September 2017 message

September 2017 • Volume 19, Number 5

Fun at the Youth Shaving Cream Bubble

The Gospel: 2 Being in the Right Place: 6 Trunk or Treat Time: 8 Raising World Changers: 10 What is Patrick Reading Now?: 12 Photo Album: 15

FROM

In this issue:

The Gospel

Family Ministry .................... 6

This is Patrick’s second epistolary essay in this series about the Christian ministry.

Music Ministry....................... 8 Youth Ministry ...................... 9 Our Church Life .................10 Page Turners.......................12 Great Commission..............13 Calendar of Events.............14 Photo Album........................15

Sunday Services: 7:30 a.m.

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

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

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

Choral Eucharist, Rite 2 6:00 p.m.

Holy Eucharist, Rite 2 Visit us on-line at www.cecsa.org

Cover photos by Susanna Kitayama

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D

ear Alex,

You write that you would like to see Kay and me, and that news delights PATRICK GAHAN Rector us; although, I do patrickg@cecsa.org not imagine you would recognize either one of us.

Doing some quick math, I recollect that you were just entering middle school when we left St. Stephen’s, and next month you will exit college. That separates us by a decade or more. Kay’s hair is silver now, and I have practically none at all.

Frankly, I am not especially obsessive about hair or the lack of it; nevertheless, only a day or so ago Kay and I were reading. She was deep into the latest Anne Tyler, and I was absorbed in a gritty western. I spied on her as she was rapt in her novel, and noticed that her silver hair gleamed upon her head like a glittering tiara.

Unbeknownst to Kay, I was contemplating how long I have loved her, how that love has changed, and yet has become fiercer year by year. Funny, you can’t imagine that you can love someone more, but you wake up one day when the leaves change color or the air turns cold or you are simply washing the dishes side by side for the umpteenth time – and you do.

Love in marriage is like that. You will come to know that mathematical mystery, I predict, but I should hasten to add that the gospel is like that, too. Just as our commitment to love one another sustains and amplifies marriage, our commitment to the gospel sustains and advances the ministry of Jesus Christ.

Take love out of marriage, and we have a domestic arrangement. Take the gospel out of ministry, and we have a stained glassed social club.

Gospel Defined Like so many terms in the Christian vocabulary, “gospel” is taken from the culture in which the church was first

Jesus’ Baptism and Ministry Window, nave at Christ Episcopal Church

From Our Rector... set. Construed to report the “good news” about Augustus Caesar, the word “gospel” expressed adulation for his birth, his victories, and his long rule (27 BC – 14 AD). Although those emperors who followed him never equaled his forty-year reign of stability and peace, gospel continued to be the word they used when reporting the beginning of their reigns or their military victories of note.

The potency of the term was magnified during Augustus’s regime, for he gradually became regarded as divine, in the same way that his great uncle, Julius Caesar, was divinized. Accordingly, the principal good news was that Augustus was the divine king ordained to rule the entire earth. The fact that Paul, Mark, John, and the rest of the New Testament actors and authors appropriated the word “gospel” to announce the good news about Jesus Christ was high treason of the first order. They do not purloin the word for expeditious purposes, but because they know that Jesus has been deemed King of Kings and Lord of all the earth. Those early Christian leaders would have rather faced imprisonment, torture, or death than consign the gospel to a temporal, fallible leader – no matter how grand.

The Gospel Precedes Jesus While the term “gospel” was filched from the Hellenistic world to describe Jesus, the good news did not originate with the earthly appearance of Jesus.

The very first chapter of Genesis reveals that God’s eternal intention is for the good of all humanity and the earth.

The pinnacle of this goodness is God’s desire to be in an intimate, continuous relationship with women and men. The “bad news” is that from chapter three in Genesis, we reject God’s romantic advances. Our rejection of God is persistent throughout all the centuries leading up to Jesus and beyond; yet God never relents in his advances.

Not surprisingly, the defining story of the Old Testament is the Exodus. Israel, imprisoned, detested, and voiceless, felt entirely abandoned by God, when He delivers them in the epic rescue operation of all human history. Israel quickly rebuffs the Lord to pursue the gods of prosperity and sensuality. The

torturous pathos of God is nowhere more agonizingly stated than by the eighth century prophet Hosea: When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.

The more I called, the more they went away from me.

They kept sacrificing to the Baals, and offering incense to idols.

Yet it was I who taught them to walk.

I took them up in my arms, but they did not know that I healed them.

I led them with chords of human kindness, with bands of love.

I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks.

I went down to them and fed them…

But my people are bent on turning away from me.

How can I give you up?

Hosea 11:1-8 A century later, Jeremiah, prophesying south of Hosea’s domain, declares the good news of God’s love was being expressed beyond all human expectations.

Seeing the pitiful, repeated self-destruction of His people, God determined to endow them with the knowledge, the desire, and the strength to obey. His love would inhabit his people, thereby enabling them to love him back. Therefore, the Lord becomes both the beginning and end of love for them.

I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, and say, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me from the least to the greatest,’ says the Lord, ‘for I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more.’

Jeremiah 31:33-34 God’s rule is one defined by mercy and intimate communion. Astoundingly, God provides the way to Him, as well as the means to do so. This is the gospel and the eternal plan of God. Jesus Embodies

the

Gospel

Jesus does not inaugurate this plan. He embodies it. John, the fourth Gospel writer, acknowledges this fact with his very first line, ‘In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the

beginning with God. All things came into being through him and without him not one thing came into being’ (John 1:1-2). John is declaring that the word, Christ, is the agent of the universe’s creation, yet he is stating even far more than that. By equating Jesus Christ with the Word, John is asserting that Christ personally expresses the eternal plan of God. The divine love, peace, and deliverance are incarnate in Jesus Christ. Furthermore, the faithfulness of Abraham, the redemption of the Exodus, the majesty of David’s reign, and the parade of messages from the Hebrew prophets are all humanly expressed in the person of Jesus Christ.

Practically expressed, when Jesus heals, people are delivered from the chaotic darkness preceding creation. When he teaches, the ancient Torah comes to life. When he casts out demons or cleanses lepers, Eden is restored.

When he calls others to follow him, the Exodus is relived and a people are recreated. During Jesus’ brief three-year ministry, the panorama of the gospel is expressed. ‘And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth’ (John 1:14).

Responding

to the

Gospel

Those who concede to the advances of God through Jesus Christ, those who are shot through with his light, those who are inhabited by the gospel – become offspring of the Lord. Paul acknowledges this miraculous promise in the letter he wrote to the Roman Christians, people whom he had never met. Considering Paul’s strong declaration, the gospel is less an objective experience and more of a subjective one. We are personally possessed by the gospel, the ultimate plan of our Creator.

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ it is that very Spirit bearing witness[ with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ…

Romans 8:14-17 The march of the gospel-possessed is

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From Our Rector... as varied as the humans of every age.

Beleaguered Mary Magdalene was so rapturously in love with her deliverer that she refuses to leave both his cross and his tomb. Blustery Simon Peter gives up all his previous certainties to follow his teacher. Conniving Zacchaeus empties his treasury to reimburse four-fold those whom he had swindled. Silver-tongued Stephen dies as ponderous stones crush his skull and he cries, ‘Lord do not hold this sin against them!’ (Acts 7:60). Consumed by the gospel incarnated in Jesus, these followers and the millions parading after them become like the one who first called them.

No one, however, articulates our response to the gospel as carefully, completely, and rhapsodically as Paul. In his most tender writing, the Letter to the Philippians, Paul notes how all of his previous tributes and accomplishments are mere shadows of his new life realized in the gospel.

Eugene Peterson, in his translation, picks up the somewhat unsettling quality of the great apostle’s words:

must I do to be saved.” Again, we have relegated the word “save” to dramatic, falling down conversions in the aisles of whitewashed southern churches. In so doing, we have limited the meaning of “saved” to a one-sentence incantation thrown up to heaven. In that view, to be saved is akin to a shaman dispensing spells. The Bible belies that notion.

The Greek word for “saved” is soterio, which means to “be made well.” When we submit to Christ and give up all of our lesser identities and false props, we will be on the road to health, the high road to ultimate meaning in our lives. Also, the jailer presents his entire family for baptism, in order that the whole household will be inhabited by the gospel.

“People who join us in worship should share the jailer’s experience. They should see, hear, and come to believe in the deeper reality of the gospel that holds us – no matter the present state of our families, businesses, or nation. “

All the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life.

Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant— dog dung. I’ve dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him.

Philippians 3:8 So how do we take the first step towards truly “knowing Christ Jesus firsthand?”

Conveniently for us, Paul confronts this question in his one visit to Philippi.

Paul’s evangelizing mission was going along smoothly until he exorcised a slave girl, who was making money for her masters as a fortuneteller in the dark arts. Realizing the girl was not only in human bondage, but spiritual bondage, as well, Paul called out the evil spirits. Her dark cogitations thereby ended, infuriating her masters. In short order, the girl’s owners had Paul and his ministry partner, Silas, thrown into jail.

Deep into the night, the two men, chained to the wall, are singing and praying as if at a tent revival, when all

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of a sudden the jail house erupted in an earthquake, and the chains fell off of them. Seeing his two prisoners freed, the Philippian jailer, steeped in the Roman military way, was shamed, and took out his sword to kill himself. Paul catches him in the nick of time, and yells, “Stop! Do not harm yourself.” The jailer is so moved by what he has seen and heard, he asks, “What must I do to be saved, too?” Paul’s answer is short and to the point, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved, you and your entire household.” That very night, Paul and Silas marched over to the jailer’s home and baptized the entire family (Acts 16:6-34).

The jailer demonstrates the first step towards the gospel life – to “believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.” A short word study is in order here. Our English understanding of “believe” falls way short of Biblical Greek. When we Americans speak of “believing,” it is purely a cognitive assent, such as, “Sure, I believe Jesus is the savior of the world. I think I can get my head around that notion.” We can state our belief in that way but have very little “skin in the game.” However, to “believe” in the New Testament Greek sense (pisteuo) is to commit one’s full trust. For Christians, it actually means to completely change our locus of authority and meaning.

We entrust our present and future to Christ. We give our marriage, family, and business to Christ. Our previous associations – soldier, businesswoman, student, wife, husband, or preacher – are all superseded by our new identity in Christ. We still fill those varied roles, yet they are now defined by the gospel, the good news God has been preparing for us before the creation of the world.

Note, too, that the jailer asks, “What

The Church

and the

Gospel

Our churches must become like that Philippian jailhouse. Surrounded by the pain or the imprisoned and the oppression of their captors, Paul and Silas are praying and singing their hearts out, as if they know something others do not. Of course, they do. They realize there is something more than the bricks, mortar, bars, and chains that hold them, something larger than even Rome itself.

Paul and Silas believe in a deeper reality than their present circumstances reveal, and so they can do nothing less than sing. The jailer, never having heard a word of the gospel previously, is swept up in the new reality, too.

People who join us in worship should share the jailer’s experience. They should see, hear, and come to believe in the deeper reality of the gospel that holds us – no matter the present state of our families, businesses, or nation.

This truth is stirringly portrayed in the famous call of Isaiah. The prophet makes his way into the temple in Jerusalem to offer some solemn, private prayers, when all heaven breaks loose. The thresholds of the building shake, smoke fills the interior, and strange six-winged creatures fly about continuously singing, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts; heaven and earth are full of his glory’ (Isaiah 6:1-5).

Like the Philippian jailer, Isaiah was not expecting this sudden glimpse of another dimension, and he is terrified almost to death.

From Our Rector... experience of the deeper reality.

photo by John D. Gaskins

We Episcopalians should not be surprised that our Sunday worship should emulate the Philippian jailhouse and Isaiah’s temple. All our Eucharistic rites insist that we sing out the wild hymn of the six-winged creatures, “Holy, Holy, Holy,” signifying that Christian worship is not tame, and once crossing the threshold into the nave, a person is certainly “not in Kansas anymore.” Our worshippers should be embraced in the

The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Michael Curry, agrees with my conclusion. Preaching at Christ Church on July 29, he shared a story about Starbuck’s CEO Howard Schultz.

In 2008, Starbuck’s meteoric growth stymied, leveled off, and began an abrupt decline. Puzzled and troubled by the state of his company, Schultz began a series of unannounced visits to their stores dotted all over the U.S. Before long, the problem hit him square in the nose! No longer did one smell the alluring aroma of coffee when crossing the threshold into one of their shops. Now the smell of melting cheese assaulted the customers on their morning commute. By executive order on that very day, Schultz disallowed the selling of breakfast sandwiches with melted cheese. The company had lost its way. Starbucks is in the coffee and conversation business, not in the crowded sandwich industry.

The company’s dramatic turn-around ensued within weeks.

Starbucks’ crucible is akin to our parishes. People come to us seeking a deeper reality, to catch the aroma of the Holy One, to be embraced by the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we

Consecration Sunday October 29

Join us for worship and the celebration following: 7:30 AM service and refreshments 9 AM service and Brunch 11 AM service and Luncheon 6 PM service and refreshments

serve up something else, the results are predictable. The people look to other places and people for ultimate meaning, and most will lead to a dead end. We will have forsaken the ones Christ has given to us, and neglected our gospel duty: ‘If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea’ (Matthew 18:6).

Christ does not call you and me to be heroic, just faithful to reveal the good news, which he embodied on earth.

This has been the Father’s plan since well before the creation of earth and its people. As individuals, we must give up our lesser gods, “believe in the Lord Jesus Christ,” and “be saved” from an unremarkable life. As the Church, we must sing out our faith in Jesus – no matter our current circumstances – so that, like the Philippian jailer, strangers we do not yet know will be inexorably drawn to the gospel.

It’s high time we wake up and smell the coffee!

Your brother,

Patrick U SAVE THE DATE!!!

Community of Hope Circle of Care Meeting October 13, 2017- 5:00 P.M. Sudie and Charles Holshouser’s Home, 211 Hillview Fabulous Speaker and Pot Luck Supper--- Meat provided.

Details to Follow 5

MINISTRY

I’m

in the

Right Place - A Rally Day Reflection

A

s I make preparations for my twenty-ninth Rally Day at Christ Church, I guess it may be time to reflect. I recently returned from a two-week time HALLETA away for training HEINRICH and vacation, Director of walked into Family Ministries my office, and halletah@cecsa.org checked my email messages. This is my normal habit.

I was greeted with emails from some very wonderful people who had answered the call to teach Sunday School. Some were returning, faithful teachers. Some were new from the new generation that have come due to the loving environment they have found at Christ Church.

Also, I received an email from a nationally known and best-selling Christian author whom I took a wild chance in inviting to be a speaker at Christ Church. Oh, my gosh! She said “Yes,” even though our budget is less than a third of her normal speaking fee.

(More about this lady will come as soon as details are worked out.)

A voice within me spoke “You are in the right place!”

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All of these signs that were miraculous in my mind were assurances from God that He did have me in the right place doing what I do at Christ Church. At one time I had had other plans, but God knew what was best in keeping me at Christ Church in His service.

God does have the best plan and wants the best for all of us. I am reminded of the verse from Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse proclaims that we are immeasurably loved by God One of my favorite stories I share often our Father and that our lives are in His with our children, hands. We must trust in and one I can greatly Him. He wants for us to A voice within me identify with, is “The prosper in the best way, Tale of Three Trees,” spoke “You are in the serving Him with hope a traditional folktale. and an eternal future. Our right place!”

It’s the story of greatest job is to yield to three trees on a hill Him as vessels containing that had grandiose aspirations. One this love and hope, and let it shine forth wanted to be a treasure chest holding to others. That is the true purpose of gold and precious jewels. The second our lives no matter what earthly job we wanted to be a magnificent sailing ship have. that would cross the great oceans. The third wanted to sit at the top of the hill, Our theme verse of the year declares “… grow to immense height and beauty let your light shine before men, that they and reach to touch the heavens. God may see your good deeds and praise had other and better plans. The tree your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. that aspired to hold treasure, became a To fulfill this plan God has given us is humble hay trough in a crude manger, the best plan for our lives. My promise but held the greatest treasure of all, the to my Christ Church Family is that I Christ Child. The tree that desired to will make sure our children are aware sail the world as a mighty ship became of this greatest plan God has set before a little fishing boat in the Sea of Galilee them through the love He has shown which held Jesus and His disciples as us through Jesus Christ Our Savior. Let great miracles of nature were fulfilled your light shine!!! through our Creator come to Earth. The final tree that wanted to touch Heaven Love in Christ, became the rugged Cross of Christ that bridged the gap for us so we could reach Heaven.

Halleta

Family Ministry...

Clowning Around

A

long time ago, one of the priests here at Christ Church challenged me to do something “different” for our Children’s Christmas Pageant. Since I am basically a conservative traditionalist, I had been happy to present “La Posada,” our San Antonio/Mexican-style pageant every year, then added “Donkey’s Dream” to alternate years. My priest friend challenged with “How about doing a Christmas Pageant with clowns?” I thought to myself, “What ??!!,” then remembered one of my favorite Christmas stories, “The Clown of God”

by Tomie de Paola. I can do that! Since then, we have developed six different pageants, and I am so grateful I was challenged.

This year the children of Christ Church will present “The Clown of God” on Sunday, December 10 at 11 AM as our Advent gift to our Church Family. It is the story of a little beggar boy in Renaissance Italy

for the

Christmas Pageant

who became a famous clown traveling with a troupe of actors. He becomes very successful as an entertainer, but as he gets older, he can’t handle the juggling feats he was famous for and becomes a beggar again. One Christmas Eve he witnesses a Christmas procession of gifts to be given to the Christ Child.

In his old age, he accepts Christ and wants to give his greatest gift to the Christ Child – his gift of juggling.

This is the setting for our nativity pageant.

Our three-year-olds will be Sheep, and our preschool four-year-olds, five-yearolds and kindergarten children will all be Little Clowns, not scary ones, I

For All

the

assure you. Our first- and second-grade girls will portray Clown Angels, and the boys will be Stars. The third-graders will be Italian Villagers, and fourthgraders will be Shepherds. The fifthgraders will play the leading roles of the Nativity, and sixth-graders can serve as Narrators. We will begin practicing our songs for the pageant in October during Sunday School and Chapel. Just like the Little Clown, our children will share their gifts with Christ Church and Jesus!

The Clown of God Christmas Pageant December 10 Practice and Preparation in October and November

Saints...

C

hildren will learn the REAL Christian meaning of Halloween at our All Saints Celebration on the Sunday before Halloween, October 29, during 11:00 Children’s Chapel. The Happy and Sad Jack-O-Lanterns will be here to help us understand the contrast between life with Jesus and life without Jesus. We will learn that Halloween (Evening of the Holy Ones or Saints) is not about fear, but about the celebration of All the Saints in Heaven and on Earth who have eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Children may wear bright, happy Halloween or other costumes to church this day. No scary ones, please! Special All Saints treats will be served. Children will be brought into the 11:00 service to join parents for Holy Communion after the Chapel Celebration.

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MINISTRY A Pat

T

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

here are many people to thank in the music ministry for making worship on Sunday mornings meaningful, spirit-filled, and fun. I am the least among them. So, when the beauty of Sunday’s

music prompts you to reach out to me in thanksgiving, thank these people instead when…

Upcoming Events: All Saints Sunday November 5, 2017 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM Rite II Communion service with adult choir and members of the San Antonio Symphony

Advent Service of Lessons & Carols December 17, 2017 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM Festive worship service led by the adult and children’s choirs, guests, and members of the San Antonio Symphony

on the

Back

...you smile and your mood is lifted by the beautiful piano music: Bob Shoaf

the rhythmic pulse of the bass guitar at the 9 AM service: Max Garcia

...you are mesmerized by the sweet sound of the oboe: Jennifer Berg

...the children can memorize their lines and teach us the Bible through story and song at the annual children’s musical: Ruth Berg

...you hear the soaring notes of the violin floating down from the choir loft: Beth Johnson ...you can clearly hear the prayers, lesson readers, gospel, sermon, and all other spoken liturgy through the sound system speakers: Charissa Fenton ...the choir continues to sing and be expertly led while I am sick or out of town: Jennifer Holloway ...the strumming of a guitar encourages you to sing enthusiastically on songs such as “How Great Is Our God” or “10,000 Reasons”: Trent Timberlake

...you are overcome with emotion because the choir sings so beautifully?

Any member of the choir, just look for the red robes!

Josh Benninger

...you find yourself tapping your feet to

Trunk or Treat October 31  5 pm in the CEC Parking Lot Fun for all ghouls and boys

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MINISTRY Fall Youth Series: “Virtues

T

his

fall we will install a temporary art gallery in the Carriage House (hung on the current artwork chains in the Carriage House) GAVIN ROGERS called “Virtue and Youth Minister Vices” by Gavin’s gavinr@cecsa.org friend, the artist Sam Wedelich.

(Check out her art at www.samwedelich. com.) During the fall months, we will go through a 20-week series that focuses on many of the virtue and vices we all deal with on a day-to-day basis while we are at church, school, home, on a team and at work.

In his book Nichomachaen Ethics Aristotle expresses that we learn virtues (excellence of character) through practice and habit so we can live in the right manner between deficiency and excess, which he sees as the root of the vices. For Aristotle, as with many ethicists, he believes that developing excellence of character is the means to achieve excellent conduct, right living and happiness. Those who live by the virtues will take pleasure in acting moderately and practicing good character.

and

In his final exhortation to the Philippians, Paul compassionately wrote these words in his letter: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Our mission at CEC Youth states that our youth program exists “to help students encounter the love of God, participate in authentic community, grow to their full potential, and practice their hearts to live out the mission of Jesus Christ.” People often ask me why we include the word “practice” in our mission statement. It’s a good question and that curiosity is one of the main reasons why I included the word “practice” in

Vices” our mission. As Christian educator and youth pastor, I believe that the main function of Christian education (in all ages) is to help us all practice our faith over and over again so we learn to live more and more like Christ as we imitate his life, death and resurrection.

To be honest, the main work of the church is Christian education. It’s what we do! Our faith needs not just to be verbally proclaimed through words, but practiced each and every day so we can grow and develop into mature Christians. Our faith is practiced by the prayers we recite, songs we sing, communion we partake and the virtues we develop.

This fall youth series will be fun, creative and informative for both our Junior High and High School students. It is our goal to make The Carriage House time on Sunday Mornings a meaningful hour for each of our students.

Starting August 27 (the week after Rally Day) we will separate the Junior High and Senior High Students for the majority of the time in the Youth Carriage House. The High School students will be meeting upstairs in the Carriage House for small group time and activities. The Junior High Group will continue to meet downstairs for games, discussion, and activities. For the most part, Jennifer Berg will be helping with the Senior High; Heather and Ted Yun will help us lead worship; and Gavin will help lead Junior High.

The timing will look like this: 9:00 AM: Carriage House Opens for Breakfast & Fellowship 10:00 AM: Announcements 10:10 AM: Praise and Worship; Introduction of Lesson “Virtue and Vices” 10:20 AM: Senior High Time Upstairs and Junior High Time Downstairs.

Please follow us on facebook for updates, photos, and more info! www.facebook.com/CECSAYOUTH

Gavin

9

Things

I

t’s been a busy summer 2017 for the Kitchen Ministry. In June VBS volunteers helped the little ones to prepare bread dough! That is a favorite for the VBS children.

On June 29, the kitchen ministry hosted a reception for the ordination of Duane Miller. The Miller’s next journey is to Spain, so the volunteers were inspired to prepare delicious appetizers with flavors from Spain. The Parish Hall was decorated in a Spanish theme, all thanks to Nita Shaver.

On July 2, the Kitchen ministry and volunteers prepared and served the delicious BBQ chicken for the church’s annual 4th of July lunch. The Parish Hall was adorned with red, white and blue decorations, and delicious pies that the ladies of the church donated were auctioned off in the Parish Hall. This was the second annual pie auction. All the proceeds went to Snack Pak 4 Kids.

The head of food service, Elizabeth Martinez, joined the Mission team to Honduras. The ladies from Chalmeca have done an amazing job heading the kitchen ministry in their church.

With the help of Elizabeth and her

Really Cooking

are

in the

sister Yollie Hernandez, the ladies have advanced in many ways. They have learned to cook on a propane stove; they learned to plan menus and to try out new recipes. The aroma that comes out of their kitchen is delicious and mouthwatering! On the second year of the mission trip in Chalmeca, electricity was installed in the church kitchen. The ladies in the Chalmeca kitchen ministry were ecstatic!

On Tuesday, July 18, Ferne Burney led a volunteer training for ten parishioners.

Ferne cooked a delicious meal as she explained personal hygiene and food safety tips. It was a successful training, and there are plans for a Phase II handson training.

How

to

On Friday, July 28, the kitchen ministry hosted a light brunch for 30 bishops and a luncheon for 50 guests of the Union of Black Episcopalians; breakfast for the bishops and their spouses on Saturday, July 29; and a picnic on the church lawn for the consecration of Bishop Jennifer Brooke-Davidson on Saturday afternoon. For months, the kitchen ministry (Ferne Burney, Logan Ames, Mary Reynolds, Sarah McSween), special event committee (Garnett Wietbrock, Suzanne Stanley, Anne Wright) along with the clergy, staff of CEC, and staff from the Diocesan office had been planning for this special event.

All the planning and hard work paid off! It would not have been possible if not for the volunteers of Christ Church.

For about two weeks at the beginning of August, the kitchen was closed for annual cleaning and maintenance.

During this time, Elizabeth and the kitchen cabinet worked on menus for the fall, winter, and spring events.

It’s never-ending for the kitchen ministry! We strive to serve our parishioners and guests in better ways with each new event.

Raise World Changers

C

hrist Church is excited to bring national bestselling author and speaker, Karen Vaughn, to our campus on November 18 and 19. Vaughn is the author of “World Changer - A Mother’s Story: the Unbreakable Spirit of US Navy SEAL Aaron Carson Vaughn.”

Karen Vaughn is the mother of Navy SEAL Aaron Carson Vaughn, who was one of the thirty American warriors aboard Extortion 17 who perished over Afghanistan on August 6, 2011. This event marked the largest loss of life in Navy SEAL history.

10

Kitchen

Karen Vaughn tells the story of her son, Aaron, who grew up as a small-town boy in the hills of Tennessee with a big dream. All he ever wanted to be from the time he was five-years-old was a

Navy SEAL. He achieved that dream because he wanted to be a “World Changer,” someone who would change the world for good, even being willing to lay down his life for his friends.

There is no greater love, according to Jesus, and Karen’s story is one of faith, family, and love. Woven throughout this inspirational story is practical advice for today’s parents who desire to raise children who live life so well that they will leave a positive legacy for this world.

More details about this important weekend with Karen Vaughn will be coming soon.

Our Church Life...

Greetings

T

he Band and Bible Mission this year was combined with the Pastor’s Retreat for the Eleventh Hour Network in Kenya. The Rev. Eric Fenton, Dr. Marthe Curry, and Kaitlin Reed Rogers, were teaching the evangelists of the Eleventh Hour Network led by the Rev. Getachew Teshome. The theme of this retreat was “Christian Marriage.” Twentyfive evangelists attended with their wives. With their work, they are often away from home for extended periods – the danger is real but the harvest is plentiful. The goal of the retreat was to strengthen marriages and help couples realize that their ministry and marriage works better when they work as a team.

After the conference, Eric, Marthe and Kaitlin drove to Isiolo with Getachew to learn about the Eleventh Hour Network ministry from that location as well as to inspect the site where their training center is under construction.

There are five outreach and discipleship programs to single women with children in that area. They visited three that demonstrated micro-finance, creative economic projects, Bible study, and faith communities.

Micro-finance provides the capital needed to begin new businesses like hair braiding, food and commodities sales. These are desperately poor women who are given a new hope in Jesus. They are seeing their lives transformed by his love and the love of their sisters in Christ.

The team then flew to Kampala, Uganda on Monday, July 3, where Marthe and Kaitlin continued on to Nebbi Diocese to visit the Women’s Training Center.

Eric joined Richard Wallace, who was conducting advanced training for key band members. Percussionist Michael Bahan joined them on Friday.

from

Africa

The Mengo Boys and Girls Brigade was celebrating 55 years since their founding at Namirembe Cathedral in 1962. They were also celebrating the 5th Band and Bible Mission in partnership with Christ Church, San Antonio that has made a huge impact on their musical skills and their faith. Eric taught on Christian Marriage from Genesis to Ephesians, his Bible teaching theme for this year’s mission. Richard Wallace introduced them to rudimentary exercises that they could teach new members to improve range, tone, balance, and articulation.

They also learned two new songs. They

in a technical school to become an electrician. Eric noted that he will probably be the first graduate to find a job, as there is a great need for skilled labor and technicians there.

Monday the team drove to Goli, and was met at the entrance to the Nebbi Diocese compound by the brass band, who led them in a parade to the Women’s Training Center building that the DWTX built some years ago. It was a most joyful welcome and a perfect beginning to the band clinic.

They met the Dean of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Rev. Ephriam, and minister for outreach, Rev. Samuel. The Rev. Sam, who was once in the Boys Brigade, was interested in starting a Boys and Girls Brigade Band. They noticed many new band members who were youths.

Their elders were there, as last year, and happy to teach them and learn alongside them. It was a good sign for the future of the band.

presented an anniversary concert where they played the US National Anthem arranged by Richard. Michael Bahan coordinated the percussion section and the result was a joy to the ears. They played in three services at the cathedral that Sunday. The Dean invited Eric to join them and preach at the two English services.

The annual Scholarship Committee meeting with Eric showed they were faithful in using the money to help their members advance their education.

One student graduated from Makerere University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Health and hopes to go on to medical school. Another earned a technical certificate in photography and film and is working in that field.

Five students graduated from their high school level programs. Some will go on to university. One enrolled

The team journeyed to Hoima and the BunyoroKitara Diocese through Murchison Falls and Masindi.

The road was slow-going and brutally rough. By the time they got to Hoima, they were all exhausted and sore from being tossed around all day. They are all grateful to their driver, Fred Kubaye, the Road Warrior, for his skillful driving.

Sunday the entire Bunyoro-Kitara Diocese Brass Band went to Kitana Parish, where a former band member was celebrating his first Mass as a Roman Catholic priest. The band led the parade to the church, played during the service and played afterwards. It was a wonderful celebration bringing Anglicans and Catholics together.

Once again the Band and Bible Mission met their goals of teaching Bible life skills, improving musicianship and encouraging young scholars. They hope to go again in July 2018.

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Our Church Life..

PAGE TURNERS – From

I

do not expect that a great wave of you will race down to The Twig, log on to Amazon, or request being put on the waiting list at the public library for Phillip Lopate’s To Show and Tell: The Craft of Literary Nonfiction.

Among other things, there would not be a waiting list vying for this volume, and, on the other, I rather doubt many of you are eager to read about the multifaceted artistry of the essay. To show you once again how incredibly eccentric I am, I did order the book a minute after I read its review in the New York Review of Books. For the past five years, I have regaled, or perhaps tortured, you with my essays addressing our common faith and shared life. Lopate is known as the modern dean of essay writing. Thus, I read the book to glean his wisdom and learn his technique.

Stating that, Lopate’s account of the most noted essayists of history proved to be as enlightening as his own instruction. Charles Lamb (1775-1834), writing under the famous pseudonym, Elia, dared to reveal penetrating autobiographical facts about himself in the Romantic age in which he wrote. His writing transcends his rather pedestrian life – a hope for any writer. William Hazlitt (1778-1839), writing at the same time, wrote essays that are more biting, critical, and, frankly, evocative.

Lopate’s best reminiscence was of Ralph Waldo Emerson (1883-1882), whom he dubs the great American voice, for his essays enumerate the importance of the individual and assert our transcendence. Amongst all of his recollections, I was most surprised by the review of James Baldwin (19241987). The expressive, autobiographical voice for American civil rights, Baldwin continues to garner the fascination of our young readers today. Baldwin’s writing is, at the same time, poignantly revelatory and tartly convicting. I hope my sentences may come together in that way.

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the

Rector’s Book Stack

The fact that I arose at 5:40 AM to complete the last one hundred pages of this book should tip you off as to how entertaining it is. Scott Kitayama gave me Paradise Sky, by Joe R. Lansdale just before Kay and I took off to Maine for some R & R, and I must admit this novel is as good as a classic John Wayne oater, which, coming from me, is high praise.

The protagonist is African-American Willie Johnson, who will become Nat Loving, and finally the great black gunslinger of historical legend, Deadwood Dick. Beset by the rabid, demeaning persecution of post-Civil War East Texas and processing all the way into Nebraska, Arkansas, Kansas, and the Black Hills of the Dakotas, there is not a boring page in this 400page thriller. The reader may learn a thing or two about America during Reconstruction, but mostly this is classic summer entertainment.

Now to come completely clean, I arose so early to finish the book so that I could race down to the Post Office to mail it to my friend Doug Daniel to read. This will entertain his little Texas lawyering heart.

I refused to give up on my summer vacation; so I finished the 385 pages of Sharpe’s Tiger, by Bernard Cornwell during the loathsome, crowded, eight hour air travel home from Maine. I was transported to the mighty 33rd Regiment of the British Army as they laid siege to the Tipoo of Mysore’s impenetrable fortress at Seringapatam, India in 1799. The protagonist, Richard Sharpe, is a thief, a liar, and a brawler from way, way “the other side of the railroad tracks,” and yet he is some kind of soldier. He even has a romantic side on occasion.

The villains are the darkest, most scheming you can fathom. The heroes

are the brightest, most gallant you can imagine. Throw in six seven-foot Bengal tigers, and I did not hear a single baby scream on the plane and did not care if I was issued peanuts or not.

My oldest son’s family gave me the book for Father’s Day. Don’t despair, there are twenty more Sharpe books in the series. I will know everything about the Napoleonic Wars when I round the corner on number twenty-one!

Hold it! Don’t throw out that box of old letters!

Bud Lindsey, our own Darla Nelson’s godfather, stumbled upon a trunk of letters he wrote home to his family in Brady, Texas during the Second World War. The first letter is dated December 15, 1943 and sent from the Army Reception Center – Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX, and the last letter is dated November 23, 1945 – Camp Plauche, New Orleans, LA. The missives in-between tell of Bud’s infantry training at Ft. Benning, his induction into the 100th Infantry Division, his fighting on the eastern French front, and his capture and internment in Germany – and all of these are collected and explained in Bud’s book, A Soda Jerk Goes to War. I should add that Bud was sent to a Nazi prison camp in Moosburg, Germany, just a stone’s throw from Dachau. Most importantly, I stress that this book humanizes the war more than just about any other I’ve read. I state that because Bud Lindsey, from Brady, Texas never represents himself as anyone other than a young kid swept up into the war.

Furthermore, the letters reveal the very ordinary needs of the soldier as well as his need to share his love with the people he left behind in central Texas.

One more thing, Bud Lindsey shows us how our past experiences can become a gift to those who follow us if we take the time to write them down.

Don’t try to purchase this treasure, but, if you ask nicely, I bet Darla Nelson will

Our Church Life...

PAGE TURNERS – loan it to you.

Pirates, just saying the word conjures up visions of Captain Hook, Blackbeard, or the modern Somali ones. I doubt any of us think of Thomas Jefferson and our own nation in its vulnerable infancy.

Thankfully, George Healy gave me the book, Thomas Jefferson and the

continued

Tripoli Pirates, by Brian Kilmeade.

The text is an enthralling account of our country’s first foray into touchy international diplomacy, its failure, and the necessary build up of our nascent naval force. Our adversaries in the fray were the four Muslim powers off the North Africa coast – Tripoli, Tunis, Algiers, and Morocco. The conflict is so hallowed in our collective national memory that the Marines enshrined the chapter in their song, “…to the shores of Tripoli, we will fight our country’s battles in the air, on land, and sea…”

Like all good military-political thrillers, intrigue, betrayal, suspense abound.

The reader also gets a clearer vision of the intrepid determination of our third president.

George Healy ended up blessing two of us. I have read every line to Dr. Wendell Peden at Morningside on Friday afternoons. Just seventeen Fridays and Dr. Peden and I completed our naval campaign and vanquished the pirates from the “shores of Tripoli!”

SOCIETY

An Interview The following is a 2017 interview by the Great Commission Society (GCS) with Sue & Bob McClane, longtime members of Christ Church. Bob, most recently, advised the “For His Glory” campaign, which will beautifully extend our campus by 1.6 acres and enable us to better serve our neighborhood and growing parish. Sue spends many hours each week attending to her dear mother, Len Nitschke, revered senior member of our fellowship.

with the

McClanes

We moved to Christ Church in 1980 while John MacNaughton was rector.

John and Shirley together were teaching a bible study at the time, and Sue was attracted to this before we transferred to Christ Church. John Claypoole was just joining. When we visited we found that so many of our friends were there... and we were welcomed warmly.

GCS: What is one of your favorite memories of Christ Church?

Over this period beginning in 1980 so many of our “life events” have been centered at “our church:” the burial of Bob’s mother, Ella McClane; the wedding of our daughter Len; the burial of Sue’s dad, Dick Nitschke; the marriage of our son, Rob, and later he and Nicole becoming a part of the parish along with their children, Lucia and Sydney; the marriage of our nephew, James Nitschke to Stefanie and their also joining in the fellowship of Christ Church.

GCS: Some time ago, you made a decision to make a gift to Christ Church at your death. What motivated you to do so?

GCS: How long have you worshipped at Christ Church and what has the parish meant to you and your children?

We have strong interests in giving back to institutions that are meaningful parts of our lives, and, hopefully, to assist

their long-term growth and outreach.

Our church is number one on that list.

God leads us to find ways that fit our ability to lend financial support and further develop our church’s financial strength and outreach.

GCS: You created a Charitable Remainder Trust in order to secure this testamentary gift. Why did you choose that particular financial instrument?

With guidance from professionals, we chose to establish a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRUT). This is a flexible legal mechanism that allows a donor to set aside cash or other assets now to be paid to a charitable beneficiary in the future. The donor(s) may retain an income interest in the assets of the CRUT for their lifetimes, with the proceeds distributed to the charitable beneficiary following the death of the last donor. These are flexible legal instruments that can contain various donor alternatives to accomplish agreed objectives.

Anyone considering a CRUT or other mechanism should ask their legal or accounting counsel to assist them in evaluating the many alternative structures that are available to best benefit their wishes.

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OF EVENTS September 4:

Labor Day, church offices closed

Christ Church Staff:

September 9:

The Well Game Night, 6 PM at the Desbrow’s home

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

September 10: Greeter Summit, 12:15 PM in the Sanctuary

The Well Sunday Brunch, 12:30 PM in the Parish Hall

Youth Shaving Cream Bubble, 5 PM on the CEC lawn September 12: Christ Church Knitting Group resumes, 1:30 PM in the Library September 13: Wednesday Night Programs Begin September 16: The Well Lake Days for adults, 1 PM off campus September 17: Noisy Offering and Food Pantry Offering, 9 & 11 AM

Safeguarding God’s Children Training, 12:15 PM in the Conference Room

Third Sunday Lunch Bunch, 12:30 PM at Order Up September 22-24: High School Lock in and Retreat September 23: Mastersingers Rehearsal and Pizza Party, 9:30 AM - 12 PM

The Rev. Scott Kitayama, Associate Rector, scottk@cecsa.org The Rev. Brien Koehler, Associate Rector for Mission and Formation, brienk@cecsa.org The Rev. Rob Harris, Associate Rector for Community Formation, robh@cecsa.org Carol Miller, Pastoral Care Administrator, carolm@cecsa.org Halleta Heinrich, Director of Family Ministry, halletah@cecsa.org Lily Fenton, Nursery Director lilyf@cecsa.org

September 24: Immunization and Flu Clinic, 9:30 - 11:30 in the Heritage Room

Gavin Rogers, Youth Minister gavinr@cecsa.org

September 27: Wednesday Night Program “Old Testament Essentials” begins,

6:30 PM in the Capers Room

Joshua Benninger, Music Minister & Organist, joshb@cecsa.org

October 1:

Ground-Breaking of Outreach Center, 12:15 PM on the lawn

Ruth Berg, Director of Children’s Music, ruthb@cecsa.org

October 4:

St. Francis Day Pet Blessing, 6 PM on the CEC lawn

October 5:

Women’s Bible Study Begins, 10 AM in the Parish Hall

October 7:

The Well goes to Tejas Rodeo, 6 PM

October 8: Christ Church Fellowship - Lunch & a Movie, 12:30 PM in the Carriage House

Robert Hanley, Parish Administrator parishadmin@cecsa.org Darla Nelson, Office Manager darlan@cecsa.org Donna Shreve, Financial Manager donnas@cecsa.org

October 13: Community of Hope Circle of Care Meeting, 5 PM at the Holshauser’s home

Gretchen Comuzzi Duggan, Director of Communications, gretchend@cecsa.org

October 22:

Anna Jewell, Executive Assistant to the Rector, annaj@cecsa.org

Youth to the South Texas Corn Maize

October 23: Christ Church Women’s Fall Fiesta, 5 - 7 PM, La Fonda Alamo

Heights, 8633 Crownhill Blvd

Donnis Carpenter, Receptionist donnisc@cecsa.org

October 29:

Consecration Sunday, Celebration Meals after every service Children’s All Saints Chapel, 11-11:30 AM in the FMC Chapel

Elizabeth Martinez, Kitchen Manager elizabethm@cecsa.org

October 31:

Trunk or Treat, 5 - 7 PM in the CEC parking lot

Robert Vallejo, Facilities Manager robertv@cecsa.org

November 5:

All Saints Sunday

November 7:

Coping with Grief, 12:30 PM in the Conference Room

November 10-12: Junior High Retreat November 11: The Well goes to Wurstfest, 7 PM in New Braunfels

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Rudy Segovia, Hospitality Manager rudys@cecsa.org Joe Garcia, Sexton joeg@cecsa.org

ALBUM

15

Hanging out in the Carriage House

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 19, Number 5.

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