CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
JANUARY 2018 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
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What we enjoy Anglican priest and theologian Sam Wells says that “sin is our tendency to use what should be enjoyed and enjoy what should be used.” Philosophers would make a similar observation by making the distinction between things with utilitarian value, imputed value, and intrinsic value. Things with utilitarian value perform some important function in our lives. For example, the roof over my head is valuable because it protects me from the rain. By contrast, things with imputed value are valuable only because we decide that they are valuable. Diamonds, for instance, are not all that THE VERY REV. BARKLEY scarce in nature, and we THOMPSON can even manufacture them in the laboratory. Even so, human society has imputed value to diamonds. We have decided that they are valuable, and so they are. Each year’s fads (remember Cabbage Patch Dolls?) reveal the folly of much imputed value in our society. Of course, some things have both utilitarian and imputed value. Yes, diamonds are valuable because they glitter (imputed value), but they are also among the hardest substances on earth and thus are useful as drill bits (utilitarian value). As another example, I need a car in order to get from point A to point B (utilitarian value), but I may purchase a particular make and model because I, or the people around me, declare that it is cool (imputed value). But what is intrinsic value? Things with intrinsic value are worthy in and of themselves, regardless of their utility or their popularity. As Christian people, our best gauge of intrinsic value is God. There are things upon which God gazes
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Ardell Ray Day
Celebration honoring Ray's 40 years of service Traced to its Latin roots, the name “Ardell” means industrious and eager. At the Cathedral, however, Ardell means much, much more. Dedication. Commitment. Constancy. Hands on. Loyalty. Or so say members of the staff and congregation. To mark and celebrate senior sexton Ardell Ray’s four decades of taking care of the church buildings — and supporting programs within them — we are coming together in his honor for a party on Sunday, Jan. 7 "Ardell is a saint among us," says Dean Barkley Thompson. in Reynolds Hall during the 10 o’clock hour. (And since Ray’s the guest of honor, his colleagues will han- a way for the congregation to reflect on what his dle the venue prep.) contribution has been — for 40 years.” No cake, though. Peach cobbler is his favorite A Cathedral is more than the high profile dessert, organizers explain. people,” Callaham says. “It is also those who “This is a party for Ardell, and we want it to be serve behind the scenes. “To recognize them is an opportunity for him to receive thanks from part of doing church.” the entire community,” says Canon Vicar ArLong-term parishioner Dieter Ufer, who has thur Callaham. “We have all benefited from Ar- served several times as the Cathedral’s junior dell’s work. This will be an ‘act of Thanksgiving,’ RAY, page 6
Take the road to potluck and prayer on Marathon Sunday BY KARIANN LESSNER
Marathon Sunday on January 14 has its challenges. Navigating road closures and excited participants can making getting to church in the morning feel daunting. We'd THE WELL, POTLUCK, AND COMPLINE like to propose a winning solution: Come January 14 to the Well, the 5 p.m.
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Harp, flute, and strings often play at The Well service.