The Bulletin: July 2015

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

JULY 2015 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG

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

Empowerment and change at The Beacon

Cathedral fifth-grade students participate in the Cathedral Urban Service Experience on a summer mission trip.

CUSE shares call to serve urban poor For the past eight years, the Cathedral Urban Service Experience (CUSE) has developed and supported group mission trips and service projects that focus on helping Houston’s urban poor and homeless. Participants typically range from middle school to college students and come in groups from around the diocese, the state, and beyond.

“Serving together can really help a group bond,” said CUSE program director Christy Orman. “Working together and serving

others helps us to break down our walls.”

CUSE offers group service projects geared to different age groups, abilities, and interests.

On a CUSE trip, for instance, a group might prepare meals and emergency kits, repair housing, or tidy neglected cemeteries. The program also provides participants a secure home base, trip-planning services, pre-service training, accommodations in the Ballard Youth Center, and meals. Enthusiastic CUSE

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Alston to lead community life, stewardship Dean Barkley Thompson is pleased to announce that Karen Alston will join the Cathedral ministry staff in July as the Minister for Community Life and Stewardship. Alston will work with the Community Life Council to provide opportunities for parishioners of all ages to engage in fellowship and grow into the body of Christ. Christian community includes annual marquee events such as May Fete, the Annual Parish Retreat, and our Shrove Tuesday pancake supper, as well as the Cathedral’s growing complement of multi-generational and neighborhood events such as Popcorn Theology.

Additionally, Alston will be responsible for stewardship, coordinating the Cathedral’s annual Every Member Canvass alongside the

ALSTON, page 2

KAREN ALSTON

The Gospel of Jesus is a story of redemption. Again and again, Jesus heals, uplifts, and forgives those in dire circumstances, and Jesus always follows this action by commanding and commending redeemed persons to go forth in newness of life, claiming their redemption.

THE VERY REV. Jesus always empowers.

BARKLEY Almost a decade ago, THOMPSON Christ Church Cathedral opened the Dunn Center with these ideas in mind. In response to the growing needs of Houston’s homeless and desperately poor population, Christ Church parishioners established the Dunn Center as that place where the redemptive grace of Jesus would be experienced tangibly, a place where those in need would have their dignity as children of God restored and would be empowered to go forth in newness of life. Within the Dunn Center, the Beacon and its affiliated services — the day center, Beacon Law, the Cathedral Clinic, and Brigid’s Hope, along with two other Cathedral-sponsored and now independent agencies, New Hope Housing and Compass — all work together with these goals in mind: to restore dignity and grant clients the assistance and support to go forth in newness of life.

Three years ago, The Beacon, in particular, was able to take a major step forward in its efforts when the City of Houston launched “The Way Home,” an ambitious effort to end chronic and veteran homelessness by coordinating social service providers across the city and providing ample supportive housing connected to services for addiction, mental health, and more. The Beacon is a full partner in “The Way Home,” serving as the primary access point for the

EMPOWERMENT, page 5

Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with

EE New members John Craver, Mary Jane Clements, Amie Schexnayder, Madison Brungardt, and Jacquelyn Craig.

EE The newly baptized: Martin Edward Hwang, Lucy Lina Norcross, Graham Scardino Thompson, and John Dexter Schexnayder.

EE Claire Borchers and Ryan Renfro, who were married on May 29 in the Cathedral; Patrice Easterly and Richard Domercq, who were married on May 30 in the Cathedral; and Lily Barsenas and Refugio Herrera, who were married on June 6 in the Cathedral.

EE Rick Newlin and Keith Davis, whose lifelong covenant was blessed on May 16 in the Cathedral.

EE Helenita and Danny Frounfelkner on the birth of Stellan Rust Frounfelkner on January 31 and Robert and Lesli Cummings on the birth of Reid Montgomery Cummings on May 8.

We extend heartfelt sympathy to

EE The family of member John Hankey, who died May 28. He was the husband of Mary Hankey and father of Evans Hankey, Hillary Lockhart Hankey, and John Neville Hankey.

EE The family of member Raymona Brown Bomar, who died June 3. She was the wife of William Bomar Sr.; mother of William Morgan Bomar Jr., Katherine Bomar Childs, and Melissa Jacobs; and grandmother of William Morgan Bomar III, Katherine Bomar, Morgan Childs, and Tommy Jacobs.

We express our gratitude for

EE Bruce Atkins and Carleta Sandeen, who are retiring from Sunday School teaching after 30 years of service.

We congratulate our graduating high-school seniors

EE Jill Caress (Texas A&M), Caisa Doyle (Hendrix), Mary Holden (Southwestern), John Nielson, Ashlin Ondrusek (Sewanee), Emma Volhort (Sam Houston State), Graham Jones, Kate Bomar (UT), Michael Actkinson (Rhode Island School of Design), Blake Sandeen (UC Santa Barbara), Charlotte Brannon (Yale), Hally Carver, Miranda HurtadoRamos (Brandeis), and Ricky Noriega.

The flowers on the Cathedral Altar

EE On July 5 are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for the dedicated work of the Saintly Sudzers at Christ Church Cathedral and in thanksgiving for the life of Sam Holden Jr. on this, his birthday.

EE On July 12 are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the lives of their children and grandchildren, Anne Schweppe Ashmun; Laura Randall Schweppe Ashmun and Stuart Whitaker Ashmun Jr.; Jane Venable; Mary Stewart Burgher; Mary Meyerson and Ballard Burgher; Elizabeth Whitney Burgher and Eleanor Stewart Burgher; and Martha Burgher Plunkett and Jack Plunkett, by Dr. and Mrs. H. Irving Schweppe Jr. EE On July 19 are given to the glory of God in honor of the 63rd wedding anniversary on July 26, 1952, of Mary Barden and Millard Worrell and in loving memory of Melissa Hoiland.

EE On July 26 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Hugo V. Neuhaus Jr.

The flowers in the Floor Vases

EE On July 5 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Diane Tobola on her birthday by her family.

EE On July 12 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Geraldine and John Naschke by their daughters, Kathy, Gerrie, and Nancy.

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Welcome to the rodeo

“Rally Day Roundup” is coming on Sunday, August 23. Get ready to put on your best western wear and have some fun while learning about the exciting happenings at your Cathedral.

ALSTON, from cover Stewardship Council. She will also serve as the staff support person for the Cathedral Endowment and the Bishop Richardson Society, which encourages parishioners to remember the Cathedral through planned and estate giving.

Until this past January, community life was ably overseen by Melissa White, who left her position on staff but continues to be an active Cathedral parishioner. In the interim, the Rev. Eileen O’Brien has taken on community life in addition to her other roles. The current minister for stewardship, David Simpson, has also for the past two years been the Cathedral’s chief operating officer. Dean Thompson said, “For quite a while now, David and Eileen each have been doing the work of two people, and I’m pleased that their job descriptions will now be more sustainable.”

Since 2010, Alston has worked for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, in roles of increasing responsibility, most recently as senior special events coordinator. She brings a wealth of knowledge, energy, and faith to her new role at the Cathedral. Alston’s supervisor at the museum says that she has been her “right arm … a great juggler … with a work ethic that is unsurpassed.”

Alston was baptized and confirmed as an Episcopalian last year. She says, “My journey thus far has always led me to career positions that don’t just utilize my current experiences, but amplify those skills by allowing me to use them to support a cause that is close to my heart. This opportunity with the Cathedral is no different. I am excited to serve the Cathedral and get the chance to work alongside the amazing staff. I look forward to deepening my connection with the Cathedral community, and to following the path that God unfolds before me. Lord, lead the way.”

Dean Thompson added, “Karen impresses everyone she meets. In her own life, she has experienced how important Christian community can be, and I am so pleased that she will shepherd both community and stewardship at the Cathedral. We are blessed to have her join the team.”

Convention will elect new leader, reimagine church The Episcopal Church is governed by the General Convention, a legislative body made up of the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies. The convention meets every three years to consider and vote on a wide range of matters, including those of church mission, public policy, liturgy, and administration.

Through July 3, current and past bishops of the Diocese of Texas and eight deputies from our diocese will be in Salt Lake City to participate in this year’s General Convention, the 78th that has been held since 1785. The diocese is also preparing for 2018, when the next convention is scheduled be held in Austin.

The numerous committees, commissions, agencies, and boards of the Episcopal Church have each presented reports to the General Convention, summarizing their work from the previous three years and laying out proposed resolutions and amendments to be considered by the houses. These reports are collected into a single (now digital) document known as “The Blue Book.” Additional resolutions are added as they are submitted.

Southwest Florida. The common thread uniting the nominees is their vision for a Church deeply engaged in the work of mission and reconciliation. The challenge for the next presiding bishBREIDENTHAL CURRY DOUGLAS SMITH op will be proclaiming Election of a new Presiding Bishop that vision effectively both within the EpiscoOne task of the 2015 General Convention pal Church and globally, while facing finanwill be to elect a new presiding bishop of the cial pressures and organizational change.

Episcopal Church. Bishop Katharine Jefferts Reimagining the Church Schori, whom we pray for each Sunday mornThere has also been a growing call for maing, completes her nine-year term this year. jor structural reforms to the governance of The presiding bishop is the chief pastor, ecu- the Episcopal Church. This will be a major menical leader, and primate of the Episcopal topic during the 2015 General Convention, Church, joining 38 other leaders in the An- and three separate visions for reform will be glican Communion to seek global good and considered. reconciliation.

The first is from the Standing CommisThere are four nominees to take her place: sion on the Structure of the Church, which Thomas Briedenthal of Southern Ohio, Mi- is charged with continually assessing the efchael Curry of North Carolina, Ian Doug- fectiveness of church operations and prolass of Connecticut, and Dabney Smith of cesses. The second is from the Task Force for

Meet your pastoral care “shepherds”

Reimagining the Episcopal Church (TREC), which has spent the past two years working on a grassroots reform plan. The third is from the organizers of the Acts 8 Moment, a group that has built upon the work of TREC, adding to and clarifying its proposals to transform and rebuild the structure of the Church.

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Learn new dance moves at July 17 Family Night

On April 26, nine Cathedral members were commissioned by Dean Barkley Thompson through the Community of Hope training program as “The Shepherds of Christ Church Cathedral.” This training model was selected to support the pastoral care initiative of the Cathedral’s 2014–2015 Vision Action Plan.

Under our new system for pastoral care support, lay leaders (called “shepherds”) are assigned in pairs to coordinate care for a particular group of parishioners. These assignments are made alphabetically. The role of a shepherd is to be in confidential

communication with their assigned members. When someone in the congregation faces a challenge or crisis, the shepherds will help to coordinate the care of that individual or family by utilizing the various pastoral support ministries of Christ Church.

When life’s challenges and changes come your way, such as hospitalization, a new home, an illness, the birth of a child, or a wedding, simply inform your shepherd by phone or email. The Shepherd Program serves as an extension of our clergy, who

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On Friday, July 17, all are invited to join the Spanish-speaking community of the Cathedral for a night of dancing from 6–8:30 p.m. in Reynolds Hall. Don’t know how to dance?

No worries, we will teach you. Bring your family and friends and join us for a potluck supper starting at 6 p.m.

Dinner will be followed by FAMILY NIGHT an exhibition of four different Friday, July 17 dances: merengue, bachata, 6–8:30 p.m. salsa, and cumbia. In addition to learning the basic moves for each dance, you will also learn a little about the cultural background of the dance and its signature music. Later, you will have a chance to put your learning into practice on the dance floor.

This event is designed to be fun for the whole Cathedral family. Whether you are primarily an English-speaker or a Spanishspeaker, come join us for the “convivencia” — communion between communities. There is no need to register.

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Episcopal Night at the Ballpark, Cathedral House Graduation, and more

IN PICTURES

Below left and right: Episcopal Night at the Ballpark on June 12 drew more than 500 people from around the Diocese of Texas to the Bishop’s Courtyard for a pregame cookout.

Above: Kindergarten students from Cathedral House Episcopal School graduate in a ceremony on May 22 in the Cathedral.

Right: Bible “By the Glass” continues to meet through the summer on Monday evenings at OKRA Charity Saloon.

The downtown gathering begins at 6:30 p.m. and drop-ins are welcome.

Above: Dean Barkley Thompson baptizes an infant in a June ceremony. If you would like to be baptized or would like to learn more about baptizing a child, please contact Anne Shepard in the church office at 713-590-3301.

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EMPOWERMENT, from cover

Beacon board recently undertook a monthshomeless who are seeking permanent sup- long strategic assessment to ensure that we portive housing. Through our efforts, 339 cli- continue to serve those most in need and to ents have already been housed. Several hun- always empower our clients to better their dred more are in the process of being housed. lives rather than enable homelessness and The Beacon’s ministry is successful. People poverty. Coupled with this strategic assessare being empowered! ment, The Beacon has received a substantial At the same time, the dynamic of down- capital improvement grant from the City, town homelessness is changing. The emer- which will enhance the kitchen, bathrooms, gence of a new street drug “kush” (sometimes and laundry; provide better exterior security; called synthetic marijuana) has contributed and improve the Dunn Center’s aesthetic apto an increase in after-hours petty theft, pearance with new green spaces. drug dealing, and other difficult situations As a result, for a brief period at some point throughout downtown. In order to preserve in late summer, the Dunn Center will be a campus safety, The Beacon has increased the construction zone, and The Beacon will suspresence of late night security, which comes pend service for several weeks to implement at substantial expense. the capital improvements. (The parking gaThroughout all of this, The Beacon’s daily rage and the balance of the East Block will recensus has increased. Even as we have housed main open throughout this time!) When the hundreds of chronically homeless people, The Beacon now sees well over 550 clients on an average day, which is many more than The Beacon was designed to support. We want always to ensure that we are serving the people who have real, chronic need and are empowering rather than enabling those we serve.

Increasingly, we lack that certainty, and we are concerned that we may be, in some instances, enabling the very problem we seek to solve.

Given the success of our mission, the changing dynamics of downtown homelessness, and because it is always faithful and prudent to pause and reflect when an organization nears the decade milestone, the An artist’s rendering shows planned greenspace for the Dunn Center.

Dunn Center reopens, The Beacon will operate with an adapted service model. As Houston’s housing system continues to provide additional supportive housing for the chronically homeless and those needing short-term assistance, The Beacon will hone its focus on those who seek to engage — in addition to a meal, laundry, or shower — the empowering services we offer, such as Beacon Law, the Cathedral Clinic, Compass, and — importantly — spiritual and pastoral care through The Beacon’s chaplain office. The Beacon will also coordinate with select other social service providers, such as SEARCH, to provide meals to clients who are engaged with empowering services through those providers.

I am privileged to serve as both dean of the Cathedral and chair of The Beacon board, and I believe these important changes will ensure that we continue to help those who truly need help, continue to keep our campus safe, and always empower our clients to go forth in newness of life. In other words, these changes will cleave us more closely to The Beacon’s original mission, so that we can move toward the second decade of The Beacon’s Gospel work.

I am proud of the Beacon board for addressing these strategic changes with fidelity and grace. Beacon Executive Director Charly Weldon, board president Guy Hagstette, and I are available to discuss this process with parishioners, volunteers, and other Beacon supporters. I am grateful for your vital support of The Beacon’s mission.

CUSE, from cover

to navigate public transportation, and what to say when asked for cash. (The answer is to offer what’s available in lieu of money, such as snacks, supplies, or resource information.)

KariAnn Lessner, the Cathedral’s new minister for children and families, previously participated in diocese-led CUSE programs with Goodman. These mixed groups, she said, pull participants from a variety of backgrounds and build a lasting foundation of fellowship.

Lessner advocates being “intentional about introducing the idea of service” to youngsters so they carry it forward as they mature.

Hannaman agrees. In her view, youngsters need to see that all humanity shares the feelings of pain and joy. “I think once they understand this,” she said, “they understand their responsibility as a Christian: to truly love one another.”

To learn more about the CUSE program, visit www.urbanserviceexperience.org.

interns help out as guides, role models, and project coordinators.

Each summer, hundreds of CUSE volunteers accrue thousands of service hours at more than a dozen area nonprofits. However, since the needs of the poor are year-round, CUSE hopes to expand to a wider audience.

Orman hopes that the program could also resonate as a retreat resource for a variety of general-interest organizations, clubs, professional associations, and corporations.

Shannon Hannaman, youth director of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, La., has brought students to CUSE for seven years. In serving others, she said, “[The youth learn] how we are all different but the same, though some of us have it harder than others.”

Hannaman shared how junior-high students from the St. Luke’s mission trip with

CUSE in May described learning humility, seeing it also in people they would rarely encounter otherwise, and realizing how with God’s guidance — and peer support — they can accomplish more than they thought they could. She said that the experience also boosted teamwork and cooperation and developed clique-busting camaraderie that will spill over into the students’ daily lives.

Susan Goodman, family minister at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Austin, accompanied an intermediate group from around the diocese on a CUSE service trip in 2013 — and will return this summer. She said that the program’s pre-project training builds young participants’ confidence and sensitivity so that any encounters with those they serve play out with dignity and respect.

Thus her wide-eyed charges, who may be new to the big city, learn about personal safety and awareness, diverse populations, how

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Christian yoga allows for release, makes room for God In the past decades, yoga in its many forms mourning, and healing. We tend to keep our has truly entered the mainstream through the minds racing in memories of the past and introduction of the practice’s many benefits concerns for the future. Painful memories, such as reduced anxiety and the increase of unskillful thought patterns, and worrisome strength, flexibility, joint mobility, and concerns seem to get trapped in our an overall sense of wellbeing. Yoga minds. Repressed emotions, resentis here to stay. It is much more than ments, and reactive responses to cona fitness exercise — it is an all-over, fusion, pain, and trauma become head-to-toe, body/mind contemplapatterns and blocks of energy in our tive practice. bodies. These become somatized; in According to the website of the other words, they are converted from BROOKE Center for Contemplative Mind in SUMMERS-PERRY a mental state to a physical condition, Society, “Contemplative practices are contributing to illness and “dis-ease.” practical, radical, and transformative, develA variety of yoga styles allow us to let go oping capacities for deep concentration and of our attachment to thought patterns as well quieting the mind in the midst of the action as release physical energy blocks. Imagine and distraction that fills everyday life. This your mind as one hand and your body as the state of calm centeredness is an aid to explora- other. One hand is holding thought patterns, tion of meaning, purpose, and values.” the other is holding energy blocks. When we Kelli Rosen further defined the benefits of practice putting these down, there is space in yoga in Mother Earth Living magazine. “The our systems to hold something else. We make word ‘yoga’ means to ‘unite’ and refers to the room for spirit, grace, and our connection fusion of body, mind, and spirit through med- with each other and God. itation, breathing, and physical postures,” she The website Christian Yoga explains: “There wrote. is a blossoming form of yoga centered in With so many ways to engage our minds Christ. One of the goals of Christian yoga is and stimulate the senses in our media-driven awareness of your own self as the Christ Self. lives, there is little opportunity for creativity Equally important is that expanded awareness and spirit to pop up in the pauses. Our fast of oneness brings with it the realization that pace also limits the time we spend reflecting, others are participating with you in the one

Christ. Consequently, you can see your true self in your brothers and sisters. Along with any true realization comes compassion and gratitude. Out of this gratitude comes a dedication to helping to bring about the liberation and happiness of all conscious beings.”

The Hines Center is thrilled to host yoga classes every day of the week. We will welcome practitioners before work, mid-morning, during the lunch hour, after work, and on the weekends. Through Christian yoga and a variety of forms led by gifted teachers, we hope to facilitate the centering, healing, and connecting grace of yoga for individuals, groups, and families, from the novice to the master.

Brooke Summers-Perry is the executive director of the Bishop John E. Hines Center for Spirituality and Prayer.

Donate clothes, glasses, shoes at LOTS clothing drive July 12 On Sunday, July 12, the Mission Outreach Council will conduct a clothing and eyeglass donation drive during the Summer Place fellowship hour. Donations will benefit Lord of the Streets Episcopal Church (LOTS), a mission church that minisCLOTHING DRIVE ters to Houston’s homeless. On that same Sunday morning, a team of Cathedral volunteers will cook Sunday, July 12 breakfast for the LOTS congregation.

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Parishioners are encouraged to drop off eyeglasses and sunglasses as well as clean, gently-used clothing and shoes. Seasonally appropriate men’s clothing and shoes (especially sneakers) are preferred; however, all clothing items will be accepted.

Both prescription and non-prescription eyewear will be accepted.

As part of its ministry, Lord of the Streets operates a clothing distribution center for the homeless and disadvantaged. The center is run in part by volunteers and allows for those in need to select items of their choice. Additionally, Lord of the Streets is able to determine the exact prescription of donated eyeglasses so they can be matched to individuals in need.

Tables will be set up in the back of Reynolds Hall on July 12 to accept donations from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please contact Lord of the Streets directly if you wish to make a donation at another time. If you are interested in joining the Cathedral’s breakfast team on the morning of July 12, contact team leader Tracey Cabral at 713-320-1168.

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Graduation day at Brigid’s Hope

On June 5, five women graduated from Brigid’s Hope, having successfully completed the 12-month intensive program for homeless, non–violent female offenders. Brigid’s Hope at The Beacon offers transitional housing and supportive services in an effort to reduce the number of women returning to the criminaljustice system. Through housing, volunteer mentoring, case management, lifeskills training, and supportive services, the women of Brigid’s Hope receive the tools they need to become self-sufficient and to secure a safe and productive future. This was the second graduation held this year; another is planned for the fall. To learn more about Brigid’s Hope and how you can support this ministry, visit www.beaconhomeless.org.

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 JULY 12

THIS MONTH THROUGH JULY 3 78th General Convention Salt Lake City, Utah. Triennial convention of the Episcopal Church.

JULY 3

FRI

Independence Day Holiday Cathedral and offices will be closed.

JULY 5–12 High-School Mission Trip Costa Rica. Fifteen youth will join 12 adults to aid our companion diocese. ($) JULY 10

Registration closed

FRI

Cloister Gallery Opening Reception 6–8 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Re-IMAGE-ing Mary Magdalene with Brigid’s Place.

SUN

Clothing Drive 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Drop off eyeglasses and clean, gently used clothing and shoes for the Lord of the Streets.

Childcare available (3 mo. to 10 yrs.)

JULY 24–25

FRI–SAT

Mary Magdalene Workshop With cultural historian Kayleen Asbo.

Hosted by Brigid’s Place as part of a month-long festival. ($)

20s & 30s Brunch 1 p.m., Black Walnut, 5512 Memorial Dr. JULY 17

Women’s Bible Study (First and third Wednesdays) 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.

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

Noche Familiar 6–8:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Disfruten una cena y una noche festiva de baile para toda la familia.

20s & 30s Movie Outing 7:45 p.m., Market Square (301 Milam).

Outdoor screening of “Blade Runner.”

JULY 19–24 Middle-School Mission Trip San Antonio. Missionpalooza. ($)

JULY 30 THU 20s & 30s Bingo Outing 5:15–9 p.m., SPJST Lodge 88 (1435 Beall). This popular bingo hall fills up fast, so come early and join the 20s & 30s for cheap games, eats, and drinks. ($)

Intermediate Mission Trip Houston. Rising fourth through sixth graders from around the diocese will participate in the Cathedral Urban Service Experience program. ($) JULY 22 WED Summer Documentary Series 6–8:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Eucharist, dinner, film, and discussion on the issue of human trafficking.

During the summer

THE CATHEDRAL BOOKSTORE will be closed on weekdays and most Sundays and will reopen in the fall

SHEPHERDS, from page 3

WEDNESDAYS

FRI

JULY 31 TO AUGUST 2

JULY 12 SUN Lord of the Streets Service Day 6:15 a.m., Trinity Episcopal Church.

Help cook eggs, meat and grits during a two-hour breakfast shift.

Bring a friend!

are always available to support you.

In late fall, each Cathedral member will be sent an informational letter explaining the program in a bit more detail and will receive a magnet listing the contact information for the assigned shepherds. If at any time you are in need of a priest, you can always reach a member of the clergy during business hours through the Cathedral office (713222-2593) or after hours through the emergency care line (713-8265332 in English; 832-330-6276 in Spanish).

Everyone will have a chance to get to know their personal shepherds during the month of September at a series of meet-and-greet sessions to be held on Sunday mornings. More details will be announced in August. For more general information about the Shepherd Program, contact the Rev. Glenice Robinson-Como at 713-590-3319 or Pastoral Care Coordinator Kimberly Williams at 713-590-3334.

WEEKLY SUNDAYS

THURSDAYS Youth Summer Movies Edwards Greenway Grand Palace (3839 Weslayan). Lunch and a movie with fellow Episcopal youth. ($) FRIDAYS Men’s Early Morning Study Group (Second and fourth Fridays) 7–8 a.m., Jeffers Conference Room.

UPCOMING

Summer Place 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Fellowship hour with refreshments hosted by ministries and councils of the Cathedral. July 5, Welcome & Evangelism; July 12, Mission Outreach; July 19, Stewardship; July 26, 20s & 30s.

AUGUST 23

MONDAYS

Adult Education Preview 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall.

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.

SUN

Rally Day 10–11 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Fun activities for all ages as we celebrate and explore the Cathedral’s ministries.

AUGUST 30

SUN

Sunday School Classes Begin 10 a.m. Christian education classes begin for children and youth.

EYC (Episcopal Youth Community) 4–6 p.m. Ballard Youth Center.

Now through August:

COMFORT CALLS

from the Vestry

A Vestry representative will call you to ask how we’re doing and to hear your hopes and concerns PAGE 7

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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.

CONVENTION, from page 3

The report of the standing commission primarily reasserts its proposals from the 2012 General Convention. In particular, it emphasizes the decentralizing principal of “subsidiarity,” where the unifying role of the General Convention is maintained, but authority is delegated more clearly to dioceses and to local faith communities. Other resolutions seek to streamline the convention itself, reducing committees, funding interim meetings, and allowing for early review of upcoming legislation.

In developing its various proposals, TREC (reimaginetec.org) interviewed nearly 2,000 Episcopalians and solicited input from countless others to assess the state of the Church.

Looking forward, TREC envisions a future where the clergy are supported by multiple parishes or by supplemental work, and are trained by non-residential seminaries in newly designed programs to lead and transform the Church. TREC also proposes the combination of the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies, as well as a reconsideration of the number and size of dioceses and a review of the process for selecting bishops.

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not used for worship, and proposes that these resources be used for community purposes.

The Acts 8 Moment responded to the TREC report with a letter, “A Memorial to the Church” (episcopalresurrection.org), which calls upon the General Convention to act in specific ways to transform the Church. In particular, the convention is asked through a set of resolutions to fund evangelism initiatives “extravagantly” while following Jesus into the neighborhoods; to let go of buildings, structures, habits, and conflicts that do not serve the Church well; to support mission locally and to build networks in place of centralized hierarchy; and to enter into creative initiatives in restructuring the church for mission.

Learning more

If you are curious about the work of the General Convention, check out the General Convention website (generalconvention.org), the diocesan website (epicenter.org), or the Episcopal Herald blog (episcopalherald.com).

Those attending and discussing the convention will also use the social media hashtag “#gc78,” which you can follow online. Alternatively, feel free to strike up a conversation with Canon Simón Bautista or Curate Eileen O’Brien, both of whom will be attending the convention this year.

In the Cloister Gallery: Re-IMAGE-ing Mary Magdalene

In July Brigid’s Place has invited artists from around the world to create original works of art that portray the Mary Magdalene who was a beloved friend to Jesus and a woman capable of turning “hearts toward the good.” For more information on Brigid’s Place’s month-long Mary Magdalene Festival, including a two-day workshop at the Cathedral with cultural historian Kayleen Asbo, visit www.brigidsplace.org.