Christ Church Cathedral An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas

December 2013 christchurchcathedral.org

A recipe for Advent

“Santa” Jim McGill greets guests at last year’s Christmas at the Cathedral event.

Sharing the true Christmas spirit Betty Thornton has been homeless and living on the streets off and on for about eight years. A regular at The Beacon, Thornton says one of her favorite events of the year is Christmas at the Cathedral. She anticipates the event for one simple reason; “It’s because I feel loved,” she says. Christmas at the Cathedral is an annual event where volunteers cook, feed and serve a hot meal for homeless and needy families. Every year, Reynolds Hall hosts nearly 1,000

people who anticipate not only a fantastic holiday dinner, but also an environment of compassion and genuine care. This year’s event will be held Saturday, December 14. “Our real families put us out on the streets, but [volunteers at the Cathedral] treat us like family,” Thornton said about the event. “They treated us like they really cared and understood. They fed us good and gave us a hug. They did things our own flesh and blood

Don’t forget your 2013 EMC pledge payment We are grateful for all gifts given to the Cathedral. Our mission and ministries depend upon the payment of the generous pledges of support made each year. As of the end of October, we have received $1,753,952 out of a total of $2,321,147 pledged, or 76 percent. This leaves a gap of $567,195, which is greater than normal for outstanding pledges after 10 months. Please be sure to get your payments in prior to December 31 in order to claim a deduction on your 2013 taxes. Remember, postmarks are imperative to the IRS. The Cathedral must receive all cash, checks and credit

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$2,321,147

$567,195 Remaining or 24.44% $1,753,952

Pledged

Collected

On special nights at my grandmother’s house, she would heat up the oven and mix together a bowl of mushy white meringue. The entire time she would talk to my siblings and me about how important it is to wait for the best, most blessed things in life. She would add chocolate chips to the concoction and then spoon out little blobs onto a cookie The Very Rev. sheet. Once the oven Barkley was hot, she’d turn it off, Thompson place the cookie sheet inside, and leave the oven door cracked. “Now we must wait,” she’d say. And we would do so actively and expectantly, never knowing when the treat would be ready. She would tell us stories of faith, teach us in ways of virtue, and tuck us safely into our beds. Only the next morning would my grandmother open the oven and let us see what was inside. Where those mushy blobs had been were now light and airy morsels of such delicate sweetness that they melted in our mouths. Had we bought them at the store; or had she prepared them with us watching television, zombie-like, in the other room; or had she even told us in advance when they’d be ready, the experience would not have been the same. So it is for us this Advent. Christmas will come, and it will be glorious. Christ’s return will surely come, but we know not when. We risk missing the significance and the sweetness altogether if we fail to prepare for his coming. In her kitchen, my grandmother prepared with gusto. She cracked eggs; she whipped; she taught us. In Advent, what would it look like to prepare by waiting actively and expectantly for Christmas? A few options we each might consider: Observe Advent by taking fifty percent of the money we’d normally spend at Macy’s and Target this month and instead

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Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with

EE the newly baptized: Sydney Ryan Dix, Aliyah Bernice Guillen, Aric James Hall-Warner, Henry Paul Heins, Grace Elizabeth Hwang, Ricardo Feliciano Rios, Rainen Roel Rios, Paris V. Rios, James Xavier Russell, Madeline Ann Young and Isabella Nathaly Zavala. EE new members Lee Huckstep and Tonya and Reid McLaughlin. EE Cathedral member Rosie Puccio and Pete Baker, who were married in the Cathedral on October 26. EE Cathedral member Cooper Brown and Michael LaPoint, who were married in the Cathedral on November 2.

We extend heartfelt sympathy to

Pledges shape 2014 budget This coming year will be one of excitement as Christ Church Cathedral moves into God’s “future filled with hope.” In late September, parishioners received a 2014 stewardship packet inviting them to join in pledging support for Christ Church Cathedral in the coming year. Stewardship pledges are vital in order for the Cathedral to continue the programs that have touched so many lives throughout the years. In December, the vestry will craft Christ Church’s 2014 budget, and they can only put together a responsible budget when we are fully aware of our parishioners’ financial support. If you have not yet pledged to the Every Member Canvass, please do so by contacting the minister for stewardship, David Simpson, at 713-590-3308. You can also pledge online. To do so, visit www.christchurchcathedral.org and click the Every Member Canvass image in the middle of the page. Thank you for your prayerful consideration of your stewardship to Christ Church Cathedral.

EE the family of Hazel E. Smith, who died October 9. She was the mother of Cathedral member Gary Smith. EE the family of H. Clayton Edwards, who died October 18. EE the family of Cornelia Sandeen, who died October 30 in Waco. She was the mother of Cathedral member Michael Sandeen and grandmother of Wick, Jackson and Blake Sandeen. EE the family of Cathedral member Anthony “Tony” Adams, who died November 13. He was the husband of Claire Elaine Adams.

The Flowers on the Cathedral Altar

EE on December 1 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. EE on December 8 are given to the glory of God in celebration of the joyous season. EE on December 15 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Virginia and Lester Bille and Katherine Close. EE on December 22 are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving and appreciation for Canon Ed Stein by the Altar Guild.

The Flowers in the Floor Vases

EE on December 1 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of her mother, Rachel Shanks Smart, by Carolyn Paget.

The Greens in the Advent Wreaths

EE are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the life and work of Jane Brown, Judy Drury, Mary Clarke Mackenzie and Cindy Dickson.

The Candles on the Advent Wreath

EE in the Cathedral are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the life and work of Helen Ann Fisher, Norma Jane Hagan, Ella Mae Hayslip and Norma Jones. EE in the Golding Chapel are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving and appreciation to the wedding guild: Mary Ann Cobb, Vicki Cawley, Bruce Power, Officer Gaw, Ardell Ray, Houston Sound and Anne Shepard. The Bulletin

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Year-end, from cover card gifts on or before December 31 in order to demonstrate legal compliance. Envelope postmark dates will be used to verify any contributions arriving in early January. If you choose to donate stock, please initiate these transactions by mid-December to ensure they are posted to our brokerage account by close of business on December 31. We want to make giving as easy as possible and are eager to carry out your wishes, so please help us create an end-of-year scenario that is a joy for one and all. Should you have questions, contact the chief operating officer, David Simpson, at 713-590-3308.

Advent Lessons and Carols marks start of holidays with stories, singing The Anglican tradition of Lessons and Carols celebrates the birth of Jesus through a series of nine Bible readings interspersed with carols and hymns of the holiday season. The Cathedral presents this festival annually during Advent, featuring traditional English carols and music performed by the Cathedral and Advent Lessons and Carols Treble Choirs. The service will take place Sun- Sunday, December 8, 5 p.m. day, December 8, at 5 p.m. in the Cathedral. The festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was first introduced in 1918 at King’s College in Cambridge, England, where it is still held each year on Christmas Eve and broadcast around the world. In the United States, the service is a popular fixture of the Episcopal Church. The lessons tell the story of God’s loving purpose through the ages and look forward to the redemption brought by the child Jesus, who is welcomed with reverence and joy through music and song. “Lessons and Carols is a great beginning to the season,” said the Rev. Canon Ed Stein. “It allows us to take a break from the holiday rush, listen to beautiful music and meditate on the meaning of Advent and Christmas.”

Las Posadas bring Christmas charm

Las Posadas, the procession of God’s people through a neighborhood (or at the Cathedral) reminds believers of the search by Mary and Joseph, the earthly parents of Jesus, for lodging on their trip to Bethlehem for a census. The Gospel according to Luke relates that they stayed in a stable, “because there was no room for them in the inn.” Going from door to door, present-day pilgrims ask, “In the name of heaven, we ask you for lodging,” which is refused by the “innkeeper” twice, once by saying to Joseph, “You might be a scoundrel!” Eventually, the Holy Family finds lodging and is welcomed into hearth and home with music, prayers and refreshments. The tradition of Las Posadas is very old, having its roots in Spain. In the New World, the Catholic conquistadores brought the drama to natives to teach them about Christianity while incorporating music and fun over 400 years ago. It is still observed by Latinos today as a way to prepare homes, families and hearts to receive the Gift of Jesus. The annual event at Christ Church Cathedral takes us to the homes of many of our parishioners who prepare to receive again the Christ, in the form of the worshiping community, into their homes. Las Posadas will be observed from December 16–21 at the homes of our parishioners, with the final celebration taking place December 22 at the Cathedral. Music will lift our spirits, and a pastorela will recall the shepherds on their way to see the baby Jesus and their encounter with the Devil. (While “extra-biblical,” this vignette pokes fun at the all-too-real nature of all of us!) Call the Cathedral office at 713-222-2593 for the locations of daily celebrations.

Where will you spend Christmas this year?

Las Posadas nos encantan Las Posadas, la procesión del pueblo de Dios por la colonia (o la Catedral), nos recuerda a los creyentes de la búsqueda de María y José, los padres terrenales de Jesús, de alojamiento en su viaje a Belén por el censo. Las Posadas El evangelio según San Lucas relate que quedaron en un estable “porque no había aloja16–22 de diciembre miento para ellos en el mesón.” Yendo de puerta en puerta, los peregrinos actuales piden, “En el nombre del cielo, os pidamos posada” que se denega por el posadero dos veces, una vez diciendo “no sé si seas un tunante.” La Santa Familia por fin encuentra alojamiento y se de la bienvendia en el hogar con música, oraciones, y refrescas. La tradición de Las Posadas es muy antiguo, con sus raices en España. En el Mundo Nuevo, los conquistadores Católicos traeron la drama a los nativos para enseñarles de la cristiandad incorporando música y divertimiento, hace más que 400 años. Todavía se observa por Latinos hoy como una preparación de hogares, familias, y corazones a recibir el regalo del Niño Jesus. El evento anual en la Iglesia Catedral de Cristo no lleva a las casas de vario parroquianos, quienes preparen para recibir de nuevo al Cristo en forma de la comunidad del culto en sus casas. Las Posadas se observa desde el 16 hasta el 22 de diciembre en las casas de nuestro parroquianos, con la celebración final en la Catedral. La música nos levantará los corazones, y una pastorela nos requerda a los pastores en vía al Santo Niño y su encuentra con el Diablo. (Siendo “extra-bíblica”¡esta vignette se burla de la naturaleza humana!) Lugares de Las Posadas diarias se encuentran por llamar la Catedral a 713-222-2593.

As Christmas approaches, we are filled with gratitude for the community of committed volunteers and donors who enable The Beacon to serve Houston’s homeless and low-income families. At The Beacon Day Center, we’ve experienced tremendous growth since we opened in 2007. This year has been no exception. We anticipate over 118,000 client visits. Each day that we are open, more than 600 homeless or near-homeless individuals walk through our doors seeking essential services: food, shower facilities, laundry services and case management. This year, we’re kicking off our first annual campaign: Feed the Homeless for the Holidays. For $5 you can help restore dignity and hope to homeless men and women in Houston. Each $5 donation provides a client with a nutritionally balanced hot meal, a private shower and laundry services. “When you take a shower and get cleaned up, your mindset gets better,” said Hal, one of the clients who recently found work and got off the streets. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation of $50 or more to The Beacon this year. Your donation of $50 will give the gift of hope and dignity to ten people on the streets this holiday season. Visit www.beaconhomeless.org to donate. Thank you for helping us stop the cycle of homelessness in Houston. page 3

The Bulletin

Youth Fall Retreat, Confirmation, Kids Hope and more

In Pictures

Below left: For DĂ­a de los Muertos, the Latino congregation covered an altar with ofrendas, or offerings, to remember loved ones. Below right: Author Anne Lamott spoke to a full house at an event on November 13 sponsored by Brazos Bookstore.

Above and right: Cathedral youth played, rested and worshiped at Pineywoods Camp in Woodville at the Youth Fall Retreat on October 25–27.

The Bulletin

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Left: Frankie Espinoza sings with the Houston Chamber Choir at their recent Cathedral performance, “Requiem for a President,” on November 9. Espinoza is also a Cathedral staff singer.

Above: Dean Barkley Thompson and Cathedral Kids Hope Director Susan Jackson presented a check for $15,000 to Rusk School Principal Eduardo Sindaco and assistant principal Holly Holleran to pay for a new Pre-International Baccalaureate program at the school. They were joined for the presentation by Cathedral Kids Hope mentors and members of the Mission Outreach Council. Left: At his official visit on November 17, Bishop Andy Doyle confirmed eight members of the Cathedral and four members of St. Paul’s, a mission church in Woodville.

Thompson publishes collection of sermons In early December, Trinity Books will publish Elements of Grace, the first book written by Dean Barkley Thompson. The book is a collection of sermons written over the course of a decade, each of which invokes elemental images of light, darkness, earth, water and wind. In the preface, Dean Thompson writes, “I have discovered that my preaching unwittingly gravitates to these elements of grace.” The book includes a foreward by Bishop of Texas Andy Doyle, who calls the book “a timely offering as the world continues to move into the new millennium in which we are called to make our witness.” Seminary of the Southwest President Cynthia Kittredge and former Cathedral dean Pittman Mc-

Gehee reviewed the book. McGehee said, “Be prepared for sound exegesis, as well as humor, irony and surprise. Dean Thompson is a consummate storyteller.” Dean Thompson has announced that he will donate all royalties from Elements of Grace to the outreach ministries of the three parishes he has served as a priest: Holy Apostles in Collierville, Tenn.; St. John’s in Roanoke, Va.; and the Cathedral. Copies of Elements of Grace will be available in the Cathedral Bookstore. You can purchase a copy for yourself and additional copies to give as Christmas presents. A book signing and reception will be planned for early 2014. page 5

The Bulletin

You can’t get there from here

“Would you tell me, please, which way lessness,” as they say. I ought to go from here?” This is Alice’s Stand in this line for that, and get in that question as she faces the zany cast of char- line for this. And oh, by the way, that paper acters in Wonderland. She falls down the has to be notarized. No, you can’t get into rabbit hole, life is suddenly absurd, our program if you can’t prove that and she doesn’t know where to go. you have an alcohol addiction. You On a recent evening, my huscan’t stay here since our grant only band and I were leaving the River covers men over 50; you’re 49. You Oaks Theater. We walked down need your Social Security card to the sidewalk of West Gray and saw replace your stolen photo ID. You a bedraggled old man, sitting quineed your photo ID to replace your Cynthia brannon etly in the doorway of one of the stolen Social Security card. It goes shops. As we got closer, he held up an all- on and on. They might as well be told “You too-familiar sign: “ANYTHING HELPS.” can’t get there from here.” It was dark and drizzling. Maybe that’s So, where should they go? Walking why we stopped. I rarely do this, but I through the door at COMPASS can make a handed him a small amount of cash. difference. We’ve been helping our home“Thank you,” he said, and then he did the less neighbors for 32 years with reliable, polite and civilized thing we all do when sound information, with the necessary thanking someone. He extended his hand. bus fare to connect with other essential So, I took his hand and simply said, “You’re resources, and with compassionate direcwelcome.” tion and guidance from an experienced We walked toward our car, and in a staff. We know where and how to direct matter of 12 minutes we were home. I our clients — the poor, the homeless, the don’t know where our panhandler slept unemployed — depending on their indithat night, but it was probably outside. vidual needs. Nor do I know where he has sought help, And many COMPASS clients can hope or even if he has. He could be mentally to get a job eventually — as a warehouse ill or addicted to alcohol or sick. There associate, a customer service representaare many possibilities, but he obviously tive, a cook, a driver, a laborer, or even needs some help. as a high school chemistry teacher, as one The absurdity of Alice’s adventures client did. COMPASS is small and primakes me think of what this man and so vately funded. We rely on individual gifts, many others like him are up against, as and I am asking you for your support. they try to get out of the deep hole they Anything helps. find themselves in. It is remarkably easy to wind up homeless, and surprisingly Cynthia Brannon is the executive director of difficult to figure out how to “exit home- COMPASS (www.houstoncompass.org).

Potluck celebrates “Country Christmas” We’ll be doing Christmas Texas-style at this year’s annual Cathedral Christmas Party and Potluck Supper. Join us on Sunday, December 15, from 6–8 p.m. for this favorite holiday event and make it a “Country Christmas.” The Wild River Trio will fill the evening with western Cathedral Christmas Party swing music, plus we’ll have holiday crafts for children and Potluck Supper and a Texas Sunday, December 15, 6–8 p.m. barbecue feast. Reynolds Hall will be transformed into a Hill Country dance hall, so polish up your boots and enjoy dancing under the twinkling lights. Come meet new friends and bring a favorite side dish to accompany our barbecue dinner. The Cathedral Christmas Party is one of several events during the year when all ages gather for celebration and fellowship. The Children’s Ministry Council sponsors this annual party to encourage all generations to come together and enjoy the season as one Cathedral family. The Bulletin

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Spirit, from cover wouldn’t do.” Thornton has several medical conditions, including cirrhosis, kidney failure and congestive heart failure. Her skin is cracked and darkened by the harsh Texas sun. She will most likely spend the holidays sleeping at a local hospital, hoping not to get chased away. Thornton hasn’t spent Christmas with her family since 1973. “Many of us were misled and misguided in our lifetimes. We’ve done Christmas drugs and alcohol, been at the Cathedral unloved and beaten. You Saturday, December 14 feel like you ain’t got no8 a.m. to 1 p.m. body that really loves you,” she said as tears welled up in her eyes. The Christmas season is especially hard for Thornton, and she explained that she has often contemplated taking her own life. However, the people at The Beacon and the volunteers from Christmas at the Cathedral lift her spirits. “It feels like I’m loved,” Thornton said, as she stood a little taller. “I may be sleeping under a bridge, but I’m loved.” The volunteers and organizers often come away with the same feeling. Blanche Tyson is a regular at the event, and she co-chaired the planning process in 2012 as a member of the Mission Outreach Council. “I think it is just kind of the real meaning of Christmas,” she said. “You are getting out there and sharing and celebrating, and it’s wonderful. Once you do it, you just want to keep doing it.” Homeless and needy families are notified of the event through invitations from local outreach services, including The Beacon, Salvation Army, Star of Hope, Lord of the Streets and others. Volunteers from the Cathedral can participate in a number of capacities ranging from food prep and cleanup to acting as greeters or helping with the children’s table. The food is prepared at The Beacon, but brought over to Reynolds Hall for a more personal touch. “There has been discussion about whether or not we really need to host it, since The Beacon is next door,” said Bill McKenzie, chair of this year’s event. “The consensus has been that this is really very different because this is the people of the parish serving dinner, and it is much more personal and hands-on for them.” Though some of the needy may be drawn to the event by the promise of a hot Christmas meal, the hope is that they leave with a full stomach as well as a full heart. Volunteers can sign up to help on the Cathedral website or in the cloister on Sundays. The Mission Outreach Council is also accepting donations of turkeys and desserts for the meal, as well as funds to purchase supplies.

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

December 14

THIS MONTH December 1

Sun

Advent Wreath Making 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Rhythms of Grace 1 p.m., Jones Basement. Worship experience for special needs children and their families. Lesson: The Advent Story.

sat

Service of Remembrance 6 p.m., Golding Chapel. Eucharist to acknowledge those who are hurting and provide hope in moving forward.

“Sin and Salvation” Concert 7 p.m., Latham Auditorium. Keith Weber and baritone Lee Gregory will explore the themes of salvation and redemption.

December 21

sat

Christmas Camp 9 a.m. in the Cathedral. Children will practice for the Christmas Play, have a snack and do a Beacon service project.

December 5

Thu

Men’s Lunch Discussion Group 12:45–1:45 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room. December 6

Fri

Cloister Gallery Opening Reception 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Featuring artist Kim Carlton. Fri–SUN

December 15 Sun Cathedral Family Christmas Party 6–8 p.m, Reynolds Hall. Live music, potluck dinner, children’s activities. December 15

Sun

Last Day of Fall Education Spring classes begin Jan. 5. Confirmation Parent Meeting 11 a.m., BYC. For parents of eighth graders interested in being confirmed.

December 22 Sun Reception for Canon Stein 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Celebrating the 41-year ministry of the Rev. Canon Ed Stein. December 22

Sun

Cathedral Family Posada 7–9 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Final celebration of Las Posadas.

Sat–Mon

New Year’s Holidays Offices close at noon on New Year’s Eve and re-open the morning of Jan. 2.

Weekly Sundays Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) 4–6 p.m., BYC. (Dec. 1, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) Does not meet Dec. 22 or 29. Wednesdays

Buscando la Luz 6:30 p.m., Bride’s Room. Spanish-language discussion group.

December 16–21

Youth Progressive DInner High-school students visit three different homes for a spectacular holiday meal. ($)

Feast of St. Stephen / Boxing Day 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., McGonigel’s Mucky Duck. Bishop Doyle will celebrate Eucharist at noon. Bring food, clothing or blankets to donate to Lord of the Streets.

Cathedral 20s & 30s 6:30–8 p.m., Mellinger Room. Weekly gathering of young adults.

December 15 Sun Houston Early Music Concert 5 p.m. in the Cathedral. The Rose Ensemble presents a concert of Early American Christmas music. ($)

fri

Thur

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

Advent Story Time for Children 10 a.m., Chapel of the Christ Child.

December 13

December 26

December 31 to January 1

sun

December 8 Sun Advent Lessons and Carols 5 p.m. in the Cathedral. Sung by the Cathedral and Treble Choirs.

Christmas Holidays Cathedral offices close at noon on Dec. 24 and re-open Dec. 30.

Midwinter Camp Allen. High-school holiday retreat led by Jeremy Bradley. ($)

Annual Parish Retreat Camp Allen. Fun and relaxing weekend for all ages. ($) December 8

December 24–27

December 28–30

Wed

Dean’s Book Club 6:30–8 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Selection: “Citizens of London” by Lynne Olson.

December 6–8

Fri

Christmas at the Cathedral 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Reynolds Hall. The Cathedral family opens its doors to the public to serve 700+ hot meals.

HyeHyun Sung Organ Concert 6 p.m. in the Cathedral. The St. Stephen’s organist/choirmaster performs her doctoral concert. December 4

December 20

Las Posadas 7–9 p.m., various locations. Home celebrations with singing, prayers and traditional refreshments. December 18

Wed

December 24 tue Christmas Eve 4 p.m. Family Service, Holy Eucharist, Rite II, and the Christmas Play. Childcare is available. 6 p.m. Festival Eucharist, Rite II, in Spanish. 7:30 p.m. Organ prelude with Bruce Power 8 p.m. Choral Eucharist, Rite II, with the Parish Choir. 10:30 p.m. Cathedral Choir prelude

20s & 30s Christmas Party 6:30–8 p.m., home of Jeremy Bradley.

11 p.m. Festival Eucharist, Rite I, with the Cathedral Choir.

Faith and Society Seminar 6:30–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Monthly conversation with Dean Thompson about Holy Scripture, faith and society.

December 25 wed Christmas Day 10 a.m. Eucharist and carols.

Fridays Men’s Early Morning Study Group 7–8 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room. Meets on first and third Fridays.

Upcoming January 5

Sun

First Day of Sunday School 10 a.m. Christian education classes resume for children and youth. Adult Education Preview 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Instructors introduce courses for the spring. January 6

Mon

Feast of the Epiphany 12:05 p.m. Eucharist celebrating the first adoration of God in Christ by the Gentiles. 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.

Christmas Play, Camp sign-ups open The Christmas Play is a pageant presented by the Cathedral children (ages 4 and older) during the 4 o’clock Christmas Eve service. Simple costumes are provided and there are

no scary speaking parts. There is one easy rehearsal during Christmas Camp on Saturday, December 21. All children participating in the play will meet in the Cathedral at 9 a.m. for a short rehearsal Christmas Camp and then go to Latham Saturday, December 21 Auditorium for a ser- 9–11 a.m. vice project. We will again be making scarves to give to clients of The Beacon, and parents can enjoy a little free time during this busy season. Sign up on Sunday, December 15, during the 10 o’clock Education Hour on the Jones balcony or outside the Chapel of the Christ Child. For more information, contact Lisa Puccio at 713-590-3323.

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feed those who are hungry by giving that money to The Beacon. Turn off the television in the evening and instead read to your family from the second chapter of Luke. Begin to live today as if Christ might come tomorrow and look you — or me — straight in the eye and ask, “Did you wait faithfully? Did you make peace? Did you love?” Any or all of these options would set us on the path of active waiting during this holy season. If we wait with such anticipation, then come Christmas morning the nativity will be all the more sweet. We will recognize with the shepherds in the field that “born this day in the city of David is the Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Blessed Advent, in anticipation of a very Merry Christmas.

In the Cloister Gallery: Power and Peace

In the Bookstore: ’Tis the Season

Artist Kim Carlton will exhibit oil paintings of figures and local landscapes reflecting action and energy within calm and peace.

Stop by to check out our seasonal offerings and gift selections including Advent calendars, Christmas cards and Dieter Ufer’s handcrafted wooden Christmas trees.

December 2 through January 6

The Bulletin

Recipe, from cover