What did God do in the St. Marys community during Lent and Easter? What is ahead?

St. Mary's Episcopal Church 15415 North Eldridge Parkway Cypress, TX 77429-2005 Office: 281-370-8000 Email: admin@stmaryscypress.org Website: stmaryscypress.org Office Hours Monday Thursday 8:30 am 4:30 pm Friday 8:30 am Noon Weekly Worship Schedule Monday Saturday 9:00 am Morning Prayer 6:30 pm Evening Prayer Sunday Schedule 8:00 am Holy Eucharist 9:00 am Christian Education 10:30 am Holy Eucharist and Childrens Chapel 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist and Healing Nursery provided from 7:45 am-12:15 pm The Reverend Beth J. Fain, Rector The Reverend Katie Churchwell, Associate Rector The Venerable Russ Oechsel, Deacon Diane Mihalik, Parish Administrator Celeste Booker, Music Director Kelly Wallis, Organist (on Sabbatical 5/31-8/17) Cindy Wingfield, Childrens Ministry Coordinator Traci Foreman, Childcare Coordinator Sharon Davis, Communications Coordinator Max Williams, Youth Missioner, Parish Secretary Melissa Gueitt, Events Coordinator Molly Carnes, Connections Missioner Cathy Sharpe, Pastoral Care Donna Ritchey, Financial Secretary If you wish to be removed from our mailing list; or wish to receive a mailed copy of The Messenger call 281-370-8000 or email admin@stmaryscypress.org.

2

Calendar

June

5 Summer Concert #1 7PM Nave 7-14 Mission Trip to Dom. Rep. 11 Moms Group 10AM Nursery 15-19 Vacation Bible School 24 Holy Eucharist/Healing 9AM Nave 20 249&Hope 8:45 AM 25 Moms Group 10AM Nursery

July

3 Summer Concert #2 7PM HFC 203 Coffeehouse Concert

9 Moms Group 10AM Nursery 15 Holy Eucharist/Healing 9AM Nave 18 249&Hope 8:45AM 18 Seekers Forum 2PM HFC 203 31 Summer Concert #3 7PM Nave

August

8 Seekers Dinner 6:30 PM Rectory 9 LOTS 6:30 AM Parking Lot 14 Summer Concert #4 7PM Nave 15 All Parish Community Forum with Heimsath 9AM 16 St Marys Day 8AM Morning Prayer 10:30AM Holy Eucharist followed by lunch 5:30PM Evening Prayer 19 Holy Eucharist/Healing 9AM Nave 22 Adult Confirmation Class 9AM HFC 203 26 SoW and EYC Begin 6PM HFC 203 27 Moms Group 10AM Nursery 29 All Parish Community Workshop with Heimsath 1PM HFC 203

I N F O R M A T I O N

The Rev. Beth Fain Rector

This afternoon I looked through twelve years worth of

journey in our parish, and I was curious about how we had come to this moment in time.

I read the very first From your rector

A W O R D F R O M Y O U R R E C T O R

This afternoon I looked through twelve years worth of Messengers. Were beginning a new journey in our par-ish, and I was curious about how we had come to this moment in time. I read the very first From your rector column I wrote you in December, 1997. It was about prayer and how important it was to me to be able to pray for and with you. I was already praying for you in a daily cycle of prayer, and since January of 1998, we have prayed a cy-cle of prayer for each member of our parish family in our community worship. As I walked through the years with you at St. Marys through the dusty pages of past Messengers, I was

struck by the many prayers that we had been invited to pray as a community as we dis-cerned a host of calls by God: A prayer as we prepared to become debt free for the first time A prayer about having a wide enough doorway to be a gateway to Gods kingdom, that led to our first long range planning mission in 2000 and a new mission statement. A prayer that prepared us to gather the financial resources to become Gods love building Gods family, and eventually to the building of the Holy Family Center. A childrens prayer, Good morning God, this is your day, I am your child, please show me your way. Prayer after prayer after prayer for specific seasons of the church year for us to pray daily in our private and corporate prayer time. A prayer of discernment that we prayed for nearly two years that culminated in writing our current vision, mission, and values statements in 2008. Last summer we prayed another prayer as we opened our hearts to Gods will as we prepared to become debt-free a second time. In Lent of this year, our Associate Rector, Katie+, wrote our most recent community prayer that weve been invited to pray daily. In silence, speak to us. Quiet our hearts and minds and lives to hear your direction for St. Marys. Temper our egos and instill a selfless desire to know and live your will, that all we do would glorify your name. AMEN Continued

3

A

W O R D

F R O M

Y O U R

R E C T O R

C O N T

In April, the Vestry listened to God, and reaffirmed that we already knew Gods vision for St. Marys; we had prayed, discerned, and wrote it as a parish in 2008: A Christ-centered community inviting those seeking loving acceptance, spiritual growth, and sacred beauty. The Vestry discerned that we needed to create a specific plan, that is, a road map, to more intentionally walk with God as we, in community, discern what specifi-cally, very specifically, it is to look like in the years ahead for us to be even more A Christ-centered community inviting those seeking loving acceptance spiritual growth sacred beauty. This road map will involve a process of considering all facets of our life together, both inside and outside the parish: our ministries at St. Marys and in the world; in our corporate lives and our personal lives; and within our grounds and our buildings. Every person in the parish, children and adults, will be invited and en-couraged to be part of this process of discernment and planning. Please be part of this process of discernment and planning: Come to our community gatherings, come to worship, read the Servants Heart, and other written communications. Continue to pray and to listen: Not what I want. Not what you want. But God, what would you have us do? And if we continue to pray, I am certain, that even if we stumble from time to time, we will, with Gods help, be even more a Christ-centered community inviting those seeking loving acceptance. spiritual growth sacred beauty. AMEN

4

5

W O R S H I P

Ash Wednesday We attended 6:30 am Ash Wednesday services and when Beth asked if anyone wanted to take ashes with them, I nudged Billy to get some for one of his associates (who was raised Catholic) that I knew would appreciate re-ceiving the ashes. When he gave her the ashes, she thanked him and told him she was going to a noon service with another co-worker at a nearby Episcopal Church. Soon, his entire work group (all from various religious backgrounds) was discussing Lent and what they were giving up when one of them sug-gested that instead of giving something up they should give something back. They decided to collect gently used womens clothing and shoes for a nearby womens shelter. Lenten Blessings. Melissa Kimbrough

Good Friday

Knowing what was planned for the Good Friday service I thought pounding the nail into the cross would cause me to be

most spiritually aware. Of course, God often surprises us, and it was the sound of everyone hammering the nails which was extremely impactful for me. It brought the reality of Jesus great sacrifice for us to me so clearly. The nails we brought made such a difference in the worship. Sharon Davis

6

C O N N E C T I O N S

Sharing Faith Dinners

Feedback forms are still coming in, but so far 100% of dinner participants would recommend attending a Faith Dinner to others. Here is some specific feedback from the question What did you take away from your Faith Dinner ex-perience? The depth and breadth of our faith and the reflection of that faith in real life. throughout a clear and present common thread the Holy Spirit. everyone thinks differently about the questions of faith and God, but everyone is seeking God. Everyone has great stories and I loved hearing them. stories were touching always come away from these dinners with a deeper faith. knowing we all question our faith and yet have faith. Sharing is so important! how much we have in common [in our] struggles sharing is so good for our faith great way to bond with others in a more personal way than just after service chats. A terrific experience. Many participants reported feeling more connected and requested Faith Dinners more than once a year. The next Sharing Faith Dinners will be on a Saturday night during Lent unless a team of leaders comes forward to organize a Faith Dinner night before Lent. If you didnt attend this time, dont miss out next time!

7

C H I L D R E N S M I N I S T R Y

8

Y O U T H M I N I S T R Y

9

A D U L T C H R I S T I A N F O R M A T I O N

Holy Stretching

Writes a regular attendee: I loved last night's Stretch! Thank you so much. I am a rookie, always think I could/ought to meditate, but don't quite. Ditto with yoga. I promise that everyone who cares about me would say the calming,and quieting impact of both, is just what the doctor ordered.. How good of St. Marys to share this experience. Holy Stretching started as a Lenten offering, providing space for practicing silence and Holy movement and Holy listening. It has continued during the Easter season and who knows what the fu-ture holds for Holy Stretching. We do know that between 10-20 women, and sometimes children and youth, have grown deeper in relationship with God and have grown in their spiritual lives. (Holy Stretching is taking a summer break and will become the Women of Wednesday meeting once each month to enjoy a variety of activities.)

10

A D U L T C H R I S T I A N F O R M A T I O N

Lent and Easter Adult Christian Formation

Sunday Mornings:

During Lent, we utilized What Wondrous Love: Holy Week in Word and Art, a DVD series that included six passages of scripture, commentary by scholars from Emory's Candler School of Theology, and a John August Swanson work of art based on that passage. We studied: The Raising of Lazarus, The Entry into Jerusa-lem, Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet, The Last Supper, The Betrayal and Arrest and The Crucifixion.

Huge thank yous go out to our discussion leaders: Rod Sharpe, Alicia Caslyn, Forrest Zimmer-man, Javier Cuellar and Billy Kimbrough. For more information on What Wondrous Love see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ftg6NqHKxWQ

During Easter, we studied the Stations of the Resurrection: He is risen!, Empty Tomb, Jesus meets Mary Magdalene, The walk to Emmaus, Peace be with you!, Jesus and Thomas, Jesus at the Sea of Tiberius, Do you love me?, Jesus and the 500, Jesus and James, The Great Commission, The Ascension, The Conversion of Paul, and Pentecost.

Celeste started our conversations with an inspirational discussion of the Stations of the Resur-rection Artwork in the Nave that she created. The next week, not to be out outdone, Peggy Norton presented a very thought provoking dramatic reading of Mary Magdalene and Joan Postma made a fascinating presentation of the story of the Road to Emmaus using the chil-dren's ACF felt board. Jennifer Leclercq (check out her YouTube videos at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjJYQuxmeZs and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gP4ujOkuffU), Javier Cuellar and Rod Sharpe guided us through the remaining stations. The discussions can only be described as stunning.

Wednesday Bible Studies A devout group of brothers and sisters gather every Wednesday morning after Morning Prayer for Bible Study. During Lent and Easter, they have studied the Sunday Lectionary, primarily

led by Rev'd Beth and often getting a preview of Sunday's sermon and certainly items to ponder. Wednesday evening Men's Bible Study continues a detailed study of Mark. The discussions are always excellent, but are a close second to the fellowship among the men. During Lent we enjoyed a special "field trip" to St. Martin's to listen and watch Max McLean present the Gospel of Mark from memory. We have experi-enced the videos of his presentation over the years (as recently as during Advent),

but witnessing the power of the message in-person was a sight to behold. We do truly have an awesome God.

You are welcome to join us at any ACF offering. No advance experience or preparation is re-

quired. We are all on this wonderful, sometimes confusing, sometimes frustrating, but always

filled with love and grace walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

11

umSt. Marys Summer Concert Series

Sophie and Friends . . . Violist Sophie Parker returns to St. Marys' with her musician friends to serenade you with their interpreta-tion of Schubert's Trout Quintet in A Major, Opus 114 and Dvorak's String Quintet, Opus 77.

"Star-Spangled Coffee House"

St. Mary's will host a "Coffee House" featuring your favorite patriotic tunes. Join in singing songs in honor of our United States of America!

Kim Clark Celeste Booker & Kevin Guess

Flautist Kim Clark will present a recital of concert music.

Also on the program, Celeste Booker & Kevin Guess will offer piano duets for your listening pleasure.

Au guSt. Mary's Celebration Concert

St. Mary's Celebration Weekend kicks off with our an-nual Celebration concert. Join St. Mary's own musicians as they bring you music of many ages and genres. Friday concerts begin at 7:00 pm & are free of charge. St. Mary's Episcopal Church 15415 North Eldridge Pkwy Cypress, TX

M U S I C

June 5

July 3

July 31

Aug. 14

12

S T E W A R D S H I P

A St. Marys Parishioner Journey In moving to Houston in 2004 and becoming a new parishioner alongside my wife, Becca, our initial calling to St. Mary's was very similar to that of the majority of those reared in the Church; grow up, start a family, and find the local church as fast as possible. While semi-steady in the pews on Sundays for close to a decade, my initial St. Mary's God-called epiphany came by way of a 2012 Sunday morning announcementthere is need for one additional male parishioner to attend the Youth and Children's Ministry Task Force meeting immediately following the 10:30 service. Winking at Mrs. Clary, while not knowing what was to follow, I volunteered our voice to the why and how children mattered at St. Mary's. Fast forward two yearstoday I am a member of the K-2 children's Teaching Triumphant of Kimbrough, Lake, and Clary; please know the youngest of St. Mary's are both God-spoken and glittered up! More recently, I was asked to consider accept-ing the Stewardship position by Ministry Chair, Mark Doremus. After much discern-ment, I have accepted God's calling. What does Stewardship mean to me? The standard answer is that God asks each of us to give of our Time, Talents, and Talons (Roman for money). I'd like to offer a fourth word God asks us to obeyTrust. Matthew 6:34 gave us each a very simple rule to followSo do not worry about tomor-row, for tomorrow will take care of itself. Trust that God has called us together in communion with him and one another, holding out the real possibility of friendship through fellowship at St. Marys. As you have questions regarding Stewardship, please dont hesitate to reach out. I look forward to what God has in store for each and all of us together at St. Marys! In Him, Ross Clary

13

Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic On June 7th, six members of St. Mary's will travel to the Dominican Republic (DR) to join with a team from St. Dunstan's, Houston, for our 4th medical mission trip. The people whom we serve are pri-marily Haitians who have come to the DR to find jobs. The men work in the sugar cane fields cutting the sugar cane by hand with machetes. The families live in tiny villages ("batayes") in homes with no running water or electricity, much less access to medical care. The first year the team primarily focused on the medical clinics but over the years has evolved to serve in a wider capacity. The team will travel out to the sugar cane fields each day to conduct medical clinics, install water filers in homes, provide glasses to those in need, conduct a VBS, and so much more. So many of St. Mary's parishioners have made contributions to our project this year. Here are some of the ways our parish will impact the lives of those living in the batays: Those of you who chose the DR water filter project Advent Angels at Christmas donat-ed $2565 -- this translates into 17 homes getting clean water in June. Outreach Fund-ing and individuals have donated an additional $1600 for filters (another 10 families

will have clean water in June). St. Mary's Outreach has paid for all of our prescription medications that we will bring with us and dis-tribute to our clinic patients. We will be able to treat those with acute medical conditions as well as provide maintenance medica-tions for those with high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. In addition Outreach money will provide reading glasses as well as glasses for near sighted individuals that can be self adjusted to the patient's re-quired prescription. Imagine being able to see clearly for perhaps the first time in many years. There is still opportunity to participate in the mission. First and foremost we need prayers for safe travel. We also give out vitamins

to all of our clinic patients to supplement their diet. Up until May 31st, we are collect-ing adult and children's vitamins to bring on the trip. Any kind of vitamins EXCEPT "gummies" are needed. Place the vitamins in the CAM basket and they will be packed up and taken with the team. If you have any questions about the mission trip contact Vicki Ginger at vfg329@gmail.com

Henry and Chris Lada with water filter.

O U T R E A C H

14

B I R T H D A Y S

June July August

1 Kelly Goodheart, Lauren Foreman Sara Sweeten Linda Toungate, Mary Schiller, Barbara Winters, Joan Wilde, Shane Harris

2 Holly Pickett Clayton Wislan, Alexia Changalpet, Luke Moreland

3 Mike Bradbury, Jeff Foreman, Heidi Newcomer, Zach Wingfield

Sean Reid William Vickery, Ella Barnes

4 Patrick Davis, Drew Warren, Adi Tharp

Robert Smead, Chloe Oechsel, Jack Oechsel, Matthew Oechsel

Chuck Ransleben, Taylor Goss, Ross Clary

5 Ryan Carnes, Paul Neil, David Hillier

Rose Cook, Karen Holstern, Chris Johnston, Gina Miller

Marsha Wood, Matthew Brown

6 Margaret West Isabel OBrien, Dean Carman Denise Czepinski, Logan Blank

7 Joyce Simmons, Hugh Wood Abigal Wislan, Mateo Villarevia Bill Kelly, Lynn Moffett, Katy Arnold

8 Margaret Sowden Harold Walters, Kelly OConner, Marilynn Patterson, Abby Akard, Lauren Buchanan

Rod Sharpe, Rick Bell, Abby Wallis

9 David Pickett, Linda Long Brenda Graham Jay Denton, Anita Tharp

10 Penny Fleetwood, Becky Johnson, Julia Lyons-Ryle, Kami Harris, Stone Vacek, Judah Brown

Lisa Whitley, Katherine Klawetter Ken Monroig, Phoebe Muller-McKinstry, Dominick Thompson

11 Paula Harvey Ryne Neeley Susan Spore, Christopher Lada, Sophie Newton

12 Katie Villarevia, Timmy Toungate Carroll Akard, Pete Postma, Tricia Schielack, Beth Sweeten, Elise Knutson, Michael Cassidy

John Akard Sr., Angea Paredes

13 Nicholas Klawetter, Robert Wood, Nathan Turk

Guy Miller, Ronnie Tharp, Traci Foreman

Tod Harrison, Stefanie Toungate, Christopher Mack, Nicolas Rodriguez, Cole Thompson, Rory Marsh

14 Mary Margaret Champagne, Jeremy White, Joana Newton, Noah Marsh

Duane Maddux Mona Moreno, Brian Prindle, Gabriela Pineda, Melanie McNeil

15 Lisa Meaux, Elizabeth Stafford, Hailey Keene

Paige Akard, Katie Calsyn, Delaney Nelub

Claude Leclercq, Michael Allen

16 Melissa Bristow Pandora Hernandez, Natalie Stafford

Diana Hillier, Henry Lada

17 Christopher Rigdon, Minh Reid Ashlyn Doremus, Matty Marsh Molly Carnes, Melody Soto, Christopher Lee

18 Jennifer Leclercq Gavin Gretter Nancy Lease, Chris McGuirk

19 Sarah Bowen, Jeanne Zimmerman Rick Newton, Benjamin Skipworth Shelly Graves

20 Stacy Johnston, Sherry Hill, Gregory Stafford Jr.

Jim Tilson Barbara Dudley, Dale Graham, Katie Graham

15

B I R T H D A Y S

June July August

21 Elaine Martin, Shelby Bowen, Jackson Blank

John Gage, Mark Doremus, Hayden Nichols

22 Belinda Pearce, Brian Oechsel

Janet Sefcik, Julia Meyers, Todd Ber II, Margaret Edgmon

Benjamin Goss, Elizabeth Goss, Brynn Allen

23 Wendi Davis Nancy Kuhn-Gage, Jack Wells, Sean McAdoo

Raymond Clemence, Ron Dupre, David White

24 Wallace Fleetwood, Diane Mihalik, Damien Kincaid, Grace Costanza

Joe Fontaine, Court Campbell, Sophia Sanchez

Betty McCarl, Mark Hoyer, Kimber-ley Paredes, Crawford Churchwell

25 Winifred Okoro Grace LaFave, Ross Parris, Carl Eckersley, Jackson Clary

26 Lillian Prather, Brook Simons Michelle Cuellar, Colin Bowen, Brooke Carman,

Julia Rich, Makenna Kelly

27 Betsy Allen, Dedee Neeley, Luke Vasquez

Veronica Oyervides

28 Erin Duhon, Maddie Day, Santiago Gomez

Blaine Orth, Sarah Wood George Hernandez, Bruce Samuel, Megan Duhon, Audrey Johnson

29 Teena White, Ella Samuel Karen Guitierrez, Greg Kopacz, Claire Ginger

30 Zeldajean Byrd, Jane Buck-ner

Miranda Gomez, Levi Bauernfeind

Mary Jo Dupre, Drew Kelly

31 Howell Hubble, Kim Graham Ron Scott, Lissette Smead, Ethan Armstrong

16

C O N N E C T I O N S

Invite, Welcome & Connect Strategy or Culture? I recently had the opportunity to hear Bishop Doyle speak at the Invite-Welcome-Connect Summit at Camp Allen. Bishop Doyle challenged us to think about new ways to expand the kingdom and to move beyond some of the ways we have always done it.

One of the things he said that has been ringing in my ears is this: When we start a sentence with

How can we get them to we are not living the Gospel of connection; that this question is a question for the past.

Rev. Katies sermon about the vine and the branches hit me square in the face the day after I returned from Camp Allen. We arent supposed to decide for others what kind of fruit they are to bear; that is Gods job. When we ask how can we get them to we are deciding what kind of fruit others should bear. Yikes. I admit I have said how can we get them to I have said this in relation to getting folks to Sunday School, getting folks to attend an event, getting folks to participate in ministry, etc. This way of thinking is a tactic. The alternative is to ask how can we provide faith formation other than Sunday morning? or how does this group want to connect? or what are you called to do? As I pondered creating a forum for newcomers to connect, I couldnt gain peace with design-ing something around a three- or four-week Sunday morning class format. I was in the How Do We Get Them mode and it felt wrong. As I talk to visitors and members alike, so many of you are just out of breath with how busy and stretched you are and I didnt want this activity (which should be a source of joy) to be another burden in an already packed week. Its amaz-ing how it changes your motivation and your actions when you take this How can we get them to phrase out of your vocabulary. It takes you to a place of discernment focused on the other persons needs and calling instead of employing a tactic or strategy. Just like with in-viting folks to church, our job isnt to convince anyone; its to extend the invitation out of our love for Jesus and let God do the rest. One of the things that has come to me from this new perspective is a new way for newcomers to connect to St. Marys. Beginning in July, we will have our first Seekers Forum. This group will meet in person on a Saturday to get to know each other and help one another get connected digitally. Then for several weeks, we will consider questions and participate in dis-cussions in a private Facebook group. The Forum will culminate with a fellowship dinner at the Rectory. [Before you assume that this is only for the younger generation, you need to know more than half of all adults 65 and older are on Facebook and growing.] What can you do? I often hear folks ask how can we get visitors to stay? I would ask you to help nurture a culture of welcome instead of executing a welcome strategy. Approach our welcome of the stranger from a place of love and ask how can I help someone feel included or how can I share the love I have for this community with others? After worship and partic-ularly after the 10:30 am service, spend the first three minutes talking to those that you either dont know well or dont recognize. Simply introduce yourself. Be alert at any time for those who are standing or sitting alone and share your love by truly seeing them and go speak to them. Make sure you are standing in a C instead of a closed circle so there is always an opening for someone else to join the conversation. They will know we are Christians by our love. Molly Carnes, Connections Minister

17

V E S T R Y & M I N I S T R Y C O U N C I L

The Road Map: Walking Gods Will.

The arrow is God. It is straight in its trajectory and upward in it direction.

We (Gods children, but specifically the ones at St. Marys) are the blue dotted line. We are following Gods will as best we can with varying de-grees of successbut always moving in the same direction.

SAVE THE DATES ROAD MAP: Stops along the way Saturday, August 15 and 29

How can we be a Christ-centered community inviting those seeking loving acceptance, spiritual growth, and sacred beauty in our Sacred Space (property and facilities)? Meetings will be for all ages coordinated by Heimsath and Associates as we update Gods plan for our sacred space.

We give thanks to you, O God Sonya Atchison, our first part-time paid Events Coordinator, after a time of prayer and discernment during her Sabbatical this spring, has decided that she is called to devote more time to her family. We are very grateful for the ministry she has offered to our parish. Melissa Guiett, who served as Events Coordinator in Sonyas absence, has accepted the call to continue in this position permanently. Thank you, Melissa, for ministry past and future! We welcome our newest member of the vestry, Minerva Roesler. Minerva will fill the final year of Mike Blochers term. We are grateful to Mike for his many years of minis-try, and to Minerva for her new service to our parish.

18

P O T P O U R R I

19

EVENTS

Christmas in April?

April 23, 2015, the St. Marys Primetimers took a bus trip to the Seafarers Center at the Port of Houston. The travelers were welcomed by Rev. Lacy Largent, the Episcopal Chaplain at the center. She gave the 35 visitors the tour of the center and the biggest surprise was a room nearly full of gaily wrapped packag-es. Lacy explained the demand is so great and the recipients so thankful that boxes are given year round to the seafarers. Since they must remain aboard the ships in port, the visits and the gifts bring great joy to the seafarers.

After an enjoyable lunch, the Primetimers boarded a boat to cruise the ship channel. The knowledgeable narrator described the visiting ships and the storage areas for grain and oil. The ride home on the bus was contemplative. The passengers pondered different ways to bring Christmas to the Seafarers throughout the year. Forrest and Georgia Zimmerman Rev. Lacy Largent has often served as a visiting priest at St. Marys. The Episcopal Diocese of Texas no longer funds the Episcopal Ministry at the Seafarers Center so money for this ministry is funded from donations including Lacys+ salary. The Primetimers Ministry is a group of adults age 50 and up. They travel usually by bus to different places and events. Contact Duncan Reid for more information about the ministry.

Other Primetimers Visits

20

The Rev. Katie Churchwell Associate Rector

A

W O R D

F R O M

Y O U R

A S S O C I A T E

R E C T O R

Did you know that in January, St. Marys called ME as Associate Rector?? Historically, St. Marys has had Curates- a new priest who is placed in a parish under the supervision of a FABULOUS Rector for about 2 years. During this time, the Diocese pays for half of the Curates compensation while the parish pays the other half. At St. Marys these Curates have left St. Marys, slightly before or after their Curacy ended, to serve other churches. They have moved across the country, down to Galveston, and one even wears a funny hat now. But in January, St. Marys called me as Associate Rector- and I plan on sticking around for awhile. It may not seem like a big deal- and it might not seem like much has

changed- but let me tell you why this is HUGE. For starters- and this is a big one- St. Marys now pays my entire financial package (thank you very much!). Clergy compensation is a big chunk of the spending plan, and me being the Associate Rector means that the Diocese no longer pays for half of my package. Reverend Beth and I are the only two full-time employees at St. Marys- and St. Marys now pays for both of our financial compensations. What else has changed? Well, my ministry agreement became more focused. While I was a Curate, the main focus of my ministry agreement was to give me breadth of training for when I become a Rector. And while that is still true- and I am constantly striving to learn all that I can- my ministry agreement is now more focused. I am the direct supervisor for Children and Youth Ministries- and work closely with Cindy Wingfield and Max Williams as they plan the year(s) ahead. Together we make sure that, indeed, our Children and Youth are leading the way. I also oversee the communications ministry (Sharon Davis, Jennifer Leclerq, and Logan Church-well). We work together to communicate effectively and beautifully- all the gifts that St. Marys has to offer. Lastly, my nameplate changed outside my door. I am so excited to be here with all of you. Serving Christ in this place is a gift to me and my family- and we look forward to what God has in store for the future. Blessings, Rev. Katie+