The CATHEDRAL TIMES
The weekly newsletter of the Cathedral of St. Philip · Serving Atlanta and the World · May 12, 2024
THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT WORDS AT WEDDINGS
By the Very Rev. Sam Candler, Dean of the CathedralThe two most important words in the wedding ceremony are not “I do.” Read on for the explanation! We have begun the month of May, and weddings are upon us. Of course, there is no single time of year that is the right one for getting married. We celebrate weddings at the church all times of year. But we sure do seem to arrange, and to think about, weddings, in the late spring and summer months.
I love weddings! And I love marriages even more! I have been to some wonderful weddings in my lifetime. And so have you. We have gathered from hither and yon to witness, and to bless, two honorable people in holy matrimony, all over the place. Some weddings have been in backyards. Some have been in community centers. Some have been on beaches; some have been on mountains. And some, of course, have been in our churches, those holy places that have witnessed the most joyous moments of our lives. One of the reasons I love church weddings is because churches are also where we go for funerals. The place we share holy sadness is also the place we share holy joy. Our churches can handle both deep sadness and deep joy. We are better for it.
And so, this time of year, I give thanks for all of you who are getting married (wherever the place might be). And I give thanks for all of us who have made that commitment of marriage! Thank you for getting married! Even if it was many years ago, thank you for getting married! You showed the world commitment and faithfulness, and loyalty and love.
In marriage, we are participating in something that not only blesses us, but is also blessing the whole world. The world is blessed when we witness two persons will their lives to each other. The world needs to see and believe that such loving commitment can happen.
We all realize, by now, that weddings are far different from marriages. A wedding is only the outward sign of a deep inner commitment, that deeper commitment which is marriage itself. Marriage—that vow of committed love between two persons—makes you better and it makes the world better. There may be no deeper decision most of us make. Weddings are the outward sign of an inner marriage.
And commitment is hard! Yes, “falling in love” is wonderful, and I hope we all fall in love, over and over again! However, “falling in love” is not what keeps us married. It is the will, the will to commit and the will to love, that keeps us deeply married.
Thus, the two most important words in the wedding ceremony are not “I do.” The two most important words in the wedding ceremony are, “I will.” They occur early in the service, before the vows, in that section of the service we call the “declaration of consent:”
Will you have this person to be your wife/husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love this person, comfort them, honor and keep them, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to them as long as you both shall live? I will. (from The Book of Common Prayer, page 424).
These lines are not the actual marriage vows of our prayer book. By these lines, we ascertain that the couple is getting married of their own “free will.” The answer we give, “I will,” is perhaps the most powerful part of the service. Marriage is about love, for sure; but it is also about “willing” to love, “willing” to honor, comfort, and keep. In marriage, we will something. We want that something to happen. We intend it. We work for it.
Blessed weddings to so many in this season! And blessed anniversaries, throughout the year, to all who are married. Thank you for your love. Thank you for committing yourself to another person. And thank you for your will to love and to honor, through thick and thin, through ups and downs, and through life. Your will to love is a witness to the world! The world honors your commitment to will and to love.
This SUNDAY
MAY 12, 2024 · The Seventh Sunday of Easter, Year B (Youth Sunday) Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 • Psalm 1 • 1 John 5:9-13 • John 17:6-19
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. HOLY EUCHARIST, CATHEDRAL
Celebrant: The Very Rev. Sam Candler
Youth Preachers: Edith Baños and Sophie Latz
Cathedral Singers:
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958), O clap your hands
Peter Philips (c. 1560-1628), Ascendit Deus
11:15 A.M. HOLY EUCHARIST, CATHEDRAL
Celebrant: The Very Rev. Sam Candler
Youth Preachers: Hillis Kopecky and Kate McDonough
Cathedral Choir:
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958), O clap your hands
Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924), Coelis ascendit hodie
11:15 A.M. LA SANTA EUCARISTÍA, MIKELL CHAPEL
Officiant: The Rev. Deacon Juan Sandoval
Youth Preacher: Edith Baños
4 P.M. CHORAL EVENSONG FOR THE SUNDAY AFTER THE ASCENSION , CATHEDRAL
Officiant and Preacher: The Rev. Canon George Maxwell
Cathedral Schola:
William Smith (c. 1603-1645), Preces & Responses
Thomas Morley (1557/58-1602), First Service
Peter Philips (c. 1560-1628), Ascendit Deus
Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924), Coelis ascendit hodie
SUNDAY AFTERNOON RECITALS
CHRISTOPHER REYNOLDS, ORGAN
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Richmond, Virginia
SUNDAY, MAY 12 — 3:15 P.M.
IN-PERSON AND ONLINE AT CATHEDRALATL.ORG/RECITALS
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750),
Prelude and Fugue in C, BWV 547
César Franck (1822-1890), Cantabile
Gerald Near (b. 1942), Prelude on Picardy
John Cook (1918-1984), Fanfare
READ THE GOSPEL ON PENTECOST SUNDAY!
Do you speak another language? Or want to put your Duolingo practice to use? Readers are needed for Pentecost Sunday services on May 19 at 8:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Anyone who can read and speak in a language other than English is invited to join the reading of the Gospel. You do not have to be an expert, you do not have to find your own translation, and you do not have to read alone! If you are interested, please contact Hillary Jones, 404-365-1038 or hjones@cathedralATL.org.
MUSIC
CATHEDRAL SINGERS CONCERT
Friday, June 7
7:30 p.m., Cathedral
Enjoy a lovely June evening’s respite amid the glow of stained glass, basking in music to soothe the soul and delight the senses! This concert features the professional core of the Cathedral Choir & Schola and the Cathedral’s magnificent organists. Presented by Friends of Cathedral Music. Purchase tickets at cathedralATL.org/concerts.
TOUR and HISTORY GUILD
HISTORY OF THE CATHEDRAL’S BELLS
Thursday, May 16
2 p.m., Gould Room
Have you ever wondered about the story behind the Cathedral’s majestic bells when you hear them ring? If so, please join the Cathedral Tour and History Guild on Thursday, May 16 at 2 p.m. in Room 239.
Parishioners Mary Hall Perrin and Mary Semmes Wright will share a brief history of our four massive bells, including how such a big project was accomplished after the bell tower was already completed. The Braswell-Milner Bells were the gift of a generous parishioner in 2000. They were cast in bronze in France by Paccard Bell, a family company that has been making bells since 1796. It is a fascinating story, and we encourage you to come learn about them. After this, you will have a new appreciation when you hear the pealing of the bells!
THANK YOU, LISA!
Lisa McNamara has cared for the children and families of the Cathedral of St. Philip for 8 wonderfilled years. She has shepherded families through 516 baptisms (wow!) while bringing her playful spirit to every corner of our ministry. Lisa and her family are taking that same playful spirit to Guilford, Maine, where they have bought a bed & breakfast! How very Lisa. We are excited for Lisa, sad for us, and grateful she leaves Children and Family Ministries in such a healthy place. Lisa will say goodbye June 7, so you have plenty of time to celebrate her at our Kanuga Parish Weekend and Week of Wonder! Thank you, Lisa!
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 Community and Education
The Rev. George M. Maxwell, Jr., Vicar
The Rev. Canon Julia B. Mitchener, Canon for Mission
The Rev. Catherine Zappa, Canon for Liturgy and Pastoral Care
The Rev. Salmoon Bashir, Curate for Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations
The Rev. Deacon Juan Sandoval, Deacon for Hispanic Ministries and Pastoral Care
The Rev. Theophus “Thee” Smith, Ph.D., Priest Associate Geoff DeLong, Senior Warden
Melody Palmore, Junior Warden
CATHEDRAL TIMES SUBMISSION DEADLINES: FOR THE SUNDAY, MAY 19 ISSUE, THE DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, MAY 8. FOR THE SUNDAY, MAY 26 ISSUE, THE DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, MAY 15.
TO RECEIVE THE TIMES BY EMAIL: CONTACT LIZ AULL, LAULL@CATHEDRALATL.ORG.
TO SUBMIT AN ANNOUNCEMENT REQUEST: CONTACT SARA CRAIG-GOODELL, SCRAIGGOODELL@CATHEDRALATL.ORG.
404-365-1000 | cathedral ATL .org pastoral care emergency line: 404-365-1003
cathedralatl
ADULT Education
ADULT EDUCATION THIS SUNDAY
Old Fashioned Sunday School
Reading Genesis: The Beginning of Wisdom
10:10 a.m., Child Hall
Since the nineteenth century, biblical scholars have become largely uninterested in the wisdom offered by the book of Genesis. They avoid the larger questions about life like, “What is the meaning of life?” and “How it should be lived?”
This series will focus on what the book of Genesis has to say about these larger questions. The Rev. Canon George Maxwell leads a discussion based on Leon R. Kass’ book titled The Beginning of Wisdom: Reading Genesis (Univ. of Chicago Press, 2023). You don’t need to buy or read the book to participate in the series.
Living Faith
10:10 a.m., Room 239
Join Canons Lauren Holder, Julia Mitchener, and Cathy Zappa for conversation guided by The NY Times bestseller Never
Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic and What We Can Do About It by Jennifer Breheny Wallace. While this book will be of particular interest to those with young people in their lives, it is also relevant to anyone wanting to reflect on the deeper meaning and purpose of human existence and on what Christianity may have to offer a culture in which so many question their self-worth. All are welcome!
Enjoy Biblical Greek!
1:15 p.m., Room 239 and on Zoom
Provided on a drop-in basis, first-time visitors need no previous knowledge of Greek. Please contact the Rev. Dr. Thee Smith, tsmith@cathedralATL.org, for more information.
Young Professionals Formation Hour: Episcopal 101 10:10 a.m., Room 368
Please join the Rev. Salmoon Bashir for Episcopal 101: An introductory class on Episcopal beliefs and practices. This class is designed for those who are new to The Episcopal Church, as well as cradle Episcopalians interested in deepening their understanding of our traditions, liturgy, theology, beliefs, and practices.
These classes are meant to be an open forum for questions and conversations. No advance preparation is required. We look forward to embarking on this journey of discovery and faith together. All are welcome.
Special Guest This Sunday!
This Sunday morning, May 12, our very own Dean Sam Candler will join the Young Professionals class for discussions about prayer and The Book of Common Prayer.
STEWARDSHIP
Spring flowers and Easter remind us of the magnificent example of generosity afforded to us through the flower endowment. This endowment supports the flower guild as they decorate the altar and other areas of the Cathedral each week. Flowers and greenery have always been a mainstay of the Cathedral and a symbol of our grace, excellence, and hospitality. While wedding fees offset some costs of the flowers, the flower guild continually works hard to control costs by often using simpler arrangements and by using flowers from the Cathedral campus and members’ own gardens. The flower guild has nearly 100 members, and each of them is vitally important. New volunteers are trained by long-time members, and the guild often hosts trainings that are open to everyone. You can help support the flower guild and contribute to the beauty of the Cathedral flowers by committing to the flower endowment. Contact David Rocchio at drocchio@cathedralATL.org or by phone at 404-365-1033 for more information.
OUTREACH
VOLUNTEER AT RESPITE CARE ATLANTA
Respite Care Atlanta is seeking volunteers for its weekly respite program assisting adults living with mild-to-moderate dementia. Volunteers get to share their ideas and talents while helping to provide a safe and stimulating environment for program participants. Opportunities to volunteer range from 1 to 3 days a week for 1 to 4 hours between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church. The next volunteer info session is Monday, May 13 from 10–11 a.m. Contact Jane Brann at jbrann@spdl.org to register and learn more.
CATHEDRAL GIVING by DESIGN
Continuing the Cathedral's long tradition of philanthropic giving to the Atlanta community, we held a wildly successful 2024 Cathedral Giving By Design weekend in January. This completely sold out, two-day event celebrated the joy of home and hospitality, kicking off with a festive party and live auction on Friday. The weekend event continued Saturday, with a Designer Speaker Panel and tour of four exceptional Atlanta homes. The Cathedral community went above and beyond to support our incredible 2024 beneficiary: the Boyce L. Ansley School.
The Ansley School is a tuition-free private school for children who have experienced, or who currently are experiencing, homelessness in Atlanta. The school's mission is to help break the cycle of generational poverty by providing collaborative family support and a complete academic program that empowers children and families to thrive beyond circumstance. Our generous gift of over $498,000 will help support their expansion and allow them to add a 5th grade class at the school for the 2024-2025 school year. By adding a 5th grade, the Ansley School will be able to educate a child for the entirety of their critical elementary school years.
Beyond the financial support, the Cathedral's partnership with the Ansley School brought in a new a weekly tutor for the students; found trauma-informed yoga instructors for the 2024-2025 school year; spawned new fundraisers and support from the Atlanta design community; and connected many new, direct supporters to the school. The event also helped to raise the profile of the Ansley School across the City of Atlanta, which has helped it continue to grow and plan for a vibrant future.
The 2024 Cathedral Giving By Design event far exceeded our goals and expectations on every level. Thank you to the devoted committee; our honorary chair Mary Perrin; the corporate sponsors, Design Circle members and patrons; the dedicated staff at the Cathedral; the staff and board of the Ansley School; and so many volunteers who made 2024 Cathedral Giving By Design a success! Thank you!
2024 Cathedral Giving by Design Co-Chair
CHANGED, NOT ENDED
Sunday, June 9
1–4 p.m., Lanier House
2024 Cathedral Giving by Design Co-Chair
Join your fellow parishioners from 1 – 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, for “Changed, Not Ended,” an afternoon of delving into the beautiful Episcopal liturgy for the Burial of the Dead and to begin considering your own funeral. This spiritual practice is about living as much as it is about death: contemplating death in light of faith helps recenter us in life. With leadership from Canon Cathy Zappa and members of the Funeral Guild, we will explore the theological foundations of this service, engage in small-group conversation, and experience an instructed liturgy. As a community, we will support each other in this deep and important reflection, with the knowledge that life is “changed, not ended” when death occurs. Please direct questions and/or your desire to attend to Canon Cathy Zappa at czappa@cathedralATL.org. Participation is free and open to adults of all ages.
Email the Rev. Canon Julia Mitchener, julia.mitchener@cathedralATL.org, to join a group from the Cathedral for dinner!
Sara Blackwood Tucker MahoneyPRAYER List
FOR THOSE WITH IMMEDIATE NEEDS: Stewart Long, Jr. • Patrick Romett • Lisa Rowe
FOR THOSE WHO ARE ILL OR RECOVERING:
LONG TERM PRAYERS: R. Huntley Allen • Lucy Baker • Emma Duke Bleke • Catalina Barragan Oliveros • Virginia Bicksler • Scott Brown • The Bryant Family • Joe Burton • Heather Clark • The Crossley Family • Rita Daly • Jerri Darnell • Terry Dornbush • Joan Duncan • Jill Dyas • Deborah Ellington • Paul Fekete • Joyce Egan Ferris • Phoebe Forio • Tom Frolik • Ken Griffiths • Steve Gunter • Jenny Ham • Tory Hartness • Gena Inman • Jane Jones • Randi King • Harry Lamon • Liza Lanier • Ralph Lewis • Robert Lewis • Lisa Krysiak • Jill Mahaffey • Leslie Marlowe • Tommy Mason • Christopher Mitchum • Barbara Moore • Graham Mulling • Susan Myers • Jim Myrick • Charlie Neal • Lori Hegwood Owens • Marian Palmore • Patricia Payne-White • Buddy and Sue Redd • Rubye Reid • Lorraine Reynolds • Barbara and Joel Rice • Bob Riggins • Agnes Elizabeth Robertson • Lana Sachsenmaier • Kay Sanders • Nancy Sanders • Louis “Skip” Schueddig • Fred Scott III • Bill Shropshire • Gail Morgan Timmis • Tommy Truesdale • Len Wagner • Ginny Wolf • Jonathan Wright
FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Josephine Rose Adams • Elizabeth Alexander • Bettina Bass • Ray and Pat Bell • Josh Bennett • Donna Burgess • Jason Brady • Trip Bray • Chet Brewer • Paul Brewer • Catherine Brinton • Darnell Brown • Lila Jo Callaway • Bayard Stout Chapin • Mika Chorey • Anna Clifford • Marie Corrigan • Ava Corroon • Marty Dunn • Katherine Erb • William Erb • Sam Fender • Kyle Garcia • Ann George • Thomas Hagood, Jr. • Larry Hamilton • Christine Hanson • Judson Harper • Rick Hoyle • Sarnia Hoyt • Gayle Higley • Brian Huestis • Jane Hunnicutt • Beth Ingle • William Irwin • Clinton Johnson, Jr. • Kathy Johnson • Mary Kyle • Herb Larrabee • Pete Livezey • Hilda Lukwago • Carolyn R. Lusk • Lauren Makhlouf • Margaret McKinnon • Elaine Metcalf • Marion Hickman Meythaler • Betsy Moore • Margaret Moriarty • Fred Neuschel • Linus Nickel • Sterling Pace • Rosemary Palmer • Stephen Pararo • Kimbrooke Pavlich • Ginny Quinn • David Raj • Terri Reece • Jean Rudolph • Einar Sagstuen • Joe Salas • James Sands • Skip Saunders • Patricia Schooley • Stacey Schuitema • Lelia Sinclair • Alan Smith • Don Smith • Philip Gregory Smith • Michael and Kathryn Snider • Esther Rose Spade • Angela Stephenson • Izzy Straus • Brandon Streets • John and Cleary Tanner • Timothy Tew • Pierson Thames • Leopildo Velita • Pat Volpicella • Marjory Wall • Thomas Francis Wall • Christie Woodfin • Karen Woodward • Whit A. Wright • Hollis Youngner
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED: Rose Maddrey
Saturday, May 11
10-10:45 a.m., Room 239
The Cathedral Farmers Market is hosting a handful of informal volunteer Meet & Greets on Saturdays this season to get to know each other and learn about the market. These sessions will: discuss the tasks of each volunteer shift, take a tour around the market, and learn how to be of service to each other, our vendors, and the market community. Come join the fun and get involved!
If you’re interested in volunteering at the Cathedral Farmers Market, please contact Nancy Qarmout, the market’s manager, nancy@peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com.
This year during Week of Wonder, we will continue following the Israelites after they traveled through the wilderness making their way to the Promised Land. In the Promised Land, unexpected journeys, epic battles, secret spies, and other surprises are in store as we follow God’s pursuit of his people.
Week of Wonder is a traditional week of Vacation Bible School for children ages 4 – 5th grade. We will enjoy the simple and relaxed joys that summer brings, using nature, art, music, play, wonder, and of course, popsicles.
The Nurturing Center will also be open for younger siblings! Register at cathedralATL.org/weekofwonder.
Want to volunteer? There are daily volunteer opportunities or join the whole week as a counselor! Contact Lisa McNamara lmcnamara@cathedralATL.org for more information.
parish retreat
May
24-26
Join us Memorial Day Weekend for the Annual Parish Retreat at Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, NC. This is a great way to kick off the summer and build relationships with your fellow parishioners.
THE WEEKEND INCLUDES: EVENING SOCIALS • PROGRAMMING FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN • KAYAKING • HIKING • SWIMMING • NAPPING • ROCKING CHAIRS • PICKLE BALL • BINGO • AND HOLY EUCHARIST
REGISTER AT CATHEDRALATL.ORG/KANUGA
POSTMASTER: Dated Material. Please deliver by May 11, 2024
This Sunday at a glance
7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist Mikell Chapel
8:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist Cathedral
10 a.m. Godly Play 3rd Floor above the Atrium
10:10 a.m. Old Fashioned Sunday School Child Hall
10:10 a.m. Living Faith Room 239
10:10 a.m. YP Sunday School Room 368
10:10 a.m. Youth Sunday Reception Room 382
11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist Cathedral
11:15 a.m. La Santa Eucaristía Mikell Chapel
1:15 p.m. Enjoy Biblical Greek! Room 239 and online
3:15 p.m. Sunday Afternoon Recital Series: Christopher Reynolds Cathedral
3:30 p.m. Landscapes of Grief Lanier House
4 p.m. Choral Evensong Cathedral
6 p.m. EYC for Middle and High School Room 382
POSTMASTER
Send address changes to:
The Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2920
404-365-1000
CATHEDRAL TIMES
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The Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2920
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YOUTH SUNDAY
This Sunday, May 12 , we will celebrate Youth Sunday. Our Cathedral youth will serve at our 8:45 and 11:15 a.m. services as lectors and intercessors. Edith Baños and Sophie Latz will preach at the 8:45 a.m. service, and Hillis Kopecky and Kate McDonough will preach at the 11:15 a.m. service. Edith Baños will also preach at the 11:15 a.m. Spanish language service.
We will honor the many contributions of our young people to our faith community – especially recognizing our graduating seniors. Additionally, we thank our many adult volunteers, teachers, chaperones, and mentors for their dedication and love of our Cathedral youth.
