cathedral times The Weekly Newsletter of the Cathedral of St. Philip, Serving Atlanta and the World
March 12, 2017
BIBLE STUDIES IN OUR TIME
In my weekly Bible studies, we have been reading through the dramatic stories of First and Second Samuel. We have already met the sturdy Samuel and the erratic Saul, and we are beginning the sagas of the engaging David. Still to come are the stories of the older King David and his scattered sons. Most of us know these biblical characters by name, and some of us might even have a phrase or two that tags, or labels, these famous figures. We might remember Samuel as a young boy hearing the voice of Yahweh calling him. We remember something about King Saul not liking David. Of course, we remember young David slaying Goliath, the giant Philistine enemy. But it is a different, and refreshing exercise, to read these old stories in context, and to wade through the plots, week after week. Reading the Bible straight through is a very different, and sometimes far more challenging, exercise, than simply studying small passages. In fact, the Bible comes alive when we read it several chapters at a time, straight through, and not simply selecting verses that might deliver a comforting moral. What we have found is that there is not always a clear moral within a particular set of two or three chapters in these historical narratives! Indeed, the history of the ancient Hebrew people seeking and identifying leadership does not follow a level line. They seek leadership in judges, in prophets, and in priests. Some of that leadership succeeds, but then, within the same chapter, the same leader spectacularly fails. The Hebrew people then beseech the prophet Samuel to anoint a king for them, like their neighboring nations seem to have. Samuel, and Yahweh himself, warn against that desire, but the people have their way. They find Saul, who enjoys a few moments of glory. But Saul quickly becomes paranoid and erratic. His moods swing psychotically low. He worries that others are more popular than he is. He especially envies David, and seeks to kill him. In some chapters, we read that Saul is simply present “with his spear in his hand.” He uses that spear, of course, to strike out reactively, without thinking, to whatever is irritating him at the moment. His leadership will fail, of course, as we all foresee. Then again, it looks like no biblical leader— whether judge or prophet or priest or king—is without sin or error. Despite our human hope for pure and undefiled goodness, there seems to be little absolutism in the Bible. We even read various stories describing the same event from different points of view! Reading biblical history reminds us of how hard it is to discern the wisdom of God in the hilly terrain of human life.
“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
From this week’s lectionary John 3:17
And that, perhaps, is exactly the moral – the reason we continue to plow through these biblical narratives. They teach us something, but we have to take our time for it. Our wisdom does not come immediately and without effort. We have to study, we have to read, we have to take our time, we have to engage the stories. Only then do we begin to realize a larger picture, a picture of God guiding human beings who are just as volatile and inconsistent as we are in our time. It takes time; and then, then, we begin to see something bigger than ourselves. Time and time again, sometimes after wildly bizarre events. God brings something good out of human error. But, in the Bible, God’s salvation never seems to use the same tools that we humans think we have to depend upon: things like spears and horses and military strength. In the biblical stories, God is using the weak. God uses the looked over and the lowly. God honors the humble; and when humility is honored, God’s leadership takes effort and it takes time. God is teaching a wisdom that is not of this world, no matter who it is that God’s people are calling leader. Over time, there is one word that describes that wisdom well; that word is humility.
A reminder! The Dean’s Men’s Bible Study meets every Tuesday morning from 7 to 8 a.m. The Dean’s Women’s Bible Study meets every Wednesday morning from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Both meet in the Chapter Room (above the porte-cochere doors) and are open to any parishioner or non-parishioner.
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 C A NONS 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. 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, March 12, 2017 / Lent 2, Year A
Sunday, March 12, 2017 / Lent 2, Year A
Liturgy of the Word Lesson: Genesis 12:1-4a Psalm 121 Epistle: Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 Gospel: John 3:1-17 7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Mikell Chapel Celebrant: Canon Cathy Zappa Preacher: Clayton Harrington, Seminarian 8:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Cathedral Celebrant: Canon Carolynne Williams Preacher: Canon George Maxwell 9 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Mikell Chapel Celebrant: Canon Cathy Zappa Preacher: Clayton Harrington, Seminarian
11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Cathedral Celebrant: The Rev. Dr. Bill Harkins Preacher: Canon George Maxwell
11:15 a.m. La Santa Eucaristía, Mikell Chapel Celebrant: Canon Wallace Marsh Preacher: Deacon Juan Sandoval 4 p.m.
Choral Evensong, Cathedral Officiant: Canon Wallace Marsh Preacher: Clayton Harrington, Seminarian
8:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist / Cathedral Staff Singers 11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist / Cathedral Schola Herbert Howells, Psalm 121 (from Requiem) John Stainer, God so loved the world 4 p.m. Choral Evensong / Cathedral Choir William Bradley Roberts, Prayer of John Donne William Smith, Preces and Responses William Byrd, Second Service Herbert Howells, Psalm 121 (from Requiem) Stephen Paulus, Pilgrims’ Hymn
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 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. Two-year-olds attend their own chapel service, which begins at 8:45 a.m. Parents who would like their children two years old and younger to join them for communion may go pick them up from Room 227 at the Peace.
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. COFFEE AND PASTORAL CONVERSATIONS (ROOM 120) Join Canon Wallace Marsh as he delves into a variety of pastoral topics. This Sunday, we will discuss forgiveness. 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. 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. 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 ITALIAN ORGANIST TO PERFORM This Sunday, March 12, we welcome organist Ennio Cominetti as our 3:15 p.m. recitalist. A native of Italy, Cominetti has performed all over the world—in almost any major venue you’d care to name. His program will consist of works by Bach, Franck, and the great Italian Romantic composer Marco Enrico Bossi, whose works are not frequently performed in America. Come and hear this marvelously talented international performer!
Ennio Cominetti, organ Italy Johann Sebastian Bach, Prelude and Fugue in C minor, BWV 537 César Franck, Choral No. 3 in A minor Marco Enrico Bossi, “Stunde der Weihe” from Five Organ Pieces, Op. 132 Marco Enrico Bossi, “Stunde der Freude” from Five Organ Pieces, Op. 132
LENTEN R EFLECTIONS NEIGHBORS, IMMIGR ANTS, AND LIMINAL SPACE By Deacon Juan Sandoval In Christ there is no East or West, in him no South or North, But one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth Join hands, disciples of the faith, whate’er your race may be! Who serves my Father as his child is surely kin to me —Hymn 529 While the words of this hymn and the words of our Lord Jesus seem so simple to comprehend and follow, the issue of our neighbors and immigrants in this country are not so easy to comprehend and follow. In Luke 10, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this parable Jesus teaches the lawyer about what he must do to inherit eternal life, but beyond that Jesus teaches through this parable who is our neighbor and that we must show mercy like the Good Samaritan and “go and do likewise.” Today’s issues about immigrants in the United States seem very much like the man who was beat up, stripped, and left to die. Are not the many immigrants of this nation being treated much the same? The ethnicity of these peoples and the forgetfulness of our lawmakers have left these races in a state of fear. Forgetfulness because it appears many members of our congress do not remember the principles on which this nation was founded. Fear because these people are being searched out, stripped of their livelihoods and families, and sent away or imprisoned. Are we as Christians following the words given to us in the Bible? In Leviticus 19 we are told, ”When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” In September 2010, the House of Bishops wrote a Pastoral Letter addressing the complex issue of migrants, immigrants, the border patrol, local ranchers, and the Christian Communities. The letter states: “both the Old and New Testaments declare the importance of hospitality to resident alien and strangers. All human beings are
therefore deserving of dignity and respect as we affirm our Baptismal Covenant (BCP, p 305).” The covenant asks, “Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?” We respond, “I will, with God’s help.” The letter then addresses nine salient issues on immigration. The letter is well thoughtout and provides framework to move through liminal or Holy Saturday space where the immigrants are being persecuted and are in a transitional place in their
daily lives. The crux of the letter asks for compassion in how the immigrants are approached and treated. This Pastoral Letter is very much like the Parable of the Good Samaritan. He created a way for the man to be taken care of and showed great compassion in doing so. The Pastoral Letter looks at various aspects of lack of respect, lack of compassion and introjection of fear. Our Dear friend, the Rev. Dr. Bill Harkins, frequently speaks of “holy space.” It strikes me that this is where many of the immigrants are at present. In their lives, they are in the time similar to the time between Good Friday, pain and crucifixion, and Easter Sunday, waiting for the resurrection. The immigrants are in the tension of the “already.” These people live in the constant fear of today because they do not know what tomorrow will bring. This is like the disciples, knowing what Jesus had told them would happen, but waiting for the resurrection and hoping it will come. Even then, many doubted Christ’s resurrection until he appeared again to them. So how do we as Christians help transition these people through the “holy space?” How do practice hesed to provide loving kindness and justice to these people? Pray to God that we may find the way to assist them in this very difficult time.
CONGR EGATIONAL LIFE UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE If you have Medicare, will be aging in to Medicare in the coming year, or are responsible for a family member on Medicare, join parishioner Betsy Elliot for a one-hour review of Medicare on Monday, March 20 at either 10 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. in the Gould Room. In this class you will learn what Medicare covers, options available to Medicare enrollees including Medicare Advantage, prescription drug plans, and supplement plans (often referred to as Medigap). We will review questions to ask when deciding how to coordinate your healthcare coverage. This class is open to the public. If you have questions about the class, contact Betsy Elliott, 404-274-6868 or belliott@ healthmarkets.com. So that we will have an idea of how many to expect, please RSVP to Betsy.
OUTR EACH
Reimagining
Charity and Service
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 is exploring the concepts of charity, service, and poverty; considering new paradigms relating to charity; and inviting 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 is 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 have an age-appropriate program that mirrors what the adults are doing, so that family conversations can continue during the week. On March 19, the youth will be joining Church of the Common Ground for worship downtown. Childcare is 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. To RSVP, please contact Lisa McNamara, lmcnamara@stphilipscathedral.org.
This Sunday, March 12:
What is poverty? From the Bible to experience 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.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PROJECT
Join the Cathedral’s Habitat for Humanity team! We will continue working on Saturdays 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.
SPIR ITUALIT Y
Women’s Lenten Retreat “The Spirituality of Imperfection” March 31-April 2, 2017
MEMBERSHIP TR ANSITIONS NEW MEMBERS Denice and Philip Dudley, and their daughter Marian, from Paradise Valley, Arizona Jim Powell, from Milledgeville, Georgia Jordan Creel, from Athens, Georgia and Jake Creel, from Dothan, Alabama
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
EPISCOPAL R ELIEF & DEV ELOPMENT 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. St. Clare’s Guild has made them available around the Cathedral this Lent. 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.
PR AYER S For those who are ill or recovering: Immediate Needs Katheryn Bogner Olivia Bynum Barbara Carroll Louisa Chapman Matthew Collins Long Term Prayers Julia Ballard Priscilla Beale Cornelia Bird George Bird John Blair David Boone Josh Borden Pat Brinson Catherine Carson J. Clark Ginny Collins Lawrence Cowart Terry Dornbush Sarah duBignon Kitty Dukehart Angela Ellis Mary Elrod 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 Emily Richardson Martin Ruegsegger Joe K. Steele Sheila and Lee Stovall Betty Jean Weltner 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 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 D. Louis Gruver, Jr. Ellen Gunn Doyce Gunter Barbara B. Hammar Helen Hammond Julie Harlan
Greg Hentz Debanhi Hernandez Liz Grant Hilton Alice Hoft Michael Ivy Annemarie and Ante Jazic Jon Kelly Kolak Lisa Krysiak Margaret Winders Kuhn Annis Marshall Pat Martin Janie Mathis Michelle Maxwell Michael McClelland Bonnie Shields McCormack Lyn Moore Lucius Morton Andy Nelson Libby Powell Anne Roberts Danny Ross James Sands Logan Shannep Michelle Simmons Rex B. Simms Lara Smith Sitton Bill Smith Lyda Sorgini Tina Susco David Tenenbaum Janiece Townshend Peter Veverka Ed Vogel Meredith Wallace Jacqueline Watkins Ann Weathers Caroline and John Westerhoff Thomas Worthington Marion Wilson Patricia Young For those who have died: Connie Corriere Mack Brown Stevenson, Jr.
C ATHEDR AL THRIF T HOUSE Treasure of the Week Wonderful collection of Siam Silver, including necklace, earrings, pendant and bracelets in silver with black enamel etching.Very eclectic jewelry! 1893 Piedmont Road | 404-876-5440 | Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
POSTMASTER: Dated Material. Please deliver by March 11, 2017 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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Our children partied at the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper and paraded around Child Hall with homemade “floats”...
...and we were invited to observe a holy Lent and reminded that “we are dust, and to dust we shall return” on Ash Wednesday.
OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND CAMP THIS SUMMER This summer the Cathedral children’s program is sending ten rising sixth graders to Camp Mikell for a week. The idea is to build relationships in our various communities of children. The camp is funded through a special scholarship and six students will come from our Godly Play program or from the Cathedral’s Hispanic community, and the other four will be students in our La Amistad program. We are looking for children who will be great ambassadors of the Cathedral, embodying our values of grace, excellence and hospitality. Children will be selected by eligibility including but not limited to participation in one of the following: weekly Sunday services, Godly Play, EYSeedlings, choristers, mission projects, and outreach in our community. Campers will be required to participate in team and friendship building activities as a group before the week of camp, which is June 25–July 1. Contact Lisa McNamara, lmcnamara@ stphilipscathedral.org for more information and an application.