January 2017 Bulletin

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas

JANUARY 2017 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG

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Cathedral to host unity service Christian worship traditions — some familiar to Episcopalians and others perhaps not-soknown — have been thoughtfully structured into an ecumenical (belonging to a universal Christian church) experience of music and prayer for the upcoming Unity Service, hosted at the Cathedral on Wednesday, January 18, at 7 p.m., following a special Evensong at 6:30 p.m.

This annual Concert of Praise and Ecumenical Prayer Service is the fourth held in Houston for the city’s diverse Christian community.

It is part of a worldwide, century-long Christian unity movement led by the World Council of Churches since 1948. The observation of this annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (typically January 18–25 in the northern hemisphere) is intended as an opportunity to reflect upon and help resolve the deep divisions that have afflicted Christian church unity, fulfilling Christ’s prayer “that all may be one.”

As 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, the week’s global, theological theme is Reconciliation – The Love of Christ Compels Us (2 Corinthians 5:14–20), and is thematically summarized as “Breaking Down Walls.”

While the Cathedral has previously participated in the unity service, it is hosting this

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Ecumene (also spelled œcumene or oikoumene) is a term originally used in the Greco-Roman world to refer to the inhabited universe. It has now come to mean belonging to the universal church. The church is portrayed as a boat afloat on the sea of the world with the mast in the form of a cross. These early Christian symbols of the church embody faith and unity, the message of the ecumenical movement. This image has also become logo for the World Council of Churches, a worldwide fellowship of churches formed in 1948 seeking unity, a common witness, and Christian service, and founder of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Credit: Photograph by Leo Reynolds of the St. Nicholas Anglican parish church of Blakeney in Norfolk, England.

Minister for Finance joins; promotions and retirements On December 1, Patrick Saccomanno joined the Office of the Dean staff as Minister for Finance and Audit/Controller for all Cathedral entities, including the Beacon and the Hines Center. He also serves as the Assistant Treasurer of the Cathedral and Treasurer of both the Beacon and Hines Center. A native Houstonian, Patrick received a BBA and MBA from the University of Houston, and began his career in public accounting at Arthur Young & Co. In the mid 1990s, after three years of study of philosophy at the University of St. Thomas with the idea of becoming a Catholic priest, Patrick pursued a different calling as the Controller for Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, his alma mater. Most recently, he has been the Controller for the Menil Foundation. For several years, he volunteered at Fatima House to help with its homeless ministry. He is excited and honored to be a part of Christ Church Cathedral to work and support its vital ministries.

PATRICK SACCOMANNO

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Falling into God The summer after my sixth grade year, my family piled into our dark brown Chevy custom van and traveled to Wind Creek State Park in Alabama for the biannual family reunion of my mother’s people.

I so looked forward to these gatherings. We would spend a week surrounded by those we most loved. Walls of THE VERY REV. separation would fall.

BARKLEY We’d share news, joys, THOMPSON and sorrows. I loved seeing cousins, aunts, and uncles and retelling old stories at which we laughed both because of their humor and their familiarity. But mostly, I loved the water. Wherever we scheduled our family reunions, a body of water—river or lake—was essential. Rope swings, eddy pools, and sandbars made for endless enjoyment.

As we finally approached the campground in Alabama after a full day’s drive, the sun set and darkness shrouded the landscape. My mother parked the van behind my grandparents’ Tioga motor home, and I scanned my surroundings asking, “Where’s the water? Where’s the lake?” I could barely see a foot in front of my face. I began to wander from the campsite.

My grandfather, who had arrived some hours before me, moved forward and grabbed my arm, “Be careful, Bark,” he cautioned, “The lake is right there. In the darkness you might fall in.”

“I can’t see it,” I protested, “Where’s the lake? Where?” My grandfather promised that the lake was just a stone’s throw away, but I didn’t believe him. At the very least, I imagined it must be a tiny thing — barely a fish pond — and I went to sleep that night disappointed.

When I awoke the next morning and

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Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with

EE Henry Neal Arnold, who was born November 21, 2016, to Cathedral members Alyssa and Jason Arnold.

EE Melissa Hendricks and Michael Boenisch, who were married in the Cathedral on December 3.

We extend heartfelt sympathy to

EE the family of Fred Michael Grimes, who died November 21 in Corsicana, Texas. He was the father of member Fred Michael Grimes Jr.

The flowers on the Cathedral Altar

EE on Sunday, December 18, were given to the glory of God in loving memory of Robert C. and Madie M. Richter by Bob Richter.

The flowers in the Floor Vases

EE on Sunday, December 18, were given to the glory of God and in honor of John Craver upon his graduation from the University of Houston Business School.

FALLING, from cover stepped out of my tent, to my utter amazement mammoth, meandering Lake Martin stretched out barely fifteen yards in front of me. Its sheer size was dizzying. Light reflected off its water like crystal; its far shoreline was a distant blur. Soon, I would enjoy being immersed in the lake’s cool water. But for just a few moments I was frozen with the thought, “I could’ve stepped off into the lake. I could’ve fallen in.”

This is the season of the church year when we celebrate epiphanies, those times and ways in which God is revealed to us. Sometimes, though, I fear that we so build up in our hearts and minds the miraculous ways we want to meet God that we fail to see that God is always incredibly close to us.

And like Lake Martin, God is mammoth and fathomless. Like swimming in deep water, God is the very milieu in which we move through the world.

The Cathedral is, also, like a family reunion.

Here, together, walls of separation fall. News, joys, and sorrows are shared. Stories dear and familiar are told. It is in this company that we are best equipped to wander just a bit from our safety zones, where we may just discover that we step off into God. But whereas wandering from the campsite and falling into the lake can be deadly, falling into God brings life.

Much of the time we may protest, “I can’t see God … Where is he? Where?” God is right here, just a stone’s throw away, and when we open our eyes to see, the light reflecting from God is dazzling.

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Join the Diocesan Team for 2017 AIDS Walk

BY SUSAN TAYLOR

In support of those with AIDS/HIV, the Rev. John Logan, Secretary of the Diocese of Texas and Canon Emeritus at Christ Church Cathedral, organized a team named Johnny’s Walkers to participate in the Annual AIDS Walk in Houston. This year’s walk is on Sunday, March 5, at 1 p.m. in downtown Houston.

In 2016, Johnny’s Walkers contributed over $16,000 (among the top six teams) and in the past seven years it raised over $124,000 to support the AIDS Foundation and the many HIV/AIDS organizations that benefit from the walk. Johnny’s Walkers is the only Episcopal Team in the Walk and it is a Diocesan wide team.

To join this team as a donor, walker, or both, visit http://bit.ly/2fz7afa. Funds raised go to help the AIDS foundation provide programs and life-saving services to thousands of Houstonians.

Meet our 2017 Vestry nominees To be voted on at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 22 Nominated for three-year terms FREDRICKA BRECHT has served the Episcopal Diocese of Texas as a Trustee of the Seminary of the Southwest and as organizer of the Clericus program for Texas clergy. A native of Pennsylvania, she moved to Houston in 1975 and worked for Pennzoil for many years, leading its international divisions until 1992. Currently she is an executive coach, and she serves on the boards of Nexus Health Systems and the Midtown Arts and Theater Center (MATCH).

TRACEY CABRAL grew up in the Church of England. She joined Christ Church Cathedral in 2013 and has been a member of the Mission Outreach Council for the past three years, giving her time as co-chair of Christmas at the Cathedral in 2014 and 2015, co-chair of the Alternative Giving Market in 2016, and as the liaison to Lord of the Streets since 2013. She works in human resources, a field she truly enjoys.

J. ANDRE JACKSON has been a Cathedral member since 1983 with his wife, Kathy, the Cathedral Bookstore Manager; they raised their daughters at the Cathedral. He is a former member of the Youth Council, former member/past chairman of the Mission Outreach Council, former member of the Vestry and Senior Warden, currently a member of the COMPASS Board of Directors, a volunteer at Lord of the Streets, and project advisor for the Buildings and Grounds committee of the Vestry.

FRANCES KITTRELL is a life-long Episcopalian whose family has been at Christ Church Cathedral for generations. She has been a member of the Cathedral Choir for 35 years and has served on the Vestry, several capital campaigns, the Cathedral Endowment Board, and formerly on the board of The Beacon, where she is now a regular volunteer. She and her husband Norman were married at the Cathedral in 1980. They have one son, Norman.

BRUCE MCDONALD, a life-long Episcopalian, joined Christ Church in 1990. He has served on the Vestry as Junior Warden and as Acolyte Master. More recently, in the Diocese of Washington, Bruce was on the Vestry of Christ Church Georgetown and the search committee for the IX Bishop of Washington. He is also a vice-chancellor of the Diocese of Texas. Bruce and his wife Catherine were married at Christ Church. He is an antitrust lawyer with the Jones Day law firm.

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Dean elected to St. George's — Jerusalem, North American Board Dean Barkley Thompson has been elected to serve on the North American Committee (NAC) for St. George’s College, the Anglican Center in the Holy Land. St. George’s College was originally founded in 1920 as a theological school for Palestinian seminarians. In the 1960s, the College developed a broader vision for educating clergy and laity from the worldwide Anglican Communion and throughout the ecumenical Church.

The College provides a setting where clergy and laity can share in a deep experience of community, pilgrimage, research, and reconciliation.

St. George’s College is located in East Jerusalem, sharing a campus with the Cathedral Church of St. George the Martyr, St. George’s School, the St. George’s Cathedral Pilgrim Guesthouse, and the offices of the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem. Because of its setting, the College offers significant possibilities for interfaith engagement with Christians, Muslims, and Jews. All of the College’s courses provide encounters with local churches, and the College serves as a resource for the clergy of the Diocese of Jerusalem.

“I’ve long been aware of St. George’s,” offered Dean Thompson, “but when I took a course there last May I was inspired by the way the College melds pilgrimage, learning, and a ministry of reconciliation in a troubled and sacred part of the world. I’m very pleased to serve on the North American Committee.”

Of Dean Thompson’s election, St. George’s College Dean, the Rev. Greg Jenks, said, “This is great news. I look forward to working with [Barkley] and the whole NAC board, and especially so as we move through a period of change and renewal in the life of the College.”

Patrick will oversee the Cathedral Finance Office, working with Peggy Beltrami and Brandi Gillispie, who has been promoted to Revenue and Accounts Payable Coordinator. David Simpson continues as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the sizable operations of the Cathedral, which includes (in addition to our campus and rectories), contracts, insurance, and ANNE SHEPARD human resources.

In mid-December, Anne Shepard retired after more than 10 years as parish registrar, and will be moving to Colorado in April. A member for 20 years, Shepard also sings in the Cathedral Choir. She is greatly missed on staff, and will be missed by the community upon her move. Says Shepard, “It’s been an honor and a delight to serve as the cathedral’s registrar.

Helping families get their children baptized, youth RAMONA SIKES confirmed, and adult children married has brought great joy. Even though I do not know every face I see on Sundays, I do know almost every name in our parish and have learned through exploring the old parish registers how deep the family history is here and how much each and every one of those names belongs to a person who is loved.” She and her husband Tom met in choir practice at the Cathedral 20 years ago and were ELIZABETH CUEVAS married there 18 years ago as of January 2, 2017.

The responsibilities of parish registrar and the position of ministries assistant, which has been eliminated, have been shared among the staff. Ramona Sikes has become Manager of Human Resources and Parish Records, which includes the Safeguarding God's Children and Safeguarding God's People programs. The processing of baptisms and confirmations will occur through the Dean’s office. Lisa Viktorin has assumed NELDA HORTON additional duties as Parish Wedding Coordinator.

Elizabeth Cuevas, who already serves as Supervisor of our Childcare Center, has assumed additional duties as Program Coordinator.

At the end of February, another longstanding staff member will retire: Nelda Horton, who has been the executive assistant to the Dean for the past 17 years. Says Horton, "I want to be able to spend more time with my children and grandchildren, both here and in Arkansas. It has been a genuine pleasure working at Christ Church Cathedral these past years as the Executive Assistant to the Dean. I have also enjoyed working with the fine staff at the Cathedral."

The Very Rev. Barkley Thompson offers these words: "Nelda has been my right arm for the past four years. My gratitude to her runs deep. She will be sorely missed, and I pray every blessing upon her retirement."

Conference to combat human trafficking, raise awareness before Super Bowl

BY ELAINE KRAUSE

Members of the Cathedral Justice and Peace Council will co-host a one-day conference entitled Vulnerable: a Conference on the Issues of Gender, Race, Poverty and Human Trafficking at South Main Baptist Church on Saturday, January 28, from 9 a.m. to mid-afternoon.

The conference is timed prior to this year’s Super Bowl to raise awareness and channel media attention to this important issue. It is

presented through a partnership of downtown Houston churches (most notably South Main Baptist, St. Paul’s UMC, and Christ Church Cathedral) as well as other community groups, the Mayor’s Office on Human Trafficking, and the Houston Police Department. The cost of the conference, including light breakfast and lunch, is $10 per person. To see a list of speakers, and to RSVP, visit smbc.org/vulnerable.

At 1 p.m. following the conference, In Our

Backyard, a nationally recognized anti-human trafficking nonprofit, is launching a new national program, Convenience Stores Against Trafficking. Participants at the morning program are invited to stay for the launch and an opportunity to participate in an outreach effort to local convenience stores.

Contact Carole Riggs Daniel (criggs@campbellriggs.com) or Elaine Krause (elaine@hinescenter.org) with questions about the events.

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Christmas at the Cathedral, Advent Wreath making, and more

IN PICTURES

Above: The Rev. Simon Bautista serving eucharist at the Thanksgiving Eve service in the neighborhood.

Right: All hands on deck at Advent Wreath Making.

Below: The DiLauros at the 20s & 30s Christmas party, which they hosted in their home

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Far left: The Women’s Bible Study Chr from bottom left: Margaret T Houk, Alix Stafford, Sylvia Strong, Flo Ray, Bebe Gow, Mary

Below: Frosty contemplates his next move a

ristmas Luncheon, clockwise, Taggart, Graeme Marston, Lyn , Charlotte Douglas, Sally Hill, Vandenberg, and Judy Mood.

at Christmas at the Cathedral.

Above: The painting table at this year’s Parish Retreat.

Left: The Cathedral youth group cleans up the playground at Herrera Elementary School.

Above: The Cathedral’s fall confirmands with Bishop Andy Doyle, from left to right: Donna Goring, Keith McFarland Trip Galleher, Aaron Kaplan, Casey Fleming, Jennifer Stansbury, Bishop Doyle, Anna Marie Beagley, Megan Schwartz, Greg Harrison, Ambika Hale, Kathy Jackson, and Arthur Hale.

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year’s program. Parishioners are encouraged to join the gathering of Houston-area ecumenical groups, denomination leaders, and open-minded individuals in experiencing the service’s broader view, appreciation and understanding of Christian worship, in many of its forms.

“Those who attend will gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of the worship community. The service is also an opportunity to test why you ‘believe what you believe,’ and to be intentional in that exploration,” says the Rev. Arthur Callaham, canon vicar.

An interdenominational planning committee comprised of representatives from some of the city’s largest churches has developed an inclusive 90-minute service honoring Christian worship practices. Highly customized, the program’s elements had to “make sense to a wide audience while maintaining the integrity and dignity of each tradition,” Callaham explains.

“We differ in our theology, liturgy, and leadership structure, but how we each go about them is valuable to experience,” he says.

present music from the Evangelical, Gospel, and Pentecostal traditions. “The evening will have it all,” Simpson says.

The same is true for the service’s messages, delivered by a series of speakers offering their perspectives and prayers. Dean Barkley Thompson will deliver the sermon. The diverse, joint congregation is expected to reach as many as 450.

One of the more unusual elements of the service for Cathedral parishioners to encounter, Callaham notes, could be the barrier rising in the sanctuary. Comprised of large shipping cartons that are marked with the differences that too often divide the faithful, it will represent the theological walls between Christians. And thus, the service’s global focus on Breaking Down Walls will become

literal as well as figurative.

More than a dozen church organizations in Houston have opted to participate in this year’s Unity service — and its planning.

Among them are United Church of Christ, Union Baptist Association, The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Lakewood Church, University of St. Thomas’ Center for Faith and Culture, Presbytery of New Covenant, and the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

The Unity service has Houston Food Bank as its chosen charity to support.

For more info on the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, visit the World Council of Churches at www.oikoumene.org or the Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute at geii.org.

Sharing and Stretching As an example of a worship practice familiar to our parish, the Unity Service will begin with a choral prelude by the Cathedral Choir to share the Anglican musical tradition of choral prayer – a unique mode of prayer and of music that is presented, not participatory.

The selected works, by Charles Villiers Stanford, William Byrd, and Ralph Vaughan Williams, represent the finest music written for the Anglican Church over the centuries, says Robert Simpson, canon for music.

During the service itself, however, the choir will blend into an interdenominational one to

Ask the Three Kings at Epiphany Who are they? Where did they come from? And why did they bring such strange gifts? Find out the answers to these and many other questions at Ask the Kings, on Friday, January 6, at Bad Gift Bingo (from 6:45– 8:30 p.m. in Reynolds Hall), and again on Sunday, January 8, during the 1 p.m. service as the entirety of the sermon. A fun event from the Latin Ministry to celebrate Epiphany, Ask the Kings gives adults and children a chance to ask The Three Magi (also known as three very game parishioners who dress and embody the part!) any question they like. Initially, a moderator will interview the Kings, and then the floor is yielded to the audience. This year’s moderator will be Jeremy Bradley on Friday, January 6, and the kings will be played by older youth in the Latin Ministry. Join us, either Friday night or Sunday at 1 p.m., for this delightful interview.

Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) and the benefits for those 70 ½ and older Earlier this year, Congress passed, and the President signed, important legislation making the IRA charitable rollover permanent.

While this legislation is part of a larger package on other tax extenders and the budget, there is one point in particular that could benefit a large demographic of Christ Church Cathedral’s parishioners.

Under this legislation, people who are 70 ½ and older and have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) will be allowed to make certain charitable contributions directly from IRAs to an eligible charity (including Christ Church) and the transferred assets will not be recognized as income for tax purposes.

Parishioner Bill Turney investigated the permanency of this law, and he explains why THE BULLETIN

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he is looking forward to taking advantage. “Using a QCD (qualified charitable distribution) for our church contribution would lower our income by the amount of our pledge, which would lower our income tax. We no longer itemize and just take the standard deduction, so our church contribution has not been tax deductible. Since I am 71, I am required to take a RMD (required minimum distribution), which is considered taxable income. The result is taxable income without any corresponding deduction.”

After talking to his financial advisor, Bill discovered, “QCDs can be made directly from our investment funds directly to qualified, public charities as part of our RMD without becoming part of our taxable income.” The charitable

IRA rollover, or QCD, makes it easier to use IRA assets to make charitable gifts.

Bill is going to utilize a QCD to pay his 2017 pledge. Says Bill,“It will also effectively increase the value of our pledge since CCC will no longer have to pay credit card processing fees. This looks like a win-win situation, both for the Turney family and the Cathedral.”

Making a donation under this provision is simple and straightforward with most financial institutions. If you wonder if you qualify, and are 70 ½ and older (or will be in 2017), we recommend contacting your financial manager.

If you have additional questions about financial contributions to Christ Church Cathedral you can contact Karen Kraycirik, Minister for Stewardship, at 713-590-3338.

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 JANUARY 22

JANUARY JANUARY 1

SUN

Second Annual Gingerbread Contest 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. This year, bring your best “Gingerbread Icon” for judging.

JANUARY 6

FRI

Feast of the Epiphany 12:05 and 6 p.m., Cathedral. Celebrating the adoration of God in Christ by the Magi.

Bridge Night 6–9 p.m., McGehee Conference Room.

Bring a dish for the potluck social.

Registration closed SUN

Annual Parish Meeting 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Meeting to discuss the business of the Cathedral and to elect new members of the vestry.

JANUARY 28

SAT

Vulnerable: Conference on Gender, Race, Poverty and Human Trafficking 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., South Main Baptist Church. Learn about the staggering impacts trafficking can have on our community, and what we can do locally to combat the 2ndfastest-growing crime in America. ($)

JANUARY 14

SAT

Youth Service Day 10:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., the Beacon.

Cathedral 6–12 graders are invited to serve at the Beacon. Bring a friend.

JANUARY 15

SUN

Marathon Sunday Plan your route to church.

JANUARY 16

MON

Martin Luther King Day Holiday Cathedral offices are closed.

JANUARY 18

WEDS

Service of Prayer for Christian Unity 6:30 p.m., Cathedral. This service gives Christians an annual opportunity to continue their quest for the unity they already share in Christ.

MONDAYS Centering Prayer 11:15–11:45 a.m., Hines Center.

TUESDAYS

JANUARY 28 SAT Noye’s Fludde (Noah’s Flood) 3:30 and 7 p.m., Cathedral. The Music Department and the Children’s Ministry present this musical

by Benjamin Britten.

JAN 29

JANUARY 8 SUN Epiphany Organ Recital and Evensong 4:15 and 5 p.m. Featuring organist Monica Czausz and the Cathedral Choir.

Celtic Contemplative Eucharist,“The Well” 5 p.m., Cathedral. Drawing inspiration and music from the Celtic tradition, this new worship service focuses on prayer, silence, meditation, and grace.

Bible “By the Glass” 6:30–8 p.m., OKRA, 924 Congress. Fellowship and Bible study. Begins Jan. 9.

SUN

Lord of the Streets Service Day 6:15 a.m., Trinity Episcopal Church. Help cook eggs, meat, and grits during a twohour breakfast shift.

Historia e Identidad (First three Sundays) 3:30–4:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. A detailed study in Spanish of the most relevant aspects of The Book of Common Prayer.

Healing Service 12:05 p.m., Golding Chapel.

Bad Gift Bingo 6:45–8:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Soup, salad, sweets, games, gifts, and Ask the Kings on Epiphany.

JANUARY 8

Childcare available (3 mo. to 12 yrs.)

SUN

Costa Rica Mission Trip Info Session 12:15–1 p.m., Treehouse. Information for all those interested in this trip.

Youth Parent Meeting 3:15–4:30 p.m., Offsite. For parents of 6–12th graders, to discuss thoughts on the Cathedral youth ministry.

WEEKLY SUNDAYS Adult Sunday Formation 10–11 a.m., various locations. Begins Jan. 8.

Sunday School 10–11 a.m., various locations. Spanishlanguage classes at 1 p.m. for children and youth. Begins Jan. 8.

Christian Meditation 10–11 a.m., Bride’s Room. Learn and practice a form of prayer taught by Jesus.

This class, open to all, includes teaching, meditation, scripture, and prayer.

Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) 3–4:45 p.m., BYC. (Treehouse) Gathering of youth for games, teaching, videos and worship. Begins Jan. 8.

Canticles: Ancient Songs of Faith 7–8:15 a.m., Mellinger Room. Co-ed Bible study with Canon Art Callaham, starting Jan. 24.

Education for Ministry (EFM) 6:30–9 p.m., Mellinger Room. Comprehensive adult theology program. ($) Bible “By the Glass” (North) 6:30–8 p.m., Brick House Tavern and Tap, 17111 Tomball Parkway. (Jan. 10– Feb. 21) The Vicar’s Road Show: Holy Repetition 6:30–8 p.m., Meets once monthly in Rice Village, starting Jan. 10.

WEDNESDAYS Women’s Morning Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.

Begins Jan. 11.

Moving into Prayer 11:30 a.m., Hines Center. Yoga and scripture. ($) or free with membership.

Bring a friend!

THURSDAYS Men’s Lunch Group: J.G. Chesterton (Biweekly) 12 p.m., Dean’s Conference Room. Starts Jan. 12.

Branch Out Jeremy Bradley and Christy Orman visit Houston area schools to say hello to our youth members.

Community of Hope International/ Shepherd Training 6–7:30 p.m., Dean’s Conference Room.

Training for pastoral care ministry. Meets Jan. 12–Mar. 30.

The Vicar’s Road Show: Holy Repetition 6:30–8 p.m. Meets once monthly in the Energy Corridor, starting Jan. 26.

FRIDAYS Men’s Morning Study Group 7–8 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.

20s& 30s First Friday Downtown Lunch (First Fridays) 12–1 p.m. Join members for a monthly lunch in various locations downtown.

UPCOMING FEBRUARY 18

SAT

Traces of the Trade Film Screening 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cathedral. Documentary about the descendants of the largest slave-trading family in early America facing their past.

FEBRUARY 25

SAT

Absalom Jones 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Cathedral. Festival Eucharist in celebration for the first African-American Episcopal priest, followed by lunch and forum on racial justice with Houston civic leaders.

Bilingual Eucharist 6–6:30 p.m., Golding Chapel.

Buscando la Luz (Last 3 Wednesdays) 6:45–8 p.m., Bride’s Room. Spanish-language discussion group.

Cathedral 20s & 30s

6:30–8 p.m., BYC. (Treehouse) Weekly discussion group and social gathering of young adults.

The Vicar’s Road Show: Holy Repetition 6:30–8 p.m. Meets once monthly at a McGehee Conference room and in Meyerland, starting Jan. 11.

FEBRUARY 28 TUE Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Feast and make merry on the night before Lent. Wear your Mardi Gras best and dance to live music.

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Did you know you can read The Bulletin on our website? If you’d like to go “online-only,” contact Anne Shepard at ashepard@christchurchcathedral.org or call her at 713-590-3301.

Dean’s Book Club selections The Dean’s Book Club discusses a different book at each meeting, 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. on the following dates:

Wednesday, February 1 I Am Pilgrim, a thriller by Terry Hayes A former intelligence agent who wrote a book on forensic pathology becomes involved in a case where someone uses his book to commit untraceable murders.

Wednesday, March 1 The Wright Brothers, by David McCullough This bestseller by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian McCullough tells the dramatic story-behind-the-story about the courageous brothers who taught the world how to fly.

Meeting at 7 p.m., following Ash Wednesday service

Wednesday, April 5 Tomlinson Hill: The Remarkable Story of Two Families Who Share the Same Name — One White, One Black by Chris Tomlinson Tomlinson turns his journalist’s acute eye on his own family background to present an unflinching look at the racial history of one small Texas community.

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In the Cloister Gallery: A Visual History of Devotional Folk Art

This exhibition, shown through January 26, is an historical sampling of Christian devotional folk art from around the world as reinterpreted by artist and scholar, Dr. Leslie Williams.

Pub Trivia returns February 11 Test your knowledge on pop culture, music, geography, politics, and other subjects at Pub Trivia, happening February 11 from 6:30–9 p.m. in Reynolds Hall, hosted by the Cathedral 20s & 30s. This is an all-ages, family-friendly event (with childcare for the youngest). Form a team with your ministry, foyers group, choir section, fellow parents, friends, or other parishioners and sign up together, or Jeremy Bradley can connect you with a team.

Pub fare will be on offer, including hot dogs, pizza, Chickfil-a chicken nuggets, chips and queso, and vegetables, with craft beer, wine, water, and lemonade to stimulate the darkest corners of the brain (where trivia live). There will be outstanding prizes for the winners, both youth and adults, of the night.

The event is free, and donations are accepted. Sign up on the Cathedral website. If you have any questions, contact Jeremy Bradley at jbradley@christchurchcathedral.org.