March 1, 2011 • VoluMe 13, NuMber 2March, 1 2011 • VoluMe 13, NuMber 2

Our Church Life, 3Children’s Upcoming Events, 4-7

Ministry Spotlight, 9Calendar of Events, 14

Christ Episcopal Church510 Belknap PlaceSan Antonio, TX 78212

210-736-3132 office210-733-1423 faxwww.cecsa.org

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In this issue:

Our Church Life ................... 3

Children’s Holy Week Events .......................4-5

Children’s MinistryNews ....................................6-7

Pastoral Care News ............. 8

Ministry Spotlight ................. 9

Music Ministry ....................10

World MissionOpportunities 2011 ............11

Adult Education ..................12

New from the Diocese .......13

Calendar of Events ............14

Cover photo by Halleta Heinrich, God’s Love is Fireproof! Children’s Ministry, February 2011.

Bishop Bill FreyInterim rector

plusbill@aol.com

“O ne thing I do,” says Paul, “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14) “Seek first the king-dom of God,” says Jesus.

Neither Paul nor Jesus were fans of multitasking. “Sim-plify. Keep your eyes on the prize,” they say. “The main thing is to make sure the main thing is the main thing.”

Lent is a great opportunity to regain our focus, to reor-ganize our priorities around the one thing that matters the most. Remember that we have much more future with God than we have past, and the best is yet to come. Press on toward the goal of that one thing. Let me invite you this Lent to do one thing: reclaim your baptism.

By the early fourth century, Christians had devised a dramatic way of baptizing converts, a way that helped them see and remember what was involved in be-coming an Christian. Candi-dates would be prepared by

months of teaching, prayer, and even ex-orcism. Stan-dards were rigorous. Their life-styles would be examined to make sure they would be worthy repre-sentatives of their new faith.

Usually on Easter Eve they would be brought to the Christian assembly, stripped of their old clothing (for rea-sons of modesty deaconess-es would attend the women, deacons the men) and im-mersed (buried) in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They would then be led to the other side of the water, clothed with a white robe, symbolizing the virtues and the life of Christ and finally be taken to the bishop who would anoint them with oil and lay hands on their head to welcome them into the life of their new family.

It was a powerful method of acting out their death and resurrection. The old clothes left behind symbolized their old patterns of life, the white robe their new identity.

continued on page 12...

lent

Sunday Service Times:

8:00 AM Spoken Communion Service

9:15 AM Adult/Youth/Children Sunday school10:15 AM Communion

Service with music6:00 PM Spoken

Communion Service

F r o M

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lets get involved...

D ear Friends,

We are in great need of replenishing and re-storing many of the lay ministries of Christ Church. Needs abound for trained hospital visitors, prayer ministers at our services, greeters, and many other ministries. In that regard, I am pleased to let you know about a new “building block” in the restoration of our Christ Church family. The Vestry has given unanimous approval to initiate this Spring Participation Initiative. The goal of the Initiative is to build on the Stewardship Campaign of last Fall by expanding the in-volvement of members in many of the par-ish ministries which are in need of help and volunteers.

Starting Sunday, April 3rd through May 1st, during the announcements you will be hear-ing from key people in various ministries highlighting what they do and what they need in terms of volunteers. On or about April 15th, you will receive a mailing with a booklet describing each ministry at Christ Church as well as a participation card for your consideration. On Participation Sunday, May 8th, cards will be received and blessed at the altar.

In the booklet each ministry will have a brief description, and where appropriate, infor-mation on the time and training required as well as the length of commitment. Most commitments will be for the one-year period starting September 1st 2011 through August 31st, 2012.

On a personal note, when I think of partici-pation, I think of two words- “passion” and “willingness”. When I think about “passion”, I think of the gifts and interests that the Lord has given me. A bit shy and timid after

returning from college and graduate school, I remember how Ted Schroder encouraged me to “help” him facilitate a class on the Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis. One class and discussion group led to another and before long I realized that I had a real passion for helping to facilitate classes and teaching. Although I realize that my gifts, and in par-ticular this passion for teaching is a work in progress, (and I thank each of you for your patience at times) I am so grateful for the doors that have been opened for me to grow with each of you, from whom I have learned much.

The other word that comes to mind is “will-ingness”. Sometimes invitations to partici-pate come in new and unexpected ways. Last July, I was asked if I would be willing to be put up for the Vestry. Given all “the balls” that we all have to juggle, I was unsure about whether this was right for me, but I felt that I needed to be “willing.” I was surprised to be elected and even more surprised to see yet another door open, and see myself enjoy-ing another adventure of walking and grow-ing with each of you in a different way.

So, I ask for your consid-eration, prayerful consid-eration, of what passion of yours that the Lord might be nudging you to share with all of us. Are you willing to play a new position on His team?

All my best,

Harry Parker

c h u r c h l I F e

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C hildren’s Palm Processional Palm Sunday, April 17 “All glory, laud, and honor to thee Redeemer King! To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring.” These words from the beautiful Palm Sunday hymn remind us that Palm Sunday wouldn’t be complete without the participation of our children and their sweet hosannas. Children should gather outside of the front of the church by 10 am on Palm Sunday, April 17, to receive palms to wave during the Palm Processional at the beginning of the 10:15 Palm Sunday service. We will then journey to Children’s Chapel for a Palm Sunday lesson that will help us prepare for Holy Week and the Celebra-tion of Easter. Children will be brought into the church at announcement time to join parents for Communion. Children’s Good Friday Retreat Friday, April 22 12 - 3: 00 PM In the Family Ministry CenterChapel and 2nd Floor Class-rooms All children ages 3 – 5th

grade are invited to come to a Good Friday Retreat from 12 – 3 pm in the Family Min-istry Center during the Good

Friday Service on April 22. Older Teen Helpers are al-ways welcome. Some activities that will be in-cluded in our retreat are: a reenactment of the Last

Supper, a presentation of Holy Week events in Jerusa-lem, and preparations for the Easter Egg Hunt and Liturgy of Light which will occur on the following morning on Saturday, April 23. Prepara-tions for the Easter Egg Hunt and Liturgy of Light will in-clude the making of an Eas-ter Paschal Candle, flower arranging for the service and Easter’s Flowering of the Cross, and assignment of Bible readings for the Liturgy of Light. Snacks will be served, but we ask parents to give children an early lunch before drop-ping children off in the FMC. Nursery care will be provided for infants – younger 3 year olds in FMC nurseries 104, 105, and 106 during the Good Friday Service.

Easter Egg Hunt And Liturgy of Light Service Saturday, April 23 10 AM Our Easter Egg Hunt is a cel-ebration of the Resurrection each spring, but we want all children to understand the Gospel message underlying this special party for Jesus before the hunt. The Liturgy of Light is a simple family service offered before the hunt which includes the Gospel story of the Resurrec-tion of Christ. Each child and their family have the oppor-tunity to receive the Light of Christ as a symbol of His gift of eternal life and light to us. We will gather in the Tomlin Room on the first floor of the Family Ministry Center at 10 am on Easter Saturday, April 23 as the beginning

children’s holy Week events

Easter Egg Hunt photo by Susanna Kitayama

M I N I S T r Y

�Easter Egg Hunt photo by Susanna Kitayama

point of the Liturgy of Light Service. After the conclu-sion of the service, we will go out on the lawn and begin the hunt. A family Easter craft will be available in the Tomlin Room and a special visitor (one with long ears and a fluffy tail) will be there to pass out Prayer Eggs and pose for some great Easter photos. Easter treats and punch will be served. Don’t forget your Easter baskets and cameras! Children’s Flowering of the Cross ProcessionalEaster Sunday, April 24 At Beginning of 10:15 Service Life is brought to an old wooden cross by our chil-dren each Easter Sunday morning by the Flowering of the Cross. Children will process into the church at the beginning of the 10:15 service with flowers brought from home, decorating the

cross with these color-ful gifts of life. Children should gather outside of the front of the church at 10 am as we wait to enter at proces-sion time. Children will then be accompanied to Children’s Chapel in the Family Ministry Cen-ter for a special Easter lesson. Each child will receive a gift which will help them be able to share the salvation story through Jesus Christ with their friends. Chil-dren will be brought into the church to join parents for Communion at announcement time. No Sunday School classes will be held on Easter Sunday. Love In Christ, Halleta

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halleta heinrichDirector of children’s

Ministryhalletah@cecsa.org

First Communion Class Photo by Halleta Heinrich

Children’s Ministry continued...

More children’s Ministry NewsVBS June20-24:“Hometown Nazareth – Where Jesus Was A Kid”

Please save the dates June 20 – 24 for VBS “Hometown Nazareth – Where Jesus Was A Kid.” Amy Case is this year’s VBS Director and is ex-cited about beginning plans in February. Please contact her ASAP if you would like to help. We will need many teen and adult volunteers to bring Bible time Nazareth to Christ Church by serving as Market-place Shopkeepers, Family Mom/Dads and Big Brothers and Sisters, Drama Team members, Village Playground Directors and more. Registra-tion of children will begin in early April, so save the dates for VBS now and spread the news to friends.

First Communion Class 2011:God has blessed us richly by sending twenty-seven children to our class. Please pray for these children as they participate in this spe-cial class that enriches their Communion experience. Communion Celebration Day is May 15.

Ally AtwellSammy BarrJohnny BarrettElls BooneFraser BooneClaiborne CarringtonMary CaseGage CaseyJack CaseyElizabeth GreenHarriett HarperGrace KardysJack KardysBeau Kleberg

Tano KlebergOlivia KnoxCarson MillerDavid MillerKaitlyn NadeauWalker NobleJoey SatelReed ShemwellJames SchupbachChandler SimpsonChelsea SimpsonGret StevensScout Stevens

�Fireproof Children’s Ministry Photos by Halleta Heinrich

Children’s Nursery:

Family Ministry Center (FMC)from 8:45 - 11:45 AMInfants-12 months: 104 & 105Toddlers & Two’s: 106

Children’s Ministry Sunday Schedule:

10:15 - 10:45 AM: Children’s Chapel and Preschool Cherub Choir for three year olds through kindergarten, rm 205

Elementary Chapel for 1st - 5th graders, second floor Children’s Chapel

Chapel Children will be brought into the church service to join parents for Communion at an-nouncement time.

*Age and grade levels for classes and chapel as of Sept. 1, 2010.

Sunday School Locations:9:00 - 10:10 AM

Good Shepherd Sunday SchoolPreschool 3 year olds - graduat-ing kindergarteners: rooms 201 and 204, Level I Atruim

1st and 2nd graders: room 208, Level II Atrium

Village of God’s Children3rd, 4th, 5th graders gathering: room 302; small groups: rooms 301, 302, 303

Questions? Contact Halleta Heinrich at halletah@cecsa.org, 736-3132.

love is Frireproof!God’s

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carol millerPastoral careadministrator

carolm@cecsa.org

P lease remember to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ:

Prayers are requested for: Chuck MillerBill WilsonMary ParkerSarah CochranDasa BurneySuzanne ForgySandy DuerrLehn DuerrLeita CarterMary Gail CampbellRocky WalkerRollin PolkVernon HelmkeTracy Garofano

Todd HeinrichCharlotte HansenBob WallaceKim YerlyLance LewenthalJoan BrownGeorgia HendersonDick DavisPaul KenyonGreg WatersDonny DugganDiane BuffingtonBeverly Hilton

And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

2 Corinthians 1:7

Pastoral care News

community of hope

The Community of Hope Annual Retreat is scheduled for Saturday, March 5 through Sunday, March 6 at Mustang Island. Our speaker, the Rev. Sarah Butler Berlin, is an Epis-copal priest and author of Caring Ministry: A Contemplative Approach to Pastoral Care and Contemplative Compassion, Creating a Culture of Care in Faith Communities. She is a spiritual director and retreat leader. Come join us and make your reservations soon. Space is limited.For more information, please contact Carol Miller, 736-3132 or email Carolm@cecsa.org

c a r e

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eucharistic Visitor Ministry

The Communion By Beth Wickenberg Ely

Blind and alone she sat on her bedand sangan old hymnfrom an old church.

She sang to herself.

Her sound came from somewheredeep in her being, to sing was her need

Her needing made me stop.

And somewhere between her singing and my stoppingsomething happened that had never happened to mebefore.

I entered her room.

I said in fluent Spanish: I come with Godwith Jesucristo for you.

And she Shook into tears.

I come with the Holy Communion El Cuerpode Jesucristopor tu.

She began to nodand her blind, closed eyes wept.

Somehow her desire had reachedme and the surprise and joycould not be contained in words and smiles.

And she said: I am so alone.

And I said: Jesucristo has come;I have come; and I held herand trieed to talkbut we were beyond words.

Reprinted from A Manual for Lay Eucharistic Visitors

Eucharistic Visitors are licensed lay min-isters as established by Title III Cannon 4 (2003) who are authorized to take consecrat-ed elements following the celebration of the Holy Eucharist to parishioners who by rea-son of illness or infirmity are unable to at-tend a service. It is truly a Godly ministry as our brothers and sisters in Christ are served with the sacrament of Holy Communion. The ministry is vital to the spiritual well being of the parish in order to maintain the intercon-nectiveness between those being served and the larger body of Christ.

Christ Church parishioners or their families may request communion by a Eucharistic Visitor in situations when they are unable to attend a regular church service such as hospitalization, post-hospitalization, rehabil-itation, nursing facility stays, or protracted stays at home. The request must be commu-nicated to Carol Miller (736-3132), the Pasto-ral Care Administrator, or Frank Moorhead (365-0898), Eucharistic Visitor coordinator.

There is also a need for Eucharistic Visitors, so if you are interested in helping with the important ministry, please contact Frank or Carol.

Spotlight Ministries is a new segment of The Message to help further promote the ministries of Christ Church. If you have a ministry you would like featured, please contact Bianca.

inistrySPoTlIGhT

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owen dugganMinister of Music

owend@cecsa.org

josh Benningerorganist

joshb@cecsa.org

F riends of Music is offer-ing two special concerts at Christ Church in April, on the 3rd and 10th. Both are joint productions with es-teemed musical partners in our community. The first concert on April 3rd at 4:00 PM will feature the “Stabat Mater” (Grieving Mother) and other excerpts from the ora-torio Christus by Hungarian composer Franz Liszt. The choir of Christ Church will combine with the choir of St. Mark’s Episcopal to present this rarely performed and as-tonishingly beautiful sacred work by Liszt in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the composer’s birth. Tickets for the concert are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors with proceeds of

Friends on the Move

the concert going to Haven for Hope. They are available from Pat Wilson at the front desk, (210) 736-3132).

On April 10th Friends of Mu-sic will host Grammy nomi-nees Camerata San Antonio with cellist Ken Freudigman, violinist Ertan Torgul and pi-anist Vivian Spy, The trio will perform the Tchaikowsky Piano Trio. Admission is by donation, thanks to the generosity of our Friends of Music supporters. Sincerely yours in Christ,Owen Duggan, D.M.A., minister of music

organ recitalJoshua Benninger will present an organ recital entitled “Good Things Come in Threes” at Christ Church on Tuesday, 3 May at 7:30 PM. Musical selections will be arranged and presented in three different methods: Three works by a single composer, three separate three-movement works by three different composers, and three differ-ent works by three different composers. The concert will feature music by Bach, Bruna, Buxtehude, Mendelssohn, Stanley and Zipoli.

art work by Tim Blonkvist

M I N I S T r Y

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Here at Christ Church we are blessed with worldly goods and pleasures galore. Yes, we are saved, but per-haps we are a little self-cen-tered. We want the good life and as Americans we have it. But the question is do we have a “me or thee-first faith.” More than ever short- term missions are within our grasp. Our world has become smaller and shrinking daily because of our cars, buses, airplanes, and our precious passport. Almost every cor-ner of the world is available and we can spread the Good News. With our fingertips we can communicate, but Christ Church offers us possibilities this year to get our bodies out of the box.

Honduras Water Well Minis-try: A team goes down from the diocese several times a year to drill wells and min-ister to adults and children. Good health routines are discussed with the villagers. Proficiency in Spanish is not required. Several trips are planned for the year.

Kampala, Uganda, East Africa: A group from Christ Church will be going in mid July to work at the Mustard Seed Orphanage and the girls’ school in Hoima, Uganda. This will primarily be a trip with parents and youth.

There will be arts and crafts and other programs with the children. Several moms and kids have already expressed an interest. Call Frances or John Harrison 822-0575

St. Petersburg, Russia: Early July a group from local churches normally goes for two weeks to help with the children’s summer camp. A portion of the campers will be orphans. We will sing, dance, play games, teach English, hang out, and tell about Jesus. Please contact Greg Sethness at goseth@earthlink.net or 822-4160.

Chiapas, Mexico: In July another missions/youth trip is planned for the Hogar Infantil children’s home in Chiapas, Mexico. A group of 20 adults and children went last summer,

and many want to go again. This is a one-week trip and is meaningful and rewarding. Please contact John Harrison at 822-0575.

In all of these locations we have friends and reliable contacts. Safety and good hygiene are always at the top of our priority list. You will receive more than you give. Just ask any one who has been. Please indicate your desires early so plans can be finalized.

There is still a great need for laptops for the orphanages in Uganda and for Alison Barfoot’s program in Kenya and Uganda.

Any questions may be directed to John Harrison at 822-0575.

2011 Mission opportunities

Mission trip to Russia, 2010.

M I S S I o N S

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Parker lecture Series featuring eric Metaxes

We are pleased to announce the Parker Lecture Series speaker this year is Eric Metaxas. Mr. Metaxas has an illustri-ous background that spans from cultural commentator to columnist and from Veggie Tales to Bonhoeffer. His most recent book, BONHOEFFER: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy — A Righteous Gentile vs. the Third Reich, has been met with great praise and recognition. Mr. Metaxas will be preaching at the 10:15 AM service on May 1 as well as speaking for the Lecture Series May 1 & 2 at 7:00.

Sunday, May 1 - Guest preacher at 10:15 Am Service

Sunday, May 1 - Parker Lecture begins at 7:00

Monday, May 2 - Parker Lecture Series Continues at 7:00

e D u c a T I o N

I regret that we have so sanitized the rite of Baptism that we miss much of the symbolism, but its efficacy remains the same. God is the primary actor in the sacrament, and he can do what he does with little or much water.

This Lent, in addition to whatever other discipline you plan to engage in, let me suggest that you spend some quality time meditating on your baptism and on the changes it makes, or should make in our acceptance of the new identity that God has conferred on each of us. A good place to start is by reading the Baptismal Liturgy beginning on page 299 of the Book of Common Prayer. A glance at Romans 6:3-4 will help, too. Ask yourself about the old clothes that are to be left behind. Which ones struggle to reassert their power on this side of the baptismal waters? What can be done to minimize and cancel their effects?

It may be that when Easter comes, we can sense the power of the resurrection in a fresh way.Blessings to you all,+ Bill Frey

From our Interim Rector continued...

“In this weighty, riveting analysis of the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Metaxas (Amazing Grace) offers a compre-hensive review of one of history’s darkest eras, along with a fascinating exploration of the familial, cultural and religious influences that formed one of the world’s greatest contemporary theologians. A passionate narrative voice combines with meticulous research to unpack the confluence of circumstances and personalities that led Germany from the defeat of WWI to the atrocities of WWII. …. Insightful and illuminating, this tome makes a

powerful contribution to biography, history and theology.” – Publishers WeeklyFrom http://www.ericmetaxas.com/category/blurbs/

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Bishop Reed gave a memorable sermon on the parable of the sower (available on the Diocesan website) and Bishop Lillibridge’s report was a wonderful reflection on the power of the Gospel in West Texas.

We were entertained by a Mrs. Barrington, who performed three separate one person skits, and helped educate us about our Council Theme, “A Sower Goes Out to Sow”.

All in all we accomplished what we gathered for and had a lot of fun in the meantime.There was a wonderful worship service on Thursday night. At the Friday noon Banquet we learned about the Diocese’s development of a year round Stewardship Program, the Abide in Me workshops were held at the end of Council on Saturday, several resolutions were passed, and Jay George’s church, Grace Church, received Mission status which was very exciting. This is but a brief look at some of what went on at Council, but we did want to share at least a little bit with you.........

Martha Moore

C hrist Church was well represented by our delegates, alternates, and others involved in the Diocesan Council held in San Marcos, February 17 – 19. Delegates attending were Keith Orme, Jacque Roberts, Tom Frost, John Harrison, Herb Hill, Martha Moore, Nance Oliver, Lucy and Jack Walters, John Boyce, and Garry Schnelzer. We missed Scott Rose who was unable to attend at the last min-ute but he was replaced by Pagie Wilson, an alternate, and Tom Hardin was our second alternate. And of course, we were joined by our clergy, Bill Frey, John Barrett, and Scott Kitayama.

Christ Church and its ministries were very visible. Herb Hill, outgoing president of the Good Samaritan Center gave a fine report on that great ministry. Marthe Curry gave a wonderful Missions report pointing out that the diocese had given $1,500,000 to our mis-sion efforts in the last year, and Tom Hardin was a part of the Council Resolutions Com-mittee. Claire Levingston was outside the council chambers manning the Daughters of the King Booth, and Helen Schnelzer was there selling wonderful articles made by our mission partners in Uganda. Owen Duggan and others were a part of the choir Thursday night.

Pagie Wilson was elected Trustee of the Uni-versity of the South, John Barrett was elected Trustee of TMI, and Marthe Curry was elect-ed a deputy to General Convention.

Bishop Frey and Keith Orme were asked to report on Christ Church and they did a splendid job. We received many expressions of gratitude and support.

ewsF r o M T h e D I o c e S e

107th Diocesan council

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Christ Church Ministry Staff:

The Rt. Rev. Bill Frey, Interim Rectorplusbill@aol.com

The Rev. John Barrett, Asst. Rectorjohnb@cecsa.org

The Rev. Scott Kitayama, Asst. Priest, scottk@cecsa.org

Carol Miller, Pastoral Care, carolm@cecsa.org

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

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

Joshua Benninger, Organist, joshb@cecsa.org

Ruth Berg, Director of Children’s Music, ruthaberg@gmail.com

Christ Church Support Staff:

Darla Nelson, Office Mananger, darlan@cecsa.org

Donna Shreve, Financial Manager, donnas@cecsa.org

Bianca Leonard, Director of Communications, biancal@cecsa.org

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

Pat Wilson, Receptionist., patw@cecsa.org

Elizabeth Martinez, Kitchen Manager, elizabethm@cecsa.org

Robert Vallejo, Facilities Manager, robertv@cecsa.org

Rudy Segovia, Hospitality Manager, rudys@cecsa.org

Joe Garcia, Sexton, joeg@cecsa.org

March 6: Evensong Service 4:00 PM

March 9: Ash Wednesday Services 7:30 AM, 12:00 & 6:00 PM

March 15: Vestry Meeting 5:00 PM

March 17-19: Sr. High Spring Break trip to Laity Lodge

March 23: Nativa Mexican clothing sale 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

April 3: Masterworks Charity Concert 4:00 PM

April 21: Maundy Thursday Service 6:00

April 22: Good Friday Service 12:00 - 3:00 PM

April 23: Holy Baptism

April 24: Easter Services 8:00 AM, 10:15 AM & 6:00 PM

May 1 & 2: Parker Lecture Series

May 8: Children’s Musical 10:15

Visit our Church Life Page at www.cecsa.org for more info.

alendero F e V e N T S

Send submissions for The Message, website, email newsletter, and Sunday announcements to Bianca Leonard, phone: 210.736.3132,

fax 210.733.1423, email: biancal@cecsa.org.

Material is published according to timeliness and relevance to the vision of the church. Deadlines for submissions are as follows:

May 10:april 26 deadline

Ministry info:May 14 - July 31

The Message is published bi-monthly by christ episcopal church, 510 belknap Place, San antonio, TX 78212.

christ episcopal church 510 belknap Place

San antonio, TX 78212www.cecsa.org