Dean's Hour

Dean's Hour – Sundays at 10 a.m. in Reynolds Hall

Our Dean’s Hour programming for the year kicks off on September 12, 2021. The Dean’s Hour is a time for adult Christian formation; there are often special guests, and, of course, Dean Thompson’s intriguing lecture series. For 2021, the topic is “thin spaces.” See below for the upcoming schedule.

• Entertaining Angels Sept. 12 - Watch on Vimeo.

Canon Vicar Kathy Pfister explores the Christian imperative of hospitality through the lenses of scripture, personal belonging, and congregational vitality.

• Holocaust Survivor Presentation Sept. 19

Join the Justice and Peace Council to hear the story of a Holocaust survivor. (This presentation will be in-person only and not livestreamed.)

• Dean Thompson interview with Dr. Dan Joslyn-Siemiatowski Sept. 26

Dean Thompson will interview Dr. Dan Joslyn-Siemiatowski, a Seminary of the Southwest professor and Episcopalian. Dr. Joslyn-Siemiatowski has done a lot of good work around combatting anti-Semitism in the church by understanding history and how we read Scripture. He will discuss why Christians should take a pointed interest in anti-Semitism and the importance for Christians to be forthright in combatting anti-Semitism. (This presentation will be livestreamed.)

• Thin Spaces — Dean Thompson’s Lecture Series Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24

Ancient Celtic Christians spoke of places where the veil between material and spiritual reality is stretched so taut as to become porous. The Celts called these "thin places." In such locations, we encounter the Divine in profound and meaningful ways. What are the characteristics of a thin place? Where are they to be found? Can any location become thin? Dean Thompson will explore thin places with us, and even offer ways in which we can encounter God through the veil wherever we may be.

• Things Seen and Things Not Seen Oct. 31, Nov. 7, Nov. 14

This three-part Dean’s Hour series explores how the sacred intersects with the creative arts through liturgical fashion, architecture, and fine art.

• Artist Mary McCleary Oct. 31

•The Meanings Behind Sacred Textiles Nov. 7

• The Meanings Behind Sacred Architecture Nov. 14

• Alternative Giving Market Nov. 21

The Alternative Giving Market (AGM) is an event held once a year by the Christ Church Cathedral Mission and Outreach Council with the purpose of gathering local non-profit agencies to share the wonderful charitable work taking place in our community, and helps us understand how we can address their needs.

• Advent Wreath Making Nov. 28

Creating an Advent wreath is one of the welcome traditions of the season ahead for many Cathedral families and members. Making a wreath is a time-honored call for us to slow down. Enjoy quiet Gregorian music and warm, spiced cider and join us in this joyful, meaningful activity.

• Special Guest: Charles C. Foster Dec. 5

Charles C. Foster, chairman of Foster LLP and a Houston-based immigration attorney, will speak on immigration challenges facing the United States generally and Houston specifically, and discuss solutions that embody compassion and strengthen the United States. Foster was a Senior Policy Advisor for the George W. Bush presidential campaigns in 2000 and 2004, and an immigration policy advisor in Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign.

• You Have Found Favor: Embracing a Generative Spirituality Dec. 12

Advent, and the Annunciation in particular, serve as important reminders that we are called to be part of God’s on-going, co-creating work. Drawing on two decades of working with young people, the Rev. Rich Nelson will lead an exploration of ways we can deepen our own generative spirituality and participate more fully in God’s creating.

• A Charlie Brown Christmas Dec. 19

Grab your security blankets and join Linus and your Cathedral family for our annual screening of A Charlie Brown Christmas. This event is for children of all ages, and children at heart.

See Previous Dean's Hours