May 2015 encourager

Psalm 23 (King James) The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

MAY 2015 EUCHARISTIC LECTIONARY YEAR B

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 STREET FREDERICKSBURG TX 78623 830-997-5762 stbarnabasfbg@gmail.com www.stbarnabasfbg.org

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

The 23rd Psalm…we have all heard it countless times. At its most basic level, it is some of the most beautiful literature ever written. The language is slow and simple; it is the language of presence; the language of love. And here is what the Psalmist tells us about living life under the care of our shepherd: The Good Shepherd will see that our needs will be met; that loving care surrounds us on all sides. That comfort and assurance are eternally available and that goodness and mercy will follow us for how long? Forever. That is what God promises to those who will listen.

If this is what God promises, why then does our world and the reality of our individual lives evidence so little tranquility and peace? The truth is that we live in a world that often feels very scary and foreign. Even in our own homes, we can suffer from the distinct feeling of dislocation. We find ourselves longing for a far-off, half-forgotten place where things make sense and we know peace.

But instead of getting in behind our shepherd and letting him lead us, we think it better to go it alone than follow… anyone. (continued on next page)

(Psalm 23 Continued) What would our lives look like if, upon awaking each day, we read the 23rd Psalm and took it to heart?

What if we willingly, even… thankfully accepted our Shepherd’s care? What if we quit trying to achieve ourselves to wholeness, and instead became whole through being part of our Shepherd’s flock? What if, instead of trying to manipulate and control our reality, we allowed our Shepherd to lead us and let him inform our reality through his presence? What if, in the midst of all that troubles us, we could literally be drinking from the Cup of Life?

We could quit our aimless wandering; our going it alone. We might then finally recognize that we, in fact, were made for Paradise, and that the lost native country that we long for; well, it’s not far off at all. That those beautiful fields and transparent streams; that those features are already part of our landscape.

What if we really believed that Jesus is indeed the Good Shepherd? Maybe the better question is: What do we have to lose?

Father Jeff

Year Round Stewardship — Community of Hope Community of Hope is a lay pastoral care ministry that began at St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston in 1994.

The mission of the Community of Hope is “to create Christian communities of lay pastoral care givers united in prayer, shaped by Benedictine spirituality and equipped for and serving in pastoral care ministries.” Current COH members participate in various ministries, including outreach to the parishioners, the Food Ministry, nursing home and hospital visits, Meals on Wheels and mission trips, to name a few.

Steve Neale, who coordinates the COH at St. Barnabas, commented, “I personally chose to get involved with Community of Hope because I think it prepares individuals spiritually to practice the activities Christ has in mind for us as Christians. I think Jesus wants us to be not only believers, but even more so, followers of the example he provided by serving those who needed help the most.”

Steve coordinates the training of potential new COH members. The training includes 15 sessions covering such topics as Benedictine Spirituality, Theology of Pastoral Care, Listening Skills, Prayer, Christian Meditation and Silence, Grief, Spiritual Gifts Assessment, Coping with Loss and Pastoral Care for Seniors. The training provides the skills and confidence to minister effectively to those in need.

Benedictine Spirituality is a mode of living, a “rule of life,” that offers a way towards balance, moderation and reasonableness in everyday life. It is a guide to loving others and helping ourselves stay sane.

This spring five new lay ministers have completed their training: Bill Burns, Cay Meadows, Debbie Agnew, Dorothy Jessee and Alina Walker. They will serve a three-month internship period and then begin their ministries.

Every other month, COH members gather for a potluck dinner, fellowship and mutual support.

Farmers Market Opens May 7 At Marktplatz’s Kinder Halle, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. every Thursday through August 27

Not exactly beach books, but . . .

By Tom Taylor This has been far too lovely a Spring to spend time indoors reading books, but there are a few volumes, more or less recently published, that look promising for the blistering heat of summer:

James Carroll. Christ, Actually. The Son of God for the Secular Age. From a review in The Washington Post: “Carroll’s premise is that Christian amnesia about Jewish history . . . has allowed an essentially anti-Semitic set of meanings and morals to be imposed on the Christian story and the meaning of Jesus. . . .To retell this history, Carroll persuasively takes the reader through much that he acknowledges is plausible conjecture, informed theory and reconstructed history.” Here is Carroll himself: “The largest single obstacle to our authentic reimagining of Jesus Christ is the inability of contemporary thinkers to be at home in the truly foreign landscape of the ancient intellect — Greek and Hebrew, but also Babylonian, Egyptian, Sumerian, Canaanite, and the general intermingling of all these.”

Gerard Russell. Heirs to Forgotten Kingdoms. Journeys into the Disappearing Religions of the Middle East. This is a book filled with truly foreign landscapes and beliefs, written by a man who, remarkably, makes himself at home among them. “He lived alongside the Mandaeans and Yazidis of Iraq, the Zoroastrians of Iran, the Copts of Egypt, and others. He learns their histories, participates in their rituals, and comes to understand the threats to their communities.”

David Brooks. The Road to Character. Brooks is a conservative columnist for the New York Times who sometimes strays from the reservation. Recently he has simply avoided politics, and focused on distinguishing between the “resumé virtues” and the “eulogy virtues,” terms that are more or less self-explanatory.

This book is an expansion of that theme, offering sketches of people he admires, from Augustine to Eisenhower to Dorothy Day. “What Brooks’s solemn, often troubled, sometimes infuriating work reminds us,” a reviewer concluded, “is that there are few newspaper columnists who are more fun — and fruitful — to argue with. Putting the book down, I realized that it had never so excited me as when I was convinced that it was wrong.”

I wish people were so excited when I am w r on g !

Sharing Faith Dinner Thursday, May 14, at 5:30 p.m In the Parish Hall Plan to join your fellow St. Barnabites on Thursday, May 14, at 5:30 p.m., in the Parish Hall, for a delicious dinner and small group conversations about how we experience our faith. The Sharing Faith Dinner is an annual program sponsored by our Diocese. Its goal is that all who participate will experience a deeper understanding of their faith as Christian disciples and Episcopalians. Members of the Community of Hope will moderate the discussion groups. Call the church at 997-5762 to let us know you’ll be attending so that we can plan the meal.

If you would like to learn more about Education for Ministry (EfM), plan to attend an informational meeting on Sunday, May 17, 2:30 –3:30 p.m. in the CEB. The EfM program here at St. Barnabas is beginning its Spring recruitment period for the session beginning this Fall.

EfM is a four-year course that integrates critical biblical scholarship, church history, theology, ethics and philosophy; it also provides direction for service in the lives of its participants. It has been sponsored by the Episcopal Church and the School of Theology—The University of the South—for 40 years. The course is conducted through local groups, each having one or more mentors. There are many groups in the U.S. and internationally.

Each group meets one day a week for the academic year, 36 weeks. While sponsored by the Episcopal Church, EfM is open to participants of all backgrounds and faith traditions and is not designed to be Anglican in approach.

EfM utilizes published texts and essays as well as the Bible for its core curricula.    

Year One is a study of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) Year Two focuses on the New Testament.

Year Three is a study of Christian Church history.

Year Four presents theology and ethics.

Registration will be finalized by Monday, June 8. The day and time for the meetings will be set before the registration deadline. Contact Debbie Gorden at (830)285-7668 (cell), 830-428-0297 (home) or email jdgorden@gmail.com for

Register Now for MMO Mom’s Morning Off is now taking registration for the Fall 2015. MMO is designed for children ages twelve months through four years. The mission of MMO is to provide a safe, loving community with a curriculum that nurtures the intellectual and spiritual growth of each child. Our teachers are committed to these core values: Competence, Creativity, Character and Compassion.

Children in MMO have an opportunity to explore, learn and grow in Christian faith, manners, consideration, and cooperation. Chapel, music, outdoor play, art and story time enrich each child’s time at MMO. MMO is held on Mondays and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with extended hours available.

For more information, or to schedule a visit, contact Sue Gustin at (830) 997-5762

Hand Bell Choir On Sunday, May 12, our Hand Bell Choir performed a marvelous concert honoring C. C. Gibbons, founder of the group and a former member. Pictured are: (front row) Savannah Potucek, Lyda Slayton, Della Potucek, Mary Hatchette, and Director Deborah Agnew. (Back) Nancy Grimes, Judi Synek, Sandy Wuest, Barbara Johnson and Jenny Weiser.

The group currently has openings. If you would like to join this musical ministry, call Sandy Wuest at (830) 997-7216

March 2015 Financial Report St Barnabas Financials as of March 31, 2015 Monthly $ +/Mar 15 Budget Budget Jan-Mar YTD Budget Income 38,251 36,063 2,188 116,714 108,189 Expenses: Staff 24,955 20,675 4,280 69,390 62,025 Operating 5,436 6,319 -883 20,811 18,957 Ministry 6,697 3,385 3,312 11,651 10,155 Apportionment 5,292 5,292 0 15,876 15,876 Total Expenses 42,380 35,671 6,709 117,728 107,013 Net Income -4,129 392 -4,521 -1,014 1,176

$ +/- Annual Budget Budget 8,525 432,750 7,365 1,854 1,496 0 10,715 -2,190

248,105 75,825 40,600 63,504 428,034 4,716

Balance Sheet: There was a decrease in March of about $3K. The largest decrease ($4K) was in the general fund which is the monthly operating result (next item). There were also two large increases for MMO ($2.5K) and the Hill Beatification fund ($2.5). Significant activity from other funds were: Copier Fund (-$880), Columbarium Fund (-$486), Endowment Fund (-$190) and Building Fund (-$670).

Monthly Operations: There was a $4K negative result this month. The significant expense overages were in payroll, Outreach, and Inreach. Payroll was over budget due to a three payroll month. This occurs every three months or so. We made our quarterly contributions to other organizations ($1,300) and a reverend discretionary expense of $1,040. Diocesan Annual meeting expenses of $1,834 and Lenten meals and other Easter items of $705.

The pledge income was over budget by 2K. There is now a underage of $1K on a YTD basis. Which means things are on track through March.

MMO: MMO had a surplus of $2.5K, with a YTD surplus of $3.3K. Enrollment is at the maximum level (39 children on Mondays and 37 on Wednesdays). If the higher enrollment remains for the whole year the expectation will be for a surplus at the end of the year.

Everyone Belongs…and is needed!

At St. Barnabas there are a number of committees, ministries, interest groups and programs that

need you!

Please, look over the list below. Is there a group that you would like to know about? Do you have a gift or talent that would fit in the activities of one of these groups? Just fill out the information requested and return this sheet to the church office either by mail or in person, or place it in the box provided on the Welcome and Information Cart in the Parish Hall. We will have someone contact you at your convenience.

Please, check all interest groups and programs from which you would like to hear. Thank you!

Everyone Belongs Committee Group

Group

Group

Al-Anon

Altar Guild

Baptism, Confirmation, Membership

Bell Choir

Bible Studies

Building & Grounds

Caring For Our Environment

Children’s Chapel

Columbarium Committee

Community of Hope

Daughter’s of the King

Discovering Spiritual Gifts

Education for Ministry

Endowment Committee

Youth Group (Grades 6-12)

Everyone Belongs Class

Everyone Belongs Committee

Foyer Fellowship Groups

Information Cart Host

Kairos Prison Ministry

Kitchen Guild

Knitting Guild (The Knit-Wits)

Landscape Guild

Library Guild

Living the Question Adult Class

Lost & Found Adult Sunday Class

Food Ministry

Men’s Breakfast

Mom’s Morning Off

Music/Choir

New Member Class

Nursery

Nursery

Office Volunteers

Outreach

Pastoral Care

Seekers Sunday Adult Class

Sharing Faith Dinners

Stewardship

Texas Water Ministry

Vacation Bible School

Vestry

Wisdom School

Worship Service Lay Ministry

Chalice Bearer

Greeter

Lay Reader

Usher

Zoe Ministry Working Group

Please, give us your contact information and indicate how and when you would like for program leaders to get in touch with you. Make copies of this form as needed or pick up additional copies from the Welcome and Information Cart. We would like to have one form per person. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name (Print)

Phone(s)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ How would you like to be contacted? (Circle all that apply: email

text

mail

phone)

May

MEETINGS & MINISTRIES ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS

Birthdays

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 Thurs, Closed Meeting (Women) 7 p.m. in CEB

5/1 5/2 5/3 5/4

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

5/5 5/6

DAUGHTERS OF THE KING

5/8 5/9 5/10 5/11

LIBRARY GUILD

5/12 5/16

CHOIR

Tuesday—7 p.m. in Encourager Room

2nd Saturday of the Month—9:30 a.m. in Sanctuary 1st Thursday of the Month—10 a.m. in Library

MEN’S BREAKFAST

Thursday—7 a.m. in Parish Hall

MMO (MOM’S MORNING OFF)

Monday & Wednesday—9 a.m.

VESTRY

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

WISDOM SCHOOL

Gospel of Thomas Tues—11:30 a.m. in Library The Wisdom Jesus Thurs—7 p.m. in Parish Hall

Nancy Kimbrell Max Brown Carol Gordon Bill Wareing Chuck Alvarez Geneva Smith Ron Roseberry David Spencer Ray Rodgers Graham Hammond Gary Hill Doris Smith Bill Smallwood Ed Cowsar Cynthia Edmonston Laura Buehn Dick Elwood Grady Puryear Hope Drury Allison Drury

5/18 5/19 5/21 5/22 5/22 5/23 5/25 5/27 5/28

Mike Scroggins Patti Richard Cathie Kuhl Pat Tuttle Harlan Hill Sandie Smallwood Arthur Clements Gabe Cross Frances Rather

Anniversaries 5/1 5/13 5/17 5/28 5/29 5/30

Tim Squyres & Karen Brune Thomas & Mary Lee Marschall Ron and Lola Roseberry Robert & Nan Mosley Ross & Beverly Taylor Ronnie & Ruby Cottle

BILL & GWEN DUGAT MMO SCHOLARSHIPS Our scholarship fund has been such a blessing to the families of the six children who are receiving scholarships each month.

However, the fund will be depleted by the end of May this year.

The cost of a full “school year” scholarship for a child is $1613 (tuition and fees) and summer camp is $209. Unfortunately, there will not be any scholarship money available for Camp Barnabas in June.

Therefore, I am asking you to prayerfully consider a gift to the Dugat Scholarship Fund. The blessing to the children and their young families is immeasurable and the parents are so grateful for your generosity.

Thank you, Sue Gustin Mom’s Morning Off Director

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 Nursery Director: Madeline Clanton Housekeeper: Patty Ramirez

This is your garden, Creator God A thing of beauty Beyond understanding A poem that is being written Not in words But in colours Wind's whisper Soaring bird Snowdrop's petal Gentle rain Sunlight's warmth This is your garden, Creator God A thing of beauty Beyond understanding