TIDINGSa newsletter of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and Schoola newsletter of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and School

AUGUST 2015

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WELCOME TO... A RENEWALAs I write this article, early in the morning of July 28th, workers are already laboring to complete the renewal and restoration of our beautiful worship space. The replacement of the entire ceiling, which had been

damaged by water, is nearing completion. Light fi xtures with energy effi cient bulbs are ready to be installed as soon

as the ceiling work is completed. Old, long-disconnected speakers have been removed and new speakers, to improve

the ability to hear the spoken Word, are ready for installation. Paint samples are up on the walls. Chairs are being recovered. A handful of broken fl oor tiles are being replaced. A small platform, on which the baptismal font will rest, is being tiled. To sum it up, our beautiful church is being renewed.Summer is a time for re-creation and renewal – not just for facilities, but for souls and bodies. The work to renew our facilities reminds me that God is always working to renew us. Christians also need seasons of renewal. Over time, we can get run-down and need spiritual refreshment. Our relationship with God sometimes grows stagnant and needs fresh air. Our prayer and worship habits can get dull, routine, and haphazard. Our Bibles can get dusty from disuse. Our giving patterns – giving of ourselves and of our treasure, sometimes fall by the wayside. We have times and seasons when we need the Risen Christ to breathe a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit into our hearts and souls. The same is true for congregations. Not only do individuals have times when renewal is needed, so do parish families, ministry teams, and groups.A Nigerian bishop once taught me a really simple, but powerful prayer. When I feel like my relationship with God is not what it could be, I pray it daily for several weeks. Thankfully it is really simple. Just a few words: “Renew your Church, O Lord, and begin with me.” As summer comes to an end and the patterns of fall begin, I invite you to join me in this simple prayer: “Renew your Church, O Lord, and begin with me.” I pray that these remaining weeks of the summer are a time of renewal and refreshment for you, for your family, and for our church family. As workers complete the restoration work in our church, so may the Risen Lord breathe a fresh expression of the power of the Holy Spirit into your heart and soul, and into our congregation.

Renew your Church, O Lord, and begin with me.

Peace,

RENEWYOUR CHURCH,

O LORD,AND BEGIN

WITH ME.

The Rev. David G. ReadRector

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in the WORLD

Hello From Haiti! Dear Church Family, Hello! I hope this letter finds everyone in the midst of an amazing summer! These past few weeks in Haiti have been filled with a lot of ups, downs and twists and turns. I never imagined what it would be like living in a third world country, but as time goes on, I’m realizing the pain, hardship, beauty and miracles you experience on a daily basis. I am also realizing that with every advancement and miracle we see, we get many setbacks as well. In the past two months, three students associated with Respire Haiti Christian School passed away- and this was something my team and I found very difficult to process. These three students were all under the age of 5 and it felt as they lost their lives far too early. Although we faced a lot of sadness and hurt, we all found peace in the fact that these students are now at home with their good and perfect Father. It is now approaching summer break at Respire Christian School. Students are taking their final exams this week and will begin their summer vacation next week. This summer, I will be helping with summer school along with planning a new curriculum for next fall that I will implement in the secondary classes- Character Development. I will be home at the end of the summer and cannot wait to see all of you. I always get so excited as I get ready to be home for a short vacation and see my church family. St. Luke’s is truly one of the things I miss the most while I am living in Haiti. Thank you all for all your prayers and support- I can definitely feel them! Blessings, Cookie Harris

PPrayer Requests

• Scott and Kimberly Brown and their current adoption process with Angeline.

• The families who have lost a loved one in the past month

• The children and families of Gressier, Haiti.

Respire Haiti “Respire Haiti desires to encourage,

educate and empower restaveks, orphans and vulnerable children.”

RespireHaiti.Org

Respire Haiti 12 Rue Keth

Gressier, Ouest, Haiti

inspiringWORSHIP & MUSIC

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WELCOME TO...worship

Every Sunday, St. Luke’s Church is honored to host and warmly welcome members, visitors, and friends to worship. Three services are currently offered on Sunday to accommodate any person’s schedule, varied worship preferences, and to afford everyone the chance to invite a friend to help fi ll the pews. Children are welcome in all worship services and nursery care is offered at the morning services for those parents who would like to use it.At 8:00 a.m. – This fi rst worship service of the day is traditional and refl ective. It includes a sermon, holy communion, and a small amount of music. At 10:00 a.m. – This summer and early fall, this celebration is located in the Parish Hall. The service maintains its traditional foundation with hymns, a sermon, and holy communion. The summer services at St. Luke’s do take on a more casual tone, so feel free to come as you are in summer clothes. Childcare is offered in the Church Nurseries on the main level.At 6:00 p.m. – This Sunday evening worship service is the most informal service offered at St. Luke’s. Casual dress is appropriate and welcome. This 45 minute service includes a brief sermon, holy communion, and prayers for healing for those who desire it.*Starting Sunday, September 20th, St. Luke’s will return to four worship services on Sundays. Worship services will be at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 6:00 p.m. starting September 20th.

worship - the tie that bindsThe principal liturgy of the Episcopalian faith is the Eucharist (also called Holy Communion, The Lord’s Supper or the Mass). The basic pattern of the Eucharistic liturgy goes back to the earliest years of the Christian Church. What we do today in worship, therefore, ties us together with all those who have come before us. Since it is unlikely that the Church will ever cease to celebrate the breaking of bread and sharing of wine, this celebration ties us together with those who will come after us.St. Luke’s believes that when we celebrate the Eucharist, Jesus is made present with us in that moment. His presence is why the Eucharist is so important and central to us. What you see on Sundays is just as Christians have done for almost two thousand years. All because Jesus commanded us to do it.Worship bulletins are available at all worship services to help navigate the liturgy and the appropriate responses. During the summer months, the 10:00 a.m. service is printed in its entirety. The 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. services use the Book of Common Prayer and the bulletins help participants with reference numbers and liturgy. Throughout all three services, everyone is invited to stand to sing praises to God (the hymns) and greet one another. We sit for instruction and kneel (when able) to confess our sins and for personal devotion. Many Episcopalians make the sign of the cross, bow, and observe other reverences, but they

are not required of anyone. If you have any questions about what, and why, we do things a certain way at St. Luke’s Church, please ask any

member of our clergy!

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WELCOME TO... MusicThe fall almost feels like a new year at within the St. Luke’s Music Ministry. This fall a number of new and exciting programs and events are ahead.A new season of Youth Music is about to begin with the St. Cecilia Choir and St. Luke’s Choristers

starting up rehearsal again on Monday, September 14th, at 5:00P p.m. The St. Luke’s Choristers are made up of children from second grade and up. They sing an average of once a month and join

the Parish Choir for special occasions. The St. Cecilia’s Choir has the littlest children ranging from PK4 to fi rst grade. This group learns music skills as well as how to sing. This year, the music program is expanding to

include other age groups and ministries. The choirs will still sing during Sunday worship services but are going to mount a production of Godspell and the music ministry wants you to be involved! If you have a child or know of a child (including teens) who loves singing, please contact Russell Jackson, Choir Director at 210-828-6425 or russellj@stlukes-sa.net!The St. Luke’s Parish Choir numbers around twenty-fi ve dedicated and devoted singers, led by four section leaders and fi ve choral interns, plus David Heller as organist. The Parish Choir spends countless hours in preparing to lead the choral worship at St. Luke’s and are augmented by strings and brass at Christmas and Easter. A Music List is published at the start of each year which contains all the music for the season. If you are interested in the music program at St. Luke’s please contact Russell Jackson at 210-828-6425 or russellj@stlukes-sa.net.

This fall, St. Luke’s is relaunching the St. Luke’s Concert Series. Currently, there are four programmed events:

• November 6th, “Where Rivers Meet” – “Where Rivers Meet” is cooperative event with University of the Incarnate Word. The evening is in three parts – the Japanese noh play “Sumida River” with Theatre Nohgaku, a commissioned interlude written by Poet Laureate, Carmen Tafolla, and Britten’s one-act opera “Curlew River. “ International artists are featured in all parts of the production which is produced by Kevin Salfen, including

Richard Emmert, Jubilith Moore, Hideta Kitazawa, Steven Brennfl eck, and Chia-wei Lee, to name a few. The production will also tour and perform in Austin, UIW, and Houston.

• February 21st, “Winterreise” – “Winterreise” is the passionate and deeply emotive song cycle by Franz Schubert set to the poetry of Wilhelm Müller. Andrew De Voogd will sing this work which tells the winter journey of love and despair. It begins with the song Goodnight in which the poet is refused the love of the woman he hopes to marry. The music ranges from crushing to almost delirious moods. Andrew De Voogd is a graduate of UTSA and has led the tenor section at St. Luke’s for a number of years. His voice is one of great musical tenderness and experience singing in different genres from opera to folk, from renaissance to modern.

• April 17th, “St. Luke’s Hymn Festival” – The Hymn Festival is a chance to submit your hymn favorites and support St. Luke’s Choir on their next choral pilgrimage. The Choir will sing hymns and arrangements from all seasons!• May 21st, “San Antonio Chamber Choir” – This renowned group will be appearing at St. Luke’s after several years’ hiatus. The San Antonio Chamber Choir is an ensemble of professional voices dedicated to enriching the cultural life of South Texas through artistic

performances of the fi nest choral music. In their 10th season, the choir celebrates a history of choral excellence and looks ahead to exciting prospects under the direction of new

Artistic Director, Rick Bjella.• In addition to our Concert Series there are many musical events featuring St. Luke’s Choir: Choral Evensong on the third Sundays of September, October, January, March, and May; November 15th a Mozart Requiem in observance of Veterans’ Day (Remembrance Sunday); November 29th is the now annual Advent Lessons & Carols in preparation for the Christmas season; and July 11th through 17th, the Parish Choir will be the Choir-in-Residence at the National

Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

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WELCOME TO...PASTORAL CAREJesus said, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35) This commandment is what underlies everything that St. Luke’s Church strives to do through its Pastoral Ministries; to love one another.

How do we show love to one another both in and out of the Church? The following is only part of what the parish family does on an ongoing basis to love our neighbors.

Each and every individual in the Church as a whole also carries out pastoral ministries among their own family and friends. By praying for your friends in private, sharing stories of

your faith in person and on social media, participating in community outreach, praying with your family when eating out, and making Jesus a part of your daily conversation, you are being a disciple and showing, and sharing, His love for, and with, others. This is what it means to live the life that our Lord had called us to live: to be ambassadors of the Kingdom of God.For more information on the following ministries and how to become a part of them, contact Father John at johnb@stlukes-sa.net.

Lay Eucharistic Visitors - This group of dedicated “ministers” takes the holy sacrament (the bread and wine) of the Sunday Eucharist out to those who are homebound or are in a health care facility and are unable to attend church. These ministers lead a short service, read the scripture lessons, deliver a synopsis of the sermon, and distribute the pre-consecrated bread and wine brought directly from the Sunday service. They bring the holiness of St. Luke’s to the faithful in the community. They are sharing His love and word with the people.

Pastoral Callers - St. Luke’s is here for its parish family. We rejoice in the moments of joy; the births of babies, the joining of two people in marriage, adding members to the Church through baptism, and recognizing the milestones of birthdays, and anniversaries. St. Luke’s is also here for its people during the hard times. A dedicated group of callers reaches out to celebrate the happy moments and to be there for the hard times. For many, these callers have become friends to those who may not be able to attend church for one reason or another. They are reminded that the Church cares about them during the stressful moments, times of illness, or a death.

Daughters of the King - The Daughters of the King is a spiritual sisterhood of women dedicated to a life of Prayer, Service, and Evangelism. “DOK” members have made a commitment to Jesus as their Lord and Savior and gather for prayer and a time together in faith and friendship. They have dedicated themselves to daily prayer and they pray specifi cally for all those on our prayer list as well as for the church itself.

Transportation Ministry - Can you imagine what it must be like to want to come to church but not be able to drive or have a ride? St. Luke’s has a few of our members who fi nd themselves in this predicament. The transportation ministry is composed of volunteer drivers who give one Sunday every other month to pick up someone and bring them to church.

The Bethany Guild - Dealing with the death of a loved ones it a trying time. The Bethny Guild works with families during this time of grief to relieve the stress of funeral planning. At no charge to families, the Bethany Guild calls on their gift of hospitality to prepare and serve a wonderful reception following funeral services at St. Luke’s.

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Prayer is a powerful way to deepen our relationship with God as well as intercede on behalf of those we care about. Our call is to care for one another, not only through joy and celebration, but most especially through crisis and loss. Consider adding these joys and concerns to your prayer life.August Birthdays - the 1st - Raye Foster and Cornel Sarosdy; the 2nd - Aiden Atlas and Jeffrey Schrantz, the 3rd - Mrs. Lloyd Johnson; the 4th - Lindsay Hart and Cynthia Ray; the 5th - Patrick Landis and Steve McAllister; the 7th - Lizzie Hudson, Ella Grace Lundgren, Ian McCallin, and Carolyn Meyer; the 8th - Michael Martinez; the 9th - Bill Bayern, Denise Chidgey, Will Holshouser, and Seth McCabe; the 10th - Elijah Bovenzi, Susan Cespedes, Russell Jackson, Steve Klefforth, and Carol Thompson; the 11th - Judah Cannon and Marion Rowland; the 12th - Madeline Pendon; the 13th - Sadie Denton, Alison Millican, Yvonne Webbles, and Sylvia Ynman; the 14th - J. Camilo Castano, Jan Luther, and Lucy Stewart; the 15th - Julie Gowen; the 16th - Alta Grace Rainbolt, Michelle Stewart, Sloane Sutherland, and Jean Williams; the 17th - Claire White; the 18th - Tandy Bowers, Almeda Hodge, Terry Gay Puckett, Stephen Ramsey, Jason Reichert, and oan Ueckert; the 19th - Maxene Bowen, Kristen Upton, and Jack Williams, Jr.; the 20th - Yongok Parks and Vernon Vaughan, Sr.; the 21st - Julie Ball, Beth Boehme, R. J. Cotter, and Kevin Salfen; the 22nd - Jacquie Field, Will Heinemeyer, and Ella White; the 23rd - Lucy Stephens; the 24th - Dottie Kenworthey, Kevin Palmer, and Steve Roederer; the 25th - Lori Koehler; the 26th - Brooke Sheedy and Elizabeth Turner; the 27th - Jack Krause and Steve Rogers; the 28th - Nathaniel Alfonsin, Claire Brown, George Harrison, Bill Read, Elizabeth Stephens, and Philip Young; the 29th - Eduardo Alfaro, Samantha Dickie, Allison Dickie, Joyce Griffi n, and Anne Jordan; the 31st - Robert Magnon, Penny Oliver, Paul Pace, and Debra Jene WilliamsAugust Anniversaries - the 1st - Chris and Kristyn Mowen; the 2nd - Tim and Elizabeth Turner; the 3rd - Ted and Weetia Burkhart; the 5th - Michael and Eleanor Seiferth; the 6th - Fred and Sylvia Cutler, Robert and Nancy Maurer, and Zach and Victoria Wright, Jr.; the 9th - Jamie and Terrie Musselman; the 10th - Keith and Rebecca Long and Steve and Susannah McAllister; the 13th - Bill and Doris Read; the 17th - Scott and Diana Zinsmeister; the 19th - Robert and Jackie Raney; the 20th - Seth and Marquel McCabe; the 22nd - Ty and Colette Edwards and Will and Susan Hausser; the 26th - David and Lisa Straub; the 27th - Bill and Carol BayernPlease pray for St. Luke’s members - Bill, Alta Grace, Gene, Ellen, Bette, Cookie, James, Sara, Kent, Jessie, Judy, Denise, Mike, Jessica, Dorothy, Raye, Jane, Sandy, Genie, Jean, Freda, Mary, Shirley, Mimi, Jean, Katherine, Mary, Omar, Eleanor, Helen, Maggie, Gladys, Stutsy, Ruth, Helen, Jacquie, Robert, Sybil, Clara, Howard, Pat, Ann, Carolyn, Bill, Gwen, Louise, Fred, Amy, and JeanPlease pray for St. Luke’s friends and relatives - Benjamin, Gloria, Patti, Jessica, Thomas, David, Brian, Michelle, Tom, Larry, Al, Nancy, Gay, Louisa, Terry, Shawna, Steve, Rafael, Joanne, Eddie, Brent, and Ellen

- for the births of Michael Andrew Millsap, Madison Elizabeth McMillian, and Natalie Eleanor Silvius.- for the newly baptized members of St. Luke’s Church: Olivia Lane Lee, Anne Hastings Murray, and Audrey Joy Thompson, Roger Lowell Bessey, Clara Rose Ritchie, Derek William McCallin, Gus Owen Stephens, Abigail Grace Kassahn, and Sophia Pamela Simons.- for the deaths of Dr. Colette Kohler, Nancy Maurer, Kaye Taylor, and in celebration of their lives.- for the marriages of William Saunders and Catherine Healy, Abram Bustamante and Claire Petrosky, and William Campbell and Claire Odom.- for the newest members of St. Luke’s Church; Elaine Schmidt. To join St. Luke’s Church, or transfer your membership to St. Luke’s Church, contact Lindsay MacDonald at lindsaym@stlukes-sa.net.- for _____________________________________________________.

How Do I Pray?‘Lord, teach us to pray.’ That request was put to Jesus by his own disciples - which should encourage us if we feel we don’t know how to pray. They needed help, and so do we, especially at troubled times such as these. But there isn’t just one right way to pray - what works well for one person may not for another. The following thoughts are offered just as guidelines which may be useful:- God already knows what is in our hearts and minds. We can be honest with God, and say exactly how we feel, or even just sit in silence.- It might help to fi nd a quiet space. You may want to be on your own, but you may also fi nd that it helps to join other people, who may be gathering to pray in local churches, but also in schools, workplaces and elsewhere.- You may fi nd that you can say just what you want to, using your own words. Knowing what to say can be diffi cult at times. Listed below are a few requests from the people of St. Luke’s Church and School. Consider offering these up to God during your moments of personal prayer.

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WELCOME TO...Children and familiesI love our “Welcome” theme for the fall! And I love the fact that, in a couple of weeks, on September 13th we have dedicated a whole Sunday to welcoming our parish family home! I love using the words "Welcome" and "Home" because I think that these two words, both together and separately, so appropriately

refl ect what we're about in our ministry to children and families here at St. Luke's!First of all, before this summer ends, St. Luke’s Church will have welcomed nine new

babies to this church family since the beginning of 2015! The church nurseries are active and full of life, and our ministry to young families, Holy Strollers, has welcomed

these precious little ones and their families by providing a meal, special gifts (including some lovingly created by our St. Francis and Knitting Guilds) and by providing opportunities for fellowship.Also this summer, St. Luke’s Church welcomed 140 children, 50 Junior and Senior High students, and over 50 adults to our annual Vacation Bible School. To me, VBS engages every aspect of our St. Luke's Vision in one week. VBS is fi ve amazingly fi lled days of compassionate care, fellowship, evangelism, transformative education, and inspiring worship and music! Each year parents tell me that, long after VBS is over, their children are still singing the songs, and I see people (adults and children!) displaying their "VBS t-shirts" even from past years! Each year, 18 little ones (ages 1 1/2-3 years old) and their families are welcome to St. Luke’s weekday Mustard Seed Program. For many of these children, this is their fi rst time away from "mom and dad" and so we are blessed by teachers who make it their goal to create a warm and welcoming environment not only for the children but for their parents was well. Like all of our programs and activities within Children and Family Ministries ~ whether Sunday School, Children's Chapel, Nursery and Childcare, or seasonal events ~ one of our guiding values is to convey to children (and their families) that "this is your place ~ you are welcome here!"Then there's the word "Home." The word immediately brings to mind the place where we live, and then the people with whom we share that place. Our ministries to children and families here at St. Luke's are guided by the desire to connect the homes where we live with our "church home" ~ that what we do here "in this building" needs to equip families with ways to "GO" and to live out their lives as followers of Jesus in their day-to-day lives. Integral to the accomplishment of these goals ~ expanding the ministry of the "home" and actively inviting and welcoming children and their families ~ is the involvement and dedication of people who are willing to say "YES" to serving, whether through leading a class of children in Sunday School, organizing one of our events for children and families, bringing treats for our wonderful Nursery staff or even organizing closets and supplies! Every aspect of service is important! On Sunday, September 13th, you will have an opportunity to learn about some of the specifi c ways you might serve as we gather to say "WELCOME HOME!"

- Ann Allen, Director of Children and Family Ministry

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WELCOME TO... youthYouth Ministry at St. Luke’s is a home away from home for 6th through 12th graders; it is a place where to grow together in Christ. It is also a time to gather and learn about who we are in God’s kingdom. This year in Youth Ministry, youth will explore what it means to be a part of God’s kingdom, a kingdom we can call home. Talk will revolve around how to invite our friends and people we know to grow with us

in this awesome community of students at St. Luke’s Church.• Wednesday Night Youth Group - This is a great opportunity for students grades 6th-

12th to gather, learn, and worship together. The night begins with dinner, followed by a game, singing, and worshiping. There is usually be a Christ centered talk about who we are as believers in Christ. The middle school and high school groups then break into separate groups to discuss the topic of the night and end with a closing prayer.• High School Sunday School: Order Up the Gospel- Can I Ask That? - The High School

Sunday School continues to meet at Order Up. Students leave from the Church at 9:55 a.m. and have breakfast while discussing some tough questions. Teenagers (and

adults) have the questions you are scared to ask or feel like the tough questions get squashed. It’s not only okay to ask hard questions, but it’s actually important–some say essential–for your faith journey. God can handle it. God isn’t anxious about your questions, struggles, or doubt.• Middle School Sunday School: Matthew - This year, Middle Schoolers will study Matthew’s Gospel. The group will take a practical approach of hearing and

learning about the teachings of Jesus and talk about how God, through Christ, invites us to his home/kingdom. Middle School Sunday School meets in the Youth

Room at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings.• Confi rmation - The Youth Confi rmation Class begins on Sunday, September 20th, at 10:00 a.m. Confi rmation refers to the decision a person makes to respond to God's grace with intentional commitment, and reaffi rming his or her baptismal vows before the congregation. Students learn about the meaning of Christian faith, sacraments, the Bible, God’s people, and serving. The class concludes with a visit from a diocesan

Bishop on Confi rmation Sunday, November 1st, at the 11:00 a.m. service. • Important Dates - August 23rd is a Pool Party for grades 6-12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at

the Giddens' house (email Glenn for directions at glennm@stlukes-sa.net); August 26th starts Youth Group for grades 6-12 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Youth Room; September 20th starts Sunday School for all ages; September 20th the Confi rmation Class begins; and November 1st is Confi rmation Sunday.• Mission Trip - This year, the Youth Group decided to do something a little

different for the annual mission trip. St. Luke’s hosted an opportunity for others to join us as we served San Antonio and called it “Mission City Missions.” It was an amazing

week of service to Good Samaritan Center, Daily Bread Ministries, and Mission Road. At Good Samaritan, students helped out with the day camp assisting teachers. At Daily Bread

Ministries, students mirrored St. Luke’s VBS and led one for the children in need of that area. Middle school students worked with the residents of Mission Road. Throughout the week, students were challenged in service and to be “Bold and Free” by letting go of the past and live in God’s freedom.

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-WELCOME TO... adult education

starting September 20th• The Gospel of Mark - The Gospel of Mark is the earliest written account of Jesus’ life and ministry. At only 16 chapters, Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels and contains unique perspectives, theology, and insights into Jesus’ miracles, teaching, and ministry. Led by The Rev. David Read

• What About Other Religions? - The Rev. Michael Koehler leads this class on comparative religions, comparing and contrasting the beliefs and practices of the great

religions of the world with Christianity. Michael is the Associate Chaplain at TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas, and an assisting clergy at St. Luke’s.

• Searching for Sunday - Centered on seven sacraments, this class follows Rachel Held Evans’ quest through a liturgical year with stories about baptism, communion, confi rmation, confession, marriage, vocation, and death that are funny, heartbreaking, and sharply honest. This class is an opportunity to grow in your understanding of what the church is and how it infl uences our culture today.

WELCOME TO... Weekday formation• Monday Morning Book Study for Moms - Especially for moms of young children, this group serves as a place

of spiritual nurture and fellowship for moms on Monday mornings from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the Church Parlor. This fall, discussion will center around Jen Hatmaker’s book, “For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards.” For more information, contact Xochitl Denton at lukablythe9@gmail.com.

• Wednesday Morning Women’s “Book and Bible” Study - On Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m., women gather to read and discuss “Namesake” by Jessica LaGrone. The fi rst meeting is Wednesday, September 16th at 9:00 a.m. in the Church Parlor. For more information, contact Ann Allen at ann@stlukes-sa.net.

• Wednesday Bible Study - On Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m., Diane Thrush leads an in-depth, refl ective Bible Study in the Small Conference Room. For more information, contact Diane at dianewt@aol.com.

• Luke’s Men - Luke’s Men is a time for all men of St. Luke’s Church and School to come together for breakfast, prayer, and guided discussion. The group meets in the Large Conference Room on the fi rst and third Tuesday’s at 7:30 a.m. This fall, the men will discuss the Gospel of Mark. For more information, contact Charles John at cjohnaia@gmail.com.

• Meditation - Compassionate presence, loving attention, and truthful silence are the essential elements to follow Jesus as teacher and friend. The St. Luke’s Meditation Group meets on Thursday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in the Large Conference Room to deepen spiritual lives through contemplative practice and silence. For more information, contact Gretchen Bealer at 824-6191.

WELCOME TO... CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL• First Look: 2- and 3-Year-Olds - Two separate classes are offered for these youngest preschoolers, each of

which is especially geared to be developmentally appropriate for these little ones as they learn more about the God who created and loves them!

• Godly Play: PreKinder 4 year-olds through 3rd grade - Godly Play is based on the creation of a “sacred space” where children can hear the stories of our faith, “wonder” about them, and respond to them in their own way.

• Travel Through the Bible: 4th & 5th Grade - These oldest elementary students travel through the Bible in two years and gain a deeper understanding of the “big picture” and their place in it. This class also includes service opportunities, a little “friendly competition” through monthly Bible Jeopardy games, and breakfast tacos! This year’s focus is the New Testament.

• Communion Instruction Class - Starting September 13th, this eight-week class is geared for 1st graders, although older children may also participate. This class is not a “prerequisite” to participating in the Eucharist. Rather, this class serves as a way to help children begin to explore the meaning of Holy Communion and “why we do what we do” in our worship service. Children do need to be baptized before receiving communion.

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St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and School11 St. Luke's LaneSan Antonio, Texas 78209

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Periodical PostagePAID

San AntonioVol. 56, No. 8

TIDINGS (USPS 629-080) is published monthly by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 11 St. Luke’s Lane, San Antonio, TX 78209. PERIODICAL postage paid at San Antonio, TX.

TER: Send address changes to: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 11 St. Luke’s Lane, San Antonio, TX 78209.

The Rev. David G. Read,Rector - rector@stlukes-sa.netThe Rev. John D. Badders, Jr.,Associate Rector - johnb@stlukes-sa.netThe Rev. Michael Koehler,Assisting PriestLindsay MacDonaldClergy Secretary - lindsaym@stlukes-sa.netTom McLaughlin, Head of School - tmclaughlin@sles-sa.orgRussell Jackson, Music Director & Organist - russellj@stlukes-sa.netDr. David Heller, Associate Organist -dheller@trinity.eduJoseph Degollado, Facilities Manager - josephd@stlukes-sa.net

Ann Allen, Children’s Ministries - ann@stlukes-sa.netGlenn Meschko, Youth Ministry -glennm@stlukes-sa.netSuzanna Frey, Assistant to Christian Formation -suzannaf@stlukes-sa.netVictoria Wright, Publications -victoriaw@stlukes-sa.netDavid Thomas, Parish Administrator - davidt@stlukes-sa.netRhonda Jordan, Parish Secretary - rhonda@stlukes-sa.netJean Beere, Receptionist - jeanb@stlukes-sa.net

Children & Family Ministry Page 8Education Page 10From the Rector Page 2In the News Page 3Pastoral Care Page 6Prayer Requests Page 7Worship & Music Page 4 - 5Youth Ministry Page 9

A Look Inside...

(210) 828-6425 | www.slecsa.org

Church Staff