CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
JUNE 2015 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
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The Spanish Prisoner
The Rev. John R. Pitts, an assisting priest in the Diocese of Texas, preaches at the Cathedral on May 3.
Balancing matters of church and state An attorney-turned-preacher, the Rev. John R. Pitts has a dual calling, serving as an assisting priest to the Diocese of Texas while also working as a lobbyist. Six years ago, he founded the public affairs firm Texas Star
Alliance after years spent as general counsel to former Lt. Governor Bob Bullock and also as chaplain to the Texas Senate. Rev. Pitts keeps his church and state duties
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Documentary series tackles social issues This summer, the Justice and Peace Council will present a summer documentary series, “Pray, Learn, Act.” For one night a month starting June 17, all are invited to gather for a special Eucharist, followed by dinner and a documentary screening in Reynolds Hall. Each film will conclude with a question and answer session featuring local community
organizations who are already doing significant work on the issue at hand. The first film and discussion on June 17 will focus on transgender issues. The groundbreaking documentary “Voices of Witness: Out of the Box” gives voice to the journeys of transgender people of faith through candid storytelling. Following the film, members of Integrity and PFLAG will help discuss some of the specific challenges for transgender individuals in our communities. On July 22, we will gather to learn about the issue of human trafficking. The documentary “Not My Life” offers a global picture of the array of dehumanizing practices related to human trafficking,
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“Hello. I’m in trouble, and I hope you can help. I’m in Indonesia, and my wallet and passport have been stolen. I can’t get out of the country for several days, and I need some money to get by. Can you wire some to me?” I first received this desperate Facebook THE VERY REV. message from a parishBARKLEY ioner several years ago. THOMPSON Since then, I’ve received identical messages from at least a dozen other parishioners, maybe even from you. Don’t worry; you don’t have amnesia, and you were never trapped in a foreign country. The message wasn’t exactly from you, but rather from someone who had hacked your Facebook account. A decade before Facebook, emails circulated, purportedly from a Nigerian businessman. He had a business proposition that would result in a huge monetary payout, if only the recipient would first wire him money — or better yet, give him a bank account number — in order that he could fund the next phase of development. These messages are the latest iteration of a centuries-old scam called “the Spanish Prisoner.” The name derives from the original version of the scam. In it, someone would receive an anonymous, handwritten letter whose sender claimed to be held captive in a Spanish prison. If the recipient would send money for his release, the letter said, the prisoner would then share the bounty of a much larger hidden treasure. By 1898, Spanish Prisoner schemes were so ubiquitous that The New York Times ran an editorial entitled “An Old Swindle Revived,” warning readers about this snail-mail version of the scam. Who would fall for such a ruse? Lots of people, it turns out. According to the
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Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with
EE new members Brianna Stiglets and Samuel Kneisley. EE those who were confirmed by Bishop Fisher on May 10: Blanca Guadalupe Avila, Rex Carleton Bowen, Lucy McEacharn Curtis, Zoe Yang Ferris-Hughes, Isabel Alida Franks, Merrell Augusta Goza, Robert Pemberton Hellums, Samuel Oliver Holden Jr., Shelby Stephens Jordan, Jonas Draper Lasater, Georgia Grace Letchford, Julian Dominic Marucci, May Nour Moorefield, Alexander Olaf NelsonGroocock, Eleanor Margaret Ryan, and Griffin Killough Thompson. EE Susan and Will Dugat on the birth of William Dennis Dugat V on February 28. EE Lauren and Zach Bernard on the birth of Knox Edward Bernard on May 6. EE Morgan Lucas and Marc Peeler, who were married on April 11 in the Cathedral.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to
EE the family of member Joyce Cantrell, who died April 17 in Houston. EE the family of Nicholas Kane, who died May 9 in Houston. He was the father of member Robert Kane. EE the family of member Priscilla Wandel, who died May 14 in Houston. She was the mother of Gail Wandel Hendryx, Debby Wandel Francis, Marjorie Wandel Crawford, and John Philip Wandel Jr.
We pray for those traveling on mission trips
EE to San Antonio on July 19–24: Paul Goza, Merrell Goza, Olivia Kim, Zoe Ferris-Hughes, and Dorothy Davis. EE to Costa Rica on July 5–12: Rachel Balk, Maria Bermudez, Yency Bermudez, Francy Bermudez, Steven Bermudez, Jeremy Bradley, Tomas Esquivel, Fisher Galvin, Laura Galvin, Genesis Gobellan, Sam Kuo, Sarah Kuo, Elizabeth Kuo, Dick Kuo, Brandy Majano, Eileen O’Brien, Ashlin Ondrusek, Sharon Ondrusek, Harry Patterson, Alex Razim, Ed Razim, Alyson Riley, Mason Ruch, Sara Stansbury, Gabriel Theis, Emma Vorholt, and Carey Vorholt.
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar
EE on June 6 are given 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 on June 13 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Clifton E. Speir by his wife, Barbara Speir, and his family. EE on June 21 are given 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 on June 27 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Zinkie and Fox Benton by Jane and Bill Curtis.
The flowers in the Floor Vases
EE on June 27 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of our parents, Nelle and William Stewart and Helen and Mike V. McEnany, by Judy and Michael McEnany. THE BULLETIN
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Major league pitcher Canon Simón Bautista works out his pitching arm in preparation for Episcopal Night at the Ballpark, when he will throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Houston Astros game against the Seattle Mariners. Cathedral group tickets for the June 12 game are on sale online and on Sundays in the cloister. Before the game, the Cathedral will host a free cookout in the Bishop’s Courtyard.
PRISONER, from cover website Priceonomics, in a recent year Americans collectively lost $198 million to various Spanish Prisoner schemes. Globally, the take was more than $12 billion. Why is the Spanish Prisoner scam so enduringly successful? On the one hand, those who fall for the ruse are genuinely empathetic. On the other hand, they are hoping for a windfall as the result of their compassion. They muse, “If I do this good thing, then my payout will be life-changing!” Often, I fear we approach our faith in this way. It seems so easy: If I confess my sins; if I am generous with my money; if I love my neighbor; then the windfall will follow. My crooked path in life will straighten. All will improve. In this life, things will get easier, and in the next life, I’ll enjoy eternal bliss. That notion, too, is a scam, and unfortunately some communities of faith peddle it. You see, nowhere does God offer the easy payout, and nowhere does Holy Scripture promise (or even suggest) that faith commitment will result in a life of ease. Rather, in many ways a faith commitment makes worldly life more difficult because we are asked to drink the cup Jesus drinks, to take up our own cross and follow the Way of Jesus. God does not offer ease, but God does offer joy. God does not promise material treasure, but God does promise a life of meaning for those who find their life in him. God does not propose heaven as the eternal reward, tit-for-tat, if we write a check or perform a good deed, but God does give eternal life freely and graciously to his children. It turns out that the life of faith is, thus, both harder and easier than the Spanish Prisoner would contend. Oh, and you should check out your Facebook account. You may have been hacked …
Taking “a few turns” in a labyrinth to focus, dream, pray One afternoon in July I took some time supporting those who struggle to between meetings to walk the Labyrinth. I bring spirit to work with them, intended to carry my loved ones’ burdens. I spreading compassion, develophadn’t expected to realize my own. When I ing ways to share what I’ve been learning at the Cenacle reached the labyrinth’s center, I was Retreat House’s Spiritual struck with a thought: “Stop focusDirection Institute. ing on what you don’t want. Focus on At that point I had what you do want.” little knowledge of the I was exhausted from balancing vision for The Hines work, school, family, and carrying my Center for Spirituality dream of following my calling. When BROOKE and Prayer. At the beginning of this I got home from the labyrinth walk, I SUMMERS-PERRY year when the job description posted, wrote down all the things I wanted to I was astonished by the ways my vision list focus on. In the past, my visioning and planning lists matched the vision of the Hines Center. Now as I work with the task force to bring a only included programs and projects that required me to generate all of the income and shared vision to reality, a vision that will have perform all of the tasks. Fear was holding me a permanent labyrinth, I am reminded that back from dreaming beyond limitations. the very element designed for the center of When making the new list, I stopped my- the Hines Center is one of the powerful tools self many times from filtering and judging that brought me here. I look forward to prayerfully holding this the list. I allowed myself to let the dream flow through me unfiltered. I wrote a vision of space for many more powerful labyrinth spreading information about spiritual prac- experiences. A few turns in, I put down some burdens tice, sharing my story, building community,
to carry yours with both hands. / A few turns more, I put down some of your burdens to hold your hand. / At the center, I put down your burdens and mine. A few turns out, I think of your beauty and joy. / A few turns more, I begin to see mine. / A few turns out, I see your blessings. / A few turns more, I start dreaming. A last turn out, I walk into a dream, lighter, cooler, freer, more grounded, more open. Brooke Summers-Perry is the executive director of the Bishop John E. Hines Center for Spirituality and Prayer.
Quarterly update from the Vestry
It’s all in the details When James Johnson was released from prison, he was given $100, a set of clothes, and a pair of shoes. He had nowhere to go, and his money was stolen his first night on the street. After three days, police officers dropped Johnson off at The Beacon for a bite to eat, a shower, and some rest. There Johnson met George Bement, a case manager and program director for the Cathedral Clinic at The Beacon. Bement got Johnson needed medicines, assisted with a social security card, connected him with Search, worked with him to apply for the SNAP program, and helped him find a more suitable living situation at Magnifcat House. In his future, Johnson hopes to open a car detailing shop where he says he will offer a discount to any Beacon volunteer. To learn more about the Cathedral Clinic at The Beacon, to donate, or to volunteer, visit www.beaconhomeless.org.
Once again, the Cathedral enjoyed an active and joyous Easter season. The Lenten Series presented compelling speakers who all drew good audiences. Holy Week services were spectacular, and our special thanks go to all organizers and participants — clergy, staff, and parishioners. The Vestry and the Hines Center Task Force were excited to welcome Brooke Summers-Perry, who started April 1 as the executive director of the Hines Center. She has jumped into the job JUNIOR WARDEN TED DOM with both feet and has already shown herself to be an energetic and effective manager as she works to build the program. Since Easter, Cathedral life was highlighted by Spring Gatherings (thanks to Scottie and Chris McCord, Ed and Genevieve Razim, Chelsea Waschek-Gaukin, and Jamie Martin-Curie) and the joyous May Fete (thanks to chair David Dowdy and his committee), which was blessed by a beautiful Sunday morning and a wonderful turnout. Parish operations saw the installation of the passenger drop-off area along Texas Avenue
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THE BULLETIN
May Fete, Confirmation, Destination Unknown, and more
IN PICTURES
Below right: Noted Celtic spirituality expert John Philip Newell spoke in Reynolds Hall on May 8–9 at a seminar on “Listening for the Heartbeat of God.” Below left: Thirty-nine newcomers visited the Deanery on April 23 for the Welcome Dinner.
Above: Canon John Logan steadies the “Wheel of Clergy” as a young contestant spins to win a prize during May Fete festivities on May 3. Above right: The weather on May 3 was perfect for outdoor fun, including music, dancing, games, and refreshments. Right: Following the bilingual worship service, the children of the Cathedral processed with their Sunday School classes into the Bishop’s Courtyard for the presentations and the maypole dance. THE BULLETIN
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Above: Bishop Jeff Fisher visited the Cathedral on May 10 to confirm members of the parish. He preached and celebrated at three services and also gave a presentation at the education hour. Left: Destination Unknown on May 8–9 took the Cathedral youth from grades five through eight to a series of surprise locations around Houston for a night of fun and adventure.
Above: EYC (Episcopal Youth Community) offered a yoga class at its May 10 meeting as a special treat for mothers and as a chance to experience this future offering of the Hines Center for Spirituality and Prayer. Left: Water Wars moved indoors on May 17 due to thunderstorms, but the fun and games continued as EYC concluded its spring semester. PAGE 5
THE BULLETIN
Who are they? Getting to know your Cathedral staff DEBRA CROSS (Ministries Assistant) was born in Port Arthur and raised in Houston. She holds a human resources certification from Rice University and worked at HISD for 10 years as a senior secretary before coming to the Cathedral. She loves travel, concerts, sports, and spending time with family.
CHRISTY ORMAN (Youth Associate and CUSE Director) is a native Houstonian with deep Episcopal roots. She holds a degree in early childhood education from Sam Houston State University. Orman is on the YES Steering Committee and is an advocate for our diocesan youth presence.
KIMBERLY WILLIAMS (Pastoral Care Coordinator) brings a wealth of resources and knowledge toward caring for individuals in vulnerable situations. She is an active community volunteer, particularly with organizations that serve at-risk populations. Williams feels called to serve those that are often overlooked.
COURTNEY BROTHERS (CUSE Intern) is student at the University of Virginia where she majors in economics and religious studies. There she participates in Sustained Dialogue and works with international teaching assistants to practice English. Brothers also enjoys drawing, baking, and playing with her dogs.
MARK BOHENICK (Publications Editor) received his B.S. in graphic design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 2005. Since then, he has worked as a designer for regional and national clients. Bohenick collects books and hosts a local book club. A proud father, he lives with his wife and son in southwest Houston.
HARRY PATTERSON (CUSE Intern) is currently pursuing a music degree from the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J., where he is a member of the track team and the radio station. Outside of school, Patterson enjoys running, mountain biking, and making music. He is also an Eagle Scout.
PITTS, from cover
separate, trading his clerical collar for business tie as appropriate. Regardless of his role or duties, however, Pitts says he draws on his trust in God.
Laws and orders Pitts clearly remembers his call to the ministry decades ago. As a thirty-something attorney, he was a pallbearer, sitting in a pew at the funeral, when Jesus spoke to him. “He told me that he wanted me to be in that pulpit preaching,” Pitts recalled. “He wanted me to be at that altar. I laughed and then became scared. Each time I turned away from that call, it seemed that doors in my life closed. Each time I turned toward that call, doors seemed to open.” Echoing Psalm 23, Pitts says, “God is with me wherever I go and whatever I may be doing.” That sense of God’s presence follows him even in his current work as a lobbyist. While some legislators and lobbyists might believe the end justifies the means when pursuing their agendas, Pitts says his clients do not expect him to sell his soul to support their efforts. “If that were the case, I would not accept the representation,” he says. “We lead with integrity.” This session, many of his clients have been involved in children’s issues, such as the PreK Initiative and the mentoring children of incarcerated parents. He believes each undertaking allows him to bring his ministry into his everyday life. THE BULLETIN
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John Pitts is also the founder and managing principal at Texas Star Alliance, a public affairs firm in Austin.
Assisting children this session has been rewarding, and Pitts believes it is truly an extension of his ministry at the Cathedral.
From the Capitol to the Cathedral Recently, Pitts has been surprised to learn from others that trusting in God has been a common theme of his preaching. “I need to hear it myself and be reminded of it,” he says. “I do trust God.” As an assisting priest, Pitts has the opportunity to share that message with congregations
throughout the diocese. He preached at the Cathedral in May, and will return to assist twice in June and once in August. Ordained in 1987, Pitts attended Virginia Theological Seminary. After seminary, he served at St. John the Divine in Houston, followed by a term as canon to the ordinary for Bishop Maurice Benitez. He moved to Austin in 1991 to become rector of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, which was then suffering from heavy debt as a result of a real estate downturn. During his fiveyear tenure, the church came out of debt and became one of the fastest-growing Episcopal churches in the country. It was in Austin that Pitts began his role as chaplain to the Texas Senate. Later he got a call from Bullock asking him to expand his ministry, serving full-time both as chaplain and as Bullock’s general counsel. “I accepted,” he recalled. “I told Bishop [Claude] Payne that when Bullock ‘asked’ something, I had better say, ‘Yes.’ That position propelled me into the lobby field and today.” Today, many in the capital recall that Pitts the lobbyist was once the Senate chaplain. Even thought he no longer serves in that capacity, on occasion he still performs a wedding ceremony. What will the future bring? “I trust that that same God who I discovered walking beside me in the Episcopal Church will continue to be by my side as the future is laid out before me. I am looking forward to discovering it.”
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
JUNE 14
THIS MONTH
SUN
20s & 30s Brunch 1 p.m., Mia Bella Trattoria, 320 Main. JUNE 14–17 Fifth-Grade Mission Trip Houston. The fifth-grade class will participate in our CUSE program. ($) JUNE 17
WED
Summer Documentary Series 6–8:30 p.m. Eucharist, dinner, film, and discussion on transgender issues. JUNE 3 WED Dean’s Book Club 6:30–8 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. “Lamb” by Christopher Moore. JUNE 5
WEEKLY SUNDAYS Summer Place 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Fellowship hour with refreshments hosted by ministries and councils of the Cathedral. June 7, Justice & Peace; June 14, Children’s Ministry; June 21, Religion & the Arts; June 28, Pastoral Care. Historia e Identidad 3–4 p.m. McGehee Conference Room. Un curso para todos que quisieran profundizar su entendimiento de la iglesia.
FRIDAYS Men’s Early Morning Study Group (Second and fourth Fridays) 7–8 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.
UPCOMING JULY 5–12 High-School Mission Trip Costa Rica. Fifteen youth will join 12 adults to aid our companion diocese. ($)
Centering Prayer 11:15 a.m. to noon, Mellinger Room. Bible Study “By the Glass” 6:30–8 p.m., OKRA, 924 Congress. Bible study for those living and working in the urban context.
Cloister Gallery Opening Reception 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Featuring artist Rona Lesser. JUNE 20 SAT Ordination to the Diaconate 10 a.m. in the Cathedral. Seminarians from around the diocese will be ordained as deacons. JUNE 20
SAT
Texas Music Festival Outing 6:30–9 p.m. Moores School of Music. Performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite. ($)
WEDNESDAYS Women’s Bible Study (First and third Wednesdays) 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Bilingual Wednesday Eucharist 6–6:30 p.m., Golding Chapel. The Pentecost Project 6:30–8 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Community and conversation for those learning Spanish or English.
JUNE 21 TO JULY 2 JUNE 12 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 vs. Seattle Mariners. ($)
Bring a friend!
MONDAYS
FRI
Bridge Night 6–9 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Bring a dish for the potluck social.
Childcare available (3 mo. to 10 yrs.)
Celtic Pilgrimage to Ireland Group tour of Ireland for worship, prayer, and study of the ancient Celtic saints. JUNE 25 TO JULY 3 78th General Convention Salt Lake City, Utah. Triennial convention of the Episcopal Church. A new presiding bishop will be elected.
Answer calls with hopes, concerns This summer, your vestry will be checking in with you to ask, “How are we doing?” From your perspective, how are things going at Christ Church? What excites you about the Cathedral’s ministries and programs? What pastoral concerns do you have, and what hopes might you share? Now through August, members of the vestry will place a phone call to every parishioner on the membership roll. These are not stewardship calls, but are your opportunity to make your voice heard. We hope you’ll answer the phone and share your thoughts with your lay leadership.
JULY 17 FRI Noche Familiar 5:30–8:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Disfruten un cena y actividades para toda la familia. JULY 19–24 Middle-School Mission Trip San Antonio. Missionpalooza. ($) JULY 24–25
FRI–SAT
Mary Magdalene Workshop With cultural historian Kayleen Asbo. Hosted by Brigid’s Place as part of a month-long festival. ($)
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
FILMS, from cover
including forced labor, domestic servitude, begging, sex tourism, and child soldiering. As difficult as these stories are to hear, the message is ultimately a message of hope. On August 12, the documentary and discussion will focus on combatting the stigma and stereotypes surrounding mental illness. We will watch “A New State of Mind,” a documentary that exposes myths about mental illness and outlines the costs to society resulting from our collective lack of constructive engagement with this issue. You are warmly invited to pray, learn, and act this summer. For more details, please contact the Rev. Eileen O’Brien at 713-590-3300. 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.
Service embraces difference, builds mutuality On Sunday, May 3, the Christ Church Cathedral family celebrated May Fete. The music, colorful decorations and the happy faces of the people created a festive atmosphere that was felt throughout the day. It was a traditional celebration adapted to embrace the diversity of our Cathedral parish with participation by people of all ages and backgrounds. The day started with the celebration of a bilingual mass, which gathered parishioners
In the Bookstore: C.C. Billy Goat A new, updated edition of Bette Stead’s “C.C. Billy Goat and the First Christ Church” is now on shelves. The story was inspired by Thomas Flintoff’s 1852 painting.
In the Cloister Gallery: Rona Lesser In June Houston art educator Rona Lesser’s landscapes emphasize the color, light, and beauty of nature, as well as a deep spirituality. THE BULLETIN
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from the 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. services. Music in both languages, and the use of English and Spanish throughout the entire liturgy created a profound sense of balance and mutuality, as everyone was challenged to stretch to embrace the other. In that sense, May BILINGUAL EUCHARIST Fete gives us a fore- Wednesdays at 6 p.m. taste of the kingdom of heaven in our present. This is what bilingual worship does. It creates mutuality and relationship in the midst of difference; it challenges us to give up something and to move outside of our comfort zone in order to embrace the other. Many people came away from the service saying, “Wow, we should do that more often!” The good news is that the Cathedral is so committed to building mutuality that we have established a regular bilingual eucharist on Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. in the Golding Chapel. This summer, consider taking on bilingual worship as a practice that forms you, as you reach out to embrace difference. For in doing so, you just might encounter joy.
VESTRY, from page 3 and the automated ticket machines in the garage. Special thanks to Frank Hood for donation and installation of LED lights in Sanders Hall. The Cathedral’s finances continue to be strong. Operating revenues slightly exceeded expenses through March, which is very positive, as receipt of revenue tends to be strongest toward the end of the year while expenses are even throughout the year. Thanks to everyone who makes pledge payments throughout the year, as it is a great help to our cash flow. Some buildings and grounds items of note are currently in progress. Construction drawings for the Hines Center are now being prepared by our Ziegler Cooper Architects. Soil samples were taken by Terracon engineers as a first step to investigate structural issues related to the Latham and McGehee buildings. Summer Place began with the Memorial Day weekend. Please stop by during the 10 o’clock hour this summer and cool off with us. Additionally, the Vestry will start its annual “comfort calls” very soon, so please take our calls (and if missed, please return them) and share your thoughts with us.