cathedral times The Weekly Newsletter of the Cathedral of St. Philip, Serving Atlanta and the World
YOU ARE THE ASHES TO GO
February 26, 2017
I wrote this article several years ago, but the message is still appropriate! —Sam Candler For the past several years, some media outlets have used “ashes to go” as the most interesting thing they can find when they report on how Christians are observing Ash Wednesday. “Ashes To Go” has come to be the name given to that practice whereby some priests, on Ash Wednesday, have not only imposed ashes upon the foreheads of those who come to church, but the priests have also gone out to the streets and sidewalks of their communities and offered the imposition of ashes to anyone walking by who desired it. The practice is fine with me. I find it neither astonishing nor irreverent, nor even unadvisable. If it works to spread some part of the Christian gospel, that is a good thing. In light of the continuing coverage of Ash Wednesday people, however, I want to suggest two things to Christians, and to anyone, who is drawn to the latest story. One suggestion is this: Let us, the Church, be careful about allowing other organizations to tell our story, especially when those organizations merely want to check off the “Let’s see if the Christians are doing anything new or titillating this year” box. The way the ritual is administered is not the most important thing. Which leads to my second suggestion: On Ash Wednesday, the real “ashes to go” are not the ashes themselves; the real ashes are the people! The real ashes are us, those of us who take the time, even if only for a moment, to acknowledge that we are dust, and to dust we shall return. Whether we receive our ashes in church or on the street, whether we even accept the name “Christian” or not, I urge us to see ourselves—not the ashes—as the most important sacramental sign of Ash Wednesday. A holy Lent begins with humility, which is a deep word. The word “humility,” comes from the Latin word, “humus,” which means, of course, “organic earth,” or “dirt.” I think humus is actually “good dirt.” For Christians, to be humble does not mean getting stepped on like a doormat; it means being “down to earth” like good and honest soil. Humility means being real, being authentic about who we are, not thinking more of ourselves than what we really are. Humility means being the fertile soil which allows great things to grow. The ash smear on our foreheads, then, is not designed to be a media spectacle. It is a reminder to us that we are to be in the world as humble people, people of good dirt, fertile people who have something honest to offer the world.
“This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”
From this week’s lectionary Matthew 17:5
Indeed, Ash Wednesday people are supposed to go out into the world, not so much with ashes, but as ashes. Something wonderful happens around us when we lower ourselves, when we trust our true selves and not some exalted notion of ourselves. What happens is that we begin to nourish the people around us! We help the people around us to actually come alive and grow. When we become fertile for others, then others grow and flourish. It is not where the ashes are imposed that is important, though we hope that people will go to church! We hope that people will indeed benefit from the thousands of Ash Wednesday liturgies that occur in churches around the world this year! Those moments of careful prayer and reflection, and extended humility, are important. However, the actual ashes on our foreheads are not the most important thing. What is more important is that we consider ourselves as fertile nourishers of those around us. This year, let us ourselves be the “ashes to go,” the “good dirt” going out into the world so that others may grow.
MEMBERSHIP TR ANSITIONS NEW MEMBERS Sarah Schultz, from York, South Carolina BAPTISMS THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26
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
8:45 AM
11:15 AM
Preston Saer Bazzel, son of Anne Russel and Johnson Bazzel
Caroline Perry Block, daughter of Andrea and Aaron Block
Alya Rose Kononetz, daughter of Cathy and Chat Kononetz
William Hunt Dozier, son of Katie and Taylor Dozier
9 AM
Adaline Marcia Hill, daughter of Peterson and Karina Hill
Ansley Piefer Dobbs, daughter of Kristen and Palmer Dobbs
Tarryn Kelley Walters, daughter of Carri and Chris Walters
Clayton Adair Flynt, daughter of Adair and Brad Flynt A CHANGE FOR CHILDREN DURING BAPTISM SERVICES In the past, we have asked children to remain in the Cathedral for the full service on baptism Sundays. But this Sunday, February 26, we will invite children to follow the acolytes at the sequence hymn to the Gould Room for a Godly Play circle as we tell the baptism story. Children will return to the Cathedral and process together to the crossing to witness the baptisms up close. Following the baptisms, children will rejoin their parents. WOR SHIP SCHEDULE
MUSIC
Sunday, February 26, 2017 / Last Epiphany, Year A
Sunday, February 26, 2017 / Last Epiphany, Year A
Liturgy of the Word Lesson: Exodus 24:12-18 Psalm 2 Epistle: 2 Peter 1:16-21 Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9
7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Mikell Chapel Celebrant and Preacher: Canon George Maxwell
8:45 a.m. Baptism and Holy Eucharist, Cathedral Celebrant: The Rev. Dr. Thee Smith Preacher: Dean Sam Candler 9 a.m.
Baptism and Holy Eucharist, Mikell Chapel Celebrant and Preacher: Canon George Maxwell
11:15 a.m. Baptism and Holy Eucharist, Cathedral Celebrant: Canon Wallace Marsh Preacher: Dean Sam Candler 11:15 a.m. La Santa Eucaristía, Mikell Chapel Celebrant: The Rev. Dr. Bill Harkins Preacher: Deacon Juan Sandoval 4 p.m.
Choral Evensong, Cathedral Officiant and Preacher: Canon Todd Smelser
8:45 a.m. Baptism and Holy Eucharist / Cathedral Choristers with Choristers from the Cathedral of Christ the King arr. Malcolm Archer, The Lord’s my Shepherd Peter Aston, I Give You a New Commandment 11:15 a.m. Baptism and Holy Eucharist / Cathedral Choir Craig Phillips, The Transfiguration Morten Lauridsen, O nata lux 4 p.m. Choral Evensong for the Eve of George Herbert, Priest and Poet / Cathedral Schola Joel Martinson, Preces and Responses Charles Beaudrot, Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta T. Frederick H. Candlyn, King of glory, King of peace Joel Martinson, The Invitation
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.
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. The class will 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. 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?” The class is organized by Mack Leath, and the discussions are led by Canons Cathy Zappa and George Maxwell, with an occasional guest teacher. THE DIVINE DANCE (ROOM 239) Canon Carolynne Williams leads this class on Richard Rohr’s The Divine Dance, where Rohr says, the “Trinity says that God’s power is not domination, threat, or coercion, but instead is a totally different nature, one that even Jesus’ followers have not adjusted to. If the Father does not dominate the Son, and the Son does not dominate the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit does not dominate the Father or the Son, then there is no domination in God. All Divine power is shared power, which should have entirely changed Christian politics and relations. There is no seeking of power over the Trinity, but only power with— a giving away, a sharing, a letting go, and thus an infinity of trust and mutuality. This has the power to change all relationships: in marriage, in culture and even in international relations.” 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 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.
Durham Cathedral
WANT TO SUPPORT THE CATHEDRAL CHOIR PILGRIMAGE BUT AREN’T ABLE TO ATTEND THE CONCERT? MAKE A DONATION AT STPHILIPSCATHEDRAL.ORG/CONTRIBUTE. ALABAMA ORGANIST TO PERFORM This Sunday, February 26, we welcome Dr. Leon Couch as our 3:15 p.m. recitalist. A graduate of the University of Florida and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Couch currently serves as University Organist and Organ Professor at Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, Alabama. His program will include works by Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky. We encourage everyone to come and hear one of our local Southeastern talents. Leon Couch, organ Birmingham-Southern College, Birmingham, Alabama Felix Mendelssohn, Variations from Sonata No. 6 in D Minor, Op. 65, No. 6 Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker Suite
HOLY DAYS SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER Grab your party hats and join us in Child Hall for our last night of silliness before the Lenten season begins. Parishioners of all ages are invited to this Mardi Gras-themed party on Tuesday, February 28 starting at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy pancakes prepared by Flora and Flora, hear sweet tunes played by Dean Candler, join in a kids parade, and catch some beads from our Mardi Gras Court! Dinner is $6/person; children under 3 are free. Please RSVP at stphilipscathedral.org/shrovetuesday. ASH WEDNESDAY FAMILY SERVICE Families are invited to begin Lent with this Godly Play inspired service, Wednesday, March 1 at 5:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s Chapel. Join us for a story, Imposition of Ashes, and Holy Eucharist. Everyone is invited to stay afterwards for our simple soup supper, lovingly prepared by Flora and Flour. Dinner is free, but please RSVP at stphilipscathedral.org/soupsupper so we know about how many to expect.
Ash Wednesday March 1
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
7 a.m. Mikell Chapel CELEBRANT AND PREACHER: DEAN SAM CANDLER
12:15 p.m. Cathedral
CELEBRANT: DEAN SAM CANDLER PREACHER: CANON WALLACE MARSH
5:30 p.m. St. Mary’s Chapel (Family Service) CELEBRANT: CANON WALLACE MARSH PREACHER: MRS. LISA MCNAMARA
7 p.m. Cathedral (Bilingual English/Spanish) CELEBRANT: CANON CATHY ZAPPA PREACHER: CANON WALLACE MARSH
12:15 p.m. Cathedral Staff Singers Thomas Tallis, Salvator mundi II Henry Purcell, Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts 7 p.m. Cathedral Schola Gregorio Allegri, Miserere mei, Deus Thomas Tallis, Salvator mundi II Henry Purcell, Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts
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. Stop by a special table in the Atrium to become a Book Fellow. Visit the Cathedral Book Store or cathedralbookstore.org to learn more.
OUTR EACH
Reimagining
Charity and Service HABITAT POTLUCK DINNER AND PROJECT Join the Cathedral’s Habitat for Humanity team! 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 online atstphilip.atlantahabitat.volunteerhub.com. For more information, 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.
Lenten Program for Adults, Youth, and EYSeedlings 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. The program is free, but dinner is $6 for adults and $4 for children with a $25 maximum for families. Children 3 and under eat for free.
ERD SERVES WITH YOUR SUPPORT For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) has served as a compassionate response to worldwide human suffering. In particular, the agency collaborates with local church and ecumenical partners in nearly 40 countries to help communities create long-term development strategies and to rebuild after disasters. In 2009, the General Convention of The Episcopal Church designated Lent as a time to support, remember, and pray for ERD’s work and witness in this hurting world. You can connect more deeply with their ministry by using ERD’s Lenten Meditations, available in Spanish and English, which will be distributed by the St. Clare’s Guild on Sunday, February 26. The daily readings are coauthored by a group of leaders from across the Anglican Communion who bring a range of perspectives as they reflect on scripture and other sources of spiritual wisdom. As we support ERD, let us pray for all those who are fighting poverty, disaster, and disease in their communities and for those who working on their behalf, and discern how we, too, can be agents of God’s healing love and justice in the world. To learn more about ERD and ways to support its work, visit episcopalrelief.org.
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. Please contact Jeannie Mahood, jmahood@ stphilipscathedral.org or 404-365-1034, for further information. Space is limited so register soon!
Saturdays mornings starting April 1 Wednesday evenings starting April 19
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.
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. Contact Dorsey DeLong, teamdelong@ gmail.com, or Caroline Wallace, cfwallace2@comcast.net with any questions.
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, 33 W. Andrews Drive NW.
PR AYER S For those who are ill or recovering: Immediate Needs Hillary Jones 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 Matthew 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 Beth King 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 Sarah Jane Williams 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 Faye Comer 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 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: Sallie Batson Tommy Pendergrast, Sr.
C ATHEDR AL THRIF T HOUSE Treasure of the Week Beautiful Chinese bowl, circa early 19th century. Floral pattern with butterflies and a horseback rider. 1893 Piedmont Road | 404-876-5440 | Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
POSTMASTER: Dated Material. Please deliver by February 25, 2016 POSTMASTER send address changes to: The Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2920 404.365.1000
WEEK OF WONDER JUNE 5–9, 9AM–1PM
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A CELEBR ATION FOR CANON TODD SMELSER After 15 years at the Cathedral and 42 in ordained ministry, Canon Todd Smelser is retiring. Following Canon Smelser’s final service of Evensong this Sunday, February 26 at 4, join us in a celebration of his ministry at a reception in Child Hall.
Newcomers Brunch This Sunday The Cathedral Newcomers Committee invites you to join us for brunch in the Lanier House this Sunday, February 26 from 12:30–2 p.m. Enjoy brunch and learn about how you can get more involved at the Cathedral with Canon Wallace Marsh.
The congregation thanked Canon Todd Smelser following his final Sunday morning sermon last week.
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 U.S. 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.