Cathedral ServicesS U N DAY S

8 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I9 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II 10 a.m. Education Hour11 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I1 p.m. La Santa Eucaristía, Rito II5 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II

W E E K DAY S

7:30 a.m. Morning Prayer 12:05 p.m. Holy Eucharist* 6 p.m. Evening Prayer

*On Fridays, the 12:05 Eucharistincludes a Service of Healing

T H E G O L D I N G C H A P E L is open through-out the day Monday through Friday for prayer and quiet introspection.

C H R I S T C H U R C H C AT H E D R A L1117 Texas Avenue, Houston, Texas 77002713-222-2593 www.christchurchcathedral.org

An Episcopal Parish in the Heart of HoustonChrist ChurCh Cathedral

December 6, 2009

When I was 5 my grandmother and I started having church services when I’d

visit my grandparents overnight. Fun loving and playful, Gram Simpson suffered periods of near immobility due to rheumatoid arthritis. At those times I’d sit by her as she lay on the sofa. We would read or watch the “shoot-em-ups,” as she called the old westerns movies on TV. She was quick to point out that this was all make-believe—no matter how fast they rode or fiercely they fought these cowboys never lost their hats or had to reload their six-shooters.

On these visits I’d hear my grandfather play hymns on the large Wurlitzer Reed organ that occupied one whole wall of their living room. This fascinated me and during those times with Gram I’d inevitably drift over to the organ and in imitation hike myself up on the bench and pick out stiff-fingered random note melodies to her great approval. One day she called whatever I had just done a Prelude and our game of “playing church” was born. Our services developed into quite a formalized ritual. I’d play a Prelude and then offer a few inspirational words before passing the collection plate and returning to the organ for the Postlude. Gram made everything fun, but I remember thinking this was really fun.

Receiving the SurpriseThose fleeting moments “playing church” with my grandmother have a prophetic quality as I look back on 30-plus years as a church musician. While I temporarily toyed with other career paths there was never any real doubt in my mind that I would (for better or worse, for richer or poorer) become a musician, more specifically, a church musician. Graduate school and European studies followed eventually leading me to wonderful experiences as Organist-Choirmaster at Episcopal Cathedrals in Orlando, Atlanta, and in 1993, at Christ Church Cathedral.

Nothing, however, over the years has ever meant more to me, or caught me more by surprise, than being named Lay Canon for Music by Bishop Doyle on Sunday, November 8. This is a break with Cathedral tradition. While both of my extraordinary predecessors, William Barnard and Clyde Holloway, received this designation, it was not until their retirement. I am the first to hold this title and still get to stick around.

I now know about some of the elaborate plans that had been underway for some time. Not only were there official channels to work through, but a beautiful new vestment in “Canon Purple” had to be ordered and made without my knowledge. How grateful I am to Bishop Doyle, Dean Reynolds, Nancy Younger and Wick Rowland and a host of

by Bob Simpson, Canon for Music

Bob Simpson with his new vestment

others for this great honor. And I will never forget the gleeful expressions on the choir members’ faces and the outpouring of appreciation from the congregation.

Though Gram and I laughed about those church services for years afterward, I never did ask her the really central question, “Why did you suggest we play ‘church’?” Why not “concert hall” or even “show time?” Why “church?” I am sure Gram wouldn’t have been able to really explain it. But, I am equally sure that she would have been the only person not completely surprised on November 8th.

See more pictures of this extraordinary service by visiting www.christchurchcathedral.org and linking to About Us and then Photo Gallery.

The flowers on the Cathedral Altarbare given to the glory of God in loving

memory of Linda Anne Baldwin and Dorothy Geiselman Baldwin by the family of Robert B. Baldwin, III.

The flowers in the Floor Vasesbare given to the glory of God in loving

memory of her mother Rachel Shanks Smart by Carolyn Padget.

We extend heartfelt sympathybto the family of Alicia Crawford Kirkland

who died November 13. Alicia was the sister of Cathedral member Marshall Crawford II, sister-in-law of David Kirkland and daughter-in-law of Ann Wales.

Our Cathedral Family

End of Year Guidelines

We want to make giving as easy as possible and are eager to carry out your wishes. In

compliance with IRS guidelines, postmarks of gifts to the Cathedral must be on or before December 31. Postmarks are imperative to the Internal Revenue Service to claim a 2009 tax deduction. In order to demonstrate legal compliance, envelope dates will be used to verify any contributions arriving in early January. If you choose to provide gifts of stock and securities to the Cathedral, it is important to initiate these transactions by mid-December to make certain they are posted to our brokerage account by close of business on December 31. Should you have questions, contact the Chief Administrative Officer, Bill Kovach, at 713-590-3317 or bkovach@christchurchcathedral.org.

Credit for 2010 PledgesGratefully Accepted

Just in case you were wondering if the Cathedral will accept payment of your 2010 Every Member

Canvass pledge early, the answer is “YES,” and gratefully so. Many parishioners prefer to pay their pledge before year’s end to take the tax credit early. Just make sure it’s received by December 31.

The Cathedral Christmas PartyA Return to the Simple Pleasures

A return to the simple pleasures of the season awaits you and your

loved ones on Sunday, December 13. Everyone is welcome for our annual potluck dinner at 6 p.m. in the Great Hall. Twinkling lights, the scent of evergreens and fresh baked pie delights the senses. With live music from the Blenders, holiday crafts for children and fun for all ages, you won’t want to miss it! If your last name begins with A-I bring a favorite dessert, J-Z bring a side dish to share. We’ll provide the barbeque, drinks and Christmas cheer!

We invite you to make the Cathedral’s annual Festival of Nine lessons and Carols an advent

tradition. On sunday, december 6 at 5 p.m. join us for a service of readings and music evoking the mystery and beauty of the season of Advent.

Advent Lessons and Carols

Advent Storytelling For All Ageswith Kathy Culmer

“I want to tell good stories and I want to tell them well. No, even better than that! Although I research and prepare for the best possible outcome, I have learned to tell stories with the least bit of anticipated outcome. The stories, if they are good stories, and if they are well told, reach people in ways that are beyond me to predict. Perhaps, that is part of the power of the experience. The story reaches inside and calls the hearer by name and says,” ‘This is what I have for you.’”

–Kathy Culmer

Listen to well-known, gifted storyteller Kathy Culmer tell the story of Advent in fresh and adventurous ways. This event in the Great Hall is in lieu of Sunday School for children and adults on Sunday, December 6 at 10 a.m. Join the adventure!

Mission Galveston: Winter Edition

Senior High youth will head down to the William Temple Center in Galveston Friday through Tuesday, December 18-22 to do some good in an area that is still

rebuilding after Hurricane Ike. We will depart from Trinity Church at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 18, and return by noon on December 22. Pray for these young missioners as they serve the community of Galveston.

The Cathedral Choir thanks all of the Cathedral family for supporting the Christmas greenery

sale. We have good news! Our new greenery suppliers will be sending a small number of greenery items for the choir to offer for sale during the “pick up” weekend, December 5 & 6. If you were unable to order previously and want to do so or you wish to add to an existing order, please contact Wick Rowland at wickr@mac.com. These items make great gifts for your in-town family and friends! The supply is limited so act now!

Christmas Greenery Pick up/Sale

The annual Bookstore Advent Newsletter will

be in the service leaflets on December 6 and 13. We hope the suggestions will simplify shopping life. The proceeds from your purchases will help to provide the flowering beauty of the Cathedral gardens and other Cathedral

ministries. From 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Cathedral member Kathy Lord will be signing her cookbook, Out of the Frying Pan, Delicious Dishes from the Traveling Skillet. This cookbook with sure-to-please recipies makes a great holiday gift! Proceeds benefit The M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Following the Festival of Advent Lessons and Carols, the Reverend Patrick Miller, former Canon at the Cathedral and now rector at St. Mark’s Houston, will be in the Cathedral Bookstore to sign his first book, Empty, a reflection of his time spent in Israel. We look forward to having Patrick with us again and hope you will join us for this special occasion.

Holiday Reading for All

The Great Cookie XChange10 a.m., Sunday, December 20 in the Great Hall

Most of us have a favorite Christmas cookie—something passed down or discovered along the way—a taste that means Christmas. We will share the

sweets that hold those happy memories. Bring your favorite cookies and recipe cards to share.

Getting Ready for Christmas

In less than a week, on Saturday, December 12, the Great Hall will transform into a huge Christmas gathering as the Cathedral opens its doors to more than

1,000 needy individuals and children. A hot meal and a backpack full of goodies will be provided to visitors garnished with love. Come and stuff backpacks in preparation for distribution during Christmas at the Cathedral beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 10 in the McGehee Conference Room. Come for all of part of the evening; all ages are welcome!

Immediately following the Christmas at the Cathedral backpack stuffing event on Thursday, December 10, the Adult Formation Council will be hosting an evening oasis—a chance to relax and enjoy one another’s company during the extreme hustle of the Advent season. A light supper will be accompanied by seasonal music and a chance for conversation, laughter, and a bit of relaxation. We’ll be in the Great Hall.

Christ Church Cathedral will celebrate a traditional Posada this year. The nine-

night custom remembers the search for lodging by the Holy Family before the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Moving to a different parishioner’s house each night of the novena, the participants will gather for prayer, singing and refreshments as they share the joy and anticipation of the coming of the Christ Child into our lives. The celebration will begin on Saturday, December 12 and

will end on Sunday December 20, concluding the observance at the Cathedral. The Posada begins at 6 p.m. each night. Contact the Cathedral office at 713-222-2593 for the locations of the first eight evenings, and come to as many as you like. And, don’t miss the last celebration at the Cathedral!

Las PosadasNine Night Custom

Backpack Stuffing for Christmas at the Cathedral

A Room at the InnSunday, December 20

All children are invited to be a part of this interactive dramatic event that follows the path of Mary and Joseph as they seek a room at the inn. Meet at

the chancel steps following the 9 a.m. service to begin the journey. We’ll end in the Great Hall and treat ourselves to cookies!

MAT THEW 19:26

With God all things are possible.

E VERY MEMBER CANVASS 2010

Pledging is easy. Log on to www.christchurchcathedral.org and link to

“Pledge online - EMC 2010.”

Non-Profit Organization

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Houston, Texas

PERMIT No. 6404

This Bulletin is available for viewing online as a link on the weekly email “This Week at the Cathedral” or on the web site at www.christ-churchcathedral.org>about us>publications. In an effort to save resources, you may request to discontinue your paper version of the Bulletin and read it online. Please contact Anne Shepard at annes@christchurchcathedral.org or 713-590-3301.

1117 Texas AvenueHouston, Texas 77002-3183

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

COMPASS continues its work in The Dunn Center with the Cathedral’s homeless neighbors by offering them guidance

and direction on the path to independence, along with vocational counseling, bus fare, haircut vouchers, help with the cost of a Texas ID, voice mail, reading glasses, toiletries, and access to Harris County medical clinics through the “Gold Card” program. As always, the main focus is directing clients to independence through employment. Despite the unemployment rate, COMPASS clients recently began new jobs with these employers: Mia Bella (prep. cook), Wendy’s (team member), Pappas BBQ (cook), Sterling Janitorial/MD Anderson (floor tech.), Site Work Group (construction), Kirk Weldron Equipment (heavy equipment operator), Kroger (cashier), GSA Cleaning Services (janitor), Macy’s (warehouse loader), Victory Home Health Care (provider).

Executive Director Cynthia Brannon is in need of volunteer caseworkers. If you are interested in this rewarding work, e-mail her at cbrannon@houstoncompass.org. To learn more about COMPASS, visit www.houstoncompass.org.

COMPASS Needs Caseworkers

Christmas EvEThursday, December 24

4:00 Family Service, Holy Eucharist Rite II and The Christmas Play Childcare is available at this service.

6:00 Festival Eucharist, Rite II in Spanish

7:30 Organ Prelude by Bruce Power

8:00 Choral Eucharist, Rite II with Parish Choir

10:30 Prelude with Cathedral Choir and Brass

11:00 Festival Eucharist, Rite I with the Cathedral Choir, Brass and Incense Bishop Andrew Doyle, celebrant

Christmas DayFriday, December 25

10:00 Eucharist and Carols

Christmas Services

ADVENT AT THE CATHEDRAL

Learn more atwww.christchurchcathedral.org.

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