You are God's rock and Christ's church

For those of you who were at Palmer today, thank you for your hugs, positive feedback and support. For those of you who weren't, the text of my remarks on trust is below.

The miracle I want to talk to you about today is how this community has saved – and daily saves -- my life. It isn’t so much that Palmer keeps my life together, as that Palmer keeps ME together when my life is not.

Most recently, at the end of January 2009, I found my self without a job, without income, and without insurance. I have a gifted teenaged son, a car with 204,000 miles on it, and two lovable mutts I had rescued from a sure and untimely end. I don’t have an involved ex-husband, a local extended family, or resources beyond my own self-support. I am a typical single parent of our time, and I was frightened.

So I came here. I came to Palmer. I showed up for the first day of the Wednesday noon Bible study because I could. After the class I ran into Gay Stricklin and offered my time – the only gift I had to give – to help her in the office.

Before many weeks had gone by I was on the team revamping the website and working on other communications pieces critical to bringing Palmer’s vision to life. I found that there were things I could do that were helpful to our corporate mission, to our staff, and to our loyal and hardworking volunteers. I could serve, and in doing so I could make a difference.

The word for today is trust, and what my story describes is, no matter how far down the ladder we go, no matter how bleak the landscape appears, we all can be lifted into the light, and we do that for each other. It is surely not a coincidence that since I came to Palmer, I have experienced some of the most turbulent years of my life; God brought me here before he brought me to my knees, so that I would have a community to fall back on in the hardest moments.

At Palmer I am surrounded by people who love me, who say thank you, who are happy to see me enter a room, who seek my contribution to their projects, who appreciate my gifts and say so.

Because of that, I enter any conversation with a potential employer with confidence, enthusiasm, and a sense of purpose. Those among you who are unemployed, or who live with someone who is, know how easy it is to give in to despair from the relentless rejection that comes with job-hunting. This community reminds me every day that I have talents and worth, which shields me from that awful darkness. Every time I am lifted up in love and prayer by the people of Palmer, this Psalm becomes my fervent, personal belief:

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer,
My God, my rock in whom I take refuge,
My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

You people are God’s rock and Christ’s church. Your prayers, your ministry, your hugs and your generous love are larger than any demon in the wee hours of my nights. Because of you, through you, and with you, I trust.

Thank you.

Great Choirs for Great Causes

GREAT CHOIRS FOR GREAT CAUSES This year evensongs and special services will
highlight a service ministry at Palmer and/or in Houston - to both
celebrate its efforts and to learn more. In the spirit of service,
donations of needed items will be collected at the service .

Evensong Sunday September 20, 5:00 pm
Our first evensong will highlight the Refugee Ministry at Palmer and
Interfaith Ministries' Refugee Services. A reception will follow in
Fellowship Hall, including a video about Palmer's collaboration with
Interfaith Ministries. Please attend and bring a donation of family size
toiletries (toothbrush/paste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, laundry detergent,
dish liquid or paper products). Twin sheet sets, and bath linens are also
welcome. Furniture items can be arranged through Linda Shelton at
lshelton@palmerchurch.org. Invite friends to a wonderful service and pique
their interest in what Houston and Palmer are doing to "to welcome
strangers" from many different lands.

Do you make a fantastic international hors d'oeuvres?

We'd love to enjoy your global recipes following Evensong at a Reception
Sunday September 20, 6:00 pm, celebrating the Refugee Ministry. We can open
our hearts, minds and palates to taste the riches of many different
cultures. To offer your culinary or serving skills, contact Courtney
Daniell-Knapp at 713-328-0778 or cdknapp@palmerchurch.org.

This Sunday at Palmer

It's going to be a very busy and fun day at Palmer tomorrow. Don't miss it!

First of course is Light the Fire. Do you know that we have already run out of large flames? The effort goes on this afternoon to cut out more for all of you who will come and name the gift you have from the Holy Spirit. Your Palmer Editor is considering the flames herself -- I would have to add small group, off-campus Bible studies, adopting every abandoned dog in Houston, and having potluck dinners on campus on holidays for those of us with not a lot of family in town. Mostly I want to add my name to a hundred prayer logs, to keep the fire of love and ministry burning bright. I can't wait to see how this all looks tomorrow.

Tomorrow brings another day of EYC, with Jr EYC meeting from 12:30 - 2 and the Sr group from 2:00 - 3:30. Bring your swimming attire and a can of shaving cream. I am not making this up. There will be a glorious mayhem on our campus and all teens and tweens are encouraged to come. The Holy Spirit is alive and well among our youth!

Don't forget registration for fall Sunday School in Holy Cross Children's Chapel. There will be no regular classes tomorrow; come and see the Chapel, newly configured to be dedicated space for our kids, and register for the new classes and curriculum. Our goal is to prepare our kids from their earliest days for their confirmation year and a life of discipleship. After registration, bring the kids to Fellowship Hall for Light the Fire, and let them participate in our corporate life of discipleship, love and giving.

Come and be fed!

Light the Fire

If you've been anywhere near Palmer for the past 2 months, you've seen the icon of the campfire, with the invitation to you to name the flame that burns within you. What it's about is a different way of looking at ministry for all of us, clergy, staff and congregation alike. The staff meeting Tuesday was all about this coming Sunday; we reviewed the scriptures and the central idea together, and in doing so we all felt the energy and hope and enthusiasm that this day has in store for us. As you consider how to put words to your hopes for your own discipleship in the world, maybe some of that recap is worth repeating here.

Let's begin with Acts 2:1 - 4.

"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability."

And so the Holy Spirit gives us each a gift: gifts that others can hear and discern, no matter what our, or their, native language. What incredible fortune that is to contemplate! That I, through the pure gift of the Holy Spirit, can bring my gift -- whatever it is -- to you, for the betterment of your discipleship and faith.

Really, you say? Indeed, says the Lord. The next scripture is from Joel, 2:28-29.

"Then afterward
I will pour out my spirit on all
flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall
prophesy,
your old men shall dream
dreams,
and your young men shall see
visions.
Even on the male and female
slaves,
in those days, I will pour out
my spirit."

Indeed, says the Lord. I give this gift to all, man and woman, slave and free, old and infant. That means you, and your kids, and everyone you know. We all have a gift! That's great, you say. Now what?

The next scripture answers: Acts 4:13-14.

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus. When they saw the man who had been cured standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition."

Uneducated? Ordinary? No problem. Bold? You bet. Peter and John converted thousands by giving themselves over to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. If they can do that, we can, too.

Last scripture: Ephesians 3:16-20.

"I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

Be bold! Know that what you are given is the gift of God for his glory; know that from your gift, you convey the love that passes all understanding.

What is your gift? Ask yourself: what do I see that hurts? That makes me long for a solution? That makes me think, if I won the lottery, I would set up a foundation to ___________?

It can be anything from ending hunger or war to caring for abandoned dogs to hosting potluck dinners. What is important is that it connects to your gifts and passions. Even if it doesn't have an obvious connection to Palmer ministry, name it and claim it because your discipleship matters in this community.

Come to Fellowship Hall on Sunday, anytime during the day. Write your gift, idea or passion on one of the large flames. If you don't have one, please come and see the wall of flames posted by others. One of them already there may move you, and if it does you can write your name on a smaller flame to show your interest and support. Write your name on a prayer log, and pray for the ministry and discipleship of others.

I can't wait to see it: a wall full of flames and logs, hopes and goals and dreams fueled by prayer and love, creating a bonfire of the spirit among us. Come and see.

Do you still have questions? Contact sarah scherschel, sscherchel@palmerchurch.org

Are you stressed?

Me, too.

Your Palmer Editor has sensed some stress in the community. We are a busy people, in our worldly lives and in our Palmer mission. And there is so much to do! And who does not want to do it with skill, with all the love and grace we have, with our best, with perfection, even? Not one of us.

But then what happens? The altar was not "just so". A youth reader missed a beat. We disagree with a decision. We churn. We placate whining children and try to avoid conflict of all kinds. We look for relief.

Christ would not want us ruining our stomach linings in his behalf: far from it. We list below a number of scriptures. These tell of times that Jesus went away, alone, to pray or meditate. Our work for the kingdom depends upon our individual spiritual health, the daily maintenance of our spiritual condition. These remind me that my ability to change lives in his name depends upon my right relationship with him. Ministry is about the GOOD NEWS!

Matthew 14:13 Now when Jesus heard this (news of John's death) he withdrew from there in a boat to a lonely place apart.

Matthew 15:23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went into the hills by himself to pray

Mark 1:35 And in the morning, a great while before the day, he rose, and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed.

Mark 4:35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the otherside." And leaving the crowd, they took him just as he was, in the boat.

Mark 6:31 And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while." For many were comning and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.

Mark 6:46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went into the hills to pray.

Mark 7:24 And he entered the house and would not have anyone know it; yet he could not be hid.

Luke 5:16 But he withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.

Luke 6:12 In these days he went out into the hills to pray; and all the night he continued in prayer to God.

Luke 9:10 On their return the apostles told him what they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a city called Bethsaida.

John 12:36 ...When Jesus had said this (saying he would die) he departed and hid himself from them.

Whether you are clergy, staff, lay ministry leader or volunteer, remember to be fed with prayer, with scripture, in worship, by pastoral care with another, in rest. Be fed, so that you may feed others.

Help Palmer Youth! And other Fellowship Notes

Palmer Youth Ministry will be selling delicious breakfast tacos to raise money THIS SUNDAY in the courtyard. Your purchase will help to support the Emergency Aid Coalition. Bring your hunger for ministry!

For Young Adults, join us at a pool party August 8. At 4:00 pm, come to 4023 Grennoch Lane, 77025. Bring some friends, a side dish to share, and the beverage of your choice. Burgers and hot dogs will be provided. RSVP to sarahdavies01@hotmail.com.

Join the next trip to Galveston with the Hurricane Relief Team on September 26. Contact Kathy Jackson and Bob Adolph (KJandBA@sbcglobal.net)for more information and to get involved!

Do we make a difference?

Your Palmer Editor heard the most wonderful story yesterday, one I'm sure you will enjoy as well. A member of the staff had a visit recently from a woman, here in town with her son while she is undergoing tests at MD Anderson. They had been to Palmer before when they were relocated to Houston after hurricane Katrina and the boy had gone to NOAH, the school for displaced kids housed at Palmer for that year. After the mother's test was done, the son wanted to come to Palmer to see the place where he had gone to school. Can you imagine? A school aged child passes up the opportunity to go to the zoo or some ice cream parlor to come and visit a church. But two of his teachers at NOAH were also back at his school when it was rebuilt, surely providing continuity to a young person in sore need of it. It made an impression.

The woman went on to share at length about the impact Palmer made on her family's life. The love we showed her, she said, will be forever part of them; that what she watched the people of Palmer do changed the way her son looked at the world; that she goes by St. Paul's Church in Louisiana every day, and thinks of this community of people -- YOU -- who went there to rebuild it.

We minister because we are called to do it, and Palmers do it gladly for that simple reason. It is freeing to just do the good work in a world that screams for results and growth and instant returns. Sometimes we give until we burn out, or we get so busy doing that we forget why we do it. Certainly, I do. And then a story like this presents itself with all of its grace and who, on either side of the ministry, can remain unchanged? We are blessed beyond measure, and these gifts multiply by our sharing of them. Please -- make comments here, and share the stories you know of ministry that changed a life, yours or anyone else's. It's part of our mission, to "know and share the love of Jesus Christ".

Yes, we make a difference. Thanks be to God!

Morning prayer

Your Palmer Editor has discovered The Urban Abbey, an online monastic community that has a presence on Twitter and Facebook. If you follow them on Twitter (@TheUrbanAbbey), you can participate in Morning and Evening Prayer in real time. While being in the physical company of other believers is the best possible experience, it is a wonderful way to take 10 minutes for prayer and reflection. Below is the verse that I needed today:

Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Psalm 37:7

If you want to join but have not yet figured out the Twitter thing, send a comment and we're happy to help.

In other news, you may have noticed yesterday that our beautiful north doors are back. You also may have noticed that we were without air conditioning in the Nave. The rain we so desperately needed came complete with thunder and lightening and the newly repaired system was damaged in the process. Your Palmer Editor has no updates at the moment but will keep you posted as repairs progress. Prayers of thanksgiving for the repairman who returned from his vacation yesterday to do the work are certainly in order!

Today at Palmer, don't forget the worship service with communion at noon, and contemplative prayer at 5:30.

Come and be fed.

Living Water

In these days of record heat, our already-disadvantaged Way Station clients are especially vulnerable to dehydration and heat exhaustion. Fr. Sam Craven reports that we have begun to distribute bottled water at the Way Station to help them through these dangerously hot days. Will you consider a donation to help us keep enough water on hand? If so, please note on your check that it is intended for "Living Water". You can put the check in the offering plate this weekend with the notation on it, or forward to Tom Matchett at the church office.

Will you?

"Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ?" (BCP, page 303)

We all take this vow when children are baptised, and when teenagers and adults new to our faith are confirmed. I know that I am always transported by the joy of those services, and I remember in that moment the glory of my own confirmation in the Episcopal Church, and the overwhelming happiness I felt at the baptism and confirmation of my son. And in that moment, I ask myself: do I live into that covenant I have made with Christ? Will I do all in my power to support these persons in their life in Christ?

Your Palmer Editor met recently with Robyn Perry, our faithful and able Director of Christian Education. There is an opportunity for all of us to take a new direction in our own Baptismal Covenant, as Christian Education -- Christian Formation, really -- changes this September.

The Holy Cross Chapel will become Holy Cross Children's Chapel, and Sunday School will begin there for ALL of our kids with music, and Bible stories presented in skits and other crowd pleasers. Kids will check in and get their name tags at a desk on the breezeway outside the Chapel. From there they go to small groups for discussion, activities and snacks. The beauty of this is the involvement of every age group in the activities that form our children into faithful people. Skits may be performed by our youth, or stories presented by other fellowship groups of adults.

Are you happy to just say hi to a young person, and send them on their way? There is a place for you. Are you comfortable telling a story or making a presentation to a large group? There is a place for you. Would you rather talk to kids than teach them? There is a place for you.

We don't suggest that Christian Formation is the only way to live into your Baptismal Covenant, or that all should participate in Sunday School. But maybe, just maybe, your idea of Sunday School is rooted in what you experienced long ago, and in it there were few roles. This isn't Grandma's Sunday School, and we invite you to consider participation in the formation of our children for a life in Christ. Please see, and prayerfully consider, the chart in the Palmer Weekly this Sunday. If you want a copy sent to you, your Palmer Editor is happy to oblige.

And still more going on.

This Saturday, the Daughters of the King meet from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon in room A200. The DOK is a religious order for women, dedicated to a life of prayer, service, and evangelism. They pray daily for the life and concerns of Palmer and for individual needs as requested, constantly doing the work of strengthening the spiritual life of our parish. Their meetings are not held for members only; please feel free to attend and see the work of these prayer warriors for yourself.

This Sunday, please come to Holy Cross Chapel in the 10:00 hour to hear about the mission trips the Palmer Youth took in June. Your Palmer Editor can confirm there is a very cool PowerPoint presentation with perfectly selected music, as well as testimonials from teens who made the trip. Come and see how wonderfully alive our Youth Ministry is at Palmer.

For July and August, the Kids' Night Out program is on summer hiatus. We'll resume on the 3rd Friday in September. Contact Robyn Perry (rperry@palmerchurch.org) with any questions in the meantime.

This afternoon, the Palmer Youth are hanging out on our campus with the cathedral youth group. In fact, it's the second time this week that a group of Palmer Youth have been on campus by choice, and not because of parental mandatories. This is really quite remarkable when you think about it, and it's good for the kids and parents alike. If you know of any teenagers who might be interested in some fellowship, contact aorona@palmerchurch.org.

Stay tuned to see what Thursday brings. Come and be fed!

Tuesday and Wednesday

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. July tends to be a quiet time around the Palmer campus, but if you are in town, consider some opportunities you may not have taken advantage of before. There are so many!

On Wednesday, you can attend Morning Prayer at 7:30 am in St. Bede's, or join the Parish Bible Study at noon in Fellowship Hall. At 6:00 in Holy Cross Chapel, come for the Healing service with unction; afterward you can attend the Old Testament video/discussion class in the Canterbury room. In A201, join the meeting of the Order of St. Luke. This is is an ecumenical organization dedicated to the Christian healing ministry. Members meet to study Scripture, especially the biblical stories of the healing miracles, as well as other books on Christian healing. For more information on any of these, call the church office at 713-529-6196.

Yesterday, your Palmer Editor had the rare experience of being the lone attendee at the noon worship service in St. Bede's. I arrived (late) to find The Rev'd Kit Wallingford deep in a meditative silence, as if having a worship service even though no one was yet in attendance. We decided to proceed with the service; instead of a homily we each shared brief impressions of the epistle and gospel readings. We shared the eucharist. It was warm, intimate, blessed, and deeply comforting. Come, make room in your busy work day, and be fed.

In other news, the north doors are not yet completed or installed, so access to the church will still be through the south doors or the west gate for a bit longer. With the rain we had this morning, the schedule for installation is not certain.

Summer hours for Palmer staff have been adjusted, with office hours 9:00 am to 4:00 pm from now until August 1.

Fellowship opportunity for Friday, July 10: meet other Palmers at the Miller Outdoor Theater for a free night of musical theater, beginning at 8:15 pm. Sarah Oldrin (soldrin@sbcglobal.net) and Denise Zwicker (ZwickerDA@aol.com) will be there early, in chairs on the left side, staking out space for the Palmer group. Please let them know if you are coming so they can save enough room and keep an eye out for you.

More tomorrow, friends. Thank you for your support.

"What deeds of power are being done by his hands!" -- Mark 6:2

This verse from today's Gospel reading stood right out and spoke to me this morning, and I was astounded, just as Mark says those who listened to Jesus that morning were, too. Deeds of power. That's heady stuff if I think about it, but if I take a look at my own life from a few steps back, it is plain enough that it is true, that deeds of power are manifest in every moment, all around. It is glorious to live in community with all of you at Palmer.

If you feel the same gratitude for this that I do, join us at the Way Station this week. There has been a strong response to the call for additional volunteers over this week, but more are needed. Especially Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. The Way Station is open from 6:00 am to 9:30 am Monday through Friday. If you are unable to serve for the full 3-1/2 hours, the work happens in two basic shifts, so you can commit to only one of those time frames:

• 6:00- 8:00am Cook/prep/set-up
• 8:00 - 9:30am Serve/human needs table (check mail, Access Bus passes, etc)/wipe tables and clean up
  

Please wear a baseball or similar cap. Gloves will be provided. We ask that kids be 15 or older, but we do make exceptions.

If you would like to serve, please call the church office at 713-529-6196 and let Terry Henry know. It's important to do so for Terry to plan and use his available resources to best serve our neighbors.

Tomorrow at Palmer: many opportunities for worship are available, with 7:30 Morning Prayer, 12:00 noon service with communion, and the 5:30 pm Christian Meditation Group. Women's Spirituality also meets in A101 at 12:30. Come and be fed.

Happy Holiday Weekend

A reminder to all that the church office is closed today in observance of Independence Day. We'll all be back on Monday, July 6. And while we're doing reminders, there will be no Sunday school this weekend, but youth grades 6-12 are welcome in the Loft.

Your Palmer Editor is itching to upgrade the look of this blog, and you'll be seeing it in the next few weeks. Please email any photos you have to mmccready@palmerchurch.org. The plans include a custom masthead that incorporates Palmer pictures, and a new series that focuses on staff and clergy.

We wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July and hope to see you at Palmer on Sunday if you are staying in town.

Palmer Daily. Really.

Your Palmer Editor apologizes for a much-longer-than-anticipated absence from the blogosphere due to moving and other mundane life activities. We are happily ensconced in a new home close enough to the church to pester absolutely everyone there every day, making it ever-so- much easier to track down the critical Palmer news.

The Palmer Youth group returned from Chicago last Saturday, having had by all reports an outstanding week of mission, group activity and fun. They worked through the week with groups of younger children, ages 6 - 12, through a ministry based on Chicago's west side. One 9th grader remarked that these kids had an awful lot of energy; this is amusing given that we have it on very good authority that this same 9th grader did not sleep once through the night until the age of 2. It also tells me that our teens were fully engaged in mentoring others and took their mission seriously. At the airport the group seemed almost reluctant to say goodbye. We thank Anthony Orona, his good friend Jonathan, Libby Spode, and the staff in Chicago who supervised and worked alongside our youth to build in them the spirit of mission.

The architectural beauties that are the doors to the north lot are being refinished, a job that was much needed and which will have a stunning result. In the meantime the north entrance is boarded up for safety and will remain so until this weekend. The north lot itself is open for parking but you'll need to make a quick walk to enter the campus either at the south doors or the west gate. I for one am looking forward to seeing these lovely doors when they are refurbished.

Note to all: the church offices will be closed on July 3 in observance of Independence Day.

This Sunday: no summer Sunday school classes, but the Lectionary Bible Study and Parents of Young Children classes will meet as usual. Youth grades 6 - 12 are encouraged to come to the Loft in the 10 o'clock hour as well.

Thanks to all of you who have offered your comments and support for our blog.

The Way Station Needs You!

Many thanks to all of you for the positive comments you've provided on the Palmer Daily blog. Your feedback goes a long way to making sure that we send out relevant and interesting information every day. Today's message is especially urgent, and comes to the Palmer Editor from Fr. Craven, Pat Simmons and Terry Henry for the Way Station.

Many of our regular volunteers for the Way Station are away or unavailable due to summer schedules, and we really need some additional hands over the next two weeks, especially 7/1-7/3 and the week of 7/6.

The Way Station is open from 6:00 am to 9:30 am Monday through Friday. If you are unable to serve for the full 3-1/2 hours, the work happens in two basic shifts, so you can commit to only one of those time frames:

6:00- 8:00am Cook/prep/set-up
8:00 - 9:30am Serve/human needs table (check mail, Access Bus passes, etc)/wipe tables and clean up

Please wear a baseball or similar cap. Gloves will be provided. We ask that kids be 15 or older, but we do make exceptions.

This is a vital ministry that keeps hundreds of people fed every day. In this heat wave, the Way Station is even more urgently needed by those whom it serves. Your help will serve not only our homeless neighbors, but the volunteers (many of whom are not from Palmer) who keep this program going year-round. If you can help on even one day for one shift, it will make a difference. Your Palmer Editor will be there with teenage son in tow. Please consider taking a few hours to help.

To sign up, call the church office 713-529-6196 and ask for Terry or Pat.


In other news:

Susan Searle, mother of John Searle and a regular attendee of the 10:15 in St. Bede's Chapel, died Thursday, June 25. Please keep the Searle family in your prayers.

Briefly...

At noon Thursday, the Contemplative Eucharist is held in St. Bede's Chapel. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience communion with Christ and other Palmers in a peaceful and quiet setting. Consider this quick and very rich break in a hectic work day.

The Stephen Ministry is seeking volunteers for training, beginning in August. In this ministry, you will learn to provide pastoral care for another person who faces a difficult, painful, or otherwise trying time. You must commit to a two-year term of service, beginning with 4 critical months of weekly training. Are you interested, but not sure if this ministry is for you? Try a SHAPE survey, and/or contact Linda Schubert at lanus@msn.com.

Help the Communications Team document the beautiful stained glass windows at Palmer. Len Wehrung will photograph our architectural elements for use on the website and other communications pieces. If you can provide a man-lift (small enough to fit through the Narthex door) or can arrange for one, this gift would help us enormously. If you have questions or can assist, please contact lwehrung@sbcglobal.net.

Something is happening every day at Palmer. Remember, it's important that you be here.

Come and be fed.

Tuesday

A late post today, and a small one. Your Palmer Editor is moving and the next few days will be a tad chaotic. The news of Palmer, though, never takes a day off. Today we have an important post about this weekend's traffic, which you'll need to plan around for church attendance or any other Palmer events Friday night - Sunday.

The headline is, Fannin Street will be open to the garage for parking:

Friday, June 26, 2009, 7:00 p.m. through Monday, June 29, 2009, 5:00 a.m.

Beginning at 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2009, all northbound lanes of Main
Street from University Boulevard to North MacGregor will be closed for
removal of a tower crane for The Methodist Hospital Outpatient Care Center.
Traffic will be redirected to Fannin Street at University Boulevard.

The contractor, Hensel Phelps Construction Co., will provide signage prior
to the closure and will have police officers stationed at the intersection
of University Boulevard and Main Street and at the intersection of Fannin
Street and University Boulevard to assist with traffic control and
pedestrian crossings.

Access to all buildings on Main Street will remain open.

Wednesday: don't forget the parish Bible study at noon in Fellowship Hall; the healing service with unction at 6 in Holy Cross Chapel, followed by the order of St. Lukes healing prayer in A201.

SHAPE Spiritual Gifts Assessment

For we are all God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
--Ephesians 2:10

I have been in a lot of ministries at Palmer Church: Sunday School teacher, Palmer newsletter editor, communications team for the capital campaign, choir parent volunteer. Most of my choices have been made on the basis of my stage in life, or my child's stage of development, or my professional skills, giving of my time and talent in those areas where my family is invested, or in ways that were comfortable for me.

But ministry is about my own spiritual development as much as it is about sharing the love of Christ with others. When I took a SHAPE survey several years ago, I discovered gifts I really didn't know I had, such as the gift of mercy. I served for a time on the Funeral Guild and put that gift to good use. It seemed a little odd, really, liking the Funeral Guild, but I found it so rewarding. Because I could empathize with the suffering of those who had very recently survived the loss of a loved one, respond to them in ways that reflect Christ's love, and help organize the funeral service itself (my other gift is for administration), I was able to relieve some stress for the families. I served as reader or acolyte in many services and learned to appreciate the hope and beauty of our funeral liturgy. I got to see the Palmer community galvanize around a need and create in a few days' time a complete worship service and reception.

The survey itself was a great exercise but the consultation with the SHAPE ministry leader was what gave me the understanding I needed to turn them into ministry. And now, a few years later, I am exploring new areas of ministry that I would not have considered before.

Consider a SHAPE survey and consultation, and see where it takes you. Contact Ross Heinsohn at Rheinsohn@palmerchurch.org.

With heavy but grateful hearts

Fr. Nutter announced very sad news this morning: while on a mission trip in Colorado, one of the Cornerstone kids passed away. Very little is known about the cause or circumstances of this death; all care and energy are centered now on bringing the kids and counselors home and providing pastoral care to those involved.

The Cornerstone counselors and participants are a part of the everyday life at Palmer. For those of you unfamiliar with it, Cornerstone is a 12 Step recovery program for teenagers addicted to alcohol and drugs. Palmer supports this program by providing space for their gatherings and activities.

This death is heart-wrenching for anyone who has struggled with addiction, for those who have, or have had, teenagers, for all who see the lives that are saved and blessed by this program. In a post a few days ago I wrote about how intertwined our lives are, and how the absence of any one of us is noticeable, and leaves an empty place. This is a tragic example.

My intention today was to write about Stephen Ministry and SHAPE surveys. That will have to be tomorrow. I write about this instead not for the obvious reasons (although your prayers are urgently requested) but because of the reminder this situation offers of the awesome, and awe-inspiring, greatness of the love and hope Cornerstone brings to the lives it touches. I corresponded today with someone whose child was on this trip. The message from this parent had nothing of despair or hopelessness about it. It was simply this, shown as it was written to me:

"I've always been impressed with the cornerstone kids and I am sure this is no exception. They are shaken to the core but drawing a ton of inner strength and truly relying on their higher power. It is awesome to witness. God is good."

This parent stands beside a teenager who has just experienced something we hope to shield our children from forever, but still says, God is good. God IS good, and his spirit imbues our life together. What can I say in the face of that? I am grateful for a loving God and the passionate ministry of, and at, Palmer Church.

U2charist!

Now I understand why the word U2charist is usually preceded by very few words and followed by an exclamation point. U2charist! After you've been to one, there is no need to say more. But for those of you who weren't there, I'll try to say a little more than that.

It was transcendent. The Nave was dimly lit with candles and familiar songs from U2 filled the space. A giant screen on the chancel railing showed images of peacemakers like Nelson Mandela and Bishop Tutu. Both inside and outside the Nave the air was full of anticipation and happy energy. As the service started, the Palmer youth group and a few intrepid adults provided enthusiastic "Dancing Leadership" from the front rows, so from the beginning most of the congregation grooved along with them (although it must be said that only the Dancing Palmers actually STOOD on the pews!). It was an experience of pure joy; all were invited, we hope inspired, to carry that feeling into great purpose.

The presentation on the screen also carried reminders, like this one, of why we were there: 1.4 billion people in the world live in extreme poverty ($1.25 per day). All of the proceeds from last night's collection will go to support the effort to reduce that number by half by 2015.

On the patio afterward, Palmer hospitality was abundant and greeters were in fine form. Many guests and visitors were positively beaming and gladly took Palmer Greeter bags.

Your Palmer Editor emerged this morning with sore (but happy) feet and a head full of music:

One love, one blood
One life, you got to do what you should
One life, with each other
Sisters, brothers

One life but we're not the same
We get to carry each other, carry each other
One
One

My heart soars.

Reminders for your weekend in Palmertown

Tonight at Palmer: Parents' Night Out (6:00), Taize (7:00), and U2charist (8:00)! A reception follows the U2charist up in Fellowship Hall (if you get a piece of the chocolate cake that I'm bringing, there will be a party going on in your tummy, too).

Don't forget to park in the garage! It's free, and better still, it allows convenient parking for the many guests and visitors we hope to have tonight.

Sunday morning education hour features a new Lectionary Bible study in Fellowship Hall. Check the Palmer Weekly for locations of summer Sunday school. Parents with young children meet in the Canterbury room.

See you tonight!

Palmer Church, USA

The concept I am about to share is not my own. All credit goes to another staff member who developed this analogy over a few days' time of watching old movies with the kids and trying to figure out what her pages on our website really ought to be saying. Like many good ideas, it came unbidden in the search for something else. I share it here because it did all the things that really great ideas do: it inspired me, challenged me, comforted me, and made me want to go and tell just everyone all about it.

The idea started with a barn-raising in the movie "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers". Everyone contributes to a barn-raising, bringing their wood and nails and giving their time to build the structure for the family who needs it. No contractors or change orders or workers who fail to show up, just everyone from town pitching in and getting the job done. It's the way small towns still function today in lots of places.

And the idea is that this place we call Palmer is more small town than big church. Our population includes all of the usual characters, the kid whose baseball inevitably goes through the neighbor's window, the woman who shows up with a casserole when someone is ill, the man who wants everyone off his lawn, the rich and the poor and all of the people who live and work and make it all happen without ever saying anything about it. And we, each and every one of us, belong. There is always room for more but the absence of any single one of us is noticeable and leaves an empty place.

As we talked about this yesterday, my energy level rose and emotions flowed. I felt pride and humility, gratitude and an urgent desire to give back more. I want to dig through everything I have for more materials to build your barn, because you have built so many of mine.

We want to send this energy out to the whole town. Jump into the conversation here or on one of the other blogs we publish, on Facebook and in Foyers Groups and when we pass the peace on Sunday morning. The barn doesn't get built without you.

Looking to the weekend

Those who have voted in the Palmer Church Daily content poll (see the right side of the page) have said they would like to see the liturgical schedules here. Duly noted. While we wrestle with the format of putting the full schedule on here, we can certainly provide some helpful updates. This Sunday, for example, there are some holes yet to be filled on the schedule. Please stop by the sacristy before the 9:00 service in the Nave, and see if they have enough chalice bearers and lectors.

Perhaps you've noticed the change in the Sunday bulletin, now identified as the "Palmer Weekly". Your feedback and comments are encouraged.

The Contemplative Eucharist will be at noon Thursday in St. Bede's.

Don't forget to check "Light the Fire" at www.palmerchurch.org.

A few notes late on a Tuesday

Tuesday is a busy day for your Palmer Editor. Staff meeting is at 9:30, and the day rolls on from there with new energy and a sense of urgency from the notes and updates we have from one another. A few, perhaps random, notes from today follow here.

Have we talked about parking for Friday? We have Parents' Night Out, Taize, and the much-anticipated U2charist. Those of us who are here all the time need to be sure to park in the garage, which will be available on Friday night, and leave the north and south lots for guests, latecomers, and those with children or elderly accompanying them. These are great opportunities to invite a friend to Palmer. Give it some prayerful consideration!

Choir camp last week was a huge success, and we are all grateful for the gifts of our own Courtney Daniell-Knapp, who led the week's activities, rehearsals, and Evensong. Congratulations, Courtney; we all knew it, but your talents are even further reknowned from this work.

Our Palmer Youth, under the leadership of Anthony Orona, focused their love and enthusiasm on the city of Houston last week at the Cathedral and other inner-city Houston spots. Next week the Youth embark on a mission trip to the needy south and west sides of the city of Chicago. Pray for them in their development of mission-centric hearts and minds.

Don't forget worship and learning opportunities at Palmer on Wednesday: Morning Prayer (7:30), Parish Bible Study with Fr. Nutter (12:00), Healing Service with Unction (6:00) and a discussion of the Old Testament after a video (6:45) and the Order of St. Luke with Healing Prayer in A201 (6:45).

Come and be fed.

No, it isn't Friday yet, but when it is.......

...Palmer is going to be one busy place. First on deck on Friday the 19th is Parents' Night Out, scheduled to start at 6:00. I am no longer in this demographic but I remember -- like it was yesterday, I am not kidding -- how much I loved this program. My child was going to have a far better time than he would with a babysitter at home and was safe as could be. It was also cheaper than a babysitter. So add happy child + safe child + cheap and you get one super-deluxe happy mom, and that, as dads and kids everywhere can tell you, is good for everybody. Friday the 19th, drop-off starts at 6:00.

Moving on into Friday evening, we'll have a Taize service, a wonderful contemplative worship experience. Meditative music, scripture, prayer and silence. Come and be fed. 7:00 in St. Bede's Chapel.

If silence is not your first choice, then look no further than the Nave on Friday evening at 8:00. It's big, it's loud, it's Bono, it's dancing and it's a blast. Last time we had one of these 300 people showed up and rocked the place out. This is the place to bring your friends who don't go in for the usual Sunday morning fare. A reception follows in Fellowship Hall.

And all of these things are just one day in the life of Palmer. So bookmark this page, set up the RSS feed, text your friends, and we'll be back tomorrow with more.