The Message January 2010

january 5, 2010 • Volume 12, Number 1

Ministry Annual Reports Annual Parish Meeting Information, 3 Nominees for the 2010 Vestry, 4-6 Calendar of Upcoming Events, 16

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In this issue: Vestry Nominees................4-6 From Me to You..................... 7 Children’s Ministry............8-9 Parish Life Ministry............10 Hearts & Hands Ministry...11 Pastoral Care Ministry........................... 12-13 “Cloud Practice”..................13 Outreach Ministry...............14 Music Ministry.....................15 From the Millers..................15 Calendar of Events.............16 Welcome New Members.....17 “Life is Like a Pencil”..........17 Prayer Requests..................18

Cover photo by Susanna Kitayama, Children’s Christmas Pageant, December 6, 2009

Rector’s Annual Report for 2009 Baptisms: 15 Confirmations: 45 Transfers In: 45 Marriages: 8 Deaths: 13

2009 was a full and exciting year

for Christ Episcopal Church. We have 2,700 members, many of whom are in Suppers-for-8 groups, Bible studies, one of the three ongoing adult Sunday school classes, or involved in one of the many opportunities for outreach and mission. A better judge of “success” is whether or not our members are growing closer to Jesus Christ and more aware of reaching the notyet-reached world with His love. I believe this is happening! The way this church family rallied around the Barrett family during the time of John’s surgery is just one example of a church with abounding love (Phil. 1:9). Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to serve such an extraordinary church.

While we experienced growth, The Episcopal Church has steadily declined. As you know, it has followed the path of new theologies and filed (over 60) law suits against congregations and dioceses across the country. Christ Church vestries over the past six years have prayerfully, thoughtfully, and courageously responded to the direction of the national church. We have stood strong for traditional values and the Anglican heritage. In September 2009 the vestry voted to support a letter that was sent to the bishop and diocesan leadership asking for clarification about where our diocese stands on some pressing issues. It was also a way to encourage

Christ Episcopal Church 510 Belknap Place San Antonio, TX 78212

them toward those actions that would give us hope for our future in The Episcopal Church.

Even though our letter was not well received, I believe chuck collins we had good Rector intentions with a chuckc@cecsa.org sincere desire to find ways to support our bishops.

There is much talk these days about “circling the wagons.” In just the past few years the conversation has changed from “The pendulum will swing back pretty soon to a more moderate church” to: “The pendulum won’t swing back, so let’s circle the wagons against the influence of the national church.” There is talk about circling around our bishop and diocese and talk about circling our own Christ Church family. The metaphor is troubling to me on many levels. Can a circled church be a healthy church, whether it is around the diocese or ourselves?

Wouldn’t a circled church, by default, pull in the direction of a maintenance mindset (just coping until the danger passes) rather than the mission mindset that makes a church vibrant and alive—that engages the culture with the truth of God’s Word and the beauty of his character? An encircled church is a defensive church that is defined for what it is against rather than what it is for.

A better metaphor, I believe, is a wagon train that stays on course despite its detractors and the dangers around it and welcomes those

210-736-3132 office 210-733-1423 fax www.cecsa.org

CHurCHlIFe who wish to join them. A look at a Bible concordance will show many references to “walking” and “running” and “keeping your eyes on the goal.” I can’t think of a Bible passage that suggests that Christians should circle up to protect themselves from a corrosive denominational affiliation.

I know it sounds redundant if you are following each of my annual reports, but I think the coming year will be crucial for us at Christ Church. Please continue to pray for me and our vestry. Pray that we will not lose sight of the gospel of God’s saving work in Jesus Christ. Pray that we will have humility about our own ability to lead and confidence in God’s ability to lead us.

In closing, I thank our vestry for their faithfulness this past year and especially those retiring after three years: Tom Hardin, Carol Carr, Leon Fillyaw, Frances Harrison, Marcus Rogers, and Rollins Rubsamen.

This has been no easy road and I appreciate the hundreds of ways you have revised your schedules, come to special meetings, met after vestry meetings to continue conversations, listened respectfully to one another, and prayed. I also thank our church staff for a job very well done. With Gary Birdwell’s help over the years, we have assembled the most capable and committed group I have ever worked with.

Wherever and whenever there is a need, they jump right in to make this church the extraordinary church that it is.

I truly believe that what John Piper wrote is true for us, “We have scarcely begun to see all of God that the Scriptures give us to see, and what we have not yet seen is exceedingly glorious.”

Christ Church Annual Parish Meeting Sunday, January 24 10:00 AM, sanctuary 7:30 AM: Holy Communion Service 8:30 AM: Holy Eucharist 9:15 AM: Breakfast, Parish Hall 10:00 AM: Annual Meeting 6:00 PM: Holy Communion Service

No Sunday school classes will be held; nursery will be provided from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Children’s Chapel will be held at 8:30 AM. 3 year olds - 5th graders will have activities in the FMC, and 6th graders - 15 year olds will have activities in the Carriage House.

All parishioners 16 years of age and older are encouraged to attend; we will elect 5 new vestry members and receive ministry and financial reports.

Owen Duggan and company entertained runners in the 2009 San Antonio Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon on November 15. The Christ Church band set up on the lawn of the Davidson House on Belknap and Craig. Tens of thousands of runners came by, many singing along and raising their arms in praise. What a blessing!

It’s Really Not That Cold!

As you read this your missionaries, Greg and Renee Sethness, are with our Russian counterparts who we support and who carry on the work of the Gospel when we are gone. Please pray for God’s will to be done during this time and for blessings on the Russian orphans.

Thank you so much for your help and support!

Respectfully, Chuck Collins Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon photos by Maurine Molak. Russia photo submitted by Greg Sethness.

Vestry Nominees 2010 Edna Archer

Lane Ayo

I

I

have been a member of Christ Episcopal Church since 1954.

During these past 55 years, I have been exceedingly thankful for the sound Bible based teachings to which I have consistently been exposed by our clergy. In recent years I have been a Bible study small group leader on Thursday mornings, a prayer minister, and a coordinator for our quarterly blood drive.

I believe that the most pressing issue facing The Episcopal Church is the questioning of the authority and supremacy of God’s Word, and that the challenge for us here at CEC is how to deal with this dilution of God’s truth at the national level. This is a serious issue. I believe that all of God’s Word is true, and if I am elected to the vestry, I will do my best to prayerfully honor and glorify our Lord and Savior in whatever decisions are made at the local level.

Faithful obedience to scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit must remain central at Christ Church for us to continue our vital work. As we respond to developments in the national church, it is essential that we be anchored in good biblical theology, while embodying love and humility. I strongly support the core values of Christ Church and will prayerfully and faithfully serve if elected.

Jim Berg

Robin Gulley Crow

I n 1981, Ruth and I chose Christ

I

Church as the place we would worship and grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ. We value its Biblical teaching, excellent programs, and community outreach efforts. Over the years, it has been an honor to serve Christ through this church, from lector to stewardship chairman, usher to music committee chairman, and through two terms on the vestry, including serving as clerk and senior warden.

Recently, I served on the Centennial Executive Committee and am a guest presenter for Confirmation classes.

I want to be a steadying force on the vestry so that we can continue to grow and prosper. The next three years will require prayerful planning and creative positioning as we deal with the wayward national church, incorporate the Thunderbird Apartments into our mission, and affirm our intention to remain faithful to Holy Scripture while not abandoning our church property. With God’s help, we can.

joined Christ Church in 2002 after moving back to San Antonio from Vancouver, where I studied theology at Regent College and received a masters degree in Christian Studies. I care deeply about ministry to the most vulnerable members of our community. For the last four years, I have served on the Outreach Committee (most recently as vice chair). I also completed Community of Hope pastoral care training and served four years in the nursing home ministry at the Chandler Center.

I helped form the Christ Church artisan’s group to encourage the creative gifts of our parish.

Photos submitted by vestry nominees.

have been a member of Christ Episcopal Church for five years. I was confirmed at Christ Church in 1991, moved away in 1992 for 14 years only to return with my family to Christ Church approximately three years ago. My involvement includes serving as a Sunday school shepherd, chairing the search committee for a new youth minister, serving on the Steering Committee for the future of the Thunderbird Apartments, participating in the women’s Bible study, and helping with the children’s Christmas pageant in addition to various youth committee activities. The community of believers at Christ Church has provided, for me, a heavenly place on earth. I am so grateful.

My greatest desire is to represent Christ well—to be his hands, his voice, and his heart. To listen, hear, and discern through the power of his presence the adventurous journey before us. I believe we are called to be courageous, willing to risk it all for his sake and for the sake of his kingdom. In Jesus, the perfect model has been provided. If we desire his directives we must be intent upon seeking his face.

Cynthia Franklin

Tom Frost

I

I

have been an active member of Christ Church since 1996 when my husband Paul and I helped launch Alpha. Since 2000, we have taught Sunday school and served on the Children’s Ministry Committee. Teaching our children is a source of great joy, an inviting way to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ, and a challenging spiritual discipline for me. I also have a PhD in political science and teach courses in local colleges and universities.

The national Episcopal Church has abandoned the truth, and without the truth, a church cannot grow and cannot serve as a light in the darkness. If I serve on the vestry, it will be with my best attempt at obedience, all the knowledge and understanding I can find, and a heart for our lost and broken world. I think the biggest challenge for Christ Church is how to use our time and talents for those who come through our doors, with the constant awareness that the church exists for the sake of those outside it.

was baptized at Christ Church in 1930, and I have served on the vestry several times, including as senior warden. I received the Distinguished Service Award in 1995 and have worked in every capital drive over the last 25 years. My wife, Pat, is also a life-long member. I have led the lector and lay Eucharistic ministry for 23 years recruiting and training members and making the assignments for all major services. I founded the downtown Bible study, led by our rectors since 1968.

Long-standing experience in the workings of our parish and our diocese has given me the skills to provide a greater sense of unity in our parish and enhance and strengthen relations with our diocese.

Our greatest need is to continue to worship and minister to one another and to others at the same high level as in the past, based on faithful service inspired by the biblical word.

Wendell Hall

John Harrison

I

I

have been a member of Christ Church for 24 years. I have served on the vestry, including as senior and junior warden. I have also served as a lay Eucharist minister and usher, and I have taught Confirmation class and Sunday school. I am very thankful that Christ Church is a stalwart for the sanctity of God’s Word and the authority of Holy Scripture.

The pressing issue facing Christ Church is the schism caused by the national church leaders’ rejection of the authority of Holy Scripture and the dismissal—as idolatry and heresy—of the truth that an individual’s prayer can achieve a saving relationship with God. These heresies and others have caused a fracture among Bible-believing, Christ-centered Episcopalians and the revisionists.

The vestry and Chuck Collins have shown courage, wisdom, and a commitment to the truth of God’s Word as they have confronted the apostasy of the national church and heeded the warning to be bold in the face of such heresy. Rev. 3:15-16. We must continue to be bold and not lukewarm.

have been attending Christ Church since 1959. In the past two years I have been chairman and member of the Missions Committee, am currently the church treasurer (and member of the Executive Committee), have led mission trips to Uganda and Piedras Negras, and have been a delegate to Diocesan Council. I would like to see Christ Church continue to have its strong core and spiritual values.

I am very concerned with the actions of the national church of disregarding our basic tenets and beliefs. I do not agree with most of the statements that came from the 2009 General Convention. However, I am also very concerned with the divisiveness that is shaking the core of our church. Many of us are so upset with the actions of TEC that we have lost sight of the great and positive things that are going on at Christ Church. We have many strong and healthy programs and many other assets. I really want to see our entire church family continue to work and worship together and to stay intact and have fellowship together. continued on page 6

Vestry Nominees 2010 Tom Kingman

Betty Parish

I

A fter marrying Charles Parish in

have been at Christ Church since 1987. In the past two years I have taught Sunday school (to youth and adults), been one of our representatives at Diocesan Council, and remained informed regarding national and diocesan issues within The Episcopal Church. I’ve been to Piedras Negras and to Uganda on mission trips, serving as the spiritual leader for the Uganda trip this past summer.

My desire to be on the vestry is centered on keeping us focused. The most pressing issue is for us to remain an effective Christian center of fellowship, doing God’s mission at a time when the national church continues to cut itself free from the reference points that traditionally describe us, specifically the uniqueness of Jesus Christ.

1960, I moved to San Antonio in 1962 and have been a member of Christ Church since. Over these years, our church has blessed me and my family in too many ways to mention. Currently, I am a member of the altar guild, Interiors Committee, and I attend a Bible study and a spirituality group.

I would hope to bring a “historical perspective” to the vestry table. History is an important teacher and helps us shape our future. God has great plans for our church, and through Him, we can meet our challenges and accomplish His goals for us. We live in a rapidly changing world, and our church needs to conservatively adjust to those changes while being true to our values.

Brooke Peacock

Jack Walters

I

I n 1954 Lucy and I were married

have been a member of Christ Church for almost four years and have been active in the Children’s Ministry as a Sunday school teacher, a member of the Children’s Ministry Committee, and most recently, director of Vacation Bible School. As coordinators of the parish picnic and as class directors for the new Sunday school program, Richard and I have been welcomed and blessed by the Christ Church family.

Our vestry and clergy are committed to accomplishing God’s purpose for our church as it relates to The Episcopal Church, and I am enthusiastic about God’s work within Christ Church and our walk with Him as a Christ-centered body of believers. As the Holy Spirit continues to fill us, it is my hope that we will not be satisfied in our efforts to proclaim Christ as our Lord and Savior; that the Holy Spirit will spill over to others who seek Him. May our outward-looking, caring congregation invite young families to join Christ Church, forge deep and abiding relationships with fellow church members, and be examples for the children and youth of the Christ Church family.

continued from pages 4-5

Photos submitted by vestry nominees.

at Christ Church, and I have been involved in some way ever since.

This year is my fiftieth anniversary of being either a lay reader or lay Eucharistic minister. I have served on the vestry in the past and have been senior warden twice. Over the years I’ve been a Bible class leader, Sunday school teacher, acolyte director, chairman of the Investment Committee, and helped start the men’s Thursday morning study group. My hope is that this experience would be helpful to the vestry and to the parish.

This parish has been very supportive of us and we of it, and we will continue to be. It is my thought that the most pressing issue of The Episcopal Church is to carry out the Great Commission, and if that is so, this parish is on the frontline of that opportunity. My faith is as a St. Patrick prayer states, “Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, ending with Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.”

From

You Made It! Welcome to the newest edition of the long-standing Christ Church newsletter, The Message. You and I will journey through this exciting online version together over the coming months, and I am grateful for your willingness to accept this change and your support as we all adapt. The opportunities for enhanced communication this new tool will bring are numerous, and it will prove highly effective in reaching our continually growing membership.

Here are a handful of the new features that accompany this issue and those to come: Full color All applaud color photos! Before, only the cover pages (front and rear) were printed in full color.

Link to anything – really!

The Message is your convenient Christ Church resource for connections. From email addresses to our website, to websites of other organizations mentioned in our articles, you will be able to click and easily follow various links throughout the publication. Internal links within The Message are also available (see the table on contents on page 2).

Ministry videos My hope is to have each ministry begin to create more videos of events. For example, we can publish videos made of youth or parish-wide mission trips, allowing the congregation to gain a greater sense of the work that was accomplished and the fellowship achieved outside our church campus.

Print With the click of the print icon found at the bottom of this screen,

you can choose to print the entire publication or certain pages to share with friends.

Readily available icons Other icons along the bottom of your screen will allow you to quickly (and easily!) share the issue with a friend, family member, or colleague by way of email OR by linking the issue to the social media site of your choice (Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc.).

You can now crop any part of any page and download as a separate file, or send as an email. For example, we will be placing ministry forms (Sunday school registration, volunteer forms, etc.) when appropriate in The Message. In this new program online, you will be able to crop the form, fill it out immediately on the computer, and email it directly to the specific ministry leader or staff member.

Unlimited readership We now have the opportunity to expand readership without incurring additional printing/mailing costs. This makes The Message available worldwide, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. You can access The Message on a desktop workstation, a laptop, a PDA, or a cell phone.

Thank you again for your participation in this forward movement.

This past year we decreased the number of issues of The Message from 10 to six; we will continue with six online issues in 2010.

Our weekly email newsletter continues to be sent out early Wednesday mornings with events and announcements specific to the upcoming Sunday and week. Many times Chuck Collins includes important links to articles or books

he has suggested or highlights a recent sermon.

The e-news is full of pertinent information and also includes the Gospel readlaura shaver ing for Sunday, Director of weekly birthdays, Communications and a brief sched- lauras@cecsa.org ule of upcoming events. If you would like to sign up to receive the e-news, please click here. Currently it is sent to over 800 recipients.

Recently the design of our Sunday wrapper has changed. Now it is designed and printed completely in-house on a weekly basis.

I hope you are enjoying our website, which we have now had for one year. It is a joy to be able to update and maintain the website content on a day-to-day and needed basis. Please visit www.cecsa.org if you haven’t lately and roam around and find all that it has to offer.

Visit our Church Life page for all announcements and events, and brows through some of our photo albums found at the bottom of the same page.

And, of course, Christ Church is now on Facebook! If you are a member, join our group, and keep up with all the CC news.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have regarding this new online program or with any of our communication outlets. May God bless you and yours this season of Epiphany and in this New Year.

Blessings, Laura

mInISTry

Annual Report for 2009: An Expression of Gratitude Dear Parish Family,

W hat a privilege it has been to

be Director of Children’s Ministry at Christ Church now for over 20 years. I have witnessed generations of children growing up in faith here at this beloved church, including my own. I have seen that regular participation in the life of the church produces good fruit. I pray that all parents will make church participation a top priority in their lives and the lives of their children.

This commitment will pay eternal dividends which, like the love of God St. Paul proclaims in Romans, from which we can never be separated. That is our great comfort as Christians and the greatest gift we can pass on to our children.

Beth Kissling for her many years of service as chair person of the Children’s Ministry Committee. She has been a faithful supporter and friend.

Jennifer Rose for her willingness to be the new chair of the Children’s Ministry Committee along with her passion for the Bible and respect for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd as a Sunday School Shepherd.

Brooke Peacock for successfully taking on our Marketplace Vacation Bible School last summer and this coming summer when we will journey with Joseph to Egypt “From Prison to Palace,” and Amy Case for assisting Brooke with VBS as she learns to direct it in the future.

Renee Sethness and Jennifer Shemwell for persisting in following God’s call to build us a longawaited playground to benefit our children, Respite Care children, and our neighborhood children.

I thank God for the commitment of our current leaders in Children’s Ministry who are strong in their love for Christ and His children here at Christ Church: Cynthia Franklin for her commitment to the beautiful ministry Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, which provides for our younger Sunday School children—connecting Christ, the Bible, and our Anglican liturgical and sacramental heritage.

Mary Ellen Archer for her passion for bringing the use, knowledge, and love of the Bible to our older elementary children before they leave Children’s Ministry.

Gretchen Duggan for her creative input and leadership in the area of special events and her great love for the church in which she was raised.

Jean King and Dennis Eberhardt for continuing along with Beth Kissling to serve as liaisons to the Youth Ministry as our children transition out of Children’s Ministry.

Caroline Schupbach for her compassionate dedication to the SAMM Shelter Christmas gift project and dinner, and Laura Anderson for her assistance. Carol Carr for being our connection to the vestry.

This year’s Sunday School Shepherds who are among the most committed I have ever seen: Rebecca Facile, Tyler Holmes, Car-

Christmas pageant photos by Susanna Kitayama.

men Lewenthal, and Todd Heinrich with our preschoolers; Paul and Cynthia Franklin, and Jennifer Rose with our first and secHalleta ond graders; and Heinrich Mary Ellen and Director of Stephen Archer, Children’s Don Noble, and Ministry Caroline Schuphalletah@cecsa.org bach with our third, fourth, and fifth graders.

There are so many more parents and others who contribute to Children’s Ministry at Christ Church who I know I can count on with a phone call or an email. I thank all of them, too. Mostly, I thank the parents who faithfully bring their children to Sunday school and chapel. I thank God that you realize the great importance of being part of the Body of Christ. Your witness to your own children impacts them the most. Thank you for sharing your beautiful children with me and our church. They are a reflection of the Light of Christ to all of us!

Love in Christ, Halleta

Come Follow the Star!

Bring a Friend!

Children’s Epiphany Celebration Sunday, January 10 Our children will journey with the Three Wise Kings as they follow the star in search of the Christ Child, Sunday, January 10 during children’s chapels as part of our annual Epiphany celebration. They will celebrate the conclusion of their Epiphany journey with King’s Cake during part of Sunday school.

The children will travel to Jerusalem, King Herod’s Palace, Bethlehem, and back out into the world.

Along this journey, they will have the opportunity to give their hearts to Jesus and accept Him as the star of their lives as they are called to bring the light of Christ to the world. This event is not only fun, but also a meaningful evangelical experience for the children. This would be a great Sunday to invite a friend!

Children’s Communion Class Begins Sunday, January 31 Parent Orientation, Sun., Jan. 17 Our Children’s communion preparation class begins Sunday, January 31 and concludes with a communion retreat on Saturday, April 10 and a communion celebration on Sunday, April 11. This class is open to all children in second grade and older and is designed for the purpose of the education and enrichment of the communion experience. The only requirement for receiving Holy Communion is Baptism.

classes will be handed out at the orientation along with opportunities for parents to sign up to help with classes, the communion retreat, and the communion celebration. Contact Director of Children’s Ministry Halleta Heinrich at the church or email at halletah@cecsa. org for further information.

“The Velveteen Rabbit” A Classic Story of How Love Makes Us Real Sunday, January 24 at 9:45 AM In The Village Movie Theater Room 302 FMC During Annual Parish Meeting A movie version of the beautiful children’s classic “The Velveteen Rabbit” will be shown for all children, Sunday, January 24 in the village movie theater (Room 302 FMC) beginning at 9:45 AM during the annual parish meeting. An introductory Bible teaching connecting this story with scriptural truth will be presented before the film is viewed. Some great “bunny treats” will be served as snacks.

Parents! Don’t miss this important meeting and don’t let your kids miss the telling of this beautiful story in film.

A communion class parent orientation will be held Sunday, January 17 at 9:45 AM in children’s chapel on the second floor of the Family Ministry Center. A schedule for Playground construction photos by Laura Shaver.

Christ Church Playground Coming Soon!

Thank you to all who have made this gift for all our children possible.

Official dedication ceremony is set for March 7, 2010. Watch for upcoming details.

mInISTry

Annual Report for 2009 I want to begin by thanking each

of you for reaching out to our guests and new members on Sundays and beyond. It takes all of us, together, focusing on our core value of caring, to assure that those who God sends us are loved, cared for, and included in our daily lives. We make a difference in lives when relationships that begin on Sunday are fostered outside of our church walls throughout the week.

Christ Church is blessed to have welcomed 55 adult new members this past year. In celebration we held two fabulous new member’s dinners. The spring dinner was held at the home of Jacque and John Roberts, and the most recent fall dinner was held at the home of Nancy and Bill Maloy. Many thanks to these families who opened up their beautiful homes with grace and abundant hospitality.

Our Suppers for Eight “sign up” was a tremendous success with over 190 parishioners agreeing to meet for dinner a few times over the next year. The enthusiasm has been huge thanks to the leadership of Bill and Susan Galbreath, Holly and Dennis Tottenham, and Gene and Liz Mesick. Some groups have found it easier to meet than others, but it seems like everyone is having a great time getting to know each other better.

Hearts and Hands, our ministry for women, has blossomed this year.

Under the leadership of Nancé Oliver, we celebrated the women of Christ Church at a Valentine’s party at the gorgeous home of Annie Lutz. We also had a delightful spring luncheon and a festive fall fiesta organized by Ann McRae. These events were opportunities to gather with fellow parishioners 10

and guests while celebrating all that the women of our church do in the name of Christ.

The most exciting ministry coming out of Hearts and Hands has been the start up of the Backyard Ministries under the direction of the very compassionate Gwen Graham. Our reaching out to the Thunderbird Apartments has been a blessing to those who live and work there as well as those from Christ Church who are ministering to them. It has been an honor to work with Nancé, Annie, Ann, and Gwen this past year as well as committee members: Carol Carr, Winifred Cocke, Jacque Roberts, Marie Smith, and Patteann Daniel, who were always willing to pitch in wherever they were needed.

2009 was a special year for me at Christ Church in many ways. I look forward to another year of our building Christ-filled relationships here and beyond our walls.

maurine molak Parish Life Coordinator maurinem@ cecsa.org

New member Laura Nell Burton, with Martha and Tom Hardin, Anne Green, new member Martin Green, and Holly Ullmann

Blessings always, Maurine Pictures from the New Member’s Dinner, Nov. 19, 2009 Thank you, Bill & Nancy Maloy, for opening up your home.

Rev. Chuck Collins, Frances Harrison, Gretchen Duggan, and new member Hutch Harper

New member Katy Roden, with Sherolene Barr, Maurine Molak, and hostess Nancy Maloy

New member’s dinner photos submitted by Maurine Molak.

For more pictures, please see page 17.

earts & Hands

mInISTry

Events of 2009 & Upcoming L ast year, a group of women

responded to the call to gather the women of Christ Church in fun and meaningful ways. What grew out of this is Hearts & Hands, chaired this year by Nancé Oliver.

The mission of Hearts & Hands is to offer opportunities to the women of Christ Church for spiritual growth and a deepening love for the Lord, fellowship, and service.

The first event was a Valentine’s Tea, held in Annie Lutz’s home in February. All women, of all ages, were invited, and we had a huge turnout on a beautiful evening. The pink aprons made their first appearance by the H&H committee members, who cooked the food and served at the tea. It was determined that this would be an annual event, and the second Valentine’s Tea will be held at Anne Bagnall’s house at 216 Lamont on Wednesday, February 10, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

is from Falls Church, Virginia, a suburb of Washington D.C., and speaks nationally and internationally on marriage, parenting, and women’s issues. Her books include: Character Matters, Building a Home Full of Grace, And Then I Had Kids, And Then I Had Teenagers, and Barbara and Susan’s Guide to the Empty Nest.

Please visit www.cecsa.org to find out more about this exciting women’s conference. You may also register for the conference online.

The women who have been working on the Hearts & Hands would love input from any woman at the church—we are looking for ideas on ways to serve our women of all ages. The founding committee members to contact are: Nancé Oliver, Marie Smith, Jacque Roberts, Winifred Cocke, Maurine Molak, Ann McRae, Gwen Graham, Annie Lutz, and Carol Carr.

Also held in the spring was a luncheon at the church, again prepared by the committee plus several other able volunteers. Our speakers were Sylvia Honigblum and Cindy Boynton from Alamo Heights United Methodist Church, who started Backyard Ministries at several Section 8 housing complexes.

In October, Hearts & Hands hosted a Fall Fiesta at Panchito’s at the Quarry, hoping for a wonderful evening outside on the patio. It rained, but that did not stop 60 women (and all of our ministers) from coming together to enjoy a night of fellowship and fun.

Hearts & Hands is really excited to be hosting the 2010 Christian Women’s Conference at Christ Church on the evening of Friday, March 26, and the morning of Saturday, March 27, featuring author and speaker, Susan Yates. Susan

Valentine’s Tea February 2009

B ackyard Min-

istries (BYM) has been hosting school-age children from the Thunderbird Apartments in our church apart“Just as I have ment since early loved you, you September. Home- also are to love work help, snacks, one another. By this, all people Bible stories, will know that you crafts, cooking, and games are all are my disciples.” part of a special John 13:34, 35 two-hour mentor program every Wednesday from 3:45-5:45 PM. We welcome the addition of any of your hearts and hands that may have time to substitute on an occasional Wednesday.

Love of children and of the Lord are the only requirements.

While ministering to the children, we have met several young adults who would very much like for us to offer an early evening Bible study and life skills outreach for them. Elizabeth in the Christ Church kitchen will provide meals to share. All that’s needed to embark on this new ministry is you! If you are interested in leading, coordinating, or participating in these evenings, please contact Gwen Graham at 930-6671 or cgraham3@satx.rr.com.

Many thanks to all who donated items for the BYM apartment last summer.

Your donations transformed a tiny apartment into a happy and warm home.

Care

Annual Report for 2009: What a Blessing T he Pastoral Care Department is

made up of many different ministries, one being our wonderful prayer teams. If you have a loved one needing special prayers, just call the pastoral care desk, 7363132, ext. 131 or fill out the prayer card you receive in church on Sunday mornings. When a request is made, Diane Delong or her volunteers working the desk will call the chairman of the Daughters of the King Prayer Warriors and will notify them of your request and these warriors begin to work, contacting each member of their team so the prayer request will soon be in action. These ladies pray every day for those in need. Your prayer request is also given to the intercessory prayer group meeting every Monday with chairman Mary Carter. Our pastoral care list is updated weekly.

Frances Cline has been the chairman of the DOK Prayer Warriors for many years and is now retiring.

Bless you Frances for your untiring love to serve others. Diane DeLong and the pastoral care desk will be constantly updating your prayer request, whether it be a short-term, long-term, cancer list, or military list of those members connected to a Christ Church family.

Our Emergency Prayer Chain is activated by the clergy in times of physical and emotional emergencies. Lois Shockley is the team leader. Thank you, Lois, for also updating us with any emergency prayer request.

Another pleasure in working on the pastoral care desk is calling parishioners on their birthday. What a joy to say “Happy Birthday,” you are in our thoughts and prayers.” It is always a delight to hear their appreciation in our remembering them.

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This past year our home Eucharistic visitors, led by Frank Moorhead, have taken communion to approximately 65 people in their homes.

This is a special ministry for those unable to attend church for one reason or another. We also provide a communion service to three nursing homes. The clergy and lay ministers visit The Forum and Brighton Gardens once a month.

Pam Lampe and her volunteers take communion to the Chandler Center twice a month. This service is well attended. The other day I invited a lady from Chandler to join our Friday morning service. She said, “Oh no, I attend your service here at Chandler Center,” sponsored by Christ Church and led by Pam and her dedicated team. She said she would not miss that. How wonderful it is that we can continue to spread the word of God through so many different avenues!

Our hospital and retirement home visitors led by Sherry O’Kelley, check with the pastoral care desk every day to see if a parishioner is in the hospital. The volunteer assigned to that day makes a visit to the hospital and reports back to the desk the same day. We see that your loved one is covered with visits and prayers. When no one is in the hospital, the visitors call on other parishioners in nursing homes or private homes. You must remember that we need you to tell us when someone needs a visit, whether it be in the hospital or at home.

Altar flowers are delivered every Sunday morning to our parishioners by The Daughters of the King member Claire Levingston and her dedicated volunteers. If you are looking for a very rewarding ministry, call Claire. She would love to have you help with this very special ministry.

Funeral reception committee photo (page 13) by Laura Shaver.

We began this year by offering our “Life After Loss ”program designed by the American Cancer Society for those who are grievCarol Miller ing the loss of a Pastoral Care loved one, and we Administrator finished the year carolm@cecsa.org with our “ Coping with Grief During the Holidays” sponsored by this department and Porter Loring Family Care Services.

If you have lost a loved one, these are two programs that would truly help you move along with your grieving process.

In March Christ Church sponsored our Community of Hope West Texas Region Retreat at Mustang Island.

Our speakers were Benedictine monks, Fr. Peter Funk and Brother Michael Gallagher. We continue to thank Rev. Eric Fenton for his devotion and guidance during these sessions.

Martha Macdonald and Sherry O’Kelley will again coordinate the Community of Hope class beginning in January with 11 speakers planned for the evenings. Come learn about pastoral care, listening skills, care for the caregiver, coping with loss, prayer and many other topics. You will be inspired by each speaker.

Our Circle of Care meetings for lay chaplains who have completed their Community of Hope training now have two new leaders, Ferne Burney and Renee Sethness.

We continue to meet monthly for dinner, worship, and programs,

Cloud Practice cont. from page 12

closing with Evening prayer. On December 12, we offered our Community of Hope Quiet Day with Sylvia Maddox at the Bishop Jones Center.

When funerals are held at the church for parishioners, our funeral reception ministry, chaired

by Marjie Davis, provides the gifts of hospitality and food to grieving families where they can gather in the parish hall after the service.

Many volunteers so willingly give of their time to provide this wonderful ministry. What a blessing these volunteers are to the families who are grieving!

You can see through the Pastoral Care Department alone many ministries are provided to serve those in need. Always remember, without you we would not have the information needed to serve others.

Thank you for keeping us in your prayers. What a blessing it is to be a part of the family of Christ.

The funeral reception committee set up a beautiful outside reception for Shari Pruitt’s memorial service, November 4, 2009.

By Ruth Moreland, 2002

W hen our middle son was a

varsity wrestler, many Saturdays I sat all day on hard bleachers just to watch a few minutes of him wrestling. It was often hours of waiting between his matches, so a good amount of time was spent watching young men about whom I knew nothing except that something about their spirit caught my eye, and I found myself rooting for them.

Now, much to my son’s relief, I was not the hollering brand of wrestling mom. I was the quiet, tense type with all kinds of things to say, only I yelled them in my head or, when really moved, muttered them under my breath. Most often muttered were two heartfelt words, “Get up,” when the one I was rooting for was down on the mat with little hope of getting up except by changing strategy, listening to the coach, sheer determination, or by (thank you, God) being saved by the clock.

There were many around me who were far more vocal and far more educated than I in what specifically needed to be done, and the gym was loud with encouragement and sideline “coaching”. At the heart of the crowd’s participation was pure encouragement for the young wrestlers. Most of those yelling were not offering advice because they thought they could be out there on the mat doing it better.

They just saw it from a different perspective and knew that if that perspective could be conveyed to the wrestler, maybe it would help him win.

Scripture refers to our time here on earth as a race to be run. “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” ( Heb. 12:1).

I don’t know about you, but there are often times in my life when it feels more like a wrestling match than a footrace. Sometimes all of my being is crushed, twisted, manipulated into positions that I can hardly bear, and before I know it, life can overtake me, pin me to the mat.

“Get up!”

“Listen to the coach!”

“Watch your back... your feet... your head!”

“Hang on, just a little longer!”

“Lift up your head!”

“Stand up!”

Sound familiar? “We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” (Heb. 12:1). I believe that the angels of heaven and all who have gone before us (even those we don’t know), are in the stands cheering and encouraging us with those same words. We can hear the “cloud of witnesses” through the words of scripture and great hymns, through the writings of saints down through the ages, through the teachings and testimonies we received from our own beloved family and friends who have gone to heaven before us.

But we are not just to be on the receiving end of heavenly encouragement. “Thy kingdom come... on earth as it is in heaven” ( Luke 11:2). While we’re still earthbound, we can daily bring a glimpse of heaven to those around us by cheering them on in the face of discouragement. Our words and actions may be the only encouragement that some floundering soul will experience. And in the sacred task of surrounding those who need strength to continue, we get a foretaste, practice, if you will, for the day that we also are part of that glorious cloud of witnesses.

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mInISTry

Year-End Review for Outreach T he mission of Outreach is to ex-

tend the ministry of Christ Church by supporting Christ-inspired organizations with parish involvement whose missions are to serve those in need in our community. In total, our donations and distributions were $93,020.

Programs that Spread God’s Word: Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, $2,500, supports a community of faith at Trinity University Leon Fillyaw, $10,000, serves as the Regional Director of Intervarsity

Youth for Christ, $4,000, taking the message into middle and high schools in SA

Christian Assistance Ministries (CAM), $5,000, cooperative ministry for those in crisis Habitat for Humanity, $10,000, provides housing to very low income families Programs Treating the Incarcerated or Formerly Incarcerated: Kairos, $1,120, building Christian communities within prison walls

Bexar County Detention Ministries, $1,000, provides pastoral care and counseling to families of the incarcerated Women at the Well House, $3,000, transitions formerly incarcerated women back to community

Kathleen Whitten Ministries, $3,000, brings God’s Word to as many people as possible

Programs Treating Addictions or Mental Health:

Christ Healing Center, $3,000, dedicated to healing with prayer, training, and pastoral support

National Alliance of Mental Illness, $1,000, improves the lives of all who are affected by mental illness

Backyard Ministries, $10,000, provides the Word to the children of the Thunderbird Apts

Programs Treating the Physically and Mentally Challenged:

Urban Connection, $1,000, to share the love of God while building genuine community Programs Treating Poverty: CEC Food Pantry, $16,800, provides food to low-income residents of neighborhoods Daily Bread Ministries-San Antonio, $2,500, collects excess food to distribute to SA’s needy SAMM Transitional Center, $3,500, provides housing for 24 months with life skills training 14

Unicorn Center, $1,000, develops job and life skills for persons with mental retardation Respite Care, $1,000, provides care to families with developmentally challenged children Distributions from the Woodward Trust: (Trust specifies that interest be used for only widows and underprivileged children)

NESA North East San Antonio Faith in Action, $1,000, assisting persons 60 years or older who lack social support

Good Samaritan Community Services, $4,000, serves as the primary social service for SA’s West Side Any Baby Can, $1,000, serves families with children facing serious health challenges

Jacque roberts Outreach Chair robertsjacqueline @att.net

Morningside Ministries, $1,000, care for the elderly, includes the Chandler Center St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, $2,100, focuses on the individual needs of abused and abandoned children CASA Child Advocates of San Antonio, $1,500, trains and supports advocates for abused and neglected children Camp Stillwater, $3,000, scholarships for underprivileged children

mInISTry

Chapel Boychoir of San Antonio T he Chapel Boychoir of San An-

owen duggan Minister of Music owend@cecsa.org

tonio celebrates its 10th anniversary at the close of this year and also welcomes Mary Ann Winden, AAGO, ChM, as associate director.

The Chapel Boychoir was formed in 1999 as a 501(c)3 by Christ Episcopal Church music minister Owen Duggan, DMA, ARCT, and San Antonio attorney David Ayon. David’s son, David Jr., was a young chorister at the time who was chosen as a treble soloist for the San Antonio Symphony. He has since gone on to finish his degree in voice at the University of Houston.

The mission of the Chapel Boychoir is to provide excellent vocal and musical training to children in the community and help promote the sacred-music tradition of the English and North American cathedral and chapel choirs, especially the Chapel Royal. Famous composers Tallis, Purcell, and Handel are

From the Millers in Nazareth, submitted November 2009 Dear Friends at Christ Church,

A s many of you know, our minis-

try in the Middle East is very multifaceted. This example, from our time back in Jordan, should bring joy to your hearts. You see, back in 2006-07 we met Eyad at our local Anglican church and we became friends.

Born in Syria and attending the seminary in Amman, Eyad had made difficult decisions for the sake of following his calling to ordained ministry in the Anglican church. I mentioned his situation to our missions committee in San Antonio, and they approved a scholarship/stipend of $50/month to assist with his seminary education and family. He was very grateful.

associated with the Chapel Royal of London which numbers among the most respected of church musical institutions.

The Chapel Boychoir of San Antonio has performed in numerous concerts and weddings around San Antonio. It is open to boys ages 8-15, of all religious affiliations, and rehearses at Christ Church on Mondays at 4:00 PM. For more information, please contact associate director Mary Ann Winden at mawinden@att.net or artistic director Dr. Owen Duggan at owend@ cecsa.org.

He is done with seminary and was ordained to the diaconate in November. He wrote this short letter to you in Arabic, as I requested. My translation follows: “Beloved Brethren at Christ Church in the City of [Saint] Anthony: May the Peace of Messiah be with you all. I desire to thank the Lord Jesus the Messiah for the sake of your love which was shown by means of your support for me during my time as a seminarian in Amman. I graduated on August 24th of 2007 and I joined the work of the church with the Jordanian Episcopal Church, Diocese of Jerusalem, where I began my practicum with the church in Amman, Jordan, and now my position of ministry and date of ordination have been determined, November 9, 2009, at the Schneller Episcopal Church.

Chapel Boychoir photo submitted by Owen Duggan.

Regarding my ministry, presently I am assisting the vicar at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Amman with his pastoral work as well as responsibility over the youth, both in school and college, and Sunday School, as well as some of the administrative affairs in the parish office. But after my ordination, what is asked of me by the bishop is presently unknown, but the future will make all things known.”

Your brother in the Lord, Eyad Ajji Thank you for your ministry through us to this man and his family, who are in turn a gift to the Church here in the Middle East.

Duane and Sharon Nazareth 15

alender oF eVenTS

January 5: Lunch ‘n’ lightenment at Simply Delicious Lunch Lunch begins at 11:30 AM, $4.00; program begins at 12:00 PM with the Rev. Dr. Jack Sheffield, Executive Director of the Christ Healing Center January 7: Community of Hope classes begin, 6:00 PM on Thursdays January 10: Children’s Epiphany Celebration, 8:30 and 11:00 AM children’s chapels January 10: Spring adult education classes begin, 9:45 AM in the Parish Hall, Conference Room and Capers Room January 10: Youth Confirmation classes begin, 9:45 AM in the Carriage House, and continue until Confirmation on May 16 at 11:00 AM

Christ Church Staff: The Rev. Chuck Collins, Rector chuckc@cecsa.org The Rev. John Barrett, Asst. Rector johnb@cecsa.org The Rev. Scott Kitayama, Asst. Priest, scottk@cecsa.org Carol Miller, Pastoral Care, carolm@cecsa.org Maurine Molak, Parish Life Coordinator, maurinem@cecsa.org

January 13: Chuck Collins’ Bible Study on Romans resumes, 1:30 PM on Wednesdays in the Conference Room

Halleta Heinrich, Director of Children’s Ministry, halletah@cecsa.org

January 17: Parent Orientation for Children’s Communion Class, 9:45 AM, Family Ministry Center in the children’s chapel

Dr. Owen Duggan, Music Minister, owend@cecsa.org

January 24: Annual Parish Meeting, 10:00 AM, Christ Church sanctuary (see page 3 for more information)

Joshua Benninger, Organist, joshb@cecsa.org

January 24: “Velveteen Rabbit” movie showing for children in the FMC theater room 302, 9:45 AM during the annual parish meeting January 31: Children’s Communion Class begins, 9:45 AM in Sunday school, and continues until the Communion celebration on April 11 February 7: Welcome Tour at Christ Church, 10:00 AM at the gazebo February 7: Super BOWL Sunday! Jr. High Youth, Sunday, Feb. 7th, 12:15 PM at Country Lanes immediately after 11:00 AM service February 7: Super Bowl Watching Party! Sr. High Youth, Sunday, Feb. 7th, 5:00 PM. Location will be announced soon.

February 10: Hearts & Hands Valentine’s Tea, 5:00-7:00 PM at Anne Bagnall’s home March 7: Welcome Tour at Christ Church, 10:00 AM at the gazebo March 7: Voci di Sorelle concert at Christ Church, 3:00 PM Save the Dates!

March 26-27: Christian Women’s Conference at Christ Church with author Susan Yates

Ruth Berg, Director of Children’s Music, ruthb@cecsa.org Gary Birdwell, Parish Administrator, garyb@cecsa.org Cherelle Liddle, Executive Asst. to the Rector, cherellel@cecsa.org Darla Nelson, Office Mananger, darlan@cecsa.org Donna Shreve, Financial Manager, donnas@cecsa.org Laura Shaver, Director of Communications, lauras@cecsa.org Anna Jewell, Receptionist, annaj@cecsa.org Pat Wilson, Administrative Asst., patw@cecsa.org Elizabeth Martinez, Kitchen Manager, elizabethm@cecsa.org Robert Vallejo, Facilities Manager, robertv@cecsa.org

March 28: Friends of Music presents Charity Messiah, 3:30 PM at Christ Church with guest soloists and members of the San Antonio Symphony

Rudy Segovia, Hospitality Manager, rudys@cecsa.org

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Joe Garcia, Sexton, joeg@cecsa.org

Welcome New Members to Christ Church!

New members Sue and Jake Jacobson

Rev. Scott Kitayama with new member Ida Sample, with John and Jacque Roberts

New member David Sawey, with new member Katy Roden, John Harrison, and Nancy Maloy

New members Holly & Tom Ullmann, with new members Trace Burton, Laura Nell Burton, and Martin Green

Hostess Cathy Wolfe, Sherolene & Scott Barr, with new member Laura Nell Burton

New member Jennifer Harper with Sherry O’Kelley

New members Jennifer & Hayden Colby with their children

Life is Like a Pencil “Life is really a pencil because they come in very many colors and size. When some body picks a pencil up they bring it to life. But when you put it down it’s no longer alive. That’s real your choice to make. So if you believe in Christ you will be the pencil being picked up to life. If you don’t believe in Christ you will be the pencil laying down with out Christ.”

Richard Heard, 2009, 6th grade

New member’s dinner photos submitted by Maurine Molak, continued from page 10.

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Prayer Requests: Rusty Konitz, Helen Merrill, Robert Feuille, Tom Ullmann, Rob Camp, Judy Countryman, Lance Lewenthal, Joan Brown, Georgia Henderson, Dick Davis, Elsie Strickland, Evie Bartholomew, Cindy Holliday, Lauren Blackwell, Jo Ann Bowermaster, Merry Molteni, Carroll Schorlemer, Vieve Duncan, Paul Kenyon, Leita Carter, Ryan Sethness, Greg Waters, Donny Duggan, Diane Buffington, Austin Moore, Beverly Hilton

Send submissions for The Message, website, email newsletter, and Sunday announcements to Laura Shaver, phone: 210.736.3132, fax 210.733.1423, email: lauras@cecsa.org.

Material is published according to timeliness and relevance to the vision of the church. Deadlines for submissions are as follows:

Mar. 2 issue: Feb. 9 deadline Ministry info: Mar. 6 - May 7 The Message is published bi-monthly by Christ Episcopal Church, 510 Belknap Place, San Antonio, TX 78212.

Christ Episcopal Church 510 Belknap Place San Antonio, TX 78212 www.cecsa.org