
	BOOK STUDY GROUP
Wednesday morning book study 9:00 am. We will be looking at Pilgrims Progress.


	SUNDAY SCHOOL CONTINUES
Adult and youth Sunday School classes each and every Sunday at 9:30. See you then!

The Margarita

St. Margaret's Episcopal
Church & School
February, 2011

And now, a word from our Vicar:
Fr. Philip 2010 B&W

We tend to think of trends having to do with things like lapel widths and skirt length, but interestingly trends can affect most anything including the way people think about the world. We are currently living in a time that most refer to as the post-modern era. As the cleverness of this name suggests it is the era that came after the modern era (and they say English Majors do not know anything). The modern era was marked by a certainness of intellectual endeavor. The prevailing thought was that given enough time, the human mind was going to solve every problem, including things like war, poverty and male pattern baldness (still waiting on that one). When some nasty things happened (things like World War I and II to name a few) which suggested that man might not be quite as capable as these modernists had advertised a new skepticism came into the scene. These skeptics were the post-modernists who rightly pointed out that mankind was probably not capable of solving all problems through pure reason. However they pushed their criticisms too far and ultimately concluded that nothing could be known with any sort of certainty and that everyone has their own version of reality that is no better and no worse than anyone else's.

For those of you still reading, I bring this up because the trend of thinking that has emerged can be very suspect when we try to incorporate it into the church (or anywhere for that matter). Whenever you hear someone say that the church should not impose truth, but rather should help people find their own truth you have encountered post-modernism dressed up in the guises of the Church. Statements such as this may sound sensitive and morally courageous, but ultimately it is moral cowardice. If we believe Christianity to be true we cannot pretend that worshiping at a shrine you have set up to Tattoo from Fantasy Island in your backyard is a valid theological explanation of the cosmos. Of course, it goes without saying that when we discuss our faith we must be as loving and grace filled as possible, but it does not change the central idea.

Imagine if you showed up in a math class and the teacher told you that they did not want to teach you math but rather were there to help you find your own math. In other words you would have to discover addition, subtraction and differential calculus all by yourself. Most of us would probably not get very far. People have learned things across the ages and it should be transmitted to the next generation.

As we live in a post-modern society we must remember that the trend of intellectual thinking currently leans towards the idea of individual truth, but we must also remember that as Christians we believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and only through him are we able to come within God's saving embrace.

After two very successful Abide in Me conferences (June 2009 and June 2010, both at TMI-the Episcopal School of Texas), Abide in Me III is moving to a new date and new venue. To invite even more participation from our diocesan leadership, the Abide in Me III workshops will be held at the end of the 107th Annual Diocesan Council, on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011. The location is the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center on IH 35 just south of San Marcos, site of the 107th Council.

Council runs from Thursday, Feb. 17, 1 p.m. to Saturday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m. Following that, two Abide in Me III workshop sessions will be at 10:20 a.m. to 11:35 and 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. By moving the workshops to the end of Council on Saturday, planners hope that leaders from all over the diocese, not just those who are Council delegates, will participate. The Council space will be reconfigured to accommodate more seating, and congregational leaders are invited to join Council delegates for this special time.

Once again, the focus of the Abide in Me workshops will be churches sharing their mission strategies, successes, challenges, and ideas with other churches.

Attending Abide in Me III only

Congregational leaders who are not Council delegates are especially invited to participate in the Abide in Me III workshops. If you will not be attending Council please pre-register for the workshops so that seating can be arranged. There is no fee for the workshops. For those attending Saturday ONLY, check-in will begin that morning at 9:30 am. Come early and visit our exhibits.

There is no cost, but pre-registration is required. Childcare will be provided; lunch will not. For those attending Saturday only, check-in begins on-site at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19.

Pre-registration is at the Council website, www.council-dwtx.org <http://www.council-dwtx.org/> .

Session 1 Workshops (10:20 am - 11:35 am)

The Practicalities of Being the Church in Our Communities - Part 1

This two-part workshop will span both workshop session times and run from 10:20 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will focus on three key issues in taking the church outside the walls of our buildings: forming initial relationships, interacting in a diverse culture, and collaborating within our communities. Several of our congregations are expanding God's welcoming kingdom into their communities and will present what they have learned.

The Elements of Anglican Worship - Part 1

This two-part workshop will help participants "think through" planning and offering worship that is true to our Anglican heritage and also true to our calling to be engaged with our surrounding culture. For the first half of the workshop, Bishop Bob Hibbs will discuss the elements of Anglican worship; in the second half, congregations who have explored such worship in new settings will offer their experiences. The diocesan Liturgy and Music Commission will moderate. The workshop will run from 10:20 a.m. to 1 p.m.

From Poverty to Productivity - Making a Real Difference

For many years, Good Samaritan Community Services (GSCS) has offered comprehensive youth development programs to youth at risk living in poverty on the west side of San Antonio. These after-school and summer programs have successfully bridged the achievement gap and taken young people to college and productive careers. Programs were expanded to northeast San Antonio and to the Rio Grande Valley in 2009, and in 2011 additional summer programs will begin in Corpus Christi and the Hill Country.

If your congregation is interested in partnering with GSCS, this workshop will provide a conversation about critical steps needed for a new summer start up in your area, and include opportunities, feasibility, funding, staffing, site selection, timelines, lessons learned and challenges.

Presenters include Jill Oettinger, GSCS CEO, and staff, and Heath Smith and Dori Garza, GSCS Rio Grande Valley Advisory Board members.

Empowering Our Mission Partners

All the aspects of our World Mission ministry are aimed at teaching our mission partners how to better their own lives. Our part is to help them see their opportunities and provide seed money and education for them to be able to move forward. This workshop will present concrete examples of empowerment ministry now in place and ways congregations can make this shift in their own world mission ministries.

Presenters: Betty Chumney and Marthe Curry.

Living the Book of Ephesians

As a follow-up to our Council theme, the Rev. Drs. John Lewis and Jane Patterson have prepared Bible studies for the past two years that have been posted on the diocesan website. This year, the bishop will assign Paul's Letter to the Ephesians for our corporate study. This workshop will give the background for the study and offer ways individuals and congregations can participate. It will also be an opportunity for participants to give John and Jane some feedback about how the Bible study is being used and might be used in the future.

Presenters: The Rev. Drs. John Lewis and Jane Patterson of The Work+Shop and St. Mark's, San Antonio.

Session 2 Workshops (11:45 am - 1:00 pm)

The Practicalities of Being the Church in Our Communities - Part 2

See description above.

The Elements of Anglican Worship - Part 2

See description above.

Sabbath Time

How do we slow down long enough to take in what God is offering, especially on our stated "Sabbath day"? To do so requires resisting the pull of our accomplishment-driven culture. This workshop will look at four movements that nudge us toward practicing times of Sabbath, or rest for our souls: ceasing, resting, embracing, and feasting. These four fundamentals are requisites, whether we practice Sabbath moment or Sabbath days.

Presenter: The Rev. Mary Earle, St. Mark's, San Antonio

Crossing the Threshold

Description arriving shortly.

Presenter: The Rev Patrick Gahan, Saint Stephen's, Wimberley

The Care and Feeding of Today's Young Adults

It's a whole new animal: today's young adults may be just out of high school or college with or without a job, they may or may not be married and may or may not have children, they may still be living at home, they may still be searching for their careers, they may be wandering aimlessly wondering what it's all about. Or not. Lots of them are suspicious of religious institutions but are searching for something spiritual. How do we reach them and engage them in all their diversity and all their uncertainty? Three of our congregations who are working through this mystery will present their experiences.

Lay Ministers

Whether it was the heavy holiday mailings or I just missed a name or two, several people did not receive the January lay ministry schedule. I try (and note the operative word is, try!) to have the schedule in the mail to each of you on or, before the 25th of each month. If you have not received your copy by the last week of the month, please contact me, and/or Jill at the church and we will get a copy to you, either by mail or leaving it in the narthex on the first Sunday of the month. I put a copy of the schedule on the bulletin board in the church so that is also available to you. As I said at the all parish meeting, thank you for letting me know in advance when you are unavailable to serve, it makes my job very easy.

Carol Howell

Food Bank

As you have probably seen on TV, the Food Bank is desperately in need of donations. Grocery stores that previously were donating out-of-date food to the Food Bank are now simply marking these items down and selling them. At the Food Pantry on O'Connor Road that we partner with, this has made itself felt in our inability to get some of the staple items that the Assembly of God Church purchases regularly. This makes our Sunday donations to the Food Pantry all the more important. Anything, boxed, canned, etc. can be used and the Assembly of God Church usually provides rice or beans, tuna, peanut butter, mac & cheese, spaghetti sauce & spaghetti, canned vegetables and/or canned fruit. Anything that can be added to these staples such as an easy one-dish meal, jelly to go with the peanut butter, boxed potatoes, etc., is helpful. In addition, we occasionally have a homeless person stop by so pop top cans, cheese crackers or other items that can be eaten without cooking are also welcome. Check out your pantry - we all probably have food to share so try to establish a habit of bringing something every Sunday. If you prefer to donate money, just mark your check for the "food pantry" and we will shop for you. Great bargains can be found at Sam's or Costco. The need continues to increase due to the economy so this is a vital ministry for our Church. In addition, anyone who would like to help with distribution is also welcome. Distributions are made the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month between 9:00 and 12:00 at the Assembly of God, Family Center on O'Connor road.

Good Samaritan Opportunities

Good Samaritan Community Services, an agency of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, has three new job opportunities available, which are outlined below. Individuals who are interested should email a resume to Rachel Dillon at the address below.

Case Manager, Youth Development Services, Full Time, Main Campus, San Antonio

The Youth Development Services Case Manager provides case management services to children and youth enrolled in the Youth Development Program. Duties include, client intake, assessment, service plan creation, and ongoing client follow up to assure client progress towards academic achievement, personal success, and social responsibility. The Case Manager will also facilitate afternoon group activities, and will be responsible for keeping detailed client records. The work schedule is Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

GED Instructor, Get 2 Work Program, Part Time, Floresville, TX

The GED Instructor will assess clients' education needs, and create applicable educational services plans to ensure GED completion. Daily duties include facilitating GED curricula in relation to the educational services plans; and documenting client attendance and progress. The work schedule is Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

GED Instructor, Get 2 Work Program, Part Time, Main Campus, San Antonio

Rachel Dillon

Director of Human Resources

Good Samaritan Community Services

Office: 210-424-0695

Email: dillon_r@goodsamcenter.com

Ladies Night Out

Ladies night will be held at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse; 22410 US Highway 281 North, San Antonio on Tuesday Feb 8th at 6:30.

Please let me know if you can attend. If you have any questions, give me a call at 210-831-3069. Thanks, Wendy

Brotherhood of St. Andrew

The next scheduled meeting is set for March 1^st, 2011 to commence at 1830 hours. All men of St. Margaret's are invited and encouraged to attend. In addition to an excellent meal and great fellowship, there is a brief devotional study and topics of concern to the parish are discussed with plans made for action when and where necessary. Please join us!

Prayers - Bob Cole
Study - Hollis
Food - Fr Phillip
Dessert - Bob S
Drinks - Bob McDonald