The CATHEDRAL TIMES The weekly newsletter of the Cathedral of St. Philip · Serving Atlanta and the World · December 12, 2021
FLAT SCREENS MAKE FLAT PEOPLE By the Very Rev. Sam Candler, Dean of the Cathedral This Advent season, I am giving thanks for the gradual return of Incarnation. In 2021, after twenty months of pandemic practice, the season of Advent means the expectation, and the desire, and the hope, and the love, for Incarnation itself. O come, O come, Emmanu-El, “God With Us.” I give thanks every day that people are gradually returning, physically, to church and to local communities of faith – safely and vaccinated! Almost every week here at the Cathedral Parish of St. Philip, I see someone whom I have not seen in twenty months. Each of them often says something like, “Well, I’ve been online and I’ve sure seen YOU!” And that is true. I give thanks for the church’s online presence and prayer; my own church has been blessed with the resources and staff to do screens very well, and we have benefitted. I admit I have enjoyed much of this screen experience! Certainly, we have needed online presence and Zoom meetings and screens. But I also know that our engagement of the world through screens and clicks can make us passive and selfish. Screens tend to make us think that we can view, or get, whatever we want – just by changing the channel, or the website address, or the social media platform. And, surely, we have read about our social media platforms’ tendencies to show us mostly the views with which we already agree; those tendencies are narrowing us. Further, I wonder about the rush we get by clicking on things. I have certainly enjoyed that adrenaline rush which comes from the instant gratitude of clicking. But it’s almost too easy to think I am doing something constructive just by “liking” a post, or a channel, or a site. Are we living only for those adrenaline rushes? Those who like to talk have found that screens and online meetings can amplify their authority, making it seem like no one else might have another point of view at all. Screens can amplify absolutism. Okay, when we have no other entry to a reality, screens are helpful. And they certainly help sustain previously existing relationships (note the joyous Facetime calls between distant family members)! Ultimately, however, I believe screens are unable to deliver the depth of the social reality that human beings need. Screens are flat. My sense is that screens have flattened us. Their artificial intelligence algorithms are not human yet, and yet we are being tempted to dumb ourselves down to what they offer. Thus, my saying that “Flat screens make flat people!” Flat screens simplify us, and they simplify us negatively, often reducing us to mere opinions and statements and positions. Flat screens do not, and cannot, deliver the fullness of personhood to each other. Flat screens do not communicate the fuller mystery of human interaction, human community for the common good. It’s a reason that many of us sense more political and social polarization in the past twenty months; we have been labelling each other simplistically. We have been unable to shake hands, to hug bodies, to sense the twinkles in eyes and the delights in smiles, to feel the intricate facial and body expressions when someone is speaking to us. We have been unable to taste and see, to smell and touch. Screens have been sadly simplifying us, dumbing us down. The Christian Church, a wonderful and mysterious incarnational community, is built upon the truth that our God became human flesh. The word “incarnation” means “in the flesh!” I believe that God continues to become flesh; God continues to be real in our human flesh. Thus, we need to be with each other fully, in the flesh.
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This SUNDAY
DECEMBER 12, 2021 · The Third Sunday of Advent, Year C Zephaniah 3:14-20 · Philippians 4:4-7 · Canticle 9 · Luke 3:7-180
8:45 A.M., 11:15 A.M., AND 4 P.M.: IN-PERSON AND ONLINE CATHEDRALATL.ORG / THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. PHILIP APP / FACEBOOK / YOUTUBE
7:45 A.M. HOLY EUCHARIST, MIKELL CHAPEL
Celebrant and Preacher: The Rev. Canon Lauren Holder
8:45 A.M. AND 11:15 A.M. HOLY EUCHARIST, CATHEDRAL Celebrant: The Very Rev. Sam Candler Preacher: The Rev. Canon Lauren Holder 8:45 a.m. Cathedral Singers / 11:15 a.m. Cathedral Choir: James Biery (b. 1956), Fanfare, Variations, and Toccata on “Hark, a Thrilling Voice is Sounding” Hymn 59, “Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding” Merton McNeil Robinson II (1943-2015) S-88, Kyrie eleison Plainchant Tone II.1, The First Song of Isaiah: Ecce, Deus (11:15 only) Hymn 56, stanzas 5-6, “O come, O come Emmanuel” Veni, veni Emmanuel Cristobal de Morales (1500-1553), Veni Domine Hymn 75, “There’s a voice in the wilderness crying” Ascension Calvin Hampton (1938-1984) S-127, Sanctus & Benedictus Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612), Communion Anthem Inter natos mulierum Hymn 72, “Hark! the glad sound! The Savior comes” Richmond Hymn 54, “Savior of the nations, come!” Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 661
11:15 A.M. SERVICIO DE KOINONIA, CON LA SANTA EUCARISTÍA , MIKELL CHAPEL
Officiant and Preacher: The Rev. Deacon Juan Sandoval
4 P.M. DIOCESAN CONFIRMATIONS, CATHEDRAL Celebrant and Preacher: The Right Rev. Robert Wright The Choir of St. Luke's, Atlanta: Rosephanye Powell, The Word was God Michael Sitton, The most excellent gift of charity Richard DeLong, Just as I am
PASTORAL CARE BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22 6:30 P.M., ST. MARY'S CHAPEL A service of comfort provides refuge when joy and suffering comingle. As we prepare for the joyful arrival of the Christ child, we hold space for all the other feelings we may carry with us. This service is a refuge for all who are bereaved or bewildered. Come experience the peace of Christ.
WORSHIP
MIDWEEK SERVICES BEGIN IN JANUARY Beginning Tuesday, January 4, services of Holy Eucharist will be held in St. Mary’s Chapel, upstairs from the Atrium, every Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. Join us for these holy services!
The CATHEDRAL off ST. PHILIP The Very Rev. Samuel G. Candler, Dean
Dale Adelmann, Ph.D., Canon for Music
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SPIRITUALITY ADVENT LABYRINTH WALK AND TAIZÉ MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2021 Join us for an hour of walking the sacred labyrinth path to meditative music from our guest harpist, Nella Rigell. As we walk this Advent, a new world awaits us offering love and support for our souls within.
SCHEDULE 6:45 p.m. – Brief orientation for those new to the Labyrinth (Child Hall) 7-8 p.m. – Labyrinth Walk 8-9 p.m. – Taizé (Cathedral Nave, and online at cathedralATL.org/taize.)
OUR HARPIST Nella Rigell has enjoyed an active career as an orchestral harpist, chamber musician, therapeutic musician, recording artist and teacher, performing in concert halls from Carnegie Hall to the Grand Ole Opry. She is principal harpist with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra and has played second harp with the Atlanta Symphony and principal with the Atlanta Opera.
Adult EDUCATION EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY Education for Ministry (EfM) is a program of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Participants commit one year at a time (four years total) to meet weekly in seminars where mentors will guide them in: • Studying the Bible, church history, and theology. • Practicing the art of theological reflection, which provides new insights regarding our life experiences and the world in which we live. • Developing a wonderful community. There is a weekly lesson and study guide, but no tests or papers to prepare. We also take a summer vacation from June through August. Beginning January 6, 2022, we will offer two Education for Ministry classes. Both classes meet on Thursdays, one group meeting at 10 a.m., mentored by Rick Tyler and Cathy Zappa, and the other at 7 p.m., mentored by Rick Tyler and Deirdra Glover. The deadline to enroll is December 15. For more information and enrollment forms, contact Rick Tyler, 404-375-6470, rickty@mac.com.
St. Veronica's GUILD ST. VERONICA'S GUILD TOILETRIES DRIVE In Epiphany, the Wise Men came on their camels, bringing gifts to the Christ Child. St. Veronica’s Guild uses the symbol of the camel bringing the Wise Men’s gifts to Jesus as an invitation to you to help spread the gift of God’s love for all of his family. Please help St. Veronica’s Guild this Epiphany by giving gifts of funds to purchase toiletries for our neighbors served by Emmaus House, Crossroads Community Ministries, Church of the Common Ground, and Holy Comforter Episcopal Church Friendship Center. St. Veronica’s Guild gives toiletries to these ministries throughout each year to use with people affected by poverty, inadequate housing, or poor health. As these ministries have responded to the pandemic, personal care items are even more important to maintain health, but usually are only available through private donations like those of St. Veronica’s Guild. To safely meet the ministries’ increased needs in the pandemic, the guild has shifted from collecting personal care items to bulk purchasing and distribution. While the bulk purchasing has proven more flexible and cost efficient for increased needs, funds are needed to augment the pre-pandemic earmarked monies. SecureGive donations to the St. Veronica’s toiletries ministry can be made at cathedralATL.org/epiphany or at the Atrium kiosk. Donations of any size make a big difference and help people feel better. A few dollars add family size soap bars for the Emmaus House food pantry or fill a Crossroad guest’s hygiene kit. The guild’s signature Epiphany camel sits near the Cathedral Atrium kiosk. She symbolizes the Epiphany tradition of offering gifts for those in need and conveys thanks for your generosity.
PRAYER List FOR THOSE WHO ARE ILL OR RECOVERING: IMMEDIATE NEEDS: Jack and Jane Kelly Baugh • Judy Crosby • Carolyn Dwyer LONG TERM PRAYERS: R. Huntley Allen • Penny Barnett • Perry Benton • Virginia Bicksler • Larry Boggs • Randall ChathamBorden • Heather Clark • Sharon Crews • The Crossley Family • Jerri Darnell • Marg Denny • Terry Dornbush • Stephen Douglass • Sarah duBignon • Deborah Ellington • Ruth Fuqua • Elizabeth Groseth • Jenny Ham • Rebecca Harris • Jane Jones • Louise Kan • Lisa Krysiak • Jill Mahaffey • Carol McDonald • Glenn Miller • Royce Mitchell • Susan Myers • Charlie Neal • Dudley Ottley • Marian Palmore • Rowland Radford • Rubye and Wayne Reid • Lorraine Reynolds • Agnes Elizabeth Robertson • Jean Robertson • Betty Roper • Louis "Skip" Schueddig • Tommy Truesdale • Ron Wallace • Elleanor Wilson • Faye Van Winkle
FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Lisa Bachman • Bettina Bass • Lisa Bradshaw • Pam Breedlove • Rose Brunetti Bennett • Lila Jo Callaway •
Andrew Clark • Vickie Coffman • Marie Corrigan • Ava Corroon • Apryl Roberts Cox • Sandra Guilbert Early • Dan Elson • Jackson Francis • Carleton Fuller • Theresa Gent • Patricia Plummer Glowatsky • Mark Goodwin • Martha Heinze • Rob Hendler • Eboni and Everton Heron • Gayle Higley • Cadel Ingraham • Robin Kemp • Patrick Kilian • Carole Kline • Rita Lewis • Pete Livezey • Lauren Makhlouf • Pat Martin • Ethel “Babe” Moldovan • Betsy Moore • Fred Nelson • Michelle, Carter, and Gabriel Nichols • Linus Nickel • Neal Peters • Bill Poole • Carter Randall • Katie Royal • Einar Sagstuen • James Sands • Gary Schiff • Woody Talley • Yvonne Tate • Pierson Thames • Bryson Thomas • Wayne Thurman • Olive Toy • Harris Wilson • Liz Woodring • Whit A. Wright • Hollis Youngner • George Zappa
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED: W. Bradley Morehouse
Christmas Lessons & Carols December 19, 4 p.m.
ST. MONICA'S GUILD TOY DRIVE Please join St. Monica’s Guild in a toy drive to assist Emmaus House in providing a cheerful Christmas to all in their neighborhood. Santa and Mrs. Claus come to Emmaus House and give presents to more than 550 children from all over Atlanta. Here's how you can help: •
Donate gifts: Bring new, unwrapped gifts to the bins in the Atrium through December 12.
•
Write a check or give online: $35 will sponsor a child but any donation amount is helpful and appreciated. Make checks payable to “The Cathedral of St. Philip” and write Toy Drive in the memo line. Checks can be handed to a guild member on Sunday mornings at the table in the Atrium or mailed to the Cathedral – Attention: St. Monica’s Guild. Donations can also be made online or at the kiosk in the Atrium.
The Emmaus House Holiday Guide document, with suggested gifts by age and gender, and a link to donate online are available at cathedralATL.org/toydrive. Reach out to Johanna Barnes at jpbarnes74@gmail.com or Lauren Giles at gileslauren@gmail.com with any questions.
OUTREACH HABITAT CHRISTMAS BASKETS We welcome all parishioners and families to help with our Habitat Christmas baskets. Sign up to make cookies and breads or contribute fruits and nuts. Help with assembly and delivery. Plus, we are encouraging children to make ornaments and Christmas cards to include in our baskets. We will also have a station set up for children to make personalized Christmas cards at the assembly event on December 10. Basket contributions and assembly on December 10 and delivery on December 11. We are especially in need of delivery drivers! Sign up to volunteer at cathedralATL.org/habitatbaskets.
Year-end GIVING The Cathedral needs to receive over $1,250,000 in contributions in December in order to have our income meet our expenses. Here’s how you can help: • Cash and check contributions can be mailed or hand-delivered to the Cathedral stewardship or finance offices. A contribution must be received at the Cathedral by Friday, December 31 or postmarked by Friday, December 31 in order for it to be considered a 2021 tax-deduction. • Online contributions can be made via cathedralATL.org/contribute. Contributions can be processed through Friday, December 31 in order to be considered for a 2021 tax deduction. • Credit card donations may be processed at the Atrium kiosk any time the building is open. • Stock shares can be transferred electronically to Morgan Stanley Smith Barney (DTC #0015), Account #308-130762. Our contact is Cathy Lamb at 404-266-6315. Please notify David Rocchio, drocchio@cathedralATL.org or 404-365-1033, of the transfer. • Giving history can be checked by logging into your TouchPoint record: cathedralATL.org/touchpoint Year-end statements of contributions will be mailed in late January 2022 accounting for all of your contributions in the 2021 calendar year. Please contact David Rocchio, drocchio@cathedralATL.org or 404-365-1033, with any questions.
Christmas ALTAR FLOWERS We will once again have beautiful floral arrangements and decorations in our sacred spaces this Christmas, with your help! Donations are appreciated throughout the Christmas season. Those received on or before December 19 will be listed in the Christmas service leaflet. Those received after that date will be listed in later editions. Your donation can be made in memory of or thanksgiving for a loved one using the form below or online at cathedralATL.org/ christmasflowers. If you use the form below, please include a check with your request, made payable to The Cathedral of St. Philip. While any gift is appreciated, a minimum of $100 per printed line is suggested. Checks and forms should be sent to: The Cathedral of St. Philip, Attn.: Hillary Jones, 2744 Peachtree Rd., NW, Atlanta, GA 30305. You may also make arrangements by contacting Liz Aull, 404-365-1034, or laull@cathedralATL.org. Please list the name (or names) as you want them to appear: In Memory of:
In Thanksgiving for:
In Thanksgiving for:
name(s):
name(s): In Memory of:
In Memory of:
In Thanksgiving for:
name(s): Please complete the following information about you: your name(s): phone: date:
In Memory of: name(s):
In Thanksgiving for:
...continued from front page We will get there, in time. I give thanks for that hope. We will resume the full dimensions of in-person community and prayer. At our annual parish meeting last Sunday, I told the people whom I love that I give thanks for each of them, in anticipation of that day when we can fully give thanks to God with the incarnate versions of ourselves instead of the flat screen versions of ourselves! Yes, this year, Advent is about budding incarnation. God’s incarnation is being born. And our incarnation is being born, too. We are growing into the full, and fullpersoned, in-person, Body of Christ. O come, O come, Emmanuel!
The Very Rev. Sam Candler
Dean of the Cathedral of St. Philip
Youth MINISTRY REGISTER FOR YOUTH CONFIRMATION CLASSES! Confirmation classes for youth in 8th grade or higher will be offered from January through April 2022. The classes will begin on Sunday, January 23. Classes are every other Sunday and held from 5:30–7 p.m. Please mark your calendar now for the Confirmation Retreat Weekend, April 1-3, 2022.
POSTMASTER: Dated Material. Please deliver by December 11, 2021 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
WORSHIP SERVICES FOR THE 2021 CHRISTMAS SEASON Sunday, December 19 The Fourth Sunday of Advent The 7:45, 8:45, and 11:15 a.m. services will take place as usual.
4 p.m. A Christmas Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols *
Friday, December 24 Christmas Eve
11 a.m. Koinonia Eucharist (Labyrinth) 3 p.m. Holy Eucharist (Cathedral – masks required) 4 p.m. The Christmas Pageant * (online, with watch party in the Cloister Garden) 8 p.m. Choral Prelude 8:30 p.m. Festival Holy Eucharist * (Cathedral) 11 p.m. Choral Prelude 11:30 p.m. Festival Holy Eucharist * (Cathedral)
Saturday, December 25 Christmas Day
10 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Cathedral)
* Services are broadcast on the Cathedral website, app, Facebook, and Youtube.
cathedralATL.org/christmas