What did God do in the St. Marys community during Lent and Easter? What is ahead?

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St. Mary's Episcopal Church

15415 North Eldridge Parkway
Cypress, TX 77429-2005
Office: 281-370-8000
Email: admin@stmaryscypress.org
Website: stmaryscypress.org
Office Hours
Monday Thursday
8:30 am 4:30 pm
Friday
8:30 am Noon

Calendar
June
5
7-14
11
15-19
24
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25

Summer Concert #1
7PM Nave
Mission Trip to Dom. Rep.
Moms Group 10AM
Nursery
Vacation Bible School
Holy Eucharist/Healing 9AM Nave
249&Hope 8:45 AM
Moms Group 10AM
Nursery
July

Weekly Worship Schedule

Monday Saturday
9:00 am Morning Prayer
6:30 pm Evening Prayer
Sunday Schedule
8:00 am Holy Eucharist
9:00 am Christian Education
10:30 am Holy Eucharist and Childrens Chapel
5:30 pm Holy Eucharist and Healing
Nursery provided from 7:45 am-12:15 pm

The Reverend Beth J. Fain, Rector

The Reverend Katie Churchwell, Associate Rector
The Venerable Russ Oechsel, Deacon
Diane Mihalik, Parish Administrator
Celeste Booker, Music Director
Kelly Wallis, Organist (on Sabbatical 5/31-8/17)
Cindy Wingfield, Childrens Ministry Coordinator
Traci Foreman, Childcare Coordinator
Sharon Davis, Communications Coordinator
Max Williams, Youth Missioner, Parish Secretary
Melissa Gueitt, Events Coordinator
Molly Carnes, Connections Missioner
Cathy Sharpe, Pastoral Care
Donna Ritchey, Financial Secretary
If you wish to be removed from our mailing list;
or wish to receive a mailed copy of The Messenger
call 281-370-8000 or email admin@stmaryscypress.org.

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Summer Concert #2 7PM HFC 203

Coffeehouse Concert
Moms Group 10AM
Nursery
Holy Eucharist/Healing 9AM Nave
249&Hope 8:45AM
Seekers Forum 2PM
HFC 203
Summer Concert #3 7PM
Nave
August

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Seekers Dinner 6:30 PM

Rectory
LOTS 6:30 AM
Parking Lot
Summer Concert #4 7PM
Nave
All Parish Community Forum
with Heimsath 9AM
St Marys Day
8AM Morning Prayer
10:30AM Holy Eucharist
followed by lunch
5:30PM Evening Prayer
Holy Eucharist/Healing 9AM
Nave
Adult Confirmation Class 9AM HFC 203
SoW and EYC Begin 6PM
HFC 203
Moms Group 10AM
Nursery
All Parish Community Workshop
with Heimsath 1PM
HFC 203

This afternoon I looked through twelve years worth of

Messengers. Were beginning a new journey in our parish, and I was curious about how we had come to this
moment in time.
I read the very first From your rector column I wrote
you in December, 1997. It was about prayer and how
important it was to me to be able to pray for and with
you. I was already praying for you in a daily cycle of
prayer, and since January of 1998, we have prayed a cycle of prayer for each member of our parish family in
our community worship.
The Rev. Beth Fain
Rector

As I walked through the years with you at St. Marys

through the dusty pages of past Messengers, I was
struck by the many prayers that we had been invited to pray as a community as we discerned a host of calls by God:
A prayer as we prepared to become debt free for the first time
A prayer about having a wide enough doorway to be a gateway to Gods kingdom, that
led to our first long range planning mission in 2000 and a new mission statement.
A prayer that prepared us to gather the financial resources to become Gods love
building Gods family, and eventually to the building of the Holy Family Center.
A childrens prayer, Good morning God, this is your day, I am your child, please show
me your way.
Prayer after prayer after prayer for specific seasons of the church year for us to pray
daily in our private and corporate prayer time.
A prayer of discernment that we prayed for nearly two years that culminated in writing
our current vision, mission, and values statements in 2008.
Last summer we prayed another prayer as we opened our hearts to Gods will as we
prepared to become debt-free a second time.
In Lent of this year, our Associate Rector, Katie+, wrote our most recent community
prayer that weve been invited to pray daily.
In silence, speak to us. Quiet our hearts and minds and lives to hear your direction
for St. Marys. Temper our egos and instill a selfless desire to know and live your
will, that all we do would glorify your name. AMEN
Continued

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This afternoon I look

journey in our parish

I read the very first

In April, the Vestry listened to God, and reaffirmed that we already knew Gods
vision for St. Marys; we had prayed, discerned, and wrote it as a parish in 2008:
A Christ-centered community
inviting those seeking
loving acceptance,
spiritual growth, and
sacred beauty.
The Vestry discerned that we needed to create a specific plan, that is, a road map,
to more intentionally walk with God as we, in community, discern what specifically, very specifically, it is to look like in the years ahead for us to be even more
A Christ-centered community
inviting those seeking
loving acceptance
spiritual growth
sacred beauty.
This road map will involve a process of considering all facets of our life together,
both inside and outside the parish: our ministries at St. Marys and in the world;
in our corporate lives and our personal lives; and within our grounds and our
buildings. Every person in the parish, children and adults, will be invited and encouraged to be part of this process of discernment and planning.
Please be part of this process of discernment and planning:
Come to our community gatherings, come to worship, read the Servants Heart,
and other written communications.
Continue to pray and to listen: Not what I want. Not what you want. But God,
what would you have us do?
And if we continue to pray, I am certain, that even if we stumble from time to
time, we will, with Gods help, be even more
a Christ-centered community
inviting those
seeking
loving acceptance.
spiritual growth
sacred beauty.

AMEN

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Ash Wednesday

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We attended 6:30 am Ash Wednesday services and when Beth

asked if anyone wanted to take ashes with them, I nudged Billy
to get some for one of his associates (who was raised Catholic)
that I knew would appreciate receiving the ashes. When he gave
her the ashes, she thanked him
and told him she was going to a
noon service with another coworker at a nearby Episcopal
Church. Soon, his entire work
group (all from various religious
backgrounds) was discussing
Lent and what they were giving up when one of them suggested that instead of giving something up they should give
something back. They decided to collect gently used womens
clothing and shoes for a nearby womens shelter. Lenten
Blessings.
Melissa Kimbrough

Good Friday
Knowing what was planned for the Good Friday service I
thought pounding the nail into the cross would cause me to be
most spiritually aware. Of course, God
often surprises us, and it was the sound of
everyone hammering the nails which was
extremely impactful for me. It brought the
reality of Jesus great sacrifice for us to
me so clearly. The nails we brought made
such a difference in the worship.
Sharon Davis
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Sharing Faith Dinners

Feedback forms are still coming in, but so far 100% of dinner participants
would recommend attending a Faith Dinner to others.
Here is some specific feedback from the question
What did you take away from your Faith Dinner experience?
The depth and breadth of our faith and the reflection of that faith in real
life.
throughout a clear and present common thread the Holy Spirit.
everyone thinks differently about the questions of faith and God, but
everyone is seeking God.
Everyone has great stories and I loved hearing them.
stories were touching always come away from these dinners with a
deeper faith.
knowing we all question our faith and yet have faith. Sharing is so
important!
how much we have in common [in our] struggles
sharing is so good for our faith
great way to bond with others in a more personal way than just after
service chats. A terrific experience.
Many participants reported feeling more connected and requested Faith
Dinners more than once a year. The next Sharing Faith Dinners will be on
a Saturday night during Lent unless a team of leaders comes forward to
organize a Faith Dinner night before Lent. If you didnt attend this time,
dont miss out next time!
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Holy Stretching

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Writes a regular attendee:

I loved last night's Stretch! Thank you so much. I am a rookie,
always think I could/ought to meditate, but don't quite. Ditto
with yoga. I promise that everyone who cares about me would
say the calming,and quieting impact of both, is just what the
doctor ordered..
How good of St. Marys to share this experience.

Holy Stretching started as a Lenten offering, providing space for

practicing silence and Holy movement and Holy listening. It has
continued during the Easter season and who knows what the future holds for Holy Stretching. We do know that between 10-20
women, and sometimes children and youth, have grown deeper
in relationship with God and have grown in their spiritual lives.
(Holy Stretching is taking a summer break and will become the
Women of Wednesday meeting once each month to enjoy a
variety of activities.)
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Lent and Easter Adult Christian Formation

Sunday Mornings:
During Lent, we utilized What Wondrous Love: Holy Week in Word and
Art, a DVD series that included six passages of scripture, commentary by scholars
from Emory's Candler School of Theology, and a John August Swanson work of art
based on that passage. We studied: The Raising of Lazarus, The Entry into Jerusalem, Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet, The Last Supper, The Betrayal and Arrest
and The Crucifixion.
Huge thank yous go out to our discussion leaders: Rod Sharpe, Alicia Caslyn, Forrest Zimmerman, Javier Cuellar and Billy Kimbrough.
For more information on What Wondrous Love see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=Ftg6NqHKxWQ
During Easter, we studied the Stations of the Resurrection: He is risen!, Empty
Tomb, Jesus meets Mary Magdalene, The walk to Emmaus, Peace be with you!,
Jesus and Thomas, Jesus at the Sea of Tiberius, Do you love me?, Jesus and the
500, Jesus and James, The Great Commission, The Ascension, The Conversion of
Paul, and Pentecost.
Celeste started our conversations with an inspirational discussion of the Stations of the Resurrection Artwork in the Nave that she created. The next week, not to be out outdone, Peggy
Norton presented a very thought provoking dramatic reading of Mary Magdalene and Joan
Postma made a fascinating presentation of the story of the Road to Emmaus using the children's ACF felt board. Jennifer Leclercq (check out her YouTube videos at: https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjJYQuxmeZs and https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=gP4ujOkuffU), Javier Cuellar and Rod Sharpe guided us through the remaining stations.
The discussions can only be described as stunning.
Wednesday Bible Studies
A devout group of brothers and sisters gather every Wednesday morning after Morning Prayer
for Bible Study. During Lent and Easter, they have studied the Sunday Lectionary, primarily
led by Rev'd Beth and often getting a preview of Sunday's sermon and certainly
items to ponder.
Wednesday evening Men's Bible Study continues a detailed study of Mark. The
discussions are always excellent, but are a close second to the fellowship among the
men. During Lent we enjoyed a special "field trip" to St. Martin's to listen and
watch Max McLean present the Gospel of Mark from memory. We have experienced the videos of his presentation over the years (as recently as during Advent),
but witnessing the power of the message in-person was a sight to behold. We do truly have an
awesome God.
You are welcome to join us at any ACF offering. No advance experience or preparation is required. We are all on this wonderful, sometimes confusing, sometimes frustrating, but always
filled with love and grace walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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June 5

umSt. Marys Summer

Concert Series
Sophie and Friends . . .

Violist Sophie Parker returns to St. Marys' with her

musician friends to serenade you with their interpretation of Schubert's Trout Quintet in A Major, Opus 114
and Dvorak's String Quintet, Opus 77.

"Star-Spangled Coffee House"

St. Mary's will host a "Coffee House" featuring your
favorite patriotic tunes. Join in singing songs in honor of
our United States of America!

July 3

Kim Clark Celeste Booker

& Kevin Guess
July 31

Flautist Kim Clark will present a recital

of concert music.
Also on the program, Celeste Booker & Kevin Guess
will offer piano duets for your listening pleasure.

Au
guSt. Mary's Celebration Concert

Aug. 14

St. Mary's Celebration Weekend kicks off with our annual Celebration concert. Join St. Mary's own musicians as they bring
you music of many ages and genres.
Friday concerts begin at 7:00 pm & are free of charge.
St. Mary's Episcopal Church 15415 North Eldridge Pkwy Cypress, TX
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A St. Marys Parishioner Journey

In moving to Houston in 2004 and becoming a new parishioner alongside my wife,
Becca, our initial calling to St. Mary's was very similar to that of the majority of those
reared in the Church; grow up, start a family, and find the local church as fast as
possible.
While semi-steady in the pews on Sundays for close to a decade, my initial St. Mary's
God-called epiphany came by way of a 2012 Sunday morning announcementthere is
need for one additional male parishioner to attend the Youth and Children's Ministry
Task Force meeting immediately following the 10:30 service. Winking at Mrs. Clary,
while not knowing what was to follow, I volunteered our voice to the why and how
children mattered at St. Mary's.
Fast forward two yearstoday I am a member
of the K-2 children's Teaching Triumphant of
Kimbrough, Lake, and Clary; please know the
youngest of St. Mary's are both God-spoken
and glittered up!
More recently, I was asked to consider accepting the Stewardship position by Ministry
Chair, Mark Doremus. After much discernment, I have accepted God's calling.
What does Stewardship mean to me? The standard answer is that God asks each of us
to give of our Time, Talents, and Talons (Roman for money).
I'd like to offer a fourth word God asks us to obeyTrust.
Matthew 6:34 gave us each a very simple rule to followSo do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself.
Trust that God has called us together in communion with him and one another, holding
out the real possibility of friendship through fellowship at St. Marys.
As you have questions regarding Stewardship, please dont hesitate to reach out. I look
forward to what God has in store for each and all of us together at St. Marys!
In Him,
Ross Clary

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Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic

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On June 7th, six members of St. Mary's will travel to the Dominican
Republic (DR) to join with a team from St. Dunstan's, Houston, for
our 4th medical mission trip. The people whom we serve are primarily Haitians who have come to the DR to find jobs. The men
work in the sugar cane fields cutting the sugar cane by hand with
machetes. The families live in tiny villages ("batayes") in homes
with no running water or electricity, much less access to medical
care.
The first year the team primarily focused on the medical clinics but
over the years has evolved to serve in a wider capacity. The team
will travel out to the sugar cane fields each day to conduct medical
clinics, install water filers in homes, provide glasses to those in
need, conduct a VBS, and so much more. So many of St. Mary's parishioners have
made contributions to our project this year. Here are some of the ways our parish will
impact the lives of those living in the batays:
Those of you who chose the DR water filter project Advent Angels at Christmas donated $2565 -- this translates into 17 homes getting clean water in June. Outreach Funding and individuals have donated an additional $1600 for filters (another 10 families
will have clean water in June). St. Mary's Outreach has paid for all
of our prescription medications that we will bring with us and distribute to our clinic patients. We will be able to treat those with
acute medical conditions as well as provide maintenance medications for those with high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. In addition
Outreach money will provide reading glasses as well as glasses for
near sighted individuals that can be self adjusted to the patient's required prescription. Imagine being able to see clearly for perhaps
the first time in many years.
Henry and Chris Lada
with water filter.

There is still opportunity to participate in the mission. First and

foremost we need prayers for safe travel. We also give out vitamins
to all of our clinic patients to supplement their diet. Up until May 31st, we are collecting adult and children's vitamins to bring on the trip. Any kind of vitamins EXCEPT
"gummies" are needed. Place the vitamins in the CAM basket and they will be packed
up and taken with the team.
If you have any questions about the mission trip contact Vicki Ginger at
vfg329@gmail.com

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June

July

August

Kelly Goodheart, Lauren Foreman

Sara Sweeten

Linda Toungate, Mary Schiller,

Barbara Winters, Joan Wilde,
Shane Harris

Holly Pickett

Clayton Wislan, Alexia

Changalpet, Luke Moreland

Mike Bradbury, Jeff Foreman,

Heidi Newcomer, Zach Wingfield

Sean Reid

William Vickery, Ella Barnes

Patrick Davis, Drew Warren, Adi

Tharp

Robert Smead, Chloe Oechsel,

Jack Oechsel, Matthew Oechsel

Chuck Ransleben, Taylor Goss,

Ross Clary

Ryan Carnes, Paul Neil, David

Hillier

Rose Cook, Karen Holstern, Chris

Johnston, Gina Miller

Marsha Wood, Matthew Brown

Margaret West

Isabel OBrien, Dean Carman

Denise Czepinski, Logan Blank

Joyce Simmons, Hugh Wood

Abigal Wislan, Mateo Villarevia

Bill Kelly, Lynn Moffett, Katy

Arnold

Margaret Sowden

Harold Walters, Kelly OConner,

Marilynn Patterson, Abby Akard,
Lauren Buchanan

Rod Sharpe, Rick Bell, Abby

Wallis

David Pickett, Linda Long

Brenda Graham

Jay Denton, Anita Tharp

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Penny Fleetwood, Becky Johnson,

Julia Lyons-Ryle, Kami Harris,
Stone Vacek, Judah Brown

Lisa Whitley, Katherine Klawetter Ken Monroig, Phoebe

Muller-McKinstry, Dominick
Thompson

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Paula Harvey

Ryne Neeley

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Katie Villarevia, Timmy Toungate

Carroll Akard, Pete Postma, Tricia John Akard Sr., Angea Paredes
Schielack, Beth Sweeten, Elise
Knutson, Michael Cassidy

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Nicholas Klawetter, Robert Wood,

Nathan Turk

Guy Miller, Ronnie Tharp, Traci

Foreman

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Mary Margaret Champagne, Jeremy Duane Maddux

White, Joana Newton, Noah Marsh

Mona Moreno, Brian Prindle,

Gabriela Pineda, Melanie
McNeil

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Lisa Meaux, Elizabeth Stafford,

Hailey Keene

Paige Akard, Katie Calsyn,

Delaney Nelub

Claude Leclercq, Michael Allen

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Melissa Bristow

Pandora Hernandez, Natalie

Stafford

Diana Hillier, Henry Lada

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Christopher Rigdon, Minh Reid

Ashlyn Doremus, Matty Marsh

Molly Carnes, Melody Soto,

Christopher Lee

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Jennifer Leclercq

Gavin Gretter

Nancy Lease, Chris McGuirk

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Sarah Bowen, Jeanne Zimmerman

Rick Newton, Benjamin Skipworth Shelly Graves

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Stacy Johnston, Sherry Hill,

Gregory Stafford Jr.

Jim Tilson

Susan Spore, Christopher Lada,

Sophie Newton

Tod Harrison, Stefanie

Toungate, Christopher Mack,
Nicolas Rodriguez, Cole
Thompson, Rory Marsh

Barbara Dudley, Dale Graham,

Katie Graham

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July

August

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Elaine Martin, Shelby

Bowen, Jackson Blank

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Belinda Pearce, Brian

Oechsel

Janet Sefcik, Julia Meyers, Todd Benjamin Goss, Elizabeth Goss,

Ber II, Margaret Edgmon
Brynn Allen

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Wendi Davis

Nancy Kuhn-Gage, Jack Wells,

Sean McAdoo

Raymond Clemence, Ron Dupre,

David White

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Wallace Fleetwood, Diane

Mihalik, Damien Kincaid,
Grace Costanza

Joe Fontaine, Court Campbell,

Sophia Sanchez

Betty McCarl, Mark Hoyer, Kimberley Paredes, Crawford Churchwell

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Winifred Okoro

Grace LaFave, Ross Parris, Carl

Eckersley, Jackson Clary

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Lillian Prather, Brook Simons Michelle Cuellar, Colin Bowen,

Brooke Carman,

Julia Rich, Makenna Kelly

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Betsy Allen, Dedee Neeley,

Luke Vasquez

Veronica Oyervides

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Erin Duhon, Maddie Day,

Santiago Gomez

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Zeldajean Byrd, Jane Buckner

John Gage, Mark Doremus,

Hayden Nichols

Blaine Orth, Sarah Wood

George Hernandez, Bruce

Samuel, Megan Duhon, Audrey
Johnson

Teena White, Ella Samuel

Karen Guitierrez, Greg Kopacz,

Claire Ginger

Miranda Gomez,
Levi Bauernfeind

Mary Jo Dupre, Drew Kelly

Howell Hubble, Kim Graham

Ron Scott, Lissette Smead, Ethan

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Invite, Welcome & Connect Strategy or Culture?

I recently had the opportunity to hear Bishop Doyle speak at the Invite-Welcome-Connect
Summit at Camp Allen. Bishop Doyle challenged us to think about new ways to expand the
kingdom and to move beyond some of the ways we have always done it.
One of the things he said that has been ringing in my ears is this:
When we start a sentence with
How can we get them to
we are not living the Gospel of connection; that this question is a question for the past.
Rev. Katies sermon about the vine and the branches hit me square in the face the day after I
returned from Camp Allen. We arent supposed to decide for others what kind of fruit they
are to bear; that is Gods job. When we ask how can we get them to we are deciding what
kind of fruit others should bear. Yikes. I admit I have said how can we get them to I have
said this in relation to getting folks to Sunday School, getting folks to attend an event, getting
folks to participate in ministry, etc. This way of thinking is a tactic. The alternative is to ask
how can we provide faith formation other than Sunday morning? or how does this group
want to connect? or what are you called to do?
As I pondered creating a forum for newcomers to connect, I couldnt gain peace with designing something around a three- or four-week Sunday morning class format. I was in the How
Do We Get Them mode and it felt wrong. As I talk to visitors and members alike, so many of
you are just out of breath with how busy and stretched you are and I didnt want this activity
(which should be a source of joy) to be another burden in an already packed week. Its amazing how it changes your motivation and your actions when you take this How can we get
them to phrase out of your vocabulary. It takes you to a place of discernment focused on the
other persons needs and calling instead of employing a tactic or strategy. Just like with inviting folks to church, our job isnt to convince anyone; its to extend the invitation out of our
love for Jesus and let God do the rest.
One of the things that has come to me from this new perspective is a new way for newcomers
to connect to St. Marys. Beginning in July, we will have our first Seekers Forum. This
group will meet in person on a Saturday to get to know each other and help one another get
connected digitally. Then for several weeks, we will consider questions and participate in discussions in a private Facebook group. The Forum will culminate with a fellowship dinner at
the Rectory. [Before you assume that this is only for the younger generation, you need to
know more than half of all adults 65 and older are on Facebook and growing.]
What can you do? I often hear folks ask how can we get visitors to stay? I would ask you to
help nurture a culture of welcome instead of executing a welcome strategy. Approach our
welcome of the stranger from a place of love and ask how can I help someone feel included
or how can I share the love I have for this community with others? After worship and particularly after the 10:30 am service, spend the first three minutes talking to those that you either
dont know well or dont recognize. Simply introduce yourself. Be alert at any time for those
who are standing or sitting alone and share your love by truly seeing them and go speak to
them. Make sure you are standing in a C instead of a closed circle so there is always an
opening for someone else to join the conversation.
They will know we are Christians by our love.

Molly Carnes, Connections Minister

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The Road Map: Walking Gods Will.

The arrow is God. It is straight in its trajectory and upward in it direction.

We (Gods children, but specifically the ones at St. Marys) are the blue
dotted line. We are following Gods will as best we can with varying degrees of successbut always moving in the same direction.
SAVE THE DATES
ROAD MAP: Stops along the way Saturday, August 15 and 29
How can we be a Christ-centered community inviting those seeking loving acceptance,
spiritual growth, and sacred beauty in our Sacred Space (property and facilities)?
Meetings will be for all ages coordinated by Heimsath and Associates as we update
Gods plan for our sacred space.

We give thanks to you, O God

Sonya Atchison, our first part-time paid Events Coordinator, after a
time of prayer and discernment during her Sabbatical this spring, has
decided that she is called to devote more time to her family. We are
very grateful for the ministry she has offered to our parish.
Melissa Guiett, who served as Events Coordinator in Sonyas absence,
has accepted the call to continue in this position permanently. Thank
you, Melissa, for ministry past and future!
We welcome our newest member of the vestry, Minerva Roesler. Minerva will fill the
final year of Mike Blochers term. We are grateful to Mike for his many years of ministry, and to Minerva for her new service to our parish.

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Christmas in April?

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April 23, 2015, the St. Marys Primetimers took a bus trip to the
Seafarers Center at the Port of Houston. The travelers were
welcomed by Rev. Lacy Largent, the Episcopal Chaplain at the
center. She gave the 35 visitors the tour of the center and the
biggest surprise was a room nearly full of gaily wrapped packages. Lacy explained the demand is so great and the recipients so
thankful that boxes are given year round to the seafarers. Since
they must remain aboard the ships in port, the visits and the
gifts bring great joy to the seafarers.
After an enjoyable lunch, the Primetimers boarded a boat to cruise the ship channel.
The knowledgeable narrator described the visiting ships and the storage areas for
grain and oil.
The ride home on the bus was contemplative. The passengers pondered different
ways to bring Christmas to the Seafarers throughout the year.
Forrest and Georgia Zimmerman
Rev. Lacy Largent has often served as a visiting priest at St. Marys. The Episcopal
Diocese of Texas no longer funds the Episcopal Ministry at the Seafarers Center so
money for this ministry is funded from donations including Lacys+ salary.
The Primetimers Ministry is a group of adults age 50 and up. They travel usually by
bus to different places and events. Contact Duncan Reid for more information about
the ministry.
Other Primetimers Visits

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Did you know that in January, St. Marys called ME as

Associate Rector??

Historically, St. Marys has had Curates- a new priest who

is placed in a parish under the supervision of a
FABULOUS Rector for about 2 years. During this time, the
Diocese pays for half of the Curates compensation while
the parish pays the other half. At St. Marys these Curates
have left St. Marys, slightly before or after their Curacy
ended, to serve other churches. They have moved across
the country, down to Galveston, and one even wears a
funny hat now.
But in January, St. Marys called me as Associate Rectorand I plan on sticking around for awhile. It may not seem
like a big deal- and it might not seem like much has
changed- but let me tell you why this is HUGE.
The Rev. Katie Churchwell
Associate Rector

For starters- and this is a big one- St. Marys now pays my entire financial package
(thank you very much!). Clergy compensation is a big chunk of the spending plan,
and me being the Associate Rector means that the Diocese no longer pays for half of
my package. Reverend Beth and I are the only two full-time employees at St. Marysand St. Marys now pays for both of our financial compensations.
What else has changed? Well, my ministry agreement became more focused. While I
was a Curate, the main focus of my ministry agreement was to give me breadth of
training for when I become a Rector. And while that is still true- and I am constantly
striving to learn all that I can- my ministry agreement is now more focused. I am the
direct supervisor for Children and Youth Ministries- and work closely with Cindy
Wingfield and Max Williams as they plan the year(s) ahead. Together we make sure
that, indeed, our Children and Youth are leading the way. I also oversee the
communications ministry (Sharon Davis, Jennifer Leclerq, and Logan Churchwell). We work together to communicate effectively and beautifully- all the gifts that
St. Marys has to offer.
Lastly, my nameplate changed outside my door.

I am so excited to be here with all of you. Serving Christ in this place is a gift to me
and my family- and we look forward to what God has in store for the future.

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Blessings,
Rev. Katie+

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