December 2023 Bulletin

12:05 p.m., First Eucharist of Maundy Thursday (in-person) 7 p.m., Holy Eucharist Rite II, Stripping of the Altar, Bilingual (in-person, online)

GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 7 CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas

12:05 p.m., Rite II (in-person, online)

DECEMBER 2023

HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 8 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG 8 p.m., Easter Vigil, Rite I (in-person, online)

AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY CARE LINE | 713-826-5332

EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 9

7 a.m., Rite I (in-person) Senior 9 a.m., Rite II,Warden's incense (in-person) 11 a.m., Rite I (in-person, online) Report 1 p.m., Rite II (Spanish) (in-person,

As weonline) move through Advent and 5 p.m.,forThChristmas e Well (in-person, online) prepare and Christ’s sec-

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ond coming, I am reminded that Christ Church Cathedral is experiencing a rebirth following more than a year of preparation during the “interim” that began in late summer 2022.

With the extraordinary leadership of the Very After observing Lent for fo Reverend Gary Jones, the joy of Easter is now ap the dedication of our clergy ande staff, and of thethese two ing. Th contrast commitment of all caused me to reflofectusupon the GUY HAGSTETTE towe thishave placebeen and through com- over GUY HAGSTETTE SENIOR WARDEN munity, we were ready forty weeks since early July of SENIOR WARDEN forand thethearrival of our we can big difference new Dean, the Very Reverend Nathaniel feel at the Cathedral.

Katz, earlier this fall. we arebestill in an Christ Church Cathedral’s upcoming Posa- churches catering to various language comFrom the momentOffi Natcially, and Shelly period” between deans, munities, including Spanish, Korean, Canda celebrations, held December 16-23, marks gan to meet us in September, excitement but yo tonese, Japanese, and Tagalog speakers.

The Dean Nat Katz's first experience with the traand a renewed spirit have been building. dition in the city, but he cherishes previous richness of these cultural and linguistic exThe Celebration of New Ministry service memories of experiencing it for the first time pressions made it a truly inclusive and meanon November 3rd, also known as the Iningful celebration." in Los Angeles where he was ordained. stallation, was indeed a time to celebrate Attendees of the Cathedral’s Posada at "We engaged in diocesan Posadas, and Nat and Shelly’s arrival and the min2023-04_CAMPUS_Bulletin_April.indd 1 traveled around different locations in down- Christ Church know it as a special event too. istries we will share and support in the town Los Angeles, stopping and parading At seven neighborhood Posadas, all with coming months and years. Never have through the city. It was wonderful,” he said. food and a shortened Eucharist, attendees we heard such an enthusiastic response “The Episcopal diocese there is diverse, with SPIRIT OF THE POSADAS, page 6 as when Bishop Doyle asked us,” Are you, the People of Christ Church Cathedral, ready to continue in your ministry, with Nathaniel Katz as your Dean?” Our collective “We Are” caused the walls of our old church building to shake to their foundation!

Christmas at the Cathedral is an annual event Our new Dean has made it very clear hosted by the Mission Outreach Council and staffed to all of us that this “New Ministry”

by Cathedral volunteers for the benefit of Kids Hope will not be his alone. That evening was students and their families. Kids Hope students are a celebration for all of us because in the public school students from neighborhood schools Episcopal Church, we are all ministers that are mentored by a volunteer from the Cathedral in carrying out God’s plan for our comKids Hope program. munity and the world around us. We are This year, the party will take place in Reynolds looking forward to the continued rebirth Hall 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, December 9. Families will of what makes Christ Church Cathedral be served dinner and invited to participate in the WARDEN'S REPORT, page 8

Senior Ward

Embracing tradition:

The vibrant spirit of the Cathedral's Posadas celebration

Christmas at the Cathedral

KIDS HOPE, page 3

Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with

E the families of Grace Olivia Bomer, Emerson Cordelia Chester, Henry Marshall Povey, Jude Joseph Ramsey, Bridget Rae Shatto, Domnic Eugene Albert Jr., Alejandro José Montoya, and Klaryssa Vianney Montoya who were recently baptized.

E John Robert Koelsch baptized at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin. John is the son of Philip and Melissa Koelsch.

E new members: Bobby and Jane Povey, and Carlyn Scott.

E the family of Michael Peter Hendryx, who was born to member Caroline Hendryx.

E Lisa Cantu and Hector Martinez, were married in the Cathedral on October 28.

We extend heartfelt sympathy

E to the family of Patrica Stevens who passed away on October 13, 2023. Patricia is mother to member Becky Stevens.

E to the family of member Michael Winters who passed away on October 14, 2023.

Michael is spouse to Joyce Winters and father to Michelle Winters and Nicola Winters.

The flowers on the Cathedral Altar

E on Wednesday, November 22 were given to the glory of God in loving memory and thanksgiving for the generosity of Dolly Bille by the Altar Guild.

E on Sunday, December 3 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Linda Anne Baldwin and Dorothy Geiselman Baldwin by the family of Robert B. Baldwin III. E on Sunday, December 10 are given glory of God in loving memory of Geraldine Campbell Naschke and her beloved husband John Hess Naschke by their three daughters Kathy Stites, Nancy Simonds and Gerrie Bielefeld to celebrate the Advent needlepoint hangings.

E on Sunday, December 10 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Ann Randolph Bledsoe and in thanksgiving for Nancy Staub Wareing by their children.

E on Sunday, December 17 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Robert C. and Madie M. Richter by Bob Richter Jr. E on Sunday, December 17 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Cherry Gulledge by her children and grandchildren.

THE BULLETIN

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Christmas services The Longest Night, Wednesday, December 20

6 p.m. In-Person & Livestream in the Cathedral

Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24

10 a.m.

Advent IV, Holy Eucharist Rite II. In-Person & Livestream

4 p.m.

Family Service, Holy Eucharist Rite II.

In-Person & Livestream (Pageant)* 6 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

8 p.m.

Festival Eucharist, Rite II, in Spanish. In-Person & Livestream* Organ Prelude.

Choral Eucharist, Rite II. In-Person & Livestream*

10:30 p.m. Cathedral Choir Prelude.

11 p.m.

Festival Eucharist, Rite I. In-Person & Livestream

Christmas Day, Monday, December 25 10 a.m.

Holy Eucharist, Rite I. In-Person & Livestream

WATCH LIVE AT WWW.CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG/CHRISTMAS * CHILDCARE AVAILABLE

Walking in wonder

BY ELIZABETH CUEVAS

“Jesus appears mysteriously to the depressed and disillusioned disciples on the road to Emmaus on the afternoon of his Resurrection. This road is approximately 11 kilometers from Jerusalem.

The disciples think that Jesus is a pilgrim who must have witnessed Jesus' Death.”

This year’s Annual Parish Retreat we invite you to walk in wonder with us and explore how similar are we to the disciples who walked with ANNUAL PARISH RETREAT Jesus on the road to Emmaus.

We find ourselves disappointed during our paths and we forget JeJanuary 12–14 sus is with us all along… We find ourselves in awe and wonder of how faithful Jesus is to us even when the journey is unclear; we miss that He is there all along.

As you reflect on your own faith journey, when was a time God was there but that you didn’t know then? Whether you were a child or an adolescent, when was the last time you saw Jesus through that child’s lens of yours? As we get older, we can lose sight of Him, and we often make the path longer and wearisome.

Whether you will be returning to our parish retreat or joining us for the first time, bring your “I wonder questions” or just come explore the piney woods; enjoy meals with your cathedral community, laughs around a campfire while roasting marshmallows, music, and worship. Join me, a wonderer like you…

Registration opens online December 1 at www.christchurchcathedral.org/parishretreat Questions? Contact Elizabeth Cuevas at ecuevas@christchurchcathedral.org

KIDS HOPE, from cover

various activities: a visit with Santa, a photo booth, crafts and games, pinatas in the courtyard, and face painting.

Christmas at the Cathedral is a highlight for our Kids Hope families. It is also a rare opportunity for the congregation to get to meet and greet these neighbors, making that all important connection which is at the heart of our ministry. We need lots of volunteers to help make the families feel welcome and make CHRISTMAS AT THE this a joyful & memo- CATHEDRAL rable event for the Saturday, December 9 children.

There will be a Christmas tree in the cloister area with paper ornaments listing the gender and age of a child. Parishioners are invited to select an ornament and purchase a gift for that child. These gifts should be returned to Reynolds Hall by December 8th. The gifts will be used to stock a Santa’s Workshop where the parents are invited to ‘shop’ for gifts for their children. Volunteers will wrap the gifts for the parents to take home and put under their family tree for Christmas morning.

Please join us in helping to spread Christmas cheer! To volunteer or more information visit: www.christchurchcathedral.org/ christmasatthecathedral

Advent in the Cathedral Bookstore When Christmas lights go up at Halloween and Black Friday starts before your family can start the dressing debate, the joy can get sucked right out of giving Christmas gifts. But in the bookstore, we still believe the Magi were on to something. A thoughtful gift can add to the wonder of the season and serve as an expression of love, respect, or honor. We also understand that there’s a fine line between focusing on the quiet anticipation of Advent and being able to show up at Christmas celebrations both centered and bearing gifts.

To help you achieve this equilibrium, in addition to having shelves as stuffed with books as a turkey is with cornbread (no, you mean breadcrumb) dressing, we have stocked up on a range of items that might make your holidays easier, more joyful, and maybe even more peaceful.

For Advent, we have devotionals, journals, candles, and calendars with and without chocolate. Whether you desire to approach the season as an opportunity to learn more about your faith, to become more contemplative, or to be more present to the mystery, we have books that are traditional favorites as

Costa Rican reflections and connections

BY DR. PAUL B. MANDELL

Cathedral youth (and some of us adults) have been working in relationship-building between the Diocese of Texas and the Diocese of Costa Rica. With the loving guidance of Marcia Quintanilla each summer and with financial support from many Cathedral members and the Mission Outreach Council, numerous young and not-so-young mission team members have helped convert a church and school building into a new Diocesan Center in Limón (on the Caribbean coast) and have participated regularly in youth-focused activities led by, and aimed at, both CCC and Parroquia San Marcos youth.

The majority of the churches in the Episcopal Diocese of Costa Rica are found primarily in two areas of the country: the Capital, San José, located in what is called the Central Valley of the country, surrounded by a ring of volcanic mountains at about 4,000 feet above sea level, and the port town of Limón, approximately 4 to 6 hours away by car, which came into prominence with the growth of the exportation industries of coffee and bananas. It is of interest to note that while Spanish is the dominant language in the church communities in San José, English is the primary language heard in the parishes on the coast.

With support from the Global Partnerships Commission of the Diocese of Texas, Cathedral youth and adults for the past 4 years have been busy building friendships and connections between the Cathedral and the members of the Parroquia San Marcos, one of the most notable Episcopal congregations in Limón (you can find the church and its

COSTA RICAN REFLECTIONS, page 8

well as new offerings to provide a fresh perspective. And please remember, Advent isn’t a contest, so don’t worry if you miss the kickoff. We’ll have resources available to support your Advent practice until you light that last candle on your wreath.

Without interrupting that aura of peace, you can browse our shelves for gifts for your people. In addition to new and classic fiction, non-fiction, religious and children’s books, we have a special table of gift books—the ones that are perfect to curl up with on Christmas afternoon—and lots of holiday reading.

We’ve got a variety of wall and table crosses, Anglican prayer beads, and bibles and hymnals that we can emboss with the recipient’s name. You’ll also find useful treats like vetiver or lavender candles, sachets, and bath salts; cozy scarves from the UK; desk sets, keychains and compasses; stickers and pins ranging from spiritual to silly; tasty sweetcured jalapeños; an expanded selection of

jewelry, and lots more.

If you’re feeling behind in your preparations, bring us your list, and we’ll give you suggestions. We’d be delighted to wrap your gifts for you or mail them to your distant loved ones. If you’re so organized that there’s nothing left to do but await the coming of the Christ Child, then join us for a cup of tea or spend a quiet moment working the puzzle.

We’re excited about all the reasons for the season—both the spirit and the beloved trappings—and we’d love to make Christmas a little merrier for you and yours.

The Cathedral Bookstore is open MondayThursday from 10 a.m. til 2 p.m., and Sunday from 8:45 a.m. til 12:30 p.m. We’ll close for the holidays on December 21 and reopen on January 7. All of us in the Bookstore wish you a peaceful Advent, a merry Christmas, and a new year filled with light and love — and lots of reading!

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THE BULLETIN

Youth Service Day, Dean’s Installation, Baptisms, and more

IN PICTURES

Right: Dean Katz in conversation with the Rev. Nancy Frausto at the Dean’s Hour during Mes de la Herencia.

Above, below left, below right: Cathedral Youth Confirmands and their mentors hard at work at The Beacon for Youth Service Day on All Saints’ Sunday.

Above: Many baptisms welc THE BULLETIN

PAGE 4

Above: Dean Katz kneels before the congregation during the Installation service on November 3.

Below: The Rev. Canon Simon Bautista speaks about his mother during the Secondhand Religion Dean’s Hour series.

comed new saints on All Saints’ Sunday.

Right: Cathedral Staff celebrate All Hallow’s Eve in style!

PAGE 5

THE BULLETIN

SPIRIT OF THE POSADAS, from cover and the feeling is mutual,” she said. walk from house to house to com- “They've been incredibly kind to both memorate Joseph and Mary's journey Edward and me. It's a beautiful confrom Nazareth to Bethlehem in search nection, and we cherish it.” of a safe refuge for the birth of the Bookstore Manager Lucy Chambers baby Jesus. The culminating event is is also a big fan of Posadas. For the past the Gran Posada & Sancocho Supper few years, she has been involved in oron December 17. ganizing the Gran Posada. The dinner Maria Flores has been a member this year will focus on John McLaughof Christ Church for 15 years and re- lin’s book, "The Good Stranger's Sanmembers when the Posada was just cocho Surprise," and feature Sancocho one event at the Cathedral. stew, bread, salad, and cookies served “It is very special for me because family-style.

I am from Mexico and I remember McLaughlin, the founder of the when I was little and the Posada some- Pentecost Project and director of Edutimes happened in my house,” Flores cation Across Borders, is a friend of said. “Now I go with my friends.”

Simón Bautista’s who has visited the “We invite everyone to join us Cathedral previously. walking house "The Good to house in the Stranger's Sanneighborhoods,” cocho Surprise," “It is very special for me because I am said Canon Simón re-tells the classic from Mexico and I remember when I Bautista. “It is a tale "Stone Soup," was little and the Posada sometimes community event, set in the Dominhappened in my house,” Flores said. and it is a way to ican Republic. By “Now I go with my friends.” build the kind of incorporating aurelationships that thentic details of community is all about.”

Dominican culture, the book explores Joan and Ed Sachnik have been societal perspectives on "others," and members of the Cathedral since 1998 emphasizes the importance of weland attended their first Posada in coming the stranger.

2017. Now they are regular attendees “The Posada is a really low-stress, who say they’ve learned a great deal sacred, simple way to be in community about a different culture. and to truly experience a cultural tra"The Latino community embraces dition, whether it's your own tradition Christmas as both a joyous celebra- or someone else's,” she said. “It just tion and Jesus' birthday,” said Joan. feels really natural, like everybody's a “Everyone is welcome to participate hundred percent invested and invited. regardless of nationality or ethnicity. There's so much of Christmas outside I went in expecting one thing, but it of church that's just gotten almost dewas better. Children go from house pressing because it's so overdone, and to house, singing a song. After two or the Gran Posada has a warm, genuine three refusals, the house that accepts feeling of excitement and community.” them hosts the party. Padre Simón Dean Katz hopes that when attendsays a prayer, and then there’s a fiesta ees encounter this spiritual season where you eat, talk, and visit.” they will find a renewed invitation Ed said that he enjoys experiencing to discover a facet of the Christmas cultural diversity within the Latino story frequently overshadowed and community as well as the interaction underappreciated. between participants from different “Especially for people coming to Spanish-speaking countries.

Posada for the first time, they'll have “There's such a mix of traditions the opportunity of being received and and food, and it's a privilege to be part welcomed warmly and generously of it,” he said. “Each year brings some- into something that is new and maybe thing new and fascinating." a little uncomfortable at first,” he said.

While Joan now contributes cook- “I'm proud that this tradition not only ies to the occasion, she affirmed her exists but is firmly established here at gratitude that Posadas have remained the Cathedral. Padre Simón and the rooted in the Latino neighborhoods to leadership of our Latino community maintain their authenticity. have cemented a rich tradition for us "I genuinely care for the community, all to enjoy.”

THE BULLETIN

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Holding space for joy and sorrow

BY CLAIRE SOARD, MINISTER FOR PASTORAL CARE

What are you bringing with you into this Holiday season? Anticipation? Delight? Weariness? Grief?

Our losses can seem to grow heavier next to the twinkling displays and posed social media posts. Some of us are carrying acute grief. Some of us may not even recognize the achy-ness or disconnection or longing we are feeling as grief – the grief of a loss we think we should have “gotten over” or the loss of broken relationships or health or unrealized hopes or living in a world filled with pain and injustice.

One of my favorite parts of worship service is the Offertory. I watch fellow siblings in Christ carry the bread and wine, carry the plates with checks and crumpled bills up to the altar. I wonder, what would it be like if we could see the sorrows of God’s people like coins dropped in the offering plates? Because our pain and losses matter to God. And it is holy work to bring those hard things to God. To lay the cracked or shattered pieces and trust that God will remember us – will put us back together, re-member us.

I invite you to make space for the tender places, for yourself and for those around you. There are many ways to do that. In prayer practices or echoing the laments of the Psalms, taking naps (really, it’s one of my favorite spiritual practices) or being honest about what you have energy for.

Two opportunities to hold joy and sorrow in community: The Longest Night Service on December 20 at 6 p.m.

A tender, candle-lit service that provides a place for reflection on loss and hope, held in the Cathedral. This service will also be livestreamed, for those who may not be able to attend in person.

Walking the Mourner’s Path: An 8-week workshop designed to walk with those who have experienced the loss of a loved one anytime from a year to many years ago. This prayer centered, spiritually directed program allows intentionally small groups to continue their grief journey with the support of others experiencing grief through guided activities and discussions. Weekly meetings begin on Tuesday, January 30th. Contact Claire Soard at csoard@christchurchcathedral.org for more information.

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 DEC 10

DECEMBER DEC 1

FRI

Bridge/Rummikub Game Night 6:30-9:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room.

DEC 1–3

Registration closed

FRI – SUN

Youth Fall Retreat 5:30 p.m., Galveston. A unique retreat that gives 6-12th grade youth a time to escape the chaos of life and reconnect with God.

Childcare available (3 mo. to 12 yrs.)

SUN

SUNDAYS CONT.

Confirmation Sunday Bishop’s visit with the Rt. Rev. Bishop Doyle.

Latino Youth Sunday School 1-2:30 p.m. The Treehouse. Runs through Dec. 10.

DEC 14

Alzheimer & Dementia Support Group 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Zoom. Second Thursday of the month.

Latino Ministry Children’s Sunday School 1-2:30 p.m., Jones 201-208. Runs through Dec. 10.

DEC 16

MONDAYS

THU

SAT

Christmas Camp 11 a.m., Jones 205-208. Come get all costumed up and run through our annual Christmas Eve Pageant. There is room at the manger for you!

Las

Posadas

DEC 24 SUN Christmas Eve • 4 p.m.

Family Service, Holy Eucharist Rite II. In-Person & Livestream (Includes Christmas Pageant).

• 6 p.m.

Festival Eucharist, Rite II, in Spanish. In-Person & Livestream.

• 7:30 p.m. Organ Prelude • 8 p.m.

Choral Eucharist, Rite II. In-Person & Livestream • 10:30 p.m. Cathedral Choir Prelude.

• 11 p.m. Festival Eucharist Rite I, In-Person & Livestream.

DEC 3 SUN Advent Lessons & Carols 5 p.m. The Cathedral. The Cathedral Choir ushers in Advent with its annual service of Advent Lessons and Carols. Following a pattern established over 100 years ago at Kings College, Cambridge, the service will offer Advent readings followed by carols of the season. Readers will include leaders throughout the parish. This is one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year and a perfect way to introduce your friends and family to the Cathedral. Start your Advent with this beautiful service.

DEC 6

WED

Cathedral Book Club 6:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room & Zoom. A People’s Church: A History of the Church of England, by Jeremy Morris.

DEC 9

SAT

Christmas at the Cathedral 3 – 5 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Festive Christmas event for children of Bruce Elementary and Kids Hope mentors.

DEC 25 DEC 16 – 23 Posadas 7–9 p.m. Various Locations. Each evening the congregation will gather to commemorate the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to baby Jesus. Bilingual. All are welcome!

Contact Sylvia Garcia for information at sgarcia@christchurchcathedral.org DEC 17

SUN

Christmas Movie: “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall.

Gran Posada & Sancocho Supper 6 p.m., Reynolds Hall.

DEC 20

WED

The Longest Night Service 6 p.m., Cathedral. A tender service with space for sorrow and struggles alongside joy and hope.

DEC 24

SUN

Advent IV Eucharist 10 a.m., Cathedral. Holy Eucharist, Rite II.

MON

Christmas Day 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I, In-Person & Livestream.

TUESDAYS Tuesday Morning Bible Study 7–8 a.m. Zoom.

Women’s Evening Bible Study 6:30–7:30 p.m., Zoom. Runs through Dec. 12.

20s & 30s Bible Study: Advent: Season of Hope 7–8 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Four week small-group study of Tish Harrison Warren’s book Advent: Season of Hope.

Contact Canon Bradley Varnell for more info: bvarnell@christchurchcathedral. org. Runs through Dec. 19.

WEDNESDAYS Men’s Morning Bible Study 7–8 a.m. Zoom. Runs through Dec. 13.

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

Runs through Dec. 20.

DEC 25 - 26 Christmas Holiday Cathedral offices closed.

DEC 31

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

SUN

Pastorela 1–3 p.m., Cathedral.

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.

WEEKLY SUNDAYS Children’s Sunday School 10-11 a.m., Jones 201-208. (3 years– 5th grade). Sunday School runs through Dec. 10 and will resume Jan 21.

Youth Sunday School 10-11 a.m., The Treehouse. (6th–12th grade). Runs through Dec. 10.

Cathedral Tours Tour guides are available to welcome you at the bell tower from 10:30 a.m. to 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 12–1 p.m. Zoom. Runs through Dec 7.

UPCOMING JANUARY 12–14

FRI-SUN

Parish Retreat at Camp Allen Registration opens online Dec 1.

JANUARY 21

SUN

Annual Parish Meeting 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall.

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THE BULLETIN

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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.

The Children's Ministry presents "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" The 1964 claymation film “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” harkens us back to winter evenings squeezed together on Grandma’s couch, sharing a bowl of popcorn with a pack of cousins in front of the console tv. It was a time when “RUDOLPH THE RED the Folgers cofNOSE REINDEER” fee commercial SHOWING made parents Sunday, December 17, tear up and we had all skimmed the JC Penny's catalog to fill out 10 a.m. our Christmas wish lists.

This movie is almost 60 years old, and there have surely been some changes in entertainment for children. We want to draw from the movie a few lessons to ponder. One idea that sticks out is the parallel we find in the story of Rudolph and the story of Jesus' life and ministry. A ragtag bunch of folks want to be seen as more than misfits - and rather celebrated for their uniqueness. Everyone wants to be seen, and included, just as they have been created to be.

Its fun to remember those times and enjoy them with a new generation. While we won't have Folgers commercials or Penny's catalogs on hand we do plan to watch Rudolph together as a Cathedral family on Sunday, December 17, at 10 a.m. in Reynolds Hall. There will be popcorn and plenty of folks to share the memories with. And we can all put on our wish list a bit of kindness for the people our world would call “misfits,” who we call “beloved children of God.”

WARDEN'S REPORT, from cover

such a unique and special community – our collective commitment to worship, an ever-deeper understanding of Scripture, and action through our ministries to help others, especially those on the margins of society. This prospect of a new beginning gives us a profound sense of anticipation about what is to come that for us adds new meaning to the Advent season.

COSTA RICAN REFLECTIONS, from page 3

live-streamed services on Facebook).

Both the leadership of our Diocese and the Bishop of the Diocese of Costa Rica, Orlando Gómez Segura, his right arm, Roger Pennant, and the rest of the Bishop’s staff are adamant that relationship-building is put at the forefront of the mission work we are co-creating. Those of us who go to Limón are not there to bring to the people we meet but rather to co-create with them. The result of this work is best expressed in an expression that is known throughout the Spanish-speaking world to be signature Costa Rican: ¡Pura vida! (pure life, superlatively good life).

If you’re interested in participating in the 2024 Costa Rica Mission Trip, contact Minister for Youth, Marica Quintanilla at mquintanilla @christchurchcathedral.org or visit www. christchurchcathedral.org/youthcostarica