Dental Health Affects Your Overall Health
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Local Leader The Fellowship of San Antonio Church Welcomes New Pastor
Dr. Royce C. Smith is the new lead pastor of The Fellowship of San Antonio in Stone Oak. By Amy Morgan
I
t has been 15 years since The Fellowship of San Antonio opened the doors on its new campus at the corner of Canyon Golf and Wilderness Oak. On October 1st, Dr. Royce C. Smith will take the reins when Pastor Ron Hill retires after more than 52 years of ministry. Royce is enthusiastic about building on existing strengths as well as implementing a few changes to engage with families in the Stone Oak area.
In-person services resumed this summer, and The Fellowship has taken extra steps to make sure members remain healthy. Chairs have been spaced to allow for social distancing and are professionally sanitized weekly. Those who wish to participate physically are asked to wear a mask. Many continue to access services online via The Fellowship's Facebook and YouTube videos, which are archived so people can watch at their convenience.
“This is a warm, caring group of people that will make you feel accepted and loved the minute you walk through the door,” he said. As lead pastor, he plans to continue the blended service at 9:30 a.m., which appeals to those in the Baby Boomer generation with a mix of classic and contemporary music.Virtuoso pianist Michael Sanford, who orchestrates The Fellowship's notable holiday concerts, arranges the music. Royce will add a service Saturday evening at 5 p.m. that features acoustic contemporary music, and a Sunday service at 11 a.m. with a more upbeat contemporary sound. The Fellowship is committed to being “a church for all people,” with a staff that is intentionally diverse in age, gender, and race, Royce said.
Starting October 3rd and 4th, The Fellowship will feature three weekly services offering a choice of blended, acoustic contemporary and upbeat contemporary music.
haven for all to enjoy. A one-mile walking trail flanked by lush foliage leads to the visible hillside cross. Many choose to take special occasion pictures near the small waterfall. “No need to ask permission,” Royce added. “Anyone is welcome to show up to the campus.”
Pastor Royce with his wife, Tracy, and their two daughters, (L-R) Emily and Rachel.
Other plans include partnering with Bible Study Fellowship to offer space for discussion groups, with hopes of becoming a BSF host church. He is organizing a men’s BBQ crew that will cookout monthly for first responders. He looks forward to resuming Life Classes like Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace. Shooting for Success kids basketball camps continue evenings this fall.
The San Antonio native graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) in 1997, where he met his wife, Tracy. One of his treasured memories is receiving his diploma from legendary Chuck Swindoll. Noted DTS graduates like David Jeremiah and Andy Stanley share his theological background. “We have a high view of the Bible, which offers the words of eternal life,” Royce said. He highlighted the John 10:10 view of abundance that sparks a spiritual, supernaturally empowered and significant life. “Once we find the Jesus answer, it recalibrates us,” he said. The pastor most enjoys helping people find their life’s purpose.
“We are positioned to reach and serve people,” Royce said. “We want to engage with the community to bless the city.” Under The Fellowship's former leadership, the church and its corresponding K-8 Buckner Fanning School at Mission Springs grew into their lovely 40 acres of landscaped grounds. The space serves as an oasis for the Stone Oak Community, providing an outdoor
The Fellowship’s famous cross can be seen for miles marking the location of the church and its park-like grounds.
The Fellowship of San Antonio Welcomes Dr. Royce C. Smith as New Lead Pastor!
Worship Service Times: Saturday 5 p.m. Acoustic Contemporary Sunday 9:30 a.m. Blended Worship Sunday 11:00 a.m. Upbeat Contemporary Pastor Royce Smith will preach his first sermon at The Fellowship the weekend of October 3-4.
Participants at all in-person worship services will be seated a minimum of six feet from each other and will be required to wear a mask.
All 3 services will be available on YouTube and Facebook Live. The Fellowship of San Antonio 23755 Canyon Golf Road San Antonio, TX 78258 Tel: 210-402-3672 www.thefellowshipofsa.org
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Scholarship, Sports and Song Reagan Senior High Jumps and Hits High Notes
Click the image above to watch a video compilation of Caroline Schaner’s High Jumping performance at Reagan High School. By Amy Morgan
T
hroughout these long months of COVID quarantine and decreased social interaction, Reagan senior Caroline Schaner has endeavored to keep herself connected and engaged. This summer, she lifeguarded for a local Stone Oak pool and served as a Youth Camp Leader for her LDS church’s annual girls’ camp – albeit via Zoom sessions. She also concentrated on completing her college applications – she hopes to attend Brigham Young University in the fall of 2021. An athlete, Caroline continues to train for next track season. She competes in long and high jump, joining the varsity team her sophomore year when she won Regional events and qualified for Area. She began learning to hurdle when Reagan track camp began for a few weeks this June. Caroline became interested in track when she began running 5Ks with her mother. But when the athlete grew to 5’11” in seventh grade, the Bush Middle School coaches recruited her to high jump. Her height made her a natural, but she also easily picked up high jump’s trademark Fosbury Flop. Caroline has been recovering from injuries she sustained last year — fractures in the L4 and L5 vertebra and a broken left foot. The foot was especially problematic since that is her plant foot for jumping. She’s learned to be mentally tough and focused as she’s pushed through the adversity of injuries, she said. A silver lining of COVID was that the cancellation of the spring and summer meets gave her body a chance to completely heal. Caroline also is a member of Reagan’s Choir Council and was selected for two of the school’s mixed Varsity Choirs – Kantorei and Soundsations! The second soprano hopes that as Soundsations! involves only a small number of participants, the group will be able to distance enough to continue singing together. Although Caroline believes her natural talent lies in track, she is loathe to designate either activity her favorite. Thankfully there’s room in her schedule for both, even with the rigorous academic course load that has allowed her to maintain her status in the top 6% of the class of 2021.
Reagan senior Caroline Schaner has endeavored to keep herself connected and engaged. This summer, she lifeguarded for a local Stone Oak pool and served as a Youth Camp Leader for her LDS church’s annual girls’ camp.
PET TIP
Dangerous Deer
Protect your Pup from Wildlife Snakes love to hide in woodpiles or under shrubs or in ground cover. Four poisonous snakes are native to South Texas – rattlesnakes, corral snakes, copperheads and water moccasins. Take time to familiarize yourself with their markings. Vaccines against snake venom are available if you think your pup is at risk.
By Courtney Crowley
W
hether you live in the center of suburban Stone Oak or closer to the neighborhood’s parks, it is impossible not to at least occasionally encounter indigenous wildlife. Deer, snakes, armadillos, raccoons, opossums all can be hiding just behind the next hedge. While humans may enjoy their presence, these native species can prove harmful to your furry family member. When you take your pup on a walk, make sure he is leashed with a strong, slip-proof collar to prevent him from bounding away after a woodland creature. Deer are not as friendly as they may seem. A kick or gore could easily send your precious pooch to the emergency vet for stiches or worse. If an animal approaches you, make noise to discourage it from advancing and keep as much distance as possible between you to allow it room to move away. Keep your pup’s vaccines current, and make sure his collar includes a tag with contact information. Even if Fido does not socialize with others, association with wildlife can injure or sicken him. Did you know pets can become ill just from drinking water contaminated by wildlife? Vaccines can prevent those illnesses, as well as the dreaded rabies.
At home, leaving pet food outside can entice critters into your yard. Keep Fido’s food inside so he doesn’t surprise a raccoon or opossum looking for an easy meal and get into a scuffle. Likewise, cut tall grass and remove brush piles and construction debris to prevent unwelcome visitors from setting up residence in your yard. Predators are most active in the early morning and at dusk. Coyotes, bobcats, even mountain lions could be on the prowl, so keep an eye on your pups when you let them out in the yard, especially near dark. Keep a pet first aid kit handy and know the number and location of the emergency vet clinic (there’s one in Stone Oak) in case something happens after your vet’s regular hours. Awareness is the first step to keeping your pup’s encounters with wildlife safe and from a distance – social or otherwise.
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SENIOR MOMENT
Special Senior Swimmer By Amy Morgan
70
year-old Patricia Heafer still remembers the thrill of winning her first Special Olympics gold medal for swimming. Although 52 years have passed, it seems like just yesterday she stepped out of the pool on the campus of the University of Houston to accept the awards for her efforts. That was the beginning of a competition career that lasted for 25 years. Patricia proudly displays her hundreds of trophies and medals in her apartment at Independence Hill Retirement Community, along with the shirt she wore when selected to compete in the International Special Olympics Games held in South Bend, Indiana, in 1987. She was dumbfounded when her coach told her the team had selected her to represent them. “You’re like a lightening bolt,” he said.
70-year-old Patricia Heafer shows off just some of the gold medals she won from competing in the Special Olympics for swimming.
Along with developing physical fitness, social skills and self-confidence, Special Olympics provides individuals opportunities to make memories they’ll treasure for the rest of their lives. Patricia exchanged tokens with new friends from Colorado, New York and even as far away as Japan! She prizes a hat covered with pins and other mementos of that crowning achievement. Patricia learned to swim at the age of seven in her hometown of Houston, but she did not begin competing until she graduated high school and entered that fateful first meet at the urging of friends. She spent most of her young adult years training with the Mavericks swim team, practicing at the Elks and Dad’s Clubs. After Patricia hung up her competition goggles, she turned a volunteer administration shift at TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital into a full-time paid position as a teacher’s aid helping the children recuperating there. She would help patients with their schoolwork or play games. She said she loved keeping a smile on the kids’ faces. Anyone can tell Patricia enjoys people. As she shared her experiences, several Independence Hill residents waved hello or stopped to tell a joke as they passed by on the way to play bingo or visit the coffee shop. Patricia moved to San Antonio and Independence Hill seven years ago to be close to her brother, who lives in Stone Oak. Swimming continues to be one of her favorite activities. Patricia is delighted that Independence Hill’s amenities include a lovely outdoor swimming pool. Weather permitting, she swims laps for an hour almost every evening. For more information about the lifestyle offered at Independence Hill, call (210) 764-5260, or go to www.independencehill.com.
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