For the past couple of years, for our family, the high point of St. Phillip’s activity calendar has been the annual retreat at Camp Capers.  When we attended the first retreat in May of 2015, we had just recently moved to Central Texas and had only been coming to St. Phillip’s for a couple of months.  Since we didn’t live in Uvalde really didn’t know anyone in the congregation very well.  Since this was the first time that we would have a chance to spend time around our new friends, all ten of us from starting at age 5 all the way up to 81 came for the weekend.  We just fit into our own cabin.

I can say that the experience really exceeded our expectations.  Of course, the Camp Capers accommodations were perfect.  Most individuals and couples without such a large group stayed in the hotel like rooms.  Those of us with larger groups stayed in the camper’s cabins where even my eighty-year-old parents felt comfortable.  The food was quite wholesome and excellent.  Most importantly, the activities on Saturday really hooked us in.  For the cooks, there was baking of the communion host.  For the artists, there was a really cool session on Icon painting.  The Icon that Zemfira and Jolie made still hangs on our walls.  Of course, there was the river and all the outdoor activities in the later afternoon.  Most importantly, we got to spend time and get to know all of the St. Phillip’s family in a casual and easy-going setting.  We had time to sit around and really learn about all the special people who make up the congregation.  Without that first Retreat, I don’t think that we would have become so comfortable so quickly at St. Phillip’s.  To top it off we were there when the Core Vocations were adopted so felt very much a part of that process.  In summary, the Retreat in 2015 was really central to drawing us into the church.

All year long we looked forward to the upcoming Retreat in 2016.  When the day came around in the Spring, we were not disappointed.  Although, we didn’t have quite as large a contingent from my family, the second year was every bit as interesting as the first.  The Saturday activity included a meditation session and a creative “doodling” class which my girls found fascinating.  Angelina of course had to get in the river and try her hand at the ROPES course.  By now, we were secure in our church friendships so there was plenty of time to really get to know everyone even better.  Both years, our only complaint about the Retreat was that it only lasted two nights.  We left each year feeling like we become closer to all of the St. Phillip’s family.

It is so special to have a place nearby like Camp Capers where we can meet for such Retreats.  I hope to strongly encourage all members of St. Phillip’s to come out and join us this Fall.  The activities and fellowship blend together to form a very special time.  As I said, the Annual Retreats have been the high points of our time at St. Phillips.  We hope to see you there in September!

​- The Ashley McAllen Family

 When it was time to move to the dining area I was seated with five women and two of their teenage daughters. I met Fatima and the other women at the table. Fatima and the two teenagers were the only ones who spoke English. Fatima sat next to me and translated our conversation both ways for the entire dinner. She was wonderful.

We spoke of many things that evening. We spoke of family -- how our mothers treated us and how we treated our children -- the kinds of things that were passed down generationally and how although we respected our elders, our focus was primarily on our children in our younger years.  

We spoke of the pre-dawn time of prayer, and I likened that to my sunrise walks in the park and talked about our Morning Prayer service. We all agreed that when the birds were chattering back and forth at sunrise it was in praise of God.  

I was asked what the differences were between the different Christian denominations. What a big question that was. I told them it was a large subject but explained how we were one of the liturgical denominations and provided an explanation of what the liturgy was and how it differed from a non-liturgical church service. We had shared conversation about the Bible, the Book of Common Prayer and the Koran, particularly about the beauty of the written prayers.

We talked about how the Islam Call to Prayer went directly to my heart every time I heard it. Fatima in translation said all the women at the table agreed that it went to their hearts too -- but only deeply when they heard it "live" and not on their cell phones. 

Fatima spoke of how she had grown up in the Muslim faith and followed everything faithfully. It wasn't until she came to the US seventeen years ago and people began to ask her questions about Islam that she realized she didn't know why she was doing the things she was doing in worship. So she studied, learned the answers, and her faith became very meaningful to her. She was then able to share that with others when questioned about her faith. She is now one of the spokeswomen at the Rainbow Turkish House. I shared with the women that until I came to St. Philip’s Episcopal Church and learned about our traditions in classes taught by our Priest that I'd had similar experiences of "doing" but not always "knowing".

We spoke about the dietary customs for Muslims. Fatima shared that it started with the manner in which the animals were slaughtered for food. Much like the Jewish Kosher laws, there are laws in Islam for the manner of slaughtering and for the care taken with the meat (usually from goats and sheep – no pork is eaten). She said there was a prayer repeated softly to the animal who was lulled by the words of the prayer, thanking the animal for its life and giving assurance that God had blessed its life which would now sustain other lives. Then when the animal was quiet and understood, the end of life came in a way where the brain was not connected in pain to the process. That made it sacred. Their primary diet was vegetarian and Fatima spoke about the life within each plant.  I spoke to her about our offering -- the recognition that all things came from God and from his own gifts we gave back.  

All but one mother and daughter at my table were citizens of the US, some being granted citizenship within the past two years. Fatima shared that the two who were not citizens had just been notified that they were approved to apply for citizenship and it was a night of celebration about that for them. I asked if they felt fear about the uncertainty of immigration, and Fatima affirmed that it was a difficult time for most. She said that the United States used to be a place of refuge and peace where you could come and find safety. Now that feeling of security was gone. These women were fearful and because of the purge from which they fled only a short time ago, they cannot go back to Turkey. After seventeen years here, (during which most of that time she had been a US citizen) Fatima was surprised that the feelings of uncertainty which had left her long ago had returned.
​ 
When it came time for Prayer, none of the women got up to go. I asked if they were going to the prayer room and Fatima explained that the women could say their own shorter prayers at our table and that they were staying. Her daughter had been holding Fatima’s toddler whose diaper had leaked on her daughter's clothing and she would not have been clean enough to go into the prayer room. Therefore all the women stayed behind. So I stayed with them at their invitation.

Then the gentleman who had led the music came to talk to me. I'd asked him earlier about the structure of the Sufi music. When he later came to my table, he brought me a handout of all of the Eastern scale structures as well as one of the intricate and varied rhythms characteristic of specific genres in Eastern music. During his time with me I was given a full introduction to the theory of Eastern music. He was so knowledgeable and thorough!
And suddenly I was saying my goodbye's to the beautiful women with whom I'd shared the evening, and then we were taking pictures, and then I was driving with God in my heart through the crazy rainstorm, and finally I was safely home after experiencing one of the most treasured times in recent memory.
​
What an amazingly rich and blessed experience. I echo Ashley’s sentiments stated in last weeks’ e-news:  
“It is truly an honor and privilege to enjoy the Iftar and stand beside our Muslim friends during these times.”
Barbara Edwards

On Sunday evening, June 4th, nine of our congregation attended a Ramadan Iftar meal at the Turkish Raindrop House in San Antonio. One of the central tenets of Islam is a month of fasting or Ramadan. This is the month when the Quran was first revealed to Muhammad. During Ramadan, the faithful do not eat any food, drink any beverage, nor engage in any questionable moral activities from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan falls between May 27th and June 25th this year and is always the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
   
During this month of fasting, the faithful are instructed by the Quran to focus on reading scripture, introspection, humble existence, performing good deeds and charity. During Ramadan, a pre-dawn meal or Suhur is eaten then no food or drink is taken until after dusk when the evening meal or Iftar is consumed. Iftar is a time of social gathering and outreach to others. Traditional dishes, some specific to Ramadan are often prepared. Water is the beverage of choice though others are not forbidden. The Iftar meal is a time of fellowship and happiness each evening as the long daily fast is broken.
     
We were very fortunate to be invited into the Muslim world of these most gracious Turkish people. Upon arriving about 7:30 PM at the Turkish Raindrop House in San Antonio, we were greeted by our hosts with a fantastic traditional music ensemble. Comprised of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim musicians they played a variety of tunes for about 50 minutes. Naturally, as most of the musicians were Turkish, the music had a distinctive Middle Eastern sound. A number of the musical pieces were from the Sufi Islamic tradition recounting various Sufi spiritual concepts. The group played a Quaker piece as well as a Jewish one. They even played Amazing Grace though not in the exact form which we usually hear. The mesmerizing sound of the music made the time pass in a flash.  
     
As the hour of sunset approached, the anticipation for the breaking of the fast began to heighten. Those of us who were not Muslim admired the restraint that those observing Ramadan showed. Just prior to the meal, we watched a short video describing the principle of Ramadan. Then at exactly the hour of sunset, which was 8:36 on Sunday, the call to prayer was given by the imam named Beytullah. We were then allowed to begin the dinner of traditional Turkish food. Fortunately, we from St. Philip's were split up from each other and therefore encouraged to meet and converse with our hosts.  
     
After the meal, the Islamic faithful gathered in the prayer room for the fourth of the five daily prayer sets, prescribed by the Quran. Quietly sitting in the rear we listened and watched these devout Muslims repeating their prayers in the prescribed Arabic language. It was great to watch the younger children begin to learn the process. These prayers lasted about 15 minutes after which it was time to end our Iftar evening.
 
It was quite the special evening. We all felt very honored to be included in the observance of this nightly breaking of the fast. The devotion, hospitality, and kindness of our Muslim Turkish friends was so heart warming.  Our experience was so contrary to the unfair and untrue stereotyping of the Muslim community all too common in our country today. Most of our Turkish friends are also followers of the humanitarian, scholar and progressive Muslim preacher, Fethullah Gulen. For this they and there families have been persecuted quite harshly by the current Turkish government. Mr. Gulen and his followers form one of the most progressive and forward thinking groups in the Muslim world and are under significant pressure from the much larger and more influential reactionary groups. It is truly an honor and privilege to enjoy the Iftar and stand beside our Muslim friends during these time.

- The Ashley McAllen Family

​It is with great joy and thanksgiving that I write to you with news that we have completed our search process and hired Ms. Jean Ann Chisum as our next head of school. 

I am most grateful to Ms. Lisa Mumme, president of the school board and head of the search committee, and the members of the search committee: Camile DuBose, Joy Jechow, Kristin Light, and Lory Zimmerman. They served with dedication to the school and trust that God would provide. The school board accepted the search committee’s recommendation of Ms. Chisum and the vestry gave its approval last week. 

All believe that Ms. Chisum is the right person to continue and build on the good work of Ms. Watkins. Ms. Chisum has nearly twenty years of experience with elementary and early childhood education. She holds certificates in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Reading, and Elementary Self-Contained. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master of Arts in Education - Curriculum and Technology. 

Our conversations with her revealed her passion for both students and teachers, and a joyful excitement about St. Philip’s and its future. When asked about her new position she said, “I am excited and honored to become a part of the St. Philip’s family as the new head of school. I cannot wait to get started making preparations for the 17-18 school year. I attended St. Philip’s as a child and have so many happy memories of my early learning. I am proud to say that St. Philip’s Episcopal School is still raising happy children and look forward to being a part of this continuing tradition!”

Thanks be to God. Please keep Ms. Chisum, Ms. Watkins, and the school in your prayers. 
Mike+

                                                                     Feast of the Ascension
                                                                             May 25, 2017

Dear St. Philip’s Parish Family -
 
Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Michelle and I have for the last two months been engaged in a very intentional and prayerful discernment process as my two-year curacy appointment draws to a close.  Fr. Mike here at St. Philip’s, Bishop Reed, and Canon Joann Saylors have been extremely gracious and supportive of us during this process.  We have felt throughout our discernment that we had the complete support of our parish families here at St. Philip’s, Holy Trinity-Carrizo Springs, and Ascension-Montell, and the complete support of the Diocese of West Texas.  We have been given ample time, pastoral support, prayer support, and discernment support throughout this process.
 
It is with both joy and sadness that I inform you today that I have accepted a call to serve as Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sonora, Texas, and as the regular supply priest at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Fort McKavett, Texas.  Michelle and I are very excited with this call.  We have had wonderful interactions and visits with St. John’s search committee and vestry, and we are joyous for the opportunity to join with them in service to the Lord our God and to our neighbors locally and regionally.
 
As excited as we are for God’s call to our new ministry, we are sad that our day-to-day ministry here with you will be drawing to a close.  We truly value the opportunities we’ve had and blessings we’ve received while living and ministering with you.  St. Philip’s is, in a sense, the birthplace of my priestly ministry – I was ordained here and took the first steps of my call to ordained ministry here.  My parish family here at St. Philip’s and my parish families at Holy Trinity and at Ascension have been gracious, merciful, formative, supportive, loving, and patient with me – I am blessed by your ministry to me and my family.  Michelle and I are truly grateful to the Diocese of West Texas for the vision and support of my curacy, and to our brothers and sisters at St. Philip’s, Holy Trinity and Ascension for your love and support of us.
 
Attached to this letter is an outline of our timetable for beginning our new ministry with St. John’s and St. James’.  We cherish our remaining time here in Uvalde while looking forward to a new phase of our journey, “always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.” (Ephesians 5:20)
 
Yours in Christ,
Casey+

Timetable for Casey’s and Michelle’s transition to ministry in Sonora:

• Sunday, June 11 – Last Sunday at Holy Trinity-Carrizo Springs and at Ascension-Montell
• Sunday, June 18 – Last Sunday at St. Philip’s-Uvalde
• Monday, June 19 through July 9 – Vacation, visit family, prepare for move, and move
• Monday, July 10 – First day “in the office” at St. John’s-Sonora

​I think everyone left the Feast of St. Philip full and satisfied. We celebrated the Holy Eucharist and the life of our patron, Philip. Our eyes were opened to what it means to be an apostle and to see the Father in Jesus Christ. We then gathered around the tables in Briscoe Hall to continue the feasting - great food from the recipes of our own cookbook. Thank you to all who served, sang, worshipped, and cooked for making this made this such a beautiful evening. Here's a sampling of some of what the cooks of St. Philip's provided us:

• Brisket - Marilyn Storment - Page 207 - Prepared by Cyndy Marsh
• Everyday Meatloaf - Women of St. Philip’s - Page 224 - Prepared by Camile DuBose
• Corn Casserole - Elaine Bracy - Page 160 - Prepared by Lee Case
• Sour Cream Biscuits - Submitted by Rosemarie Carr - Page 119 - Prepared by Arlene Nanney 
• French Rice - Submitted by Elaine Bracy - Page 186 - Prepared by Brenda Harrison
• Black Bean Salad - Submitted by Allison Thomas - Page  ? - Prepared by Jane Moore
• Sweet Potato Casserole - Submitted by Phyllis McNelly - Page198 - Prepared by Nancy Bennett
• Crockpot Stew - Submitted by Alice Hicks - Page 215 - Prepared by Lory Zimmerman
• Frozen Fruit Salad - Submitted by Shirley Fellows - Page 81 - Prepared by Toni Ward
• Tex-Mex Squash Casserole - Submitted by Camile Hoyt  - Page 197 - Prepared by Nancy Barton
• Sweet Fruit Slaw - Submitted by Marie Harmanson  Page 90 - Prepared by Revis Leonard
• Special Chicken Bake - Submitted by Lisa Mumme - Page 253 - Prepared by Nancy Bennett
• Cheesy Squash Casserole - Submitted by Becky Capt - Page 195 - Prepared by Beverly Heyen
• Cheesy Grits - Submitted by Claire DuBose - Page 168 - Prepared by Estelle DuBose

St. Philip’s was well represented with 15 of our congregation attending the Annual Dialogue & Friendship Dinner in San Antonio on March 7 at the Rosenberg Sky Room on the campus of The University of the Incarnate Word.

Hosted by the Raindrop Turkish House in San Antonio, which several St. Philip’s parishioners recently visited, the annual dinner is held in hopes of “building mutual understanding, respect and cooperation among people of diverse faiths and cultures by creating opportunities for direct communication and meaningful shared experiences.” 
​
I am proud that our very own Fr. Mike gave a beautiful invocation, as did Rabbi Sam Stahl of Temple Beth-El; Father Victor Valdez, Rector at San Fernando Cathedral; Beytullah Colak, Imam and Director of the San Antonio Chapter of the Islamic Institute; and Dr. GP Singh of the Sikh Community of San Antonio.

The Reverend Dirk Ficca gave the keynote address entitled “Antidote to Extremism.” Rev. Ficca, a Presbyterian minister, is currently the international director for the Twin-Cities Social Cohesion Initiative in Minneapolis-St. Paul and has been involved for nearly 20 years in promoting inter-religious dialogue at gatherings around the globe.

As recent examples of powerful antidotes to extremism, Rev. Ficca cited Nadine Collier, the daughter of 70-year-old Ethel Lance, one of the hate-crime victims of Dylann Roof at the historic African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C. “I forgive you,” she told Roof. “You took something very precious from me. I will never talk to her again. I will never, ever hold her again. But I forgive you. And have mercy on your soul.”

Closer to home, Rev. Ficca noted the response to the recent burning of the Victoria Islamic Center mosque. The morning following the fire, Jewish community members walked into the home of one of the mosque’s co-founders and said, “Here is a key to our synagogue.” Christian groups also offered their assistance and a “Go-Fund-Me” page has to date raised over $1.5 million for the construction of a new mosque.

The common thread I heard throughout Rev. Ficca’s address was an admonition to do the hard work of recognizing the humanity in everyone. Christ tells us the same thing in responding to a question about which is the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And the second is like unto it: Love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

It is hard work when our “neighbors” are from different ethnicities, when we hold different religious beliefs, or when we take different positions on social and political issues of the day.  But that is the work God has given us to do.  I came home from San Antonio Tuesday night with renewed comfort and hope knowing that I have Muslim, Jewish, Sikh and Christian brothers and sisters who are engaged in the same work.
​
Thanks be to God.
- Willie Edwards

​Front Row, left to right:
June Ybarra, Becky Offner, Elspeth Teed, Abigail Villanueva, Patricia Carver, Barbara Edwards

Back Row, left to right:
Greg Baber, Robert Bellesteros, Steve Peyton, George Harrison, Ken Carver.