Mission: To make new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Vision: God calls us to be a Christ spirited, praying com-munity serving and celebrating the diversity of creation. Following the Great Commission, we will use all of our resources to expand God’s kingdom by tearing down walls and building bridges. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we will communicate the life changing message of Jesus Christ. We will provide clear pathways of disciple-ship and servant leadership development for new and seasoned believers and most importantly those who do not yet believe. Core Values: A.. Live God, love others always—We value that the reign of Gospel love known through Jesus Christ is to be shared outwardly to the world community and inwardly to the faith community. B. Join the Jesus journey—We value intentional in-

struction and energetic encouragement of disciples toward grace-filled living and leadership.

C. Spirit led service—We value being adaptable and flexible in the use of spiritual gifts so to reach our diverse community through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Healthy Church Initiative Corner: Mission, Vision & Core Values

Windcrest United Methodist Church

Office (210) 654-0404 Fax (210) 654-0674

Submissions: b.south@windcrestumc.org

The Communicator is a monthly publication of Windcrest United Methodist and is intended for the use of its mem-bers, families and friends. All rights reserved. Reproduc-tion of all or part of this publication is by permission only.

Editor Staff: Rev. Terrence Hayes, Senior Pastor Sharon Odom, Church Administrator Directors: Marcy Williams, M.J. Glunk Layout and Design: Becky South, Communication Coordinator Thank you to our proofreaders, mail and distribution volunteers.

Check out our new and improved website!

Visit us at www.windcrestumc.org

Worship With Us Sundays at 8:15, 9:30 or 11:00 AM Sunday School at 9:30 10:45 or 11:00 AM Wednesday Evenings at 6:15 PM

October 2014 Commemorative Edition

Our Humble Beginnings

Step 1 in Faith

451 Bueche Road (now Crestway Dr.)

1964

Windcrest Methodist Church was founded

in the fall of 1964, with 33 dedicated Chris-

tians. The first meeting of the group of

people that was to become the Windcrest

Methodist Church was held on October 4,

1964, under the leadership of Rev. and

Mrs. Roy Hilliard, in an old farm house at

451 Bueche Road (now Crestway Dr.).

Rev. Roy Hilliard was the initial pastor and

literally walked door to door throughout

Windcrest, inviting families to be part of

the new Methodist congregation. Dr. Ted

Richardson, San Antonio District Superin-

tendent, and the San Antonio District

Board of Missions, had been laying plans

for a new congregation in this area for two

years. The first service for Windcrest

Methodist Church was on October 11,

1964. Thus began our "Faith Journey".

Rev. Roy Hilliard: 1964-1965

As you would drive up to the house on Sun-

day mornings, there was never a time that

you would not see the back-sides of people

sitting on the window ledges. The house

was small and people were sitting every-

where.

Interesting Tidbits of the old

farm house!

Page 2|October 2014

Come Home to Windcrest United Methodist Church!

Page 13|October 2014

I am honored and blessed to be the current pastor here at Windcrest United Methodist

Church. I find the present and future of Windcrest United Methodist Church to be bright

and clear!

It is my experience that when you visit Windcrest United Methodist Church you are immedi-

ately accepted as family. You are impressed with the extreme hospitality, warmth and gener-

osity of new found friends, for the Windcrest experience is rooted in prayer and family, since

we are all children of God.

Our work areas are mission oriented so as “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transfor-

mation of the world”. We actively seek to find ways to engage the surrounding Walzem Road

Community and the world. There is wonder and excitement for all ages and cultures at

Windcrest United Methodist Church because we have seen God in action and we are anxious

to see what God will do next!

Our leadership is “team oriented.” We are as one great choir singing to the glory of God. We

seek community with the Kingdom of God on earth and in heaven as we honor our Wesleyan

Heritage with reverence and humility.

The future of Windcrest United Methodist Church will include but not be exclusive to the

strong brotherhood of men, and a continued emphasis on the development of children,

youth, and family. We will further continue to develop safe environments for all persons,

handicapped, and military, even the unchurched.

The future is bright at Windcrest United Methodist Church because we are a people dedicat-

ed to--service towards humanity, integrity in our words and deeds, show of brotherhood and

support of our church family. We seek to always grow in the fruits of the spirit: love, joy,

peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness gentleness and self-control. (Galatian5:22).

Come home to Windcrest United Methodist Church!

Come Home to Windcrest United Methodist Church.

. . . . .and now our Step 5 in Faith—The Future Vision of WUMC

THE CURRENT & FUTURE CHURCH ON WALZEM ROAD & MIDCROWN IN

WINDCREST, TEXAS

Page 12|October 2014

Charter Members of Windcrest Methodist Church

Active Charter Members of Windcrest United Methodist Church

Flora Ladelle Yarbough Lightfoot I was born July 29, 1917 in Wynne, AR. In 1923 I moved to Waco and later attended Baylor University where I got a BA degree and also received four majors in English, French, Education & Political Science. In 1938-1939 I taught school in Seymour, TX. where I met and fell in love with a fellow teacher, Oscar Waymond Lightfoot. We got married in May of 1942. In 1945 we moved to Texarkana where both of us were teachers. Oscar was in the Navy for two years and was medically discharged. We have two children, LaDelle and Waymond. In 1961 I moved to Austin to get a masters degree in Counseling and I worked at Alamo Heights in 1962 as a Counselor. In 1963 Oscar moved to San Antonio where he taught at MacArthur High School. In 1964 we moved to Wind-crest and I joined the church because of Rev. Roy Hil-liard.

Frances Peace

I was born July 27, 1930 in Houston, TX and moved to San Antonio, TX in August of 1941. I met Hugh in 1944. He was working in the corner drug store at the soda foun-tain. We started dating in 1946 and were married Au-gust 12, 1951. He was drafted into the army and sent to Ft.

Belvoir for training. We left there in March 1952 when he was sent to Korea for 15 months. We bought our first house in Windcrest, October 10, 1954 on Weathercock (where else would the future weatherman want to live?) We joined the church as charter members in October of 1964. Hugh finished college and went to work at the weather bureau in 1955. He retired in January 1995. After 5 children, we built a larger house on the next block. We sold it July 1988 and moved "temporarily" to Tradewind Apartments. Hugh liked apartment living so much we never moved. Hugh died October 4, 2011.

Mr. & Mrs. James F. Caldwell, Sr. Mary Lena Caldwell James F. Caldwell, Jr. Thomas Caldwell Jeannine Caldwell Mr. & Mrs. J.O. Hidy Mr. & Mrs. Elvin Kays Mr. & Mrs. Ted Kastor Mr. & Mrs. James F. Galdson Mr. & Mrs. Wayne H. Brinkley Mr. & Mrs. R.C. Kullin Mary A. Parsons Mr.& Mrs. Henry S. Vogan Mr. & Mrs. Jack Donahue Mr. & Mrs. E.P. Webber Mr. & Mrs. Harold Burke Mr. & Mrs. Bernie Bailey Sallie Puckett Mrs. J.R. Hilliard Mr. & Mrs. Vernon Hooker Mrs. K.E. O'Bannion Dr. & Mrs. Bryan Danford Col. & Mrs. Joseph Jogl Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. Anderson James F. Gladson, Jr. Jewel Goode

Mr. & Mrs. John R. Gano Steve Burke Jimmy Burke David Burke Scott Bailey Mike Bailey Pat Bailey Pamela Jogl Mr. & Mrs. Hugh Peace, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Harold H. Palmer David Allen Palmer Mr. & Mrs. M.C. Hines Mary Davis Vicki Danford Fred O'Bannion Betty O'Bannion Mark Webber Glen Webber Carol Ann Webber Mark Donahue Dianna Anderson (Wilkes) Mr. & Mrs. Ed Kreusel Harold W. Fees Mr. & Mrs. Billy E. Vance Brian Vance Mr. & Mrs. Albert D. Brown, Jr.

Douglas Kirk Brown Amy Brown Michele Ferri Reese Henry, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Reese Henry, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Hudepohl Flora Lightfoot Mr. & Mrs. Orie Goll Mark Goll Helen Hopkins Mrs. Katherine Brocker Richard Buxton Tommy Buxton Mr. & Mrs. James J. Buxton Nancy Clegg Lois Clegg Janice Clegg Mr. & Mrs. William Clegg Dr. & Mrs. Jack B. Cosby Mr. & Mrs. Adolph G. Bernard Mr. & Mrs. James Lockhart Ethel M. Flippin Kathie Flippin Mr. & Mrs. Aden L. Barnes Bess Speers

Flora Lightfoot Frances Peace

Page 3|October 2014

We've Grown Again

Step 2 in Faith!

Rev. Luster Lockett: 1969-1975 Rev. Roy Hilliard: 1964-1965 Rev. Dan Baker: 1965-1969

8101 Midcrown Dr.

On October 18, 1964, ground was broken for the present building, a four acre plot, corner of

Walzem Road and Midcrown Drive, and on November 18, 1964, Dr. Richardson held the first Quar-

terly Conference and formally organized the Church. Thus began our "Step 2 in Faith" for Windcrest

Methodist Church.

Page 4|October 2014

Reflections of Yesteryears!

Back in 1965 I remember Betty Baker (our preacher’s wife) and a member, Inez Danford, getting a group of us women together to form the Women’s Society of Christian Service (now known as UMW). Our WSCS purpose was missions, both local and global. The ladies who worked were called The Wesleyan Guild and met at night. The ladies did everything from painting the walls of some of the class rooms and hall to serving luncheons and dinners for the church.

I remember us voting on the new Sanctuary (now known as the Gathering Place). I remember the ceremony when the first shovels of dirt were turned.

Frank and I are two of the founders of the Inquirers Class (the second adult Sunday School Class) lead by Bry-an Danford. We started studying current issues of the day and how we as Christians should relate to them. We had some lively discussions.

A lot has happened in the last fifty years, but we still stand as a beacon on the corner of Midcrown and Walzem with a strong congregation, many ministries and missions, and still a very busy community church. Praise God! When we first started this church we also wanted the community to be able to use our building and over the years, we are still known as the community church. We give God the Glory! Doris Bristow

My first leadership position was the chair of the Education Work Area. The children’s department grew by leaps and bounds. The present Day School is the result of a “Mother’s Day Out” program. To this day the children are dear to my heart, and I love when they get to come into “Big Church”.

I remember all those who have mentored me over the years. We have been fortunate over the years to have tremendous leadership. Two that come to mind are Len Heath and Chuck Clontz.

I remember a Christmas Eve program when the Fellowship Hall (then the Sanctuary) was so full we had chairs lining the hall, and Pastor Dan Baker came down the hall and into the Sanctuary playing his guitar. It was one of those moments. Over the years my job moved us around, but we have always “Come Home!” It has been won-derful (and will continue to be!) to have the opportunity to serve Windcrest UMC wearing many hats. I love all who have attended and served who have gone to Glory, and those who have picked up the torch and continue to grace the church with their attendance & service. May God continue to bless our church and congregation!

It was an honor to serve as the Church Lay Leader for six years. It gives one a new insight into the operation of the church because you serve on every standing committee. I love you all! Frank Bristow

The Methodist Conference asked if we would help start a church in Windcrest. We were members at Travis Park Methodist downtown. We met with Brother Roy Hilliard, a retired preacher and others ( I don't recall), but I think Murray Winn let us meet in the empty small farmhouse on Midcrown at Crestway. The Peace's & family, Parsons, Browns, and Kastors are names that I can recall. There were 6 (?) choir members. We sat in open windows facing Midcrown. Brother Hilliard's niece came to watch the little ones. The Conference funded the "Social Hall" Fellowship Building-Church at Midcrown and Walzem 1965. Jan Kastor

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of WUMC I recall two very special memories that took place in the building now known as the Gathering Place. Of course at that time it was the Sanctuary. These two memories were major events in my life and took place at the beginning and end of the 1986-1987 school year. ( I was a middle school math teacher at the time.) In August 1986, Randy and I were married by Reverend Tom McClung. Then in May 1987, during the worship service on Mother's Day, Rev. McClung baptized me. The day was extra spe-cial because I was actually born on Mother's Day, even though the date was not the same. Those two events laid the foundation for many wonderful memories throughout the Windcrest United Methodist Church campus. Cheryl Bristow

Page 11|October 2014

On June 8, 2009 Tony Green and Daniel Baxter rented a cherry picker and gave our three crosses in front of the building a new facelift in the beau-tiful color of red! Great job guys, even though you were up in the clouds and it was a windy day! The results of your hard work, standing tall, for all to see, are three majestic red crosses pointing towards heaven!

Our Three Crosses

Interesting Tidbits of Windcrest United Methodist Church's Beginnings- - -

In the beginning the "Communicator" was known as "The Windcrest Story".

December 16, 1964 . . . .First meeting of the official board met with 12 people present.

1965-1966 . . .Windcrest Methodist Church proposed budget was $15,029.00.

March 9, 1966 . . . Plans were in the making for Women's Society of Christian Service which is now called UMW.

1969 . . .Windcrest Methodist Church merged with Evangelical United Brethren to become Windcrest United Methodist

Church.

1982 . . .More Sunday School rooms and a larger choir room was needed and as a result, the Jones building was built .

2014 . . .Windcrest United Methodist Church proposed budget is $774,000.00.

1st Leap in Faith—Red Tree I

During Greg Hackett's tenure, WUMC

purchased Red Tree I in 2005 for

$1.46 million

As result of Capital Campaign, debt

was paid off in four years

2nd Leap in Faith—Red Tree II

Purchased remainder of Red Tree

space in 2008 for $2.8 million

3rd Leap in Faith—Coming Home

Focusing on expansion of main cam-

pus following the sale of Red Tree I

and Red Tree II in July of 2014

Page 10|October 2014

The Faith Journey continues!

The first service was held in the new

building on February 14, 1965 with

Bishop O. Eugene Slater present for

the consecration. Under the leader-

ship of Rev. Hilliard, the church pro-

gressed rapidly. When he retired on

December 1, 1965, there were 111

members in the church. Rev. Hilliard

was succeeded by Rev. Dan Baker,

who with his wife Betty and their

family, occupied the newly purchased

parsonage at 405 Spaceway Drive. As

the congregation continued to grow,

it became evident that more space

was needed. A building committee was organized April 5, 1967. At that present time the

committee was still perfecting the plans for a new building. Thus the "Step in Faith" journey

continued!

Sisters of the Skillet:

In the beginning of the church here at WUMC, if we were preparing a meal for a large group, we filled large roaster ov-ens with our food to be cooked and plugged them in differ-ent rooms all over the building so that we didn't blow any fuses!! By the time Rev. Tom McClung came in 1980 we had gotten pretty organized and had a group of ladies who worked in the kitchen. Frank Bristow began calling us the

"Sisters of the Skillet" and the name stuck for a number of years. Someone gave us a small iron skillet which we passed down to whomever was the head of the kitchen. I was the last lady to hold this title. The quilt that I am holding was made by another Sister of the Skillet, Suzi Page.

By Frances Peace

Interesting Tidbits of our Beginnings …

Page 5|October 2014

The Gathering Place-Three Crosses

Step 3 in Faith

Rev. Dan Bazar: 1974-1980 Rev. John Donaho: 1975-1978 Rev. Tom McClung: 1980-1989 Rev. Luster Lockett: 1969-1975

A New Place to Worship

The picture on the left is the Chancel area when the Sanctuary was

in the Gathering Place. The baptismal font was directly below the

skylight. (Amazingly, when the light shown down on the water

there was a reflection in the form of a cross!) The podium is still

being used in the Sanctuary today and the table is in the Gathering

Place against the brick wall.

Page 6|October 2014

We've Grown Again, Coming Home to Our New Sanctuary!

Step 4 in Faith

Rev. Bill Huth: 1989-1994 Rev. Bob Allen: 1994-1998

Rev. Greg Hackett: 2000-2008

Rev. Howard Surber: 1998-2000

Rev. Dr. Lonnie Phillips: 2008-2014 Rev. Terrence Hayes: 2014-Present

A community of faith growing . . . .

Page 9|October 2014

The Gathering Place

Blast from the past!

John Wesley (Tom McClung) paid a visit to Wind-

crest United Methodist Church in 1985 to honor

the 250th anniversary of the hymn, "I'll Praise My

Maker While I've Breath". We gathered to bring

praise for God's surpassing greatness! Praise the

Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in

His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty

deeds; praise Him according to His surpassing

greatness! Psalm 150:1-2

An interesting tidbit on our bell choir beginnings . . .

Our first set of hand bells were donated by Bea O'Brien in

memory of her husband, Bill O'Brien. In 1986 our bell choir

had grown to 63 bells and more space was needed thus resulting in the new Sanctu-

ary!

thus begins our step 4 in faith!

Children's Choir at their Christmas performance in

the Gathering Place. They were making a joyful

noise unto the Lord! Psalm 150

Gary Mitchell, long-

est serving Music

Director, serving

Windcrest United

Methodist Church

for 23 1/2 years!

Page 8|October 2014

Windcrest United Methodist Church started Childhood Expressions Mother’s Day Out Program on No-

vember 4, 1973. The Mother’s Day Out Program was changed to Childhood Expressions Preschool

and Nursery in 1984 to clarify that a preschool curriculum and learning environment for young chil-

dren was being offered. In 2012 the school name changed to Windcrest Day School and Child De-

velopment Center (WDS & CDC) when the program began offering full time child care.

About Us

We are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Our

program meets the high standards established by the professionals in the Early Childhood field.

Our qualified staff are loving and highly trained, possessing Child Development Associate Creden-

tials (CDA), Associate and Bachelor Degrees and years of experience.

At Windcrest Day School & CDC we understand how important your child’s first school experience is.

This is a place where children feel safe, nurtured and loved.

We currently offer the following programs and hours:

Day School

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (August – May)

T/Th | M/W/F | M-F

Child Development Center

7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Monday - Friday

We exist to be a place where families feel welcome; where children grow spiritually,

emotionally and intellectually; and where God’s presence can be felt.

Page 7|October 2014