cathedral times The Weekly Newsletter of the Cathedral of St. Philip, Serving Atlanta and the World
March 19, 2017
HOW ’S YOUR PRAYER LIFE GOING?
So, how’s it going? How is your prayer life going?
Oh my, what a question. Some people might respond to that question by claiming it makes no sense. How can one have a “life” of prayer? Prayer, to them, is simply an activity that is part of their greater life. Prayer is like breakfast that way; it is something one might do in the morning and hope that it provides suitable energy for the rest of the day. Other people might respond that, oh, they don’t really pray at all these days. There is simply too much going on, what with schedule after schedule, children (or grandchildren) all over the place. Or, there is always some new business decision to make, or another client to call. Even at the end of the day, there is hardly time to sit back and relax. With so much going on, sometimes simply having a drink—or two—is the only break possible. Other people are quickly overcome with guilt when they hear that question, “How’s your prayer life going?” These people have heard that sort of question from religion all their lives, and the question always seems to guilt them somehow. No matter how diligent they determine to be, somehow prayer has not become part of their life at all. They have seemed unable to set aside a few minutes throughout the day to take time to pray. There are all sorts of other responses to the question, “How’s your prayer life going?” A few people might brighten up when they hear it, saying that they have a set of prayers that is suiting them very well, thank you. They have developed a habit of telling, and asking, God all sorts of things. They have created a habit of saying prayers that somehow seem to soothe them internally, maybe like washing dishes or cleaning the house. One feels proper afterwards. I must admit that I have experienced each of those responses, at some point or another in my life. Even as a priest (someone who certainly, supposedly, prays!), I have found my prayer life scattered, or inconsistent, or forced, or even non-existent. My Lenten discipline this year consists of just one word, “Release.” My Lenten discipline has been to let go, to release things and worries and issues that I really do not need to be attached to. And when it comes to prayer, when I apply that word “Release” to prayer, something wonderful has happened. I have realized in a new way, that “my prayer life” is really something beyond “me.” It may not be what I do, or not do, at all. Prayer, for me these days, is not about saying the sorts of things that get my soul right. I have certainly heard myself saying such things before, hearing words and thoughts inside me that have energized me. And I have sought to repeat those experiences!
“... for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.”
From this week’s lectionary John 4:42
But, for me these days, prayer has become the reverse of trying to create great moments of spirituality. Prayer has been letting go, letting go of external things so that my soul might really have a chance to hear the Holy. Prayer is about something inside me, my soul, being able to hear the Holy. I know this is another way of saying something that thousands of others have said before. But it bears repeating, for me, in a new way. And maybe it helps your prayer life, too. Prayer is not about what we do; it is about stopping everything we are doing so that we might see, or hear, or touch, what God is doing. Prayer is making our soul available to God. Yes, prayer does take time. But prayer may not take the time and the structure that you have thought. I believe that even if you don’t think you are “praying,” you just may be, in some fashion or another. Each of us really does have a prayer life, of some sort or another. Your prayer life is your interior life, what you are listening to and tending to inside you. It is the life of your soul, that part of you that gives you life and energy. Prayer occurs when we are able to let go of anxieties about external pressures and to listen instead. Maybe what we hear will be a voice, maybe the voice of a person right next to us, and maybe we will hear only a glorious silence. But prayer is occurring. Prayer occurs when we pause to hear what God is saying to that deep part of us that gives us life, our soul.
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 19, 2017 / Lent 3, Year A
Sunday, March 19, 2017 / Lent 3, Year A
Liturgy of the Word Lesson: Exodus 17:1-7 Psalm 95 Epistle: Romans 5:1-11 Gospel: John 4:5-26
7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Mikell Chapel Celebrant and Preacher: Canon Carolynne Williams 8:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Cathedral Celebrant: Dean Sam Candler Preacher: Canon Wallace Marsh 9 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Mikell Chapel Celebrant and Preacher: Canon Carolynne Williams
11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Cathedral Celebrant: Dean Sam Candler Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Bill Harkins
11:15 a.m. La Santa Eucaristía, Mikell Chapel Celebrant and Preacher: Canon Cathy Zappa 4 p.m.
Choral Evensong, Cathedral Officiant and Preacher: Dean Sam Candler
8:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist / University Choir from the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee; Dr. Geoffrey Harris Ward, conductor 4 p.m. Choral Evensong / Choir of St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, Suwanee, Georgia; Daniel Hahn, organist/choirmaster Richard Farrant, Call to remembrance Thomas Ebdon, Preces and Responses Charles Wood in E Flat, No. 2 Herbert Howells, Like as the hart Charles Wood, O thou sweetest Source
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. This Sunday, author Charlie Lovett will join us as guest speaker. 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 holiness. 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.
MUSIC ORGANIST R AYMOND NAGEM TO PERFORM This Sunday, March 19, we welcome organist Raymond Nagem as our 3:15 p.m. recitalist. A native of the Northeast, Nagem serves as associate music director at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. A graduate of Yale University and The Juilliard School, Nagem’s program includes works by Bach, Vierne, Sowerby, and Mendelssohn. Come and hear this incredibly talented young American performer!
Raymond Nagem, organ The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City Johann Sebastian Bach, Prelude and Fugue in A Major, BWV 536 Louis Vierne, Naïades, Op. 55, No. 4 Leo Sowerby, Air with Variations Felix Mendelssohn, Sonata in B-flat Major, Op. 65, No. 4
VISITING CHOIR FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH ON SUNDAY MORNING This Sunday, March 19, the University Choir from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, will sing for both the 8:45 and 11:15 a.m. Eucharists at the Cathedral, under the direction of their conductor, Dr. Geoffrey Harris Ward. We welcome this wonderful college choir to the Cathedral!
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.
VISITING CHOIR FOR CHOR AL EVENSONG
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.
This Sunday, March 19, the Cathedral offers our weekly service of Choral Evensong, sung by the Choir of St. Columba’s Episcopal Church in Suwanee, Georgia. Conducted by their organist/ choirmaster, Daniel Hahn, music for the service will include works by Farrant, Ebdon, Wood, and Howells. Come and worship with us and hear this wonderful visiting choir sing some great Lenten choral music!
LENTEN R EFLECTIONS FAILING LENT By Canon Cathy Zappa Many of us have given something up for Lent, like sweets, alcohol, caffeine, or Facebook. Others have taken on a new spiritual discipline: spiritual reading, more time in prayer, a new form of exercise, or a new practice like journaling or meditation. When we approach these disciplines with the right spirit, they can breathe fresh air into our spiritual lives, teach us about our addictions and idols, and help us make more room for God. But what is this “right” spirit? Well, I can tell you what it’s not. For years, I approached Lent as a test of my spiritual fitness. I saw it as a time to prove myself and beat back temptation, myself. Some years, this meant taking on something small that I knew I could handle on my own, with no help from God or anyone else. More often, however, I would take on some ambitious self-improvement regimen designed to move me closer to perfection; and I would throw myself into it, not taking the time to pay attention to what was happening inside of me or to pray for help. It just seemed so much easier to take matters into my own hands than to surrender myself into God’s. It seemed so much safer to save myself than to trust that Jesus had already done that for me. It will come as no surprise to you that I failed a time or two. Or twenty. One of those times, a few years ago, when I’d blown it yet again, I had a revelation. Just as I was deciding to give up altogether, again, I heard these words: “It’s ok to fail.” As
these words slowly sunk in, Lent was completely transfigured before my eyes. And so was failure. I saw that Christ never commanded me to be perfect, but simply to love and follow and return to God every time I wandered away; and my failures served those purposes far better than my successes did. Perhaps my most successful Lents were actually the ones when I failed at my chosen discipline! Those failures slowed me down, interrupted my project of self-justification, and led to real,
hard, self-examination. They helped me discern Christ, standing there with me every time I fell, waiting to pull me up and dust me off and encourage me to try again. It was my failures, not my successes, that forced me to call on God, and trust in God’s grace. That, I believe, is the real object of Lent and of our disciplines: learning to trust God, all over again—to trust that God has already conquered sin and death, and that God already loves us. This trust frees us to love others, and ourselves, even in our weakness. It frees us to fail and to recognize even in that the gift of God’s love and mercy.
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 Room 120. 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
Kanuga Parish retreat May 26-28
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.
stphilipscathedral.org/kanuga
OUTR EACH
Reimagining
Charity and Service
Lenten Program for Adults, Youth, and EYSeedlings
Sundays through 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 19:
Having a Heart and a Mind for Poverty
SPIR ITUALIT Y QUIET MORNING GATHERING Saturday, April 1 9:30–11:30 a.m. In the Lanier House Whether you are a beginner or long-time practitioner, or simply curious about a new practice, we hope you will join us for a quiet morning of centering prayer. Centering prayer is a practice that helps us rest and be grounded in the presence of God. Led by Cathedral parishioners Will Traynor and Jan Wyatt, the morning will include an introduction to centering prayer, along with sessions of sitting and walking prayer. Coffee and light snacks will be available. Please RSVP to Cathy Zappa, czappa@ stphilipscathedral.org or 404-365-1043, and mark your calendar for our final Quiet Morning of the season on Saturday, May 6.
LABYRINTH AND TAIZÉ Get your week off to a peaceful start with a labyrinth walk and Taizé on Monday, March 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!
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. Please contact Jeannie Mahood, jmahood@ stphilipscathedral.org or 404-365-1034, for further information. Space is limited so register soon!
GLOBAL OUTR EACH 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. 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.
E A S TE R FLOW E R D O N AT I O N S Please consider making a donation for flowers, in memorial or thanksgiving, to decorate the Cathedral for Easter Day by Sunday, April 9. Visit the Flower Guild table in the Atrium on Sundays, complete and return the form below, or make your donation online at stphilipscathedral.org/contribute.
R EQUEST FOR EASTER ALTAR FLOWER S Please list the name (or names) as you want them to appear: In Memorial for:
In Thanksgiving for:
your name(s):
In Thanksgiving for:
daytime phone:
name(s): In Memorial for: name(s): In Memorial for:
In Thanksgiving for:
name(s): In Memorial for: name(s):
Please complete the following information about you:
In Thanksgiving for:
date:
Please include a check with your request, made payable to: The Cathedral of St. Philip. While any gift is appreciated, a minimum of $50 per printed line is suggested. Checks and forms should be sent to: The Cathedral of St. Philip, Attn.: Jeannie Mahood, 2744 Peachtree Rd., NW, Atlanta, GA 30305. You may also make arrangements by contacting Jeannie Mahood, 404365-1034 or jmahood@stphilipscathedral.org.
PR AYER S For those who are ill or recovering: Immediate Needs Barbara Carroll Louisa Chapman Long Term Prayers Julia Ballard Priscilla Beale Cornelia Bird George Bird John Blair David Boone Josh Borden Pat Brinson Catherine Carson Ginny Collins Matthew 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 Beth Pitzer Brenda Pruitt Garry Pryor
Jennifer Rankin Jonna Rankine Emily Richardson Cindy 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 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 D. Louis Gruver, Jr. Ellen Gunn Doyce Gunter Barbara B. Hammar Helen Hammond Julie Harlan Greg Hentz Debanhi Hernandez Liz Grant Hilton
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 Betty and Bill Poole Libby Powell Anne Roberts Danny Ross James Sands Logan Shannep Michelle Simmons Rex B. Simms Lara Smith Sitton Lyda Sorgini Tina Susco David Tenenbaum Janiece Townshend Peter Veverka Ed Vogel Meredith Wallace Jacqueline Watkins Ann Weathers Caroline and John Westerhoff Marion Wilson Thomas Worthington Patricia Young For those who have died: Katheryn Bogner Betty Pryor Dunagan Richard H. Jennings Stuart Peebles
THE CATHEDRAL FARMERS MARKET’S 2017 SEASON IS COMING SOON!
Saturdays mornings starting April 1 Wednesday evenings starting April 19
POSTMASTER: Dated Material. Please deliver by March 18, 2017
MEMBERSHIP TR ANSITIONS DEATHS
POSTMASTER send address changes to: The Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2920 404.365.1000
Katheryn Ann Bogner, mother of Philip Cranmer and Amanda Pearson, died March 6, 2017
CATHEDRAL TIMES SUBMISSION DEADLINES: For the Sunday, March 26 issue, the deadline is Wednesday, March 15. For the Sunday, April 2 issue, the deadline is Wednesday, March 22. 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.
cathedral timeS (USPS-093440) is published weekly by The Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2920 Periodicals Postage Paid at Atlanta, GA
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To receive the Times by email, contact Janie Harris at jharris@stphilipscathedral.org.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PROJECT Join the Cathedral’s Habitat for Humanity team! We will continue working on Saturdays through April 29. 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 at stphilip.atlantahabitat.volunteerhub.com. For more information, contact John Champion at 404-307-0817, jchampion@bellsouth.net. 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, April 1, 22, or 29. Learn more and sign up at the Habitat table in the Atrium, or contact Judy Bodner, jhbodner@mindspring.com or 404-814-1468.
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.