cathedral times The Weekly Newsletter of the Cathedral of St. Philip, Serving Atlanta and the World
WE BECOME WHAT WE WATCH
February 19, 2017
In the light of modern science, some of the stories in the Bible seem downright silly! Do you remember the one from Genesis, chapter 30, about how Jacob devised a plan to breed strong sheep? When the time came for Jacob and his father-in-law (Laban) to go their separate ways, they had to divide the joint assets between them. So Joseph arranged a deal with Laban. (Watch out, you fathersin-law!) Jacob’s deal with his father-in-law was that he, Jacob, would get all the lambs that were striped or speckled or spotted. His father-in-law would get the rest. Basically, that meant for Jacob that he would get all the lambs that had some white in them (the white caused the stripes). Jacob wanted the best offspring, the strongest sheep, so he went and got some poplar and almond trees. He peeled back the bark so that the white of the wood was showing. How was this plan going to help? Well, when the strong sheep got ready to breed, Jacob put the strips of wood in front of their eyes. The theory was that if the mother sheep and daddy sheep were looking at white streaks and white spots while they were raising children, then their children would also have white streaks and white spots on them. Jacob made sure that the strong sheep were seeing the streaks and stripes; that way, their children—the strong lambs—would have streaks and stripes. (It’s right there in Genesis 30.) Isn’t that delightful? And it’s even more wonderful that it worked. The strongest of the new flock had stripes and streaks and spots, and the strongest of the flock belonged to Jacob. I love that story. But I must admit that it flies in the face of modern science and genetics and breeding technique. Do we really believe that when mother sheep and father sheep are looking at stripes when they are together, that they will have striped children? That takes some faith. Where is the faith of the great monk, Gregor Mendel, when you need him? Well, I used to think that this story was silly and non-scientific. But not so now. In its odd way, the Bible often speaks of a deeper truth. The deeper truth is this: We become what we pay attention to. We become what we watch. You’ve heard it said, “We are what we eat.” That may be true. But it is also true that “We are what we watch.” What we hear and watch during life makes a difference during our formation. And, more importantly, it makes a difference to how our children are formed, too. If we watch stripes all the time, we do become striped. If we watch spots, we become spotted. If we watch pessimism all the time, we become pessimistic. If we watch hope all the time, we become hopeful. If we watch trash all the time… If we watch love all the time…
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
From this week’s lectionary Matthew 5:44
Another great biblical figure, Moses, entered a cloud of glory when his people were wandering in the wilderness. Moses needed to see something other than the empty and forlorn desert before him. And he went away. He went away in order to spend time with the divine. He was on a mountain in a cloud of glory. The Bible claims that when Moses came back down from the mountain, he was actually radiant. His face shone with the glory of God. The point is that Moses became what he was watching. What he was watching changed his very appearance. I know that we Christians go to church for lots of reasons, some of those reasons quite spiritual, and some of those reasons not so spiritual. All the reasons are okay with me. I am simply glad people make the effort to be here. However, whatever the reasons are that people might show up, I hope we all actually see something holy here. Church, and worship and prayer and community, are meant to show us a different sort of reality than the one we might see in the world. Though we often fall short, our Christian worship and life—our Christian community—is meant to be a vision of nothing less than the kingdom of God. After Sunday worship, we are meant to take what we have seen and touched, and go out into the world with that new reality! We become what we watch! And then, maybe ever so slowly, with patience and faith, the world can become what we watch, too.
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.
2017 CH APTER Matt Anthony, Carol Baker, Mary Bondurant, Kate Brewer, Matt Caine, Mary Caroline Cravens (Senior Warden), Joan Gilbert, Austin Hall, Lindsey Hardegree, Jason Hultgren, Bridget James, Jenny McClure, Eric Mininberg, Doug O’Bryan (Junior Warden), Cyrus Philpott, Brad Reeves, Matt Richardson, Julie Rief, 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, February 19, 2017 / Epiphany 7, Year A
Sunday, February 19, 2017 / Epiphany 7, Year A
Liturgy of the Word Lesson: Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 Psalm 119:33-40 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 Gospel: Matthew 5:38-48
8:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist / Cathedral Staff Singers William Byrd, Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes Ola Gjeilo, Ubi caritas
7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Mikell Chapel Celebrant and Preacher: Canon Cathy Zappa
11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist / Cathedral Choir Paul Halley, Jesu, the very thought of thee Ola Gjeilo, Ubi caritas
9 a.m.
4 p.m. Choral Evensong / Cathedral Schola, Martin Luther, observed Thomas Ebdon, Preces and Responses Thomas Weelkes, Evening Service for Five Voices Johann Sebastian Bach, Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden, BWV 230 William Byrd, Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes
8:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Cathedral Celebrant: Dean Sam Candler Preacher: Canon Todd Smelser
Holy Eucharist, Mikell Chapel Celebrant and Preacher: Canon Cathy Zappa
11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Cathedral Celebrant: Dean Sam Candler Preacher: Canon Todd Smelser
11:15 a.m. La Santa Eucaristía, Mikell Chapel Celebrant: Canon Wallace Marsh Preacher: Deacon Juan Sandoval 4 p.m.
Choral Evensong, Cathedral Officiant and Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Bill Harkins
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.
ADULT EDUCATION Unless otherwise noted, these adult education classes are held Sunday mornings from 10:10–11 a.m. ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASS (CHILD HALL) Confirmation in the Episcopal Church is a “mature public affirmation of faith and commitment to the responsibilities of Baptism.” If you are new to the Episcopal Church or simply have a desire to find out more about the Church and this Cathedral parish, come learn with us this semester. This class is coordinated by Canon Wallace Marsh and taught in rotation by Dean Sam Candler and various Cathedral clergy, with occasional guest speakers. The class, Sundays at 10:10 a.m. in Child Hall, will begin on Sunday, February 19 and run through April 23, with confirmation at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, April 30. For more information or to sign up, contact Canon Wallace Marsh, wmarsh@stphilipscathedral.org.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN JOIN THE NEW ST. RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GUILD! St. Ruth’s Guild is dedicated to continuing the hospitality ministry of the late Ruth Vaught, our beloved “Old Woman.” Volunteers will be hostesses of the Cathedral, assisting with a variety of events within our parish. Whether helping with special events, serving Wednesday lunch, making tea sandwiches for a reception, or serving hot cross buns on Easter, we look forward to having a special presence serving at the Cathedral. All women of the parish are welcome to join St. Ruth’s Guild. Annual dues are $20. Join us for fellowship and to learn more at a kickoff tea on Sunday, February 26 at 2 p.m. at the home of Caroline Wallace, 22 W. Andrews Drive NW. Contact Dorsey DeLong, teamdelong@gmail.com, or Caroline Wallace, cfwallace2@comcast.net with any questions.
OLD FASHIONED SUNDAY SCHOOL (ROOM 133) This year, we join Christians across time and around the world in exploring the question that Jesus posed to his disciples: “But who do you say that I am?” In particular, we are examining images of Jesus from various historical and social contexts, together with the implications of these images for faith, then and now. This will be both a historical survey and an invitation to reflect on our own theology of Christ (“Christology”). Jaroslav Pelikan’s book, Jesus Through the Centuries, will be our companion along the way. In the fall, we traced conceptualizations of Christ from the New Testament into the Middle Ages. This spring, we’ll resume with the Late Middle Ages and make our way into the 21st century. The class is organized by Mack Leath, and the discussions will be led by Canons Cathy Zappa and George Maxwell, with an occasional guest teacher. 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. COFFEE AND PASTORAL CONVERSATIONS (ROOM 120) Join Canon Wallace Marsh as he delves into a variety of pastoral topics. Canon Marsh’s presentations will involve scripture, theology, and of course, clips from popular movies. Grab a cup of coffee from the well and join Canon Marsh in Room 120. All are welcome. February 19: Called to Lead February 26: Struggling to Pray 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. 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.
MUSIC
HOLY DAYS
CATHEDRAL CHOIR ENGLAND PILGRIMAGE BENEFIT CONCERT Come support the Cathedral Choir on Friday, February 24, at 7:30 p.m. as they prepare to sing daily services as choir-in-residence at Salisbury Cathedral (July 24-30) and Durham Cathedral (July 31-August 6). The choir will present a sampling of the glorious music they will sing in England — including what is undoubtedly the first performance in the American Southeast of Herbert Howells' beautiful Sarum Service, written for Salisbury Cathedral. For tickets and more information, visit stphilipscathedral.org/concerts.
SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER Shrove Tuesday marks the final celebration of frivolity before Ash Wednesday and the holy season of Lent. Join us for a delicious pancake feast served to you by our very own canon staff. You won’t want to miss any of the Shrove Tuesday fun, February 28, 5:30–7 p.m. There will be a fabulous bead toss, naming of the official Shrove Tuesday King, Queen, Prince, and Princess, and more! Sign up online at stphilipscathedral.org/shrovetuesday or in the Atrium on Sunday, February 26.
Ash Wednesday March 1
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Durham Cathedral
DETROIT ORGANIST TO PERFORM This Sunday, February 19, we welcome Detroit organist Jeremy David Tarrant as our 3:15 p.m. recitalist. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Tarrant currently serves as canon for music at the Cathedral of St. Paul in Detroit. His program will include works by Bach, Duruflé, Franck, and Vierne. We encourage everyone to come and hear this internationally renowned performer.
Jeremy David Tarrant, organ The Cathedral of St. Paul, Detroit, Michigan Johann Sebastian Bach, Prelude and Fugue in C Major, BWV 547 Maurice Duruflé, Scherzo, Op. 2 César Franck, Fantaisie en la (Fantaisie-Idylle) Louis Vierne, Impromptu, Op. 54, No. 2 Louis Vierne, Toccata, Op. 53, No. 6
7 a.m. Mikell Chapel CELEBRANT AND PREACHER: DEAN SAM CANDLER
12:15 p.m. Cathedral CELEBRANT AND PREACHER: CANON WALLACE MARSH
5:30 p.m. Room 133 (Family Service) PREACHER: LISA MCNAMARA
7 p.m. Cathedral CELEBRANT: CANON CATHY ZAPPA PREACHER: CANON WALLACE MARSH
Full-service audio recordings of many of this season's 4 p.m. Evensong services are now available at S T PH I LI P SC AT H E D R A L .O R G / R ECO R D I N GS .
Check back weekly!
OUTR EACH HABITAT POTLUCK DINNER AND PROJECT Join the Cathedral’s Habitat for Humanity team for a potluck kickoff dinner on Sunday, February 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Gould Room. If you can attend and/or if you can bring a dish, please sign up in the Atrium on Sunday mornings or contact John Champion so we can get a headcount and plan for food preparation. We will have a great meal followed by a short program to discuss our Habitat ministry and plans for the upcoming build. Our next home begins on Saturday, March 4 and runs through April 29. If you have built before, come join again. If you have never built, come be part of this exciting ministry. No skills required, just your enthusiasm. We will give you the tools and training that you need to make a contribution. You can sign up in the Atrium or contact John Champion at 404-307-0817, jchampion@bellsouth.net.
HABITAT FOOD TEAM VOLUNTEERS Would you like to help with a Habitat build, but cannot build at the site? Be a part of our Habitat food team and prepare lunches for our Habitat builders on Saturdays, March 11, April 1, April 22, or April 29. You don't have to be a fabulous cook - just a willing team member. Teams of 10-15 people divide responsibilities to prepare a planned menu. Food, either purchased or prepared in advance with provided recipes, is brought to the Cathedral on the build days, and transported to the site where lunch is served to very hungry and extremely appreciative builders. Learn more and sign up at the Habitat table in the Atrium, or contact Judy Bodner, jhbodner@mindspring.com or 404-814-1468.
Reimagining
Charity and Service Sundays, March 5 - April 2, 5:30-7 p.m. Dinner: 5:30–6 p.m., by Flora and Flour Program: 6–7 p.m. Our adult series will explore the concepts of charity, service, and poverty; consider new paradigms relating to charity; and invite reflection on our own practices relating to these areas: what seems to be working, what doesn’t, and where do we go from here? The series will be led by Canon Cathy Zappa and others, with a special presentation on March 19 by
Shawn Duncan. Shawn is a teacher, preacher, and community organizer, and is the director of training and education at Focused Community Strategies (FCS), an organization with almost 40 years of experience transforming underserved neighborhoods in Atlanta. Youth and EYSeedlings will have an age-appropriate program that mirrors what the adults are doing, so that family conversations can continue during the week. On March 5, youth will lead our participation in the Hunger Walk, and on March 19, the youth will be joining Church of the Common Ground for worship downtown. Childcare will be provided.
CATHEDR AL BOOK STOR E SHOP REGULARLY. SPREAD THE WORD. AND, BECOME A BOOK FELLOW. A Book Fellow is someone who sees the Cathedral Book Store as a vital ministry and wants to support the book store’s growth and impact through financial support. Book Fellow participation in 2016 helped make it possible for us to continue offering programs such as the annual Jane Baird Lecture, off-site sales, discussion and study groups, the monthly Hart Readers book group, and a children’s book drive in conjunction with the Homeless Requiem. And, perhaps the most significant contribution of Book Fellows in its first year was the funding of a critical upgrade to our online book store. As a Book Fellow you’ll receive special discount coupons, attend special discount shopping days, register in advance and have reserved seating for special events, and attend private speaker receptions. On Sundays, February 19, stop by a special table in the Atrium to become a Book Fellow. Or, visit the Cathedral Book Store or cathedralbookstore.org to learn more.
SPIR ITUALIT Y
Women’s Lenten Retreat “The Spirituality of Imperfection” March 31-April 2, 2017 Mikell Camp and Conference Center Toccoa, Georgia Many of us strive for perfection and are impatient with our failures and imperfections. During our time together on this retreat, we will explore the gifts found within our imperfect lives, which are openings to God’s grace, community, and authenticity. As always, there will be time for fellowship, prayer, rest, creativity, and renewal. The retreat will be led by the Rev. Cathy Zappa, canon for prayer and mission, and Jeannie Mahood, our program coordinator for spirituality and pastoral care. We will be gathering at Mikell Camp and Conference Center (our diocesan camp) in Toccoa, which offers a sanctuary of natural beauty and quiet for rest and reconnection. Costs for the weekend are $235 (private room) and $185 (shared room) and include lodging Friday and Saturday and meals Friday dinner through breakfast on Sunday. Please contact Jeannie Mahood, jmahood@stphilipscathedral.org or 404-365-1034, for further information. Space is limited so register soon!
MEMBERSHIP TR ANSITIONS BIRTHS Samuel Thomas Wilmoth, son of Sam and Lynn Wilmoth, born February 4, 2017 Arden Elaine McSeveney, daughter of Amanda and Fred McSeveney, born February 8, 2017 DEATHS Eleanor Strain, died February 1, 2017
LENTEN QUIET DAY: THE FULLNESS OF JOY Join Atlanta-based Christian author Carl McColman for a Lenten Quiet Day on Saturday, March 4 on the works of Julian of Norwich. Julian of Norwich, a 14th century Englishwoman, was a visionary and mystic who wrote beautifully about the love and compassion of God. Her writings are filled with shimmering imagery of the God who comes to us through nature, through grace, and most of all through love. This Quiet Day will be a time for reflecting on Julian’s wise teachings about prayer and contemplation as we seek to more fully respond to the God who is infinite Love. McColman’s books include Befriending Silence, Answering the Contemplative Call, and Christian Mystics: 108 Seers, Saints and Sages. The Quiet Day will take place in the Lanier House on the Cathedral campus, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, March 4. The cost is $20 and includes lunch. Please register before February 27 online or by contacting Jeannie Mahood, 404-365-1034 or jmahood@ stphilipscathedral.org.
SPIR ITUALIT Y LABYRINTH AND TAIZÉ Get your week off to a peaceful start with a labyrinth walk and Taizé on Monday, February 20. The labyrinth will be available from 7–8 p.m. in Child Hall, 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!
PR AYER S For those who are ill or recovering: Immediate Needs Hillary Jones Beth King Betty Jean Weltner Long Term Prayers Julia Ballard Priscilla Beale Cornelia Bird George Bird John Blair Josh Borden Pat Brinson Catherine Carson Louisa Chapman J. Clark Ginny Collins Lawrence Cowart Terry Dornbush Sarah duBignon Kitty Dukehart Angela Ellis Mary Elrod Janet Faught Amy Feuss Mary Ann Frazier Rebecca Gorman Jane Hannah Mary Jacob Harris Caroline Hatcher Shirley Heermann Richard Hill Connie Hoar Landon Lanier Tommy Lanier Elaine Lyon Robert and Aggie Maddox Reilly McClain Carol McDonald Dick Miller Marian Palmore Stuart Peebles Beth Pitzer Brenda Pruitt
Garry Pryor Jennifer Rankin Jonna Rankine Martin Ruegsegger Joe K. Steele Sheila and Lee Stovall Cindy West Chandra Westafer Dick Wilson Hollis Youngner Family and Friends Henry Altenbach Steve Auerbach Bettina Bass Rodger Beatty Janet Bell Marcia Block Nicholas Boden Frances Bondurant David Boone Lisa Borden and Lisa Hugh-Borden Darrell Boyette William Brinton Joan Brooks Keith Brooks Meredith, Adam and Leo Bugenske Denise Carlson Andrew Clark Rick Copeland Jackson Culbreth Ashley Debelbot and Brenda Jones Carleton Fuller Susan Gill Peggy Govan Eudelle Lanier Graham Shaun Graham Linen Miller Greenough D. Louis Gruver, Jr. Ellen Gunn Doyce Gunter Helen Hammond Jean Hand Debanhi Hernandez Liz Grant Hilton Alice Hoft
Lillian Isola Michael Ivy Annemarie and Ante Jazic Jon Kelly Kolak Lisa Krysiak Margaret Winders Kuhn Annis Marshall Pat Martin Jill Matheny Janie Mathis Michelle Maxwell Michael McClelland Bonnie Shields McCormack Jan McPherson Lyn Moore Lucius Morton Andy Nelson Libby Powell Anne Roberts James Sands Logan Shannep Michelle Simmons Rex B. Simms Lara Smith Sitton Bill Smith Lyda Sorgini Mack Brown Stevenson, Jr. Tina Susco David Tenenbaum Janiece Townshend Peter Veverka Ed Vogel Meredith Wallace Jacqueline Watkins Ann Weathers Caroline and John Westerhoff Marion Wilson Patricia Young For those who have died: Alice Ballard Ronald L. Barclay Betty Fuller Eleanor Strain Barbara Woodcock-Leonard
C ATHEDR AL THRIF T HOUSE Treasure of the Week Wonderful collections of beautiful Limoges and Haviland china. Plus, a fabulous 50% off sale on all of our lovely linens. 1893 Piedmont Road | 404-876-5440 | Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
POSTMASTER: Dated Material. Please deliver by February 18, 2016
WEEK OF WONDER JUNE 5–9, 9AM–1PM
POSTMASTER send address changes to: The Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2920 404.365.1000
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The 2017 Cathedral Antiques Show was a rousing success! Speakers including Chuck Chewning (above, left) gave talks on interior design, floral design, and antiques, while patrons from around the community shopped among booths with dealers from Atlanta, the southeast, and across the country. The weeklong event was co-chaired by Laura Cullen and Beverly Gwynn, with proceeds going to First Step Staffing, a nonprofit staffing agency that works to secure steady and sustainable income for individuals transitioning from homelessness through job placements and wraparound support services.
BCM Food Drive “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.… ... Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:35-40 February is Food Drive Month at the Cathedral as St. Anne’s Guild reaches out to you for donations of food and/or checks of $20 or more in support of BCM. Make checks payable to Cathedral of St. Philip with “BCM Food Drive” on memo line. The BCM Food Pantry provides 2,000 bags of groceries to more than 1,600 people each month, and is stocked entirely with donations from the community. According to the US Department of Agriculture, one out of five children live in households without access to adequate food. To help, please stop by our table in the Atrium Sundays in February between 9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.