Beacon Issue 6 : simplebooklet.com

IN THIS ISSUE:From Our Rector......................... 4Vestry ..............................................5Lenten Season ..............................6Best Kept Secret .........................7Jubilee ............................................8Windows of St. Chis ..................9Family Ministries...............10-12Mother’s Day Out.....................12Thrift Shop ...........................13-14 Rector’s Bookshelf ...........15-16Outreach...............................19-21Recipes ..................................22-23EDITOR IN CHIEF KAT MCPHERSONCREATIVE EDITOR ALYSSA KELLEYVISIT US ONLINE ATWWW.STCHRISCHURCH.ORG2 | THE BEACON SPRING 2025MISSION STATEMENT: To restore all people to unity withgod and each other in Christ.VISION STATEMENT:St. Christopher Episcopal Church isan inviting and welcomingcommunity of Jesus’ followers wholove and serve all people. FACEBOOKStChrisEpiscopalYOU TUBE st.christopherleaguecity4071SUNDAY SERVICE SCHEDULE:8:00a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I9:15a.m. Christian Education - for all ages10:30a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II in the Sanctuary10:30a.m. Contemporary Eucharist in Buckner Hall

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“The classical Disciplines of the spiritual life call us tomove beyond surface living into the depths. We must not be led to believe that theDisciplines are only for spiritual giants and hence beyond our reach, or only forcontemplatives who devote all their time to prayer and meditation. Far from it. Godintends the disciplines of the spiritual life to be for ordinary human beings: peoplewho have jobs, who care for children, who wash dishes and mow lawns. In fact, theDisciplines are best exercised in the midst of our relationships with our husband orwife, our brothers and sisters, our friends and neighbors. Joy is the keynote of allthe Disciplines. The purpose of the Disciplines is liberation from the stifling slaveryto self-interest and fear.”Indeed! The only qualification needed to engage in the spiritual disciplines is adesire and willingness to do so... that's it!You may be asking yourself "what are spiritual disciplines?" Here are just a fewRichard Foster (and others) commend:Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service,Confession, Worship, Guidance, CelebrationMy hope is that some (many) sound familiar to you, and perhaps are disciplines youare already doing, and of course there are many others as well.If you have not yet discerned how you will observe a Holy Lent this year, considerthe spiritual Disciplines, and perhaps discover a deep connectedness with Godgrounded in joy!4 | THE BEACON SPRING 2025From Our Rector As another season of Lent approaches, we are invited toconsider many ways to live into it. One of those ways isthrough the spiritual disciplines that have been developedby others throughout the Christian faith.In Richard Foster's book "Spiritual Disciplines for theChrist Life", he says this:

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Much work is occurring within the Vestry. The 2025 Budget is under development with a review by the Finance Committee by the end of this fiscal year, the Vestry and Parish are headed for excitement, growth and celebration.We are blessed to welcome our four new Vestry members – Melodie Keener, VernonThompson, Cindy Wilems, Heather Zapp. Plus, a belated welcome to Amber Miller whojoined the vestry mid 2024 replacing a member who had to retire early. We also wantto thank the four retiring vestry for their three years of faithful service – Lupe Carrillo,Kim Gerry, Jim McCalla, and Senior Warden Greg Decker.The Vestry Retreat happened January 25 with a new twist for St. Christopher. Insteadof Fr. Brian leading the retreat, Fr. Gerry Sevick, retired Rector from Trinity in theWoodlands, led us through two sessions focusing on and assessing the health of ourparish and strategies that deepens the parish’s spiritual life while staying open to thevarious places people are in their faith journey. During the business part of the retreat, the Vestry approved the 2025 “balanced”budget which included the hiring of a Family Minister. Alex Hillis is our new familyminister and he comes to us with lots of experience and just as much enthusiasm. Wecelebrated and welcomed him Sunday, February 2 between the 8:00 and 10:30 servicewith a Welcome Reception in the Formation Center.St. Christopher’s BIG Platinum Jubilee was also announced during the business sessionof the Retreat. St. Christopher is celebrating 70 years of service to our parish andcommunity. The Celebration will be held Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November2. Stay tuned for details. Watch for more information on other upcoming projects covered during the retreat.A heartfelt thank you for allow-ing me to serve as the 2025Senior Warden to our Parish, the Vestry, and all the ministries of St. Christopher’s.Lizette Gaudin - Senior Warden5 | THE BEACON SPRING 2025Vestry2025*LIZETTE GAUDINAMBER MILLERKAT MCPHERSONMARK SALES2026*BOB FABLINGJACK HYLANDLISA LOTHROPRAY MCPHAIL2027*MELODIE KEENERVERNON THOMPSONCINDY WILEMSHEATHER ZAPP2025 VESTRY MEMBERS*TERM EXPIRATION

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6 | THE BEACON SPRING 2025Lent is a time when Christians throughout the world engage in penitence and self-sacrifice in preparation for Easter. It is 40 days long and covers 6 Sundays— beginningon Ash Wednesday and culminating on Easter in the joyous celebration of the bodilyResurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead! We hope you will join us for one of ourLenten events at St. Christopher for one of the most central seasons of the Churchyear.Lenten SeasonPrepare for the long fast with a wonderful feast!St. Christopher will observe the last day beforeLent with our annual Shrove Tuesday pancakesupper. All ages are invited to Buckner Hall onMarch 4th, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. to enjoy music,fellowship, and plenty of pancakes.On Ash Wednesday, March 5th, Lent begins, and withit a day of quiet and reflection. Join us on AshWednesday for the Imposition of Ashes, a solemnservice to mark the beginning of our season of lookingthrough our lives, preparing for the new life of Easter.Services will be held at 7:00AM (Ashes only), 12:15PM(Ashes only), and 6:30PM (Holy Communion withAshes). Lenten Soup Suppers return on Wednesday, March12th. We will begin with Stations of the Cross at6:00p.m. in the sanctuary, followed by dinner andprogram starting at 6:30p.m. in Buckner Hall.Everyone is invited to bring a soup and/or salad toshare. This year, our program will involve anexploration of the spiritual disciplines of TheChurch that guide us to a deeper joyful connectionand relationship with God.

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you where St. Christopher is located, much less what distinguishes an Episcopal churchfrom any other kind of church or be able to pronounce E-PIS-CO-PAL. This is no one’sfault but our own. For years St. Christopher’s growth has relied on people finding us,showing up at our doors and deciding to stay. The odds of us developing ourcongregation through random visits is getting harder every year. National statistics forall congregations in America report that only 35% of the US population are affiliatedwith a religious group. That statistic speaks only to affiliation, not necessarily beingactive in a congregation. That is 1 in 3 Americans, down from 1 in 2 decades ago. Inaddition, average attendance for “active members” has moved from weekly to aboutonce a month. Now more than ever we can see that worship in the context of acongregation is truly counter-cultural. It is not the norm to be an active church goer inAmerica.Good news! The mission of the Church, “to restore all people to unity with God andeach other in Christ”, has never changed. Not only is this our congregation’s missionbut it is the Church universal’s mission! We personally know and feel the power of theHoly Spirit to transform lives. We have seen God’s love in action here at St.Christopher. We have a caring, serving, mission focused congregation that seeks to befaithful. As human as we are, we try to shine the light of Christ one to the other and tothe world outside our walls. We embody what many are looking for as they feel theneed to join a community of faith. They just don’t know we exist! What can we doabout this situation? INVITE your friends, acquaintances, family to come and check usout. National research from the Barna Group has shown that 70% of people whoattend a particular church have been personally invited to do so. A simple, “Why don’tyou give St. Christopher a visit?” may be the door to a whole new life of community,acceptance, and relationship with God. Jesus asks us to be disciples and fishers ofpeople. An invitation is the place to start. Who has God placed on your heart to inviteto St. Christopher Episcopal Church?Mary MacGregor, St. Christopher’s Invite Welcome Connect Team7 | THE BEACON SPRING 2025Invite Welcome ConnectI have often heard members say that St. Christopher is“the best kept secret in League City!” Despite the highlytraveled, busy location on FM518, across the street froma huge high school and bustling stadiums, I would hazarda guess that most residents of League City could not tell Best Kept Secret

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How did we get here?In December 1954, enthusiasm for an Episcopal mission to be planted in League City was expressed and prayed for. As it was the month of Christmas, the meeting to discuss thepros and cons, as well as, the implications for the League City impact; the decision was made to schedule the first meeting on January 10, 1955.Thus, in January 1955, the historic journey was launched culminating in The St. Christopher’swhere we worship today. Not wasting precious time, a petition for a mission was prepared, signed, and presented to BishopQuinn; church officers were elected and a budget established. All were approved by the Bishop.The very first church service was held on January 16th, in The Pastel Room of the League CityCoffee Shop. Thirty-two people attended the service. The priest was the Rev. David McBride.The name, Saint Christopher, was chosen at the next meeting on January 17th and several peopleasked to have their memberships changed to St. Christopher’s.The very next day, January 18th, the vote to purchase the Pastel Room of League City CoffeeShop and all its furnishings for $5,000, met with the approval of the Bishop. Although, it wasn’tuntil March 21, 1955, the parish approved the purchase of the 10-acre property establishing thefuller physical plant of the church, St. Christopher’s was indeed, a new life force locally.As the services and involvement in the surrounding community grew, an impetus to focus onembracing young people to be more fully included in the church family was engaged in.Opportunities were forged for youth to meet in faith-centered social groups with each other andwith youth from area churches; a Clear Creek Teenage Club was formed; there were Bible classes;a trip to Camp Allen, and even the first Vacation Bible School! Thus, we were planted. The Lord is at home in St. Christopher Episcopal Church in League City,Texas!Written By: Kat McPherson8 | THE BEACON SPRING 2025It’s here! This year, 2025, St. ChristopherEpiscopal Church, League City is 70 years old!Keep November 1st and 2nd marked forspecial celebrations. Look for more details tocome in the following months. CELEBRATE ST. CHRISTOPHER! 70 YEARS!JUBILEE YEAR!

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10 | THE BEACON SPRING 2025I, personally, also had a very impactful experience with an Episcopal church in this Diocese, asI grew up just southwest of Houston in Richmond, TX at a church called Calvary EpiscopalChurch. This is where I was born and raised. I am what some may call a “cradle Episcopalian”. Iwas born into the Episcopal church and haven’t left since. My involvement with the Episcopalchurch and the desire to make an impact within the community grew to the point that I decidedto make it a part of my career path at an early age. Before beginning my work in the church Iserved as a Counselor and Sr. Staffer for the summer camp program at Camp Allen, where myheart for ministry really began to blossom. I then spent the past 11 years doing ministry at twodifferent churches in the Diocese of Texas. From 2013-2021 I served as the Director of YouthMinistries at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Houston, where I began to truly grow my passionand hone in my skills for ministering, specifically, to those of the younger generation. From2021-2024, I served as the Minister to Families at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church inNassau Bay (our friends from just down the road) where I not only continued my passion forministering to youth, but also grew a new passion for ministering to young children, parents,and guardians of families. Through my decade long experience of working in ministry andlifelong history in the Episcopal church, I have seen and experienced a lot of different things.Many, many ups and plenty of downs. I have learned and grown in ways I could not have evenimagined. I would consider myself to be a very experienced Lay Minister (non-ordained/clergyperson) of the church. And yet I still feel I have much more to give and many different ways Ican continue to grow. I believe there is still much more to be done as well, and many new anddifferent ways myself and others can continue to impact and grow our community as a whole.Family MinistryDear St. Christopher!My name is Alex Hillis and I am the new Directorof Family Ministries. Some of you may recognizemy last name as the same last name of the formerYouth Minister, Meghan Hillis. I assure you this isno coincidence as Meghan is my wonderful wife.Meghan, of course, grew up here at St.Christopher with her family and friends, and thepositive impact this congregation had on her lifecan still be felt to this day. Meghan and I first meton a Diocesan mission trip when she and I wereYouth Ministers at different churches. She and Ithen got married here at St. Christopher in Aprilof 2017. Meghan and I now have two wonderfulred headed children together, Evelyn (Evie) and Aiden. Evelyn is 5 years old and Aiden is 2 years old. Needless to say, we are very excited to bereturning to St. Christopher, where Meghan and I’s story began and her deep cherished historyresides. We can not think of any place better to grow not only as a family but as partners inministry with you all!

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That said, I am very much looking forward to our future together at St. Christopher. Just asyou all have hopes, dreams, expectations and desires for what the family ministryprograms provide at St. Chris, so do I. Not only as the new Director of Family Ministriestasked to help oversee these programs, but as a father of two kiddos who are growing up inthis community. I’m excited for the opportunity to not only help advance those goals anddreams I have for us, but to partner with you all to make your goals and vision come tofruition as well. I feel like a broken record when I say this, but in all my time of working inthe church I have learned a really important lesson, ministry is a partnership; a partnershipbetween those who have chosen to lead in ministry and those who have chosen thatministry to help them grow. Just as most ministers, ordained or not, in the church wouldtell you - I need your help. More accurately, I need your gifts. The question I would loveyou to ask yourself is: How can you best help partner and grow the Family Ministry at St.Christopher with me? There are no wrong answers! Some quickly assume that this meansvolunteering to teach children's Sunday school, or to be an adult resource at VBS, or tolead a bunch of different bible studies during the week. However, that assumption isincorrect! Well, it's incorrect for some. Yes, there will be some who are drawn to volunteerand give of their time, but those are not the only needs we will have. As a matter of fact,speaking from experience, the needs will be endless! No matter what your gift is, I assureyou we will find a way to partner with you and enhance our programs in the way that bestworks with you. All I ask is that we get in the ring together. I promise to do my part andhelp lead the fight in the best way I know how. My hope is that you will tag along with meand tap in when the moment for your gift to shine is right! Family Ministry programs at St. Christopher will start to see an increase in activity startingin the Fall of 2025. We will begin to implement and put in place the vision and goals we setout to create this upcoming Spring/Summer. Until such time, we still have wonderful andexciting events planned for this Spring that were pre-planned and put in place by thefantastic Mother Viktoria+ prior to my hiring. At this point, I would like to give a shout out to Mother Viktoria+ and give her a HUGEthank you for all she has done for the Family Ministries at St. Christopher the past fewyears and making this one of the best transitions I have ever been a part of. St. Chris istruly blessed to have such a treasured and gifted priest and I look forward to the continuedpartnership with her and the support she will have with the Family Ministries! Many thanks, as well, to Father Brian, who presented and offered me this opportunity tonot just come back in community with the church, but to put my own gifts to good use andpartner with you all in the Family Ministries at St. Christopher. Father Brian is truly one ofa kind and I look forward to finally getting to work with him (even though it makes Meghana little jealous). 11 | THE BEACON SPRING 2025Family Ministry

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Mother’s Day Out (MDO) is having a wonder 2024/2025 school year. The children arespending their days making friends, mastering new skills and learning all about how muchGod loves them! As they move into Spring they will be planting their garden and learning allabout the life cycle of plants. 12 | THE BEACON SPRING 2025Family Ministry And of course, thank you St. Christopher family for accepting and loving my family overthese many years. Thank you for showing such kindness not only to my wife Meghan, but tomy children, and to myself. Most importantly, thank you for this opportunity now to let meserve you all in a way that brings such joy and passion to my heart! Many blessings and loveto you all!-Alex HillisPS You can find me in the church offices Tuesday’s - Friday’s from 9:30 am - 4:00 pm. I willhave “Open Office” hours specifically Tuesday and Thursdays from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.During this time my office door will be open, the phone line available, and my ear ready tolisten to anyone who may need or want to get hold without the need for scheduling ameeting time. Mondays will be my “Sabbath Day” where I will not be in the office.Mother’s Day OutRegistration is now open for the2025/2026 school year. For moreinformation or to register yourchild visit our websitehttps://www.stchrischurch.org/mothers-day-out or scan the QRcode.

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HOP Into St. Christopher’s Thrift Shop This Easter for Egg-citing dealsThe Origin of Easter Baskets and the History of filling Easter Baskets with treats and sharing with friendsand family.In ancient cultures, Easter was the spring equinox, the time of the year when the hours of day andnight were equal. This marked the beginning of transitioning from the dark days of winter to thesunny days of spring and the planting season. This celebration references the Anglo-Saxon goddessof fertility and spring, Easter. Many people held feasts to honor this goddess, shown holding a wovenbasket in the crook of her arm.When did people start filling Easter baskets with goodies, like chocolate rabbits, eggs, and candies? Therabbit became a symbol of Easter due to its connection with fertility. According to European folklore,a rabbit would leave a basket filled with colored eggs for children; when Europeans settled inAmerica, they brought this story with them. Since then, eggs, have been a common symbol of Easterand the season of rebirth. The tradition of exchanging baskets of goodies is thought to be descendedfrom early Catholics. To celebrate the end of Lent, and 40 days of prayer, abstinence, fasting andalmsgiving, they brought baskets of delicious goods to church so a priest could bless them. Thesesymbols of fertility, rebirth, and renewal after Lent have created the tradition of sharing with lovedones …. so, now you can share you knowledge of the beginnings. Who Benefits from St. Christopher’s Thrift ShopFrom Our Outreach ProgramsGrant Donations – Over the 65 years since the inception of the Thrift Shop (by The Episcopal ChurchWomen) and since the mortgage was retired in 1993, over 40 deserving Local, Domestic and Foreignorganizations and missions have received grants totaling $469,600 from St. Christopher’s ThriftShop. We distribute grants in the Spring and the Fall.High School and College Graduates receive an Amazon (or other) gift card from the Thrift Shop, distributed through the St. Christopher CYF Ministry.Star Of Hope Charities, on a weekly/monthly basis receive large amounts of clothing and shoes that do not sell in the shop. The Women’s Clinic receives all donated women’s hygiene products and cosmetics.Local Animal Shelters get all our “more than gentlyused” towels, bedding, and blankets.Local Families and Individuals in need, receive blankets, coats, sweaters during cold months.13 | THE BEACON SPRING 2025Thrift Shop

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Scouts and the Homeless Shelters receive much of our donated camping equipment.Lord of the Streets and other Local Missions periodically come tocollect specific clothing items, shoes, rolling suitcases, and backpacks for their homeless population. CPS will ask for suitcases for their children being taken to a new home. We will fill them with clothing, shoes, underwear, hygieneitems, toys, (donated and new).Fabrics are given to sewing ministries.From Our In-ReachVOLUNTEERS: Volunteer a few hours a week or month to a worthy and fulfilling mission. We have fun and form friendships in a lively, giving and loving environment, with both co-workersas well as our customers. Plus you get to see donations as they come in, recognize a treasure,purchase that treasure and take it home with you. Participate in our annual appreciationluncheons. Have a voice in who will receive the Spring and Fall Grants.DONAT0RS: Receive a tax “Donation Form” for a write-off. HOORAY! Guilt-free purging. You getto clear out your house, closets, cabinets, kitchens, etc., knowing that all your items will be utilizedand that the dollars from sales of your donations will be distributed to great causes. Bring useverything in clean and gently used condition….Exceptions being Large appliances, large furniture,mattresses, bed pillows, cribs, baby carriages, strollers, child car seats. PLUS when you bring inyour donations you can shop and start filling up those newly emptied spaces.14 | THE BEACON SPRING 2025Altar GuildAs a ministry of the church, Altar Guild is an in-reachministry that prepares the Nave and the Contemporaryservice for worship services. The Altar Guild is madeup of teams that take care to ensure that each Sundayand feast day is celebrated visually and sacramentallyin a way that is appropriate to the church season. Theteams are devoted and strive to make their service anacceptable offering to our Lord.If you have an interest in learning the "behind thescenes" of our worship, the Altar Guild may be for you.Come join us. Contact the church office for moreinformation on joining the team.“The mission of the St.Christopher ThriftShop is to love andserve the Lord our Godwith our hearts and ourhands. Therefore, wewill witness to hispeople through ouroutreach and service. “

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"Ways of Imperfection: An Exploration of ChristianSpirituality" by Simon TugwellSpirituality has to do with a whole Christian vision of life, notsimply with methods of prayer or contemplation. Simon Tugwellapproaches the subject through the idea of "imperfection," tracingthis theme through a series of spiritual writers from differentperiods of Christian history. He ranges from the Apostolic andDesert Fathers through St. Francis of Assisi and Mother Julian ofNorwich to St. Thérese of Lisieux. These are penetrating andilluminating studies which show how from the start and throughoutits history the Christian vision is not one for an elite but foreveryone, sinners and all. The religion of the cross is the religion offailure turned to account, creatively.15 | THE BEACON SPRING 2025What is Fr. Brian reading? Fr. Brian suggests the following selections from his bookshelf when you are looking for inspiredreadings:"The Lord and His Prayer" by N. T. WrightIn this book of pastoral reflections N.T. Wright explores how theLord's Prayer sums up what Jesus was all about in his first-centurysetting. Wright locates the Lord's Prayer, clause by clause, withinthe historical life and work of Jesus and allows the prayer'sdevotional application to grow out of its historical context. Theresult is a fresh understanding of Christian spirituality and the lifeof prayer. This deeply devotional book will refresh and stimulatethe heart and mind of any reader.

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"52 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know" by Dave Adamson"52 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know" shines alight on the Old Testament Hebrew language. This small bookoffers an easy-to-understand introduction to 52 Hebrewwords and their meanings that will transform the way you readScripture and apply it to your daily life.16 | THE BEACON SPRING 2025From the Rector’s Bookshelf"Being Salt: A Theology of an Ordered Church" by George R. SumnerBeing Salt addresses both ordination and leadership by takingas its point of departure the most distinctive yet oftenoverlooked feature of ordination: indelibility--being ordainedfor life. Sumner wholeheartedly agrees with the Reformationemphasis on the ministry of the whole people of God. Still, heargues that we can only understand priesthood if weunderstand what one is ordained for. Indelibility--lifetimeordination--provides an entrée to the question of what setsthe ordained apart. In sum, Being Salt offers an evangelicalargument for a catholic practice and so goes to the heart ofwhat Anglicanism understands itself to be."True Prayer: An Invitation to Christian Spirituality" by Kenneth Leech"We do not create prayer,” writes Kenneth Leech, “butmerely prepare the ground and clear away obstacles. Prayeris always a gift, a grace, the flame which ignites wood; theHoly Spirit gives prayer.”

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Our next study expressly chosen for the Lenten season is entitled A LENTEN JOURNEYTHROUGH THE GOSPELS by Matt Rawle. In this study, the author explores how all fourGospels offer different approaches to viewing Jesus’ life. These different perspectives revealan abundant and varied picture of Jesus and also of God’s work in His suffering, death, andresurrection.As you can see our studies are diverse. There is something for everyone. Anyone wishing tojoin our group is most welcome. The women meet on Wednesday mornings at 9:30. There is achair waiting for you.Lay Pastoral AssistantsNot enough can be said for the engaging studies and rich conversation wehave experienced in Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study. Thiscontinues to hold true with the latest text we are reviewing, THE NEWTESTAMENT YOU NEVER KNEW. In it, the authors, N. T. Wright & Michael F.Bird, endeavor to bring us into a deeper understanding of what life was likeduring the time of Jesus before the resurrection and also the eventsfollowing. In giving us a clearer historical context, we gain a greaterunderstanding of Him. Through it all, the authors brings us into a closerrelationship with our faith, making it easier to convey these feelings and theirdepth to others.Wednesday Morning Bible Study17 | THE BEACON SPRING 2025The Lay Pastoral Assistant (LPA) teams are blessed to serve as thehands and feet of Jesus as to assist Fr. Brian with pastoral care. In2024, we made a total of 346 contacts with care receivers from ourparish family. This included get well, thinking of you, and sympathycards, phone calls, personal visits, and communion visits (first week ofthe month). In June last year, 8 new team members were added to the LPAMinistry, bringing our current LPA total to 24 members (7 totalteams). We are blessed to continue serving our St. Christopherfamily in 2025 and sharing the love and light of Christ.

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18 | THE BEACON SPRING 2025ColumbariumLay Eucharisic Ministryalso read the Prayers of the People. The Chalice is served to the congregation during theEucharist by the LEMs. The LEMs are also needed for special services throughout the year such as Ash Wednesday,Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, special Christmas services and memorial services.We lost one LEM this past fall due to relocation. So we are always in need of new LEMs,especially for the Contemporary Service. If you think you may be interested in becoming aLEM, or just want to learn more about this ministry, please let Fr. Brian, Mtr. Viktoria orVernon Thompson know. Twenty Two participants make up the Lay Eucharistic Ministryand are referred to as Lay Eucharistic Ministers or LEMs. TheseLEMs are very dedicated and talented readers that assist theclergy during each of the 3 services every Sunday. They readtwo lessons; one from the Old and one from the NewTestaments, as well as a reading from the Psalms. The LEMs urns. In the future, as needed, other sections may be added to the ColumbariumCourtyard for additional niches. As you view a niche in the Columbarium, note thatcremains are present if dates are below the name. The visible dates are the birth dateand death date. The courtyard is maintained using funds provide by the purchase feesof a niche. Sometime soon, near Easter, updated landscaping will occur to spruce upthe area and provide some color. The magnolia in the center was removed last fallbecause several experienced Arborists predicted that it would no longer be as full atree as it was several years ago. Planning envisions a different landscaping for thecenter area. Watch for revisions in the near future. For questions about theColumbarium or to purchase a niche, Contact Greg Decker, ColumbariumAdministrator, at the church office. An update on the Columbarium isprovided for all in the Parish whenneeded or in the Annual Meeting. In2024, one niche was purchased,leaving thirteen (13) remaining in thecurrent Columbarium. There is spacefor a total of 50 niches, with eachniche able to hold the cremains of two

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Through this partnership St. Christopher’s expands its reach to our region’s most vulnerablepersons—those without shelter, adequate food resources, and the dignity of hygiene.In 2024, Crossroads provided 24,511 meals to homeless neighbors. St. Christopher’s partnershipwith St. Paul’s/San Pablo consists of a restricted gift that will provide protein-rich food on Tuesdaysand Thursdays for the entire calendar year 2025. These two breakfasts and lunches, twice weekly,is most often the only wholesome nutrition these persons receive.As a Covenant Partner, St. Christopher will continue the weekday missions and supporting supplieswhich we have offered to Crossroads for the past two years. Additionally, the Parish will bewelcomed to volunteer through holiday meal celebrations, and to participate in Wednesday drivethrough distributions. Founded in 2001, relative to St. Christopher, Crossroads at Park Place, is the nearest mission of itskind, offering an immense range of services to the homeless in Southeast Houston and extending tothe coast. St. Paul’s campus is in the most under-resourced precinct in Harris County, with thelowest per capita income, home ownership, and number of college graduates. The Vicar, The Rev.Edward Gomez, assumed the board direction of Crossroads as a legacy in a long line of guidingclergy.Members will hear more as this local, covenant partnership amplifies outreach of our Parish, andglorifies the Christ who calls us into remembering the lost (Mt 18:11), least (Mt 25:40), and last (Mt20:16). For more information, you are invited to visit Crossroads’ website (linked above) or email Mother Viktoria (community@stchrischurch.org) for more information. 19 | THE BEACON SPRING 2025OutreachANNOUNCING A COVENANT PARTNERSHIPSt. Christopher Episcopal Church, League City withSan Pablo / St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Houston andCrossroads at Park PlaceAt the recommendation of the clergy and approval of theVestry, St. Christopher’s Outreach and Missions is gratefulto announce a 2025 “Covenant Partnership” with St.Paul’s/San Pablo Episcopal Church(https://stpaulsanpablo.org/), in support of the missionprogram, Crossroads at Park Place(https://crossroadsatparkplace.org/).

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20 | THE BEACON SPRING 2025SUPPORTING FIRST RESPONDERS IN GALVESTON COUNTYSt. Christopher Outreach and MissionsThe Rev. Viktoria Gotting (far left of K9 “Remi”!) recently participated in Critical StressIntervention Management (CISM) training, offered through the International CriticalIncident Stress Foundation (ICISF) and hosted by the Houston Police Officers’ Union.CISM is a systematic, multi-tactic crisis intervention approach to managing criticalincident stress after traumatic events.* This training makes it possible for Mother Viktoria to participate in CISM interventionteams supporting first responders in Galveston County as a volunteer public safetychaplain. CISM is a coordinated program that provides individual and group support,stress education and coping techniques.* Intervention consists of defuse and debriefsessions and involves trained peers, mental health, and chaplaincy professionals engagedin confidential listening, ongoing support, and referral to resources attuned to thecultures of public servants. Mother Viktoria’s training invites St. Christopher’s wellness outreach (formerly UpWell)into a growing partnership in offering conference space and hosting area CISM and othertraining events, as offered by the Gulf Coast Center of Brazoria and Galveston Counties.Supporting the mental health and welfare of our first responders is a double privilege inthat, by extension, this outreach also supports the communities they serve, includingLeague City and surrounding municipalities. Some important definitions* towards understanding critical stress management: Crisis - An acute emotional reaction to a powerful stimulus or demand. The characteristicsof a crisis are: 1) the usual balance between thinking and emotions is disturbed; 2) usualcoping mechanisms fail; 3) there is evidence of distress, impairment or dysfunction in theindividual or group involved in a crisis.Outreach

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21 | THE BEACON SPRING 2025Critical Incident - An unusually challenging event that has the potential to createsignificant human distress and interfere with one’s usual coping mechanisms.Critical Incident Stress - A state of cognitive, physical, emotional, behavioral and spiritualprovocation that accompanies the crisis reaction.Crisis Intervention - Temporary but active and supportive entry into the life of individualsor groups during a period of extreme distress.Incident Defusing - A small group process provided shortly after a traumatic event and/orbefore a group leaves the workplace. Defusing offers an opportunity to beginexploration of the individual reactions to an event and is an opportunity to provideimmediate information on healthy coping.Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) - A seven-step group crisis intervention tooldesigned to assist a homogenous group after an exposure to a significant traumaticevent. CISD is not a stand-alone process and should be provided within an integratedpackage of interventions. For more information, write: community@stchrischurch.org.*Source: International Critical Incident Stress FoundationOutreach Con’tGrief ShareYou don’t have to go through thegrieving process alone. It may behard for you to feel optimistic aboutthe future right now. If you’ve lost aspouse, child, family member, orfriend, you’ve probably found thereare not many people whounderstand the deep hurt you feel.This can be a confusing time whenyou feel isolated and have manyquestions about things you’ve neverfaced before. GriefShare is a 13-week support group led by people who understand whatyou are going through and want to help. You’ll gain access to valuable GriefShareresources to help you recover from your loss and look forward to rebuilding your life.Mondays from 10:00 - 11:30am beginning March 24th. To register or for moreinformation contact Fr. Brian at the church office.

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22 | THE BEACON SPRING 2025 ofIt is that time of year inLouisiana and Southeast Texas,crawfish season! The women of the Wednesdaymorning Bible Study groupoccasionally indulge themselvesin potluck luncheons withgoodies shared from their ownkitchens. We always anticipatethe exceptionally scrumptiousdishes from Darla Roberts! Her food never disappoints! Continued on next pageWe never want to miss anyrecipe from Mtr. Viktoria! Ifyou’ve attended any potlucklunch, supper, or even theNavajo Sunday School class,you will have greatly enjoyedher serendipitous treats andrecipes. She, has graciouslyallowed us to share her recipefor the gluten-free cakedonuts that she made for thereception of Alex’sintroduction to St. Chris.

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23 | THE BEACON SPRING 2025Donut Batter Instructions:Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt on medium speed. Drop speed to slow and add eggs, vanilla,and oil. Add milk last. Continue mixing until just combined. Spoon batter into pans, filling each wellhalfway. Go back around if there is batter left. Tap the pan a bit to settle the batter. Bake about 8minutes. Ovens are different! The donuts should rise, golden, and spring back to the touch. Remove andlet cool for about 5 minutes. Overturn metal pan or push donuts gently from silicone forms onto a wirerack. Use mitts! If you need to loosen, prod with a butter knife. Turn the donuts upright (as they were inthe pan). Place rack on top of foil or parchment. Allow the donuts to cool while you make the glaze. Thetiming will be perfect.Options: Swerve 1:1 confectioners sugar substitute works; add a dash of spice or citrus zest if you like;non-dairy milk works too; consider 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate glaze; ¼teaspoon of extract (ex: vanilla, maple, lemon), but reduce milk by ¼ teaspoon. Before the glaze sets,try topping with various coarse sugars, nuts, coconut, crushed candies, etc. 1 cup powdered sugar2 tablespoons milksprinkles of choice (optional)Donut Glaze Ingredients:Donut Glaze Instructions:Whisk powdered sugar and milk in a small microwave safe bowl. Heat 30 seconds and whisk again untilall lumps are dissolved. Repeat 10 seconds at a time, if necessary. Holding each donut top-down, dip thetop (about 1/3 of the donut) into the glaze. Place top-up on the rack. Glaze will run down the sides, morefully covering the donuts. Allow to dry to the touch. If leftover glaze, dip again as desired. Reheat brieflyand whisk if necessary. Dip donuts in toppings, as desired. Often, it requires less toppings simply tosprinkle. These donuts are stable in a sealed container for ~3 days. If refrigerated, please keep in mindthat gluten-free baked goods are best when allowed to return to room temperature before serving.From the Kitchen of: Mother ViktoriaCalling all cooks! We love to share with each other what we feed out “little flocks” and friends. Pleaseconsider contributing your personal favorite recipes so your fellow church members can discover thegoodness from your kitchen! Recipes may be forwarded to the church office at office@stchrischurch.org . Please include your name and any stories about your recipe(s).

Beacon Issue 6

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