Rothko Chapel

JoDee Winterhof, Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs at Human Rights Campaign and Adri Perez, Policy & Advocacy Strategist at ACLU of Texas discussed the state of LGBTQIA+ rights in the US. JoDee Winterhof addressed national LGBTQIA+ issues and initiatives, followed by Adri Perez who focused on the state of Texas. A moderated conversation with Q&A was facilitated by Rev. Troy Treash, Senior Pastor at Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church.

About the Presenters

JoDee Winterhof, a veteran political strategist and respected advocate with over 25 years of experience in navigating the complex intersection between politics, campaigns, messaging and public policy, currently serves as Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs for the Human Rights Campaign. In this role, she leads the organization's federal, state and local legislative, field and legal teams, while overseeing management of HRC’s political action committees and electoral engagement. This includes the launch of HRC Rising, the largest grassroots expansion effort in the organization’s history. Winterhof joined HRC after serving as a Chief of Staff in the US Senate and US House of Representatives, as well as head of advocacy for CARE, an International Non-Governmental Organization. She served as Chief of Staff to former US Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa and Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09).  In addition to her work on the Hill, Winterhof has held leadership roles on multiple presidential, senatorial and congressional campaigns including Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign. She hails from Walnut, Iowa and is a graduate of Simpson College. She presently resides in Washington, D.C. with her wife and two children. 

Adri Perez is a life-long El Pasoan, UTEP graduate, and policy & advocacy strategist for the ACLU of Texas, where they lead LGBTQIA+ advocacy on the Sexuality & Gender Equality team. Adri represents the ACLU of Texas in statewide coalitions, trains and educates families of trans kids, and advocates at the legislature on bills that affect trans Texans. Adri is an organizer whose intersectional experience motivates their advocacy as a native fronterizx, transgender, queer educator and abortion storyteller. Prior to joining the ACLU of Texas in 2018, Adri started West Fund, the first abortion fund in West Texas. They also co-founded the Fronterizx Fianza Fund that raises money to pay bonds for people in immigration detention. Adri previously worked at Ngage New Mexico, Fund Texas Choice, and YWCA El Paso Del Norte. Adri received the Rising Star Award from the League of Women Voters of El Paso and the “Golden Girl” Award from the El Paso Queer Bar Association in 2019. They were recognized as the Texas Rising 2015 Organizer of the Year while a student at the University of Texas at El Paso.  

Rev. Elder Troy Treash has served for eight years as the Senior Pastor of Resurrection MCC in Houston, TX. For ten years prior to Resurrection as the Executive Director of Reconciling Ministries Network, Troy flew nationally from home base in Chicago, IL to advocate for equality for LGBTQ persons church by church, network by network, and conference by conference within the United Methodist Church. His ordained ministry began in 1991 in the trenches of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Houston, TX as the Director of the Bering Support Network. He is a member of Houston Coalition Against Hate and serves on the Congregational Council for Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston. He shares life with Walter, his husband of 23 years; Michael, their adopted son; one beagle, Tip; and one cat, Spot. He enjoys cooking, reading, weeding, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, oceans, and aspen trees. He struggles at times with teenager parenting, marathon zoom meetings, defeating white supremacy, and balancing life. He relies upon God’s grace.

Texas Children's Hospital Music Therapists Marial Biard and Hillary Gómez presented a family-oriented, interactive contemplative experience focused on mindfulness and music. Join us in 3 different approaches to achieving mindfulness through music at any age!

About the Twelve Moments series

Since 2005, the Rothko Chapel has shared a monthly contemplative practice featuring different spiritual and faith traditions. Taking place on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, this series engages teachers and religious leaders from the greater Houston community, providing opportunities to learn more about specific traditions and participate in a contemplative practice.

About the presenters

The Music Therapy Program at Texas Children’s Hospital focuses on creating a safe environment for children and families to relax, have fun, learn, grow, and express themselves through music. Music therapy activities include active music engagement, developmental stimulation through music, movement to music, engaging with music videos and audio recordings, directed singing, songwriting, and therapeutic music instruction.

Marial Biard joined the music therapy team at TCH in 2016. Marial became a board-certified music therapist after completing her Master’s in Music Therapy at Colorado State University and her Bachelor’s in Music Education from Louisiana State University. Marial is a certified Neurologic Music Therapist, gaining Fellowship status in 2019. She currently serves as the Internship Director and the Acute Care music therapist, working with patients in West Tower (Inpatient Rehab Unit, Medical/Surgical Unit, Neurology Unit, and Pulmonary and Adolescent Medicine Unit).

Hillary Gómez recently joined the music therapy team at TCH earlier this year. Hillary became a board-certified music therapist after completing her Master’s in Music Therapy at Sam Houston State University and her Bachelor’s in Piano Performance from Ave Maria University. Hillary currently serves as the Critical Care music therapist, working with patients in Legacy Tower (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Transitional Intensive Care Unit, Heart Failure Intensive Care Unit, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Heart Center, and Cardiac Patient Care Unit).

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, President & Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach and Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call For Moral Revival, addressed his perspective on US civil rights through a moral and faith-based lens. Rev. Dr. Barber shared historical and contemporary experiences of organizing around issues of economic and racial justice across the country, and discussed the work of his coalitions to create lasting, systemic change. Rev. Dr. Barber's talk was followed by a moderated Q&A session led by Rev. Laura Mayo, Covenant Church & Rothko Chapel Board Member.

About the series

In conjunction with the Chapel’s 50th Anniversary and commitment to furthering social justice nationally and internationally, "Beyond the Rhetoric: Civil Rights & Our Shared Responsibility" speaker series will examine different understandings of and approaches to furthering human rights and civil liberties in the United States. Visit the series page to learn more about and register for related events.

About the Presenter

The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II is the President & Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach, Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call For Moral Revival; Bishop with The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries; Visiting Professor at Union Theological Seminary; Pastor of Greenleaf Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and the author of four books: We Are Called To Be A Movement; Revive Us Again: Vision and Action in Moral Organizing; The Third Reconstruction: Moral Mondays, Fusion Politics, and The Rise of a New Justice Movement; and Forward Together: A Moral Message For The Nation.

Rev. Dr. Barber is also the architect of the Moral Movement, which began with weekly Moral Monday protests at the North Carolina General Assembly in 2013 and recently relaunched again online in August 2020 under the banner of the Poor People's Campaign. In 2018, Rev. Dr. Barber helped relaunch the Poor People's Campaign, which was begun by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, starting with an historic wave of protests in state capitals and in Washington, D.C., calling for a moral agenda and a moral budget to address the five interlocking injustices of systemic racism, systemic poverty, the war economy and militarism, ecological devastation, and the false moral narrative of Christian nationalism. There are currently 45 state coordinating committees across the country, mobilizing around the Poor People's Jubilee Platform and We Must Do M.O.R.E. (mobilize, organize, register, and educate people for a movement that votes).

About the Moderator

Rev. Laura Mayo is the Senior Minister of Covenant Church in Houston. She is a graduate of Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee and Wake Forest University Divinity School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Laura is active in Houston interfaith work including membership in American’s United for the Separation of Church and State clergy advisory group, The Coalition for Mutual Respect (of the Anti Defamation League), The Faith Leaders Coalition, and Interfaith Ministries’ Multi-Faith Council. Laura has been part of many panel discussions including a panel hosted by The University of Houston Law School about what the Bible says about LGBTQ+ relationships, a panel hosted by Project Lifeline concerning the treatment of people at our borders, and panels hosted by The Alley Theatre, The Foundation for Contemporary Theology, Lifeline Chaplaincy, and PFLAG.

Over the next year, each Twelve Moments will highlight the role of music and sound in spiritual practices, and how these practices sustain us in the face of current challenges and injustices. For the month of July, the Rothko Chapel presented a family-friendly laughter meditation, led by Stephen Findley. This offering focused on the power of laughter and humor to encourage healing and release stress from our bodies.

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About the Twelve Moments series

Since 2005, the Rothko Chapel has shared a monthly contemplative practice featuring different spiritual and faith traditions. Taking place on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, this series engages teachers and religious leaders from the greater Houston community, providing opportunities to learn more about specific traditions and participate in a contemplative practice.

About the presenter

Stephen Findley has been a Presenter and Trainer in Laughter for over a decade delivering Humergy and Mirth to audiences through Laughter Yoga. Certified as a Laughter Yoga Teacher through Laughter Yoga International, Stephen is recognized as an Ambassador of Laughter for his selfless service to spreading laughter and wellness. He was also instrumental in developing the Laughter for Health Program for outpatients and caregivers at the Integrative Medical Center at U.T. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Available as a Keynote Speaker and Workshop Facilitator, Stephen shares his knowledge by speaking on topics related to Wellness and Spirituality.

Members of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston celebrated Pride Month with a powerful, family-friendly service including social justice songs, readings and interactive meditations. The offering was organized by the Rev. Dr. Colin Bossen and Music Director Mark Vogel, joined by Rev. D. Scott Cooper, Tawanna Grice, Alma Viscarra, Karen Carlson, and Carol Burrus.

In the Chapel's 2020-2021 season, each Twelve Moments highlights the role of music and sound in spiritual practices, and how these practices sustain us in the face of current challenges and injustices.

About the Twelve Moments series

Since 2005, the Rothko Chapel has shared a monthly contemplative practice featuring different spiritual and faith traditions. Taking place on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, this series engages teachers and religious leaders from the greater Houston community, providing opportunities to learn more about specific traditions and participate in a contemplative practice.

About the presenters

The Rev. Dr. Colin Bossen is senior minister of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston. He has a PhD in American Studies and master’s degree in History from Harvard University, an MDiv. from Meadville Lombard Theological School (affiliated with the University of Chicago), and an undergraduate degree from Denison University. A scholar and organizer as well as a religious leader, he has been active in the labor movement and human rights work for many years. He has led worship, workshops or given lectures for congregations, community centers, unions, and academic institutions throughout North America and Europe. He keeps a blog at www.colinbossen.com

Mark Vogel received his master's degree from Manhattan School of Music. He serves as Music Director at both First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston and Congregation Beth Israel, and is Artistic Director for International Voices Houston, a multicultural community choir of singers from over 35 different countries. His work also includes regular performance lectures at the Texas Medical Center, exploring how music relates to science and health.

Over the next year, each Twelve Moments will highlight the role of music and sound in spiritual practices, and how these practices sustain us in the face of current challenges and injustices. In May, during the holy month of Ramadan, the Rothko Chapel presented a meditation in the Islamic tradition, led by Mohamed Hussein with Fatimah Ali, Imam Dr. Basem Hamid and Mouaz Al Nass, organized by the Minaret Foundation. A major part of Islamic tradition is the recitation of the Holy Quran. It isn't simply read during holy days - Muslims read the Quran daily and listen to it to relax and reflect. This session compared elements of sound in different recitation styles and showcase how these recitations contribute to the connection people feel when reading and listening to the Quran. It will showcased a thematic recitation where the tunes and melodies match the tone and story being read.

About the Twelve Moments series

Since 2005, the Rothko Chapel has shared a monthly contemplative practice featuring different spiritual and faith traditions. Taking place on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, this series engages teachers and religious leaders from the greater Houston community, providing opportunities to learn more about specific traditions and participate in a contemplative practice.

About the presenters

Mohamed Hussein is an Egyptian American singer/songwriter who has produced songs in both Arabic and English. His songs aim to inspire and deliver a positive message of compassion and unity. He has worked with some of the most talented teams in Egypt and has performed in Cairo as well as touring the USA. All of Mohamed's songs are meant to inspire and direct the listener to perform good deeds and strengthen one's most essential relationships.

Imam Dr. Basem Hamid is a practicing neurologist and pain specialist, as well as the Imam of Shadowcreek Islamic Center and a member of the Jurist Council of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston. Born and raised in Syria as part of the refugee program for Palestinians, he graduated from Damascus University’s School of Medicine and attained a Master’s Degree in Islamic Studies. Since immigrating to the United States in 1996, he founded Wasat Institute, an organization dedicated to exploring the intersectionality of health and spirituality. His work has been published numerous times regarding his research overlapping socio-economic issues, health, and faith.

Mouaz Al Nass is of Syrian descent and was born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He holds a degree in Management Information System and studied Inshad and Maqamat (the various styles of religious poetry & songs) under foremost singers in Syria. An expert singer and drummer, he has been involved in many renowned musical performances in the USA, UK. He currently resides in Houston, Texas, and works for the University of Texas Health science center as an IT specialist.

Fatimah Ali is the outreach coordinator at Masjid Warithdeen Mohammed and is active in engaging both young people and women in Islamic activities. She has served with Interfaith Ministries on their young leaders team and is active in bridgebuilding efforts throughout Houston.

Over the next year, each Twelve Moments will highlight the role of music and sound in spiritual practices, and how these practices sustain us in the face of current challenges and injustices. For the month of April, the Rothko Chapel presented a meditation in the Zarathushti tradition, led by Kaemerz Dotiwala of the Zoroastrian Association of Houston. This session was focused on The Gathas, seventeen hymns composed by poet-prophet Zarathushtra around 1200 BCE that form the core of Zarathushti liturgy.

About the Twelve Moments series

Since 2005, the Rothko Chapel has shared a monthly contemplative practice featuring different spiritual and faith traditions. Taking place on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, this series engages teachers and religious leaders from the greater Houston community, providing opportunities to learn more about specific traditions and participate in a contemplative practice.

About the presenters

The Zoroastrian Association of Houston (ZAH) was established in 1976 to promote the religious, social, and cultural aspects of the Zoroastrian faith. ZAH is fortunate to have in the local Mobeds (priests) who conduct religious services, ceremonies, and rituals; numerous individuals whose serve on executive boards and committees (i.e. youth, sports, Sunday school, religious services, outreach,Golden Group & Library) provide leadership and vision to growing community and countless active members who through their participation, initiative, and hard work are committed to building a strong community.

Kaemerz P. Dotiwala is the President of Mazda Yasni Zarathushti Dar-E-Meher Funds, a non-profit organization established to construct the first consecrated Dar-E-Meher (Fire Temple) in the Western World. Kaemerz has been a resident of Houston since 1975 and is one of the founding members of the Zoroastrian Association of Houston. He has served on its Executive Committee for many years and presently serves as its Chairperson on the Outreach Committee. Kaemerz teaches Sunday School and has been instrumental in founding the Zoroastrian Association Of Houston Youth Group. He has served on the Zoroastrian Association of Houston's Building Fund Committee, and chaired its Fund Raising and Finance Committee. Kaemerz was a Founding participant of The Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) as well as the representative from ZAH. Kaemerz also served as the first Chairperson of FEZANA’S Zarathushti, Unity and Welfare Committee. This committee was instrumental in resettling Zarathushti refugees from Iran in North America.

In honor of Mark Rothko’s Latvian heritage, Latvian jazz ensemble the Māris Briežkalns Quintet commissioned ten Latvian composers to each create an original jazz composition, arranged and performed by the Quintet. Each composition is created to illustrate the moods and atmosphere evoked by an iconic Rothko painting selected by the composer. This program is underwritten by Peter Ragauss.

Performers include Māris Briežkalns – drums, band leader; Viktors Ritovs – piano, keys; Raimonds Macats – harmonica, cello, keys; Kristaps Lubovs – saxophone; and Andris Grunte - double bass

Māris Briežkalns Quintet (MBQ) is one of the leading acoustic mainstream bands on the Latvian jazz scene, stretching special accents on pop, jazz, and Latin jazz. MBQ has performed on several international stages, including MIDEM, Pori Jazz, London Jazz Festival, Ottawa Jazz, Jazz at Castle in Prague, Venice Jazz Festival, Blue Note Jazz Club in New York, and Tokyo Jazz Fest. MBQ’s project Latvian Evergreens has two volumes, showcasing Latvian classical and pop music in versatile jazz arrangements. Māris Briežkalns Quintet released five albums: Felix Jazz, Latvian Evergreens Vol 1, Jazz At Castle, Latvian Evergreens Vol 2, and Rothko In Jazz.

Māris Briežkalns, the leader of the quintet, is a drummer and producer. Among other things, he is the Head of Latvian Radio Recording Studios Department, was the Artistic Director of Latvian Radio Big Band for several years and has participated in the recording of over 70 music albums, has hosted workshops in Norway, Germany, Great Britain. He runs the Contemporary Music Centre and produces the "Rigas Ritmi Festival” and the International Jazz Artists Competition “Riga Jazz Stage”. Māris Briežkalns has been nominated for and received many awards, including the highest Latvian state honor, The Order of the Three Stars.

To lift up the last 50 years of the Rothko Chapel’s work and mission, and renew and strengthen its commitment to serve as a welcoming interfaith sanctuary for all and a place to rally around the significant human rights issues of the day, the Chapel will hold an interfaith service and human rights celebration including Sufi Whirling, prayers, reflections, and music.

Find the full order of service in our digital program:

http://rothkochapel.org/assets/pdfs/50th_Interfaith_Service_Digital_Program.pdf

Published by Rizzoli Electa, this beautiful new large-format volume provides photographic testimony along with the insights of scholars who give an intimate look into this sacred space, where visitors seek solace and inspiration. Commemorating the first monograph on Rothko Chapel in more than 20 years, the book’s contributors speak about the Rothko Chapel’s history and how the restoration project came to fruition.

Contributors and panelists include: Stephen Fox, architectural historian and Fellow of the Anchorage Foundation of Texas; Paul Hester, architectural photographer, Hester + Hardaway; and Pamela Smart, Associate Professor, Binghamton University; moderated by Ashley Clemmer, Director of Programs and Community Engagement, Rothko Chapel