Christ Church Cathedral An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
“I’m thankful there’s no gorilla in the carport” During this Thanksgiving season, I am reminded that growing up in Arkansas, each Thanksgiving Day my rather large family would gather around my grandparents’ dinner table for a feast of turkey, dressing, dirty rice and more varieties of pie than I could count. Before we could eat, we were required to take The Very Rev. turns around the table Barkley sharing what we were Thompson most thankful for. My grandparents, who vividly remembered the Depression, would offer thanks for health and prosperity. My parents would offer thanks for their children. Normally the children would give thanks for our friends or our favorite toys. But one year, when my younger brother was still small enough to be sitting on the phone book, he piped up and said, “I’m thankful there’s not a gorilla in the carport.” We stared at him. My father considered chastising him for making a mockery of such a solemn family tradition. But then we all realized that it was a good thing that there wasn’t a gorilla in the carport. We were all thankful for that. And so, that, too, became part of the tradition. Now each year someone is sure to give thanks — and we’re working on a thirty year record — that there are still no gorillas in any of our collective carports. (You should know that as soon as I moved to Houston, I called the Zoo to make sure any and all primates are kept securely under lock-and-key.) At first glance, it may seem like a silly family tradition. But not so. Its import is that it reminds us each year of family members gone — all of my grandparents are now deceased — and of a formative time in our family’s life, when children were being raised, family security was
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November 2013 christchurchcathedral.org
Nurturing our littlest members They say it takes a village to raise a child, and the leadership at the Cathedral takes this sentiment to heart. Most Episcopal churches offer a nursery for children, but few can match the facilities and staff of the Cathedral nursery. On a normal Sunday, four nursery caregivers are available to care for children from ages two months up to five years from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nursery supervisor Cassie Morris leads the team of Alma Triumfante, Yolanda Suarez and Maria Castro. All caregivers have been trained in CPR and first aid, and Morris
and Triumfante are also Montessori-trained, working weekdays at two different schools in the Houston area. The nursery room itself provides the children with a welcoming and fully resourced environment for playing as well as learning. Games, toys and snacks are available as well as teaching tools. During the week, the space is used by the Cathedral House Episcopal School. When you visit the nursery, it is clear that the nursery caregivers enjoy working with the
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Nursery supervisor Cassie Morris guides the play of a young visitor to the Cathedral nursery.
Author Anne Lamott to visit Cathedral Nov. 13 Bestselling author Anne Lamott will visit Christ Church Cathedral on Wednesday, November 13, to present her new book, Stitches: A Handbook on Meaning, Hope, and Repair. Stitches is Lamott’s follow-up to her bestselling Help, Thanks, Wow. Lamott began to write it last year following the shooting rampage at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn. In the book, she attempts to explore how we find meaning and peace in these very loud and
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Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with
EE Teresa La Barbera and Adam Porath, who were married on October 5. EE Cathedral members Vivette Calvo and Lee Graham, who were married October 12. EE new members Susannah, Jack and Belsey Ferguson; Bilinda and Brian Matusek; and Daniel Alonso.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to
EE the family of Benjamin Arnim, who died September 13. He was the father of member Jean Rothenberg. EE the family of Joe Head, who died September 22. He was the brother of Cathedral member Julie Thurmond and uncle of Robert H. Thurmond IV. EE the family of Thomas Kirkland Harrison, who died October 3. EE the family of Emilio Alcocer, who died October 5 in Weslaco. He was the father of Cathedral member Juan Alcocer. EE the family of Robert Wilson, who died October 11 in Dallas. He was the father of Cathedral member Karen Wagner and grandfather of Martha and Holden Wagner.
The Flowers on the Cathedral Altar
EE on November 3 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of her brother, Joe Head, and their parents, Jane and Jack Head and Mary Louise and Robert Thurmond, by Julie and Bob Thurmond. EE on November 10 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Antony E. Bernicchi by Sylvia Bernicchi. EE on November 17 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Laura Randall Schweppe and Katherine Randall Schweppe by their family. EE on November 24 are given in loving memory of Margaret and Jim Elkins Jr. by their family. EE on November 27 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of the departed members of the Altar Guild.
The Flowers in the Floor Vases
EE on November 3 are given to the glory of God in honor of their granddaughters, Abigail Nicole deAlba, Olivia Kay Hunt and Ava Mary Hunt, and their grandson, Maximus Gabriel Hunt. The flowers are also given in loving memory of their great grandmother, Adeline deAlba, and their aunt, Cynthia Gayle deAlba Kimmins, by Kay and Arthur deAlba. EE on November 17 are given to the glory of God in honor of Nathan John Avery on his birthday by Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Avery. The Bulletin
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Poinsettia Christmas memorials at the rood screen Memorial poinsettias can be given in memory or honor of someone special this Christmas. Make out your check for $10 per plant, payable to the Altar Guild, and mail it to Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Ave., Houston, TX 77002, Attn.: Altar Guild. Please note the name of those you wish to remember, indicating if it is a memorial. Those received before December 6 will be listed in the Christmas service leaflet. All others will be noted in January.
Special worship services in November All Saints’ Day and All Saints’ Sunday The Feast of All Saints commemorates all the faithful people of God, famous or unknown, in the past and the present. Together with Easter, Christmas and Pentecost, it is one of four “principal feasts” of the Church year, and is beloved because it recalls both the greatest saints — the Virgin, Peter, Paul, John and all the rest — and also our own personal saints — those we love who have gone on before us. On Friday, November 1, All Saints’ Day, we will celebrate the Eucharist for the feast day at 12:05 and at 6 p.m. in the Chancel of the Cathedral. This is a special day to make a point of coming to Church to honor and pray for our family, friends and all those we love who have died. We’ll remember by name in the liturgy all those from the Cathedral family who have died since the last All Saints’ Day. The next Sunday, November 3, will also honor the feast with the music, readings and special prayers for All Saints. And, as usual, there will be a festival evensong that Sunday night at 5 p.m.
Thanksgiving Eve Service Last year we held our first Thanksgiving service on the evening before Thanksgiving Day. It was a good idea; attendance more than doubled from the year before. The Cathedral Choir will join this traditional service as we “gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing” (as the hymn goes) to start the Thanksgiving holiday off right. The Eucharist service begins at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27.
Every Member Canvass 2014
Loyalty Sunday is November 10! Pledge today at www.christchurchcathedral.org.
Canon Ed Stein announces his retirement, new role Dear Cathedral Family, After 41 years of ordained ministry including 13 years of faithful service to Christ Church Cathedral, the Rev. Canon Ed Stein has announced that he will retire from fulltime ministry at the end of this calendar year. During my first year as your dean, Ed’s steady presence and wealth of knowledge have been invaluable to me. I appreciate Ed’s love of the Cathedral and dedication to priestly ministry. Even as I share this wistful news, I happily report that Ed will continue on the Cathedral staff in 2014 in the part-time capacity of acolyte master. He will keep office hours one day per week and will vest on Sundays to supervise our superb acolyte corps. Ed has formed an acolyte program that is the envy of the Episcopal Church, and I am pleased he will remain in leadership for another year. On Sunday, December 22, we will honor and celebrate Ed at a reception between the 9 and 11 a.m. services. Parishioners are invited to submit their letters and notes of appreciation in advance to Nelda Horton in the dean’s office. All letters will be presented to Ed at the reception. I know you share in my prayer of thanksgiving for Ed and wish him the very best in this transition. Grace and peace, The Very Rev. Barkley Thompson
The number “40” keeps turning up all after they retire. through the Bible as a way of saying “a What that has evolved toward is that good long time.” Last summer was the 65 is very often the magic time to know fortieth anniversary of my ordination as a when to go. And as many of you know (it’s priest and my forty-first as a deacon — a about the worst-kept secret in the parish), good long time plus one. So I have our former dean and I are about decided it’s time to do the retirethe same age and ordination dates. ment thing, as of January 1. We had worked out a transition in But (there’s always a “but”) … which I would go one year, then he the dean has very graciously asked the next; and then that reversed itme to hang around for one year self a couple of years ago. So, “40 more as an adjunct to the regular plus one.” The Rev. Canon staff clergy, especially to transition It is a very weird time of life. This Ed Stein the working of the acolytes and a has been leaking out for the last few other odds and ends. So I will be here month or so, after we announced it to the a year more, but not here quite as much. A vestry and staff, and people have started lovely gift of transition time for me. asking, “What are you going to do?” I’ve The way clergy retirement in the Epis- given that a good deal of thought as you copal Church works is that all, everyone might well imagine, and I have no plan to from the presiding bishop on down, are move off to some exotic locale or anything. required to retire by age 72; and once upon But exactly how the daily living of that a time that was a norm. Then about two works out, we shall see. decades ago the pension people changed And for now, I thank Christ Church for things so that anyone can retire after 30 my 13 years here, and our diocese, in which years “in orders” and now most elect to I’ve served for almost all my 41 years since go well before the requirement. (Sensibly, ordination. Every year has been an advenbefore everyone starts quietly asking each ture, and every day a chance to encounter I other “Isn’t old Father So-and-So ever go- don’t know how many lives. People whom ing to retire?”) I first knew as middle schoolers are now Once retired, the clergy never cease to marrying off their own children and startbe priests — ordination is literally until the ing to baptize their grandchildren. I thank day you die, and for all I know maybe after them and you for the chance to be part of that. But no one holds a regular parish cure all that.
Advent wreaths bring season home “Advent begins the Church year. And the first mystery we are asked to engage in is waiting.” — Gertrud Mueller Nelson On Sunday, December 1, everyone is invited to gather in Reynolds Hall for a favorite Cathedral event. Advent Wreath Making, held on the first Sunday of Advent, is a special time to share our excitement as we enter this holy season. The traditional circular Advent wreath reminds us that God, like the circle, has no beginning and no end. Evergreens on the wreath symbolize our everlasting relationship with God, the source of continuous new life, and the four canAdvent Wreath Making dles signify the four weeks in Advent. The Children’s Ministry Council Sunday, December 1, 10 a.m. will provide wreath-making materials, including fresh greenery, styrofoam wreaths, candles, pins and booklets with prayers for each Advent Sunday. The suggested donation is $20. Bring the celebration of Advent into your home by making a wreath, placing it in a central location and using it in your family or personal worship. Mark your calendars for this very special day. Children can enjoy holiday crafts and help trim the Cathedral Christmas tree, and everyone will enjoy an array of coffee cakes. page 3
The Bulletin
Your Alternative Giving Market gifts create change The Alternative Giving Market (AGM) provides Cathedral parishioners with an opportunity to change their Christmas giving focus from the monetary to the spiritual each holiday season. You can choose a meaningful gift for a loved one while helping people around our community. AGM helps to change the way we celebrate both our love of one another and the holiday season by putting Christ’s charity back in Christmas. Instead of giving Dad another tie this
Christmas, change it up. Honor all he has done ingful… both for us and the truly appreciato warm your heart with a donation to help tive recipients! These gifts convey the true less-fortunate Houstonians warm their hands meaning of Christmas.” and feet this winter. Charitable A donation through the giving advances Christ’s mission Alternative Giving Market AGM is really two gifts in one: a in a season that can otherwise Sunday, November 17 gift to the people it helps and to be chaotic and impersonal. the person it honors. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donors respond positively Recipient organizations are to the opportunity for change. One reported: generally small and are all local to Houston. “We have found the AGM to be the easiest Our donations directly change the help they way to Christmas shop and the most mean- can provide. Kids Hope USA received over $6,000 in donations at last year's event, which was used to fund grants at the Rusk School. “Fifth-grade teacher Marcus Williams was able to purchase an iPad for his classroom,” reported Susan Jackson, the Cathedral's Kids Hope director. Attending the AGM also provides parishioners an opportunity to interact with the organizations and find their volunteer calling, be it at Christmas at the Cathedral, The Beacon or Kids Hope USA. The Alternative Giving Market will be held Sunday, November 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Reynolds Hall. You can also shop online at www.christchurchcathedral.org/agm.
Lamott, from cover Cathedral Canon for Music Robert Simpson leads the Houston Chamber Choir as artistic director.
Choir concert remembers fallen leader
Often associated with national loss and The Houston Chamber Choir has a strong connection to Christ Church Ca- sadness, “Adagio for Strings” was played at thedral. Founded and directed by the Ca- the public announcement after the death of thedral’s canon for music, Robert Simpson, Franklin Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. Gail Cameron Wescott will present a prethe organization has its office on the Cathedral campus and uses Latham Auditorium concert talk at 6:30 p.m. in Reynolds Hall. Wescott was a reporter and as a rehearsal space. Over 18 seasons, numerous Cathedral Requiem for a President writer for national magazines — Life, Time, People, members and staff singers have Saturday, November 9 Reader’s Digest and others performed with the group. 7:30 p.m. — for over four decades. At So it is with great excitement that the Religion & the Arts Council wel- Life, she was part of a team of journalists comes the Houston Chamber Choir for a covering the Kennedy family during the performance in the Cathedral on Saturday, 1960 campaign and the assassination in November 9, at 7:30 p.m. “Requiem for a 1963. Tickets to this performance are $40 for President” offers a poignant 50th anniversary observance of President John F. Ken- general admission and $36 for seniors 65 and older. Cathedral members can receive nedy’s assassination. The event features Maurice Duruflé’s a 10 percent discount using the checkout celebrated “Requiem” for choir and organ, code “Requiem.” A limited number of stufamous for its serene “testament of faith, dent tickets are also available for $10 with comfort and tranquility” in a turbulent era. a valid ID. The concert also includes “A Curse Upon For single tickets, season subscriptions Iron” by Estonian composer Veljo Tormis and information on the Houston Chamber and Samuel Barber’s renowned “Adagio for Choir, visit www.houstonchamberchoir.org Strings,” arranged for voices. or call 713-224-5566. The Bulletin
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frantic times; where we start again after personal and public devastation; how we recapture wholeness after loss; and how we locate our true identities in Anne Lamott this frazzled age. Presents “Stitches” We begin, Lamott Wednesday, November 13 says, by collecting 7 p.m. the ripped shreds of our emotional and spiritual fabric and sewing them back together, one stitch at a time. It’s in these stitches that the quilt of life begins, and embedded in them are strength, warmth and humanity. Throughout her career, Lamott has candidly written about her addiction and recovery, being a single parent, and becoming a grandmother (quite unexpectedly). Lamott’s writing is perceptive, articulate and often laughout-loud hilarious. Individual tickets, which cost $20 and include a copy of Stitches, are available through Brazos Bookstore. Tickets and books will be available for pick-up from Brazos Bookstore after October 29. Pre-purchased tickets and books may be retrieved from the Brazos table at the event, but please allow plenty of time for pick-up. Lamott will speak for one hour, and will then sign books following her presentation.
Blessing of the Animals, EMC Fall Gatherings, Visioning Charrettes
In Pictures
Below left: Canon Glenice Robinson-Como blesses pet ambassador Ricco Suave, who was a special guest at the annual Blessing of the Animals service on October 6. Below right: Paul Mandell introduces his dog Nadia to new friends at the Blessing of the Animals.
Above: Dean Barkley Thompson greets parishioners at the EMC Fall Gathering on October 15. The last of the gatherings will be held Thursday, November 7, from 6–7:30 p.m. at the home of Joy Stapp.
Above: Dean Barkley Thompson charms the crowd at his first Blessing of the Animals at the Cathedral. Left: Rob Rowland leads a table through brainstorming exercises at a Visioning Charrette. The final charrette will be held Sunday, November 10, from 2–5 p.m. in Reynolds Hall. page 5
The Bulletin
Conferencia brings Latinos together
Conferencia Une a los Latinos
Each Fall the Cathedral presents a conference addressing an important issue for the benefit of Episcopalians and their invited friends who worship in Spanish. “La Conferencia” has become a staple of the ministry in Spanish in the Houston area. Begun by the Rev. Luchy Littlejohn, the conference brings presenters of note to speak on a range of topics from the development of spiritual gifts, to the life of prayer, to how we might determine God’s will and plan for our lives. The conference begins this year on Friday, November 22, with dinner, followed by our first presentation, and ends with dancing until 8:30 p.m. Saturday begins with breakfast and our keynote talk, followed by small-group discussions, a presentation about immigration reform, and a drama by the group Imagine Theatre. Our presenters this year are the Rev. Pedro N. Lopez, Vicar of St. Peter’s/San Pedro in Pasadena, who will present on Friday evening, and the Rev. Fred Clarkson, Rector of St. Timothy’s/San Timoteo in Channelview, whose keynote talk will be entitled, “Strangers in a Strange Land: Spirituality of a Migrant People.” The entire conference is held in Spanish, and anyone who wishes to attend may do so. Cost is $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 5–13, and includes all conference materials, food and a T-shirt. Contact Lisa Cantu at 713-222-2593 to register and pay.
Cada otoño la Catedral presenta una conferencia que se dirige a un asunto importante por el beneficio de los Episcopales y sus familias que adoran al Señor en la congregación Latina. La Conferencia se ha puesto un elemento principal en el ministerio en español en el área de Houston. Iniciada por la Revda. Luchy Littlejohn, la conferencia trae conferencista de alguna fama para hablar en una variedad de tópicos del desarrollo de dones espirituales a la vida de la oración a cómo podamos determinar la voluntad de Dios y Extranjeros en una tierra extraÑa su plan para nuestras vidas. La conferencia empieza el viernes, el 22 de 22–23 de noviembre noviembre, con la cena, seguida por el primer discurso, y se acaba con un baile hasta las 8:30 p.m. El sábado se inicia con el desayuno seguido por el discurso principal de la conferencia, seguido por pláticas en grupos pequeños, una presentación sobre la reforma inmigratoria, y un drama por el grupo Imagine Theatre. Los conferencistas este año son el Revdo. Pedro N. López, Vicario de St. Peter´s/San Pedro en Pasadena, quien presentará un discurso el viernes, y el Revdo. Fred Clarkson, rector de St. Timothy´s/San Timoteo en Channelview, cuyo discurso principal se llamará “Extranjeros en una Tierra Extraña: La Espiritualidad de un Pueblo Migrante.” La conferencia se presentará sólo en español, y cualquiera que quiera asistir se invita hacerlo. El costo es $15 o $5 para niños 5–13 años, e incluye todos los materiales, la comida, y una playera. Contacte a Lisa Cantú al 713-222-2593 para inscribirse y pagar.
Nursery, from cover
children. The staff works barefoot, following the children around the play area, sitting on the floor with them, and constantly asking
and answering questions. Caregivers as well as the children participate in a symbiotic relationship with each other, which is fluid and relaxing.
“Last night we slept in our apartment”
Since The Beacon opened its doors in 2007, it has helped thousands of men, women and children living on the streets of Houston. Maria was released from a rehabilitation center in 2009 without a place to live. She and her daughter spent the night at a shelter and came to The Beacon with a group of regular clients during the day. “This was a place I could rest,” Maria said. Through The Beacon's case management and justice project programs, she and her daughter obtained housing and later that year a job. Maria has since bought a vehicle, and she and her daughter live in a two-bedroom apartment. They still come to The Beacon to visit and encourage others. To learn more about The Beacon, or to volunteer, visit www.beaconhomeless.org. The Bulletin
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On a recent Sunday, one young infant entered the nursery for the first time and immediately began to cry. Suarez, the most experienced caregiver, allowed the child a moment to acclimate to the new environment and then within minutes Castro had the baby smiling. During the children’s short stays, Morris and Triumfante naturally implement their Montessori training as they interact. Morris likes to sing with the children, mixing in sign language, to help the youngest children communicate more easily. Both Morris and Triumfante emphasize trying not to overwhelm the children, while allowing them to problem solve at every turn. “I think early childhood education is a good foundation for everyone to have,” Morris said. “There is so much development early in life and it is so rewarding to watch these kids progress.” All four women find the few hours on Sunday mornings to be especially satisfying. Suarez said she loves how quickly the children can learn something new. And Morris agreed, adding, “The best part is the constant love — unconditional love. If you are having a bad day, this easily brightens your day.” For parents that are hesitant about leaving their kids at the nursery, Triumfante encourages them to give the nursery a chance. “Give it time and relax,” she said. “You can stay around and watch how it goes. We are very good at what we are doing.”
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 November 20
THIS MONTH November 1
Fri
All Saints’ Day 12:05 and 6 p.m. in the Cathedral. Holy Eucharist celebrating the saints and remembering the departed. Bridge Night 6–9 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Newcomers and all levels welcome. November 2
Sat
Round Top Theatre Forum 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Round Top. Cathedral outing to annual theater forum. ($) November 3
sun
Daylight Savings Time Ends Turn back your clock one hour. Rhythms of Grace 1 p.m., Jones Basement. Worship experience for special needs children and their families. Lesson: “Ruth and Naomi.”
November 9 sat Requiem for a President 7:30 p.m. in the Cathedral. The Houston Chamber Choir remembers JFK, 50 years later. ($) November 10
sun
Loyalty Sunday Remember to turn in your pledge cards! Visioning Charrette 2–5 p.m., Last of four brainstorming sessions to determine the next chapter in the Cathedral’s life. Conducted in Spanish with English-language tables. November 13
Wed
Wed
Wednesdays (cont.)
Faith and Society Seminar 6:30–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Monthly conversation with Dean Thompson about Holy Scripture, faith and society.
Cathedral 20s & 30s 6:30–8 p.m., Mellinger Room. Weekly discussion group and social gathering of young adults.
November 22–23
Thursdays
Fri–Sat
Latina Conferencia Reynolds Hall. “Extranjeros en una Tierra Extraña: La Espiritualidad de un Pueblo Migrante.” ($) November 22
Fri
HyeHyun Sung Organ Concert 7 p.m. in the Cathedral. The St. Stephen’s organist/choirmaster performs her doctoral concert. Cathedral Night at the Opera 7:30 p.m., Opera in the Heights. “Don Pasquale” by Gaetano Donizetti. ($) November 23
Sat
Men’s Lunch Discussion Group 12:45–1:45 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Meets biweekly (Nov. 7 and 21). Buscando la Luz 6:45–8:30 p.m., Mellinger Room. Spanish-language discussion group. Fridays Men’s Early Morning Study Group 7–8 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Meets on first and third Fridays.
Upcoming
Youth Saturday Hangout 12–2 p.m., Ice at the Galleria. Fellowship and fun on the ice. ($)
Anne Lamott Book Signing 7 p.m. in the Cathedral. The best-selling author will speak and read from her latest book. ($) November 15–17
Fri–Sun
YES and Happening Camp Allen. Middle-school and highschool retreats. ($) November 3 Sun All Saints’ Recital and Evensong 4:15 and 5 p.m., in the Cathedral. Recital by Fisk University’s Anthony Williams. Choral evensong with the Cathedral Choir. November 6
November 28–29 Thanksgiving Holidays Cathedral offices are closed.
Wed
Dean’s Book Club 6:30–8 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Selection: “Traveling Mercies” by Anne Lamott. November 7
Thu
EMC Fall Gathering 6–7:30 p.m. Gather at the home of parishioner Joy Stapp for this last of five evenings of fellowship and conversation.
November 17 Sun Bishop’s Visit to Confirm 9 and 11 a.m. in the Cathedral. Bishop Doyle will preach at 9 and 11 a.m. services and confirm at 11. November 17
Sun
fri
Alternative Giving Market 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Donate in the name of loved ones to various charities and outreach activities.
Cloister Gallery Opening Reception 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Featuring artist John Barber.
Blood Drive 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., San Jacinto entrance. Benefits St. Luke’s Blood Center.
November 8
November 27 Wed Thanksgiving Eve Service 6:30 p.m. in the Cathedral. Festival Eucharist with the Cathedral Choir.
Weekly Sundays Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) 4–6 p.m., BYC. (Nov. 3, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) Gathering of youth for dinner, games, teaching, movies and worship. Wednesdays Women’s Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Dietrich Bonhoeffer Seminar 6:30–8 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room. The Bible and History 6:30–8 p.m., Dean’s Conference Room.
December 1 Advent Wreath Making 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. December 6–8
Sun
Fri–SUN
Annual Parish Retreat Camp Allen. Fun and relaxing weekend for all ages. Kathleen Davies will speak. Sign up by Nov. 10. ($) December 8
sun
Advent Lessons and Carols 5 p.m. in the Cathedral. Sung by the Cathedral and Treble Choirs. December 14
sat
Christmas at the Cathedral 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Reynolds Hall. The Cathedral family opens its doors to the public to serve 700+ hot meals. December 28–30
Sat–Mon
Midwinter Camp Allen. High-school holiday retreat led by Jeremy Bradley. ($) 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.
Gorilla, from cover
being established, and love was abundant. It reminds us of where we have been, who we were becoming at that time, and who we still hope to be. That is, I believe, what all good traditions do. They remind us of where we’ve been, who we are becoming, and who we still hope to be. I pray that in your family, your walk with God at Christ Church Cathedral is a cherished part of your tradition. If not, then I invite you this season to nurture a new tradition: Make your parish home a central part of your life. You can begin by attending our Thanksgiving Eve Eucharist on Wednesday, November 27, at 6:30 p.m. Talk to God, listen for God, and commune with your brothers and sisters in Christ. For the past several weeks during our Every Member Canvass, we’ve talked a lot about the “future filled with hope” that God is preparing for our Cathedral. Allow Christ Church to be the lens through which you remember where you’ve been in life; honor the disciple you are becoming; and look forward to a future filled with hope, both individually and as part of the Cathedral family. And know that for you, I am thankful. The Bulletin
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In the Cloister Gallery: Life Under the Roof of the Ocean
through November 29 Houston sculptor John Barber will exhibit a “school” of fish and other marine life crafted from carbon steel.
In the Bookstore: Vintage James Avery The Bookstore recently acquired a collection of rare and vintage James Avery jewelry in “in box” condition. Sales benefit the Cathedral and St. Christopher's Episcopal Church.
YES, Happening, Midwinter retreats offer youth spiritual renewal, fellowship Diocesan events are big in the youth community. They allow youth from different churches to connect with other teens from around Houston, Austin and Waco to form friendships that will last through the years. Three major diocesan youth events are coming up soon. First up, the middle-school retreat YES (Youth Encounter Spirit) and the high-school retreat Happening are both November 15–17 at Camp Allen. These are spiritual renewal retreats that allow youth to be open with their peers and to feel welcomed and free to be themselves. Midwinter is a high-school retreat, also at Camp Allen, that runs December 28–30. Purposefully placed between Christmas
and New Year’s Eve, the Midwinter retreat allows students to escape the holiday chaos and join their peers to refocus their faith. Cathedral youth minister Jeremy Bradley is the co-leader of this retreat, which draws more than 70 high-school students from around the diocese. “I love the fact that we can all come together and talk about God in different ways and in different formats,” said Cathedral youth member Francy Bermudez. “I also made a lot of new friends that I still keep in contact with.” Don’t miss out on fellowship, dance parties, engaging teaching and relaxation. Sign up at www.epicenter.org/youth.