Scripture: John 20:119-23; 26-31. Sharing. Prayer: Epiphany 2 (BCP p. 163)

Feedback re: “List of Items on Our Plate:”

In general, a study was done regarding making changes and worker productivity. The study of workers revealed that their productivity increased when the lighting was increased or decreased just a little. Among other things, this suggests that, when making changes, perhaps they ought to come in small vs. huge doses, and incrementally vs. abruptly.

We need to seek innovative ways to reach out, not only in the neighborhood, but to the larger community (we are now the only Episcopal Church in Plano).

We recognize that our worship does not appeal broadly to a largely non-liturgical protestant culture. We should make full use of our website to help others discover us, what we stand for and how we worship and serve our Lord Jesus Christ.

Re: Sunday visitors:

If coffee is available in the hall, invite them to partake and meet a few persons upon arrival. Following the Mass, a few members (3-5) might invite a visitor(s) to accompany them to lunch. Then a follow-up visit by two parishioners.

We recognize the need for Christian formation – now that we are “Christians” what does that mean in terms of our faith and spiritual discipline (clergy input). Formation could be dealt with in a class or in a small group (home) setting. It was noted that the youth group has faced some aspects of this.

We recognize that we are unlearned and unskilled regarding sharing our faith with others; but we now have an excellent (Episcopal) resource to teach us how we, as Episcopalians, can learn to share our faith with other people. We need to offer that opportunity in a class setting.

Some parishioners have said that they are hesitant to invite others to worship with us, because they do not fully comprehend what this or that means, or why something is done or happens. That is an important concern and needs to be addressed.

The regular (after Mass) offering of prayer by Stephen Ministers obviously meets a need. Perhaps having two persons available would encourage more members to utilize this ministry. This possibility will be explored.

Next meeting: Thursday, 24 May 2012 (because the 3rd Thursday is Ascension Day)

Tickets will be sold May 6 and 13 after both services – and at the door.

Come one, come all!

$10.00 for Adults
$4.00 for Kids (6 & under)
$30.00 Maximum for Families

The Dallas Assembly is having it’s Hearts & Hammers training session on April 20.

Our next meeting is scheduled for May 12. All men are invited!

Fr. Kline asked Phil to read the last chapter in Acts. Here, Paul preaches in Rome while under guard. He preached the faith, intended for both Jew and Gentile. Some were convinced. Others were not. Nevertheless, Paul provides the example of patient persistence.

Following an opening prayer, Fr. Kline passed out a summary of each of our meetings since August, 2010.  This summary concludes with a long listing of items/concerns we have considered. The committee took the time to  read through the summary, then were asked to trim the list to “doable,” high priority items. After some discussion, Phil emphasized the need to provide focus through prayer in order to learn what God would have us do. We decided that each of us would pray regularly and seriously on this subject before the next meeting. Prayer is the key.

Marnie noted that the Parish needs an “infrastructure,” (small groups, study groups. programs, etc.) in to which to place newcomers attracted to our church. As regards small groups, Fr. Kline said that he is discussing with two couples the opportunity to join the pilot small group. Child care is an issue here, but appears to be solvable. Shawn mentioned regular Sunday after service get togethers, usually lunch, as a way to both build fellowship and include newcomers.

The next meeting is Thursday, April 19.

Our April activity will be Roughriders baseball! Join us on April 14, 2012, 7PM. Tickets are $20 each and include all you can eat. Tickets are limited! Please see Tony Federico for tickets.

Our next meeting is scheduled for April 14. All men are invited!

Come celebrate the Holy Eucharist, with all of the Hispanic congregations in the Diocese of Dallas. Visitors Welcome!

Churches participating include: St. Matthews’s Cathedral (Dallas), St. Luke’s (Dallas), St. Barnabas’ (Garland),  Christ Church (Dallas), St. Mary’s (Irving),  Holy Family (McKinney) ,  Resurrection (Dallas), Our Merciful Saviour ( Kaufman)  and Holy Nativity (Plano).

Traditional food of Latin America will be serviced along with presentations of folkloric dances and traditional music of Latin America. Games will be provided for children. This event will be fun for all. Please put it on the calendar!

Schedule

5:30 pm – Arrival

6:00 pm - Holy Eucharist with Bishop Lambert

7:30 – Latino Festival

Fr. Kline had Mathew 26: 16-21 read. This passage includes the Great Commission, an important responsibility of all Christians. He then opened the meeting with prayer.

Fr. Kline and Kay Wynn reported on the Evangelism Conference held at Incarnation on December 3, 2011. The speaker was Rebecca Manley Pippert, a highly regarded speaker and author. Key points noted include:

• Evangelism is a primary duty of each Christian.
• Our weakness (re: Evangelism) is God’s strength. God uses the weak to accomplish his purpose.
• Jesus had a “go to them,” rather than a “come to me” approach. He was welcoming, yet got under people’s skin in a good way.
• We should build relationships with non-Christians, not to treat them as “projects,” but rather to plant seeds of faith in a loving way. God harvests the seeds we plant
• We should look for areas of agreement and focus on these. We should not be in a hurry.
• We should learn to disagree without being disagreeable.
• We must care about the non-Christian. Listening is critical.
• Encourage the good you see in them.
• Discern needs they are really feeling
• We don’t need more self-confidence, we need more God confidence.
• We don’t convert, God does.
• Fear of rejection is universal. The right fear to have is fear of God.
• We should expose he Gospel rather than impose it.

Most of the material presented is in the speaker’s book : Out of the Salt Shaker and into the World. We were all encouraged to read this book.

Marnie Tao suggested that we consider role playing to sharpen our evangelism skills. Adrienne Leonard suggested we consider putting on a course on Evangelism for members of the Parish. Both suggestions will be further considered at the next meeting, which will be Thursday, March 15.

Many thanks to the Brothers of Holy Trinity Garland who showed up with wives to participate in our annual event.

New Vestry Members were elected to serve 3 years starting 2012. They are:

Rosalia Gonzalez
Marilyn Brown
Allyson Federico
Ben Moore

Outgoing members of the current Vestry are:

Marge Batzler
Tony Federico
Mary Ann Doty
Tom MacDuff

Delegates to the Diocese Convention were also elected:

Tony Federico
Robby Gerber
Mary Ann Doty
William Macario