The Message- November 2012

NOVEMBER 2012 • VOLUME 14, NUMBER 5

Parishioners of Christ Church reaching out to the local community at the October 31st Trunk or Treat event.

True Romance: The Call of the Other: 2 Once in Royal David’s City: 5 What Every Parent Needs to Know: 7 Children Belong at Sunday Worship: 13

FROM

In this issue: Music Ministry....................... 5 World Missions ...................... 6 Youth Ministry ...................... 7 Children’s Ministry............... 9 Outreach .............................11 Our Church Life..................13 Pastoral Care.......................18 Calendar of Events ............19

True Romance: The Call of the Other At our Annual Clergy Conference in October, Bishop Lillibridge challenged each priest of the diocese to articulate his PATRICK GAHAN or her theology marriage.

Rector of follows patrickg@cecsa.org What is my heartfelt response to his challenge. PG+ Wonderfully Terrified I did not see it coming.

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 4:30 p.m.

Transitions Post-College Ministry in Carriage House 6:00 p.m.

Holy Eucharist, Rite 2

Cover photo by Susanna Kitayama 2

For a generation, Mrs. Kirkwood’s sixth grade class at Shades Cahaba Elementary changed seats every Friday afternoon of the school year.

At precisely 2 P.M., the student seated on the back of the row pushed his or her desk to the front and the rest of the students in that row scooted back one space. As it happened, I was seated in the front seat of the row during that first week of school in September 1966. When Mrs. Kirkwood, with her translucent purple hair, gave the command for us to move, I thought nothing of it… that is until this creature, appareled in a green jumper with a gold circular pin clasped at the neck sat down in front of me. When she fluffed her ebony hair back upon my desk’s pencil holder, and I caught the scent of the Herbal Essence cascading off of her tresses, a feeling of alluring terror seized me.

An hour later when the school bell rang, I sprinted out of Mrs. Kirkwood’s class, out the weathered oaken front doors of the school, down Oxmoor Road, and onto 18th Street, until I breathlessly arrived at Huffstutler’s Hardware Store, where my mother worked. Adorned in her light blue smock with Marie embossed upon the right shoulder, she asked, “Pat, what in the world are you so worked up about?”

“Mother,” I gasped, “I’ve seen the girl I’m going to marry.” To which she replied, “Pat, that’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard!”

Maybe so, but nine years later, I married that raven-haired girl. To me, she was and continues to be wonderfully terrifying.

“Mother,” I gasped, “I’ve seen the girl I’m going to marry.”

Like I said, I did not see it coming.

In that way, I am a lot like Adam in the first story of the Bible. The story goes that even though he had it made in the garden, replete with luscious food and copious beauty, he was lonely.

At first, God thinks naming the animals will satisfy Adam, but the task is merely a distraction. So, God puts Adam into a deep sleep so that He can take a part of Adam’s body and create another human being.

Once awake, Adam spies this newly formed creature. His response, as recorded in our English Bibles, is less than thrilling: ‘This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh’ (Genesis 2:23). But my Hebrew professor at seminary said his exclamation is better understood like this in the original language: Oh yeah, that’s the one I wanted.

From our Rector...

That’s the one I have been waiting for!

The other who is like us, but so much unlike us, is the one – the only one – who can complete us. It is the call of the other, and it is always wonderfully terrifying.

Romanced by God Seen that way, the wonderfully terrifying call of the other – of man to woman and woman to man – is the closest experience humans have to the call of God. After all, the Bible tells us that God is like us, and yet He remains so much unlike us (Genesis 1:26-27). When God calls us into union with Himself, it is not a tame call by a long shot.

Recall the story of the prophet Isaiah’s encounter with God in the Temple in Isaiah 6:1-8. I get the impression that Isaiah stopped by the Temple that day much like we might stop by the church – to pray in quiet about a nagging concern or hurt. No sooner does Isaiah arrive than “all heaven breaks loose!”

Smoke fills the cavernous building, the mighty stone foundation shakes, and eerie six-winged creatures start darting all about him.

All the while, these creatures ceaselessly screech out their song:

dictable sixth grade foundations shook beneath him when that coal black hair tumbled onto his number 2 pencils, so much so that he had to rush out and rapturously pour out the news to his mother.

a romance with God, our personal foundations shake so that, at first, we want to run away as fast as our feet will carry us. However, the allure of God’s call and the overpowering knowledge that He alone can complete us holds us fast.

“Once called into a romance with God, our personal foundations shake so that, at first, we want to run away as fast as our feet will carry us.”

I am not the first one to make this connection. Ninety-five years ago, Rudolf Otto, a bookish, often sickly, Lutheran pastor set out to identify what, if anything, connected the three great monotheistic religions – Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. After scouring much of the world and experiencing a wide variety of expressions exercised by those three faiths, Otto concluded that three words indelibly tether the three religions together – Holy, Holy, Holy.

To be clear, Otto’s understanding of the word holy is derived from

A year before that dark-haired girl, and I were married, I had such an experience.

I was only a few blocks from Christ Church at Trinity University at the time. During the previous several months, I had been meeting weekly with an adult volunteer from Campus Crusade for Christ. I enjoyed the discussions, but frankly the conversations were mainly a mixture of entertainment and intellectual jousts for me. Then one day, alone in my room in Murchison Dormitory, I was blindsided by this God we had been talking about in those weekly meetings. Truthfully, I wanted to fly out of that room and get far away from that God and re-secure my life on the foundations I had worked so hard to set.

But I was frozen in place.

Eventually, I hit my knees because I was wonderfully terrified. I had felt like that once before in a dusty elementary classroom on a September afternoon. Again, I never saw it coming.

“In the unreserved love that a man has for his wife and she for her husband, we have the most complete portrait of love that God has for each one of us.”

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.

Isaiah is at once ready to run and too enrapt to move a muscle. He is wonderfully terrified by the presence of God. Thus when the Lord calls out, “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah responds immediately, “Here am I; send me!” I can’t help but think he is like that boy whose pre-

the Hebrew gadōsh, which means be “set apart,” “sanctified” – to be “other.” The call of God is the call of the Other. When Otto chronicled his discovery in his 1917 book, Das Heilige or The Idea of the Holy, he strongly noted that the call of the Holy – the Other – is always both tremendum – that is “terrifying” and, at the same time, fascinans – or “fascinating.” Once called into

A Blaze of Heavenly and Earthly Love Those feelings continue to stir within me – thirty-eight years after that moment of surrender in Murchison Dormitory and after thirty-seven years of marriage. My life as a Christian and a priest have been deeply stirred by the knowledge that my completion by Kay – a per3

From our Rector... son like me, yet so much unlike me, is strongly linked to my ultimate completion by God – the One who is like me, yet so very much unlike me. Because of that knowledge, I have never failed to tell a young couple preparing for marriage that the moment they are wed they become a walking around sacrament. In the unreserved love that a man has for his wife and she for her husband, we have the most complete portrait of love that God has for each one of us. Only such love can complete us, and because it enkindles an uncontrollable conflagration, it is terrifyingly fascinating.

The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in

never-ending bond with God. Because God – the Other – is like us, yet so unlike us, only He can make us whole. To adulterate Christian marriage in any way is to diminish a foundational sign in the world of God’s unyielding desire to eternally embrace us and complete us. At least, that’s how the Bible concludes the story…

“[Marriage] signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.”

Those of us who have been caught up in such love resonate with the poetry in the Song of Solomon: Its flashes are flashes of fire,

a raging flame.

Many waters cannot quench love,

neither can floods drown it, If one offered for love,

all the wealth of his house,

it would be utterly scorned. Song of Solomon 8:6-7 Perhaps the poet is writing about human romance, but, then again, perhaps he is writing about our romance with God. I rather imagine he is writing about both.

Our Prayer Book beautifully reflects this deep mystery of marital love and its indelible connection to our relationship with God. At the very beginning of The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage, the priest or bishop addresses the couple desiring to be wed and the congregation assembled to support them: 4

Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people. Book of Common Prayer, 423.

Marriage, according to the Bible and to our Prayer Book, is not a human invention, nor is it merely a social convention, nor is it just an expedient relationship for tax breaks and health insurance. Marriage is a human portrait of the intensely romantic covenant God has prepared for each one of us. While it is true that not all Christians have been called to marry, all have been called into the alluring, enticing,

And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,

‘See, the home of God is

among mortals,

He will dwell with them;

they will be his peoples,

and God himself will be

with them’.

Revelation 21:2-3 I still find the whole thing – wonderfully terrifying!

Your brother,

Patrick U

MINISTRY

Once in Royal David’s City Christmas is so many of ours’ favorite time of year. We all love the decorations, the cooler weather, the music and sitting late in the evening sipping OWEN DUGGAN our favorite Minister of Music hot drink while owend@cecsa.org looking at the Christmas tree. But Christmas can also be one of the most stressful times of the year.

We worry if we will ever have enough time, money and energy to make everything wonderful enough to meet the expectations of all those around us. And as we remember the good times of seasons past, we also think of the losses and disappointments. It is an emotionally charged time for all of us. That is why we are fortunate to have the season of Advent in the church.

heart forward while hoping to receive and embrace the mind and reality-bending news of the coming of Christ, both at his birth and in the future.

The second Sunday of Advent is specially marked at the 11 a.m. service with the faces and voices of our future—the children of the parish in the annual children’s pageant.

As we hear of the coming of Jesus in story and song we quickly see why we are here in the first place, and we offer out thanks for these beautiful children who are ours by way of God’s loving gifts to us.

The following week on the fourth Sunday of Advent we specially exalt in scripture and hymn singing the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus and her great sacrifice of self in her service to God and humanity.

Shortly afterward we come upon Christmas Eve also known as the Nativity of Christ. Three evening communion services beginning at 5 p.m. followed by 8 and 10 are celebrated as we bow before God’s throne in awe and gratefulness for his ultimate gift, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The first service, the largest of the three, will have children, youth choirs and musicians while the latter two adult choir and brass.

“Advent is a time in which we are called upon to set aside our worldly cares and refocus on what God has promised for us, our families and his world.”

Advent is a time in which we are called upon to set aside our worldly cares and refocus on what God has promised for us, our families and his world. Good things are coming, greater than we can ever imagine.

The joy, wonder and beauty of Christmastide displaces all time in its beholding, reminding us that even our most difficult challenges are temporal and fleeting. At Christ Church we are blessed to have in our parish life a rhythm of anticipation and celebration.

On the first Sunday of Advent, December 2, we place our confessions at the top of our worship order, knowing that we cannot bring those things which weigh on our

On the third Sunday at two of our morning services, 9 and 11, we observe a unique Anglican service that originates from Kings College, Cambridge, called Lessons and Carols. The service tells each year the greatest story ever told through scriptures and song of our walk through the darkness of life and how God brings to us the light of his very person to take away the fear and hopelessness of a world without his presence. Youth and adult choirs are joined by youth and professional symphony musicians in a service that has become like a seasonal thumbprint for our church. This is a wonderful time to bring someone new whom you have wanted to invite but have never found the opportunity. Come worship with the herald angels of our parish community as they offer their time and talents to God.

May God bless you richly in Spirit, fellowship and the reaching out to others during this time of Advent.

“And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all... and may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.”

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

Lessons & Carols rehearsal

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MISSIONS

Greetings from Nazareth!

Sharon and the kids are doing well.

David (8) is really wrestling with spiritual truths and questions of justice and honesty as so many of the kids here (especially boys) are just plain mean and lie all the timeeven at his evangelical school! Amelia and Samantha are also doing well. Samantha is putting together words into sentences, like “sausages right up there!” and Amelia is picking up Arabic very well.

and the pastor told me, “I am really learning a lot from your bible study… and I think the ladies might be too.” The Bible study is all in Arabic and they told me plainly, “We don’t know anything about the Old Testament,” so that is what we are studying- a tall order!

The semester is in full swing and I’m teaching a class on the history of mission here in this land of Israel-Palestine. Listen to the lectures at duanemiller.wordpress.com, though some of the material on Islam is too sensitive for the internet.

Pray for health for Duane, honesty for Amelia and David, energy for Sharon, and continued growth for little Samantha. Pray for Abdul, a Muslim friend whom I have been interacting with via my blog. Pray for our seminary students, and for Elias who is writing his final research paper on ethics and how to be a Palestinian Christian in the West Bank (I am supervising his research).

I am also teaching the ladies’ Bible study for our local Anglican church

Thank you for making this ministry possible.

Blessings,

The Millers

Amelia (5) and David (8) all dressed up in their school uniforms.

George Olson in Manila I was interviewed for a radio program on the Far East Broadcasting Company (febc.ph) about tribal missions. It was a three part series that was broadcast over the whole Philippines, a little in Tagalog and I think more in English. The majority of Filipinos are fluent in Tagalog and can understand English, which is why a mix of the two is the most popular form of communication.

At the FEBC studios in Manila.

As I reflect on all that the Lord is doing here in the Philippines, I am amazed at where He has taken us.

There is so much going on in the efforts to bring the Gospel to all the unreached tribal areas. I had no idea a year ago that I would be so intimately involved in the activity here. It is so good to be in the Lord’s service!

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The FEBC office is at the top of one of the tallest skyscrapers in Manila. It was a nice visit and I learned quite a bit about their work. They broadcast over all Asia, taking the Word of God to unreached areas and encouraging believers in persecuted areas.

It was a busy week and then I was off again to Palawan to do more lan-

guage checks! This time I was going with my friend Jody Crain, the missionary who taught me how to do this job. We had two separate locations to travel to, and then I would be able to go home. I was looking forward to that, because Ginny and I would get at least a month together before the next phase of travels!

After spending a week with the head of NTM Philippines, they have invited me to come and train their missionaries (specifically the Filipino missionaries that will be sent abroad) in language learning principles. This is an exciting undertaking, and we are glad to be a part of what God is doing here for the cause of world evangelization!

Blessings to you all in Christ,

George Olson

MINISTRY

Spring Confirmation Spring Confirmation for Youth is quickly approaching! Confirmation is for all students in eighth grade or above. It begins Sunday, January 13th at 9:45 a.m. during the Sunday School hour and will run through April 28th - Confirmation Sunday.

Classes will be held in the Carriage House on Sundays except March 10th and March 31st. All missed classes will need to be made up. The Confirmation retreat is mandatory and will take place the weekend of March 22nd.

CLARK NILES Director of Youth Ministry clarkn@cecsa.org

We are very excited about this course and the teachers involved, including The Rev. Patrick Gahan, The Rev. Scott Kitayama, Dennis Eberhardt, Tina Bigley, Owen Duggan, and Mary Ellen Archer. We will be using the ALPHA series for the first section of teaching and in the second segment will cover the Sacraments, Prayer Book, Liturgy, and other aspects of the Church.

Please let me know if you are interested in enrolling for Spring Confirmation and call me with any questions. I would appreciate your response before December 16th.

What Every Parent Needs to Know “Dealing With Today’s Teens” A Christian Parenting Class for Parents of Teens and Preteens Starts Sunday, January 13 10 a.m.

FMC Movie Theater Room 302 “God, our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world…” the Prayer for Young Persons in the Book of Common Prayer begins.

At no other time does this prayer seem more relevant than now for those parenting teens and children getting ready to enter teenage years. We want to support our parents and grandparents in this exciting and challenging time by offering a Bible-based course: “Dealing With Today’s Teens.”

Experienced Youth Director and author Mark Gregston is the creator of this eight-week video and discussion course.

Mark has served as an Area Director for Young Life and has been a

resident at Kanakuk Kamps where he developed a system of effectively turning around struggling teens.

Mark and his wife Jan founded Heartlight, a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in east Texas. The Gregstons have recently begun teaching their system of dealing positively with teens to parents via radio, internet, in church seminars, through books, retreats, and speaking engagements.

aries for Your Teen Lesson 7: Developing a Belief System for Discipline Lesson 8: Issues of Control The class will be parent-led and a base for building community and peer support among our parents.

For more information contact Halleta or Nancy & Mark Wright.

The following are topics that will be taught through video lessons and class discussion: Lesson 1: Understanding Your Teens Needs Lesson 2: Understanding Your Parenting Role Lesson 3: Understanding Your Teens Behavior Lesson 4: Understanding Your Relationship Lesson 5: Understanding the Purpose of Pain Lesson 6: Developing Bound7

Youth Ministry...

Youth Alpha This January 13 we will began a season of evangelism. We will start a 12 week series called Youth Alpha. Youth Alpha is a practical introduction to the Christian faith based on Questions of Life by Nicky Gumbel.

The reason I’m telling you about this program now, is to alert you to begin to pray for a friend that you can bring- a friend that needs to hear about Jesus or who does not have a church home. This will provide you with a unique opportunity to live out the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Take some time to ask God to help you with this.

The meetings will take place during the Sunday school hour and include

a retreat in March 22-24 at John Harrison’s Ranch. It is an awesome place on the Medina River!

Parents, around the world there is a desperate need within the church to reach and keep young people. By the age of sixteen, it is estimated that 98% of young people who once attended church no longer do so.

Recent statistics suggest that only 7% of those under 18 years of age have any regular contact with “organized religion.”

Youth Alpha offers a fun, fresh, and creative approach to reaching young people with the good news of Jesus Christ. Mark your calendars and began to pray about our spring season of evangelism!

Wanted: College Interns We are currently planning to hire three college-age students as youth interns. They will lead small group Bible studies, help with Sunday School, do contact work at Jr. High and Sr. High School events, and most importantly help to lead worship and praise when we gather our youth. This means we need musically talented students who can play guitar, drums, keyboard, or bass guitar, and sing.

The work would require 5 to 10 hours a week, and pay $10 per hour.

On special occasions there would be weekend retreats, but no more than two in a semester. If interested, contact Clark, clarkniles82@ gmail.com, 210-844-4834.

Junior DOK If you get a chance to poke your head in the Carriage House Youth Room, check out our theme for the fall: “Ignite.”

It is our prayer God, through His Spirit, will ignite our faith and hearts.

The Tenth Avenue North concert was packed full of San Antonio youth.

We had a blast!

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December 1, 2-6 p.m.

Christmas Caroling January 20, 11-12:30 p.m.

Make Valentine’s Day Cards February 17, 3-5 p.m.

Mother-Daughter Tea

MINISTRY

La Posada on December 9

HALLETA HEINRICH Director of Family Ministries halletah@cecsa.org

The children of Christ Church will present “La Posada,” a San Antonio fiesta-style Christmas Pageant, as a gift to Jesus and our parish family on Sunday, December 9 during the 11:00 service.

“La Posada” means “The Inn” in Spanish and is a traditional Mexican reenactment of the journey of Mary and Joseph as they search for an inn in which the Christ Child can be born.

All children ages two through fifth and sixth grade are invited to help tell the story of the first Christmas in scripture and song. Each age level will be featured with a special song and role in the nativity.

Our Parish Family is invited to a

Fiesta Reception in the Parish Hall following the pageant.

The following are reminders to all parents as “La Posada” comes near: - Song CDs, Song Sheets, and Parent Information Letters are available in the FMC Tomlin Room.

Please practice songs with children at home and in the car!

- Saturday, December 8 at 10 a.m. in the church – All Cast Practice for all in the pageant. Younger children should be finished by 11 a.m. Parents are encouraged and welcome to stay and help. Fifth and sixth graders will practice until noon.

- Sunday, December 9, the day of the pageant– All children should report to their Sunday School classes at 10 a.m. to get dressed in costumes and have last minute song practice. We will line up to go into the church at 10:35 a.m.

Come Follow the Star!

Our children will be able to give their hearts to Jesus and follow Him as the guiding Light and Star of their lives during an All Sunday School Epiphany Celebration on January 6 at 10 a.m.

Children will follow the Star and the Three Wise Kings in their journey to find Jesus. The children will bring their most treasured gift in God’s eyes, their Hearts, to give to the Christ Child when they find Him. In return, the Baby Jesus will give them a Star symbolizing His Truth and Light.

Kings Cakes will be enjoyed in the FMC Tomlin Room at the end of the Epiphany journey. A prize will be awarded to those who find the Baby Jesus in their piece of cake.

This is a great day to invite a friend to church! It’s a fun and meaningful way to start the new year.

Children’s Communion Class January 27 – April 7 Parent Orientation January 20

Our Children’s Communion Class, which prepares and enriches the children’s Holy Communion experience, will begin on Sunday, January 27 and conclude on Sunday, April 7 with a Communion Celebration honoring the class and families.

A Parent Orientation will take place on Sunday, January 20 at 10 a.m. in Children’s Chapel. The children’s class will take place during the Sunday School hour from 10 – 10:50 a.m. in rooms 205 and 206 of the FMC. There will be breaks in the class the two Sundays of Spring Break, March 10 and 17, as well as Easter Sunday, March 31.

Children in first grade and above are invited to participate in the class. This not a requirement for receiving Holy Communion, but an educational and spiritual enrichment opportunity.

Basics of our Christian faith are

connected to Bible teachings and the sacrament of Holy Communion as we consider the following topics each Sunday: Lesson One – Who is Jesus? Teachings from John on Jesus as Our Good Shepherd and Introduction to Communion Journals Lesson Two – Who is Jesus? Teachings from John on Jesus as the True Vine Lesson Three – What is the Lord’s Supper? Bible Background and Reenactment of the Last Supper Lesson Four – How Do We Cel9

Youth Ministry... ebrate the Lord’s Supper? Altar Guild Lesson and Presentation of the Last Supper in Church, Looking at the Liturgy of Holy Communion in the Book of Common Prayer Lesson Five – How Do We Prepare Our Hearts to Receive Holy Communion? Part One: Prayer – Hand Prayer Presentation

Our Hearts to Receive Holy Communion? Part Two: Confession and Reconciliation – Lost Sheep Presentation from Matthew and Luke and Expansion of True Vine Part II Presentation from John Lesson Seven – Who Are We As Christian Community? Eucharistic Presence of Jesus Our Good Shepherd Presentation

A Communion Retreat will be held on Saturday, April 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in preparation for Communion Celebration the following day on April 7.

Parents are encouraged to take an active role in the Communion Class by signing up to help at least one Sunday and as Retreat and Communion Celebration Helpers.

Lesson Six – How Do We Prepare

Value-Packed Parenting Christian Parenting Class for Parents and Grandparents of Young Children Begins Sunday, January 27 During the Sunday School Hour From 10 – 10:50 a.m.

In the FMC Library/Sacristy Next to Children’s Chapel It has been proven that parents are the most important faith influences in their children’s lives, but we all need support in bringing up our kids in a positive and Biblical way.

Dr. Kevin Leman has compiled an inspiring and practical video series to help parents bringing up young children, “Value-Packed Parenting.”

Dr. Leman is an internationally known psychologist, radio and television personality, and speaker who has taught and entertained audiences worldwide with his wit and common sense psychology. He

has made house calls for hundreds through radio and television programs including The View, Today, Oprah, CNN’s American Morning, and LIFE Today with James Robison. He has also served as contributing family psychologist to Good Morning America. Dr. Leman and his wife Sande live in Tucson, Arizona, and have five children and two grandchildren.

3)Discipline Isn’t Spelled P-U-N-I-S-H-M-E-N-T 4) Ten Ways to Improve Your Child’s Self-Confidence 5) Caution: Anger Ahead!

6) Birth Order- What You Need to Know About It 7) Standing Up to the New GoliathHelping Kids Overcome the Negative Influences of the Internet, The Media, and Technology

The following are the seven inspiring & entertaining video lessons included in the class:

The class will include community building support, discussion time, and will be parent-led. Contact Halleta or Amy Case for more info.

1) The Ten Best Gifts You’ll Ever Give Your Kids 2) How to Listen So Kids Will Talk and How to Talk So Kids Will Listen

Vacation Bible School 2013 Mark these Dates Now: June 17 – June 20, and plan for you, your children, grandchildren and friends to be part of “Marketplace Athens” Paul’s Dangerous Journey to Share the Truth.

Amy! Let her or Halleta know if you want to be a helper in the areas of Family Leader, Marketplace Shopkeeper, Drama Team, Recreation/Olympics, Song Leader, Kitchen/Snacks or Decorations.

Amy Case will return as our VBS Director. Thanks,

More details will come soon...

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Food Pantry Christmas Luncheon The Hospitality Food Pantry will be holding its 12th annual Christmas luncheon on Saturday, December 1st from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Come and be blessed! You can volunteer to serve, provide home-baked desserts, or assist with crafts for the children. We encourage you to sit down with our guests and enjoy a meal with them. For information, call Tina Honsaker at 859-5062 or Rita Millwater at 534-7042.

Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you

SAMMinistries Christmas Celebration On Sunday, December 2, at 5 p.m. we will host the SAMMinistries Christmas Celebration with dinner & gift-giving followed by a worship service.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to give! You can be a SAMM Family Shepherd, purchase a gift for a family member, or donate to the gift card fund. Sign up in the Parish Hall or contact Caroline Schupbach at 826-8331 or cds1@me.com.

give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Luke 14:1214.

Simplify your Christmas!

Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM) is now offering Christmas cards and personalized addressing service. Two beautiful cards were created especially for CAM with artwork donated by local artist Sheryl Perry.

You provide the list, they do the rest! Your card will be hand addressed, stamped and mailed by CAM volunteers. With your donation, your cards will genuinely be a gift to many. Cards are $20 a dozen plus addressing service.

Call Dawn or Jo Ann (210) 2234099 to place your order.

Good Samaritan Christmas Bags 2 cans green beans 2 cans corn 1 can sweet potatoes 1 box stuffing Chicken Broth 1 box instant mashed potatoes 1 jar gravy (packaged works as well) 1 can cranberry sauce 1 package of Christmas napkins 1 package of Christmas plates 1 small gift to make a family’s Christmas more special (Ex: Christmas candy/cookies, Christmas book- be creative!

Please keep gift under $10, no gift cards please!)

You can also help cover the cost of chickens by making a $5 donation.

Please place items in a reusable grocery bag and bring to church no later than December 16. Leave in office during the week and in the parish hall on Sundays. If you would like to volunteer to help distribute bags on December 21, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., contact Kathleen Judson at 424-2066. For more info contact Jane Monroe 495-2132.

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Outreach...

Dressed-Up to Serve

by Mary Ellen Archer The Christ Church parking lot was full of trunks overflowing with candy, healthy treats, small toys, and dental care items on Halloween night, waiting for the neighborhood children to visit.

We did not wait long before streams of beautiful children came dressed in elaborate costumes, and smiles, big smiles! The looks of wonder, gratitude, and great delight were priceless. They may have been surprised to see so many adults dressed up in costumes, just like them. Their gratitude for the treats

was verbally expressed, and we felt the joy of giving, and wanting to give more. Great delight was shared by all as we had FUN in a safe place, on a cool evening, and with friends.

There were many meaningful aspects to the event. The one that tops the list was having the residents of the Respite Care house come visit us with their care givers.

All of the children were spectacularly dressed in costumes, had bags to receive treats, and smiles to match their joy on this night. Seeing them, and interacting with them absolutely was a treat for us that night.

The blessing of this treat can happen as many times as we/you want, not just on Trunk or Treat. The resident children live just down from the church on Belknap, and the need for aiding in their care is endless. This can happen all year long, and we/you would be the ones leaving with the real “treat!”

Oh, the places we will go “dressed up” as Jesus to love and serve this community!

Children and adults enjoyed the evening in costume, with face painting, balloon shaping, cotton candy, and all sorts of goodies.

Photos by Susanna Kitayama.

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Children Belong at Sunday Worship: The Necessity to Pass on our Faith to Them

by Patrick Gahan A preacher called all the children up to the chancel steps for a special sermon just for them. Enrapt, they all huddled about him, listening to his every word. As the preacher was talking about creation, he asked, “What is little, brown, furry, and loves to eat acorns and nuts.” One of the second grade boys gathered there elbowed the boy to his left and whispered, “It sounds like a squirrel, but I am going to say ‘Jesus’ just to be safe!”

dren is that you never get to practice beforehand. You don’t get to have one made out of paper, to be thrown away when mistakes are made.

nally, the celebration lasts only 45 to 50 minutes. That makes it ideal for those shorter attention spans (and for the parents cajoling their wiggly charges).

Christ Church knows that our children are not “throw away.” Our Director of Family Ministries, Halleta

In a hurry on Sundays? We offer breakfast tacos under the Gazebo from 8:30-9 A.M. Want to spend a leisurely day with your family?

You can arrive at worship at 9 A.M., go to Sunday School at 10, and be home a bit after 11.

“…it is in corporate worship that children begin to look beyond themselves and give praise to God and extend themselves to others.”

The young boy may have taken too much of a “company line” in that instance, but at least he and the other children were where they belonged – at worship. Children belong at worship on Sundays because that is where they learn that they belong to God and to the marvelous intergenerational family gathered there.

For Christians, to forsake this part of our children’s development is as onerous as neglecting their schooling or medical needs. Children need worship within the community – not just to learn about love, justice, forgiveness, moral living, faith, and peace – but also to learn that God treasures them. Additionally, it is in corporate worship that children begin to look beyond themselves and give praise to God and extend themselves to others.

The pressing importance of this for us parents is borne out by Drs. Gloria and Julia Stronks in their 2007 book, Families Living in the Fabric of Faithfulness: The hardest part about raising chil-

Heinrich, has been leading our children’s programs for twenty-four years. Our facility for children’s Christian education and formation is second to none in San Antonio. Just this fall we have added an innovative, lively, and meaningful worship celebration at 9 A.M. on Sundays that meets the needs of our youngest members.

Owen and Gretchen Duggan, and Scott Kitayama took the point position in planning this unique celebration.

Visually, they shrunk the worship space down to children’s size. Also, they project the images on a video screen throughout the celebration to accentuate the experience and stimulate young minds. The music, while still majestic, is highly sing-able and rhythmic, which is particularly engaging for young worshippers. Fi-

Still sounds like too much trouble?

Recall Jesus’s blistering words to his disciples…

Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs!” (Mark 10:14)

Baptism of Samuel Kitayama at 9 o’clock service.

Photo by Jennifer Rose.

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Our Church Life...

Welcoming Brien Koehler, Associate Rector for Mission and Formation Q. Welcome to Christ Church, Brien! We are happy to have you and look forward to getting to know you and your wife. In the mean time, would you tell us a little about yourself?

A. I was born in the midwest, but consider Austin my home. Terry and I met in high school, and we married after college in 1972. Terry and our three children are graduates of Baylor and I graduated from the University of Dallas. I also attended graduate school at the University of Wisconsin and received my Master of Divinity degree from Nashotah House in 1976.

I served parishes in the dioceses of Milwaukee, Chicago, Southwest Florida, Fort Worth, and Louisiana; my last ministry before retirement was as rector of Saint Luke’s Church and School in Baton Rouge. In addition to my new ministry at Christ Church, I serve as chaplain to students and families at Nashotah House seminary in Wisconsin (where I also serve on the board of trustees).

work in the service of others, and discovering that God was working to change my own attitudes and priorities at the same time was and is life-changing.

I also am thankful that I had an opportunity to serve as rector of a parish with a dynamic parish day school. Seeing the opportunity for evangelism that exists when a parish and school work closely and harmoniously was a blessing I did not expect.

The ministry of service and relief that my Louisiana parish accepted after hurricane Katrina showed me an extraordinary and moving example of the love of God in action.

Terry and I were participants in a Cursillo weekend very early in my time as a priest, and for me the experience was a true turning point for my Christian life.

Q. How do you feel about serving at Christ Church?

A. I am very excited to be in a dynamic parish with a strong history of mission and witness to the gospel of Christ!

Q. What would you like us to know about your family?

A. Terry and I are proud of our Q. What will be the focus of three children: Gregory who is your ministry here?

Brien and Terry Koehler a writer, Michael who is a priest A. Our rector has charged me in the Diocese of West Texas servwith helping to develop a “founing in Wimberley (he and his wife Erin are the parents dation curriculum” for adults that will extend through sevof our two grandchildren), and Louisa who is a regional eral years and will include classes and activities that are marketing director in Fort Worth. designed to promote Christian maturity. I’ll be working with Christ Church lay teachers and clergy to design a seQ. How would you describe your walk with Christ? ries that will support the core values of Christ Church, and A. My walk with Christ began as a boy in the Method- help all of our parish understand not only what they need ist Church, and I followed his leading into the Episcopal to know about Christianity, but also what they need to do.

Church during my college days. After a “false start” on a career path in graduate school, I followed the Lord’s call And, Terry and I are looking forward to building on the toward seminary and ordination. I have been conscious extremely strong program of world mission that is already for decades now that God is constantly opening me up to part of Christ Church by looking for additional ways to new opportunity and surprise growth. I am keenly aware engage more people in the spiritual power of mission. that the Lord’s leading is a day by day process.

We are planning a “Look/See” visit to Honduras in JanuQ. What excites you most about the ministry? ary, and we hope some of Christ Church’s members and A. I have a passion for teaching and preaching, and with leaders will join us. We will leave from San Antonio on my wife Terry, I share a passion for world mission.

Thursday, January 10 and return on Tuesday, January 15. The purpose of the trip is to visit some mission projects Q. What have been some high points in your ministry? that Terry and I have overseen in recent years, and to see A. I believe that the most life-changing experience in my where new opportunities might be for Christ Church. Call thirty-five years of ministry has come to me during our me at 830-200-1905 or write to me at brienk@cecsa.org work in short-term mission in Honduras. Doing effective for more information.

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Our Church Life...

Great Expectations alert | prepared | filled | hopeful | unafraid | ready

December 2 - 30 In advance of each Sunday’s sermon, a Bible study will be offered at www.cecsa.org Date Advent 1 Advent 2 Advent 3 Advent 4 Christmas Christmas 1

Sunday, December 2 Sunday, December 9 Sunday, December 16 Sunday, December 23 Mon. & Tue., Dec. 24-25 Sunday, December 30

Bible Passage Luke 21:25-36 Luke 3:1-6 Luke 3:7-18 Luke 1:39-55 Luke 2:1-20 John 1:1-18

Theme for the Week Be Be Be Be Be Be

alert to your life. prepared for surprises. filled with anticipation. hopeful about the future. unafraid of discovery. ready to receive.

Advent Wreath Making Celebration Calling All Families of All Ages and Sizes on the First Sunday of Advent!

Come make your Advent Wreath and light its first candle with your church family on December 2, the First Sunday of Advent, at 10 A.M. in the Parish Hall. This will be a parish-wide celebration.

Bring a dozen of your favorite Christmas cookies to share. Hot cocoa, coffee, and punch will be served.

Advent Wreath making materials including a brass base, fresh greenery, candles, and ribbon will be provided. We ask for an offering of $10 per family, or $5 if you already have a wreath base, in order to cover supply costs. You may pay at the door with cash or check. Contact Halleta for more information at halletah@cecsa.org.

15

Our Church Life...

An Update from The Barretts November 6, 2012 Greetings Christ Church, We Barretts have been out here in Far West Texas for just over three months. I promised to write you an update once we got settled into our new home. So, here it is.

Of course, leaving was difficult after seven years in San Antonio and at Christ Church. Uprooting from community and church was a challenge, but we are beginning to get our roots in here and to form new friendships.

Trinity School has become the center of much of our life, as that is where I teach, the four boys study, and Barbara volunteers much of her time. We live only four blocks from the school. Walking to class reminds me of my childhood when I was a “walker.”

As well as doing chapel work, I have enjoyed teaching again, engaged in the realm of literature, words, and youth. My discipline is tenth grade English. One blessing is having William as a student! (Most sons or daughters would have a difficulty with a dad as a teacher, but he seems to be just fine with it.) I am assisting in chapel to a seasoned school chaplain and am in process of helping develop the religious curriculum at the school. Next year I hope to be teaching both English and Religion classes.

The boys are making friends, thriving in their studies and getting adjusted to the rhythm of a city about a tenth the size of San Antonio.

Barbara is making some good friends, is participating in a weekly prayer group of mothers, is studying scripture in Community Bible 16

Study, and is making our home a place of goodness and grace.

We have been trying to find a church home, having been to about nine churches in our time here.

There are some fine churches on what may be the edge of the Bible Belt. We are zeroing in on a place to worship and get involved.

We have come to see this time here as a chapter of adventure and also of leading a simpler life, to draw closer as a family and to explore the Wild West. We took a trip to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico recently and plan to explore other parts of New Mexico over Thanksgiving as well as Big Bend, Alpine and Fort Davis later on. We see God’s Hand in many of the reasons He called us here.

Love Offering. I know that I already thanked you all in written word last August through one of the church publications, but I wanted to do so again. What a generous send off!

We hope to stay in touch. We hold you close in our thoughts and hearts.

Our new address is: 4108 Fox Hollow Court Midland, TX 79707 Our e-mail remains the same: jandbbarrett@aol.com In the name of Jesus Christ,

The Rev. John Barrett

It is a fascinating place to be with the oil boom in full swing. Although it is usually a slower paced town, the longtime residents tell us, the traffic now is quite thick and fast due to lure of extracting more oil out of old fields. The population is growing faster than the city services can keep up with.

Thank you, Christ Church for letting us be amongst you the past seven years. We miss being with you. Thank you for ministering to us, too, during some difficult times, as we tried to minister to you. I am thankful to the Lord for our time together, and being under the leadership of Chuck, Bill, and Patrick, alongside of Eric, Dan, Kern, and Scott, as well as an amazing and gifted staff and group of lay leaders.

I want to thank you, again, for sending us off with such an amazing

At Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque, NM

Our Church Life...

The Search for the Great Taco Never Wanes and the Dream Never Dies!

by Patrick Gahan What follows – few human eyes have ever perceived, an invention long anticipated and one that is way before its time. Some doubted it could be done. Others have scoffed at the pursuit of this advanced technology.

Consumer groups have tried to stop its development. Special interest lobbyists have begun filing injunctions.

Left wing elements have threatened subversive action.

Not since Los Alamos has such heightened secrecy surrounded a development. The public said it could not be done… but John Q. Public does not know the vigilance and tenacity of Christ Church scientists.

Now the cone of silence has been broken, and the first ever Tacometer is unveiled. San Antonians will never dine in darkness again. Scott and Pat’s Great Taco Trek will go on! (That is if any of you will take us out to lunch…)

missions, we learned that we could ask for an additional tortilla and thereby make two tacos from one.

That’s something the government does not want us to know!

Taco Trek: The Search for the Most Divine Taco in San Antonio!

Host: _____________________

The next week Scott and I were given the coordinates to meet the San Antonio music diva, Jennifer Berg, at Teka Molino. Hiding the Tacometer in her Oboe case, we were able to infiltrate the heightened security of this city landmark.

Rater: _____________________ Restaurant: _________________ Taco Ordered: ______________ Presentation:

Government censors have attempted a massive cover-up at Teka Molino, not wanting the general public to learn that for $25 bucks you can feed your entire street there.

The food is classically good. No advanced drug can assist you in resisting their Chicken Fajita Taco!

Yes, it was Jennifer Berg’s birthday when she took us there. Yes, we still had her pay the tab. No, Scott and I did not feel the least bit guilty. Insurgency work means sacrifice!

Quality of Tortilla:

Taste of Meat and Veggies:

The Tacometer has now been field-tested twice.

Mary Ellen Archer went undercover (actually under-taco) with Scott and Pat. Risking her sterling reputation, she clandestinely took the two to Beto’s. The Tacos Al Pastor, and Famous Fish Tacos filled our table with their alluring aroma.

Because of Mary Ellen’s earlier reconnaissance

______________________________

Overall Experience:

Notes: ______________________ ______________________________

17

CARE

Quiet Day The Community of Hope at Christ Episcopal Church invites you to a Quiet Day on Saturday, December 15, from 9 a.m.to noon, with a Communion Service starting at 12:15 p.m.

CAROL MILLER Pastoral Care Administrator carolm@cecsa.org

Sylvia Maddox, author, retreat leader, and professor of Spirituality at UIW will be speaking on “The Tenderness of God’s Love”

In the rush and activities of the Christmas season, we often long to return to the simplicity and humility of the birth of Christ. St. Francis of Assisi understood this human longing, and in the year 1223 was the first to create a living manger scene as a reminder of the human tenderness of God’s love.

Using the wisdom of St. Francis, this quiet morning will give us time to pray, reflect, and share our desire to awaken in ourselves the beauty and joy that comes in receiving this tender love. Don’t miss this wonderful morning open to all!

Bishop Jones Center, Cathedral House 111 Torcido Rd. San Antonio, Texas 78209 RSVP by Dec. 12 to Carol Miller.

Therefore, if anyone is in he is

Christ,

a new creation.

The old has passed away; behold,

the new has come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Refreshments will be available at 8:30 a.m.

New Beginnings Alcoholism is an illness that can change the lives of many in your family. We want to help with your concerns.

“New Beginnings,” an AA Women’s group, is starting at Christ Church on Thursday, January 3rd. Meetings will be from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. For more information call Kay B. at 822-6504.

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OF EVENTS November 21: Thanksgiving Service, 6 p.m.

Christ Church Staff:

November 22: Thanksgiving Day | Office Closed

The Rev. Patrick Gahan, Rector patrickg@cecsa.org

November 23: Office Closed November 25: Christ the King Sunday December 1: Food Pantry Luncheon, 11 a.m.

Jr. DOK Christmas Caroling, 2-6 p.m.

December 2: “Great Expectations” Sermon Series begins

Advent 1- Wreath Making, 10 a.m.

SAMMinistries Christmas Celebration, 5 p.m.

December 9: “La Posada” Christmas Pageant, 11 a.m.

Youth SNL at Bishop Jones Center December 12: Parish Christmas Dinner, 6 p.m.

December 15: Community of Hope Quiet Day- Bishop Jones Ctr., 9 a.m.

December 16: Lessons & Carols, 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.

December 23: No Sunday School

The Rev. Scott Kitayama, Associate Rector, scottk@cecsa.org The Rev. Brien Koehler, Associate Rector for Mission and Formation, brienk@cecsa.org Carol Miller, Pastoral Care Administrator, carolm@cecsa.org Halleta Heinrich, Director of Children’s Ministry, halletah@cecsa.org Clark Niles, Director of Youth Ministry clarkniles82@gmail.com Dr. Owen Duggan, Music Minister owend@cecsa.org Joshua Benninger, Organist joshb@cecsa.org Ruth Berg, Director of Children’s Music, ruthb@cecsa.org

December 24: Christmas Eve Services, 5, 8, & 10 p.m.

December 25: Blessing of the Toys, 10 a.m. | Office Closed December 30: No Sunday School

Christ Church Support Staff: Robert Hanley, Parish Administrator robert@hanleypmservices.com

January 1: Happy New Year! | Office closed

Darla Nelson, Office Manager darlan@cecsa.org

January 2: No Youth Group Meeting

Donna Shreve, Financial Manager donnas@cecsa.org

January 3: “New Beginnings” AA Women’s Group, 8:45 a.m.

January 6: Baptismal Sunday

Children’s Epiphany Celebration, 10 a.m.

Christ Church 2.0 begins, 10 a.m.

January 13: Baptismal Sunday | Youth Alpha begins, 10 a.m.

Spring Confirmation for Youth begins, 10 a.m.

Dealing with Today’s Teens begins, 10 a.m.

January 20: Children’s Communion-Parent Orientation, 10 a.m.

Jr. DOK Make Valentine’s Day Cards, 11 a.m.

January 27: Value-Packed Parenting begins, 10 a.m.

Children’s Communion Class begins, 10 a.m.

Carmen Mercado Cary, Director of Communications, carmenc@cecsa.org Anna Jewell, Executive Assistant to the Rector, annaj@cecsa.org Donnis Carpenter, Receptionist donnisc@cecsa.org Elizabeth Martinez, Kitchen Manager elizabethm@cecsa.org Robert Vallejo, Facilities Manager robertv@cecsa.org Rudy Segovia, Hospitality Manager rudys@cecsa.org Joe Garcia, Sexton joeg@cecsa.org

19

Catch the Christmas Spirit!

Christmas Celebration Schedule: SUNDAY, DEC. 9, 11 A.M. The children of Christ Church invite you to “La Posada,” this year’s Christmas Pageant.

A Fiesta style reception will follow.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 12, 6 P.M. Parish Christmas Dinner & Music On the menu: Turkey and all the trimmings!

SUNDAY, DEC. 16, 9 & 11 A.M. Lessons & Carols MONDAY, DEC. 24, 5, 8, & 10 P.M. (new time) Christmas Eve Services TUESDAY, DEC. 25, 10 A.M. Blessing of the Toys

August and Annabelle Zacher, along with their cousin Joey Satel, held a lemonade and cookie sale to raise money to buy Christmas gifts for the SAMMinistries kids.

They raised $85 and were THRILLED! How are you spreading the Spirit of Christmas?

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 14, Number 1.

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