Christ Church Cathedral An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
April 2013 christchurchcathedral.org
Who fills your gas tank? In high school, my friend Patrick drove an enormous 1983 Oldsmobile Delta 88. It was burgundy-red, and due to its size and color we called it “The Delta Demon.” Invariably, on the way home from causing some (minor) mischief, Patrick would glance at the Demon’s fuel gauge The Very Rev. and exclaim, “Uh oh. Barkley Out of gas. We have to Thompson stop.” We’d coast into the nearest gas station on fumes. The Demon’s gas tank was insatiable. Patrick would pump gas, pay the cashier with the rumpled five dollars from his pocket, and collapse into the driver’s seat exclaiming in an exasperated tone, “Just once I wish I could top off the tank.” It seemed as if it took the entire five dollars — all that Patrick had — just to get us home. In 1988, the year I turned sixteen, the average price of gasoline was 98 cents. Today the average price of gasoline is $3.52. In this era of economic stress, it is not unusual to pull up to the gas pump and see that the people in front of us have put only five or ten dollars in the tank, because that’s all the money they have. Indeed, on some days we may be such people. Some days we lack the resources to fill the tank. Some days there’s not enough gas to get us home. Some days we subsist on fumes. Our spiritual lives are not so different from our gas tanks. Too often, we rely on our demons to carry us through the world — those insatiable aspects of our lives that drain us of our strength and our joy but of which we cannot seem to let go. Too often we find that when we need to endure and carry on, our tanks are empty. We don’t have enough gas to get us home. Who can fill our spiritual gas tank? What can top us off and see us through the long and crooked miles of life? St. Paul counsels, “Be careful how you
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Cathedral 20s & 30s members Michael Gallevo, Kevin Vick, Audra Patterson and Doreen Gallevo (in the foreground) relax and play a strategy game at a recent young adult retreat weekend in East Bernard.
Visiting church, finding home Kevin Vick didn’t know exactly what he was looking for in a church, but as soon as he walked into the Cathedral, he knew he had found it. “This is so cheesy, but really from the moment I walked through the doors I had this sense that this was it,” Vick said.
After consulting a friend at General Seminary in New York, Vick, who was raised Baptist, decided to try the Episcopal Church in February of 2012. He thoroughly researched the Cathedral website and hoped to find a new, inviting church environment that was
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Care through all life’s many seasons In John 13:34-35, Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” The mission of the Pastoral Care Council is to organize and provide compassionate and confidential emotional and spiritual support through the following means: • Visitation by clergy to those who are in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals or their own homes with limited mobility; • Placing you or a loved one on our weekly prayer list; • The Healing Eucharist with unction on Fridays at noon; • Visitation by a licensed lay visitor;
• Sending a card of celebration, remembrance or condolence; and • Delivering flowers from the Sunday worship service to brighten the day or celebrate a special occasion for our homebound members. At some season in our lives, we each can find ourselves experiencing the celebration of a marriage or the birth of a child; the death or illness of a loved one; issues surrounding aging parents or family members; or the simple day-to-day demands of life. If you or a loved one is experiencing a life-changing event, remember you are not alone. Our prayer is that you will find great comfort in knowing you are surrounded by those who will walk,
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Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with EE Meredith Rugg and Davis Zapffe, who were married February 2 in the Cathedral. EE new members Margot Dimond, Gillian Erdmann, James Lee, Leslie King, Robert Kulpaca, Meredith Upshaw and Ronald Washington. EE Cathedral members Annie and Devin Reed upon the birth of Jackson Patrick Reed on September 2, 2012. EE James and Stacey Thompson upon the birth of Taylor Emery Thompson on September 18, 2012. Taylor is the granddaughter of Cathedral member Nancy Thompson. EE Cathedral members Rodger and Jacqueline Brown upon the birth of Gwendolyn Louise Brown on January 15. EE Ben and Winnie Powell upon the birth of Virginia Claire Powell on February 25, 2013. Virginia is the granddaughter of Cathedral members Rick and Jan Kellogg.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to EE the family of Cathedral member Catherine Petersen, who died January 19. EE the family of Drucilla Williams, who died February 16 in Ohio. Drucilla was the mother of Cathedral member Daryl Williams and grandmother of Cathedral member Devin McClain Williams. EE the family of Donald Hughes, who died February 20. Donald was the father of Cathedral member James Hughes. EE the family of Cathedral member Lucinda “Cindy” Dickson, who died March 1. Cindy was the wife of Cathedral member Richard Dickson. EE the family of Grace Alyne Henry Parker, who died March 5. EE the family of Loyce Reed Franks, who died March 10 in Beaumont. Loyce was the mother of Cathedral member Tammy Franks Rogas. EE the family of Nan Scott Miller, who died March 13 in Waco. Nan was the mother of the Reverend Patrick J. Miller, former Cathedral canon, and grandmother to Henry and Catherine Miller.
EE on April 21 are given to the glory of God in honor of Sally Rose Larson on her birthday by Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Avery. EE on April 28 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Henry Kendall Hamilton, James Leonard Dougherty, Jewel Kendall Hamilton, William Brooke Hamilton, Newton Gilbert Dougherty and Maribel Kendall Daffan by Ann and Jim Dougherty Jr.
The Flowers in the Floor Vases EE on April 7 are given to the glory of God in honor of the marriage of Todd Cater and Meghan Sherman on April 6 by Margot and John Cater. EE on April 14 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Cindi Blakely.
Palm Sunday, March 24, 2013 EE The palms on the Cathedral Altar were given to the glory of God by the late Audrey Jones Beck in loving memory of her husband, John A. Beck; her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Tilford Jones; her grandmother, Mrs. Neta V. Taylor; and her grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Jesse H. Jones. EE The palms at the pulpit were given to the glory of God in loving memory of Cynthia Louise Hellmann by Harry C. Webb Jr. and family. EE The palms at the lectern were given to the glory of God in loving memory of Dorthy Amanda Nicholl, Herbert Leroy Nicholl, Mary Martha Headrick and William Milton Headrick by Dr. and Mrs. Charles B. Headrick, Charlie, Gardner, Faith, and Mary. EE The palms in the chapel of the Christ Child and the palms at the baptismal font were given to the glory of God in loving memory of James Walker Cain, Lella Dixon Cain, James Walker Cain Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Charles Northrop Peck, and Dixon Hill Cain by the Cain family. EE The palms on the processional crosses were given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the Priest family by Donna and Carter Boyd.
EE on April 7 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of her parents on their 70th anniversary.
EE The palms at the World War I Memorial were given to the glory of God in memory of their parents, Jean and George C. Morris Jr., and their grandparents, Mary and George C. Morris Sr., by Nan Morris, Penny Morris, Susie Morris, George C. Morris III and Marion Morris Landers.
EE on April 14 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of his parents, Madie Marie Richter and Robert C. Richter Sr., by Bob Richter.
EE The palms at the World War II Memorial were given to the glory of God in loving memory of Don Hornbeck and Jay Goodhart by Barb Hornbeck.
The Flowers on the Cathedral Altar
St. Anthony’s Catholic Basilica in Beaumont is one of five stops on the Religion & the Arts Council’s upcoming Spring Tour on April 20. The 1907 structure features a statue of St. Anthony, a soaring dome, beautiful stained-glass windows, a marble altar, and priceless mosaics, icons and paintings.
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live, not as unwise people but as wise. … Do not get drunk with wine [which is, undoubtedly, one of the demons on which many people rely] but be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:15,18) The difference between filling our spiritual gas tanks with the Holy Spirit rather than demonic and destructive things is made clear when the Psalmist says to God: “You have made known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence.” (Psalm 16:11) Life is, indeed, a journey down many and varied roads. We can travel in one of two ways. We can move forward in fits and starts, lurching on fumes until we gather just enough worldly resources to get us down the road to the next stop. Or, we can fill our hearts and souls with God, who empowers us through hill and valley, along smooth stretches and over potholes. Best of all, God doesn’t charge us anything, and he will fill our spiritual tanks to overflowing. God will be the fuel, vehicle and riding companion all, and the road trip will be one of joy. So, who will fill your gas tank?
Calendar of Events Visit www.christchurchcathedral.org or call 713-222-2593 to learn more about these and other events at the Cathedral. Registration recommended
Registration required April 14
THIS MONTH Ongoing through April 21 Cottage Meetings 6–8 p.m. in parishioner homes. A series of gatherings for fellowship and interaction with our new dean. April 1
Mon
Easter Monday Church offices closed.
Registration closed Sun
Fifth-Grade Enrollment 10 a.m., BYC. The fifth-grade class will graduate from children’s Sunday School and join the youth program. April 17
Wed
Tartuffe 6:30 p.m., Latham Auditorium. Staged reading of Molière’s comedy. Proceeds to benefit COMPASS. ($) April 19–21
Fri–Sun
Y.E.S. and Happening Camp Allen. Diocesan youth retreats for grades 6–8 and 9–12. ($) April 20
Sat
Spring Tour: Beaumont 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Day trip to visit historic churches and homes in the Golden Triangle of Texas. ($)
April 28
Sun
Episcopal Night with the Dynamo 4 p.m., BBVA Compass Stadium. Houston Dynamo soccer vs. Colorado Rapids. Reserve tickets by April 7. ($)
Weekly Sundays
April 6
Sat
Youth Hangout 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Outing to the Houston Zoo. ($) Lo Básico de la Fe 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Spanish-language course covers the history, theology and liturgy of the Episcopal Church. April 7
April 21
Sun
Wednesdays Cathedral 20s & 30s 6:30–8 p.m., Mellinger Room. Weekly discussion group and social gathering of young adults.
Sun
Destination Unknown Lock-In Middle-school youth will venture to secret locations around Houston for fun and fellowship. ($)
Last Day of Spring Education 10 a.m. Final sessions of spring semester adult formation classes and Sunday School for children and youth.
May 3–4
May 26
Sun
First Day of Summer Place 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Snacks and refreshments hosted each Sunday by ministries and councils of the Cathedral.
Tue
Spring Welcome Dinner 6–8 p.m., The Deanery. Gathering welcoming those new or feeling new to the Cathedral.
June 14–16 Fifth-Grade Mission Trip Current fifth-graders experience their first mission trip, serving the underserved in Houston. Sign up by May 1. ($) July 21–26
Fifth-Grade Parent Meeting 10:30 a.m., Jones Basement. Parent introduction to the youth program. Cameron Carpenter Organ Concert 7:30 p.m. in the Cathedral. Presented by the Society for the Performing Arts. ($)
May 19
Fri–sat
Upcoming
Sun
Wed
May 16 Thu Sharing Faith Dinners 6:30–9:30 p.m., various host homes. Moderated conversation on faith at small-group dinners with Episcopalians from around the diocese. Register from April 1–29.
Pentecost Organ Recital and Evensong 4:15 p.m. and 5 p.m. in the Cathedral. Recital by Kathryn Sparks White of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church. Choral evensong sung by the Cathedral Choir.
Rhythms of Grace 1 p.m., Jones Basement. Worship experience for special needs children and their families.
April 10
Blood Drive 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., San Jacinto entrance. Quarterly drive for donations to the St. Luke’s Blood Center.
Women’s Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.
Youth Service Day 1–5 p.m. Environmental service project in honor of Earth Day. April 23
Bishop’s Visit to Confirm 9 a.m. in the Cathedral. Bishop Andy Doyle presiding.
Tuesdays
Buscando la Luz 6:45–8:30 p.m., Mellinger Room. Spanish-language discussion group. April 5 Fri Celebration of a New Ministry 7:30 p.m., Cathedral. Installation of the Very Rev. Barkley S. Thompson as dean and rector of Christ Church Cathedral. Reception to follow.
Sun
Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) 4–6 p.m., BYC. Gathering of youth for dinner, games, teaching, movies and worship. Does not meet April 28.
Thursdays
April 21 Sun “Revealing Heaven” 3–5 p.m., Latham Auditorium. The Rev. John W. Price will discuss and sign his book about near-death experiences and their implications.
May 12
April 27 Sat Tulip Reception 2–4 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Celebrating our stories with Canon John Logan.
May 5 Sun May Fete 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Cathedral’s oldest tradition offers springtime merriment for all. Combined bilingual service at 10 a.m. followed by afternoon celebrations.
Middle-School Mission Trip Bastrop. Helping those affected by last year’s wildfires. Sign up by May 1. ($) June 28
Fri
Episcopal Night at the Ballpark 5 p.m., Bishop’s Courtyard; 7:05 p.m. Minute Maid Park. Pregame cookout and special seating and prices for Houston Astros game vs. Los Angeles Angels. ($)
Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Houston, Texas
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 Anne Shepard at ashepard@christchurchcathedral.org or call her at 713-590-3301.
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involved in the community. On his first Sunday, Vick immediately felt that he had found what he was searching for. Several people greeted him, including a member of the 20s & 30s group, who invited them to their next gathering. On Wednesday, he found a new group of friends in the 20s & 30s group and by Friday, he had received a handwritten welcome note from Melissa White, the director of membership development. “That hand-written card from Melissa was number one on the list of moments when I felt welcomed,” Vick said. “I have been to church my entire life, and I’ve never seen anything like that. It just kind of blew me away. I was pretty sold right there.” But it was another aspect of the Cathedral that convinced Vick to even attend in the first place. He wanted a spiritual community for himself, but he also wanted to make connections to the larger community. “If I wanted to do church, I had this very clear sense that church just wasn’t about Sundays and playing nice in a nice worship service,” he said. “I really wanted to be a part of a church that was more socially involved. I wanted to know that my church was really involved in the community and not just on
an occasional basis. The Cathedral, to me, is a group of people that has a sense that this is what it is all about.” Early on, Vick volunteered in different ministries of the Cathedral, and in just over a year since his first visit, Vick now serves on the adult formation council and is the new chair of the young adult council. “It was very much a sort of snowball effect,” Vick said. “It didn’t take long to decide that if this is something that I’ve been looking for then I want to be a part of it, not just attend on Sundays. I started off working at the Beacon and worked my way into more administrative roles.” Now that he has begun to settle in as a member of the Cathedral, Vick says that he tries to welcome visitors in the same way that he felt welcomed. “I try to let them know what there is to do. I think it is important to tell visitors what we have to offer,” Vick said. “The main thing is just continuing to make yourself available to people. It is so easy to get into a routine on Sundays because we are all busy and have the comfort of the familiar. So just being aware of your surroundings and making the effort to say hello or introduce yourself to someone new can make a really big difference.”
In the Cloister Gallery: Joan Breckwoldt Through April 25 Houston painter Joan Breckwoldt presents oil landscapes and portraits in the impressionist style.
In the Bookstore: Cathedral Crosses Our sterling silver Cathedral Cross pendants make excellent gifts for confirmation or graduation.
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pray and visit with you as we journey together through this bumpy road we call life. We pray that through these ministries you will find yourself embraced by love. Please contact the Rev. Glenice RobinsonComo, canon pastor, at 713-590-3319 or any member of the clergy for confidential pastoral support or if you know of someone who could use a pastoral visit, a card or flowers. For further information, a pastoral care brochure, “Embraced by Love,” is available in the reading rack outside the Golding Chapel.