cathedral times The Weekly Newsletter of the Cathedral of St. Philip, Serving the City and Diocese of Atlanta
June 12, 2016
“I’M SORRY, PLEASE FORGIVE ME, I LOVE YOU, THANK YOU”
By the Rev. Dr. Thee Smith Priest Associate
“I’m Sorry, Please Forgive Me, I Love You, Thank You.” Those four phrases are the formula for conflict resolution and spiritual ‘cleansing’ that I researched three weeks ago at an introductory workshop called, Ho’oponopono Basic. “Ho’oponopono” (pronounced ho-o po-no po-no) is a Hawaiian word meaning “make” (ho’o) “rightright” (pono-pono). To paraphrase in a lighthearted way it means to really really make something right! As I religious studies professor I’m privileged to spend my time investigating diverse faith traditions and new religious movements. Happily I’m also a practitioner and teacher of our specific faith tradition here at the Cathedral. How could I resist, therefore, when I came across an indigenous or native spiritual practice that seems so convergent with our own Christian faith and practices? So with keen interest I attended last month’s basic training in the theory and practice of a more contemporary, even ‘New Age’ version of Ho’oponopono. For several years now I’ve also been concerned about atonement theory and practice in our Christian faith. In theory: how do the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ actually save us and the world from the forces of sin, evil, and destruction? And in practice: How does our following Jesus in the way of suffering love actually achieve the redemption and atonement that we are promised in our scriptures and beliefs? Although this line of inquiry is traditionally known as “the Paschal mystery,” I’m committed to joining others in probing that mystery with as much intelligence as we can muster. What if there were a more direct, simple, and reliable practice that could enliven and propagate throughout the world the spiritual values and ideals that we espouse? That question expresses the allure of the so-called New Age spiritualities that are available in many forms and fascinating ways today. Part of their attraction is due to the absence or reduced levels of dogma—dogma as codified doctrines that demand assent and that have been inherited over millennia. More engaging for me, however, are innovations that continue to convey ancient wisdom and enduring truths while still being accessible and compelling for us today.
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. From this week’s lectionary Galatians 2:19-20
Ho’oponopono is a good candidate for such a ‘way.’ And: “Jesus is the Way that is open to other Ways,” declares John Cobb, one of my favorite theologians of contemporary faith (Source: John B. Cobb Jr., “Beyond Pluralism,” in Christian Uniqueness Reconsidered: The Myth of a Pluralistic Theology of Religions, ed. Gavin D’Costa; Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1990; p. 91). As an African heritage theologian myself I’m particularly interested in indigenous or native ways—and particularly shamanic or ritual healing ways—that can convey the ‘Good News’ (i.e., Gospel) of Jesus Christ for us today. (See Cobb’s other phrase that attracts me to his work in the title, Can Christ Become Good News Again? Chalice Press, 1991.) Now I’m also concerned as a neo-orthodox Christian to affirm the uniqueness of the Jesus Way among the world’s spiritual options: the way of unconditional love that both acknowledges and redeems humanity’s abysmal captivity to sin, evil, and destruction. “We say confession every day because we need to,” one of my professors said to my class of seminarians in the 1970s. But we also say confession believing, every day, that there is One who forgives and absolves us, and then commands us to cooperate with actions and behaviors that renew all creation consistent with the ideals of unconditional love. May we continue in that way as faithful disciples who have been “trained for the kingdom of heaven,” and who are “like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old” (Matthew 13:52).
SPIR ITUALIT Y
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 and Elder Care The Rev. Juan Sandoval Deacon for Hispanic Ministries
Several years ago on a retreat, the Friday evening session was closed using a night prayer. Also described as Compline, a similar offering of prayer can be found in the Book of Common Prayer on page 127. The version we used that weekend and which I continue to use is from the New Zealand Prayer Book and is printed on a well-worn and loved trifold piece of paper which I keep by my bed. I think the service is meaningful to me because I grew up attending a summer camp that ended the day with a vespers service on the dunes overlooking Lake Michigan. Those summers were very formative for me as a person and those services taught me to bring my day to a close with gratitude and wonder at the amazing beauty of my surroundings. The service includes readings, psalms, and prayers; so I often just do a portion, not the whole thing, depending on what is going on in my heart and head, and also how tired I am at the end of the day. There are two specific sections that resonate with me and so I pray them regardless of time limitations or location: It is night after a long day. What has been done has been done; what has not been done has not been done; let it be. The night is dark. Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives rest in you. Amen. —Kimberly McOmber WORSHIP SCHEDULE
MUSIC
Sunday, June 12, 2016 / Pentecost 4: Proper 6C
Sunday, June 12, 2016 / Pentecost 4: Proper 6C
Liturgy of the Word Lesson: 1 Kings 21:1-21a Psalm 5:1-8 Epistle: Galatians 2:15-21 Gospel: Luke 7:36-8:3
7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Mikell Chapel Celebrant and Preacher: Canon Todd Smelser
8:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Cathedral Celebrant: Canon Wallace Marsh Preacher: Canon Carolynne Williams 9 a.m.
8:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist / Cathedral Choir (Decani) Roland Martin, Love bade me welcome Dan Locklair, O sacrum convivium
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.
Holy Eucharist, Mikell Chapel Celebrant and Preacher: Canon Todd Smelser
11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Cathedral Celebrant: The Rev. Dr. Thee Smith Preacher: Canon Cathy Zappa
11:15 a.m. La Santa Eucaristía, Mikell Chapel Celebrant: Canon Wallace Marsh Preacher: Deacon Juan Sandoval
MEMBERSHIP DEATH Julia Shivers, mother of Mary O'Gara, grandmother of Julia, Kevin, and Grace O'Gara, died May 28, 2016
Centering Prayer Morning Retreat Saturday, June 11 | 9:30–11:30 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.
In this summer series, open to all, some of the lights of our Cathedral community teach about saints, historical and contemporary, who have inspired them by the way they lived out the Beatitudes and their faith. This class meets at 10:10 a.m., Sundays in Child Hall. This Sunday, June 12, Ray Hill will discuss Abraham Lincoln and Charles Carpenter. The full schedule is available stphilipscathedral.org/learn.
PR AYER S For those who are ill or recovering Julia Alston Steve Auerbach Priscilla Beale Rodger Beatty Campbell Beckwith Karen Bellaire 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 Campbell Collins Jr. 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 Simone Nehmen
Andy Nelson Stuart Peebles Libby Powell Garry Pryor Ronnie Pryor Jennifer Rankin Whitney Kemble Robbins Logan Shannep Michelle Simmons Lara Smith Sitton Bill Smith Joe K. Steele Janiece Townsend Roy Unkefer Roush Vance Ed Vogel Meredith Wallace Chandra Westafer Caroline and John Westerhoff Dick Wilson Lu Worrell Hollis Youngner For those who have died Robert Benton Julia Shivers 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
MISS A SERMON? FEAR NOT! Subscribe to the Cathedral's podcasts on iTunes or check out the sermon archives at stphilipscathedral.org/sermons. Or worship with us LIVE online, 11:15 a.m. Sundays at stphilipscathedral.org/stream.
POSTMASTER: Dated Material. Please deliver by June 11, 2016
Cathedral Book Store
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MUSIC
STAFF
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 have begun, but it’s not too late to join! All classes are taught by Brenda Pruitt, and are held in the Allegro room, downstairs next to the choir room. For more information and to register, go to stphilipscathedral.org/ allegro.
THANKS CHRISTIE JENNISON! Christie Jennison wrapped up her service to the Cathedral a few weeks when she was called back to the crystal coast of North Carolina where she will be assistant personnel director of Camp Seafarer. Even if you never met Christie, she probably knew you! As program coordinator for stewardship and membership, she maintained all of our parishioner records— new members, baptisms, change of address, etc. She also coordinated stewardship mailings, newcomer dinners, and our weekly thank-you notes to parish life groups. She did all of this with grace, excellence, and hospitality. She always smiled and never failed to pitch in on projects large and small. We will miss you, Christie!
FLAT PHILIP
FLAT PHILIP
Do you remember Flat Stanley, the classic children’s character who could be sent to friends and relatives, so you could see where in the world he traveled? In the Cathedral’s take on this fun activity, we’ll all take a Flat Philip – as in St. Philip, the patron saint of our cathedral – and take him with us wherever we go this summer. Whether it’s the beach, or the Braves game, or the backyard, take Flat Philip along with you, color him in and snap a picture with him enjoying whatever it is you’re doing, then post it on Facebook or Instagram. And don’t forget to tag it: #flatphilip
@stphilipscathedral
Pick up your Flat Philip in the Narthex or print him out at stphilipscathedral.org/ flatphilip