May 2014 • Volume 16, Number 3

Sanctuary: 2Getting to Know Scott Kitayama: 4

Holy Moses - Summer Sunday School: 7Photo Album: 8

Where God is Leading this Summer: 12 From the Library: 14A Good Samaritan: 15

Celebrating the Light of Christ before the 2014 Easter Egg Hunt

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In this issue:

Music Ministry ..................... 3

Youth Ministry ..................... 3 Our Clergy ........................... 4

Family Ministry .................... 6

Our Church Life ................... 8

World Missions ....................12

Planned Giving ...................13

Outreach ..............................13

Page Turners ......................14 Calendar of Events ...........15

sanc•tu•ar•yˈsaNG(k)CHo͞oˌerē/

noun: sanctuary; plural noun: sanctuaries1. a place of refuge or safety. 2. a place set aside.

PATRICK GAHANRectorpatrickg@cecsa.org

Sunday Services:

7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite 1

9:00 a.m.Family-friendly

Communion Service with Music

10:00 a.m. Christian Education for

Children, Youth, and Adults

11:00 a.m.Choral Eucharist, Rite 2

6:00 p.m.Holy Eucharist, Rite 2

Cover photos and center spread photos bySusanna Kitayama

Visit us on-line at www.cecsa.org

All day long I make excuses to go outside. Lately, I have taken to repeatedly walking around our grounds. They are so verdant and inviting since we undertook to comprehensively prune the trees, plant more grass,

and significantly add to our gardens. For me, it is like returning to Eden.

Several months ago when I approached Peggy and Lowry Mays about assisting us in this significant effort I implored, “I want Christ Church to be like a park – a sanctuary – where people we know and those we don’t yet know can find peace and encounter our Lord.”

The Mays family and 174 others (as of today), heard my call at this 100th Birthday of our sanctuary, and the interior and exterior of our many buildings and the grounds surrounding them are regaining and, in some cases,

surpassing their original splendor. I am overwhelmingly grateful for every one of you in this fellowship for loving Christ Church so well and making it the sanctuary it is.

That brings me to another, more important point: the real sanctuary is all of us. The word sanctuary is derived from the Latin “sanctus,” which means “holy” or “set aside.” That is who we are, a “holy” people “set aside” by God for His purposes. Peter, I think, says it best in his First Letter:

You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

I Peter 2:9

Thank you for accepting the call to Christ Church and for keeping the Light on! Your brother,

Patrick U

F R O M

W h a t a glorious Birthday Celebration we had on

Sunday, May 4. We would like to extend our thanks to all of the volunteers who made this day possible. Many

projects are in progress as we work to enhance our campus. We are truly grateful to each of you for your

support and generous contributions. Though many projects have been funded, there are still a few projects we hope to fund, notably, the refurbishment of Patrick’s office.

We are filled with gratitude for Patrick’s transforming ministry and we want the refurbishment of his

office to be a gift from all of us.

Sally Watson & Anne Wright100th Birthday Chairs

E P I S C O PA L

Birthday Bash on Belknap

Turn to page 10 for pictures

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OWEN DUGGANDirector of Music and Worshipowend@cecsa.org

M I N I S T R Y

Ringing in SummeR

First I would like to say a special thank you to the choir, musicians, music staff and volunteers, church staff and last, but certainly not least, the Friends of Music for an amazing spring worship season including Holy Week, Stabat Mater, children’s musical and 100th

Birthday Celebration service. And to cap it all off, the bells are truly ringing in the Christ Church tower with our brand new digital carillon, manufactured and installed by the Verdin Bell Co. Our hat is off to the centennial committee and

Nancy and Mark Wright for collaborating to make this long-standing parish dream come true. You will hear the bells ring out to the glory of God before and after the principal services and also at weddings and funerals. Although summer is a little quieter around the music department, we are still ‘cooking’ with plans for an Ascension Evensong service on June 1 at 6:00 PM featuring choir and chapel boychoir and then our annual parish BBQ in honor

of American Independence. The BBQ will be held on June 29 after the 11:00 AM service. Our great nation’s birthday is really something to sing about and the choir and soloists will perform and lead you in some of your favorite American songs. Be sure and bring a guest to church that day.

M I N I S T R Y

Watching god WoRk

CLARK NILESDirector of Youth Ministryclarkn@cecsa.org

Isn’t it an exciting time to be here at Christ Church? There seems to be new life everywhere I look.

I have been working and trying new things for at least three years to resurrect the youth ministry program to what I remember it being in years past. I had come to the point where all my experience, my wisdom (what little I may have), my ideas, plans, and creativity had been exhausted. But there was one thing left. On Friday, May 2nd, I woke up at 3:30 in the morning. When

this happens, I usually ask, “Okay what do you want me to pray about”? Well, what came to me was this: “I want you to fast and pray for these kids and this ministry. Let it go, put it in my hands, let it go and watch me work.”

At that point, we had three signed up for the Guatemala mission trip, and we were contracted for ten. I was to pray when I felt hungry, and by Sunday May 4th, that was often. But, by the time the 9:00 and 11:00 AM services had finished,

and we were outside for the 100th birthday celebration, we had more people interested in going to Guatemala than we had spots for. We now have a waiting list. Up to that morning, following months of calls, text messages, emails, and many announcements and one-on-one conversations, we had one teen, one intern and myself going. In one morning the dam broke, and I can only say people were moved. Like the two on the road to Damascus with the resurrected Jesus, “Their hearts burned within them.” God moved! Isn’t it just like God to wait for us to empty our hands so He can fill them with His blessings?

God help me to remember, it is you who brings the victory. It is not by the number and quality of my chariots that wins the battle, but the victory is in your hands. Teach me to let go and trust, then to be faithful to follow you each day and with all you put before me.

I can’t wait to see what He is up to next!

Blessings,

Clark NilesDetails on the Youth Mission Trip on page 12

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In the last issue of The Message, we presented an interview with Patrick Gahan, conducted by art student Stacy Jackson, where we learned more about our rector’s views on faith. For the next several issues, we will get to know more about the clergy serving our parish.

Editor: Tell us a little about your childhood and about the faith life of your family?

Scott Kitayama: I grew up in the Rio Grande Valley in the little town of Donna, Texas. My grandfather and dad were farmers in the Valley and I grew up in a farming household. I have a very loving and close family relationship with my mom and dad and two older brothers. I think what I remember most

an inteRvieW With Scott kitayama

M E E T

of my childhood days was the loving and caring attention my parents gave to us. There was a comforting stability in the way that they loved us. My parents were always present during our school activities. Even with three boys and all the athletic events that were scheduled, they seemed to make them all. They were ever present and always there it seemed.

My parents were involved in the local Presbyterian church and my dad was an Elder of the church, but I didn’t make much of a connection with church in my youth. I was too busy trying to stuff all those other things into my life that I thought would bring me great satisfaction and happiness. What these things eventually brought into my life was pain and shame and emptiness.

Editor: When and how did you come to faith in Jesus Christ? How did your new faith change your life?

Scott Kitayama: I think the one defining moment (even though there are many that God uses) that brought me to Jesus was the death of my best friend. He was 23 when he died in a car wreck and I was a pall bearer at his burial. The armor of invincibility of my youth was gone and I saw the darkness of my humanity. Coinciding with this event was my participation in a Baptist church in Houston. I think the eyes and ears of my heart were finally open to hearing and feeling the deep love of Jesus Christ. So at the age of 24, I walked down the aisle in that large Baptist church and raised my hand to Jesus, got dunked and away we went onto that long road of faith.

Editor: How did you like your experience as a Young Life

leader?

Scott Kitayama: When I became a follower of Christ there was this desire to give back to Him and I got involved with the Young Life organization. It was an amazing time in my new life with Jesus and something that has shaped me as a disciple of Christ to this present day.

The philosophy of the Young Life ministry is to bring Jesus Christ out into the streets of everyday life. So I went to lunches at the high school, athletic events and games, all different types of school events and just sharing life and Jesus with these teenage kids. God has called us to be his kingdom agents and missionaries to all of his creation. And so the journey with Jesus continued as a missionary to teens in Houston, I interacted with people that spoke a different language, had a different world-view and culture, and lived in a different environment and world -- and it was right in my backyard.

Editor: What drew you to the Episcopal Church and what later drew you into the ordained ministry?

Scott Kitayama: My Young Life experience was another layer of foundation that Christ laid in my life, the impact of those teens in my life and hopefully the impact that my life has been in their walk with Christ has been God honoring. Through my Young Life days it drew me to worship at St. John the Divine in Houston and from there to Fuller Seminary where I met my wonderful wife Susanna and then back to St. John the Divine as their youth director.

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Our Clergy...

It seems odd to move from the Baptist low church model to the Episcopal liturgical model, but I was drawn to the aspects of participating in Holy Communion every Sunday. It is like being involved in a drama every Sunday morning: we are placed at the foot of the cross of Christ, we are elated and surprised at His resurrection and seated with Him in the heavenly realms. There is something very grace-oriented in the worship style. The movement to the Episcopal church and to the ordained ministry was very much like the movement to the Young Life organization. God just plopped it out there and asked me to step forward and I did: a missionary to a different culture, world-view and environment.

Editor: How has your faith in Christ affected your family life and you in particular?

Scott Kitayama: Sometimes, I think that is how it is in my family life with a wife and three children. Susanna and I are called to be stewards and missionaries to our kids. They speak a different language; have a different culture and a different mindset and world-view. We are called to share and sacrifice our lives and to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ into their lives. We are stewards in that we are to guide them and ask them to join us in that wonderful, wonder-filled journey with Jesus. Follow alongside us as we follow Jesus as Lord and Savior, it is a joyful journey and adventure.

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Save the DatesChrist Church Family CampFriday - Sunday, September 26 – 28At Beautiful Camp Capers

alling all Christ Church families. Save the dates September 26

– 28 for Christ Church family Camp at a beautifully enlarged and restored Camp Capers. Scott Kitayama, Halleta Heinrich, and Clark Niles are already making plans for a fun and meaningful Church Family getaway. In their recent visit to Camp Capers they saw all the great possibilities for Family Camp with a great place for a Talent Show, Family Movie Time, Family Hay Rides, Family

congRatulationS to childRen’S communion claSS 2014

Communion Journals for a quiet time in the church, and then created items in the afternoon to be used on Communion Celebration Day. These items included decorated candles, crosses, and stoles, and Communion Bread used in Sunday’s Communion Celebration worship service. The Communion Retreat ended with a Parent/Child Renewal of Baptismal Vows service in Children’s Chapel of the FMC. Much gratitude goes to Assistant Teachers Catherine Markette, Liza Huey, and Nancy Lee Archer, as well as to the parents who helped in class and during the retreat. Also to be thanked are our class mentors, second graders who participated in last year’s class but chose to help this year’s class as their ministry. Their names are listed below. We are all grateful to the ministry of Threads of Blessing at the Diocese of West Texas who created this year’s class Communion Banner. It is truly beautiful and will be treasured for many years to come.

Halleta

HALLETA HEINRICHDirector of Family Ministrieshalletah@cecsa.org

Children’s Communion Celebration was held Sunday, May 11 at the 11:00 service during which this year’s Communion Class was honored. A reception honoring the children and their parents followed on the Christ Church lawn. Children in the class participated in an eight session class designed to enrich their experience and understanding of Holy Communion. The class ended with an all day Communion Retreat on Saturday, May 10, where the children worked in their

M I N I S T R Y

Family camp Fun coming in SeptembeR

Worship, Family Arts and Crafts, Family Nature Walks, Family Fun and Games, and Family Kayaking and Fishing. Plus there will be great Family Meals from the Camp Capers Chef. Yes, they do have a real chef on staff! More details will come soon. We hope to make the Family Camp experience available to all Christ Church families no matter how large or how small. Partial scholarships will be available so all can afford to be part of the fun. Please contact Scott or Halleta ASAP at the church, if you would like to be part of our planning team.

Communion Class 2014

Andrew CovelliAlex CrossBlake Ivy

Claire KardysJack MartinezLuke MartinezCarter MayfieldAmelia MillerLizzie Wymer

Class mentors

Molly DugganEmily Kitayama

Quinn JonesNatalie Markette

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Family Ministry...

We have moSeS mania thiS SummeR!

pReSchooleRS Will get theiR “handS on the bible”

Walking the bible a JouRney by land thRough the Five bookS oF moSeS

Summer Sunday School runs from June 8 through August 17 and we have a summer full of adventure for all the children at CEC. We kick-off the fun with a showing of the movie “Prince of Egypt” on June 8. The story of Moses will be shown from 10 - 11:30 AM in FMC Movie Theater Room 302 for ALL Sunday School kids. Manna will be served!

Parent Helper teachers will be needed each Sunday, so parents and others who love kids should sign up to teach at least one Sunday this summer. Sign-ups will be located in

FMC Tomlin Room and on Sunday School classroom doors.

I hope all children will come to Sunday School this summer whenever you are in town. Lisa Galloway, our lead preschool teacher, and I both love Jesus, the Bible, and kids. We will make sure each lesson is worthwhile, interesting, fun, Christ and Bible centered, and educational. Don’t miss!

Love in Christ,

Halleta

It’s the Bible all the way this summer with our fun, activity centered “Hands on Bible” Sunday School for preschool 3 year olds – graduating Kindergarteners.

Led by teacher Lisa Galloway, the children will have a chance to get their hands on the Bible as they learn about the lives of Moses and Esther from the Old Testament books of Exodus and Esther. They will learn from the examples of Moses and Esther as strong leaders for God even when things got tough. We all need that life lesson!

Children will experience many hands on fun activities as they learn and have the opportunity to teach Pockets the Kangaroo Puppet each week. The best way to learn is to teach! The Bible Point for our study of Moses is that We Can Trust God In All Circumstances. In our study of Esther, the Bible Point will be that God Has A Special Plan for Our Lives.

Moses Leads God’s People: And We Can Be Leaders for God, Too!

June 15 - God Speaks to Moses June 22 - God Sends Plagues Upon Egypt

June 29 - God Parts the Red SeaJuly 6 - God Provides Manna and Quail July 13 - God Gives the Ten CommandmentsJuly 20 - Honor God: The Israelites Build the Tabernacle Esther: One Strong and Godly Woman

July 27 - Esther Becomes QueenAug. 3 - Mordecai and Esther Work TogetherAug. 10 - Esther Confronts King XerxesAug. 17 - The Jews Celebrate

Halleta Heinrich will lead our elementary students (graduating first through fifth graders) on a journey through the Holy Land. We will “walk” in the locations of the first five books of the Bible, the Pentateuch, this summer through Bible study and viewing of the PBS series “Walking the Bible”. Even though this is a study of the Old Testament, we will always emphasize how the oldest books of the Bible point to Christ. God did have a plan from the beginning to save us!

Bruce Feiler, author of the bestselling book “Walking the Bible”, will lead us to places where the Bible really happened, along with the help of a noted Biblical archaeologist. Each week the children

will participate in a Bible Study from Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, or Deuteronomy, then view a related section of the “Walk Through the

Bible” series. This will help bring the Bible to life for our kids. What kid isn’t fascinated by archaeology? I know I was and still am! Parents are welcome to attend class with their kids. This will be a great intergenerational experience.

Schedule of Lessons June 15: “Walking the Bible” Introduction June 22: Creating the World June 29: Noah’s Ark July 6: Abraham July 13: Abraham in the Promised Land July 20: Abraham and IsaacJuly 27: Joseph in Egypt Aug. 3: Moses Parts the Red SeaAug. 10: The Burning BushAug. 17: Climbing Mount Sinai

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Confirmation 2014

Children’s Musical

Easter Egg H

unt

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Our Church Life...

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Our Church Life...

chRiStian FoRmation FoR adultS: SummeR 2014

What do you do when you have completed the famous “1,2,3” of Christ Church (the foundation courses of Christ Church 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0)? Or, what do you do while waiting for the next “1,2,3” to complete your sequence?

Adult Formation at Christ Church is your answer, in both cases. We offer a wide range of formation options year-round for Adults. There will be a short break for our teachers with no Sunday School classes on May 25 and June 1, then the summer programs begin.

Sunday, June 8 and Sunday, June 22

TaSTe and See: Using material originally presented during the Community of Hope annual retreat at Mustang Island Conference Center (March, 2014) Brien Koehler will present a study of God’s call to reconciliation of his people to himself, from the fracture of the Fall in the Garden of Eden to the Marriage of the Lamb in Revelation. We will see how the Holy Eucharist is the Sacrament that makes the beginning and the end ours at all times. (Two sessions, June 8 and June 22)

Sunday, June 15 a Special GueST aT chriST church

Christ Church will host Rose Nanyonga from Kampala, Uganda at all the services and Sunday School time in the Parish Hall on June 15. Rose first visited Christ Church nine years ago and shared with us her story of redemption. So much has transpired in her life since her last visit that she has been invited back to bring her story up to date. Currently, Rose is in a doctoral

nursing program at Yale University and will defend her dissertation the first of June 2014. Rose Nanyonga’s story began in 1989, as a young girl, when she was forced to leave her family’s village in Uganda. She was alone and, as a female in Uganda without family protection, she had little hope. At the root of her forced departure was a conflict between Rose’s practicing of the Christian faith and her family’s desire for her to take part in witchcraft. Upon leaving her village, Rose began a 52 kilometer journey that would take her from her home village of Bamunanika

to Kiwoko. Amidst the hopelessness of this journey she found Ian and Robbie Clarke, Irish citizens working to establish better medical care in Uganda. This encounter with the Clarke’s would forever alter the direction of Rose’s life. Under their care, Rose would once again be part of a family. She also began a career in nursing, which would lead to her working as Director of Clinical Operations at International Hospital Kampala (IHK) in Uganda. Today Rose balances responsibilities with IHK, a Ph.D program at Yale University, and assistance to numerous organizations including Narrow Road, where she serves as a board member.

This program will be appropriate to all ages at our worship services, however, the Parish Hall presentation will be appropriate for adults or older youth.

SundayS, June 29-auGuST 17

The Summer Book STudy: Brian Zahnd’s “Unconditional”If Christianity is not about forgiveness, it’s about nothing at all. In this book, readers will be confronted with the stark reality of how deeply we need to reach within to really show Christ-like forgiveness and mercy to those to whom we may feel least inclined to offer forgiveness or mercy.

If Christianity is to be a compelling and relevant voice in the 21st Century, it needs a fresh message - not a new innovation or novel interpretation, but a return to our roots. In a world where the ugliness of rage and retaliation are driving the storyline of the 21st century, the beauty of authentic Christian forgiveness is the compelling alternative. It pushes the reader beyond the usual biblical exposition of the topic of forgiveness and challenges their thinking by juxtaposing absolutely bottom-line kinds of examples with the simple question: What would you do?

SundayS, June 8 - auGuST 17

livinG inTo The Word: Scott Rose and Marthe Curry will continue this popular Sunday morning option to study the weekly lectionary readings. Study guides are posted weekly at cecsa.org.

cominG ThiS fall:

Introduction to Islam and Christianity, taught by Dr Duane Miller, Anglican Identity, taught by John Boyce and Brien Koehler.

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Our Church Life...

the chRiSt chuRch bible Study and pReaching SeRieS

In the very earliest days of the Church, Christians called themselves “people of the Way.” Not only did they follow Jesus who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me” (JN 14:6), but each Christian knew they were set upon a lifelong journey with Christ, a trek that never ends. So when we see the bumper sticker that reads Be Patient with Me; God is Not Finished with Me Yet, we should honk our horns in agreement. All Christians are on the Way…and to be quite honest, it’s a trip that’s not to be missed!

Easter - Early Pentecost 2014:

On the Way...daTe day ScripTure on The Way To… preacher

Sunday, May 18 Easter 5 John 14:1-14 My Father’s House Susannah Wright (Youth SundaY)

Sunday, May 25 Easter 6 John 14:15-21 True Love Rob Harris

Sunday, June 1 Easter 7 John 17:1-11 Eternal Life Scott Kitayama

Sunday, June 8 Pentecost John 7:37-39 Being Spirit-Filled Bishop Frey

Sunday, June 15 Trinity Matthew 28:16-20 Obedience Rose Nanyonga

Sunday, June 22 Proper 7 Matthew 10:24-39 Discipleship Scott Kitayama

Sunday, June 29 Proper 8 Matthew 10:40-42 Real Generosity Patrick Gahan

Sunday, July 6 Proper 9 MT 11:16-19,25-30 Wisdom Patrick Gahan

Sunday, July 13 Proper 10 MT 13:1-9,18-23 Kingdom Living Rob Harris (ordained PrieSt 7-11)

Sunday, July 20 Proper 11 MT 13:24-30,36-43 Righteousness Brien Koehler

Sunday, July 27 Proper 12 MT 13:31-33,44-52 Growth Patrick Gahan

Sunday, August 3 Proper 13 Matthew 14:13-21 Genuine Fulfillment Scott Kitayama

time FoR Food and FelloWShip

I see other churches gathering at restaurants after services for lunch and fellowship. This looks like fun and a way to stay better connected. So on the third Sunday of each month, we will meet following the 11 AM service at a restaurant for lunch. Those attending the 9 AM service can head over early following Sunday School at 11 or come back to join us around 12:30 PM.

Our inaugural “Third Sunday Lunch Bunch” was held Sunday, May 18th, at Orderup restaurant in Lincoln Heights, Broadway at Basse, across from HEB. Orderup is a casual, affordable, kid friendly place. For the summer months of June, July and August we will meet there each third Sunday.

The Lunch Bunch gathering is an

opportunity to invite visitors and new comers to get to know each other better, and a chance for old friends to reconnect. A way to start the week refreshed by the company of friends.

On June 15 head to Orderup and look for a reserved table(s) for Christ Church and a CEC basket at the registers for your receipts. The receipts are collected so that Orderup can donate 20% of the proceeds to the Third Sunday Noisy Offering recipient for that day. Ideas for other family-friendly restaurants that support community

giving would be appreciated for fall gatherings. See you there,

Bill Galbreath

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M I S S I O N S

tRaveling aRound the globe FoR god

Christ Church is committed to spreading the Gospel at home and abroad. Continuing our well established tradition, three Missions opportunities are available for all ages this summer, but don’t delay your decision because time is short:

domeSTic miSSion: ShorT fuSe To miSSion Waco

July 17-20, 2014 Each year Christ Church offers a Short FUSE—-Family Urban Service Experience -- working in a variety of

BRIEN KOEHLERAssociate Rector for Mission and Formation brienk@cecsa.org

social outreach ministries away from the comforts of home. The Short FUSE is an ideal Missions opportunity for families (minimum age is middle school) and individuals with limited time. Mission Waco is a well respected and long established Christian ministry, and Christ Church will partner with them for the Short FUSE 2014. This trip will be open to all ages from Middle School to Senior Citizens. Families are encouraged to consider participating together. Grandparents and grandchildren, parents and children. Other creative combinations. Singles are also welcome and encouraged. The Short FUSE is scheduled to begin on a Thursday morning, and the program concludes Sunday afternoon. Cost: $125/person* Contact Brien Koehler at 830-200-1905 (brienk@cecsa.org) for more info.

foreiGn miSSion: honduraS June 28-July 5, 2014 We will be continuing Christ Church’s newest work in the Copan Deanery of the Diocese of Honduras. The mission work will include construction, women’s workshops in micro-enterprise, and Bible School for kids. This trip is open to adults, and to middle or high school age youth accompanied by a parent or guardian. The Cost: $1600/person* (airfare and all ground arrangements). Contact Terry Koehler at 512-659-3403 (tabascoroad@hotmail.com) for more info.

foreiGn miSSion youTh– GuaTemala July 1-14 Offered in partnership with St Peter’s Episcopal Church, Kerrville, and organized by Students International Mission, this trip is open to High School Students. Cost: $1800/person.** Contact Clark Niles at 210-844-4834 (clarkn@cecsa.org) for more info.

**Significant fundraising opportunities and financial aid are available to Christ Church youth members in need of support.

imporTanT informaTion for all conSiderinG a foreiGn miSSion Trip experience

All adult participants in a Christ Church Mission trip must complete a short course in child protection. The course (entitled “Safeguarding God’s Children”) will be presented at Christ Church without charge to all Mission Team participants at a variety of times so that meeting this requirement before departure on a mission trip is easy. All participants in foreign mission must have a passport with at least six months validity remaining before expiration. Minor children must be accompanied by an adult family member except on trips designated as youth mission trips. *Financial Aid through the Missions Committee (up to 50%) is available to Christ Church members needing assistance to be part of this mission team.

Brien

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Why We Would like To knoW aBouT your planned GifT To chriST church

My inspiration for this piece was gleaned from the Planned Giving Office at Cornell University

Every year Christ Church receives bequests from individuals who did not inform us in advance that they have included us in their wills. We are extremely grateful for these gifts, for they enable us to continue work and ministry here that was obviously important to the donors. At the same time, it would be helpful for the Church to know about the gifts ahead of time.

reaSonS Why Some people do noT diScloSe

There are various reasons why people do not reveal their charitable intentions. Knowing that their family circumstances could change and that they might have to remove or alter the bequest provision, they may not want to arouse expectations. They may regard a will as a very private matter and not want to reveal provisions to

a Word from the reCtor about Planned GivinG

SOCIETY

any beneficiaries, whether individuals or organizations. They may fear that disclosing a bequest provision would invite solicitations. Possibly they are simply unaware that such information is important to us.

reaSonS Why We Would like To knoW

We understand and respect all of the reasons why you might not want to reveal a future gift provision. At the same time, we would like to explain why we like to know. First, and foremost, we want to say thank you. We are always sad when we receive a surprise end-of-life gift and never had an opportunity to say thank you to the donor for his or her foresight and thoughtfulness. Second, we would like to honor you in some manner for becoming a member of the Great Commission Society. Third, we would welcome the opportunity to provide information about the impact your gift will have. Fourth, if your gift is very specific in nature, we would want to advise you about the particulars of fulfilling your intentions. All testamentary gifts are placed by the

SpReading god’S love

Vestry into Christ Church Endowment unless otherwise specified.

confidenTialiTy aSSured

Please be assured that information you provide is confidential and that no details about your future gift are disclosed unless authorized by you. Also, disclosure is in no sense a binding commitment, for we understand that circumstances can change. With these assurances, we hope you will consider informing us about any legacy gift you have made through a provision in your will or living trust or by beneficiary designation. If you have made such a provision, just contact me at (210) 736-3132 or patrickg@cecsa.org or Tom Frost, our Planned Giving Chairman, at (210) 220-4411 or tcfrost@frostbank.com.

Thank you so much for loving Christ Church so well.

Your brother,

Patrick U

Christ Church’s Outreach Committee has been busy this year and will not be slowing down for the summer.

CEC Outreach has distributed more than $55,000 in gifts to groups throughout the city this year. Below are few of the highlights.

One of our main areas of outreach has been in strengthening our relationship with our adopted school James Madison Elementary. What a wonderful year of sharing we have had. We began the year with a drive to collect school supplies and uniforms for the children. More than 20 “Listeners” regularly go to James Madison to listen to children read, while every Wednesday a group

of children are bused to Christ Church for tutoring and participating in the Children’s Choir. Every Thursday the Snack Pack 4 Kids volunteers pack food and snacks to be delivered to needy children on Friday. We have supported the teachers during STARS testing week and are building raised garden beds so that each class can have a garden in the fall. The grand finale of the school year will be giving each child with 100% attendance a new bicycle!

We made friends during our Fiesta de los Amigos at the Thunderbird apartments. Christ Church members and Thunderbird residents ate, laughed, talked and prayed. It was a joyous afternoon. Our Food Pantry has expanded its reach by serving lunch

on several Saturdays this Spring. The “stand up” lunches were a big hit and plans to continue the program are being explored.

As summer approaches, Christ Church volunteers are planning to provide children with camp supplies. Christ Church will be sending children from James Madison, St. Judes and Good Samaritan Community Services to Camp Capers. Every child should go to camp, so we will do our part to fulfill that need. Volunteers will go up to camp on the first day of each session to help welcome the children and get them settled into their cabins. It is one small way to show love to those children whose parents cannot go up with them.

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page tuRneRS – meet the neW libRaRian

Our Church Life..

Mrs. April Groos has worked for several years as the Christ Church librarian and has provided a very professional and caring result. I am Richard Albanese, very thankful to Mrs. Groos, who has helped me so kindly as I try to continue her work as the Christ Church librarian.

I am a physician who has had a career with the military, and have shuddered at the pain I have seen. Why, oh God, why? Father Koehler recommended “The Crucified God” by Jurgen Moltmann. Several references to other theologians unknown to me, made this a difficult read. But Moltmann’s thought and passionate expression convince me of Jesus’ words: “....just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” When we suffer, Jesus-God suffers with us. No one is alone; Jesus is in the suffering.

My second recent reading activity grew out of discussions with co-workers and grandchildren. I note that some present day biological and psychological sciences seem to take at times a mechanical view of the human being. I especially refer to the frequent use of the computer as a metaphor for the mind. “Ah, grandpa, how can you claim that we are more than an input-output programmable computer with a large core memory and enormous logic circuits?” I guess I am just an old dual-core laptop!

My first response is to note that science has as its working method the reduction of all systems to mechanical ones. “Mechanicalness” is a built in assumption of science. But to really know that a mind is a computer, one has to know everything about all minds to assert the identity of minds with computers, and that is not possible. So…. let’s take a closer look.

Wilder Penfield is a great neurological surgeon who pioneered the surgical treatment of epilepsy. Under comfortable local anesthesia he would probe partially exposed brains of an epileptic to find the offending brain area to remove. Many times, he inadvertently electrically stimulated visions, arm movement, and speech while searching for the seizure area. In every instance of thousands of stimuli resulting in actions, the patient always responded “I didn’t do that, you did Doctor Penfield.” Penfield concluded that he could not explain mind on the basis of electrical brain action alone (“The Mystery of the Mind”). How did the patient know which action was “his” and which “not his”?

Science is effective in technology and medicine by doing several things of value, and there is a substratum of mechanicalness in nature and human kind. We usually breath automatically. But I believe our spirit rises above mechanism and is free, creative and

responsible like no machine can be. This view can be well defended and is addressed in the short theology book I am reading entitled “Naturalism” by Goetz and Taliaferro.

In the Middle East there is a story told about Mullah Nasruddin who lost his house keys and was looking for them one night under a lamp post. “Is this where you lost your keys Nasruddin?” Nasruddin answered, “No, but this is the only place where there is light to look.” Science is a valuable lamp post, but it is not necessarily the place to look for really fundamental meaning and truths. I believe that music, poetry, religious thought, and philosophy are examples of human activities that reach well beyond the structures of science.

Holy Scripture is our anchor. But fuller understanding often requires use of other sources to explain context, idiom and expressed doctrine. The Christ Church library is a resource for such study. It is my heartfelt wish that reading and study will reinforce prayer in your Christian life and that the library is useful to you as you walk with Christ Jesus. Please tell me how you feel the library can better meet your needs (richard.albanese2@gmail.com).

Richard Albanese

Prayer or Pastoral Care After Hours Call 210-219-6490

Emergency Prayer Chain

For over 27 years, Christ Church has faithfully operated an Emergency Prayer Chain to lift up the critical needs of our people. The Clergy will initiate the chain when a serious need is made known to them. Over 50 people pray for the one in pain three times per day!

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May 24: Garden building at James Madison 8 AM - 5 PM

May 26: Memorial Day - Church Offices closed

June 2: Youth Mission Golf Tournament at Tapatio Springs

June 8: Pentecost

June 9 - 12: VBS “Wilderness Escape” from 9 AM - 12 PM

June 15: Father’s Day Third Sunday Lunch Bunch at Orderup

June 28 - July 5: Mission Trip to Honduras

June 29: “July 4th” BBQ in the Parish Hall 12:30 - 2 PM

July 1 - 14: Youth Mission trip to Guatemala

July 4: Independence Day - Church Offices closed

July 17 - 20: Short FUSE Mission Trip to Waco

July 20: Third Sunday Lunch Bunch at Orderup

August 17: Third Sunday Lunch Bunch at Orderup

Christ Church Staff:

The Rev. Patrick Gahan, Rectorpatrickg@cecsa.org

The Rev. Scott Kitayama, Associate Rector, scottk@cecsa.org

The Rev. Brien Koehler, Associate Rector for Mission and Formation, brienk@cecsa.org

The Rev. Rob Harris, Assistant Rector for Community Formation, robh@cecsa.org

Carol Miller, Pastoral Care Administrator, carolm@cecsa.org

Halleta Heinrich, Director of Family Ministry, halletah@cecsa.org

Clark Niles, Director of Youth Ministryclarkniles82@gmail.com

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

Joshua Benninger, Organist joshb@cecsa.org

Ruth Berg, Director of Children’s Music, ruthb@cecsa.org Robert Hanley, Parish Administratorrobert@hanleypmservices.com

Darla Nelson, Office Managerdarlan@cecsa.org

Donna Shreve, Financial Manager donnas@cecsa.org

Gretchen Comuzzi Duggan, Director of Communications, gretchend@cecsa.org

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

Donnis Carpenter, Receptionistdonnisc@cecsa.org

Elizabeth Martinez, Kitchen Managerelizabethm@cecsa.org

Robert Vallejo, Facilities Manager robertv@cecsa.org

Rudy Segovia, Hospitality Manager rudys@cecsa.org

Joe Garcia, Sextonjoeg@cecsa.org

O F E V E N T S

Good Samaritan Community Services (GSCS) presented the first Good Samaritan Award to San Antonio Businessman and Philanthropist Tom C. Frost on Friday, May 9th. More than 200 people joined Bishop Gary Lillibridge at the San Antonio Country Club to honor Mr. Frost. Along with a video salute, Mr. Frost was given a lovely, inscribed silver box that contained two silver “denari” and a beautifully inscribed scroll summarizing the parable of the Good Samaritan.

“Throughout his life, Tom Frost has put others ahead of himself,” said GSCS CEO Jill Oettinger. “He is passionate about giving back to his neighbors and improving the community; he was a natural

recipient for this first award.”

Event chairs Baker Duncan and Pat Orme spent countless hours to make this event memorable for the Frost family, while raising more than $100,000 for the programs of Good Samaritan Community Services.

The Message (USPS 471-710) is published bi-monthly by Christ Episcopal Church, 510 Belknap Place, San Antonio, TX 78212. Periodical postage paid in San Antonio, TX. Postmaster: Please send address changes to

Christ Episcopal Church, 510 Belknap Place, San Antonio, TX 78212. Volume 16, Number 3.

E P I S C O PA L

Christ Episcopal Church 510 Belknap Place

San Antonio, TX 78212www.cecsa.org

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Barbara Black and Ruth Berg gather with some of the children singing at the 100th Birthday Celebration