The Message July 2011

August 2011 • Volume 13, Number 4 March 1, 2011 • Volume 13, Number 2

Children’s Ministry, 3-5, 8 Parish Life, 6 Church Life, 10 Calendar of Events, 11

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In this issue: Children’s Ministry....... 3-5, 8 Parish Life.............................. 6 Family Ministry..................... 7 News from the Diocese........ 8 From the Kitchen.................. 9 Church Life..........................10 Calendar of Events.............11

Cover photo by Susanna Kitayama, VBS, June 2011.

Sunday Service Times: 8:00 AM Spoken Communion Service 9:15 AM Adult/Youth/ Children Sunday school 10:15 AM Communion Service with music 6:00 PM Spoken Communion Service

The Long Haul The detective novels that I read from time to time remind me that most police work has little to do with exciting car chases, exploding buildings, and prolonged gunfights. Most of it is quiet routine, reading reports, pounding the pavement, asking questions, sifting through endless details. It’s more like Law and Order than one of the Die Hard movies. In one of my novels I came across a great line: “No one unwilling to be bored has ever achieved anything grand.”

take place when they give their lives to the Lord, the breathtaking joy they find in Scripture and Sacrament, the new sisters and brothers Bill Frey they accumu- Bishop Interim Rector late, and their plusbill@aol.com fresh vision of the dramatic struggle against the world, the flesh, and the Devil.

But I often wonder if we prepare them adequately for the long haul – the discipline of devotion, the fact that growth is difficult (not to mention dangerous) to measure. Just putting one foot in front of another over and over again isn’t very dramatic or exciting.

One of the most haunting phrases that Jesus ever uttered comes in the context of sending the disciples out as “sheep among wolves.”

“The one who endures to the end will be saved,” he says.

And an old hymn to the Holy Spirit prays: “Breathe on me, Breath of God, until my heart is pure, until with thee I will one will, to do or to endure.”

That would make a good motto for Christians. Not that the Christian faith is boring – anything but. However, let’s face it, most of our lives as Christians looks pretty humdrum. It’s not like a Wagnerian opera punctuated by bolts of lightening and crashes of thunder with stirring martial music playing in the background. Add to all this the fact that Jesus told us to practice our piety in secret (our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving – see Matthew 6:1-18) and some might say it looks boring. New Christians are usually excited In one sense, our discipleby the immediacy of it all ship is much like marriage.

– the wonderful changes that continued on p. 10..

Christ Episcopal Church 510 Belknap Place San Antonio, TX 78212

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

MINIstrY “The Princess and the Pop Star” Two girls – two dreams and a lesson in being yourself Sunday, September 4 9:15 – 10:45 AM FMC movie theater rm 302 Children of all ages are invited to see the latest Veggie Tales movie, “The Princess and the Pop Star”, Sunday, September 4 from 9:15 – 10:45 AM in the Family Ministry Center Movie Theater room 302. The movie is based on the classic “The Prince and the Pauper”, but done with Veggie Tales humor along with Biblical teaching. Princess Poppyseed’s life on the family farm is far from the glamorous but lonely world of her favorite pop singer, Vanna Banana. On a chance meeting at a playground, Vanna and Princess cross paths and discover they look almost exactly alike which leads to a crazy plan to switch lives.

As each girl realizes that the new life they longed for doesn’t fulfill their dreams, they learn the life God gave to them is the one for which they were uniquely and lovVBS 2011 Photo by Susanna Kitayama

ingly designed. Children will be brought into the 10:15 service to join parents at the conclusion of the movie.

Growing Up At Christ Church Sunday School and Chapel News Fall Sunday School Begins Sunday, September 11 Dear Parish Family, I believe growing up at Christ Church is such a blessing. My two grown children grew up here when I was called to Children’s Ministry here and continue to have very fond memories of this dear old church. It was a safe place for them, a second home where they knew they were loved by their church family and Jesus. I love this church. I didn’t grow up here, but knew from the beginning twenty three years ago, that it was a place with a good heart centered in Christ due to those who had gone on long before me and those who were still in leadership.

I also love this church because it has always made ministry to children a first priority

following the command of Jesus to “let the little children come” to Him because of such is His kingdom.

Halleta I pray those Heinrich of you with Director of children and Children’s Ministry grandchildren halletah@ will do whatcecsa.org ever you can to bring your children to Sunday School and church here as often as possible. Over the last many years, I have had the privilege of seeing a generation grow up here. I have seen what an actual difference it makes in the lives of most children to attend church and Sunday School on a regular basis. There is so much love put into what we do here for the children.

Don’t let them miss out We have wonderfully committed men and women in leadership in Children’s Ministry who are called to present Jesus to our children each week.

I pray your children will be able to reap the benefits of that love

continued on p. 4..

Children’s Ministry continued... that is so graciously given here. Children’s Ministry has always been a first priority at Christ Church.

I pray you will also make it a priority in your life and that of your children.

What we offer has eternal significance. The following are some reflections on what it is we offer our children as they grow up at Christ Church.

With Gratitude and Love In Christ, Halleta Heinrich – Director of Children’s Ministry Pre School Sunday School Catechesis of the Good Shepherd For Children 3 Years Kindergarten Level I Atrium Classrooms 201 and 204 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was once called by a dear former Rector “The Cadillac of Children’s Sunday School.” I came back from training and told him “No, it’s the Rolls Royce of Children’s Sunday School programs!” It’s the only program I have been exposed to that combines Christ and Bible centeredness with an understanding and relatedness to our sacramental and

VBS 2011 Photos by Susanna Kitayama

liturgical way of doing things in the Episcopal Church. It respects the innate spirituality of children and their ability to understand deep spiritual concepts. The Word, Jesus and the written Word of scripture, are central. The foundation of God’s great and unconditional love for each child is laid through the cornerstone of teachings from John of Jesus as the Good Shepherd along with Biblical teachings on the life of Jesus and his teachings in the parables. The children learn to walk through the life of Jesus by celebrations and teachings on the Church Year. They learn about God’s love for them through teachings on Baptism and Holy Communion. All of this is done in a childfriendly, hands on environment which we call the Atrium. Lead Teachers: Rebecca Facile, Lily Fenton, and Tyler Holmes First and Second Grade Sunday School Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level II Level II Atrium Room 208

The second level of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd builds upon the foundation of God’s unconditional love presented in Level I for preschoolers. The children in first and second grade are learning to read and write and becoming more social, so these new developments affect the second level. Children work in groups building community with each other.

The True Vine parable from John is the cornerstone of Level II. Children live into the teaching that Jesus is the vine and we are the branches abiding in Him in order to live, thrive, and bear fruit in our lives. The children prepare worship for Prayer Table time, learn the books of the Bible, continue to learn more about the historical life of Jesus and His teachings.

They learn from the beginning about God’s plan of salvation through Christ and refer to this often as a reference to all other teachings.

Because the children are now well aware of God’s great love for them, they are ready to learn about his laws which are given out

Children’s Nursery: of love. They learn that God’s who participates in Sunday ultimate act of love is the gift School graduates from ChilFamily Ministry Center (FMC) dren’s Ministry of himself through from 8:45 - 11:45 AM Jesus Christ. Teachwith a comfortInfants-12 months: 104 & 105 able working ings on the sacraToddlers & Two’s: 106 knowledge of ments of Baptism Children’s Ministry Sunday the Bible. A difand Holy CommuSchedule: ferent book of nion are expanded the Bible is stud- 10:15 - 10:45 AM: Children’s as a foundation ied each year for the children’s Chapel for three year olds with cross refer- through kindergarten, rm 205 Communion Class ences to other offered to this age Elementary Chapel for 1st - 5th parts of the group in the Wingraders, second floor Children’s Bible. This year ter/Spring term.

Chapel the children will Lead Teachers: Chapel Children will be brought be led through Carmen Lewenthal, the Book of Acts into the church service to join Jennifer Rose, and parents for Communion at anas they learn Halleta Heinrich nouncement time. about the early Christian Church *Age and grade levels for classes and chapel as of Sept. 1, through the recordings of Village of God’s Children 2011. the Acts of the Apostles.

Upper Elementary Sunday Related fields trips, arts and School Sunday School Locations: crafts and outreach projects For Third, Fourth 9:00 - 10:10 AM related to the chapters of and Fifth Graders Acts will enrich the learning. Good Shepherd Sunday School Rooms 301, 302, and 303 Preschool 3 year olds - graduatLead Teachers: Mary Ellen ing kindergarteners: rooms 201 and Stephen Archer A strong foundation has and 204, Level I Atruim been laid by Catechesis of Children’s Chapel the Good Shepherd by the 1st and 2nd graders: room 208, Level II Atrium For 3 Year Olds through time our children reach the Fifth Graders upper elementary grades.

Village of God’s Children Second Floor Children’s Now it’s time to really learn 3rd, 4th, 5th graders gathering: Chapel how to use the Bible and room 302; small groups: rooms dig into it as the guiding 301, 302, 303 Children’s Chapel is a special light of our lives. The Vilplace at Christ Church where Questions? Contact Halleta lage of God’s Children Sunall ages of children gather to Heinrich at halletah@cecsa.org, day School is committed to 736-3132. worship God in a way suited the thorough education of to their age. An order of worour children in God’s Word while also supporting Biblical ship is followed each Sunday and modeled after the same learning with related hands order of worship followed on activities related to Bible by parents in the regular teachings. Our goal is to church service. Praise songs make sure that every child

Children’s Ministry continued on p. 8...

MINIstrY

Rally Day August 28 Come Have A Mountain Top Experience!

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news…”

Isaiah: 52:7 Rally Day and Potluck Parish Picnic On the Lawn Sunday, August 28 Following the 10:15 Service Come join your parish family as we celebrate the beginning of the fall Sunday School year with Rally Day and a Potluck Parish Picnic, Sunday, August 28 on the lawn following the 10:15 service. This year’s Rally Day theme comes from Isaiah 52:7 where God proclaims the beauty of those called to bring the Good News of victory through our Savior Jesus Christ. From the mountain the messenger of this greatest of all news can see the victory won by Christ in the battle below and proclaim this Good News to all. We at Christ Church are committed to climbing up this mountain of life and boldly speaking out the hope of victory in Jesus.

Christian Education offerings for children, youth, and adults will be represented at Rally Day along with mid week Bible Studies, Wednesday Evening Worship and

Studies, and other educational opportunities. Additional ministries such as Children’s and Adult Choirs and “Heart’s and Hands” Women of the Church will also be represented. Leaders in these ministries will be seated at Rally Day information and registration tables where you will have an opportunity to learn about these ministries and sign up to be part of them.

ant mountain to climb suitable for children 7 years old through adults. Expert supervision will be present to insure safety. There will be a “little mountain slide” and bouncer for preschoolers through 6 year olds. A mountain stream fishing pond will be available with prizes to catch at the end of fishing poles and face painting and even “beautiful feet” painting to add to the fun.

Our Parish Potluck Picnic will coincide on the lawn with Rally Day. A “Mountain Picnic Style” main dish of fried chicken and drinks will be provided by the church.

Bring a picnic blanket if you want to lunch on the lawn.

Seating will be available also.

Our parish family is asked to provide the sides. Make sure they can be served cold or at room temperature. Drop off your potluck contribution to the kitchen before the 10:15 service. Women of Hearts and Hands will receive your dishes and put them out for serving.

Don’t miss this opportunity to start the fall off right fellowshipping with your church family!

Last Name Beginning A - J – Bring Side Dish/Salad Last Name Beginning K - T – Bring Dessert Last Name Beginning U - Z – Bring Breads/Rolls There will be plenty of fun activities at our Rally Day/Picnic including a gi-

“Blessing of the Backpacks” Rally Day Sunday, August 28 During 10:15 Service All students from preschool up should bring their backpacks to be blessed Rally Day Sunday, August 28, during the 10:15 service. Backpacks are symbols of the educational journey of all of our students. Students as well as all teachers and Sunday School teachers will be called forward in the service during announcement time for a special blessing to begin the educational year. Students will receive a token to attach to their backpack which helps them proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world.

MINIstrY

VBS 2011 - Thank You

Heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who volunteered their time and talents at our Vacation Bible School 2011 – “Hometown Nazareth, Where Jesus Was a Kid.” In a joint ministry with St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, over 70 adults and teens served more than 130 children during this five day adventure.

The kids began their day in song and worship in the sanctuary with their enthusiastic celebration leader Jill Cooper. Next, the kids went to their small groups, called “Hometown Huddles,” where 14 dedicated women taught the children their daily Bible verse and key learning points in a very fun and meaningful way. During the next two hours, the kids rotated through four stations.

“Mary’s House”, under the direction of the talented Sandy Wood, was a daily drama where the kids learned all about Jesus from his mother Mary (played by Ellen Reynolds) and her nosy neighbor Eunice (played by Aria VBS 2011 Photos by Susanna Kitayama

Lopez). The kids loved the surprises waiting for them in Mary’s House every day.

Next they traveled to “Fun & Games,” under the wonderful leadership of Gretchen Duggan, where the kids moved their bodies and competed in Bible-times games and adventures. The next station, “Anna’s House,” was a wonderful respite for the children. Staffed by about 15 women of Christ Church with the help of Barbara Barrett and Barbara Frey – the kids pretended they were in Jesus’s grandmother’s house where their daily Bible points were reinforced as they quietly and thoughtfully created art projects. Finally, the kids went to “Marketplace” where they could use their “money” to buy and create historically relevant crafts, food, and objects of interest. Renee Sethness’s food booth was a favorite for the kids!

Patricia McAlpine’s prayer station was a tremendous addition to the Marketplace.

What a beautiful site to watch child after child (and adults, too!) take a moment away from their busy schedules to voice their joys and concerns to Pat who would lead them in prayer. Bishop Frey, John Barrett and

Scott Kitayama provided a meaningful closing message for the kids each day before they left. Special thanks, also, to Duane Miller, our missionary in Nazareth who taught the kids all about the real Nazareth in an age-appropriate and very engaging manner. Many, many more people helped – our amazing Director of Children’s Ministry, Halleta Heinrich, our fabulous kitchen crew (where the kids baked bread every day!), our fantastic photographer and filmmaker Susanna Kitayama, our very helpful sextons, and the list goes on and on. What a blessing this ministry was to all involved.

We are already planning and looking forward to VBS 2012 – June 18-22!!

ews

FroM the DIocese

Cursillo #254: October 13-16, at Mustang Island Conference Center, Cursillo #254, led by lay rector Elizabeth Neally, St. Andrew’s, Port Isabel; Spiritual Director the Rev. Richard Speer, Grace, Weslaco; and assistant Spiritual Directors Tom Turner, Advent, Alice, and Robert McAllen, Epiphany, Kingsville.

Family Camp: Space is still available for Family Camp at Mustang Island for Labor Day Weekend – Sept. 2 - 5.

Father-Son Retreat: Friday through Sunday, September 9-11, the annual Father-Son Retreat will be held at Camp Capers. The retreat is for sons ages 6-18 and their dads or other male figures in their lives.

Mother Daughter Retreat: Friday through Sunday, September 23-25, the annual Mother Daughter Retreat will be held at Camp Capers. This retreat is for daughters ages 6-18 and their moms or other women figures in their lives.

The fall Bishop’s Golf Classic will be held Friday, November 4, at Canyon Springs Golf Club in San Antonio again this year. Online registration will be available in August, but mark your calendars now.

For more information visit www.dwtx.org or call 824-5387

Children’s Ministry continued... are sung, prayers are lifted up, and interactive sermons are presented based on the lectionary gospel lesson and seasonal celebrations of the year. Junior Acolytes composed of older elementary age children help lead the service as well as adult Chapel Leaders. Chapel is a happy gathering where children learn to feel comfortable with and value the Anglican tradition of worship.

Children join parents in the church for Holy Communion at announcement time.

Children’s Special Events We love to have parties for

Jesus here at Christ Church all year long as we celebrate his life as part of the seasons of the Church Year. From the Family Advent Event to the Christmas Pageant, from the Epiphany Celebration to the Easter Egg Hunt and the All Saints Celebration, we party a lot. It is party with a purpose as the life of Jesus is the center of each event.

Special Events Coordinators: Gretchen Duggan and Dee Dee Boone We welcome all Christ Church members to participate in Children’s Ministry.

We always need more Sunday School teachers, Chapel leaders, and Special Events Team members. Please contact Halleta at the church if you want to volunteer or sign up on Rally Day, August 28.

Kitchen FroMthe

Meatloaf with Christ Church Vegetables 10 serving 2 Tbs. Worcestershire 1 egg 2 tsp. seasoned salt 1 C oats ½ tsp. pepper Ÿ C onions 2 lb ground beef 1/3 C ketchup milk 1.

2.

3.

4.

Beat egg, stir in remaining ingredients Add beef, mix.

Pat mixture in loaf shape.

Bake 325 for about 1 hour.

Vegetable sauce for 25 lb of meat 10 lb tomato sauce 8 green peppers 10 lb tomatoes 2 bunches celery 10 lb potatoes 15 large onions 7 bunches carrots garlic Mix ingredients in a large pot in medium heat. Once carrots are soft and tender, remove from heat. Pour over slice meatloaf.

churchlIF e Wednesday Night Fellowship for Family & Friends Every Wednesday this Fall! This Summer we had a wonderful turn out for our “First Wednesday” worship services, dinners and lectures. Beginning Wed., Sept.

14, we hope that you will make Wednesday evenings at Christ Church part of your family’s weekly routine. Every Wednesday night will include a family-friendly worship service with music and the Eucharist, a scrumptious dinner by Elizabeth Martinez, followed by our Fall study offering, The Blessing.

Childcare as well as wonderful corresponding children’s ministry and youth programs

will be offered as well. The Wednesday night schedule is as follows: 5:30 PM Worship Service with music and Eucharist 6:00 PM Dinner (Parish Hall) 6:30 – 7:30 PM The Blessing Study The Blessing Study Starts September 14 – Five Steps to Finding & Sharing Genuine Acceptance Wed., Sept.

14 we will begin a study for all ages and places in life centered on the critically acclaimed book The Blessing by Gary Smalley and John Trent.

We all have a powerful need for unconditional love and approval. In a world awash with insecurity and in search

of acceptance, The Blessing examines God’s word and his principles and offers practical methods for hope and healing. Parents and grandparents can apply these principles in blessing their children, husbands can apply these principles in blessing their wives, friendships can be deepened and strengthened, and when applied in the church family The Blessing can bring warmth, healing and hope to the congregation. We hope that you will be a part of this wonderful study, and bring a friend!

Registration details are coming soon!

From our Interim Rector continued...

You’ll recall that when a couple stands before the altar, we extract a promise from them that’s worded in the future tense, “I will.” Not Hollywood’s “I do.” We know they do; that’s why they’re there, but marriage won’t last very long unless they will. Only when the going gets tough and married life settles into something of a routine can its true quality can be measured.

But appearances can be deceiving. Looked at from another angle, this long-term daily faithfulness of a follower of Jesus in apparently 10

unremarkable circumstances is one of the most exciting things that can be imagined.

Though it may not look like it, in reality it’s a fierce battle being waged against boredom and despair. What makes its appearance deceiving is that it’s being waged in super slow motion.

Endurance is anything but boring. It’s simply the living out of our original intentions over a long period of time.

And its being done without a visible audience.

The Bible was written in an agrarian culture, for

people who danced to the rhythms of the earth. They understood that soil must be prepared, seed sown, and extreme patience exercised in waiting for the crop to mature. Our instant culture – instant communication, instant food, instant gratification of all our desires – makes it hard for us to comprehend the slower rhythms of reality. We long for people to be sincere. Nothing wrong with that. But sincerity can be measured in a moment.

Endurance is the discipline of a lifetime.

Every culture needs its hero-

alender oF eVeNts

Aug 3: Last First Wednesday of the summer Aug 12-14: Disciple Now weekend for Youth Aug 28: Rally Day (Picnic & Blessing of the Backpacks) Sep 8: Woman’s Bible Study begins Sep 9-11: Father/Son retreat at Camp Capers Sep 14: Wednesday Night Fellowship for Family and Friends

begins and continues every Wednesday at 5:30 Sep 23-25: Mother/Daughter retreat to Camp Capers Nov 4: Bishop’s Golf Classic

Christ Church Ministry Staff: The Rt. Rev. Bill Frey, Interim Rector plusbill@aol.com 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 Halleta Heinrich, Director of Children’s Ministry, halletah@cecsa.org Dr. Owen Duggan, Music Minister, owend@cecsa.org Joshua Benninger, Organist, joshb@cecsa.org Ruth Berg, Director of Children’s Music, ruthaberg@gmail.com

Christ Church Support Staff: Darla Nelson, Office Mananger, darlan@cecsa.org Donna Shreve, Financial Manager, donnas@cecsa.org

ines and heroes, those people whom seem to be a bit larger than life. And, thank God, the Church has plenty of them. But don’t look for your heroes and heroines in the headlines of a Christian tabloid, breathing heavily after the conquest of some spiritual Everest. Rather look for those in whom we can see a lifetime of faithful endurance - often in the shadows - but never removed from the Light.

Bianca Leonard, Director of Communications, biancal@cecsa.org Anna Jewell, Executive Asst. to the Rector, annaj@cecsa.org Pat Wilson, Receptionist., patw@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

+ Bill Frey

VBS 2011 Photos by Susanna Kitayama

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Send submissions for The Message, website, email newsletter, and Sunday announcements to Bianca Leonard, phone: 210.736.3132, fax 210.733.1423, email: biancal@cecsa.org.

Material is published according to timeliness and relevance to the vision of the church. Deadlines for submissions are as follows: September 13: August 30 deadline Ministry info: September 24 - November 25 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