August-September 2014 CROSSFINDER St. Helena’s Episcopal Church ~ Boerne, TX. The Rev. Patrick R. Soule , Rector The Rev. Brian Cannaday, Assistant Rector
www.sthelenas.org ~ 410 N. Main Street
Ph: (830) 249-3228 ~ Fx: (830) 249-1812 ~ Preschool: (830) 249-8084 Words from the Soul(e)
Is it hot enough for you?! Perhaps that’s a silly question as we shift into sur- vival mode through these hottest days of summer. But even as we find our- selves inside more often than out, and push our A/C units to the test, there’s something I want to make sure you’re celebrating about our present “hot” condition. No, I’m not tickled that temperatures outside have been at or around 100 degrees for the last two weeks. I am, however, ECSTATIC that the life and ministries at St. Helena’s seem even hotter as we prepare for our next year together. That’s right, I celebrated my one year anniversary as part of the St. Helena’s family just a few weeks ago, and I am truly excited as I look forward to the coming weeks and months.
Over the last year, a great deal of what I have personally been involved with is learning who our family is so that I can be the best priest possible in your midst. The perspective I have gained through prayer and observation has blessed me both to get to know and love each of you, as well as gaining the beginnings of a vision for our moving forward together. Many, if not all of you, have caught a glimpse of that vision over the last few months. It’s certainly no secret. In fact, I pray that it becomes so well known throughout our congregation that it becomes part of every conversation we have, every ministry we engage, and the lens through which we see every person we have the blessing of meeting. That vision grows out of Jesus’ great commission to, “Go therefore and MAKE DISCIPLES, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)
Jesus’ imperative through which he calls his disciples (including you and me) to “make disciples” is the lens through which each of your leaders is looking as we consider every conversation, and eve- ry ministry, every thought, every dream about how God is calling us into the future He is making ready for us at St. Helena’s. And through that effort things are really starting to heat up around here in some very positive ways! As we move into the beginning of the school year, you’ll notice our new excitement all around the family. Our worship is faithful and engaging, our educational programs are beginning again with renewed fervor, our fellowship is joyful and refreshing, and we are reaching out in challenging and lively ways. In short, more and more of us are deepening our relationship with God and each other, and truly experiencing God’s fulfillment.
My challenge to you, then, is to embrace the heat wave and heat up along with us, even as the summer begins to cool down. Join the family even more often on Sunday mornings. Take your part in the ministries just starting up. Find the study that suits your needs, and allow God the opportunity to further reveal himself to you.
I look forward to all the ways God continues to turn the heat up in the days and weeks ahead, and pray that you will do the same!
Your brother in Christ, Patrick + From the Assistant Rector’s Desk
The month of September brings about many things… the end of summer fun at the beach; the beginning of the school year for most elementary school, middle school, high school, and college students; the brief hint of the coming coolness of Autumn; football season; and of course, new opportunities to strengthen one’s walk with Christ through Adult Christian Formation classes. This Fall, starting September 7th, St. Helena’s will be offering two Adult Christian Formation opportunities on Sunday mornings: The Living Lectionary Class (all semester long) – This will be an ongoing lectionary discussion group in the parish hall. It will take place over the course of the entire semester. Though the group will be primarily clergy-led, lay leaders will help facilitate the discussion periodically throughout the semester. The goal of this forum is to dive deeper into the lectionary readings, exploring different theological perspectives, interpretations, and personal connections with God’s Word. St. Helena’s 101 (five weeks) – Beginning September 7th, continuing through October 5th, this group will gather to discover where St. Helena’s has been, where St. Helena’s is now, where St. Helena’s is going, and the importance of your participation in St. Helena’s ongoing journey. The class will be led primarily by lay leaders of St. Helena’s. More information on this class will be forthcoming from Fr. Patrick, including location and what one can expect each week. 5 Love Languages (six weeks) – Beginning October 12th, continuing through November 16th, this group will explore what it means to love your spouse using his or her Love Language. The class will begin by identifying one’s own Love Language. During the rest of the course, we will discuss the idea of love as it is revealed in scripture, learn the characteristics of each Love Language, and how best to communicate love so that love is received by one’s spouse and glorifies God. Led by Fr. Brian and Crystal Cannaday, this group will meet on the stage and will include short DVD clips and small and large group discussions. Understanding Baptism (three weeks) – Beginning December 7th, continuing through December 21st, this class will be a discussion group that explores the sacrament of Baptism, including its history, purpose, and meaning in the life of the church, touching on the liturgy of Baptism and the Catechism of the Episcopal Church. Though anyone is welcome to participate, adults considering the sacrament of Baptism for themselves or their child(ren), adults or parents of children who have recently been baptized, and already or soon-to-be Godparents are strongly encouraged to attend. This group will be led by Fr. Brian, and location is still to be determined. As you can see, there is something for everyone this Fall at St. Helena’s during the Christian Education hour. Every gathering will take place during the 10:00 a.m. hour, and all are invited to participate in any of the classes. We encourage your participation in Sunday Adult Christian Formation this semester, and look forward to walking this journey of faith-deepening with you. Fr. Brian + Ordination There are many words to describe the Ordination ceremony for The (Now) Reverend Brian Cannaday in July. It was joyous, it was sacred, it was powerful, it was poignant. Family and friends gathered to witness the ancient rite of Ordination, while other priests of the Diocese laid hands on Father Brian and Bishop Gary Lillibridge said prayers.
We all welcome Father Brian into this church family, this Diocese and the greater community of faith! Columbarium and Memorial Prayer Garden Since 2004, St. Helena’s Columbarium and Memorial Garden has been a wonderful and fulfilling ministry. The cross and garden have been blessed by Bishop Gary Lillibridge to enable the full cycle of Christian sacraments to be administered within our Memorial Garden. Further, the garden provides a spot of serene beauty where anyone who so desires is able to pray, meditate and worship. Our Columbarium is unique in having several special features. The niches are actually a part of our historic church structure, and because it is maintained is a part of St. Helena’s total campus, perpetual care is guaranteed. Interment is a one-time-only expense with no added fees for urns, hour or day of the service, opening and closing the niche, and providing chairs. The committal service is conducted immediately beside the place of interment. Of the ninety-six niches in the columbarium, fifty-four remain available. Information about the columbarium can be obtained by contacting the Church Office at 830-249-3228 or [email protected]. You may also contact Jeffery Reinhard at 830-388-9199 regarding the purchase of a niche. Interment in the columbarium is available to any member or former member of St. Helena’s, ordained Episcopalian priests, employees of St. Helena’s, and the families of any of the above-stated persons. Anyone interested in assisting with the maintenance of the planters located throughout the garden is asked to contact Patsy Rand at 210-698-2341. She will arrange to meet with you regarding maintenance procedures and scheduling.
Columbarium Committee: Frances Lipe, advisor; Tommy Lipe; Patsy and Jim Rand; Jeffrey Reinhard Senior Fellowship Attention all Ladies 0f The SENIOR FELLOWSHIP will of St. Helena’s... gather for the first meeting You are invited to attend the Episcopal Church Women of the fall on WEDNESDAY, (ECW) fall gathering on September 17, 2014 at 11:00 September 11, 2014 in the in the parish hall. Great Room beginning at 6:30. Wear your patriotic colors, bring a Please bring a salad to share. salad to share, enjoy a special We will enjoy a fabulous music program and have the opportunity program and discuss our plans to provide input and sign-up to for the coming year. help with the upcoming garage sale. Please sign up by the kitchen Please sign up by the kitchen or or e-mail Julie, call Gail, 755-4262 or [email protected], [email protected]. or Sheri, [email protected]. It’s Nice to Have Friends with Flowers
Friends with Flowers is a blossoming ministry here at St. Helena’s that began in December of 2013 . Since its inception, it has touched so many people in Boerne. The purpose of “Friends with Flowers” is to take the flowers from various sources (like H.E.B.) that would otherwise discard them, arrange them into small vases and bless some folks who could use some joy and beauty in their lives. These are usually residents of rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, and care locations.
Some of these recipients have not had visitors, and certainly not received flowers, for years. It is estimated that around 1500 vases of flowers have been delivered over a 9 month period from this little ministry at St. Helena’s!
A small group of dedicated volunteers meet every Monday in the church kitchen to arrange flowers. If you would like to be a part of this ministry, contact Bob Kelsey (830.981.5652 or [email protected]
For the One’s who DO... Youth Ministry is one of the most important parts of the church family. The youth remind us that there is no shame in acting silly with joy. We will all forever be loved and seen as children by God, just as we see the youth. They also have very strong hands and feet of Christ, and very loud voices to spread the word of God’s love. Now that I’ve gotten a little older, I am no longer able to join in with the younger youth group at St. Helena’s, but I feel I can still be part of the cause to spread the word of God as brightly and colorfully as they do so well! I have painted pottery that is selling at my place of employment, Intermezzo Art Gallery in Boerne, and 50% of the profit made on the pottery will be given to the Jr. High and High School Youth Programs at St. Helena’s to ensure that the youth do not have to let the lack of money come before compassion. This is for the One’s Who DO, so that they can Keep on Doing! ~ Aleiha Sawyers Ladies’ Night Out Bible Study is Back! To Live is Christ, the Life and Ministry of Paul A Beth Moore Study
Join this small, intimate group of women to study the life of Paul in a dynamic bible study. We meet each Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the “Living Room”, otherwise known as “the stage” just off of the Parish Hall. The study meets every Wednesday at 6:30 through October 15th. No worries if you have not joined us yet; start now. The main thing is to have you here as much as possible! Begin this Fall with a renewed dedication to study and fellowship with other women. If you would like to know more and would like a study book for the series, contact Lisa Kelley ([email protected] or 210.310.4660). We hope to have you!
Fishin’ With a Cause This year’s Fishin’ for Mission raised $7500! Funds coming from this mission effort go toward mission scholarships. These scholarships help individuals who want to go on mission but struggle with the costs involved. What better way to help with world mission and have a great time fishing in Rockport?!
Make plans now for June 2015! September 7th Joins us for kicks off our the diverse new Sunday School Ministry adult offerings.
September 7th –December 21st Living the Lectionary Will run continuously through the fall semester
St. Helena’S 101 September 7th– October 5th
The Five Love Languages October 12th– November 16th
Understanding Baptism December 7th-21st
Marathon Garage Sale Prep Work ~ Saturday, Sept 27th Attention all parishioners. We need you!! We are pressed to prepare for our annual St. Helena’s garage sale in just 3 days, beginning Wednesday, September 24th, due to the lack of cooperation from the Kendall County Fair Board and their excessive charge. We have exhausted all other options for another location so will “bite the bullet” this year because we are well into plans for the sale, having 2 storage sheds nearly full! This will be the last year for the ECW to organize the sale unless another venue becomes available at a reasonable price. As Father Patrick says, “We will need all hands on deck”. We will extend our working hours into the evening to receive items, sort and price. This will provide an opportunity for working folks to help also. Once SEPT. 27, 14 again, we look forward to a successful sale with your help. Look at that fancy, new-fangled Motor Car! They are racing off to St. Helena’s Rally Day!
Brah-vo, Dahh-lings! See you there!
Sunday, August 24th,we are rallying the parish to service in the ministry of their choice. All of the Day! St. Helena’s ministries will be available this Rally Day on the patio. There will be breakfast between the services, so you may linger among the booths. This is the day to sign up for After School programs beginning in the fall, for Sunday school classes and for one or more of our new Bible Study, St. Hele- na's 101, or Baptism classes starting in September and beyond. Take the time to visit with the different ministries and find a home for yourself in ministry.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Sundays Fresh fruits and vegetables provided by the generous St. Helena’s family benefit both Hill Country Family Services and the Kendall County Women’s Shelter.
Did you know in 2013, the Kendall County Women’s Shelter provided 3,458 nights of safety to 59 women and 42 children. Not to mention, 27 loved pets received 1,672 nights of safety. Thanks St. Helena’s for supporting your Youth Mission trip to Pine Ridge South Dakota. We made a difference in the lives of these people, by improving their living conditions and loving them!
Mission to Veracruz
Just returning, a team (6 St. Helena’s folks, 3 folks from World Mission Department at the Diocese, and 3 from the Luling church) of missionaries had a remarkable experience with a village in southeast Mexico. The Trip had a few different focuses: An introduction to Arroyo Zacate, a small village with a visionary Anglican priest Held a vacation Bible School for the children there Helped to convert a former rectory into a medical clinic for the improved health and vitality of the village Dug ditches to lay electrical conduit and water lines Installed electrical in the church
We were welcomed the first day warmly and enthusiastically with no less than a brass band and dancing in the native custom! We left with ideas of future missions to this village and a whole lot of new friends.
CAMP WACKY! Youth Group
Mini Golf Night Vestry 2014
Ann Shorter Bruce McNabb David Tippetts Fred Keith Cell: 210-273-5705 Cell: 210-415-0608 Cell: 713-244-0802 Cell: 512-924-6421 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Ron Tribo— Treasurer Tommy Lipe– Jr. Warden Michael Glick—Sr. Warden Joseph Horton Cell: 210-394-6500 Cell: 830-459-1536 Cell: 210-382-3206 Cell: 210-650-6098 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Ben Adam Randy Walters David Digby Janelle Burns Cell: 830-446-6444 Cell: 210-488-4919 Cell: 210-260-7665 Cell: 830-388-0971 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
St. Helena’s Staff
The Rev. Patrick R. Soule Beth Adam Dawn McLendon Collin Sawyers Rector Parish Administrator Children and Youth Sexton Ministries [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Chalon Murray
Choir Directress
Bryce Boddie The Rev. Brian Cannaday Sheryl Loveless Tiffany Jureczki Contemporary Assistant Rector Parish/Dev. Secretary SHEEP Director Worship Leader [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]