Sunday 7:30 a.m. The Holy Eucharist Rite I 9:00 a.m. Christian Education Classes 10:00 a.m. The Holy Eucharist Rite II 5:30 p.m. The Holy Eucharist Rite I

Tuesday 8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer Rite II (in the Chapel) 11:30 a.m. The Holy Eucharist Rite I

Wednesday 11:30 a.m. The Holy Eucharist Rite I

Thursday 12:00 p.m. Holy Communion from BCP 1928

Church Web Site: www.christchurchtyler.org

Summer Worship Schedule at Christ Church

The vision of Christ Episcopal Church is to be recognized as a joyful, spirit­filled community of

apostles reaching out and transforming lives for Christ.

Please Note: The Crucifer is published twice monthly and mailed out on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. If you have something you would like to see published in The Crucifer, the deadline for submission is on the first and third Monday of each month.

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

August 11, 2010 Vol. XI, No. 17

From the Rector ‘Please sir, I want some more.’

The Choir School of East Texas wonderfully brought Dickens’ classic tale to life in their music production of Oliver last week. It’s the story of a little boy, born in an English workhouse, whose plea for more gruel for hungry children earns him a beating, and begins a rugged adventure. From apprenticing an un­ dertaker to falling in with Fagin’s pickpocket gang, after many twists and turns, Oliver is delivered from a life of misery to a good home.

Throughout the saga, Oliver is a good boy. Encouraged to lie. Invited to steal. Oliver resists every effort to corrupt him. And ultimately rises from a life on the mean streets to a peaceful one with a fine family.

Dickens’ book’s subtitle ­ The Parish Boy's Progress, speaks to the larger lessons in the story.

We know that sometimes life does not seem to be fair. We understand that unexpected adversity comes with the territory. But like Oliver, and like the Pil­ grim in Bunyan’s classic tale, the best way forward is the faithful path.

Tell the truth. Resist temptation. Choose God’s best.

For God is with you. Strengthening you when times are hard. Encouraging you when discouragement knocks at the door.

Because God delivers on Oliver’s request. He offers more strength. More hope. More love. And more faith to those who persevere in their walk with Christ.

Jesus said, “Ask and you shall receive. Seek and you shall find. Knock and the door shall be opened for you.” Ask. Seek. Knock.

Oliver reminds us that life can offer up tremendous trials. But God prom­ ises that if we follow His Son, He will stand with us through thick and thin. I pray that as the summer winds down, you will share in a great adventure with the Lord. And enjoy a season over­ flowing with more.

Faithfully in Christ,

The Rev. David A. Luckenbach

Experiencing Epiphany 3 Spirituality 4 Liturgy & Music 5 Children 6 Youth 7 Parish Admin 8 Omnium­gatherum 9 Lay Schedule 10 Calendar 11

I N S IDE

The Crucifer

I have said these things to you that my joy may be in you, and that your joy maycbe com­ plete.

John 15:11

In Our Prayers Please consider including the prayer list in

your daily devotions.

Mike, Dick, Franklin & Cherry, Sonja, Amora Lee, Jen­ nifer, Joan & Glenn, Alan, Joe, Renee, Jack & Gypsy, Meredith, T.R., Betty, Joshua, June, Dick, Ted, Scott, Rebecca, Stephanie, Karen, Ginny, Loy, Matthew, Donnie, Houston, Sam, Brian, Maggie, Amy, Sarah, Vicki, Yvette, Elaine, Vernon, Margaret, Wanda, Jo­ anna, Keith, J.S., Pat, John, Sandra, Tommy, Doyle, Al, Bob, Joan, Josie, Rosalee, Marion, Kathy, Jim, Joan, Margia, Rachel, Ann, John, Elmer, Zachary, Kay, Annie Lou, Karen, Keith, Larry, Doug, Paul & Gloria, Gabe, Flora, Erin, Zane, Sam, Shirley, Kyle, Sandra, Sheila, Pam, Megan, Zachary, Jamie, Eric, Jack, Lynn, Dorothy, Janet, Jessie, Allison & Jeffery, Clifford & Sally, Jane, Evette, Joey, Eddie, Bunkie, Mary John, Lucy, Keisha, Charles. Prayer List Requests If you would like to add, or remove a name on the prayer list, please call The Rev. Stephen Stine, at 903­530­8168, or the church office at 903­597­9854. To protect the confidentiality of those in the prayer list, we will use first names or initials only.

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Clergy and Staff The Rt. Rev. Andrew Doyle Bishop of the Diocese of Texas

The Rt. Rev. Rayford B. High Jr. Bishop Suffragan The Rt. Rev. Dena Harrison Bishop Suffragan

The Rev. David Luckenbach Rector The Rev. Matt Boulter Assistant Rector The Rev. Kirkland Knight Assistant Rector The Rev. Stephen B. Stine Deacon

Mr. Jeffrey Ford Organist/Choirmaster Ms. Andrea Printy Organ Scholar Mr. Vance Garvey Director of Sr. High Ministries Mrs. Denise Jarrett Director of Middle School Ministries Ms. Tina Ridley Director of Children’s Ministries Mrs. Diana Keesey Parish Administrator Mrs. Carolyn Velleca Parish Secretary Mrs. Lee Hensarling Publications/Membership Mr. Ledell Reed Sexton Mr. Kendric Milton Assistant Sexton Ms. Jennifer Ducote Office Assistant & Housekeeper Ms. Mary Manson, Ms. Vanessa Molina

& Ms. Mary Sue Carter Nursery

The Vestry Mr. Tim Alexander Sr. Warden Mr. Gary Avery Jr. Warden Dr. Peyton Luckett Class of 2010 Ms. Liz Shaw Class of 2010 Mrs. Elizabeth Lisso Class of 2010 Mr. Francis Kay Class of 2011 Mrs. Cynthia Patty Class of 2011 Mr. Tom Ridley Class of 2011 Mr. George Roberts Class of 2011 Mr. Day Shelmire Class of 2011 Mr. Bret Berry Class of 2012 Mrs. Dee Dee Bufe Class of 2012 Mr. Clyde Davis Class of 2012 Mrs. Mary Ruth Greenwell Class of 2012 Mr. Bryan Rossman Class of 2012 Mrs. Mary John Spence Pro Vita Mr. Bill Clawater Treasurer Mr. Peter Boyd Assistant Treasurer

Pastoral Emergency Contacts In the event of a pastoral emergency, you may reach The Rev. David Luckenbach, Rector, at 903­279­ 8777, The Rev. Matt Boulter, at 903­944­8494, or The Rev. Stephen Stine at 903­530­8168. You may also call the church office, 903­597­9854, dur­ ing normal business hours.

Scripture Reading for Sunday 12 Pentecost ­ August 15

First Reading: Jeremiah 23:23­29 Psalm: 82 Second Reading: Hebrews 12:1­7, 8­10, 11­14 Gospel: Luke 12:49­56

13 Pentecost ­ August 22 First Reading: Isaiah 28:14­22 Psalm: 46 Second Reading: Hebrews 12:18­19, 22­29 Gospel: Luke 13:22­30

14 Pentecost ­ August 29 First Reading: Ecclesiasticus 10:7­11, 12­18 Psalm: 112 Second Reading: Hebrews 13:1­8 Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7­14

Prayer List We will re­set the prayer list as of August 15, 2010. If you have placed a name on the list and want to keep that name on the list, please call The Rev. Stephen Stine, or Lee Hensarling at the church office.

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Parish Calendar and Events Sunday, August 15, 12 Pentecost

7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 9:00 am Canterbury Choir rehearsal 9:00 am Christian Education classes 9:00 am Gift Shop open until 10:00

10:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite II 11:00 am Gift Shop open until 11:30 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist Rite I

Monday, August 16 5:30 pm Vestry meeting

Tuesday, August 17 7:00 am Brotherhood of St. Andrew 8:30 am Morning Prayer in the Chapel

11:30 am Holy Eucharist, Rite I Wednesday, August 18

7:15 am Men’s Bible study 11:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 6:00 pm Sr. EYC annual parent meeting 6:30 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal

Thursday, August 19 12:00 pm Holy Eucharist ‘28 Prayer Book 6:00 pm Loaves & Fishes Team 3

Friday, August 20 11:00 am Meals on Wheels

Saturday, August 21 Sunday, August 22, 13 Pentecost Fiesta Sunday! Last week of summer schedule!

7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II,

All Saints School 12:00 pm Fiesta & Lunch until 2:00 p.m. 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist Rite I

Monday, August 23 6:00 pm Community of Hope

Tuesday, August 24 8:30 am Morning Prayer in the Chapel

11:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I Wednesday, August 25

7:15 am Men’s Bible study 11:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 6:00 pm FISH/Jr. EYC & EYC, Face 2 Face/

Catalyst begins Thursday, August 26

12:00 pm Holy Eucharist ‘28 Prayer Book 6:00 pm Loaves & Fishes Team 4

Friday, August 27 Saturday, August 28

8/16 Austin Green; 8/17 Thomas Surles; 8/21 Grant Felsenthal; 8/22 Fiona Thurmond; 8/23 Katie Luckenbach;

8/25 Wesley Shelmire; 8/27 Carleigh Zips; 8/28 Sophie Harbold

Sunday, August 29, 14 Pentecost Round­up Sunday, fall schedule begins!

7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 8:00 am Canterbury Choir rehearsal 8:45 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

10:00 am Ministry Fair, no Sunday school 11:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 12:15 pm Fish/Jr. EYC parent meeting 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist Rite I

Monday, August 30 10:00 am Tyler Council of Church Women

Tuesday, August 31 7:15 am Brotherhood of St. Andrew 8:30 am Morning Prayer in the Chapel

Wednesday, September 1 7:15 am Men’s Bible study 6:00 pm FISH/Jr. EYC & EYC, Face 2 Face/

Catalyst 6:30 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal

Thursday, September 2 12:00 pm Holy Eucharist ‘28 Prayer Book 6:00 pm Loaves & Fishes Team 1

Friday, September 3 Saturday, September 4 Sunday, September 5, 15 Pentecost

7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 8:00 am Canterbury Choir rehearsal 8:45 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

10:00 am Christian Education classes 11:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist Rite I

Monday, September 6, Labor Day Holiday, Church offices closed

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Lay Liturgical Ministry Schedule

Weekday Laity for August 12, 19, 26,—Ken Ruether. The monthly lay schedule may be found on our website, www.christchurchtyler.org.

Sunday, August 15 12 Pentecost

7:30 AM 10:00 AM 5:30 PM

ACOLYTES (* Denotes Server)

St. Thomas Jonathan Phelps*

Emily Phelps Nicolas Hardy Sam McKinney

Jack Hamm

VERGER Elam Swann

CHALICERS Ken Reuther Bill Ferrell Laurel Beaty

Frank Hibbs INTERCESSOR Ken Reuther Leo Berman LECTOR Bill Ferrell Jerrill Burnette

USHERS Team Leader: TBD

ALTAR GUILD Team 1 Leader ­ Barbara Gabriel

GREETERS GUILD 10:00 a.m. ­ Narthex: Marilyn & Steve Chionsini

Guild Hall Entrance: Wooldridge Family

Sunday, August 22 13 Pentecost 7:30 AM

10:30 AM, FIESTA SUNDAY, ALL SAINTS 5:30 PM

ACOLYTES (* Denotes Server)

St. Luke Claire Roberts* Austin Martin Forbes Owen

Travis Roberts Benton Owen

VERGER Bryan Rossman

CHALICERS Rand Huzenlaub

Shelley Smith H. Bell, D. Jarrett Frank Hibbs INTERCESSOR Rand Huzenlaub Roger Fowler

LECTOR Shelley Smith Austin Martin

USHERS Team Leader:

TBD

ALTAR GUILD Team 1 Leader ­ Barbara Gabriel

GREETERS GUILD N/A

Why “Epiphany?” Part I: Church as New Community

I have reached the one month mark “on the ground” here in Tyler (Yay!) and, as I have tried to listen closely to people and to observe, I have learned much. In particular, I have learned that young adults here in Tyler have much in common with that same age group in Austin.

When it comes to “doing church” in Austin, where the average age city­wide is around 30, it is definitely not the case that “if you build it they will come.” If Austin is in the Bible Belt, you might think of it as the the outer­ most eyelet of the belt. In some ways it is where people go to escape from the Bible Belt. Very few people, par­ ticularly in their mid­30’s or younger, attend church. They’ve “been there and done that,” and at this point in their lives, it just does not seem compelling anymore..

Now, things in Tyler are perhaps not quite that po­ larized, but I have definitely noticed similar strains in young people in this city. Just this morning, for example, I got an email from a young attorney in town who de­ scribed his college experience away from Tyler as an opportunity to explore different faith traditions, includ­ ing the “no faith” tradition of sleeping in on Sunday. His story is one of many which indicate that young adults in Tyler are questioning the faith of their child­ hood in unprecedented ways.

There is much we could discuss here, but I want to ask the question, “What does ministry to young adults in Tyler look like, given these realities?”

First, we should admit that such trends of declining participation in the church are not purely negative. Many times over the last month I have quoted C.S. Lewis who said that, sometimes, when a young person walks away from the Church in an effort to explore his or her beliefs more deeply, he or she might actually be getting closer to God. And let’s not forget the parable of the prodigal son, in which we see that God has a way of bringing back his wondering children, no matter how far afield they travel and explore.

Second, let us admit frankly that only God has the

power to make the church seem compelling to this gen­ eration. No amount of human effort, no amount of “relevance” or “slickness,” no amount of wittiness or eloquence, will draw young people back to Christ. Only the power of the sovereign God through his Holy Spirit can do that.

Third, however, I do believe that community is an aspect of the Gospel of Jesus which, when preached and practiced faithfully, can bear fruit in such a field as this. This is why I am calling the young adults ministry here at Christ Church “the Epiphany Community.”

In the Christian faith the idea of epiphany is primar­ ily about community. For example in the beginning of Ephesians 3, Paul describes his own “aha moment,” his own epiphany (“the mystery that was revealed to me,” Eph 3:3), that “the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise of Jesus Christ through the Gospel” (Eph 3:6). In Paul’s theol­ ogy, the church is a new kind of community which the world up to that point had never seen: Jews and Gen­ tiles, slave and free, male and female … all “one in Christ” (Gal 3:28). How much of my generation’s cyni­ cism toward the church is the result of a failure on our part faithfully to embody this new kind of community?

This same “revelation” of Jew plus Gentile, this groundwork for a new kind of community, a new kind of humanity, is also seen in the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6), during which we celebrate “a light to the Gentiles,” as St. Simeon predicted while holding the baby Jesus in the Temple. This mystery of new commu­ nity in Christ goes much deeper, on at least two differ­ ent levels. But, alas, these will have to wait for future installments of The Crucifer. Stay tuned!

The Rev. Matt Boulter, Assistant Rector

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Experiencing Epiphany

Lift High the Cross Current principal balance on loan is $1,290,000. Thank you for honoring

your pledges to the building campaign.

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Spirituality

Christian Education Classes Sunday Summer Schedule ­ 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. Adult, youth and children’s Christian education

classes will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by The Holy Eucharist at 10:00 a.m.

The 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist service times remain unchanged.

Adult Christian Education The Ten Commandments The Rev. David Luckenbach leads this class in the Ascension Room, Sundays at 9:00 a.m. Join The Rev. Luckenbach and the Christ Church clergy for this exciting series on the roots, meaning, and role of the Ten Commandments. Delivered unto Moses by God over 3000 years ago, the Decalogue, or Ten Com­ mandments, have formed the basis for the rule of law in Western Civilization for centuries. Each week this sum­ mer we will examine one of the commandments and explore these questions: What does it say? What did it mean then? What does it mean now? And what does it matter?

Children, Mid­High and Sr. High Children (3—4 years of age) Meet in the Garden of Eden. Children (Grades 5K—4th Grade) Meet in the Garden of Eden.

E­Kids and Jr. E­Kids (5K—4th Grade) have their own special mission project to work on, which will last throughout the summer. The title of our mission pro­ ject is “Angel Pins Mission Project.” For those new to the program, this project will focus on teaching the chil­ dren that missions are one way to serve our neighbor, and through mission work we are following God’s two Great Commandments. Children who participated last year will begin the project at the level they last com­ pleted.

All children will meet in the Garden of Eden classroom every Sunday throughout the summer at 9:00 a.m. Vol­ unteers are needed. If you can help, please contact Miss Tina by phone, 903­597­9854, or send her an e­mail at tridley@christchurchtyler.org. EYC Fish (Grades 5—6) We meet on the 4th floor.

Mid­High (Grades 7—8) We meet on the 4th floor.

Sr. High (Grades 9—12) We meet on the 4th floor.

Weekday Christian Education Adults

Men’s Bible Study—Lectionary­based study, Gos­ pel Reading: Wednesdays at 7:15—8:15 a.m.

All other weekday Christian Education classes have concluded for the summer and will begin again in the fall.

Two Weekly Eucharists Holy Eucharist Rite I

Every Tuesday & Wednesday through Wednesday, August 25

11:30 a.m.

The Rev. Matt Boulter, celebrant

Please join us for a mid­day break with a brief contemplative service.

Tyler Council of Church Women will meet at Christ Church Monday August 30, 2010

Fellowship Coffee 10:00 a.m., Parish Hall Program and General Meeting 10:30 a.m.

The purpose of this organization is to unify the efforts of church women in order to develop unselfish attitudes along with cooperating in matters of mutual concern and interests. This group works with other groups who need or desire the aid of church women. Funded pro­ jects: Tyler Day Nursery and North Tyler Day Nursery.

Camp Allen Conference & Retreat Center

Camp Allen hosts monthly familiarization “FAM” tours that showcase our expansion & facilities. The tours in­ clude a comprehensive tour of our conference center, log cabins, campsites and hotel, as well as a complimentary buffet lunch. It is the best way to see and taste all that Camp Allen has to offer! Call Toni at 936.825.7175, or e­mail Tonic@campallen.org to sign up!

Omnium­gatherum

In Memoriam Our sympathies to the family and friends of

Teddie Brogan, mother of Colleen Haan.

Our sympathies to the family and friends of Eleanor Scarborough, wife of Bud and mother of

Stuart, Lee and Bryan. May the souls of the departed, through the mercy of God,

rest in peace.

PATH Chest

The PATH chest is located just outside of the Parish Hall. You may place your donations to PATH in this chest. For the month of August, PATH is requesting personal care items and clean­ ing supplies. Non­perishable food items and toilet­ ries are always welcome. Volunteers desperately needed! Call Rod Wayne at the PATH office, 903‐597‐4044, x 117.

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SAVE THE DATES!

Sunday, August 22 Fiesta Sunday

Last day of summer worship schedule, Holy Eucharist, Rite II service, 10:30 a.m., All Saints Episcopal School.

Sunday, August 29 Round‐up Sunday

Join us for the first day of our fall worship schedule at Christ Church. We will hold our Ministry Fair in the Parish Hall at 10:00 a.m. for guild and ministry sign‐up. There will not be Sunday school this Sunday.

Community of Hope

The Community of Hope Circle of Care will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, August 23, in the Trinity Classroom, 3rd floor. Community of Hope trains people who feel called to a special work of pastoral care. They are prepared for a vocation of pas­ toral care and healing prayer, and given an opportunity for spiritual growth. Please call Carolyn in the church office if you are interested in this ministry.

Ultreya Ultreya is a Spanish word meaning “to persevere.” For cursillistas (those who have experienced a Cur‐ sillo or similar event), Ultreya is also a regular gath‐ ering to celebrate and encourage each other to perse‐ vere in the Christian walk. Applications are still be‐ ing accepted for a Cursillo week‐end Thursday, Au‐ gust 26‐Sunday, August 29. An ultreya is scheduled for Saturday, September 11 from 3:00‐5:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s in Longview. Bring your favorite snack, instruments and join the fellowship. Watch your bulletins for the location of the following Ultreya dates: 11/20/10, 2/12/11, 6/25/11, 9/10/11. If you have any questions, please contact any Cursillista or Joyce McGee at 903‐581‐4969 , or mcgeej@suddenlink.net.

Gift Shop News

Summer hours continue until fall schedule begins

Tuesday, 10:30 am until 1:30 pm Sunday, 9:00 until 9:50 am and 11:00 until 11:30 am

SALE SUNDAY, AUGUST 29 ROUND‐UP SUNDAY BETWEEN SERVICES

Join us to volunteer this fall Be a member of the Terra Sancta Guild

Newly Baptized Congratulations to Taylor Layne Sheets and Gunner Preston Worley, nephews of Bobbie Schroeder, on their baptisms, Sunday, August 8, 2010 at Christ Church.

*New Group*, "Two or Three Together." Matthew 18:20 promises where two or three are gathered in His name Jesus will be there. We will explore our faith through the written word. Join us on Wednesdays, 6:00‐7:30p.m. We’ll start on Wednesday, September 1st. Our first book will be "Soul Survivor" by Philip Yancey. There are twelve chapters, each about a per‐ son who influenced Yancey's faith. The first chapter will be on Martin Luther King, Jr. The facilitators are Debby Hardin(903‐521‐6374) and Bobbie Schroeder (903‐714‐3268). Please call us with questions.

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Choir School of East Texas

Oliver!

Week, Glorious Week!

Many thanks to all who made it possible.

Liturgy & Music

5

Come join us for Fiesta Sunday on August 22, 2010. We will worship together in Davis Gym on the campus of All Saints Episcopal School at 2695 SSW Loop 323, (next to Sam’s.) Worship with us at 10:30 a.m. with the Rose City Brass Quintet and Chancel Choir providing the music and Father Luckenbach preaching as we celebrate the Eucharist. Lunch will be provided following the worship service with lots of activities for the family, (Petting Zoo, Balloon Artists, Face Painting and more!)

For more information call the church office at 903-597-9854.

Round-up Sunday is fast approaching! All the ministries and guilds of Christ Church will be represented. There are several opportuni- ties in the music ministry where you can serve and participate. Below are the various groups that are available. Please take a look at these and see if there is a place for you. If so, please sign up on August 29, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall:

Children’s Choir: Wednesday evenings, time to be determined. This group’s goal is to help our children in the grades of Kindergarten through Fifth grade find their singing voice. This group will provide music for the 8:45 a.m. service. Canterbury Choir: This group rehearses between 8:00-8:30 a.m. on Sun- day mornings. They provide the anthem for the 8:45 a.m. service. The anthems are simple in nature, making it easy for singers to join this group with just one rehearsal on Sunday mornings. St. Cecilia Handbell Ensemble: This group of handbell ringers rehearses on Tuesdays, 3:00-4:00 p.m. They enjoy coming together to ring and play for the 8:45 a.m. service. Chancel Choir: This is the main choir for the 11:00 a.m. Eucharist ser- vice. They rehearse on Wednesday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m..This group covers a good amount of music during the church year and performs anthems from the Anglican tradition.

Children’s Ministry

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Snow Cones AUGUST 22, 2010 WORSHIP SERVICE 10:30 A.M. ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL SCHOOL COME ENJOY LUNCH AND MORE!

fall schedule returns 7:30 HOLY EUCHARIST, RITE I 8:45 HOLY EUCHARIST, RITE II 10:00 ROUND­UP & LI’L GRUB

11:00 HOLY EUCHARIST, RITE I 5:30 HOLY EUCHARIST, RITE I

christ church ministry fair

10:00 a.m. parish hall

have fun! learn about ministries!

sign up! enjoy refreshments!

Petting Zoo

Lunch Face Painting

Balloon Art

round ­ up sunday august 29, 2010

Acolytes—All Saints Guild—Altar Guild—Book Club—Brotherhood of St. Andrew—Carpenters Guild—Choir School of East Texas— Community of Hope—Daughters of the King—Dream Group– Epiphany Community—Episcopal Church Women—Education for Ministry—Feeding the Faithful—Gardening Guild— Gift Shop‐ Greeters Guild—Hospice—Hospitality—Lay Ministry—Library— Loaves & Fishes—Meals on Wheels—Membership Committee— Memorial Garden—Men’s Bible Study—Moms’ Group—Music Minis‐ try—Guild of the Nativity—Paper Guild—PATH—Prayer Shawl Min‐ istry— Prime Timers—Reading/Tutoring— Reception Committee— Scrapbooking Club—Spirituality— Ushers– UTO‐ Women’s Bible Study Wednesday‐ Women’s Bible Study Thursday—Jr. E‐Kids & E‐ Kids—EYC Fish‐ Jr. EYC—Sr. EYC

If you are the contact person for a ministry, please contact Tina Ridley as soon as possible to coordinate your ministry’s display at the Ministry Fair.

903-597-9854, tridley@christchurchtyler.org

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Youth Ministry Something Fr. Matt said the other day reminded me of

something that I once held in the front of my mind as a reminder of how my life should be lived. This principle was, to the best of my ability, referenced at all times, in all situations, and at all costs. I’m not sure how he said it exactly, but as close as I can remember, Matt was talking about how the word ‘worship’ implies that we worship that to which we ascribe worth. So, the word ‘worship’ could be perceived as ‘worth­ ship’. Therefore, whatever it is that we perceive to be of ultimate worth, becomes what we worship.

Here end the thoughts of Fr. Matt. He is not responsible for where this three­ring circus of my mind went next. I began to think, “What do I believe is of infinite, or ultimate, worth?” Of course, my first thought was of our Lord Jesus. But then, I also thought, “What about me would lead others to believe so?” Gut check! Ah, now there’s the rub. I spent a lot of time thinking this one through.

What other things do I ascribe worth to? Does money have worth to me? Absolutely. I need it to provide for my wife and well­being. Do my possessions have worth? You bet. My house, my cars, my flat­screen TV, my Xbox...they all have worth as far as I am concerned. What about my family; do they have worth in my life? Undoubtedly. I love my family, and am fearful of who I might have been without them in my life. They have great worth in my heart. What about my wife? More than anything else in this mortal world.

As far as these things/people are concerned, how would someone know that they have worth in my life? Well, I hope that I work hard to earn my paycheck. People will see that and logically conclude that those green bills received from that work are ‘worth’ something to me. People could observe that I maintain regular and routine maintenance on my vehicles and other possessions, and see that they are ‘worth’ something to me. I hope that it could be observed that I have great affection and respect for my family. I hope that people can see that when I speak of them, and when I spend time with them. What about Nicole? I hope that people can see how much

worth she has to me in the way I try to care for her, try to provide for her, and fill her emotional cup and need for a companion. And I hope that they see it in the way she always reciprocates.

But what of infinite, or ultimate, worth? How is one to look into your life, and distinguish that which is of infinite worth, from those things that have worth, just not of infinite import? As I said, Matt reminded me of something I used to hold in the very front of my mind, a question in point of fact. That question is this: “If someone could see every part of your life from beginning to end, every thought, word, and action, what would they say your life was ‘all about?’ Let me promise you, it will not be the Hokey Pokey.

You see, too often I believe that if we really looked at our lives in that regard, from beginning to end, and really examined what is there, we would find that, those things to which we have ascribed infinite worth, change over time. Maybe when we were children a toy was of infinite worth. Maybe as teenagers it was that special someone, or our first love. Maybe as students it was learning and knowledge. Maybe as adults it is money, possessions, a spouse, or children. However, if by examining

your life you cannot hope with confidence that others would look at your life and say that you have, by your life, action, word, and love, ascribed infinite worth to following, loving, and living in the light of Christ, then you now find yourself at a fork in your road.

Possessions, money, family, and spouses are all of great worth, and rightly so. But in no small or infinitesimal way do they even begin to compare with the worth that should rightly be ascribed to our Lord and Savior. The rhythm, direction, tone, and purpose of our lives should be wrapped up inside of His will. A friend of mine posted this message on Facebook the other day, and it convicted me in a big way. He said, “He is, and that is enough.” Our lives should be lived, every thought, word, and deed, as if this was our hearts’ deepest cry. If a passer­by was asked to describe what they believed I held up as having infinite worth, in other words, what I made my life about, I hope their honest answer would have something to do with reflecting, and basking in, the love of God.

I hope that money, possessions, family, and spouses aren’t even in the running. We see people like that all the time. Workaholics pursuing a raise or promotion at any cost. Materialists who have the boat, the car, the house, and everything in between. They even consider their family and spouse another box on their “to own” list. Families who are so consumed with one another, with being a family, that they can’t see that there is a bigger picture for family than the sharing of DNA. And spouses who are so consumed in their relationship that they cannot see that there is a Lover of Souls waiting anxiously to engage us in a depth of love and passion that marriage, even at it’s best, still only begins to touch.

What about you? Would you also confess that Christ is of infinite worth in your life? If so, how can others see this? I don’t know about you, but when I am gone from this world I do not want people to say, “He was a great guy,” or “He was a hard worker,” or “He loved to laugh.” These are good things, you can be certain of that. But I would hope my life was built around something much larger than that. I would hope that the first thing on anyone’s lips would be, “That man was in love with Christ.” And, like my friend David, I hope that each day I live I can say with honesty, “He is, and that’s enough.” We can live for money. We can live for possessions. We can live for family, a relationship, education and learning, an activity, a hobby, and even to gratify our pride. But, in my opinion, life is utterly wasted if not lived to proclaim the worth, love, and saving grace of our Lord Jesus. Wasted. Everything about who we are should speak of some truth about Him.

Vance Garvey Director: Sr. High EYC