Washington National Cathedral

Cathedral Congregation News
August 2010

Cathedral Congregation News is published on the fifteenth of each month. Contact the editors with content or email address information at newsletter@cathedralcongregation.org »


Summer Musings and Moments
from Wendy Tobias, Director of Worship

Tobias

It is a privilege to be able to take a summer vacation. Especially when one considers the plight of so many people on our planet, a vacation is a luxury. As I write this on the eve of my summer vacation, my mind has set to musing about our life as a congregation. I have had wonderful moments with you: moments one-on-one with many of you; moments at Eucharist when we share in the sacramental presence of our Lord; moments at Evensong when I see your familiar faces in the great choir; moments in DOCC or Inquirer’s class.

My most recent reflection commes from our recent time together in a Cathedral Connection when we shared some behind-the-scenes exploration of the Worship Department. I was most impressed with the intimacy of our sharing and the authentic expression of your interest and love for the sacred liturgical life we have in common. It seemed that we barely scratched the surface and yet that moment in time was one that was complete in itself.

We’re frequently so rushed in our lives in this great city. We are so results-oriented: looking toward the next election or the outcome of our productivity or the number of hours we expend at a worthwhile task or how much longer we must wait until our new vicar arrives. Summer musing helps us realize that what matters are those moments when we connect with one another or with the glory of creation. These are the moments along the way.

It is exciting to think about the next phase of faith development for this congregation as we await the coming of our new vicar. For now, though, just for a moment, may we give thanks for the privilege to muse and reflect and imagine all we have right now. May the rest of your summer afford you the opportunity for moments and musings in the real stuff of life…the stuff God would have us be.

In the glorious light of Christ,
Wendy


Summer Connections Follow-ups

Question: What was that engaging title about the Irish that Dean Lloyd mentioned on July 11?
Answer: How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill.

PHoto

Would you like to hear the commissioned piece Serenade of the Sea that Mike McCarthy described on August 1? Attend the United States Navy Band Sea Chanters Concert on Saturday, September 25, 7:30 pm. Learn more »

Artist-in-Residence Jeremy Filsell touched on his early years as a chorister and how his experiences helped shape his life’s work. He invites us to read several articles written by him, including A Coventrian’s Formative Years and Constantly Craving posted on www.jeremyfilsell.com. Catch his organ recital on September 26; learn more »

During the book discussion with Provost Tim Boggs, several additional resources with a focus on Christian practice were shared. Tim recommended Practicing Our Faith: A Way of Life for a Searching People by Dorothy C. Bass and also suggested that Simpler Living, Compassionate Life: A Christian Perspective by Michael Schut looked promising. Nancy Stockbridge offered the title Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices by Brian D. McLaren.

Our Summer Connections series continues with Greg Finch, director of the Community of Reconciliation on August 22; Learn more. Our final session will be with Cathedral Missioner Patty Johnson on August 29; Details.


Congregation Previews – Save these dates!

Picnic

Congregation Eucharists and Receptions
Wednesdays, 7-9 pm.

Location will vary this year.

  • September 22
  • November 17
  • January 19
  • March 16
  • May 18

Cathedral Day Congregation Picnic: Food and Fellowship
Sunday, September 26, 12:45 pm

Celebrate the Cathedral’s birthday at our annual fall picnic. Purchase tickets and sign up for potluck contributions on Sundays in September. Watch the congregation homepage for updates.


September is Cathedral Literacy Month

Window Detail

Literacy volunteers are needed now more than ever. There is a growing list of individuals seeking tutors, and a number of organizations have contacted us for volunteers. Stop by the Congregation Table during coffee hours in September to learn how you can get involved. Plan to attend the first workshop on Saturday, September 25. Details »


Calling All Golfers

Turf

Two members of the 20s/30s Group are drawing up plans for a late October golf outing for the congregation and are offering a limited number of hole sponsorships at a special introductory price. For information about this opportunity or for information about the golf outing as it becomes available, please contact Victoria Smith »


Courses

Questions of Faith Class
Thursdays, September 9-October 28, 7 pm-8:30 pm
Garrett Lounge, 7th floor, Pilgrim Observation Gallery

Join us for a series of inquirer’s classes for newcomers and regulars alike to explore how the spiritual journey toward Christ begins and why it matters to each member of the faith community. These classes are offered to people who are new to the Episcopal Church, new to the Cathedral, want to be baptized or confirmed, or just want to get into some basics of the faith. If you wish to participate or have questions please contact Wayne Fowler via e-mail or (202) 537-5283 by August 31. There is no charge for this course.

Transforming Literature of the Bible (TLB): Old Testament
September 14-December 21, 7-9 pm, Sayre House

Delve deeply in to the experience of God working in the world and in our lives within the context of the great literature of Holy Scripture. Each group is limited to twelve or fewer participants. Registration is required. The $100 fee includes the outline; no fee for participants who completed the New Testament course. Registration opens on August 25. Learn more »

School of Prayer with Shalem Institute
Starts Monday, October 18, 2010 7-9 pm, St. Joseph’s Chapel

In this 6-week course, learn 6 different contemplative prayer practices that help us be present with God in every moment. The individual evenings will include a brief teaching about a prayer form, experiential time for opening to God through that particular way of praying, and opportunities for shared reflection with other participants. More information »

 

Summer Congregation Connection with Greg Finch

Sunday, August 22, 10:10 – 11 am, Perry Auditorium
Read more »


Summer Congregation Connection with Patty Johnson

Sunday, August 29, 10:10 – 11 am, Perry Auditorium
Read more »


Sit-Together-Sunday for 20s/30s

Sunday, August 29, 11:15 am
Do you wonder where all the 20s/30s are in the Cathedral during the 11:15 service? We’re reserving seats so we can all sit together. Contact Victoria Smith so we make sure to save enough seats.


The Ultimate Sunday Brunch for 20s/30s

Sunday, August 29, 12:30 pm
Meet at the back of the Nave by the Lincoln statue at the end of the 11:15 am service. Contact Victoria Smith for more information.


Welcome to the Community of Reconciliation Sessions, Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage

Sunday, August 29, 2010 1:30-3:30 pm
Monday, August 30, 2010 6:15 pm–8:15 pm

Designed to introduce you to the vital life of balance and reconciliation modeled in the community here at Washington National Cathedral, each welcome session offers exploration, practical learning, and conversation in dialogue with others on the journey of radical balance and reconciliation. Free; registration requested. Learn more »


Cathedral Crossroads: Breath, Body, and Being: Meditating with Clay

Tuesday, August 31, 6:30 pm-8:45 pm
An evening of contemplative practice on the last Tuesday of each month; free and open to the public. General offerings, 6:30 pm to 8:45 pm; special program led by Meredith McEver, 7:30 to 8:30 pm. Explore the connections between breath and body, sound and silence, creativity and the Creator, with meditation and clay work. Details »


Autumn Reflection Retreat

Saturday, September 11, Perry Auditorium. 10:15 am – 1:30 pm
This half day of reflection, dialogue, and shared silence offers a place for stillness that provides centering perspective and renewal. Registration »


9/11 Remembrance

Saturday, September 11, 12 noon, nave
Prayers will be offered in memory of the lives lost and affected during a service of Holy Eucharist, and the Bourdon bell will ring nine times at the beginning of the service to mark the ninth anniversary of the attacks.


Creating a Rule of Life

Saturday, September 11, Cathedral Library, 12 noon – 4 pm
Throughout the sacred spaces and grounds of the cathedral, participants will reflect upon their lives and how they might bring these transformational foundations and rhythms into their own daily living. Learn more »


All Hallows Guild Bird Walk in Olmsted Woods

Thursday, September 16, 8:30 am, Pilgrim Road, George Washington Statue
Bring your binoculars and catch the fall migration with experienced birder Sheila Cochran. Details »


Tower Climbs

Saturday, September 25, 9:30, 10:15, 11, & 11:30 am
Climb the 333 steps to the dizzying heights of the bell ringing chamber in the great central tower of Washington National Cathedral, 300 feet above the ground. Registration »


Organ Recital with Jeremy Filsell

Sunday, September 26, 5:15 pm, Great Choir.
Program includes works by J.S. Bach, David Briggs, Pamela Decker, and Rachmaninov’s Vocalise Read more »

 

 
Washington National Cathedral
3101 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20016
(202) 537-6200