Holy Spirit Episcopal Church

Houston, Texas

Table of ContentsMission and core values ...........................................................................................................................................1What we seek in a rector ..........................................................................................................................................2Our vision for the future ..........................................................................................................................................2How we worship .........................................................................................................................................................3About us ........................................................................................................................................................................4Our campus ..................................................................................................................................................................5History of Holy Spirit .................................................................................................................................................6Financial health ...........................................................................................................................................................8Our Endowment Fund ..............................................................................................................................................8Holy Spirit Episcopal School ...................................................................................................................................9 Christian education ................................................................................................................................................ 10How we serve............................................................................................................................................................ 11

Children’s and Family Ministries ........................................................................................................... 11Episcopal Youth Community ................................................................................................................. 11Day of Service, ACTS in Action .............................................................................................................. 12Prayers of the People ............................................................................................................................... 12Community of Hope ................................................................................................................................. 12Care Callers .................................................................................................................................................. 12Holy Spirit’s ministries .............................................................................................................................. 13

W elcome to Holy Spirit Episcopal Church! We are a warm and accepting community located in the heart of Houston. Our

10-acre campus is home to our church and a school for infants through 8th grade. With more than 1,100 members, Holy Spirit is full of energy and optimism. Our church family encourages people to find their own comfort level in their walk with Christ, and we have developed classes, programs and ministries that foster spiritual growth and fellowship and inspire our members to reach out to those in need and bring God’s love into the world. We invite you to discover more about our parish and hope this brochure reflects a little about who we are and how God is calling us.

Mission and core valuesHoly Spirit Episcopal Church is a welcoming community with Christ as the cornerstone. We reflect the Holy Spirit to the world through:

• Acceptance – We acknowledge God’s call to accept our dif-

ferences as we join together on our spiritual journeys.

• Connections – We become the Body of Christ through a

broad footprint of ministries that foster deep relationships,

caring for one another, fun and fellowship.

• Teaching – We develop disciples through thought-provok-

ing worship, our parish school and a variety of educational

opportunities.

• Service – We follow Christ’s example of sacrificial love by

serving people in need wherever they may be.

Holy Spirit Episcopal Church

What we seek in a rector

The following is what we at Holy Spirit would like to be able to say about ourselves in the coming years. This information was derived from a church-wide visioning event held in early 2012.

Our vision for the future

(Derived from a parish survey conducted in early 2012.)

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Community. Holy Spirit welcomes all visitors into our community. We work to bring the whole church together as one cohesive community and offer opportunities for fellowship, retreats and prayer which strengthen our relationships, offer encouragement and create a sense of connection. Holy Spirit Episcopal School is a treasured part of our community and parishioners embrace our school families in fellowship and worship. Our ministries, inreach and outreach events enrich the lives of our com-munity and help those in need.

Family and Youth. Holy Spirit offers engaging programs for children and youth, and fami-lies actively participate in all aspects of church life. The parish has a vibrant music program for all ages that helps draw in new members, and retreats provide the opportunity to grow closer together.

Spiritual Formation. Holy Spirit provides many opportunities to foster spiritual growth and bring people of all ages into a deeper relationship with Christ. Clergy are supportive and encouraging of lay ministries that enrich the lives of the church community. Home groups, Christian education and spiritual formation classes are led by trained clergy and laity.

Outreach. Holy Spirit is actively engaged in ministry and outreach. Through mission trips, com-munity service days and partnerships with charitable organizations, we strive to lift up those struggling and in need so that they may find hope and spiritual renewal through Christ.

Growth. Holy Spirit is a community that is growing in membership, growing financially and grow-ing spiritually. Effective communications plays a key role in attracting and welcoming new members and educating the church community about our ministries. Parishioners offer their “time, talent and treasure” to support Holy Spirit’s mission and continued growth.

Holy Spirit seeks a rector who has a deep love of God, follows Christ’s example and has a theology rooted in an extensive knowledge of the Bible, the Book of Common Prayer and Episcopal tradition. Our new rector is a vibrant and engaging preacher and storyteller, who will help us apply God’s word to our everyday lives. We seek a rector who will be a strong pastoral presence in times of need and will be visible, active and involved in both the church and school community. He/she is a good listener with a sense of humor and an energy that will inspire the church community, attract new members and help us grow and thrive. Our new rector will lead and empower the clergy, staff and laity to make a difference in the lives of our families, our church and the wider community. He/she will remain open to all forms of liturgical expression, respect and embrace the diverse worship styles and minis-tries of the congregation and challenge us to try new things.

Our new rector is nurturing and accepting of all people, unafraid to meet each of us at the cross. With scripture as the foundation, our new rector will both educate and challenge us, intellectually and spiritually, to live God’s word. Our new rector can articulate his/her personal beliefs clearly and illustrate these beliefs through personal example, while remaining open to differences of opinion on issues of faith and Christian tradition. He/she has an active personal prayer life and a desire to help parishioners grow closer to God through prayer. Our new rector will commit to continue bringing the church and school together as one body, will have the desire and ability to connect with youth and young families, and actively will seek opportunities for intergenerational collaboration. Through en-couragement of and involvement in ministries and programs for children, youth, young families and adults of all ages, our new rector will help build a new generation of Christ followers.

o meet the needs of our congregation, we offer three worship services on Sundays—each with its own distinct

character. The diversity of worship experiences plays an important role in the life of our church.

8 a.m. Rite 1 EucharistThis quiet, reflective service in the nave features organ music and hymns, without choir accom-paniment.

10:30 a.m. Rite II Eucharist In this service, we follow the more contempo-rary language of Rite II in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, with hymns accompanied by organ and a full choir.

10:30 a.m. Contemporary Eucharist This vibrant worship service, held in the parish hall, features Holy Spirit’s Contemporary Wor-ship Team. The live band plays contemporary worship music, and parishioners follow the service from two large projection screens.

In addition to our three Sunday worship ser-vices, there is a healing Eucharist offered on Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the nave. All sermons are recorded and published on a podcast which can be accessed through our website, www.hsechurch.org. This not only gives parishioners an opportunity to listen to sermons from other services, but offers those who are hospitalized or home-bound a way to stay connected with their church family.

How we worship

Holy Spirit has a very active acolyte ministry with more than 60 children and youth serving in the ministry. During the 10:30 a.m. worship services, our younger members meet in our Chil-dren’s Chapel for a worship experience tailored to children ages four through 5th grade. Parents can focus on the sermon, and children return to the service to celebrate Holy Eucharist with their families.

For infants and toddlers, childcare is available for both the 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services. Af-ter services, parishioners gather in the parish hall for coffee and fellowship.

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Children’s Chapel offers a worship experience tailored to children ages four through 5th grade.

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Podcasted sermons offer

those who are hospitalized

or home-bound a way to

stay connected with their

church family.

Holy Spirit’s contemporary worship service.

About us

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Total membership............................ 1,195

Average Sunday attendance........................................... 292

Easter Sunday attendance............................................710

Baptized in 2011................................... 14 (Data taken from the 2011 parochial report)

Holy Spirit has an active Greeters ministry for welcoming visitors to the church.

(Graph data derived from a vision validation survey conducted in early 2012. )

Age distribution

Level of education

How long members have attended Holy Spirit

oly Spirit is located in the Memorial area of Houston. As the fastest-grow-ing metropolitan area in the nation,

Houston boasts a robust economy, award-win-ning school districts, a world-renowned medical center and one of the nation’s finest theater and performing arts districts.

Holy Spirit’s lush green campus reflects the sub-tropical climate of the Gulf Coast region with 80-year-old oak trees and plantings of palms and colorful azaleas.

The 10-acre campus features the following:

NaveWith seating for 600, the church first began of-fering worship services in the nave in 1969.

Parish HallThe parish hall is the site of our contemporary worship service. It offers seating for 300 and features a fully-equipped kitchen for fellowship after worship services and during special church events.

Our campus

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SchoolFacilities include 32 classrooms, a library, teach-er’s lounge, gymnasium and attached catering kitchen, three playgrounds, two computer labs, two science labs, a nurse’s station, an art room, school offices, playing fields and an 11-room daycare. The church and the school share the nave, parish hall, classrooms and gym.

Holy Spirit owns a 3,100-square-foot, five-bedroom, 3 ½-bath rectory, located in the Rustling Pines subdivision in the Memorial area. Zoned to the award-winning Spring Branch Independent School District, Memorial is a well-established area of Houston with home prices ranging from $250,000 to over $10 million. The Memorial area spans five zip codes, over 30 subdivisions and six independent villages.

Our grounds feature a labyrinth for prayer and reflection.

Holy Spirit’s five-bedroom

rectory is located in the

Rustling Pines subdivision in

the Memorial area.

Holy Spirit’s nave has seating for 600.

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October 19, 1958. Holy Spirit’s first mission service.

In the late 1950s, the Memorial area was considered the far west side of Houston. Bishop John E. Hines identified the need for a church in this area and officiated our very first mission service on October 19, 1958, at Bunker Hill School. Nineteen of the 26 people present signed a petition to form the Chapel of the Holy Spirit and build a church on 10 acres owned by the Diocese of Texas and located at Perthshire and Tallowood. One of the original found-ing couples are still members to this day.

History of Holy Spirit

January 3, 1960. The Rev’d. Hubert C. Palmer becomes priest-in-charge.

Visiting clergy serve the new chapel until Father Hubert becomes Holy Spirit’s priest-in-charge. Father Hubert serves Holy Spirit until his retirement in February 1987.

January 27, 1961. The mission becomes a parish.

Church of the Holy Spirit is formed and 10 years of active building follow. The nave, offices and classrooms are completed in 1969.

Fall 1962. Holy Spirit Episcopal School opens.

With a staff of three, the school opens its doors to 89 students, ages 3 through 5. Over the years, the school has grown to a student body of more than 340. For more information on the school, see page 9.

1975. Elementary school begins.Holy Spirit Episcopal School begins teach-ing its first elementary school students.

September 1987. The Rev’d. Melvin K. Gray begins his service.

Father Melvin succeeds Father Hubert as rector and serves Holy Spirit until January 2001.

ince Holy Spirit first opened its doors in 1958, the church has been served by just three rectors—a testament to our stability as a parish and our commitment to finding leaders who reflect who we are and are committed to furthering the vision of our church body.

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The parish hall has seating for 300, and features a fully-equipped kitchen for fellowship after worship services and during special church events.

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January 1997. Dedication of new facilities.

Holy Spirit dedicates a major addition to its facilities: a gymnasium, middle-school wing of the school, full-size kitchen, youth center, remodeled parish hall and kitchen, and an expanded parking area.

August 1997. Middle school opens.Holy Spirit Episcopal School opens its middle school and begins accepting its first 6th-grade students.

May 2000. Graduation of 8th-grade students.

Holy Spirit Episcopal School’s first 8th-grade class graduates.

2001. Contemporary service begins.What started as a Sunday evening service, quickly grew in just a few months. Contem-porary service is now an established part of Holy Spirit’s Sunday morning tradition.

2002. The Rev’d. David Puckett begins service.

Father David served as rector until his retirement in December 2011. Father David was instrumental in securing the current financial health of our parish.

July 2009. First Home Group meets.

Home Groups give parishioners an opportunity to pray, study and share in the weekly lives of others in a small-group setting. The church has two home groups to meet the needs of its members: one located near the church and another located on the far west side of town in Katy.

December 2009. Endowment Fund reaches $1.25 million.

See page 8.

April 2010. First Maundy Thursday Day of Service.

Volunteers from the church, school and community take the day off to help those in need. For more information on Day of Service, see page 12.

2012. Holy Spirit Episcopal School turns 50!

Home Groups give

parishioners an opportunity

to pray, study and share in

the weekly lives of others in

a small-group setting.

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The organ at Holy Spirit was created in the neo-Baroque style in the 1970s at the end of a revival in historic organ building.

Financial health

2011 IncomePledges: $997,144 Additional donations: $533,424 Events and other: $44,694 (auction)

2011 ExpensesPersonnel: $786,011 Programs: $109,313 Buildings: $352,247 Office: $42,208Additional: Assessment $125,409 General expense $12,011 Mortgage P&I $98,305

Debt $824,880.09 (as of 12/31/2011)

“What we do

for ourselves

dies with us.

What we do

for others lives

forever.”

oly Spirit has a track record of financial stability and fiscal responsibil-ity. Although total pledging units have decreased over the past few years, the average amount pledged has been increasing. And when Holy

Spirit experienced a budget shortfall in 2011, parishioners stepped up to close the gap. In 2011, the total pledging units were 239, and the average pledge was $4,024.

Loan historyHoly Spirit’s debt balance is $824,880.09 as of December 31, 2011. In 1996, $2.75 million was borrowed for the construction of the middle school and gymnasium. In 2007, the commu-nity received a $100,000 pledge to match funds contributed specifically for debt reduction. This reduced the debt by $200,000 over the course of the next three years. In 2009, Holy Spirit received an anonymous donation of $1 million to further pay down the debt and for new equip-ment purchases to improve the HVAC systems. The current note was refinanced in 2009 for a five-year term, 20-year amortization, and will need to be renewed in February 2014. The loan payments are shared 67 percent (school)/33 percent (church).

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Holy Spirit’s Endowment Fund supports long-term Christian ministry and growth in the Holy Spirit community by providing start-up capital for projects and programs within the parish. The fund has supported ministries and proj-ects including the funding of a summer youth missioner, continuing education and training for Holy Spirit’s Contemporary Worship Team, two student scholarships in celebration of the school’s 50th anniversary, support for an ACTS in Action service day and funding for Vaca-tion Bible School. Since 2009, over $125,000 in grants have been awarded between church and school projects. Donations from parishioners

and friends of the church include cash, paid-up life insurance, bequests in wills, IRAs and 401K plans. If any gift exceeds $1,000, it is gratefully acknowledged with an engraved brass leaf on the Endowment Tree in the church narthex. Giving to the Endowment Fund provides our parishioners with a wonderful opportunity to honor a loved one or create a memorial to someone. These are gracious gifts which provide long-lasting benefits to the Holy Spirit community. The fund’s tremendous growth over the last 10 years is due to the continued generosity of our parishioners.

Our Endowment Fund

Holy Spirit’s Endowment Tree

Holy Spirit Episcopal Schoololy Spirit Episcopal School (HSES) is a premier private school for infants through 8th grade and is a key ministry

for Holy Spirit. HSES combines the best tradi-tions of learning with relevant contemporary programs that promote excellence in instruction, richness in service, Godly character and physical well-being.

The school follows the tenets of the Episcopal Identity: • A high regard for intellectual discipline• Tolerance and inclusivity• Service for others• Faith and reason as partners• Worshipping together following our liturgical

traditions

HSES serves more than 340 students in a small classroom environment with an average student-teacher ratio of 15:1. The student body includes children from more than 39 different countries and there is a natural diversity of faiths at HSES. Faculty and staff look for the values that unite people rather than divide, and parents have commented that the school is known for being a place of acceptance and nurture. During chapel,

students learn the rhythm of the liturgical seasons and are also taught to value those with different faiths. It is this shared setting where students are invited to take their spirituality further in their studies and out into the big-ger world through unique outdoor programs, a cultural exchange program with Costa Rica and various community service projects. Each year, the school participates in Day of Service on Maundy Thursday, and parents and church volunteers are working to identify other oppor-tunities to bring the school and church together as a community. The head of school and rector communicate frequently and work closely to-gether at vestry and school board meetings.

In 2012, HSES celebrates its 50th anniversary, beginning with a joint-effort auction in Feb-ruary. The celebration honored two of the school’s founders, Jan Leach and Maureen Al-frey. Holy Spirit has also joined with the school to create the Holy Spirit Episcopal Church Endowment Legacy Scholarship, which offers a three-year scholarship to qualifying students beginning in their 6th-grade year. The Endow-ment Committee has challenged the Board of Trustees of the school to continue with the scholarship beginning in 2013.

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Holy Spirit Episcopal School features 32 classrooms, a library, teacher’s lounge, gymnasium and attached catering kitchen, three playgrounds, two computer labs, two science labs, a nurse’s station, an art room, school offices, playing fields and an 11-room daycare.

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t Holy Spirit, we believe spiritual education extends beyond the pulpit. Our educational offerings seek to

bring parishioners into a deeper relationship with Christ and help them navigate the rough waters of everyday life.

On SundaysChildren’s Christian Education, for ages 3 through 5th grade, teaches the Bible through a variety of hands-on learning activities, includ-ing arts and crafts, singing, drama workshops and gym activities. The curriculum, based on a four-week rotation of a singular Bible passage, is designed to reinforce learning and bring the Bible to life for our young members.

For our youth, grades 6 through 12, we offer multiple opportunities for spiritual education. Our youth education class meets from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Episcopal Youth Community, also for grades 6 through 12, meets each Sunday at noon for Bible study, fellowship and fun. All activi-ties—whether a game, Bible study, meal, service project or mission trip—are designed to model and express the love of Christ and witness His transformative love to the world.

Christian educationHoly Spirit’s Family Connections Class stud-ies current Christian literature in the context of tackling everyday challenges, such as raising children and building a more spiritual home. Authors studied include N.T. Wright, John and Susan Yates, John Townsend and C.S. Lewis.

Holy Spirit clergy and guest clergy lead several lecture series throughout the year on Sunday mornings and during the Lenten season. Topics have included:• Resurrection: What It Is, Why It Matters• England, America and Texas: Three Nations

Under an Anglican God• Christian Virtue: The Path Between Rules and

Instincts• Holy Spirit: God, Place, Parish and You• The Anglican Covenant Curriculum

WeekdaysIn addition to our Sunday educational offer-ings, there are many enrichment opportunities during the week. Evening Home Groups give parishioners an opportunity to study and discuss Bible passages in depth in a home setting. And popular morning classes for women include a Wednesday Ladies Book study and a Friday gathering after school drop-off. Classes have studied Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore and books by Rob Bell, Donald Miller and Beth Moore.

Holy Spirit clergy and guest clergy lead several lecture series throughout the year on Sunday mornings and during the Lenten season.

AIn addition to Sunday educational

offerings, there are enrichment

opportunities during the week,

including Home Groups and

morning Bible study classes.

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e at Holy Spirit believe that every-one has gifts to share. From lending a hand on Sundays, to reaching

out to help those in need, to having opportuni-ties for learning and fellowship, our church body offers more than 40 ministries. Here are a few highlights:

Children’s and Family MinistriesAt Holy Spirit, we seek to build the foundations of His kingdom in the hearts of children and families in our church community. Each week, children gather for Children’s Christian Educa-

tion, a lively, hands-on Sunday school class. During our 10:30 a.m. worship services, chil-dren hear an age-appropriate lesson in Children’s Chapel, while learning about Episcopal tradition and liturgy. During the summer, children and adults have the opportunity to learn about God’s word together dur-ing Vacation Bible School. Chil-dren participating in our Choir Camp have the opportunity to lead a worship service and sing for those in the community and children and youth who take part in Summer Strummers learn guitar basics and have the chance to play during the con-temporary worship service. For adults, we foster spiritual growth

How we serve

with a weekday Bible study group and a variety of fellowship opportunities offered throughout the year.

Episcopal Youth CommunityYouth in middle school and high school take part in Holy Spirit’s Episcopal Youth Com-munity (EYC), which meets each Sunday at noon for fellowship and study. Special events like community service opportunities and youth retreats are held throughout the year. For two years, the youth have led a 24-hour prayer vigil, which leads up to the church’s annual Rally Day. During the prayer vigil, youth lead parishioners in group prayer and reflection. The prayer vigil is an opportunity for the parish to pray in a truly focused and united way for our church and for those in need.

During the summer, children and adults have the opportunity to learn about God’s word together during Vacation Bible School.

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Children participating

in Choir Camp have the

opportunity to lead a

worship service and sing for

those in the community. Episcopal Youth Community is active in outreach, participating in mission trips both in Houston and, most recently, in San Francisco.

See How we serve, page 12

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EYC is also active in outreach, participating in mission trips both in Houston and, most recently, in San Francisco, where youth partnered with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church to help those in need. In 2010, inspired by the Advent Conspiracy movement, a nationwide campaign that encourages Christians to spend less, worship fully, give more and love all, EYC raised the funds needed to build a water well at an Anglican church in Uganda.

Day of Service, ACTS in ActionIn 2008, members of the church community became inspired by the message of outreach that came from the pulpit week after week. After seeing the dire need in the community after Hurricane Ike ravaged the Gulf Coast that same year, parishioners formed Day of Service, held each year on Maundy Thursday—the day Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. Parishioners take a day off from work and provide assistance to a variety of area nonprofit organizations. From yard maintenance to delivering meals to working with clients, volunteers work to extend God’s kingdom and become true disciples of Christ. In 2011, Holy Spirit’s outreach commit-tee formed ACTS in Action as a supplement to Day of Service. The service days, held quarterly, provide parishioners, HSES students and com-munity volunteers with additional opportunities for outreach. The parish is also active in ongoing volunteer work with local nonprofits includ-ing Westside Homeless Partnership, Lord of the Streets, Memorial Assistance Ministries and Habitat for Humanity.

Prayers of the PeopleIn the fall of 2008, a number of parishioners shared with clergy the desire to move away from the stan-dard form of prayers set out in the Book of Common Prayer and begin offering prayers written by Holy Spir-it’s own members. Clergy were supportive and after initial training, the ministry began to grow and find the support of the larger church body. Each week, writers study the lectionary readings selected for Sunday’s worship service and with prayer and meditation, reflect that message in the wording of the Prayers of the People. Clergy then review for theology and content. The prayers reflect the needs and concerns of our church family, as well as topical concerns such as civil unrest and natural disasters.

Community of HopeOne of the ways Holy Spirit brings God’s love to the home-bound is through its Community of Hope ministry, a Christian community of lay pastoral caregivers. Members of the ministry visit with parishioners and non-parishioners in their homes, hospitals, nursing homes and retire-ment homes. Formed by Benedictine spirituality and bonded by shared prayer, members of this ministry make several hundred visits each year, often making multiple visits to the same people. Members meet each month for continuing training and study, and many are licensed Lay Eucharistic Ministers.

Care CallersAt Holy Spirit, parishioners don’t just lend a hand and a heart—some are even called to lend an ear through the Care Callers ministry. With approximately 300 families at Holy Spirit, Care Callers work to touch base with everyone on the church roster throughout the year. The calls are an opportunity for church members to share prayer requests and pastoral concerns in a confidential setting and reinforces the message that everyone is an integral member of the Holy Spirit family.

Continued from How we serve, page 11

For two years, the youth have led a 24-hour prayer vigil, which leads up to the church’s annual Rally Day. During the prayer vigil, youth lead parishioners in group prayer and reflection.

ACTS in Action provides parishioners, HSES students and community volunteers with opportunities for outreach.

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Outreach and InreachACTS in ActionCare CallersCasserole PatrolCommunity of HopeDaughters of the KingMeditation Books for Advent and Lent Pastoral Friends Flower DeliveryPrayer ChainPrayer Shawl MinistryShear Blessings in a BackpackSt. Joseph of Arimathea Guild

Help on SundaysAcolytesAltar GuildChalice BearersContemporary Worship Media TeamContemporary Worship Music TeamFriends of FellowshipGreetersLay Eucharistic Visitor Corps Lay Readers/LectorsParish ChoirPrayers of the People WritersSide Chapel Prayer MinistryUshers

Christian educationHome GroupsLadies Book StudyNoomaSunday School for adults, youth and children

Office and groundsEmmet’s GangHoly Folders

FellowshipAmen, Sister FriendBreakfast ClubLadies Night OutMen’s BreakfastPairs and SparesSaints and SinnersSeniors Lunch Out

Children, youth and familiesChildren’s Activities BagsChildren’s ChapelChoir CampEYC (Episcopal Youth Community)First Communion ClassGuitar CampSafeguarding God’s ChildrenVacation Bible School

Holy Spirit’s ministries

Day of Service formed after members of the parish became inspired by the message of outreach that came from the pulpit week after week.

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The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit12535 Perthshire RoadHouston, Texas 77024www.hsechurch.org713/468-7796