The
Open Doors
June 2015
“But the fruit
of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace,
forbearance,
kindness,
goodness,
faithfulness,
gentleness, and
self-control.”
-St. Paul
“The mastery of
such virtues is
a worthy goal
indeed.
The good news
is that we are
already on
the path. The
challenge is to
stay on the path,
returning over and
over again, ever
deepening our
understanding and
growing
in skill.”
My kids have decided that they want to earn their black belts in Cuong Nhu, a mixed
martial art from Vietnam. They are relatively new to the school on Markham St., still
ranking as a grasshopper and two tigers. But just this week, several adult members of the
school went to a national gathering and tested for their black belts, marking the first such
honor for the dojo. My kids have a long way to go, but I’m grateful that they find this
inspiring. Particularly since it translates into a game of “cleaning ninjas” in which they help
clean the house and give one another ranking tests for different colored belts. Mysteriously,
only the oldest and biggest kid has earned a higher rank so far.
One of the things I love most about the martial arts program is hearing the Senseis
talk to the kids about being on the path. When kids goof off or cause trouble in class, the
teachers are unwaveringly patient and remind the children to stay on the path. The path
refers to the whole journey of the martial art and living a good life, requiring such things
as discipline, compassion, and friendship. These are lessons we can all use from time to
time. And just like the kids, we must decide over and over to return to the path.
I started to wonder about a Christian analogue to mastering the path and earning a
black belt. It would be kind of cool to test in the Christian faith every so often and earn
objectively higher ranks. I might talk to the Bishop about that. But in the meantime, Paul
does offer us a kind of map to the Christian path.
In his letter to the Galatians, St. Paul named nine attributes of the Christian life.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control.” The mastery of such virtues is a worthy goal indeed. The good
news is that we are already on the path. The challenge is to stay on the path, returning over
and over again, ever deepening our understanding and growing in skill.
We’ve just rounded the corner on Pentecost, a yearly reminder of the faithful presence
of the Holy Spirit among us. This seems like a good time to contemplate the path we are
on and take stock of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. We may not be testing for higher
ranks in Christian faith, but chances are a few of the attributes will need a little more study
from time to time. Fortunately, we have a Teacher who is unwaveringly patient.
-Kate Alexander
THE MONTHLY NEWS FROM LITTLE ROCK’S DOWNTOWN EPISCOPAL CONGREGATION
Parish Community
Commemorative Gifts
received by May 20
Arts@Christ Church
J. T. Annulis
New Addition
Tiffany and Mark Jackson
announce the birth of their daughter
Emery Caroline
in honor of Mary Kay and Larry Burton
by anonymous
Endowment
in memory of Barbara Patty
by Pam and David Blackburn
in memory to Helen Ruth Teague
by Pat Teague
Stained Glass Fund
in memory of Lid Nisbet Patterson
by
Lynn & Jim Monk
Craig Chotard
Jerry B. Keyes
Nancy & Drew Kumpuris
Joan Baldridge Ballard
Joni & Donald Langevoort
Lynn & Frances Mayhan
Ellen & Shep Russell III
Mary Jo & Paul Selig
William H. Pumphrey
Robin & Mike Smith
Julia & Mallory Taylor
Pat & Carrick Patterson
Counts & Asa Morton
Billye & Skip Rutherford III
Sharon & Fred Usery
Trudie & Trisha Cromwell
Mildred Cooper
Marsha & Jim Allbritton
Becky & Rett Tucker
Susan & Tom Webb
Pat & Curtis Jeffries
Cappy & Charlie Whiteside
Susan & Jay Brainard
Connie & Fritz Hollenberg
Cathy & Tim Lampe
Mr. & Mrs. Morin Montagu Scott
The Homestead
born May 12, 2015
8 lbs. 3 oz.
The birth of a child is a joyous and solemn occasion
in the life of a family. It is also an occasion for
rejoicing in the Christian community. Let us join
Tiffany and Mark Jackson in giving thanks to God
for the gift of Emery Caroline to be their daughter.
Baptism
We welcome this new member to the
Christ Church Community
through the sacrament of Baptism.
Sympathy
We commend to God’s mercy
all who have died,
that God’s will for them may be fulfilled.
Our love and prayers go to the
family and friends of
Helen Ruth Teague
wife of Pat Teague
Olivia “Lid” Nisbet Patterson
mother of Wyck Nisbet and Livvy Wyatt
Phyllis West
mother of Liz Jorgenson
Page 2
Virginia Storey with parents Amanda and Bently Storey
with Patricia Matthews and Brooks Cato
The Open Doors
After Easter
Confirmation 2015 at Christ Church
Men’s and Women’s
Night Out 2015
(formerly known as Men of the House)
St. Mark’s, LR
Friday, June 12 at 6 pm
Enjoy an evening of fun, food, and fellowship as men and
women from the Diocese of Arkansas are invited to gather
to support St. Francis House. Special guest speaker will
be The Rt. Rev. Shannon Sherwood Johnston from the
Diocese of Virginia. Tickets are $35 before June 7, or $50
after. Purchase online at menofthehouse2015.evenbrite.com
or call 501.225.4203
Abide Hosts Raindrop Turkish House
at Christ Church
The Rt. Rev. Larry Benfield confirmed and received 20
people on Mothers’ Day at Christ Church. Christ Church
confirmands were Claire Althoff, Kelsey Bell, Belinda
Brown, Mary Margaret Critz, Danette Devlin, Danyel
Gabel, James Greene, Tiffany Jackson, Robert Jones, Tori
Jones, Cyd King, Gary Moody, Jamie Moody, Marshall
Pettit, Hanah Streett, Rebecca Vercher, and Kate Walters.
Molly McGowan was received into the Episcopal Church.
Tracy and Dennis Perkey were received and are members of
St. Marks in Jonesboro, AR.
Church Periodical Club (CPC ) Sunday
June 14
The Church Periodical Club is an independent, affiliated
organization of the Executive Council of the Episcopal
Church, dedicated to the worldwide Ministry of the Printed
Word and to the Promotion of Christian Mission. It is
the only organization in the Episcopal Church dedicated
solely to providing free literature and related materials,
both religious and secular, to people all over the world
who need and request them and who have no other source
for obtaining them. Prayer books, books for seminarians,
educational materials, medical textbooks, agricultural
manuals, and books for those in local and global mission
are some of the publications The Church Periodical Club
supplies. The Church Periodical Club operates at all levels
of the Church - national, provincial, diocesan and parish.
You will find an envelope in the pew marked “CPC”. Please
consider giving generously to this wonderful cause.
Continuing to build our relationship with the Raindrop
Turkish House, Abide hosted a potluck dinner Sunday
evening, May 17th. We invited our friends to join us
for Compline, and then shared in a wonderful meal
together. While the event was hosted by our 20’s and 30’s
group, all sorts of people were present: children, parents,
grandparents, singles, couples, seekers, and stalwarts.
Patricia Matthews and Brooks Cato gave a crash-course
presentation on what it means to be Anglican, what it
means to be Episcopalian, and what it means to be a Christ
Churcher. In the Q&A session at the end of the evening,
we dealt with a few softball questions from the floor,
such as “How do you read scripture and justify interfaith
dialogue?” and “Can you explain the Trinity?” It was an
engaging evening, and we are excited to continue in our
relationship with these lovely folks from our community.
For more information on Abide or the Raindrop Turkish
House, please contact Patricia Matthews at pmatthews@
christchurchlr.org or Brooks Cato at bcato@christchurchlr.
org.
Page 3
Children, Youth, and Family Ministry
Summer Volunteer Opportunities
for Youth
Christ Church Youth Choir
Arkansas Interfaith Choir Camp
This year Christ Church was proud to honor ten choristers
who completed the White Level of the Royal School of
Church Music program. After church on May 10, we
celebrated this milestone with the Rt. Rev. Larry Benfield
presenting the choristers their certificates, white ribbons,
and medallions while choristers, family, and friends
gathered around the altar for a brief ceremony. After the
summer vacation, the choir will resume rehearsal in August.
Christ Church youth are invited to serve at Stewpot, a
food outreach ministry at First Presbyterian Church, June
11, July 9, and August 13. During July 13-17, Vacation
Bible School has openings for youth to help supervise fun
activities for children ages 3 to 5th grade. And then July
12-17, it’s Missionpalooza 2015, a service camp in Little
Rock in which youth serve during the day for four days
and then have a celebration on the last day. For more info
contact Murdock Jones at [email protected].
Subiaco Abbey
July 19-20
Sponsored by the Arkansas Interfaith Conference of
Churches and Synagogues, Choir Camp offers an intensive
music program with classes in choral singing, handbells,
liturgy, Broadway song & dance, history, poetry and art.
This camp aims to provide a healthy balance between work
For more information, contact Mary Kay Burton at
and play. The camp is open to students who have completed
[email protected]
3rd grade up through those in the 12th grade. No prior
choral experience or membership in a choir is necessary.
Only a love of singing and music is required! This year’s
Youth Handbells
camp staff is made up of over thirty talented and gifted lay
Youth Handbells are on summer vacation in June and July
people and clergy. For more info about Choir Camp and to and plan to start back in August. There are openings for
register online go to choircamp.org.
new ringers in the fall. It is not necessary to read music;
the main requirement is faithful attendance at weekly
rehearsals. For the summer, please see the announcement
EYC (Episcopal Youth Community)
about Arkansas Interfaith Choir Camp on this page.
News
For more information contact Floyd Martin at fwmartin@
ualr.edu for more information.
Sign Up Now for
Vacation Bible School
Water balloon toss at end of year party for CC youth
EYC Youth are invited to go to Magic Springs June 27.
We will team up with other youth from the Central
Convocation and meet at St. Mark’s in LR at 9:00 am
and return by 4:00 pm. Price TBA. And look for EYC
to resume its regular Sunday afternoon meetings in
September.
For more information contact Murdock Jones
at [email protected].
Page 4
July 13-17, 9:00-11:30 am
This summer Christ Church will
once again team with St. Luke’s in
NLR for VBS. VBS will meet at
Christ Church Monday through
Thursday then meet for a day of
artwork by Kate Walters
celebration at St. Luke’s in NLR on
Friday. Childcare for younger children of adult volunteers
is available. We encourage youth to assist, and it is free to
all. For more information and to sign up contact Patricia at
[email protected]. Patricia will need this info:
1. Child’s name and age
2. Parent’s name (and if parent can help with VBS)
3. Contact info: email and cell number
June 2015
Church and Community
Mercy Church Walks
The Labyrinth
Honoring Christ Church Graduates
Will Oldham will be graduating from UCA on August 7
with a BS in journalism and a minor in history.
Heather Dupree-LaBeau graduated from EfM in May.
Mary Bowling graduated from eStem High School
May 20. She plans to attend UCA’s nursing program in the
fall.
Logan Parke graduated from the William H. Bowen
School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
By now, I’m sure a number of you have heard about Mercy
Church. For those of you that haven’t, don’t worry! We’re
a small and (occasionally!) quiet group meeting in the
Undercroft.
Mercy Church is an ecumenical Bible study and prayer
group primarily attended by the homeless and housing
insecure in downtown Little Rock. Ministers from several
denominations participate, leading music, prayers, and indepth study of scripture twice a week.
Begun primarily by Bobby Williamson, a Presbyterian
minister teaching Biblical Studies at Hendrix College,
Mercy Church held its first meeting at the beginning
of February and has been going strong since. While our
attendance fluctuates wildly, there’s no questioning the
dedication and love shared within the group.
One of the most important pieces of what we do as a group
is the mutual exploration of what it means for us all to
be equal before God. Mercy Church intentionally has no
resources to give, so the dynamic of evangelism in exchange
for social service is removed, and what remains is a new
kind of relationship.
In May, we experienced this equality in a visceral way
when all of Mercy Church walked the labyrinth in our
gym together. With each of us entering and exiting from
the same place and walking the courses of the labyrinth
together, the distinctions that so often define us fell away;
we walked together, praying our way through the shared
path before us on equal footing.
Mercy Church has been and continues to be a life-filled
and life-giving ministry, and Christ Church is happy to
serve as host and participant in this loving community.
For more information about Mercy Church, please contact
Brooks Cato at [email protected].
The Open Doors
Margaret “Maggie” Beetstra will graduate from
Washington University with a BA in Environment Earth
Science with an Emphasis on Geochemistry. In the fall,
she will be attending the University of Washington Evans
School of Public Affairs studying environmental policy.
McKinley Streett graduated from eStem Public Charter
High School on May 20.
Graves Long is graduating from Fayetteville High School.
Evensong Commemorating the 25th
Anniversary of the Dedication
of the Christ Church
Nichols and Simpson Organ
Sunday, July 12 at 6 pm, Christ Church
On Sunday, July 12, the choir of Christ Church will sing
Evensong at 6 pm. The music will include the Magnificat
and Nunc Dimittis, Collegium Regale by Herbert Howells,
and Psalm 150 by César Franck. Michael Kleinschmidt,
canon musician at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral
in Seattle, will be the organist. An organ recital by Mr.
Kleinschmidt will follow the service. Please note: Evensong
replaces the 6 pm Holy Eucharist and 6:45 pm Compline
services. Childcare will be available. A reception follows.
Christian Education
Sunday at 9:15 am
From Baptism to Unction, we Episcopalians share in a
sacramental life. We recognize moments of great transition
in the church and uphold individuals in the midst of our
community. That all sounds lovely, but how did we get
from the disciples following Jesus to the 1979 Book of
Common Prayer? For this and more, please join us for a
Romp Through the Prayer Book, from June 14 to August
16 in the Sixth Street Library! For more information,
please contact Brooks Cato at [email protected].
Page 5
Parish Activities
Upcoming in the
Parlor Class:
The Awakening
of Hope
Sunday at 9:15 am
We will engage a powerful
new film series from
The Work of the People,
a leading ecumenical
platform that produces
multimedia to stir
imagination, spark
discussion and move
people toward discovery
and transformation. “The Awakening of Hope” by Jonathan
Wilson-Hartgrove represents Christian faith by beginning
with stories of faithful witness and asking, Why? Why do
Christians eat together? Why do we fast? Why would we
rather die than kill? Consider these films a contemporary
catechism, celebrating lives and stories that wouldn’t make
sense if the gospel were not true. Each session will include
viewing a short film and discussion. All are welcome.
Contact Kate Alexander, [email protected].
Moms’ Group
June 3, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Christ Church moms are invited to this monthly gathering
of support, strategies, and snacks. New and expectant moms
are especially encouraged to attend. Childcare is available
in the nursery. Contact: Kate Alexander, kalexander@
christchurchlr.org
United Thank Offering (UTO)
Thanks to Christ Church parishioners the UTO offering
on May 3 totaled $848.45. Your donations go toward the
support of local and worldwide missions and ministries.
Scriptures in Life and Art
Sunday in the Bishop’s Room at 9:15 am
Schedule
May 31 – Why we eat together
June 7 – Why we make promises
June 14 – Why it matters where we live
June 21 – Why we live together
June 28 – Why we would rather die than kill
July 5 – Why we share good news
Christ Church & St. Luke’s NLR
Summer Monster Food Drive
This summer in May, June, and early July, we will begin
collecting cans and boxes of food for food pantries in North
Little Rock and St. Francis House in LR. If you can, please
bring food each week until Vacation Bible School begins
(July 13) and put it in the baskets in the narthex. During
VBS we will have a “Can Sculpture Contest” with our
kids making sculptures from the items. Check the weekly
announcements for more specifics. For more info please
contact Patricia Matthews at pmatthews@christchurchlr.
org.
Page 6
Eugene Delacroix
Christ on the Sea of Galilee, 1841
Nelson-Atkins Museum, Kansas City
Each Sunday the “Scriptures in Life and Art” class discusses
the day’s lessons and looks at some works of art related to
them. Many of the lessons to be read during the month
of June, both from the Old and New Testaments, were
subjects of interest to artists. One example (from the
lessons for June 21, Proper 7) is the story of Jesus sleeping
in a boat during the storm, and then calming the storm
and the frightened disciples. This subject was painted by
the French Romantic painter Eugene Delacroix, many of
whose works capture the dramatic aspects of nature. To see
this and other equally interesting works of art and to learn
about the history and context of the weekly Bible lessons,
attend this class. This class is organized so you can be a part
of it every week or come only occasionally…in other words,
a great class for summer. All are welcome and discussion is
always lively. For more information contact Floyd Martin
at [email protected] or J. B. Cross at jbcross2358@
sbcglobal.net.
June 2015
Important Information
Membership
Interested in
becoming a member
of Christ Church?
This can happen through
baptism, confirmation, or by
requesting a letter of transfer
from a previous church. See
Carol Lou Flowers in the
church office for details. If
you’re interested in getting more
involved at Christ Church, please
speak with one of our clergy or
with Carol Lou.
Unless noted otherwise each of the following may
be reached at Christ Church 501-375-2342
Ascension Ladder?
in the Sixth Street
Library
Sixth Street Library at Christ Church
Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am - 12 Noon
Sunday 9:30 am - 12:15 pm
Christ Church Office Hours
Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am - 12 Noon
Summer Weekly Worship Schedule
Sunday:
8:00 am Rite I Holy Eucharist
9:15 am Christian Formation for all ages
For Adults:
-Bible Study in Bishop’s Room
-Book studies, topical discussions in Parlor
For Children and Youth:
One-Room Schoolhouse in the Summer
9:15 am-10:10 am for all children and youth
Meet Patricia and Murdock in the Gallery
10:30 am Rite II Holy Eucharist (with choir)
6:00 pm Informal Holy Eucharist
6:45 pm Compline - sung prayers (with choir)
Wednesday:
12:05 pm Holy Eucharist & Prayers for Healing
Friday: 8:10 am Morning Prayer in the Chapel
M-Thursday 9:00 am Morning Prayer in the Chapel
June 2015
Staff Contacts
• Baptisms, weddings, funerals, visits to sick or home-
bound, pastoral counseling:
Scott Walters, [email protected]
Kate Alexander, [email protected]
Brooks Cato, [email protected]
• The E-News: Kate Alexander,
[email protected]
• Meeting space scheduling, prayer list names, volunteer assistance:
Carol Lou Flowers, [email protected]
• Choir & Handbells:
Steve Bullock, [email protected]
• Outreach:
Joyce Hardy 351-7217, [email protected]
• Children, Youth & Family Ministry:
Patricia Matthews,
[email protected]
• Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) Coordinator:
Murdock Jones, [email protected]
• Planned Giving: Clay Patty 375-5061
• Announcements and The Open Doors:
Lally Brown, [email protected]
Monthly Groups
Moms’ Group - June 3, 5:30 pm
Daughters of the King - May 31, 12:00 pm
Stewpot - June 11, 9:30-11:30 am; 11:30 am-1 pm
Vestry - June 15, 5:15 pm, Parlor
Green Groceries - June 2, 16, 30, 5 pm
Aspiring Angels -Summer Vacation
Integrity - June 14, 12 pm
Abide - June 21, 12 pm
Weekly Groups
AA - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 12 noon
Yoga - Monday, 5:30 pm
Basketball - Tuesday, Thursday, 6 pm
ALFN Food Pick-up - Monday, 4-6 pm
Saturday, 10-12 pm
Journey Group - Tuesday, 6 pm
Page 7
Little Rock’s Downtown Episcopal Church
509 Scott St, Little Rock, AR 72201
phone: 501- 375-2342
www.christchurchlr.org
Christ Church Vestry
Marion Fulk, Senior Warden
Frank Parke, Junior Warden
Roger Webb, Clerk
Jack Bell
Mary Kay Burton
George Cole
Shannon Gitchel
Elizabeth Henry
Alison Hitt
Jay Jennings
Joe Lampo
Olivia McKee
Emily Paul
Mallory Taylor, Treasurer
Bob Wayland
The Rt. Rev. Larry R. Benfield
Bishop of Arkansas
Christ Church Staff
The Rev. Scott Walters, Rector
The Rev. Dr. Kate Alexander, Associate Rector
The Rev. Brooks Cato, Curate
The Rev. Joyce Hardy, Outreach Coordinator
Steven Bullock, Organist/Choirmaster
Patricia Matthews, Director of Children,
Youth & Family Ministry
Murdock Jones, EYC (Youth) Coordinator
Carol Lou Flowers, Parish Administrator, Lay
Ministries & Volunteer Coordinator
Phyllis Danielson, Bookkeeper
Bettylee Green, Receptionist
Lally Brown, Communications Assistant
Christ Church Recycles
Please recycle this newsletter
The Open Doors |June 2015
presents
Mark Currey
Friday, June 19
Doors Open at 7 pm
Show starts at 8 pm
Stay in Touch. Stay Connected. Stay Informed.
Receive The Weekly E-News and monthly
newsletter, The Open Doors, by emailing Carol
Lou at [email protected] or “Like” us on
Facebook for the latest news. Deadline for The Open Doors
is the the 20th of the preceding month.