cathedral times The Weekly Newsletter of the Cathedral of St. Philip, Serving the City and Diocese of Atlanta
May 29, 2016
GOD CHANGES HIS MIND Many of us spend significant time trying to change someone else’s mind. We usually have good reasons to do so! Maybe we are a parent, trying to get our child to change her mind about something. Maybe we are a supervisor, trying to persuade an associate to change his mind about something. Maybe we are a preacher, trying to get sermon listeners to change their minds! Maybe we are even a politician trying to get a voter to change his or her mind. When people do change their minds, we often applaud them. They got it, we say! They turned to the right side! They made the healthy choice! And it is true that changing one’s mind can be a good thing. Yet, somehow, we also tend to denigrate people who change their minds. When leaders change their minds (to a position we disagree with), we claim that they are wishy-washy, that we can’t trust them. Politicians are especially susceptible to this accusation. The watchful media, and its massive archives, are ever vigilant, probing for some way that a politician is going against something he or she said previously. Exodus 32 describes one of the most dramatic mind changes in scripture. Moses, up on the mountain with Yahweh, has been delayed in returning to his people. Somehow, the restless people throw their gold into a fire, and “out came this calf” (said Aaron at Exodus 32: 24 – with the feigned innocence of a fiveyear-old!). They had fabricated an idol. Yahweh is furious, and in an astounding moment, says to Moses that he, God, will annihilate those people, get rid of them all, and create from Moses a new people. In short, God tells Moses that he, God, will start all over again. Wow! But, in an even more astounding moment, Moses begins arguing with Yahweh. Moses is trying to save his people. And the Bible actually says that Moses is trying to get God to “change his mind.” In the next amazing development, God is persuaded by Moses not to destroy the Hebrew people. Finally, in a still more astounding moment, the Bible says quite clearly that Yahweh “changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people” (Exodus 32:14). Yes, the Bible says that God changed his mind. In fact, if you read the old King James Version of that same verse, you will read that God “repented” of that possibility. Now, we might think that it would be theoretically impossible for God to change his mind, or to repent! But the Bible seems to say otherwise.
...The gospel that was
proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I
did not receive it from a
human source, nor was I
taught it, but I received
it through a revelation of
Jesus Christ.
From this week’s lectionary Galatians 1:12
Some of you have been following my “spiritual leadership principles,” which I hope have been helpful guides over the years. One of my favorite leadership principles goes like this. “If you want people to go somewhere, go there first.” So, if you are someone who wants to change peoples’ minds, whoever you are, the best way to do that is to show them how. The best way to show people how to change their minds is to change your mind yourself. If you, a parent, want your children to change their minds, show them gracefully and honorably that you can change your mind, too. If you, a supervisor, want your people to change, show them yourself how to change gracefully. If you are God, if you are Yahweh, and you want your people to change their minds, the best thing you can do is to show them that you can change your mind, too. It’s right there in Exodus 32. The story is another instance of the principle of Incarnation: God loves humanity so much that God becomes humanity.
EDUCATION Adult Sunday School classes do not meet this Sunday, May 29. A summer series will begin in Child Hall on Sunday, June 5. Children's and Youth Sunday School will resume in August.
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
ALLEGRO: MUSIC FOR YOUNG CHILDREN Using play, movement, singing, and instruments, Allegro and Musikgarten classes help younger children through age 5 develop musical skills and knowledge as well as an appreciation for music, using the Musikgarten curriculum. Classes start at the beginning of June, and are taught by Brenda Pruitt. They are held in the Allegro room, downstairs next to the choir room. For more information and to register, go to stphilipscathedral.org/allegro.
Centering Prayer Morning Retreat
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
MUSIC
Sunday, May 29, 2016 / Pentecost 2: Proper 4C
Sunday, May 29, 2016 / Pentecost 2: Proper 4C
Liturgy of the Word Lesson: 1 Kings 18:20-39 Psalm 96 Epistle: Galatians 1:1-12 Gospel: Luke 7:1-10
7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Mikell Chapel Celebrant and Preacher: Canon Carolynne Williams
8:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Cathedral Celebrant: Canon Cathy Zappa Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Bill Harkins
9 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Mikell Chapel Celebrant and Preacher: Canon Carolynne Williams
11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Cathedral Celebrant: Canon Carolynne Williams Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Thee Smith 11:15 a.m. La Santa Eucaristía, Mikell Chapel Celebrant: Canon Cathy Zappa Preacher: Deacon Juan Sandoval
Saturday, June 11 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Lanier House
Centering prayer is spiritual practice that stills the body, opens the heart, and helps center us in a heightened sense of God’s presence. Whether you are a beginner or long-time practitioner, or simply curious about it, we hope you will join us for this morning of prayer and rest. Led by Cathedral member Will Traynor, the retreat will include an introduction to centering prayer, along with sessions of sitting and walking prayer. There is no cost, but please RSVP to Cathy Zappa, czappa@stphilipscathedral.org.
8:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist / Staff Singers William Dawson, There is a balm in Gilead Hans Leo Hassler, Cantate Domino
CHILDREN
The Nurturing Center is open for children four and younger from 8:30 a.m. through the end of the 11:15 a.m. service each week.
MEMBERSHIP WEDDING Martha Ouderkirk and George Jenkins, married May 21, 2016 DEATHS Mary Lee McDougall, died May 15, 2016 John Beach, Sr., husband of Virginia Beach, father of John Beach, Jr. (Ann), grandfather of Harrison Beach, died May 17, 2016
PR AYER S For those who are ill or recovering Joanne and George Harriet Hoskyns-Abrahall Julia Alston Steve Auerbach Priscilla Beale Rodger Beatty Campbell Beckwith Karen Bellaire Robert Benton Virginia Bicksler George Bird John Blair Marcia Block David Boone Josh Borden Annaliese Bortner Joan Brooks Keith Brooks Meredith, Adam, and Leo Bugenske Denise Carlson Andrew Clark Joann Claypoole David Collins Lawrence Cowart Jackson Culbreth
Terry Dornbush Sarah duBignon Kitty Dukehart John Dunn Angela Ellis Mary Elrod Amy Feuss Jessica Flores Mary Ann Frazier Carleton Fuller Carolyn R. Fuller Susan Gill Rebecca Gorman Peggy Govan Eudelle Lanier Graham Dianne Griner D. Louis Gruver, Jr. Stan Haines Jane Hannah Caroline Hatcher Patricia Hentz Debanhi Hernandez Richard Hill Connie Hoar Annemarie and Ante Jazic Dorothy Lanier Kenerly
Kelly Kolak Lisa Krysiak Margaret Winders Kuhn Tommy Lanier Karen League Jack Lyle Herb Matthews Barbara Massey Janie Mathis Reilly McClain Bonnie Shields McCormack Carol McDonald Lorraine McKnight Jan McPherson Dick Miller Lucius Morton Julia and William Moye Deloria Musgrove Andy Nelson Stuart Peebles Libby Powell Garry Pryor Ronnie Pryor Jennifer Rankin Whitney Kemble Robbins Logan Shannep
Michelle Simmons Lara Smith Sitton Joe K. Steele Roy Unkefer Roush Vance Ed Vogel Meredith Wallace Chandra Westafer Caroline and John Westerhoff Dick Wilson Ronald Winders Lu Worrell Hollis Youngner For those who have died John Harrison Beach Colleen Dishman Catherine Kelly Mary Lee McDougall 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
LETTER S TO A YOUNG EPISCOPALI A N Dear Anna, I understand your frustration with what we call the doctrine of the trinity. Even if you accept the logic of the metaphors that we often employ to explain it—like the three forms of water: liquid, ice, and vapor—it can still leave you dry and thirsty. It’s hard to accept it as the revealed truth about God when it doesn’t seem to say anything meaningful about your life. I think, though, that the relationships between the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit do say something important to us about the character of human life. They reveal a pattern that can be transforming if we allow it to shape our lives. But, as is true with much of what we say about God, it has to be experienced before it can be believed. Anne Maxwell, an Episcopalian priest, tells a wonderful story about the birth of
her son that illustrates this pattern. A friend told her that one of the great things about having a child was how it changed the relationship you have with your partner. “You think you couldn’t love more than you do now,” he said, “but wait until you have this child. It’s not just that you will love this child but you will be blown away by how you feel when you see your husband holding your baby. I didn’t know I could love my wife that much.” Anne came to relish the moments when she could watch her husband doing something simple with their son, like reading a book, playing with Legos, or washing the boat. She could sense their awareness of each other. They were connected without having to touch or look at each other. Here’s the point, though. Their love for each other touched her. It
inspired her to love more – not only her son and his father, but also other people. Anne’s story reminds me of the promise that Jesus made to his disciples. “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:12). Abstractions by themselves, however well-metaphored, lack the power to give us new life. It is the Spirit that will guide us into all truth. I am often surprised, however, by how often those things that inspire me to love more have a trinitarian character. I wonder if that is true for you too. Your affectionate uncle, Ames
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 May 28, 2016 POSTMASTER send address changes to: The Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2920 404.365.1000
C AT H E D R A L T H R I F T H O U S E Treasure of the Week Wonderful collection of African American Folk Art including dolls and paintings.
cathedral timeS (USPS-093440) is published weekly by The Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2920 Periodicals Postage Paid at Atlanta, GA
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with an encore performance by:
Yacht Rock Revue 7–9:30 p.m.
special opening act:
Dean Sam Candler 6–7 p.m.
Monday, May 30, 2016
Gates open @ 5 p.m. Rain or Shine – no refunds Adults only – 18 years and over
A “CHASTAIN-ST YLE” CONCERT IN THE CATHEDRAL’S PARKING LOT AMPHITHEATER! Bring your own dinner and beverages, or contact Lauren Raymond of Flora and Flour, floraandflour@gmail.com, for dinner options.
RESERVATIONS AT STPHILIPSCATHEDRAL.ORG/CHILLONTHEHILL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE CATHEDRAL WITHOUT WALLS OUTREACH PROGRAMS
UTO SUNDAY IS JUNE 5 Every day we have so many blessings that come our way. Let us rejoice and give thanks this spring by participating in our Cathedral’s United Thank Offering (UTO). UTO has been a tradition since 1889 and supports the missions and ministries of the Episcopal Church. Every cent collected fulfills diocesan grant requests, and each year over $2.5 million dollars is received through UTO offerings. Pick up a Blue Box this Sunday and place it in a prominent place in your home like the kitchen counter or wherever you keep your keys and wallet. Ingathering day is Sunday, June 5. Having spent time adding daily offerings of thanks to your Blue Box, on June 4, you can open it and count your offerings. Write a check for your total amount, payable to the Cathedral of St. Philip (with UTO in the memo line), and bring it to church where you will receive a UTO envelope for the offering plate. Then, take your empty Blue Box and keep the tradition alive at home until the fall ingathering day!