March 2016 message

March 2016 • Volume 18, Number 2

E P I S C O PA L

The Junior Daughters of the King get ready for the Easter Egg Hunt

Waiting: 2 Singing the Praises of the Choir: 5 Taking a Leap of Faith: 9 Begin the Healing - Helping our Teens: 10 Speaking to the Heart: 11 From the Rector’s Book Stack: 12 Photo Album: 15

FROM

Waiting

In this issue:

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

Music Ministry ...................... 5 Family Ministry..................... 6

W

aiting for a call is agonizing, especially when you are desperate for a job.

Youth Ministry ...................... 8 Our Church Life .................10 Great Commission..............11 Page Turners.......................12 Strategic Planning..............13 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

Front cover photo by Kelly Harris Back cover photos by Gretchen Duggan

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PATRICK GAHAN Rector patrickg@cecsa.org

Twenty years ago I was the one waiting by the phone.

The year before, I had just undertaken the position as executive director of an international foreign missions ministry.

The organization’s name carried such a fabled history that I accepted the trustees’ invitation without a hint of inquiry, only to arrive the first day, open the financial books, and realize that they could, in no way, afford to pay me. We had already purchased our home and enrolled our children in private schools when I cut my salary by 18%.

The ministry was in such a state that it demanded all my attention, as well as Kay’s, who worked every day for an entire year for no compensation.

In an effort to stave off the bill collectors, I took on every Sunday clergy supply gig I could find in a five county area.

During the other six days,

however, Kay and I put our shoulders to the wheel of the foreign missions work. We instituted phone-a-thons, a major gifts program, completed voluminous foundation grant requests, and I traveled all over the South, Northeast, and Midwest. With the help of many others and the sale of some property, we retired the entire debt of the ministry and made good on all of the promises made to churches around the globe – especially those in Russia and Cuba. I was especially proud of our fulfilled commitment to Cuba, which included beautiful Spanish Sunday school materials for twenty-eight struggling parishes living under Castro’s suffocating administration.

The annual operations budget was the leviathan we could not completely tame.

Even though we cut every extraneous penny, it was not enough.

The clock was ticking, and I knew I needed a job and fast!

With my tail between my legs, I phoned my Bishop Claude Payne, whom I had smugly left back in Texas. I told him of my embarrassing and increasingly urgent plight.

With Clay, our oldest, set to go to college in the fall, I put my pride aside.

To his credit and, no doubt, on account of his patience, he

From Our Rector... did not denigrate, disparage, or lecture confident this committee would find us the parking lot for our interview. My me. He simply promised to give my irresistible. They resisted, and actually, mind leapt to imagine the wide-ranging name to several call committees. True they did so pretty quickly. I think the ministries we could extend from that to his word, Kay and I were invited into “Thanks for Playing” letter was awaiting place. I walked into the parish hall like four attractive rector searches. Revived us in the mailbox the day of our return. a man possessed. For their part, the by the prospect of rescue, I threw committee only wanted to speak about my creative heart into every parish It was back to Austin for the next the prominence of their music ministry, questionnaire. Kay was then, as now, interview. This committee asked to and they proceeded to grill me on my indispensible editor. We placed our come hear me preach and celebrate at whether I would interfere with the regal carefully composed letters and answers another parish. Jim Bethel, the longtime march of music at the parish. That day in the mail rector of I was the Pied Piper of Hamelin the way and we St. David’s I embroidered my deep reservoir of “You should know this is the second Church in devotion for eighteenth century church waited.

We had no most important pulpit in the diocese – downtown hymnody. I presume I did not assuage idea the A u s t i n , their fears, for they called a dear friend humiliation second only to the cathedral. On every invited me of mine to serve as rector. They fired t h a t occasion you preach here, it is likely to be his him a year later for wrangling with the awaited us. guest. His music director. that someone in the congregation has only caveat A stately already written a Ph.D. dissertation on was I had to “Enough. I have waited long enough,” parish in sing all of was my exclamation to Kay once we Austin was the subject of your sermon. How does Eucharistic received this fourth rejection letter. “I the first Prayer D, don’t know how we are to make a living, that make you feel?” to call. our longest but it will have to be outside the parish Situated and most ministry. I have just an ounce of ego close to the city’s center, the high- intricate rite. With only days to get left, and I would like to hold on to it. “ pitched slated roof and mottled, ready, I practiced every spare moment I had no idea that another unexpected mildewed rock walls made it look in order to sing to the congregation storm was already brewing in our more appropriate for the English of several hundred. You would have family. On a routine check-up with our countryside than urban Texas. On the thought our home had been turned rural physician, our fourteen year-old day of my first interview, the search into a second-rate monastery with all daughter was diagnosed with a serious committee set me in a circle amongst the butchered chants I was belting out. heart malady that required surgery. We all its members. After a few warmrushed her to Vanderbilt Medical Center up questions, the chairman peered at The irony of my first encounter with to begin preparation for the surgery, me and declared, “You should know the search committee was that after when Bp. Payne phoned me to demand, this is the second most important worship they insisted we meet at a tony “Bring Catherine to Houston for her pulpit in the diocese – second only to Mexican restaurant on South Congress surgery. I will make sure she is treated the cathedral. On every occasion you Avenue. The music was so loud and the by the finest surgeon in the medical preach here, it is likely that someone crowd surrounding us so jocular that center.” We did not even know how the in the congregation has already written we could not hear a word each other bishop heard about Catherine’s illness, a Ph.D. dissertation on the subject of said. Apparently, they did not need to but we were relieved by his offer. Later, your sermon. How does that make hear any more from us, as the rejection when we received the surgeon’s bill you feel?” I stumbled through what I letter arrived a week or two afterwards. for thousands of dollars beyond what thought was an acceptable answer, and All that practice and the our insurance we went home and waited. A second tormenting wait was for “Realizing that our prospects would cover, interview was not forthcoming. naught. were falling faster than the the bishop merely said, price of oil in 1985, I was “Leave it to The next church invited our entire An inner-city parish family down to their quaint coastal city. in Houston invited us prepared to spin straw into me,” and Our initial meeting was a luncheon at down sometime later. we never gold for this group. the local yacht club, and they hosted all Realizing that our saw another five of us. I remember the bright spring prospects were falling statement. day well. The sunlight was reflecting faster than the price of oil in 1985, I magically off the bay, my wife looking was prepared to spin straw into gold for Thus, when I unexpectedly encountered young and radiant in her blue and this group. The sturdy stone edifice of Bp. Payne at a meeting a few weeks later, white outfit, and our children were the church cut an impressive silhouette and he asked me to consider another decked out to the nines and on their against the glittering skyscrapers of the rector’s search opportunity, I wanted to Sunday best behavior. (Clergy children Houston skyline. Kay and I regarded recoil, “Under no circumstances!” Fully know the drill!) I went home to wait, the historic church while we waited in realizing the grace we had received

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From Our Rector... from his hands, I agreed to meet with yet a fifth committee in less than nine months. The bishop went on, “Pat, this will be a little different. The parish has had a few problems, and the search committee is actually the vestry.” In short order, I was to learn that the vestry members with whom Kay and I met had actually been drawn out of a hat. Because 223 persons had left the East Texas congregation, the church was too fractured to even hold an election. They put the names of the 89 remaining members in a cowboy hat and pulled out eleven to serve as their vestry.

“That beleaguered vestry was just waiting for a clergy family to come and love them, and the Gahans were just waiting for a parish to ask.”

We met at a dark, oak paneled, quiet restaurant on the Katy Freeway just west of Houston. Rather than crossexamine Kay and me about our purity of doctrine, affinity for a particular liturgical genre, or our string of ecclesiastical accomplishments, they just wanted to know if we thought we could come and help them heal. We accepted before dinner was over, and we agreed to take a salary 25% less than I was currently earning. That beleaguered vestry was just waiting for a clergy family to come and love them, and the Gahans were just waiting for a parish to ask.

God often shows up during the inbetween-times, during those seemingly interminable waiting periods that we deplore. When I consider the path of my life, I realize that God has been working with me while I was waiting as much as when He finally called me to a particular task or ministry. Quite

frankly, I would have never agreed to Texas parish, Simeon’s call is anything serve that terribly diminished parish in but glorious. Christians are not called East Texas had I not been humbled in to be illustrious but obedient, and it the agonizing months of waiting leading is in that painstaking, long-suffering obedience that up to the call. In fact, I no sooner accepted the “Remember, Pat, the Lord we find ultimate call than a priest friend sometimes says, ‘Yes,’ fulfillment. When Mary and Joseph of mine from Austin sometimes, ‘No,’ and at walk into the phoned and yelled Temple carrying through the phone, “Are other times, ‘Wait.’” their baby some you crazy! That parish forty days after is bad news.” You can think that from the comfort of your Jesus’ birth, Simeon recognizes the office in a secure position. You can’t answer to God’s promise. So overcome when the Lord has led you to a single that his wait is over, he breaks out in inglorious option. Bishop Payne, whose song – voice still rings in my ears, stressed to ‘Master, now you are dismissing your me just as Kay and I were leaving to servant in peace, meet that beleaguered vestry on the according to your word; Katy Freeway, “Remember, Pat, the for my eyes have seen your salvation, Lord sometimes says, ‘Yes,’ sometimes, which you have prepared in the ‘No,’ and at other times, ‘Wait.’ presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles Now I can see that the wait was well and for glory to your people Israel.’ worth it. I learned most everything I

Luke 2:29-32 know about parish ministry from my time serving there. Our numbers were so far down that we became masters A portrait of Simeon cradling the Christ of uninhibited invitation and welcome, child is depicted in the stained-glass and the parish grew by 325% in five right panel of the Presentation window, years. Our spirits were so wounded next to the portrayal of twelve yearthat we leapt at any chance to serve old Jesus sitting amongst the teachers others; so each family in the parish of the law in that same setting (Luke adopted an impoverished family for 2:41-51). For centuries the Church has Christmas. Our morale was so low that venerated Simeon’s words, known by we craved spontaneity, laughter, and their Latin title – Nunc Dimittis – and surprise; therefore, in short order we set those words to dozens of musical The first English Book of became known as “A Community of scores.

Surprise!” We printed the statement on Common Prayer in 1549 included the every piece of paper we sent out and Nunc Dimittis as part of the Evening on every banner we set on the lawn. I Prayer service, and 430 years later our waited and God delivered. God always own 1979 Prayer Book has retained it delivers, but He does so in His own in the same place. Episcopalians are enjoined to offer Simeon’s words each good time. night before retiring to remind us that Simeon exemplifies the holiness of the best things in life come to those waiting above all other characters who wait. in the New Testament. Leaning on a perplexing promise by the Holy Spirit, he Your brother, waits his entire life just to catch sight of the Messiah before he dies (Luke 2:22- Patrick U 26). Like a call to serve a broken East

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Psalm 27:14

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MINISTRY Meeting

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JOSH BENNINGER Director of Music and Worship joshb@cecsa.org

e have the best choir in the city.

Period. Boasting an average attendance of 30+ choir members every Sunday is a blessing to this church.

Their consistent, unwavering

ability to lead us in praise and song is never to be taken lightly. Within this choir resides a multitude of talented singers with diverse backgrounds and vocal skills ranging from amateur to professional. They are all beautiful people that have heeded God’s call to share their love of singing with the greater community of Christ.

My intention is to begin highlighting individual members of our choir so you may get to know them a little better.

This month, I would like to start with one of our professional singers, Jennifer Holloway. Jennifer is the alto section leader, and she is a professionallytrained vocalist and choral conductor.

the

Choir

Jennifer Holloway Jennifer Holloway was born right here in San Antonio. After high school she departed for Dallas where she attended Southern Methodist University and earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. From there, she left Texas altogether and moved to Chicago to pursue an acting and singing career.

While in Chicago, she performed in multiple musical theater productions around the Greater Chicago Area, and performed with jazz bands. She also got involved in the voice-over industry.

Eventually, Jennifer made her way back to Dallas, TX, where she opened a private voice studio and continued acting, singing, and recording voiceovers and some on-camera spots. In 2007, Jennifer made the best decision of her life and decided to move back to her hometown. Since returning to San Antonio, she has taught drama and choir at St. Mary’s Hall, and choir at Davis Middle School and Harris Academy. Jennifer currently teaches middle and high school choir at the Young Women’s Leadership Academy, and she also continues to sing professionally.

In addition to her school choirs, Jennifer has conducted the children and youth choirs at Laurel Heights United Methodist Church and the adult choir at Saint Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church. After taking a four-year hiatus from singing at Christ Episcopal Church to conduct the St. Peter’s Choir, Jennifer is ecstatic to be back singing in the CEC choir!

She is a proud mom of two spectacular children, Isabella, 12, and Henry, 4.

Josh Benninger

Upcoming Events “The Way of the Cross” Good Friday, March 25 at 12 PM A solemn service featuring the 14 Stations of the Cross. Featured musical works from Fauré’s Requiem, Bach’s Mass in B minor, Handel’s Messiah and contemporary artists will be presented by the CEC Choir, guest singers, and a robust 22-piece orchestra.

Easter Sunday Choral Eucharist with Brass March 27, 2016 at 9 AM and 11 AM Jazz Meets Classical Sunday, April 10 at 3 PM A unique collaboration between jazz and classical musicians in San Antonio -- now in its 24th year.

Special guest: Robert Walzel, clarinet, saxophone

Children’s Musical: The Old Testament Fast Forward Sunday, May 1 at 9 AM and 11 AM Grab a spot, fasten your seatbelt, and be ready to experience The Old Testament Fast Forward! On Sunday, May 1, at both the 9 and 11 AM services, our amazing CEC Children’s Choir will present this innovative and delightful musical for your learning and enjoyment. While you’ll hear about the “usual suspects” in the Old Testament, you’ll also meet a few lesser-known ones. But mostly, the incredible faithfulness of God will shine through as He leads his people from bondage outside the Garden to the hope of Christ’s birth. This brand new Christ Episcopal Church production is sure to delight, amaze, and inspire all ages!

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MINISTRY The Glow

on

T

he glow on their faces! That’s the image that came to me as I thought about the Liturgy of Light Service that leads into our Easter Egg Hunt. As I hand each child the Light of Christ votive candle, representing the Risen Life of Christ, I have a wonderful view of their sweet faces filled with wonder and reflecting this soft, warm light. What HALLETA a privilege to be part of this! Thank HEINRICH you, Jesus! Thank you, Christ Church!

Director of Thank you, Sophia Cavaletti, creator of Family Ministries Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, who halletah@cecsa.org developed this simple version of the Easter Vigil Service to share with families and their children.

Please come share this beautiful moment with your children and grandchildren on Saturday, March 26, beginning at 10 AM in the Tomlin Room on the first floor of the FMC. We will gather, then process to Children’s Chapel with the proclamation “The Light of Christ” leading the way. We will celebrate in this service the victory of Christ’s Light and Love over death, evil, and darkness and receive and share His Light together as a Church Family. We will then express our joy together by participating in an Easter Egg Hunt for all ages of children, from toddlers through fifth grade, on the church lawns.

A traditional hunt, Golden Eggs and all, will be held for our

Their Faces! toddlers through second-graders. The third through fifthgraders will take part in an Easter Scavenger Hunt which will have them exploring and learning all around and about Christ Church. At the end of the scavenger hunt there are prizes for all. Our special guest, the Easter Bunny, will be here to hand Prayer Eggs to each child. Bring your cameras for great photo opportunities, and don’t forget your baskets.

An Easter Family Craft will be available as well as some yummy Easter snacks.

Thanks to the following Preschool Parents who are serving as the Easter Egg Hunt Team: Will and Cally Kothman, Lauren Sharples, Stacy Sharp, Hannah Beever, Lauren Vielock, Nance Oliver, Bonnie Mueke, Sharon Miller, Kelly Harris, Laura Nell Burton, and Laurie Barnes. Thanks also to Abby Covelli, Lily Fenton, and the Junior Daughters of the King for their help.

Love,

Halleta

2016 Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Liturgy of Light Saturday, March 26 at 10 AM

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Family Ministry...

Celebrating

the

Gift

of

Holy Communion

C

ome celebrate the gift of Holy Communion with this year’s Children’s Communion Class on Sunday, April 3.

Those children who have participated in the class will be honored during the 11 AM service and immediately following with an All Parish Reception on the lawn. They will have completed an eight week course designed to enrich their understanding and appreciation of the gift of life Jesus offers us each Sunday in Holy Communion. Please pray for the following children and their families as they complete this course and prepare for their Communion Retreat on Saturday, April 2.

Communion Class 2016 Louisa Atkerson Mary Linton Atkerson Tres Brown Jackson Canavan George Case Peyton Currier Ryan Currier Faye Harper Dartagnan Lopez Federico Lopez Jesus Peche Lucy Yun *Mary Case – Class Mentor

Children’s Communion Celebration Sunday, April 3 at 11AM

Favorite Easter Traditions Continue Children’s Palm Procession

C

hildren may gather at the front steps outside of the church 10 minutes before the 9 and 11 AM services to receive palms to carry during the Palm Processional. Those in 9 AM procession will join parents in the pews afterwards.

Children in the 11 AM procession will be led to Children’s Chapel for a special Palm Sunday lesson, then return to the church to join parents for Communion at Announcement Time.

Flowering

the

Cross

C

hildren should gather outside the front steps of the church ten minutes before the 9 and 11 AM Easter Services on March 27 to prepare to process with flowers with which to Flower the Cross.

Flowers from home should be brought to offer in order to turn a bare cross into a bright and beautiful symbol of the Resurrection. Children attending the 9 AM service will join their parents after the procession. Those participating in the 11 AM procession will be led to Children’s Chapel for an Easter lesson

and will return to the service to join their parents at Announcement Time.

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Family Ministry...

Summer

is

Coming...and

so is

VBS!

online at https://www.groupvbspro. com/vbs/hl/christchurch. Up to 20 service hours can be earned.

Don’t miss this chance to make a BIG impact on our Christ Church kids, kids from other churches, as well as kids from the Good Samaritan Center, Respite Care, Thunderbird Apartments and James Madison Elementary!

V

BS will be here before you know it, and we need 25 adult volunteers and as many youth volunteers (entering 6th grade and older) as possible! Register

More questions? Contact VBS cochairs Amy Case (amycase@gmail. com) and Lauren Vielock (lauren@ brandingworksltd.com) to get answers.

Christ Church VBS June 6-9 from 9 am - 12 pm Ages 4 years - 5th grade (Younger children are welcome with an adult volunteer)

Incredible worship, games, music, food & fun!

Lots of shade and air conditioning!

Register now at https://www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/hl/ christchurch

MINISTRY

C

hrist Church Youth Ministry is hitting the road this summer.

Please join in on one of our mission trips. There is something for everyone, so sign GAVIN ROGERS up with Travel Youth Minister Agent and Youth gavinr@cecsa.org Minister, Gavin Rogers at gavinr@cecsa.org or call (210)736-3132.

June Junior High Summer Trip: June 10-15 Soul Train to New Orleans Our 2016 Junior High summer trip will be to New Orleans! We will board the Sunset Limited Amtrak train at Sunset Station and begin our journey to the Pelican State. We will have fun all over NOLA visiting fun sites, the French Quarter, and the WWII Museum, eating lots of Cajun food and serving those in need in the city. During the train ride we will have Bible studies and time for fellowship in the viewing and dining cars. All aboard the Soul Train! Cost is $395.

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July

On the Road with Christ Church Youth

Guatemala Mission Trip: June 20 - July 3 College & High School While serving in Guatemala and living in host homes, we will care for local children, teach art classes, vaccinate cattle, play soccer, and much more.

During our 13-day outreach, we will bond together. An excursion to a volcanic lake and village is also likely! We will travel with Students International, whose mission is to bring students and the poor together crossculturally to encounter God, share the Good News, Disciple, and serve others in occupational ministries. Sign up now. The deposit is $495 and total cost is $1800. Fundraising is available through our Golf Tournament. Visit www.stint.com for more information.

Senior High Summer Trip: July 13 - 18 New York City Our 2016 Senior High trip will be to the city that never sleeps. For our mission, we will partner with Dorothy Day’s Catholic Workers House and serve those in need in the city. Dorothy Day said, “Love casts out fear, but we have to get over the fear in order to get close enough to love them...as for ourselves, we must be meek, bear injustice, malice, rash judgment. We must turn the other cheek, give up our cloak, go a second mile.” To learn more about the Catholic Workers visit www.catholicworker.com.

While we are in NYC we will visit Central Park, the 9/11 Memorial, a Broadway show, and so much more! Cost is $495.

August Lake Days: August 3 - 4 Both High School and Junior High students will enjoy the Texas Hill country & lakes on this end-of-summer trip! We will go water skiing, jet skiing, paintballing, and enjoy really good homemade Texas BBQ! Bring all your friends on this 2 day/ 1 night Hill Country excursion. It’s cheap, fun and close by! Cost is $75.

Youth Ministry...

Taking

a

Leap

of

Faith

different.

D

uring the summer of 2012, I served as the camp photographer at Camp Capers. Along with photography, I had other duties, like manning the ropes course and serving as a facilitator. One morning, it was my turn to work the Crow’s Nest. The Crow’s Nest is a small four-foot by four-foot ledge that you climb up, which leads you onto a zip line just before leaning into a 20-foot drop. With two people on the Crow’s Nest, it gets pretty squished. My job of facilitating the Crow’s Nest involved me clipping the camper into the harness, transferring them onto the zip line, and sending them on their way. It’s not as easy as it sounds. Some campers have experience with this process, so it is a breeze for them. Others are extremely scared of heights, and it can take them all of their effort just to climb up the ladder to get to the zip. Considering that I was up there for a couple of hours at a time, I had a lot of “me” time, or time to think quietly; but one day was

I didn’t have just “me” time, I had “me and God” time. As I was sitting on the ledge, awaiting the next camper, I looked around and let my head drop onto my back, leaving me gazing up at the sky. I saw the barn in the distance, surrounded by acres of green and topped off with plush, white clouds.

The breeze was cool, and the sun was shining, but not hot. It was perfect. All of a sudden I started to pray out loud.

Let me tell you, I do not do this often - not the praying part, the aloud part.

I can’t put my finger on where this sudden burst of devotion came from, but I am so grateful that it happened.

God saw me atop my perch and called upon me to not just be a facilitator, but to be an advocate for Christ.

Coincidentally, the next camper that came upon my perch was scared out of her mind. Trembling with fear, I could see the anxiety in her eyes. As she stood up next to me, she clenched my forearm.

I then realized that she was putting all of her faith into my hands. I calmly told her to take a deep breath and to look around at the beautiful surroundings.

Immediately, her face became serene, and she slowly sat down onto the edge of the nest. I looked her in the eyes and told her that she could do it; all she had to do was jump. Next thing I knew, there she went, zipping away into the corridor of trees.

do not have to conquer them alone; it is a reminder that no matter what, somebody will be by your side. I served as God’s wing(wo)man that day by helping God help others conquer their fears. Not only did they have to have the faith to jump off that ledge, but I had to realize that I had to have the faith to help them go down that zip line with confidence.

God is always working around us, you just have to stop and listen and take that leap of faith.

Summer camp is important. It develops within us a sense of community, a good support group, and helps us touch base with our inner selves. It is the little moments from camp that I now reflect on and realize that God was working in my life. Going to summer camp has helped shaped the person I am today.

It was a break from reality, a time for me to let loose and be my completely crazy-hyper self. And the best part was that people accepted me for it. Today, I am a confident person because of the lessons and events that occurred to me while at camp. I have a strong community of friends who share the same Christ-like beliefs as I do. Camp has changed my life for the better, and I encourage anyone and everyone to spend a week at summer camp.

Lena Bozzo

Later on, that same girl came up and thanked me. She was glad that I had convinced her to go and complimented me on how comfortable and safe I made her feel. When she walked away, I started to tear up.

That was the kindest thing I had heard in a long time.

That jump off of the Crow’s Nest is more than just a way down; it is a leap of faith. God places these obstacles before us so that we

9

Let

the

Healing Begin

C

onsidering the challenges our children face in modern life, the Family Ministry and Youth Ministry of Christ Church have arranged for a two-day seminar entitled “Begin the Healing” with Dr. Mark Jones.

In the seminar, Dr. Jones will address many of the issues facing our teens today. Topics addressed will include: Why do people hurt others? How to identify warning signs and manifestations of bullying and abuse. How to recognize “wound behaviors” such as eating disorders, cutting, depression, anxiety and panic attacks. How to identify those who are being subjected to bullying, sexting, pornography and abuse. The truth about parental responsibility according to the Bible.

Dr. Mark F. Jones is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as President and CEO of South Texas Liberty Alliance Group, a group practice of therapists and counselors in San Antonio, TX. He has been counseling in private practice for

Holy Week at Christ Episcopal Church Palm Sunday March 20 7:30, 9 & 11 AM The Passion of Christ Dramatic Reenactment by Charissa Fenton

Maundy Thursday March 24 6 PM The Last Supper

8 PM - 6 AM Prayer Vigil in the Veterans Chapel

Good Friday March 25 12-1:30 PM

The Way of the Cross

featuring music by the Christ Episcopal Church Adult Choir, Guest Singers and Orchestra

Holy Saturday March 26 10 AM Children’s Service & Easter Egg Hunt

5 PM Easter Vigil Baptism Service

Easter Sunday March 27 7:30, 9 & 11 AM Festival Eucharist No 6 PM service

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more than twenty-three years.

Dr. Jones’ recently published book Walking Wounded, explains how wounded people act out “wound behaviors.”

In order for a person to be healed of wound behaviors, the wound must be identified, dealt with, and resolved intentionally; otherwise the wound behaviors will be triggered at some point and reappear. In Walking Wounded, Dr. Jones teaches step-bystep how to resolve emotional wounds and be healed of them once and for all.

Holy Week at Christ Episcopal Healing” is open Church to parents,

Our seminar “Begin the grandparents, teachers, aunts and uncles, anyone who has young people in their lives. Parents are encouraged to bring Palm Sunday March 20 their pre-teen and older children to attend.

7:30, 9 & 11 AM Join us on Sunday, April 3 at 6 PM theofParish The in Passion Christ Hall and again on Monday, April 4 at 7 PM in Reenactment the Parish Hall.

Dramatic

by Charissa Fenton Childcare and activities for Maundy elementary-aged children Thursday March 24 and younger will take place in the FMC.6 Please RSVP for childcare PM The Last Supper to Halleta Heinrich. For more information on the event, contact Rob Harris at robh@cecsa.org Halleta at 8 PM - 6 AMorPrayer Vigil inHeinrich the halletah@cecsa.org or (210)736-3132.

Veterans Chapel

Good Friday March 25

Begin the Healing 12-1:30 PM a two-day seminar with The Way of the Cross featuring music by the Dr. Mark Jones, lmft Christ Episcopal Church Adult Choir,

6 7

Guest Singers and Orchestra

pm

Sunday , April 3 Holy Saturday March 26 &

pm

10 AM Children’s Service & Easter Egg Hunt

Monday, April 4 5 PM Easter Vigil Baptism Service

Parents and their pre-teen and older children are encouraged to attend this seminar in March the Parish Easter Sunday 27 7:30, 9 & 11 AM Hall. Childcare and activities for elementary and Eucharist younger children inFestival the FMC No 6 PM service

Speaking

E

very Sunday I expect to see her perched on the pew amongst her dear friends. Each time I visit The Forum, I think I will see her face when I turn the next hallway corner. During my first three and a half years at Christ Church, she was everywhere it seemed, always lending a hand…and unafraid to give me candid advice. In case you haven’t guessed, I am speaking of Anne McClanahan, whom we all miss terribly.

to the

Heart

Littered all through the rhapsodic volume is evidence that Anne’s life, like ours, was fraught with challenge and heartbreak. Speaking like mighty Saint Paul himself when he wrote, ‘I want to know the power of Christ’s resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him,’ (Philippians 3:10), she admitted in her piece “Crossroads”:

Just weeks before she died, Anne gave me a copy of her book, Musings, Meditations, and Prayers, published with her photographer daughter, Gail McClanahan. The book gives us a glimpse into the deep faith of this stately and quite reticent woman. One of the first entries that arrested my attention is entitled “Silence”: O Lord, you give me a treasure.

You speak to me in my heart.

You come to me at unexpected times and bless me with unexpected words, words I did not form, words planted by your Holy Spirit. (p.20) For Anne, the living Word, Jesus Christ, speaks to our hearts, not only to fill us with His presence, but also to give us words to speak to others. Grace moves the limbs, the mouth, and the heart of the believer, according to this thoughtful author.

Matthew 9:35-38 John 15:12-17 John 15:1-11 John 14:25-31 John 14:15-24 Matthew 6:25-34 John 14:8-17 John 16:12-15 Luke 10:38-42 Matthew 25:11-30 John 12:27-36

This great woman also admitted how much she loved and treasured all of us. In her own quiet manner, she made provision for Christ Church in her estate. She wanted you and me to tangibly realize her love for our Savior and her devotion to the fellowship where she met him, that is amongst our company. Anne’s gracious planned gift is one of the reasons our Buildings and Ground Endowment has increased by $500,000 in 2015 alone. While we have a significant distance to go, people with a heart like Anne are moving us closer.

Her life, it seems, matched her prayer: In prayer, I asked God to teach me how to serve Him better and how to love Him more...

I lift my heart to God in love, and His love for me flows back into my heart, filling it to overflowing, so that this love flows out to others. (p. 34)

I asked God to show me the way he would have me to go...

God’s answer to my prayer is the good road paved with stones.

The stones are labeled abandonment, obedience, perseverance, and faithfulness. (p.30)

The Christ Church Bible Study April 3 April 10 April 17 April 24 May 1 May 8 May 15 May 22 May 29 June 5 June 12

Anne knew that all Christians walk the stony path underneath the cross at Calvary. The way is, at times, stony, winding, and painful. However, the way, His way, is the only road that leads to eternal and meaningful life.

and

Thanks, Anne, for inviting God to speak to your heart so that your love flows out to us – and will do so for years to come. May her example move us to plan to do the same when our time comes.

Your brother,

Patrick U

Preaching Series

Sharing My Faith with others fulfills God’s purpose I commit to Love God and love others I feel Joy regardless of my circumstance I am at Peace with others and with myself I can Control my actions through the power of Christ I can Hope and cope because of my trust in Jesus Christ Pentecost Sunday Trinity Sunday Through Christ, I am Faithful to others and my call I am Gentle and calm in my dealings with others I choose to Humble myself before others - End of Believe Series 11

Our Church Life..

PAGE TURNERS – From

A

God in Ruins, by Kate Atkinson is the best novel I’ve read in y e a r s … that is, heard in years. Yes, the truth of the matter is that I listened to the novel on my I-Phone as I exercised each morning. Neither cold, nor the rain, nor dead of night could deter my hour’s run or walk. Atkinson’s work put me under a spell, and her Audible narrator, BBC great Alex Jennings, reads so adroitly as to reveal the tiniest detail of English, Scottish, and Australian dialects that are thrust onto the stage of this mesmerizing work.

The novel centers on World War II Halifax Bomber pilot Teddy Todd and the World War I generation that precedes him and the three generations of his family that follow. Teddy is a hero like none other that I have ever read. He voluntarily flies 70 missions over Europe, which defines him in a most unexpected way. The New York Times interprets Teddy in this way, ‘The truth was there was nothing else he wanted to do, could do. Flying on bombing raids had become him. Who he was. He’s trapped forever in his Halifax bomber, fighting the good fight against impossible odds, raining destruction on the guilty and innocent alike, a god already ruined, always about to fall.’ If he comes home, Teddy pledges to do nothing but kindness, which he does with almost monastic simplicity, but he never really escapes his war.

Before the men reading this imagine this is some “chick” saga, think again.

Atkinson read reams of first person accounts from English WWII bomber pilots in order to portray Teddy and his men with stark honesty. On this

12

the

Rector’s Book Stack

account, Atkinson’s work ranks with the most vivid chronicles of the War that I have ever read. I must add, however, that the tale of Teddy’s family is equally enthralling. We Baby Boomers, who follow the Greatest Generation, are often a solipsistic disappointment to the generation that preceded us.

The Millennials, on the other hand, show traces of the selflessness of their grandparents – at least they do to Atkinson.

When Alex Jennings read the final word of the text, I wanted to kneel down in thanksgiving for such an inspired work during this troubled time.

Be warned that I am one of those who would only watch Titanic one time and had nightmares for months after reading The Perfect Storm. Thus I read Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania, by Erik Larson with one foot planted solidly on the floor. I knew that the Cunard Liner was torpedoed by a German U-Boat and sank off the coast of Ireland on May 7, 1915. I did not know the great ship sank in less than twenty minutes. I did not know that of the 1,959 passengers, 1,198 drowned.

I also did not know that it took the U.S. two more years to enter WW I and that it only did so after the German wolfpack submarine corps began again to torpedo civilian ships.

Larson, for those who know his work, is a painstaking historian. If you read this book, you will have a much more comprehensive understanding of the state of Europe and the U.S. leading up to and during that crippling conflict.

Furthermore, because Larson studied stacks of ships’ logs and journals, you will become well acquainted with the

captains of both ships. Both are at the top of their game at the time of the sinking, and both later sink into their own obscurity.

I will warn you what is more terrifying than the sinking of the Lusitania is Britain’s intelligence’s complicity with its destruction and the loss of 1,198 human beings, to include 128 Americans. “War is hell,” we quip. Yes, but not just on the battlefields and oceans.

Praying with Paul, by D.A. Carson, was a Christmas gift from Susanna and Scott Kitayama, who have a knack for choosing inspiring and challenging books for the Gahans.

Carson, Canadian born and Cambridge educated, has served as a professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois since 1978, but more importantly is a founder, with Tim Keller, of the Gospel Coalition. Carson’s book exhibits his well-trod and exacting scholarship, and, at the same time, issues a substantial beacon of Gospel hope to the Church.

Carson carefully examines Paul’s prayers from 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Colossians, Philippians, Ephesians, and Romans. Line by line, he takes the reader into the theology behind Paul’s prayers. Carson’s intention, however, is not so much to make you and me Pauline scholars as he wishes to reform our individual prayer life, which he hopes will provoke a great, worldwide reformation of the Church. This book, while it is not inaccessible for everyday Christians, does demand careful reading. I am so taken with its content and power that I plan to consider Praying with Paul as our next Preaching and Adult Teaching Series beginning in

Our Church Life..

...Book Stack Continued late summer.

I rarely miss a book review in my weekly reading of the The Economist.

This one grabbed me by the throat.

E n t i t l e d “Because It Was There,” the review highlights the unusual and epic quest of Felice Benuzzi and his two colleagues in Benuzzi’s classic autobiographical account, No Picnic on Mount Kenya.

Written in 1948, the book was only

translated and distributed in Great Britain in 2015.

food rations to sustain them over the long journey.

Benuzzi was an Italian soldier serving in Ethiopia, who was captured and interned in British P.O.W. Camp #354 for over five years. While their treatment is not harsh at the hands of their captors, the daily regimen is claustrophobic and numbing. Several gallant prisoners make a break for their freedom in an attempt to make it to then Portuguese Mozambique.

Benuzzi, for his part, only dreams of escaping for one reason, to climb the great snow clad peak that looms above them – Mount Kenya. Carefully picking his equally crazed collaborators, the three set to making essential climbing gear from barbed wire and old car parts, while they scavenged enough

The most arresting aspect of this story is that after the three make the perilous trek, which brings each of them close to starvation and collapse, they return to P.O.W. Camp #354. Benuzzi never intended to escape. He knew if they conquered the mountain, they would overcome their sense of imprisonment and be free indeed. A parable worth preaching is lurking in this story.

Planning

I

f you attended the annual meeting in January, you know that the Vestry adopted a bold master plan for the use of our entire facilities in a variety of areas: youth, children, future expansion, outreach, and more. This includes the purchase of contiguous portions of Lewis and Russell streets, clearing of the Thunderbird apartments, and replacing them with a combination of buildings, green space, and parking.

The welfare of the Thunderbird’s residents was perhaps your Vestry’s highest priority. While there is a considerable amount of turnover of residents, San Antonio Alternative Housing Corporation (SAAHC), which manages the apartments for the Church, plans to let remaining leases expire per their terms without being renewed. SAAHC has in their available

for

Your brother,

Patrick U

Exciting Changes

inventory some 1,000 units throughout the area comparable or superior to current housing. No one is being evicted. Accommodations will be made for families with children in school to vacate only in the summer months.

We expect to have the apartments completely wound down in the fourth quarter of this year.

At the same time, application is underway to obtain the approval of the master plan by the City of San Antonio as well as by the Monte Vista Historical Association. The application process should take several months as well.

This year promises to be one of great excitement and change. Nothing of this magnitude has occurred since the late 1980’s when the Carriage House was renovated and the Family Ministry Center constructed.

You can have confidence that our mission of “Drawing, Changing, and Sending People Through the Power of Christ” is being carried out. This is an opportunity of a lifetime.

John Boyce Senior Warden

13

OF EVENTS March 14:

20-30 Fellowship BBQ & Bible, 6:30 PM in the Carriage House

March 14 - 17: Youth Spring Break Trip to Port Aransas with DWTX March 16:

Two Tables Speaker: Bishop Lillibridge, 6 PM Bryan College Chorale Concert, 7 PM in the Sanctuary

March 19: CCF Movie and Lunch - “Miracles from Heaven” at the Quarry

Theater, 11:30 AM showing March 20:

Palm Sunday - The Passion Story re-enacted, 9 & 11 AM 12 x 12 Operation Paintbrush after the 11 AM service

March 21:

20-30 Fellowship BBQ and Bible, 6:30 PM in the Carriage House

March 24:

Maundy Thursday Service, 6 PM Maundy Thursday Prayer Vigil, 8 PM - 6 AM, Veterans Chapel

March 25:

Good Friday The Way of the Cross, 12 - 1:30 PM in the Sanctuary

March 26:

Easter Egg Hunt and Liturgy of Light, 10 AM in the FMC Easter Vigil and Baptism, 5 PM in the Sanctuary

March 27:

Easter Sunday Celebrations at 7:30, 9 & 11 AM, no 6 PM service

March 28:

Church offices closed

March 29:

CCF - An Evening in Travis Park with Pinot’s Palette, 5:30 PM

March 31:

Women’s Spring Bible Study Begins, 10 - 11:30 AM in the FMC

April 2: CCF Hike in Friedrich Park, 10 AM

April 3: Children’s Communion Celebration, 11 AM

Sunday Funday for Youth at Bowlero, 4 PM

Christ Church Staff: 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 The Rev. Rob Harris, Assistant Rector for Community Formation, robh@ cecsa.org Carol Miller, Pastoral Care Administrator, carolm@cecsa.org Halleta Heinrich, Director of Family Ministry, halletah@cecsa.org Lilly Fenton, Nursery Director lillyf@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 robert@hanleypmservices.com Darla Nelson, Office Manager darlan@cecsa.org Donna Shreve, Financial Manager donnas@cecsa.org

April 4:

20-30 Fellowship BBQ and Bible, 6:30 PM in the Carriage House

April 7:

CCW Spring Tea at the Hollis’ home, 4 - 6:30 PM

April 8 - 9:

Youth Confirmation Retreat

April 10:

Confirmation with Bishop Lillibridge, 11 AM

April 11:

20-30 Fellowship BBQ and Bible, 6:30 PM in the Carriage House

April 15:

Deadline for submissions for the May issue of The Message

April 18:

20-30 Fellowship BBQ and Bible, 6:30 PM in the Carriage House

April 22:

Church offices close at noon for Battle of Flowers

Robert Vallejo, Facilities Manager robertv@cecsa.org

April 25:

20-30 Fellowship BBQ and Bible, 6:30 PM in the Carriage House

Rudy Segovia, Hospitality Manager rudys@cecsa.org

May 1:

Children’s Musical “Old Testament Fast Forward,” 9 & 11 AM

May 8:

Mother’s Day

14

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

Joe Garcia, Sexton joeg@cecsa.org

Our Church Life...

Christ Church Women’s Spring Luncheon with Susan Baker

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

15

Our Youth LOVE making pancakes at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

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 2.

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