Christ Church Cathedral An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
June 2014 christchurchcathedral.org
After-Hours Emergency Care line | 713-826-5332
Of geese
Heath Hutto attends Compline, part of the Daily Office, in the Golding Chapel. This past fall and spring, the 20s & 30s and Buscando la Luz groups held the service following their Wednesday night programs.
Daily Office allows pause, prayer Though many Episcopal churches do not provide services for the Daily Office, the Cathedral offers Morning and Evening Prayer on weekdays at 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. in addition to a noon Eucharist. All of these services take place in the Golding Chapel. “This has been the daily worship life of the church that came out of the early church’s prayer life and evolved through the monasteries,” said retired Canon Precentor Ed Stein.
“It became the work of the Cathedral churches, too, especially the English ones.” The Book of Common Prayer provides a liturgy for each occasion, which does not necessarily need to be performed in the church, but the Cathedral has offered these services for decades, often led by lay people. According to Stein, the word “office” comes for the Latin officia and stands for the work
Daily, page 8
Transition on the organ bench After serving as Cathedral organist for a total of 23 years, Bruce Power has announced that he will resign the organ bench this summer to pursue new avenues of creativity. “I did somersaults attempting to convince Bruce to change his mind,” Dean Thompson said. “He is a marvelous musician, both to hear and with whom to work. He is a joy, and I will miss him incredibly. Even so, Bruce feels led by the Holy Spirit, and I honor that.” Canon Robert Simpson added, “What a wonderful colleague Bruce Power
Organist, page 6
Ancient Christians sometimes talked of the two books of God’s revelation. The first, of course, is the Bible, in which God’s purposes and plan for the world are laid out. Through the Bible we learn how holy — and some decidedly unholy — people relate to God through the trials and joys of the Israelites and early Christians. The second book of God’s revelation is the Book of Creation, or The Very Rev. the world of wonder in Barkley which we are blessed Thompson to live. For Christians, the created world is not a dead and inert thing. It is not mere rock hurtling through space. Rather, it is a holy thing teeming with both life and wisdom. And so, if we go on vacation and forget to pack the Bible, we can still learn of God by watching carefully God’s good earth. Several years ago a fellow priest offered me his few reflections (which he himself had borrowed from a friend years before) about what Christians can learn from geese … yes, you read that correctly, geese. Consider these truths: 1) When flying in formation, as each goose flaps its wings it creates uplift for the birds that follow. By flying in a “V,” the whole flock adds 70% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone. 2) When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back in to formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it. 3) When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into formation and another goose flies to the point position. 4) The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those in front to keep up their speed.
Geese, page 2
Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with
EE new members: David Rast; Kristen Bollinger; Joe and Lisa Albright and Anne, Brynne and Joey Albright; Bill Eggleston; Rebecca and Thad Hutcheson; Nancy Lennard; Edward, Alexander and Thomas Razim; Frankie Sims; Marion Robertson; and Gene Carlton. EE the newly baptized: Ezekiel Alejandro, Nicholas Del Valle, Aidan Kuo, Ryan Kuo, Charlotte Reeves, Avery Wolfe, Aiden Woodward, Citlaly Zavala, Hector Zavala, Ezequiel Zavala, Joshua Zavala, Katherine Zavala, Zahajury Zavala, and Mary Ellen Elizabeth Forshey. EE the newly confirmed, received and reaffirmed: Karen Alston, Cassie Bailey, Francy Bermudez, Matthew Bermudez, Matthew Buchanan, John William Dagley, Clayton Dowdy, Preston Elsom, Tomás Esquivel, Charlotte Ford, Claire Furse, Genesis Gobellan, Beckett Gonzales, Kris Greenwood, Tommy Hayes, Gabrielle Heal, Kelly Higgason, Pearse Higgason, Sam Kuo, Brandy Majano, Reid McLaughlin, Tonya McLaughlin, Blake Ogle, Stuart Randall, Mason Ruch, Ron Schindler, Mark Shoemaker, Collins Simpson, Sasha Unger, Anna Unger, Aaron Wolf, Lindsey Wolf, Alyssa Politte, and John Patrick Quinn. EE Leneé Lansford and Andrew Gordon, who were married in the Cathedral on May 16.
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar
EE are given on June 1 to the glory of God in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Scott and Harvey Shepherd and in thanksgiving for their parents by Norman and Frances Kittrell. EE are given on June 8 to the glory of God in loving memory of Clifton E. Speir by his wife, Barbara Speir, and his family. EE are given on June 15 to the glory of God in loving memory of their parents, Nelle and William Stewart and Helen and Mike V. McEnany, by Judy and Michael McEnany. EE are given on June 22 to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the ordination of the newest deacons in the Diocese of Texas by the Commission on Ministry and the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Texas. EE are given on June 29 to the glory of God in loving memory of Zinkie and Fox Benton by Jane and Bill Curtis.
Additional lilies at the rood screen at Easter
EE were given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for Michael and Gillian McCord and for Anna Kibbe by Chris McCord. EE were given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Stuart Hellmann and Cynthia L. Hellmann by their family. The Bulletin
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Home-cooked comfort in The Beacon kitchen
The Beacon’s very talented kitchen crew works hard to provide not just nutrition to the more than 600 people they serve each day, but also the comfort of a “home-cooked” meal. As creative as they are in the Day Center Kitchen, some food items such as beef are a luxury. That is, until now! Thanks to 44 Farms Steaks, The Beacon has received more than 1,300 pounds of processed Angus beef, including fajita meat, tri-tip, flank meat and short ribs. Learn how you can be a part of this wonderful ministry at www.beaconhomeless.org or stop by for a tour.
Summer music program for children
For the past few years, our Sunday Sunday, June 8, and will continue weekSchool has included a children’s music ly through July 13. Sara Brannon, a music teacher at St. component led by wonderful and talMark’s Episcopal School, ented volunteers and staff. This part of our program Music Summer Sundays will lead the program in June. Chase Jordan, an acwas absent this past school June 8 through July 13 year. While this allowed claimed studio musician for more Sunday School lesson days, and teacher at MacGregor Music and Science Academy, will lead in July. we missed music. This summer we’ll offer a fun and inThere’s no need to sign up, and all teractive introduction to sacred music children age four through the fourth for children on six Sundays during the grade are welcome. Contact Lisa Puc10 o’clock hour. The program will be cio at 713-590-3323 to find out more or held in Latham Auditorium beginning volunteer as a parent helper.
Geese, from cover
5) When a goose gets sick or wounded, two geese drop out of formation and follow it to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. For those of us who are part of the community known as the church, these truths are obviously transferable. Yes, at times the church can appear like a gaggle of honking, aggravating geese. And at times the church may seem to leave in its wake something similar to that left on the ground by the proverbial goose. But the church is also that place where, when we move together, we sustain one another for far greater heights and depths than we could ever travel alone. We support one another, with some moving into leadership and others carrying out a servant role as needs arise. We encourage one another in all good things. And most importantly, when one of us is sick or wounded, the rest refuse to forget her. So next time you hear a “honk!” look not at the road but in the sky, and if you see geese, rejoice at the wisdom of God’s creation.
Emergency pastoral care line added under Vision Action Plan For after-hours emergency pastoral care, call 713-826-5332 As a part of the Vision Action Plan for pastoral care, the After-Hours Emergency Care Line is now available to Cathedral members and their families. If a life event or crisis creates a need for pastoral care outside of regular office hours, please call the care line number at 713-826-5332 and the clergy on call will respond as soon as possible.
This after-hours number is specifically designed for those who are experiencing a crisis situation such as an illness, death, accident or hospitalization. It is also for those who urgently require prayer. If necessary, you may leave a message on this number with your name and number and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
Dean to throw first pitch at annual Episcopal Night at the Ballpark
Please be aware that financial assistance calls will not be responded to from the pastoral care line. In the case of a pastoral emergency during normal Cathedral business hours, parishioners are to contact Canon Glenice Robinson-Como at 713-590-3319 or any member of the clergy for pastoral support.
Dean’s Book Club selections The Dean’s Book Club discusses a different book each month, including novels, nonfiction and books on spirituality and faith. Books are selected by the group and are available for purchase from the Cathedral Bookstore. All are welcome. Following the June meeting, the Book Club will take a summer break and reconvene in September. The club meets in the McGehee Conference Room from 6:30–8 p.m. as follows:
Wednesday, June 4 “The Invention of Wings” by Sue Monk Kidd
It’s time for grilled hot dogs and to root, root, root for the Houston Astros. Last year, 125 Cathedral parishioners were joined by 200 Episcopalians from throughout the diocese for the Episcopal Night at the Ballpark pregame cookout. The Community Life Council served up 350 hot dogs in 90 minutes. We’re ready to do it again on Friday, June 13, when we’ll gather in the Bishop’s Courtyard starting at 5 p.m. for the free hot dog cookout, followed by cheering on the Astros against the Tampa Bay Rays in Minute Maid Park. If it rains, no problem, we’ll have a “cook-in” in Reynolds Hall. The cookout is a fantastic opportunity to visit with parishioners from other churches in the diocese and with each other. We will again open up the church to our guests. For some, it will be their first time seeing their Cathedral. Episcopal Night at the Ballpark At 6:30 p.m., we’ll walk five blocks to the ballpark so you’re in Friday, June 13, 5 p.m. your seats in time to see Dean Barkley Thompson throw the first pitch and a group of priests or representatives from each attending Episcopal church recognized. Weather permitting, fireworks will follow the game. Reserve your tickets online now at www.christchurchcathedral.org or in person on Sundays in the cloister through June 8. Advance payment must be received to reserve seats in the Cathedral bullpen box section. Tickets are $22 for adults and $14 for children 12 and under. Pick up your tickets in the cloister on June 8 or at the pregame cookout. Parking is free in the Cathedral garage. For more information, contact Melissa White at mwhite@christchurchcathedral.org or 713-590-3302.
Inspired by the true story of abolitionist and suffragist Sarah Grimké, Kidd paints a moving portrait of two women inextricably linked by the horrors of slavery. Kidd is a master storyteller, and, with smooth and graceful prose, she immerses the reader in the lives of these fascinating women as they navigate religion, family drama, slave revolts and the abolitionist movement.
Wednesday, September 3 “The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey” by Candice Millard At once an incredible adventure narrative and a penetrating biographical portrait, The River of Doubt is the true story of Theodore Roosevelt’s harrowing exploration of one of the most dangerous rivers on earth.
Wednesday, October 1 “Fingerprints of God: What Science is Learning About the Brain and Spiritual Experience” by Barbara Bradley Hagerty This selection is a prelude to the Adult Formation Council’s October symposium “The Science of Spirituality,” at which author Barbara Bradley Hagerty, a National Public Radio religion correspondent, will offer the keynote address. Hagerty delves into the discoveries science is making about how faith and spirituality affect us physically and emotionally as it attempts to understand whether the ineffable place beyond this world can be rationally explained.
The Cathedral Bookstore is open Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays: 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. page 3
The Bulletin
Easter, Misa en el Parque, May Fete, Confirmation, Water Wars
In Pictures
Below right: Canon Jim McGill and the Rev. Abdias Ávalos celebrate Eucharist at Church in the Park with the 1 o’clock congregation on April 27 in Hermann Park. Below left: The May Fete king and queen open the day’s games in the Huffington Courtyard on May 4.
Above: The youth celebrated the end of the school year and the start of summer with Water Wars at the Deanery on May 18. Right: Dean Thompson gives a children’s sermon during the 9 o’clock service on Easter morning, April 20.
Bishop Don Wimberly visited the Cathedral on May 11 to confirm, receive and reaffirm 34 members in the faith. The names of the confirmed are listed on page 2. The Bulletin
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Looking back: Standing on the shoulders of saints 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
A worshipper gazing at the altar will see the eight prominent figures carved into the screen behind the altar known as the reredos. Who are these figures, and what do they represent? If there were only four figures, we might guess that they were the Four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Indeed, when we look at the four lower figures, they are haloed. The symbols that accompany each are further confirmation of their identities. Less obvious are the identities of those four who stand above the more recognizable saints. Their shields, however, identify them as a series of individuals representing apostolic succession, which is the lineage of bishops that connects our Episcopal Church leadership to the apostles. On the far left is Joseph of Arimathea. It was he who supplied the tomb that briefly held the body of Jesus. Legend has it that he removed himself from the Holy Land, and so became the first Christian to enter Britain. The staff he brought with him yielded the sacred thorn of Glastonbury, symbolizing the founding of the Christian Church in Britain. The second figure is St. Augustus of Canterbury, who represents the establishment of the Roman tradition in England. He was chosen by Pope Gregory to be the “apostle to the English,” and founded the cathedral at Canterbury in the year 597.
The ministry of leadership
Figures carved into the reredos behind the altar represent the Evangelists and bishops in the apostolic line.
The third figure is the Right Rev. Samuel Seabury, the first bishop ordained in the United States following the American Revolution, who represents the Episcopal Church in America. A bishop’s crozier (staff) is visible in his hand and a miter (hat) is at his feet. Finally at the far right is the Right Rev. Alexander Gregg, the first bishop of the Diocese of Texas. He assumed that role in 1859, providing us with our long-awaited official, local organization, twenty years after the founding of Christ Church. The message to us in the selection of these four figures is that we as parishioners of Christ Church are part of the apostolic
One of the gifts that God gives is the gift of leadership. In our Spanish-language worshiping congregation, a group of leaders has been brought together to exercise the gift of leadership during the absence of Jim McGill on sabbatical this summer. This group has met together, prayed together and talked together to become a council of assistance and advice to the clergy who will function among them as well as to the whole congregation. Here are those who have offered their gifts for the benefit of our community: Sonia Velázquez, overall leadership and member of the Vestry, assisted by Mike Contreras and Mónica Cortez; Maria Teresa Ávalos, pastoral care and coordinator of pastoral assistance; Irene Hernández, coordinator of Christian education for children; Lula Loera and Verónica Ramirez, coordinators of events; Consuelo Bravo, coordinator of hospitality; Óscar Majano, head usher; Ángeles Bermúdez, head acolyte; Irene del Arco, head lector; Lily Barsenas, head lay Eucharistic minister and worship leader; Martha Barsenas, head of Music; and Yency Bermúdez, staff liaison.
succession. We follow in the footsteps of those who brought the church to us, and us to the church. Each of us stands on the shoulders of the Evangelists, bearing our own symbols and awaiting the chance to enlighten someone sitting in the pews looking for God. Anyone wanting to know more about the Cathedral is encouraged to take the guided tour that follows the 11 o’clock service. You can also visit the Bookstore for even more information found in Marguerite Johnston’s book A Happy Worldly Abode, John Logan’s Dowered with Gifts, Gay Estes’ Opalescence, and Rick Newlin’s The Windows of Christ Church Cathedral.
El ministerio del liderazgo Uno de los dones que Dios nos da es el don del liderazgo. En nuestra comunidad de habla española, se ha reunido a un grupo de líderes para ejercer el don del liderazgo durante la ausencia sabática del padre Jim McGill este verano. Los miembros de este grupo se han reunido, han orado juntos, y han conversado entre sí para formar un concilio para ayudar y aconsejar a los clérigos que funcionarán dentro del concilio y también para la congregación toda. A continuación se nombra a aquellas personas que han ofrecido sus dones y talentos para el beneficio mutuo de nuestra comunidad: Sonia Velázquez, el liderazgo general y miembro de la Junta Parroquial, asistidos por Mike Contreras y Mónica Cortez; Maria Teresa Ávalos, atención pastoral y coordinación de servicios pastorales; Irene Hernández, coordinadora de la educación cristiana para niños; Lula Loera y Verónica Ramírez, coordinadoras de funciones especiales; Consuela Bravo, coordinadora de hospitalidad y acogimiento; Óscar Majano, coordinador de los acomodadores; Ángeles Bermúdez, coordinadora de los monaguillos (acólitos); Irene del Arco, coordinadora de los lectores; y Yency Bermúdez, enlace con la oficina de la catedral. page 5
The Bulletin
Cathedral Choir to perform Schubert masterpiece June 1 At the peak of his thorny dissonant period, Igor Stravinsky was asked whether listening to the Romantic music of Schubert put him to sleep. He quipped, “What does it matter if, when I awake, it seems to me that I am in paradise?” Stravinsky might very well have had Franz Schubert’s final and greatest mass setting in mind as he replied — the stunning Mass in E-flat which the Cathedral Choir, soloists and orchestra will perform Schubert’s on June 1 at 5 p.m. Soloists, Mass in E-Flat drawn from the Cathedral Sunday, June 1 Choir, will be Kelli Shircliffe, 5 p.m. Ashly Evans, Eduardo Tercero, Francisco Espinoza and Saïd Pressley, with Robert Simpson, Canon for Music, as conductor. Schubert has left us no hint of a reason for choosing to sandwich this mass setting, his sixth, between the Great Symphony in C Major and his beloved String Quintet (also in C Major) during this intensely creative period, just six months before his death at age 31 in 1828. But there is no doubt it was an important work to him, massive in design and employing bold harmonic shifts between major and minor, flecked with melodic fragments from favorite works by Mozart, Haydn and
The Cathedral Choir will perform its June 1 concert with an orchestra, made possible through an endowment gift.
Bach. The Mass was first performed a year after Schubert’s death under the direction of his brother, Ferdinand, in the same Viennese church where Schubert had been a pallbearer at Beethoven’s funeral.
Organist, from cover
Preparing for Rally Day
With its road rally theme, last year’s Rally Day took on an exciting, festive flare as we gathered to celebrate the start of a new program year. Youth donned lively customs to successfully attract parishioners to the Youth Ministry Council’s booth. Engaging and fun activities for all ages will again be an integral part of this year’s Rally Day, set for August 24. What do you think this year’s theme will be? Hint: It may have a barker that is not a dog. The answer and event details will appear in August’s “Bulletin.” In the meantime, enjoy summer and be sure to mark your calendar for this special day. The Bulletin
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The Cathedral Choir is indebted to the anonymous donor who has established an endowment specifically to enable it to perform great sacred works with orchestra on occasions such as this.
Bruce has been. His talent and friendship have immeasurably enriched my life and the music of Christ Church Cathedral.” Reflecting on his relationship with Christ Church, Power offered, “My Cathedral connection gives me great memories of satisfaction, joy and contentment. Bob Simpson is a marvelous colleague and friend. The Cathedral is immensely fortunate to have him. Dean Thompson will bring great things to the Cathedral. I thank him for his style, humor and invigorating work atmosphere. A part of me is very interested in experiencing those great things, and I will be watching, while not participating actively.” Dean Thompson is pleased to announce that Sigurd Øgaard has accepted the position of associate minister of music and cathedral organist. Øgaard studied organ performance in his native Norway and earned his doctorate in choral conducting at Texas Tech University. Most recently, he has served as organist at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church. About the appointment, Dean Thompson Sigurd Øgaard said, “Dr. Øgaard is an accomplished musician with a pastoral heart.” Canon Simpson added, “Bruce and I agree that the Cathedral Organist position could not be filled by anyone finer than Sigurd Øgaard.” Power’s final Sunday on the organ bench will be Sunday, June 29. Summer Place that day will be a reception in his honor on 10 o’clock in Reynolds Hall. Øgaard will join the Cathedral on September 1.
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 June 1
Childcare available (3 mo. to 5 yrs.)
Weekly Sun
Bring a friend!
Upcoming
Sundays
Rhythms of Grace 1 p.m., Jones Basement. Worship experience for special needs children and their families. Lesson: The Ascension.
Children’s Music Sundays 10 a.m., Latham Auditorium. Six-week summer music program for children four years through fourth grade.
Cathedral Choir Concert 5 p.m. in the Cathedral. Schubert’s Mass No. 6 in E-Flat with orchestra. June 4
Wed
Dean’s Book Club 6:30–8 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Selection: “The Invention of Wings” by Sue Monk Kidd. Next meeting is September 3. June 6
Fri
Bridge Night 6–9 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Bring a dish for the potluck social. Cloister Gallery Opening Reception 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Featuring artist Caroline Ratliff.
June 8 Sun Pentecost Recital and Evensong 4:15 and 5 p.m. in the Cathedral. Recital by Steven Newberry of St. John the Divine. Evensong sung by the Cathedral Choir. June 8 (cont.)
Sun
20s & 30s Brunch 12:45 p.m., Cyclone Anaya’s Mexican Kitchen at 309 Gray St. in Midtown. June 13
Fri
Episcopal Night at the Ballpark 5 p.m., Bishop’s Courtyard; 7:05 p.m. Minute Maid Park. Free pregame cookout and special seating and prices for Houston Astros game vs. Tampa Bay Rays. ($) June 15–17 Fifth-Grade Trip Houston. The fifth-grade class will participate in our Cathedral Urban Service Experience program. ($) June 20–27
June 7 Sat Texas Music Festival Outing 7:30 p.m., Moores School of Music. Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony. ($) June 8
Sun
Pentecost Sunday Wear red to church as we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit.
High-School Trip Boston. High-schoolers will work on service projects helping the over 7,000 underserved in this historic city. ($) June 21
Sat
Diaconate Ordination 10 a.m. in the Cathedral. Seminarians from around the diocese will be ordained as deacons, including our own Kellaura Johnson and Eileen O’Brien.
Sundays Summer Place 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Fellowship hour with refreshments hosted by ministries and councils of the Cathedral. June 1, Youth Ministry; June 8, Justice and Peace; June 15, Children’s Ministry; June 22, Stewardship; June 29, Music. Wednesdays Buscando la Luz 6:30–8 p.m., Bride’s Room. Spanishlanguage discussion group.
July 3 Thu RSCM Evensong 6:30 p.m. in the Cathedral. Sung by choristers of the Royal School of Church Music America Gulf Coast Course. July 11
Fri
Noche Familiar 5:30–8:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Habrá actividades para toda la familia. July 20–25 Middle-School Trip Oklahoma City. Join youth from around the diocese at Missionpalooza to help rebuild areas affected by tornadoes. ($)
All Summer 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.
Daily, from cover
of the church. The Daily Office provides a unique way to keep in touch with God. “It’s nice to have a break in the workday, and all the hurrying around, with a pause for the praise of God,” Stein said. “It keeps you in touch with objective prayer. Sometimes when you say your own prayers, it becomes all about me and my own needs. This is totally not about me. It is about the praise of God and the proclamation of the Gospel of God in the scriptures.” Anne Flanagan is the lay liturgical ministry coordinator. Although she cannot attend the Morning Prayer service due to the location of her job, she often drives into downtown during the afternoon rush hour to take part in Evening Prayer. “Because I work so far away, getting down
In the Cloister Gallery: America the Beautiful
In June Houston artist Caroline Ratliff will display oil and pastel paintings featuring scenes of purple mountain majesties and oceans of white foam. The Bulletin
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there is fighting traffic,” she explained. “Sometimes I’m running in with five minutes to go. Often I’m driving in asking myself why I’m doing this, and then when I open the door to walk in, everything calms down. It’s a wonderful transition into the evening. It helps me let go of all that stress. I just get to take a deep breath.” For David Simpson, the Cathedral’s chief operating officer, Morning Prayer puts the workday into perspective. “Morning Prayer is a great spiritual lift to get the day started. You just feel closer to God and closer to the ministry of the church,” he said. “Morning Prayer, to me, has more spiritual implications simply because of what is in front of you for eight hours.” The services last approximately 30 minutes and include scriptural readings and prayers of the people. Every day, an extended list of prayer requests is said out loud, even if no one is attending the service. “I have been in the chapel all by myself, reading prayers at the same pace that I would do with eight or ten people present,” Flanagan said. “It is a spiritual moment for me. “One of things that means the most to me is that when we gather for Morning or Evening Prayer, we stand in communion with all the
Anglicans all around the world who are doing the same thing. Sometimes you are there by yourself, but in a way you are with the whole world.” Everyone is welcome to participate in a service at any time. If you would like to serve as a lay reader for the Daily Office or other services, contact Anne Flanagan at 713-252-0233.
Quin granddaughter to sign new novel Lyn Fraser, a forensic accountant, university teacher, hospital chaplain and now novelist, will visit on Sunday, June 8. Join the author in the Mellinger Room at 10:15 a.m. as she reads from her first novel, Debits and Credits, and offers reflections on her grandfather, Bishop Clinton S. Quin. Copies of the book are available in the Cathedral Bookstore. In Debits and Credits, Fraser introduces us to amateur sleuth and forensic accountant Edna Grace Edge, who attempts to solve what she believes to be the murder of her aunt’s best friend, found face down in the stacks of the Austin Public Library. You’ll smile at references to familiar places and to the Episcopal Church.