July 2016 message

July 2016 • Volume 18, Number 4

Teen helpers at our Egyptian VBS in June

Engaging in Risky Business: 2 God Sighted at VBS: 8 Get Ready to Rally: 9 LEGOS: 9 What is Patrick Reading Now?: 12 Photo Album: 15

FROM

In this issue:

Risky Business

Music Ministry ...................... 6

This is the fifth in a series of ten essays Patrick is writing on the lesser-known stained-glass windows in the nave of Christ Church.

Youth Ministry....................... 7

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Family Ministry .................... 8 Our Church Life .................10 Page Turners.......................11 Great Commission..............12 Calendar of Events.............14 Photo Album........................15

Sunday Services: 7:30 a.m.

Holy Eucharist, Rite 1 9:00 a.m.

Family-friendly Communion Service with Music 10:00 a.m.

Christian Education for Children, Youth, and Adults 11:00 a.m.

Choral Eucharist, Rite 2 6:00 p.m.

Holy Eucharist, Rite 2 Visit us on-line at www.cecsa.org

Cover photo by Susanna Kitayama Back cover photo by Gavin Rogers

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PATRICK GAHAN Rector patrickg@cecsa.org

hen there was the time that I almost killed my men…all of them…at the same time.

Only the month before, I had reported in to the 1/41st Infantry Battalion at Ft. Hood and been assigned 4th Rifle Platoon Leader in A Company, when orders came down for the dreaded ARTEP – that is the Army Training and Evaluation Program. Every platoon in the battalion would be evaluated on planning, tactics, logistics, radio silence, and leadership.

I barely knew the names of my thirty troopers, much less how to lead them in a combat exercise. Not to mention I had only been commissioned twelve weeks when I showed up at the 1/41 HQ. The U.S. Army conducts ARTEP’s on every level of command – Division, B r i g a d e , Battalion, P l a t o o n , and Squad.

Essentially, these are war games with graders. While I was filled with some rookie apprehension, every young 2nd lieutenant hankers to play “army” with real bullets. At barely 23 years of age, I was in my element, which made me despair for all my buddies who went straight from college to tame office

jobs. I was grateful to be called down a different path.

On the scheduled day of the ARTEP, the entire battalion made its way across Cow Creek and into the eastern sector of the massive impact range of Ft. Hood. The fort, I believe, remains the largest military installation in the free world. Each Mechanized Rifle Platoon was made up of approximately thirty men and four to five M113 Armored Personnel Carriers.

My platoon consisted of five APC’s, carrying four squads of seven men plus a command track. Once we arrived at the staging area, we were assigned our graders, all of whom were captains with company commands. My grader was Sunny Fields, a moniker totally unsuited for the captain’s interminable severe mien.

Formally introduced, we were then taken on a reconnaissance of the objective we were to attack, which was

From Our Rector... a fortified armor and infantry position Captain Fields let out a prolonged not count on was the deafening sound of the live fire along with the five kilometers from our position. “uguuuuuuuh.” resounding “chop-chop-chop” of the The objective loomed at 1,000 meters commander’s helicopter higher than our staging area. The enemy Not to be deterred, I outlined the Duke’s battalion hovering overhead the engagement consisted of area. Unfortunately, that meant First one T-62 Soviet “No matter how risky the enterprise, I and Second companies never heard the tank, two BMP stood there, painted in black and green command “yellow,” to shift fire. Thus, Soviet Personnel as the four squads topped the hill, Carriers, and camouflage grease, watching my men they were poised to exterminate each two squads of other. I was jumping up and down in dug-in infantry. clean their weapons, listening to Captain the command track yelling “YELLOW, The Soviet armor Fields groan, and realizing how blessed I YELLOW, YELLOW” and “RED, RED, was riddled RED” into the radio, and all the while with holes from was to have taken this road.” realizing that by sunset I would be earlier exercises, more vilified than Lt. William Calley of and the dug-in infantry were graphite-gray motorized strategy. First and Second squads, Mai Lai notoriety. human silhouettes that fell over each accompanied by the platoon sergeant, time they were hit by a rifle or machine would stage their APC’s on the east Finally, in absolute desperation, I had gun round and bounced back to life side of the objective, while Third and my APC driver roar up toward the a few seconds later. The two Soviet Fourth Squads would approach from objective so that I could hurl two red infantry squads were situated along the south. The command track would smoke grenades into the morass. I have the south and east sides of the hill – direct the action from a knob about to believe the Duke pulled some strings the only navigable approaches to the 1.25 kilometers from the southwest. We upstairs because not a single one of would maintain complete radio silence my soldiers was hurt. We loaded up objective. until the four APC’s were in position. I and headed back to the staging area.

Initially jazzed for the mission, I then would then issue a one word command, The sound of the “chop-chop-chop” of had the long, agonizing wait. I was the “Green,” which means First and Second the commander’s helicopter overhead junior lieutenant; therefore, my platoon Squads should commence firing from gave me the sinking certainty that my would be evaluated last. That meant the east on the objective with their two young career as an infantry officer hours of togetherness with Captain APC-mounted 50 calibers, while their was over. Why had I been tempted to risk so much? In Sunny Fields, who never talked, but only d i s e m b a r k e d desperation, the intermittently groaned “uguuuuh,” like i n f a n t r y “Our faith in Christ is not the entire drive back Lurch on the Addam’s Family. With my engaged with the staging field glasses, I spent most of the time enemy unlike a military exercise. We to M-16’s area, I begged watching one platoon after another their M-60 Captain Fields for attack the enemy position. Each did and have a mission – to extend chance. so with unvarying tactics. They pulled m a c h i n e the kingdom of God. We have another All I received was within a kilometer of the south side guns. My next word of the objective, subdued the position one an objective – to advance the a series of guttural “uguuuuuuhs.” with 50 caliber machine gun fire from c o m m a n d , Good News of the kingdom the APC’s, dismounted the infantry h o w e v e r , the As mortified as once 500 meters closer, and overran was ... We have an enemy – the I was to predict the objective with overpowering fire most critical. devil...” the tonguepower. (I have often wondered what “Yellow” meant lashing I was to would have happened if that captured that Third and Fourth squads receive when T-62 tank had any ammunition!) should disembark and attack the hill the battalion commander landed in “Boring,” was my overwhelming from the south with 50 calibers and the adjoining field and the official thought in the very late afternoon when infantry – but – (and this was a big, reprimand that he would add to my thin my platoon’s opportunity finally came. big “BUT”) First and Second squads dossier, I still reveled in the opportunity I huddled my four squad leaders, the must shift fire towards the north of the that had been given to me. Barely out platoon sergeant, and the ever ebullient objective so that our men did not shoot of adolescence, I was commanding Sunny Fields to give the operations each other. “Red” was the final one thirty men and creatively challenging order. Using a sand table, which word command, which meant cease- every aspect of my men’s and my own actually consists of drawing in the dirt fire because the objective had been physical, mental, and emotional selves. with sticks, I outlined our attack plan. subdued. I felt the Duke smiling down No matter how risky the enterprise, I prefaced my remarks with, “John on me and saying, “Well done, Pilgrim.” I stood there, painted in black and green camouflage grease, watching my Wayne would never attack the enemy like those other guys!” No sooner was All of this sounded sane and practical men clean their weapons, listening to the statement off my lips that I heard back at the staging area. What I did Captain Fields groan, and realizing how

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From Our Rector... blessed I was to have taken this road.

Our faith in Christ is not unlike a military exercise. We have a mission – to extend the kingdom of God. We have an objective – to advance the Good News of the kingdom to people and in places not yet conquered by God’s love. We have an enemy – the devil, who is dug-in and determined to halt the march of the Good News. And we have a Commander – Christ himself, who leads us from the high ground of the cross. Nevertheless, to undertake this mission will entail measureable personal and corporate risk, for Christ will lead us in some different and surprising directions from where we are headed now.

“...we witness Matthew receiving his “operations order” from Jesus. “Follow me,” commands our Lord, and Matthew gets up from his desk and leaves his old life behind...”

This last point for me is personified in Matthew, the apostle. The turning point for Matthew is captured vividly in the fourth stained glass window in our nave that features Jesus’ baptism. Looking closely at the small pane on the bottom left of the window, we witness Matthew receiving his “operations order” from Jesus. “Follow me,” commands our Lord, and Matthew gets up from his desk and leaves his old life behind (Matthew 9:9-13).

Matthew receives the very same “oporder” as Peter, Andrew, James, and John; although, we usually vilify Matthew as being a notorious sinner and inferior to the four fisherman (Matthew 4:18-22). To overemphasize Matthew’s exploitive occupation is to miss some of the power of his story.

Matthew, the tax collector, is not some aberrant personality. He is you and I. Christ seeks each one of us, as he did Matthew, as we are busy at our desks, at the life we have conceded is our lot.

Yet when we hear his voice, he orders us away from that staid, predictable

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life to something much more exuberant and, indeed, riskier – in order to extend the kingdom of God. Hagiographers are divided on how far afield Matthew advanced the Good News of Christ. Some believe the apostle traveled 1,550 miles across Egypt and Sudan to Ethiopia. Others have determined Matthew crossed the Mediterranean to present day Pamukkale, Turkey for a total of 2,300 miles. Regardless, it is certain that once Matthew obeyed Jesus’ orders and arose from his desk, he was in for an adventure beyond his imagination – like a young lieutenant racing through the scrub oaks of Ft. Hood, TX. We should not be surprised that Matthew met with entrenched opposition as he shared the saving message of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. The last thing the devil wants is for people to be free. Jesus averred this bluntly, “The thief – the devil – comes only to steal and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

However, we do not have to travel a thousand or so miles to discover a dark outpost of Satan’s dominion. Quite possibly, we can merely walk across the neighborhood, the street, or perhaps just to another room in our own house.

The resistance we will encounter will be embedded and fierce, for evil’s fortress is our human homeostasis. Christ calls us on a journey. The devil wants us to batten down the hatches.

“While answering Christ’s call to advance God’s kingdom is exhilarating, it is also risky business.”

While answering Christ’s call to advance God’s kingdom is exhilarating, it is also risky business. Christ seems to always lead us off our familiar, well-travelled maps and into the unknown. Dr. Seuss’s bestselling book, Oh the Places You’ll Go, has nothing on the New Testament.

Jesus promises an “abundant life,” but not a safe one. Paul Tillich (1886-1965), the German émigré, noted theologian, and clear-eyed critic of the dark Nazi regime wrote, “Faith involves the risk or wager of existential courage, i.e. the acceptance of uncertainty within the

element of certainty.”1 In layman terms, Tillich means, “We Christians know the end of the story but not what’s in between.” Considering Tillich’s clash with Hitler’s legions, his words ring resonantly with existential truth. Those of us bearing the saving message of Christ will struggle at times. We do not have a fascist party with whom to contend, yet there is a growing secular fascism that desires nothing less than to excise every vestige of Christian beliefs and principles. Jesus’s own

“...to imagine the Christian life without both arduous struggle and bracing adventure is to miss the Christ-driven life altogether.” words to the disciples predict this confrontation, “In this world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world” (John 16:33).

This “in-between” time of our lives promises opposition and challenge, but also risk and adventure. These very elements of the Christian life will keep us vibrant, alert, expectant, and very much alive deep into our mature years.

Coincidentally, I am writing these lines while in Maine for Kay’s and my summer respite. For five days, we climbed one mountain after another in both Acadia and New Hampshire. Once summiting a peak, we were rewarded with prodigious views of verdant hectares of hardwood and pine forests, the stately procession of the Presidential Mountains, and the lonely blue and white Atlantic coastline.

However, we had to first climb the precipice, which usually meant hours of vertical struggle. Thus, using this picture as a backdrop, to imagine the Christian life without both arduous struggle and bracing adventure is to miss the Christ-driven life altogether.

This challenge is not merely set before us as individuals, but as a corporate people, a church, as well, which brings me to the major point of this essay: We at Christ Church, like that 1 Paul Tillich, The Dynamics of Faith (New York: Harper Collins, 1957), 18.

From Our Rector... ambitious lieutenant of yore, must call “members,” as if to a club. No, He 5. Getting Started Right – We continue take the hill another way. The spirit of calls disciples. So that we may undertake to be pleased with the threshold “the Duke” should inspire our renewed the mission of our Lord to extend the courses we offer at Christ Church. In ecclesiastical campaign. Taking a brief kingdom of God, we must prepare 2016-17, we will be emphasizing their look back, we have importance for all of us. Our hope is spent the last four years “God does not call “members,” as if to a that every parishioner will take Christ wisely restoring our Church 2.0 – The Essential Basics of numbers, revitalizing club. No, He calls disciples. So that we the Christian Story and Life and Christ our campus, reinforcing may undertake the mission of our Lord Church 3.0 – How Episcopalians Live our confidence, and and Order Our Lives. Both are eightemboldening our to extend the kingdom of God, we must session courses. resilience. Now it is prepare ourselves as disciples.” time to strike off more 6. When You Need a Break – When you purposefully on the need to take a breather and reignite old Lord’s mission. Here’s the plan: ourselves as disciples. Understandably, friendships and make new ones, spend discipleship formation is not an some time with Nita Shaver and the 1. Biblical Facility – As Christians, automatic result of conversion; rather, gang at Christ Church Fellowship (CCF), our “operations order” comes directly it is the climb every Christian must which gathers every Sunday morning in from Holy Scripture. We cannot adhere make for the duration of our earthly the foyer of the Parish Hall. We cannot to the “Commander’s” will unless we lives. forget that even the very first disciples can access His Word. We must acquire considered it absolutely necessary to a more nimble facility with the Bible. To meet this need, we are entirely meet, break bread together, and enjoy Notice that I choose the term “facility” reorienting our Wednesday night Two the company of other Christians (Acts over “literacy.” I do so because I want Tables program. Starting in September, 2:46-47). Christians are part of a body – us to be facile, that is familiar, with the each clergyman will lead a small not a machine!

Scriptures, so that we are more fully group of parishioners in discipleship equipped to seek God’s will. training. One of us may be leading I know this is a departure from what John Stott’s study of the Sermon on may be expected or from what we With that necessity in mind, the clergy the Mount. Another may be examining have been doing. But doing “church” will prepare succinct, accessible, Alister McGrath’s, Apostles Creed. the same old way bears the same old and stimulating weekly Bible studies These studies are not come-and-go. results. It is time to change tactics. Our covering one book of the Holy Scriptures Individuals who sign up for the groups life in Christ is worth the risk. at a time. The studies will be shared at should be prepared to complete the our various Bible study small groups entire eight-week study. Supper will Oh, and what happened when my during the week, at the larger Women’s be served commander’s “...doing “church” the same old way h e l i c o p t e r Bible Study in the summer, fall, and at 5:30 PM spring, and be posted on our website. and the bears the same old results. It is time f i n a l l y We have already planned the studies for studies will landed, and 2016-17 to include 1 & 2 Thessalonians, commence to change tactics.. Our life in Christ is he trooped Colossians, Galatians, James, and an at 6:00 – over to me worth the risk.” exhaustive examination of Matthew. hence, it is with his cigar These Bible studies will take us into still Two leaving a trail the rich recesses of the Bible that the Tables for fellowship and formation. of smoke behind him like a trudging lectionary cannot address. locomotive? I stood at rapt attention, 4. Any Given Sunday – Again, Brien my eyes forward, steeling myself for 2. Connecting the Story – Speaking Koehler and his faculty are preparing the onslaught of a thorough dressingof the Revised Common Lectionary, we challenging Adult Sunday School down. Captain Fields and I crisply will be returning to it for most of our offerings for the 10 AM hour. Scott Rose saluted, and stood there not breathing, 2016-17 preaching series; and yet we and Marthe Curry will teach the Bible and waiting, when Lieutenant Colonel plan to add another dimension to our Study du jour in the Capers’ Room. The Thomas G. Johnson said, “Gahan… best exegetical witness. We will consistently series in the Parish Hall will include damn attack of the day! Wouldn’t you connect the Old Testament story to the Dr. Duane Miller’s comprehensive say so, Fields?” I then heard a, “Yes, New Testament, in order that we will explanation of Where It All Came From, Sir,” with a trailing “uguuuuuuuh.” appropriate the larger sweep of God’s where he will explain the lengthy and story with His people – with us. The painstaking origins of the Bible and various series include, The Marks of the Creeds. Stephen Archer will again Your brother, Discipleship, Coming Awake, What Jesus offer his rollicking God vs. Pop, where Reveals, Why the Cross, and Where Does he examines popular music and culture Patrick U the Empty Tomb Lead Us. against the backdrop of Holy Scripture.

In the spring of 2017, the faculty hopes 3. Training Disciples – God does not to present Gospel & the End of Time.

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MINISTRY Beyond

the

Choir Veil

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim good tiding of His salvation from day to day.

Psalm 96: 1-2

C

ontinuing in my quest to share the lives and backgrounds of our choir JOSH BENNINGER members, I Director of Music present to you and Worship joshb@cecsa.org another member of the CEC choir, Josep Peralba. If you attended the Good Friday “Way of the Cross” service in March, than you should fondly remember Josep’s beautiful baritone solo in “Libera me” from Fauré’s Requiem. Josep has been singing in the CEC choir for almost two years, and we are blessed to have him share his voice, talent and friendship with us.

Josep Peralba Josep Peralba was born in Barcelona, Spain from a Catalan speaking family.

He is the only child of a tailor and a housewife, although his mother always

helped his father at his workshop.

Josep’s parents are currently enjoying the many benefits that come with retirement.

Josep’s educational interests always revolved around science, and in high school he already knew he wanted to be a biochemist and work in the United States. He graduated from the Autonomous University of Barcelona with a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and in 1998 he took a postdoctoral position at Yale University.

From there Josep moved to the Health Science Center at San Antonio, then to Johns Hopkins Medical School in Baltimore, and then back again to the Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Currently he is a Project Manager at a small biotech company, INCELL Corp., focusing on stem cell research.

In 2001 Josep met the love of his life during a folk dance event at Our Lady of the Lake University. His wife is from Warsaw, Poland and she is a professor at the UTSA Department of Modern Languages where she teaches Latin America Cultural Studies and Literatures at the postgraduate level.

In June members of the CEC choir and friends performed a concert for Madolyn Fallis and the residents of Heritage Creek Assisted Living. From left to right: Eric Schmidt, Josh Benninger, Gail Wettstein, Owen Duggan and Jennifer Holloway.

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In his free time, Josep says that choral singing is his true passion. He has been singing in choirs since high school, and he loves every minute of it. He says it helps that he has a naturally gifted voice and a good musical ear because he does not possess formal music training.

In addition to singing in the CEC choir, Josep also shares his voice with the San Antonio Mastersingers.

At CEC, Josep says he feels very honored to be a part of such a high quality group of singers and compassionate people.

Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.

Psalm 47: 6

Josh Benninger

The choir preparing for the July 4th on the 3rd BBQ

MINISTRY Glimpses

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he Summer is moving along, and we are having a great time with your students during the break!

From June 20 to July 3 we took our GAVIN ROGERS college students Youth Minister and young adults gavinr@cecsa.org on a mission trip to Guatemala. Working with Students International, the team from CEC worked at a veterinary site, a special needs site and an art school among others.

of

Guatemala

Our students did great and made a huge impact on the lives of many people in Guatemala. Likewise, the people of Guatemala made a huge impact on our team as we all served God together.

After the first week of service, the group spent Saturday hiking Volcano Pacaya and debriefing our first week.

On Sunday we went to church in our town before having a free afternoon in beautiful Antigua.

God has done some amazing things in the hearts and minds of our students.

We can’t wait to share them all with you!

Gavin

Summer Update!

We have a few updates about our Summer Trips and Events. As you all might know, we had to move the date of our Junior High Trip to late July due to the recent flooding in Texas.

The train we were going to take to New Orleans was canceled due to the flooding in Houston. Therefore we rescheduled the trip, and it is now July 29 - August 3. The same itinerary will apply. Students will board the Sunset Limited Amtrak Train in San Antonio to begin the journey. While on board, we will have time for fellowship and Bible study. In New Orleans we will visit sites such as the French Quarter and the WWII Museum and spend time serving those in need in the city. There are a few spaces remaining for the trip. Let Gavin or Lena know if you would like to go.

Rescheduling New Orleans changed a few other youth events like our Lake Trip in early August which is still TBD. (Our High School trip to New York July 13-18 has remained the same.)

We hope you are having a great summer!

Wacky Wednesdays: July 20 - Shaving Cream Bubble July 27 - Missions Baseball Game

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MINISTRY

“God Sightings”

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HALLETA HEINRICH Director of Family Ministries halletah@cecsa.org

ach day during VBS last month, children were asked to bring “God Sightings” to the closing gathering.

The children shared their “God Sightings” of how they saw God working in our midst as we

experienced this wonderful week of faith, learning, fun, and friendship. I asked some of our VBS leaders to share their own “God Sightings” as they reflected back on VBS. Co-Director Lauren Vielock shared, “One of the precious little girls from Respite Care looked up at me with her big eyes, threw her hands up in the air, and said “God gives me HOPE!” Yes! He is our Hope!

Our Gathering Leader, Laura Nell Burton, saw God working in a mighty way each day as she led the children in worship. Her “God Sightings” include: “Looking out into a sea of kids filling the pews of the sanctuary saying the word “hope” in unison. In my car heading home on Thursday, drained physically but filled spiritually, knowing that those kids learned and know by heart

Bible verses from Jeremiah, Romans, James and Galatians. Seeing the tween helpers get excited and step up to leadership. Praying a prayer of healing, redemption, and renewal with Pat

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at

VBS

McAlpin, who really does hear the voice of God. She is just a real gift to these kids and CEC. Feeling the gentle breeze in the air in the Marketplace. We were blessed with wonderful weather. I just love that CEC VBS is outside. We need time to be in nature.”

Marketplace Director Jennifer Colglazier, shared her glimpses of God: “I found God each day in the Marketplace among our volunteers.

There was an outpouring of joy, love, and enthusiasm from each of the ladies at the craft booths. I was amazed that a basket full of supplies could be transformed into a fun and joy-filled activity.

They truly let their light shine!”

Our Recreation Director Virginia Peche shares: “I had a “God Sighting” every time I saw the children’s faces while playing outside and having fun with their friends. I also saw Him in the children’s faces while singing and dancing to the songs in the church and outside, especially in my own children. Luz and Jesus really enjoyed it and grew closer to God because of all the wonderful activities and opportunities to express themselves. Thanks to all of you for organizing such a wonderful program!”

Drama Director Ruth Berg shared this “God Sighting”: “When David Miller would transform himself into Joseph each morning. He successfully managed the children each day. Especially touching were the times he led the groups in prayer as Joseph.” I want to “ditto” what Ruth has said about our Joseph. As Co-Drama Director, I also witnessed the transformation of David into Joseph, knowing how committed he was to helping the children grow in faith. He spent many hours each evening preparing for his role, knowing

this message of Hope was something each child needed. I too was touched by the sensitivity of David’s prayers each day for the children. David is mature beyond his years. (He’s 12-years-old!) I think Ruth agrees that David Miller was the real Drama Director!

My other “God Sightings”: Looking into the big, beautiful blue eyes of Cab Beever and knowing he knows Jesus and says his name with a big smile. Seeing one of our sweet teen helpers lovingly cradling a precious three-year-old girl.

Observing the Body of Christ in action here through the unselfish and gracious sharing of our many adult and teen volunteers of their time, energy, and talent with our children, their friends, James Madison kids, and Respite Care children. And last, but not least, seeing Amy Case and Lauren Vielock, our VBS Directors, joyfully and lovingly carry out their very important leadership roles. Amy has been so faithful for the last several years through thick and thin in her support of Christ Church and me. Thank you Amy! Lauren was one of “my kids” who grew up at Christ Church and now has her own kids.

How wonderful to see a new generation taking on leadership roles here at our beloved church. Thanks, Lauren! God was truly here in a special way during VBS! Love in Christ,

Halleta P. S. Mark Your Calendars Now for VBS 2017 June 5 – 8 with “Rome – Paul and the Underground Church.” We are going to Rome! How exciting!

Family Ministry...

“Unless

the

Lord

builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”

Psalm 127:1 Rally Day Schedule Sunday, August 21 10 AM Rally Day Celebration Service including “Blessing of the Backpacks”

11 AM Rally Day Open House

including fun building activities for kids

12 PM Rally Day Picnic on the church lawns including fried chicken

We are Building Upon A Strong Foundation – JESUS

W

e will celebrate the beginning of the fall Sunday School year on Sunday, August 21 with a Rally Day Service, Open House, and All Parish Picnic. We will join together at one service at 10 AM to celebrate the beginning of the fall Sunday School year. Our annual “Blessing of the Backpacks“ will take place at the Rally Day Service to help start the school year off right. All students and teachers will be blessed as they begin the new school year.

Open House with rotations to the three areas of Christian formation – Children, Youth and Adult, will occur from 11 AM to 12 PM. Patrick has chosen Psalm 127:1 - “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” as this year’s theme as we make sure our education programs help all of us to build “our house” (ourselves, our homes, and our church) on a strong foundation centered in Christ our Lord. There will be some fun building activities for the kids reinforcing our theme during Open House time.

The All Parish Picnic will take place immediately following the Open House at 12 noon on the church lawns so we can enjoy fellowship together as a church family. A great fried chicken lunch will be served.

Bricks Academy Sunday, August 21 11 - 11:50 AM for kids ages 3-years to 5th-grade During our Rally Day Open House, children will have an opportunity to build with Legos at the “Bricks Academy.” RSVP by August 15 to Halleta with names and ages of participants - halletah@cecsa.org.

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Sunday School’s

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here is a full program for Sunday morning adult formation in place for the summer and fall.

Programs for parents and for the 20s-30s40s are detailed BRIEN KOEHLER elsewhere.

For Associate Rector Christ Church for Mission and members of all Formation ages and interests, brienk@cecsa.org these offerings are available for you at 10 AM Sunday mornings: July: God

vs.

Pop

Stephen Archer reprises his very popular series from last summer.

Classes will focus on one well-known pop song, and compare the content of the lyrics to the teaching of the Church through Scripture. Sometimes the song

t’s been an exciting summer so far for the kitchen ministry.

Kitchen manager E l i z a b e t h Martinez and Ferne Burney have been cooking up delicious recipes during the summer and can’t wait to share these wonderful meals with our congregation.

Ferne has attended cooking school in Italy and seminars with meals provided

by Southern Living magazine in Charleston, so get ready!

In June, the Youth Ministry held a silent auction. Elizabeth Martinez donated five meals to be delivered. Elizabeth also donated two cooking lessons.

Elizabeth and Ferne demonstrated two delicious meals to the winner of

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Session

and the Bible are on the same page, other times not so much!

August to Mid-September: Weekly Bible Study discussion Scott Rose and Marthe Curry facilitate a discussion of the parish Bible Study for those unable to be part of the study groups during the weekdays. The discussion is centered on the weekly Bible study guide prepared by the clergy of Christ Church. The summer topic is “Praying with Paul,” and the content is drawn from the prayers of St. Paul as found in his writings.

Mid-September through October: Where did this come from?

Dr. Duane Miller will present a series of classes looking at where we got it all: how was the Bible formed? And where did the Creed come from? Dr. Miller will take us back to the days of the Apostles and the first four centuries of the church’s life and mission. The age

From

I

in

the

of councils and controversies provide the backdrop for the formation of the New Testament and the Nicene Creed.

If you want to know where we get all “this,” this class is the place for you.

Fall Parenting Class: Love and Logic This fall the acclaimed parenting series “Love and Logic” will be offered for parents and grandparents of children of all ages. Love and Logic is a way of working with children that puts parents and teachers back in control, teaches children to be responsible, and prepares young people to live in the real world, with its many choices and consequences. Specific age level “Love and Logic” books for parents of infants through teenagers will be available. Relevant Bible teachings will be included each Sunday as part of the class. The class will be facilitated by various parents and counselors.

Christ Church Kitchen cooking lessons: all fun!

The Kitchen Ministry is recruiting a couple of groups to volunteer on Sunday mornings for breakfast, Wednesday evenings for dinner, and for special events. A group of high school girls can volunteer for one Sunday of the month, and a g r o u p of high school boys can volunteer another Sunday, once a month. A group of men can take another Sunday morning, again just once a month.

The Kitchen Ministry is also recruiting groups for the

Wednesday evening dinners. The groups can arrive early on Wednesday afternoon to prep or setup or stay to serve dinner. Each group will host one Wednesday of the month.

The individual groups for the Sunday breakfasts and Wednesday dinners will start in September and go until midMay, taking a break during the winter holidays.

Please contact Elizabeth Martinez at elizabethm@ cecsa.org or (210)7363132, Ferne Burney at ferneburney@hotmail. com, or Logan Ames at lbames@sbcglobal. net if you would like to volunteer.

In August, there will be a volunteer class (Date & time TBD). The class will cover food safety. It is free of charge and lunch will be provided.

Our Church Life..

PAGE TURNERS – From

O

n the night of November 14, 1940, the German Luftwaffe, in an operation incongruously named “Moonlight Sonata,” firebombed the West Midlands industrial city of Coventry.

Totally gutted and incinerated was the 11th century Cathedral of St. Michael.

During that single night of bombing, and there would be others, 220 fires burned uncontrollably, 4,300 homes were destroyed, two-thirds of the businesses obliterated, 863 persons were badly injured, 393 suffered lesser injuries, and 568 citizens were killed. Walking amongst the rubble of the city and amidst the brokenhearted laments of the people, the Provost of the cathedral took up two ancient, smoldering timbers, nailed them together with gnarled medieval nails, and propped the forlorn cross in the hallowed space where the once magnificent chancel stood. In a simple statement, he declared this cathedral would stand as a sign of hope and not of despair.

That mighty legend has long informed my Christian walk and drew me to Coventry some years ago. The new glassed-in Cathedral of St. Michael looks out upon the bombed-out shell of the cathedral that was left as it was after the 1940 bombing. From those ashes was begun the Community of the Cross of Nails, which led the ministry of reconciliation with Germany after WWII. The Community continues in that mission. That story is what led me to read the exacting new history, Coventry, by Frederick Taylor. The author, a firstrate researcher, does not linger over the emotional content associated with the Luftwaffe’s relentless campaign against Coventry. However, the reader will be taken to a much deeper understanding of Hitler and the Third Reich’s goals and operations that directed their drive for international supremacy. Also, the reader will more fully grasp the lonely desperation of Britain before the United States entered the war in December 1941.

the

Rector’s Book Stack

If you make the pilgrimage to Coventry, as I have done twice, you will be arrested by the massive sculpture of the Archangel Michael that greets you outside the entrance to the cathedral.

Looking more closely at the base of the statue, you will see that Michael’s foot is on the neck of the devil (Revelation 12:7-12). Christ will throw evil down, yet not by violence, but by the reconciling power of his sacrificial love.

Kay and her sister Anita never missed an episode of Little House on the Prairie, with its saccharin sweet depiction of the wild American frontier.

Frankly, I was less drawn to Michael Landon and his earnest, hardworking family and more to Clint Eastwood and his hardtack, hard-living gunslingers.

Thus, you can imagine how surprised Kay was when I opened Laura Ingalls Wilder’s first memoir, Little House in the Big Woods. Written in 1932 when Wilder was 65, the memoir reveals the author’s earliest memories of growing up in the foreboding Wisconsin forest of the late 19th century. Written in clear, almost stark, prose, the book is, nevertheless, beautifully and fearfully descriptive of hard frontier life. I liked Wilder’s work for the same reason I was drawn to Ralph Moody’s Little Britches series. Faith, thrift, honesty, and perseverance pervade these volumes, such that they are excellent and most entertaining primers to share with our children and grandchildren. Wilder’s tales are not, alas, saccharin sweet, but the hardscrabble truth of our past.

“Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves,” so writes James, the brother of Jesus, to the delight of many and the disdain of others.

The great Martin Luther so distrusted James’s Epistle in

the New Testament that he decried it as “an epistle of straw.” Luther and others decidedly felt James had grossly departed from the inspired message of Paul, whose constant mantra is that we are “saved by faith.” George Stulac, however, in his clear and penetrating book, James, published in the Inter Varsity Press Biblical Commentary Series, dismisses the tension between James and Paul. Stulac, longtime Pastor at Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, carefully explains that James is writing well before Paul, and James’s letter is an exigent appeal to those Jewish Christians who first fled from Jerusalem after the mob execution of Stephen (Acts 7:54-8:3). James, who will be executed himself in due course, appeals to this neophyte diaspora of persecuted Jewish Christians to act in accord with Jesus’ teachings offered from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:28). He exhorts them to “be doers of the word” no matter how bad it gets. Living now amidst fleeing Christians from Syria and Iraq, we get an all too poignant picture of James’ world. At the same time, as Christians are subtly and ever more openly marginalized and attacked in our own modern western world, we, too, must be faithful to act differently than our persecutors.

I used this volume when team-teaching the Letter of James at Tri-Point this spring with Pastor Les Hollon. I look forward to studying Stulac’s work again, when I prepare Bible studies for our own fellowship from October 2 – November 20. Stulac’s work won Christianity Today Critics’ Choice Award.

“Do your homework, love your audience, and be yourself,” is the concluding lesson in the remarkable new book, Strong and Weak: Embracing a Life of Love, Risk & True Flourishing,

by Andy Crouch.

This small 5 ½ X 7 ½ sized, 186-page volume is really a nitro-glycerin dose

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Our Church Life... of leadership instruction. The thesis of Crouch’s book is that we cannot truly lead others unless we, too, become vulnerable. Furthermore, we become vulnerable because we love those we lead and, therefore, risk trusting them.

Crouch, of course, did not invent this only authentic avenue of leadership.

He received it, as we have, from Jesus Christ, which is poignantly reflected in Paul’s words in Philippians: Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process.

He didn’t claim special privileges.

Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion. 2:5-8, The Message

I needed to read this book for the sake of those whom I lead, but I also realized that I needed to read it for myself, for the book begins with these two biting questions, “What are we meant to be?

And “Why are we so far from what we’re meant to be?” I want to be more.

And you?

“Think of yourself as a mansion,” is an image Ronald Rolheiser paints for the reader in his book, Sacred Fire. Reflecting on a fellow priest’s story, Rolheiser, the distinguished President of the Oblate Renewal Center here in San Antonio, invites each one of us to look at ourselves as a thirty-room mansion. Most of us give a portion of our rooms to God, yet hold back three, ten, or more for ourselves. What would happen if we gave all thirty to God? We would finally become fully human, fully alive.

Mary Parker gave me this groundbreaking book several months ago. I say “groundbreaking” on purpose because Rolheiser’s deep, clear, probing insights have drilled right through me and terribly shaken the foundation of my own “mansion.” “Lord, I am keeping too many, far too many rooms for myself, and I sometimes just wander aimlessly from one to the other.” Rolheiser’s cure for me and for you is to get serious about discipleship.

Sounding somewhat like the esteemed psychologist Jean Piaget (d.1980), Rolheiser explains Three Stages of Discipleship: 1. Essential Discipleship – the struggle to get our lives together 2. Mature Discipleship – the struggle to give our lives away 3. Radical Discipleship – the struggle to give our deaths away Just listing those three stages lets me know how mired I am in #2. Only by the grace of Christ, who promises “to prepare my way,” will I arrive where I belong (John 14:2).

SOCIETY

Remembering

the

Wrays

W

hat follows is an interview with Betty Venson who shares some reflections on her parents, George and Betsy Wray. The Wrays were long-time, active members of Christ Church who were generous to the church during their lifetime and in their death. Betsy passed away in October of 2015.

Editor: What are some of your early memories of your parents at Christ Church?

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Betty Venson: My father grew up in Christ Church as a little boy but my parents were members of the Methodist Church for most of their married life.

They joined Christ Church some time in the 80’s because they liked Ted Schroder’s preaching and they wanted

to be near their grandchildren (our three kids). My brother did not have children until later.

They quickly became involved in many aspects of Christ Church life including Sunday School, Bible Study, etc. Both of my parents served on the Vestry at different times, and Daddy became Senior Warden the year either before or after I did which was kind of special.

When my father died suddenly in 1995, my daughter Katie was the crucifer at his funeral (think she was about fourteen). This was such a difficult time for my mother -- she was just about my age now when she became a widow and six weeks later, her own mother died too. We held that funeral at CEC also.

I will never forget Daddy’s funeral and still have the cassette tape that was

Great Commission Society...

Wrays

made of the service.

Editor: I did not know your father, but stories – both serious and humorous – abound. What was his strongest connection to Christ Church?

Betty Venson: Daddy’s strongest connection was to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ before any loyalty to a denomination. I think he loved Christ Church but his first priority was serving God and emulating Psalm 15 which he declared his mission statement. We had this psalm inscribed on his tomb stone. Some of the key verses which remind me of him included: “Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?/ Who may live on your holy hill?/ He whose walk is blameless/ and who does what is righteous,/who speaks the truth from his heart/and has no slander on his tongue...” (Psalm 15:1-3) Editor: Also, I’ve heard of his great love of the Bible and his generous support of Bible Study Fellowship. Can you tell us more about that aspect of his life?

Betty Venson: My father gave his life to the Lord at a Laity Lodge retreat in 1972. The whole focus of his life

cont’d

changed radically then. Both he and my mother attended Bible Study Fellowship classes which grounded them in the knowledge of God and His plans for their lives. Daddy had a one-tenth interest in a beautiful piece of property out Blanco Road. There was nothing there at that time.

BSF was headquartered in Oakland, California and needed more space but the cost of land in California was prohibitive. Somehow, someway they got the idea to offer it to BSF for a new headquarters. For many years, their gift was an anonymous one until several years ago, the main street through the property was renamed Wray Way in their honor. At that time, their gift became public.

her faith or the goodness of her Lord when my father died at such a young age and only six months after a horrible accident from which he recovered so successfully. I appreciated that the leadership did not forget her when she was so infirm and incapacitated.

When I was a child, I remember my father’s sole focus was the insurance business or so I thought. We were not allowed to call him at work because he was so busy.

He was a kind man but very stern and serious. After he became a Christian, he quietly helped hundreds of people and causes financially. His demeanor became softer and more open. He started a Bible Study for the people he worked with and to this day, that Bible Study continues at the office. (My husband and my brother were some of his partners.)

Editor: Your mother blessed Christ Church yet again at her death with a most generous bequest. What do you think motivated her advanced planning in making such a gracious gift?

Editor: Until your mother became ill, she was always in the pews for worship on Sundays and surrounded by a bevy of friends. To what was she most devoted at Christ Church?

Betty Venson: I believe she felt very much at home at Christ Church and drew strength and support from her many friends there, especially after Daddy died. Really Christ Church was the source of most of her social life and she looked forward to sitting with her buddies in the pews and at the Bible Studies. But ultimately, she loved Christ Church because the worship and teaching fed her and drew her closer to her God. I never saw her question

Editor: How did your mother and father’s devotion to our parish affect your own life and ministry at Christ Church?

Betty Venson: I think my parents were good role models in many ways. I followed their example by encouraging my children to be active participants in the church. I also wanted them to see that our faith was living and real. My father, especially, was very generous with his time, talents and treasure, and Mike and I are both very sensitive to being generous now rather than waiting until we die.

Betty Venson: I believe that she was always extremely grateful that Daddy’s financial planning allowed her to have such a comfortable life even after he was gone. I know that she loved the church and wanted to give something back for f u t u r e generations.

My brother and I were very pleased about her bequest and hope that the money will be put to good use for the future.

Editor’s Note: The entirety of the Wray family’s bequest was placed in the Permanent Building and Grounds Endowment, to help insure the stability and beauty of the church Betsy so loved in perpetuity.

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OF EVENTS Christ Church Staff: July 7:

Women’s Summer Bible Study, 10 AM in the Parish Hall

July 12 -19:

Mission Trip to Honduras

July 13 - 18:

High School Mission Trip to New York

July 14:

Women’s Summer Bible Study, 10 AM in the Parish Hall

July 17: Continental Breakfast only until August 28 Noisy Offering & Food Pantry Offering, 9 & 11 AM

3rd Sunday Lunch Bunch at Order Up, 12:30 PM

The Rev. Patrick Gahan, Rector patrickg@cecsa.org The Rev. Scott Kitayama, Associate Rector, scottk@cecsa.org The Rev. Brien Koehler, Associate Rector for Mission and Formation, brienk@cecsa.org

July 18:

Vestry Meeting, 5 PM

The Rev. Rob Harris, Assistant Rector for Community Formation, robh@cecsa.org

July 28 - 31:

Short FUSE Mission Trip to Waco

Carol Miller, Pastoral Care Administrator, carolm@cecsa.org

July 20:

Wacky Wednesday for Youth - Shaving Cream Bubble

July 21:

Women’s Summer Bible Study, 10 AM in the Parish Hall

July 27:

Wacky Wednesday for Youth - Missions Baseball Game

July 28:

Women’s Summer Bible Study, 10 AM in the Parish Hall

July 29 - August 3: Rescheduled Junior High Mission Trip to New Orleans July 31:

Next opportunity for Baptism

August 1:

CEC Kitchen closes for annual maintenance

August 14:

Noisy Offering & Food Pantry Offering, 9 & 11 AM

August 15:

Submission deadline for the September issue of The Message

August 21:

Rally Day Service & Blessing of the Backpacks, 10 AM, Rally Day Open House 11 AM Parish Picnic 12 PM

August 26 & 27: Pathways to Hope, a community-wide conference on

mental health, at the Tobin Center, www.pathwaystohope.net August 28:

Fall Summer Sunday School Begins, 10 AM

September 5:

Labor Day, Church Offices closed

September 23 - 25: Family Camp at Camp Capers

To have your CEC event added to the Church Calendar please submit a CALENDAR REQUEST All church related activities, events, meetings, etc. MUST have a Calendar Request form submitted to the church receptionist, Donnis Carpenter. EVEN events that take place off-campus must be submitted in order to be added to the church’s master calendar. Submission forms can be found on the Lucite racks outside the reception office.

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Halleta Heinrich, Director of Family Ministry, halletah@cecsa.org Lily Fenton, Nursery Director lilyf@cecsa.org Gavin Rogers, Youth Minister gavinr@cecsa.org Joshua Benninger, Music Minister & Organist, joshb@cecsa.org Ruth Berg, Director of Children’s Music, ruthb@cecsa.org Robert Hanley, Parish Administrator parishadmin@cecsa.org Darla Nelson, Office Manager darlan@cecsa.org Donna Shreve, Financial Manager donnas@cecsa.org Gretchen Comuzzi Duggan, Director of Communications, gretchend@cecsa.org Anna Jewell, Executive Assistant to the Rector, annaj@cecsa.org Donnis Carpenter, Receptionist donnisc@cecsa.org Elizabeth Martinez, Kitchen Manager elizabethm@cecsa.org Robert Vallejo, Facilities Manager robertv@cecsa.org Rudy Segovia, Hospitality Manager rudys@cecsa.org Joe Garcia, Sexton joeg@cecsa.org

ALBUM

15

Some of our Jr. High Youth helping feed the homeless with “Taking it to the Streets�

The Message (USPS 471-710) is published bi-monthly by Christ Episcopal Church, 510 Belknap Place, San Antonio, TX 78212. Periodical postage paid in San Antonio, TX. Postmaster: Please send address changes to Christ Episcopal Church, 510 Belknap Place, San Antonio, TX 78212. Volume 18, Number 4.

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