Christ Church Cathedral An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
175th Anniversary Dinner on March 2, seating limited On the evening of March 2, Texas IndepenReservations for the March 2 dinner are dence Day, we will kick off a year of exciting limited and, in order to be fair and equitable, events with a celebratory dinner will be reserved by mail only on at the historic Rice Crystal Ball- 175th Anniversary Dinner a first-come, first-served basis. room. In the ballroom where Sunday, March 2, 6 p.m. Look for an invitation in your Christ Church parishioners mailbox or call the Cathedral have celebrated in days gone by, we will hear office at 713-222-2593 to request a response recollections from former deans and com- card. To reserve your seat ($50 per person), ments on our future from Dean Thompson. please return the response card by mail.
Seminarian Adrienne Hymes visited The Beacon in July and toured the Day Center with Mike Puccio and Canon Glenice Robinson-Como. Hymes spent three weeks in Houston, mainly at the Worklife Institute, studying the practice of workplace chaplaincy. Her trip was coordinated by the Commission on Black Ministry, and Cathedral members John and Mary Hankey graciously provided lodging for her in their home.
Awareness, intention both key to overcoming racial divides In August 2013, the nation celebrated the 50th anniversary of the “I Have a Dream” speech by Martin Luther King Jr. at the March on Washington. In a much lesser-known event that same year, Episcopal Presiding Bishop Arthur Lichtenberger issued a statement committing the Church to maximum participation in the Civil Rights Movement. In the half century that followed, much progress has been made in the United States and
the Episcopal Church in regards to working against racism and towards civil rights for all people. But in many ways, the work has just begun. The old joke about Episcopalians goes something like this: “How many Episcopalians does it take to change a light bulb?” The punch line is: “Change? Why change?” But despite this sometimes-accurate stereotype, the
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February 2014 christchurchcathedral.org
Casting the vision
This year, our stewardship theme is God’s message to the prophet Jeremiah: “For I know the plans I have for you, for a future filled with hope.” At Christ Church Cathedral, we have embraced this promise as our own. God has planned a bright and hope-filled future for us as a parish, as the cathedral of our The Very Rev. diocese and as a beacon Barkley of God’s very presence Thompson in downtown Houston. Our responsibility to God’s promise is to engage in conversation and prayer about what God’s plans for us might include. Since September, we have been doing exactly that. Last fall, 250 parishioners participated in our “visioning charrettes,” hosted by the Visioning Task Force. The charrettes were designed to discern God’s vision for Christ Church. Each charrette session was lively, and ultimately we gathered two thousand ideas! Thankfully, our Task Force developed an effective way to evaluate them. The Task Force weighted ideas based upon 1) the frequency with which they were mentioned, 2) the votes they received by individual participants and 3) their selection as “best ideas” by table groups. Since November, the Visioning Task Force has been studying the most heavily weighted charrette ideas and developing ministry initiatives from them. Late last month, the Task Force presented these initiatives to the Vestry, and the Vestry adopted a Vision Plan for the Cathedral’s future. I must tell you, I am excited by the results. In Holy Scripture, visions always serve to give their recipient a glimpse of the future and encourage the recipient to move boldly into that future. Visions stretch us taut like a rubber band, pulling us forward so that we never become
Vision, page 3
Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with
EE the newly Baptized: Danny Camp, Isaac Erdmann, Will Erdmann, Jennyfer Gamez, Kai Krugly, Marley Krugly, Wyatt Powell, Jack Rodriguez and Madeleine Taber. EE new members Deb Perl; Aaron and Lindsey Wolf; Josiah and Jane Hamilton, Bethany, Josiah Jr. and Sophia; and Iris Ballew. EE Jill Delsigne and Dustin Russell, who were married in the Cathedral on January 11.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to
EE the family of member Clyde Barrington Holloway, former Cathedral organist and choirmaster, who died December 18 in Houston. EE the family of Richard MacLean, who died December 22. Richard was the brother of member Mary Kathryn Milks. EE the family of member Betty Schumacher Lander, who died December 28 in Houston. She was the mother of member August Schumacher Lander. EE the family of Mary Ann Kobernot, who died January 12. She was the mother of member Ann Brown. EE the family of Elizabeth McKann, who died January 15. She was the mother of member Michael McKann. EE the family of Mimi Ballanfant Buderus, who died in January in Tampa. She was the sister of member Burt Ballanfant and aunt of Amy Ballanfant and Ben Ballanfant.
New priest, deacon hired Dean Thompson is pleased to announce the addition of two members to the ministry staff of the Cathedral. The Rev. Genevieve Razim will serve as Associate to the Dean for Welcome and Evangelism. Razim presently serves as associate rector at Trinity Episcopal Church in the Woodlands. She earned her master of divinity degree at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. She is a member of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and recently served as chair of the Sharing Faith Dinners. One warden who interviewed Razim called her “articulate, smart and deeply spiritual.” Razim will Razim coordinate the Cathedral’s newcomer and welcome ministries, as well as our evangelism efforts. She will work closely with Melissa White, who will become our Minister for Christian Community. Razim will join the staff on March 24. Deacon Betty Divine will serve as Pastoral Minister for The Beacon during the months of February through June. In her professional life prior to Divine ordination, Divine served as a licensed professional counselor. She has a heart for ministry among the homeless. Divine will serve as pastoral minister while the search commences for a permanent Beacon chaplain. We look forward to the addition of both Genevieve and Betty to the Cathedral staff. Please welcome them and keep them in your prayers.
The Flowers on the Cathedral Altar
EE on February 2 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Scott Cawley by his family. EE on February 9 are given to the glory of God in honor of Anne Flanagan for her dedication and leadership of the liturgical ministries. EE on February 16 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of her parents, John and Marian Merritello, by Carol Nielsen and family. EE on February 23 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of George R. Galbreath by Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Avery.
The Flowers in the Floor Vases
EE on January 19 were given to the glory of God in loving memory and in thanksgiving for the life and work of Clyde Holloway by the Cathedral Choir. He was the Cathedral’s organist from 1977–1984 and the organist/choirmaster from 1984–1993. EE on February 2 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Gordon Weisser by his wife Blake Weisser. EE on February 16 are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the loving support of our clergy spouses, Jill Thompson, Marla Grace, Beth McGill, Paul Como, Ken Adams and Bain Pitts.
Additional poinsettias at the Rood Screen
EE were given at Christmas to the Glory of God in memory of Andrew N. Rebori by Lisa I. Rebori. EE were given at Christmas to the Glory of God in memory of Bill Elsom and Preston Bolton. The Bulletin
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Young adults to hold spring retreat at Cat Spring ranch The 20s & 30s group will be holding its spring retreat on February 21–23 in Cat Spring, about an hour west of Houston. This annual event is a great way to build community with each other as we venture outside of the city and 20s & 30s Retreat enjoy the clean air of the Texas countryside. February 21–23 Eric Moen, the director of urban ministry and mission at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, will be joining us to facilitate conversation on what missions look like for young adults in the Church. Registration is required, and the cost is $30. Scholarships are available. We hope you will join us as we grow closer as a community and challenge our views of what mission work looks like.
Looking back: Building a vibrant children’s program Each month in 2014, The Bulletin will look back at moments from the rich history of Christ Church Cathedral over its 175 years. by George Hawkins
There is a chicken-and-egg relationship in the health and growth of any church. The congregation will not be strong if there is no popular support of the church, and there can be no support if, to paraphrase Yogi Berra, people stay away in droves. In order to keep families engaged and coming every Sunday, there must be some provision for every member of the family. This mandates a vibrant and robust Sunday School program. Christ Church Cathedral is blessed to have a nurturing environment and an engaging curriculum. However, our children’s education program did not spring up overnight. In the early 1980s, when the Cathedral was experiencing a drop in attendance, one of the first areas targeted for improvement was the Sunday School program. A number of generous and motivated people, among them Donna Boyd, Amy Ufer, Shari Watson and Melissa Standish, organized the curriculum, seeking to provide a welcoming and instructive program to which families, and particularly children, would look forward to attending. That group went to a retreat for Christian educators at Camp Allen in January 1980. The gathered educators were fascinated by Pittman McGehee and Murray Powell’s depiction of the William Tell story. With McGehee’s subsequent arrival at Christ Church as dean, this storytelling approach developed into the Story Experience. The 9 o’clock service had become so small that the congregation gathered in the chancel, where each person had a much closer and intimate experience with the clergy, the liturgy and the rhythm of the service. In a manner similar to today’s children’s sermon, a point in the service would focus on telling a story to the children, who would then go to the Mellinger Room for a class on the story. This was the genesis of the Story Experience, which, through storytelling, playacting and puppetry, became the heart of the Sunday School program. Initially organized by a few mothers, the Story Experience was a concerted effort to teach the language and the story of Christianity to the children. Always flexible, and often creating as they went along, the several people leading the children’s education program followed a carefully crafted curriculum that
complemented and anticipated the liturgy. With time, however, energies needed replenishing. At the arrival of Jerome Berryman, Sunday School evolved further. Berryman created the Godly Play curriculum, and Sunday School at the Cathedral became a laboratory for its development. Montessori-based Godly Play was a phenomenon. The growth in the number of children (and families) attending the Cathedral contributed to the blossoming of the congregation. It also drew more people into participation in the development of the program.
Lisa Puccio, the current minister for children and families, inherited the program. She has also embraced new curricula for older children designed by Virginia Theological Seminary and designed additional curricula herself. Puccio relies on more than 50 volunteers to teach, aid and assist in the Sunday programs. There are still many more who quietly contributed to the development and success of the Sunday School program. These people are unsung, and we owe them great praise and thanks.
The Beacon expands client service to Thursdays The Beacon is excited to announce the addition of Thursdays as our fifth day of operations. Executive Director Charly Weldon hopes that by adding more days of service in 2014, The Beacon can reach even more clients and help them to get back on their feet. With the new day of service comes a new demand for volunteer workers, which are the backbone of The Beacon. Last year, 1,785 volunteers served over 26,500 volunteer hours. In 2014, more than 7,000 additional volunteer hours will be needed to support being open an extra day. Please consider joining The Beacon volunteer team. To sign up, visit www.beaconhomeless.org.
Vision, from cover
complacent in our present. Our vision will focus on the spiritual and faith formation of our parishioners, pastoral care, community life, increasing opportunities for worship, and outreach. Increasingly, parishioners ask me when they’ll hear the results of the visioning process. I have taken to quoting God’s words to the prophet Habakkuk: “For still the vision awaits its appointed time. If it seems slow, wait for it. It will surely come; it will not delay.” The appointed time is almost here! As you’ll read in this issue of The Bulletin, we will celebrate the Cathedral’s 175th anniversary at the Rice Crystal Ballroom on Sunday,
March 2. At that time, former deans Pittman McGehee, Walter Taylor and Joe Reynolds will each offer reminiscences of their tenures at Christ Church. When they have finished, I will cast the vision that our vestry has adopted, charting a course for the coming years at the Cathedral. (For those unable to attend the March 2 dinner, I will offer an encore presentation at the Dean’s Class on Sunday morning, March 9.) God further says to the prophet Habakkuk, “Write the vision; make it plain and clear, so he may run who reads it.” On March 2, we will cast a clear vision for Christ Church Cathedral, and we will run with that vision into God’s future filled with hope. page 3
The Bulletin
Las Posadas, Epiphany, Confirmation Retreat and the Parish Meeting
In Pictures
Above: At the Cathedral Family Posada on December 22, members of Imagina Teatro 12 performed a “pastorela,” a play telling the story of the shepherds on their way to Bethlehem.
Above: Members gathered at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 19 to hear reports on the health of the Cathedral. A printed report from this meeting is available on the Cathedral website. Right: The eighth-grade Confirmation class spent the weekend of January 10–12 at Camp Allen for a retreat. The students will be confirmed on May 11 by Bishop Wimberly. The Bulletin
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Below right: Four lucky people found the baby dolls hidden inside the “rosca de reyes” cakes at the Latino congregation’s celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany. The winners (or their parents) are now responsible for bringing tamales at Candlemas on February 2.
Lenten Series
Robert C. Stuart
12–1 p.m. in the Cathedral and 6:30–8 p.m. in Latham Auditorium This five-part Lenten series, “Grace and Forgiveness,” features two components — a noonday prayer service with a lecture and an evening facilitated question-and-answer session.
Brené Brown March 12
Researcher and author Brené Brown studies the topics of vulnerability, courage, worthiness and shame.
Andrew Thompson
Anita Kruse
Marcus Borg
Miroslav Volf
The Rev. Dr. Andrew Thompson is a pastor and teacher in the United Methodist Church.
Pianist and composer Anita Kruse is a classically trained performing and recording artist.
Theologian and author Marcus Borg is an internationally known and widely influential voice in progressive Christianity.
Miroslav Volf is a professor of systematic theology and the founding director of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture.
March 19
March 26
April 2
April 9
Mardi Gras fun to start Lent
Once a year, we eat pancakes, dance to Zydeco and jazz music, and celebrate, Mardi Gras-style, before entering the season of Lent. Traditionally, Lent included the giving up of eggs, milk, and rich, buttery dishes. On the eve of Ash Wednesday, called Shrove Tuesday, we celebrate by eating such fare. This year we “clear our pantries” of these foods on March 4 for the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, which will take place from 6–8 p.m. in Reynolds Hall. Catch beads, get your face painted and dance to a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper live Zydeco band. Brighten up the Tuesday, March 4, 6–8 p.m. festivities by wearing your Mardi Gras attire, beads, mask or colors (purple to symbolize justice, gold to symbolize power and green to symbolize faith). The meal includes pancakes, our secret-recipe pancake bread pudding with rum sauce, sausage, bacon, fresh-cut fruit and refreshing beverages. We also need revelers to join our Mardi Gras krewe, helping in shifts to decorate, cook, serve food and clean up. Sign up in the cloister starting Sunday, February 9, to attend the event. To join the krewe, sign up online at www.christchurchcathedral.org/volunteer or in the cloister on Sundays. The suggested donation for the event is $8 for adults, $5 for children (12 and under) or $25 per family. For more information, contact Melissa White at 713-590-3302 or mwhite@christchurchcathedral.org. page 5
The Bulletin
Family Night in February
The next celebration of Family Night for the Latino congregation will be Friday, February 21. We will have the opportunity to share fellowship, share food, hear a teaching and have an activity for the family to do together. We meet at 5:30 p.m. — each family bringing a special dish of food to share — and we will finish up by 8:30 p.m. Family Night is a great opportunity to invite a family from your neighborhood that doesn’t go to church so that they might be included in the life of our congregation. We hope to see you all!
Trip to Israel cancelled
The trip to Israel, which had been in the planning stage, has been cancelled for lack of signups. The minimum was 25 travelers signed up by January 1, and we only had six. If we plan a trip in the future, we will announce it in this newsletter and by other means.
Unity, from cover
Noche Familiar en febrero La próxima celebración de la Noche Familiar tomará lugar el viernes, el 21 de febrero. Tendremos la oportunidad de convivir, comer, compartir, oír una enseñanza, y hacer una actividad que inNoche Familiar cluirá toda la familia. Nos reuniremos a las 5:30 p.m., cada familia habiendo traído un platillo de viernes, el 21 de febrero su comida especial y terminaremos para las 8:30 5:30–8:30 p.m. p.m. La noche familiar es una oportunidad perfecta de invitar a una familia en su vecino que no asiste a ninguna iglesia para incluirlos en la vida de la congregación. ¡Los esperamos a todos!
Viaje a Israel cancelado El viaje planificado a viajar por Israel en la primavera del año se ha cancelado por falta de inscripciones. El mínimo de la participación era 25 viajeros inscritos para el 1 de enero, y sólo se inscribieron seis. Si planificamos un viaje en el futuro, lo anunciaremos en esta publicación y por otros medios.
Commission on Black Ministry of the DioEpiscopal Church has a long history of asking cese of Texas issued an open letter to Bishop tough questions about change. Whether it be Andy Doyle asking the Diocese to stand with issues of gender, race or sexuality, Episcopa- them in opposition to recent Supreme Court lians are constantly seeking to reconcile their decisions which struck down the “precleartraditional customs and liturgy with a modern ance” portion of the Voting Rights Act (Shelby world. County v. Holder) and called into question the This tradition continued in November of use of affirmative action at state supported in2013 when the Episcopal Church partnered stitutions (Fisher v. The University of Texas). with the Diocese of Mississippi to host a fo- They also noted the trial of George Zimmerrum titled “Fifty Years Later: the State of Rac- man and condemned “stand your ground” ism in America.” The forum style laws, including the sought to answer why rac“Castle Doctrine” in Texas. “We need to be intentional especially ism persists and where to The letter concluded with in our worship and Christian find hope for the future. a quote from Bishop Deseducation classes so that inclusion is “There is good news in mond Tutu, the renowned recognized, just as are other historic, the increased crossing of old Anglican Bishop from life-changing events. I long for the day when the African-American boundaries,” said Presiding South Africa and civil rights Bishop Katharine Jefferts experience becomes woven into the advocate, stating, “If you are fabric of our history for all to honor, Schori at the event. “There is neutral in a situation of inacknowledge and celebrate.” hope in the shrinking abilijustice, you have chosen the ― Canon Glenice Robinson-Como ty of younger generations to side of the oppressor.” recognize those boundaries. It is often easier to praise Yet continued vigilance is required, beginning how far we have come rather than confront with our own interior lives.” the rocky road still ahead, and it is clear that Diocese of North Carolina Bishop Michael racism and prejudice in 2013 still exist, even if Curry likened racism to an addiction. not in the same form as 50 years ago. “The reason we have to have this conversaMichele Schauer is an Episcopalian and tion is that there are people denying that we former youth minister in the Diocese of Texare addicted. We are addicted in many ways as. She identifies as Afro-Caribbean, West Into racial patterns and [other] patterns of ex- dian and Trinidadian-American. “I think the format of racism has changed, clusion that harm the children of God,” said but I don’t think it is completely gone,” SchauCurry. “At one time they may have been more ex- er said. “I think that the overt discrimination plicit; now they are more subtle and so you is gone, but I think institutional barriers and can have a Black man in the White House … structures are still there, and I think it is more and yet you can have voter-suppression laws covert and nuanced than it used to be. And being passed in many states in the United that is what we have to work on: understanding assumptions and what those assumptions States to this day.” Following the event, the Diocesan chapters can do between people of different ethnicities of the Union of Black Episcopalians and the and races.” The Bulletin
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Schauer sees the issue as something more than just racial. Discrimination often comes from a misunderstanding of social norms, cultural practices and values. “The race conversation is not about skin color or country of origin. It is more about culture,” she said. “Color really doesn’t matter, but it’s the behavior that matters and that can change.” According to the Rev. Canon Glenice Robinson-Como, the Cathedral’s Canon Pastor, the first step towards change is to be intentional in our actions. “What is bothersome to me is that we still put this on the back burner,” Robinson-Como said. “Reaching out in Hispanic ministry is important, and reaching out to Muslim and Jewish communities is important. But sometimes when I talk to my friends that are white, they say ‘Oh, but we have a Black president,’ and they think that is a cure-all. I think you need to be intentional in everything you do to make sure all of these communities are represented and heard and sharing in conversations. We need to make space for all at the table.” Robinson-Como, who identifies as African-American, said that we will know we have made progress when people who are not African-American are speaking up about inclusion. “I am a little sensitive during Black History month because I really want someone that doesn’t look like me to talk about these things,” she said. “We need to be intentional especially in our worship and Christian education classes so that inclusion is recognized, just as are other historic, life-changing events. I long for the day when the African-American experience becomes woven into the fabric of our history for all to honor, acknowledge and celebrate.”
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
February 15
February
Sat
Sundays (cont.)
March 4
“Bound” Outing 7:30 p.m., Asia Society Texas Center. Outing to see new HGO opera about Houston’s Vietnamese community. ($)
Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) 4–6 p.m., BYC. Gathering of youth for dinner, games, teaching, movies and worship.
February 17
Mondays
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Feast and make merry on the night before Lent begins. Wear your Mardi Gras best and dance to live Zydeco music.
Mon
President’s Day Holiday Cathedral offices are closed. February 19 February 1 Sat Diocesan Youth Choral Festival 3 p.m. in the Cathedral. Music performed by young singers from around the Diocese of Texas. Festival conductor: Jackson Hearn. February 2
Sun
Rhythms of Grace 1 p.m., Jones Basement. Worship experience for special needs children and their families. Lesson: Simeon and Anna. Youth Super Bowl Party 5 p.m., The Island at St. Martin’s. Join us as we yell and scream at a TV.
Wed
Faith and Society Seminar 6:30–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Conversation with the dean about Holy Scripture, faith and society. February 21
Fri
Noche Familiar 5:30–8:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Habrá actividades para toda la familia. February 22
Sat
Rethinking Christianity 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Brigid’s Place event with Dr. Carter Heyward and a multi-faith panel of speakers. ($) February 21–23
Fri–Sun
20s & 30s Retreat Cat Spring, Texas. Gathering of young adults from the Cathedral and other area churches. Facilitator: Eric Moen. ($) Intermediate & Junior High Retreats Camp Allen. Diocesan-wide retreats for students in grades 4–6 and 6–8. ($) February 5 Wed 20s & 30s Outing 7:30 p.m., Alley Theatre. Young adult excursion to see “Freud’s Last Session.” ($) February 5
Wed
Dean’s Book Club 6:30–8 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Book: “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt. February 7
Fri
Cloister Gallery Opening Reception 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Featuring artist Bob Levy. February 8
Sat
Youth Service Day Join us as we serve the underserved around Houston in a variety of ways, all while gaining service hours.
Healing Service 12:05 p.m., Golding Chapel. Eucharist service including the anointing of the sick for healing. Formerly on Fridays. Bible Study Fellowship 6:55–8:45 p.m. Non denominational Bible study for men and children. Tuesdays Education for Ministry (EFM) 6:30–9 p.m., Mellinger Room. Comprehensive adult theology program. ($) Wednesdays
March 6–8
Cathedral 20s & 30s 6:30–8 p.m., Mellinger Room. Weekly discussion group and social gathering of young adults. Outing on Feb. 5.
Icon Workshop Class for all levels. Students will write the icon the Mandylion, or Christ Not Made by Hands. Also meets April 10–12. ($)
Buscando la Luz 6:30–8 p.m., Bride’s Room. Spanishlanguage discussion group.
March 9
Readings in St. John’s Gospel 6:30–8 p.m., Dean’s Conference Room. Study on the Jesus of John’s Gospel led by Canon Stein. St. Augustine’s “Confessions” 6:30–8 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Study on the life of St. Augustine led by Canon Grace. Ends Feb. 19. ($) Men’s Lunch Discussion Group (Biweekly) 12:45–1:45 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room.
Sundays Sunday Education and Formation 10–11 a.m., various locations. Classes for children, youth and adults designed to engage both the mind and heart.
Thu–Sat
Sun
Launching the Vision 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Dean Thompson will detail the results of the Cathedral’s eight-month visioning process. Lenten Evensong 5 p.m., Cathedral. Sung by the Cathedral Choir. March 12
Wed
Lenten Series: Brené Brown 12–1 p.m. lecture and noonday prayer; 6:30–8 p.m. Q&A session. Guest speaker: Social researcher Brené Brown.
Fridays Men’s Early Morning Study Group (First and third Fridays) 7–8 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.
Upcoming Weekly
March 5 Wed Ash Wednesday Mark the start of Lent with the imposition of ashes at services at 7 a.m., 12:05 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Women’s Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.
Thursdays
February 23 Sun African-American Music Gala 4 p.m. in the Cathedral. Concert of works by black composers presented by the Houston Ebony Opera Guild. Conductor: Roland Carter. ($)
Tue
March 2
Sun
175th Anniversary Dinner 6:30 p.m, Rice Hotel Crystal Ballroom. Celebratory dinner to kick off our yearlong celebration. The Cathedral’s former deans will take part, and the new vision plan will be revealed. ($)
March 16 Sun Christ Church’s 175th Anniversary 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Reception for all ages to celebrate the church’s founding on March 16, 1839. Services will include special liturgical observances. page 7
The Bulletin
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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.
Volunteers needed for Flower Ministry The gift of flowers can probably be traced back to the beginning of time. Flowers are often given to express love, boost a person’s general mood, put a smile on someone’s face or simply brighten another’s day. Giving flowers is an act of thoughtfulness that the flower ministry considers important to its members and as a way to say, “your church is thinking of you today.” In order to continue to offer this act of
In the Bookstore: Valentine’s Day Cards In stock now, we have a selection of cards for your Valentine, as well as the new Forward Day by Day. We also have a collection of books from Canon Stein’s library.
In the Cloister Gallery: Staying Engaged
Beginning February 1 Photographer Bob Levy presents images and stories from the lives of 30 Houstonarea individuals age 80 and older. The Bulletin
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kindness to our members who are either in long-term care facilities or homebound or who are celebrating an important milestone in their lives, we are seeking volunteers to support this ministry. If you have a love for flowers and are able to commit to one Sunday a month arranging them after the 1 o’clock service or delivering the arrangements to our members, please contact Canon Glenice Robinson-Como at 713-590-3319.
Parish photo directory available in print, online Beginning Sunday, February 2, members of the Cathedral family may purchase printed copies of the new parish directory in the Bookstore for $5, and they may also log in to a secure section of the Cathedral website to view the online directory at no cost. Online account information will be sent by email in early February to the address we have on file for each individual. If you do not receive this message and wish to have access to the online directory, please contact registrar Anne Shepard at 713-590-3301 with your name and email address.
Multifaith forum offers women’s perspectives The Rev. Dr. Carter Heyward, one of the “Philadelphia Eleven” who opened the door to women’s ordination in the Episcopal Church, will speak at a forum in Rethinking Christianity Reynolds Hall on Saturday, February 22 Saturday, February 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 22. The topic of the forum is “Rethinking Christianity in a Multifaith World, Celebrating Women’s Perspectives.” Panelists will include Elora Shehabbudin, associate professor of humanities and political science at Rice University (Islam); Rabbi Amy Weiss, founder of The Initiative for Jewish Women and the assistance campaign Undies for Everyone (Judaism); and Claire Villareal, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Religious Studies at Rice University (Buddhism). The program will be followed by conversation and lunch catered by Claire Smith, owner of Shade and Canopy. Registration is $35 per person. Sign up online at www.brigidsplace.org. Seating is limited.