November 2023 Bulletin

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

NOVEMBER 2023 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG

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A season of Thanksgiving One of the things I missed most about living overseas was celebrating Thanksgiving. If I’m honest, Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. There has always been something special to me about this day in our national life that is set aside for the purpose of giving thanks.

As a college student, I studied abroad for a semester in Australia. The US and Australia share many things in common THE VERY REV. as former British coloNATHANIEL nies including a primary KATZ language (mostly). But unlike the US and Canada, Australia does not have a Thanksgiving holiday. With its origins as a penal colony, there wasn’t much to give thanks for in those early generations.

Observing Thanksgiving in France presented a different challenge. France takes great pride in its cultural heritage and the abundance of its resources. And the French people take advantage of those opportunities to celebrate it all to its fullest whenever possible. As an American in France, it was often difficult to find those things most closely associated with observing Thanksgiving. Getting one’s hands on a turkey in France in November is no easy feat. And if you can find one you probably don’t have an oven big enough to cook it in.

It feels so good to be back home for Thanksgiving, and to do so at my new church home.

The patterns of our church life allow us to observe Thanksgiving as an entire season — praising God for the blessings of this life that are both tangible and intangible. That is especially true for us at Christ Church Cathedral this month.

THANKSGIVING, page 8

Empowering Generosity: The Alternative Giving Market Emily Christiansen knows just what to get friends, teachers, and neighbors this holiday season. As a member of the Mission and Outreach Council and this year’s chair of the Alternative Giving Market, she sees what an impact these gifts have on the participating organizations. Held on Sunday, November 19, the Alternative Giving Market provides an

opportunity to help people in need through one of the non-profit, charitable agencies that support them.

"The market is a great way for these charities to gain visibility, allowing people to make donations to them instead of traditional gifts,” Christiansen said. “You’re meeting the person

AGM, page 6

Hearing Loops — Invisible technology that speaks volumes We are all acquainted with hearing loss, whether our own or that of a loved one or friend. To ease the struggles one experiences from hearing loss, scientists and engineers have developed a type of assistive listening system (ALS), also called a hearing loop or induction loop. This system that transmits sound directly to a listener’s hearing aid or cochlear implant is the only ALS that meets the Americans with Disabilities Act mandate without the need to borrow equipment. They are the universal, international standard for hearing access.

Thanks to a group of generous Cathedral parishioners, some of whom are hearing aid users, the Cathedral nave Loop System Active was equipped with a hearing loop in 2015, encircling the Use T-coil mode on hearing aids central aisles of pews. (Note that the induction loop does The universal symbol of a telecoil not serve the chancel or the transepts.) A loop for Reynolds

T

induction loop.

VOLUMES, page 2

Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with

E new member, Dylan McKinion.

E the family of Jaylah Quintanilla, who celebrated her Quinceañera in the Cathedral on Friday, September 1.

We extend heartfelt sympathy

E to the family of Juanita Cayard who passed away on September 2, 2023. Juanita is sister to member Barbara Crook.

E to the family of Judy Thomas who passed away on September 11, 2023. Judy is mother to member Heather Lazare.

E for the family of member Robert Louis Bell who passed away on September 18, 2023. Robert is father to member Allison Elaine Bell.

E to the family of Crecenciano Garcia who passed away on September 14, 2023. Crecenciano is father to member Blanca Avila.

E to the family of member John C. Ribble who passed away on September 21, 2023.

E to the family of Vesta Eidman who passed away on September 30, 2023. Vesta is mother to member Joan Eidman.

The flowers on the Cathedral Altar

E on October 29 were given to the glory of God in loving memory of John Benzon by his family.

E on October 29 were given to the glory of God in loving memory of John Deiter Ufer by Ann and Scott Actkinson.

E on November 5 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of her brother, Joe Head and their parents, Jane and Jack Head and Mary Louise and Robert Thurmond by Julie and Bob Thurmond.

E on November 12 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Pete Etheridge by his wife, Nancy Etheridge; their children Hailey and Brent Bechtol and Kim and Cooper Etheridge; and their grandchildren Pete, Mac, and Cal Bechtol and Emerson and Sloan Etheridge.

E on November 19 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of her parents Nellie J. and Floyd W. Robinson Sr. in honor of her mother’s birthday and my parent’s anniversary

by Floyd W. Robinson Jr. E on November 19 are given to the glory of God in honor of Shirley Davis lovingly by Keith Davis and Rick Newlin.

E on November 26 are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Jim and Margaret Elkins by their family.

The flowers on the organ console

E on November 5 are given to the glory of God and in memory of their parents, Bill and Nell Murdaugh and Arthur and Hazel Smith, by Jim Murdaugh and Gary Smith.

The Advent Wreath in the Cathedral

E on November 26 the greenery and candles in the Advent wreath are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the life and work of Dr. James Reed Cox.

The Advent Wreath in Golding Chapel

E on November 26 the greenery and candles on the Advent wreath are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for the life and work of Ardell Ray Jr. THE BULLETIN

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Loyalty Sunday Support the ministries of the Cathedral by making a pledge this fall. We hope you will faithfully consider offering your financial support by pledging to the Cathedral’s 2024 Every Member Canvass (EMC), a true investment in future mission and ministry.

November 12 is Loyalty Sunday, the day by which we hope to have all pledges returned. On that day, during LOYALTY SUNDAY each service we’ll say a special blessing for the Sunday, November 12 pledges we have received.

Ways to make your pledge: • Return the pledge card you received by mail to 1117 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002.

• Make a pledge over the phone at 713-220-9759 or by email by contacting CFO Patrick Saccomanno at psaccomanno@christchurchcathedral.org. Pledging online is easy. Learn more at: www.christchurchcathedral.org/emc

VOLUMES, from cover

Hall soon followed and was installed in 2016. The forward-thinking group had experienced the benefits of induction loops in other locations and understood the benefits for spiritual engagement, evangelism, and access for all. This group of ten congregants raised both the money and the awareness to make this important project possible.

Most hearing aids and all cochlear implants come with a telecoil or offer it as an option. The wires embedded under the floor or in the ceiling use an amplifier to send signals that are picked up magnetically by the hearing aid or cochlear implant. The signal is optimized for the device wearer without the interference of background noises. Given that there are many makes and models of hearing devices, there is no standard procedure for “connecting” to the Cathedral’s induction loop system, as it will vary from device to device. Your audiologist can tell you if you have the necessary telecoil and how to connect to the hearing loop with your own hearing device.

On the Cathedral campus, you will notice some new signage. A universal symbol of a telecoil induction loop is a blue square, containing an outline of an ear with a line through it and a “T” in the lower righthand corner. Help us share this important information with our brothers and sisters to further extend the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!

Good friends found through Foyers

BY VICKI CAWLEY

Joining a Foyers Fellowship Group is a great way to get to know other members of the congregation. I remember after my husband died, I needed to meet people on a more meaningful level than just saying “Hi” in church. I joined Foyers, and over the years have met lots of people, many who have become good friends.

Foyers groups are made up of 6-8 people. You meet in each other’s homes for a meal (and may come away with new recipes), on a date and time agreed on by all. You can also take people to a restaurant if you prefer. I have hosted twice at restaurants—after the 11 FOYERS GROUPS a.m. service at restaurants close to the Cathedral.

Sign-up in the Sometimes you are placed with people by zip code, Cloister, Sundays, other times the groups are randomly assigned. When starting November 12 you sign up you can specify if you don’t want to travel a great distance. Groups can have couples or singles in them or can even have a group with children—unless parents want time for themselves.

Everything does not have to be perfect at these gatherings. My first time to host I had a dog, and I tried to keep him tucked away to no avail. To everyone’s amazement, he proceeded to eat a whole stick of butter straight from the table.

We will kick off Foyers in January and groups will meet through May in 2024. There will be a sign-up table in the Thompson Cloister on Sundays

FOYERS, page 6

Cathedral Book Club A different book is discussed the first Wednesday of the month. Everyone is welcome to attend and join the discussion from 6:30-8 p.m.

Please order books from the Cathedral Bookstore. Sessions will be in the McGehee Conference Room, with Zoom options available. Contact Louise Langford at llangford@christchurchcathedral.org to learn how to participate.

Wednesday, December 6, 6:30 p.m.

A People's Church: A History of the Church of England, by Jeremy Morris Weaving social, political, and religious history together with church music and architecture, this book is a clear-eyed look at Anglican history through the ages. For its first 150 years people sacrificed their lives to defend it; the Anglican Church is and has always been defined by its complicated relationship to the state and power.

Poinsettia sales begin November 12 Red poinsettias have adorned the Cathedral Altar and Rood Screen for Christmas for many years. Poinsettias can be given in memory of, thanksgiving for, or in honor of someone special this Christmas.

If paying by check make your check for $15 per plant, payable, to Christ Church Cathedral and on the memo line add Altar Guild poinsettias. Mail payments to Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002, Attn: Altar Guild. You may also order online via our website: christchurchcathedral.org/poinsettias/ You may also visit with Lisa Viktorin (lviktorin@christchurchcathedral.org) in the Thompson Cloister to place an order on November 12, November 26, and December 3.

Donations received on or before December 6 will be listed in the Christmas dedications booklet. All others will be noted in January.

VESTRY NOMINATIONS

Accepted now through November 15 Submit to srwarden@christchurchcathedral.org PAGE 3

THE BULLETIN

Blessing of the Animals, Canon Kathy Pfister Celebration, Mes de la Herencia, and more

IN PICTURES

Right: The Bookstore has lots of resources to learn more about Dia de los Muertos.

Below: The community gathers to feast during a Mes de la Herencia celebration.

Above: Parishioners say well wishes to Canon Kathy Pfister at her celebration on October 22.

Right: Cathedral staff and congregants attend the celebration of Little Amal’s visit in downtown.

Above, below: Blessing of the animals, both big and small, in the Bishop’s Courtyard.

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Partners in prayer

BY KARIANN LESSNER

Above: Dean Katz provides an update on the Cathedral at the fall neighborhood gathering Left: The Children in Sunday School enjoyed fruit with Chamoy and Tajin as we celebrated Mes de la Herencia’s “Fruits of Hospitality!”

Somewhere between the car and the sanctuary, the preacher’s little daughter picked up a rock. A pebble, really, about the size of two peas — cream-colored with a dark ridge down the middle. No doubt she knew the stone was a treasure. So, she pocketed the rock and skipped into church and into the loving gaze and attention of one Suzie Bonnell. While little KariAnn would later remember none of this, sweet Suzie stored up these moments spent with this curly-headed cutie.

I have no doubt that I filled that poor woman’s head and heart with stories of all manner of silliness, as I spun yarns in those precious minutes before service started.

Suzie no doubt heard it all because I had a captive audience, and I’m sure I yammered on and on.

At some point, I must have extended my chubby little hand and offered this stone treasure to Suzie with what I am sure was a great story regarding the precious nature of it. I imagine I told her it was a diamond or that I had dug it up long ago on some exciting adventure. Suzie, with the heart of one who sees children the way Jesus intends us to see them, accepted my rocky gift and slipped it into her coin purse.

And for years it stayed right there, a reminder every time she reached in to make change, to pray for that brown-eyed tale teller and who she might one day become.

As God would ordain it, the time came when that little girl grew into a woman who was invited to be your Minister for Children and Families here at Christ Church Cathedral. And with that invitation came the call to keep the needs of the children here on the hearts and minds of the people.

This year, I was struck by the promise we make at every baptism that we will “do all in our power to support these persons in their life in Christ.” I very clearly felt pressed by the question, “What are you doing, KariAnn, to encourage this group of adults to engage with and support these children?”

And so began the project we launched this fall called “Partners in Prayer.” Once a quarter, we (the Children’s Ministry Council) send out the first names of all children registered for Sunday School, asking adults to add these kids to their daily prayers. Some folks choose to break the list up and pray for a few each day, while others opt to run through the list of each child’s name in their daily prayers. We don’t really have a druther — we just love knowing that their church family is lifting their names to God. As a bonus, we include the names of the Sunday School teachers … Lord knows they can all use the extra prayers!

Quarterly we will send an updated list of the children, along with any prayer requests that need a little extra boost. Currently, we have 84 adults praying, and there’s always room for more! If you would like to be added to our “Partners in Prayer” list, please email at kalessner@christchurchcathedral.org. The updated list will be sent in mid-November, and our list of kids has grown since August!

Several years ago, my little momma ran into Suzie Bonnell at the hair salon. These two women of faith who raised me, cherished me, and prayed for me through many years, shared a warm hug. After my mom regaled her with all that was going on in my life (amazing husband, two beautiful daughters, and living out my life’s calling as a minister to children) Suzie opened her purse and pulled out a little pebble, no doubt smaller after jostling around in her coin purse for more than thirty years.

And just like that the pebble revealed its true value: priceless.

When I heard this story, I had no idea who Suzie Bonnell was. I had to text my momma to ask her more about the lady who prayed for me all those years, who bore the blessing and the burden of prayer for my little heart, until the day that I would be able to see the gift of lifting children up in prayer and pass it along to someone just like you.

Join us, won’t you? Who knows what an impact your prayers might have on the little person you are praying for!

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AGM, from cover

who works at this organization. It's not just in a brochure. People can visualize the impact of their contributions, which address particular needs, such as a pair of glasses, an outfit, or work boots. These gifts mean more than a ten-dollar mug or a Starbucks gift card. It’s a win-win all around.”

Canon Missioner for Latino Ministries and Outreach Rev. Simón Bautista has been the staff liaison for the market for almost as many years as he has been at the Cathedral. What he likes about the market is threefold.

“First, it allows the Cathedral to continue its service to people in need, and second, it provides an opportunity to collaborate with local and international organizations serving the poor and marginalized,” he said. “Lastly, it enables the congregation to actively support these causes and fulfill our mission.”

The market will benefit 16 organizations this year. Simón Bautista explains the criteria for choosing organizations to support is based on their alignment with Cathedral goals. There are organizations supporting people with disabilities, facilitating cross-border relationships, and assisting poor communities with housing.

An organization might approach the Council expressing interest in participation, or a member might have a recommendation.

“We want to be sure to support smallerbudget organizations who are making a significant impact on a daily basis,” he said.

A new giving option this year is a scholarship fund for the Latino community which the Cathedral’s Latino members have also been funding through the yard sale they do every year.

Some organizations are Cathedral-led outreach programs, like Kids Hope which provides one-on-one mentoring, reading, and academic support to at-risk public school students who are referred.

Chair Jennifer Sickman started mentoring with Kids Hope in 2008 after meeting Kids Hope founder Edie Hoffman and hearing from teachers at one of the schools the Cathedral was serving.

“The principal at Rusk Elementary spoke to the congregation and relayed how Kids Hope was having such a positive effect on students,” Sickman said. “One year several teachers were also invited and Kids Hope had a reception for them. I stopped by and talked to a teacher who told me I could come to mentor early in the morning, before work. I found her enthusiasm and flexibility encouraging.”

After a decade of chairing the program, Sickman knows well how beneficial it is.

“The data clearly shows that students with a faithful mentor in their young life improve THE BULLETIN

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their social and emotional competency, educational success, and attitude toward risky behavior,” she said. “Mentors open worlds to students, provide affirmation, and help develop self-esteem, and problem-solving skills by simply listening, sharing, and talking with them.”

Sickman said that the Alternative Giving Market contributions are crucial for programming, including craft and game supplies, school supplies, and special projects. Specific programs funded by the market include a pumpkin decorating project and a Lego Challenge. The funds also support initiatives like Santa's Workshop during Christmas.

The Beacon, well known to Cathedral members, also benefits from market gifts.

Chief Advancement Officer Julie Falcon said that contributions help them nourish individuals who are experiencing homelessness in a number of ways.

“Whether it's a hot meal, clean clothes, or a fresh start in a new home, the clients we serve are so grateful for the support and we are always humbled by the outpouring of support from Cathedral members,” she said.

Another long-time beneficiary of the market that is not a Cathedral-led non-profit is Have Shears Will Travel, which provides haircuts, free of charge to Houston’s homeless population.

Barbara Goodson said she was inspired by a call to community service by Bishop Andrew Doyle in 2015 at a gathering of council members.

“Two days later I learned the oil and gas company where I’d been employed for 18 years

was closing,” she said. “With the words of Bishop Doyle fresh in my heart, I began this mission to enhance the dignity of the less fortunate among us with free haircuts and grooming. In my faith tradition, our baptismal vows from the Book of Common Prayer ask: Will you strive for justice and peace among all people; and respect the dignity of every human being?

And our reply is: I will, with God’s help.”

Goodson said that the support they receive from the market allows the organization to serve more than 750 people each month with free haircuts. She also said they are expanding their service to offer education in the barbering and cosmetology trade in the Spring of 2024.

Christiansen says that if people cannot attend the market they can also make a donation on the Cathedral's website either before or after the event. Givers also can just make a straight donation to the organization of their choice as opposed to giving in someone’s honor.

The important thing, according to Simón Bautista, is to support organizations that are doing a great job out in the community, challenging and defying all odds to keep their doors open to be able to help families and individuals who are truly in need.

“Whatever money you give is going to go straight to one of these organizations,” he said.

“Members also have the chance to give their time if these organizations are seeking volunteer support. It's pretty much a full package, offering a comprehensive way for individuals to make a real difference."

The Alternative Giving Market will be held on Sunday, November 19 in Reynolds Hall.

2024

Annual Parish Retreat Save the date

January 12-14 FOYERS, from page 3

– November 12, 19, and 26. You can also sign-up online via the website: www.christchurchcathedral.org/foyers I encourage as many of you as possible to sign up. You will meet great people, sample delicious food, and enjoy the camaraderie. And I promise if you get me in your group, I no longer have the dog.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Visit christchurchcathedral.org/events or call 713-222-2593 to learn more about these and other events at the Cathedral.

Registration recommended

Registration required

Registration closed NOV 27

NOVEMBER NOV 1

NOV 8 WED Fall Neighborhood Gathering 6 p.m., River Oaks Neighborhood NOV 10

Goodbye Coffee with Kathy Pfister 1-2:30 p.m. Mellinger Room Cathedral Book Club 6:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room.

The Fraud, by Zadie Smith.

SUN

Youth Sunday School 10-11 a.m., The Treehouse. (6th–12th grade). Youth Sunday school is a place to come together as a community and grow in our faith through teaching, discussion, and doughnuts.

Tuesday Morning Bible Study 7-8 a.m. Zoom. Surprise! Exploring the Parables of Jesus. Contact Canon Bradley Varnell with questions at: bvarnell@christchurchcathedral.org

THU

Latino Youth Sunday School 1-2:30 p.m. The Treehouse.

Loyalty Sunday Turn in your pledge cards for 2024!

SUN

All Saints’ Sunday Baptisms at the 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. services.

Caregivers Gathering 12:30–1:30 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room; in-person and on Zoom. Contact Claire Soard for information at csoard@ christchurchcathedral.org NOV 17

Latino Ministry Children’s Sunday School 1-2:30 p.m., Jones 201-208.

FRI

Centering Prayer 11:15 a.m., Mellinger Room.

TUESDAY

Women’s Evening Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m., Zoom. This 16 week Bible Study aims to be more like a stroll through the eternal city. We’ll take it one block at a time and stop at all the important places along the way. Contact the Rev. Liz Parker with questions. lparker@ christchurchcathedral.org WEDNESDAYS

Cloister Gallery Artist’s Reception 5:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. All are welcome to celebrate the opening of the exhibition, “Layers.”

Men’s Morning Bible Study 7–8 a.m. Contact Canon Bradley Varnell with questions at: bvarnell@ christchurchcathedral.org

NOV 18

Women’s Morning Bible Study Jeffers Conference Room. Contact Canon Bradley Varnell with questions at: bvarnell@ christchurchcathedral.org

SAT

AURA: Winds of Change 7:30 p.m., Sanders Hall. Moores School of Music Chamber Music concert. Free.

Youth Service Day 7-10 a.m., The Beacon. Come for a time to work together, help our neighbors, and live out our missional calling.

NOV 19 SUN Alternative Giving Market 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Donate in the name of loved ones to various charities and outreach programs.

NOV 22

WED

Thanksgiving Eve Service 6:30 p.m., Cathedral, in English.

NOV 5 SUN Organ Recital and Evensong 4:15 and 5 p.m., Cathedral. Choral Evensong with the Cathedral Choir, with a reception to follow.

SUNDAYS

The Anglican Way 6-7:30 p.m., Sanders Hall. This class is intended for those who wish to deepen their understanding of the Episcopal Church, its faith, and its mission. Classes run Sundays through Nov. 19.

MONDAYS

Noche Familiar 6 p.m. Reynolds Hall A program intended to build community and strengthen relationships among families.

NOV 16

WEEKLY

SUNDAYS CONT.

Children’s Sunday School 10-11 a.m., Jones 201-208. We are inviting all children (3 years–5th grade) to join us in Golding Chapel at 10 a.m. to begin the Sunday School hour.

FRI

NOV 12

NOV 3 FRI Installation of Dean Katz 6:30 p.m., Cathedral. Join us in celebration of Christ Church’s collective ministry at a “once in a decade event!” Service will be livestreamed; childcare available.

SUN

Advent Wreath Making 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall.

WED

All Saints’ Day Service 12:05-1 p.m., Cathedral. The Feast of All Saints Day Service is annually celebrated to honor every member of the “Great Cloud of Witnesses” that have been the lights of the world in their generations.

NOV 5

Childcare available (3 mo. to 12 yrs.)

Misa Vispera de Acción de Gracias 7 p.m., in the neighborhood, in Spanish.

NOV 23–24

THU-FRI

Thanksgiving Holidays Cathedral and offices are closed.

SUNDAYS Dean’s Hour 10 a.m. Reynolds Hall. Secondhand Religion: Nov 5, 12; Dec 3, 10; Dean Katz and other members of the Cathedral community will introduce their spiritual ancestors who we celebrate as saints, whether living or dead.

Cathedral Tours Tours are held every Sunday following the 11 a.m. service. They will also be held the third Sunday of each month following services at 9 a.m. and The Well.

Cathedral Tours Tour guides are available to welcome you at the bell tower from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. You may spend your time alone or the guide will share the Cathedral’s rich history.

THURSDAYS Thursday Noon Bible Study Zoom. Dive into 1 Samuel this fall and discover Scripture’s own Game of Thrones.

Register online to attend. Contact Canon Bradley Varnell with questions at: bvarnell@ christchurchcathedral.org

In the Cloister Gallery: Layers Opens Nov. 1. Featuring artists Sola Cardosa and Rita Hodge. Cardosa aims “to capture the intricate layers of being a second generation American, using a combination of West African fabric and paint.” Hodge sees the medium of collage “as a metaphor for our modern culture. … New relationships formed, and future shapes are hinted at through the interplay of positive and negative space.” All are welcome to the opening reception, Friday, Nov. 17, starting at 5:30 p.m. in Reynolds Hall.

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Houston, Texas

1117 Texas Avenue Houston, Texas 77002-3183

PERMIT No. 6404

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

Advent Wreath Making Advent wreath making is to “Thanksgiving weekend” what May Fete is to “May” at Christ Church Cathedral. Every year we provide all the supplies needed to create a oneof-a-kind wreath, as unique as the families that assemble them.

Come to Reynolds Hall on Sunday, November 27, at 10 a.m. We will provide you with a styrofoam wreath form, greens, pins, candles, taper candle holders, a follow-along-at-home liturgy guide and LOTS of time. Time to sip on some spiced cider or nibble on some coffee cake. Time to watch your church family “craft” together and see the joy in their eyes. Time to listen to Advent Gregorian chanting and wonder what they are talking about. Time to soak up the love and laughter that fills the space and warms our hearts throughout the season.

The suggested donation for an Advent wreath is $25 — donations help to defray the cost of the supplies. And, if you saved your little green taper candle holders that we gave out last year, be sure to bring them! How fun it is to practice being “green!”

THANKSGIVING, from cover

On the evening of Friday, November 3rd we will mark my installation as Dean, which is otherwise known in the church as “the Celebration of a New Ministry.” This is an occasion set aside to celebrate not just my arrival, but the start of a new chapter in a rich history of ministry at the Cathedral. We will worship. We will give thanks to God. We will feast. We will dance. All this we will do in thanksgiving for all that we have been given to build up God’s kingdom together.

Two days later, we will observe the Feast of All Saints on Sunday, November 5th. All Saints is an underrated feast of our church that offers us an opportunity to give thanks for those who have gone before us whose example gives us strength, courage and wisdom to live out our faith in our own time and place. Our series on Secondhand Religion in the Dean’s Hour has been preparing us to honor the beauty of this tradition.

Sunday, November 12th is our annual Loyalty Sunday, which draws our Every Member Canvass stewardship campaign to a close.

It is fitting that we mark this occasion in the midst of Thanksgiving season as we offer the fruits of our life and labor towards the building up of God’s kingdom. The offering up of our gifts is an act of faithfulness on our part towards a God who is always faithful to us.

On the Eve of Thanksgiving we will gather for a service of Eucharist - a Greek word that literally translates as “thanksgiving.”

What an abundance lies ahead of us as God’s beloved children in this season of thanksgiving! I cannot wait to give thanks to God beside you all as my siblings in Christ. May God bless you and your loved ones in this blessed season. And I look forward to celebrating with you along the way.