January 2015 encourager

New Year’s Letter 2015 As we all begin another year we have the opportunity to reflect and to look forward. I’m not big on making resolutions but I find it helpful to stop as a milestone passes and think about my goals and the principles on which I live my life.

One of the things I’ve learned as I’ve grown older is that relationships are much more important to me now than issues. Although it’s hard to practice the principle, I see clearly that being loving is much more important than being right. My desire to “win,” whether it’s a reward or a compliment or an argument, seems to be diminishing. These are values I hope we as a community will also seek to foster at St. Barnabas and in our lives.

JANUARY 2015 SUNDAY WORSHIP 7:45 AM 9:00 AM 11:00 AM

Holy Eucharist Rite I Holy Eucharist Rite II Holy Eucharist Rite II Children’s Chapel

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 10:00 AM

Adult Classes

WEEKDAY WORSHIP 6:00 PM 12:00 PM

Wednesdays Holy Eucharist Rite II Thursdays Holy Eucharist & Healing (Chapel)

601 W. CREEK ST. FREDERICKSBURG, TX 78624 830-997-5762 www.stbarnabasfbg@gmail.com

Speaking of arguments…in our ultra-polarized world, there are certainly lots of things to argue about: religion, in all its incarnations; there’s politics, and yes… college football. These disagreements can get pretty vicious. But the fact is, people almost never change their minds, making arguing about who is right, pretty much a waste of time.

What if, as a goal, instead of trying to change people’s minds and risking estrangement, we decided we’d rather seek out points of unity that bind us one to another. Psalm 133 speaks to the joy of coming together as one: Oh, how good and pleasant it is, when brethren live together in unity!

It is like fine oil upon the head, that runs down upon the beard, Upon the beard of Aaron, and runs down upon the collar of his robe.

It is like the dew of Hermon, that falls upon the hills of Zion.

For there the LORD has ordained the blessing: life for evermore.

Building on that unity…What if, instead of trying to change minds, we decided to apply more of our precious time and energy to helping people?

Minds might not be changed but hearts can be converted, wounds healed; and there’s no question: being of service makes us way happier than winning arguments. (continued on page 2)

Rector’s Letter (con’t.)

When we encounter differences, may we be willing to discuss issues without bitterness or malice. And amidst these discussions, may we see that as followers of Jesus, what reigns paramount is the quality of love one can keep in the midst of an emotional struggle with those who believe that they too are upholding Truth.

As we move into 2015, may we, each day, pledge to partner as one in the Body of Christ; and may the light of Christ burn brightly in and through us in all that we do.

O God, who created all peoples in your image, we thank you for the wonderful diversity of this world. Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, and show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(BCP 840)

Annual Parish Meeting, January 11 in the Parish Hall, following the 11:00 a.m. service.

A light lunch will be served.

Rev. Tom Luck Joins St. Barnabas Staff Father Jeff and the Vestry welcome the Rev. G. Thomas Luck to the staff of St. Barnabas and will formally introduce him to the parish at the Annual Meeting.

The Reverend G. Thomas Luck is a sixth generation Texan of German descent.

The son of a priest, he grew up in the Dallas area where he was active in youth ministry at the parish and diocesan levels. He attended Austin College where he concentrated in British Studies and Philosophy, which included a semester of study in London. His Bishop sent him to Nashotah House in Wisconsin for seminary. After seminary he served for two years at the Church of the Epiphany in Richardson. He then spent thirty years serving parishes in New Hampshire, Maine, and New York, most recently ten years as Dean and Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral in Syracuse. He participated as both student and Chaplain in the Clergy Leadership Project of Trinity Church, Wall Street, has a Master’s degree in Religion from Harvard, and is finishing his thesis for a Doctor of Ministry from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Congregational Development. After retiring in January of 2014, Rev. Luck came back to Texas, first to Dallas, and then to Fredericksburg in October. He is engaged to Jane Lewis. He is thrilled to be back in Texas, in Fredericksburg, and to be officially part of the life and ministry of St. Barnabas working under Fr. Jeff.

Happy Birthday St. Barnabas!

On January 31, St. Barnabas will mark the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the “new church,” our present-day sanctuary. The Bishop of the Diocese of West Texas, The Rt. Rev. Everett Holland Jones, was on hand to lead the dedication service. Prayers, responsive readings and songs, together with “dedicatory perambulations” to each of the appointments in the church added to the solemnity and deep spiritual significance of the occasion. Bishop Jones delivered the sermon based on Luke 23.

Christmas at St. Barnabas

November Financials St Barnabas Financials as of November 30, 2014

Income Expenses: Staff Operating Ministry Apportionment Total Expenses Net Income

Nov 14

Budget

$ +/- Budget

Jan-Oct

Budget

$ +/- Budget Annual Budget

43,170

34,605

8,565

406,714

380,655

26,059

415,250

22,515 8,225 5,406 5,181 41,327 1,843

19,515 6,516 3,078 5,181 34,290 315

3,000 1,709 2,328 0 7,037 1,528

230,330 70,567 36,884 56,991 394,772 11,942

214,665 71,676 33,858 56,991 377,190 3,465

15,665 -1,109 3,026 0 17,582 8,477

234,160 78,200 36,900 62,172 411,432 3,818

Balance Sheet: There was an increase of about $35K. Most of the increase is due to the Non Event Fund Raiser (the fund increased by $32K during November, with the total at the end of November standing at $73K). Significant activity from other funds were as follows; Copier Fund (-$880), Columbarium Fund (+$2,546), Endowment Fund (+$1,023), General Fund (+$1,742).

Monthly Operations: There was a $2K positive result this month. This is primarily due to two factors: Offerings were over budget by about $8.5 K and expenses were over budget by $7K. Offerings were expected to be over budget this month as well as next month.

Expenses were over budget due to two items, the rector pension payment was higher than budgeted because we didn’t contribute enough for 2013 and we are now caught up. We also had a $1.8K outreach expense for the Celtic Trio Concert.

St Barnabas’s financial health continues to be very good; there is a $12K surplus on a YTD basis.

MMO: MMO has a deficit this month of $1.8K. Enrollment is running at a high level. Enrollment is at the maximum level of 38 children. There is a surplus of $1.6K for the year and the expectation is the year should end on budget.

Community Health Worker Visits St. Barnabas John Willome, Executive Director of the Good Samaritan Center, and Delia De La Cruz, the new Community Health Worker.

John introduced Delia at all three services on December 14. Both expressed their gratitude to St. Barnabas for making her work in the community possible.

Year-Round Stewardship - Service Stewardship is most often discussed along budget lines, but it is much more personal than that. We are called to be stewards of all that God has given us, including not only our financial resources, but also our skills and our time. St. Barnabas offers opportunities all year long to give back from the bounty we have received. In In January, our Year-Round Stewardship Program is focusing on the Daughters of the King and the group called CORE (Caring for our Natural Resources and Environmental Committee.) CORE is open to all interested in environmental issues and meets once a month on the third Sunday at 12:15 p.m. in the Library.

CORE formed less than two years ago under the leadership of Lou Dieter. Steve Neale, St. Barnabas’ lay ministry coordinator was the driving force in organizing the committee.

Among CORE’s first accomplishments was placing recycling bins in various locations throughout the church’s campus. The group also organized the collection and recycling of eye glasses, batteries, aluminum cans, ink cartridges, and florescent light bulbs.

For the past two years, CORE has sponsored the church’s Thanksgiving Potluck and produced outstanding programs commemorating two former St. Barnabas members’ contributions to the environment. Paul Alban, who was instrumental in starting Fredericksburg’s recycling center, and Lady Bird Johnson, whose signature projects were highway beatification and wild flower preservation, were each honored. Members of the CORE group also produced the exhibit of St. Barnabas artists this past September. All those who would like to join CORE in protecting God’s creation should contact the church office at 997-5762.

The Order of the Daughters of the King is an order for Episcopal women who are dedicated to the extension of Christ’s Kingdom through Prayer, Service and Evangelism. Because Daughters take a lifetime vow to live by the Rule of the Order, they refer to themselves as an Order, not an organization. The Vision of the Order states, “Empowered by the Holy Spirit, our vision as Daughters of the King is to know Jesus Christ, to make Him known to others and to become reflections God’s love throughout the world.”

The St. Barnabas Chapter of Daughters meets once a month on the second Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall, for prayer, an educational program and fellowship. Each day, members pray for those named on their Prayer List – to give thanks, and to ask for God’s blessing, comfort and healing. In recent years during Lent, the Daughters have sponsored all-day retreats with such outstanding speakers as Phyllis Tickle, Jane Patterson and Ann Grizzle. Women who are interested in knowing more about membership in the Daughters of the King, should plan to attend the coffee on January 17th. (See invitation on page7.)

Pictured below members of the Daughters enjoy fellowship at their December meeting at Judy Taylor’s home.

Vestry Candidates January 2015 At the Annual Meeting on January 11, we will elect three new Vestry members from this slate of four candidates.

I am Jimmy Davis. My wife, Beth, and I were confirmed and received at St. Barnabas in 2013 after attending here for two years. I received a BA from Dallas Baptist University and a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and pastored two churches for 18 years after being licensed and ordained in 1971. I served as CEO of a large denominational camp and conference center for nine years before moving to Colorado to become a builder. Since 2002, we have lived in Fredericksburg.

Jimmy Davis

I am a lay minister for our church and have developed, under the guidance of Father Jeff, the Everyone Belongs ministry for our church. My Spiritual Gifts are teaching, administration, exhortation and pastoring. I intend to minister within these gifts and support our rector whether in an elected position or not. If I had understood 50 years ago what I have known in my heart all along, I would have become an Episcopalian then. I guess I got here as quick as I could.

My name is David Spencer. I've been an Episcopalian all my life. In 2002, I moved to the Fredericksburg area and began to attend St. Barnabas. I transferred my letter a couple of years later. It was my privilege to be a delegate to Council twice. In 2008, I started to work with the Texas Water Mission of the Diocese. The Mission drills water wells in rural Honduras, to bring the gift of water to people in need. Since 2010, I have served on the TWM's Operations Committee. I'm currently in the second year of Education for Ministry training.

David Spencer My name is Ginny Thomason. am a native Houstonian and moved here with my husband Robert in 2004. We have two daughters and two granddaughters. Since moving here I have been a mentor for seven years at the elementary school, volunteered at Octoberfest, am a member of the Altar Guild and am Treasurer of the Daughters of the King. I feel blessed to belong to such a caring church.

If elected to the vestry I will do my best to continue the strong sense of community we have and work hard to help in our continued growth and financial health which is necessary for a strong and steady Church.

Ginny Thomason Vicki Luckenbach and her husband Carl have been members of St. Barnabas for five years and have served as Diocesan delegates for the past three years. Prior to moving to Fredericksburg they lived in Spring, Lubbock and Midland. In Lubbock, Vicki served on the vestry of St. Paul on the Plains Episcopal Church, chaired a capital campaign, was Director of Religious Education, and was on the Board of Directors of All Saints Episcopal School. She has degrees from Baylor, University of North Texas and Sul Ross State University, and spent 45 years in education, as a classroom teacher, administrator and owner of a business administering federal programs.

Vicki believes that, “God has led St. Barnabas in its amazing outreach to the community and is broadening His outreach in other areas. I want to serve St. Barnabas so that it continues to be a strong, healthy church.�

Vicki Luckenbach

January

MEETINGS & MINISTRIES ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS Wednesday—6 p.m. in CEB

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Sun Mon Tues Wed Fri Sat 8 p.m. in CEB Spanish Speaking Meeting (Sun & Mon) 6:30 p.m. in the CEB Thur, Closed Meeting (Women) 7 p.m. in CEB

AL-ANON

Monday—6:30 p.m. in CEB Friday—6:30 p.m. in CEB

BELL CHOIR

Wednesday—4:30 p.m. in CEB

BIBLE STUDIES

Monday—7 a.m. in Library Thursday—10 a.m. in CEB

BOY SCOUT TROOP Tuesday—7 p.m. in CEB

CHOIR

Tuesday—7 p.m. in Encourager Room

DAUGHTERS OF THE KING

2nd Saturday of the Month—9:30 a.m.— Sanctuary

LIBRARY GUILD

1st Thursday of the Month—10 a.m. in Library

MEN’S BREAKFAST

Thursday—7 a.m.—Parish Hall

MMO (MOM’S MORNING OFF)

BIRTHDAYS: 1st

Austin Spruiell Aviya York Eden York 4th David Plesko Annette Annen 8th Ruby Cottle Hazel Hanson 10th Mary Lee Marschall 11th Rachel Goff Gene Schmid 12th Bill Weldon Eleanor Loggie 13th Bill Brown Rexanne Hill 14th Marcia Manhart 18th Elizabeth Coe 19th David Tuttle Olivia Radle Pat Sadd Jett Willmann 20th Dylan Eggleston Aaron Goebel Walt Biddle 21st Johnny Gorden Rob Welch 22nd Kathy Parrish Gail Eager 23rd Linda Zehnder Linda Wilson

24th Amy D. Miller 25th Sue Thompson 26th Shirley Crooks Stacy Rodgers Ray Smith Coy Earley 27th Joan Puryear Mollie Lastovica Neil Klenk 28th Timothy Squyres Barclay Hammond 29th Carl Luckenbach 30th Saeng Keow Pornphet Joe Shearer Angie Cross 31st Linda Kemp

ANNIVERSARIES: 2nd 3rd 8th 9th 16th 27th

Mike and Sandy Wuest Tom and Lane Hutchins Jim and Pam Spruiell Ed and Robin Cowsar Bill and Sally Klekotta Bruce and Jane Good Dennis and Ann Rea

You are cordially invited to join the Daughters of the King for Coffee

3rd Monday of the Month—5 p.m. in Conference Room

The Daughters of the King invite all women who are interested in knowing more about this ministry to attend a coffee on January 17, 2015, at 10:30 a.m., at Nan Mosley’s home. An informal presentation about the discernment process and dates for study will be provided along with information about membership and the activities of the Daughters.

WISDOM SCHOOL

Please call Cydney Mickelson at (830) 456-6916 for information.

Monday & Wednesday—9 a.m.

VESTRY

Tuesday—11:30 a.m. in Library Thursday—7:00 p.m. Parish Hall

Return Service Requested

CHURCH CLERGY AND STAFF: Rector: The Rev. Jeff Hammond Lay Pastoral Minister: Morey Weldon Clergy Associate: The Rev. Dr. Dyana Orrin Clergy Associate: The Rev. Anne Finn Parish Administrator: Rachael Cole Office Assistant: Carol Schreider Director of Music: Hazel Hanson Lay Ministry Coordinator: Steve Neale Mom’s Morning Off Director: Sue Gustin Office Assistant: Carol Schreider Nursery Director: Madeline Clanton Housekeeper: Patty Ramirez

Don’t’ Be Locked Out! The Vestry and the Junior Warden are currently planning to enhance the security of the St. Barnabas campus by changing the locks and codes on all doors. Please notify the Church Administrator by January 31 if you need access to any of the buildings. After that date, digital locks will be installed on the kitchen, Sacristy and CEB doors and new locks will be installed on the Sanctuary and CEB. At a later time, after the needs assessment is completed, the Parish Hall, offices and classroom will also be rekeyed.

Members of the following groups will receive the code and/or key from their leaders and do not need to contact Rachael: Altar Guild, Lay Ministries, Mem’s Breakfast, DOK, EFM, Hand Bell Choir, Wisdom School, Columbarium Committee, Scouts, Reception Committee and AA.