CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
The glory of the unfinished creation This past May I attended the final spring concert of the Houston Chamber Choir. It was a performance of Mozart’s Great Mass in C Minor, with Robert Simpson conducting and Cathedral member Kelli Shircliffe singing soprano solo. Even with my un sophisticated ear, I love Mozart. But this was the first time I’d heard the C Minor Mass. When the THE VERY REV. Credo began, I listened BARKLEY with great intent as I THOMPSON followed the English translation in the playbill. The creed continued, “True God of true God; begotten, not made” and crescendoed with “Who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven…” And then it stopped. The entire movement. Cut short. Unfinished. Mozart never completed this mass. It is a half-done thing. As words read on the page, it is actually pitiful: choppy, distracted, even half-hearted. Of the mass, Mozart wrote to his father in 1783, “The score of half a mass, which is still lying here waiting to be finished, is the best proof that I really made the promise.” The “promise” in question was for a family visit to Salzburg to which Mozart had committed, but it could equally refer to the unfulfilled promise of the mass itself, a sin of that “left undone.” How like Mozart’s C Minor Mass we are. We are intended by God to be things of glory: incarnate spirits endowed with great creative power. We are placed on God’s earth full of promise, and yet so often we fail to finish the good thing God has started. We commit ourselves to God but are quickly distracted. We love halfheartedly. We flit from one thing to another in our lives at a choppy pace. Instead of pursuing God’s hopes for the
GLORY, page 3
AUGUST 2013 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
Defining the Cathedral’s vision Last year during the search for Christ Church Cathedral’s eighth dean, the Cathe dral reaffirmed its mission statement: “The mission of Christ Church Cathedral is to pro claim the love of Jesus Christ through word and deed to the parish, the diocese and the downtown community.” Following upon that mission, the Cathedral identified six guiding principles to inform its ministry: gospel, outreach, community, lit urgy, music and tradition.
The dean’s search resulted in the Very Rev. Barkley Thompson joining the Cathedral community in February, and this fall Dean Thompson will lead a task force to help Christ Church further pursue its mission. Dean Thompson offers, “As a parish fam ily we’ll ask, ‘How do we most faithfully fol low our guiding principles? What will success look like as we strive to proclaim Christ’s love in downtown Houston?’ I’m excited about
VISIONING, page 3
The gift that kept on giving
Elma Schneider with her sister, Lynette Autrey, and brother-in-law, Herbert S. Autrey, in 1968. (Photo courtesy of the Woodson Archive, Fondren Library, Rice University.)
Elma W. Schneider is not a name many at the Cathedral would recognize today, but, even though she died decades ago, she continues to be one of the largest contributors to the Christ Church Cathedral Endowment Fund thanks to a generous allocation in her will and some shrewd management of her bequest. Although it didn’t seem to be especially impressive at the time of her passing, Schneider’s gift has now provided
the Endowment with more than $6 million. After a lifetime at the Cathedral, Schneider died in 1983, leaving the majority of her estate to be split between Rice University and the Cathedral Endowment. With family roots in the congregation dating back to at least 1846, Elma made it a priority to leave her earthly possessions to the Cathedral. Since she had no children or close relatives, and she was
ELMA’S GIFT, page 8
Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with EE Cathedral members Victoria Minjares and James Turner, who were married June 14 in the Cathedral. EE Sheila Flores and Rudy Crabb, who were married June 21 in the Cathedral. EE Cathedral members Allison and Clark Kellogg upon the birth of William Clark Kellogg on September 10, 2012. Grandparents are Jan and Rick Kellogg, and Cindy Seeman. EE Cathedral members Brittney and Eric Newcomer upon the birth of Leland Brock Newcomer on February 27. EE New members: Emily Brabo, Andrew Gordon and Robin Fogo.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to
John Dominic Crossan, Joan Chittister and Marcus Borg share their thoughts on faith with an audience at the Cathedral in 2007. The trio will return to the Cathedral for a seminar on October 18–19.
EE the family of Ann Alter, who died June 18.
Three renowned theologians to discuss future of Christian faith
EE the family of Charles Callery, who died June 23. He was the father of Cathedral member Madeleine Hussey and grandfather of Caroline and Matthew Hussey.
The Flowers on the Cathedral Altar EE on August 4 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Steve Pieringer and Walter Heffler by the Pieringer family. EE on August 11 are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the life and work of James Reed Cox. EE on August 18 are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for Lisa Puccio, Martha Lewis, the Rev. Jimmy Grace and the Cathedral ministry to children and families with special needs through the Lighthouse program and Rhythms of Grace. EE on August 25 are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for her mother, Dorothy Viktorin, and in loving memory of her father, Joe Viktorin, and her sister-in-law, Nancy Viktorin, by Lisa Viktorin.
The Flowers in the Floor Vases EE on August 18 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Wyatt and Lyman Paden and Margaret and David Flowers by Lyman and Jennifer Paden, Caroline and Alexander. THE BULLETIN
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Three nationally renowned authors and historian of early Christianity, has written theologians will discuss the future of Chris 27 books on the historical Jesus, the apos tianity during a two-day semi tle Paul and earliest Christianity. nar at the Cathedral on October DOES CHRISTIANITY Crossan and Borg have coauthored 18–19. In this conversation, John HAVE A FUTURE? a series of books including The Last Dominic Crossan, Marcus Borg, Friday and Saturday, Week: A Day by Day Account of Jeand Joan Chittister will also ex October 18–19 sus’ Final Week in Jerusalem; The plore in part the history of the First Christmas: What the Gospels church, and the challenges presented to it Really Teach about the Birth of Jesus; and The by historic schisms and scandals. First Paul: Reclaiming the Radical Visionary The seminar, entitled “Does Christianity Behind the Church’s Conservative Icon. Have a Future: Schism, Scandal and Loss of Chittister, a Benedictine sister in Erie, the Sacred,” proves especially relevant in a Pa., is a best-selling author and well-known pluralistic culture that engages a full spec international lecturer on topics of justice, trum of religious belief. In a world changing peace, human rights, women’s issues and at rapid speed, with many Christian denom contemporary spirituality in the church and inations (including the Episcopal Church) in society. She presently serves as the coin numerical decline, what does Christian chair of the Global Peace Initiative of Wom ity need to insure its survival? Perhaps more en, a partner organization of the United importantly, in the challenge of church in Nations, facilitating a worldwide network the 21st century, where do we encounter of women peace builders, especially in the God’s grace and hope? These are the types of Middle East. Chittister’s most recent books questions and ideas this important seminar include Following the Path: The Search For a intends to address. Life of Passion, Purpose and Joy and MonasBorg, the canon theologian at Trinity tery of the Heart. Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Ore., is in The Cathedral is once again partnering ternationally known in both academic and with the D.L. Dykes Jr. Foundation and sev church circles as a biblical and Jesus scholar. eral other local churches and organizations He is the author of 19 books, including the to bring these three scholars to Houston. best-sellers Meeting Jesus Again for the First These speakers are very popular and the Time; The God We Never Knew and The event is expected to sell out. To register for Heart of Christianity. all or part of the two-day seminar, call 1-800Crossan, a New Testament scholar and 882-7424 or visit www.faithandreason.org.
GLORY, from cover
world with vigor, we forget the promise for which we are made and give our attention to lesser, self-centered things. There are times when we, like the bare words on Mozart’s page, are pitiful. But words on the page don’t tell the whole story! When sung, the Great Mass in C Minor is among the most glorious masses ever written. It buoys the soul and draws the heart toward heaven. Even though it is unfinished, the mass is still widely performed two hundred and thirty years after Mozart set down his pen, and we rejoice in its majesty and celebrate Mozart’s halfhearted effort. This is because we don’t hear Mozart’s great work through the filter of its incompleteness. Rather, it is as if God himself has taken the thing Mozart began and infused it with grace and
VISIONING, from cover glory. God redeems its incompleteness and declares it good. And that, surely, is also God’s posture towards us. We find ourselves again at the outset of a new program year. This fall, Christ Church Cathedral will offer us an abundance of ways to be involved and to keep writing our Christian story. What will God make of us, his unfinished creations, and the promise God has begun in us? It is my prayer that God will infuse us with grace and glory; that God will challenge us to pursue his purposes in the world; that God will inspire us to love one another in full measure and see one another—all of us—as glorious things to be sung and celebrated. And I know the spiritual music we will make together will buoy our souls and draw our hearts toward heaven.
where we are headed and what the next chapter in the Cathedral’s life might look like.” The visioning process will consist of a series of weekend “charrettes.” Charrettes are lightning-round brainstorming sessions common in the work of ar chitecture and master planning firms. Christ Church’s charrettes will focus on parishioners’ hopes and dreams related to each of the six guiding principles. Parishioners will be encouraged to share what they love about worship, community, tradition, etc., at the Cathedral, as well as what they hope to see at Christ Church in the future. The vestry will then study the results of the charrettes at its retreat in January 2014, and it is expected that new concrete initiatives and programs may emerge as a result of the process. The dates of the charrette sessions will be an nounced in late August. The members of the vision ing task force are Zach Bernard, Consuelo Bravo, John Cater, Wayne Clawater, Mike Contreras, Doreen Gal levo, Guy Hagstette, Ellen Harrison (vestry), David Kirkland (vestry), Cheryl Lasater, Alisa Mengwasser, Jim Murdaugh and Flo Ray.
Start your engines, Rally Day is coming On Sunday, August 25, at 10 a.m., come be a part of “Rally for CCC Ministries.” With summer activities winding down, you are invited to rev up your engines to celebrate and engage in the exciting RALLY FOR and worthwhile Cathedral CCC MINISTRIES ministries. Sunday, August 25 You will experience a 10–11 a.m. road-rally-themed event as you make your way around our rally route, which will start and finish in Reynolds Hall and take you throughout the Cathedral campus. “Drivers” will have opportunities to make pit stops to chat with ministry pit crews along the circuit. Through interactive, fun activities at each pit stop, you will learn about what each ministry does and about its upcoming plans. For example, play a round of Biblical Pic tionary and pick up the fall education sched ule at the Adult Formation stop. Receive a knitting lesson at the Prayer Shawl stop. Take a clever quiz to identify the links be tween artistic and spiritual aspects of pro grams sponsored by the Religion and the Arts Council at that council’s stop. Drive by the Community Life stop to sign up for Foy ers, small groups of parishioners organized to socialize over meals, and for the annual Par ish Retreat. Zip on over to Latham Auditorium early on your rally route to experience the choir rehearsing before the 11:00 service. Register your children for Sunday School while your
kids craft at the Children’s Ministry stop. As you have fun at these and many other minis try pit stops, you will rack up race stickers to qualify for a chance to win a prize. At the end of your rally, not only will you
finish the race with a new appreciation of all the ministries our Cathedral supports, you’ll be fueled with energy for the start of the pro gram year. In other words, you’ll find your own checkered flag!
Volunteer power
Much of The Beacon’s success is achieved through an active volunteer base of over 2,200 individuals and groups who provide approximately 85% of all our services. Beacon Day Center volunteers help out in shifts at client intake, in the kitchen, with laundry and in our case management department. Beacon volunteers also mentor our Brigid’s Hope program clients and offer pro bono legal assistance through our Cathedral Justice Project. Visit www.beaconhomeless.org to learn more and to sign up to join the volunteer team. PAGE 3
THE BULLETIN
Smile! Photography underway for new parish directory It has been a number of years since we by calling 713-222-2593. These free sessions printed our last photo directory. Since that are 20 minutes each and include a profes time, we have been blessed with the addition sional portrait sitting, with the opportunity of many new faces at the Cathe to purchase prints. Sessions dral. For that reason, we have PHOTO DIRECTORY SESSIONS are available at the Cathedral begun the task of compiling a Now through September throughout August and Sep new directory, to serve as a tool tember on Thursdays and Fri for members of this large and growing con days from 1–7 p.m. and on Sundays from 8 gregation to better recognize and be in closer a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is free in the Cathedral contact with one another. garage on San Jacinto. (We will validate your We need your help and participation in ticket if needed.) two ways. First, please take a moment to Second, please review your current direc schedule a photo session, either online at tory information, which you should have www.christchurchcathedral.org/directory or received recently in a letter from the dean.
If there is a change or addition, or if you did not receive this letter, please contact our registrar, Anne Shepard, at 713-590-3301 or ashepard@christchurchcathedral.org before September 30. She can also assist you if you wish for any of your contact information to be unlisted. When complete, the photo directory will be available on a secure, members-only section of the Cathedral website. We will also have a print edition available for sale to members in the Cathedral Bookstore. Thank you for par ticipating in the directory and for helping us keep our records up-to-date.
Congregación latina se prepara para otoño
Latino congregation prepares for fall
Durante todo el verano la congregación latina se está preparando para el programa y el ministerio del otoño. Nuestras actividades han tomado la forma de educación y diversión, de aprender y de regocijar, de jugar y de celebrar. Nuestra preparación continúa durante el mes de agosto con un pic nic, con más clases para los acólitos, y también con las preparaciones para Rally Day. El picnic tomará lugar el sábado el 17 de agosto en el aire libre de una de las instalaciones de Hermann Park, igual en el area de refrescamiento donde se prende el agua para la diversión de niños de todas las edades. El entranmiento de los acólitos tomará lugar el sábado el 24 de agosto en la Catedral. Anticipamos la adición de varios acólitos a los rangos del cuerpo de los acólitos, y los acólitos veteranos siempre nos ayudan a levantar a los nuevos. El día siguiente, el Rally Day, nos pro meta ser un día de diversión y celebración mientras nos preparamos el adviento del año escolar y las actividades de la escuela dominical.
During the entire summer, the Latino congregation of the Ca thedral has been preparing for the program and ministry of this fall. Our activities have taken the form of education and fun, of learning and rejoicing, of playing and celebrating. Our preparation continues during the month of August with a picnic, acolyte training and our preparations for Rally Day. The picnic will take place on Saturday, August 17, at one of the open-air venues of Hermann Park, as well as in the refreshing waters of the aquatic installation for the enjoyment and fun for children of all ages. The acolyte training will take place August 24 at the Cathe dral. We anticipate the addition of several new acolytes to the ranks of our acolyte corps, and our veteran acolytes always assist in raising up new acolytes. The next day, Rally Day, promises to be a day of fun and celebration as we prepare for the new school year and the activities of Sunday School.
Dean Thompson to offer three new programs this fall This Fall, Dean Thompson will offer and facilitate several opportunities for formation and conversation.
Dean’s Book Club The Dean’s Book Club will meet from 6:30–8 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month beginning September 4. The group will discuss a different book each month, including novels, non-fiction, and books on spirituality and faith. Books will be selected by the group, and at the first session we will choose three titles for the remainder of the fall. All are welcome.
Friday Early Morning Men’s Study Group The Men’s Study Group will meet from 7–8 a.m. in the Jeffers Conference Room on the first and third Fridays of the month beginning September 6. Parishioner Neil Giles will facil itate along with Dean Thompson. The aim of the group is to study books that form us spiri THE BULLETIN
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tually as well as help us to grow in confidence and accountability with one another. We’ll begin by reading C.S. Lewis’ classic Mere Christianity (available in the Ca thedral Bookstore).
Faith and Society Seminar In this seminar, participants will engage in serious and lively conversation about Holy Scrip ture, faith and the society in which we live. The seminar will wrestle with vexing issues not necessarily in an attempt to uncover singular, unequivocal answers but to better ground participants in the range of faithful responses that Christians might have. The seminar requires that participants grant the veracity of one another’s faith in Christ, no matter what differences of opinion arise in conversation. It will follow the con
versation style perfected by the Aspen Institute, to ensure that all voices are heard and respected. With the exception of the first session, the seminar will meet on the third Wednesday of each month. The first session will last an hour. Subsequent sessions will run 90 minutes. It is important that seminar participants attend the first session. Session 1: Wednesday, Sep tember 11, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Topic: “Introductions, the conversation covenant and laying the seminar ground rules” Session 2: Wednesday, October 16, 6:30– 8:00 p.m. Topic: “The role of the state in the lives of Christian people” Session 3: Wednesday, November 20, 6:308:00 p.m. Topic: “War and peace” Session 4: Wednesday, December 18, 6:308:00 p.m. Topic: “Affluence and poverty”
More Adventures of Flat Andy and Episcopal Night at the Ballpark
IN PICTURES
Below left: Nell Richardson and Flat Andy visited the Rev. Blake Rider at Christ Church in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Below right: John Flanagan and Flat Andy met the Rev. Buddy Stallings at St. Bartholomew’s in New York City. See more photos of Flat Andy’s summer travels on the Cathedral website at www.christchurchcathedral.org.
Nearly 250 people from around the diocese and here at the Cathedral stopped by our Episcopal Night at the Ballpark cookout on June 28. We enjoyed hot dogs, chips and popcorn before walking over to Minute Maid Park to cheer on the Astros as they played the Angels and to watch the fireworks display after the game.
We still need your help! Of the $2,500,000 in budgeted pledges for 2013, there are $2,278,000 actual pledges recorded through June 30, with $222,013 in pledges outstanding. If you haven’t made your pledge, please do so now. PAGE 5
THE BULLETIN
Worshipping with one’s body, mind and spirit Most Christians are in agreement that wor but you simply have to have the Lord’s Table ship demands the investment of the mind and for the Lord’s Supper. So the Altar is the pri the heart, but we tend to overlook the mary sign of God’s presence in the physical senses, thinking of the body Holy Communion, and we bow. as somehow not quite “spiritual.” Genuflecting Worship involving the body can When the Sacrament is reserved on be either the most difficult or most the Altar, many Anglicans go down attractive thing to those who come on their right knee as a reverent rec to the Episcopal Church from other ognition of the Eucharist, the Real backgrounds because bodily acts of THE REV. CANON Presence of Christ. This is called gen ED STEIN worship are, well, noticeable. When uflecting, meaning, literally, to “bend to bow, kneel or cross oneself can the knee. ” Note that many do this, but not ambush a beginner with a lot of angst about all; it is a custom that is widely observed, but somehow standing out as a church amateur. not a rule. If you do choose to genuflect, the Here are a few basics on expressing reverence proper way to do it is to go all the way down, with the body as well as the mind. as opposed to a little half-dip. Bowing And there are customs of bowing during In American culture, there’s not a lot of the service — at the name of Jesus in the bowing to anyone, so we’re not used to it; but Creed, at Gloria Patri and during the three in Church, there’s a regular pattern of bow “holies” and the name “Lord God” at the be ing. First to the Altar (and not the Cross on ginning of the praise Sanctus in the Eucha it). You acknowledge the principal Altar in a ristic Prayer. Church with a bow approaching or leaving it or crossing before it. The idea is that the Altar Standing In church it is customary to stand as the (along with the baptismal font) is the essen tial identifying feature for a Church building. people leading worship enter to begin the You can celebrate the Eucharist without a pul service, no matter how grand or simple the pit or an organ or even seats in the Church, procession. Standing is a mark of respect and
of readiness to participate. We also always stand to hear the Gospel reading proclaimed in the Eucharist, to honor the words of Christ speaking in the Gospel. And we turn toward the reader of the Gospel to listen to it wher ever in the Church the reader is. Additionally, the Prayer Book directs us to stand for the Creed and for the beginning of the Eucharis tic Prayer and Sanctus.
Kneeling The prayer book directs us to kneel for confession and on penitential days like Ash Wednesday. Otherwise, the liturgy directs us to choose what’s helpful. Some find it devo tionally helpful to kneel and some to stand during the Eucharistic Prayer and again af ter Communion for the blessing that ends the service. Either position of the body can express reverent attentiveness, so some peo ple in the same pew may kneel while others stand. If the idea of worshipping with your body as well as your words and thoughts is new to you, try it out at home and get comfortable with standing with out-stretched hands, or with kneeling, or using the sign of the Cross in your prayers. It doesn’t take long for them to become not just natural but second nature.
Altar Guild an “invisible” ministry
Altar Guild member Mary Ann Cobb prepares the altar before a Sunday morning service. THE BULLETIN
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Most churches have an Altar Guild, literally a behind- thescenes ministry intended to be invisible. Why? Our “invisible” Altar Guild servants allow for the seamless solemnity of worship in the Cathedral. Altar Guild members serve the clergy and the church by caring for the sanctuary and its furnishings. This includes preparing for each service, cleaning up afterwards, and caring for the elements, vessels, linens, paraments and vestments used in the services. Regular services are on Sundays and on weekdays at noon. Other services include weddings, funerals, elections of bishops, ordina tions, holy days and special occasions. The Altar Guild has respon sibilities every day of the week. New members learn about the traditions and vocabulary of our worship during a period of training. These training periods last a few weeks, after which new members are assigned to a team. Each team usually serves one day each month for 2–3 hours. At the Ca thedral, men and women who are interested in this ministry be come members by invitation of the dean. The Altar Guild welcomes those who feel called to this ministry to contact Bob Richter at 713-522-2588 or richter333@gmail.com to find out about training and service. If you would like to learn more about the beauty of our sanctuary, the attention to its care, and those who participate in this “invisible” ministry, we welcome the opportunity to talk with you.
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
Registration closed
THIS MONTH AUGUST 1
WEEKLY THU
SUNDAYS
Sunday School Registration Opens Visit the Cathedral website to register children for Christian education classes. AUGUST 2
AUGUST 4 SUN Rhythms of Grace 1 p.m., Jones Basement. Worship experience for special needs children and their families resumes with the lesson “The Parable of the Prodigal Son.” SUN
City ArtWorks Opening Reception 3–5 p.m., Cloister Gallery. Exhibit features young participants in the nonprofit City ArtWorks art education program. AUGUST 4–10 High-School Mission Trip New York. Urban ministry and Hurricane Sandy relief work. ($) AUGUST 15
Sing with the Parish Choir 8:20 a.m., Latham Auditorium. Sing with the Parish Choir any Sunday this summer, no experience required.
FRI
Bridge Night 6–9 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Newcomers and all levels welcome.
AUGUST 4
AUGUST 18 SUN Kids4Peace Visit Kids4Peace campers will attend the 9 o’clock service and visit Summer Place.
WEDNESDAYS
Y.E.S. Camp Allen. Diocesan retreat for 6–8th graders to foster a clearer appreciation of self, richer relationships with others and a deeper experience with Jesus. ($)
Cathedral 20s & 30s 6:30–8 p.m., various locations. Weekly discussion group and social gathering of young adults. Does not meet Aug. 21 or 28.
Happening Camp Allen. Diocesan retreat for 9–12th graders to help them concentrate on the person and teaching of Jesus Christ. ($)
THURSDAYS
AUGUST 24
SAT
Sunday School Teacher Training Day 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cathedral. AUGUST 25
Evil Angels and Demons 6:30–8 p.m., Latham Auditorium. Matthias Henze, a professor of Biblical studies at Rice, will present a talk on demons in early Judaism and the New Testament.
SEPTEMBER 21 SAT Forming Disciples 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Learn practical ways to put spiritual gifts to use. Speakers include Canon John Newton and Dean Thompson. ($) SEPTEMBER 25
WED
Come to the Table Annual fundraiser and gala dinner in support of The Beacon featuring Houston’s top chefs. Tickets and underwriting opportunities are now available. ($)
UPCOMING
Lord of the Streets Service Day 6:15 a.m., Trinity Episcopal Church. Help cook eggs, meat and grits during a two-hour breakfast shift. Blood Drive 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., San Jacinto entrance. Quarterly drive for donations to the St. Luke’s Blood Center.
SEPTEMBER 8 SUN First Day of Sunday School 10 a.m. Christian education classes resume for children and youth. Adult Education Preview 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Instructors introduce courses for the fall, which begin Sept. 15.
SAT
The Screwtape Letters 4 p.m., Wortham Center. Cathedral outing to see national touring theatrical adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ famous book.
Buscando la Luz 6:45–8:30 p.m., Mellinger Room. Spanish-language discussion group.
WED
SUN
THU
Convivio en el Parque 11 a.m., Hermann Park. Picnic, games, food and fun in the outdoors. Children of all ages can enjoy the park’s aquatic installation.
Summer Place 10–11 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Fellowship hour with refreshments hosted by ministries and councils of the Cathedral. Aug. 4, Vestry; Aug. 11, Adult Formation; Aug. 18, Kids Hope USA and Kids4Peace.
AUGUST 23–25
Framework for Understanding Poverty 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Latham Auditorium. Seminar designed for educators and mentors of at-risk youth. ($) AUGUST 17
SEPTEMBER 18
AUGUST 25 SUN Rally Day 10–11 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Fun activities for all ages as we celebrate the Cathedral’s ministries during this road-rally-themed hour.
SEPTEMBER 14
SAT
Festival Folklorico 5–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Celebrating the cultures of Latin America with regional dances and costumes, food, games, music and more. ($)
SEPTEMBER 29 SUN EMC Kickoff “The Beadles” return! Save the date for our annual Every Member Canvass dinner and performance. Tickets go on sale in September. ($) OCTOBER 6
SUN
Blessing of the Animals 4–5 p.m., Bishop’s Courtyard. In observance of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. Snacks for humans and animals at 3:30 p.m. OCTOBER 18–19 Does Christianity Have a Future? Seminar with renowned scholars and theologians John Dominic Crossan, Joan Chittister and Marcus Borg. ($) PAGE 7
THE BULLETIN
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1117 Texas Avenue Houston, Texas 77002-3183
PERMIT No. 6404
Did you know you can read The Bulletin on our website? If you’d like to go “online-only,” contact Anne Shepard at ashepard@christchurchcathedral.org or call her at 713-590-3301.
ELMA’S GIFT, from cover
descended from a line of prominent business leaders, the gift was substantial, though not unprecedented at the time. It included jewelry, coins, land and almost everything she owned. The land was a 160-acre plot in Hardin county, northwest of Beaumont, that was originally part of the Olive Sternenberg Lumber Company, a business owned by Schneider’s uncle, Gustav Sternenberg. After Sternenberg’s death, the company and land was passed through the family, eventually falling to Elma and her sister Lynette Autrey. When Lynette died in 1978 she left a substantial gift to the Endowment, but a great deal of her portion of the Sternenberg estate fell to Elma, the lone remaining family member. And when Elma passed away, she gave half of her estate to her Cathedral family. In 1994, Rice offered to buy the Cathedral’s portion of the Hardin County land, which the Cathedral accepted. However, they kept their shared mineral rights. Twenty years later, oil and gas were discovered on the land and both institutions granted the exploratory rights to recover the natural resources. The Cathedral had low expectations, but in February of 2006, they were surprised with a THE BULLETIN
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check for $121,000. “That got our attention,” said Phillippa Gard, the former assistant treasurer of the vestry. Every month, large sums of money poured in, and the timing could not have been better as the Cathedral was finishing the construction of its east block. The new facilities would eventually house The Beacon, Brigid’s Hope, the Cathedral Clinic, the Cathedral Justice Project, COMPASS, the Diocese of Texas and New Hope Housing. The unexpected injection of millions of dollars allowed the Cathedral to cover several unexpected expenses associated with the building project, and the proceeds from the mineral rights continue to enrich the Cathedral Endowment Fund. “Bottom line, this was an angel gift that turned up just as we were building The Beacon,” Gard said. “Something that seems insignificant can end up being an angel.” Cathedral member John Flanagan researched Schneider’s family history for the Cathedral. “This has been very meaningful research for me,” he said. “I have my sister and myself, and neither of us has any kids. I don’t even have any first cousins. So, I’m also remembering Christ Church Cathedral in my will because this is my family.”
Flanagan and Gard both belong to the Bishop Richardson Society, a group of Cathedral members that have indicated they have included the Cathedral in their wills. Members of the society do not have to indicate what or how much they are leaving behind because membership is based on the honor system. To learn more about including the Cathedral in your will and joining the Bishop Richardson Society, contact David Simpson at 713-590-3308.
In the Cloister Gallery: City ArtWorks
In August Young artists from the City ArtWorks program will exhibit their work. City ArtWorks is a nonprofit arts education program in the Houston area.
In the Bookstore: St. Theresa’s Selections The Cathedral Bookstore will be open on Sundays in August from 8:45–11:15 a.m. The fall selections for the St. Theresa’s Reading Group are now in stock.