AUGUST 2020

“There’s a time – you think you have all the answers – then I realized I was lost. Then I remembered the peace I had as a child here. St. Barnabas is home to me. It gives me that same peace. It’s not the building – it is a beautiful Episcopal Church – it’s not the liturgy. It’s the feeling I get when I walk through those doors. Everything is o.k. All are welcome. There’s no judgment. Everyone’s the same. No matter who you are or how much money you have or don’t have. All are welcome.” -- Joe David Shearer

Thoughts of Joe David, seem to immediately fill us with joy because of his laughter and smile, warmth because of his love, confidence because of his resolute faith, and renewal because of his example of service.

Joe David was devoted to Saint Barnabas and raising-up the youth of our parish through education, encouragement, and example. He worked countless hours with our youth: sharing the love of Jesus Christ while teaching Sunday school, immersing himself in Vacation Bible School, training Acolytes, cooking Breakfast Tacos, and being a vital part of a multitude of other youth events. His spirit, witness, and joy inspire us to be better.

Saint Barnabas has established a fund in loving memory of his dedication to our youth. All funds donated to Joe David Shearer Legacy Fund will be used for Vacation Bible School, Sunday school, and/or new youth initiatives. These funds won’t be used for ordinary expenses covered by our annual budget, but will fund that little bit extra that transforms the every-day to the extraordinary.

A donation of any amount could transform the ordinary to extraordinary. Please consider a donation to the Joe David Shearer Legacy Fund.

As soon as Jeff and I moved from Fredericksburg to Bentonville, Arkansas, we were faced with the covid-19 "clampdown." We were, basically, churchless, since we had not yet had time to find a new Church Home here in

northwest Arkansas. Fortunately for us, Fr. Jeff began his You Tube video messages and "pep talks," and since we were still on the St. Barnabas email list, we could still feel a part of St. Barnabas, even though we are a twelve-hour drive away. Additionally, getting the daily prayers by email, the You Tube video messages from Fr. Jeff, as well as Fr. Bur's podcast, we feel we are still a part of a community of faith, without interruption. Thank you, thank you to Frs. Jeff, Bur and all St. Barnabites! Jeff and Barbara Smith

While the church is closed, two or three times a week, I sit under the lovely trees in the St. Barnabas garden for about 20 minutes, and find it a very peaceful and happy time. Thanks to Fr. Jeff for his excellent letter to the Family of St. Barnabas. Best Wishes from Karin and me.

Christopher Melville

Carol Schreider is spending A LOT of time working in her garden.

My Covid Time—Oh my goodness! I miss so much at St. Barnabas, but the lack of gathering, visiting AND hugging leaves a huge void in my life. This picture is the view in my yard that I see every morning and evening. I find great peace out there to have my reflection and prayer. This seems to me to be the difference in surviving these crazy times peacefully or being constantly stressed and unhappy. Thanks be to God! We are in this together. Pris Williams

Three-year-old Jack Wells taking his sisters for a ride.

John and Adele Wells are the parents of these sweet children. The twins have kept Mom and Dad on their toes as they are almost one year old and starting to walk.

Annie Jack, Annie and Betsy

Karin and Christopher Melville

News from St. Barnabas Families

Anne Martin and her new granddaughter, also named Anne.

The Parish Hall, offices and classrooms are being painted while we’re away.

For us the pandemic is obviously a concern each day, but we are fortunate to be able to get outdoors for cycling. Jim has put on a record 2,875 miles so far this year. Our travel plans for May were canceled, but we went ahead with a long planned summer RV trip. We keep to ourselves, cook all our meals at the camper, mask up to get groceries, and focus on hiking and cycling. I'm writing from the Black Hills of South Dakota, where we will be for another few weeks. We miss seeing everyone at St. Barnabas, but have enjoyed the worship online. I'm especially enjoying Bur's daily prayer blog.

Melody and Jim Yuhn

Pris Williams has a new addition to her household, a sweet Sheltie named Dixie.

Cynthia and Mike Scroggins met their new grandson Lane Ballard Groome, son of their daughter Kelsey and husband Worth.

From Tim and Emily Bowyer—We are loving time together in our backyard in the sunshine and little baby pool, reading lots of good books, watching Theo build and invent all kinds of creations, and enjoying Madeleine’s sounds and daily growth milestones. Our favourite activity this week has been listening to the story and music of the animated Robin Hood on vinyl! Theo loves to operate our record player.

Theo Bowyer with his new sister Madeleine Dawn.

Kevin Maxwell and Urban, one of the German Shepherds that Kevin and his wife Mary Lou Morey raise and show.

We’ll include your

personal messages and

photos again in the

September Encourager.

Send them to Carol at

carolstbarnabas607@gmail.com.

From Ann Shafer—I am missing our church services and the women’s Kitchen Table Bible Study. January to March, I was on a “world cruise” on the Queen Mary II which was cut short due to the coronavirus after 65 days. On the cruise, I took watercolor lessons that gave me the courage to illustrate the children’s books I wrote with a co-author eight years ago!

“Tale of a Powder Monkey Quick” and “Tale of a Rigger Tall,” are historical fiction about the Texas Navy and are available on Amazon. I am working on number three in the series, “Tale of a Gun Captain Noble.” Steep learning curve for me—learning how to publish. And it takes a lot of courage for me to start each illustration. So that is keeping me busy in the time of Covid-19. Thanks for asking. Love, Ann Shafer

From Elizabeth Seibert—Here are some of the caps I have been making this summer for the First Presbyterian Church in Weslaco’s winter Coat Give-Away. My family is quite involved with this worthy work of distributing coats, sweaters and caps to those in need throughout the Weslaco area. For the last four years our Fredericksburg St. Vincent de Paul store has been a major donor of warm outer wear but there never are enough caps in inventory to meet the

need, especially for the Toddlers and Kids. So, I am crocheting caps! If anyone is interested in knitting or crocheting caps, or in sewing fleece ones, I will accept gratefully them on behalf of this worthwhile Work of Mercy.

Della Potucek’s granddaughter Savannah has just graduated from high school and will be attending Schreiner University.

Katie Day reports that she and Dan are keeping the hummers fed, the ants dead and enjoying the fruits of their labor in the g a r d e n . T h e i r granddaughter Macie is helping with the harvest.

Long-time St. Barnabas member Allegani Jani Schofield was interviewed on the July 16 podcast of The Fredericksburg Podcast. In it she reminisced about her husband Tex and their friendship with Hondo Crouch. She also talks about the early days of the Chili Cook-off in Terlingua. In 1974, Jani was the first woman to win the Grand Prize with her HOT PANTS CHILI. To listen to this program and learn the secret to her prize-winning chili, go to https://www.buzzsprout.com/1210187

Jani Schofield in 1974

Miles and Barclay Hammond at Family Camp this July on Mustang Island. The Hammond family have attended Family Camp every summer for the past 17 years; Graham and Miles have grown up there.

Martha and Tom Zeiher

Martha has been sewing lots and lot of masks— including historically accurate ones for the Suffragette group.

Modern-day Suffragettes dressed for the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote. It became part of the Constitution on August 18, 1920, after decades of struggle.

From Jane and Bruce Good—Although this has been a time of endless unknowns, for us it has also been a time to slow down and take a deep breath and be thankful. For provision, for family and for love. Like many folks, Bruce and I are fortunate to l ive in a t ru ly beaut i fu l spot. Hanging out here is not at all a hard thing to do. We keep in mind that others are not so fortunate and that many are suffering. And of course, even in them midst of all this, life does go on with all its usual ups and downs. The greatest “up” being the birth of our second grandchild, Lucy Marie Good, in July and the opportunity to go and visit her and her

Emma Jane and Lucy Marie

with granddad Bruce Good.

Best Barks! from Nancy

I adopted Augie a little over a year ago. As you can see, he is sweet, patient & patriotic. He keeps me on my toes & has brought great companionship and joy into my life when I needed it most! Mary Priestley

The Seracen Family: Ellie, Gina, Kristina and Asher—We don’t often come to church but we do like to volunteer with St. Barnabas. We miss hanging out with Jeff and Bur and their wonderful families. We keep busy at home and outside.

Buster Grimes, happily adopted by Nancy and Fred.

A perfect picture of Nancy Shaw’s

beautiful pups.

Many thanks to those who responded

to the call for personal stories. As

you can see, St. Barnabas has new

babies and lots of new furry friends.

August Birthdays

August Anniversaries

1st Ric McCormick

2nd Sheila Dubois

Kathryn Hamby

Bob Quinn

Josephine Washburne

4th Beverly Hall

Kathy Hooper

5th Gerry Bishop

Gracie Bush

Bernie Swanzy

6th Stella McMurray

Annie Wells

Betsy Wells

8th BetLu Roquemore

Rick Soderstrom

Kate Warmbrodt

10th Katharine Brundrett

11th John Wallace

12th Emily Bowyer

Cynthia England

David Pasahow

13th Aaron Beeman

George Edmonston

14th Bud Arnold

16th Belton McMurray

Jaydean Young

18th Henry Alvarez

Matt Laman

Dale Looney

19th Cassidy Kothmann

Diane Smith

20th Madge Boudreau

21st Bill Agnew

Mason Dickerson

Meredith Plesko

22nd Julia Daily

22nd Hall Hammond

Mary Priestly

23rd Charlsie Haynes

David Kemp

24th Thomas Marschall

25th John Brocksch

26th Debra Oates

27th Stephaney Burns

Charlie Wilson

28th Jon Pankratz

29th Tom Warmbrodt

30th Judy Chase

Carol Schreider

Mike Shaw, Sr.

31st Beverly Bowie

Jeff Hammond

Parish Prayer List WE PRAY FOR:

Kevin Colvin; Terry Henderson; George Edmonston; Frank Moniz; Kim Olson; Pat Reese; Norma Shepard;

Mary Priestley; Dyana Orrin; Patty Moore; Susan Wilson; The Rev. Anne Finn; Chris Jungman; Jo Hallmark;

Kathy; Bob Gates; Terry, Kristyn and Candy Hutzel; Finn Alban; Jon & Michele Armstrong; Marti Davis;

Susan Henley; Skip Cheslak; John Lehotsky; Nancy and Bill Janin; Atlas Hopkins and family; Cheryl Knode;

Geri Johnson; John Boudreau; Ranel Brady; Lynn Harris; Zoe Crenwelge; Jana; Fran & Mike Guentert;

Conor McGoff; Aaron Jablonsky, Abby, Cade and Ava; Brandy and family; Julie; Annie Burt; Mary Ellen and

Terissa; Thomas Page; Tom Warmbrodt, James Drury III, Mary Ann Morey.

9th Mike & Shari Massengale

10th David & Linda Kemp

13th James & Virginia Muncey

Jack & Bernie Swanzy

14th Bob & Linda Bates

19th Robert & Abban Lastovica

26th Walt & Sue Biddle

29th Fred & Nancy Grimes

2nd Quarter Financial Report (June 2020)

YTD Balance

YTD Budget

YTD + or -

Annual Budget

Total Income $ 356,601 $ 367,446 $ (10,845) $ 734,873

Operating Expenses $ 65,068 $ 43,008 $ 22,060 $ 86,000

Personnel Expenses $ 231,910 $ 225,528 $ 6,382 $ 434,722

Other Expenses $ 37,196 $ 17,502 $ 19,694 $ 35,000

Assessments $ 39,045 $ 46,854 $ (7,809) $ 93,708

Total Expense $ 373,219 $ 374,472 $ (1,253) $ 732,583

Difference $ (16,618) $ (7,026) $ (9,592)

Frs. Jeff and Bur on the day in June 2003

that they graduated from Seminary at the

University of the South (Sewanee). Jeff is

holding his and Barclay’s newborn son

Miles.

A Reflection from Father Jeff In this strange and trying season, one is apt to ask, “Where are you, God?”

But the truth is, it’s not God who is elusive. In this regard, I’m often brought

back to some words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew:

Ask and it will be given to you;

seek and you will find;

knock and the door will be opened to you.

Could it be that easy? Could God be that accessible? Well, apparently so.

I was reminded of this in a tweet from Beth Moore, who came to prominence as

a teacher and Bible Study leader. She wrote:

God cannot be pressured.

God cannot be lobbied

God cannot be bought.

God cannot be sold.

God can’t be pushed out.

God can’t be dragged in.

God can’t be voted for or against.

God cannot be canceled.

Or counseled.

God is not one team’s mascot.

But when God is sought,

God can be found.

May we find God NOW!

CHURCH CLERGY AND STAFF:

Rector: The Rev. Jeff Hammond Assistant Rector: The Rev. Bur Dobbins Lay Pastoral Minister: Morey Weldon Liturgical Ministry Coordinator: Molly Martin Clergy Associate: The Rev. Dr. Dyana Orrin Clergy Associate: The Rev. Anne Finn Clergy Associate: The Rev. Tom Luck Parish Administrator: Rachael Cole Office Assistant: Carol Schreider Youth Ministry Coordinator: Karen Young Director of Music: Hazel Hanson Lay Ministry Coordinator: Steve Neale MMO Director: Deanne Moellering Nursery Director: Kathleen Meurer Housekeeper: Patty Ramirez

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

The Diocese of West Texas shares its southern border with Mexico where asylum seekers and refugees have congregated as they await their hearings with immigration officials. Conditions there constitute a serious humanitarian crisis. Individuals and churches along the border continue to respond to the needs of asylum seekers, as well as individuals in local law enforcement, in a variety of outreach and pastoral care ministries. To coordinate and enhance their efforts, the diocese has recently hired Flor Saldivar as the Coordinator of Immigration and Refugee Ministries.

Based in McAllen, Texas, Flor will work closely with the bishop, diocesan staff, diocesan clergy, and congregations within the Valley Convocation, as well as the entire diocese, in order to coordinate, implement, and facilitate sustainable initiatives that support immigrants and refugees in our communities. Contact Flor at immigration@dwtx.org to receive emails about events and opportunities connected to this important ministry.

On Thursday, August 6, at 7 p.m., Bishop David Reed will lead the first “Migrant Cycle of Prayer,” 15 minutes of prayer for those impacted by the crisis at our southern border. Following this first prayer vigil, other clergy will lead the prayers each Thursday evening at 7 p.m. To register, contact Flor Saldivar at immigration@dwtx.org.

A complete list diocesan ministries serving migrants and refugees can be found at dwtx.org/what-we-do/ministries/immigration-refugee-ministries.

Brothers and Sisters is the St. Barnabas ministry that provides humanitarian aid at the Texas/Mexico border. If you would like to be part of this essential work, contact Nancy Cook at ncook1001@gmail.com.

"Wherever we might fall politically, as Christians there are always Christ-like responses available to us. Whether it’s advocacy, prayer, giving a blanket to an asylum-seeker getting on a bus, handing a taco to a border patrol agent, or heading south on a mission trip - there are things you and your church can offer as followers of Jesus to share his love with others. Just remember to 'walk in love,' don’t yell, listen, and be humble and kind as you go."

The Rt. Rev. David Reed

Immigration and Refugee Ministries