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

Monday 8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer, Rite II (in the Chapel) (If the church office is closed on a Monday due to a holiday, Morning Prayer will be held at 8:30 a.m. the following day).

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

June 23, 2010 Vol. XI, No. 14

From the Rector:

Spending time overseas, especially in Nigeria, has given me a crystal clear picture of a precious gift we share – American citizenship.

Several years ago, I read an excellent biography of Alexander Hamil­ ton, a founding Father, a principal author of the Federalist Papers, and the first Secretary of the Treasury.

Story after story in the book makes one thing very clear – American freedom did not come easy.

The odds were certainly against us at the onset and throughout the Revolutionary War.

The challenges faced by the Revolution included:

• Hyperinflation during war.

• One year enlistments often expiring during the winter.

• Scores of loyalists to Great Britain throughout the colonies.

• And creating one nation from 13 strong­minded colonies was a minor miracle.

Yet the miracle happened.

The 234 years since the 13 colonies declared independence have seen the United States grow into the greatest nation in the world, possibly the greatest in the history of human civilization.

Next month, even as we celebrate our country’s independence, we will remember that all we have is a gift from God. We did not decide to be born in the U.S.

We remember that the ultimate source of our liberty is Almighty God. And give Him great thanks for His generous bounty and abundant blessing.

Rector continued on page 3...

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

I N S IDE

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

John 15:11

The Crucifer

In Our Prayers Please consider including the Prayer List in

your daily devotions. Mike, Dick, Franklin & Cherry, Sonja, Amora Lee, Jennifer, Joan & Glenn, Alan, Joe, Renee, Jack & Gipsy, Meredith, T.R., Betty, Joshua, Dot, June, Dick, Ted, Scott, Rebecca, Stephanie, Karen, Ginny, Loy, Matthew, Donnie, Houston, Jerry, Sam, S. J., Brian, Maggie, Amy, Sarah, Vicki, Yvette, Elaine, Vernon, Margaret, Wanda, Joanna, Keith, J.S., Pat, John, Sandra, Tommy, Doyle, Al, Bob, Joan, Josie, Rosalee, Marion, Kathy, Jim, Hilde, Margia, Rachel, Ann, John, Elmer, Zachary, Kay, Annie Lou, Karen, Keith, Larry, Doug, Paul & Gloria, Gabe, Flora, Erin, Zane, Vera, Bailey, Teddie, Sam, Shirley, Nancy, Kyle. Prayer List Requests If you would like to add, or take off, a name on the prayer list, please call The Rev. Stephen Stine, Deacon, at 903­530­ 8168, or the church office at 903­597­9854. To protect the confidentiality of those in the prayer list, we will use first names or initials only.

2

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. Kirkland Knight Priest Associate 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. Shellie Lohman 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, or The Rev. Stephen Stine, Deacon, at 903­ 530­8168. You may also call the church office, 903­597­9854, during normal business hours.

Scripture Reading for Sunday 5 Pentecost ­ June 27

First Reading: 1 Kings 19:15—16, 19—21 Psalm: 16:5—11 Second Reading: Galatians 5:1, 13—25 Gospel: Luke 9:51—62

6 Pentecost ­ July 4 ­ Independence Day First Reading: Deuteronomy 10:17—21 Psalm: 145:1—9 Second Reading: Hebrews 11:8—16 Gospel: Matthew 5:43—48

7 Pentecost ­ July 11 First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:9—14 Psalm: 25:3—9 Second Reading: Colossians 1:1—14 Gospel: Luke 10:25—37

11

Parish Calendar and Events Sunday, June 27, 5 Pentecost

7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 9:00 am Chancel 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, June 28 8:30 am Morning Prayer in the Chapel

Tuesday, June 29 Wednesday, June 30

7:15 am Men’s Bible Study 11:30 am Sr. EYC Summer Lunch & Movie Club

Twilight: Eclipse & Jason’s Deli 12:00 pm EYC Fish & Jr. EYC Lunch and a

Movie on the Youth Floor 6:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, July 1 9:30 am ECW Board Meeting

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

Friday, June 2 Saturday, July 3 Sunday, July 4, Independence Day Celebration

7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 9:00 am Chancel 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 11:30 am Celebration Reception & Luncheon 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist Rite I

Monday, July 5 Church Office & Gift Shop Closed

9:00 am VBS at All Saints Episcopal School Tuesday, July 6

8:30 am Morning Prayer in the Chapel 9:00 am VBS at All Saints Episcopal School

10:30 am Gift Shop Open until 1:30 pm 11:00 am Hospice Food Delivery

Wednesday, July 7 7:15 am Men’s Bible Study 9:00 am VBS at All Saints Episcopal School

Thursday, July 8 9:00 am VBS at All Saints Episcopal School

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

Friday, July 9 9:00 am VBS at All Saints Episcopal School

Saturday, July 10

Sunday, July 11, 7 Pentecost 7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 9:00 am Chancel 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, July 12 8:30 am Morning Prayer in the Chapel

Tuesday, July 13 Wednesday, July 14

7:15 am Men’s Bible Study 8:30 am Paper Guild 5:00 pm CSET Board Meeting

Thursday, July 15 12:00 pm Holy Eucharist, ‘28 Prayer Book 6:00 pm Loaves & Fishes Team 3

Friday, July 16 11:00 am Meals on Wheels

Saturday, July 17 Sunday, July 18, 8 Pentecost

7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 9:00 am Chancel 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, July 19 8:30 am Morning Prayer in the Chapel 5:30 pm Vestry Meeting

Tuesday, July 20 7:00 am Brotherhood of St. Andrew

Wednesday, July 21 7:15 am Men’s Bible Study

Thursday, July 22

6/27 Courtney Davis; 6/28 Lauren McMann, Emily Phelps, Alex Lisso; 6/29 Paul Hibbs

7/1 Austin Reed; 7/3 Caitlin Holliday, Caroline Key 7/4 Madeline Wynne, Will Bass; 7/5 Will Arnold

7/9 Thomas Ford; 7/11 Delaney Thomas; 7/12 Zachary Reed

10

Lay Liturgical Ministry Schedule

Weekday Laity for July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29—Ken Ruether. The monthly lay schedule may be found on our website, www.christchurchtyler.org, under the Worship link, or copies are available in the church office.

Sunday, June 27 5 Pentecost

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

ACOLYTES (** Denotes Server)

St. Mark Madeline Wynne Kate Roberts Jack Roberts Chet Wynne

VERGER John Carr

CHALICERS Ken Ruether Bryan Rossman Henry Bell

Rand Huzenlaub INTERCESSOR Ken Ruether Roger Fowler

LECTOR Bryan Rossman Karen Courville

USHERS Team Leader: TBD

ALTAR GUILD Team 1 Leader ­ Ginny Reinhardt

GREETERS GUILD 10:00 a.m. ­ Narthex: The Wooldridge Family

Guild Hall Entrance: Alice & Gary Avery

Sunday, July 4 Independence Day 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 Bryan Rossman

CHALICERS Ken Ruether Rand Huzenlaub Denise Jarrett

Frank Hibbs INTERCESSOR Ken Ruether Jerril Burnette

LECTOR Rand Huzenlaub Laurie Dowell

USHERS Team Leader:

TBD

ALTAR GUILD Team 2 Leader ­ Sandy Barbin

GREETERS GUILD 10:00 a.m. ­ Narthex: The Rodieck Family Guild Hall Entrance: Marilyn & Steve Chionsini

Clergy Notes

3

God bless you. And God bless the United States of America!

Gratefully,

David

Rector continued from page 1...

From A Record of Faith Christ Episcopal Church 1867­1967 Mary Hayes and Frances McCallum

CHAPTER 1 The Place of Christ Church in the Diocese

1839—1860

(Continued from last issue…)

From the date of recognition in January, 1839, to the time of admittance as a diocese in May, 1850, Texas was visited periodically by Missionary Bishops of the Episcopal Church. But the Republic was counted with West Africa, China, Greece, and Turkey as a foreign land, and generally contributors to the missionary fund preferred sending their help to the more distant places. During the days of the Republic, The Rt. Rev. Leonidas Polk as “Bishop of Arkan­ sas and the Southwest,” came into the region; and after the annexation of Texas to the Union, The Rt. Rev. George Washington Freeman as “Bishop of Arkansas including Indian Territory and Missions in Texas,” made regular visitations. But “the first recorded visit of a Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church as a missionary to a foreign country,” had occurred when Bishop Polk had crossed the Red River from Hempstead County, Arkansas, on May 17, 1839, and “passed a day in visiting certain planters living in the disputed territory between the United States and Texas.” The Bishop’s official arrival on a formal visit to Texas, later the same year, was by sea from Louisiana to Galveston, as this was the usual entry until such time as the crossings on the Red and Sabine Rivers were improved and East Texas towns became more numerous. Due to the difficulties of administering the extensive field assigned to Polk and Freeman, and due to conditions of early settle­ ment, these bishops did not reach all portions of their “far­flung” territory, and some sections necessarily re­ mained “unknown to the [Church] records” of the time.

In the beginning of his episcopate, Bishop Polk had thought to pass through the eastern parts of the Republic as he returned to the United States from his Texas visit, and presumably this journey would have brought him close to—if a little south of—present­day Tyler. But the Bishop gave up on the plan because “the power of the sun’s rays” made it seem “extremely imprudent” to travel “into the interior at so late a period of the year” ­ this being May of 1839. On two other visitations, in 1841 and 1844, when he was in the eastern vicinity, there were still other obsta­ cles in addition to the heat of summer to deter him. He traveled, by stagecoach and carriage, over sections where there were “not roads or turnpikes and very few bridges” and, again, he apparently did not come to the area being settled around Tyler.

Later, in 1848, Bishop Freeman described the public vehicle in which he rode through Texas as “a splendid Albany coach drawn by six horses;” and the private con­ veyance which took him short distances, as one “peculiar to the west . . . Consisting of a rectangular box of the coars­ est kind, resting upon the bolsters of a wagon carriage, without even an apology for springs, and uncovered.” In succeeding years he found that conditions improved very little. Heavy mud or deep sand in one section or another made passage difficult even in the most frequently traveled areas. Three times it was recorded that the An­ nual Convention which assembled for meeting on the date appointed, had to wait two or three days for the Bishop, “whose journey had been interrupted by storms and high water . . .” in the marshy river bottoms of southeastern Texas.

But in spite of these hardships and in addition to their responsibilities in other states, both Bishop Polk and Bishop Freeman ministered faithfully to the Texas segment of their missionary district, fostering the stirrings of organizational activity which ultimately would lead to formation of a separate diocese. Bishop Freeman, in spite of “uncertain health,” continued coming during the ten years after the Diocese was established but without a bishop of its own, as he visited Texas almost every year for a total of fifteen years (1845­1859). Certainly it could not be said that Bishop Polk and Bishop Freemen, “tireless missionaries” that they were, in any way neglected Texas. And yet, in their years of striving to cover unattended areas “still in a state of nature,” they left no indication that either of them reached the township already incorporated as Tyler, Texas.

1860—1870 To be continued, or check out the book in the third floor library!

4

Spirituality

Christian Education Classes Sunday Summer Schedule ­ 9:00 — 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.

Spiritual Direction School Accepting Applications

Formation IN Direction, a diocesan school that trains spiritual directors, is accepting applicants for the next class, which will begin in September. FIND, a three­year course, meets the third Saturday of

each month, September—May, at St. Andrew’s in Bryan. A year­end retreat is held in June at Camp Allen. Along with an application, interviews with faculty and

letters of support, the discernment process for potential students includes a retreat at Camp Allen July 9—10. Tui­ tion for the course is $950 a year. Some scholarships are available. Spiritual directors are those who “companion” others

on their journey toward a deeper relationship with God. FIND teaches the history of Christian spirituality, the psy­ chology of spirituality, and a variety of prayer techniques along with the pursuit of one’s own spiritual formation. In addition to being commissioned as spiritual directors

upon completion of the course, graduates also may serve as educational resources for their congregations by super­ vising group spiritual direction, planning and leading re­ treats, giving prayer and spirituality presentations and lead­ ing prayer groups. For more information, contact Kathleen Phillips, FIND

Director, 979.324.4302, finddirectr@yahoo.com.

Dominican Blessing May your gracious God bless you.

May Jesus heal you. May the Spirit kindle in you new light, Giving you eyes to see and understand,

Hands to do the work of God, Feet to bear the good news abroad, And lips to preach the sacred word.

May the Angel of Peace watch over you, Leading you, by Christ’s gift, into the reign of God.

from 13th century text

9

From Quips and Quotes for Church Bulletins: Children are unpredictable. You never know what incon­

sistency they’re going to catch you in next.

We always agree with people when they admit they’re wrong.

Omnium­gatherum

Guild of the Nativity Our tea towels are available in the Christ Church Gift Shop, and prices are as follows: one dozen large $20, one dozen small $15, half­dozen large $10, half­dozen small $7.50.

Anyone interested in joining us for lunch out this summer, please do so by contacting one of our members for a reserva­ tion. The lunch is Dutch Treat.

Newly Married Congratulations to Marcella Blevins and Brian MacCullum on their marriage, Friday, June 4, 2010 at Children’s Park in Tyler.

In Memoriam Our sympathies to the family and friends of Ethel Reed,

wife of Toby.

Our sympathies to the family and friends of Sidney Smith McClendon III, cousin of Anne McClendon Jones.

May the souls of the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

GIFT SHOP SUMMER SALE All Marian Heath Greeting Cards

50% Off! More Sale items Will Be Added

Weekly! Open Sundays, 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

Open Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

Please note: The Church Office will be closed Monday, July 5.

Christ Church baseball fans enjoyed their annual charter bus trip to the Ballpark in Arlington to see the Texas Rangers on Sunday, July 6, 2010.

Activities Luau

Hula & fire dancer show Outdoor ed classes

Evening entertainment Family worship service

Guided nature walks Giant inflatable waterslide

Horseback riding Birding classes Fishing lessons

Rock climbing Virtual theatre Skeet shooting

Arts & crafts Swimming moonjump

Rates include 2 nights hotel lodging, meals & most activities. Massages, horseback riding, pony rides and skeet shooting are available for a nominal fee. Children 2 and under are free & participants over 14 will be charged as adults. The retreat begins Friday at 5:00pm and concludes Sunday at 1:00pm

Parish Administrator

8

Dear Friends, Thank you so much for your gift to PATH. Your help makes a big difference in the lives of thou­ sands of people. Your gifts are helping us help others in remark­ able ways. I wish that you could see the faces of those coming through our doors each day and how your gifts are becoming miracles in seemingly impossible situations. • A young mother left alone to care for two

small children finds a helping had at PATH. A bag of groceries, diapers and a smile from one of our caring volunteers helps her to make another week on a tight budget.

• An elderly lady crippled by pain finds comfort from volunteers and the knowledge that her prescription will be refilled.

• A couple facing foreclosure and financial ruin learns first­hand that PATH is a safety net.

For 25 years PATH has been a guiding light for those struggling in poverty. Thank you again for supporting PATH through your gifts and prayers. Sincerely. Christina Fulsom Executive Director

Fans Needed Summertime is the most difficult

time of year for families struggling to make ends meet. Children are out of school and no longer benefit from the schools’ nutrition programs, parents cannot afford childcare or summer camp, utility bills increase because of rising temperatures and because chil­ dren are home during the day. Families that cannot afford to pay their utility bills need a way to cool their homes and keep their families safe. Donate a fan to the PATH Fan Club. Go by HomeDepot and purchase a box fan for $10. PATH will pick it up and make sure it is given to a family that needs it.

For more information, please contact Becky at 903.597.4044 x120, or Becky@tylerpath.org.

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 June, PATH is requesting “meals for kids” (spaghettios, ravioli, etc), juice boxes and snacks. Non­perishable food items and toiletries are always wel­ come.

Monthly Drives: • July: school supplies • August: personal care items and cleaning supplies • September: rice, dried beans, tortillas • October: peanut butter and jelly

PRAYER IS PRICELESS We often think of volunteers and donors as those who

make PATH’s mission possible, and they are, but they are not alone.

When we are busy running the agency, worrying about having enough volunteers and enough resources to meet increasing needs, it is easy to forget that hundreds, if not thousands of people are praying for God to lift the pain of poverty from their neighbors in need.

The reason it is easy to forget that thousands are praying is because prayer is the most personal and intimate aspect of our relationship with God, and most of the time we pray alone.

Some people do not have time or money to give to PATH. However, all of us have the ability to pray.

• It is thanks to prayers that God grants us the time and energy to help someone in need—providing volunteers.

• It is thanks to prayers that God grants us the gener­ osity to share freely with those in need—providing donors.

• It is thanks to prayers that God grants us the wisdom to meet the needs of others in ways that foster dignity and stability.

It is thanks to your prayers that PATH is here and able to help.

Liturgy & Music

5

Sunday Summer Schedule is in effect through

August 22!

(Return to fall schedule Sunday, August 29, 2010)

7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I

9:00 a.m. Christian Education Classes

10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II

5:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION! Reception & Luncheon

Sunday, July 4, 2010 10:00 a.m. Patriotic Eucharist

Please join us as we celebrate the 4 th of July with a Patriotic Eucharist. The service will begin with the sounds of “Variations on America” by Max Reger

and conclude with the famous “Stars & Stripes” by John Philip Sousa. The women of the Chancel Choir will sing a setting of “God Bless America” by

Irving Berlin. The Chancel Choir will offer several anthems for the celebration, including the stirring setting of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” by Peter Wilhousky and “Blades of Grass

and Pure White Stones” arranged by Keith Christopher; the latter honoring those who have given their lives for the price of freedom.

And, a tradition at Christ Church, we will have the firing of the civil war era cannon and sing The National Anthem following our Eucharist Service. In this world of unrest and uncertainty, what a great way to celebrate the gift of freedom God has given us here in the United States.

Christ Church would like to invite everyone to a Luncheon and Welcome Reception for our new Assistant Rector, Matt Boulter, and his wife, Bouquet, and daughters, Bella and Eleanor,

immediately following the 10:00 a.m. Patriotic Eucharist.

Please call the church office, 903.597.9854, to make a reservation by Monday, June 28.

A Prayer for our Country Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We

humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trou­ ble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

6

Children’s Ministry

Register now! VBS July 5­9, 2010 9:00 a.m. ­ 12:00 p.m.

High Seas Expedition All Saints Episcopal School

To register: www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/CEC or www.christchurchtyler.org

We will have a volun- teer appreciation lunch after VBS on Friday, July 9, on the 4th floor of the Grelling-Spence Building. Courtney Bracken is organizing this event.

To find out how you can help, contact her by phone, 903-372-2299 or by e-mail, cbracken@all-saints.org.

Camp Allen 2010 Events Moms Camp: July 23—25 A weekend of renewal, adventure, and relaxation for moms of all ages. Family Camp: September 3—5 An adventure and entertainment packed weekend for the whole family.

For additional information, or to register for any of the above events, visit cam­ pallen.org or call 936.825.7175.

Youth Ministry

7

The Tandem Bike It seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride,

A tandem bike, And I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal. I don’t know when it was that he suggested we change places,

But life has not been the same since. When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable,

The shortest distance between two points. But when he took the lead, he knew delightful long cuts—

Up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds. It was all I could do to hang on!

Even though it looked like madness, he said “Pedal.” I worried and asked, “Where are you taking me?”

He laughed and didn’t answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure.

And when I’d say, “I’m scared,” he’d lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people with gifts that I needed,

Gifts of healing, acceptance, and joy. They gave me gifts to take on my journey,

And we were off again. He’d say, “Give the gifts away; they’re extra baggage, too much weight.”

So I did, to the people we met, And I found that in giving I received—but still our burden was light.

I did not trust him, at first, in control of my life. I thought he’d wreck it. But he knows biking secrets, knows how to take sharp corners,

Knows how to jump to clear rocks, Even knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.

And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places. And I’m beginning to enjoy the view—and the cool breeze on my face—

With my companion Jesus Christ. And when I’m sure I just can’t do any more, he just smiles and says,

“Pedal.” —Author unknown

This passage was included in our Sunday School lesson a couple of weeks ago, and I thought I would share these powerful words. Our focus during the summer months tends to be more about having fun, hanging out with friends and, of course, sleeping late! As you take time to relax and enjoy time with family and friends, don't forget about your need to spend time with Christ. Commit to really listening to Him so you may see what kind of biking secrets He is offering you.

Denise Jarrett Director of Middle School Ministries