cathedral times The Weekly Newsletter of the Cathedral of St. Philip, Serving the City and Diocese of Atlanta
April 17, 2016
CONVERSION!
Conversion! Last Sunday in church, we heard the story of how Saint Paul, on the road to Damascus, was “converted.” In my sermon, I addressed the possibility that the word “conversion” might be a good word. Here are some excerpts: Some Christians have grown understandably wary of the term “conversion.” … “Horrors!” some of us might say! Surely, we do not mean to be touting obnoxious or simplistic conversion practices! Many of us have been trained to think that conversion is for the simple-minded, or at least for the emotional-hearted, not for the tough thinkers that we consider we ourselves are.
The word, “conversion,” however … is a word worth using. Conversion is a good thing. Maybe we are skeptical because we have seen “converts” who embarrass the Christian faith. They seem rigid and unkind, angry and racist. I certainly admit, sadly, that some Christians have been converted to a rather simplistic, and even violent, definition of what Christianity is. A wrong definition. But true conversion is something else. True conversion to the Spirit of Christ, is a deeply spiritual and deeply necessary phenomenon. It is a conversion to grace, and a transformation to truth, and those things can cost a lot. And true conversion is always, always, a conversion to the future, not to the past.
Conversion is not conservative; conversion is progressive! True conversion is what drives the engine of world progress. Think, for instance, about the theory of evolution. People had to have their minds changed, they had to be converted, to believe in the scientific theory of evolution. Without people willing to be converted, we would have no honoring of the work of Charles Darwin. Think of astronomy and the sun and the planets. Without conversion, we would have no Copernican theory of planetary motion. In that instance, you may recall, the Christian Church was primary among those who needed to be converted! Right. I am not speaking of being converted backwards, into some worldview that simply repeats the errors of history. I mean being converted forwards, into the future, into an entirely new way of seeing the world. Many of us today need to be converted to something new! To a vision of true unity, for instance, where there is neither male nor female, neither Gentile nor Jew, neither Muslim nor Christian, neither black nor white. Hey! That’s what Saint Paul saw! (Galatians 3:28)
The tragedy for much of Christianity is our believing that faith is static, stuck in only one context and generation. What a tragedy! Conversion is implicit and necessary in the ongoing life of Christians; once we are converted, the Christian Church has to be converted over and over again. Yes, if we are to model grace to the world, we will model how to be converted – how to change, gracefully, over and over again.
“What my Father has given me is greater
than all else, and no
one can snatch it out of
the Father's hand. The
Father and I are one”
From this week’s lectionary John 10:29-30
Conversion is a good thing, but it does hurt. When Paul described his experience later in the Book of Acts, he added that Jesus told him, “It hurts you to kick against the goads,” (in Acts 26). Do you know what a “goad” was? It was an instrument that prodded the ox to go forward, to keep on going. It was like a cattle prod.
In the first century, the persecutor Saul was stuck, was facing backwards, trying to retain something that was bound to change – that is, the old way of getting right with God by following stifling laws. The goads of Jesus were trying to get Paul to turn around and go forward! So it is that the Spirit of God can seem like an annoyance to us. We kick against her impulse. We insist on resistance. We even persecute, as Saul did. We do evil to others, trying to resist the Spirit of God. But that Spirit is a persevering hound. The poet, Francis Thompson, called that Spirit “the hound of heaven.” The entire sermon can be at the Cathedral website, and in various kiosks around the Cathedral campus. I pray for ongoing conversion!
PROGR A MS DUR ING THE WEEK T U E S DAYS The Dean’s Men’s Bible Study: 7–8 a.m., Room 319. This group meets consistently to read and study scripture, share faith stories, and support each other in prayer. A light breakfast is available. We finish by 8 a.m. so those gathered may go into the world to carry on their ministries.
2016 CH APTER Rob Adams (Junior Warden), Mary Bondurant (Executive Committee At-Large), Josh Borden, Kate Brewer, Matt Caine, Mary Caroline Cravens (Senior Warden), Joan Gilbert, Austin Hall (Secretary), Jason Hultgren, Lindsey Hardegree, Wade Hooper, Eric Mininberg, Doug O’Bryan (Treasurer), Brad Reeves, Julie Rief, Ruth Russ, Susan Troutman, George Watson, Anne Young
CLERGY A ND SENIOR STA FF The Very Rev. Samuel G. Candler Dean Dale Adelmann, Ph.D. Canon for Music The Rev. George M. Maxwell, Jr. Vicar The Rev. C. Wallace Marsh IV Canon for Worship and Parish Life Mary Hunter Rouse Canon for Education The Rev. Catherine Zappa Canon for Spirituality and Mission The Rev. John William Harkins III, Ph.D. Priest Associate The Rev. Todd D. Smelser Canon Associate for Pastoral Care The Rev. Theophus “Thee” Smith, Ph.D. Priest Associate The Rev. Carolynne G. Williams Canon Associate for Pastoral Care The Rev. Juan Sandoval Deacon for Hispanic Ministries
Early Morning Women’s Bible Study: 7–8 a.m., Walthour Library. Canon Cathy Zappa leads this group. Women of all ages are encouraged to join us for good fellowship and lively conversation. W E D N E S DAYS The Dean’s Women’s Bible Study: 10:45–11:45 a.m., Room 319. This group meets consistently to read and study scripture, share faith stories, and support each other in prayer. We close promptly at 11:45 a.m. in order to get to carpools and lunches! Eat Your Word Bible Study: Noon, Room 239. Canon Cathy Zappa leads this Bible study. Centering Prayer: 6:30 p.m., Lanier House Chapel. Contact Jeannie Mahood at jmahood@ stphilipscathedral.org. T H U R S DAYS Centering Prayer: 4 p.m., Lanier House Chapel. Contact Ann Hickman, mannhick@aol. com.
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
MUSIC
Sunday, April 17, 2016 / Easter 4, Year C
Sunday, April 17, 2016 / Easter 4, Year C
7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Mikell Chapel Celebrant and Preacher: Canon Todd Smelser
4 p.m. Evensong / Cathedral Schola Gerre Hancock, Preces and Responses Peter Aston in F Lennox Berkeley, The Lord is my Shepherd Thomas Weelkes, Alleluia! I heard a voice
Liturgy of the Word Lesson: Acts 9:36-43 Psalm 23 Epistle: Revelation 7:9-17 Gospel: John 10:22-30
8:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Cathedral Celebrant: Dean Sam Candler Preacher: Canon George Maxwell 9 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Mikell Chapel Celebrant and Preacher: Canon Todd Smelser
11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Cathedral Celebrant: Dean Sam Candler Preacher: Canon Carolynne Williams
11:15 a.m. La Santa Eucaristía, Mikell Chapel Celebrant: Canon Cathy Zappa Preacher: Deacon Juan Sandoval 4 p.m.
Evensong and Holy Eucharist, Cathedral Celebrant and Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Bill Harkins
8:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist / Cathedral Choir Sopranos and Altos Franz Schubert, Gott ist mein Hirt Steven Rickards, Little Lamb
CHILDREN
The Nurturing Center is open for children three and younger from 8:30 a.m. through the end of the 11:15 a.m. service each week. Children’s Chapel takes place during the 8:45 a.m. service as an option for parents and children who are not yet ready to experience the full liturgy together, though children are always welcome in “big” church. Children three years through third grade begin in church with their parents, follow the children’s acolytes and leaders out at the Sequence Hymn, then rejoin their parents at the Offertory. Two-year-olds attend their own chapel service, which begins at 8:45 a.m. Parents who would like their children two years old and younger to join them for communion may go pick them up from Room 227 at the Peace.
ADULT EDUCATION Adult classes meet Sundays at 10:10 a.m., unless otherwise noted. Find out more at stphilipscathedral.org/learn. ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASS – Child Hall Led by Dean Sam Candler and others. This Sunday is the last week of our adult confirmation class, in preparation for the confirmation service on Sunday, April 24. This Sunday, Canon George Maxwell will discuss the Cathedral of St. Philip and our parochial entities. OLD FASHIONED SUNDAY SCHOOL– Room 133 Led by Canons Cathy Zappa and George Maxwell This Sunday, Canon Zappa will lead the class. As always, you will find those things that we think matter most: a light heart, a broad welcome, and good coffee. We look forward to seeing you there.
WOR SHIP DO YOU SPEAK ANOTHER LANGUAGE? Readers are needed for Pentecost Sunday services on May 15 at 8:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Anyone who can read and speak in a language other than English is invited to join the reading of the Gospel. You do not have to be an expert, you do not have to find your own translation, and you do not have to read alone! If you are interested, please contact Jeannie Mahood, 404-365-1034 or jmahood@stphilipscathedral.org.
MUSIC VIRGINIA ORGANIST TO PERFORM We welcome organist Dr. Christopher Reynolds, from Richmond, Virginia, as our Sunday afternoon recitalist this Sunday, April 17. A graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory and the University of Michigan, Reynolds currently serves as director of music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Richmond. His program will include works by Vierne, Bairstow, and John Cook, among others. Come and hear this very talented young performer!
Christopher E. Reynolds St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia John Cook, Fanfare Edward C. Bairstow, Evening Song Bruce Simonds, Prelude on Iam sol recedit igneus Louis Vierne, Carillon de Westminster from 24 Pièces de fantaisie
BEGINNING BIBLICAL GREEK – Room 356 Led by the Rev. Dr. Thee Smith We offer Beginning Biblical Greek on a drop-in basis and require no previous knowledge of Greek. This year we use the proven successful, Basic Greek in 30 Minutes a Day: A Self Study Introduction to New Testament Greek by James Found. Also open to beginners, Continuing Biblical Greek (Sundays at 1:15 p.m.) includes long-term members who translate using grammar aids, lexicons and commentaries. texts adds nuance and depth to reading scripture. SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY – Room 122 Led by Jim Bingham and Gordon Mathis This ongoing small group Bible Study focuses on a particular book of the Bible for several months at a time. We read one chapter each week. Bring your study Bible or favorite translation.
BREAKFAST TUESDAY–FRIDAY, 8–10 AM BISCUITS, BAGELS, PASTRIES, AND MORE! ($2–3 EACH) LUNCH WEDNESDAY, 11:30 AM–1 PM SOUPS, SANDWICHES, AND SALADS ($3–6 EACH) IN THE CATHEDRAL KITCHEN
NEWCOMER DINNER Calling all new families! Join us for a kid-friendly dinner in Child Hall on Sunday, April 17, from 5:30-7 p.m. Canon Mary Hunter Rouse will highlight the Parish Retreat to Kanuga, Week of Wonder, and other summer opportunities. Whether you’re a new member or a long-time member, this will be a great way to learn more about opportunities for children at the Cathedral. Please RSVP to Christie Jennison, cjennison@ stphilipscathedral.org or 404-365-1079.
STEWAR DSHIP CAN YOU MAKE A FINANCIAL COMMITMENT? We are making steady progress in reaching our goal of $3,685,000 in pledges from 1,200 parishioners. Thank you! If you have not already done so, please consider making a pledge now. In addition to a lot of other things, pledging gives the Cathedral Chapter confidence that we are on track for the year. Large or small, your pledge impacts the theology, budget, and planning for this sacred community. Pledging is easy! Simply submit the form below or make a pledge online at stphilipscathedral.org/pledge. We’ll apply any contributions that you may have already made to this pledge. Please contact David Rocchio at 404-365-1033 or drocchio@ stphilipscathedral.org if you need further information about pledging.
PARISH RETREAT MAY 27-29
Enjoy fellowship, relaxation, and the perfect setting for Memorial Day weekend in the North Carolina mountains. Highlights will include a bluegrass band, ice cream social, kayaking and lake swimming, Saturday morning programming, and Sunday morning chapel service. Cathedral members of all ages are welcome! Please contact Carrie Philpott, carrie_elson@hotmail.com, or Mary Hunter Rouse, mrouse@stphilipscathedral.org, with questions.
Pricing includes lodging, meals, and programs. Adult: $195 Youth (11-18): $100 Child (3-10): $85 Infant/Toddler (0-2): $60 If this is your first time at the parish retreat, take 50% off your total fee!
2016 PLEDGES AS OF APRIL 11: 873 HOUSEHOLD PLEDGING $3,270,032
I/We, pledge $ __________ to the ministry of God in Christ, through the annual operating fund. Name(s): _____________________________________________________________________________ Address (if changes have been made in past year): _____________________________________________ City: _________________ State: _____ Zip Code: ____________ Home Phone:___________________ Signature: ________________________________ Signature: __________________________________ Date: _______________________ Email Address: ___________________________________________ This commitment, offered in faith, may be increased or decreased due to changing circumstances. Please return your pledge card to The Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Rd., NW, Atlanta, GA 30305. If you have questions, please contact David Rocchio at 404-365-1033 or drocchio@stphilipscathedral.org.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN DETERGENT DRIVE FOR CITY OF REFUGE St. Clare’s Guild is collecting laundry detergent pods for the women and families at City of Refuge during April. Next time you’re at the store, pick up a bag of pods to drop off at the Cathedral's information desk. Our donation will help City of Refuge defer some of their basic housing costs for the families. Thank you!
ECW Spring Luncheon Friday, May 6
11:30 a.m. on the Lanier House Lawn Karen Riddell, speaker Catering by Jerry Dilts & Associates Sign up by $10 payment at stphilipscathedral.org/payments
Derby hats suggested
CHILDR EN'S MINISTR IES WEEK OF WONDER! JUNE 6-10, 9 A.M.–12 P.M. $100 PER CHILD Children who are age 3 (by March 1) through rising 5th graders are invited to participate in Week of Wonder, the Cathedral's Vacation Bible School! We'll play and learn, dance and sing throughout the week, all while “catching the wave of God’s amazing love” at Surf Shack! Week of Wonder is a volunteer driven Christian formation experience. We rely on parent, youth, and community volunteers to keep WOW running, safe, and fun. Adults, please prayerfully consider how you will be a part of the WOW experience this year and fill out a registration form to let us know that you will be here. Volunteers and participants can sign up at stphilipscathedral.org/ weekofwonder. EYSEEDLINGS WILL MEET NEXT WEEK! All fourth and fifth graders are invited to attend EYSeedlings, a monthly gathering of fellowship and fun. Our final meeting for the school year will be Sunday, April 17. We’ll celebrate with games, treats and a sending off blessing for the rising 6th graders! Afterwards, we will join the Newcomer Dinner. If you plan on attending, please email Ciara Rowley at crowley@stphilipscathedral. org to RSVP.
2016 C athedr al Golf Tournament Monday, May 9, 2016 11 a.m. Practice T ees Open 12:30 p.m. Shotgun Start
Ansley Golf Club
196 Montgomery Ferry Drive Atlanta
$150/golfer, in support of the Cathedral Without Walls outreach efforts in Haiti. S ign up and pay at stphilipsc athedr al .org /golf. Choose your team of four or we' ll make your team for you. Contact Richard Perry, rperryesq@aol.com, with any questions.
PR AYER S For those who are ill or recovering Priscilla Beale Karen Bellaire Virginia Bicksler George Bird John Blair Josh Borden Susan Cole David Collins Sally Coulter Lawrence Cowart Terry Dornbush Sarah duBignon Kitty Dukehart Angela Ellis Mary Elrod Ann Fritts Todd Frary Mary Ann Frazier Rebecca Gorman D. Louis Gruver, Jr. Jane Hannah Caroline Hatcher Connie Hoar Betty Hopkins Karen League Jack Lyle Herb Matthews Reilly McClain Carol McDonald Dick Miller Marian Palmore Stuart Peebles
Garry Pryor Jennifer Rankin Joe K. Steele Roy Unkefer Chandra Westafer Dick Wilson Hollis Youngner Julia Alston Elana Brown Anderson Steve Auerbach Rodger Beatty Campbell Beckwith Barbara Henry Bender Marcia Block David Boone Joan Brooks Keith Brooks Meredith, Adam, and Leo Bugenske Alice Ann Calvert Denise Carlson Andrew Clark Joann Claypoole Jackson Culbreth John Dunn Carleton Fuller Susan Gill Eudelle Lanier Graham Stan Haines Patricia Hentz Debanhi Hernandez Robert Hoder Dorothy Lanier Kenerly Kelly Kolak
L ABYR INTH A ND TAIZÉ Come walk the labyrinth and renew your spirit in this season of new beginnings and longer days. Celebrate with others Christ's resurrection over death by following your path to holiness and love. A candlelight labyrinth walk with music will be held on Monday, April 18 in Child Hall from 7-8 p.m. with orientation for new walkers at 6:30 p.m. Then, the Taizé prayer service starts at 8 p.m. in Mikell Chapel. Originating in Taizé, France, this simple service of scripture, music and candlelight will bring a beautiful and prayerful close to your Monday. The labyrinth and Taizé take place the third Monday of each month at the Cathedral. Come to one, or both – and bring a friend!
Lisa Krysiak Margaret Winders Kuhn Quinn Laird Barbara Massey Bonnie Shields McCormack Lorraine McKnight Jan McPherson Andy Nelson Helen Patterson Libby Powell Ronnie Pryor Cary Purvis Whitney Kemble Robbins Logan Shannep Nancy H. Shuford W. Henry Shuford Michelle Simmons Lara Smith Sitton Roush Vance Ed Vogel Caroline and John Westerhoff Ronald Winders Lu Worrell For those who have died Bob Rickard For all those serving their country away from home, for their safe return, and for their families who wait for them For all expectant parents
MEMBERSHIP NEW MEMBERS Caroline and Matt Reschly, from Atlanta BIRTH Andrew McLendon King, son of Morgan and Charley King, brother of Mary Adams and Yates King, born March 25, 2016 DEATHS Bob Rickard, died February 18, 2016 Ann Fritts, died April 7, 2016
CATHEDR AL FAR MER S M AR K ET FARMERS MARKET NOW OPEN WEDNESDAYS In addition to Saturday mornings (8:30 a.m.– noon), the Farmers Market is now open Wednesdays, 4:30–8 p.m.! Take a break from cooking with food and drink from familiar Saturday market vendors, new vendors, and a rotating schedule of Atlanta’s favorite chefs. Food will be available to go or for dining at outdoor picnic tables on-site. The Cathedral Farmers Market is a Wholesome Wave market and we accept and double SNAP food stamp benefits.
PE AC H T R E E R OA D FA R M E R S M A R K E T.CO M
LETTER S TO A YOUNG EPISCOPALI A N Dear Anna, I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t do as well as you would have liked in your art class. I realize that people at school are already talking about things like class standing and college choices. You live in a competitive world. Do you remember J.K. Rowling? She wrote the Harry Potter books that you loved so much. Rowling gave the commencement address at Harvard several years ago. (She joked that all of the crimson banners made her think for a moment that she was at the world’s largest Gryffindor reunion!) She talked about the benefits of failure. Rowling told the story of her own failure. She talked about how hard it was to balance the ambitions she had for herself and those that others had for her. She described the value of studying things, like the Classics, that wouldn’t on their own pay a mortgage or secure a pension. And,
she reflected on how painful it had been to be a single mother without a job. The benefit, she said, was that realizing her greatest fears set her free. Rock bottom became a solid foundation for her. “Had I really succeeded at anything else,” she said, “I might never have found the determination to succeed in the one arena I believed I truly belonged.” Now, I know that you know that getting a bad grade (at least by your standards) is not the same as being a jobless single mother! But, disappointments do offer a gift similar in character to what Rowling received from her failure. They give us a chance to look more realistically at ourselves, and to come closer to who we are and who we want to be. And, perhaps more importantly, they give us an experience of vulnerability that enables us to connect more deeply with other people who are having similar experiences.
Just as you have to learn to put aside your preconceptions of what eyes or a nose are supposed to look like in order to really see the person whose portrait you are trying to draw, so you have to get beyond definitions of success and perfection that depend on not making any mistakes before you can really live your life. As Rowling said, “As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.” I wish you a good life. Your affectionate uncle, Ames This letter is part of a series of fictional letters by Canon George Maxwell intended for Episcopalians young and old who wonder what it means to be faithful in the world today. Read previous letters in the series at stphilipscathedral.org/letters.
DID YOU KNOW? In addition to Sunday services in the Cathedral and Mikell Chapel, we also worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness every weekday? Join us for some midweek refreshment or a lunchtime boost, 12:15 p.m. in St. Mary's Chapel.
POSTMASTER: Dated Material. Please deliver by April 16, 2016
Cathedral Thrift House Treasures of the Week
POSTMASTER send address changes to: The Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2920 404.365.1000
Exquisite coral necklace with jade pendant attached by 14k gold cap. Beautiful pendant also has a small coral Buddha in center. Necklace measures 17" in length.
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Please remember us with your unloved garden items for our annual Gardens of Grace event: Saturday, May 7.
1893 Piedmont Road | 404-876-5440 Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CATHEDRAL TIMES SUBMISSION DEADLINES: For the Sunday, April 24 issue, the deadline is Wednesday, April 13. For the Sunday, May 1 issue, the deadline is Wednesday, April 20. Please email announcement requests to the editor, Dan Murphy, at dmurphy@stphilipscathedral. org. Learn more about upcoming events, download sermons, and access contact information at stphilipscathedral.org.
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Join t he team!
H ABITAT FOR HUM A NIT Y Join us for our last few weeks of building! The Cathedral team finishes our annual Habitat build on Saturday, April 23. Even if you've never been a part of the team, there's still time! Contact John Champion at 404-307-0817 or jchampion@bellsouth.net to get additional information.
Habitat for Humanity build Saturdays through April 23 stphilipscathedral.org/serve for details
CHILL ON THE HILL Concert in the Cathedral parking lot Join us once again for Chill on the Hill, Memorial Day, May 30. Atlanta's own YACHT ROCK REVUE will play your favorites from the 70s and 80s, live on stage in the Cathedral parking lot! And Dean Sam Candler will open the show! Bring your own dinner and beverages. All proceeds benefit the Cathedral Without Walls outreach ministries.
Tickets on sale now: stphilipscathedral.org/chillonthehill