The Cathedral Times - March 17, 2024

The CATHEDRAL TIMES

JOHN 3:16 ON ROOFTOPS: “FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD! ”

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

When I grew up riding down the various country roads of rural Georgia, there were two roadside signs that I was always sure to see. One was the bright red lettering along barn roofs and on pasture signs that commanded: “See Rock City!” Of course, one has to see Rock City, especially if one has lived within a two hundred mile radius of Lookout Mountain (in both Tennessee AND in Georgia, by the way).

The other familiar roadside sign, not just in Georgia but maybe almost everywhere, and usually not scripted anything like the deliberation of Rock City signs, was the simple phrase: “John 3:16.” Yes, it was the famous Bible verse, John 3:16. But the way in which that verse was placed usually made it a foreboding sign. It was often grouped with other signs, saying things like, “Repent!”, “Prepare to meet the Lord!”, and “Judgment Day is Coming.”

So it is that I grew up, perhaps like you, associating John 3:16 with condemnation and judgment. And that is too bad, because John 3:16 may be one of the most loving verses in the Bible. Thus, as one of my tasks in life, I have taken on the challenge of trying to redeem the meaning of one of the most commonly seen verses in the Bible! In fact, it is quite clearly about love: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.” Sometimes I like to shorten that verse so that it says simply that “God loved the world so much that he gave.” Like God, people who love are people who simply give.

But there are two more redeeming features of this verse! The verse claims that God loved the world, in particular! Now, we Christians often speak cautiously about “the world.” I myself have often said that God’s way is not the way of “the world” and that we should be wary of the way of “the world.” But John 3:16 claims that God actually loves the world – yes, “the world,” with all its weaknesses and fragility and disappointment. The world can be a challenging place. Yet, even with its challenges and fallen-ness, the world is loved by God.

Finally, there is one further way to disassociate John 3:16 from any character of condemnation or judgment. The verse that appears right after John 3:16, that is, verse 17, says specifically that Jesus did not come to condemn! “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17).

Wow! I still haven’t done it yet, but the next time I see John 3:16 scrawled upon some sign, or even upon some clearly established common wall space, and if it is at all legal or permissible, I want to scribble the phrase “John 3:17” right below where it says “John 3:16”!

Contrary to its associations, the verse John 3:16 is about love; it is about loving the world, and it is about God loving so much that God gives. I believe in that gift, that gift of the Son. Jesus comes into the world not to condemn, but to save!

This SUNDAY

MARCH 17, 2024 · The Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year B

Jeremiah 31:31-34 • Psalm 51:1-13 • Hebrews 5:5-10 • John 12:20-33

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 Rev. Canon Julia Mitchener

8:45 A.M. HOLY EUCHARIST, CATHEDRAL

Celebrant: The Rev. Canon Julia Mitchener

Preacher : The Very Rev. Sam Candler

Cathedra l Singers:

Richard Shephard (1949-2021), The Secret of Christ

Thomas Lupo (1571-1627), Miserere mei, Deus

11:15 A.M. HOLY EUCHARIST, CATHEDRAL

Celebrant: The Rev. Dr. Thee Smith

Preacher: The Very Rev. Sam Candler

Cathedral Choir:

Richard Shephard (1949-2021), The Secret of Christ

Thomas Lupo (1571-1627), Miserere mei, Deus

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

Officiant and Preacher: The Rev. Deacon Juan Sandoval

4 P.M. DIOCESAN CONFIRMATION , CATHEDRAL

Celebrant and Preacher: The Right Rev. Robert Wright

The Choir of St. David’s Episcopal Church, Roswell, GA

Sue Mitchell-Wallace, conductor

COMMUNITY ADULT Education

Newcomers Tour

This Sunday, March 17 10:10 a.m. | Gould Room

Are you new to the Cathedral? Or newish? Join us this Sunday, March 17 for a tour!

We're Glad You're Here!

ADULT EDUCATION THIS SUNDAY

Old Fashioned Sunday School

“The Screwtape Letters:” A Lenten Look at Life through the Eyes of C. S. Lewis

10:10 a.m., Child Hall

Living Faith

What Makes for a Meaningful Life?

10:10 a.m., Room 239

Young Professionals

Say it to God: In Search of Prayer (The Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent Book 2018) by Luigi Gioia

10:10 a.m., Room 368

Enjoy Biblical Greek!

1:15 p.m., Room 239 and on Zoom

Learn more at cathedralATL.org/education.

A GATHERING IN THE GARDEN

Thursday, April 4

5-7 p.m., Lanier House Lawn

PARISH Life

Our first ECW-wide event this year will be a casual reception on the Lanier House Lawn where we will learn firsthand from our incredibly talented Flower Guild how to make a show-stopping arrangement from store-bought flowers. The Cathedral Bookstore is getting in on the fun by featuring an array of garden books and home items that will be perfect for Mother’s Day or graduation gifts. Wine, light bites, and flowers – join us and bring a friend!

Bring a beverage or a snack to share and come meet new friends in the garden. There is no charge for this event, but we ask you please to register so we can plan accordingly. Register at cathedralATL.org/ecwspring.

PANEL DISCUSSION ON HIV/AIDS

Sunday, April 7

5 p.m., Gould Room

All God’s Children, the Cathedral of St. Philip’s community of LGBTQ+ members, families, and friends, will host a panel discussion with parishioner Jeff Bonnell, who is a person living with HIV. Jeff will discuss his journey to personal acceptance, how he found compassion at church, and ways to help others within our parish.

Dr. Melody Palmore, a healthcare professional specializing in HIV/AIDS care, will also participate to discuss the challenges that remain within our community.

The event will be held April 7 at 5 p.m. in the Gould Room. Wine and cheese will be provided. All are welcome. Please register at cathedralATL.org/AGC.

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, March 31. 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. 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

Geoff DeLong, Senior Warden

Melody Palmore, Junior Warden

CATHEDRAL TIMES SUBMISSION DEADLINES:

FOR THE SUNDAY, MARCH 24 ISSUE, THE DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13. FOR THE SUNDAY, MARCH 31 ISSUE, THE DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20.

TO RECEIVE THE TIMES BY EMAIL:

CONTACT LIZ AULL, LAULL@CATHEDRALATL.ORG.

TO SUBMIT AN ANNOUNCEMENT REQUEST:

CONTACT SARA CRAIG-GOODELL, SCRAIGGOODELL@CATHEDRALATL.ORG.

404-365-1000 | cathedral ATL .org pastoral care emergency line:

404-365-1003

Critical Acclaim for the Follies:

Paris makes its Atlanta debut. She's never looked better

-Variety Magazine

Child Hall will never be the same

- Ben Brantley

FOLLIES TROIS

OOH-LA-LA!

Wow. And I thought I was Good! -God

April 11 7 p.m.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR THE CATHEDRAL THRIFT HOUSE FOLLIES, A FRENCH-INSPIRED CABARET AND FASHION SHOW CELEBRATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE THRIFT HOUSE.

KAREN AND ROD BUNN, HONORARY CO-CHAIRS.

WINE GENEROUSLY DONATED BY H & F BOTTLE SHOP IN THE PEACHTREE BATTLE SHOPPING CENTER.

ALL NET PROCEEDS BENEFIT MOTHERHOOD BEYOND BARS.

Tickets available at CathedralThriftHouse.org or scan the QR code.

General admission tickets are now available for $35. All general admission seating will be at unreserved round tables and on other chairs arranged throughout Child Hall. Please also note that because we will not be having a runway at the Follies this year, we will be able to place the stage along the long wall with the windows in Child Hall. All seats should experience an enhanced viewing and listening experience and we look forward to seeing you there!

SPIRITUALITY

THIRD MONDAY LABYRINTH WALK AND TAIZÉ

Monday, March 18, 7 p.m.

Child Hall and Mikell Chapel

Please join us for a contemplative third Monday of March. We’ll begin in Child Hall for an hour of walking the sacred labyrinth path starting at 7 p.m. Or come a few minutes early for a brief introduction if you are new to the labyrinth.

Then, come to Mikell Chapel at 8 p.m. for Taizé Prayers for Peace. Originating in Taizé, France, this simple service of scripture, music, silence, and candlelight will bring a beautiful and prayerful close to your Monday.

The facilitated Labyrinth walk and Taizé service take place every third Monday at the Cathedral. Come to one, or both – and bring a friend! Questions? Contact Jeannie Mahood, jmahood@cathedralATL.org, or 404-365-1031.

AVOID PHISHING SCAMS

An email was sent last week to a number of members of the Cathedral, claiming to be from Dean Sam Candler. That email was a phishing scam, sent from a Gmail address.

Phishing is a form of social engineering where scammers try to trick you into thinking you are emailing with someone trustworthy – in our case, often Dean Candler – to eventually get secure information or money from you.

Cathedral clergy and staff only use @cathedralATL.org addresses for Cathedral business, and will never ask for money, gift cards, or secure information over email.

If you received the email last week, you can disregard it and do not respond. If you are ever suspicious of the contents of an email, reach out to the sender by phone to verify its authenticity.

Feel free to contact Dan Murphy, dmurphy@ cathedralATL.org or 404-365-1045, if you have any questions about that email or other phishing scams.

LENTEN Programming

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS IN LENT

Join us on Wednesday evenings during Lent for a light supper and program offerings for all. We start in Child Hall with dinner at 5:30 p.m., and break into smaller groups for programming from 6–7 p.m., with the exception of The Chosen watch party and discussion which begins at 5 p.m. Childcare is available. Meals must be ordered in advance. Contact Lisa McNamara, lmcnamara@cathedralATL.org, for more information.

Register for dinner at cathedralATL.org/LentenDinner.

CHOOSE FROM ONE OF THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS:

• Book Study with the Rev. Canon Julia Mitchener

The Myth of the American Dream: Reflections on Affluence, Autonomy, Safety, and Power by D. L. Mayfield Cathedral Bookstore

• The Nurtured Heart Approach with Mary Hunter Maxwell Conference Room 239

• The Chosen Watch Party Gould Room

*Please note this program begins at 5 p.m.

• “Encountering the Holy Spirit in Everyday Life" Workshop with Lindsey Hardegree Walthour Library

FOR THE KIDS

• Godly Play for Children Through Fifth Grade Children in 2nd – 5th grade will participate in Godly Play Work Time in Room 316. Childcare is available in the nurturing center for children through 1st grade. For a full description of each program, please visit cathedralATL.org/lentenseries.

PRAYER List

FOR THOSE WITH IMMEDIATE NEEDS: Marie Corrigan • Alan Dowling • Ann George • Judson Harper • Mary Kyle

FOR THOSE WHO ARE ILL OR RECOVERING:

LONG TERM PRAYERS: R. Huntley Allen • Lucy Baker • Catalina Barragan Oliveros • Virginia Bicksler • Scott Brown • The Bryant Family • Joe Burton • Heather Clark • The Crossley Family • Jerri Darnell • Terry Dornbush • Stephen Douglass • Joan Duncan • Jill Dyas • Deborah Ellington • Paul Fekete • Joyce Egan Ferris • Phoebe Forio • Tom Frolik • Ken Griffiths • Steve Gunter • Jenny Ham • Tory Hartness • Gena Inman • Jane Jones • Harry Lamon • Liza Lanier • Ralph Lewis • Robert Lewis • Lisa Krysiak • Jill Mahaffey • Barbara Maples • Leslie Marlowe • Tommy Mason • Christopher Mitchum • Barbara Moore • Graham Mulling • Susan Myers • Jim Myrick • Charlie Neal • Marian Palmore • Patricia Payne-White • Buddy and Sue Redd • Rubye Reid • Lorraine Reynolds • Barbara and Joel Rice • Bob Riggins • Agnes Elizabeth Robertson • Nancy Sanders • Louis “Skip” Schueddig • Tommy Truesdale • Len Wagner • Ron Wallace • Jonathan Wright

FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Josephine Rose Adams • Elizabeth Alexander • Shaista Bashir • Bettina Bass • Ray and Pat Bell • Josh Bennett • Eleanor Blount and Justin Blount Murray • Donna Burgess • Jason Brady • Trip Bray • Chet Brewer • Paul Brewer • Catherine Brinton • Darnell Brown • Lila Jo Callaway • Bayard Stout Chapin • Mika Chorey • Anna Clifford • Ava Corroon • Heather Dyas Coy • Marty Dunn • William Erb • Kyle Garcia • Christine Hanson • Rick Hoyle • Sarnia Hoyt • Thomas Hagood, Jr. • Gayle Higley • Brian Huestis • Beth Ingle • Clinton Johnson, Jr. • Kathy Johnson • Sara Kissel • Herb Larrabee • Pete Livezey • Hilda Lukwago • Carolyn R. Lusk • Lauren Makhlouf • Margaret McKinnon • Elaine Metcalf • Marion Hickman Meythaler • Betsy Moore • Fred Neuschel • Linus Nickel • Sterling Pace • Stephen Pararo • Ginny Quinn • Einar Sagstuen • Joe Salas • James Sands • Skip Saunders • Patricia Schooley • Stacey Schuitema • Alan Smith • Don Smith • Philip Gregory Smith • Michael and Kathryn Snider • Esther Rose Spade • Izzy Straus • Brandon Streets • John and Cleary Tanner • Timothy Tew • Pierson Thames • Leopildo Velita • Christie Woodfin • Karen Woodward • Whit A. Wright • Hollis Youngner

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED: Harriett Hildreth

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, March 17, 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.

OUTREACH

LENTEN OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY

Sunday, March 17

Join us for a time of worship and fellowship with our neighbors at Church of the Common Ground on Sunday, March 17.

We’ll gather in the Cathedral kitchen at 11 a.m. to prepare sack lunches to share with CCG, then carpool down to Woodruff Park for the 1 p.m. Holy Eucharist. Please note: The liturgy will take place outdoors. Children accustomed to participating in worship services with adults are most welcome to attend with a parent.

For more information or to sign up, please contact the Rev. Canon Julia Mitchener, julia.mitchener@cathedralATL.org.

The Church of the Common Ground is a worshiping community of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. They are a “church without walls” on the streets of Atlanta, providing support for the pastoral and spiritual needs of those who live on the margins of our city. Church of the Common Ground welcomes people of all faith backgrounds, and those who seek a new connection to faith.

CATHEDRAL SCHOLARS SEEKING SUMMER JOBS & INTERNSHIPS

We currently have 18 Cathedral Scholars, many of whom will be returning to Atlanta for the summer and are in need of summer jobs or internships. Their fields of study include marketing, finance, law, computer science, graphic design, speech therapy, communication, children’s education, dental hygiene, health care, and physical therapy. If you are in a position to help or know of opportunities that are available, please send an email to scholars@cathedralATL.org and someone from the Cathedral Scholars committee will get in touch with you. To learn more about these students, the Cathedral Scholars program, or how to contribute, visit cathedralATL.org/scholarship.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FREEDOM SCHOOL PROGRAM AT EMMAUS HOUSE

Emmaus House is looking for volunteers for this year's summer Freedom School program from June 10–July 19. Responsibilities will include accompanying scholars to afternoon activities such as swimming, managing the front desk, as well as other duties as assigned. Volunteers must be 18 and willing to complete some training beforehand. To learn more, please reach out to the Rev. Kenya Thompson, kenyathompson@emmaushouse.org.

The Freedom School program’s purpose is to close the achievement gap by improving literacy and learning for children who face poverty and lack access to the educational resources they need to succeed. The program at Emmaus House is a summer program serving students who have completed kindergarten through the eighth grade. Its aim is to motivate young scholars to read, build positive attitudes towards learning, and empower them to make a difference in themselves, their families, their communities, and their world.

CATHEDRAL GIVING BY DESIGN 2025 BENEFICIARY APPLICATION OPEN

The Episcopal Church Women are inviting non-profit organizations to apply to become the beneficiary for the 2025 Cathedral Giving by Design (CGBD) fundraising event. Formerly The Cathedral Antiques Show, CGBD is the reimagined philanthropic event of the ECW and is designed to continue the 50-year history of supporting vital non-profit organizations within the Atlanta community.

The beneficiary application for the 2025 CGBD is available at cathedralgivingbydesign.org. The application includes important dates for the beneficiary selection process as well as an outline of the required documentation and supplemental information. Please note that the application is due on or before April 15, 2024, and it will only be accepted in electronic format.

POSTMASTER: Dated Material. Please deliver by March 16, 2024

This Sunday at a glance

7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Mikell Chapel

8:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist Cathedral

10 a.m. Godly Play 3rd Floor above the Atrium

10 a.m. Holy Eucharist Instruction Class St. Mary's Chapel

10:10 a.m. Newcomers Tour Gould Room

10:10 a.m. Old Fashioned Sunday School Child Hall

10:10 a.m. Living Faith Room 239

10:10 a.m. YP Sunday School Room 368

10:10 a.m. Youth Sunday School Room 382

10:10 a.m. Informed First Communion Class

Walthour Library

11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist Cathedral

11:15 a.m. La Santa Eucaristía Mikell Chapel

1:15 p.m. Enjoy Biblical Greek! Room 239 and online

4 p.m. Diocesan Confirmation Cathedral

4 p.m. Confirmation Classes St. Mary’s Chapel

6 p.m. Sunday Evening EYC for Middle and High School Room 382

POSTMASTER

Send address changes to:

The Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Road, NW

Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2920

404-365-1000

CATHEDRAL TIMES

(USPS-093440) is published weekly by The Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Road, NW

Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2920

Periodicals Postage Paid at Atlanta, GA

Cathedral THRIFT HOUSE

The Cathedral Thrift House would love to receive your unused gardening tools in good condition for our annual May Garden Sale!

Donations accepted Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at The Cathedral Thrift House, 1893 Piedmont Road Northeast. Thank you for your support!

CHILL ON THE HILL

Sunday, April 28

5:30 p.m., Cathedral Parking Lot

Join us on Sunday, April 28, at 5:30 p.m. in the Cathedral parking lot for an evening of singing and dancing. Dean Sam Candler will start the show by playing his favorite songs on the piano, and then Cover to Cover will take the stage. This band features Cathedral member Neville Carson playing rock and roll hits from the 60’s through the 90’s. Bring your friends, your dinner, and favorite beverages and join the fun! Please note this event is for adults only. Tickets are $25 per person or $200 to reserve a table for 8. Register at cathedralATL.org/chillonthehill or scan the QR code above. We hope to see you there!

In the event of rain, we will move inside to Child Hall. Please contact Liz Aull at laull@cathedralATL.org or 404-365-1034 with questions.