Christ Church Cathedral An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
July 2014 christchurchcathedral.org
After-Hours Emergency Care line | 713-826-5332
Finding theology at Burger Chef For six seasons, the AMC series “Mad Men” has been one of the best shows on television. “Mad Men” chronicles the lives of Madison Avenue ad man Don Draper, his family and his co-workers. Aesthetically, the show is a joy to watch. For an hour each Sunday evening, the viewer is transported back to the 1960s. The Very Rev. The characters of Barkley “Mad Men” appear Thompson suave, brilliant and in command. But though the clothing, dialogue and cinematography of “Mad Men” are lovely, in truth the lives of Don Draper and the other characters are not. Their debonair sophistication is only an outward appearance. Don and the other characters deal with addiction, urban blight, crass materialism, dog-eat-dog ambition, religious cults (yes, religious cults) and more. For the viewer, one feels a perpetual heartache when watching “Mad Men.” The show’s characters are viscerally real, and the anxiety and regret they experience are what we often encounter in the real world outside the television set. In the current season of “Mad Men,” the characters are working on an advertising campaign for the fast-food chain Burger Chef. The advertising execs visit countless burger franchises. Over onion rings and milkshakes, they wistfully reflect upon the many ways their lives are spinning out of control. They lament that they have no sense of permanence, no rootedness to anything enduringly valuable. As they sit in Burger Chef, the ad men realize that often the most authentic community people experience is during the few minutes they sit together over a
Burger, page 6
The bridge to a better future A few months ago, 19-year-old Rabi Hassen was contemplating dropping out of school. It wasn’t because he had trouble with his schoolwork or struggled with behavior problems; Rabi’s family simply needed him to help pay the bills. Thanks to the Cathedral’s
At-Risk Youth project, the Hassen family was given a financial bridge, and Rabi remained in school. Less than a year ago, the Hassen family was living in a Somalian refugee camp in
At-Risk, page 8
Rabi Hassen remains in school, thanks in part to a grant from the Cathedral’s At-Risk Youth project. He plans to graduate in May 2015 and then go to college to become a doctor or dentist.
Latino ministry expands with new hire Ministerios Latinos crecen con misionero nuevo Es un placer para el Deán Thompson anunciar el nombramiento del Rvdo. Simón Bautista como nuevo miembro asignado al personal de la Catedral. Bautista será el Canónigo Misionero para los Ministerios Latinos y la Extension Comunitaria. Con el nombramiento de Bautista, Jim McGill será Canónigo Misionero para el Beacon y Misionero Asociado para los Ministerios Latinos.
Canónigo, pagina 3
Dean Thompson is pleased to announce the addition of the Rev. Simón Bautista to the Cathedral staff. Bautista will serve as Canon Missioner for Latino Ministries and Outreach. With the arrival of Bautista, Jim McGill becomes Canon Missioner to the Beacon and Associate Missioner for Latino Ministries. A native of the Dominican Republic, Bautista has served since 2004 as Canon for Latino Ministries to the Diocese of Washington, D.C. In addition, he has planted three separate Latino congregations in the Washington area. He also
Canon, page 3
Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with
EE new members Justin DiLauro; Marion Robertson; Gene Carlton; Ed, Alex and Thomas Razim; Roy Judson; Mercedes Guerrero; Jesus Flores; Diana Gallardo; Shawn Flores; and Leylani Flores. EE the newly baptized: Ryan Heinrich and Rosemary Mullins. EE Members Alyssa Politte and Jason Arnold, who were married May 31 in the Cathedral.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to
EE to the family of member John Philip Wandel Sr., who died May 15 in Houston. He was the husband of member Priscilla Wandel and father of Gail Wandel Hendryx, Debby Wandel Francis, Marjorie Wandel Crawford and John Philip Wandel Jr.
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar
EE on July 6 are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for our grandchildren, Sam and Mary Holden, by Sue and Hart Green. EE on July 13 are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the lives of their children and grandchildren: Anne Schweppe Ashmun; Laura Randall Schweppe Ashmun and Stuart Whitaker Ashmun Jr.; Jane Venable; Mary Stewart Burgher; Mary Meyerson and Ballard Burgher; Elizabeth Whitney Burgher and Eleanor Stewart Burgher; and Martha Burgher Plunkett and Jack Plunkett, by Dr. and Mrs. H. Irving Schweppe Jr. EE on July 20 are given to the glory of God in honor of the 62nd wedding anniversary on July 26 of Mary Barden and Millard Worrell and in loving memory of Melissa Hoiland. EE on July 27 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Hugo V. Neuhaus Jr.
The flowers in the Floor Vases
EE on July 6 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Diane Tobola on her birthday by her family. EE on July 13 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Geraldine and John Naschke by their daughters, Kathy, Gerrie and Nancy. EE on July 20 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Edward B. Mayo by Mary Beth Devlin, Donna K. Donelson, Jim Avant and William Lassiter. The Bulletin
page 2
Looking back: A growing campus Each month in 2014, The Bulletin will look back at moments from the rich history of Christ Church Cathedral over its 175 years.
long range plans and in caution of settling and structural issues, engineers dug inspection pits on the perimeter of the church. An alarming lean of the bell tower by George Hawkins and some cracks in brickwork necessitated We live in a city that bulldozes its his- inspection. Engineers discovered that the present tory. As a consequence, we easily forget how things were, and whence we have church was built upon the foundation of come to today. Long-range planners of the previous (built in 1876 and demolished Christ Church Cathedral, with great vision for the 1893 construction) and showed that and patience, have laid great plans over the brick piers upon which the church sits the years, and we are blessed today with a once supported brick buttresses of the old beautiful and productive campus. It is im- church. The east transept, however, was portant that each of us knows how things built upon a concrete foundation as the used to be and how our church has grown previous structure had no transept. Ivy, though pretty, was destructive to to become what it is today. Going way back, the Latham building brickwork, and was removed from the bell was begun in 1949 and dedicated in 1951. tower and adjacent walls, revealing cracks which had to be pointed. It serves as a modern building block. Darker days ensued in the later 1970s, Soon after that building’s completion, in 1955, the Cathedral began to acquire the with diminished attendance and support, property that was the parking lot. Critical and there was talk of closing down the to any church, anywhere, is room for ev- Cathedral or possibly turning it into a mueryone to park. That asphalt property was seum. Deliveries became cash-on-delivery, acquired in pieces, the first being one that and artful prioritization of bills due became bordered on Texas St., extending from San the wardens’ unhappy lot. A search comJacinto to Caroline, and two smaller pieces mittee wooed Pittman McGehee into taking on this magnificent challenge, and immidway down San Jacinto. In 1961, a renovation project was mediately long-range plans were hatched. There was talk at one point of extendlaunched as the church sought to make the most of its limited spaces. Cleveland Hall, ing the Cathedral all the way to Prairie, a true multi-purpose space, was dedicated and building The Episcopal Center, which in 1962. A decade of quiet ensued, with the would house the diocesan offices, at the vestry no doubt planning how to continue. corner of Texas and San Jacinto. Bishop These were brighter days, with robust at- Benitez had removed those offices from the close and cramped spaces on campus to a tendance on Sundays and much support. In 1974, in advance of launching into building on West Alabama and thought to locate them on the newly purchased property of Episcopal High School. The Waddell property, site of the 1938 fire, was the grand piece of the puzzle. With the death of the last of the second generation of Waddells, who had been told never to sell, the vestry was able to acquire the corner in 1986. Fundraising, pledges and a grant of $1.2 million from Houston Endowment made possible commencing construction of the Jones Building in 1988. Groundbreaking pictures show the north side of the church with plywood covering the stained glass window. The removal of that protection in November 1988 revealed the Resurrection window above the altar for the first time in generations and was fondly dubbed “the great reveal.” An aerial view of the cathedral complex in the 1960s.
The Beacon keeps growing With The Beacon’s successful expansion of service hours and the addition of a fifth day, it is only natural that the staff is expanding as well. David Edwards has joined The Beacon as its senior director of operations. His role is to oversee all the day-to-day operations of The Beacon Day Center, including security and case management. With his military background and analytical mind, he has already hit the ground running, spending time with everyone on staff to see how things are currently working. David and his wife, Erin, relocated from Chicago in May, and are already right at home not just in Houston, but also at The Beacon. You can help out, too. Visit www.beaconhomeless.org to volunteer.
Canon, from cover
serves as chaplain to the Episcopal House of Bishops. Bautista will serve the Cathedral’s Spanish-language congregation as sacramental and pastoral leader. He will also coordinate the Cathedral’s outreach ministries and serve as the staff representative to the Mission and Outreach Council. Vestry member Sonia Velazquez calls Father Bautista “positive, knowledgeable, and energetic to start new ministries and grow our congregation.” She adds, “He has experience with different Latin congregations that will help him identify with various cultural, emotional and family issues.” Canon McGill will continue to be actively present each week among the
Cathedral’s Spanish-language congregation and will continue to participate in English-language Sunday services. He will also work directly with the clientele of the Beacon, with the mandate to expand the Beacon’s offerings of Bible study, pastoral counseling and discussion groups. Of this transition, Beacon Executive Director Charly Weldon says, “We’re excited to have Jim work directly with the Beacon. His passion for ministry to the homeless is long-standing, extending all the way back to when he helped start Crossroads Ministry in Southeast Houston. Pastoral ministry at the Beacon will be made stronger by Jim’s presence.” Canon Bautista will arrive in August. Canon McGill will assume his new role in September, after he returns from his sabbatical.
The Rev. Canon Simón Bautista
The Rev. Canon Jim McGill
Canónigo, de cubierta
Bautista nació en la Republica Dominicana. Ha sirvido desde 2004 como el Canónigo para Ministerios Latinos en la Diócesis de Washington, D.C. Además de esto, fundó tres congregaciones latinas en el área de Washington, D.C. También sirve como capellán a la Cámara de Obispos. Bautista servirá a la congregación hispana de la Catedral como guía sacramental y pastoral. También coordinará la extensión comunitaria de la Catedral y servirá como representante de personal en el concilio de Misión y Extensión Comunitaria. Sonia Velazquez, miembra del vestry opina que el Padre Bautista es “una persona positiva, con mucha experiencia y energía para iniciar nuevos ministerios que harán crecer nuestra congregación”. Ella también opina que, “Tiene experiencia en diferentes congregaciones latinas que le ayudará a identificarse cultural, emocional y familiarmente.” Canónigo McGill continuará activo con la congregaciá hispana de la Catedral cada semana. También trabajará directamente con los clientes del Beacon, con la responsabilidad de aumentar los servicios en el Beacon, incluyendo el estudio de la Biblia, consejo pastoral y grupos de oración. De esta transición, el director ejecutivo del Beacon, Charly Weldon, dice, “Estamos muy emocionados de que Jim trabajará directamente con el Beacon. Su pasión por el ministerio de los desamparados ha sido desde hace mucho tiempo, desde que él ayudó a iniciar el Ministerio de Crossroads en el suroeste de Houston. El ministerio pastoral será más fuerte con la presencia de Jim”. Canónigo Bautista llegará en agosto. Canónigo McGill tomará su nuevo puesto en Septiembre, después regrese de su sabático. page 3
The Bulletin
Pub Trivia, Episcopal Night at the Ballpark, Fifth Grade Mission Trip
In Pictures
Sanders Hall dedication
Below and right: The fifth-grade class partipated in the Cathedral Urban Service Experience from June 15–17 as a mission trip, completing service projects in and around the Houston area.
On June 8, the auditorium on the second floor of the Latham Building was dedicated as Sanders Hall in recognition of the significant contributions Charles King Sanders has made to the Cathedral music program over many years.
The Bulletin
page 4
Below: Dean Barkley Thompson practices throwing a baseball on June 5 in Nancy’s Garden in anticipation of his first pitch at Episcopal Night at the Ballpark on June 13.
Above: The Community Life Council hosted a cookout in the Bishop’s Courtyard before the Astros game on June 13, inviting Episcopalians throughout the diocese to stop by for a hot dog and beverages before walking together to Minute Maid Park. Left: More than 50 people competed in teams for top honors and prizes at the first Pub Trivia evening, held May 17 in Reynolds Hall. The all-ages event was hosted by the Cathedral 20s & 30s. page 5
The Bulletin
Burger, from cover
burger at the corner fast-food joint. In a frenetic and ever-changing world, the burger place is a sanctuary of sorts. As the advertisers sit in the fluorescent, formica-laden glow of Burger Chef, character Peggy Olson develops the ad campaign’s tag line: “What if there was a place where you could go where there was no TV, and you could break bread, and whoever you were
sitting with was family?” For a Christian viewer, the tag line drips with irony. In our real world, there is indeed a place, and it’s not Burger Chef. The church is that place. In truth, our lives are no better put together than the lives of the characters on “Mad Men.” If there is anything sophisticated about us, it is outward appearance only. But in the church, we are brothers and sisters in Christ. Here, our souls are fed in
the bread and wine. Here, sanctuary awaits, granting us peace from the world, redemption from our flaws, and the renewal of our hearts experienced through God’s abundant grace. This summer, I pray we will frequent Eucharist at the Cathedral more than Big Macs at McDonald’s. In church we’ll rediscover that we are, indeed, rooted to things enduringly valuable: God and one another.
Have you met these new Cathedral employees? Andrew Boney (Youth Assistant) graduated in 2008 from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in human development and family studies. Andrew was raised in Houston and hopes to promote positive care and make an impact in the lives of youth in the church setting.
Anthony Barton (Sexton) is new to the staff, but not to the Cathedral, having worked previously in the Cloister Restaurant with Treebeards. A native Houstonian, Anthony loves to spend time with his close-knit family of brothers and sisters and particularly enjoys fishing.
Lisa Cleary (Finance and Human Resources Assistant) worked for 10 years in publications at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church in Houston. She attends Emmanuel Episcopal in west Houston and graduated from FinD, the diocesan training program for spiritual directors, in 2010.
Ned Ryan (CUSE Intern) will be entering his second year at Gaucher College this fall, and has not yet declared his major. Ned enjoys swimming and watching Wes Anderson movies. Ned is also an Eagle Scout and certified life-guard.
Kristy Elmore (Pastoral Care Coordinator) lives in Spring Branch with her husband, Hugh, and two sons, Thomas and Townes. Kristy has a heart to serve those who are hurting, and this desire defined her work at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, where she was director of missions and outreach.
Molly Willis (CUSE Intern) comes to us from the University of Mary Washington, where she is a religious studies major. Molly has a great love of the outdoors, and a special heart for the under-served and urban poor. She is an accomplished musician and excellent writer, as well.
Unity in Mission Task Force commissioned by vestry, dean In 2012, the 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church authorized for provisional use the liturgy entitled, “The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant,” for the blessing of monogamous, same-sex relationships that intend to be lifelong. In anticipation of General Convention, Bishop of Texas Andy Doyle chaired a diocesan task force with former Secretary of State James Baker and others that issued the “Unity in Mission” paper, which provides guidelines for individual parishes in the Diocese of Texas to discern whether or not “The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant” will be made liturgically available in their congregations. “The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant” is not a marriage rite, as neither same-sex marriages nor civil unions are recognized by Texas law. A decision to allow or disallow the use of the liturgy in any particular parish comes after a lengthy process of prayer and study, with the ultimate decision The Bulletin
page 6
made by the Vestry and rector and the approval of the Bishop. During the fall visioning process, numerous Cathedral parishioners inquired when Christ Church would undertake this process of discernment. In response, Dean Thompson and the Vestry have commissioned a task force to do this work. During the fall, the task force will study Holy Scripture and theology, as well as the liturgical resources prepared by The Episcopal Church. The task force’s work will be thoughtful and deliberate, and it will result in a report issued to the Vestry, likely in December. The Vestry will then use this report as the topic of its own thought and prayer as it considers with the Dean whether “The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant” will be made available at Christ Church. About this process of discernment, Dean Thompson says, “The issue of whether to bless same-sex unions is a very important one, but it is not the central or defining issue in our
lives of faith. Our identity as Christians, as Episcopalians, and as Cathedral parishioners is centered in our shared faith in the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because we have been formed as a people who find our identity in the saving grace of Jesus, I believe the Cathedral can and will navigate whether to bless same-sex unions with grace, and we will grow stronger in the process. As St. Paul says in my favorite words from Holy Scripture, 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.’” (Colossians 3:12–15) Members of the Cathedral Unity in Mission Task Force are Dean Thompson, Lily Barsenas, Robin Bullington, John Cater, Linnet Deily, Ted Dom (vestry representative), John Flanagan, Elizabeth Goza, Patrick Hayes, Roy Nolen, Charlie Prioleau (vestry representative), and Catherine Randall. Please keep the task force in your prayers.
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 July 13 (cont.)
This Month July 3
Thu
RSCM Evensong 6:30 p.m. in the Cathedral. Sung by choristers of the Royal School of Church Music America Gulf Coast Course. July 4
Fri
Registration closed Sun
20s & 30s Brunch 1 p.m., Canyon Creek, 6603 Westcott. ($) July 20–25 Middle-School Trip Oklahoma City. Join youth from around the diocese at Missionpalooza to help rebuild areas affected by tornadoes. ($)
Sun
Rhythms of Grace 1 p.m., Jones Basement. Worship experience for special needs children and their families. Lesson: The Apostles spread the Good News.
Weekly July 11 Fri Noche Familiar 5:30–8:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. La tema es la reconciliación. Disfruten un cena y actividades para toda la familia.
July 13
Sun
Lord of the Streets Service Day 6:15 a.m., Trinity Episcopal Church. Help cook eggs, meat and grits during a twohour breakfast shift.
August 3
Sun
Summer Place 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Fellowship hour with refreshments hosted by ministries and councils of the Cathedral. July 6, Religion & the Arts; July 13, Mission Outreach; July 20, Adult Formation; July 27, 20s & 30s.
Outing to “Godspell” 2:30 p.m., A.D. Players. Musical based on the Gospel of Matthew. ($)
Wednesdays
August 24 Sun Rally Day 10–11 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Fun activities for all ages as we celebrate the Cathedral’s ministries. September 7
Sun
First Day of Sunday School 10 a.m. Christian education classes resume for children and youth. August 1 Fri Reception for Jeanne Roth 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Honoring the Cloister Gallery director at the opening of the City ArtWorks teachers’ exhibition.
September 24
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. ($)
All Summer
Fri
Cloister Gallery Opening Reception 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Featuring artist Nergis Mustafa.
Sundays (cont.)
Upcoming
July 24 Thu Wine and the Word 7–9 p.m., Gardens of Bammel Lane. Three 20s & 30s groups are teaming up for wine tastings paired with Biblical teaching. Space is limited.
July 11
Bring a friend!
Buscando la Luz 6:30–8 p.m., Bride’s Room. Spanishlanguage discussion group.
Independence Day Cathedral and offices closed. July 6
Childcare available (3 mo. to 5 yrs.)
Sundays Music Summer Sundays 10 a.m., Sanders Hall. Summer music program for children led in July by educator and musician Chase Jordan. Through July 13.
Flat Andy returns for more summer adventures visiting Episcopal churches in the U.S. and abroad! Bishop Andy is traveling on sabbatical, and so is Flat Andy. Where will he go? Print out Flat Andy from the Cathedral website and pose for a picture with him at the churches you visit outside Houston. Then send the photo to info@christchurchcathedral.org or post it to the Cathedral’s Facebook page. We’ll collect the pictures in an online gallery so everyone can see the spaces you blessed with your presence.
Now through August:
Comfort Calls
from the Vestry
A Vestry representative will call you to ask how we’re doing and to hear your hopes and concerns page 7
The Bulletin
Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Houston, Texas
1117 Texas Avenue Houston, Texas 77002-3183
PERMIT No. 6404
Did you know you can read The Bulletin on our website? If you’d like to go “online-only,” contact Anne Shepard at ashepard@christchurchcathedral.org or call her at 713-590-3301.
At-Risk, from cover
Ethiopia. After winning the immigration lottery, the family moved to the United States, but no one in the family spoke English and employment prospects were slim. In Somalia, Rabi’s father had suffered a bullet wound to the leg that was never properly repaired, leaving him with a noticeable limp. Rabi’s mother suffers from cardiac problems, and Rabi is the only family member that can understand and speak English, thanks to his enrollment in a Houston high school. When a family wins the “Green Card Lottery,” the U.S. government pays for housing
In the Cloister Gallery: Nergis Mustafa Through July 29 Artist Nergis Mustafa uses oil, acrylic and watercolors to explore the human face and its expressions to capture emotion and mood.
Cathedral Bookstore: Summer Break The Bookstore will be closed on weekdays in the summer and closed on Sundays subject to the availability of its volunteers. The Bookstore will reopen on Rally Day, August 24, and will resume regular hours beginning September 7. The Bulletin
page 8
for up to six months, as well as food stamps and Medicaid, but after that, immigrants like the Hassens are on their own. Rabi’s father and 24-year-old brother found factory work for minimum wage, but the family was still struggling. After the relocation assistance from the government ended, Rabi’s father told him that he would rather work to death than allow his son to drop out of school, but Rabi was desperate for an alternative. With nowhere else to turn, Rabi sought help from Jessica Smith, a Project Manager for Communities in Schools, an organization dedicated to preventing dropouts and empowering students. Smith referred Rabi’s case to the Cathedral’s At-Risk Youth project, and the organization provided the Hassens with a grant that gave the family more time to find employment. “My family was very happy,” Rabi said as he quoted his mother saying, “thanks be to God” in their native language. Today, Rabi is enrolled in summer school while also working the most lucrative job in the family (at $10 per hour) as a banquet worker and lifeguard for the Houston Country Club. He plans to graduate in May 2015 and then go to college to become a doctor or dentist.
“He works so hard to take care of his family,” Smith said. “He is the guy who speaks English and goes to the food stamp office or his parents’ medical appointments to translate. It is a lot of responsibility. When he came in here and asked me to help him find a job, and I told him we could help him with that and also help pay his rent, the relief of that was huge.” The At-Risk Youth Project began almost 15 years ago and has distributed more than $416,000, aiding more than 1,200 families and 3,400 children. The program is a onetime-only emergency-needs grant. Cathedral members Margot Cater, Barbara Manly, Margaret Gwynne and Linda Murphy co-administrate the program on a volunteer basis with no overhead costs, which allows more funds to be dispersed to clients. “To be able to have this resource from the At-Risk Youth project is huge,” Smith said. “I utilize that fund. We don’t just give it to anybody. It is a last resort, but it gives them time to let us help them figure out how to navigate a lot of things like health issues or refugee issues. It is an awesome resource.” The At-Risk Youth project welcomes donations and volunteers to help with casework and data input. Contact Linda Murphy at 713-782-1434 to help.