CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
SEPTEMBER 2014 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
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How brightly do we shine?
Foyers social groups meet in each others’ homes throughout the year for conversation and fellowship.
Making friends by sharing a meal The process by which we get to know one another at church is often a Sunday affair, commonly starting in the pews at worship service and in the classroom during the Christian education hour. As churchgoers, we frequently desire and seek ways to deepen those relationships that will move us from Sunday acquaintances to longtime friends. Foyers provides the perfect opportunity to make that jump to form a better-connected community.
Foyers are small groups made up of six to eight parishioners that meet regularly throughout the year. Each year features a new, randomly assigned group where each participant hosts a meal in his or her home or preferred venue. “You can use paper plates and napkins or you can use your finest china. It is whatever you prefer,” said Charlie Ligon, a Foyers participant for 15 years. “One of the best ways to
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“War and Faith” to mark WWI anniversary The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in June 1914 triggered a global conflict the scale and brutality of which the world had never seen. The First World War claimed more than 15 million lives by the time it ended in 1918, and it transformed the culture, politics, and faith of those who survived. Now, one hundred years after World War I began, the Adult Formation Council has invited two professors, Carl Caldwell CARL CALDWELL
WWI, page 6
ROBERT ZARETSKY
In 1914, one hundred years ago, Sir Ernest Shackleton and his expedition became trapped in Antarctic ice floes. When they lost contact with the outside world, the First World War had just erupted. Shackleton, like virtually all others, expected World War I to end quickly and decisively. Upon THE VERY REV. BARKLEY finally arriving at South THOMPSON Georgia Island a year and a half later, he asked, “Tell me, when was the war over?” The man to whom Shackleton spoke looked at him in amazement and said, “The war is not over. Millions are being killed. Europe is mad. The world is mad.” It came to be called “the Great War,” but great is no compliment. Rather, it means utter, comprehensive, total. Writer G.J. Meyer says of combatant nations in the First World War, “They threw everything they had — their people, their production capabilities, all the wealth accumulated over generations of industrial development — into the effort to destroy one another.” When the war began, men still charged into battle with sabers on horseback. By the time it ended, legions of fighter airplanes filled the sky. Chemical weapons had been invented and used with lethal success. Armored tanks had made trenches obsolete. The Second World War killed more people and had greater individual villains, but it was the First World War which redefined everything modern people understood about life. Politics, literature, art, and, of course, religion shifted seismically. In each of these fields, some version of the question was asked,
SHINE, page 6
Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with
EE new members Allie Page and Mary Hale McLean.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to
EE the family of James O. Loomis, who died June 13 in Houston. EE the family of Joyce Wayne, who died July 8. She was the mother of member Debbie Wassell. EE the family of member David Joseph Schmoll, who died July 16. He was the husband of Carol Schmoll and father of Gretchen Elizabeth Schmoll. EE the family of Dolores Miller, who died July 17. She was the mother of member Susan Jackson and grandmother of Christian Jackson and Scott Jackson. EE the family of Beverly Gangi, who died July 22. She was the mother of member Barbara Hamilton. EE the family of Albert Ebaugh, who died July 26. He was the father of member Stephen Ebaugh and grandfather of William Ebaugh. EE the family of member Janet Tietz, who died August 4 in Boulder, Colo. She was the wife of Fred Tietz.
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar
EE on September 7 are given to the glory of God in honor of the birthdays of her husband, Ron Paget, her daughter, Melissa O’Dell, and Gary Gaston and in celebration of her family by Carolyn Paget. EE on September 14 are given to the glory of God in honor of the 12th birthday of Caroline and Alexander Paden by their family. EE on September 21 are given to the glory of God in honor of Paige Rena Avery and in memory of Rena Dean Avery by Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Avery. EE on September 28 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Tom Cobb, beloved friend and mentor.
The flowers in the Floor Vases
EE on September 14 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Rebecca Jane Thomas, Rosa Allen, Loula Allen Smith, Rosalee Smith Maffitt, Thomas F. Maffitt, Skyler Herring, and James Maffitt by the Peter Maffitt family. THE BULLETIN
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Quarterly update from the Vestry
Your vestry is the legal representative of In addition to overseeing regular mainthe parish, responsible for overseeing the fis- tenance projects on our two-block physical cal and operational health of the parish, and plant, the building and grounds committee supports the Cathedral’s mission by word has engaged a company to perform a reand deed. The vestry meets monthly and placement reserve study, which will provide consists of 15 parishioners serving three- a guideline for budgeting for ongoing mainyear terms, with five elected each tenance projects. Chief Operating year. The vestry is instituting this colOfficer David Simpson negotiated umn, which will appear periodically, with our garage management comto update the parish on recent vestry pany to replace the hotel sublease activity to better communicate with for parking spaces with another that the parish. provides more available parking on Each vestry meeting includes a reSundays. Finally, the committee has port from the dean on activities and SENIOR WARDEN supported David in obtaining a set of DAVID KIRKLAND issues that have arisen, as well as otharchitectural quality photos and laser er developments of interest to the vestry, fol- measurements of the Cathedral, to provide lowed by reports from the finance commit- a benchmark in the event of any foundation tee on financial results (overall pledges and changes from the new construction diagocontributions, spending, commitments and nally across from the Cathedral. the outlook for the year), from the building This year we have experienced some staff and grounds committee on issues involving transitions, with the retirement from fullcathedral facilities and related issues, and time ministry of Canon Ed Stein to the acfrom the mission and ministry committee ceptance by Canon Jimmy Grace to be the on the activities of one or more councils and rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. We other issues. have also expanded the staff with, among For this year, a primary focus of the meet- others, Canon Simon Bautista, Curate Eiings has been the development and imple- leen O’Brien, and Pastoral Care Coordinamentation planning of the visioning initia- tor Kristy Elmore. Dean Thompson confers tives that resulted from the charrette process regularly with both the Wardens (who serve that started last year. For a report on these as the personnel committee) and the entire activities, see the article in August’s Bulletin. vestry regarding strategic staffing decisions On the fiscal side, results of the Every for the well-being of our parish life. Member Canvass were very positive, with The final item of note has been the recent total pledges up approximately 20 percent commencement of the discernment process from 2013 levels. Spending on major capi- regarding the Diocese’s paper on Unity in tal projects is down significantly as a result Mission, which deals with the possible use of the improvements over the last few years by a parish of the liturgy for “The Witnessto eliminate deferred maintenance on the ing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant.” As physical plant and to make necessary up- noted in the July Bulletin, the Dean and the dates. Year to date, we are significantly ahead vestry have recently commissioned a task of 2013 and doing well compared to budget. force to undertake this discernment process.
New classes on Anglican faith, tradition Beginning this fall, two new classes will invite both Cathedral newcomers and those of longer tenure into deeper relationship with our congregation and its faith. “Introductions” is the next evolution of the old Basics of the Faith course and will focus on the needs of those brand new to the Cathedral. The Sunday-morning class will consist of four sessions offered in an ongoing sequence so that no matter when folks arrive they will feel comfortable joining the class. A rotating cast of Cathedral staff and lay leadership will facilitate discussions of Cathedral history and traditions and what it means to be a person of faith worshiping at
the corner of Texas and Fannin. “The Anglican Way” is a brand new course led by Dean Thompson, and it will be offered on Sunday evenings beginning September 21. The dean’s course will provide an overview of the theological and historical commitments of the Anglican tradition and will provide both newcomers and more-tenured members an opportunity for serious reflection on their personal expression of faith in advance of confirmation, reception, or renewal of baptismal vows. Childcare will be provided during the evening sessions, and Christian education for children is available in the mornings.
Join the celebration of Las Fiestas Patrias One gift of being part of a multicultural congregation is the opportunity to step across the boundaries of language and culture. Fiestas Patrias is one occasion to enact the type of communion we celebrate each week at the Lord’s table. All are welcome: Spanish-speakers and English-speakers, people of all nations, friends, and neighbors. Las Fiestas Patrias is an event celebrated every year in Mexico and the countries of Central America to commemorate their independence from Spanish rule and their unique cultural identities. At the Cathedral, we celebrate Fiestas Patrias with a Folklórico event which highlights the culture of some of the native countries of our FIESTAS PATRIAS parish family. This year, Saturday, September 13 the Folklórico will pres- 5:30–8:30 p.m. ent the music, dance, and culinary traditions of various countries, including Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The event will be held September 13 in Reynolds Hall from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Admission is $3 per person for ages 10 and up, and food items from each of these cultural traditions will be sold with prices starting at $1. We invite you to join us at the Latino Ministries table on Rally Day to learn more and to purchase your tickets.
Vengan a celebrar las Fiestas Patrias Uno de los dones de ser parte de una congregación multicultural es la oportunidad de pasar a través de las fronteras de la lengua y la cultura. Fiestas Patrias es una oportunidad de participar en cruzando fronteras para promulgar el tipo de comunión que celebramos cada semana en la mesa del Señor. Todos son bienvenidos: hispanoparlantes y
angloparlantes, personas de todas naciones, amigos y vecinos. Las Fiestas Patrias es un evento celebrado cada año en México y los países de Centroamérica para conmemorar su independencia del dominio español y sus identidades culturales únicas. En la Catedral, celebramos las Fiestas Patrias con un evento folklórico que destaca las culturas de algunos de los países nativos de nuestra familia parroquial. Este año, el Folklórico presentará la música, la danza y las tradiciones culinarias de diversos países, entre ellos Ecuador, Colombia, Panamá, México, Honduras, Guatemala y El Salvador. El evento se llevará a cabo 13 de septiembre en el Salón Reynolds de las 5–8:30 p.m. La entrada cuesta $3 para los de 10 años y arriba, y los alimentos se venderá con precios que comienzan en $1. Les invitamos a la mesa de Ministerios Latinos en el Día de Rally para aprender más y comprar sus entradas.
Looking back: Touched by fire, rising from the ashes Each month in 2014, The Bulletin will look back at moments from the rich history of Christ Church Cathedral over its 175 years. BY GEORGE HAWKINS
I have always felt that we are defined by our burdens. Although Christ Church has been around for more than 175 years, much of what we know as the church today is colored by, if not defined by, the Great Fire of 1938. Because much of what we focus on as congregants was lost to the fire and subsequently replaced, many of us know only this newer version. How much we know, however, is a reflection of what we bring to the church. The clergy, the lay attendants, and the dedicated and diligent members of the Altar Guild know a part of the church that most of us do not see and may not fully appreciate. A careful observer, however, will notice two vertical carved pieces of oak, on the very extremes of the reredos, and two panels on either side of the bronze Last Supper in the altar. These pieces, much darker than the surrounding wood, are remnants of the original altar. They remind us that we rise from the ashes, and, as we are reminded, we are part of and will return to those ashes. In the sacristy there is a small carved oaken wall shelf that was made from the remains of the gift table. It was created as a tribute to the then-rector James DeWolfe, who carried the shelf with him to his office as Bishop of the Long Island Diocese. When he retired, the shelf made its way back to Texas and to the Rev. Ed Stein, who graciously repatriated the fragments of oak to their original place.
Lore has dimmed as to the precise order of events, but somehow, through prescient rescue or simply strength of materials, the Cathedral Cross, and two sets of candlesticks dedicated to Tina Latham Cleveland in 1901, one single and the other seven-branched, survived the fire. The silver, however, was lost to the flames. Through the selfless combined effort of the Altar Guild, personal sterling silver and pieces of jewelry were contributed to serve as material from which new communion silver was forged. It is thus that the Cathedral Chalice is not only beautifully carved but also inset with jewels around its circumference, with one diamond from someone’s engagement ring set in the stem. Likewise, the ciborium, which holds the consecrated host, has a lid set with jewels from donors’ pieces, including an amethyst from the Rev. DeWolfe’s ring. The cross on the lid of the ciborium is inset, and one must be very close to see this, with tiny pearls from a baby pin donated to the cause. Those of us who sit in the congregation may never notice these small, sacred elements which our beloved church comprises. It does not diminish our faith, our love, nor our dedication to Christ Church Cathedral. Knowledge of those elements (grace notes, one might call them) helps us to appreciate what and who have gone before us, of which we are heirs and stewards. Perhaps it may also inspire us to become part of that office of service which tends the altar and its many parts. At the very least, it may inspire us to seek out more information from the Cathedral Bookstore. PAGE 3
THE BULLETIN
Flat Andy, Missionpalooza, Honoring Jeanne Roth
IN PICTURES
Below left: Lisa Puccio and Jamie Martin-Currie at St. Bartholomew’s in New York. Below right: The Laos at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland.
Above: Judy Mood at the 1900 Hurricane Memorial in Galveston.
Above: Charlotte Jones at St. John’s Cathedral in Albuquerque, N.M. Right: The DiLauros at St. Mark’s in San Antonio. THE BULLETIN
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Left and below: The Cathedral’s middle-school youth traveled as a group to Oklahoma City in July for Missionpalooza, a mission trip organized by the Diocese of Texas to aid areas devastated by tornadoes.
Dean’s Book Club selections
Above: Dean Thompson recognized Cloister Gallery director Jeanne Roth for her years of dedication to Houston arts and arts education at a reception August 1.
Faith and Society Seminar to reboot for fall This fall, Dean Thompson will reprise last year’s popular Faith and Society Seminar. Over 30 parishioners participated in the seminar’s inaugural season. Last year’s topics included war, affluence and poverty, terrorism, abortion, and human sexuality. The seminar is based upon the Aspen Institute’s Seminar on Leadership, Values, and the Good Society. Participants subscribe to a “conversation covenant” that guides their discussion. The first tenet of the covenant states, “Each participant will grant that all participants share faith in the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. At no time will a participant deny the faith or salvation of another participant.” The seminar wrestles with issues not to uncover singular answers, but to better ground participants in the range of faithful responses Christians might have. Parishioner and participant Barbara Barnes says, “I am looking forward to this fall’s Faith and Society meetings, and the topics will surely bring about spirited, yet thoughtful, discussion.” The Faith and Society Seminar will hold a required organizational meeting on Wednesday, September 10, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. The first readings packet will be distributed at that time. Subsequent meetings will be from 6:30–8 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month: October 15, November 19, and December 17.
The Dean’s Book Club discusses a different book each month, including novels, nonfiction, and books on spirituality and faith. Books are selected by the group and are available for purchase from the Cathedral Bookstore. All are welcome. The club meets in the McGehee Conference Room from 6:30–8 p.m. as follows:
Wednesday, September 3 “The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey” by Candice Millard At once an incredible adventure narrative and a penetrating biographical portrait, The River of Doubt is the true story of Theodore Roosevelt’s harrowing exploration of one of the most dangerous rivers on earth.
Wednesday, October 1 “Fingerprints of God: What Science is Learning About the Brain and Spiritual Experience” by Barbara Bradley Hagerty This selection is a prelude to the Adult Formation Council’s October 17–18 symposium “The Science of Spirituality,” at which author Barbara Bradley Hagerty, a National Public Radio religion correspondent, will offer the keynote address. Hagerty delves into the discoveries science is making about how faith and spirituality affect us physically and emotionally as it attempts to understand whether the ineffable place beyond this world can be rationally explained. PAGE 5
THE BULLETIN
Popcorn Theology spawns a sequel Some movies make us laugh, others make us cry, but the best movies make us think. Join Dean Thompson and your fellow movie buffs as we once again turn Reynolds Hall into the most thoughtful movie house in Houston. Our theme for the night will be “Imaginary Friends” as we consider three different takes on the idea that our community may be defined by more than just those we all can see. After a supper of pizza and movie snacks, adults will screen “Lars and the Real Girl,” a 2007 film that explores a unique relationship between a socially awkward man and his fully lifelike friend. Members of the youth group will watch “Stranger POPCORN THEOLOGY Than Fiction,” a 2006 Saturday, September 20 Will Ferrell comedy 6–9 p.m. that chronicles the trials of a man whose life includes voiceover narration that only he can hear. Children will also have their chance to participate as they watch 1995’s “The Indian in the Cupboard.” Each screening will conclude with age-appropriate discussion of how the film relates to our life of faith, particularly the way in which we can honor and support those in our community who see the world differently than we do. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring friends and families to the Cathedral. Nursery care, complete with a movie, will be provided.
SHINE, from cover
Two volunteers turned into hundreds Paul Jukes and Forest Roberts started volunteering at The Beacon Day Center with a group from Lakewood Church. They enjoyed it so much they brought in teams of volunteers from their respective businesses. Jukes brings a group of employees to The Beacon on a monthly basis. Roberts had occasionally invited colleagues to join him at The Beacon for over two years when his boss suggested volunteering as a team. They now come as a group of 10–15 once a quarter. “I know that employees have gone back on their own with their families. I love how it continues to spread,” Forest said. To learn about volunteering on your own or as a group, visit www.beaconhomeless.org.
“What does it say about humanity, and what does it say about God, when the world’s energy can so casually be directed toward its own annihilation?” In various ways, we’ve been posing that question for a century now. It influences our philosophical musings to be sure, but it also affects us in the most concrete and tangible ways. For instance, the present turmoil in the Middle East finds its roots not primarily in the re-creation of Israel after World War II, but rather in the colonial partitioning of the entire region after the fall of the Ottoman Empire in World War I. We live with the aftermath of World War I every day of our lives, even when we scarcely realize it. This fall, I will offer a four-part Dean’s Class entitled “Unholy War: The Spiritual Legacy of the First World War.” On September 7 and 14, the Adult Formation Council will host a two-part symposium on the war featuring experts from Rice University and the University of Houston. And on November 8 in the Cathedral, the Houston Chamber Choir will present “Farewell to Arms,” reflecting on the war and renewing the call for peace. The crucifixion window at the south end of our sacred Cathedral commemorates those who fought in World War I. Standing at the foot of the cross are a doughboy soldier, a sailor, a Red Cross nurse, and a USO volunteer. Next time you walk past the window, I encourage you to pause and ponder the events of a century ago, when British Foreign Minister Sir Edward Grey looked out his office window onto the dusky London street and said through his tears, “The lamps are going out all over Europe. We shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.” The century mark is a good time to ask: Have we relit the lamps of hope and grace in our world? How brightly do they shine? THE BULLETIN
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WWI, from cover
of Rice University and Robert Zaretsky of the University of Houston, to reflect on the war’s lasting impact at a symposium, “War and Faith,” over two Sundays in September. Caldwell, a professor of German history, will present “Crisis of Faith, Origin of New Faiths” on September 7. The talk will explore the shifts in ideology on the losing side in the aftermath of the war. On September 14, Zaretsky, a professor WAR AND FAITH Sunday, September 7 and 14 of French history, will look at how French 5–6:30 p.m. and French colonial subjects defined the concept of country in “Why They Fought and Died.” Dean Thompson will also approach the topic through the lens of art, literature, and theology during September in his Dean’s Class at 10 a.m. on Sundays in Reynolds Hall. Childcare will be provided for both evening sessions, which begin at 5 p.m. in Sanders Hall and end at 6:30 p.m. All of the lectures are free and open to the public.
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 SEPTEMBER 13
THIS MONTH SEPTEMBER 1
MON
Labor Day Holiday Cathedral and offices are closed. SEPTEMBER 3
WED
Dean’s Book Club 6:30–8 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. “The River of Doubt” by Candice Millard. SEPTEMBER 5
FRI
Bridge Night 6–9 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Bring a dish for the potluck social. SEPTEMBER 7
SUN
Start of Sunday Formation Classes 10–11 a.m. in English, 12–1 p.m. in Spanish. Christian formation classes for children, youth, and adults begin for the fall semester.
Registration closed SAT
SEPTEMBER 10
WED
Faith and Society Seminars 6:30–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Required first session. Conversation with the dean about Holy Scripture, faith, and society. Other dates: Oct. 15, Nov. 19, Dec. 17. SEPTEMBER 12
FRI
Cloister Gallery Opening Reception 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Featuring artist Denise Liebl.
WEDNESDAYS (cont.) Christian Life in the Age of Faith 6:30–8 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Study of medieval thought, practice, and personalities. Through Nov. 19.
Fiestas Patrias 5:30–8:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Celebrating the cultures of Latin America with regional dances and costumes, food, games, music, and more. ($)
The Roots of Christian Community 6:30–8 p.m., Dean’s Conference Room. Class on the nature and development of Christian community.
SEPTEMBER 14
SUN
20s & 30s Brunch 1 p.m., Down House, 1801 Yale St. ($) War and Faith: Robert Zaretsky 5–6:30 p.m., Sanders Hall. “Why They Fought and Died.” Lecture on the motivations of French soldiers in WWI by UH professor Robert Zaretsky.
SEPTEMBER 28 SUN EMC Kickoff Dinner 5 p.m., Reynolds Hall. “Star Church” will boldly go where no Every Member Canvass has gone before! ($) SEPTEMBER 30
TUE
Newcomers Welcome Dinner 6–8 p.m., The Deanery. Gathering to welcome those new or feeling new to the Cathedral.
WEEKLY SUNDAYS SEPTEMBER 19 FRI Reza Aslan Book Signing 7 p.m. in the Cathedral. Brazos Bookstore presents the author of “Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth.” ($) SEPTEMBER 20
SAT
Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) 4–6 p.m., BYC. Gathering of youth for dinner, games, teaching, movies, and worship. Begins Sept. 7. The Anglican Way 6–7:30 p.m., Dean’s Conference Room. Course for all those who wish to deepen their understanding of the Church. Meets Sept. 21 and Oct. 5 to Nov. 9.
Cathedral 20s & 30s 6:30–8 p.m., Mellinger Room. Weekly discussion group and social gathering of young adults. Begins Sept. 10. Buscando la Luz 6:30–8 p.m., Bride’s Room. Spanishlanguage discussion group. Compline 8 p.m., Golding Chapel. Brief, contemplative service marking the completion of the day. Begins Sept. 10. THURSDAYS Women’s Lunch Study Group (Biweekly) 12:15–1:15 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Starts Sept. 11. Men’s Lunch Study Group (Biweekly) 12:15–1:15 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Starts Sept. 18. FRIDAYS Men’s Early Morning Study Group (First and third Fridays) 7–8 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.
UPCOMING
Popcorn Theology 6–9 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Dinner and a movie for all ages. Share a meal and split off for age-appropriate films and theological discussion.
MONDAYS
OCTOBER 5
Healing Service 12:05 p.m., Golding Chapel. Eucharist service including the anointing of the sick for healing.
SEPTEMBER 21
Blessing of the Animals 4 p.m., Bishop’s Courtyard. Service in observance of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi.
Bible Study “By the Glass” 6:30–8 p.m., OKRA, 924 Congress. Fellowship and Bible study for those living and working in the urban context.
Diocesan Adult Choral Festival 6 p.m., in the Cathedral. “With Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs.” Sung by choirs from around the diocese.
Bible Study Fellowship 6:55–8:45 p.m. Reynolds Hall. Non denominational Bible study for men and children.
OCTOBER 12
SUN
Invitation Sunday Welcome your neighbors, friends, and loved ones to church. SEPTEMBER 24
WED
Come to the Table Annual fundraiser and gala dinner in support of The Beacon featuring Houston’s top chefs. ($) SEPTEMBER 10 WED 20s & 30s Fajita Fiesta 6:30–8 p.m., Mellinger Room. Fajitas, cerveza, Mexican Coke, and fellowship.
Bring a friend!
Youth Saturday Hangout 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. We’ll meet at the Cathedral then head to the San Jacinto Monument and Battleship Texas. ($)
Rhythms of Grace 1 p.m., Jones Basement. Worship experience for special needs children and their families. Lesson: The Promised Land. War and Faith: Carl Caldwell 5–6:30 p.m., Sanders Hall. “Crisis of Faith, Origin of New Faiths.” Lecture on the politics of WWI by Rice professor Carl Caldwell.
Childcare available (3 mo. to 10 yrs.)
SEPTEMBER 27
SAT
Youth Service Day 6:30–11:15 a.m. Help the needy and earn service hours at The Beacon. Drop off and pick up at the Treehouse. Sign up by Sept. 21.
TUESDAYS Education for Ministry (EFM) 6:30–9 p.m., Mellinger Room. Comprehensive adult theology program. ($) WEDNESDAYS Women’s Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.
SUN
SUN
Foyers Kickoff Potluck Dinner 6–7:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Make new friends by joining a Foyers social group. Each member or couple hosts one meal. Sign up by Sept. 28. OCTOBER 17–18
FRI–SAT
The Science of Spirituality Sanders Hall. Symposium featuring NPR religion correspondent and author Barbara Bradley Hagerty. PAGE 7
THE BULLETIN
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FOYERS, from cover
meet people is in their homes.” Dan Rogas, a relatively new member of the Cathedral, agrees. He participated in a similar group at his former church, and when he saw the opportunity to join Foyers, he new that he and his wife Tammy would benefit. “We have some friends at the Cathedral,” Rogas said. “But it’s a great atmosphere to meet more parishioners, no doubt. Breaking bread and having a conversation around the dinner table just takes it to more of a personal level.” Rogas also sees Foyers as a fantastic way to reinforce the larger community of the
Cathedral. “The more that you get newcomers engaged by helping them to meet new people, the stronger the connection within the parish.” Ligon has been a member of the Cathedral for almost 20 years, but even at age 79, he never grows tired of meeting new people. He especially enjoys the diversity within the groups. “They put younger people in with older people,” he said. “A group is usually a mix of new and longtime members.” In one of Ligon’s groups, he was lumped in with a recent college graduate, and enjoyed connecting with a younger generation. “It’s just a great way to meet people,” Ligon said.
Bring friends, loved ones to church Sept. 21
Invitation Sunday is rooted in the convic- person to join you at the Cathedral on Suntion that the Holy Spirit is moving in the lives day, September 21. and hearts of the people you know, and that “Invitation connects with God’s activity,” some of them are prepared to receive and ac- explained Michael Harvey, the founder of cept an invitation to Christ Church Invitation Sunday, an event that INVITATION SUNDAY Cathedral. originated in the United Kingdom To prepare for Invitation Sun- Sunday, September 21 and is now worldwide. When we day, be filled with wonder and awe invite someone to church, we “go at God’s activity in your communities. Name into God’s territory.” your fears about inviting someone. Then ask “It’s OK if they have a ‘yes’ or ‘no’,” he said. God: whom should I invite? Listen to the “The ‘yes’ or ‘no’ is God’s bit. Our job is to ofpromptings of the Holy Spirit and invite that fer simple invitation.” THE BULLETIN
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“And the people that you have already met, you get to know them better.” Rogas described the difference in the environment in terms of coffee conversation versus cocktail conversation. “It is amazing sometimes how you never get past the coffee conversation,” he said. “But by the third or fourth Foyers meeting, you get a little bit deeper or it is going to be a quiet night. This is how to make parish life more personable.” To join a Foyers group for the fall, stop by the Community Life Council’s table in the cloister on Sundays or visit the Cathedral website now through September 28.
In the Cloister Gallery: Dwellings Through September 29 Houston artist Denise Liebl juxtaposes mass-produced and natural objects in this series of large-scale still lifes in oil and watercolor.
Cathedral Bookstore: Back to Class The Bookstore will resume regular hours beginning September 7. We have liturgical calendars for 2015 and books for reading groups and classes. Special orders are also welcome.