CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
NOVEMBER 2012 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
The first apostle
On the heels of the heated fascination with the “The Da Vinci Code,” Joan Acocella published a revelatory article in The New Yorker entitled “The Saintly Sinner,” featuring current scholarship with respect to Mary Magdalene. Specifically, Mary had not been a prostitute but was probably a wealthy, land-owning widow KEITH WEBER who financed the early church. She was a disciple, and as the first person to see Jesus after the Resurrection was commanded to go and tell the others. Thus, she qualifies as the first apostle. After reading this article, I recognized that there was a dearth of Magdalene music reflecting the latest scholarship. In an instant, the idea for a commission was born. The next step took years: finding a librettist and a composer with whom the topic had resonance. I shared the concept with Pittman McGehee, former dean of the Cathedral, whose poem, “He Told Me Not to Cling,” turned out to be the very core (the heart, indeed) of the libretto. I then approached composer David Evan Thomas, who is particularly sensitive to issues of poetry and line and is, simply, one of the finest composers going. He took Pittman’s poem and searched the entire literature for every last reference to Mary Magdalene he could find in any place. From this he wrote the libretto, collating bits and pieces into a coherent, engaging whole. And since even the greatest piece of music is nothing until somebody performs it, I asked Robert Simpson if he would involve the Cathedral choirs. I am indebted to him for saying yes. Keith Weber is the artistic director of Grace Song, Inc. He will conduct the world premiere of David Evan Thomas’ oratorio “The First Apostle” on Saturday, November 17, at 3 p.m. in the Cathedral.
Director Sandy Stacy displays a photograph from the early days of Omega House. Cathedral member Eleanor Munger (front center) was a founder of the facility, which was the first residential AIDS hospice in Texas. Omega House will be one of 17 outreach organizations participating in the Alternative Giving Market on November 18.
Comforting those with nowhere to go Eleanor Munger cared. That is probably the simplest way to put it. In 1985, at the age of 74, Munger witnessed HIV/AIDS patients dying, having nowhere to go, and she cared enough to do something about it. Munger, a Cathedral member, was a retired schoolteacher when she began volunteering at a local AIDS clinic and realized many patients were left homeless as they approached the end of their life. They died alone in hospitals, often ostracized from society and their families. In search of a way to provide for these patients, Munger sought help from the Cathedral and Dean Pittman McGehee. At a time when most people were scared of the idea, Cathedral members stepped up to help, in-
cluding Michael Shuff, who would become the executive director, and Dr. Robert Awe, one of the first physicians to treat AIDS patients. Together, and with the help of many others, they founded Omega House, Texas’ first residential AIDS hospice. “The Cathedral played a very important role in the beginnings of the Omega House,” said Munger’s daughter, Eleanor Munger Asbury. “Her faith and the support that the church gave her were enormously important.” In the beginning, McGehee offered the Cathedral as a mailing address, and he urged parishioners to lend a hand. “This venture is founded on faith — a Christian faith — that God loves all children,
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Vestry seeks nominations for six positions Six new members of the vestry will be elected at the annual parish meeting on January 20. Five members will be elected for threeyear terms and will replace Katie Barnes, Alison Bell, Neil Giles, Nan Morris and Andy Vickery, who now comprise the Nominating Committee. A sixth member will also be elected to complete Walker Taylor’s remain-
ing two-year term. Taylor recently resigned from the vestry after a year of service as secretary to accept a new job outside of Houston. Please submit your nominations no later than December 2 by email to Andy Vickery at srwarden@christchurchcathedral.org; by mail to the Cathedral, to the attention of the
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Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with EE Cathedral members Kristen and Brian Watkins upon the birth of Jackson Wesley Watkins on April 25. EE Cathedral members Diane Borchardt and Harry Webb Jr. who were married on September 22 in the Cathedral.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to EE the family of Cathedral member Lizinka (Zinkie) Mosley Benton who died September 25 in Houston.
A brilliant show: Christmas poinsettias The poinsettia’s true flowers are small and inconspicuous. Their petal-like leaves, however, make a brilliant and timely show throughout the Christmas season. Help adorn our Cathedral in red this year in memory or in honor of someone special. Make out your check for $10 per plant, payable to the Altar Guild, and mail it
to Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002, Attention: Altar Guild. Please note the names of those you wish to remember, indicating if it is a memorial. Those received before December 3 will be listed in the Christmas Bulletin. All others will be noted in the January Bulletin.
EE the family of Samuel Ward Casscells III who died October 14 in Washington. He was the husband of Roxanne Bell Casscells and father of Samuel, Henry and Lillian Casscells. EE the family of Cathedral member Thomas Cobb who died October 16. He was the husband of member Mary Ann Cobb and father of Andrew, David and Jennifer Cobb.
The Flowers on the Cathedral Altar EE on November 4 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of their parents, Jane and Jack Head and Mary Louise and Robert Thurmond, by Julie and Bob Thurmond. EE on November 11 are given to the glory of God in celebration of the marriage of Mariann Holland and Travis Colvin by their parents. EE on November 18 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Laura Randall Schweppe and Katherine Randall Schweppe by their family. EE on Thanksgiving Day are given to the glory of God in loving memory of the departed members of the Altar Guild. EE on November 25 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Margaret and Jim Elkins Jr. by their family.
The Flowers in the Floor Vases EE on November 4 are given to the glory of God in honor of their granddaughters, Abigail Nicole deAlba, Olivia Kay Hunt and Ava Mary Hune, and in loving memory of their great-grandmother, Adeline deAlba, and their aunt, Cynthia Gayle deAlba Kimmins, by Kay and Arthur deAlba. EE on November 18 are given to the glory of God in honor of Nathan John Avery on his birthday by Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Avery. EE on November 25 are given to the glory of God in celebration of the birthday of Roy Nolen.
EVERY MEMBER CANVASS 2013
The Beacon raised over $300,000 at its recent Come to the Table gala on October 3. The sellout event, benefiting Houston’s homeless, featured a four-course dinner prepared by top chefs.
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and based on the premise that when we have done this (fed, clothed, loved) to the least of His children, we have done it to him,” wrote McGehee in a service leaflet dated June 8, 1986. “How will you help?” Omega House opened in August of 1986 as a three-bed facility in what was formerly a home. Even finding the right home proved a difficult task. One homeowner refused to rent to Omega House after discovering AIDS patients would be living there. Munger was insistent that Omega House stay small enough to not fall under regular hospice regulations. Unlike regular hospices, at Omega House anyone can come into the kitchen and make dinner for the patients. Munger wanted the place to feel like a home, not just another facility. “I don’t want it to be an institutional environment, but a deeply spiritual one, in a non-sectarian way,” Munger told the Houston Chronicle in 1986. “When it comes to dying, there needs to be a lot of loving support.” In 1999, Omega House merged with
Bering Community Services, a Methodist AIDS outreach program, to form Bering Omega Community Services. Munger and Awe passed away in the early 2000s and their remains are interred at the Cathedral columbarium. Today, Omega House has eight beds and strives to retain a homelike environment under the direction of Sandy Stacy, a former nurse who, like Munger, took a chance in the early ’90s to help patients with AIDS. The church no longer retains a direct connection with Omega House, but one Cathedral member, Rob Houk, can be found cleaning or cooking dinner at least once a week as he has done for the past 15 years. “It’s a good ministry,” Houk said. “And the people really enjoy it. Although many pass away pretty quickly, some of them experience a rebound after staying here for a while.” In July of this year, the Cathedral hosted Bering Omega’s Annual Memorial. At the event, composer Kyle Kindred led a performance of his flute concerto entitled “Three Virtues” in honor of Munger. The virtues were perseverance, kindness and hope.
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 NOVEMBER 10
THIS MONTH NOVEMBER 1
THU
All Saints’ Day 12:05 and 6 p.m. in the Cathedral. Holy Eucharist celebrating the saints and remembering the departed. NOVEMBER 2
SAT
Youth Movie Day Edwards Greenway Grand Palace. Have lunch and see Wreck it Ralph with Jeremy.
NOVEMBER 22–23
NOVEMBER 10 SAT Annual Fall Wine Tasting 2–3:30 p.m.,, Latham Auditorium. Men and women are invited to taste some of the season’s best wines. Presented by the Cathedral Episcopal Church Women (ECW).
Bruce Power Organ Concert 3:30–5 p.m. in the Cathedral. NOVEMBER 16–17
Dios Entre Nosotros La Conferencia Latina, led by Al Rodriguez, rector of St. John’s, Austin. $25. NOVEMBER 16–18
SUN
Daylight Savings Begins Set your clocks back one hour. Rhythms of Grace 1 p.m., Jones Basement. Worship experience for special-needs children and their families. All Saints’ Organ Recital and Evensong 4:15 and 5 p.m. in the Cathedral. Organ scholar Monica Czausz and the Cathedral Choir. NOVEMBER 7 Fall Neighborhood Gatherings The last of our gatherings at parishioner homes for fellowship and conversation. NOVEMBER 9
FRI
Gergely and Grob Art Opening 6–8 p.m., Cloister Gallery. Exhibit runs Nov. 6 through Dec. 2.
FRI–SAT
NOVEMBER 18
SUN
Loyalty Sunday Remember to turn in your pledge cards! Bishop’s Visit Bishop High will preach and confirm.
Cathedral 20s & 30s 6:30–8 p.m., Mellinger Room. Weekly discussion group and social gathering of young adults. Meets through May. THURSDAYS Buscando la Luz 6:45–8:30 p.m., Mellinger Room. Spanish-language discussion group.
SUN
James Alison 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. The Catholic theologian, priest and author will teach. NOVEMBER 25 SUN Bebe Gow Book Signing 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Bookstore. Cathedral member Bebe Gow will sign her first novel, Seeking Hakka Bakka. NOVEMBER 25
SUN
Advent Wreath Making 10–11 a.m., Reynolds Hall.
DECEMBER 7
FRI
Youth Progressive Dinner Travel to three different households for a three-course meal on wheels. DECEMBER 9
SUN
Advent Lessons and Carols 5 p.m. in the Cathedral. Sung by the Cathedral Choir. Cathedral Family Christmas Party 6–8 p.m, Reynolds Hall. DECEMBER 11
TUE
Houston Early Music Concert 7:30–9:30 p.m. in the Cathedral. Celebrate the Yuletide season with the music of the Baltimore Consort. $11–35.
SAT
The First Apostle 3 p.m. in the Cathedral. World premiere of a new oratorio by David Evan Thomas on the life of Mary Magdalene.
WEDNESDAYS
Advent Story Time 10 a.m, Jones Basement.
Y.E.S. and Happening at Camp Allen Spiritual renewal weekends for middle school (6th-8th grade) and high schoolers (9th–12th grade). Magdalene Symposium 12:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Luncheon and discussion on the character of Mary Magdalene with Pittman McGehee, Betty Adam and David Evan Thomas. $30.
Women’s Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Meets through May.
DECEMBER 2
FRI–SUN
NOVEMBER 17
TUESDAYS
UPCOMING
SUN
Betty Pulkingham Book Signing 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Bookstore. Redeemer Episcopal Church’s former choir director will sign her new book and CD.
NOVEMBER 4
THU–FRI
Thanksgiving Holiday Cathedral offices are closed.
NOVEMBER 11
NOVEMBER 4 SUN Cancer Prevention Study-3 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Mellinger Room. Screening for a long-term study to help the American Cancer Society determine causes of cancer. Enroll online.
WED
Thanksgiving Eve Service 6:30 p.m., Festival Eucharist.
SAT
Quartus Chamber Players Concert 2 p.m., Latham Auditorium. Works by Beethoven, Prokofiev, Fuchs. $15–20.
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. NOVEMBER 21
FRI
Bridge Night 6–9 p.m., Latham Auditorium. Newcomers and all levels welcome. NOVEMBER 3
Blood Drive 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., San Jacinto entrance. St. Luke’s Blood Donor Center.
DECEMBER 15 NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 2 Parish Retreat Camp Allen. Fun and relaxing weekend for all ages. Glenice RobinsonComo will speak. Sign up by Nov. 4.
WEEKLY SUNDAYS Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) 4–6 p.m., BYC. Gathering of youth for dinner, games, teaching, movies and worship. Meets through May.
SAT
Christmas at the Cathedral 8 a.m.–1 p.m., Reynolds Hall. The Cathedral family opens our doors to the public to serve 700+ hot meals. DECEMBER 16–22 Las Posadas 7:30 p.m., various locations. Home celebrations with singing, prayers and traditional refreshments. DECEMBER 23
SUN
Cathedral Family Posada 7:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Final celebration of Las Posadas.
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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
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.
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Nominating Committee; or directly to any member of the committee. Each nomination should include: your name and contact information; each nominee’s name and contact information; a brief description of each nominee’s service to the Cathedral and participation in Cathedral activities; and a brief statement as to why each nominee would render outstanding service as a member of the vestry. The Nominating Committee would prefer that you not speak to the person you are nominating beforehand. The senior warden will confirm each person’s willingness to serve before the slate is put forward. Thank you for your help in this process which is vital to the ongoing life of the Cathedral.
What happens when a dean is called? The Search Committee closed out this year’s EMC skit to rave reviews with its version of the pop-music hit, “Call Me Maybe.” Led by Kay Pieringer, the committee has been working hard to identify a faithful pastor, preacher, teacher and leader, who by word and example will inspire and guide our beloved Cathedral. Formal interviews are underway with candidates who have not only been highly recommended but also thoroughly pre-screened and evaluated by the Search Committee and the Bishop. Once the Search Committee determines the identity of the final candidate, a process begins which will ultimately lead to a call (me maybe). The Search Committee will make a presentation to the Vestry describ-
ing the talents and gifts of the candidate that make him or her uniquely qualified to serve as the next dean of the Cathedral and will recommend that a call be issued. The Vestry votes to accept the candidate and to issue the call. After the candidate has the opportunity to spend some time with Bishop Doyle, the Senior Warden will call the candidate. After the call has been issued, the candidate revisits the Cathedral to meet the Vestry and negotiate the employment contract. When the candidate has fully and formally accepted the call, the congregation will be notified … and the celebration will begin! So, call me maybe? — Charlie Prioleau
In the Cathedral Bookstore: This Is My Story, This Is My Song
In the Cloister Gallery: Margit Gergely and Nancy Grob
November 11
During November
Influencial choir director Betty Pulkingham recounts her life experiences as her profession took her around the world, including seven years in Houston at Redeemer Episcopal Church. Her book contains a CD of her music.
Watercolors featuring a modern twist on the still life, cityscape and works inspired by nature such as shells and dead trees. Both artists studied under Glassell School of Art instructor Arthur Turner.