Sing The Praises of the Lord for He has Done Great Things
Worship Schedule for Sunday, October 11
This Sunday, October 11, we will have in-person worship at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.
Register for in-person worship, 9:00 a.m. Sunday, October 11.
Register for in-person worship, 11:00 a.m. Sunday, October 11.
Register for in-person worship, 1:00 p.m. Sunday, October 11.
See FAQ’s for returning to in-person worship.
Three of our worship services will be livestreamed. Please join us from your home for Holy Eucharist, Rite I, at 11 a.m.; La Santa Eucaristía, Rito II, a la 1:00 p.m.; and The Well, Celtic Eucharist, at 5 p.m.
In 1975, Texas born composer and church musician Jack Noble White sat alone on the banks of Weeks Bay near Mobile, Alabama. He was leading a music conference and had already written a festival piece for the occasion. But he wasn’t satisfied with it. As he quietly considered his options, he became aware of the rhythm of the waves against a nearby pier and a new piece started to emerge. He recalls, “The sound of the water became the opening instrumental pattern, and the setting began to write itself. I was very familiar with the wonderful text from Isaiah (12:2-6) as I had kept it in my thoughts with hopes of someday setting it.” With its inviting tune and strong text proclaiming an unwavering trust in God, this piece has enjoyed wide popularity since it first appeared 45 years ago.
Surely, it is God who saves me;
I will trust in him and not be afraid.
For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense,
And he will be my Savior.
Therefore, you shall draw water with rejoicing
From the springs of salvation.
And on that day you shall say,
Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name;
Make his deeds known among the peoples;
See that they remember that his Name is exalted.
Sing the praises of the Lord, for he has done great things,
And this is known in all the world.
Cry aloud, in habitants of Zion, ring out your joy,
For the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel.
— Isaiah 12:2-6
These verses of Isaiah 12 having been selected as this year’s EMC theme offer an appropriate reflection during these uncertain and strange times we are facing. The scripture is a hymn, written to provide comfort and hope to those living in a world that was unpredictable and seemingly out of their control. The prophet Isaiah encouraged the people to look hardship in the face and say, “I will trust, and will not be afraid.” Isaiah is looking forward, beyond times of darkness, to the coming days of light and freedom.
This hymn by its whole tenor, and by many expressions in it, is a song of thanksgiving. As you read the beginning verses you can hear an individual, a lone voice singing out against fear, and shoring themselves up with confidence in God. By verse four, listen for the chorus of voices offering praise for all that the Lord has done. As a community of faith, we can appreciate how much easier it is to “trust and not be afraid” when everyone joins in the refrain.
Together we will continue to draw inspiration from the springs of salvation, responding to the needs of many through worship, music, outreach, prayer, formation, and fellowship. Together we will share with others all the blessings the Lord has given to us and the gifts that we receive through his salvation. Together, we will sing his praises in the midst of the city and continue the good work at the corner of Texas and Fannin.
Thank you to our Parish and Cathedral Choirs, Canon for Music Robert Simpson, and Cathedral Organist Daryl Robinson for sharing your talents and helping the First Song of Isaiah come to life, offering words of comfort and hope to all.
Grace and Peace,
The Very Reverend Barkley Thompson, Dean
2021 Every Member Canvass
The Every Member Canvass is our annual opportunity to pledge financial support to Christ Church Cathedral for the coming calendar year, a true investment in future mission and ministry. As we live in a time unlike any other, the need is great, and we hope that all will make their pledge through trust in God who casts out our fear, and out of the joy we know when we meet God in this place.
Ways to make your pledge:
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Return the pledge card you received by mail to 1117 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002.
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Make a pledge over the phone at 713-590-3338 or by email by contacting Karen Kraycirik, minister for stewardship.
Learn more about this year’s EMC at: www.christchurchcathedral.org/emc
Supporting the Cathedral
The Cathedral continues to be engage in ministry. Our pastoral care, outreach, worship, and program ministries carry on, and supporting Cathedral ministries is as important as ever. You can make your offering in any of these ways:
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