Christ Church Cathedral An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
May 2013 christchurchcathedral.org
We are all ministers
Emily Scott Shepherd (left) was the Cathedral’s May Queen in 1931 and Georgia Letchford won the crown in 2012. A new king and queen will be named from the fifth-grade class on Sunday, May 5, at the annual May Fete celebration.
May Fete is for all generations As surely as Christ Church Cathedral members can expect the temperature to rise in the spring, so can they expect another May Fete. For more than 100 years the Cathedral has celebrated the arrival of spring with a festival for children and a dance around the maypole. During the event on the first Sunday in May, children and adults eat well and play games, and one very special girl and boy are named queen and king. Last year, Georgia Letchford and Jonas Lasater were crowned queen and king, presid-
ing over festivities that included folk music, carnival games and the maypole dance. Coincidentally, Letchford and Lasater also played Mary and Joseph in the prior year’s Christmas pageant. “I was surprised and happy,” Letchford said of learning she was queen. She was honored with a crown of flowers, once again signaling the arrival of spring. “It’s fun and exciting every year. You don’t know who is going to be king and queen and what new things will be at May Fete.”
May Queens, inside
Praise the Lord and pass the biscuits There is a palpable connection between was still central to his ministry, as evidenced faith and food: the crucible of our liturgical by his post-resurrection appearance along the experience Sunday mornings exists Sea of Galilee early one mornwithin the Eucharistic meal itself. Sharing Faith Dinners ing when Jesus prepared a meal As we are nourished by the bread Thursday, May 16 of fish for Peter and the other and wine at the altar, so also are our 6:30–9:30 p.m. disciples. souls sustained and fed. Much of This story of Jesus’ appearJesus’ ministry occurred around food, includ- ance to the disciples reminds us that when ing the feeding of the five thousand and the people gather together for a meal, something Last Supper. Even after his resurrection, food SHARING Faith, back cover
“Who are the ministers of the Church?” Thus asks the Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer. What would be your answer to this question? Many would likely offer, “priests.” Some might include bishops and deacons, and a few might add missionaries or some other specialized person to the list. This is how The Very Rev. the Catechism itself reBarkley sponds: “The ministers Thompson of the Church are lay persons, bishops, priests and deacons.” The first and therefore primary order of ministers in Christ’s Church is the laity. In other words, we are all ministers. But what does that mean, exactly? The Catechism sheds further light: “What is the ministry of the laity? The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church.” In other words, all those baptized into the death and resurrection life of Jesus are commissioned to the work of extending God’s grace into the world. Our participation in God’s grand project is not something in which we passively participate for an hour on a Sunday morning. It is, rather, the essential, driving component of our entire lives. In our homes, at our work, and during our times of recreation, we are ministers. Whenever we open our mouths to speak a word of care and love to one another, we are ministers. We each serve as Christ’s hands and feet. Ours is an awesome and humbling calling! In order to model this reality at Christ Church Cathedral, we are amending the job titles of most lay members of your Cathedral program staff. The program
ministers, inside
Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with EE new members Jonathan and Nancy Brush and their children, Richard and Mary; John Collins; Arianne Staley; and Jeffrey and Makenzie Vitarius. EE the newly baptized: Caroline Jean Hinkley, Brianna Alvarez, Nicolas M. Cabrera, Osman Antonio Deros, Brian Roney Herrera, Kimberly Marinelarena, Alexis Martinez, Eduardo Martinez, Rashida Rehman-Gil, Dylan Gerard Solorzano, Alejandra Paola Tabora, Ilianna Juliette Zavala, and Elvin Javier Rodriguez. EE Leah MacDougal and Steven Jones, who were married April 6 in the Cathedral
We extend heartfelt sympathy to EE the family of O.J. Bischoff, who died April 4 in Houston. O.J. was the father of member Richard Bischoff..
The Flowers on the Cathedral Altar EE on May 5 are given to the glory of God in honor of Beverly Maurice Hindman, Anne and John Flanagan, Freddy Sanches and James Reed Cox. EE on May 12 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Mrs. James A. Haralson by her daughter, Mrs. Gary P. Pearson, and her grandchildren, Gary, Jim and Mary Bain. EE on May 19 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Mary Ellen and Stanley Shipnes and William Bourke Cassin by Kristi and Earle Martin. EE on May 26 are given to the glory of God in honor of Abigail Thayer Avery on her birthday by Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Avery.
The Flowers in the Floor Vases EE on May 5 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Helen Fisher by Phil and Tish Drilling, Katie and Jackie. EE on May 12 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of their mother, Elizabeth Hail Smith, by her children, Avon S. Duson and Frank C. Smith Jr.
Additional Lilies at the Rood Screen were given at Easter EE in memory of Paul Bayless Harrison, beloved husband of Blanche Harrison. EE in memory of their parents, Harold Milton Anderson, Margaret Spencer Wood Anderson, John Thomas Gwynne and Cornelia Allison Housman Coffin Bracher Gwynne by John and Margaret Gwynne. EE in loving memory of her husband, John D. Kirkland, by Kate S. Kirkland.
Bayou City Service Corps: A young adult service year The following story may sound familiar: A young adult graduates from college and wants to do something good with her life. She seeks an alternative to the conventional track to success. She wants to make a difference, to connect with others who are similarly navigating through their first few years of adulthood. Where does she go from here? What will she do? How does she move beyond the education of the mind into an experience that teaches the heart and soul? Bayou City Service Corps, a new initiative of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, seeks to provide an outlet for these questions. As a young adult service year program, it exists to provide the time and space needed to search for truth, work for social and economic justice, live in community and be challenged into a more deliberate way of life. The program is an eleven-and-a-half month fellowship for young adults ages 18–32. Fellows work 40 hours per week for eleven months in a nonprofit, religious or government organization that works to address the needs and challenges of the Houston community. The fellows live and share meals together and undergo a curriculum rooted in leadership development as well as spiritual and vocational discernment. Through Bayou City Service Corps, the diocese aims to equip a generation with both the skills and passion to inspire our communities, congregations and the diocese at large with a hunger for true justice. The first class of fellows will begin their service year August 5, 2013. How can you get involved? We are looking for a few more fellow placement sites, volunteers to work with the young adults and donations of new or gently used household items for the fellows’ house in Midtown. For more information, visit www.epicenter.org/bayou-city-service-corps or contact program director, Nikki Blount, at 919-946-9760 or cuse@christchurchcathedral.org.
EE in remembrance of Loyce Reed Franks by Mr. and Mrs. Dan Rogas Jr., Jordan and Madison. EE in memory of her beloved friends, Joan and Charmayn, by Ellen Luby. EE in memory of Mike Deily by Linnet Deily. EE in memory of Cindy Dickson, Jim Elkins, Canon Clay T. and Mary Jack Puckett, and Lois Ann Peckham by Donna Fong. EE in memory of their mothers, Lillian and Mary Ruth, by Ellen Luby and Sterling Minor. EE in memory of Harvey Mellor Shepherd and of Joseph Adams Harris Scott and in honor of Emily Scott Shepherd by Sr. Mary Winifred. EE in memory of their nephew, Tyler Bludau, by Shirley Bludau and Mike Grimes. EE in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Fred Grimes Sr. and of Gavin Franco by Shirley Bludau and Mike Grimes. EE in memory of Mossy Ligon and of Lewis W. Pollock by Charles W. Ligon. EE in memory of her parents, Lee and Hor Chee Fong, her sister, Rita Lowe, and her brother, Jack Fong, by Donna Fong. EE in thanksgiving for her mother, Mary Barden Worrell, by Melissa Hoiland. EE in honor of Robert Richter by Dan Neale. EE by Frank Hood.
“Better, not bitter”
Kalvin, a Beacon client, now works as a concrete finisher. When asked how his experience being homeless has changed him, he simply said, “I want to be better, not bitter.” Visit the new Beacon blog at beaconhomeless.wordpress.com for more of Kalvin’s story.
Water Wars at end-of-year EYC event
Ready for May Fete 2013 The maypole dancers are ready to follow the steps that have been danced here in our courtyard for generations. The May Fete Committee, every council and many other Cathedral groups have been preparing for the annual festivities. May Fete Once an event of pageantry that graced Houston’s society pages, toSunday, May 5 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. day’s May Fete is a day filled with games, music and casual fun. The day begins with a special combined service at 10 a.m. followed by an afternoon of merriment throughout the Cathedral grounds. In the Bishop’s Courtyard, see the Sunday school procession, the crowning of the fifthgrade May Fete king and queen, and the traditional maypole dance. Voted “Best Traditional/Ethnic” band by the Houston Press, Greg Harbar and The Gypsies will take the stage in the afternoon. In the cloister and around the courtyard you can also enjoy caricaturists, an array of crafts, an ice-cold agua fresca or hot dogs and beer. On the Huffington Courtyard playground, don’t miss the fabulous photo flip books, face painters, wheel of clergy, frogger and all of the other wonderful children’s games. The May Fete Luncheon will be served in Reynolds Hall, and be sure to catch our annual Grand Bake Sale and the Cake Silent Auction. Come sit in the shade, dance around the fountain, play some games, have lunch and take home cake. It’s time for May Fete again!
ministers, from cover staff itself will become the “ministry staff.” Staff members who have previously had the secular job title “director” will instead be designated “minister.” Lisa Puccio will become “Minister for Children and Families,” Jeremy Bradley will become “Minister for Youth,” and so forth. Job descriptions will not, in most cases, change, but these new titles will better express that we are all ministers of the Gospel, using our best gifts to bring hope and peace to a hurting world.
On Pentecost afternoon, Sunday, son while the youth are enjoying the May 19, EYC will gather from 4–7 swimming pool. p.m. at the Deanery for an afternoon Parents are invited to share their of spiritual formation, food hopes for the Cathedral’s and fun as Dean Thompson Water Wars youth program and ask any opens the swimming pool to Sunday, May 19 questions they may have. This all fifth through twelfth grad- 4–7 p.m. will be a wonderful opporers for water wars. tunity to meet the Dean and In addition, youth will get the chance hear his vision for our youth. to “Stump the Dean” with any question Canon Jimmy Grace will be joining about life, religion, faith, social justice the party as well … perhaps it will be and why the Astros can’t seem to win a Holy Water war. If you plan to atany games. tend, please contact Jeremy Bradley at Parents are invited to come to the jbradley@christchurchcathedral.org Deanery at 6 p.m. for their own hour- so that he’ll have enough food for long conversation with Dean Thomp- everyone!
May Queens, from cover The Cathedral is a church known for its storied traditions, but no event has more history than May Fete. The first celebration is thought to have taken place in 1899 on the exact same city block where it is celebrated today. By all accounts, the event was incredibly similar to the festival that is celebrated today. Emily Scott Shepherd remembers the May Fete celebrations of long ago. In 1931, she was honored as May Fete queen. “It was a much, much smaller congregation back then,” Shepherd said. “We only had one service. Today we have many more services and many more clergy, but of course we have many more members.” Although she hasn’t attended the most recent May Fete celebrations, Shepherd knows the tradition well. She recalls her mother running the candy booth in addition to baking a chocolate cake every year. Children in the 1920s and ’30s played musical chairs, with the winner taking home the cake of their choice. Shepherd even recalls being told stories as a child of the 1913 crowning of future business magnate Howard Hughes as May Fete king. “Life has changed so much for young people from what our lives were like,” Shepherd said., “but the tradition of May Fete continues.” As a youthful 90-year-old, Shepherd has fond memories of growing up at the Cathedral. At certain times in her life, she tried attending other Episcopal churches around Houston that were closer to her home, but she always ended up returning to the Cathedral. She was known to attend the early Easter service at the Cathedral and then drive to another church across town to lead the choir. “It is special to me because my grandparents and my father went to church here as a young person,” she said. “And my mother’s family also went to church here, so it feels like home to me. I just Eight-year-old Emily Scott Shepherd at May Fete in 1931. don’t want to be anywhere else.”
Palm Sunday, Easter Day and the Dean’s Installation
In Pictures
Above: The congregation lines up with palms for the procession on Palm Sunday. Right: The Rev. Canon Ed Stein and Dean Barkley Thompson present the Liturgy of the Palms. Far right: A child reads a station at the Children’s Way of the Cross on the morning of Palm Sunday.
Below: The crucifer leads the procession at the 11 o’clock service on Easter Day. Right: Children adorn a cross with flowers in the Bishop’s Courtyard.
Latino ministry breaks records
“¡Aleluya! ¡Cristo ha resucitado!” With this shout of joy, the members of Christ Church Cathedral who worship in Spanish began their season of the Lord’s Resurrection. It was a grand celebration with twelve baptisms, eleven youngsters recognized for First Communion, and 206 of the faithful in attendance. The 1 o’clock service has never before seen over 200 present, seeking and rejoicing in God’s blessings. For the first time ever, the service had nine acolytes in the processions and at the Lord’s table. All associated clergy — Dean Barkley Thompson, the Rev. Abdias Avalos, and the Rev. Canon Jim McGill — were present as a wonderful reminder that this is truly one Cathedral, worshiping in two languages to God’s great glory.
Above: Parish Choir member Joy Stapp greets others at the dean’s installation service on Friday, April 5. Left: Dieter Ufer, Jan Barrow and Harry Webb present the Cathedral charter to the new dean on behalf of the congregation. Far left: Bishop Andy Doyle and the congregation welcome Dean Barkley Thompson and his family to their new ministry at the Cathedral.
Giving Tree donations to support youth mission trips
Cathedral youth paint the Giving Tree, which they will use to raise funds for summer mission trips to Houston, Bastrop and New York City.
The youth at the Cathedral do many things throughout the year, but one of the things that many students look forward to is the opportunity to go on a summer mission trip. It’s an opportunity to go places that they possibly have never gone, as well as a time of great community building. Most importantly, it’s a time to put their faith into action, which then carries on after the trip throughout their life. Last year, we started a new fundraiser called the Giving Tree. With this effort, we are able to provide scholarships to many youth who might not otherwise afford a trip. We are also able to bring down the overall cost. The way the Giving Tree works is that we will have 150 envelopes representing leaves on the tree. Each envelope represents a denomination of $1 to $150. If every leaf is claimed, then we will have raised over $11,000. Everyone can participate — children, youth and adults. The tree will be located in the cloister on most Sundays in May. Please consider helping our youth participate in one of this summer’s mission trips to Houston, Bastrop or New York City.
Fifty days, a mighty wind, a single candle flame We have kept Lent and celebrated Easter — Christ present with his people, the Church. From the very beginning, Christians renow the next big thing in our worship life is called that the traditional Jewish Pentecost. Passover celebration was the setting In his Gospel and its sequel, the for the gospel story of Christ’s death Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke offers a and Resurrection, and kept that next tidy chronology of the events of EasSunday as the Christian Passover. By ter: Holy Week climaxes in Easter, the the third century, the Church worked Day of Resurrection, and is followed out a yearly cycle of feasts and fasts by the risen Christ’s appearances over The Rev. Canon modeled on Luke’s orderly chronolprecisely forty days, ending with the Ed Stein ogy. Our calendar took shape. By the Lord’s Ascension outside Jerusalem. This is followed by nine days in which Christ’s fourth century, the Feast of Pentecost was people wait for something promised to hap- kept everywhere as the celebration of Christ’s pen. (It is the same promised gift that John gift of the Holy Spirit to his Church and to makes so much of in his Gospel: “I will send every baptized Christian. For a long time, Pentecost kept its poputo you another Comforter, even the Spirit of larity in the Christian year, second only to truth.”) Exactly fifty days after Easter comes Pen- Easter; but in the 19th century, Christmas tecost, and Luke tells of the gift of the Holy rose up in prominence. In our modern culSpirit, coming into the Church like a mighty ture of a summer-vacation season, very often Wind in tongues of Flame. The story of Christ Pentecost vanishes quietly into the summer with us in the flesh continues in the story of months. Yet in the liturgy, Pentecost is still
second only to Easter, and we need to remind ourselves of the significance of celebrating Pentecost. Among other things, Pentecost is a day to baptize, to extinguish the Paschal light, and to drop the Easter alleluias out of the liturgy. In the West, the altars are hung in celebratory red on Pentecost — the only Sunday when the flashiest hangings of the year are really used in Church. We encourage you to join the celebration and wear red clothes to church on Pentecost, which this year is Sunday, May 19. Most of all, Pentecost is a time to be mindful of the presence of the Holy Spirit as Christ’s first gift to us, his people, God not far off nor even near, but dwelling with us. There is a daily prayer in the Eastern rites, both morning and evening, that goes: “Come Holy Spirit, Spirit of Truth, Spirit of Power, Spirit of Christ, O Comforter who dwells in all places and fills all things: abide in us, of your goodness save us from all evil, and save our souls.”
¡Atención Hispano-parlantes!
Attention Spanish speakers!
Domingo, el 19 de Mayo será para nosotros un día muy especial. Ese es el Día de Pentecostés. Vamos a reconocer a dos personas jóvenes quienes han pedido la bendición de la Primera Comunión, y ¡el Deán Barkley Thompson ha aceptado nuestra invitación a predicar por la primera vez! El Deán va a predicar en inglés, con un resumen breve en español de parte del Padre Jim. Marquen todos sus calendarios para estar con su familia espiritual, y recuerden a llevar el color rojo, significando el Espíritu Santo. Habrán bautismos, y todos renovaremos nuestro Pacto Bautismal. ¡Vengan todos a la celebración del Cumpleaños de La Iglesia Cristiana!
Sunday, May 19, will be a very special day for us. That day is the Day of Pentecost. We will recognize two people who have asked for the blessing of First Communion, and Dean Barkley Thompson has accepted our invitation to preach for the first time! The Dean will preach in English, with a brief synopsis in Spanish by Fr. Jim. Mark your calendars to be with your spiritual family, and remember to wear red, which is the color of the Holy Spirit. There will be baptisms, and we all will renew our Baptismal Covenant. Everybody come to the celebration of the Birthday of the Christian Church!
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 May 12
THIS MONTH May 3–4
Fri–sat
Destination Unknown Lock-In Middle-school youth will venture to secret locations around Houston for fun and fellowship. ($)
Registration closed Sun
Bishop’s Visit to Confirm Bishop Andy Doyle will confirm at 9 a.m. and also preach and celebrate at 11 a.m. Blood Drive 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., San Jacinto entrance. Quarterly drive for donations to the St. Luke’s Blood Center. Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) 4–6 p.m., BYC. Gathering of youth for dinner, games, teaching, movies and worship.
May 19 (cont.)
Water Wars 4–7 p.m. at the Deanery. Youth will try to “Stump the Dean” and will play poolside at an afternoon of spiritual formation, food and fun. Parents will also spend time with the dean. Pentecost Organ Recital and Evensong 4:15 p.m. and 5 p.m. in the Cathedral. Recital by Kathryn Sparks White of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church. Choral evensong sung by the Cathedral Choir. May 26
May 5 Sun May Fete 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Cathedral’s oldest tradition offers springtime merriment for all. Combined bilingual service at 10 a.m. followed by afternoon celebrations. May 5
Sun
Rhythms of Grace On break this month to join in the May Fete festivities. May 9
Thu
Ascension Day 12:05 and 6 p.m., Cathedral Chancel. Holy Eucharist marking the final appearance of the Risen Lord to the apostles. May 10 Ken Mazzu Opening Reception 6–8 p.m., Cloister Gallery.
Fri
Sun
Upcoming June 2
Sun
Rhythms of Grace Worship experience for special needs children and their family resumes with lesson: “Paul Spreads the Good News.” June 14–16 Fifth-Grade Mission Trip Current fifth-graders experience their first mission trip, serving the underserved in Houston. Sign up by May 1. ($)
Sun
First Day of Summer Place 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Snacks and refreshments hosted each Sunday by ministries and councils of the Cathedral, this week by the Pastoral Care Council.
May 16 Thu Sharing Faith Dinners 6:30–9:30 p.m., various host homes. Moderated conversation on faith at small-group dinners with Episcopalians from around the diocese. May 18
Sat
20s & 30s Spring Celebration 4–8 p.m., home of Jeremy Bradley. Celebrate the end of spring with barbecue, drinks and relaxation in the pool. May 19
Sun
Last Day of Spring Education 10 a.m. Final sessions of spring semester education classes. Dean Thompson will visit Sunday School classes to join students in thanking their teachers.
Weekly Tuesdays Women’s Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Led by the Rev. Canon Jimmy Grace. Wednesdays Cathedral 20s & 30s 6:30–8 p.m., Mellinger Room. Weekly discussion group and social gathering of young adults. Does not meet May 22 or May 29.
June 28 Fri Episcopal Night at the Ballpark 5 p.m., Bishop’s Courtyard; 7:05 p.m. Minute Maid Park. Pregame cookout and special seating and prices for Houston Astros game vs. Los Angeles Angels. ($) July 21–27 Middle-School Mission Trip Bastrop. Helping those affected by last year’s wildfires. Sign up by May 1. ($) September 25
Thursdays Buscando la Luz 6:45–8:30 p.m., Mellinger Room. Spanish-language discussion group.
Wed
Come to the Table Annual fundraiser and gala dinner in support of The Beacon. Underwriting opportunities are available.
In the Cathedral Bookstore The 10th edition of Cathedral member Sarah Gish’s The Summer Book is now available. This guide to Houston’s summer day camps was created in 2003 out of a personal need to find interesting summer camps for her own children. Since then, it has become her mission to find ways for
all of Houston’s kids to explore their passions and uncover their gifts. The Forward Day by Day for May through July is now in stock. This quarterly booklet contains a line from scripture and a reflection for each day of the week. It has become a staple for many and could be your
inspirational start to the day. May is a season for celebrations, and we have greeting cards for Confirmation, Mother’s Day and Graduation, as well as beautiful photo cards by Mike McKann and Amy Ufer. Silk scarves with various religious motifs are once again available and would make terrific gifts for mothers.
Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Sunday: 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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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.
In the Cloister Gallery: Ken Mazzu
In May Ken Mazzu’s oil and watercolor paintings investigate ideas of industrial decay and urban detritus.
Sharing Faith, from cover
Summer Place kicks off May 26
What’s a parishioner to do in the ab- This intentional break, which lasts every sence of Sunday School and adult educa- Sunday through August 18, is the pertion at the 10 o’clock hour? fect opportunity for you to Come to Summer Place in summer Place catch up with friends and Reynolds Hall, of course. to welcome newcomers in Sundays at 10 a.m. Summer Place is a warm May 26 through August 18 a relaxed space. and an inviting time for felA different ministry lowship and “amplified” refreshments, of the church will host Summer Place those that may include but go beyond weekly. Refreshments on May 26 will be the customary cookies and doughnuts. provided by the Pastoral Care Council.
incarnational happens. When we break bread together, God is present. On May 16, Christ Church Cathedral will join with other Episcopal parishes around the diocese for an evening of small group conversations, bringing together members from different Episcopal churches where possible. The evening will begin with a simple meal in parishioners’ homes. Each dinner will have a host, moderator and 8–12 participants. After the meal, a moderator will help to facilitate a conversation in which dinner guests share a bit about their beliefs and their experiences. Sharing how we experience our faith deepens our spiritual lives and helps others recognize how God is at work in their lives. It is our hope that you will experience a deeper understanding of your own faith as a Christian disciple and as an Episcopalian. We hope you all will take advantage of this opportunity for an evening of good food and soul-stirring conversation. Register for the Sharing Faith Dinners on the diocese website at sharingfaith.epicenter.org.