St. Luke's Church 2019 Annual Report
TIDINGS
a newsletter of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and School
OUR VISION
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is called by God to illuminate San Antonio with the light of Christ through transformative education for people of all ages, compassionate care for every member of our community, and inspiring worship and music in the Episcopal tradition.
Contents FROM THE RECTOR The Rev. Irv Cutter DATES TO KNOW CONFIRMATION The Rev. Michael Koehler VESTRY CANDIDATES CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES THE MUSTARD SEED DAY SCHOOL MUSIC AT ST. LUKE'S WELCOME TO THE BODY
From the Rector The beginning of the year is an exciting time, a time of energy and hopefulness and anticipation. It’s a great time to look back and reflect on recent accomplishments, but more importantly, the start of the new year provides an opportunity for looking forward and making plans. The Annual Parish Meeting gives the congregation an opportunity to do both. I hope you’ll plan to join us on Sunday, January 27, for the Annual Parish Meeting. We’re adjusting our worship schedule that day to three services: 8:00am, 10:00am, & 6:00pm The Annual Meeting will be in the church, immediately following the 10:00am service. This gathering will give parishioners a chance to hear from key parish leaders, who will remind us of some of the highlights of 2018. We’ll also get a chance to learn about plans for various ministries in 2019. Financial information will be distributed, with the focus being on the Operating Budget for 2019. Also, parishioners will get to vote for new members of the Vestry. In a sense, I feel like the wrong person to tell you much about the Annual Parish Meeting. I have no idea what an Annual Meeting at St. Luke’s looks like! Being brand new to St. Luke’s, I’m still learning so much every day about parish life. I’ll be relying heavily on the staff and Senior Warden Denise Powers to run the meeting. But I will take the opportunity at the Annual Meeting to share some initial impressions, and to suggest some areas of our shared life together that could use some attention.
I do plan to remind parishioners at the Annual Meeting about the Vision Statement that was adopted by the Vestry some years ago. The purpose of this Vision Statement was to guide parishioners and parish leaders in their decisionmaking about the church’s ministries. I believe it has held up well. This particular statement offers a compelling vision for the future of St. Luke’s Church. If you heed a reminder, here it is: St. Luke’s is called by God to illuminate San Antonio with the light of Christ through transformative education for people of all ages, compassionate care for each member of our community, and inspiring worship and music in the Episcopal tradition. I’m excited about keeping this vision in front of us as we dream together about the future and as we make plans for the coming days. I’ll look forward to sharing the Annual Parish Meeting with you on January 27.
(The Rev.) Irving Cutter Rector P.s. Many of you have asked me what I would like to call me. I’m happy for adults to call me “Irv”, the shortened version of Irving that my family and friends use. If you prefer a little more formality when you address me, I don’t mind “Father Irv” or “Father Cutter”. Those more formal addresses will work for children, too!
THE REV. IRV CUTTER Rector rector@stlukes-sa.net
Dates to Know January 20th • Bibles for 2 Year Olds On Sunday, January 20th the 2 year olds and their families will receive their Bible and a special blessing. The Bibles are St. Luke’s gift to you! So if you have a 2-year-old, or if your child will be turning 2 at the beginning of 2019, please let Jill S. Martinez know at jillm@stlukes-sa.net. January 20th • Budget Discussion Meeting 10:00 AM. During the Sunday School hour in the Large Conference room. January 20th • Choral Evensong 4:30 PM in the Sanctuary. January 20th • 4th & 5th Youth Group 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Bowlero. January 25th • Amigos Potluck Dinner Amigos is St. Luke’s fellowship group for the "sandwich" generation of 30 to 50 - somethings in our faith community. Join us for our first potluck dinner of 2019 on Friday January 25th from 6:30-9:30. For more information please contact Kim West –kimbolinasue@gmail.com. January 27th • Annual Parish Meeting Services at 8 AM and a combined 10 AM. The meeting will take place in the Sanctuary at 11 AM. Discussing St. Luke's and voting for new vestry members. February 1st • Parents' Night Out 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM February 17th • 4th & 5th Youth Group 4:30 PM in the Youth Room. February 17th • Choral Evensong 4:30 PM. February's Evensong again features American composers. In addition to the Salfen Responses we include his New Year Canticles and anthem: "Is not this the fast that I choose?" The introit is by the much-loved American or-ganist and composer Jack Ossewaarde: "Draw us in the Spirit's tether." We are joined by the Choir of the University of the Incarnate Word for this ser-vice. Reception following. For more information, contact Russell Jackson, Music Director & Organist, St Luke’s Episcopal Church, russellj@stlukes-sa.net
March 1st • Parents' Night Out 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM March 5th • Shrove Tuesday 5:30 - 7:00 PM in the Parish Hall. Ash Wednesday (and the beginning of the season of Lent) is on March 5th, so let's get together before that and enjoy "breakfast for dinner", complete with all-you-can-eat pancakes, syrup, bacon and sausage! In addition to this delicious meal, there will be "Mardi-Gras" crafts for kids. All are welcome AND are encouraged to bring friends! March 6th • Ash Wednesday Services at 8 AM, 12 PM, & 6 PM. Childcare available at 12 PM and 6 PM March 17th • Confirmation Sunday Read the Confirmation article on the next page to learn more! April 14th • Palm Sunday April 21st • Easter Sunday
Confirmation What is Confirmation and Who is it for?
The Bishop will lay hands on the candidate, and pray that God will empower them for ministry This is a GREAT question, but requires a and defend them with God’s heavenly grace. This few answers to other questions first. The first is becomes an outward, visible, tangible moment “What are the Sacraments?” The Catechism of our for the candidate to remember the graces that are Book of Common Prayer defines them as “outward already abundant in their life. and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given So to answer the question: the Sacrament by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace.” In other words, they are tangible of Confirmation is for people who were baptized markers of the goodness and Love of God in our before they had a chance to make the promises lives. They are moments that we can turn to when their own. Confirmation at St. Luke’s for youth we need reminders of the reality of God’s Love and tends to be for those in 8th grade. Those baptized as adults would not require Confirmation, as they presence in our lives. have already taken on the promises at an “age of The first of our Sacraments is Baptism. understanding.” Instead, it may be appropriate for Again, from our Prayer Book, “Holy Baptism is full adults to “Reaffirm” their covenant with the Bishop, initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's or be Received into the Anglican Communion if they Body the Church.” Baptism is the starting point are coming from a different denomination. For all to a life of faith, and opens for the recipient the people, the instruction offered at Confirmation is a full measure of support and grace of the Church in great opportunity to examine the promises of the living into the promises of the Covenant. Baptism Christian Faith, and strengthen our commitment to is a public declaration of Christ as Lord, and a living as Christ in the world. visible and tangible experience of our participation When Bishop Brooke-Davidson comes for in the death and victory over death of Jesus at the Resurrection. For us in the Episcopal church, this our official visit on March 17, we will be proud to initial Sacrament is often done for young children or present Candidates for Confirmation, Reaffirmation infants, with Parents and Godparents committing of Baptismal Vows, and Reception. Instruction and to raising the child with knowledge and support of discussion will begin on February 3 for Youth (in God’s love for them. This sets the foundation for a the Youth Room) and Adults (in the Parlor Forum). way of life, and promises the support of the church Please contact Fr. Michael at the Church or universal to grow into the full stature of God’s Love. by email (michaek@stlukes-sa.net) with questions, These promises made on behalf of a child for more information, or to sign up. need to one day be taken on by each person as their own. When a person baptized at a younger age is ready to “confirm” this covenant for themselves, they meet the Bishop in the Sacrament of Confirmation.
THE REV. MICHAEL KOEHLER Associate Rector michaelk@stlukes-sa.net
Vestry Candidates Over the past 30-45 days the SLEC Vestry Nominating Committee has been meeting and discussing the numerous candidates that have been recommended. We are extremely grateful to everyone that provided us with names and guidance as we sorted through the candidates.
Members of the Nominating Committee were: David Cotton, Suzette Harris, Charles John, Howard Lutz, Marquel McCabe, Marie Morgan, Melissa Priest, & Lukas Sehlke. The Committee met to vet and discuss candidates, qualifications, commitment to SLEC and willingness to serve. As a result, the Nominating Committee is pleased to present to the SLEC parish the following seven individuals who have been selected and agreed to stand for election to the vestry.
Catherine Bishop
Years Attending: 10 Years Occupation: Partner and Director of Employee Benefits for Catto & Catto LLP What groups/Ministries of St. Luke’s are you involved in? My focus has been on children’s ministries. On and off over the past 6 years, Matt and I have loved teaching Sunday school. What do you love about St. Luke’s? I love the warm and welcoming community that St. Luke’s provides. It is our family church home and I love that we can spend quality time worshiping together in such a special place. I especially love that my children look forward to and are excited to pull into the St. Luke’s parking lot on Sunday mornings! What gifts or skills would you bring to vestry leadership? I would bring my experience and perspective as a mother of young children as well as a business owner. I believe it is vital to attract and retain young families to St. Luke’s, and I think I can be helpful in that process. I also have leadership experience managing a broad range of organizational issues and making critical decisions from being a partner at my insurance agency, as well as serving on several non-profit boards. I would love the opportunity to serve on the vestry and partner with Father Irv and the other vestry members in helping to listen to and lead our congregation.
Leslie Kassahn
Years Attending: 10 Years Occupation: Attorney; Partner – Kassahn & Ortiz, P.C. What groups/Ministries of St. Luke’s are you involved in? I am involved with the Children’s Ministry at St. Luke’s. My husband and I have taught Sunday School since 2012, when we began teaching the 2-year old’s Sunday School class. Every year since then we have taught a Godly Play class. We have also served as oblationers at the 9:00 A.M. Service. What do you love about St. Luke’s? What I love most about St. Luke’s is the community and fellowship. When we were searching for our church home ten years ago, the members of St. Luke’s were so welcoming that we immediately knew we had found our church home after visiting many other congregations. This is the church where both my children were baptized, and my son attends St. Luke’s School. St. Luke’s is truly a part of my everyday life, whether it’s attending church service on Sunday or school activities during the week. What gifts or skills would you bring to vestry leadership? St. Luke’s and its congregation hold a special place in my heart, and I would love to give back to St. Luke’s by serving on the Vestry. I believe that my legal background and my critical thinking skills would be an asset on the Vestry. I am very detail-oriented and a good listener. I also believe that my communication skills, my consensus building skills, and my negotiation skills would assist me in serving on the Vestry.
Si Millican
Years Attending: 11 Years Occupation: Professor of Music Education - UTSA
What groups/Ministries of St. Luke’s are you involved in? I have taught kindergarten through third-grade classes through the Godly Play children’s ministry and regularly led Evening Prayer services. I currently drive the shuttle once a month and serve on the Matthew lay reader team. My wife, Sherry, sings in the choir, and my children are acolytes. What do you love about St. Luke’s? When our family was searching for a new church home after arriving in San Antonio, we were immediately struck by the incredible music, beautiful service, and the warm welcome we received at St. Luke’s. We found amazing programs for our children, a caring choir community for Sherry, and outstanding Christian education programs here. What gifts or skills would you bring to vestry leadership? I grew up in the Episcopal church and believe that service is one way that we can show our thankfulness for God’s unimaginable blessings. As a professional musician and teacher, I can provide insight into the important worship, music, and children’s ministries at St. Luke’s Church and School. I have served in numerous leadership positions in my career as a public-school teacher and as a university faculty member and administrator.
Michael Mortensen
Years Attending: 40+ Years Occupation: Sales & Marketing Coordinator for ReconStone What groups/Ministries of St. Luke’s are you involved in? I am a Verger and the Acolyte Director. I was a member of the recent Search Committee and am a past Vestry Member, serving as Jr. Warden for 1 year. I have attended Diocesan Council as a Delegate/Alternate. Past ministries include mission trips to Uganda (twice), and Haiti (twice) as well as fundraising for Youth Ministry Programs. What do you love about St. Luke’s? Having attended St. Luke’s for most of my life and attended St. Luke’s School, there is so much to love – the traditions of the Episcopal Church, the welcoming community, the beautiful campus, the outreach programs and fellowship. What gifts or skills would you bring to vestry leadership? Having grown up at St. Luke’s I have a genuine love for this place. My background in design, construction, project management, and fundraising for non-profits gives me a diverse skillset. Experience has shown me that, as Christians, there is value in working together - we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us. I welcome the opportunity to serve St. Luke’s in this ministry.
Steven Rodriguez
Years Attending: 5 Years Occupation: Assistant Professor of Education, Northwest Vista College Part-Time Lecturer, St. Mary’s University Founder at EPIC Career, College Major and Career Choice Consulting
What groups/Ministries of St. Luke’s are you involved in? My wife Katie and I have loved recently teaching Godly Play and Vacation Bible School. It was my great honor and pleasure to serve on the Rector Search Committee this past year. What do you love about St. Luke’s? Formerly living north of town, we recently moved closer in, partly in our desire to become more involved and serve more at St. Luke’s. The more we experience the powerful worship and teaching and get to know so many thoughtful, kind and gracious members, the more we continue to want to invest more of ourselves toward the growth of St. Luke’s. What gifts or skills would you bring to vestry leadership? My twenty year career has been about understanding the complexities of higher education and using psychological assessments to help people make major life decisions. This background led me to formerly serve as an Executive Coach in the Oil & Gas industry and academic Dean at two universities. Basically, my adult life has been about helping people discover how they can discern and optimally use their talents. As a result, my decision-making as a vestry member would be focused in expanding ministries to the growth of our membership and service to our city.
David M. Schrantz
Years Attending: 25 Years Occupation: Retired (US Army and USAF Civil Service) What groups/Ministries of St. Luke’s are you involved in? I am a Lay Eucharistic Minister, a Lay Eucharistic Visitor, an Usher, Habitat for Humanity worker, VBS volunteer for 10 years, Men of St. Luke organizer, Luke’s Men participant, Reunion group (Cursillo) member, and Education for Ministry (EFM) student. What do you love about St. Luke’s? Mostly, the people, but also the opportunities for outreach in the community. Being a lifelong Episcopalian, I greatly enjoy our liturgy, tradition and music. What gifts or skills would you bring to vestry leadership? Having done seasonal work for United Way of San Antonio for 9 years, I believe I know a lot of opportunities where St Luke’s members could be of value to the community. I also had leadership roles in both my military and civil service career which I hope would embellish the work of the vestry. My main thrust is service to others, so I hope that would enable me to help our church reach its potential.
Kirstin Silberschlag
Years Attending: 5 Years Occupation: Vice President – Commercial, Customs and Compliance Legal Services, Valero Energy What groups/Ministries of St. Luke’s are you involved in? I have taught Sunday School at St. Luke’s on and off for the past 3 years and also regularly participate as a lay reader and (with the help of my children) oblationer. I also just finished serving on the St. Luke’s Search Committee for our new rector. What do you love about St. Luke’s? I love that St. Luke’s continues to be such a warm and welcoming place of worship (which is why my family made this our home church) and I am continually drawn to the amazing people: clergy, staff, lay leaders and congregants, which make up the St. Luke’s community. I have been particularly inspired by my time on the Search Committee, during which we delved deeply into what makes St. Luke’s the unique place it is. Through this process, I came to an even better appreciation for not only the history of St. Luke’s, but where it is today and even more importantly, what it can and will become in the future! What gifts or skills would you bring to vestry leadership? I have served on a number of non-profit boards and understand the dynamics of a being a part of a committee that must be in tune with its constituencies (here, congregation) and work toward consensus and toward a common goal that is bigger than any one individual’s personal interests. Having served on the Search Committee, I also understand that in addition to all the administrative tasks common to the secular world, vestry leadership also requires the recognition of divine mission inherent within the group.
Children's Ministries
Parents’ Night Out is offered on the first Friday of most months from 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. Parents may bring their children ages infant through 5th grade to our church childcare rooms where they will be cared for by St. Luke’s wonderful childcare staff. The cost is $15 per child ($45 maximum per family) for the evening. Mark your calendar for the following PNO dates! -February 1st -March 1st -April 5th -May 3rd Questions? Contact Jill S Martinez – jillm@stlukes-sa.net
Upcoming Baptism Dates The sacrament of Holy Baptism will be offered on the following dates. • February 3rd • March 3rd • April 20th (Easter Vigil) • June 9th • August 4th • September 8th • November 3rd To schedule a baptism, please contact the Clergy Secretary, Ilya Franco at 828-6425.
Vacation Bible School 2019 ~ Kingdom of the Son – A Prayer Safari
It may be January, but plans are already under way for an amazing VBS this summer, so be sure to mark your calendars for the week of June 10th-14th! This year’s theme takes kids ages 4 years through 5th grade into the heart of the Serengeti, the vast game reserve in Eastern Africa (think The Lion King). Kids will spend the week exploring our relationship to God and his Son Jesus through prayer, learn about the giant exotic animals of the grasslands, make crafts with their own hands, and gain some insight into the rich culture of Tanzania and Kenya. They might even pick up a few Swahili words along the way! Junior & Senior High Youth may serve as “Teen Helpers” and registrations will begin in March! Our VBS Chairs this year are Rachel Lincoln and Xochitl Denton. If you feel called to help with VBS in ANY capacity, please contact Jill S. Martinez – jillm@stlukes-sa.net
The Mustard Seed Day School
The Mustard Seed is a faith and nature based Pre-K 2 program. We have two classrooms: The Shepherd’s Room (young two’s) and The Noah’s Ark Room (older two’s). In January, we changed our teaching model from independent teaching to co-teaching.
Meet The Mustard Seed Staff Hello! My name is Catherine Landis and I am Director of The Mustard Seed. This school year is my third year serving as Director. I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education from TCU. I am a parish member and have lived in San Antonio for seven years. My husband is Patrick Landis and he works at USAA in Enterprise Fraud Management. We have two children: William (4) and Margaret (2). William is in PK4 at St. Luke’s and Margaret attends The Mustard Seed. In our spare time we love to travel, cook, and spend time outdoors. I love my time at The Mustard Seed and look forward to seeing it continue to thrive!
The Shepherd's Room Teachers My name is Maria Huereca. I am a native of San Antonio. I have five wonderful sons, two are out of the home, and one currently attending UT Austin. I have seven plus years experience in early childcare. This is my third year with Mustard Seed. I enjoy my time with children and watching them grow.
Hello, my name is Deborah Ivicic. My husband is a college football coach, and my twins are in high school. I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BS in Child Development and a PK-6 Texas Teaching Certificate. I am a certified Dyslexia Therapist with sixteen years of teaching experience in both public and private schools. In my free time, I enjoy reading historical fiction and mystery novels, hiking and worldwide travel. I will be graduating in December with a Master Degree in Teacher Leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word. I am thrilled to be teaching and caring for your precious children and look forward to a great semester together!
Noah's Ark Room Teachers My name is Sarah Owens. I am originally from Houston, but moved to San Antonio 8 years ago. I have a huge family in San Antonio, including my mom (who grew up in San Antonio), stepdad, two sisters, and one brother. Last year my family got even bigger when I married Samuel Owens at Camp Waldemar. Together we have one very needy bulldog named Pickles. This is my second year working at Mustard Seed and I absolutely love it! Previously, I attended Incarnate Word University and have a background in psychology, philosophy, and childcare. I enjoy playing with my students and teaching them about the world around them.
My name is Amy Foster. I have lived in Alamo Heights for ten years. My husband, Chris, and I graduated from Texas A&M University. We have two daughters, Victoria age 12 and Emma age 10. Plus, three dogs and a cat. This is my third year teaching at The Mustard Seed. I love my time with the children!
Substitutes Teachers Jennifer Robelo has been a member of St. Luke's for 5 years. She moved to San Antonio from Charlotte, NC with her family. She has three children - Daniel (14), Sebastian (13) and Elsa (7) who all attend Alamo Heights schools. A graduate from both Duke University undergraduate and graduate (MBA), she has worked in consulting and marketing and now stays at home with her kids and volunteers with several community organizations.
Susannah Schaefer Carroll was born in San Antonio, Texas. She graduated AHHS and The University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism. However, she attended kindergarten at St. Luke’s. She was also baptized, confirmed, and married by Rev. Cris Jones at St. Luke’s. Susannah was married for 38 years before the passing of her husband. She has a beautiful daughter, Catherine who is married to Patrick Landis. Her two grandchildren, William (4) and Margaret (2) light up her life every day. When Susannah is not busy with family and friends, subbing, playing Mahjong, bible study, she loves the outdoors and a good campfire, reading, cooking, a good movie, and traveling. Susannah’s time subbing for The Mustard Seed is very special to her. She says that the children are precious and unpredictable and with their young minds bring tremendous joy to her world.
Music at St. Luke's Looking back over 2018, the choir saw much busyness in the way of fifty Sunday morning Eucharists, seven Choral Evensongs, plus our annual Advent Carol Service and Requiem. There was no Choir Tour in 2018 but the choir made a CD recording of Christmas Carols, “Christmas on the Hill” as part of a fundraiser for our upcoming UK Tour when the choir will be singing “in-residence” at Ripon Cathedral, North Yorkshire. The present cathedral is relatively modern by English historical standards and construction began in the 13th century, though the crypt dates back to the 7th century making it the oldest foundation in the country. Most of our repertoire during this tour will represent the American/Episcopal tradition. You are warmly invited to join us on our choral expedition. As pretty much all of you now know, the organ – though physically present in the building – has been ruined by the Odell Organ Company of Connecticut. When it arrived there was much damage done to existing pipes, wind chests had delaminated during travel, the new console was not built to AGO specifications and had been hacked to pieces trying to make it conform. The new combination action never worked from the moment of its installation and the maker eventually bought it back to avoid embarrassment. Since this debacle the Odell Company has rightly gone out of business and closed their doors. We are again in a holding pattern as decisions are made concerning how to address the situation. My chief joy at St. Luke’s is the Choir. What a fabulous group of people they are. We laugh together, learn together, celebrate our joys, commiserate with each other during life’s tragedies, and bring a sense of realism and community. They feed my soul and I hope you also feel inspired by their musical offerings.
RUSSELL JACKSON Music Director and Organist russellj@stlukes-sa.net
Welcome to the Body For information on being baptized or having your child baptized at St. Luke's, contact Ilya Franco, Administrative Assistant to the Clergy, at clergysec@stlukes-sa.net. Upcoming Baptism dates are: February 3rd, March 3rd, April 20th (Easter Vigil), & August 4th.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and School 11 St. Luke's Lane San Antonio, Texas 78209
Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid San Antonio,TX Permit No. 1001
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 11 St. Luke’s Lane, San Antonio, TX 78209 (210)828-6425 | www.slecsa.org The Rev. Irv Cutter Rector - rector@stlukes-sa.net
Gracie Gonzalez, Facilities Manager - gracieg@stlukes-sa.net
The Rev. Michael Koehler, Associate Rector - michaelk@stlukes-sa.net
Jill S. Martinez, Director of Children's Ministries - jillm@stlukes-sa.net
Ilya Franco, Administrative Assistant to Clergy - clergysec@stlukes-sa.net
Daniel Kittrell Director of Communications - danielk@stlukes-sa.net
Lenesa Leana, Interim Head of School - lleana@sles-sa.org
Catherine Landis, Mustard Seed Director - mustardseed@stlukes-sa.net
Russell Jackson, Music Director & Organist - russellj@stlukes-sa.net
David Thomas, Parish Administrator - davidt@stlukes-sa.net
Dr. David Heller, Associate Organist - dheller@trinity.edu
Rhonda Jordan, Parish Secretary - rhonda@stlukes-sa.net
Vol. 60, No. 1