CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
JANUARY 2015 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
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Occasions of grace In 1998, with a newly minted master’s degree in theology from the University of Chicago (but before I’d gone to seminary to train for the priesthood), I was asked by my rector to teach a new adult Sunday school class. I pulled out all the stops, teaching about every complex and arVERY REV. cane aspect of theol- THEBARKLEY ogy I could muster. The THOMPSON first week I had twenty students. By week three, the only class attendees were my wife Jill and a fellow named Dale who was too nice to quit. I went to the associate rector to figure out what I was doing wrong. “What are you teaching?” he asked. I explained my syllabus and concluded by claiming, “I’m teaching earth-shattering stuff!” The associate rector looked at me kindly and said, “Barkley, it’s only earth-shattering to you.” It was an important lesson, and one I’ve not forgotten. Pastors want the bombastic sermon, the eloquent article, and the energetic class to be memorable and transform lives. But mostly they aren’t, and they don’t. Rather, when people recall the positive difference I, you, or anyone else has made in their lives, they usually hearken to much more mundane and fleeting things: the handwritten note that arrived on the lonely day; the visit that occurred so soon after receiving a frightening health diagnosis; the smile or hug that reminded them they are loved. These are the things that have lasting impact and change lives for the better. In his book “The Tipping Point,” social theorist Malcolm Gladwell reviews a series of such small things that have had huge consequences in our world, like the stone thrown into the pond whose concentric ripples extend all the way to
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Cathedral sexton Larry Thomas prepares a columbarium niche.
Often it’s the small things that count As a hub for many different ministries in downtown Houston, making sure that things get done around Christ Church Cathedral can sometimes be a daunting task. Even with a large staff there are roles that always need to be filled in the life of the church. Cue the volunteers of the Cathedral, helping to tackle roles big and small to “fulfill needs that the
Cathedral staff cannot fill,” according to volunteer Keith Grey Davis. “I feel that the many tasks I perform at the Cathedral are part of my giving to the greater good,” Davis said. With roles as diverse as Flower Ministry, Welcome Team Member, Worship Bag Crew, and Sunday School Coordinator, the
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Concert to feature old hymns set to new music Jesus says it’s a bad idea to put new wine into old wineskins. That’s good advice. But, have you ever wondered what would happen if you did the opposite? What is the potential of taking something old, something venerable, something timeless and wrapping it in the new? Matthew Smith and Indelible Grace think it’s infinite. The Re:tuned Hymn Movement takes old hymn texts, the ones with a solid connection to the Church of the ages, and sets them to new tunes and instrumentation. In doing so, they are repackaging the wisdom of two millennia of Christian worship for new generations of faithful people. On January 17, Christ Church Cathedral will host Matthew Smith and Indelible Grace, luminaries in the MATTHEW SMITH
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Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with
EE Mike Kraus and Marion Robertson, who were married November 15 in the Cathedral. EE Alison Post and Tyler Young, who were married December 13 in the Cathedral. EE new members Peter Raish and Mimi and Robert Cummings.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to
EE the family of member Claude H. Roberts Jr., who died July 17 in Houston. EE to the family of Meriel Anne Gillman, who died November 20, and John Charles Webb Gillman, who died November 21 in Oxfordshire, England. They were the parents of member Charles J. Gillman.
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar
EE on January 11 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Scott Cawley by his family. EE on January 18 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of her father, Ralph Spence, by Judy Tate. EE on January 25 are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the lives of Peyton Fowler and Bruce McDonald.
The flowers in the Floor Vases
EE on January 11 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Forrester Carlyle Lord by his parents, Kathy and Tom Lord; his wife, Anne, and daughter, Ava; the Clark Stockton Lord family; and the Stacey Lord Murphy family.
GRACE, from cover the pond’s edge. Gladwell looks at how fashion trends take hold, how crime rates fall, and even how diseases spread. It is usually the small event that serves as the tipping point for transformation. This is true in our individual lives as well. For us, too, often the small and seemingly insignificant encounters become the tipping points for transformation. The right thing, in the right place, at just the right time — no matter how small — can make a world of difference. I call these moments “occasions of grace.” They are the way in which God’s love is spread in the world. At Christ Church Cathedral, we encounter small but crucial occasions of grace all the time, and our fellow parishioners and staff are often the ones who communicate these occasions of grace to us. In this issue of The Bulletin, you’ll read about several such parishioners and staff. As we enter the Epiphany season, which is all about God being revealed in our midst, I hope we’ll take extra notice of the way God is encountered in our occasions of grace with one another. They make all the difference. THE BULLETIN
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RE:TUNED, from cover
Re:tuned Hymn Movement for a free evening of conversation and celebration. The evening will begin with a seminar on the Re:tuned style of music and an opportunity for conversation with Matthew and the members of the band. After supper, Indelible Grace will offer a concert of their most popular works, familiar favorites given new voice by talented contemporary musicians. This concert MATTHEW SMITH AND is well-suited for families and youth. This event is co-sponsored by the Religion & the Arts INDELIBLE GRACE Council and the New Worship Task Force. Pre-registra- Saturday, January 17 tion is required for supper and childcare. More informa- 5 p.m. seminar, 7 p.m. concert tion can be found on the Cathedral website. “Indelible Grace will move your heart and awaken your soul,” said Dean Barkley Thompson. “Matthew and his band are reclaiming the music of the Church and making it new. Everyone should hear this group.”
Meet our 2015 Vestry nominees To be voted on at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 18 Nominated for three-year terms CHRIS ALEXANDER is a lifelong Episcopalian and has attended Christ Church since moving to Houston in 2002. Chris and his family have enjoyed the community of the Cathedral and embraced many of its missions, particularly The Beacon. Chris brings with him skills of collaboration, listening, and cooperation from years of volunteering on community boards. He and his wife, Harriet, have three daughters, Rebecca (19), Annie (17), and Meg (11). LINNET DEILY has been a member of the Cathedral since 2010. She served on the recent Search Committee and also is a member of the Adult Formation Council. She has chaired the Diocesan Standing Committee and currently serves as the executive chair of the newly formed Episcopal Health Foundation. Linnet was the U.S. Ambassador to the World Trade Organization from 2001–2005 and now is a member of the board of directors of Chevron and Honeywell. ELIZABETH GOZA was confirmed at the Cathedral in 2006. She is a member of the Exploring the Connections class and served as cochair of the Justice & Peace Council in 2014. Elizabeth grew up as a Southern Baptist and attended Catholic schools. She is a project manager at JPMorgan Chase, where she has worked for 23 years. She and her husband, Don, have been happily married for 17 years, and their children, Merrell and Paul, are active members in EYC. BOB RICHTER has been a member of the Cathedral since 1987. He is heavily involved in lay ministry and with the Altar Guild, of which he was director from 2012–2013. He has served as usher chairman, as an alternate delegate to the 148th Diocesan Council, and as a member of the Pastoral Care and Adult Formation Councils. Bob has also served as a Kids Hope mentor and Beacon volunteer, and he is co-founder of the Men’s Breakfast Club. MICHELLE RUCH and her husband, Tim, were married at Christ Church Cathedral in 1996. She has served on the board of directors of The Beacon as well as on The Beacon’s finance committee and the Children’s Ministry Council at the Cathedral. Michelle and Tim have three children, Mason (15), Lilly (11), and Travis (6). Michelle is the director of trading at Salient Partners, an asset management firm in Houston.
Quarterly update from the Vestry
Finding the way home This year, The Beacon more than doubled its operating hours to expand beyond the essential services of meals, laundry, and showers it is known for, and was designated the host coordinating site for a citywide housing first initiative, The Way Home. In just six months since partnering with The Way Home and becoming the front-door access point to Houston’s efforts to end chronic homelessness, The Beacon has placed more than 150 clients like Mickey (pictured above) in permanent housing. Help us help more people like Mickey be part of the solution. Visit www.beaconhomeless.org for more information.
The final quarter of our 175th anniversary year has found your vestry overseeing an exciting array of projects promising yet another productive era for our Cathedral. During this quarter, we have seen five of the six visioning initiatives take off, with development of an additional weekend worship opportunity set to be addressed this coming spring. The plan for the Bishop John E. Hines Center for Spirituality and Prayer has been enthusiastically approved by the Vestry, with a projected opening in the second half of 2015. The Pastoral Care initiative is moving quickly JUNIOR WARDEN to enable us to reconstitute a Community of Hope ELLEN HARRISON leadership team. “Reaching the Neighborhoods” has included successful gatherings in both close-in and outlying neighborhoods. Downtown evangelism has included direct advertisement to downtown residents and the hosting of informal Bible Study “By the Glass” discussions at a nearby pub. Consistent growth in the participation in the Latino ministry has also been seen. Finally, the outreach program at The Beacon has been enhanced through increased hours of service, as well as through participation in the housing initiative with the city. The financial picture is equally positive, with the Every Member Canvass already yielding pledges matching the total pledged by the end of last year’s campaign. The Building and Grounds Committee has received the detailed analysis of our two-block physical plant, which will facilitate budgeting for ongoing maintenance projects over the coming years. Improvements in the management of the parking garage include ensuring more Sunday parking and providing enhanced safety measures, while increasing rental revenues. Finally, the dean is conferring with the Vestry as he seeks to fill the vacancy in the position of Minister for Children and Families following Lisa Puccio’s departure to become the coordinator of special needs ministries at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. We celebrated Lisa’s ministry with us at a 10 a.m. reception on Sunday, December 21.
Vestry endorses Unity in Mission Task Force recommendation Concluding a six-month study process, at its December meeting the Vestry unanimously endorsed the recommendation of the Cathedral Unity in Mission Task Force with the following resolution: “Along with the Cathedral Unity in Mission Task Force, we, the Vestry of Christ Church Cathedral, ‘embrace together our central core belief in the saving grace of Jesus Christ.’ It is our hope that drawing more committed and faithful couples into the life of the Church will bind our Cathedral family in an ever-greater unity in Christ. Therefore, upon considerable prayer and reflection, we, the Vestry, concur with the recommendation of the Cathedral Unity in Mission Task Force. We endorse, and seek the Bishop’s approval for, the use of ‘I Will Bless You and You Will Be a Blessing’ at Christ Church Cathedral.”
Background In anticipation that the 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church (2012) would approve a liturgy for the blessing of same-sex relationships, Bishop Andy Doyle convened a task force to determine the manner in which parishes in the Diocese of Texas would navigate the issue of blessing same-sex unions. The document resulting from this task force’s work, issued in April 2012, is “Unity in Mission: A Paper on Common Mission and the Challenge Posed by Division.” Subsequently, the 77th General Convention did, indeed, approve the rite, “I Will Bless You and You Will Be a Blessing.” The liturgy approved by the 77th General Convention is not a rite for same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage is presently
prohibited by Texas law and is not acknowledged by either the Episcopal Church’s Canons or the Book of Common Prayer. Even so, Resolution D039 of the 73rd General Convention of the Episcopal Church (2000) acknowledged that there are same-sex couples in the Church “who are living in other lifelong committed relationships” and enjoined that “such relationships will be characterized by fidelity, monogamy, mutual affection and respect, careful, honest communication, and the holy love which enables those in such relationships to see in each other the image of God.” It is for such couples that “I Will Bless You and You Will Be a Blessing” is intended. During the Cathedral’s fall 2013 visioning process, numerous parishioners inquired
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THE BULLETIN
Advent Wreath Making, Parish Retreat, La Conferencia Latina, Alternative Giving Marke
IN PICTURES
More than 600 of our neighbors in need came to dinner in Reynolds Hall on Decemb the Mission Outreach Council’s Christmas at the Cathedral event.
The Rev. Hannah Atkins of Trinity Episcopal Church was the keynote speaker at La Conferencia Latina on November 21–22. The topic of the conference was “Cruzando Fronteras en la Familia, la Iglesia, y la Nación.”
Above: Chris Bell, Ellen Harrison, David Kirkland, David Simpson, Art Callaham, a Mayor Annise Parker at City Hall as the City of Houston proclaimed “Christ Church C
Left: and Below: The Annual Parish Retreat at Camp Allen on December 5–7 drew mo fun and games, group fellowship, and a Saturday talk by Canon Vicar Art Callaham
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et, Christmas at the Cathedral, and more
ber 13 at
The Alternative Giving Market on November 23 offered charitable gifts on behalf of friends and loved ones and included donation levels for children.
All ages gathered in Reynolds Hall to make Advent wreaths on November 30. The Children’s Ministry Council provided greenery, supplies, and refreshments.
and Barkley Thompson joined Councilman Robert Gallegos and Cathedral Day� in honor of the 175th anniversary of the church.
ore than 100 parishioners and featured outdoor activities, indoor on cultivating gratitude.
Above and Far Above: The Cathedral 20s & 30s celebrated the holidays with a fall camping trip to Galveston Island and with a Christmas potluck party at the home of Jeremy Bradley. PAGE 5
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New courses tackle big questions, explore spiritual practices, and more If your New Year’s resolution includes a is a series of guest lectures during the Dean’s deeper engagement with your faith — and we Class called “The Hines Center Presents.” hope it does — the Adult Formation Coun- About once a month, a Cathedral member cil has developed a number of new and im- will introduce one of the various disciplines proved offerings to support that will form the core of the START OF SPRING EDUCATION Bishop John E. Hines Center your growth in Christ. The Sunday-morning educa- Sunday, January 4 for Spirituality and Prayer. tion hour will resume on JanuOn six additional Sundays ary 4. New this term will be Eileen O’Brien’s at the Dean’s Class, Dean Thompson will fo“Thinking Through Your Faith” class. Co- cus on the “historical Jesus” and the ways in sponsored with the 20s & 30s Council, this which Jesus has been interpreted throughout class explores the various ways in which Christian history and culture. Christians have traditionally wrestled with On January 21, two new four-week courses the “big questions” of faith. will kick off on Wednesday evenings, one Also new this spring on Sunday mornings taught by Canon Theologian Betty Adam
and the other by Canon Vicar Art Callaham. Beginning February 25, the Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series will again bring worldclass speakers to the Cathedral for lectures and casual conversation on this year’s topic of penitence. During the Easter season, two more Wednesday night classes with the Rev. Ed Stein and Canon Callaham will explore scripture and literature. As always, free childcare is available for participants in any of our Wednesday evening programs. Details on these and all of the other exciting Adult Formation offerings can be found online and at the Welcome Table on Sunday mornings.
Wednesday-evening bilingual service to begin January 21
Join the Mardi Gras krewe Join our merry band of volunteers who help to bring Mardi Gras to the Cathedral at the annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, set for February 17 from 6–8 p.m. in Reynolds Hall. We typically host a crowd of 300 revelers and need volunteers on both Monday and Tuesday in the following areas: cooking, cutting fruit, flipping pancakes, decoration, tending drinks, kids crafts, serving, and cleanup. Sign up online now at www.christchurchcathedral.org/volunteer or in the cloister starting January 25.
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volunteers of the Cathedral help fill vital roles in the church community. Davis helps to take care of the indoor plants at the Cathedral, volunteers at The Beacon, and is head usher. “We always need more people to step forward as the volunteers do experience fatigue from years of service,” said Davis. “It is imperative that new people show up to continue not only to help out the Cathedral but also to become part of the fabric of our Church.” Larry Thomas, a sexton at the Cathedral, works with a lot of volunteers and describes their ministry as “helping a whole lot” by filling in the gaps. “They help us identify the little things and keep us on top of our work,” Thomas said. “It feels good to help and that’s THE BULLETIN
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Christ Church Cathedral is delighted to announce an expansion of our worship life. On January 21, we will initiate a weekly Wednesday-evening bilingual Eucharist in English and Spanish from BILINGUAL EUCHARIST 6–6:30 p.m. in the Golding Chapel. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. This simple Rite II Eucharist, which will take the place of Evening Prayer on Wednesday nights, will include a short bilingual homily and prayers drawn from both languages. Eucharist always forms community where it had not previously existed. This new service will offer another setting for spiritual renewal through Eucharistic encounter with Christ in the middle of the workweek. The bilingual and multicultural character of this service will also gather the people of God from various backgrounds and generations to bear witness to God’s work of reconciliation in our midst. Whether you are fully bilingual or not, you will find the rhythm of the Eucharistic liturgy to be an anchor for you as we seek to praise God with one voice. Join us on Wednesday nights prior to class or swing by on your way home from work to be renewed, challenged, and filled.
what they do by caring for their community and church.” In today’s fast-paced lifestyles, volunteering is sometimes overlooked due to schedules and time constraints, but with so many roles to be filled, volunteering in even the smallest way can make a huge impact. “There are only so many people that show up on a regular basis,” said Davis. After getting involved with volunteering as an usher over fifty years ago, Dieter Ufer now helps look after structural repairs on the Cathedral campus. “It’s really made me appreciate the bricks and mortar in our church,” Ufer said. “My job is to walk around the church and figure out what needs to be done and figure out if I can fix it or find someone
who can.” After serving over the last five decades in about as many lay volunteer roles as are available, Ufer still spends a few hours a week on campus making sure that everything is in top shape. “[Volunteering] is to the benefit of the whole body of Christ when people use their expertise to help keep things going,” Ufer said. “For me this is a job, I don’t forget that,” said sexton Thomas. “But these volunteers help us to get everything done because it’s their church, and I’m grateful for that.” Volunteer opportunities at the Cathedral can be fulfilled in as little time as one hour per month. To see what volunteer opportunities are available, visit www.christchurchcathedral.org/volunteer.
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 JANUARY 11 (cont.)
THIS MONTH JANUARY 1
Registration closed
THU
New Year’s Holiday Cathedral offices are closed.
SUN
Epiphany Recital and Evensong 4:15 and 5 p.m. Featuring organist Peggy Howell and the Cathedral Choir.
Childcare available (3 mo. to 10 yrs.)
JANUARY 31
SAT
Diocesan Youth Choral Festival 3 p.m. in the Cathedral. Music performed by young singers from around the Diocese of Texas.
WEEKLY SUNDAYS Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) 4–6 p.m., BYC. Gathering of youth for dinner, games, teaching, and worship. MONDAYS JANUARY 2 FRI Bridge Night 6–9 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Bring a dish for the potluck social. JANUARY 4
SUN
Lord of the Streets Service Day 6:15 a.m., Trinity Episcopal Church. Help cook eggs, meat, and grits during a twohour breakfast shift.
JANUARY 14 WED Ordination of Eileen O’Brien 7 p.m. in the Cathedral. The Rev. Eileen E. O’Brien will be ordained to the priesthood. JANUARY 17
SAT
Matthew Smith & Indelible Grace 5 p.m. Seminar, 7 p.m. Concert, Sanders Hall. Traditional hymns set to modern music for all ages.
First Day of Spring Education Christian education classes resume for adults, children, and youth. JANUARY 6
Ordination of Kellaura Johnson 7 p.m., Calvary Episcopal Church, Richmond. The Rev. Kellaura B. Johnson will be ordained to the priesthood. JANUARY 9–11
FRI–SUN
Confirmation Retreat Camp Allen. For all eighth graders participating in confirmation. JANUARY 11
SUN
20s & 30s Brunch 1 p.m., Max’s Wine Dive, 2800 Kirby B132. ($) Elma Schneider Memorial Dedication 3 p.m., Cloister. The dean will dedicate a memorial to Elma Schneider, whose legacy gift enabled abundant ministry. The Treble Choir will sing.
JANUARY 18 SUN Annual Parish Meeting 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Meeting to discuss the business of the Cathedral and to elect new members of the vestry. JANUARY 19
MON
Martin Luther King Day Holiday Cathedral offices are closed. JANUARY 20
TUE
Diocesan Pre-Council Meeting 7:30–9:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Get an early look at legislation, nominations, and budgets before Diocesan Council. JANUARY 21
WED
Iconoclast Poetry 7–9 p.m., St. Paul’s UMC. Poetry reading featuring Lupe Mendez and Pittman McGehee.
Men’s Lunch Study Group (Biweekly) 12 p.m., Dean’s Conference Room. Starts Jan. 8. Community of Hope 6–7:30 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Training for pastoral care ministry. FRIDAYS Men’s Early Morning Study Group (Second and fourth Fridays) 7–8 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room. FRIDAYS/SATURDAYS Estudios Bíblicos y Grupos de Oración 7–8 p.m. Nos abriremos nuestros casas para estudiar la Biblia y orar con nuestros vecinos. El día variará.
UPCOMING
TUESDAYS Education for Ministry (EFM) 6:30–9 p.m., Mellinger Room. Compassion Cultivation Training 6:45 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Stanford program to scientifically study compassion and altruism. Women’s Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Starts Jan. 14.
FRI
Cloister Gallery Opening Reception 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Featuring artists Linda Dellandre and Liz Czerewaty.
Bible Study “By the Glass” 6:30–8 p.m., OKRA, 924 Congress. Bible study for those living and working in the urban context. Starts Jan. 12.
WEDNESDAYS
TUE
Feast of the Epiphany 12:05 p.m. in the Cathedral. Celebrating the adoration of God in Christ by the Magi. JANUARY 9
Centering Prayer 11:15 a.m. to noon, Mellinger Room.
Bring a friend!
Bilingual Wednesday Eucharist 6–6:30 p.m., Golding Chapel. A brief, inspirational service to motivate you in the middle of the workweek. Starts Jan. 21. Cathedral 20s & 30s 6:30–8 p.m., Mellinger Room. Weekly discussion group and social gathering of young adults. Buscando la Luz 6:30–8 p.m., Bride’s Room. Grupo de oración y de estudios bíblicos. Miroslav Volf: A Spiritual Journey 6:30–8 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Class led by Canon Betty Adam. Meets Jan. 21 through Feb. 11.
FEBRUARY 1 SUN Youth Super Bowl Party 5 p.m., The Island at St. Martin’s. Join us as we yell and scream at a TV. FEBRUARY 17
TUE
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Feast and make merry on the night before Lent. Wear your Mardi Gras best and dance to live music. FEBRUARY 20–22
FRI–SUN
20s & 30s Retreat Gathering of young adults from the Cathedral and other area churches. JUNE 14–17 Fifth-Grade Mission Trip Houston. The fifth-grade class will participate in our CUSE program. ($)
Praying with Giants 6:30–8 p.m., Dean’s Conference Room. Class led by Canon Art Callaham. Meets Jan. 21 through Feb. 11.
JULY 5–12
THURSDAYS
JULY 19–24
Women’s Lunch Study Group 12 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Starts Jan. 13.
Middle-School Mission Trip San Antonio. Join youth from around the diocese at Missionpalooza. ($)
High-School Mission Trip Costa Rica. Fifteen youth will join 12 adults to aid our companion diocese. ($)
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when the Cathedral would undergo the Unity in Mission process to discern whether or not to bless same-sex relationships. In early 2014, the Cathedral’s Justice & Peace Council also expressed a desire to make Unity in Mission discernment one of its priorities. Consequently, at the June vestry meeting, Dean Barkley Thompson commissioned the Unity in Mission Task Force. Members of the Task Force were selected to represent a cross-section of the Cathedral congregation. Task force members were Dean Thompson, Lily Barsenas, Robin Bullington, John Cater, Linnet Deily, Ted Dom, John Flanagan, Elizabeth Goza, Patrick Hayes, Roy Nolen, Charlie Prioleau, and Catherine Randall. The task force’s work was announced to the Cathedral community in the July 2014 issue
Cloister Gallery: Landscapes
of The Bulletin. Additional announcements were made in Sunday service leaflets. Dean Thompson further announced the task force’s work during two sessions of the well-attended World War I series at the Dean’s Class on Sunday mornings. Cathedral parishioners were encouraged to contact Dean Thompson and task force members with questions and input. Most parishioner inquiries were about the process itself. Several parishioners expressed support for blessing same-sex relationships. No one expressed disapproval of blessing same-sex relationships. The task force studied Holy Scripture and theology carefully, engaging in lively, respectful, and prayerful conversation. The task force concluded that the Cathedral ought, in faith, to allow for the blessing of samesex relationships. Blessings, furthermore,
In January This two-person show will feature landscapes and nature scenes in pastel by artists Linda Dellandre and Liz Czerewaty. THE BULLETIN
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Cathedral Bookstore: Spring Education Come visit us to get books for spring programs, including classes and the Dean’s Book Club. The Bookstore will reopen on Sunday, January 11.
should be conducted in a manner that is pastorally sensitive to those who have authentically held scruples against blessing same-sex relationships. As one task force member said, “Isn’t it better for all concerned to have loving partnerships looked upon with favor, rather than disdain, by Christ’s church? Just as loving partnerships between a man and a woman are more likely to succeed if the couple has benefitted from a Christian marriage, a church blessing of a same-sex union is likely to produce a more loving and beneficial relationship to the couple and society than if it were withheld.” Reflecting on the process and its outcome, Dean Thompson offered, “Because we at the Cathedral have been formed as a people who find our identity in the saving grace of Jesus, I believe our gracious community will grow stronger as we move forward together. As St. Paul says in Colossians, we will continue to allow the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts, clothe ourselves in love, and bear with one another in this and all things.” The entire Cathedral Unity in Mission Task Force report is available on the Cathedral website at www.christchurchcathedral.org/unity.