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].