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In This Issue 02 Birthdays • Adult Ministries • Youth Ministry

03 Sermon Series • Adult Midweeks

04 Children’s Ministry

05 August Calendar of Events

06 Officers • Pastoral Care • Crossroads

S A N P E D R O P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H

S H A R I N G T H E P R O M I S E O F P E A C E I N C H R I S T

Pastor’s Corner

We’ve all heard that change is good but as often as we hear it, we still struggle with it. Why? Because most of us hate change. It upends our comfort levels, leaving us insecure and afraid. It challenges our expectations, our routines, our understanding of the world and how we live in it.

In June, Pastor Faith retired. Faith has been a great leader of our congregation and God's church, but now there will be change in the life of our congregation. Dave Reiss will be taking on many of the responsibilities for Adult Education here at SPPC.

For those of you that don't know Dave well, you will find in Dave a man of great faith and insight into God's word as well as a creative talented leader. But there will be changes. There will be some new programs and activities, things we've never done before. I want to encourage you to jump in and take part. Try something new. Be involved.

Take time to read Dave's article which outlines our new Wednesday night activities as well as our plans for our upcoming sermon series and small groups. For the past several months, Calvin, Faith, Dave, and myself, have been discussing and developing these plans. We are all excited about them and look forward to seeing what the next year holds for our congregation but we need you to take part. We need you to be willing, active, and engaged.

These programs are not simply change for change sake. The hope is that we can grow and be a community that teaches each other the faith and learns together, a church that serves our neighbor together, a church that continues to grow in faith as we worship and share in fellowship together. There is an old joke that goes something like this:

How many Presbyterians does it take to change a lightbulb?

It takes 10.

One to change the bulb, and 9 to say how much they miss the old bulb. Let's not be a congregation that laments the old bulb, but rather let’s be a congregation that celebrates the light together.

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Justin Baca, 8/19 Charlotte Randolph, 8/19 Paul Gaedke, 8/21 Katie Krenz, 8/21 Amy Gates, 8/22 Helen Saro, 8/23 Donna Stachowiak, 8/23 Mason Workman, 8/23 Melba Evans, 8/24 Betty Hayes, 8/24 Alicea Bonnema, 8/26 Bob Kilgore, 8/27 Laura Tapley, 8/27 Bill Barnes, 8/30 Harvey Juarez, 8/31

Bob Gibson, 8/03 Billie Winniford, 8/05 Kendyl Mapes, 8/06

Sherry Closner, 8/08

Jennifer Casey 8/09

Louise Jennings, 8/09 Daniel Simpson, 8/10 Luke-Gregory Espinoza 8/11

Grant Green, 8/11 Richard Terwilliger, 8/11 Kay Westerfield, 8/11 Lesley Sallee, 8/12 Dottie Minor, 8/13 Joyce Popelar, 8/13 Jim Potyka, 8/14 Greyson Duncan, 8/15 Pamela Goble, 8/17

Walking Together By Dave Reiss August 9th is the 16th anniversary of my first date with Dawn. We had known each other for about two weeks, and had spent a lot of time together in groups, but this was one of the first times we spent alone together. That night, we went for a walk around beautiful Pasadena, CA. As we meandered, we shared stories from our lives and how God brought us to where we were, and our hopes for the future. That walk and the conversation that ensued formed the foundation for our relationship.

When you go for a walk together, it is not about the destination, it is about the relationship. As you walk and talk, you share the stories, you learn from each other, and encourage each other to endure through all life throws at you.

2000 years ago Jesus called out to people “Come, follow me.” He was inviting people to walk with him, talk with him, and learn from him. He was inviting them into a relationship. Not the casual “how ya doing?” “fine” kind of relationship, or the “like on Facebook” friendship, but deep, intimate, share with me your hopes, dreams, fears and failures type of relationship. Jesus invited them to get to know him and others in a deep interpersonal way; a way that many of us have only tasted.

This school year at SPPC, we will be working through a sermon series called Walking with Jesus (starting September 10). In this series we will learn more about the people that left everything to follow Jesus and those who were not able to do that. Each week we will look at a different story from the Gospels, and see how Jesus interacted with people as he walked down the streets of the holy lands. We hope you will join us on this journey as we walk with Jesus.

What does this mean for our YOUTH? This year our youth will gather during the week in our SPY Groups (youth small groups) to journey through the same narrative that we are looking at on Sunday mornings. This idea of walking with Jesus will also play a significant role in our Youth Sunday, spring camping trip, summer mission trip, and other events.

What does this mean for our ADULTS? I am super excited to launch adult small groups starting in January 2018. Groups will gather together to walk with Jesus as they study the Gospel narrative of the week. Small groups are a great place for people to grow in faith and friendship, and sermon based small groups allow the whole congregation to move deeper together as we all look at the same narrative together.

Small groups will happen at a variety of times throughout the week at various locations. I am hoping that we can have at least eight different small groups meeting across the city. I would love to see VIP groups, Boomer groups, CANO groups, TNT groups, Band of Brothers groups, Girlfriend groups, intergenerational groups, and even groups of families meeting together. There is no one set formula for who is in what group, but it is my hope that most of you will join in the blessings of small group life.

This fall I will be recruiting and training people to lead our small groups. Each group will contain three leadership positions: group leader, assistant leader, and host. The group leader will prepare the week’s Bible study, the assistant leader will focus on contacting group members and building community, and the host will oversee hospitality. Working together, these leaders will create an atmosphere where adults can come together to grow as disciples as we Walk with Jesus in the scripture and our lives.

If you are interested in being on a small group leadership team, let me know. You can e-mail me at dave@sppcsa.com. Training will begin in September.

Saturday, August 12 – Serving at PCHAS (11-2pm) Wednesday, August 16 – Back to School Service Night (5:30-9:30pm) Sunday, August 20 – Back to School Blessing (9:45-10:45am) Join us as we pray in the new school year! Parents and youth leaders are welcome to join us.

Sunday, September 3 – Dodgeball Tournament at @ Cross Roads fka John Calvin Pres. (3-8pm) Cost: $10 (includes t-shirt). Students must register by August 13th to ensure a t-shirt. Week of September 10– SPY Groups Start! Look for more details coming soon! September 22-24 – Retreat at John Knox Ranch We will meet up with youth from all over the Presbytery for a fun weekend at John Knox. $100 per person. More details coming soon.

UPCOMING SPY Events:

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WALKING WITH JESUS: Fall Sermon Series September 10: Walking to the Jordan (Jesus’ baptism) September 17: Walking into the Wilderness (Temptation of Jesus) September 24: Walking in Africa (Hearing from our missionaries Charles & Melissa Johnson) October 1: Walking out of the Wilderness (Jesus proclaims the Good News) October 8: Walking toward Jesus (Jesus calls Simon and Andrew) October 15: Walking your friends to Jesus (Jesus calls Philip and Nathaniel) October 22: Walking with Scum (Jesus calls Matthew) October 29: Walking Home for Lunch (Jesus calls Zacchaeus) November 5: Understand Why You Walk (Counting the Cost) November 12: Walking Away from Jesus (Rich Young Ruler)

November 19: Not Walking Away (Many stop following Jesus) November 26: Walking back to Say Thanks (The 10 Lepers)

Adult Midweeks This Fall: We are trying some new things this fall, and would love to have people involved. 1st Wednesday Lecture Series: Join us on the first Wednesday of each month as we share a meal together and hear from some amazing guest speakers on some unique topics. Dinner will be available from 5:45-6:30pm. Lecture will go from 6:30-7:30pm.

· September 6: Creation and Evolution. o Coming off of the success of their Sunday School class, Rudy Gaedke and Mark Tapley will help us look at the theories of creation and evolution from a God and science honoring perspective. Join them as they answer the age-old question, were there dinosaurs on the Ark?

· October 4: Walking with Jesus in the Middle East o Kristin Huffman will share about her experiences with Presbyterian Frontier Mission as they share the Gospel in the Middle East. As Christians walk with Muslim friends they are able to share the love of Christ and bring the light of the Gospel.

· November 1: Dealing with Differences o So many of us have differing opinions on so many issues and many of us keep our opinions quiet because we are afraid of being labeled a (insert derogatory term here). Dr. Karl Slaikeu has devoted most of his career to helping people reap the benefits of interests based negotiation and mediation. He will help us discover ways to listen respectfully to others and share our thoughts with our fear. Learn more about Dr. Slaikeu at www.karlslaikeu.com.

· December 6: Christmas Traditions o It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and our own Pastor Paul Gaedke will enlighten us on various Christmas traditions from around the world. Join us as we discover the true meaning of Christmas trees and how other places deck their halls.

2nd Wednesday: Dine & Discuss You know that feeling when you have heard a great lecture, but you don’t have anyone to process it with. That is why we want to invite you to Dine & Discuss. We will be setting up discussion groups at several restaurants around the city where people can gather together to eat and debrief the previous week’s lecture. Dine & Discuss dates: September 13, October 11, November 8, and December 13. Locations will be announced later. Help Wanted: We are looking to have 4-5 groups, so if you are willing to lead a Dine & Discuss group, let Dave know at dave@sppcsa.com.

3rd Wednesdays: Soles 4 Souls Service Project Soles 4 Souls is a humanitarian organization that collects gently worn shoes and distributes them worldwide. We will be part-nering with them to help bring a change to people in poverty around the world. Learn more by visiting www.soles4souls.org. · September 20th will be an informational meeting on what Soles4Souls is and how we can help. · October 18th will be our Shoe Drive Collection · November 15th will be our Shoe Cleaning Party · December 20th will be our Shoe Packing Party

Last Wednesdays: Small Group Leaders Training For those who are interested in being a small group leader, assistant leader, or host, here is your chance to learn how to be an effective one. Our small group training will meet on September 27th, October 25th, and November 29th. On December 13th we will have a practice small group meeting to prepare for our small group kick-off on in January!

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Become an Acolyte! Students 3rd-8th grade: Consider putting your faith into practice on Sunday mornings! Join the Acolyte Team and lift high the cross to help your fellow parishioners focus on the worship of Jesus Christ. Acolytes light the candles at the beginning of worship. Experienced acolytes can serve as team captains and bring in the cross at the beginning of each worship service. Dates for new and returning Acolyte Training Sessions are:

Please meet at the back of the Sanctuary after the 8:30 AM service.

Sunday, August 20 - 9:30 AM (Parent & Child Informational Meeting) Sunday, September 24 - 9:30 AM Sunday, September 24 - Acolyte Installation and Recognition, 11:00 AM Service.

Please feel free to contact our Acolyte Coordinator, Ellyce Warns, 210.872.7971 with questions you may have about the Acolyte Ministry. We are excited about training this next group of young people as Acolytes. It is a special way for young people to serve God and church.

I have always loved this quote from C.S. Lewis. It both comforts and challenges me when I think about my prayer life. I try to pray often, since the Bible tells me to (see 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). I pray for our four kids daily, by myself (when I brush my teeth in the morning) and with them (before they leave for school and before they go to bed). I pray for and with my husband whenever the Spirit leads. I pray not just because it is part of the deal when we decide to follow Jesus; I pray because I know how miserable I become when I don’t. My heart needs contact with the Lord. Prayer is that connection. Sometimes it comes easily, sometimes it feels like work. It’s a discipline, one that I have yet to really master, because after a few minutes, my mind inevitably wanders and I then lean heavily on the Holy Spirit to intercede for me (Romans 8:26). So many times I say, “Lord, you know…” and just let him fill the silence with his presence. No matter how it happens, I know that, quite simply, prayer is a non-negotiable. I value prayer in my role as Children’s Ministry Director, as well. Every week when I am in my office,

I start my work time in prayer for you, the families of San Pedro. I have a calendar that I follow. Each week I pray for four or five families on the Children’s Ministry roster. Every one of you is lifted up by name. If I know of specific prayer needs, I pray for them. But I also like to use scripture as a guide. Last year, I prayed the verses of Colossians 1:9-14 over each one of you, focusing on one verse each month. This year, God has given me Romans 12:9-18 to pray for you. It starts with, “Let love be genuine”, and fleshes that concept out in the verses that follow. I am excited to pray these verses for you, month in and month out, during the coming school year. I pray you will see this Romans passage come to life in a personal way. Look it up and see how! And as always, please do let me know your specific prayer requests. Dawn Reiss, Director of Children’s Ministry kids@sppcsa.com Upcoming Events – Save the Dates! San Pedro Kids Sunday School Teacher Training – August 6 & 13, 9:45 am Back to School Night (outreach event) – August 16, 6:00 pm Acolyte Orientation – August 20, 9:45 am San Pedro Kids Sunday School Open House – August 27, 10:15 am First Day of Sunday School! – September 10, 9:45 am First Day of WNK! – September 13, 5:30 pm Acolyte Practice – September 24, 9:45 am

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Tuesday, August 1 7:00 PM Camp Gladiator 7:00 PM Scout Committee Mtg.

Wednesday, August 2 5:00 AM Camp Gladiator 12:00 PM Brown Bag Bible Study 1:00 PM Staff Meeting

Thursday, August 3 7:00 PM Camp Gladiator 8:00 PM AA

Friday, August 4 5:00 AM Camp Gladiator

Saturday, August 5 No Scheduled Events

Sunday, August 6 8:30 AM Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School 9:45 AM CM Teacher Training 11:00 AM Worship 3:00 PM Vivace Piano Recital

Monday, August 7 5:00 AM Camp Gladiator 9:00 AM Vet TRIIP 10:00 AM Committee on Ministry 7:00 PM Boy Scouts Meeting

Tuesday, August 8 9:00 AM FIAT Meeting 10:00 AM Needlework 7:00 PM Camp Gladiator 7:00 PM Stephen Ministry

Wednesday, August 9 5:00 AM Camp Gladiator 12:00 PM Brown Bag Bible Study 1:00 PM Staff Meeting 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, August 10 7:00 PM Camp Gladiator 8:00 PM AA

Friday, August 11 5:00 AM Camp Gladiator

Saturday, August 12 9:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 11:00 PM PCHAS BBQ Event 6:00 PM CANO

Sunday, August 13 8:30 AM Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School 9:45 AM CM Teacher Training 11:00 AM Worship 12:30 PM Deacons’ Meeting

Monday, August 14 5:00 AM Camp Gladiator 9:00 AM Vet TRIIP 7:00 PM Boy Scouts Meeting

Tuesday, August 15 7:00 PM Camp Gladiator

Wednesday, August 16 5:00 AM Camp Gladiator 12:00 PM Brown Bag Bible Study 1:00 PM Staff Meeting 6:00 PM Back to School Event 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, August 17 7:00 PM Camp Gladiator 8:00 PM AA

Friday, August 18 5:00 AM Camp Gladiator 3:00 PM Mobile Loaves & Fishes

Saturday, August 19 1:00 PM SA Poets’ Association 5:30 PM TNT 6:30 PM Boomers

Sunday, August 20 8:30 AM Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Worship

Monday, August 21 Newsletter Deadline! 5:00 AM Camp Gladiator 9:00 AM Vet TRIIP 7:00 PM Boy Scouts Meeting 7:00 PM Lit N Lattes

Tuesday, August 22 10:00 AM Mary Martha Circle 7:00 PM Camp Gladiator 7:00 PM Session Meeting 7:00 PM Stephen Ministry

Wednesday, August 23 5:00 AM Camp Gladiator 12:00 PM Brown Bag Bible Study 1:00 PM Staff Meeting 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, August 24 4:00 PM HEB Meeting 7:00 PM Camp Gladiator 7:00 PM Handbell Rehearsal 8:00 PM AA

Friday, August 25 5:00 AM Camp Gladiator 5:00 PM VIPs

Saturday, August 26 9:00 AM Men’s Bible Study

Sunday, August 27 Rally Day! 8:30 AM Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Worship

Monday, August 28 5:00 AM Camp Gladiator 9:00 AM Vet TRIIP 7:00 PM Boy Scouts Meeting

Tuesday, August 29 8:00 AM CBS Training 7:00 PM Camp Gladiator 7:00 PM Scout Masters’ Meeting

Wednesday, August 30 5:00 AM Camp Gladiator 8:00 AM CBS Training 12:00 PM Brown Bag Bible Study 1:00 PM Staff Meeting 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, August 31 7:00 PM Camp Gladiator 7:00 PM Handbell Rehearsal 8:00 PM AA

C A L E N D A R

O F E V E N T S

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RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

14900 San Pedro Avenue San Antonio, TX 78232-3711

Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday Phone: 210.494.6560 Fax: 210.494.7839 E-mail: sppchurch@sppcsa.com Website: www.sppcsa.com

SAN PEDRO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH STAFF Rev. Dr. C. Calvin Reynolds - Senior Pastor

Rev. Paul R. Gaedke - Associate Pastor

Mark Twehues—Director of Music Katarina McAnelly—Associate Director of Music, Organist

Dave Reiss—Director of Youth Ministry & Adult Studies Coordinator Dawn Reiss—Director of Children’s Ministry

Patricia J. Waite—Director of Children’s Music Kelly Hager—Childcare Coordinator Mabrie Casbeer—Office Manager

Dana Boom—Treasurer Jesse Ramirez—Sexton

Luis Reyes—Sexton Jason Hatch—Sound Engineer

Non Profit Org.

US Postage

PAID

Permit #2666

San Antonio, Texas

Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Class of 2020

Lori Baca Jim Horacek Diana Grippi

Eric Mapes Shawn Walters Jim Potyka

Chair, Board of Deacons Bob Kilgore

Christian Education Cindy Mapes (Youth) Ellyce Warns (Children) Rudy Gaedke (Adult)

Fellowship Linda Hutchins

Financial Development Gene Trevino

Financial Management Gene Trevino

Member Care Carolyn Gaedke

Missions Linda Tutko

Property Harvey Juarez

Witness and Evangelism Jean Judy

Worship Dennis Solis

S E S S I O N

B OA R D O F D E A C O N S

FINANCIAL REPORT - Year-to-Date totals through June. Revenues—$359,737.00 Expenses—$481,504.00.00 Deficit—$121,767.00 Outside of personnel costs, our largest expense in June was $20,143.00 for property. We have been withdrawing monies from our Endowment and other Operating Reserve Funds to help balance the budget.

The Rock is a monthly newsletter published by San Pedro Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, Texas. Its purpose is to inform congregation members of news and events within the church community. All SPPC members are welcome to contribute items for publication subject to minimal editing and space limitations. All SPPC members receive The Rock automatically. If you are not receiving issues regularly, please call the Church Office to ensure future delivery. For more information, contact the Church Office at 494-6560.

For more information please visit our website: www.sppcsa.com

PASTORAL CARE & COMMUNION Any church member who is unable to attend communion services may request that Communion be distributed in his/her home by calling the Church Office at 494-6560. Also, if you, or a member you know, will be hospitalized, please call the Church Office so the pastors can visit and minister to you.

EMAIL

In order to ensure that you receive all church communications, please make sure you have provided your email address. Please send that information to the Church Office at sppchurch@sppcsa.com or 210-494-6560.

CROSSROADS This is a good time of the year to give yourself a gift of a cross for the cross wall. We have many on the wall now but we want one from every family in our congregation. It is your "footprint" in the church always to remember your faith base. For more information please