The Bulletin: April 2015

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

APRIL 2015 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG

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

Opening our eyes Throughout the Easter season, the gospel texts allude to the theme of opening our eyes, of looking upon God’s good world with new sight in light of the Resurrection.

In chapter 20 of the Gospel of John, Mary Magdalene sees the Risen Jesus freshly through VERY REV. the morning mist when THEBARKLEY he speaks her name. In THOMPSON chapter 24 of the Gospel of Luke, the disciples on the road to Emmaus see the Risen Lord with new eyes when he breaks the bread of the Eucharist.

The Book of Common Prayer’s Eucharistic Prayer C crescendos with the petition, “Lord God of our Fathers; God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Open our eyes to see your hand at work in the world about us.”

Through the light of Easter, we are invited to see the world as Jesus saw it, as saturated with the presence and love of God. As former dean Pittman McGehee says, we are to take notice of “the sacred camouflaged in the mundane.”

We are then to navigate our way through the world as people who gaze through Easter eyes. We are invited to center our faith not primarily in “the great hereafter” but rather, like the Risen Jesus, by participating in the wonder of eternal life as living, breathing, embodied creatures in the here and now.

This is what it means to live through the Resurrection. Poet David Whyte captures this brilliantly in his poem, “The Opening of Eyes”: “That day I saw beneath dark clouds / the passing light over the water / and I heard the voice of the world speak out, / I knew then, as I had before / life is no

EYES, page 8

A gift of biblical proportions

Bibles distributed at The Beacon offer clients a portable spiritual home

Roger Lamb studies a Bible and devotional materials provided by The Beacon.

Comfort. Inspiration. Guidance. Perspective. Answers. Hope.

For reasons such as these that are both personal and spiritual, scores of homeless men and women have requested Bibles from a recently launched program at The Beacon Day Center that is led by Canon Jim McGill, the chaplain to The Beacon.

For a flock with few possessions, a Bible can be a particularly prized and powerful

one, McGill said. Since their lives are in flux, having a Bible can be a touchstone.

“It’s an anchor, something they recognize as dependable, something they remember as being trustworthy,” he said.

Word on the street Recipient Roger Lamb’s Bible is worn from frequent use as he seeks peace, direction, and understanding from its pages. He also turns

BIBLES, page 8

KariAnn Lessner called as next children’s minister Dean Barkley Thompson is pleased to announce that KariAnn Lessner will join the Cathedral staff on June 1 as minister for children and families. Lessner has 20 years of professional experience in the church working with both children and youth. Since 2005, she has served as director of parish life at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in West Houston.

“During the recent national Christian education conference hosted at the Cathedral, I sat in on KariAnn’s workshop,” said Dean Thompson. “Both KariAnn’s faith and her buoyant KARIANN LESSNER

LESSNER, page 6

Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with

EE members Eric and Jennifer Carmouche on the birth of Klein Joseph Carmouche on October 20.

EE members Marie and Matthew Chen on the birth of Henry Edwin James on December 28.

EE members Emily and Alex Theriot on the birth of Joseph Broussard Theriot on January 5.

EE members Stacey and James Thompson on the birth of Graham Thompson.

EE members Caroline Kerr and Andy Lusk on the birth of Miles Lusk.

EE new members: Jack and Barbara Crook, Shane O’Neill, Paul Wyatt and Eleina Faber, and Laci Loftin.

We extend heartfelt sympathy to

EE to the family of Olav Øgaard, who died February 20 in Bergen, Norway. He was the father of Sigurd Øgaard, the associate minister for music and Cathedral organist.

EE the family of Stanley E. Allen, who died February 20 in Hemet, California. He was the father of member Jennifer Stansbury and grandfather of Sara Lynne Stansbury.

EE the family of member Robert Houk, who died March 1 in Houston. He was the husband of Lyn Martin Houk.

EE the family of Patricia High, who died March 4 in Fort Worth.

She was the wife of Bishop Rayford High.

Tallis Scholars ensemble to perform in April 25 concert Conductor Peter Phillips and his legendary British singers, the Tallis Scholars, are coming to Houston for one night only, Saturday, April 25, for a concert hosted by Christ Church Cathedral.

Throughout more than 1750 concerts and across a catalog of award-winning recordings, TALLIS SCHOLARS Phillips and the Tallis Scholars have done more IN CONCERT than any other group to establish sacred vocal Saturday, April 25 music of the Renaissance as one of the great rep- 7:30 p.m. ertoires of Western classical music. Phillips has worked with his 11-voice ensemble to create, through tuning and blend, the purity and clarity of sound which he feels best serves the Renaissance repertoire.

Their program for the April 25 concert will feature some of the most breathtaking and virtuosic vocal music of the 15th through 20th centuries, including pieces by Josquin de Pres, William Byrd, Nico Muhly, and Arvo Pärt.

Proceeds from concert ticket sales will benefit the Cathedral’s music ministry. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 or at the door for $25. (Students may purchase advance tickets for $10.)

You can buy tickets online through the Cathedral website, in the cloister on April 12 and 19, or by phone at 713-590-3311. A reception will follow the performance in Reynolds Hall.

The flowers on the Cathedral Altar

EE on April 12 are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Cindi Blakely.

EE on April 19 are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Ginny and Duncan Smith by John and Diana Smith.

EE on April 26 are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of James Leonard Dougherty, Jewel Kendall and William Brooke Hamilton, Henry Kendall Hamilton, Newton Gilbert Dougherty, and Maribel Kendall Daffan by Anne and Jim Dougherty Jr.

Cathedral heads west for parish picnic One of the great blessings of being a Cathedral community is that we worship together with people drawn from all over Houston. However, this also poses a challenge as we try to get to know each other and build community. In response to this challenge, on Saturday, PARISH PICNIC April 18, from 4–7 p.m., the Cathedral is headed west Saturday, April 18 to bring together our friends and families from the west side of Houston for food, fellowship, and fun at 4–7 p.m.

Alief-Amity Park, 12509 Alief Clodine Rd. Get ready for a little friendly competition with games such as kickball, basketball, and croquet. Make sure also to bring your kites, because April is the season for kite-flying. We will fire up the grill to cook up your favorite picnic fare, including vegetarian options.

All you need to do is bring family and friends, a side dish or dessert, and whatever you need for a beautiful day at the park. All are invited, whether you live on the west side or simply want to take this opportunity to get to know your fellow Cathedral parishioners.

This is a free event, but please let us know that you are coming by signing up in the cloister on Sundays or by contacting Debra Cross at 713-590-3317.

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THE TALLIS SCHOLARS

Brooke Summers-Perry named to lead Hines Center Dean Thompson is pleased to announce the hiring of Brooke Summers-Perry as the executive director for the Bishop John E. Hines Center for Spirituality and Prayer.

Summers-Perry brings a unique combination of skills, gifts, and interests to the role. Her experience includes 20 years of design and project management, 10 years of innovative community development, and eight years of spiritual practice exploration and training.

She is affiliated with a wide variety of valuable resources, trainers, and communities.

Summers-Perry is the founder of the two nonprofit organizations: Key2Peace, which authors curricula for spiritual practices and wholeness, and It’s Cool 2 Care, which teaches resource management to middle and high school youth. She has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a minor in sociology as well as a Master of Architecture degree. She will graduate from the Spiritual Direction Institute at the Cenacle Retreat House this spring.

Summers-Perry says, “I the spirituality of Cathedral believe the Hines Center is parishioners and those who a remarkable co-created relive and work in downtown sponse to the longings of Houston through spiritual countless Houstonians. It is practices, prayer, and opporan honor to have the executunities for both Christian tion of this vision in my care. and interfaith lecture and Years of learning, experiencconversation.” ing, dreaming, and discerning The Hines Center will offer lead me to this opportunity. I physical practices that supwill wholeheartedly pour my port spiritual growth and appeal to a large cross-section mind, body, and spirit into of individuals coming from a the Hines Center for Spiritubroad spectrum of Christian ality and Prayer.”

BROOKE SUMMERS-PERRY faith. Such physical practices Named to honor the legacy of the former Christ Church rector, later will include a labyrinth, sacred movement, the fourth Bishop of Texas and 22nd Pre- yoga, and more.

Additionally, the Hines Center will offer siding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Hines Center’s mission is as follows: “The contemplative practices such as contemplaBishop John E. Hines Center for Spiritual- tive prayer, meditative visual art including ity and Prayer seeks to facilitate knowledge icon writing, one-on-one spiritual direction, of and relationship with God by nurturing interfaith lectures, and film studies.

Giving society’s appreciation dinner to feature Bishop Doyle On Thursday, May 14, the Bishop Richardson Society will host an appreciation dinner for its members at the River Oaks Country Club. At this celebratory event, the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, Bishop of Texas, will be the keynote speaker, sharing stories of his love for the Cathedral and the Episcopal Church.

Formal invitations to the dinner will be mailed the week of April 5. Anyone who is a member of the Bishop Richardson Society at that time will receive an invitation. If you are not already a member, there is no better time to join.

The Bishop Richardson Society consists of people who have made provision for the Cathedral in their wills or other estate planning, and those who have established a named fund within the Cathedral Endowment. The purpose of the Bishop Richardson Society is to encourage planned giving in support of the ministry of the Cathedral. The sole beneficiary is the Cathedral Endowment, which exists to support the mission and ministry of Christ Church.

The society bears the name of the Rt. Rev. J. Milton Richardson, who was dean of Christ Church Cathedral when the Endowment was founded and who later became Bishop of Texas.

To join the Bishop Richardson Society, you must make provision for the Cathedral in your estate plans, and then make that fact known by contacting Minister for Stewardship David Simpson at 713-590-3308.

Be sure to join the Bishop Richardson Society prior to April 5 to ensure that you receive the invitaBISHOP C. ANDREW DOYLE tion to the May 14 dinner.

May Fete is coming!

Mark Sunday, May 3, on your calendar as our annual celebration of this centuryold tradition. Visit the Cathedral website for more information, for volunteer opportunities, and for a link to donate online. Or, stop by the May Fete information table in the cloister April 19 or 26.

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THE BULLETIN

Lenten Series, Rick Steves, EYC, and more

IN PICTURES

Below, from left: The 2015 Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series kicked off with speakers Juanita Rasmus on February 25, Miroslav Volf on March 4, and Kate Moorehead on March 11.

Above: EYC (Episcopal Youth Community) enjoys the spring weather with a field trip to Discovery Green. The group meets Sundays from 4–6 p.m. in the Treehouse.

Above: Travel author and TV host Rick Steves spoke to a full house in the Cathedral on Thursday, March 5, on “Broadening Your Global Perspective Through Travel.” The talk was sponsored

by Brazos Bookstore and Houston Public Media.

Right: The 20s & 30s group met up on March 13 for a social outing at TopGolf in West Houston.

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Brigid’s Place celebrates voices, stories of women at the cross Most of the celebrated and familiar stories of the Easter tradition center on the men of the Gospel. But women were there.

In “Easter in Memory of Her,” an innovative service of music and meditation, Brigid’s Place will celebrate the voices of the women who loved Jesus — Mary the Mother, the woman at the well, the woman who anointed Jesus, Mary of Bethany, and Mary Magdalene.

The service imagines the thoughts and prayers of the EASTER IN women surrounding Jesus and blends them with mu- MEMORY OF HER sic performed by singers from the Houston Chamber Saturday, April 4 Choir and words written by Rice University professor 4 p.m.

April DeConick and Canon Theologian Betty Adam.

“The story of women recorded in the ancient sources simply cannot be understood at face value since the texts were written by male leaders in emerging churches,” noted DeConick.” So it must be reconstructed and reimagined carefully from what the ancient sources tell us and from what they don't."

Adam agrees. “I’ve sought for years to shine the spotlight on the women surrounding Jesus,” she said. “Celebrating their stories is overdue, so I’m glad we can bring a presentation of such depth and beauty to the Houston area, and especially pleased to offer it the day prior to Easter.”

“Easter in Memory of Her” will be held on Holy Saturday, April 4, at 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Registration open now for summer at Camp Allen Children and youth look forward each year to summer camp. Run by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, the summer camp program at Camp Allen in Navasota offers a unique environment for young people to experience God, establish valuable relationships within the camping community, and grow through a variety of creative, safe, and challenging opportunities.

Registration is now open on the Camp Allen website at www.campallen.org. Last summer, Christ Church Cathedral sent more campers from our parish than any other church, and we hope to do so again this year. Tuition for all sessions is $576 and scholarships are available.

KariAnn Lessner, our new children’s minister, will be at Session E on June 14–20; Canon Art Callaham will be at Session N on July 12–18; Curate Eileen O’Brien will be at Session T on July 26 to August 1; and Minister for Youth Jeremy Bradley will be at Session X on August 2–8.

Don’t miss out a great summer experience.

Sessions will fill up quickly, so register today.

From life on the road to life on the street Tom Wilson was not always homeless; he was, for many years, a commercial truck driver. After an unscrupulous former employer caused him to lose his commercial license due to $2,500 in unpaid fines that were to be “taken care of,” Wilson was no longer able to support himself or the granddaughter he cared for. He started researching legal aid and found Beacon Law. The attorneys at Beacon Law were able to get all but $90 of the fines and fees waived in exchange for community service hours, which Wilson has nearly completed. He is very eager to renew his license and to be able to support himself and his family again. To learn more about Beacon Law and how you can help, visit www.beaconhomeless.org.

New Sunday drop-off zone created in front of Cathedral entrance The city has designated 12 parking spaces in front of the church as “no parking” on Sundays, allowing the Cathedral to create a drop-off zone on Texas Avenue for Sunday services. This will enable a shorter walk to the church for those in need. You can be let out of your car right in front of the bell tower entrance.

On Sundays from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the spaces on

the north side of Texas Avenue next to the handicapped zone will be kept free of parked cars. This should allow drivers to pull in parallel to the street, drop off passengers, and then proceed to the garage to park.

These spaces are not to be used for parking — only for drop off. Our sexton staff will be available for assistance.

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“Misa en el Parque” to play, worship at Rusk School neighborhood park The Cathedral’s Spanish-speaking community is leaving the walls of the Cathedral on April 12, the Sunday after Easter, and is going out into the neighborhood for Misa en el Parque (Mass in the Park), an afternoon of worship, food, and fun for the whole family in the MISA EN EL PARQUE beauty of the outdoors.

From 12–4 p.m., you are invited to this celebration Sunday, April 12 12–4 p.m. at Settegast Park at 3000 Garrow St. Adjacent to the Rusk School, the park serves a neighborhood where the Cathedral community has been hard at work through the Kids Hope program to improve the lives of at-risk students.

The rapidly-changing area around Settegast Park is like so many Houston neighborhoods, where new development sits awkwardly alongside great need. Our hope is that this day will bring together neighbors and a Cathedral community that has invested time, energy, and prayer into this area, in order to forge a common sense of hope and unity.

Whether or not you speak Spanish, your presence on April 12 as a member of the Cathedral will be an important contribution to our mission to create community and reconciliation in the neighborhoods in which we live and work.

You are invited. Come and celebrate, come and make new friends, and come help us make many feel welcome. For more information or to learn how you can help with this event, contact Yency Bermudez at 713-590-3329.

LESSNER, from cover

enthusiasm were evident. We are blessed that she is joining the Cathedral staff to nurture our children and raise them to the full stature of Christ.”

Those who interviewed Lessner were equally impressed. One interviewer remarked, “I

loved her passion and vision of fun, creative, interesting, multigenerational experiences for the children. Having music playing in the classrooms as the children arrive, having fun neighborhood gatherings, tapping into adult congregants’ interests and having adults teach children about their hobbies … she presented

many ideas to explore.”

Of her new call, Lessner offered, “It is with faithful expectation that I accept the call to Christ Church Cathedral as minister for children and families. I am excited to join the team of amazing staff in their work of building the kingdom here at ‘our Cathedral.’”

Giving Tree fundraiser supports youth missions

“Johnny’s Walkers” team raises nearly $20,000 The 2015 AIDS Walk was held downtown at Sam Houston Park on Sunday, March 8, in support of the Houston AIDS Foundation. Despite the usual cold and rain, the hardy “Johnny’s Walkers,” led by team captain Canon John Logan, raised nearly $20,000. This was the most raised by the diocesan team in any previous year and the sixth highest among 241 teams.

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Each summer, the Cathedral sends more than 50 students on short-term mission trips. The impact that these trips have on those they are serving and on the missioners themselves will last a lifetime. It is on these missions that they experience the benefit of hard work, vulnerability among those they serve and each other, and a deepened faith as we put that faith into action.

Unfortunately, not all can afford to go on these trips due to financial constraints. But there is a way you can help.

The Giving Tree fundraiser supports those who need financial assistance with scholarships for mission trips and other youth events throughout the year. The Giving Tree will be out in the cloister on April 19 and 26 as well as May 10 and 17. We will accept cash, check, or credit card. You can also donate online through the Cathedral website.

This year, with a greater expected need for scholarships and given the higher cost of mission trips, we are hoping to raise more than $15,000. Join us in helping send our youth to serve the underserved.

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

Registration closed

APRIL 19 (cont.)

THIS MONTH APRIL 1

WED

Dean’s Book Club 6:30–8 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown.

APRIL 2 THU Maundy Thursday 12:05 p.m., Chancel. Eucharist and foot washing.

Stripping of the Altar 7 p.m., Cathedral. Eucharist and foot washing.

The Night Watch 8:30 p.m., Golding Chapel.

APRIL 3

FRI

Good Friday Liturgy for Good Friday at 12:05 p.m. and Way of the Cross at 6:30 p.m.

APRIL 4

Childcare available (3 mo. to 10 yrs.)

SAT

Youth Saturday Hangout 9:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., Zuma Fun Center, 6767 Southwest Fwy. ($) Easter Vigil 8 p.m. in the Cathedral. The first Eucharist of Easter. With incense.

APRIL 5 SUN Easter Day 7 a.m.. Eucharist, Rite I, with hymns.

9 a.m. Festival Eucharist, Rite II. 10 a.m., Bishop’s Courtyard. Flowering of the Cross.

11 a.m. Festival Eucharist, Rite I, with incense.

1 p.m. Festival Eucharist, Rite II, in Spanish.

5 p.m. Eucharist, Rite II. APRIL 6

MON

Easter Holiday Cathedral offices are closed.

APRIL 10

Cloister Gallery Artist Reception 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Featuring artist Emily Wahl.

APRIL 11

SAT

Pub Trivia 6:30–8:30 p.m., Sanders Hall. Enjoy a lively group trivia challenge and pub fare at this all-ages event.

APRIL 12

SUN

APRIL 23

Buscando la Luz 6:30–8 p.m., Bride’s Room. Grupo de oración y de estudios bíblicos.

THU

Newcomers Welcome Dinner 6–8 p.m., The Deanery. Gathering to welcome those new or feeling new to the Cathedral.

SAT

Talking ’Bout a Resurrection 6:30–8 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room.

Class led by the Rev. Ed Stein. Meets April 15 through May 20.

Youth Service Day 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. We’ll be helping others at Generation One. Drop off and pick up at the Cathedral. Breakfast is provided.

Pilgrim’s Progress 6:30–8 p.m., Dean’s Conference Room.

Class led by Canon Art Callaham. Meets April 15 through May 20.

Tulip Reception 1–3 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Celebrating our stories of life at the Cathedral.

THURSDAYS

APRIL 25

Tallis Scholars in Concert 7:30 p.m. in the Cathedral. The renowned British vocal ensemble will perform sacred early music. ($) SUN

SAT

Estudios Bíblicos y Grupos de Oración 7–8 p.m. Abrimos nuestras casas para estudiar la Biblia y orar con nuestros vecinos. El día variará.

WEEKLY

UPCOMING

Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) 4–6 p.m., BYC. Gathering of youth for dinner, games, teaching, and worship.

MAY 3

SUN

May Fete 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Cathedral’s oldest tradition offers springtime merriment for all. Combined bilingual service at 10 a.m. followed by afternoon celebrations.

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

Bible Study “By the Glass” 6:30–8 p.m., OKRA, 924 Congress.

Bible study for those living and working in the urban context.

APRIL 19

WEDNESDAYS

Joann Russell Book Signing Cathedral Bookstore. Cathedral member and author Joann Russell will sign copies of her new book, “Afloat on a Full Sea.”

FRIDAYS/SATURDAYS

MONDAYS

Parish Picnic 4–7 p.m., Alief-Amity Park, 12509 Alief Clodine Rd. Picnic fare, outdoor games, and good old-fashioned fun.

SUN

FRIDAYS

Butterfly Flutter By 1–2:30 p.m., Nancy’s Garden. Mass flight of 1,000 painted lady butterflies to raise awareness of Down syndrome.

Historia e Identidad 3–4 p.m. McGehee Conference Room.

Un curso para todos que quisieran profundizar su entendimiento de la iglesia.

APRIL 18

Men’s Lunch Study Group (Biweekly) 12:15 p.m., Dean’s Conference Room. Meets April 2, 16, and 30.

Men’s Early Morning Study Group (Second and fourth Fridays) 7–8 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.

20s & 30s Brunch 1 p.m., El Big Bad, 419 Travis St. ($) THU

Women’s Lunch Study Group 12 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room.

Fifth-Grade Enrollment 10 a.m., BYC. The fifth-grade class will graduate from children’s Sunday School and join the youth program.

SUNDAYS

20s & 30s Outing 7–9 p.m., Bowlmor Lanes, 925 Bunker Hill. Social outing for young adults. ($)

APRIL 4 SAT Easter in Memory of Her 4 p.m. in the Cathedral. Remembering the women who followed Jesus.

Cathedral 20s & 30s 6:30–8 p.m., Mellinger Room. Weekly discussion group and social gathering of young adults. Does not meet April 14.

La Misa en el Parque 12–5 p.m., Settegast Park. Disfruten una misa en el aire libre, almuerzo, y actividades en el parque para toda la familia.

APRIL 16

WEDNESDAYS (cont.)

Newcomers Class 3–5 p.m., Mellinger Room. Workshop offering a broad introduction to the people, places, and traditions of the Cathedral.

APRIL 26 FRI

SUN

Bring a friend!

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

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

MAY 8–9 FRI–SAT Workshop with J. Philip Newell “Listening for the Heartbeat of God” with J. Philip Newell, an international authority on the Celtic Way. PAGE 7

THE BULLETIN

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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.

BIBLES, from cover

to scripture when he’s disheartened by the greed of others.

“You learn a lot about patience,” Lamb said.

Having once had money and good health, he has lost both. Since he believes there’s a reason he is back at square one, faith is a first step in starting again.

Lamb aspires to open a barbecue sandwich shop. He plans to call it “Partners in Christ” and to wrap the food in paper printed with scripture.

Juanita Constant also has asked for a Bible.

And, after it was stolen, the former certified nurse assistant received another.

“It inspires me. It lifts me up,” she said. “It reminds me there is still hope and faith.”

Like Lamb, Constant believes that patience is of utmost importance as she strives to regain employment so she can support herself and her two children, currently in foster care.

EYES, from cover

passing memory of what has been / nor the remaining pages in a great book / waiting to be read.

“It is the opening of eyes long closed. / It is the vision of far off things / seen for the silence they hold. / It is the heart after years / of THE BULLETIN

PAGE 8

Bible pipeline Since it began in October 2014, The Beacon’s Bible distribution program has given away more than 200 bibles — in both the King James and New International versions — as well as devotional guides like “Our Daily Bread” and “Forward Day by Day.” Some editions are in Spanish. Some have larger print.

(Reading glasses are also in demand, McGill said.)

“You don’t have to scratch the surface very hard to find people leaning forward to give Bibles to people who want them,” he said.

Initially, the program’s Bible donations came from Lakewood Church, which offers Bible study at The Beacon on Saturdays.

As word of need spread, however, interested parishioners of Christ Church Cathedral donated seed money, cases of inventory, and referrals to potential sources. secret conversing / speaking out loud in the clear air.

“It is Moses in the desert / fallen to his knees before the lit bush. / It is the man throwing away his shoes / as if to enter heaven / and finding himself astonished, / opened at last, / fallen in love with solid ground.”

One such source was the Houston’s mayoral office, which provided about 100 Bibles last fall out of the thousands sent in by those protesting the city’s handling of a lawsuit related to the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance.

The Bible program welcomes all support, McGill said, adding, “My goal is to flood the streets with Bibles so that people who want them have access to them.”

Meanwhile, to those who have stolen Bibles given to others at The Beacon, McGill said he hopes they’ll read them.

In the Bookstore: Afloat on a Full Sea Cathedral member Joann Russell explores Galveston’s bustling past through the life of her ancestor Charles Clarke. Visit April 19 as she signs copies of her new book.

In the Cloister Gallery: Cityscapes and Escapes In April In her watercolor paintings, Emily Wahl seeks to capture both the excitement of the city and the peace and majesty of the mountains.