The Message March 2011

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

Our Church Life, 3 Children’s Upcoming Events, 4-7 Ministry Spotlight, 9 Calendar of Events, 14

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In this issue:

Lent

Our Church Life.................... 3

“O ne thing I do,” says Paul,

Children’s Holy Week Events........................4-5 Children’s Ministry News.....................................6-7 Pastoral Care News.............. 8 Ministry Spotlight.................. 9 Music Ministry.....................10 World Mission Opportunities 2011.............11 Adult Education...................12 New from the Diocese........13 Calendar of Events.............14 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

Cover photo by Halleta Heinrich, God’s Love is Fireproof! Children’s Ministry, February 2011.

“forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14) “Seek first the kingdom of God,” says Jesus.

Neither Paul nor Jesus were fans of multitasking. “Simplify. Keep your eyes on the prize,” they say. “The main thing is to make sure the main thing is the main thing.”

Lent is a great opportunity to regain our focus, to reorganize our priorities around the one thing that matters the most. Remember that we have much more future with God than we have past, and the best is yet to come. Press on toward the goal of that one thing. Let me invite you this Lent to do one thing: reclaim your baptism.

months of teaching, prayer, and even exorcism. Standards were rigorous.

Their lifestyles would be examined to make sure Bishop Bill Frey they would be Interim Rector worthy repreplusbill@aol.com sentatives of their new faith.

Usually on Easter Eve they would be brought to the Christian assembly, stripped of their old clothing (for reasons of modesty deaconesses would attend the women, deacons the men) and immersed (buried) in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They would then be led to the other side of the water, clothed with a white robe, symbolizing the virtues and the life of Christ and finally be taken to the bishop who would anoint them with oil and lay hands on their head to welcome them into the life of their new family.

By the early fourth century, Christians had devised a dramatic way of baptizing converts, a way that helped them see and remember what was involved in becoming an Christian. Candidates would be prepared by

It was a powerful method of acting out their death and resurrection. The old clothes left behind symbolized their old patterns of life, the white robe their new identity.

Christ Episcopal Church 510 Belknap Place San Antonio, TX 78212

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

continued on page 12...

church lIFe

Lets get involved...

D ear

Friends,

We are in great need of replenishing and restoring many of the lay ministries of Christ Church. Needs abound for trained hospital visitors, prayer ministers at our services, greeters, and many other ministries. In that regard, I am pleased to let you know about a new “building block” in the restoration of our Christ Church family. The Vestry has given unanimous approval to initiate this Spring Participation Initiative. The goal of the Initiative is to build on the Stewardship Campaign of last Fall by expanding the involvement of members in many of the parish ministries which are in need of help and volunteers.

Starting Sunday, April 3rd through May 1st, during the announcements you will be hearing from key people in various ministries highlighting what they do and what they need in terms of volunteers. On or about April 15th, you will receive a mailing with a booklet describing each ministry at Christ Church as well as a participation card for your consideration. On Participation Sunday, May 8th, cards will be received and blessed at the altar.

In the booklet each ministry will have a brief description, and where appropriate, information on the time and training required as well as the length of commitment. Most commitments will be for the one-year period starting September 1st 2011 through August 31st, 2012.

On a personal note, when I think of participation, I think of two words- “passion” and “willingness”. When I think about “passion”, I think of the gifts and interests that the Lord has given me. A bit shy and timid after

returning from college and graduate school, I remember how Ted Schroder encouraged me to “help” him facilitate a class on the Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis. One class and discussion group led to another and before long I realized that I had a real passion for helping to facilitate classes and teaching.

Although I realize that my gifts, and in particular this passion for teaching is a work in progress, (and I thank each of you for your patience at times) I am so grateful for the doors that have been opened for me to grow with each of you, from whom I have learned much.

The other word that comes to mind is “willingness”. Sometimes invitations to participate come in new and unexpected ways. Last July, I was asked if I would be willing to be put up for the Vestry. Given all “the balls” that we all have to juggle, I was unsure about whether this was right for me, but I felt that I needed to be “willing.” I was surprised to be elected and even more surprised to see yet another door open, and see myself enjoying another adventure of walking and growing with each of you in a different way.

So, I ask for your consideration, prayerful consideration, of what passion of yours that the Lord might be nudging you to share with all of us. Are you willing to play a new position on His team?

All my best, Harry Parker

MINISTrY

Children’s Holy Week Events

C hildren’s Palm

Processional Palm Sunday, April 17 “All glory, laud, and honor to thee Redeemer King! To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring.”

These words from the beautiful Palm Sunday hymn remind us that Palm Sunday wouldn’t be complete without the participation of our children and their sweet hosannas. Children should gather outside of the front of the church by 10 am on Palm Sunday, April 17, to receive palms to wave during the Palm Processional at the beginning of the 10:15 Palm Sunday service. We will then journey to Children’s Chapel for a Palm Sunday lesson that will help us prepare for Holy Week and the Celebration of Easter. Children will be brought into the church at announcement time to join parents for Communion.

Children’s Good Friday Retreat Friday, April 22 12 - 3: 00 PM In the Family Ministry Center Chapel and 2nd Floor Classrooms

grade are invited to come to a Good Friday Retreat from 12 – 3 pm in the Family Ministry Center during the Good Friday Service on April 22.

Older Teen Helpers are always welcome.

Some activities that will be included in our retreat are: a reenactment of the Last Supper, a presentation of Holy Week events in Jerusalem, and preparations for the Easter Egg Hunt and Liturgy of Light which will occur on the following morning on Saturday, April 23. Preparations for the Easter Egg Hunt and Liturgy of Light will include the making of an Easter Paschal Candle, flower arranging for the service and Easter’s Flowering of the Cross, and assignment of Bible readings for the Liturgy of Light. Snacks will be served, but we ask parents to give children an early lunch before dropping children off in the FMC. Nursery care will be provided for infants – younger 3 year olds in FMC nurseries 104, 105, and 106 during the Good Friday Service.

All children ages 3 – 5th

Easter Egg Hunt photo by Susanna Kitayama

Easter Egg Hunt And Liturgy of Light Service Saturday, April 23 10 AM Our Easter Egg Hunt is a celebration of the Resurrection each spring, but we want all children to understand the Gospel message underlying this special party for Jesus before the hunt. The Liturgy of Light is a simple family service offered before the hunt which includes the Gospel story of the Resurrection of Christ. Each child and their family have the opportunity to receive the Light of Christ as a symbol of His gift of eternal life and light to us.

We will gather in the Tomlin Room on the first floor of the Family Ministry Center at 10 am on Easter Saturday, April 23 as the beginning

point of the Liturgy of Light Service. After the conclusion of the service, we will go out on the lawn and begin the hunt. A family Easter craft will be available in the Tomlin Room and a special visitor (one with long ears and a fluffy tail) will be there to pass out Prayer Eggs and pose for some great Easter photos. Easter treats and punch will be served. Don’t forget your Easter baskets and cameras!

Children’s Flowering of the Cross Processional Easter Sunday, April 24 At Beginning of 10:15 Service Life is brought to an old wooden cross by our children each Easter Sunday morning by the Flowering of the Cross. Children will process into the church at the beginning of the 10:15 service with flowers brought from home, decorating the

cross with these colorful gifts of life. Children should gather outside of the front of the church at 10 am as we wait to enter at procession time. Children will then be accompanied to Children’s Chapel in the Family Ministry Center for a special Easter lesson. Each child will receive a gift which will help them be able to share the salvation story through Jesus Christ with their friends. Children will be brought into the church to join parents for Communion at announcement time. No Sunday School classes will be held on Easter Sunday.

Love In Christ, Halleta

Easter Egg Hunt photo by Susanna Kitayama

Children’s Ministry continued...

More Children’s Ministry News VBS June20-24: “Hometown Nazareth – Where Jesus Was A Kid”

Please save the dates June 20 – 24 for VBS “Hometown Nazareth – Where Jesus Was A Kid.” Amy Case is this year’s VBS Director and is excited about beginning plans in February. Please contact her ASAP if you would like to help. We will need many teen and adult volunteers to bring Bible time Nazareth to Christ Church by serving as Marketplace Shopkeepers, Family Mom/Dads and Big Brothers and Sisters, Drama Team members, Village Playground Directors and more. Registration of children will begin in early April, so save the dates for VBS now and spread the news to friends.

First Communion Class 2011: God has blessed us richly by sending twenty-seven children to our class. Please pray for these children as they participate in this special class that enriches their Communion experience.

Communion Celebration Day is May 15.

Ally Atwell Sammy Barr Johnny Barrett Ells Boone Fraser Boone Claiborne Carrington Mary Case Gage Casey Jack Casey Elizabeth Green Harriett Harper Grace Kardys Jack Kardys Beau Kleberg

First Communion Class Photo by Halleta Heinrich

Tano Kleberg Olivia Knox Carson Miller David Miller Kaitlyn Nadeau Walker Noble Joey Satel Reed Shemwell James Schupbach Chandler Simpson Chelsea Simpson Gret Stevens Scout Stevens

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

God’s Love is Frireproof!

Children’s Nursery: Family Ministry Center (FMC) from 8:45 - 11:45 AM Infants-12 months: 104 & 105 Toddlers & Two’s: 106 Children’s Ministry Sunday Schedule: 10:15 - 10:45 AM: Children’s Chapel and Preschool Cherub Choir for three year olds through kindergarten, rm 205 Elementary Chapel for 1st - 5th graders, second floor Children’s Chapel Chapel Children will be brought into the church service to join parents for Communion at announcement time. *Age and grade levels for classes and chapel as of Sept. 1, 2010.

Sunday School Locations: 9:00 - 10:10 AM Good Shepherd Sunday School Preschool 3 year olds - graduating kindergarteners: rooms 201 and 204, Level I Atruim 1st and 2nd graders: room 208, Level II Atrium Village of God’s Children 3rd, 4th, 5th graders gathering: room 302; small groups: rooms 301, 302, 303 Questions? Contact Halleta Heinrich at halletah@cecsa.org, 736-3132.

Fireproof Children’s Ministry Photos by Halleta Heinrich

care

Pastoral Care News

P lease remember to pray

for our brothers and sisters in Christ: Prayers are requested for: Chuck Miller Bill Wilson Mary Parker Sarah Cochran Dasa Burney Suzanne Forgy Sandy Duerr Lehn Duerr Leita Carter Mary Gail Campbell Rocky Walker Rollin Polk Vernon Helmke Tracy Garofano

Todd Heinrich Charlotte Hansen Bob Wallace Kim Yerly Lance Lewenthal Joan Brown Georgia Henderson Dick Davis Paul Kenyon Greg Waters Donny Duggan Diane Buffington Beverly Hilton

carol miller Pastoral Care Administrator carolm@cecsa.org

And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

2 Corinthians 1:7

Community of Hope The Community of Hope Annual Retreat is scheduled for Saturday, March 5 through Sunday, March 6 at Mustang Island. Our speaker, the Rev. Sarah Butler Berlin, is an Episcopal priest and author of Caring Ministry: A Contemplative Approach to Pastoral Care and Contemplative Compassion, Creating a Culture of Care in Faith Communities. She is a spiritual director and retreat leader. Come join us and make your reservations soon. Space is limited.

For more information, please contact Carol Miller, 736-3132 or email Carolm@cecsa.org

inistry SPoTlIGhT

Eucharistic Visitor Ministry The Communion

By Beth Wickenberg Ely Blind and alone she sat on her bed and sang an old hymn from an old church.

She sang to herself.

Her sound came from somewhere deep in her being, to sing was her need Her needing made me stop.

And somewhere between her singing and my stopping something happened that had never happened to me before.

I entered her room.

I said in fluent Spanish: I come with God with Jesucristo for you.

Eucharistic Visitors are licensed lay ministers as established by Title III Cannon 4 (2003) who are authorized to take consecrated elements following the celebration of the Holy Eucharist to parishioners who by reason of illness or infirmity are unable to attend a service. It is truly a Godly ministry as our brothers and sisters in Christ are served with the sacrament of Holy Communion. The ministry is vital to the spiritual well being of the parish in order to maintain the interconnectiveness between those being served and the larger body of Christ.

Christ Church parishioners or their families may request communion by a Eucharistic Visitor in situations when they are unable to attend a regular church service such as hospitalization, post-hospitalization, rehabilitation, nursing facility stays, or protracted stays at home. The request must be communicated to Carol Miller (736-3132), the Pastoral Care Administrator, or Frank Moorhead (365-0898), Eucharistic Visitor coordinator.

And she Shook into tears.

I come with the Holy Communion El Cuerpo de Jesucristo por tu.

She began to nod and her blind, closed eyes wept.

Somehow her desire had reached me and the surprise and joy could not be contained in words and smiles.

There is also a need for Eucharistic Visitors, so if you are interested in helping with the important ministry, please contact Frank or Carol.

Spotlight Ministries is a new segment of The Message to help further promote the ministries of Christ Church. If you have a ministry you would like featured, please contact Bianca.

And she said: I am so alone.

And I said: Jesucristo has come; I have come; and I held her and trieed to talk but we were beyond words.

Reprinted from A Manual for Lay Eucharistic Visitors

MINISTrY

Friends on the Move F riends of Music is offer-

ing two special concerts at Christ Church in April, on the 3rd and 10th. Both are joint productions with esteemed musical partners in our community. The first concert on April 3rd at 4:00 PM will feature the “Stabat Mater” (Grieving Mother) and other excerpts from the oratorio Christus by Hungarian composer Franz Liszt. The choir of Christ Church will combine with the choir of St. Mark’s Episcopal to present this rarely performed and astonishingly beautiful sacred work by Liszt in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the composer’s birth. Tickets for the concert are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors with proceeds of

the concert going to Haven for Hope. They are available from Pat Wilson at the front desk, (210) 736-3132).

On April 10th Friends of Music will host Grammy nominees Camerata San Antonio with cellist Ken Freudigman, violinist Ertan Torgul and pianist Vivian Spy, The trio will perform the Tchaikowsky Piano Trio. Admission is by donation, thanks to the generosity of our Friends of Music supporters.

Sincerely yours in Christ, Owen Duggan, D.M.A., minister of music

Organ Recital

owen duggan Minister of Music owend@cecsa.org

josh benninger Organist joshb@cecsa.org

Joshua Benninger will present an organ recital entitled “Good Things Come in Threes” at Christ Church on Tuesday, 3 May at 7:30 PM. Musical selections will be arranged and presented in three different methods: Three works by a single composer, three separate three-movement works by three different composers, and three different works by three different composers. The concert will feature music by Bach, Bruna, Buxtehude, Mendelssohn, Stanley and Zipoli.

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art work by Tim Blonkvist

MISSIoNS

2011 Mission Opportunities There will be arts and crafts H ere at Christ Church we are blessed with worldly goods and pleasures galore.

Yes, we are saved, but perhaps we are a little self-centered. We want the good life and as Americans we have it. But the question is do we have a “me or thee-first faith.” More than ever shortterm missions are within our grasp. Our world has become smaller and shrinking daily because of our cars, buses, airplanes, and our precious passport. Almost every corner of the world is available and we can spread the Good News. With our fingertips we can communicate, but Christ Church offers us possibilities this year to get our bodies out of the box.

Honduras Water Well Ministry: A team goes down from the diocese several times a year to drill wells and minister to adults and children.

Good health routines are discussed with the villagers.

Proficiency in Spanish is not required. Several trips are planned for the year.

and other programs with the children. Several moms and kids have already expressed an interest. Call Frances or John Harrison 822-0575 St. Petersburg, Russia: Early July a group from local churches normally goes for two weeks to help with the children’s summer camp. A portion of the campers will be orphans. We will sing, dance, play games, teach English, hang out, and tell about Jesus. Please contact Greg Sethness at goseth@ earthlink.net or 822-4160.

Chiapas, Mexico: In July another missions/ youth trip is planned for the Hogar Infantil children’s home in Chiapas, Mexico.

A group of 20 adults and children went last summer,

and many want to go again.

This is a one-week trip and is meaningful and rewarding.

Please contact John Harrison at 822-0575.

In all of these locations we have friends and reliable contacts. Safety and good hygiene are always at the top of our priority list. You will receive more than you give.

Just ask any one who has been. Please indicate your desires early so plans can be finalized.

There is still a great need for laptops for the orphanages in Uganda and for Alison Barfoot’s program in Kenya and Uganda.

Any questions may be directed to John Harrison at 822-0575.

Kampala, Uganda, East Africa: A group from Christ Church will be going in mid July to work at the Mustard Seed Orphanage and the girls’ school in Hoima, Uganda.

This will primarily be a trip with parents and youth.

Mission trip to Russia, 2010.

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eDucaTIoN

Parker Lecture Series featuring Eric Metaxes

W e are pleased to announce the Parker Lecture Series

speaker this year is Eric Metaxas. Mr. Metaxas has an illustrious background that spans from cultural commentator to columnist and from Veggie Tales to Bonhoeffer. His most recent book, BONHOEFFER: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy — A Righteous Gentile vs. the Third Reich, has been met with great praise and recognition. Mr. Metaxas will be preaching at the 10:15 AM service on May 1 as well as speaking for the Lecture Series May 1 & 2 at 7:00.

Sunday, May 1 - Guest preacher at 10:15 Am Service Sunday, May 1 - Parker Lecture begins at 7:00 Monday, May 2 - Parker Lecture Series Continues at 7:00

“In this weighty, riveting analysis of the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Metaxas (Amazing Grace) offers a comprehensive review of one of history’s darkest eras, along with a fascinating exploration of the familial, cultural and religious influences that formed one of the world’s greatest contemporary theologians. A passionate narrative voice combines with meticulous research to unpack the confluence of circumstances and personalities that led Germany from the defeat of WWI to the atrocities of WWII. …. Insightful and illuminating, this tome makes a powerful contribution to biography, history and theology.” – Publishers Weekly From http://www.ericmetaxas.com/category/blurbs/

From our Interim Rector continued...

I regret that we have so sanitized the rite of Baptism that we miss much of the symbolism, but its efficacy remains the same. God is the primary actor in the sacrament, and he can do what he does with little or much water.

This Lent, in addition to whatever other discipline you plan to engage in, let me suggest that you spend some quality time meditating on your baptism and on the changes it makes, or should make in our acceptance of the new identity that God has conferred on each of us. A good place to start is by reading the Baptismal Liturgy beginning on page 299 of the Book of Common Prayer. A glance at Romans 6:3-4 will help, too. Ask yourself about the old clothes that are to be left behind. Which ones struggle to reassert their power on this side of the baptismal waters? What can be done to minimize and cancel their effects?

It may be that when Easter comes, we can sense the power of the resurrection in a fresh way.

Blessings to you all, + Bill Frey 12

ews

FroM The DIoceSe

107th Diocesan Council

C hrist Church was well represented by our

delegates, alternates, and others involved in the Diocesan Council held in San Marcos, February 17 – 19. Delegates attending were Keith Orme, Jacque Roberts, Tom Frost, John Harrison, Herb Hill, Martha Moore, Nance Oliver, Lucy and Jack Walters, John Boyce, and Garry Schnelzer. We missed Scott Rose who was unable to attend at the last minute but he was replaced by Pagie Wilson, an alternate, and Tom Hardin was our second alternate. And of course, we were joined by our clergy, Bill Frey, John Barrett, and Scott Kitayama.

Christ Church and its ministries were very visible. Herb Hill, outgoing president of the Good Samaritan Center gave a fine report on that great ministry. Marthe Curry gave a wonderful Missions report pointing out that the diocese had given $1,500,000 to our mission efforts in the last year, and Tom Hardin was a part of the Council Resolutions Committee. Claire Levingston was outside the council chambers manning the Daughters of the King Booth, and Helen Schnelzer was there selling wonderful articles made by our mission partners in Uganda. Owen Duggan and others were a part of the choir Thursday night.

Bishop Reed gave a memorable sermon on the parable of the sower (available on the Diocesan website) and Bishop Lillibridge’s report was a wonderful reflection on the power of the Gospel in West Texas.

We were entertained by a Mrs. Barrington, who performed three separate one person skits, and helped educate us about our Council Theme, “A Sower Goes Out to Sow”.

All in all we accomplished what we gathered for and had a lot of fun in the meantime.

There was a wonderful worship service on Thursday night. At the Friday noon Banquet we learned about the Diocese’s development of a year round Stewardship Program, the Abide in Me workshops were held at the end of Council on Saturday, several resolutions were passed, and Jay George’s church, Grace Church, received Mission status which was very exciting. This is but a brief look at some of what went on at Council, but we did want to share at least a little bit with you.........

Martha Moore

Pagie Wilson was elected Trustee of the University of the South, John Barrett was elected Trustee of TMI, and Marthe Curry was elected a deputy to General Convention.

Bishop Frey and Keith Orme were asked to report on Christ Church and they did a splendid job. We received many expressions of gratitude and support.

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alender oF eVeNTS

March 6: Evensong Service 4:00 PM

Christ Church Ministry Staff:

March 9: Ash Wednesday Services 7:30 AM, 12:00 & 6:00 PM

The Rt. Rev. Bill Frey, Interim Rector plusbill@aol.com

March 15: Vestry Meeting 5:00 PM

The Rev. John Barrett, Asst. Rector johnb@cecsa.org

March 17-19: Sr. High Spring Break trip to Laity Lodge

The Rev. Scott Kitayama, Asst. Priest, scottk@cecsa.org

March 23: Nativa Mexican clothing sale 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Carol Miller, Pastoral Care, carolm@cecsa.org

April 3: Masterworks Charity Concert 4:00 PM April 21: Maundy Thursday Service 6:00 April 22: Good Friday Service 12:00 - 3:00 PM April 23: Holy Baptism April 24: Easter Services 8:00 AM, 10:15 AM & 6:00 PM

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:

May 1 & 2: Parker Lecture Series May 8: Children’s Musical 10:15 Visit our Church Life Page at www.cecsa.org for more info.

Darla Nelson, Office Mananger, darlan@cecsa.org Donna Shreve, Financial Manager, donnas@cecsa.org 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

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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: May 10: April 26 deadline Ministry info: May 14 - July 31 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