cathedral times The Weekly Newsletter of the Cathedral of St. Philip, Serving Atlanta and the World
November 20, 2016
BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:7 We were gathered around the bed, looking at the gaunt figure of my father. He was looking back at us through his one good eye, returning his gaze every few minutes to my mother as if to make sure that she was still there. He had been holding her hand tightly for several days now through the rails of the hospital bed. We had just given my father the news. Things were bad and getting worse. The time had come.
We had asked him if he wanted the doctors to do anything else. They had pills and needles that they thought would help. But, he had had enough. He knew his own body.
We told him that we loved him and then we asked him to bless us. He raised his hand and one by one my sister, my brother, my mother, and I leaned in over the bed as he made the familiar sign of the cross and put his hand on us. He was drawing only shallow breaths and we couldn’t always make out what he was saying. I had to force myself to breathe and to wipe away the tears. I wanted to see my father’s face and to feel his touch. It was as if my life depended on what was happening in that moment.
Maybe this was the way it felt in the beginning when God created the world and declared that it was good. Maybe this was the way it felt when Jesus came up out of the Jordan River and heard his father say, “You are my blessed child, in whom I take great delight.”
I knew that my father knew me, all of us really. He knew what we looked like when we were being true to ourselves, and he knew what we looked like when we weren’t. I know now that he took delight in all of it, that we brought him joy, not because we had become something he wanted us to be, but just because we were his family.
After my father died, I went to see an old friend of his. Bishop Shipps had not been able to see my father while he was in the hospital and I wanted to tell him how things had gone. There were stories about my father that I thought he might want to hear. As I got up to leave, the Bishop asked me to bless him.
I leaned over his wheelchair, and put my hands on him. I told him that my father loved him. Struggling to find my voice, I told him that he had been a blessing to all of us—to my father, to our family, and to the Church. And then I made the sign of the cross over him. That’s the point of it all, really.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created. From this week’s lectionary Colossians 1:15
We have been blessed so that we can be a blessing to others. We have been given life so that we can share it. It’s not always easy, of course.
As we struggle to find a way through the political wake of our recent elections, we are experiencing just how hard it can be to stay in relationship with others, while still saying what we need to say and doing what we need to do. We are experiencing what it feels like to be called to bless those who threaten us and in many cases don’t even want our blessing. Maybe now is a good time to remind ourselves that we have been blessed. Maybe now is a good time to remember those who have given us life. Maybe now is a good time to feel that God delights in all of us. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
The Rev. George M. Maxwell, Jr. Vicar
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 Pastoral Care and Worship 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
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 and seminarian Clayton Harrington lead 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.
WOR SHIP SCHEDULE
MUSIC
Sunday, November 20, 2016 / Last Sunday after Pentecost, Year C
Sunday, November 20, 2016 / Last Sunday after Pentecost, Year C
Liturgy of the Word Lesson: Jeremiah 23:1-6 Psalm 46 Epistle: Colossians 1:11-20 Gospel: Luke 23:33-43
7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Mikell Chapel Celebrant and Preacher: Canon Wallace Marsh
8:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Cathedral Celebrant: The Rev. Dr. Bill Harkins Preacher: Canon George Maxwell 9 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Mikell Chapel Celebrant and Preacher: Canon Wallace Marsh
11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Cathedral Celebrant: Canon Carolynne Williams Preacher: Canon George Maxwell 11:15 a.m. La Santa Eucaristía, Mikell Chapel Celebrant: The Rev. Dr. Bill Harkins Preacher: Deacon Juan Sandoval 4 p.m.
Choral Evensong and Eucharist, Cathedral Officiant and Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Bill Harkins
8:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist / All Choristers Malcolm Archer, My song is love unknown George Dyson, Praise 11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist / Cathedral Choir Larry King, And He shall reign as King T. Frederick H. Candlyn, King of glory, King of peace 4 p.m. Choral Evensong / The Canterbury Choir and Senior Choristers of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, Atlanta, Shannon Gallier, director Paul Spicer, Preces and Responses Thomas Attwood Walmisley in D minor Harold Friedell, King of glory, King of peace Samuel Sebastian Wesley, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace
CHILDR EN 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.
ADULT EDUCATION Unless otherwise noted, these adult education classes are held Sunday mornings from 10:10–11 a.m. CHOIR RECEPTION (CHILD HALL) All are invited to join as Canon Dale Adelmann and the Cathedral Choir celebrate the release of their new CD, American Canticle, at a reception in Child Hall. Tracks from the album will be played and Canon Adelmann will speak briefly about the works. OLD FASHIONED SUNDAY SCHOOL (ROOM 133) Led by Canons George Maxwell and Cathy Zappa, you will find a light heart and a broad welcome in Old Fashioned Sunday School. This year, we are talking about Jesus. In particular, we’re wrestling with his question, “Who do you say that I am?,” by considering historical images of Jesus and their implications for faith, then and now. THE DIVINE DANCE (ROOM 239) Drawing from scripture, theology, and the deepest insights of mystics, philosophers, and sages throughout history, Fr. Richard Rohr presents a compelling alternative to aloof and fairytale versions of God. The Divine Dance makes accessible and practicable the Christian tradition’s most surprising gift: God as community, God as friendship, God as dance. Canon Carolynne Williams leads this class. LAY PASTORAL CARE (ROOM 120) The Rev. Dr. Bill Harkins, priest associate and professor of pastoral care at Columbia Theological Seminary, is leading a 6-week class on “Lay Pastoral Care: A Brief Introduction to
Theology and Practice.” This class is for those currently involved in lay pastoral care, lay Eucharistic visitation, and other forms of ministry, as well as those who would like to explore a new avenue of service! We will explore such topics as grief and loss, pastoral conversation and listening, a theology of the priesthood of all believers, hospital and shut-in visitation, a theology of compassion, appropriate referral, and related topics. The course will culminate in a Blue Advent/Longest Night service for those for whom the holiday season may be challenging and who may be in need of healing, reconciliation, and care. This service will be conducted by members of the class, and will take place on December 21. All are welcome, and no prior experience in lay pastoral care is required. BIBLICAL GREEK (ROOM 356) Beginning Biblical Greek is offered on a drop-in basis on Sunday mornings at 10:10 a.m. Continuing Biblical Greek classes are offered on Sundays from 1:15–2:45 p.m. for anyone who wants to learn the basics of translation using grammar aids, lexicons, and commentaries. For more information, contact the Rev. Dr. Thee Smith at thee.smith@emory.edu. SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY (ROOM 122) Jim Bingham and Gordon Mathis lead an ongoing small group Bible Study focusing on a particular book of the Bible for several months at a time.
CHILDR EN Advent wreath making and spaghetti supper Sunday, November 27 | 5:30-7 p.m. The Cathedral’s annual Advent wreath making event will take place after Advent Lessons and Carols on Sunday, November 27 in Child Hall. Wreath kits include the circular form, candles, candle holders, and a booklet about celebrating Advent at home. The kits are $14. Some greenery will be provided but everyone is encouraged to bring their own clippings and clippers as well. A warm spaghetti supper will be available. Dinner is $6/child and $8/adult. RSVP: stphilipscathedral.org/wreathmaking.
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT SIGN-UPS It is time to sign up for the Christmas Pageant, held every year at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve. All children registered in Sunday School, from the 4-year-olds through fifth grade, are welcome to participate. If your child is not registered for Sunday School, please contact Ciara Rowley at crowley@stphilipscathedral.org or register online at stphilipscathedral.org/children. A pageant sign-up table will be in the Atrium on Sundays, November 20 and 27, and December 4 and 11. Dress rehearsal will be Sunday, December 18 at 12:45 p.m. If you have any questions, contact Sara Chapman at sarachapman@ westminster.net. The Christmas Pageant is a tradition not to be missed.
MUSIC Friends of Cathedral Music and the Atlanta Baroque Orchestra present
ST. CECILIA’S DAY CELEBR ATIONS Music from seventeenth and eighteenth century London
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 | 7 P.M. | THE CATHEDR AL OF ST. PHILIP SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20 | 4 P.M. | ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, ROSWELL
Henry Purcell, Hail Bright Cecilia (Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day) G.F. Handel, Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day, HWV 76 Atlanta Baroque Orchestra
Julie Andrijeski, artistic director
Cathedral Schola
Dale Adelmann, conductor
Teresa Wakim, soprano Reginald Mobley, countertenor Thomas Cooley, tenor Mischa Bouvier, baritone
Join a world-class cast of soloists, the Atlanta Baroque Orchestra, and the Cathedral Schola for this rare opportunity, in one evening, to hear two of the most beloved works dedicated to St. Cecilia, patroness of music! Tickets are available at stphilipscathedral.org/concerts and from the Cathedral Book Store.
Advent Lessons & Carols Sunday, November 27, 4 p.m. Those who have attended this candlelight service in past years know what a perfect opportunity it is to step back from the hectic pace of the post-Thanksgiving, pre-Christmas season, and take a few moments to contemplate Advent’s real meaning. For our Advent service we include the ancient O Antiphons, one after each of the seven lessons. Whether you best sense the eternal through timeless chant, or wonderful choral music, or popular carols sung by all, there is something for everyone in this service.
THANKSGIVING DAY EUCHARIST THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 10 A.M. Celebrant: Canon Todd Smelser Preacher: Canon Cathy Zappa
ATLANTA ORGANIST TO PERFORM ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON This Sunday, November 20 at 3:15 p.m., we welcome organist Barbara Salter as our Sunday Afternoon recitalist. Originally from Minnesota, Barbara is a graduate of Cornell College and Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and has performed on the Cathedral’s recital series many times. Her program will include works by Bach, Mulet, and Vierne, among others. We encourage everyone to come and hear this talented local performer. Barbara Salter, organ Atlanta Johann Sebastian Bach, Prelude and Fugue in C Major Francisco Correa de Arauxo, Tiento de medio de Quattro tono Henri Mulet, Carillon Sortie Louis Vierne, Carillon de Westminster
Cathedral Choir Herbert Howells, Jubilate Deo (Collegium Regale) Johann Sebastian Bach, Now thank we all our God
SPIR ITUALIT Y LABYRINTH AND TAIZÉ Get your week off to a peaceful start with a labyrinth walk and Taizé on Monday, November 21. The labyrinth will be available from 7–8 p.m. in Child Hall, with an orientation for new walkers starting 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! Newcomers are always welcome! ADVENT QUIET DAY: "PREPARING A SPACE" Advent is a season of preparation, a time of getting ready for what lies ahead. This Advent Quiet Day on Saturday, December 3, from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Lanier House, invites us to be in silence and to offer a space to reflect on scripture through journaling, collage, poetry and the labyrinth. As we give ourselves the gift of time to open to God’s guiding, we may discover that the space being prepared for the coming birth lies within our own selves. The retreat will be facilitated by Barbara Pendergrast, who received her M.Div. from Emory's Candler School of Theology and is a spiritual director and board certified member of the Association of Professional Chaplains. The cost is $20, which includes lunch. Register at stphilipscathedral.org/quietday or with Jeannie Mahood, jmahood@stphilipscathedral.org or 404-365-1034, by Tuesday, November 29.
OUTR EACH Come be part of the annual joyful experience of building and delivering Christmas baskets for our Cathedral Habitat families. We are building 20 this year and need your help! This has become a very popular event and you can help in any of several ways, including contributing food or monetary support, building baskets (beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 16), or delivering baskets (meet at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 17). This is something for kids and adults alike; make it a family event. Sign up in the Atrium beginning Sunday, November 20 or contact John Champion at 404-3070817 for more details.
TOY DR IVE 2016 B E N E FI T I N G E M M AUS H O USE A N D B U CK H E A D CH R I S T I A N M I N I S T RY Emmaus House and Buckhead Christian Ministr y (BCM) provide Christmas gifts to children in need. Last year, Emmaus House provided gifts to nearly 800 children, and BCM provides gifts to more than 900 children. Please join the Cathedral ECW in a toy drive to help these organizations provide a cheer ful Christmas to all.
HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP: DONATE GIFTS: Bring NEW, UNWRAPPED GIFTS to the bins in the Atrium from until December 19 or to the toy drive table on Sundays through December 18.
WRITE A CHECK OR GIVE ONLINE: $35 will
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. —Hebrews 12:1-2
The 2017 stewardship campaign is underway! Look for your pledge materials to arrive in the mail soon, and prayerfully consider how you can contribute to the cloud of witnesses in the coming year. For more information, contact David Rocchio, 404-365-1033 or drocchio@stphilipscathedral.org.
STPHILIPSCATHEDRAL.ORG/CLOUD
sponsor a child; $70 two children; for $175, five children will awaken to gifts on Christmas morning! All donation amounts are appreciated. Make checks payable to “Cathedral of St. Philip – ECW Toy Drive.” Or, give by credit card online at stphilipscathedral. org/contribute or at the kiosk in the Atrium. To ensure timely deliver y, please make all monetar y donations early and by Sunday, December 11.
WRAP GIFTS: Bring your tape and scissors and join the gift-wrapping par ty at the Cathedral on Wednesday, December 14.
For a list of suggested toys, go to stphilipscathedral.org/toydrive. If a toy requires batteries, please provide them. No militar y toys, especially guns.
ELDER MINISTRY AARP will again offer the Smart Driver Course at the Cathedral on Thursday, December 1. The course is a six-hour refresher aimed at motorists 50 year old and older. Some of the objectives of the class include understanding the effects of aging on driving; learning driving strategies that take into account the changes we experience as we age; and a number of other topics designed to make you a safer driver. At the completion of the class, you may be eligible to receive a discount on your automobile insurance policy. Class begins at 9 a.m. and will be completed by 4 p.m. There will be an hour break for lunch. Feel free to bring a lunch. The cost for AARP members is $15 and $20 for non-members. You will pay at the door by cash or check. You must bring your AARP card to receive the discount. You may sign up by calling the Information Desk at 404-3651000. If you have additional questions you may contact the course instructor, Stratton Leedy, at 404-237-8910.
UTO INGATHERING NOVEMBER 20 Every day we have so many blessings that come our way. Let us rejoice and give thanks this fall 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. Here are some ways you and your family can participate: • Every night during dinner, go around the table and share one thing for which you are truly grateful that day. Pass around the Blue Box and insert some coins or dollars to express your gratitude. •
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When saying prayers in the morning or at night, make a ritual offering to thank God for being there to hear your prayers. Let the children put a coin in the box for every accomplishment they can share from their day at school. Ask every family member to make a donation in thanks for a person they love who has brought joy into their lives.
Ingathering day is Sunday, November 20. Having spent several weeks adding daily offerings of thanks to your Blue Box, on November 19, 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 spring ingathering day!
CATHEDR AL THR IFT HOUSE MEMBERSHIP TR ANSITIONS NEW MEMBERS Michael Stone, from Cumming, Georgia
Treasure of the Week Beautiful, elegant Persian Kirman Pastel rug. Measures 13’ x 11.5’ and in lovely condition.
Newell Baker, from Norcross, Georgia John Lineweaver, from Greensboro, North Carolina
1893 Piedmont Road | 404-876-5440 Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
PR AYER S For those who are ill or recovering: Immediate Needs Grace Gibson
Long Term Prayers Julia Ballard Priscilla Beale Llewellyn Bell Karen Bellaire Cornelia Bird George Bird John Blair Josh Borden Catherine Carson Louisa Chapman David and Ginny Collins Lawrence Cowart Terry Dornbush Sarah duBignon Kitty Dukehart Angela Ellis Mary Elrod Sean Farmer Amy Feuss Robert L. Foreman, Jr. Mary Ann Frazier Rebecca Gorman Jennifer Ham Jane Hannah Caroline Hatcher Shirley Heermann Richard Hill Connie Hoar Peggy Hull Jane Jones Landon Lanier Tommy Lanier Karen League Jack Lyle Robert and Aggie Maddox Reilly McClain Carol McDonald Dick Miller Stuart Peebles
Beth Pitzer Brenda Pruitt Garry Pryor Jennifer Rankin Jonna Rankine Joe K. Steele Roy Unkefer Cindy West Chandra Westafer Dick Wilson Hollis Youngner Family and Friends Steve Auerbach Rodger Beatty Janet Bell Marcia Block David Boone Joan Brooks Keith Brooks Meredith, Adam, and Leo Bugenske Denise Carlson Andrew Clark Joann Claypoole Rick Copeland Jackson Culbreth Van Foster Carleton Fuller Susan Gill Peggy Govan Eudelle Lanier Graham D. Louis Gruver, Jr. Ellen Gunn Doyce Gunter Helen Hammond Gregory Hentz Debanhi Hernandez Alice Hoft Michael Ivy Annemarie and Ante Jazic Jon Kelly Kolak Lisa Krysiak Margaret Winders Kuhn
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Courtney Lamberth Janie Mathis Michelle Maxwell Michael McClelland Bonnie Shields McCormack Jan McPherson Eric S. Merrifield Lyn Moore Lucius Morton Andy Nelson Libby Powell James Sands Coleen Schoen Logan Shannep Michelle Simmons Lara Smith Sitton Bill Smith Lyda Sorgini Mack Brown Stevenson, Jr. Richard A. Tilghman Janiece Townshend Martir Valesquez Peter Veverka Ed Vogel Elizabeth Slaton Wallace Meredith Wallace Herbert “Rip� Waters Caroline and John Westerhoff Stephen Williamson Marion Wilson Lu Worrell Patricia Young For those who have died Elmer Bay William Calvert, Jr. Tammie Cordes Jacque Dillard Benjamin Schuttler Ruth Vaught Herbert Waters
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POSTMASTER: Dated Material. Please deliver by November 19, 2016
CATHEDRAL PODCASTS Subscribe to the Cathedral's podcasts or check out the sermon archives at stphilipscathedral.org/sermons
POSTMASTER Send address changes to: The Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2920 404.365.1000
CATHEDRAL TIMES SUBMISSION DEADLINES: For the Sunday, November 27 issue, the deadline is Wednesday, November 16. For the Sunday, December 4 issue, the deadline is Wednesday, November 23. 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. To receive the Times by email, contact Janie Harris at jharris@stphilipscathedral.org.
RECEPTION TO CELEBRATE NEW CHOIR CD Sunday, November 20 | 10:10 a.m. | Child Hall All are invited to join as Canon Dale Adelmann and the Cathedral Choir celebrate the release of their new CD, American Canticle, at a reception in Child Hall. Tracks from the album will be played and Canon Adelmann will speak briefly about the works.
THE CATHEDRAL CHOIR AND SCHOLA AND MEMBERS OF THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BRASS SECTION FEATURING WORKS BY CRAIG PHILLIPS, ROLAND MARTIN, GERALD NEAR, LARRY KING, HOWARD HELVEY, HAROLD FRIEDELL, AND LEO SOWERBY.
Cathedral Farmers Market Saturdays 9 a.m – noon
The Cathedral Thrift House and Farmers Market will partner up to offer the Host and Holidays Yard Sale, next Saturday, November 19. Whether you need hostess platters or holiday décor we have it all. Get ready for the holidays with treasures from our sale. Perhaps even do some holiday shopping! The Cathedral Farmers Market is the largest producer-only farmers market in the state. Producer-only means that everything at the market has been grown, raised, or made by the seller, ensuring fair prices for both the vendors and the consumers. We are a proud Wholesome Wave market and accept double SNAP benefits.
peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com
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