ANCHOR. The. of the. Issue #12 - December Dear Friends in Christ,

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1 The ANCHOR Issue #12 - December 2011 of the Dear Friends in Christ, As we transition from Thanksgiving Day to Advent, let us give thanks for all God s blessings! Our Father has poured out His Spirit on many people this last month in three retreats: our Holy Spirit weekend, the Men of Christ retreat, and our Senior High retreat. It is amazing to hear all the things that God has done in various persons lives, from revealing sin to releasing spiritual gifts. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for fulfilling your promise, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" (Luke 11:13) The season of Advent is upon us, as we begin to prepare our hearts to celebrate the incarnation (literally: en flesh ment) of the eternal Son of God, as the man, Jesus, son of Mary. This will be the nineteenth year of the Christmas Blessing, which is presented by Barbara Peterson, the leader of our Thursday Women s Study. The Christmas Blessing will be held on Thursday, December 15, at 9:30 am. In addition to our usual Christmas Eve services, we will be offering a single Christmas Day service at 10 a.m. Here is the Christmas Service Schedule: Christmas Eve: 5:30 p.m. Children s Service with Praise Band 7:30 and 10 p.m. Traditional Service with Choir and the El Paso Brass Christmas Day: 10 a.m. Contemporary Service with Organ Church. The Church, however, is not just another non profit organization. Nor is it just another charity. There are many wonderful ministries and charities, but the Church is far more than that. It is the gathering of God s people into the Body of Christ on earth, to offer worship, study of God s Word, pastoral care, and a wide variety of ministries. It is distressing that current research tells us that tithing is at a low. Some Christians view giving of their financial resources as entirely voluntary, in spite of Jesus teachings in the Gospels. For instance, Jesus said that the Pharisees were right to tithe (give a tenth of their income to God). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told his disciples, when you give alms. He commended the poor widow for making a generous gift. He taught that we would be held accountable (praised or reprimanded by God) for how we use all that God has given us. Tithes and offerings for the second half of this year has been lower than expected. While a summer dip is normal, we have not yet recovered. This year, whether we end in the black will depend on our income in December. Here are some things you may not know: We are still paying on a note of $330,000. Gifts toward this save us future interest. We had to buy a replacement van recently, and need another soon for about $25,000. (The old ones are from 1996 and costing us dearly in repairs). We are being required by the fire department to put in a new fire alarm system next year at a cost of $125,000! May we all have a Joyous celebration of the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ! End Of Year Financial Update: As you may know, the last few years have taken their toll on non profit organizations, including the The Rev. William Cox Cobb+, D. Min.

2 By Rachel Degenhart, Children s Ministry Director Discipleland s Core Bible Lessons for nursery through 3rd grade New class for 4 5 graders: From Answers in Genesis, comes Answers for Kids Bible Curriculum that answers all the questions from creation, to dinosaurs, to the cross and more! Check out our Junior High class! Where: Downstairs in the Kid s Café When: During the 10:30 service Who is this Jesus of Nazareth this Nazarene carpenter in whose name vast theological systems have been developed, worldwide churches organized, crusades, reforms, and renewals launched.? But what about you? He asked. Who do you say I am?.describe the Christ that you have personally encountered on the grounds of your own self. Describe Him as you would to a friend over coffee. Describe not the deity you have heard about or been taught to believe exists, but only the Christ you have actually encountered. And then, I invite you to reflect soberly on what your own answer reveals to you.who is the God of your imagination really? Is He the invisible honorary president of outer space.the policeman who bats you over the head with his nightstick every time you stumble and fall.? All changes in the quality of a Christian s life grow out of a change in one s vision of reality. Jesus said, You will come to know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:32). Your Father God.loves you beyond fidelity and infidelity, beyond worthiness and unworthiness.he loves you equally in your state of grace and in your state of disgrace. He loves you without caution, regret, boundary, limit, breaking point. No matter what happens or what you do He can t stop loving you! (Taken from The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning, pp ) May a deeper understanding of this reality fill your heart with wonder, excitement and joy as you ponder these truths this Christmas season and may they spill over into your family and may you be blessed. Please join us for our Children s Christmas Pageant on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, at 5:30 pm. CLEMENTS AND CLEMENTINES will meet on Monday, December 12, 2011, at 10:00 am, in McKee Chapel. We will have lunch at 11:30 in the Mayfield Room. (The main course is provided). Call Joyce Ritchie for information at # , or IF YOU NEED A RIDE. Someone will be glad to pick you up and take you home! December 2011 THE ANCHOR PAGE 2

3 News from the English Speaking Center The secret is out!! Without employing serious efforts in advertising for our program, our classrooms are full. Word of mouth throughout the community has spread the news and I often hear students say ours is the best English program in El Paso. Recently we have had several UTEP doctoral students visit us. Their purpose is to observe and also to assist. They have taken over classes or worked with individual students as needed. The feedback we have received is that they are amazed at the quality of teaching that is going on and at the commitment that the students have to learning English. They have also been impressed by the unity of our student community. We are currently serving over 70 students most originally from Mexico (some still living in Juarez) and several Asian students. We offer six different levels with nine teachers, a returning volunteer from UTEP and help from one of the UTEP doctoral students who came to observe and returns to serve as time permits him. The classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 11:00 am are free, but the students must buy their own books. For some students it is necessary to offer a payment plan and they pay for the books as they can. Our Monday morning devotionals are well attended and we share the Word of God and our gratitude for the many blessings that we receive daily. The students love our beautiful sanctuary and participate willingly. I cannot over emphasize what a great job our teachers are doing and how important they are in fulfilling our mission. Their devotion and willingness to serve model how our church is serving our community. This year many of the teachers are from our own church and this is especially significant as we use opportunities to share our beliefs with our students. We are hoping that some of our students become participants in our Spanish language service offered by Ken Hanna in McKee Chapel at 10:30 on Sunday mornings. In the LEVEL ONE classroom we have Esmeralda Hanna who is, along with her husband Ken, dedicated to Hispanic ministry, and Karen Lowry, who retired as a business teacher from the EPISD this year. Teaching as well is Emiliano Villarreal, a UTEP doctoral student, who participates with them. Their teamwork is exceptional and effective. LEVEL TWO is taught by Lyn McKinley an excellent teacher and mentor who returns to serve for the third year. She was recently joined by Lidia Contreras who helped us last year as an intern from a social program at UTEP and has returned. LEVEL THREE is taught by Richard Peterson who is already loved and admired by his students! Richard is patient, thoughtful and precise in his instruction. He offers many opportunities for learning using different activities. Jan Macatee retired after many years at St. Clement s School and couldn t stay away from the classroom! She is doing an excellent job with our LEVEL FOUR students and tells me often that she loves what she is doing. Gary Enge from First Baptist Church joins her on Wednesdays and they work together with the students. The teacher for LEVEL FIVE is Ruth Basil who is new to our church and is already involved in many activities here. She is creative, enthusiastic and full of energy. We are blessed to have her join us this year. Returning for his thirteenth year of service and teaching the most ADVANCED level is Jim Duke. He is much admired and respected. Jim is humble and serves willingly and lovingly and his students often express their appreciation for him. What blessings we have amongst us. I want you to know that amazing things are happening through your support and your prayers. Edward A. Endlich From your Parish Library! Be sure to stop by and take advantage of the wonderful books we have for Advent and Christmas! Advent devotions, Christmas stories for adults and children, books on Christmas traditions in the home... all waiting for you to enjoy! JANUARY ANCHOR DEADLINE: December 18, The Sunday Bulletin deadline is every Wednesday at noon! December 2011 THE ANCHOR PAGE 3

4 Anyone wishing to make a memorial or thanksgiving donation to the church for Christmas Poinsettias can pick up an envelope at the Welcome Center or use the one enclosed. Thank you! The deadline is December 12th. 19th Annual CHRISTMAS BLESSING at The Church of St. Clement Thursday, December 15, 9:30 am to 12:00 CAROLS Come celebrate! Christ the Redeemer is born! Men are welcome LIGHT LUNCH SOLOISTS BORDER FELLOWS WANTS TO KNOW...Do YOU have the gift of Hospitality? Savannah Eaves, our current Border Fellow, has been making quite an impact since she arrived. I have heard positive feedback from many of you about how she is helping in our community. Now it is our turn to return the favor! Savannah has lived with David & Jennifer Kaufmann since August. As most of you know, they are expecting another baby and will only be able to accommodate her through the end of December. WE NEED ONE FAMILY WHO CAN SPARE ONE BEDROOM FOR HER FROM JANUARY THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF JUNE! That s all it takes Please contact Jennifer Martinez at # if you would consider hosting! I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well. Romans 16:1 2 Nominations are being accepted for the 2012 Vestry Every fall we seek candidates for nomination to the Vestry, whose members are elected at our Annual Congregational Meeting in February. Any voting member in good standing is legally eligible to serve on the Vestry. Being in good standing is defined as a person who is (i) a giver of record, (ii)18 years of age or older, (iii) whose membership is recorded on the Parish Register; and (vi) who has been confirmed or received to this church by an Anglican bishop. Nominations to replace four retiring Vestry members are sought for three-year terms beginning February It is the duty of the Vestry to manage the business affairs, to care for the property of the church, and to assist the Rector in the spiritual life of the church through active participation, advice, example and service. The outgoing Vestry members, the wardens, and the rector normally comprise the Nominating Committee, which seeks to prayerfully discern those to be presented to the vestry for nomination. Nominations from the floor of the meeting are also accepted. Factors in considering potential Vestry members are: commitment to Christ and this church; spiritual maturity; involvement in small groups and/or ministries of the church. Those interested in applying, or wishing to nominate an individual for the Vestry positions should contact Irene Taylor at or irene@stclements.com. If you are nominating someone other than yourself, please obtain that person s permission prior to submitting their name. December 2011 THE ANCHOR PAGE 4

5 A Service of Advent Lessons and Carols will be presented on Sunday, December 4, at the 8:30 am Worship Service in the Main Church. The Adult Choir, soloist, instrumentalists and lay readers will be leading this historic service originating in England. Through words and music, the Story of Creation, the Fall of Adam, the Birth of our Savior and our Eternal Hope is told. This is a meaningful way to prepare for the Christmas season. Come, worship and enjoy this truly Anglican service as we celebrate this glorious season on the Second Sunday of Advent. Rick Garven, Organist & Choirmaster Save the Date: St. Clement s 2nd Annual Women's Retreat January 13 14, 2012 at Holy Cross Retreat Center in Las Cruces Dorothy Sayers, the great author and Anglican, said that the artist's exercise of his art is a sacramental act reflecting the Holy Trinity. "First there is the creative Idea; passionless, timeless, beholding the whole work complete at once, the end in the beginning; and this is the image of the Father. Second: there is the Creative Energy, begotten of that Idea, working in time from the beginning to the end, with sweat and passion, being the incarnate in the bonds of matter; and this is the image of the Word. Third: there is the creative Power, the meaning of the work and its response in the lively soul; and this is the image of the indwelling Spirit." We will spend time reflecting on our own creativity and how God desires us to express it. The culmination of our time will be a collaborative service in which our creativity is celebrated in worship to the Lord. You will be greatly refreshed by the Lord. Please discern if you would like to be part of the planning and organizing committee and let me know. Hollycobb77@gmail.com The Missions Challenge! So, it s December, you re really busy, and you don't have any extra money. Did you know that through your faithful tithes and offerings our parish community continues to support missionaries, orphanages and evangelists who reach our community throughout the border region despite the violence and economic recession? So how does your busy life fit in to a missions outreach? Are you a student? Are you a parent? Are you retired? A quote to consider: "It is foolishness to think that The Almighty does not have a plan, an irreparable mistake to think that He will not fulfill it, or that it does not include you and me." A quote from S. P. Gamwell, age 91, who still serves as a local pastor and missionary to Mexico. Have you considered panning a mission outreach? The Missions Board wants and needs to hear from you if you are prayerfully planning your outreach at this time. The applications deadline for missions support for short term (summer/spring) missions outreach is January 31, Applications are available on line at We want to assist you with the tools to define your outreach. We can assist you with the basic guidelines and requirements to successfully accomplish the plan that God has for you in missions. Galatians 6:9 says, And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart". Remember to share your faith and live a life worth living. Contact David Kaufman at davidkaufmann@gmail.com or THE MUSTARD SEED, A COMMUNITY CAFÉ.A new ministry is Coming! Make plans to attend a Community Interest Meeting for the Mustard Seed Café on Thursday, December 8, 2011, at 7:00 pm, at The Community Foundation Office in The Mills Building, 333 N. Oregon (parking on street or in the Mills Plaza Garage). Operating as a pay what you can cafe, its mission will be to combat physical and spiritual hunger locally and throughout the world by using quality fresh ingredients in the food being served, helping others learn about food preparation and job preparedness, participating in community missions, and showing the love of Jesus through acts of service. Help make the Café a reality in the Heart of El Paso. For more information visit or call Patsy Burdick at December 2011 THE ANCHOR PAGE 5

6 CIUDAD NUEVA ( New City ) Community Outreach & Development in the St. Clement s neighborhood Sami DiPasquale Director Ciudad Nueva Community Outreach seeks to embody the gospel of Jesus Christ by advancing the renewal and development of inner city El Paso through the transformation and empowerment of its residents. IN THANKSGIVING I want to thank all of you for your wonderful support of the children and families in the downtown St. Clement s neighborhood this year. Because of your support hundreds of kids have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the lives of many of these kids have been transformed! Thanksgiving Dinner and Thanksgiving Baskets Over 200 people were in attendance at our community dinner in November to celebrate Thanksgiving together. After the dinner we were able to provide Thanksgiving Baskets for over 100 families in the neighborhood. Thank you to St. Clement s Parish School and Escuela Montessori for providing dry food, St. Clement s Church for turkeys, and the Braden Aboud Foundation for blankets! You all are amazing! Many families were able to celebrate a bountiful Thanksgiving this year who otherwise would not have been able to. ARE YOU ABLE TO MAKE A YEAR END GIFT? Would you consider making an end-of-year gift to Ciudad Nueva for outreach in our downtown community? We are steadily growing and reaching more kids and families. We are now serving well over 150 at-risk kids (3 rd -12 th grade) on a regular basis with 20+ hours/week of after-school programming! In 2012, we will need to raise an additional $30,000+ in order to continue proclaiming and embodying the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the growing number of children we support in our downtown community. Checks can be made payable Ciudad Nueva and sent to 810 N. Campbell, Or, donations can be made securely online at Please contact Sami DiPasquale at or sami@ciudadnueva.org if you have any questions or would like to learn more. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PART IN HELPING TRANSFORM OUR DOWNTOWN EL PASO COMMUNITY!! NEWS FROM ST. CLEMENT S PARISH SCHOOL! St. Clement s Parish School is a great place for your children to grow up and learn. Why, you might ask? Well, we offer: Academic Excellence; Excellent Technology Labs; an Outstanding Library; a Christian Environment; Enrichment Programs; Centrally Located Campus; Small class size; and Outdoor Education trips. The School will have an Open House on Thursday, December 8 th at 9:00 am, and everyone is invited. During the Open House, we plan to visit with interested parents who want to learn more about St. Clement s Parish School. We will meet in the Center for Excellence Theater for refreshments, a short presentation and school tours. For questions or to RSVP for the Open House please contact Gretchen Love at ext. 3, or by at glove@stclements.org. December 2011 THE ANCHOR PAGE 6

7 DECEMBER 2011 ANCHORED IN CHRIST, LIVING IN COMMUNITY, SERVING IN THE SPIRIT Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat :15 am Women s 12 noon Bill Francis 6:30 8 Youth Group 7:30 Adult Choir 5:30pm-Evening Worship 4 8:30 am LESSONS & CAROLS & Traditional w/ Nursery & Children 10:30 am Contemporary w/ Nursery & Children 10:30 Spanish Service McKee Chapel 10:30 Youth Confirmation Class Kid s Café 5 9:00 ESC 11:30 Missionary Luncheon 5:30 Christian Recovery 6 9:00 am Staff Meeting 11:00 Prayer & Fasting 12 noon Invisible Church 12 noon Al Anon 6:00 pm Praise Band 7 9:00 ESC 9:00 Young Women s 12:00 Worship service 5:30 BINDING THE WOUNDS 6:;30 Stephen Ministry Training 8 9:15 am Women s 6:30 8 Youth Group 7:30 Adult Choir 6:00-MEN OF CHRIST :00-Daughters of the Holy Cross 5:30pm-Evening Worship 11 8:30 am Traditional w/ Nursery & Children 10:30 am Contemporary w/ Nursery & Children 10:30 Spanish Service McKee Chapel 10:30 Youth Confirmation Class Kid s Café 12 9:00 ESC 10:00 Clements & Clementines 5:30 Christian Recovery 13 9:00 am Staff Meeting 11:00 Prayer & Fasting 12 noon Finance Committee 12 noon Al Anon 6:00 pm Praise Band 5:30 VESTRY 14 9:00 ESC Christmas Party 12:00 Worship service 4:00 Book Club 5:30 BINDING THE WOUNDS 6:30 Stepehn Ministry 6:;30 Stephen Ministry Training 15 9:15 am Women s CHRISTMAS BLESSING 12 noon Bill Francis 6:30 8 Youth Group 7:30 Adult Choir 7:30 Hepatitis C Support Group :30pm-Evening Worship 18 8:30 am Traditional w/ Nursery & Children 10:30 am Contemporary w/ Nursery & Children 10:30 Spanish Service McKee Chapel 10:30 Youth Confirmation Class Kid s Café 1:00 4:30 PM HANGING OF THE GREENS 19 5:30 Christian Recovery 20 9:00 am Staff Meeting 11:00 Prayer & Fasting 12 noon Finance Committee 12 noon Al Anon 6:00 pm Praise Band 21 12:00 Worship service 4:00 Book Club 6:;30 Stephen Ministry Training 22 9:15 am Women s 6:30 8 Youth Group 7:30 Adult Choir :30 pm-pageant and Candlelight Service 7:30 & 10:00 pm- Communion & Christmas Celebrations 25 CHRISTMAS DAY 10:00 Service NEW YEAR S EVE No 5:30pm Service December 2011 THE ANCHOR PAGE 7

8 PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID EL PASO, TEXAS 810 N. Campbell El Paso, Texas P: ~ F: Web site: office@stclements.com The Anchor of St. Clement (USPS ) is published monthly by The Church of St. Clement, 810 N. Campbell, El Paso, Texas Periodicals Postage is paid in El Paso, Texas. Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Anchor of St. Clement, 810 N. Campbell, El Paso, Texas STAFF The Rev d. William C. Cobb, D. Min., Rector The Rev. Bill Francis, Associate The Rev. Rick Milliorn, Contemporary Music Director Rachel Degenhart, Children s Ministry Director Eddie Endlich, English Speaking Center Director and Maintenance Supervisor Rick Garven, Organist and Adult Choir Director Ken Hanna, Spanish Congregation Leader Judy Mapes, Bookkeeper Lupe Mendoza, Director of Preschool/Daycare Kathleen Moore, Librarian Emeritus Edna Ortega, Receptionist Carlie Pine, Director of Communications Monica Russo, Operations and Financial Manager Irene Taylor, Assistant to the Rector The Rev. Steven Tighe, Interim Youth Director Anne Walker, Librarian VESTRY Gus Haddad, Senior Warden Rob Hoover, Junior Warden Susie Schneider, Bruce Meyer, Susan Anchondo, Ed Welz, Will Brown, Bruce McComas, Margaretann Bustamante, Gary Mundy, Tim Collins, Elaine Morton (Henry Benning, Treasurer and Edward A. Endlich, Clerk) ASSOCIATED CLERGY The Rev. Ron Thomson, Retired Rector The Rev. Fernando Salazar, Retired The Rev. Federico Zuniga, Iglesia San Clemente The Rev. Don Morrill, Deacon The Rev. Patricia Elliott, Deacon The Rev. Steven Tighe, La Frontera The Rev. Dan Klooster, Gateway Mission Training Mission Statement: The community of Saint Clement honors God by communion with Christ through inspired worship, life-enhancing relationships, gift-based ministries, the generous use of resources and missionary outreach.