MARCH 2020

Bishop David Reed’s Address to Council 2020 Bishop David Reed’s address at the recent Diocese of West Texas Council in Corpus Christi was a highlight of the event. Bishop Reed reached into the past to recall the words of Bishop Elliot, the first Bishop of West Texas, about how the spread of the railroad was changing the pace of life—that a trip from San Antonio to Laredo took only eight hours when it had taken him five or six days on horseback. He worried how much people would miss seeing as they sped by.

Turning to the present, Bishop Reed continued,

Isn’t the speed of life a significant source of spiritual dis-ease in our time? And isn’t the inability to see clearly what lies before us worsened in our culture by too many lights that never go out? And aren’t so many of our treasured technologies that promise more human connection, promise more time and more knowledge actually having a very different effect? As bandwidth widens, perception and understanding narrow. Isolation and tribalism and division take root. We have more and more to do, that matters less and less. We are stuffed with information and go hungry for wisdom and insight. So many of us have a hard time looking up from our devices and stepping away from our screens to see life, to see one another.

So how do we hear and take to heart this Council theme, “With the Eyes of our Hearts Enlightened”? How might the Living Word take these words and break through our distraction? How do we look up and look around so that we can truly see with our deepest selves? I mentioned yesterday that seeing “with the eyes of our hearts enlightened, seeing with the eyes of our inmost self opened to God,” was like using a telescope or a microscope to see farther and deeper.

I want all of us to see with eyes enlightened, not only for the sake of our souls, but for love of the world to which we’re sent. And so, as a way to practice slowing down and looking, giving consideration, I’m inviting and encouraging you all to study the Book of Psalms in 2020.

The Psalms are poetry. They are an antidote to the mean season we find ourselves in these days . . ..We have stopped seeing the other, stopped seeing Christ in others. And in our blindness, the first thing we lose are the qualities of mercy and loving-kindness.

Continued on the next page

The newly formed Brothers and Sisters group is joyous beyond belief at the generosity of the St. Barnabas community! The group was formed to address humanitarian aid at the south Texas border. Volunteers have been sorting your donations into storage bins and easily transportable packages. One load of items has been already delivered to Sister Denise of the Daughters of Charity in San Antonio. The next load will go to Laredo. We continue to ask for donations of new underwear and socks for men, women, and children in addition to sports bras for women. At this time, no other items are needed as other charitable groups are covering those items.

The organization we are coordinating with in Laredo, El Buen Samaritano, is operating several shelters for women and children on the Nuevo Laredo side of the border and needs financial help with rent, utilities and computer/internet services so the residents can communicate with legal advisors. If you would like to make a donation, please send to El Buen Samaritano, 2206 Burnside St., Laredo, TX 78040.

Brothers and Sisters recently heard a presentation from Caroline Eidson of Fredericksburg, who has made several trips to the Brownsville/Matamoros border with the Team Brownsville organization . We were impressed with the aid they are providing and recommend you check out their Facebook page or website (www.teambrownsville.org) if you are interested in assisting this group. They can also use monetary donations and/or volunteers. For more information, please contact Nancy Cook at 830-4546-0352 or Finn Alban at 830-456-1876.

Brothers and Sisters

Nancy Cook, Mary Ann Garrett, Finn Alban, Linda Aide Becky Walsh and Sister Denise

Now is the time for poetry and art and music and even comedy; not to hide from all the craziness, but to let God’s light shine on it; to let the power of Christ loosen the hold that the principalities and powers have on us; to tell the Gospel truth, but tell it slant, so that it catches the light a little differently. The Psalms, like art and music and poetry and comedy, can be for us, lenses to see with the eyes of our hearts enlightened.

In the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have been born anew to a living hope. There is a promised new heart for us. And this new heart, this new life, brings with it eyes to see, and ears to hear, and hearts to love. “With the eyes of our hearts enlightened,” by the power of his resurrection, Jesus invites us to get up and follow, walking in love, keeping our eyes open—not just for the obvious beauty and goodness that surrounds us on every side, if we’ll only slow down enough to notice. Not only that, but also looking more deeply for the beauty and goodness of God’s amazing grace and saving movement, even in the least likely places, in the least likely people, and even in us.

Bishop Reed’s Address continued from the previous

Mom’s Morning Off

Dr. Heidi Kovar talked to the kids about dental hygiene.

Dana Hudson reads to a group of kids in Afterglow.

Thank you to everyone whose support, encouragement and prayers helped me get to and from Cambodia with TransformAsia and WeCan2020. I took away so much from this mission's trip. Early in the trip, I lost my phone, but it turned out to be beneficial. God gave me peace and I was able to be really present.

I was able to sit with Setan and Randa (with Transform Asia) many times and hear much of what they experienced in the killing fields, the refugee camp and then their journey thereafter leading up to helping so many people. Seeing Randa's strength and energy, as she is always working on what needs to be done and taking care of the people, the children, the place they call home, touched my heart

deeply. Setan and Randa work as a team to make sure everything gets done and that everyone is taken care of. They depend on God for it all...their faith is absolutely amazing. Setan made us coffee most mornings, sat with us and shared so much. They love and they serve.

The people we met have a passion for God. You can feel it radiate from them, from their hugs and from their smiles. They love one another and serve one another. One man traveled over 500 miles to be with us.

Teaching the lesson, “How God Sees Us,” and teaching the meditative art class went better than I could have imagined. The kids and ladies that I taught the meditative art class to had already begun to make beautiful creations and teach it to others. Before I left, they gave me some of their art and I know it took them a lot of time to do them.

The three women I traveled with (with WeCan2020), selflessly embraced and loved the people and the journey. We shared tears, joy, lots of laughter and we shared God. I enjoyed learning about canning and about their own journeys as well. We were each so different but it was amazing seeing how God put us together and how our weaknesses and strengths came into play at different times.

Thank you all again so much for making this mission's trip to Cambodia happen.

Stephaney

Mission Trip to Cambodia—Stephaney Burns

Lent 2020 “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord”

Hearing God’s Call in all that we do . . .

On Wednesday evening, March 4, The Rev. Jimmy Bartz, rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, will kick off our Lenten series of programs when he speaks on the church dismissal, “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” The Reverend Bartz will discuss how St. John’s in Jackson Hole, a tourist destination much like Fredericksburg, has sought to serve its community. The Wednesday evening program will begin with a light dinner at 6 p.m.; the program will begin at 6:45 p.m. and conclude with music and prayer by 8 p.m. Rev. Bartz will also speak on Thursday, March 5 at 10:30 a.m. Coffee will be served at 10 a.m.

Prior to coming to Jackson, Rev. Bartz was the founder and priest at Thad’s, an emergent Episcopal Church in Santa Monica, California,. He has also served at the Campus Missioner at the University of Texas in Austin at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, and All Saints’ Parish in Beverly Hills, California. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and Virginia Theological Seminary. Presently, he serves as the Chair of the Board of the Episcopal Evangelism Society and in years past has worked with Red Bull High Performance, teaching athletes spiritual disciplines; with Naval Special Warfare, working to create systems for character development within special operations teams. The Rev. Bartz is currently writing a book on the spirituality of risk.

The Lenten series will continue with these speakers also addressing the theme, “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”

March 11—Cindy Hefner, executive director of the Community Needs Council

March 18—Baylor Professor Jimmy Dorrell, executive director of Mission Waco and founder of Church Under the Bridge

March 25—Sarah Allerkamp, founder of the Good Samaritan Center and Misión de Candelilla

April 1—Caroline Eidson, member of Team Brownsville, speaking on the Border Ministry

On each Wednesday evening, a light supper will be served at 6 p.m. The program will begin at 6:45 p.m. and close at 7:45 p.m. with music and prayers. There will be a nursery and activities for children. Plan to attend and bring a friend.

Guardian Angel Dinner

During the weeks of Lent, each Guardian Angel has been praying (in

secret) for a child in our congregation. On April 8, at 6 p.m., the “Reveal

Dinner” will be held and the Guardian Angels and their “Angel Buddies”

will meet and introduce themselves.

Holy Week Palm Sunday

April 5th at 7:45 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter at which Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem is

remembered. All services (except 7:45 a.m.) will begin in the courtyard for those who are able.

Maundy Thursday

Thursday, April 9 at 6 p.m.

Maundy Thursday celebrates and commemorates the institution of the Eucharist by Jesus

“on the night he was betrayed.”

Good Friday

Friday April 10 at noon— Traditional Service † Friday April 10 at 6 p.m.—Stations of Cross

We gather to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus.

Easter Sunday

April 12th at 7:45 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Alleluia! Christ is Risen

Easter Egg Hunt

on the Church grounds

10:30 a.m. Easter Sunday

Flowering the Cross will follow the Egg Hunt.

In 1944, sixteen-year-old Edith Eger was sent to Auschwitz, where she endured unimaginable experiences, including being asked to dance for the infamous Dr. Josef Mengele. Today, she is a thriving Holocaust survivor, acclaimed psychologist and expert in trauma recovery; Dr. Eger is an inspiring speaker, human dignity advocate and author. Her book, “The Choice: Embrace the Possible,” is a powerfully moving memoir and a practical guide to healing.

Dr. Eger will speak at the Nimitz Museum on Friday, March 6, at 7 p.m., and at the High School Auditorium on Saturday, March 7, at 7 p.m.

Admission is by donation—Seating will be limited.

The Ballerina of Auschwitz—March 6 or 7—Dr. Edith Eger

Contact Holy Ghost Lutheran Church at 830-997-2288 for more information.

St. Barnabas joined other donors to make this program possible.

From the Senior Warden

The Vestry gathered on February 8, 2020, at Christie and Clayton Drescher’s beautiful property to

begin our journey together serving the parish and supporting the clergy. We were inspired from

the moment we arrived as we marveled at the incredible views of the Texas Hill Country.

The annual retreat is a time we learn about one another and explore many facets of St. Barnabas

and what it really means to be on the Vestry. One of our most important tasks is that of Vestry

Person of the Day…responsible for providing the donut holes on Sunday morning!

Pam and Jim Spruiell led us in an exercise to determine our personal style profiles and how we

might best work together to solve problems, set and accomplish goals and communicate around

difficult issues.

During 2019, the Vestry began exploring how the Youth and Family Ministry at St. Barnabas

could grow and be further developed. This initiative is carried forth into 2020 as our major focus.

The Youth and Family Ministry Task Force has been brainstorming for the past several months.

This group is assessing what we currently offer and what we would like to see develop in the

future. Vestry members Clayton Drescher and Alison Acton serve on this task force and will be

making monthly reports to the Vestry on its progress.

During our first Vestry meeting as a group, we elected Clayton Drescher to the position of

Secretary to the Vestry. Thanks to Clayton for accepting this important job.

The Visioning Committee recommended new signage on the campus that is more legible with

current information. Kevin Maxwell, Junior Warden, presented proofs of possible signage to be

placed on the Creek Street side of the property. All of the signage around the campus will be

refreshed.

St. Barnabas is ready for Lent! The Lenten offerings hold something for each of us to make a part

of our personal discipline. During the 40 days of Lent, it is not about being miserable or even

about giving up things. Ultimately, Lent is the time to prepare for the great climax of

Springtime—Easter.

May we take this time to tidy our own minds and hearts to make room for God’s life to come in

and transform us.

Blessings to you during your Lenten journey,

Cindy Scroggins

The Vestry of St. Barnabas Shalmir Benner Alison Acton Bob Bates Carl Money Brandon Dickerson Tim Bowyer Darrell Edwards Clayton Drescher Cindy Scroggins Susan Kimbrell Ginny Thomason

1st Jo Hallmark

2nd Mark Hallman

6th James Drury

Mary Gallagher

Kelly Hallman

8th Nancy Steinbach

9th Cyrus Drescher

Richard Mickelson

Nanette Shannon

12th Mary Easterling

13th Jack Oates, Jr.

Stephanie Stephens

14th Evelyn Washburne

15th Patsy Crouch

Fred Grimes

16th Caroline Gibson

17th Margaret Hawn

Ainsley Plesko

20th Nancy Bush

Peggy Jo Potucek

20nd Mary Jane Sumners

22nd David Clements

23rd Emma Carnes

Barbara McManus

23rd Ross Taylor

24th Jane Good

25th Jane Lewis

Katie Setterbo

27th Robert Thomason

29th Mary Hatchette

March Birthdays

March Anniversaries

SUNDAY WORSHIP

7:45 AM—Holy Eucharist Rite 1 9 AM—Holy Eucharist Rite II 11 AM—Holy Eucharist Rite II

WEEKDAY WORSHIP

6 PM WEDNESDAY—Holy Eucharist Rite II

12 PM THURSDAY—Holy Eucharist/

Healing Service (Chapel)

Worship and Christian Education

10 AM SUNDAY—Adult Classes

Living the Question Seekers Lost and Found At His Feet: 1 Samuel The Lectionary Class

10 AM SUNDAY—YOUTH CLASSES

Grades Pre K—2

Grades 3—5

Middle School

High School-Encouragers

5th Diane and Ray Smith

9th Helen and Richard McDonald

29th Sharon and Bill

30th Jeff and Barbara Smith

Daylight Savings Time

Begins at 2 a.m. on March 8.

Set your clocks ahead one hour.

CHURCH CLERGY AND STAFF:

Rector: The Rev. Jeff Hammond Assistant Rector: The Rev. Bur Dobbins Lay Pastoral Minister: Morey Weldon Liturgical Ministry Coordinator: Molly Martin Clergy Associate: The Rev. Dr. Dyana Orrin Clergy Associate: The Rev. Anne Finn Clergy Associate: The Rev. Tom Luck Parish Administrator: Rachael Cole Office Assistant: Carol Schreider Youth Ministry Coordinator: Karen Young Director of Music: Hazel Hanson Lay Ministry Coordinator: Steve Neale MMO Director: Deanne Moellering Nursery Director: Kathleen Meurer Housekeeper: Patty Ramirez

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Sun Mon Tues Wed Fri Sat 8 p.m. in the CEB

6:30 p.m. on Monday and Friday

Thurs. Women’s Meeting, 7 p.m. in the CEB

AL-ANON

Monday & Friday—6:30 p.m. in the CEB

BELL CHOIR

Wednesdays— 4:30 p.m. in the CEB

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY

Mondays—7 a.m. in the Library

BOY SCOUT TROOP 137

Tuesdays—6:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall

COMMUNITY DINNER

Sundays—5:30 to 6:30 p.m.in the Parish Hall

COMMUNITY OF HOPE

Tuesdays—5:30 p.m.

CHOIR

Wednesday— 3 p.m. in the Music Room

DAUGHTERS OF THE KING DISCERNMENT

Thursdays—12 noon

DAUGHTERS OF THE KING 2nd Saturday, 9:30 to 11 a.m.

EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY

Friday—1 to 4 p.m. in the CEB

KITCHEN TABLE BIBLE STUDY

Thursdays—10 to 11:30 a.m.

KNIT-WITS (KNITTING GROUP)

Wednesday—3 p.m. in the CEB

LADIES’ LUNCH

3rd Thursday—11:45 a.m. at the Herb Farm

LIBRARY GUILD

1st Thursday — 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.—Library

MEN’S BREAKFAST

Thursdays—7 a.m. in the Parish Hall

MMO (MOM’S MORNING OFF)

Mon. & Wed., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

PEACE AFTER DIVORCE

Saturdays—10 a.m. in the CEB

VESTRY MEETING 3rd Monday at 5 p.m.

Meetings and Ministries

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED