The Church News Mar/Apr 2013 by Episcopal Diocese of West Texas

the

Church

News

march / april 2013 The newspaper of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas

The Council Eucharist service on Thursday evening, Feb. 21. Church banners of those in attendance hung behind the stage.

Inside this issue

4 Coverage of the 109th Diocesan Council, held Feb. 21-23, begins on page 4.

Report on the Bishop’s Address to Diocesan Council

10 11 13 CAMPS Sunday: April 14, 2013

The Making of “Serve Christ Maybe”

Sharing Faith Dinners Across the Dicoese

The

News

News and Features 2 On the Bishop’s Mind: Fastened to God 4 Report on the Bishop’s Address 6 Coverage of the 109th Diocesan Council 11 The Making of “Serve Christ Maybe” 12 Sunday Night Live 13 Sharing Faith 14 Episcopal Churches Host Holy Week Journey

15 Coming Up: Gathering 2013 and Waging Peace Seminar

In Every

Issue

3 From the Editor 16 Calendar Cover photo by John Gaskins. the Church News is published six times a year by the Dept. of Communication Episcopal Diocese of West Texas P. O. Box 6885 San Antonio, Texas 78209 Editor: Laura Shaver Laura.Shaver@dwtx.org Deadline for news and advertising is the 15th of the month preceding publication. Periodicals Postage paid at San Antonio, TX and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Church News P.O. Box 6885 San Antonio, TX 78209

Volume 70 Number 2 March/April 2013 USPS 661-790 The Diocese of West TX is a family of 26,000+ members in 90 congregations across 60 counties and 69,000 square miles in South Central Texas. Bishop of West Texas: The Rt. Rev. Gary R. Lillibridge Bishop Suffragan: The Rt. Rev. David M. Reed The Bishop Jones Center 111 Torcido Dr. San Antonio, Texas 78209 Telephone: 210/888-8245387. FAX: 210-824-2164 general.mail@dwtx.org www.dwtx.org

Communication Department Staff: Marjorie George: editor, Reflections Magazine and ReflectionsOnline Laura Shaver: communications officer

www.dwtx.org

On the Bishop’s Mind The Rt. Rev. gary lillibridge Bishop of the Diocese

Fastened to God

n this edition of The Church News you will find much information about our recently completed Diocesan Council in Corpus Christi. I urge you to read this issue in its entirety so that you might be aware of the good work of not only this Council but of so much ministry occurring throughout our diocese in our congregations, in our schools, and through our corporate efforts as a diocesan family. If all has gone according to plan (printing, mailing), you are reading this toward the end of Lent. Let me turn to a few thoughts about this time of year and some of the things that it brings to mind for me. When I was in scouting, we learned about tying knots to keep things together. Unfortunately, I don’t remember a lot of those knots now, but I do remember being impressed at the great variety and strengths of those knots. I also remember learning which knots were best for certain circumstances, depending on what you want to hold together or fasten. Religion also has an element of holding together and fastening; the word “religion” comes from the Latin “ligare” – which means to bind, fasten, or connect; or literally in the case of the word “religion” to “re-connect.” Recently, I have been thinking about “knots that I have known” as I reread the Collects appointed for the first five Sundays in Lent (Book of Common Prayer, pages 218-219), all of which emphasize our need for connectedness with God. In part this connectedness, this being tied closely with God, is reflected in the following phrases of our prayers: that we may find God mighty to save (week 1); that we may hold fast to Jesus Christ (week 2); that we may be defended from adversities to body and soul (week 3); that we may receive the true bread from heaven (week 4); and that we might love and desire what God commands and promises by fixing our hearts where true joys are to be found (week 5). As we approach the end of this Lenten season and the beginning of Easter season, I hope that you will take to heart the call to be “fastened” to God in the deepest theological understanding of the word “religion.” In our culture, the word religion is often understood in negative terms, and sometimes for good reason. But understood at its purest definition, it is a beautiful word expressing a beautiful truth – namely, that fastened to God we may find true joy because our hearts are fixed and tied to Christ. Being closely “knotted to Christ” enables us to recognize and experience God’s glory each and every day. The readings for the last Sunday of Epiphany (Moses on Sinai, Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration) emphasized the “Glory of God.” You will also hear the words “Glory” and/or “God’s glory” numerous times in our liturgy. As Holy Week and Easter arrive, we are

Yes, there are a variety of knots used to bind things together. Likewise, the Lenten Collects speak about a variety of ways of binding ourselves to God. I pray that you may find yourself fastened to God in the vast array of your life’s circumstances so that you, too, may behold God’s glory – God’s “magnificent presence” – in both the blessings and the challenges that come your way.

A student at St. James’ Episcopal School in Corpus Christi points to his piece of artwork on display at Diocesan Council. The children’s exhibit is now on display at Cathedral House Gallery.

Episcopal Schools Student Art Exhibit Cathedral House Gallery Bishop Jones Center 111 Torcido, San Antonio, TX 78209 Art will hang through April 12, 2013 Mon-Fri, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 210-824-5387 Free and Open to the Public Participating schools: Epiphany, Kingsville Redeemer, Eagle Pass St. Alban’s, Harlingen St. George, San Antonio St. James’, Corpus Christi St. James’, Del Rio St. John’s, McAllen St. Luke’s, San Antonio St. Stephen’s, Wimberley St. Thomas, San Antonio TMI-The Episcopal School of Texas Trinity, Victoria

From the editor Laura Shaver

Walking Humbly

lthough quiet moments in my days are few and far between, they exist. And it is in these moments that I strive for God to teach me how to walk humbly with him. Daily, if I listen. Jen Hatmaker’s book, 7, delivers her account of giving up different things in her life that are distractions to her walk with Christ and distractions in her time with her family. For seven months, she gives up or significantly reduces elements in life that many of us find essential. For example, in month one, she eats only seven foods. In month two, she wears only seven items of clothing. In month four, she and her family, which includes teenagers, give up media. As month four draws to a close, Jen reflects on the “holes” in her life that are filled with media – websites, television, apps, Facebook. During month four, these holes are filled with family activities – cooking with her daughter, building forts, playing Yahtzee, going for walks. In her reflection, she ponders Micah 6:8. “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God.” Jen admits she is a doer, so it’s the third part on which she focuses. She says, “It’s in the walking humbly that God trains me for acting justly and loving mercy.” She continues, “If more of us took the ‘walk humbly’ part seriously, we might become agents of justice and mercy without even meaning to.”

school, but am I really acting justly? Am I making a difference, and better yet, am I making a difference without any ulterior motive, such as pride? I need God to teach me this. I need him to continually mold my heart to show me how to do justice, and in these acts, how to love kindness, delivering that to my neighbors. But first, I need God to teach me how to walk humbly. It is a humbling sight when your son, who has just come out of surgery and is shaking from the decreasing anesthesia, has the IV needle ripped from his tiny hand. I am able to only say, “Help him! Comfort him! Make sure he’s not in pain!” It is a humbling sight when the baby, who has caught a stomach bug, is napping in peace. I hear a nasty cough and cries, and on entering his room, find his upset tummy has exploded its contents (from both ends). I pick him up and hold him close and whisper in his ear, “Oh little one, oh sweet baby, it’s okay.” It is humbling to see others perform comforting acts such as these beyond the walls of their homes, to deliver these acts of kindness to strangers, to exemplify justice in this world by recognizing that each of us is simply a child of God. Teach me, God, continue to teach me, and I will be sure to be quiet and listen.

I am not a doer. I want to be, so I volunteer for different things with church or with my son’s

the Church News

march/april 2013

Photo of St. James’ student by Victoria Reneau. Paint palette artwork by a St. James’ student, photo of artwork by John Gaskins.

told of “God’s glory” in unbelievably profound ways. Glory can be understood in many ways, but perhaps for me the simplest definition of God’s glory would be as God’s “magnificent presence.” That’s glory.

Read more at council-dwtx.org

ccess all the reports from Council by going directly to:

http://council-dwtx.org/council-live-2013

Photos by Victoria Reneau.

On Council Live: • pictures from the three days of Council • pictures from the Youth in Action event • written reports • audio recordings of reports • video of Bishop Lillibridge’s address • video of Bishop Reed’s sermon • supporting documents, including election results and the action summary Handouts that were distributed at Council are available on the “Go Green” page: council-dwtx.org/go-green. This year, over 50 percent of registrants chose to “go green,” and received their handouts digitally. The Council app for iPhones, iPads, and Android phones proved to a be hit; users accessed the daily agenda, exhibit information, maps, handouts, and more. 6

www.dwtx.org

he Rev. Joann Saylors, the diocesan canon for deployment and congregational development, welcomed and introduced the clergy members who have come into the Diocese of West Texas this past year. They include: The Rt. Rev. Ramiro Delgado, interim rector of Church of the Redeemer, Eagle Pass; the Rev. Sandy Casey-Martus, rector of St. Stephen’s, Wimberley; the Rev. James Derkits, vicar of Trinity by the Sea, Port Aransas; the Rev. Michael Koehler, assistant rector of St. Stephen’s, Wimberley; the Rev. Laurie McKim, assistant rector of Church of the Advent, Brownsville; the Rev. Ben Nelson, rector of St. Mark’s, San Marcos; and the Rev. Nancy Springer, assistant rector of St. John’s, McAllen.

The Rt. Rev. Gary Lillibridge, bishop of the diocese, then introduced the current seminary students who attended Diocesan Council: the Rev. Carol Morehead, a senior at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, who will serve as an assistant priest at St. Mark’s, San Antonio beginning in June; and the Rev. Tim True, a senior at Sewanee, who will serve as an assistant priest at St. Luke’s, San Antonio, beginning in June. Both Morehead and True were ordained to the diaconate this winter. Lillibridge also welcomed the Rt. Rev. Benito Juarez-Martinez visiting from the Diocese of Southeast Mexico and the Rt. Rev. Francisco Moreno visiting from the Diocese of Northern Mexico.

Holy Cross Dissolving

New Community in Mason

Bishop Lillibridge announced that a group of 20 or so Episcopalians in Mason have been gathering for worship for several months. “We are not doing anything formal at this time,” said Lillibridge, “but we wanted you to know about the presence of this group as they discern their future together.” Lillibridge has given the group the name of St. Martin’s Episcopal Worshipping Community.

fter almost 60 years of ministry, Holy Cross Episcopal Church in San Antonio has determined to close its doors. In a January 31 letter to Bishop Gary Lillibridge, the church’s bishop’s warden, Judson Jones, advised that the congregation had voted unanimously to request the church closing. Current members of Holy Cross, which is located on the south side of San Antonio, will be transferred to St. Stephen’s, until they may decide to move their membership elsewhere. Holy Cross and St. Stephen’s have been in a partnership relationship for several years. In his letter, Jones said the congregation “does not take this action lightly but after long and prayerful consideration.” Jones said the congregation’s attendance has decreased dramatically in recent years, and the income no longer supports the church. At Council, the bishop accepted the church’s letter and said he will work with the congregation to implement the closing over the next year. He thanked the congregation for its ”exceptional work and efforts under diminishing circumstances.” At his suggestion, council delegates and clergy rose to give the congregation a round of support and applause. Holy Cross was organized in November 1956 under the guidance of the Rev. Arthur B. Geeson, rector of St. Stephen’s at the time. A church building was dedicated in April 1964 by Bishop Everett Jones with the Rev. David Penticuff as priest in charge.

A group of college students, assembled by Brian Kates, served as pages throughout Diocesan Council. They stayed on their toes, willing and ready to deliver all necessary documents, handouts, and extra water to the tables.

Camps and Conferences Programs

ob Watson, the director of Camps and Conferences, delivered the programs report after Bishop Lillibridge extended his thanks to Brenda and Charlie Johnson for their 15 years as caretakers at Camp Capers. Watson delivered an update on the Colorado Adventure Program, saying the department was able to send youth from Good Samaritan Community Services in San Antonio and St. Jude’s Children’s Ranch on a one-week backpacking trip last summer, at no cost to the children. Watson reported that Jody Sickle will return for her fifth year as the camp guide this summer, and a trip for college-age adults will be added. Brian Kates, program director at Camp Capers, spoke to the success of the summer of 2012, saying Camp Capers hosted over 1,100 campers. Kates reported that the adopt-a-staff-member program was a huge success, and is open again for 2013. Churches that participate are randomly assigned a staff member’s name and asked to send him or her goodies and care packages throughout the summer. Registration for Camp Capers is now open year-round and in full swing. Kates told Council to keep April 14, CAMPS Sunday, on the calendar and asked everyone to plan to wear their favorite camp “swag,” or merchandise, to church that day. Johnson Jeffers, program director at Mustang Island Conference Center, delivered a brief end-of-year report on the ministry at Mustang Island, saying 58 groups plus 222 families came to the conference center; and the incredible kitchen staff served over 15,000 meals in 2012. Of the 222 families who attended Family Camp, 74 were new, which represented a nine percent increase from 2011. A couple of different activities for the summer Family Camp staff included partnering with the diocesan department of College Missions and working a discipleship program and Bible study. In addition, the staff began serving and mentoring to the children at Cliff Maus Village, a low-income housing complex in Corpus Christi that is sponsored by many of the local Episcopal churches. “The staff loved building the lasting relationships; we realized we need to serve those outside our own walls, too,” said Jeffers.

Rob Watson delivers an update on the capital campaigns for Camp Capers and Mustang Island Conference Center.

In the first eight weeks of 2013, Mustang Island Conference Center has hosted 11 groups, including the Wounded Warrior Program. Thirteen warriors retreated to the beach in January and will return in August. Johnson said serving these men and women who have selflessly served us is only possible because of diocesan support. Jeffers said the 11th season of Family Camp begins with the Spring Break session in March. Registration for all sessions is open, and he encouraged churches to send their families down to the coast for a relaxing and spiritual time.

Camp Capers Site Director/ Campaign Update Following Jeffers report, Rob Watson announced the hiring of David Griffin as the new Camp Capers Site Director. Griffin has been a professional camp and recreation director since 1999, and has worked at Kanuga Episcopal Conference Center in North Carolina from 2004 to 2012. He and his wife, Nikki, and their two young children will move on site and begin at Camp Capers in March.

Moving to the capital campaign presentation on Camp Capers, Watson recalled the demolition of Steves Hall, which occurred in fewer than four hours on October 8. He said it is important to treat the changes at camp with great respect, and they are doing just that by putting beautiful new buildings in place. The new Steves Hall will be two-story with a high ceiling of exposed wooden timbers. An eight-room lodge and a 12-room lodge will be built on each side of the meeting hall. Also new at Camp Capers will be a health center and the Elder Welcome Center. All construction is due to be complete by May. Camps and Conferences is also getting ready to break ground on one of two new lodges at Mustang Island Conference Center, which will provide ten guest rooms and two meeting rooms with small kitchens.

the Church News

January/february 2013

Report on World Mission

r. Marthe Curry, the diocesan director of development for world mission, delivered a brief report on the status of world mission. Recalling the work of 2012, Curry said 275 people were sent on 40 short-term mission trips in 15 countries, where they drilled wells, treated sick animals, held eye glass and medical/dental clinics, built buildings, and facilitated micro enterprises. Short-term missioners typically leave on one- to three-week mission trips. However, Curry said, the diocese also has some longterm missionaries. One family among those is George and Ginny Olson and their two children who live in the Philippines. George grew up at Christ Church, San Antonio, where “there is great support and mission work in the DNA of the church,” said Curry. She then showed a video produced by the Olsons depicting their life and ministry in the Philippines. Curry said, “The Olsons exemplify our theme this year – kindness, mercy, justice, humility.” Curry called up Rosine Carter, the coordinator of Southeast Mexico missions. They presented the bishops with two beautiful, handmade and embroidered stoles, crafted by some of the women in that part of the world. Standing before the bishops, she then asked the Council floor to stand if they have been on a mission trip, invested in a mission trip, or have prayed for a missioner or trip. “Rt. Rev. Sirs, I present the people of the Diocese of West Texas – we are a missions diocese,” said Curry.

Report on the Eucharist Sermon by Marjorie George

n his sermon at the Council Eucharist, Thursday evening, February 21, Bishop David Reed expressed great thanks for St. Bartholomew’s, who hosted Council this year, “Not just for a three-day lesson in generous hospitality and gracious service, but also for the example of your life and ministry in Corpus Christi for 54 years, a congregational witness to the power of the Gospel, the wisdom of cooperation, and the importance of friendship.” Reed then turned to the Council theme: “Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with your God,” from Micah 6:8. The setting of Micah, as Reed visualized it, is a courtroom which puts the people of God in court, contending with God who has a controversy, “a major beef with them,” as Reed said. During this time, says Reed, among the people there was “lots of political infighting, divisions that ran deep, and while God was on everyone’s lips in the temple, he was pretty much ignored the rest of the time.” The accused attempt to plea-bargain with God—offering sacrifices of calves, thousands of rams, 10,000 rivers of oil, their first-born. But God doesn’t want lip service, said Reed. “He wants us, walking with him, realigned with him, being just people, being humble people.” Reed reflected on the place of prophets and that they are rarely appreciated. “They often get invited to get out of town,” said Reed. Jesus, he said, is our most real prophet, and his first word of proclamation was to call people to repentance because the Kingdom of heaven was at hand. “And if Jesus is our great, true prophet, then within our genetic make-up is a prophetic task,” he said.

Photos by Victoria Reneau.

God wants us, walking with him, realigned with him, being just people, being humbled people.” Clergy spouses gathered for the annual Clergy Spouse Breakfast on Friday morning, Feb. 22. Pictured are (l to r): Rick Saylors, Kay Gahan, and Cassie Soule.

www.dwtx.org

Our point of reference in the world tends to be culture rather than the cross, said Reed. The prophetic word, said Reed, is addressed to the Church, within the new covenant established in Christ. What makes us truly

The Rt. Rev. David Reed delivers his sermon during the Council Eucharist on Feb. 21.

prophetic and counter-cultural is “not where we come down on the political spectrum, but rather that we know Jesus, and the world does not.” With the rise in social justice causes, it has become harder and harder to hold up the cross, to speak the prophetic language of faith we have received, he said. Friendship, he said, is not an optional byproduct of the covenant. It could be that the most important thing in these times is for us to be determined to be friends, to count our disagreements as less important, less defining, than being friends together with God. We need to understand how compelling is our prophetic witness of truly befriending each other, for Christ’s sake. Micah and other prophets, said Reed, time and again haul us into court and call us “to get over ourselves and look up from our lives.” What God wants from us is us—in companionship with him, in friendship with one another in Christ, doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with our God.” • To view Bishop Reed’s sermon, visit http://council-dwtx.org/councillive-2013.

Report from College Missions

ithin the past year, the Department of College Missions has seen a couple changes. The name of the department changed from College Ministry. “Our new name allows us to continue to see the 300,000 college students in our diocese as our mission field, and it reminds us that we are living missionally on the campuses,” said Greg Richards, director of College Missions. Also in 2012 the department brought two more people on staff, Allie Melacon and Roberto Cellis. Allie is helping facilitate programs on the various campuses in San Antonio, and she is also leading a women’s Bible study at Texas State University in San Marcos. Roberto is focusing on developing and growing a program at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). The programs that were begun a couple years ago at St. Mary’s University and the University of the Incarnate Word are thriving

and growing, with more students attending the weekly activities. At UTSA the numbers have gone from four attendees at start-up to almost 20 who attend a weekly Bible study and cooking class. At Trinity University a group of students come together to pray every Monday and also meet for breakfast tacos twice a month. Richards said one of the primary goals of College Missions is to share life and to do this in as many ways as possible. In addition to the programs on the college campuses, the students also take part in short-term mission trips. This spring break 15 students from five schools will travel to the Dominican Republic. Students also take one trip each semester to Cliff Maus Village in Corpus Christi, a lowincome housing complex, to continue to build relationships that were formed between the children there and the summer Family Camp staff at Mustang Island Conference Center.

College Missions also plans retreats, including two Vocares held in 2012. Vocare is a spiritual retreat weekend for college-age adults, very similar to Cursillo. This fall, College Missions will co-host a Texas Episcopal College Conference with the Dioceses of Texas and Dallas. Another retreat for recently graduated high school seniors and rising seniors is planned for July called Portal 13. Held at Camp Capers before senior high session B, this retreat will help these young people prepare for the physical and spiritual transition from high school to college. Richards said, “We need leaders who can envision spreading our programs, so that we can start working in the coastal area and the Valley.” He then said, “It’s been a crazy, busy, amazing year, and this next year promises to be the same. God is using your gifts to do amazing work in the diocese.”

Youth in Action

Election Results

outh and adult sponsors, totaling 175 persons, from 12 different churches across the diocese sanded, painted, cleaned, and played all day on Saturday at Cliff Maus Village in Corpus Christi. “The best part was watching the curious and uninhibited children who lived there help the youth make their homes more beautiful,” said Sarah Kates, director of family ministries at St. David’s, San Antonio.

Executive Board: Clergy – the Rev. Clayton Elder and the Rev. Jim Nelson Lay – Traci Maxwell, Larken Sutherland, Jacqueline Roberts, and Doug Holmes

During this year’s Youth in Action event, the youth in attendance served with their neighbors and found no boundaries, nor walls, or cultural restraints. “It’s a universal language that can bring people together,” said Kates. Youth groups across the diocese pledged to seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God and know no bounds, committing to the 2013 diocesan theme from Micah 6:8.

Church Corporation Trustees: Clergy – the Rev. Ed Dohoney Lay – Rusty Biechlin

Standing Committee: Clergy – the Rev. Ripp Hardaway Lay – John Warren

TMI Trustees: Clergy or Lay – the Rev. Jay George, Kelley Kimble, and the Rev. Chris Cole (one-year unexpired term)

Photos by Sarah Kates.

University of the South Trustee: Clergy – the Rev. Ben Nelson

Youth from across the diocese gathered on Saturday, Feb. 23, for the annual Youth in Action.

the Church News

March/april 2013

Resolution 1-2013 Read the full resolution at http://council-dwtx.org/council-live-2013

he Rev. John Hardie, rector, and the vestry of St. Mark’s, Corpus Christi, presented a resolution to Diocesan Council proposing a task force on apportionments. The resolution called for the bishop to appoint a task force to explore the possibility of making the ten percent tithe the apportionment norm for parishes; to survey rectors of parishes to learn how apportionment levels affect budget and staffing decisions; and to explore the possibility of a diocesan development program to raise the balance of the diocese’s needs by an annual direct appeal and increased endowment income. The resolution proposed that the task force meet before Easter and bring a report back to Council next year. Thirty minutes of healthy discussion followed the reading of the resolution, during which clergy members and lay delegates approached the pro and con microphones to voice their opinions. The current

CAMPS Sunday CAMPS Sunday is April 14, 2013, and the diocesan Department of Camps and Conferences is looking forward to celebrating across the diocese. This special Sunday is dedicated to spreading the word about the camping ministry at Camp Capers, Mustang Island Family Camp, and the Colorado Adventure Program at James Park.

Photo by Victoria Reneau.

On CAMPS Sunday, churches are encouraged to incorporate camp songs into their worship services, open up the floor for testimony from previous campers/staff members/parents, and of course, wear camp T-shirts. Each congregation is also asked to forward this Sunday’s offering to the Good Samaritan Community Services (GSCS) Scholarship Fund. GSCS and the diocese are dedicated to providing for families who cannot afford summer camp fees. This past summer, because of the scholarship fund, 140 children and youth from the GSCS centers around our diocese got to play, sing, kayak, and worship at Camp Capers.

www.dwtx.org

apportionment system is based on a threeyear rolling average of a church’s operating income, and current apportionment rates range from a low of ten percent to a high of 18 percent. In 2006, the current apportionment rates became the norm when the rates were reduced from a range of 12-22 percent. Prior to that reduction, rates were reduced in the 1990s from a range of 16-28 percent. Doug Wayland, a vestry member at St. Mark’s, said he supported the resolution because, “no matter what the apportionment may be, our members need to know what they are giving to and what they are actually supporting.” Wayland said, “Those who live outside San Antonio do not know just what all the diocese does with the apportionment funds.” He said he would like to see an annual stewardship program to educate the diocesan family on the ministries. The Rev. Scott Brown, rector of St. Alban’s, Harlingen, said he would be concerned if the resolution passed. “We are a growing church. Camp Capers is the most affordable camp in the country for our young people, and I’m afraid the cost would rise [with decreased funding], and our ministry and efforts

Last year the “Adopt a Staff Member” program was implemented with wonderful success. Churches are encouraged to sign up to sponsor a staff member at one of our programs, providing the opportunity to send care packages throughout the person’s service at camp. Words of encouragement, tasty treats, and useful gifts can be tailored for the individual and help show support for our young leaders. If you would like to be a part of the program this year, contact Rob Watson, director of camps and conferences, at rob.watson@dwtx.org. Any questions about CAMPS Sunday or the upcoming summer season can be directed to the Camps and Conferences Department at 888/210-824-5387 or jean.beere@dwtx.org.

would be diminished,” said Brown. Bishop Lillibridge said that the diocesan budget is a tool for our corporate ministry, and that a diocesan level ministry should exist because we can do some things together as a family of 90 congregations that we cannot do as individual congregations - such as the Camps and Conferences ministries that we enjoy. Lillibridge continued, “The main reason the diocese exists is to support our congregations. The staff exists to support you. There is a diocesan office in San Antonio, but the diocese is all of us, everywhere. That is a fundamental understanding of our life together.” After further discussion, the Rev. John Hardie approached the microphone and said, “There is lots of room for exploration, which I think is important. I do not think this is going to pass, but I do hope that a task force will come together.” He thanked Council for the discussion and made a motion to withdraw the resolution, which was seconded by the Rev. Patrick Gahan, rector of Christ Church, San Antonio.

Visitors to the Camps and Conferences Department’s booth at Council viewed renderings of the new buildings being constructed at Camp Capers.

to promote the ministry. “I enjoy acolyting because it gives us a chance to play a huge role in leading a Eucharist [service], something that is often reserved for adults. It is nice to know that no matter what your age is you can still serve God and your church community in a significant way,” said Shockley.

The video promotes the ministry of acolytes and is set to lyrics written by Parnell and sung to the tune of the popular song “Call Me Maybe.” The acolytes who perform in the video dance their way down the church aisle, light the candles, swing the thurible, and pop up behind pews in Good Shepherd’s choir loft. As the song draws to a close, basic details for the upcoming Acolyte Festival are displayed, followed by a cameo by the Rt. Rev. David Reed, bishop suffragan, who mouths the lyrics, inviting acolytes to come join the fun.

Dave Moore, who leads the contemporary worship service at the church on Sunday evenings recorded the music, and Lauren Rader, a professional musician who sings at the church, exquisitely sang Parnell’s lyrics. And just how did Bishop Reed get in there? “He owed me something,” said Parnell, “for organizing Youth in Action and agreeing to host this festival. Not really, but he was a great sport. I asked for a cameo so we could try to drive up attendance, and he agreed.” Parnell filmed Reed’s part the Wednesday before Diocesan Council convened.

| By Laura Shaver

ou have probably heard about the video that stole the Council show. “Serve Christ Maybe,” a promotional video for the 2013 Acolyte Festival, created by Scott Parnell, youth ministry director at Church of the Good Shepherd, Corpus Christi and a group of his high school-age youth, was shown just before the youth commissioning on Saturday morning. You can view the video at www.dwtx.org/ acolyte-festival.

The Council floor received the video with stomping feet and a standing ovation, and when Bishop Reed appeared, laughter and hollers filled the AmericanBank Center in Corpus Christi. The young people who were assembled for the Youth in Action event were on their feet, dancing along. Parnell said the idea to make the video developed with a group of eight high schoolage youth that come together at Good Shepherd every Wednesday night to assist Parnell in leading a middle school-age youth group. “They wanted to make a video that would help them teach one of their lessons,” said Parnell. “It was originally going to be based on commercials shown during the Super Bowl and why the promotions are bad for our youth.” Instead, Parnell suggested a better idea – make a video to promote the upcoming Acolyte Festival that Good Shepherd will host on April 19-20. The youth jumped right in, and during an overnight lock-in at the church, the group spent two and a half hours perfecting the moves choreographed by Abbey Shockley while Parnell held the camera. The youth, who also serve as acolytes, were excited

On average, the Acolyte Festival is not very well attended, but this year’s promotional video may change that. “If the response at Youth in Action was any indication, we could have a very full house,” said Parnell.

The acolytes from Good Shepherd definitely portrayed the ministry in great fun, but they also realize the importance of the ministry and appreciate the opportunity to serve. “Acolyting has allowed me to understand the church more effectively, and I have grown closer to God by reminding myself of what God has taught me,” said Trevor Mauck. Elizabeth Kirkland said, “Acolyting is a great way for people to become involved and give back to their church communities. I have loved sitting right next to the altar because I feel closer to God. In addition, we are all so excited about the video, and I had a great experience filming it.”

Parnell has received notes of congratulations from across the nation, with requests to show the video in other dioceses, Episcopal churches, and churches of other denominations. At the end of February, people in over 153 countries had viewed the video on YouTube, where the “hits,” or views, seem to double each day. Comments from those writing to Parnell come with gratefulness for his efforts. The senior acolyte at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Lafayette, Louisiana, wrote, “I am jealous of such enthusiastic acolytes over there in Corpus Christi. I usually end up serving two to three times a month due to lack of attendance. Hopefully with some of my new ideas in mind for training and this awesome video, I will be able to revamp the acolyte program before leaving for college.” the Church News

Photo by John Gaskins.

The Making of “Serve Christ Maybe”

january/february 2013