es small and large up and down the east coasta part of
the country where church-going is supposedly in particular
troublethat are vibrant in commitment and practice and
clearly alive with the Holy Spirit. Now, thanks largely to the
work of theologian Diana Butler Bass, research confirms
the experience of many faithful Christians: that vitality,
growth, and a profound outpouring of the Spirit mark the
life of many congregations across the mainline. Butler Bass
has been to the Cathedral several times during the past few
months, most recently as a plenary speaker at the Church
for the 21st Century conference sponsored by the Cathedral
College in May.
Her findings articulate a paradigm that resonates with
the place many of us know we have been living: namely
vibrant, alive congregations are intentional congregations.
They are communities of faith where laity and clergy alike
are engaged in mutual ministry because of a passion for
trying, as best they can, to follow Jesus and incarnate Gods
compassion and justice in the world. In other words, they
are congregations that are defined by practice rather than
by a sense of obligation, be it religious or social. Intentional
congregations take faith formation and practices grounded
Continues inside, page 2, column
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Cathedral Voice
summer
2007
A newsletter from Washington National Cathedral incorporating Cathedral Chimes
Continues inside, page 4, column
a
Continues inside, page 2, column
a
Canon Missioners Office
Begins Work of
Committee of Seventy
Among the important aspects of the work of the canon
missioner is to get off the mountaintop and take Cathedral
ministries into regional communities and the wider church.
One new program designed to do just this is the Cathedrals
Committee of Seventy, formed recently to provide programs
for direct service ministries and promote social justice.
In April, Canon Missioner William Barnwell convened
an ecumenical group at the Kanuga Conference Center in
Hendersonville, North Carolina, to form a committee of
workers to begin a new program growing out of the suc-
cessful Disciples of Christ in Community (docc) program.
Linda Terrell of the missioners office was among the par-
ticipants: We named ourselves the Committee of Seventy
Cathedral and Bread for
the World Host Interfaith
Convocation on Hunger
On Monday evening, June 11,
nearly 1,000 worshipers gath-
ered in the Cathedral as part
of a service of prayer and song
intended to renew commitment
to working for a world without
hunger. The service was similar
to another held in the Cathedral
in June of 2005 where a gathering
of leaders from many faith tradi-
tions assembled to celebrate the
coordination of U.S. anti-hunger 2
Cathedral Voice
in Jesus teachings seriously. They
attempt to articulate a way of life that
confronts the prevailing cultural gos-
pels of consumerism and individual-
ism. Their members are not shy about
inviting friends and colleagues to
experience church with them. They
celebrate a shared journey of faith
that marks the lives of its members.
At its heart, Christianity is a com-
munal faith.
The Holy Spirit seems to be doing
a new and good thing here at the
Cathedral. More than 225 people have recently attended one
of four orientation meetings for the new Cathedral Congre-
gation. In rich table discussions the hopes and dreams for
this new community were framed in the context of building
a community grounded in worship and deeply engaged in
faith formation and practice. Several themes emerged at ev-
ery session: inclusivity and acceptance were two overarching
desires expressed for this new congregation. A place that
will celebrate the uniqueness of each person, said one par-
ticipant. Vibrant, energetic worship that nourishes the soul
for discipleship was another consistent theme. Engagement
with the social, economic, political, and religious justice is-
Vicar, from page 1
The Holy Spirit seems
to be doing a new and
good thing here at the
Cathedral.
sues of the day was repeatedly stated as a priority. And par-
ticipants expressed a desire to study
and pray together and delve deep
into the Bible. In this big place,
people want to be known and to be
part of a community whose mem-
bers care for one another and have
fun together. A strong commitment
to the ministry of hospitality was
also expressed.
All of this sounds like the stir-
rings of an energetic intentional
community in formation. The Spirit
is indeed prodding us to do a new
and good thing in this place. The challenge and the thrill
for each of us is to live boldly into this new calling. The
Cathedral has been a beacon of hope and Gods love over-
looking this city for 100 years, now we are given the awe-
some opportunity to fully utilize its potential for Christian
witness and practice in our city and beyond. What a gift! I
look forward to the shared journey ahead.
The Rev. Canon Stephen Huber
P.S. Diana Butler Basss Practicing Congregations is available
at the Cathedrals Museum Store (www.shop.cathedral.org).
programs and overseas development for their respective
bodies. This years convocation was sponsored by Bread
for the World, the Bread for the World Institute, The
Alliance to End Hunger, and the Interfaith Anti-Hunger
Coordinators including 14 American faith communities.
Bread for the World president, the Rev. David Beck-
ham, noted there is
hope for the eradication
of hunger. Hundreds
of millions of people
around the world have
escaped from hunger
and poverty. He said
Bread for the World sees
this as a great exodus
an experience of God
in our own history. But
theres a way to go, he
said, before we reach the
Promised Land. He exhorted all to hold political leaders
accountable for their commitments to hungry people in
our country and in the worlds poorest countries as well.
The Rev. Dr. William J. Shaw, president of the National
Baptist Convention USA, delivered the featured mes-
sage using the parable of the rich man and Lazarus
interpreted through the
lens of the anti-hunger
campaign. Shaw called
poverty and hunger not
an issue of capital but
rather one of morality
and justice, and urged
those in attendance to
raise the issue and take
action.
Of the interfaith
convocation Dean Sam
Hunger Convocation, from page 1 Summer 2007
3
Name buttons are coming!
If you have signed up as a member of
the Congregation, you will be receiving a
name button soon. Watch out for baskets
full of buttons, find your last name letter,
and wear your button when youre here.
September 16
Congregation Kick-Off
As we begin our Centennial year,
come get to know your fellow con-
gregants at a celebratory picnic from
12:30 3:00 on the East End lawn. Bring
a blanket for picnicking, wear your name
button, and share your stories as we cel-
ebrate the beginning of this new adven-
ture! Children are welcome.
September 29 Centennial Kick-Off
Cathedral Day! There will be music,
food, Cathedral arts demonstrations,
childrens activities, and more. Come and
celebrate the birthday of Washington
National Cathedral!
Cathedral Congregational Plans Many Events
Here are some Congregational events to put on your calendar
for the coming months. Be sure to hold these dates!
October 6AIDS Walk
A group from the Congregation will
form and walk in this important Wash-
ington event. Look for sign-up sheets in
the fall.
Fall Book Groups
We will offer at least two book groups
beginning in the fall, one of which will
read The Heart of Christianity by Marcus
Borg. This is a challenging yet very read-
able guide to opening the way of authen-
tic Christianity for all of us.
January 8, 2008
Basic DOCC Begins
This course in the basics of the Chris-
tian life will deepen your faith and trans-
form your life. Canon William Barnwell
and Dean Sam Lloyd will lead us on an
extraordinary journey. Watch for more
information throughout the fall.
Lloyd remarked, The participation of dozens of leaders
from the worlds great religions testifies to the universal
truth that all human beings are sustained by a loving and
caring God. We in turn are brothers and sisters in faith
committed to the love and care of one another through-
out the
world.
For more
about
Bread for
the World
or to learn
how you
can fight
hunger,
visit
www.
bread.org.
Beginning
with this issue,
Cathedral
Chimes and
Cathedral Voice
are becoming
one publication
with all the news,
upcoming events,
and calendar
information you
need in one handy
publication!
For complete
information
on visiting the
Cathedral and
recurring events
and programs,
please check the
website:
nationalcathedral.org
Information on
centennial events
is available on the
Centennial tab. 4
Cathedral Voice
Bonnie Hourigan has joined the Cathedral staff as the
Director of Major and Planned Gifts. Since 2000 she has
served as director of the planned giving program at the
National Gallery of Art. A graduate of the University of
Michigan, she brings extensive experience as a membership
and development professional. She served as Director of
Planned Giving and Major Gifts for the National Academy
of Sciences from 1994 to 2000; Director of Development
for the National Museum of American Art from 1991-1994;
Senior Development Officer for the Smithsonians Central
Officer of Membership and Development from 1986 to 1991;
and Acting Director of Development, among other posi-
tions, for the American Association of University Womens
Educational Foundation from 1981-1986.
Senior Director for Development and External Relations,
Michael Hill, said of the new director, Bonnie brings to
the Cathedral more than 25 years of development experience
and also comes with a pa