The CATHEDRAL TIMES The weekly newsletter of the Cathedral of St. Philip · Serving Atlanta and the World · Febuary 3, 2019
ON THE FEAST OF THE CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL, LET’S PAUSE AT CONVERSION By the Very Rev. Sam Candler, Dean of the Cathedral Last week, I preached again on the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul ( January 25); but I didn’t talk so much about Saint Paul. Listeners and readers know that I have talked often about Saint Paul, whom I actually admire; you can investigate the Cathedral website sermon page if you want to know my words about him. Instead, I pause this year to consider the first word in that feast name, the word, “conversion.” It’s good to focus on that word, “conversion,” which we too often consign to the dust bin of old and worn-out religious words, words that we think may be out of date, and maybe no longer appropriate to emphasize. After all, who believes in “conversion” anymore? Some of us might think that “conversion” is an inappropriate activity in today’s “anything goes” world. But I disagree. I want to re-claim the importance of “conversion.” It may be that the lack of conversion is precisely what is wrong with so many of our institutions these days! The word, “conversion,” of course, means to be converted, to change course, to turn around. It is similar to the word “repentance” in the Greek New Testament. The Greek “metanoia,” which we translate as “repentance” comes from “meta,” meaning “change,” and “nous,” meaning “mind.” “Metanoia,” and “repentance” mean to change one’s mind. Saint Paul, and Jesus before him, and John the Baptist before him, all urged people to “repent,” to change course, to change their minds! And it’s an important, critical activity to spiritual health! It is a good, and natural, and necessary part of our lives! Yet, so many of us, and so many our leaders, think it is a disgrace to change their minds. It is not a disgrace! Changing our minds is often for the better! Changing our minds means we are open to truth and love and new ways! Even Yahweh was persuaded to change his mind. After the golden calf episode, Yahweh apparently considered destroying the Hebrew people and starting over again; but, after Moses’ intercession, Yahweh changed his mind! (You can read about it at Exodus 32:14). I consider the archenemy of good religion to be fundamentalism. Maybe we think that fundamentalism means a literal interpretation of the Bible. But that is not so. My experience is that fundamentalism is really the inability, or unwillingness, to change one’s mind. That is why fundamentalism can be conservative or liberal. It is the unwillingness, or maybe even inability, to change one’s mind, even when the evidence of love or truth is overwhelming! Fundamentalism started with religion, but I believe it can infect almost every human institution. If fundamentalism is the stubborn unwillingness to change one’s mind, then, in politics, fundamentalism can become narcissistic and dictatorial; it can become tyranny and totalitarianism. In sports, fundamentalism is a fan’s unwillingness to recognize anything good in any team outside one’s home team. In relationships, fundamentalism is the insistence of one partner that he or she is always right. Fundamentalism even exists in science (which is stupid, because the entire scientific enterprise is built upon the process of testing and hypothesizing, and then changing one’s theories!). The opposite of fundamentalism is conversion. I seek to recover the goodness and viability of that word, “conversion.” Conversion is a good and necessary practice in healthy human and spiritual life. Most of us learn, in life, to change our minds at certain times. We learn to turn around; that practice has often changed us, for the better. Of course, conversion should always have a proper direction. I hope that we have learned, and are learning, always, to turn towards love and truth. Being converted means, at its best, to turn again towards love and towards truth. So, we celebrate feasts like the conversion of St. Paul. But we celebrate, especially, the “conversion” part. It means, not only that Paul converted, but that conversion can be an ordinary part of our lives, too. Conversion, then, is not just a one-time event or occasion. It is a practice, a healthy, spiritual practice. It is what the world needs today, the opposite of fundamentalism. The world needs citizens and leaders who are willing and able to change their minds towards love and truth.
This SUNDAY
FEBRUARY 3, 2019 · The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C Jeremiah 1:4-10 · Psalm 71:1-6 · 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 · Luke 4:21-30
7:45 A.M. HOLY EUCHARIST, MIKELL CHAPEL
Celebrant and Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Thee Smith
8:45 A.M. HOLY EUCHARIST, CATHEDRAL Celebrant: The Very Rev. Sam Candler Preacher: The Rev. Canon Cathy Zappa Choristers and Staff Singers: Roland Martin, Love bade me welcome Maurice Duruflé, Ubi Caritas
9 A.M. HOLY EUCHARIST, MIKELL CHAPEL
Celebrant and Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Thee Smith
11:15 A.M. HOLY EUCHARIST, CATHEDRAL Celebrant: The Very Rev. Sam Candler Preacher: The Rev. Canon Cathy Zappa Cathedral Choir: Edward Bairstow, Though I speak with the tongues of men Thomas Weelkes, O Lord, arise into thy resting-place
11:15 A.M. LA SANTA EUCARISTÍA, MIKELL CHAPEL
Celebrant and Preacher: The Rev. Canon Lauren Holder
4 P.M. CHORAL EVENSONG, CATHEDRAL THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD: CANDLEMAS PROCESSION Celebrant and Preacher: The Rev. Canon George Maxwell Schola: Thomas Tallis, Nunc Dimittis (Short Service) Orlandus Lassus, Missa bell’ amfitrit’ altera Johannes Eccard, When to the temple Mary went
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. George M. Maxwell, Jr., Vicar The Rev. Catherine Zappa, Canon for Education and Worship 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, FEBRUARY 10 ISSUE, THE DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30. FOR THE SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 ISSUE, THE DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6. PLEASE EMAIL ANNOUNCEMENT REQUESTS TO THE EDITOR, DAN MURPHY, AT DMURPHY@CATHEDRALATL. ORG. TO RECEIVE THE TIMES BY EMAIL, CONTACT JANIE HARRIS AT JHARRIS@CATHEDRALATL.ORG.
404-365-1000 | cathedralATL.org cathedralatl
Adult EDUCATION
These Sunday classes meet at 10:10 a.m. unless otherwise noted.
OLD FASHIONED SUNDAY SCHOOL
SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY
Child Hall Canon George Maxwell continues a series focusing on what Paul, the apostle, was actually doing and why. This Sunday, we’ll continue our discussion about Paul. All are welcome. You will find a light heart, warm welcome, and good coffee!
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. This year, we are reading the book of Exodus. For more information, please contact Jim Bingham at 404-3733273 or binghamjim@bellsouth.net.
LIVING FAITH Room 120 Deacon Juan Sandoval joins Canon Lauren Holder for our Living Faith Sunday School class this month for a 4-week series on immigration. Beginning February 24, we will have a 7-week series on Falling in Love With the Church Again.
BIBLICAL GREEK Room 356 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 tsmith@ cathedralATL.org.
IMMORTAL DIAMOND: THE SEARCH FOR OUR TRUE SELF Room 239 Join Canon Carolynne Williams this Sunday, February 3, through Sunday, March 10, for a discussion of Richard Rohr's book, Immortal Diamond: The Search for Our True Self. Rohr writes: “We are all looking for an immortal diamond: something utterly reliable, something loyal and true.” II John 2 reminds us of the “truth that abides in us,” but most of us know little about this, so we end up as St. Augustine admits: “Late have I loved you! You were within, but I was without.”
LIVING FAITH / CONFIRMATION CLASS Adult Confirmation classes will be held during the 10:10 a.m. Sunday School hour beginning on February 24. These classes are open to all, regardless of plans to be confirmed. In the fall, our Living Faith class studied “Falling in Love with the Bible Again.” This will be a continuation of that conversation, but moving to “Falling in Love with the Church Again.” Those wishing to participate in this class
in order to be confirmed, re-affirmed, or received should contact Canon Lauren Holder, lholder@cathedralATL.org, and mark your calendars for our April 28 confirmation service.
OUR TRUE SELVES Room 240 The Rev. Dr. Thee Smith leads this series of co-listening classes that aim to enhance our ability to be fully ourselves—our true, worthy, and estimable selves. Topics can include everyday experiences and range through tough political issues as well as lifestyle choices and faith matters. For more information contact
the Rev. Dr. Smith, tsmith@cathedralATL.org or 404-365-1093.
February 24: The Anglican Way of Christianity March 3: The Sacraments and Sacramental Rites March 10: Marking Time March 17: Basic Beliefs March 24: The Church March 31: A Trinitarian Life April 7: What’s next? April 28: Confirmation
THRIFT HOUSE FOLLIES The Cathedral Thrift House is hosting the Thrift House Follies in Child Hall on Thursday, February 21, from 6:30– 8 p.m. to benefit Respite Care Atlanta. A runway fashion show will feature models from the Cathedral and beautiful fashions from Thrift House donations. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Tickets are $20 each in advance at cathedralATL.org/thrifthouse. It’s SURE to be fun evening!
SAVE TH E DATE!
Women's Lenten Retreat Friday-Sunday, March 29-31 St. Mary’s Retreat Center in Sewanee, Tennessee More info to come soon!
CONGREGATIONAL Life
Newcomers
Brunch Sunday, February 10 12:30 - 2 pm — Gould Room Are you new to the Cathedral? Or new-ish? It can take a while to navigate this beautifully complex community. So whether you’ve been here one week or 18 months, please join us February 10 for a lovely brunch with parishioners and staff. We are glad you are here! Contact Canon Lauren Holder, lholder@ cathedralATL.org, for more information.
YOU ARE INVITED TO DINNER… WITH FRIENDS! A Chicago Dinner to facilitate racial healing and understanding Since 1995, the Chicago Dinners Project has been bringing small, diverse groups of people together through “Dinner with Friends” to foster community discussions about critical social issues and to create civic engagement through our communities. These facilitated conversations provide an opportunity, for many a rare opportunity, to sit down at the table with others who do not look or live like us and to talk honestly about important and often awkward subjects like race. The project is inspired by the belief that such informal conversations among people from different
AARP SMART DRIVER CLASS AARP is once again offering its Smart Driver course at the Cathedral, Thursday, February 14. The course is a six-hour refresher aimed at motorists 50 years old and older. Some of the objectives of the class include understanding the effects of aging on driving; learning driving strategies that take into account the changes we experience as we age; and a number of other topics designed to make you a safer driver. At the completion of the class, you may be eligible to receive a discount on your automobile insurance policy. Class begins at 9 a.m. and will be completed by 4 p.m. There will be an hour break for lunch. Feel free to bring a lunch. The cost for AARP members is $15 and $20 for nonmembers. You will pay at the door by cash or check. You must bring your AARP card to receive the discount. You may sign up by calling the Information Desk at 404365-1000. If you have additional questions you may contact the course instructor, Stratton Leedy, at 404-237-8910. backgrounds are a vital step in healing our nation’s racial divide and helping us grow in understanding and acceptance of one another. The Cathedral is excited to partner with this project to host two dinners. The second of the two is Sunday, February 24 at 6 p.m., and we hope you will join us for dinner and a conversation with others about our experiences around race. Register at cathedralATL.org/dinners. Contact Canon Cathy Zappa, czappa@cathedralATL.org, or Jeannie Mahood, jmahood@ cathedralATL.org or 404-365-1031, for more information.
OUTREACH HELP STOCK BCM’S NEW “CLIENT-CHOICE” FOOD PANTRY IN FEBRUARY Last August, the Cathedral took the lead to support BCM’s new transition to a “client choice” food pantry. A fantastic total of $9,189.73 in seed money was raised and now the physical pantry renovations are underway, as well as great progress made toward the operating logistics and technology needed. BCM clients will very soon have the ability to budget for, shop for, and even pay for their own chosen groceries, greatly reducing food waste, promoting more healthy diets, and furthering BCM’s goal of promoting human dignity and independence. St. Anne’s Guild, as volunteer ambassadors for BCM, is asking for your continued monetary support during our February drive. Your contributions of $20 or more will enable BCM to efficiently stock the new pantry, often through partnerships with local farmers’ markets. In addition, your money will enable the purchase of diapers, bottled water, and personal hygiene products that are also greatly needed. As a parish, let’s top our August record and reach $10,000 in February. Consider a generous donation to sustain BCM’s innovative concept and expand its vision of a community free of hunger and homelessness! Please make your checks payable to the Cathedral of St. Philip, with “BCM Drive” on the note line. You may also make your contribution online through the Cathedral’s website, or at the kiosk in the Atrium. Look for thankful St. Anne’s members in the Atrium every Sunday in February to collect your contributions. Contact Sarah Murphy, sarahmurphy3707@gmail.com, for more information.
THE GO! SUMMIT Racial Healing in a Changing World Saturday, February 16 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Cathedral
Keynote Speaker Rev. Raphael G. Warnock, Ph.D. Sponsored by the Diocese of Atlanta: Global Mission Commission, Ministry Innovations Task Force, Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing, and Episcopal Relief and Development REGISTER ONLINE AT EPISCOPALATLANTA.ORG/MISSIONWORK/AROUND-THE-WORLD
TOILETRY DRIVE CONTINUES St. Veronica’s Guild thanks all who have contributed toiletries and personal care items for ministries that serve the poor and homeless. Six times each year St. Veronica’s Guild sends more than 220 pounds of donated and purchased items to four local ministries: Crossroads Community Ministry, Emmaus House, Church of the Common Ground, and Holy Comforter. These organizations have an ongoing need for items we take for granted each morning: shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, and socks. They also need diapers and feminine hygiene products. Please support St. Veronica's effort to support the work of these ministries by donating unopened, travel or regular size, personal care items. You may leave your donations at the Information Desk. For more informaiton, contact Lucy Perry, perry72@aol.com, or Judy Bodner, 404-814-1468.
CONGREGATIONAL Life GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP The Cathedral is honored to partner with Hospice Atlanta to offer a grief support group, led by trained facilitators from Hospice Atlanta. The group meets in the Lanier House Board Room on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, from 2–3:30 p.m. It is open to all who are grieving the death of a loved one. Feel free to come as you can. Contact Canon Cathy Zappa, czappa@cathedralATL.org, for more information.
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Cathedral BOOK STORE THE JESUS FATWAH: LOVE YOUR (MUSLIM) NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF Wednesday, February 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Gould Room sponsored by Book Fellows of the Cathedral Book Store In Arabic, the word “fatwah” simply means “opinion.” A religious or ethical fatwah provides a spiritually instructive opinion, usually given as the answer to a question about religious law. In that regard, Jesus was a master of the art. His opinions, revered by Christians and Muslims alike, remain among the most beautiful and powerful fatwahs ever issued. LED BY THE REV. DR. THEE SMITH with Imam Plemon El-Amin, Imam Emeritus of the Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam We submit that Jesus meant it when he told us to love our neighbors. Especially important, in an age of increasing Islamophobia, is the love of Muslim neighbors. The process begins when others learn who Muslims are and what Muslims actually believe. This examens the basic tenants of Islam, separate fact from misinformation, and explore how to build bridges and relationships across differences of faith. The content of this program is compiled from materials developed by Living the Questions.
BOOK FELLOWS Since 1949, the Cathedral Book Store has served the Cathedral of St. Philip, the Diocese of Atlanta, and the community at large. Founded by the Episcopal Church Women, we have grown from being a small book store to a vibrant ministry that serves as a resource to explore faith and values. We strive to be a catalyst for creating an engaged and thoughtful community through educational programs, speakers, discussion groups, and fellowship and outreach programs. You made it possible in 2018 for us to continue our ministry and to grow as a faith community. Finding ways to strengthen our finances in order to keep our doors open and continue our ministry is not always easy. Please consider supporting the Cathedral Book Store by becoming a 2019 Book Fellow. Benefits of Being a Book Fellow • Discount shopping days at the Cathedral Book Store • Special discount coupons • Advanced notice of lectures, workshops, classes, educational programs or series • Special receptions to meet the speakers and authors • Reserved seating at major events Members of the Cathedral Book Store Board of Directors will be in the Atrium on Sundays between services February 3, 10, and 17. Stop by and learn more about Book Fellows or just sign up at cathedralbookstore.org!
GUEST Speaker The Cathedral welcomes Nadia Bolz-Weber on Saturday, March 2 at 7 p.m. A former standup comic and a recovering alcoholic, Nadia is the founder and former pastor of a Lutheran congregation in Denver, House for All Sinners and Saints. Join Nadia for a lively evening of truthtelling, conversation, humor, healing and maybe a short dance party as she proposes “...a sexual reformation for those who have been hurt...for those who have done the hurting...and for those who are certain they know all there is to know about what God thinks of sex.” Also on stage for a conversation with Nadia will be Neichelle Guidry. Tickets are $15 at cathedralATL.org/shameless.
MUSIC LOCAL ORGANIST JUSTIN MAXEY TO PERFORM
CANDLEMAS PROCESSION
On Sunday, February 3, we welcome organist Justin Maxey as our recitalist at 3:15 p.m. A graduate of Shorter College, Mercer University, and Eastman School of Music, Justin currently serves as organist at Roswell Presbyterian Church. His program will consist of German organist and composer Julius Reubke’s formidable work, Sonata on the 94th Psalm. Come and hear this wonderful local organist perform this beautiful but difficult masterwork of the late Romantic era.
This Sunday, February 3 at 4 p.m., we will offer our annual Candlemas Procession and Choral Eucharist for the Feast of the Presentation. Sung by the Cathedral Schola, music will feature Lassus’s marvelous mass setting, Missa bell’ amfitrit’ altera. Come and worship in our gracious sacred space with this great work from the Renaissance.
Justin Maxey, organ (Roswell Presbyterian Church, Roswell, Georgia) Julius Reubke, Sonata on the 94th Psalm
MEMBERSHIP TRANSITIONS DEATHS Philip Haines Gwynn, father of Nowland Gwynn II, grandfather of Fontaine and Nowland Gwynn III, died January 16, 2019
PRAYER List FOR THOSE WHO ARE ILL OR RECOVERING: LONG TERM PRAYERS T. Mayo and Pat Atkins • Virginia Bicksler • John Blair • Pat Brinson • Dick Burgin • LeCretia Burton • Wicke Chambers • J. Franklin Clark • Heather Clark • Terry Dornbush • Sarah duBignon • Kitty Dukehart • Lynn
Alexander Ehrlicher • Randy Farmer • Jimmy Fluker • Betty Hall • William Ham • Jane Hannah • Caroline Hatcher • Katie Hughey • Louise Kan • Jack Lumanog • Elaine Lyon • Frank Mathews • Lorri McClain •
Carol McDonald • Jim McKenzie • Charlie Neal • Paul O'Connor • Marian Palmore • Garry Pryor • Rubye
and Wayne Reid • Pamela Reid • Agnes Elizabeth Robertson • Louis "Skip" Schueddig • Clark Shelton • Ruth Swanson • Julie Thompson • Faye Van Winkle • Andy Westafer • Sandy Williamson • Hollis Youngner
FAMILY AND FRIENDS Wendy Adelmann • Alex Collins Astrop • Bettina Bass • Lee Dvonch • Velma Elliott • Cheryl • Helen Nixon
Fleming • Carleton Fuller • Peggy Govan • Bobby Hearn • Shirley Helmke • Greg Hentz • Dan Howett •
Sun Ja Kim • Graham B. Loper • Rosa Lopez • Betty C. Lyons • Pat Martin • Massie Family • Alan Lewis • Michelle Maxwell • Michael McClelland • Andy Nelson • Adrian Lewis-O’Sullivan • Elizabeth Stone Pelly • Betty and Bill Poole • Frank Roth • James Sands • Leila Sinclair • Brian Sturgell • Tina Susco • Woodrow Talley • Hubert Tate, Sr. • Pierson Thames • Roger Traylor • Janiece Townshend • Ron M. Wallace • Marion Wilson • Whit A. Wright • Patricia Young
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED Philip Haines Gwynn • Joshua Harrigan Logan • David William Keller • Sam Bartholomew • Jonathan Martin Edwin Sandys
THIS SUNDAY IS SCOUT SUNDAY Scout Sunday celebrates the founding of the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910. In 2019, the Cathedral’s Boy Scout Troop 74 is also celebrating its own 68th birthday. It is a tradition for the Scouts of Troop 74 to observe Scout Sunday on February 3 by worshiping with their families and serving as ushers at the 8:45 a.m. service. All Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Scout leaders are invited to join this service in uniform, regardless of their troop or pack affiliation.
OUTREACH SOUP-ER BOWL SUNDAY! Super Bowl Sunday is quickly approaching, and that means the SOUP-er Bowl is too! Every year, the Cathedral helps predict the winner of the Super Bowl by collecting goods for Buckhead Christian Ministries in bins that represent the teams. This year, we have a new twist on our SOUP-er Bowl! We will be preparing two different soups to sell on Sunday, February 3, following each service, with the proceeds going to BCM. This service project is led by Cathedral youth, so look for them on Sunday to buy your soup! If you have any questions, please contact Maggie Paul, mpaul@ cathedralATL.org.
POSTMASTER: Dated Material. Please deliver by February 2, 2019 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
Cathedral ANTIQUES SHOW Last week, the Cathedral hosted the Cathedral Antiques Show, complete with dozens of dealers, a bevy of interesting speakers, a flower festival, two tours of homes, and more! This year’s show benefits Wilderness Worlks, which has served Atlanta’s chronically homeless, impoverished, and extremely vulnerable children for over 20 years. They provide year-round enrichment, experiential education, and character development through city camps, summer nature camps, and outdoor living field camps in our National Parks.