Right at HOME Video e-magazine November 2020 Issue

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Somebody Build a Manger The Fellowship of San Antonio Hosts Annual Christmas Pageant

By Amy Morgan

lost many things in 2020 — gathering for birthdays, graduations, holidays —even Easter came and went without W e’ve

fanfare during the height of the Covid-19 shutdown. People around the globe have sorely missed celebrating in community. With that in mind, ministry team leaders at The Fellowship of San Antonio are determined not to let the pandemic crush Christmas’ joy. The church’s beloved annual Christmas pageant will proceed the weekend of December 12-13, albeit with new procedures to keep performers and audience healthy.

The Fellowship has staged their Christmas pageant in Stone Oak for the past 14 years. The format is modeled after the famed Radio City Music Hall production. The first half entertains, with numbers featuring Santa, snowflakes, carolers, dancers —all the fun and wonder of a traditional Christmas extravaganza. Despite past appearances by the Grinch, he will NOT steal Christmas this year.

The congregation has been meeting safely since churches were allowed to reopen this summer. Lead Pastor Royce Smith, who assumed the Fellowship’s helm in October, and Music Director Michael Sanford agreed practices that have proven successful on Sundays — face coverings, seating distances and rigorous cleaning — would translate and allow the show, “Somebody Build a Manger,” to go on.

“We are hoping that everyone who wants to will feel safe and reassured and will be able to come,” Michael said. Like the Fellowship’s weekly services, the church does plan to livestream the production so those who aren’t able to attend in person won’t miss out completely.

The second act pivots to retell the Bethlehem story of Jesus’ birth, complete with a heavenly host of angels played by the Fellowship’s Children’s Choir. Musicians undergird the singers and soloists — Pastor Royce may even make a cameo performance.

“We know we are not Broadway quality, but we try our best,” Michael said. “Pretty impressive things have been presented on that stage. The leadership team recognizes the impact music can make to uplift and encourage.

“People are so interested and want to be part of our program,” Renee added. “We couldn’t do it without all the volunteers building the stage, getting the set ready, working on costumes or lighting — the whole church pitches in. They even feed us while we’re working!

“We are making a huge investment in people having a good experience. We err on the side of safety,” she continued.

“For some people, this show is their Christmas,” he continued. “We are interested in telling the story of how a God who loves us came to the world… to bring something joyous, something spiritual.”

Michael designs the program to inspire reconnection with cherished memories of past holidays.

Check the website at www.thefellowshipofsa.org to determine seating and availability. The Fellowship is working out a strategy to keep patrons appropriately distanced, yet have space and time to accommodate all. Currently, performances are slated for December 12 at 6:30 p.m.; and 2:30 and 6:30 p.m., Sunday, December 13, although additional times may be added to meet demand.

“The music of Christmas is near and dear to almost everyone,” he said. “Whether it’s Santa Claus is Coming to Town, or O Holy Night, music touches your heart and soul.”

Choir President Renee Ives Johnson, Michael’s right hand for the past decade, oversees production details. On November 15, a team will begin building the backdrop that is 50 feet across and stands 20 feet high from the floor, graced by more than 10,000 twinkling Christmas lights. The scene is set with snow and Christmas trees and comes to life when the characters don the stage.

This is one of the most joyful and uplifting things I have ever done,” Michael said. “When the last program is over, everyone wishes there was one more.”

How much more meaningful will the 2020 program be after this year of social draught.

Somebody Build a Manger Presented by the members and volunteers at The Fellowship of San Antonio

Saturday December 12 @ 6:30 p.m.

Sunday December 13 @ 2:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Worship Service Times: Saturday @ 5 p.m Contemporary Worship Sunday @ 9:30 a.m.

Traditional/Blended Worship Sunday @ 11:00 a.m.

Contemporary Worship

The Fellowship of San Antonio 23755 Canyon Golf Road San Antonio, TX 78258 www.thefellowshipofsa.org 210-402-3672

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Designated Digger Season Set for Reagan Volleyball Senior Athlete

By Amy Morgan

D

espite the Reagan High School volleyball team’s postponed season start, senior Maddie Correa eagerly rejoined her fellow athletes to represent the Rattlers on the competition court. Preseason games and tournaments were cancelled, but it felt good to resume in-person practices in August, albeit behind masks. The Varsity team won their first game against Lee Sept. 18, when they began playing district rivals.

Her favorite memories of Reagan Volleyball include bonding with the girls and spontaneous locker room dance parties. “Stuff like that makes Reagan Volleyball,” she said.

Maddie began playing the sport as a seven year old and by the tender age of nine had graduated to the Alamo Club’s 12-year-old team. Standing 5’6”, Maddie plays Libero, a defensive position that functions somewhat like a point guard in basketball.

“I am known for being able to read the hitters and make a fast move to the ball,” she said. Maddie also mentioned her “high volleyball IQ,” learned from experience watching her father, Larry, who has coached boys and girls sports at Reagan for 20+ years, and her sister, Laryssa, a 2017 Reagan grad who played volleyball in college.

A high-achieving student, Maddie Correa will graduate from Reagan in December so she can head to Texas Tech a semester early and get a jump on training with her college volleyball team.

“It’s very fun always having someone I can go to for help,” Maddie said. “My dad’s harder on me, but he’s one of my biggest fans. He’s taught me everything I know. My mom definitely is my rock to tell everything to, and she never misses a game. My house is bathed in Rattler green.”

Standing 5’6”, Maddie Correa plays Libero, a defensive position on the Reagan varsity girls volleyball team.

A high-achieving student, Maddie will graduate from Reagan in December so she can head to Texas Tech (to which she committed her sophomore year) a semester early and get a jump on training with her college team.

She’ll join Laryssa in Lubbock, as Maddie’s sister is now pursuing a master’s degree there. Maddie’s excited about the next chapter of her life. She plans to major in communications/social media marketing, in which she became interested through her experience managing Reagan Student Council’s Instagram account.

SENIOR MOMENT

Inspiring Cyclers Pandemic Shutdown Led Senior Friends to Bike for Health, Happiness

By Amy Morgan

W

hen Covid-19 shut down the country, Jerry Compton and José Zambrana could have retreated to their homes in Independence Village to weather the storm. Instead, the two decided to use the time to become more active. They obtained bicycles and challenged themselves to ride a mile together every day. The next month, their goal increased to two miles. By the beginning of fall, the pair was cycling six miles daily.

When Covid-19 shut down the country, Jerry Compton and José Zambrana obtained bicycles and challenged themselves to ride a mile together every day. Now the goal is to ride 10 miles daily.

“People our age are the most vulnerable. We decided to get healthy and enjoy fellowship,” Jerry said. Both men report increased physical stamina and weight loss of 10+ pounds. The pair realized if they had been riding across country, the miles accumulated already could have propelled them past Boerne and on to El Paso.

“Our objective is 10 miles a day,” they said.

An additional benefit has emerged — their deepening friendship and connections within their community. As ride-time has become routine, neighbors step outside to wave good morning.

Jerry and José notice regulars and circle back to check on those they miss.

The two ride on a one-mile paved trail Jerry mapped around the interior perimeter of Independence Village. He drew on his experience with the U.S. Army leading recreation programs to maximize cardiovascular challenge and marked quarter-mile increments. Four years ago, Jerry and another Village member created a program called Walk for Life that incentivized residents with a free meal ticket for every 50 miles walked.

The bikers have inspired others. Their ride gets people out and socializing, and they’ve noticed more residents using the trail. Jerry and José added horns to their bikes to warn fellow exercisers of their approach. “They know we’re coming when we blow our horns,” José said. He gifted an extra set of horns to Independence Village’s snack trolley, which delivers treats throughout the community several times a week.

Although their wives don’t join them on their rides, José has encouraged Evie with the purchase of a three-wheeler.

Jerry’s Marcia enjoys swimming and the water aerobics classes that have resumed in the clubhouse pool.

José and Jerry met when Jerry and Marica graciously treated newcomers José and Evie to lunch at Independence Hill’s Dining Room. They also both participate in Independence Hill’s Senior Olympics competitions. The community sponsors dozens of events annually. Jerry is a three-time corn hole champion; José plays pickle ball.

Their riding relationship has sparked other endeavors. Both share a strong faith. José serves as an associate pastor at New Vision Community Church and has stepped into an unofficial role of spiritual supporter in the Independence Village community. Along with their wives, they led seven days of prayer in the Gazebo, encouraging others to gather and pray for the country and the pandemic. Jerry recruited José to serve in the prayer section of a blood drive held at his church, Bulverde Baptist.

Their activity continues to reveal opportunities to support their neighbors. With a new spring in their steps and fresh air in their tires, these two confidently roll toward the challenge.

For more information about the lifestyle offered at Independence Village, call (210) 764-5260, or go to www.independencehill.com.

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PET TIP

Safe Feasting for Fido

By Tamara Wetegrove

Y

Xylitol can dangerously and precipitously lower blood sugar. Chocolate and caffeine also can cause seizures and death. The darker the chocolate the more toxic is it, so keep your cup of cocoa or Joe away from Fido’s inquisitive nose. If you’ve jumped on the COVID baking bandwagon, be sure your furry family member doesn’t poach your rising dough, which could cause internal problems if ingested. The fermenting yeast can also lead to alcohol poisoning.

Another surprise: Macadamia nuts are very harmful to dogs.

A prime sign that Fido’s experiment with human food may have led him astray: vomiting. The pitiful sight and sound of a canine with tummy trouble can put a damper on even the most casual family dinner. If your pup vomits more than Some human food might be ok in small quantities. If you just once, take these steps: remove food and offer only small amounts of water (ice can’t resist slipping your pup a treat, don't overwhelm Fido with a variety of new delicacies all at once. “Less is more” is a cubes work well) and reintroduce bland food (a 75/25% combo of white rice and good rule of thumb. boiled low-fat meat is a good option).

Do not give over-the-counter human Safer things to try: turkey (with skin and bones removed), mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese (light on the cheese), medicines to your furry family member.

They are not formulated for your pup cranberry sauce and green beans. In fact, plain green beans and could cause complications. are a wonderfully nutritious holiday leftover for your pup.

Always check ingredients. That turkey stuffing or green bean casserole that seem innocent may include things like onions Vomiting is just one sign of potential poisoning. Others include lethargy, or garlic. Larger quantities of onions can cause potentially tremors, lack of coordination and dangerous anemia that may lead to organ damage or even joint stiffness. If you suspect anything death. concerning, call your vet immediately.

We can all give thanks for the blessing Other table foods that can be allowed for your dog include of our furry family members. If you’re pumpkin, blueberries, kale, kefir, mushrooms, broccoli, sardines, sweet potatoes, fermented vegetables and chia seed. interested in learning more about what it takes to join the Camp Bow Wow Pack and invest in a bright future and doggone Stay away from fatty or spicy foods, poultry bones, alcohol, good time, dial 210-496-9969 or visit chocolate and anything with xylitol, which is an artificial www.campbowwow.com/stoneoak for a sweetener found in sugar-free items like gum, mints and free executive summary. candies. our Thanksgiving traditions might look a little different this year, but the festivities would not be complete without turkey and pumpkin pie. With fewer faces around your holiday table, you might be tempted to share the bounty with your furry family member.

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