cathedral times The Weekly Newsletter of the Cathedral of St. Philip, Serving Atlanta and the World
October 23, 2016
THE IMPORTUNATE WIDOW AND THE UNRIGHTEOUS JUDGE
Across the country, many of us heard fine sermons last Sunday, about the need to pray always. The gospel for the day was the familiar parable about the importunate widow and the unjust judge. Yes, it is a familiar story, but it is also slippery. Just who are we supposed to be imitating, or relating to? Here’s the passage: Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my opponent.’ For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:1–8)
We might think that the story is about the need to pray always. After all, the gospel writer Luke seems to say the story is about that. And the parable works well that way. The widow keeps coming, continually, to the unjust judge, even to the point of bothering him. And thus, finally, the unjust judge relents and grants her request – whatever it was. So she becomes our model of perseverance in prayer. But I am struck by the entire eight verses of the passage, taken as a whole. What are we to make of that last verse, about the Son of Man coming and finding faith on earth? Why is that verse even included in the story? I suggest another powerful interpretation of the parable. What if we see ourselves, not as the widow, but as the judge? Yes, I suggest that we might do well to see ourselves as the unjust judge. In my view, such an interpretation of the parable hinges upon two words, the words “unjust” and “coming.” First, I prefer that the word “unrighteous” be used for “unjust.” As many of you know, that word “righteous” keeps occurring in the Bible; and I have learned, over and over again, to define “righteous” as “right relationship.” The characters in the Bible who are righteous are those who are in relationship: relationship with God and with neighbor. Plainly, the unrighteous judge is described as being out of relationship; he had “no fear of God and no respect for anyone.” It is the importunate widow who keeps “coming” to him, over and over again, essentially forcing him to pay attention, forcing him to be in relationship.
“All who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.” From this week’s lectionary Luke 18:14
Then, it is that word “come” which appears in the last verse, too, verse 8. Except this time, it is the Son of Man—Jesus—who comes. I believe that Jesus can be well described as the importunate widow, the one who keeps coming, over and over again, praying that we—humanity—be in relationship. Jesus calls us to righteousness, which is “right relationship,” over and over. We are the unrighteous judge in the story, the one being asked to be in relationship, to have faith. “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Will Jesus find people living in relationship, in holy community, fearing God, and respecting persons? At Romans 3:21–22, Saint Paul says that “the righteousness of God has been revealed through faith in Jesus Christ.” Having faith in God is, indeed, how Paul views righteousness. Having faith in God is being in holy and right relationship. Like an importunate widow, Jesus comes to us over and over again urging just that: right relationship.
Dean Sam Candler continues his fall series on prayer this Sunday in the Dean’s Forum. Using the Book of Common Prayer, Dean Candler will note the various types of contemplative prayer that emerge in our Sunday Holy Eucharist. Join us at 10:10 a.m. in Child Hall!
PROGR A MS DUR ING THE WEEK T U E S DAYS The Dean’s Men’s Bible Study: 7–8 a.m., Room 319. This group meets consistently to read and study scripture, share faith stories, and support each other in prayer. A light breakfast is available. We finish by 8 a.m. so those gathered may go into the world to carry on their ministries.
2016 CH APTER Rob Adams (Junior Warden), Mary Bondurant (Executive Committee At-Large), Josh Borden, Kate Brewer, Matt Caine, Mary Caroline Cravens (Senior Warden), Joan Gilbert, Austin Hall (Secretary), Jason Hultgren, Lindsey Hardegree, Wade Hooper, Eric Mininberg, Doug O’Bryan (Treasurer), Brad Reeves, Julie Rief, Ruth Russ, Susan Troutman, George Watson, Anne Young
CLERGY A ND SENIOR STA FF The Very Rev. Samuel G. Candler Dean Dale Adelmann, Ph.D. Canon for Music The Rev. George M. Maxwell, Jr. Vicar The Rev. C. Wallace Marsh IV Canon for Pastoral Care and Worship The Rev. Catherine Zappa Canon for Spirituality and Mission The Rev. John William Harkins III, Ph.D. Priest Associate The Rev. Todd D. Smelser Canon Associate for Pastoral Care The Rev. Theophus “Thee” Smith, Ph.D. Priest Associate The Rev. Carolynne G. Williams Canon Associate for Pastoral and Elder Care The Rev. Juan Sandoval Deacon for Hispanic Ministries
Early Morning Women’s Bible Study: 7–8 a.m., Walthour Library. Canon Cathy Zappa leads this group. Women of all ages are encouraged to join us for good fellowship and lively conversation. W E D N E S DAYS The Dean’s Women’s Bible Study: 10:45–11:45 a.m., Room 319. This group meets consistently to read and study scripture, share faith stories, and support each other in prayer. We close promptly at 11:45 a.m. in order to get to carpools and lunches! Eat Your Word Bible Study: Noon, Room 239. Canon Cathy Zappa and seminarian Clayton Harrington lead this Bible study. Centering Prayer: 6:30 p.m., Lanier House Chapel. Contact Jeannie Mahood at jmahood@ stphilipscathedral.org. T H U R S DAYS Centering Prayer: 4 p.m., Lanier House Chapel. Contact Ann Hickman, mannhick@aol. com.
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
MUSIC
Sunday, October 23, 2016 / Pentecost 23: Proper 25C
Sunday, October 23, 2016 / Pentecost 23: Proper 25C
Liturgy of the Word Lesson: Joel 2:23-32 Psalm 65 Epistle: 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18 Gospel: Luke 18:9-14
7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Mikell Chapel Celebrant and Preacher: Canon Cathy Zappa
8:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Cathedral Celebrant: Canon George Maxwell Preacher: Dean Sam Candler 9 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Mikell Chapel Celebrant and Preacher: Canon Cathy Zappa
11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Cathedral Celebrant: Canon Carolynne Williams Preacher: Dean Sam Candler 11:15 a.m. La Santa Eucaristía, Mikell Chapel Celebrant and Preacher: Canon Cathy Zappa 4 p.m.
Choral Evensong, Cathedral Officiant and Preacher: Canon George Maxwell
8:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist / Cathedral Staff Singers Benjamin Britten, Jubilate Deo Gabriel Fauré, Cantique de Jean Racine 11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist / Cathedral Choir Malcolm Boyle, Thou, O God, art praised in Sion Gabriel Fauré, Cantique de Jean Racine 4 p.m. Choral Evensong for the Feast of St. James of Jerusalem / Cathedral Schola Richard Shephard, Preces and Responses Arthur Wills, Magnificat and Nunc dimittis on Plainsong Themes Edward Bairstow, Let all mortal flesh keep silence Malcolm Boyle, Thou, O God, art praised in Sion
CHILDREN The Nurturing Center is open for children three and younger from 8:30 a.m. through the end of the 11:15 a.m. service each week. Children’s Chapel takes place during the 8:45 a.m. service as an option for parents and children who are not yet ready to experience the full liturgy together, though children are always welcome in “big” church. Children three years through third grade begin in church with their parents, follow the children’s acolytes and leaders out at the Sequence Hymn, then rejoin their parents at the Offertory. Two-year-olds attend their own chapel service, which begins at 8:45 a.m. Parents who would like their children two years old and younger to join them for communion may go pick them up from Room 227 at the Peace.
ADULT EDUCATION Unless otherwise noted, these adult education classes are held Sunday mornings from 10:10–11 a.m. THE DEAN’S FORUM (CHILD HALL) Join Sam Candler, the Dean of the Cathedral, as he presents contemporary issues of faith and life. OLD FASHIONED SUNDAY SCHOOL (ROOM 133) Led by Canons George Maxwell and Cathy Zappa, you will find a light heart and a broad welcome in Old Fashioned Sunday School. This year, we are talking about Jesus. In particular, we’re wrestling with his question, “Who do you say that I am?,” by considering historical images of Jesus and their implications for faith, then and now.
ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASS Wednesdays through December 7 7–8:30 p.m. Confirmation service on Sunday, December 11 For more information or to sign up, contact Canon Wallace Marsh, wmarsh@stphilipscathedral.org
WHEN SUFFERING PERSISTS (ROOM 120) Canon Wallace Marsh leads this series on the theology of suffering. These classes will also address helpful (and unhelpful) things to say to someone who might be suffering. This series is based upon Frederick W. Schmidt’s book. BIBLICAL GREEK (ROOM 356) Beginning Biblical Greek is offered on a drop-in basis on Sunday mornings at 10:10 a.m. Continuing Biblical Greek classes are offered on Sundays from 1:15–2:45 p.m. for anyone who wants to learn the basics of translation using grammar aids, lexicons, and commentaries. For more information, contact the Rev. Dr. Thee Smith at thee.smith@emory.edu. SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY (ROOM 122) Jim Bingham and Gordon Mathis lead an ongoing small group Bible Study focusing on a particular book of the Bible for several months at a time. This year, we will read the Letter of Paul to the Romans. For more information, please contact Jim Bingham at 404-373-3273 or binghamjim@bellsouth.net. GROUNDED: FINDING GOD IN THE WORLD (ROOM 239) Canon Carolynne Williams leads this class, based on the book of the same title by Diana Bass. Says Bass, “Just as God is found in the immediate experience of the world around us, God is also with human beings through history. Finding God-with-us is a spiritual practice of memory, connection through time with our ancestors—Christians call it ‘the communion of saints.’”
If you missed the most recent End of Life Decisions class, you can pick up a copy of that document from Jeannie Mahood in the Pastoral Care office at the Cathedral. It includes most of the material covered in the class. Canon Carolynne Williams or Canon Todd Smelser are happy to meet with you if you have further questions regarding end of life decisions and funerals. Contact Jeannie at 404-365-1034 or jmahood@stphilipscathedral.org.
CHILDR EN GODLY PLAY! All children age 2 (by September 1) through 5th grade are invited to Godly Play, our Sunday School curriculum. Based on the Montessori method, Godly Play uses storytelling and creative responses to encourage children to seek and find God. We meet during the education hour, 10:10–11 a.m. on Sundays. Sign up today at stphilipscathedral.org/godlyplay. Contact Lisa McNamara, lmcnamara@stphilipscathedral.org or 404-365-1082, for more information.
YOUTH HELP OUT WITH THE YOUTH! Cathedral youth ministry is looking for new adult volunteers! Men and women of all ages are invited to help us grow in our faith through fellowship and fun. There are opportunities for everyone including driving, chaperoning, teaching, and praying. Help out in our classes on Sunday mornings, or with EYC on Sunday evenings. Having a strong youth leadership team means that you do not have to make a big time commitment, but you are sure to have fun! Contact Maggie Paul, mpaul@ stphilipscathedal.org or 404-365-1080, for more information.
MUSIC BAROQUE VIOLINIST TO PERFORM SUNDAY This Sunday, October 23, we welcome baroque violinist Evan Few as our 3:15 p.m. recitalist. A native of Atlanta, Evan studied at Oberlin College, Rice University, and the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, Netherlands. His program will include works by numerous baroque composers for the violin, including Bach and Purcell. Come and hear this marvelous and very talented young performer on Sunday.
Evan Few, baroque violin “Prelude by Signr. Nicola,” from Select Preludes or Voluntarys for ye Violin Nicola Matteis, Jr., “Con discretione,” from Fantasia in C minor “Prelude by Signr. Torelli,” from Select Preludes or Voluntarys for ye Violin “Prelude by Mr. Simons,” from Select Preludes or Voluntarys for ye Violin Johann Sebastian Bach, “Largo,” from Sonata terza a Violino solo senza Basso, BWV 1005
CHOR ISTER S CHORISTERS SELLING GREENERY A Cathedral chorister tradition continues this year with the selling of fresh wreaths and centerpieces for the holidays. You can support the choristers while purchasing your greenery gifts online at vtwreaths.com. The group code is choir (all lower case). Choristers will also be in the Atrium on Sundays, October 16, October 23, and October 30 to take paper orders for those who would prefer to write a check. We are selling three sizes of wreaths with multiple bow options, centerpieces, swags, and mailbox toppers. Prices range from $37 for a 28-inch swag to $43 for a 30-inch wreath, including shipping. You can also select when to have your greenery delivered—Thanksgiving week or the first or second week of December. Thanksgiving delivery orders must be made online by November 1. For delivery the first two weeks of December, paper orders must be received by October 30, and online orders must be submitted by November 15. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Kelly Cunningham, 404-948-1209 or marykellycunningham@hotmail.com.
“Prelude by Mr. H Purcell,” from Select Preludes or Voluntarys for ye Violin Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Passagalia, from Mystery Sonatas
Full-service audio recordings of many of this season's 4 p.m. Evensong services are now available at S T PH I LI P SC AT H E D R A L .O R G / R ECO R D I N GS .
Check back weekly!
OUTR EACH
COSTUME BLESSING
HAITI MISSION TRIP INFORMATION SESSIONS We’re going to Haiti! And we would love to answer your questions about the trip. A contigent from the Cathedral, including youth, will travel to Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, in June 2017 to work with the organization Eternal Hope in Haiti. On Wednesdays, October 19 and October 26, from 7–8 p.m., Canon Cathy Zappa and Maggie Paul will lead informational meetings about the trip in Room 368. You would only need to attend one of the sessions. All adults and youth are all invited to learn more about this opportunity. For more information, contact Maggie Paul, mpaul@stphilipscathedral.org or 404-365-1080. ERD RESPONDS TO HURRICANE MATTHEW Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) invites you to join in prayer for communities in the Caribbean and the United States
affected by Hurricane Matthew. ERD is in contact with its partners in the hurricane’s path to support responses and address needs as more becomes available. Local churches are assessing damage, confirming the safety of members and others in their communities, and using available facilities and resources to respond to immediate concerns. For more information, contact the Cathedral’s ERD representative, Lucy Perry, at 404-350-9494 or visit episcopalrelief.org.
Homeless requiem
All goblins, princesses, witches, and superheroes are invited to our Halloween costume blessing on Sunday, October 30 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Join us for dinner, fun, and a Halloween procession with treats. Bring or wear your costume to be blessed. Dinner will be catered by Farm Burger and costs $7/adult and $5/child. Please RSVP at stphilipscathedral.org/costumeblessing.
The 28th Annual
at the Cathedral of St. Philip
Tuesday, November 1 Dinner: 5 pm X Service: 7 pm
Please join us for dinner, fellowship, music, and a moving requiem service honoring those who have died on the streets in the last year.
Volunteer or Donate: stphilipscathedral.org/homelessrequiem
CATHEDR AL BOOK STOR E FALL BOOK DRIVE For the second year, the Cathedral Book Store is collecting new books for the children at the Homeless Requiem, Our House Emergency Shelter Program, Crossroads, and now Arrendale Prison Children's Center, with a goal of 250 books! Donated books will be distributed to children at the Homeless Requiem and in December to the other groups. Books are available to purchase at the Book Store during regular business hours and in the Atrium from 9–11 a.m. on Sundays, October 23 and 30, or you can purchase them on the night of the Homeless Requiem. Please help each of these wonderful children receive a new book this year! DISMANTLING R ACISM BOOK SIGNING Dr. Catherine Meeks will discuss and sign her new book, Living
Into God's Dream: Dismantling Racism In America, on Thursday, November 10, at 7 p.m. in the Atrium. It is a compilation of contributions from Bishop Robert Wright, Jim Wallis, Luther Smith and Diane D'Souza. Don't miss this riveting discussion of a crucial topic!
HART READERS Hart Readers will have its monthly meeting Wednesday, November 2, at 6:30 p.m in the Walthour Library. Mary Caroline Cravens will lead the discussion on The Moviegoer by Walker Percy. Join us for a lively discussion of an intriguing book!
MEMBERSHIP TR ANSITIONS NEW MEMBERS Sarah and Richard Deason, and their child, Charlie, from Charlotte, North Carolina Campbell and Lloyd Walmsley, and their child, Anne, from New Orleans, Louisiana DEATHS Carol Bethea (Beth) Rose Boylston, wife of Andrew Boylston, mother of Brice Boylston, daughter of Carol and Lynn Rose, sister of Ellen Rose, died October 2, 2016
CATHEDR AL PR ESCHOOL PRESCHOOL ADMISSIONS TIMELINE FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR, 2017-2018 Each year the Cathedral Preschool has a limited number of spots available for children who are not already enrolled. If your child is not currently enrolled, but you would like for him or her to attend next fall, please fill out an information sheet and mail it, along with the non-refundable $25 application fee, to the preschool on or after Thursday, November 10. The information sheet can be found on the preschool’s website: thecathedralpreschool.org. Checks should be made payable to the Cathedral Preschool. Please note that information sheets received before November 10 will be returned to sender. If you are a member of the Cathedral of St. Philip, you must include proof of membership with the mailed information sheet. A proof of membership certificate may be obtained from the church registrar, Janie Harris, 404-365-1079. After Thursday, November 10 the information sheets received will be placed on a waiting list according to the appropriate age level in the order in which they are postmarked. Waiting list priority will be in the following order: • Siblings of currently and previously enrolled students • Active, pledging members of the Cathedral of St. Philip, in good standing • Community (10% of remaining spaces will be reserved for this category)
After currently enrolled students complete their registration in December, the remaining openings will be filled from the names on that waiting list. A letter notifying you of your status will be mailed no later than the first week of February. If a child is accepted into the Preschool, the non-refundable registration fee of $500 and a registration contract must be received in the office no later than one week after acceptance to hold the space. If these items are not received by the deadline, the child’s space will be released and the next person on the waiting list will be notified. The Cathedral Preschool is a Cathedral parochial entity housed in the Cathedral of St. Philip for 45 years. Our longstanding relationship with the Cathedral is beneficial to both the Preschool and the Cathedral. The Dean and Chapter have the responsibility to oversee the uses of the
property and building, but daily operations and admissions decisions are the responsibility of the Preschool. We regret that due to our size and space limitations we are not always able to accept all church members who apply.
PR AYER S For those who are ill or recovering: Immediate Needs Llewellyn Bell Jeremy Stacy
Long Term Prayers Julia Ballard Priscilla Beale Rodger Beatty Karen Bellaire Cornelia Bird George Bird John Blair Josh Borden Neal Brown and family Catherine Carson David and Ginny Collins Lawrence Cowart Terry Dornbush Sarah duBignon Kitty Dukehart Angela Ellis Mary Elrod Sean Farmer Amy Feuss Robert L. Foreman, Jr. Mary Ann Frazier Rebecca Gorman Jane Hannah Caroline Hatcher Shirley Heermann Richard Hill Connie Hoar Peggy Hull Jane Jones Landon Lanier Tommy Lanier Karen League Jack Lyle Robert and Aggie Maddox Reilly McClain Carol McDonald Dick Miller Stuart Peebles
Beth Pitzer Garry Pryor Jennifer Rankin Jonna Rankine Joe K. Steele Roy Unkefer Cindy West Chandra Westafer Dick Wilson Hollis Youngner Family and Friends Wills Anderson Steve Auerbach Marcia Block David Boone Joan Brooks Keith Brooks Meredith, Adam, and Leo Bugenske Denise Carlson Andrew Clark Joann Claypoole Alex and Andrea Corriere Paula Corwin Jackson Culbreth Van Foster Carleton Fuller Susan Gill Peggy Govan Eudelle Lanier Graham D. Louis Gruver, Jr. Ellen Gunn Doyce Gunter Helen Hammond Patricia Hentz Debanhi Hernandez Alice Hoft Michael Ivy Annemarie and Ante Jazic Jon Kelly Kolak Lisa Krysiak Margaret Winders Kuhn Lisa Lastrapes
Lunch from renowned pastry chef Lauren Raymond!
WEDNESDAYS 11:30 A.M. – 1 P.M. SOUPS, SANDWICHES, SALADS – $3-$5
Janie Mathis Michelle Maxwell Michael McClelland Bonnie Shields McCormack Jan McPherson Katharine Roberts Merrifield Lyn Moore Lucius Morton Andy Nelson Libby Powell Bobbie and Bill Rowe Sophia Rowe Coleen Schoen Logan Shannep Michelle Simmons Lara Smith Sitton Bill Smith Lyda Sorgini Mack Brown Stevenson, Jr. Richard A. Tilghman Janiece Townshend Martir Valesquez Peter Veverka Ed Vogel Elizabeth Slaton Wallace Meredith Wallace Herbert "Rip" Waters Caroline and John Westerhoff Stephen Williamson Marion Wilson Lu Worrell Patricia Young Dara, Arnani, and Cyvia Zinney For those who have died: Pat and Franklin Boyette Beth Rose Boylston Lane Young Cook Dianne Griner Dale Joiner Dorothy Lanier Kennerly Joe Kiely Sheila Henry Perry Bruce Wilroy
POSTMASTER: Dated Material. Please deliver by October 22, 2016
C ATHEDR AL THRIF T HOUSE
POSTMASTER Send address changes to: The Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2920 404.365.1000
Treasure of the Week Pair of sterling silver Lord Saybrook water goblets: International Sterling, pattern P664.
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
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CATHEDRAL TIMES SUBMISSION DEADLINES: For the Sunday, October 30 issue, the deadline is Wednesday, October 19. For the Sunday, November 6 issue, the deadline is Wednesday, October 26. Please email announcement requests to the editor, Dan Murphy, at dmurphy@ stphilipscathedral.org. Learn more about upcoming events, download sermons, and access contact information at stphilipscathedral.org.
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Listening for the Heartbeat of God: The Vision and Practice of Celtic Spirituality
2016 Spirituality Conference featuring John Philip Newell Saturday, October 29, 2016 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tickets and more info: stphilipscathedral.org/spiritualityconference or Jeannie Mahood, 404-365-1034 or jmahood@stphilipscathedral.org. John Philip Newell is an ordained minister in the Church of Scotland and one of the most prominent Christian teachers of spirituality in the Western world. Formerly warden of Iona Abbey in the Western Isles of Scotland, he now divides his time between Edinburgh, where he does most of his writing, and traveling and teaching internationally. In 2011 he received the first-ever Contemplative Voices Award from the Shalem Institute in Washington DC, in recognition of his work in spirituality and peacemaking. He has authored over 15 books, most recently The Rebirthing of God: Christianity's Struggle for New Beginnings.
Cathedral Farmers Market Wednesdays 4:30 – 8 p.m.
Final Wednesday market of 2016 is this week, October 26!
Saturdays 9 a.m – noon
Pumpkin patch and fall pictures! The Cathedral Farmers Market is the largest producer-only farmers market in the state. Producer-only means that everything at the market has been grown, raised, or made by the seller, ensuring fair prices for both the vendors and the consumers. We are a proud Wholesome Wave market and accept double SNAP benefits.
peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com