The Message-September

SEPTEMBER 2012 • VOLUME 14, NUMBER 4

Christ Church Youth feed San Antonio’s homeless downtown.

Cold C-Rations: A Stewardship Saga: 2 Consecration Sunday: 4 Ignite!: 8 Family Business: 13

FROM

In this issue: From the Vestry .................... 4 Music Ministry....................... 5 World Missions ...................... 6 Youth Ministry ...................... 8 Children’s Ministry............... 9 Outreach .............................10 Our Church Life..................12 Pastoral Care.......................14 Calendar of Events ............15

Sunday Services: 7:30 a.m.

Holy Eucharist, Rite 1 9:00 a.m.

Family-friendly Communion Service with Music 10:00 a.m.

Christian Education for Children, Youth, and Adults 11:00 a.m.

Choral Eucharist, Rite 2 4:30 p.m.

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

Holy Eucharist, Rite 2

Cover photo submitted by Clark Niles.

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Cold C-Rations: A Stewardship Saga Lasting Impression “We eat last,” he said to me privately.

Our battalion was on deployI had PATRICK GAHAN ment. never seen so Rector patrickg@cecsa.org much snow or been so cold.

We had been out in hip-deep snow and ice for over forty days. I was sleeping in the front seat of my jeep, and washing and shaving each day with freezing water poured into my helmet. The worst, however, were the C-Rations. The cans of beanie-weenies, stew, and chili are bad enough warmed up, but eating them frozen is culinary torture.

There is nothing quite like opening an olive drab can of icedover eggs and ham and then reading on the label that is was packed three years before. And may I add that 30 days straight of C-Ration popsicles does some very strange and unattractive things to your gut!

step over to the chow line to get a few eggs and to fill my canteen cup with coffee. I no sooner took a step in that direction than LTC Johnson’s hand was on my shoulder. I looked back at him and he curtly ordered, “We eat last. Officers always eat last.”

Three Hard Lessons Before Breakfast You can predict what happened. After the last squad made it through, there was nothing but a few crumbs of eggs, not a single strip of bacon, and one soggy piece of toast. The Mermite Can that was at first filled with steaming, black coffee was bone dry. My stomach growled, but what I learned on that day was far more important than a hot breakfast.

… I learned the most important needs were those beyond myself.

Suddenly there was good news.

“Hot chow was on the way.” We were being delivered breakfast at mid-morning, and I was ordered to rotate my men from their defensive positions to get some eggs, bacon, toast, and – best of all – hot coffee! Our battalion commander, LTC Johnson, accompanied the chow truck in order to boost the men’s morale.

We slowly moved back one squad after another from their positions.

After an hour or so, I decided to

For one, I realized that there was an able authority placed above me. LTC Johnson was my superior because he knew the right path for me to take, and he would keep young lieutenants like me from falling headlong into a destructive decision – even in as mundane a place as a chow line. Two, I learned the most important needs were those beyond myself. My men were far more important than my stomach. Thirdly, I needed to learn how to be a role model, a light of sorts, to the men entrusted to my care. I didn’t receive a commission just to enforce command and control, but also to inspire those under my leadership.

As I reflect on these three lessons that I learned the hard way from my battalion commander, I know now they have formed the basis of my outlook on Christian stew-

From our Rector... ardship. How curious it is that I learned more about faithful generosity to our Lord and to his Church on a lonely military deployment than I learned in nine whole years of seminary.

What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves? Luke 9:24-25 Jesus warns us that we may have the fattest bank account on the block and accumulated every thing under the sun, but our hearts could very well be running on empty. The very first chapter of the Bible announces that you and I are made in the very image of God – So God created humankind in His image, in the image of God He created them, male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27). That means, like our Father, we are fashioned to give openhandedly. If we do not give sacrificially for the benefit of others, our human growth will be retarded, and we will become someone far less than we were meant to be.

We respond to Jesus Christ in love by obeying his voice.

Those three lessons I learned from that hardened, three-tour veteran of the Vietnam War have illuminated Kay’s and my Christian giving. #1 We are people under authority. No Christian is a free agent. The oldest Christian creed is simply, “Jesus is Lord.” The one who loves us unconditionally and gives his life for us unreservedly has become Lord over our lives. We respond to Jesus Christ in love by obeying his voice. Jesus took his disciples aside and urged them: Sell your possessions, and give alms.

Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:33-34 Jesus always exercises his authority over us in an entirely loving way.

He does not want us to spin our wheels in the sand pursuing a nowhere life. He presses us to live a life with heart! #2 We live for others. The only avenue to living with heart is to give our lives for others. At first to live for others may seem a fast track to emotional bankruptcy. Not so, for when we take our eyes off of our insatiable needs, we are freed to really live full-throttle. Jesus said more than once: For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it.

#3 We are role models. Others are to catch a glimpse of our tangible witness and be drawn closer into God’s purpose for their own lives.

Our lives should speak for us. Modern Christians fall into far too much triumphalist speech. The best thing we can do for the Lord we serve is to quietly give of our lives. At the very beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages the crowd:

light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16 What Will I Do With the Rest of My Life?

Our personal saltiness and light quotients are dependent on our generous response to Christ. Others will either be attracted to Christ or repelled by him due to our witness with material things. This is especially true in our relationships with our children and grandchildren. Will they be drawn to the Christian life because of the way we have lived it or revolted by our half-hearted, tightfisted response?

On this accord the ante is pretty high, for Christ warned his disciples and us: If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me— to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea. Mark 9:42 Christian stewardship is not just one duty among many.

It is the centerpiece of our call from our Lord Jesus Christ. Ultimately, Christian stewardship is the answer to the hard question, “What am I going to DO with the rest of my life?”

Christian stewardship… is the centerpiece of our call from our Lord Jesus Christ.

You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your

Surely, we don’t want to just coolly ration it out.

Your brother,

Patrick U

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Consecration Sunday is Coming: October 21

Congregations that approach financial stewardship biblically do not view the money Christians give to their church merely as a way to pay its bills. Rather, they see financial contributions as a way to help people grow spiritually in their relationship with God by supporting their church’s mission and ministry with a proportion of their incomes.

The Christ Church vestry has selected New Consecration Sunday Stewardship as a way to teach the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving.

New Consecration Sunday encourages people toward proportionate and systematic giving in response to the question, “What proportion of my income is God calling me to give?” During morning worship on Consecration Sunday, we will ask our members to make their financial commitments to our church’s mission and ministries.

Every member who completes an Estimate of Giving Card does so voluntarily by attending morning worship on Consecration Sunday, October 21. We urge people to attend even if strongly opposed to completing a card. The process is done in such a way that no one feels personal embarrassment if he or she chooses not to fill out a card. We will do no home solicitation to ask people to complete cards.

During morning worship, the Consecration Sunday team will conduct a brief period of instruction and inspiration, followed by members making their commitments as a confidential act of worship.

We will encourage participation in Consecration Sunday events. Since we will make no follow-up visits to ask people to complete their cards, we will make every effort to inform, inspire and commit everyone to attend Consecration Sunday worship.

Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation on Consecration Sunday.

May God bless you, Keith M. Orme Senior Warden

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Vicki Boyce Stewardship Co-Chair

John Boyce Stewardship Co-Chair

MINISTRY

Friends of Music Fall Offerings Fall is here and the Friends of Music are busy presenting exciting new offerings of concerts and special services to the glory of God. We are pleased to be hosting the Camerata San Antonio chamber music series again. The director Ken Freudigman is cellist, first chair of the San Antonio Symphony and a favorite of the Christ Church Lessons and Carols orchestra.

OWEN DUGGAN Minister of Music owend@cecsa.org

Fall Friends of Music events are as follows: October 28 at 3:00 p.m.: We will be hosting for the first time the UTSA Concert Choir directed by John Silantien. Admission free.

December 9 at 3:00 p.m: Camerata Concert with music by Schumann, Britten, Milhaud and Prokofiev. www.cameratasa.org December 16 at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.: Christ Church’s own Lessons and Carols Service. Come for a unique and uplifting worship experience. Inspired by the original Lessons and Carols service at Kings College, Cambridge, England enhanced with a little special flavoring of our own.

praise the Lord and make music to your na me, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, It is good to

to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp.

Psalm 92:1-3 5

MISSIONS

From The Millers in Nazareth Dear Brothers and Sisters, Greetings from Nazareth!

The Middle East is in quite a turmoil these days, and we have appreciated the occasional e-mail wondering how we are doing. The answer is that we are safe and sound. Israel has not been immune to the problems in the region, but Nazareth has, on the whole, continued to be a stable little city of Arabs—both Muslims and Christians—in this majority-Jewish state.

The other question that gets asked is about Iran—are we worried about Israel striking the nuclear sites there and then Iran retaliating with missiles. It would be foolish to act as if this were not a realistic possibility, but I do not think it is likely. Also, if it does happen I am happy to tell you that Nazareth is simply not an important city and not worth attacking with missiles. Finally, we do have an emergency evacuation plan in place in case it should come to that, kyrie eleison.

number of refugees from Sudan came to Israel, and several of them approached us with a desire for Christian training. Many of them were already teachers or leaders or pastors, but with no training at all.

We put together a program for these brothers and now many of them are back in South Sudan and blessing the churches there (and a number of them were Anglicans, too!)

Our Arab students are also doing well, but Duane Miller I’ll tell you about that some other time.

I continue to have very interesting conversations with my non-Christian Arab friends here as well. Just yesterday I was getting a haircut and my friend, the barber, asked me what I thought about their Prophet and their Book. I answered that there is a difference between Islam and Christianity, and that when we Christians say “God is greater/allahu akbar” we mean it, but that Muslims say that, and then say God cannot do things, like become a human. And that is the difference between the two religions, I concluded.

Work at the seminary is going well.

Did you know that through supporting our work My friend answered that here you God sends messengers, but have been he does not make himself a blesslittle and come down to be ing to the with us. I responded, this Christians is precisely what we say, in Sudan that God is humble, and beand Southcause he loves us he came Christ Church Nazareth ern Sudan? to be with us, like a great Before the division of Sudan, a king who wanted to meet his peo6

ple, so he put on the robes of his slave and walked around the market and neighborhoods of his city.

As for the rest of the family, Sharon and the kids are doing well.

Sharon is brushing up on the exciting field of actuary sciences, which seems to have to do with math.

David Julian is in third grade, and Amelia is in Kindergarten, both at the Baptist School here. Samantha, whom you may remember entered the world under most difficult circumstances, is growing and doing well, but the doctor says she is small for her age, so we feed her peanut butter and Nutella sandwiches—poor thing.

Sharon, David, Amelia, and Samantha

Don’t be shy, we love hearing from our friends back in the Lone Star State, so drop us an e-mail some time. Peace and grace be with you, with thanksgiving for your faithfulness to the Kingdom of God here in the Holy Land,

Duane & Sharon Miller Duane: xphilosopherking@yahoo.com Sharon: blondrosie@yahoo.com

World Missions...

George Olson with New Tribes Mission Monday, September 17, 2012. As I write this, I am sitting on a small island in between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea, coaching a missionary couple on learning the language of this smaill island.

In New Tribes Mission, we have about 30 missionaries working on language study in 15 different locations in the Philippines.

Some are in remote jungles, others are We just arrived on remote from the nearby islands, but island of Palaall are workwan where we ing in differfinished another ent languagVisiting families the missionaries disciple language check, es – there are and we did not over 170! know if the weather would permit us to cross.

One thing is very important –to get people the help they need There was a typhoon East of the so they can become fluent in Philippines and it was pulling heavy the language they will do minweather into the ocean waters of istry in. This is the work I have Northern Palawan. The waves had been assigned to by New Tribes been up to 10 ft. swells, so in a 25 Mission, and it is essential to ft. boat, it was too dangerous to move the Gospel forward. travel. We believed the Lord was going to have us proceed, so we Learning a new language is prayed and as we were driving to so much more than academic the beach where we would embark, study – it is becoming part of the weather cleared up and the a new community in order to seas calmed down allowing a very be able to clearly communicate safe crossing! the redemptive plan of God. This can only come through deep relationships, and these can only be developed through a deep understanding of a common language.

So several times a year, I travel to the various locations to coach the missionaries on their language progress and assess how they are doing.

The weather cleared before crossing the ocean

missionaries working in different areas. Two of these are already teaching in a small tribal church and discipling the believers there; one is working on preparing Gospel lessons in order to present Christ for the first time.

We are very thankful for God allowing us to be part of His plan to reach this world.

When God called us out of our own tribal ministry a little over a year ago, we did not understand His plan or know how He was going to use us. Now Ginny is able to teach missionary kids at the MK school, and I am able to help new missionaries learn language and culture.

Language assesment with missionary

We are also thankful for Christ Episcopal Church standing behind us and allowing us to continue to serve the Lord here! Blessed be His Name!

George Olson www.ntm.org

This year so far, we have been able to finalize the language studies of three 7

MINISTRY

Ignite!

Ignite: v. To start or set on fire; to render luminous by heat.

CLARK NILES Director of Youth Ministry clarkn@cecsa.org

It is becoming apparent that the Wild Goose Chase our Lord had set us on at the DNOW (Discipleship Now) event last month is now beginning to bear fruit in us.

The event started out on a Friday night, downtown under the bridge of the 281 causeway. Christ Church youth, parents and sponsors, along with youth from Grace Church with the Rev. Jay George, St. George’s youth with the Rev. Ram Lopez, and other volunteers, fed over 300 of San Antonio’s homeless. Besides receiving a great meal, these men, women and children also heard the Gospel, which I had the opportunity of sharing. The DNOW band, led by Cody Niles from the Dallas area, was on hand to lift their sprits. People received hair cuts, pedicures, nail care, and make up.

They were being cared for, and prayed for.

It was truly a sight to behold. I had no idea that so many were being blessed by this ministry!

group. The evening concluded in the Youth Room (Carriage House) for games, fellowship, and a very special time of worship and teaching on God’s Holy Spirit.

The early Celtic Christians’ name for the Holy Spirit

It is as if a divine spark has started a small, yet steadily glowing ember that continues to grow.

Serving the meal under the bridge

The Wild Goose Chase continued the next day with a trip to Sea World for fun and fellowship. It was truly amazing to observe God’s glory and creative power in the incredible fish and animals of the oceans. Everywhere we looked we could see the goodness of our God.

With Shamu at Sea World

was “The Wild Goose” for its mystical and unpredictable nature. We learned that without the Spirit we would not know of the true identity of our Lord, His work on the cross, and of how the Spirit also works in us, as our own “on-board navigation.” We were challenged to become better listeners and to yield to the Holy Spirit’s leading in our lives later that night in a quiet time before bed.

I can see the spiritual growth in a number of our youth as a result of the weekend, and the fruit being borne not only in them but During fellowship at the Carriage House

others as our youth group begins to grow again. It is as if a divine spark has started a small, yet steadily glowing ember that continues to grow.

Your Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Back at Christ Church, we hosted dinner for the 8

Clark & the Gang Caring for the homeless

Youth Ministry...

Junior Daughters of the King Overnighter

MINISTRY

The TRUE Christian Meaning of Halloween!

Children’s All Saints’ Celebration Sunday, October 28 During Sunday School In Children’s Chapel at 10 a.m.

Invite a Friend!

HALLETA HEINRICH Director of Family Ministries halletah@cecsa.org

Did you know that Halloween means “Evening of the Holy Ones?” What’s so scary about that? Did you know that the early Christians who came to the British Isles and Ireland brought love, light, and hope to a people who lived in darkness and fear? Did you know that “Halloween” or All Saints’ Eve was a celebration of all those believers in Jesus or all saints who had gone onto the eternal light of Christ in Heaven? Did you know that these early Christian missionaries intentionally created the celebration of Halloween and All Saints’ to counteract the spirit of fear that lived within many of our ancient ancestors? Did you know that we who believe that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior are all saints, too?

The children who come to Christ Church on the Sunday before Halloween, October 28, will learn all these TRUE Christian facts about this holiday in time to spread the word of love, light, and hope in Christ to those even in our modern times who do not know Him. Our Happy and Sad Jack-O-Lanterns will make a return guest appearance in Children’s Chapel to help tell the story of life with Jesus and life without His loving grace.

Children may wear bright and positive costumes to church this day to celebrate the occasion. All will enjoy All Saints’ treats in the Tomlin Room at the end of the Sunday School hour.

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Children’s Ministry...

Get Ready for La Posada Our Children’s Christmas Pageant– Fiesta Style Song practice begins in October during Sunday School and Chapel.

tation will be a great initiation into the San Antonio way of celebrating.

1st & 2nd Grade Girls: Fiesta Angels

The Nativity story of the search of Mary and Joseph for an inn (la posada) in which to stay in Bethlehem, and the birth of the Christ Child from the Gospel of Luke, will be the centerpiece of our pageant.

1st & 2nd Grade Boys: Fiesta Stars

Our fifth graders will play the starring roles with preschoolers through fourth graders playing important supporting roles.

2011 Christmas Pageant

We will present our La Posada- Fiesta Style Children’s Christmas Pageant this year on December 9 during the 11:00 a.m. service in honor of our new Rector Patrick Gahan and his wife Kay who have recently moved to San Antonio. Our Mexican Fiesta traditions are new to Patrick and Kay, and this presen-

Each age group of children will have special songs to sing and will portray the following: Threes & twos (if accompanied by parents): sheep that come to see the Christ Child with their Shepherds.

Pre K & Kindergarteners: Mini-Mariachis singing praises to Baby Jesus.

Third Grade Girls & Boys: Mexican Villagers Fourth Grade Girls and Boys: Los Pastores (Shepherds) to the Two & Three year old sheep.

Fifth Graders: Mary, Joseph, the Angels Gabriel and Bethlehem Angel, Three Innkeepers, Three Wise Men, the Donkey, the Camel, the Star of Bethlehem, and Standard Bearers.

A Fiesta Celebration lunch reception in the Parish Hall for all our church family will follow our pageant. La Posada song CDs and detailed instructions for all parents will be available in mid-October.

New Outreach Chair

Simplify your Christmas!

Linda Harvey has accepted the call to serve as the new chair of Christ Church's Outreach Committee.

Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM) is now offering Christmas cards and personalized addressing service.

Working alongside Fr. Scott Kitayama and a most committed committee, Linda plans to open up new vistas of Christian service within our urban neighborhood.

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.

Stay tuned for opportunities for both adults and children to extend ourselves in Christian love and witness.

Cards are $20 a dozen plus addressing service.

Call Dawn or Jo Ann (210) 223-4099 to place your order. www.christianassistanceministry.org

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Outreach...

TRUNK OR TREAT! Christ Church will provide a safe Halloween event for the neighborhood this October 31st, from 5 to 7 p.m.

All members are invited to bring treats to hand out in the church parking lot, so pull out those costumes and decorate your car!

Treats should be purchased and sealed (no home-made items or fruit) and may include candy, salty snacks, toothbrushes, and other safe treats.

The Trunk or Treat event will give us an opportunity to invite our neighbors to come worship with us at Christ Church. Join us as we provide a fun, safe event for everyone!

New Partnership with SAMM Transitional Housing Families!

We are excited to present the new partnership with the wonderful families of the SAMM Transitional Housing Unit; families who are working hard to break out of the cycle of poverty. This new program is designed to provide a much more meaningful experience for everyone involved. Instead of simply providing a multitude of gifts at Christmas time, it will be an opportunity to develop true Christian relationships.

- Each member of each SAMM family will receive one gift with a $50 max value. Each family will also receive a gift card. We will have a sign-up for gifts and will also accept donations.

Volunteers are needed to: a) Be a Family Liaison b) Purchase a gift from family wish list ($50 max value) c) Coordinate the December 2nd Dinner and Party d) Coordinate a parish-wide Wrapping Party

The new program will be as follows: - We will have 24 SAMM Families and need 24 Christ Church members to be a liaison for each family. This liaison is NOT in charge financially of the family, but is in charge spiritually. The liaison will be the family’s host at a special dinner on December 2nd.

To join this parish-wide effort contact Caroline Schupbach at 826-8331 or carolineschupbach@sbcglobal. net. Sign-up sheets will be available soon!

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SAMMinistries is an interfaith ministry whose mission is to help the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless attain self-sufficiency by offering, with dignity and compassion,shelter, housing, and services. SAMMinistries also provides volunteers opportunities to be renewed and fulfilled as they serve. www.samm.org 11

In advance of each Sunday’s sermon, a Bible study will be offered at www.cecsa.org for both group and personal study.

Date Bible Passage Theme for the Week Sunday, October 7 Mark 10:2-16 Hardness of Heart Sunday, October 14 Mark 10:17-31 Open Heart Sunday, October 21 Mark 10:35-45 Heart to Serve Sunday, October 28 Mark 10:46-52 Take Heart Sunday, November 4 (All Saints) Mark 12:28-34 All Heart Sunday, November 11 Mark 12:38-44 Giving Heart Sunday, November 18 Mark 13:1-8 Heart Sick Sunday, November 25 (Confirmation) John 18:33-37 King of Hearts

Transitions: a Post-College Group Transitions is our new post-college ministry at Christ Episcopal Church; it’s a gathering of young adults- single or married.

Meeting every Sunday at 4:30 p.m. in the Carriage House, Transitions is led by Greg Richards and his team. Greg is our Diocesan college minister; God has gifted him with being a great teacher and thinker of the Gospel’s message in our culture.

Here is just a sample of some of the teaching that is taking place: “As we study what it means to be a good neighbor we have established three challenges to practice till the end of the month. First: Share or borrow something from a neighbor. Do which ever one you struggle most with and stretch yourself through the experience. We often never ask or offer as we grow more "independent." Second: Speak with a neighbor three times and begin to pray for them and their needs. This could be challenging if you 12

don't know their name, so go out and meet them! Third: Don't defend yourself in conversation. That also means don't argue to be right. Practice watching your tongue/ speech and letting the impulse pass.”

As we live in Jesus Christ, we are challenged to live, grow, and interact with one another in a different way than what the world teaches us. Transitions is a great place to grow, examine, and experience the love of Christ and his transforming Greg Richards Grace into our lives.

Our Church Life...

Family Business

a Q & A with Patrick Gahan about Family Ministries Q. Patrick, people were surprised when you announced your choice for Director of Family Ministries.

A. I don’t think they should have been. Halleta Heinrich has served Christ Church for 24 years as Director of Children’s Ministries. That’s two-dozen years of fidelity to our children and two-dozen years of relationships with their parents.

Q. How did you come to the decision?

A. Two of our most active mothers of young children in the parish nominated Halleta for the position. The very minute they mentioned her name I felt as if I had been hit by a 2 X 4 across the forehead. Of course, she is the right person to lead us.

can merely walk down the gauzy stained-glassed lighted aisle. We are wed in the Church because Christians know that “marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God” (Marriage Liturgy, BCP, 423).

Finally, Confirmation is not some rite of adolescent passage that marks the end of regular Sunday worship. Heavens no, Confirmation is the apostolic rite of the Church. It is most congruent with Ordination. The Bishop lays hands on the individual, just like he did on Scott’s head and mine, asking God to “renew in your servant the covenant you made with her at her Baptism. Send her forth in the power of the Spirit to perform the service you set before her” (Confirmation Liturgy, BCP, 418). Confirmation clearly marks a beginning of serious ministry – not an endpoint of religious observance.

Q. Just what do you mean by “Family Ministries”?

A. I mean for this fellowship to take care of our families of every size, shape, and composition and to care for them throughout every stage of their lives – from pre-marriage, Q. What’s the harm if we don’t challenge to married without children, persons during these passages… ? to full nests of young children, A. …the priest or bishop to raising teenagers, to empty becomes a community shaman; nests, to grandparent-hood, to living single again after death the sacrament becomes magic; or divorce. and the church becomes a marketplace.

Q. How do you “care” for families?

A. Mainly, we must come alongside our families – with parents, grandparents, and children – during their various passages, triumphs, and trials. To “come alongside” is actually a very theologically charged term. That is how we Christians describe the work of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, in our lives (John 14:26, 15:26; 16:7). God, the Holy Spirit, is the one who “comes alongside” us as we make our way through life.

Of course, caring for those we love also means challenging them, too. Especially during the nodal points of our Christian walk, the Church must engage the individual and families with rousing education and thereby inspire them to take on the increasing responsibility that Christ expects of them.

Q. What do you mean exactly?

A. Let’s take Holy Baptism, for instance. Couples shouldn’t come to Christ Church to get their child “done,” like some ecclesiastical warm-up for a champagne brunch. No, a couple comes to be further formed so that they can truly raise their child to develop “an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and love God, and the gift of joy and wonder in all God’s works” (Baptismal Liturgy, BCP, 308).

In the same way we don’t come to the Church so that we

Q. So what’s the harm if we don’t challenge persons during these passages in their lives?

A. Frankly, the priest or bishop becomes a community shaman; the sacrament becomes magic; and the church becomes a marketplace. You can read how that idea played out with Jesus (Matthew 21:12-13).

Q. This job seems way too big for one person.

A. It is. First of all, the formation of our individuals and families in the Christian faith is the vocation we all share.

The Catechism of the Episcopal Church asks the question: “Who are the ministers of the Church.” To which it responds, “The ministers of the Church are lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons” (Outline of Faith, BCP, 855).

Scott and I did not even make it to first or second place in that august list. Lay persons are number one where they belong (1 Peter 2:4-5).

Secondly, in terms of Halleta’s leadership, she will begin her work with the parents of young children and teens and gradually weave our work through those of us at different stages of family and single life. She will do a great deal of collaboration with other staff members and ministers (the lay persons) of Christ Church.

Q. You seem awfully excited about all this.

A. Believe me, I am. I want Christ Church to be known as a Christian fellowship in San Antonio that truly loves families in all its marvelous variety, but loves enough to challenge our complacency. I told the Vestry when they called me to serve with them that I believed Christ Church was singled out to be a light to this city. This is another step to undertake that highest vocation.

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CARE

Coping with Grief During the Holidays

CAROL MILLER Pastoral Care Administrator carolm@cecsa.org

The holidays are an especially hard time when grieving the loss of a loved one. The season renews memories, family ties and traditions.

We become painfully aware that our special loved one is no longer present. This is often difficult for families. The pain of the loss is confused with the spirit of the season.

Chaplain Ed Haynes, will lead a two hour workshop sponsored by the Pastoral Care Department of Christ Episcopal Church and Porter Loring Family Care Ser-

vices to help those who are grieving.

Chaplain Haynes is with Innovative Senior Care Hospice and travels all over the city. Come hear his presentation on: *Why Celebrate The Holidays Now? *Be Thankful For What? *Will I Ever Be Thankful Again?

Plan to join us Tuesday, November 13 at Christ Episcopal Church 12:30 -2:30 p.m. in the Conference Room For more information call Carol Miller, 736-3132.

Scott and Pat’s Excellent Adventure… or Taco Trek – The Next Generation As soon as Patrick Gahan arrived at Christ Church, Scott Kitayama picked a fight with him.

The issue was not over a matter of national importance like ObamaCare, nor was it international in character such as faltering Euro, nor was it universal in scope centering on something as cosmic as St. Bear Bryant and the Crimson Tide of Alabama (Guess who is writing these lines?).

No, Scott started a fight over tacos.

One day, Patrick innocently made the comment that a certain unnamed restaurant on Hildebrand had the “best tacos in town;” after all, they have a huge white banner out in front announcing the fact. By Scott’s reaction, you would have thought Patrick had maligned the Blessed Mother. On the heels of a stream of Japanese swear words, Scott declared that he was sick and tired of every other Mexican restaurant in town claiming they had the best tacos in San Antonio. “Lots of places have better tacos than that,” he asserted like the south Texas gourmand we all know him to be.

Tacos are the new “hot button” issue at Christ Church. You can’t utter the “T-word” 14

without Scott storming off in a huff. Patrick wants to clear the air and bring peace back to the hallowed halls of 510 Belknap Place (which is wonderfully St. Francis-y of him, don’t you think?). Therefore, during the next year, Patrick and Scott will taste test tacos in a different restaurant every Friday.

Furthermore, you need not sit on the sidelines of this great taco sojourn. You can nominate restaurants or lunch stands that should be on our list. Better still, you can accompany us on one or more of our explorations (which is a nice way to say you can buy us lunch!).

Every six weeks or so, Scott and Patrick will reveal their findings in the Message using their faultless technological invention – the “Taco-Meter”. Think of the new found pride you will have in your parish. Some churches make pilgrimages to Israel, some to Lourdes, and still others to Canterbury. We shall take “the road less travelled” to taco nirvana.

Reservations are now being taken. (Act fast; Scott has announced he wants to check out escargot next.)

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OF EVENTS October 20: Youth volunteer at Humane Society

Christ Church Staff:

October 21: Consecration Sunday

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

October 31: Trunk or Treat, 5 - 7 p.m.

The Rev. Scott Kitayama, Assistant Rector, scottk@cecsa.org Carol Miller, Pastoral Care Administrator, carolm@cecsa.org

November 1: 10th Avenue North Concert, cost: $24.

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

November 4: All Saints’ Day. Baptismal Sunday.

Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m.

Clark Niles, Director of Youth Ministry clarkniles82@gmail.com

November 8-11: Camp Capers Cursillo #259

Dr. Owen Duggan, Music Minister owend@cecsa.org

November 11: Installation of new Daughters of the King.

Evensong at 6 p.m.

November 16-18: The Happening #123 November 21: Thanksgiving Service, 6 p.m.

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

November 22: Thanksgiving Day

Darla Nelson, Office Manager darlan@cecsa.org

November 25: Christ the King Sunday

Donna Shreve, Financial Manager donnas@cecsa.org Carmen Mercado Cary, Director of Communications, carmenc@cecsa.org Anna Jewell, Executive Assistant to the Rector, annaj@cecsa.org

* All events at Christ Church unless otherwise noted.

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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Things had to be simpler then!

George Luhn, who was baptized at Christ Church and to this day attends services every Sunday, recently dropped by this worship bulletin from January 1944.

Notice how the entire Vestry met in Sam Caper's office and the men enjoyed an evening "Smoker"!

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