The Cathedral Times - March 26, 2023

The CATHEDRAL TIMES

The weekly newsletter of the Cathedral of St. Philip · Serving Atlanta and the World · March 26, 2023

THE GOOD PRIEST

By the Very Rev. Sam Candler, Dean of the Cathedral

I sing a song of good priests today, or whatever your tradition might call the minister, the pastor, the caring soul, who leads you in prayer week after week. The one who gathers you in holy community. Wherever you were this past weekend, here is what happened.

Coming to church today is the recent widow, reminding her priest that it has been one year now. A little girl is skipping, quite fast, down the hall. The old man on his walker is not scared of her skipping at all. Here comes a young couple who just started visiting two weeks ago – and they are already married (so it’s not like they’re just looking for a wedding location). A busy lawyer walks in, without her children this Sunday; she is teaching a Sunday School class today.

An eager young acolyte is hanging around dutifully, just in case he needs to serve today. The man over there has just been diagnosed with cancer. A woman arrives who divorced her husband two years ago; she is smiling and happy. Her ex-husband will attend the later service that day. One of the city officials arrives, whose politics not everyone enjoys; but he knows he is not simply an elected official at church. He will not be reminded of that.

“Let me show you a picture of my granddaughter,” a woman announces as she delays the people behind her in line. The priest smiles and squints at the tiny screen; she will try to remember the girl’s name. One of the neighborhood guys without shelter walks in with his stuff; the congregation knows where he usually sits and makes room for him.

One man is wondering, with the banking industry seeming so fragile, how he will make a decision next week. Another guy is glad his team is still in the basketball tournament. Still another guy is asking for prayer because a family member is dying. One young person is complaining about the coffee, while another is eagerly drinking her third cup.

The service itself may not be what some people consider perfect. Someone mispronounces a name. The music is beautiful, and one piece seems too slow. Some wish the priest had a different tone of voice. The sermon— well, the sermon—can be wildly erratic, sometimes striking a chord with people. The good priest knows that the minds of the congregants are wandering all over the place. But people are serving faithfully.

The good priest meets all these people and stays with all these people. The good priest cares for her people, absorbs his people’s pain, delights with her people, cries with his people. The good priest does not scold, or complain. The good priest bears the burdens of people. The good priest does not turn every issue into a fad of the day, or into some political message of the day.

The good priest knows that she is serving inside a community that is much bigger than she is. The good priest knows he is representing something larger than he can explain. The good people in the congregation know this, too. We are gathering to say something, to hear something—a holy tradition—that was delivered to us and that we are now delivering onward.

Not everyone in church on Sunday always thinks specifically about the Holy, even the priest. And, yet, in all these people, in all these situations, in all these joys and cares of life, the Holy is meeting us, even when we are too distracted to realize Holy presence.

Where else does this Holy happen, that the Holy meets us? Yes, it can happen in other places, but churches and faith communities have a long tradition of it happening. All these people, young and old, black and white, have come to be with the Holy for a couple of hours, whether they say it that way or not. Church is where people touch the Holy; Church is where the Holy touches people. We are touching something bigger than us. Each of us, even the priest, have only meager ways of expressing that encounter.

This SUNDAY

MARCH 26, 2023 · The Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year A

Ezekiel 37:1-14 • Psalm 130 • Romans 8:6-11 • John 11:1-45

8:45 A.M., 11:15 A.M. AND 4 P.M.: IN-PERSON AND ONLINE

CATHEDRALATL.ORG / THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. PHILIP APP / FACEBOOK / YOUTUBE

7:45 A.M. HOLY EUCHARIST, MIKELL CHAPEL

Celebrant and Preacher: The Very Rev. Sam Candler

8:45 AND 11:15 A.M. HOLY EUCHARIST, CATHEDRAL

Celebrant: The Rev. Canon Julia Mitchener

Preacher: The Very Rev. Sam Candler

8:45 a.m. Cathedral Singers / 11:15 a.m. Cathedral Choir: Kim André Arnesen (b. 1980), Even when He is silent Giovanni Maria Nanino (1543-1607), Adoramus te, Christe

11:15 A.M. LA SANTA EUCARISTÍA, MIKELL CHAPEL

Officiant and Preacher: The Rev. Deacon Juan Sandoval

4 P.M. CHORAL EVENSONG FOR THE FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION , CATHEDRAL

Officiant and Preacher: The Very Rev. Sam Candler

Cathedral Schola:

Paul Halley (b. 1952), Preces & Responses

John Tavener (1944-2013), Collegium Regale

Henryk Górecki (1933-2010), Totus tuus

arr. Jim Clements (b. 1983), The angel Gabriel

CATHEDRAL BOOK STORE

The Night is Long but Light Comes in the Morning

By Dr. Catherine Meeks

Saturday, April 1, 1 – 2 p.m. Child Hall

Dr. Catherine Meeks, Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing, will be joining us for an hour to discuss her new book, The Night is Long but Light Comes in the Morning. There is a book signing following this complimentary event. RSVP at cathedralbookstore.org.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON RECITALS STEVEN WOODDELL, ORGAN

Peachtree Presbyterian Church, Atlanta

SUNDAY, MARCH 26 — 3:15 P.M.

IN-PERSON AND ONLINE AT CATHEDRALATL.ORG/RECITALS

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), Fantasia in F minor, K 608

Jehan Alain (1911-1940), Deuxième Fantaisie

Louis Vierne (1870-1937), “Scherzo” from Symphonie No. 2, Op.20 Julius Reubke (1834-1858), Fugue from Sonata on the 94th Psalm

EASTER FLOWERING OF THE CROSS

All are welcome to participate in this beloved tradition as the cross is brought to life with color and beauty as a living symbol of resurrection. Stop by and place a flower in the cross that will be set up in the Atrium on Easter Sunday. Bringing something from your own garden is a practice that is certainly welcome, and one that many find especially meaningful.

The CATHEDRAL of ST. PHILIP

The Very Rev. Samuel G. Candler, Dean

Dale Adelmann, Ph.D., Canon for Music

The Rev. Lauren R. Holder, Canon for Community and Education

The Rev. George M. Maxwell, Jr., Vicar

The Rev. Canon Julia B. Mitchener, Canon for Mission

The Rev. Catherine Zappa, Canon for Liturgy and Pastoral Care

The Rev. Deacon Salmoon Bashir, Curate for Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations

The Rev. Deacon Juan Sandoval, Deacon for Hispanic Ministries and Pastoral Care

The Rev. Theophus “Thee” Smith, Ph.D., Priest Associate

Ward Bondurant, Senior Warden

Melody Palmore, Junior Warden

CATHEDRAL TIMES SUBMISSION DEADLINES: FOR THE SUNDAY, APRIL 2 ISSUE, THE DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22. FOR THE SUNDAY, APRIL 9 ISSUE, THE DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29. TO RECEIVE THE TIMES BY EMAIL, CONTACT LIZ AULL, LAULL@CATHEDRALATL.ORG. TO SUBMIT AN ANNOUNCEMENT REQUEST, CONTACT SARA CRAIGGOODELL, SCRAIGGOODELL@CATHEDRALATL.ORG.

404-365-1000 | cathedral ATL .org

pastoral care emergency line: 404-365-1003

ADULT Education

THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 26

Old Fashioned Sunday School

Child Hall , 10:10 a.m.

This Sunday, Canon Maxwell will talk about why people are coming back to church. There seems to be a renewed interest in Christianity. There have been conversions of prominent public figures and increased attention given to Christianity by writers such as Marilynne Robinson and Jordan Peterson. Some are even calling it the “rewilding” of Christianity. Canon Maxwell suggests that the much publicized decline of mainstream forms of Christianity seems to have created space for reinvigorated spirituality like that which we experience here at the Cathedral. As always, you will find a light heart, warm welcome, and good coffee. For more information, please contact Canon George Maxwell, gmaxwell@cathedralATL.org or 404-365-1088.

Young Professionals “Coffee & Conversation Cards” Walthour Library, 10:10 a.m.

On Sunday mornings during the formation hour, the Young Professionals’ Group will gather in Walthour Library using conversation cards to inspire Christian discussions on scripture, faith and life.

Living Faith with Andi O’Bryan Chapter Room (319), 10:10 a.m.

Andi O’Bryan, parishioner and therapist, will talk to us about caring for people struggling with or recovering from addiction.

Enjoy Biblical Greek Room 239 and on Zoom, 1:15 p.m. This newcomer-friendly class is open to beginners, while including long-term members who enjoy exchanging tips, best learning practices, and coaching points on how to translate the Greek New Testament. Please contact the Rev. Dr. Thee Smith, tsmith@cathedralATL.org, for more information.

Please note that Wednesday Evenings in Lent will continue through Wednesday, March 29. Find out more about the program offerings and sign up for dinner at cathedralATL.org/LentenDinner.

EASTER ALTAR FLOWERS

We will once again have beautiful floral arrangements and decorations in our sacred spaces this Easter, with your help! Donations received on or before Sunday, April 2, will be listed in the Easter service leaflet. Those received after that date will be listed online. Your donation can be made in memory of or thanksgiving for a loved one. While any gift is appreciated, a minimum of $125 per printed line is suggested.

Give Online:

Scan the QR code to the right with your phone to be directed to the online giving form.

By Check:

Fill out the form below and include a check payable to The Cathedral of St. Philip (Easter Flowers).

REQUEST FOR EASTER ALTAR FLOWERS

Please list name (or names) as you want them to appear:

In Memory of: In Thanksgiving for:

name (s):

In Memory of: In Thanksgiving for:

name (s):

Please complete the following information about you:

your name (s):

daytime phone: date:

Please include a check with your request, made payable to The Cathedral of St. Philip. While any gift is appreciated, a minimum of $125 per printed line is suggested. Checks and forms should be sent to the Cathedral, attn.: Liz Aull. You may also make arrangements by contacting Liz Aull, 404-365-1034 or laull@cathedralATL.org.

ALL GOD’S CHILDREN: A CONVERSATION ON BEING CHRISTIAN AND LGBTQ+

Sunday, March 26, 5:30 p.m.

Gould Room

Join Cathedral parishioner Hubert Tate as he engages in a conversation with fellow parishioners Del King and Victor Moldovan, the first LGBTQ+ couple married at the Cathedral of St. Philip, after the Supreme Court of the United States struck down the ban on marriage in 2015. Though the Cathedral had blessed same-sex marriages prior to 2015, the union between King and Moldovan was the first formal ceremony that legally recognized the marriage.

The event will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Gould Room on Sunday, March 26. Come and enjoy this intriguing conversation with small bites and wine. RSVP to cathedralATL.org/AllGodsChildren. A voluntary donation of any commitment is asked to support the Cathedral’s Ricks Wheeler fund, which is a ministry to support programs and activities to persons living with HIV/AIDS.

The ECW, with special thanks to the St. Veronica’s Guild Program Committee, warmly invite ALL to the

ECW Spring Brunch

TUESDAY, APRIL 11

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Child Hall Join

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

The Boyce L. Ansley School and Emmaus House are two amazing organizations dedicated to caring for the most vulnerable of Atlanta’s children. The Boyce L. Ansley school has a proven track record of what education can look like when wraparound support is in place. Emmaus House focuses on a two-generation approach to addressing poverty, serving both children and their parents. Both organizations were started by Episcopalians who saw God in the face of their neighbor.

Please RSVP by March 30 at cathedralATL.org/ECWBrunch.

GREG COLE Executive Director Emmaus House

DR. LEAH SKINNER Head of School

The Boyce L. Ansley School

MARIEL HICKS Director of Development

The Boyce L. Ansley School

PRAYER List

FOR THOSE WHO ARE ILL OR RECOVERING:

LONG TERM PRAYERS: R. Huntley Allen • Randy Allen • Barbara Bazzel • Virginia Bicksler • The Bryant Family • Don Cameron •

Connie Chapman • Geraldine Charles • Heather Clark • Robert F. Clayton • Sharon Crews • The Crossley Family • Rita Daly •

Terry Dornbush • Sarah duBignon • Keith Dumke • Deborah Ellington • Paul Fekete • Max Ferguson • Joyce Egan Ferris • Phoebe

Forio • Susan Frierson • Aidan Gray • Ken Griffiths • Jenny Ham • Suzanne Haerther • Karen Howard • Jane Jones • Lisa Krysiak •

Jill Mahaffey • Tommy Mason • Lee Moran • Susan Myers • Jim Myrick • Charlie Neal • Marian Palmore • Rubye and Wayne Reid •

Lorraine Reynolds • Karen Richardson • Bob Riggins • Agnes Elizabeth Robertson • Nora Robillard • Betty Roper • Louis “Skip”

Schueddig • Greg Smith • Gail Morgan Timmis • Tommy Truesdale • Ron Wallace • Jonathan Wright

FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Josephine Rose Adams • Elizabeth Alexander • Evelyn Armstrong • Bettina Bass • William Beane • Charlotte

Eloise Bell • Ray and Pat Bell • Catherine Brinton • Lila Jo Callaway • Kelly Grey Carlisle • Bob Carreras • Mika Chorey • Marie Corrigan • Ava Corroon • Bob Crawford • Judy Crosby • Redell DuBose • Ron Dyer • Harriet Ellis • Kenneth Farr • Robert Hanvey •

Don Harp III • Gayle Higley • Caroline Hooper • Jay Horton • Beth Ingle • Kathy Johnson • The Kelly Family • Robin Kemp •

Herb Larrabee • Rachel Laurin • Pete Livezey • Carolyn R. Lusk • Lauren Makhlouf • Michele McBride • Susan Mendivil • Elaine Metcalf • Betsy Moore • Joe Moss • Nan Nettleman • Linus Nickel • John K. Ottley, Jr. • Charlie Pero • Einar Sagstuen • Lillian Sandoval • James Sands • Skip Saunders • Stacey Schuitema • Don Smith • Michael and Kathryn Snider • Christine Still • John and Cleary Tanner • Pierson Thames • Donnie Waller • Cheryl Waybright • Doyle Weekley • Jason Wilke • Christie Woodfin • Whit A. Wright • Hollis Youngner

PASTORAL Care STEWARDSHIP

UPDATED GIVING OPTIONS AND CREDIT CARD PROCESSING

Whether at work, at home, with friends or teammates, or in more formal helping roles, many of us have been, or will be, called upon to respond to someone who is experiencing a mental-health crisis or considering suicide. The Cathedral is hosting a two-day workshop in one of the world’s leading suicide-intervention models, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). ASIST teaches individuals to provide a skilled intervention to a person who may be having thoughts of suicide and develop a collaborative safety plan to keep them safe and alive.

The cost is $175 for Cathedral members and $250 for nonCathedral members. Payment in full is required at the time of registration. The payment is non-refundable by April 14; and before that date, there is a possibility of up to a 50% refund.

Register at cathedralATL.org/ASIST. For questions, please contact the Rev. Canon Cathy Zappa.

As mentioned earlier this year, the Cathedral has changed its credit card processor for contributions and registrations. It has been a good improvement thus far, as members of the Cathedral are able to go to one place to contribute, check pledge balance, update address, etc.

In fact, one parishioner has noted, “The new site seems really easy to use. I’ve encouraged members of my small group to go to the website, and I’ve even walked several of them through the website process on my own.”

Visit cathedralATL.org/contribute to set up a one-time or recurring contribution. In addition, a QR code has been added to the “Giving” cards that are in the pew racks in order to easily make a contribution from your phone. Look out for future features of this giving option, including the ability to use ApplePay and GooglePay. Please contact David Rocchio at drocchio@cathedralATL.org or 404-663-2838 with any questions. Thank you!

But the Sunday liturgy of that encounter is a billowing mystery, full of prayers and structures and actions and postures which carry centuries of wisdom with them. The priest or community who does not realize what our service contains is missing the mystery! No matter how errantly we pray, yet the power of the Holy Liturgy is changing people.

The eucharistic prayer is reciting something, rehearsing something, remembering something, that has been told Sunday after Sunday for two thousand years. That story is what generates new life in people, year after year. It’s not our political platform. It’s not our social statement. It’s not our latest fad, of whatever sort. It’s not our skill. It’s not our wisdom. It is the unseen power of God revealing Godself in the telling and hearing of Christian tradition.

The good priest, the good pastor, the good minister, graciously bears the ancient story of the Holy –delivered this week among skipping children and aged walkers, among the worried and the happy, among the political and non-political, among all sorts of shapes and sizes, and colors and conditions, of God’s humanity.

MISSION

THE CATHEDRAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM APPLICATIONS DUE APRIL 10, 2023 FOR THE 2023-2024 ACADEMIC SCHOOL YEAR

The Cathedral Scholars Committee encourages everyone within the Cathedral community to help spread the word about the Cathedral Scholars program and help us identify students that are candidates to apply. Please also consider supporting the Cathedral scholars program with your prayers, time, and treasure. You can contact the Cathedral Scholars committee for additional information or to find out how you can help at scholars@cathedralATL.org.

For those who would like to apply to become a Cathedral Scholar, please note that the deadline to apply for the 2023-2024 academic year is April 10, 2023. Prospective scholars can learn more and apply at cathedralATL.org/scholarship.

The Very Rev. Sam Candler Dean of the Cathedral of St. Philip

Vacation Bible School for ages 4 – 5th Grade

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT CATHEDRALATL.ORG/CHILDREN