the spirit sept 07

7/28/2019 The Spirit Sept 07

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In This Issue

From Our Vicar 1

Welcome NewMembers 2

From the Bishops

Warden 3Youth Group News 4

Ministry Spotlight 6

Guest Sunday 6

Financial Update 7

Good Sam Center 8

Around theCommunity 9

Clergy, Staff,Mission 11

6676 UTSA Blvd San Antonio , TX 78249 September 2007

From Our Vicar...

Season of the

Christian Year

A Letter f rom Camp

As I write this article, I amat the Good Samaritan Sum-mer Camp. We have 90 chil-dren ranging in age fromseven to 16. They got off the

buses just a few moments ago all smiles andwide-eyed as they stepped down onto the grass.

Theyve entered into an environment they arenot familiar with. Boy and girl counselors hold-ing up signs and waving, hugs, hellos, wereglad youre here A big fuss is made. Thekids almost dont know what to make of it.

Slowly and a bit unsure of themselves theymake their way to their counselors and cabins,not sure if they should laugh or run back to thebuses. As the next few days unfold, they willbe loved and taught. Theyll swim, play andeat well. By Saturdays closing service theywont want to go home. Bonds will have beenmade that will last a long time. Next year theywill want to come back and bring friends.

The transformation taking place in them rightthis moment is subtle but profound. They arebeginning to recognize that they count for

something that perfect strangers can acceptthem before they even did anything to earn ac-ceptance. Later tonight they will sing songs andworship with these same strangers, these

Continued on next page.

Pentecost

May 27 Nov. 25


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Page 2 The Spirit

counselors who have taken this summer to touch the lives of the nextgeneration of Christians. They will have eaten dinner together, swum inthe pool together, and unpacked their bags together. All the little thingsthat we take for granted will be vehicles for Gods grace for the next 72hours. Souls will have been blessed and lives will have been changedfor camper and counselor alike.

Camp Capers, where all this is happening, is one of many Christiancamps in Texas. It is one of several Episcopal Camps in Texas and theonly Episcopal Camp in our Diocese. This September 15-16 we cele-brate 60 years of blessing childrens lives here. If you would like to be apart of that celebration go to our Diocesan website, www.episcopal-dwtx.org. In the meantime, pray for the children this summer who have

been to our Camp. Pray especially for the children of the Good Samari-tan Center who have found a corner of the Kingdom in the cabins ofCamp Capers.

Editors note: For more information about Good Samaritan Community Ser-vices, see page 8.

We welcome to Holy Spiri t the newest members ofour family:

Beckie and Craig Hoaglin and children, Mikalah, and Emma

Linda & Greg Boyett and childrenAnthony, Lauren and Robyn

William and Michelle McCrary andchildren, William (Liam) and

Therese "Tess"

Jeanette Durkin

Gage Pope and Melissa Somersett

Mary and Bill Davidson

Layman and Karen Hendrex

Chris and Ashley Jackson andchildren, Leighton and Ansley


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From the Bishops Warden:

What Holy Spirit Means to Me

As we look forward to our next Guest Sunday, I was thinking aboutour church and what it means to me. This is not a perfect essay, but it'sa start in articulating what makes Holy Spirit special to me. And likeanything else, I can only spread the word about something I know, so Ihad to put my vague, ethereal feelings into solid, concrete words.

In several ways, The Church of the Holy Spirit has been a lifesaver. Bythat, I mean that belonging to this group of people has helped me seethe goodness God has created within me, especially at a time when Ididn't see the point of my existence.

Here, I've been given the opportunity to serve and give input. I've hadopportunities to share my God-given gifts in ways I had never imag-ined. People here care about me. I'm noticed. I'm accepted. If I weremissing for a while, someone would pick up the phone or send me anemail.

I believe it is the Spirit working in this community that makes it so.

An important difference between our church and just a group of nice,caring people is the focus on having a relationship with God. Anyonewho's been here for a little while can recognize the themes of prayer,study and worship. I know that this is a place where I can be nurtured

in my spiritual growth through worship, music, direction, study andservice. As I grow in spirit, I become less focused on myself, and morefocused on being a kind, gentle, loving person who serves God. Godgives me the strength to be gentle.

I know that I can come to my priest, broken and ashamed, and be re-minded that God is a loving and forgiving Father. I can be remindedthat I can learn from the consequences of my actions. And as I'm deal-ing with the trials of life, I know that I am not alone.

While no community is perfect, I have found that love can set manythings right. I love this community. I believe God has a plan for us. Ibelieve He has brought this particular group of people together for a

reason. By spreading the good news of this community, we can spreadthe Good News of Christ!

Blessings,Erlinda Baker, Bishops Warden


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Our Middle School Youth Minister

Hello, Holy Spiriters!I am so happy to be able to start some newprograms for our youth! As a precursor to myfuture writings, I was asked to write a short bio,so that you all know I am more than that girlthat plays the violin. Sohere it is!

I was born in the college town of Grinnell,Iowa, where my father, David, was a math pro-fessor, and my mother, a librarian. They werehappy to have a playmate for their first child, Alex! Shortly after, we

moved to Bolingbrook, Illinois, and then later, when I was three, to GlenEllyn, Illinois. It was here that I began learning about the violinalthough I switched to the viola after a year (more opportunities!).

From the age of nine and all through high school, I played in orchestra,taught some private lessons, and did lots of baby-sitting! I went to col-lege at the University of Illinois, and majored in String Music Educa-tion. After my student teaching, I substitute taught and worked at myfavorite sandwich shop, Potbelly Sandwich Works. Yum!

Now, some of you are probably won-dering how I ended up in Texas. A

fellow String Music Education majorfriend of mine met Gene Dowdy whileshe was student teaching, and sug-gested looking into San Antonio. Ilooked into her lead, and found a job

teaching at Rawlinson Middle School. That has now transitioned intome teaching private string lessons full-time and also home dcorthrough a direct sales business.

I love listening to and playing all kinds of music, watching movies, knit-ting, and playing with my cat, Kajun, a 17-pound black Maine coon.

Katy Reiner, Middle School Youth Minister


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Youth Activ ities and Events

The summer may be over but the merriment continues at Middle/High School Youth group! We meet Wednesday evenings starting thisSeptember at 7:00 for an hour and a half of food, fun, fellowship, and

faith building. Come check us out in the youth room. See you there!

Other upcoming events:

Rally Day: September 9

Young Musicians Group: Meetings September 9, 16, 23, and 30, from5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Mike Monroe, High School Youth MinisterKaty Reiner, Middle School Youth Minister


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Ministry Spotlight: Greeters

Guest Sunday Sept. 9

We will again be focusing on bringing guests to Holy Spirit on Sept.9. You may remember that Bishop Lillibridge challenged all churches inthe diocese to sponsor two Guest Sundays this year. Our goal is to reachout to those seeking a church home and those seeking the light of Christin their lives.

Who do you know who is new to our community and seeking a churchfamily? Who do you know who is not attending a church, but expresses adesire to? Who is going through troubled times and needs a lifelinethrown to them? Who is lonely and confused, and needs Christs comfortand guidance? Remember, our mission is to bring all to Christ.

Who are greetersand what do they do?Members of ourGreeters Ministryfaithfully show up 15minutes early forchurch and welcomemembers and guestson assigned Sundays.Greeters ask visitors

to sign the guestbook, introduce themto other members, point visitors tocoffee, childrens chapel or rest-rooms and give away gift bags.Greeters are the cheery, smilingfolks that you see at the front porchbefore and after service.

Would you like to be agreeter, too? We haveopenings! Plus, this isa great way to get ac-quainted. ContactLinda Hadley (767-1363) or Linda Con-stancio (265-1041) formore information.

P.S. Everyone is aGreeter. When you

see a new face at church, be sure totake a few minutes to introduceyourself and meet them. If you seea visitor at coffee hour please gotalk to them. Remember, we wereall visitors at one time!


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Want to help make this a successful event at Holy Spirit?

Bring a guest; dont be afraid to invite. Be a good host; introduce your friends. Help prepare for the event by volunteering.

There will be lots of excitement that Sunday because it is alsoEnrollment Sunday for Childrens Sunday School. Bring a guest withchildren and get them signed up for Sunday School, too!

Contact Linda Hadley, 767-1363, with questions or to volunteer to help.

Financial Update

Our financial situation has stabilized. July income was lower thanbudget; however, expenses were also lower than budget resulting in apositive Operating Profit for the first time this year. Year-to-date con-tributions are now 10 percent higher than 2006. Expenses continue tobe better than budget although we still have a deficit of $9,932 for theyear and we are now $6,500 behind on our Year-to-date ApportionmentObligation.

We are seeing expense decreases because of staff reductions. Pleasestay current on your pledges as we will need to be current on our Ap-portionment Obligation by the end of 2007.

Ken Olson, Treasurer

July YTDb/(w)Budget

Total Income $129,190 ($22,173)

Total Expense $139,123 $15,649

OperatingProfit/(Loss)

($9,932) ($6,524)


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Good Sam Center Expands to Valley

The Good Samaritan Center, newly renamed asGood Samaritan Community Services (GSCS) haswon a $5 million government contract as the YouthWorkforce System (YWS) provider for the RioGrande Valley for the next six years. The program,Get2Work, will serve more than 6,000 at-risk youthper year in Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties.

The agency was awarded the contract by Work-FORCE solutions, the regional Texas Workforce Commission board for theLower Rio Grande Valley, which is funded through a grant by the U.S.Department of Labor.

Get2Work targets economically disadvantagedyouth ages 14 to 21. Developed at the Good Sa-maritan Center in San Antonio in 2002, the goalof the program is to help these young people at-tain the life and academic skills to obtain andkeep a job. A primary emphasis is placed on fin-ishing high school or obtaining a GED.

"For several years, it has been our goal to servemore than just our immediate neighbors in SanAntonio by providing services throughout South

Texas," said Jill Oettinger, executive director of

the agency.To do that, the agency has involved several Epis-copal churches in the Valley. The Rev. Bur Dobbins, vicar of St. Peter andSt. Paul in Mission, is chairman of the board of directors who will overseethe program. "About 95 percent of the board members are Episcopalians,"added Oettinger.

Local churches will also be involved in mentoring the young people and inhelping to place them in local jobs.

In order to implement the Get2Work program in the Valley Good Samari-tan Community Services has updated its name and mission to better reflectits expansion. The new name better represents GSCS' increased presence at12 Workforce Centers in the region.

For more information about the program (and GSCS), visit online atwww.goodsamcenter.org.

Reprinted fromThe Church News.


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Around the Community

Spirit Deadline ChangeThe deadline for submittingarticles forThe Spirit has beenchanged to the 15th of themonth preceding publication

Episcopal Church Women6:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 24 inthe Parish Hall. All women arewelcome. Free childcareprovided. This month we will

be making our AlternativeGiving Christmas cards.Proceeds from the sale of thesecards will be donated to theWoman at the Well House andGood Samaritan CommunityServices.

Intercessory PrayerPlease considersigning up forthis important

ministry. Thereare no meetingsto add to ouralready busyschedules. Allyou need is a desire to pray foryour fellow church members.The more people who sign up,the shorter the prayerlists! Contact Kitty Hamilton,email: [email protected],

for more information or if youwish to continue participating inthis ministry. God bless you!

Mens Group

6:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 10 inthe Parish Hall . Bringsomething to burn on the grilland enjoy some good fellowship.

New Service TimesSome of our service times havechanged:

Sunday: Holy Eucharist: 10:00a.m.; Christian Education: 8:45a.m. (Adults) 9 a.m. (Children)NuSong Evening Service: 6:00p.m.

Tuesday: Evening Prayer: 5:30p.m.

Meditative PrayerMeditative prayer is held onThursdays in the ChildrensChapel located in the EducationBuilding. Everyone is welcome.You may contact Karen Dodwellif you have any questions. Callher at 830-460-1502 or email herat [email protected].


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Around the Community

(Continued)Choir Concert Sept. 21The choir will be performing at7:00 p.m. at St. David'sEpiscopal Church, 1300Wiltshire Ave. The concert isfree, but donations will beaccepted.

The choir is always looking fornew members! Tawni or James

Garcia will be more than happyto answer any questions youmay have about becoming amember of the Holy Spirit choir.Call the church office at 699-6460 for more information.

Becoming aMember ofHoly Spiri t

Membership transfersare only nec-essary for those who are currentlymembers of another Episcopal par-ish.

Others wishing to join Holy Spiritcan get a membership form fromthe Church Office or at the Infor-mation Table on Sundays.

If you are new to the EpiscopalChurch, Newcomers and InquirersClasses are available.

For more information, please con-tact Ginger Campbell, Church Sec-retary, at 699-6460.

To the poor heproclaimed the goodnews of salvation; toprisoners, freedom;to the sorrowful,

joy.

Eucharistic Prayer D

Also, check out thesechoir-related websites: www.myspace.com/

musicanova

choralconsortium.tripod.com/


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The Mission of the Church of the Holy Spirit

We exist to provide a peace-filled Community of worship, study, prayer, andretreat to equip all the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the Bodyof Christ. We will do everything in our power and through our equipping by the

Holy Spirit to live faithfully with each other and to carry out this calling. Wecount on Jesus' reconciling Love and Grace and will model our lives and the life

of our Community around His example of sacrificial living.

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The Spirit is the monthlynewsletter of the Church ofthe Holy Spirit, San Anto-nio, TX.

The Spirit is publishedmonthly Feb.-J une, andSept.-Nov., with combinedissues for the months of

July and August, and Dec.and Jan.

Send articles to

Erlinda BakerEditor,The Spirit6673 UTSA Blvd.San Antonio, TX 78249

Fax: 210-699-4701Email:[email protected]

Submissions will be pub-lished according to timeli-ness and relevance to themission of the church.

Newsletter deadlines are the15th of the month precedingpublication.

The Rev. Maurice (Reese) FriedmanVicar

James E. and Tawni R. GarciaMusic Ministers

Ginger CampbellChurch Secretary

Kitty HamiltonSexton

Mike MonroeYouth Minister

Jackie McCarthyChildrens ChristianEducation

Church of the Holy Spirit

Clergy and Staff:

Erlinda BakerBishops Warden

Gene Dowdy

J unior WardenKen Olson

Treasurer

Linda HadleyNew Member Ministry

Rose Hicks

SecretaryLarry Thorp

Bishops Committee


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EpiscopalCh

urchoftheHolySpirit

6676UTSAB

lvd.

SanAntonio,TX78249-1500

TheRev.Maurice

L.Friedman,Vicar

Phone:210.699.6460

Fax:210.699.4701

Email:holyspiritc

[email protected]

Website:www.ho

lyspirit-episcopal.com

MySpace:http://w

ww.myspace.com/holyspiritepiscopal

NuSong:http://www.myspace.com/nusongchs

Choir/MusicaNov

a:http://www.myspace.com/musicanova

ServiceScheduleforSeptember

Sunday:HolyEu

charist:10:00a.m.

ChristianEducation:8:45a.m.

(Adults)

9a.m.

(Children

)

NuSongEvening

Service:6:00p.m.

WednesdayEucharist:12:15p.m.

WednesdayEucharistandHealingService:

6:30p.m.

EveningPrayer:Monday6p.m.andTuesday5:30p.m.

the spirit sept 07

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