766@gmail.com; or Jane Curtis, Director Emeritus; or Whitney Ogle, Director in Training at 713-503-4709, wogle@sbcglobal.net

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

JUNE

Registration required

JUNE 2 FRI

Bridge Night

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

JUNE 7 WED

Cathedral Book Club

On June 7, the Cathedral Book Club discusses March, by Geraldine Brooks

JUNE 8 THU

Cof fee with Becky 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mellinger Room. An opportunity to visit with Canon Zartman in a more intimate setting before she departs.

Alzheimer & Dementia Support Group

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

JUNE 10 SAT

Threads of Comfort and Joy

10 a.m., Mellinger Room, (2nd Saturday of the month).

Latino Ministry Noche de Película/ Movie Night 2023

5-7:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room.

JUNE 11 SUN

Costa Rica Commissioning

11 a.m.

Cathedral Reads Kickoff

2 p.m.

JUNE 12-18

Latino Ministries Lay Conference Camp Allen.

JUNE 15 THU

Cof fee with Becky 6:30-8 p.m., Mellinger Room.

JUNE 18 SUN

Cathedral Reads Small Groups Begin Schedule determined by reading groups.

JUNE 23 FRI

Parks and Reconnection

Join us for summer best way to reconnect with your Cathedral family in a proven equation: Great Folks + Cool Park = FUN! Bring the kids and your lawn chairs. Events will be June 23, July 12, 25, and Aug. 6. Various locations. More information at: www.christchurchcathedral.org/parksrec

Registration closed   Childcare available (3 mo. to 12 yrs.)

JUNE 24 SAT

Deacon Ordination

10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Cathedral.

JUNE 25 SUN

Celebration and Farewell Honoring

Canon Zartman

10-11 a.m., Reynolds Hall.

WEEKLY

SUNDAYS

Summer Place

10 a.m. Reynolds Hall. Whether you are new to the Cathedral or you have been a member for decades, come meet new folks and old friends at Summer Place. Cathedral councils will take turns hosting this special coffee hour. All are welcome! See the full schedule at: www.christchurchcathedral.org/summerplace

Art Space

During the summer months we break out the arts and crafts supplies each Sunday for a time of creativity for Cathedral Kids! We will also have access to the Huffington Playground for those who need to run off a little energy. Bring your kiddos to Reynolds Hall at 10 a.m. (during Summer Place).

Cathedral Tours

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.

MONDAYS

Centering Prayer

11:15 a.m., Mellinger Room.

WEDNESDAYS

Contemplative Chapel

Join Interim Dean, Gary Jones Wednesday evenings, 4–5 p.m. on Zoom. Contact Louise Langford to participate: llangford@christchurchcathedral.org

UPCOMING

JULY 4 TUES

Independence Day Cathedral offices closed.

SUNDAYS

One Hit Wonders of the Bible July 9 through July 30. 10-11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room. A four-week Bible study exploring some of the one-hit wonders of the Bible. Led by the Rev. Bradley Varnell.

Canon Becky Zartman returning home

It was just announced that at the end of June Canon Zartman will be moving back home to Alexandria, VA. See her letter to Cathedral Parishioners at www. christchurchcathedral.org/zartman

Through August: COMFORT CALLS from the Vestry

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 SHADE, from page 3

sure you sign up for the Youth enews and follow us on Instagram @ccctreehouse to stay up to date with each week’s offering. We’ll make sure that details go out by Tuesday for that week’s program. If you have any questions, contact our Minister for Youth, Marcia Quintanilla, mquintanilla@ christchurchcathedral.org

SCHEDULE

June 8 Spider-Man: Across the SpiderVerse at Edwards Marq’E

June 15 The Rice Skyspace

June 22 Baking Night with KariAnn Lessner in The Treehouse

June 29 No Summer Shade

July 7 No Summer Shade

July 13 Game Night in the Treehouse

July 20 Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny at Edwards Marq’E

July 28 Episcopal Night at the Astros (Registration TBA)

Aug. 3 Aquarium + POS T

HOPE, from page 3

I will bet that few of you have ever been homeless.

But I bet we all often share the same experience; the experience of seeing or hearing of the homeless or a near homeless person or family, and identifying, reflecting on how impossible it is to manage one’s life without a home, a safe stable place to live, and a place to connect to the services one inevitably needs to manage, if not to survive.

There are numerous economic and sociometric arguments for dealing with homelessness in our society, but I believe most of us are here as supporters of these efforts, mostly because of our sense of empathy and ethics.

or you would not be pleased to call home, a place that gives our residents a sense of dignity, and access to social services, a sense of community and privacy, a place that adds meaning to their lives and to the lives of our employees and meaning to you our supporters.

In the 20 plus years that I have worked with New Hope there have been times of discouragement, concluding that this is an endless problem with no likely global solution, no silver bullets. Why not work on something we can fix?

This is housing in buildings where we have kept our promise to never have a building that I or you would not be pleased to call home,

Well, this is a celebration of New Hope Housing. A celebration of you all here for supporting and building her, from the germ of an idea in the 90’s, to 40 initial single room occupancy (SRO) units on land the city mistakenly gave us abutting the new baseball park, to now housing more than 2,500 souls, and with projects that near term with your support will add room for about 1,500 more.

This is housing in buildings where we have kept our promise to never have a building that I

But then we think about our mission: to serve the homeless and near homeless that we can reach, think about our goal to be a permanent institution, and admit that while New Hope is not the only or total answer, it is an answer.

It is a bridge between the funding that New Hope can enlist, the many faceted support of you all, and the individual fellow citizens that we can be of service to.

So, let’s drink a well-deserved toast to you all, our supporters, to the staff of New Hope Housing, and to our residents. And to our future, a future of keeping our promise of quality, permanence, and service to those less fortunate than us.