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 FROM THE RECTOR
The Difference Between Guilt and Shame
During Lent it is my practice to switch to Rite One when I pray Morning/Evening Prayer (the offices of daily prayer set forth in the Book of Common Prayer). This practice dates back to my seminary days, when we would switch rites during different liturgical seasons. It reminds me not to get too comfortable, too familiar with my daily way of praying. The Rite I language also evokes a greater sense of grandeur and awe. Most of the prayers simply switch from you/your to thee/thou, but some of the prayers are substantially different. Some would say that Rite I has a much stronger penitential emphasis in the language and prayers. Take, for example, the confession of sin in Morning/Evening Prayer, Rite I:
“We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done.”
I have always been taught to be wary of too many “oughts” and “shoulds.” A wise spiritual director once cautioned me, “Don’t should all over yourself!”
However, the penitential language of Rite I has caused me to consider the significant difference between guilt and shame. As Brene Brown has rightly noted, guilt tell us “I did something bad,” whereas guilt says “I am bad.” Guilt properly leads us to repentance, healing, and wholeness. Shame leads us to brokenness, isolation, and fear.
St. John Chrysostom put it this way: “Should you have gone all lengths in wickedness, yet say to yourself, God is loving to humanity and desires our salvation...Let us not therefore give up in despair; for to fall is not so grievous as to lie where we have fallen; nor to be wounded so dreadful as after wounds to refuse healing."
During this penitential season of Lent remember this: God is always more ready to forgive than we are to ask. Guilt can be a holy tool that protects us from hardness of heart and leads us to true repentance. Shame is a lie that distorts our true identity as beloved children of God.
Stephen Ingram, who many of us will remember from Ministry Architects, has this to say about the importance of guilt in student ministry. I think, in fact, this applies to the role of guilt in ministry period. Wise words for a holy Lent. May God grant us true repentance and amendment of life.
The Important of Guilt in Student Ministry, by Stephen Ingram
Grace and peace,
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REMEMBER THE CHURCH IN YOUR WILL
From The Book of Common Prayer, pg. 445
"The Minister of the Congregation is directed to instruct the people, from time to time, about the duty of Christian parents to make prudent provision for the well-being of their families, and of all persons to make wills, while they are in health, arranging for the disposal of their temporal goods, not neglecting, if they are able, to leave bequests for religious and charitable uses."
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HELP REPLENISH THE FLOWER FUND
The flowers which adorn our altars come from a team of skilled arrangers who rely on this fund to help beautify our worship of the Almighty. To give a suggested donation of $40.00 for flowers in honor or memory of loved ones, call the church office (210) 226-0345.
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HOLY WEEK AT ST. PAUL'S
Monday, March 30
12:00 PM
Holy Eucharist
Tuesday, March 31
12:00 PM
Holy Eucharist
Wednesday, April 1
12:00 PM
Holy Eucharist and Stations of the Cross
Maundy Thursday, April 2
6:30 PM
Institution of the Lord's Supper and Stripping of the Altars
Good Friday, April 3
12:00 PM
The Solemn Liturgy and Singing of the Passion
Holy Saturday, April 4
8:30 PM
The Great Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter
Easter Day, April 5
8:30 AM and 10:30 AM
Solemn Choral Eucharist of the Resurrection
 CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES AT ST. PAUL'S
The Godly Play calendar for the spring includes a couple of Sundays “off.” There will be no Godly Play on the following dates:
March 8 (Spring Break & Daylight Savings)
April 5 (Easter Sunday)
The last Godly Play session for the semester is May 17. The last several sessions will focus on Eucharist. More details to come!
Please be aware that our Godly Play program is separate from both the nursery and Children’s Chapel programs. Both nursery and Children’s Chapel will be available at the usual times on those dates that Godly Play is not in session. If you have any questions about our children’s ministries, please contact Dorothy Darius at dorothy.darius@gmail.com.
 KNOW YOUR VESTRY
The St. Paul’s Vestry has nine members, each serving three year terms with three members rotating off each year. This year, Adam Crawshaw, Susan Keyes, and William Ross completed their terms. Elected by acclamation to fill those positions are Michele McCall, Dale McNeill, and Rick Mashburn.
Also leaving the Vestry this year (and moving to Utah with husband John) with one year left on her term is Peggy McCray. William McMillen will complete Peggy’s term.
St. Paul’s continues to be blessed with members willing to serve the parish with their leadership skills.
NEW VESTRY MEMBERS 2015
 MICHELE McCALL
Michele joined St. Paul’s in 2012. She is an alto in the choir and chair of the Soli Deo Gloria Guild which supports the music program at St. Paul’s. Michele’s business experience includes project management, and she brings those skills to her work on the Implementation Team to help create sustainable infrastructure and ministries at St. Paul’s. Michele also served as clerk of the Vestry in 2014. She will bring strong organizational skills and a fine sense of humor to the Vestry of St. Paul’s.
 DALE McNEILL
Dale was baptized in the Episcopal church in 1979 and confirmed in 1980. In that time, he has worshiped at 8 parishes, changing as he moved from one city to another. At St. Paul's, he has served as a lector and lay Eucharistic minister. At other parishes, in addition to those roles, he has served (in reverse order, more or less) as warden, vestry member, lay reader, lay catechist, greeter, altar guild member and director, vacation church school teacher, flower guild member, church school teacher, and brass polisher. Dale served for 6 years on the national board of Integrity. In that time he focused on evangelism and building the skills of members. He planned 3 regional retreats for members (in Santa Fe, Little Rock, and near New Orleans), and was also given the wonderful opportunity to plan a 3 day worship service in Houston for Integrity with Presiding Bishop Browning as the primary celebrant. Dale is an Assistant Director in the San Antonio Public Library system. He has a calm disposition, a questioning mind, and a desire and ability to bring ideas and people together. He hopes to bring those skills to the Vestry at St. Paul’s.
 RICK MASHBURN
Rick Mashburn has been an Episcopalian since 1995. He has been a member of St. Paul's since 2007. He is currently a member of the Implementation Team working on the Ministry Architects recommendations. He previously served on the Search Committee in 2013 and on the Vestry from 2008 to 2011. Before moving to San Antonio, he was a member of Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston where he also served on the Vestry, Finance Committee and as a Disciples of Christ in Community Presenter and Facilitator. He has served as a delegate to Diocesan Council multiple times in both the Diocese of West Texas and the Diocese of Texas. He is currently a Senior Client Manager in Marketing at USAA where he regularly volunteers, along with his coworkers, at Haven for Hope and the San Antonio Food Bank.
 BILL McMILLEN
Bill McMillen grew up in the Presbyterian church, but began attending the Episcopal church while in high school. He and his wife Sherry came to St. Paul's in 2003. He was assistant organist (volunteer) 2003 - 2010. He sings in the Parish Choir and is a Soli Deo Gloria Board member. He served as chair of the St. Paul's 125th. Anniversary committee (2007 - 2009) as well as of the Jubilee Capital Fund Drive. He has served two terms on Vestry, and was Sr. Warden for two years during his second term. The liturgy and music of worship at St. Paul's are a deep blessing and healing balm for him. He is thrilled to see so many new faces and hopes to see many of them assume leadership and support roles in our Parish.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
January 2015
In January, operational expenses totaled $40.9K while income received totaled $28.4K resulting in a monthly operating deficit of $12.4K.
We will continue our efforts to monitor expenses throughout the year to minimize and manage the deficit in our operational budget.
Bev Wong
Treasurer
EYES TO SEE: THE REDEMPTIVE PURPOSE OF ICONS
With the Rev, Mary Green
Monday, March 23
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Parish Hall
Based on her recently released book by the same title, the Rev. Mary Green explains how reading the language of icons sharpens our ability to see with eyes of faith. The theology embedded in icon images make them powerful, practical and sacred tools needed by a countercultural Church engaged in a visual society. The beautiful images shown through a power point presentation clarify what an icon is and is not, and why icons differ so drastically from all other religious art. Brief interactive exercises will give participants the opportunity to 'read' icon images.
The Rev. Green's several careers began as an RN, next as full-time wife, mother, and homemaker, and third as an Episcopal priest in college, parish, and hospital ministries. Her vocation is now focused on developing her icon-writing skills and teaching about the power of icons as tools for meditation and spiritual formation. Mary and her husband Bob moved from Texas in 2012 to the Pacific Northwest where they are happily "living the retirement dream" on Whidbey Island.
 ADULT FORUMS
Sundays in the Parish Hall
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
March 1 - March 29
God’s Holy Word: Reading the Scriptures
with Dr. Gillian E. Cook O.P.,
This six-week class on Sundays during Lent will present a variety of ways to read, learn and engage with the Scriptures. Each week, we will use a different approach to examine one or more of the Scripture readings appointed for that day. This will be an interactive class, and you are invited to bring your own Bible.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT LENTEN SERIES
March 4 - March 25
5:30 PM Evening Prayer in the Church
6:00 PM Supper in the Parish Hall
6:30 PM Program
7:15 PM Compline
Join us for the observance of a Holy Lent. With the exception of Ash Wednesday (which is a fast day), our Wednesdays in Lent begin with a simple supper at 6pm followed by a program and discussion (6:30-7:15). This year we will be exploring Faith in Film, which will be led by professor of film, Arturo Vasquez. We conclude with a brief service of Compline at 7:15. Childcare is available by reservation. Please call or email the parish office (210) 226-0345 or admin@stpauls-satx.org
March 4 - Faith in Film, led by Arturo Vasquez
March 11 - Faith in Film, led by Arturo Vasquez
March 18 - Faith in Film, led by Arturo Vasquez
March 25 - The Feast of the Annunciation, Holy Eucharist at 6:30 PM
MUSIC AT ST. PAUL'S
Fundraising has begun for 2015! Support your parish music program by donating to the St. Paul's Music Fund. The program relies solely on your monetary support to continue. Donor cards have been mailed to parishioners and friends of the guild. Click below to print a card and donate today.
For more information about that music program and the work of the Soli Deo Gloria Guild, contact John Hare, Organist/Choirmaster at johnhare@stpauls-satx.org, or Michele McCall, Chair of the Soli Deo Gloria Guild at michele.mccall@gmail.co
SCHOOL CARNIVAL
CELEBRATING OUR 10th ANNIVERSARY
2005-2015
Friday March 27,
3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Food, games,
music and fun for all ages!
 MILITARY MATTERS
Get ready, get set, go…..to the Harlequin Dinner Theater, that is. And sponsor a soldier to go with you. Military Matters workgroup is putting together a St. Paul’s evening at the Harlequin on Fort Sam on March 19.
The name of the show is “Deep In the Heart of Texas.” Dinner starts at 6:15 and the show at 8:00 pm. Tickets cost $32 for military (active and retired) and $35 for civilians. If someone would like to sponsor a soldier or couple but cannot attend the event, that is allowed. The purpose of this event is to get to know some soldiers and let them get to know us in an enjoyable setting.
Start planning now to take a service member and spouse as your guests. We are asking St. Paul members to sit with their military personnel and get to know them. Deadline for reservations is March 1.
Since St. Paul does not know any deployed personnel right now, we are working through Soldier’s Angels to adopt some deployed soldiers. These are soldiers who have requested to be adopted. We will be obligated to send a care package every month and to write more frequently during their deployment. Lists of desired supplies will be published soon. As always, thank you for your excellent support.
If you would like more information on either of these projects, please ask.
Mother Karen
Education for Ministry is a Theological Education Course by Extension from the University of the South (Sewanee). The four year course is taken one year at a time (some participants have taken several years and participated in more than one group to complete their course work). It requires a commitment of time and money by the diocese, parish, mentor and especially the participants. Currently the cost is $350 per year for the participant. The group must be a minimum of six persons but is limited to 12 plus the mentor.
The course is open to anyone who would like to participate. Church membership is not required and those from other denominations and faith traditions are welcome. Since EfM is from an Episcopal seminary the course materials do have a strong Anglican slant but all are encouraged to further study and the group seminar style encourages the participants to share and discuss all points of view. Click here for more information about EfM.
My experience of EfM was one of learning to be open and reflective of my beliefs and understanding of the church. I was part of a group which was mentored by Jennifer Wickham and I learned and grew under her mentorship. My group was a safe place to talk about beliefs, doubts, ideas of all kinds. It was a place where I learned to say “I believe……” and understand where that belief comes from. It was a place where I could disagree with someone, sometimes strongly, and know that I was respected and kept respect for others.
We are considering starting a group at St Paul’s and need your feedback to know if we can create a viable group. EfM is not for everybody, but if it seems interesting or you feel drawn to learn more about it, please contact Liz Evans ewbevans@prodigy.net or 210-355-5774 or Fr Brad (rector@stpauls-satx.org or 210-226-0345).
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FLOWERS AND
LENTEN CANDLES
AT THE ALTARS
03/15
In memory of the lives and love of Jack H. and Dorothy D. Thompson
by Peggy Thompson McCray
03/22
In loving memory of Sherry McMillen
by William and Jeffrey McMillen
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BIRTHDAYS
03/02
Harry Lee Walker
03/03
Sarah Garcia
03/04
Benjamin Weston
03/06
Roy Jones
Christina Tinker
03/07
Kathleen Scott
03/10
Gerry Scott
03/14
Garrett Scanland
03/16
Larry Tutor
03/17
Laura Thomas
03/18
Nikolai Hussey
03/19
John Brady
Larry Thrash
03/20
Erin Michaels
03/21
Douglas Alan Wilson
03/22
Brian Loranger
Dimery Michaels
03/25
Angela Roberts
03/28
Susannah Waldron
03/29
Paul H. Hass
JoAnn K. Prater
Linda Ross
03/30
Shirley Allen
03/31
Alison Boone
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WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
03/09
Gerry and Kathleen Scott
03/14
Anne and Graham Knight
03/25
Susan Keyes and Kelly Bender
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THE COLUMBARIUM
AT ST. PAUL'S
For information on purchasing a niche in the St. Paul's Columbarium, please contact Fr. Brad or Barbara Wenger at
barpal1609@
sbcglobal.net
or (210) 824-2837.
You will find the Columbarium on the north church lawn, off the sidewalk from Grayson street to the exterior doors that lead to the Parish Hall, at the east end of the Sanctuary, below the window of the Last Supper.
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