The CATHEDRAL TIMES The weekly newsletter of the Cathedral of St. Philip · Serving Atlanta and the World · March 11, 2018
JOHN 3:16 — “FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD!” When I grew up riding down the various country roads of rural Georgia, there were two roadside signs
that I was always sure to see. One was the bright red lettering along barn roofs and on pasture signs that commanded: “See Rock City!” Of course, one has to see Rock City, especially if one has lived within a two hundred mile radius of Lookout Mountain (in both Tennessee AND in Georgia, by the way).
The other familiar roadside sign, not just in Georgia but maybe almost everywhere, and usually not
scripted anything like the deliberation of Rock City signs, was the simple phrase: “John 3:16.” Yes, it was a Bible verse, John 3:16. But the way in which that verse was placed usually made it a foreboding sign. It was often grouped with other signs, saying things like, “Prepare to Meet the Lord!” and “Judgment Day is Coming.”
So it is that I grew up, perhaps like you, associating John 3:16 with condemnation and judgment. And that is too bad, because John 3:16 may be one of the most loving verses in the Bible. Thus, as one of my tasks in life, I have taken on the challenge of trying to redeem the meaning of one of the most
commonly seen verses in the Bible! In fact, it is quite clearly about love: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.”
Sometimes I like to shorten that verse so that it says simply that “God loved the world so much that he gave.” Like God, people who love are people who simply give.
But there are two more redeeming features of this verse! The verse claims that God loved the world, in particular! Now, we Christians often speak cautiously about “the world.” I myself have often said that
God’s way is not the way of “the world” and that we should be wary of the way of “the world.” But John 3:16 claims that God actually loves the world – yes, “the world,” with all of its weaknesses and fragility
and disappointment. The world can be a challenging place. Yet, even with its challenges and fallen-ness, the world is loved by God.
Finally, there is one further way to disassociate John 3:16 from any character of condemnation or
judgement. The verse that appears right after John 3:16, that is, verse 17, says specifically that Jesus did not come to condemn! “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” ( John 3:17).
Wow! I still haven’t done it yet, but the next time I see John 3:16 scrawled upon some sign, or even upon some clearly established common wall space, and if it is at all legal or permissable, I want to scribble the phrase “John 3:17” right below where it says “John 3:16!”
Contrary to its associations, the verse John 3:16 is about love; it is about loving the world, and it is about
God loving so much that God gives. I believe in that gift, that gift of the Son. Jesus comes into the world not to condemn, but to save!
This SUNDAY
MARCH 11, 2018 · The Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year B
Numbers 21:4-9 · Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 · Ephesians 2:1-10 · John 3:14-21
7:45 A.M. HOLY EUCHARIST, MIKELL CHAPEL
Celebrant and Preacher: Canon Cathy Zappa
8:45 A.M. HOLY EUCHARIST, CATHEDRAL Celebrant: Dean Sam Candler Preacher: Canon Lauren Holder Staff Singers: Bob Chilcott, God so loved the world Thomas Lupo, Out of the deep
9 A.M. HOLY EUCHARIST, MIKELL CHAPEL
Celebrant and Preacher: Canon Cathy Zappa
11:15 A.M. HOLY EUCHARIST, CATHEDRAL Celebrant: Dean Sam Candler Preacher: Canon Lauren Holder Cathedral Choir: Bob Chilcott, God so loved the world Thomas Lupo, Out of the deep
11:15 A.M. LA SANTA EUCARISTÍA, MIKELL CHAPEL
Celebrant and Preacher: Canon Cathy Zappa
4 P.M. CHORAL EVENSONG, CATHEDRAL Celebrant and Preacher: Canon Wallace Marsh Cathedral Schola William Bradley Roberts, Prayer of John Donne Robert Lehman, Preces and Responses in A flat Arthur Wills, Magnificat and Nunc dimittis on Plainsong Themes Bob Chilcott, God so loved the world Peter Hallock, The Lord is my Light
The CATHEDRAL of ST. PHILIP
The Very Rev. Samuel G. Candler, Dean Dale Adelmann, Ph.D., Canon for Music The Rev. Lauren R. Holder, Canon for Outreach and Congregational Life The Rev. C. Wallace Marsh IV, Canon for Pastoral Care and Worship The Rev. George M. Maxwell, Jr., Vicar The Rev. Catherine Zappa, Canon for Education The Rev. John William Harkins III, Ph.D., Priest Associate The Rev. Deacon Juan Sandoval, Deacon for Hispanic Ministries The Rev. Theophus “Thee” Smith, Ph.D., Priest Associate The Rev. Carolynne G. Williams, Canon Associate for Pastoral Care and Elder Ministry Austin Hall, Senior Warden Doug O’Bryan, Junior Warden
CATHEDRAL TIMES SUBMISSION DEADLINES: FOR THE SUNDAY, MARCH 18 ISSUE, THE DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7. FOR THE SUNDAY, MARCH 25 ISSUE, THE DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14. PLEASE EMAIL ANNOUNCEMENT REQUESTS TO THE EDITOR, DAN MURPHY, AT DMURPHY@ STPHILIPSCATHEDRAL.ORG. TO RECEIVE THE TIMES BY EMAIL, CONTACT JANIE HARRIS AT JHARRIS@ STPHILIPSCATHEDRAL.ORG.
404-365-1000 | stphilipscathedral.org stphilipscathedral
Sunday ADULT EDUCATION Unless otherwise noted, these adult classes meet from 10:10–11 a.m.
OLD FASHIONED SUNDAY SCHOOL
LIVING FAITH
Jesus and the Devil: A Friend of the Devil is a Friend of Mine Child Hall This Sunday, Dean Sam Candler will lead Old Fashioned Sunday School in a discussion of the relationship between Jesus and the Devil. As always, we’ll offer a warm welcome and great coffee. We look forward to seeing you there.
Room 120 Through the season of Lent, we are exploring what Ignatius of Loyola, a Spanish mystic and founder of the Jesuits, has to say to us today. We are using his Spiritual Exercises as a guide to explore Ignatian practices of prayer and discernment and to seek to hear God’s call for us. This series is led by Dr. Kyle Lambelet, a new Cathedral parishioner who teaches at Candler School of Theology, with Canons Wallace Marsh and Cathy Zappa.
OUR TRUE SELVES Room 239 The Rev. Dr. Thee Smith leads this series of co-listening classes that aim to enhance our personal, interpersonal, and intergroup ability to be fully ourselves—our true, worthy, and estimable selves. This class explores the theory and practice of genuine listening—listening with skilled awareness that can focus on everyday experiences, or range through tough political issues to include a vast variety of life choices and faith matters.
YOUNG ADULT LENTEN BIBLE STUDY Room 240 Young adults are invited to a special Bible study led by seminarian Caroline Carson and parishioner David Boyd. Join them as they take a look at the Gospel of John.
ADULT CONFIRMATION Adults seeking to be confirmed, received, reaffirmed, or just (re)acquainted with the Episcopal Church are invited to join Canon Lauren Holder during the Sunday School hour, 10:10–11 a.m. for adult confirmation class. This promises to be a time of faith exploration, discernment, and fellowship. This class will meet through April 22, culminating in a Confirmation service on April 29. Contact Canon Holder, 404-365-1036 or lholder@stphilipscathedral.org, if you have any questions!
SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY Room 122
Jim Bingham and Gordon Mathis lead an ongoing small group Bible Study focusing on the book of Genesis. For more information, please contact Jim Bingham at 404-373-3273 or binghamjim@bellsouth.net.
THE ENJOYMENT OF BIBLICAL GREEK Room 356 (1:15 p.m.) This class uses translation aids including lexicons and commentaries to enjoy how probing the Greek of New Testament texts adds nuance and depth to reading Holy Scripture. Newcomers and long-term members are welcome! For more information, contact the Rev. Dr. Thee Smith, tsmith@ stphilipscathedral.org.
CHILDREN'S Ministries WEEK OF WONDER REGISTRATION NOW OPEN June 11–15, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Children 3 (by September 1, 2017) through rising 5th graders Experience God’s grace from place to place… This will be a funfilled week of adventure, as we explore new places and cultures. Each day we will experience God everywhere we go, in all that we do. Whether it’s in art, music, outdoor play, Godly Play, or discovery and science, we will find God’s grace.
MORE INFO AND REGISTER: STPHILIPSCATHEDRAL.ORG/WEEKOFWONDER
SPIRITUALITY PRAYER CORNER – TAIZÉ Many years ago I began attending the Monday evening Taizé service at the Cathedral. The service created an opportunity for me to pray and be in community with a Roman Catholic friend who was struggling with the challenges her son was facing. Together we would meet for dinner, walk the labyrinth and then move to Mikell Chapel for the Taizé service. The community embraced us both with its simplicity and inclusiveness. Every third Monday of the month at 8 p.m. in Mikell Chapel a candlelight service of Taizé prayer is held. Music is provided by community musicians. The service consists of simple chants, scripture, and periods of silence which invite you into a unique form of prayer. The repetitive words and music create the moments to be present to the love and kindness of God. Taizé services are held on the second Monday of the month at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, third Monday at the Cathedral, and the fourth Monday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Each service begins at 8 p.m. I invite you to experience this ecumenical service of the prayers of the heart as you look for ways to invite God into your life. —Sandra Carey
LENTEN WEDNESDAY PROGRAM Join us from 6–7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays for dinner and conversation. Wednesday nights in Lent, Canon Lauren Holder will facilitate a book study of Shauna Niequists’ Present Over Perfect. Niequist writes: “A few years ago, I found myself exhausted and isolated, my soul and body sick. I was tired of being tired, burned out on busy. And, it seemed almost everyone I talked with was in the same boat: longing for connection, meaning, depth, but settling for busy.” Her book is a series of essays that invite us to consider what life might look like if we strip away the self-perpetuated pressure to excel in all things, and instead to truly excel in what we deem most important. Lent is an ideal time to be introspective and intentional about what is running us into the ground, and what we can chose to run after instead. Find Present Over Perfect in the Cathedral Book Store, or listen on your commute with Audible. Join us, even if you have not read the book. Dinner is $8 for adults and youth, and $5 for children ages 4–12. Children 3 and under eat free. RSVP at stphilipscathedral.org/present.
Enjoy a weekend full of spirituality and fellowship with other Cathedral parishioners and clergy. Kanuga is a wonderful place to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and experience God with the beloved community. The weekend includes old favorites such as s'mores, hiking, rocking on the porch, ice cream, bluegrass and, of course, the famous Kanuga toast. We will offer an adult program on Saturday morning and enjoy worshiping together in the informal chapel on Sunday. Meals are served family-style in the lodge and accommodations are available in historic cottages or the hotel-style inn.
OUTREACH
Episcopal Church WOMEN
HABITAT PROJECT STARTS MARCH 10
CARL MCCOLMAN TO SPEAK AT ECW MEETING
Our next Habitat for Humanity project begins on Saturday, March 10 and runs Saturdays (and a Thursday) through April 28. We welcome past builders and new builders. 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 on Sundays or contact John Champion, 404 3070817 or jchampion@bellsouth.net, to get additional information. Also, you can sign up online through our Habitat site at www. stphilip.atlantahabitat.volunteerhub.com. If you don't want to build, but would be interested in being part of the food team preparing lunches for our builders, contact John Champion for more information.
St. Veronica’s Guild will host author and spiritual teacher Carl McColman as guest speaker at their meeting Tuesday, March 13, at 11:30 a.m. in the Gould Room. All are invited to come hear this passionate contemplative speaker as he returns to the Cathedral. About his ministry, Carl says, “I help Christians and other seekers respond to the healing love of God through prayer, silence, and discernment, so to embody a joyful life of creativity, service and delight.” There is no need to RSVP for the meeting, but if you plan to stay for lunch, contact Sheila Duggan, duggansh@yahoo.com
MUSIC TWO ORGANISTS TO PERFORM SUNDAY This Sunday afternoon, March 11 at 3:15 p.m., we welcome organists Jeremy McElroy (formerly from Atlanta, now living in Chicago) and Clinton Miller (Director of Music at North Decatur Presbyterian Church) as our Sunday afternoon recitalists. Graduates of Wheaton College and Western Kentucky University respectively, they will be performing rarely heard works by Samuel Wesley and Jacobus Kloppers for four hands (and four feet!) at the organ. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear two talented young men performing together in a very unusual type of recital! Jeremy McElroy (Chicago, Illinois) and Clinton Miller (Atlanta), duo organ Samuel Wesley, Duet for Organ in C Major Jacobus Kloppers, Dance Suite for Organ Duet
CONGREGATIONAL Life INFORMATION DESK VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Perhaps you have noticed the light is always ON at the Information Desk in the Atrium, signifying that the Cathedral is always open and welcoming. Volunteers staff the desk, now referred to as the Welcome Center, to extend greetings to parishioners and visitors, providing information and direction. Additionally, general calls coming into the Cathedral are answered here and directed as needed. Join this fun ministry by contacting Ivory Richardson, irichardson@stphilipscathedral.org or 404-365-1037. Volunteers are needed to work a shift from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The desk is covered Monday through Friday, so volunteers can pick the day that best suits their schedule. We can be very flexible and work out a plan that works best. Please consider joining this team of wonderful volunteers.
DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE A pilgrimage-study week in Avila, Spain, based on the life and writings of St. John of the Cross, will be led by the Rev. Isaías Rodríguez, the Diocese of Atlanta’s canon for Hispanic ministries. From October 22-31, pilgrims will be based at the Carmelite International Center of Teresian and Sanjaunistic Studies in Avila. Visits to holy places in the lives of St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila are planned. To obtain a brochure and for more information, contact Canon Rodriguez, irodriguez@episcopalatlanta.org or 404-707-1217
Dear Anna, You asked me whether I believe in hell. We don’t talk about hell very much, unless it’s to describe a psychological condition, like when we say, “Hell is getting everything you want and still being unhappy,” or to sidestep it, like when we say, “Yes, there’s a hell, but in the end, there won’t be anyone in it.” The problem is that the people who talk most about hell are the ones eagerly condemning others to it, while describing it as a literal place using images of fire and brimstone taken from medieval folklore. Rowan Williams offers a more compelling image when he describes hell as “God eternally knocking on a closed door that we are struggling to hold shut.” Most of us spend a lifetime hiding things from ourselves – and from others. Coming completely clean is a painful process; yet, we believe that pure love demands absolute truth. George Herbert imagines this process of self-disclosure in his poem, “Love.” “Love bade me welcome,” he says, “yet my soul drew back.” The poem continues, let my shame Go where it doth deserve. And know you not, says Love, who bore the blame? My dear, then I will serve. You must sit down, says Love, and taste my meat: So I did sit down and eat.
C. S. Lewis reveals the terror of this process in his book, The Great Divorce. He creates a cast of characters so bound by their own suspicions and selfishness that they continually refuse to enter Heaven to avoid having to give up their self-deceptions. It’s comic until we find the courage to see ourselves in them. So, yes, I believe in hell, not as a place but as a state of being. We have been given the choice to live there in this life, and I fear we will be given the choice to stay there in the next. That’s why repentance plays a leading role in our community life, and why I pray, as the Great Litany puts it, that I will be delivered “from dying suddenly and unprepared” (BCP, p. 149). I also hope and trust that, while there is a hell, in the end, there won’t be anyone in it! Your affectionate uncle, Ames
This letter was originally published on March 29, 2015.
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, March 25. Visit the Flower Guild table in the Atrium on Sundays, complete and return the form below, or make your donation online at stphilipscathedral.org/easterflowers.
R EQUEST FOR EASTER ALTAR FLOWER S
Please list name (or names) as you want them to appear: In Memorial for:
In Thanksgiving for:
name(s): In Memorial for:
In Thanksgiving for:
name(s): In Memorial for:
In Thanksgiving for:
name(s): In Memorial for: name(s):
In Thanksgiving for:
Please complete the following information about you: your name(s): daytime phone:
date:
Please include a check with your request, made payable to: The Cathedral of St. Philip. While any gift is appreciated, a minimum of $75 per printed line is suggested. Checks and forms should be sent to: The Cathedral of St. Philip, Attn.: Janie Harris, 2744 Peachtree Rd., NW, Atlanta, GA 30305. You may also make arrangements by contacting Janie Harris, 404-3651034 or jharris@stphilipscathedral.org.
FOYERS
MEMBERSHIP TRANSITIONS
SUPER FOYERS IS COMING UP! Do you enjoy eating good food and meeting new people? Then Foyers is for you! Experience friends, food, and fellowship in small groups of 8 to 10 each month beginning with Super Foyers on Sunday, April 8 at 6 p.m. in Child Hall. This year, we’ll offer a group that meets during the day for those who are unable to participate at night. Please contact Jackie Hollingsworth, jackiech03@gmail.com, with your name, address, phone number, and email to sign up.
NEW MEMBERS Lesleigh Ellinger, from Norcross, Georgia Ashley and Keighley Cotonio, and their child, Pierce, from New Orleans, Louisiana
DEATHS Georgia Lynne Meagher, died February 17, 2018
PRAYER List FOR THOSE WHO ARE ILL OR RECOVERING:
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED Michael Beck Alistair Fernandes Georgia Meagher Judy Wofford Barbara Wylly
LONG TERM PRAYERS Charles Ambrosavage • Virginia Bicksler • Cornelia Bird • John Blair • David W. Boone • Josh Borden • Pat Brinson • Joe Burton • Kaye Cairney • Heather Clark • Elizabeth Coil • Lawrence Cowart • Terry Dornbush •
Sarah duBignon • Kitty Dukehart • Susan Dunn • Angela Ellis • Randy Farmer • Jane Hannah • Caroline Hatcher • Shirley Heermann • Richard Hill • Jack Jennings • Elaine Lyon • Robert and Aggie Maddox • Carol
McDonald • Elaine McEachern • Jim McKenzie • Wynetta McNeill • Carrick Mollenkamp • Mary Elizabeth
Morgan • Charlie Neal • Paul O'Connor • Marian Palmore • Brenda Pruitt • Garry Pryor • Rubye and Wayne
Reid • Pamela Reid • Agnes Elizabeth Robertson • Louis "Skip" Schueddig • Jim Segars • Jeanne M. Smith • Beth Stedman • Julie Sutton • Tommy Truesdale • Cindy West • Andy Westafer • Chandra Westafer • Hollis Youngner
FAMILY AND FRIENDS Bart Anderson • Fernando Conteras Alonso • Mary Ann Armor • Bettina Bass • Elisabeth T. Bottler • Marjorie B. Chadsey • Andrew Clark • Wendy Clemente • Else S. Cobb • Leonard A. Cobb • Sally Coulter • Ashley
Debelbot and Brenda Jones • Judy Eggers • Claire Wofford Frazier • Carleton Fuller • Phyllis Gareis • Peggy Govan • D. Louis Gruver, Jr. • Doyce Gunter • Tod Gunter • William Ham • Chris Hardy • Bobby Hearn • Greg Hentz • Liz Grant Hilton • Daniel Hill • Alexandria Jacobson • Hardy Johnson • Sun Ja Kim • Sang Ho
Kim • Virginia P. Kitchell • Lisa Krysiak • Margaret Winders Kuhn • Betty C. Lyons • Jackie Marcotte • Pat
Martin • Michelle Maxwell • Michael McClelland • Bonnie Shields McCormack • Joyce McLamara • Andy
Nelson • Irene Nesper • Christopher Petty • John Plunkett • Betty and Bill Poole • Ginny Quinn • Harold Reynolds • Margaret Robinson • Frank Roth • James Sands • Patricia Schooley • Katy Shoemaker • King Sims • Jeff Straw • Tina Susco • Hubert Tate, Sr. • Yvonne Tate • Norma Leticia Carrera Torralba • Roger Traylor •
Janiece Townshend • Christi Vasquez • Peter Veverka • Nina Vila • Frank Villa • Ron M. Wallace • Jacqueline
Watkins • Kathryn Welden • Susan Wellman • Coralie Severn Wilson • Marion Wilson • Althea Wolf • Whit A. Wright • Patricia Young
A DAY WITH CYNTHIA BOURGEAULT PRESENTED BY THE CATHEDRAL AND CONTEMPLATIVE OUTREACH ATLANTA On Saturday, March 17, modern day mystic, Episcopal priest, writer, and internationally known retreat leader Cynthia Bourgeault will explore the themes of her book, The Heart of Centering Prayer, at the Cathedral. This day-long conference will include lectures, discussion and question and answer, and of course, time for centering prayer itself. The cost is $50/person and will include lunch. Register online at stphilipscathedral. org/spirituality or contact Jeannie Mahood, jmahood@ stphilipscathedral.org or 404-365-1031, for more information.
POSTMASTER: Dated Material. Please deliver by March 10, 2018 POSTMASTER Send address changes to: The Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2920 404-365-1000
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
Farmers MARKET
Episcopal Church WOMEN On Saturday, March 24, the Episcopal Church Women of the Cathedral and Northside United Methodist Church’s Women’s Ministry present Awake to Wellness, a women’s retreat with Dr. Cathy Snapp and Kitty Crenshaw, authors of The Hidden Life Awakened. Cathy and Kitty will awaken our deep desire to live as God designed us, wholehearted and wellbalanced—body, mind, and spirit. In our three sessions throughout the day, we will talk about brain and body health in the context of awakening; about the brain’s capacity for renewal and transformation through focused attention; and about how a deeper awakening to our true self—our life hidden with Christ—will integrate within us a powerful spirit in its truest form.
The cost is $50/person ($45/person for tables of 8) and includes lunch from Simply Fresh. All proceeds go to Ignatian Spirituality Project, non-profit offering spiritual retreats to homeless women. Register online at stphilipscathedral.org/awake or contact Caroline Wallace, cfwallace2@comcast.net, for more information.
SARA CRAIG-GOODELL NAMED MARKET DIRECTOR From Canon George Maxwell, vicar: We are pleased to announce that Sara Craig-Goodell has been chosen as the new executive director of the Peachtree Road Farmers Market effective immediately. While serving as interim director this year, Sara demonstrated the ability to manage our market carefully through a transition while also beginning to envision new partnerships and outreach programs to help grow the local food community in Atlanta. Sara commented, “I look forward to continuing the market’s tradition of providing a unique space for our community to enjoy local, seasonal, and sustainable products that support independent Georgia farms and businesses. I'm honored to work with so many wonderful individuals.” We look forward to welcoming back our vendors, volunteers, and customers for the 2018 season. Join us on April 7 for opening day as we begin a new chapter for the Peachtree Road Farmers Market!