The Message- May 2012

maY 2012 • Volume 14, Number 2

Over 160 Years of Service… and Counting: 2 A Holy Week to Remember: 4 It’s All About the Bible this Summer: 7 Get Moving!: 12

From

In this issue: Music Ministry....................... 4 World Missions ..................... 5 Children’s Ministry............... 6 Youth Ministry . .................... 8 Our Church Life..................10 Pastoral Care.......................14

Over 160 Years of Service… and Counting I no sooner arrived at Christ Church than I began to realize that our parish staff has served here a very long time - alPatrick Gahan together over Rector 168 years. patrickg@cecsa.org That’s a lot of service to our

News from the Diocese .... 14

Lord and to us.

Calendar of Events ............15

Leading the pack is Robert Vallejo, our Facilities Manager. In March, Robert passed the 25-year mark.

Sunday Service Times: 8:00 a.m.

Spoken Communion Service 9:15 a.m.

Adult/Youth/Children Sunday School 10:15 a.m.

Communion Service with music 6:00 p.m.

Spoken Communion Service

On the cover: Carson Miller and Elizabeth Green.

Photo by: Susanna Kitayama

Darla Nelson, our vigilant Office Manager, has been making the “trains run on time” at Christ Church for a whopping 21 years.

Robert Vallejo

“What must I do in my current ministry to become a better ‘shepherd’ for Christ?”

Not far behind Robert is Halleta Heinrich, our C h i l dren’s Minister, who has blessed our children for 24 years.

Speaking of children, Ruth Berg, our Children’s Choir Director, has been coaxing beautiful music out of our kids for the better part of 19 years.

“What are the characteristics of a ‘servant’ leader?”

We have others who have broken into double figures. Elizabeth Martinez, our Kitchen Manager, will surpass the 10year mark in November.

Carol Miller, our Pastoral Care Administrator, has been soothing our folks during their hardest times for 12 years this coming August.

Rudy Segovia, Hospitality Manager, has Ruth Berg “rolled out the red carpet” for our Lord and us for 14 years in June. And this very spring, Owen Duggan, our ever-resourceful and inventive Music Director, will have served up beautiful mel-

From our Rector... odies to the Glory of God and for us for 14 years, as well.

How blessed we are, and I can say that after only being here for seven w e e k s … while there are some of you have worshipped at Christ Church for over 70 years!

Halleta Heinrich

“How do we become the ‘new creation’ Paul professes?”

Our staff doubly blesses us because they are determined to mature in their Christian walk. Each week we spend at least twenty min-

the ‘new We should be creation’ proud of these “What does it take to Paul proof ‘stay awake’ and hear servants fesses?”

God, and we From Luke, Christ’s call on our life?” should expect “ W h a t the staff’s does it ministry to altake to ways become ‘stay awake’ and hear brighter and stronger.

Christ’s call on our life?”

From Philippians, “What It has are the characteristics of o n l y a ‘servant’ leader?” From t a k e n Acts, “In what ways should me a few Christ’s resurrection trans- weeks to form our life right now?” r e a l i z e And from John, “What must what a treasure we have in these talented and devoted Carol Miller folks.

Elizabeth Martinez

I do in my current ministry to become a better ‘shepherd’ for Christ?”

I should add that the Vestry has decided to honor our staff at a special celebration. Vestryman Rick Foster and his bride Kathleen, will be chairing this effort, and you will hear more later. In the meantime, tell a staff member what their service means to you.

Your brother, Patrick U

Rudy Segovia

utes together in Bible study. Here are some of the hard questions the Bible has put to us: From 2 Corinthians, “How do we become

Darla Nelson

Owen Duggan

mINISTrY

A Holy Week to Remember

owen duggan Minister of Music owend@cecsa.org

We were so blessed to participate in this year’s Holy Week services. It all began with a powerful rendition of Mark’s Gospel Passion story by solo actor Charissa Fenton. Armed with nothing but a staff and a red scarf she brought the greatest drama in history right to our doorstep in vivid color. That same day we were led to the Lord’s table by the sweet voices of the junior choirs and the trumpet did indeed ‘sound’ from the loft.

Maundy Thursday found us at the service of each other in the washing of feet and the celebration of the Last Supper. An original Christ Church choral setting of the ancient hymn, “Now, my tongue, the mystery telling” was offered followed by a dignified and profound ceremony of the stripping of the altar by the altar guild.

The next day we marched together in spirit and solemnity alongside our Lord Jesus Christ as he passed through the ‘stations of the cross’ to the crucifixion.

The 14 stations were each marked by the inspired line

drawings of Steve Ross, commissioned several years ago by Kim Yerly. These special devotional icons are usually on display in the Christ Church prayer room.

After a break and time of reflection to view the artworks placed around the sanctuary, the choir, soloists and musicians provided a celestial rendering of Haydn’s Seven Last Words of Christ. Based on the sentences spoken by Christ on the cross, taken from the Gospels of Luke, Matthew and John, the famous choral masterwork rang out with the words and emotions of our Savior, the Evangelists and even the crowd.

Saturday morning the children of the church processed behind the Light of Christ, the Paschal Candle, singing songs of celebration. Later that day two happy babies were baptized at the Easter Vigil service. Sunday morning amidst a burst of flowers and colorful Easter hats we proclaimed that “the Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!.

We give thanks for the 825 people that were present that day. Many thanks also go to the volunteers and staff that helped this extraordinary week bring glory to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. ...

Nineveh? Go to Nineveh?

by Ruth Berg Join the Children’s Choirs and Sunday School singers of Christ Episcopal Church as they relate the miraculous story of a favorite Old Testament prophet, Jonah. Listen to how Jonah’s unwillingness to follow God’s command put himself and others in harm’s way –but how God intervened in a very fishy way! Cleverly set to music by the talented Allen Pote, “Oh, Jonah!” celebrates God’s faithfulness despite Jonah’s disobedience. Bring the family and come experience this whale of a tale on Sunday, May 13th during the 10:15 service.

Photos submitted by Ruth Berg

mISSIoNS

Living the Great Commission

by Jane Monroe We are blessed at Christ Church and in the Diocese of West Texas to have so “Christ Church is a many of our brothers and sisters who take the Great Commission seriously and are intent on taking the Gospel “to the ends of the earth”. As I write, missionary-sending Garry and Helen Schnelzer are preparing to leave for Uganda. They will be congregation.” part of the SOMA (Sharing of Ministries Abroad) Australia ministry team and Helen will help lead the Threads of Blessing needlework conference in Hoima where Ugandan women will be encouraged to gather as a community, learn new skills and develop personal esteem.

“Christ Church is also a mission-supporting congregation.”

Christ Church is a missionary-sending congregation. This summer, John Harrison will lead a team to Uganda to visit orphanages and minister to their children; Jack Martin will lead a Water Well Ministry team to Honduras; and the Schnelzers will return to Uganda for a nation-wide tapestry workshop sponsored by the Women’s Vocational Training Center which was initially funded by the Diocese of West Texas.

Christ Church is also a mission-supporting congregation. Through our church offerings and through individual contributions, Christ Church supports the full–time ministries of the Streets (Campus Crusade for Christ), the Millers in Israel, and the Olsons in the Phillipines.

Christ Church is a praying congregation. Those preparing for and going out on missions need our prayers for the discernment of God’s will for their ministry, for their health and safety, and for increased opportunities to witness for Christ.

“Christ Church is a praying congregation.”

Are you involved in spreading the Gospel through World Missions? If not, please pray to discern where God would have you serve. Not everyone is called to go on a mission but everyone can help support those who are, financially or through prayer.

Dear friends, Peace be with you. I wanted to share with a prayer concern which has left my heart sad in recent days.

One of my best friends here in Nazareth is a Greek orthodox priest. He is the pastor of the church in a town between Nazareth and Cana. He and his wife (who is European- he’s Arab Israeli) have two kids about the ages of our kids, so we all went out for a picnic during Holy Week break. We took some snacks and coffee and the kids played on a playground at the park.

He and I talked about a lot of things, but it was clear that he was very frustrated with his parishioners.

The church he is pastoring had been without a priest for years, and he arrived and visited every single family on the parish list! He made repairs in the church, and started a group for the young adults. But he is so discouraged. I tried to encourage him- that God can change people’s hearts, that the Holy Spirit can work through him. Will you join me in praying for my friend the Orthodox priest and his flock? He is thinking about emigrating to Europe with his family, but this would be a great loss to the church here.

Peace, Duane and Sharon Miller, Missionaries to Nazareth

mINISTrY

Help Good Sam Kids Go to Camp Capers!

The Good Samaritan Center is sending many of their kids to Camp Capers for a life changing experience this summer. They are asking us to help make sure that each of these children is fully equipped to enjoy to the fullest this wonderful adventure where Christ will be proclaimed. The deadline for bringing the following offerings is Sunday, June 3: Blankets Pillows Twin Sheet Sets Towel and Washcloth sets Beach Towels Hairbrushes 6 packs of socks Hat/Caps Large Laundry Bags Bottles of Sunscreen Flip Flops

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

Anything you can bring will be appreciated. Items will be collected in Children’s Chapel on the second floor of the Family Ministry Center, but can be dropped off during the week at the Church Office in care of Halleta Heinrich.

The Countdown to VBS 2012 Has Begun!

Vacation Bible School 2012 - SpaceQuest! - is scheduled for launch on June 18-22! Christ Church, along with our friends at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, will host approximately 100 kids on an out of this world adventure! Through spectacular space stations, we will discover the mission Jesus has for us in John 14:6.

With less than two months to go and over 80 registered kids representing churches throughout San Antonio (including 13 from the Good Samaritan Center) we need adult and teen volunteers in the following areas: small group leaders, crafts, snacks, games/recreation and music/worship. Consider giving one or more mornings to this valuable, mostly indoor (air-conditioned!) ministry and watch these kids light up with joy!

VBS will be held Monday - Thursday from 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. with an optional movie and play day on Friday, June 22. Register your kids, grandkids and friends today at www.cecsa.org/children. It will be a blast!

Amy Case VBS Director 210-723-6350 amygcase@gmail.com

Halleta Heinrich Director of Children’s Ministries 210-736-3132 halletah@cecsa.org

Children’s Ministry...

It’s All About the Bible This Summer!

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL Begins Sunday, June 3 9:15 a.m. in the FMC

Hands On Bible Preschoolers 3 years - Kindergarten Graduates Rooms 205 & 206

“Pockets the Puppet” invites all preschoolers to join him this summer as we get our hands on the Bible and actively learn about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Highlights from the ministry of Jesus and Holy Week from the Gospels along with stories of the Early Church from Acts will be presented each Sunday.

Group Publishing “Hands on Bible” curriculum that includes Pockets and fun “hands on” activities will guide our summer preschool teach-

ers as they present the Gospel message to the children each Sunday.

Walking the Bible Elementary 1st – 5th Graders Movie Theater Room 302 Elementary age children will see the Bible come to life through a study of “Walking the Bible” based on the national bestseller and acclaimed PBS television series of the same title.

“Walking the Bible – A Journey by Land of the Five Books of Moses” written by Bruce Feiler traces the 10,000 mile odyssey of the author by foot, camel, rowboat, and jeep through the Holy Land to find the places where God met His people in the Pentateuch. From Creation, Noah, and Abraham to Moses and the Exodus, Feiler endeavors along with archaeologists to show us the concrete reality of these important stories and their locations.

Children will view segments of the film “Walking the Bible” each Sunday accompanied by a related Bible

Study and discussion. The Old Testament’s first five books (the Books of Moses) which include Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy will be viewed with an eye looking toward Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises to His people.

Please sign up to teach one or more Sundays this summer! Sign ups will be located on Sunday School classroom doors and in the first floor Tomlin Room of the Family Ministry Center. Contact Halleta for more information.

Communion Class 2012 Congratulations to this year’s Children’s Communion Class and their parents!

Thanks go to Communion Class teachers Carmen Lewenthal, Jennifer Rose, and Halleta Heinrich and all the parents who helped in leading the class. Much gratitude goes to Caroline Carrington for designing this year’s Communion Banner, and to our student mentors: Fraser Boone, Mary Case, and Joey Satel.

The following children and their families were honored on Communion Celebration Sunday, May 6: Jaclyn Arredondo, Cottar Hanzel, Kate Heinrich, Nelson Heinrich, Garrison Kelly, Mary Stuart Kelly, Marjorie Losack, Nicole Mays, Reaves Miller, Ava Shepperd, Remy White, Annabelle Zacher, and August Zacher.

Photo submitted by Jennifer Rose

Y outh

mINISTrY

CLARK NILES Director of Youth Ministry clarkniles82@ gmail.com

A Potent Injection

Youth Calendar

I recently spent about 15 to 20 minutes challenging the youth Confirmation class on Sunday morning, to not go through the process of Confirmation lightly.

B.A.S.I.C. Digital Photography Contest: Capture the essence of the Christ Church campus. The best photos will be displayed in the Carriage House! Contest open through the end of August.

I used a favorite illustration of a famous explorer and scientist named Baron Von Humboldt, who while on an expedition in the jungles of Venezuela, watched an Indian hunter bring down a large animal with a single shot with his bow and arrow.

The arrow had been poisoned with curare, a potion with two curious properties, derived from a jungle plant. Curare injected into the bloodstream, as it was when hunting, was deadly. It immobilized the body, attacked vital organs, and caused death almost instantaneously.

Humboldt discovered the second property of curare when he became sick, and a native witch doctor forced Humboldt to drink some curare that had been diluted with water. Terrified he was going to die, Humboldt was surprised to find that after drinking curare, he felt significantly better.

Curare when diluted and taken orally, he discovered, could have a positive medical effect without causing damage to organs or death.

The key to curare’s impact lies primarily in the way it is taken into the body. Injected into the bloodstream, it’s a deadly killer. Ingested orally, it’s a soothing muscle relaxant.

And here we find the point when we compare curare with Christianity.

Its impact depends chiefly on how it is received. Some choose to take it orally, diluted as much as possible, so it has few side effects and makes us feel better—but that’s not the purpose of true Christianity.

Christianity’s purpose is to change us into a new creation in Christ.

And in order for us to become this new creation there must be a dying of sorts of the old self in order to be born again.

Being infused into the community of Christ and submitting to a molding process by our Lord’s Holy Spirit takes time and commitment. But it’s there where we find abundant life and gifts like patience, love, courage, and peace that makes no sense!.

I ended my time with the class with this, “Don’t settle for a watered-down version of Christianity. It can’t be taken orally. It has to be injected.”

P.S. The Courageous series for our youth has been powerful, and full of molding and shaping moments!

...

Mother’s and Father’s Day Recognition: May 13th and June 17th, 10:15 a.m. service. Come help give out tokens of appreciation to our congregation, immediately preceding the 10:15 a.m. service.

Youth Sunday: May 20th, 10:15 a.m. service. All 2012 graduates of Elementary School, Middle School, High School, and College will be honored during this special worship service! Contact Clark if you’re a graduate and will be attending.

“Sunday Night Live”: May 20th, 57 p.m. Special SNL for Middle and High School students from across the Diocese: bowling and fun @ “Main Event”; $20 per student.

Vacation Bible School: June 18th - 22nd. Have fun and earn volunteer hours by being a teen helper for our “Space Quest” VBS, 9 a.m.

– noon each day. Register at cecsa. org/children.

Happening Weekend: A spiritual renewal weekend for high school students (grades 10-12).

Go to www.dwtx.org to learn more and register.

#122 August 3-5

St. Luke’s, San Antonio

#123 November 16-18 St. John’s, McAllen

D-Now Weekend: August 17th – 19th. Be part of the 2nd Annual “Discipleship Now” retreat to be hosted by CEC. Start your new school year off right with worship, music, fellowship, service and fun!

Youth Ministry...

April Confirmation

by John Barrett This year’s Confirmation class had a robust 25 young men and women.

We began our instruction in late January and after three months in class, the students or “catechists” were confirmed on April 29th by Bishop Gary Lillibridge.

for them to put on paper that they were ready to be confirmed in a true-hearted way. I’d like to share with you a few of the questions we asked and the responses received: Are you ready to be confirmed? “Yes, I am ready to bind myself to Jesus, my savior, so he may guide me to a better, purer life.”

Who is Jesus to you? “Jesus is the cornerstone of my life. He is the basis of everything that I am. I love Him so much and work everyday to become closer with Him. At the end of the day He is all that I have. He is my reason to be thankful.”

The young men and women studied a wide variety of essential teachings of the church, grounded in the Bible and reflected in the Book of Common Prayer.

If you were to preach a sermon on who Jesus is, what would you proclaim about him? “He is brave. He is magnificent. He The focus of the class was on the relationis amazing.

“Jesus is the cornerstone of my life… ship that they have in Jesus, who died out He saved us.

I love Him so much and work everyday of love for their sins and who promises new He puts othlife. It was a class that eagerly aimed them ers first beto become closer with Him… at the mature profession of faith, one which fore himself.

He is my reason to be thankful.” they would make their own, culminating He is my with the laying on of hands by the bishop and with the savior. He washes away the sins of the world. He can fresh indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Although this indi- make miracles. He is the Prince of Peace. He can walk vidual relationship with the Lord was emphasized, the on water. He saved ME.” class also learned of the importance of living within a Christian community of accountability, prayer, and Are you ready to be confirmed? “I am ready! Let’s do support. it!”

On Saturday April 21st the class had a retreat on the campus of the church. We started out in prayer, went to the Food Pantry to “Yes, I am ready to bind myself to observe and serve, Jesus, my savior, so he may guide me t h e n to a better, purer life.” went on a walk in our own backyard to see some of our neighbors—walking from the firehouse, to Temple Beth-el, to Catholic Charities, to the Thunderbird Apartments, ending at the Chandler Assisted Living facility. Along the way the Confirmands gave out dozens of cookies that they had brought for the day. Afterwards, we returned to the church where they had a Scavenger Hunt, ate lunch, and took a “Final Examination,” covering all the highlights from the classes.

The high point of the day was for them to take an “Hour of Solitude and Reflection.” The time was meant

The day was completed with Eucharist in the chancel of the church.

Many of the parents volunteered in very helpful ways. And Mrs. Martha Hardin and Mrs. Pat McAlpin prayed over the youth one by one that day.

When Confirmation actually took place eight days later, the Confirmands were very expectant, each one ready to “confirm” their relationship to the Lord and commit themselves to him in service.

Photos by Susanna Kitayama

Robert Hanley Answers the Call Robert Hanley has accepted the call of the Wardens and Rector to serve as the Parish Administrator.

“I could not be more pleased by Robert’s acceptance,” says Patrick Gahan, Rector of Christ Church.

“This ministry is central to the life of this parish. The historic buildings and grounds must be preserved and carefully maintained. Furthermore, our faithful support staff deserves to have a competent, compassionate go-to person.”

Hanley will work only part time at the church, as he runs a construc-

tion consulting business, where his services are very much in demand.

He has agreed to step up for no less than 90 days in this initial effort.

“Even though Robert is incredibly busy, he has – for years – always found the time to oversee the major construction and repair efforts at Christ Church. Few people look at a financial spread sheet out of one eye and a set of multi-layered blue prints out of the other and make sense of both of them. Sometimes I think Robert could do that with one eye closed!” remarks Gahan.

Among other tasks, Hanley will work with Junior Warden Bill Galbreath to prioritize the church’s long list of deferred maintenance demands in order to determine which chal-

lenges to initially undertake. Secondly, he will research the scope of the Administrator’s job so that we may make a call to a full time Parish Administrator in 2013. Finally, Hanley will be a support and guide to the entire support staff.

“Robert has a leg up in this endeavor. Everyone on the staff not only respects Robert, but they revere his work ethic and his wisdom. As for me, I honor this fine man for the work he has done for over twenty years with our teenaged youth.

What’s more, Robert is an exemplary Acolyte Master. Anyone who can lead that many teenagers each week should have no problem tackling this job!” added Gahan. ...

Fajitas and Fellowship

by Linda Harvey What a glorious day for a cookout! On Sunday, April 22nd, the Christ Church Outreach Committee hosted an afternoon of food, fellowship and music at the Thunderbird Apartments.

Thank you to everyone who participated. We were so blessed by this opportunity to get to know our neighbors and hear the wonderful testimonies of how God has transformed their lives!

About 60 residents took part in the event which included Fiesta decorations, lots of goodies and ice-cold drinks.

Patrick and Kay Gahan, Scott Kitayama and a group of parishioners visited with our guests, while Eric and Jessica Lewis shared lovely tunes with their voices and guitars.

Photos submitted by Linda Harvey

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Our Church Life...

Holy Week Highlights

by Scott Kitayama Holy Week commemorates the events of the last week of Jesus leading up to his death on Good Friday and then the Resurrection after three days on Easter Sunday.

On Palm Sunday, Christians commemorate the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem riding a donkey in a demonstration of humility. In the Gospel accounts, the crowds carried palm branches to welcome Jesus while chanting Psalm 118, “Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” (Mark 11:1-11). At Christ Church, families crowded the church for the Palm Sunday morning services with their children and grandchildren carrying palms intricately woven into the shape of a cross and praising the Lord.

On Thursday, we remember the farewell meal that Jesus shared with his disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem. This meal is known as the Last Supper and it is com-

memorated through the sacrament of bread and wine. Jesus gave a farewell discourse to his disciples, “A new commandment I give you that you love one another” (John 13:34).

The Latin word for commandment is maundatum, which is why Christians refer to this day as Maundy Thursday. During the Maundy Thursday service, we remembered our Lord washing his disciples’ feet and as church we participated and imitated our Lord as we washed each other’s feet as a sign of humility and service.

Easter, or Resurrection Sunday, is the most festive of all days. Jesus is the risen Lord and Savior of all of creation! And as part of the body of Christ, we celebrate that He is indeed Lord over all. Our Holy Week worship continued throughout the morning highlighted by the greeting: “Christ is risen!” and the response: “He is risen indeed!”

On Good Friday we remember when Jesus was crucified on Golgotha from nine o’clock in the morning until three o’clock in the afternoon. In our Good Friday service we participated in the Stations of the Cross and came together for worship, not to glorify suffering, nor to seek revenge, but to reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ death for our own lives and for our relationships with others.

Photo by Susanna Kitayama

First Annual Ministry Fair a Success

by Harry Parker III

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The first annual Ministry Fair on Sunday, April 15th was a festive occasion with food and fellowship enjoyed by all. The tables for the potluck lunch were complemented by many tables around the parish hall featuring many of the Lay Ministries of Christ Church. Several leaders were encouraged by volunteers and the interest expressed by attendees. Other ministry leaders are still hopeful for and need volunteers (like Altar Flower Delivery and Hospital Visitation- to mention just two).

If you were unable to attend please feel free to sign up for a ministry that might be “calling to you” or “have your name on it” by using the Church website to contact a ministry chairperson directly. You don’t have to wait until the Spring of 2013 celebration to begin serving today!

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Our Church Life...

Get Moving!

You’ve heard them say, “The hardest thing is to get started.” “They” are right – even when it comes to our Christian life. We often need to make some courageous moves in order to receive what God has in store for us. Think of it as moving into position for a better connection with the Holy Spirit.

Courageou

s moves

to Live & L

Bible Stud

With that essential need in mind, Christ Church’s second preaching and Bible study series for 2012 is entitled, Courageous Moves to Live and Love.

y & Preac hing Serie April 22 s June 24

ove

The study will be centered on the Gospel lessons appointed for each Sunday in the Revised Common Lectionary. The sermons delivered on Sunday at 8:00 & 10:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. will be focused on this series, and Patrick will publish a Bible study that illuminates the reading at least a week before the sermon is offered. You may find the Bible studies by following the link on CEC’s home page. So let’s get moving!

April 22

Easter 3

Luke 24:26-48

Move 1: Look!

April 29

Easter 4

John 10:11-18

Move 2: Listen

May 6

Easter 5

John 15:1-8

Move 3: Connect

May 13

Easter 6

John 15:9-17

Move 4: Obey

May 20

Easter 7

John 17:6-19

Move 5: Belong

May 27

Pentecost

John 15:26-27, 16:4-15

Move 6: Receive

June 3

Trinity

John 3:1-17

Move 7: Believe

June 10

Proper 5

Mark 3:20-35

Move 8: Act

June 17

Proper 6

Mark 4:26-34

Move 9: Grow

June 24

Proper 7

Mark 4:35-41

Move 10: Trust

Chase Away the Summertime Blues with Christ Church 2.0-Foundations of Discipleship Slip away from the heat and the doldrums this summer to enjoy a great meal and great fellowship. Patrick will offer his course on Wednesdays in June in July, for those who cannot take the course on Sunday mornings. This would be an ideal time to be refreshed in your Christian walk!

The course engages such questions as What is the Life of Faith?, Why is Jesus Christ the Focus of Our Faith?, How Does the Holy Spirit Animate our Faith in Christ?, Why Do We have a Church Anyway? and How Do I Begin to Pray?. Classes begin Wednesday, June 6 at 5:30 p.m. Please RSVP with Anna Jewell at 736-3132, ext. 125, or annaj@cecsa.org so we can have a book for you and have a count for our wonderful supper together.

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Our Church Life...

Bishops’ Chapel to be Dedicated After much prayerful consideration, the vestry decided on a wonderful way to honor three men, and their wives, who have played a major role in the history of Christ Church.

On Sunday, June 17, at 6:00 p.m. Gary Lillibridge, Bishop of the Diocese of West Texas, will dedicate the Bishops’ Chapel which will be followed by a celebratory reception in the Parish Hall.

We will do this by naming the Transept Chapel the “Bishops’ Chapel.” A plaque will explain that the Bishops’ Chapel commemorates those individuals who have served as a Rector of Christ Episcopal Church and also have served as a Bishop of the Episcopal Church. Thus we will recognize an important chapter in the story of our historical church.

We are excited that we will honor three of the fathers of our church on Fathers’ Day. Everyone is invited to this special dedication and reception!

On behalf of the Vestry, Keith Orme, Senior Warden

In March, 1975, Capers Chapel to the south side of the Altar was dedicated to 38 years as Rector by Sam Capers and his wife Eleanor. In the Bishops’ Chapel to the north of the Altar a plaque will honor 7 years of service by the next Rector and later Bishop, Ben Benitez and his wife, Joanne. A second plaque will honor John MacNaughton and his wife, Shirley, for 11 years as the next Rector and later his service as Bishop. The third plaque will honor Bill Frey and his wife, Barbara, for two critical terms as Interim Rector as well as Bishop of three Dioceses.

Photo by Carmen Mercado Cary

Something Old, Something New our bloodstream …O be joyful in the Lord all ye lands (Psalm 100), …Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace (Luke 2), …Come let us sing to the Lord (Psalm 95), …My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord (Luke 1).

During the first part of the Pentecost season, the liturgical season beginning after Trinity Sunday, we will celebrate using Morning Prayer as the first part of our Holy Eucharist observance. In other words, Morning Prayer will become, as the Prayer Book allows, our Liturgy of the Word.

One of the most unique glories of the Episcopal Church and our Anglican heritage is the celebration of Morning Prayer.

Many of us grew up singing the regal cadences of that liturgy – such that the words are imbedded in

Will this make our worship longer? No. Why would we make this change? We do so to connect us with our rich, beautiful, convicting Anglican roots. We will be singing and praying some of the same lines that were offered in 1549 with the printing of the first Book of Common Prayer.

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Care

Community of Hope West Texas Region

by Mary Moorhead

Carol Miller Pastoral Care Administrator carolm@cecsa.org

On March 24-25, Christ Episcopal Church Community of Hope/Circle of Care members participated in this annual retreat led by Rev. Eric D. Fenton, rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Cuero, Texas and Rev. Rose Ann Felty, rector of St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in Columbiaville, New York. Philip Weiss came from Houston to provide us with great music throughout the retreat.

The two days at the Mustang Island Conference Center were filled with inspiring teaching on The Blessings of Benedict Spirituality, “Creating Communities Committed to Pastoral Care.” Each day consisted of Morning Prayer, teachings, Noonday Prayers and lunch followed by more teaching and quiet time along with a delicious dinner meal. Evening teachings was followed with sharing our thoughts of the day and ending with Compline. On Sunday we celebrated Holy Eucharist and ended with a brunch.

Wonderful food was provided for us by the staff at the Conference Center so all we had to do was relax, listen and learn through the use of Benedictine Rule and the Prayer Book how to comfort those in need as well as take care of the care giver.

Photos submitted by Carol Miller

It was a perfect time for reflection while enjoying the wonderful sounds of the sea and nature that God has so graciously provided for us.

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From THe DIoCeSe

“Abide in Me,” the annual leadership conference, will take place on June 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of TMI- The Episcopal School of Texas.

Learn from each other as congregations from across the diocese gather to share ministry successes, challenges, and best practices.

Seven different tracks, 21 workshops, presented by and for clergy and lay leaders. Bring your congregation leadership team for the best coverage; take home new ideas for your congregation. Includes children’s program for children in K-5th grade (fall 2012); childcare for younger folks. (No cost for either.)

Cost of $20/person includes lunch and materials. See workshop details and register online after April 15 at www.dwtx.org. Go to Quick Links on the bottom left of the home page and click on the Abide in Me link.

Questions? nancy.stinson@dwtx.org, or leslie.mixson@dwtx.org.

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oF eVeNTS May 13: Mother’s Day | Children’s Choir Musical

Christ Church Staff:

May 19: Christ Church 1.0.3, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

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

May 20: Youth Sunday | SNL May 22: VBS Staff Orientation, 6 - 8 p.m.

May 27: Pentecost | “Christ Church Day” | No Sunday School

The Rev. John Barrett, Associate Rector johnb@cecsa.org The Rev. Scott Kitayama, Assistant Rector, scottk@cecsa.org

June 3: Trinity/Baptism Sunday | Summer Sunday School begins

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

June 6: 8-week Christ Church 2.0.2 begins, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

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

June 9: “Abide in Me” Annual Leadership Conference, at TMI June 16: Christ Church 1.0.4, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

June 17: Father’s Day | Bishops’ Chapel Dedication June 18-21: VBS 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

July 1: Church BBQ after 10:15 a.m. service July 10: Six-week Life After Loss begins, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m July 21: Christ Church 1.0.5, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

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

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

* All events at Christ Church unless otherwise noted.

Darla Nelson, Office Manager darlan@cecsa.org Donna Shreve, Financial Manager donnas@cecsa.org Carmen Mercado Cary, Director of Communications, carmenc@cecsa.org

Baptism Dates Pentecost Sunday, May 27th Trinity Sunday Sunday, June 3 All Saints’ Day Sunday November 4th

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

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Confirmation Class with Associate Rector, John Barrett, and Bishop Gary Lillibridge Photo by Susanna Kitayama

Material is published according to timeliness and relevance to the vision of the church. Visit www.cecsa.org/feature5 for deadlines.

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