Ephesians 4:2-6

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

TRUTH FOR TODAY: We have faith in Christ

“Athleticism”

Are you an NFL fan? This year’s draft of professional footballers was a fascinating process. In summary: teams spend millions analyzing athletes coming out of college (there are a few Canadian players drafted), then analysts review each team’s pick by giving an opinion about the quality of the choice by the team. The camera switches between the new draftee, fans cheering, and the team’s “draft room;” all the while comments fly back and forth from a variety of people in sports. 

If you listen closely, you’ll hear the word “athleticism” over and over again. It’s used like this, “Tom has great hands, amazing strength and speed, and he’s definitely one of the top linesmen in this draft. Teams are really big on this kid’s athleticism.” After a few minutes, you’ll notice its overuse. 

What do they mean when they use this word? Aren’t all professional athletes in football better athletes than the rest of us? Do they mean speed? Quickness? Strength? Ability to jump? Or is it everything that just means, “He’s even better than these other really great athletes?

In this selected passage from Ephesians, there is a word from the Apostle Paul that is used within Christian circles often: humble. The thought is, “Christians should be humble.” But my question is, “What do you mean by how you’re thinking of the word, ‘humble’?”

My perception is that people are using it to mean Christians should not be confident. And while “arrogance” might be debated, that is not the biblical meaning of humility. 

Another reading, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10 

In essence, Christians do not think themselves better than anybody else as it pertains to our status before God. That is, we know we are separated from God as a natural state of the human condition. Nothing of our own merits has ever, or will ever, fix that separated state. And believers, “having been made low” (humbled) by God, are grateful for this awareness that points to a right relationship with God.

As to abilities, there is nothing wrong with knowing you have strengths in certain areas, and that other people have strengths in areas where you are less gifted. Specifically, you should be confident in Christ’s ability to save, confident in Holy Spirit’s promise to give you certain gifts, and confident in your status with God through Christ. 

We’re not better than other people. We are grateful God showed us the true state of our disconnect from reality. 

As you encounter people who do not believe in God, consider a confidence in the One who saves, restores, and renews. 

I don’t believe in myself. I believe in God. And God has given you, and every believer, specific resources needed to advance God’s kingdom on earth. 

There is no way to get the NFL to stop overusing subjective words like athleticism, physicality and my favorite, “freak.” In the meantime, perhaps you and I can reclaim “confidence in Christ” as a way of saying “humble.” 

PRAYER: “Holy Spirit, teach me in the way of Jesus today. Amen.”

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April 8th came and went for the highly anticipated solar eclipse. It passed over our home, for which we were prepared with the appropriate glasses and timing by way of the local news. As news teams gave updates, we peeked outside as a family (dogs included) to experience the daytime darkness. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate - it was overcast so we only glimpsed a few peeks of the changing sun scene between cloud cover. Still, it was exciting and interesting to stand outside through the phases of the light. 

Light is an image used throughout the New Testament, which includes a few verses within Ephesians. For this series on Ephesians, the devotionals will follow along by chapter each week. To get started, here is a fantastic overview of Ephesians by BibleProject. It’s worth a watch. 

May you remember the full scope of “spiritual blessings” God has bestowed upon you and me as members of Christ’s church. 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3

Chase the light my brothers and sisters: read and reflect upon God’s word. Unlike trying to get a perfect view of the occasional eclipse, God's truth is always shining through the clouds of mystery.

And as always, it’s an honor to study with you. 

PRAYER FOR THE STUDY OF EPHESIANS: “Holy Spirit, hear my prayer, guide my steps, be my guide. Amen.”

P.S. You can sign up for my daily devotionals HERE.

Dr Bryan Stamper answers a common question from folks who visit Presbyterian churches: "Why do you baptize babies?" In this short video devotional, Pastor Bryan delves into the two main issues with the question. And at San Pedro, note we celebrate baptism by both methods (immersion and sprinkling), depending on the age and preference of the participant. All baptisms in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are recognized and affirmed at San Pedro.

And as always, questions are welcome. Click the image to watch the short video.

Kids and adults get a special treat on the first Sunday of their birthday month. Pick up a "It's my birthday month" badge and get a birthday cake flavored Hershey's Kiss.

We're asking folks to wear the badges out to restaurants, when shopping and as you go around town. It's an easy way to let people know about San Pedro, and a fun reminder to celebrate God's blessing through your life. You deserve a special treat, come worship and enjoy the San Pedro way to recognize your birthday.

P.s. Keep the badge and wear it for the month of your birthday, then bring it back to the name tag center so other folks can share it, too.

San Pedro puts together a fantastic, family friendly Vacation Bible School that families look forward to every summer. This year the dates are from July 15th through 19th. The cost is $10 per child/$20 per family max. Children entering pre-k 4 years old to 5th grade are welcome. Includes a T-shirt with this year's theme: Champions for Christ. It's an Olympic summer, but it will be an epic VBS at San Pedro. Register your child(ren):

HERE

San Pedro is a community of generous saints who contribute to local charities. Shown is the $15000 gifted to House of Neighborly Services in support of their new food pantry. Our Facilities manager, Jesus Ramirez, delivered the soup collected for Souper Bowl of Caring.

Pictured - House of Neighborly Services Executive Director, Sandra Morales, and Development Director, Linda Canizales, met with our Senior Pastor, Dr Bryan Stamper, to receive this latest gift from our surplus of funds. An unplanned gift, this money represents the faithfulness of San Pedro members to support organizations who bless our neighbors with food, clothing, and support services.

Read more about House of Neighborly Services here: https://hnstoday.org/

We hosted our first ever "Sundae Undie Sunday" event. The turnout was strong with 1,561 pairs of new children's undies collected in one day (and a lot of delicious sundaes were eaten).

All the items and some cash will be donated to Christian Assistance Ministries (aka CAM) here in San Antonio. You can read more about their ministries and service to needy folks in our community here - https://christianassistanceministry.org/

Nico Carrillo has worked with local teenagers in the San Antonio area by way of a local church, and he has his own ministry he created with other folks passionate about leading folks to Christ.

From Nico:

"I was born in San Antonio and grew up in the Floresville area. I pursued degrees in various fields (including culinary arts, and physical therapy) before I followed God's call into the ministry. Following this calling led me to obtain an associate's degree in music from San Antonio College and a bachelor's degree in worship studies from Liberty University.

It was in my pursuit of God that I felt there was more that I could do to glorify Him in the way that I live my life. My siblings and I partnered in a small business, Overflow, where we strive to live intentionally for God's glory through creative worship. This mission includes screen printing Scripture-inspired apparel with eco-friendly practices while sourcing our garments from fair trade and sustainable sources, and then giving back to impoverished communities and environmental efforts.

Some fun facts: I am a tennis player, I enjoy musical theater, and I am a songwriter. I feel blessed and honored to be a part of the San Pedro PC family."

Nico has been serving San Pedro as a full-time staff member for the past two years on our main programming team, focusing primarily on ministries to junior high and senior high students. He also helped launch our contemporary worship service.

Avoid excessive plastic bag usage and show some San Pedro pride at the same time. Guests get one free! Available immediately, purchase these reusable, thermal lined shopping bags with the church logo - three colors available.

For a gift of $10, receive a shopping bag in the color of your choice AND pay the cost for a bag to go to guests. New here? Pick up your lovely shopping tote with information about San Pedro inside (and make sure you're signed up for our Newcomers Brunch - info HERE).

Totes are available in the narthex. Get yours today, and spread the word about San Pedro when you shop.

We're growing! With more children attending Sunday morning worship with their families, we're expanding our program into even more classrooms. We've got a team of teachers but we need more children's ministry helpers.

The Sunday morning program we host is a special time for children. Sign-up for specific Sundays through our Sign Up Genius link: HERE. Make a difference.

For more information, please contact our Children's Ministry leaders: Alicia Jeffrey & Madison Munoz at kids@sanpedropc.org.

[This is a transcribed letter we received from Jean Bakatubia on behalf of his family. They arrived legally in The United States in search of freedom and a better life].

Dear Pastor Bryan/entire congregation,

This thank you letter is intended to show our gratitude. I and my family to the church for all the love and support you have shown us.

I am thankful to you from the bottom of my heart for all the assistance you have given me and my family. When we cam to the US, we had no place to worship. But when we came to church, you welcomed us and you showed us love.

I want to thank Bobby, Dennis, Suzy and every one else for your sacrifice to provide us with transportation to and from church and other appointments.

I am now ready to give myself a ride, and I can't thank you enough.

Thank you for the love and support. This kind of love has taught me a lot and has increased my faith in the Lord.

Pastor thank you for welcoming my family and making us fell at home. I am happy to call you all friends. Thank you.

Yours in Christ,

Jean Bakatubia

Pastor Tobias Green plays and sings a version of The Lord's Prayer that is close to his heart. Enjoy. And join us at the 9:00 am service as Tobias leads our praise team for the Contemporary Worship service in Reynolds Hall. 

San Pedro family members had a fun time supporting local non-profit Christian Assistance Ministries (CAM) as they provide food, shelter and assistance to our neighbors and friends around San Antonio. Folks donated over 500 boxes equaling over 4,000 individual servings of popular cereal brands.

San Pedro has a long-standing relationship with CAM, donating from our annual budget towards their operating expenses, giving clothing for their clients, and collecting specific food items as requested. To learn more about what CAM is doing in our community to provide a variety of much needed support, watch the video here:

Each month we witness the joys of handing out meals to our neighbors in south San Antonio. We package the meals as a team, then deliver 125 meals to two apartment complexes.

60+ children typically show up to take food back to their families. All 125 meals are given out. This is a great way to support our local community! We serve on the third Friday of every month in two teams. Sign up in the narthex after worship for next month's serving opportunity.

Director Mark Twehues and Associate Director Stephanie Price glorify God through sacred music ensembles for worship and special events. Contact the office for information about joining our musicians. Contemporary Director Tobias Green leads our contemporary service of praise singers and musicians. Options to participate:

Chancel Choir - adult singers meet Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm for rehearsals. Anthems, offertories and special selections are offered in worship every Sunday morning. All experience levels welcome.

Adult Handbell Choir - adult ringers meet Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm for rehearsals. Handbells offer selections in worship about once per month. Beginners and experienced ringers welcome.

Soloists - singers audition for special pieces offered throughout the year.

Musicians - opportunities to play in our orchestra and for special moments in worship are vetted by auditions.

Praise Singers - 9:00 am contemporary vocalists try out at a weekly rehearsal, all experience levels welcome.

Contemporary musicians - 9:00 am contemporary praise team, tryouts weekly.

Mark Twehues and Stephanie Price lead our talented vocal and musical ensembles for the traditional service. Pastor Tobias Green leads our Contemporary Service and shepherds our adult education and adult fellowship groups.

From Mark: "I have served San Pedro as music director since 2006. My desire is to bring prayerful music to worship each Sunday with the other musicians and members of our choir. I enjoy inviting others to a deepening spiritual life and relationship with Christ through music. And despite the recent reminder of many winters as a native of Ohio, I love living in San Antonio." -Mark Twehues

From Stephanie: "Hi I'm Stephanie! I am a native Texan, raised in San Antonio. I graduated from North East School of the Arts and attended Indiana University to pursue a B.M. in double bass, but felt the Lord calling me to pursue a B.M. in organ performance as well. I met her husband, Jerrod Price, at IU where he earned an M.M. in trumpet performance. School and work led us to Rice University for a short while before we married at Coker UMC and started our lives in Denver. 

I earned her M.M. in organ from the University of Denver. I maintained an active studio of piano and bass students alongside working at Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church where I played organ, sang in the choir, and co-founded and directed a youth orchestra. Life took the our family to Interlochen, MI where I served as organist at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and taught piano and organ students.  

Most recently, the we've been in Cleveland, Ohio where I has served as music director and organist at First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland as well as teaching private piano and bass lessons. Jerrod and I have been married for 14 years and have 3 children: Elijah (10), Anna (9), and Sarah (6). In my spare time, I enjoy entertaining, cooking good food, and masters swimming." -Stephanie Price

From Tobias: "Our hearts brim with anticipation as we prepare to lead the 9:00 Sunday Contemporary Service and contribute to Adult Education and Discipleship within our new church community. We approach this opportunity with joy and dedication, eager to share our faith, love, and talents with the wonderful members of San Pedro Presbyterian Church. Together, let's foster meaningful relationships, nurture spiritual growth, and spread a message of hope and love, strengthening our bonds and deepening our relationship with God.” -Tobias Green

How does this not have a million views? Pastor Paul Gaedke and Youth Director Nico Carrillo put together this special instructional video to teach our Wednesday Night Kids the hand motions for their Palm Sunday worship song.

San Pedro's mission team helps feed on average 125 meals to local folks through the Mobile Loaves and Fishes ministry every month. Clothing and hygiene items also go out to three different locations. Mobile Loaves and Fishes is a non-profit focused on helping local communities in a variety of ways. San Pedro is primarily involved with their mobile food distribution efforts.

You can sign up to help once a month by reserving your spot to serve at the narthex outside the sanctuary on any given Sunday. Read more about Mobile Loaves and Fishes HERE.

Christian Assistance Ministries recently suffered a fire at their warehouse facility. Our San Pedro Co-Directors of Missions, Melissa & Scott Boedeker, delivered an $11,000 check to Mary Henderson, CAM's Director of Operations & Volunteers.

From CAM's website: "CAM experienced a fire that has done considerable damage to our warehouse which is the heart of so much that we do and enables us to provide resources to so many. This warehouse is located on the Campus of Grace Lutheran Church at our downtown location (110 McCullough). At this time, we are seeking your support through prayer and any financial contribution you would like to make in order for us to quickly repair and replace items."

San Pedro is also signing people up for hands-on work to clean up CAM's warehouse. You'll hear details in worship with opportunities to sign-up in the narthex after worship. You can also register to help through CAM's website. https://christianassistanceministry.org/

Thank you to all our San Pedro members who give generously. Your faithfulness is why we are able to give away extra financial assistance to our friends who serve God at other non-profits during their times of need.

About 20 years ago, the idea of a cross wall was created and named, "Crossroads" on our main campus to show the crossroads the families of San Pedro Presbyterian Church had experienced. It was requested that each family seek out and contribute a cross that symbolized an important moment or event in their lives. The crosses were chosen for a variety of reasons. Some were to memorialize a loss or a difficult situation like an illness, or the death of a loved one. Some were to celebrate a new beginning like the birth of a child, a marriage, a new home, or overcoming a difficult situation. Some crosses were donated to members by other members as personal gifts for a graduation, a promotion, or a new job.

All in all, these crosses span several generations of “life” in this church as well as the people who fill it each day. If you would like to learn more about the significance of each cross and the families who contributed, there is a book in the fireside room with a picture and a history of each cross.  It is important to remind old and new families who and what embodies San Pedro Presbyterian Church.

If you haven’t done so already, please bring a cross to add your footprint to our wall. 

San Pedro is pleased to announce Scott and Melissa Boedeker have answered the call to serve as the new co-directors of our Missions Team! This volunteer position works with our members who coordinate opportunities to serve our local, national and international missions opportunities. They will be attending staff meetings, publicizing events, and acting as our point of contact with the local non-profits we support.

The Boedekers moved to San Antonio just over a year ago, coming from the west coast where they were based for Scott's military service. Their family is excited to join another of Dr Stamper's churches (they were members of his San Diego church). 

Texas is not entirely new for Melissa, who is originally from El Paso. She is a Texas Aggie, earning her degree in Biomedical Engineering and then her Masters in Health Systems at Georgia Tech. She worked as a healthcare consultant for several years. Scott grew up in Tulsa, OK, attended the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, then went on to serve 20 years as a Naval Aviator. He then worked as a civilian for the Department of the Navy as a program manager in San Diego. He served several deployments aboard aircraft carriers while on active duty and spent one year on the ground in Iraq while on loan to the Army. 

Scott and Melissa married in 1996 and spent most of Scott’s Naval career in San Diego, with just a two year break in Monterey, CA, while Scott attended the Naval Postgraduate School. Their daughter, Madeleine, was born in 2004 and is now a sophomore at Texas A&M! When she decided to head to the great state of Texas for college, she asked Scott and Melissa to move to Texas too - so they did (true story!). She enjoys having her parents close, but not too close. So Scott and Melissa are now empty nesters, with just their youngest girl at home - a sweet 9 year old rescue pup, Winnie (pictured).

Scott, Melissa and Madeleine enjoy traveling as a family and they all love living in Texas! They've traveled to 12 National Parks together this year and had a blast exploring Utah, South Dakota, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming this summer. Here in SA, Scott enjoys sailing at Canyon Lake and flying radio controlled airplanes. Melissa is involved with the San Antonio Chapter of the Aggie Moms Club and volunteers weekly with one of our missions partners, CAM (Christian Assistance Ministries). 

From Scott and Melissa, "We look forward to meeting more friends at San Pedro and serving on Missions with many of you. We're new, so we'd love to work with as many long-serving and brand new members (like us). Let's bless our local neighbors and show the love of Christ like so many great people who've been at San Pedro have done over the years."

Please make the Boedekers feel welcome, and take this opportunity to get involved with missions at San Pedro!

We’re excited to add another full-time employee to our staff! In striving to fulfill our vision focus of “Second Campus, Second Service,” Tobias Green, his wife, and two children will start serving the Lord with us at the end of September. Tobias’s primary job responsibilities involve leading the worship team of singers and musicians for our 9:00 am contemporary service, which will re-launch on Sunday, October 1st. 

Tobias is also an ordained pastor, and while he holds advanced degrees, he is not ordained in the PCUSA. However, he is very passionate about teaching God’s word so he will be overseeing our Adult Education and Fellowship ministries at San Pedro. We’re excited to have this integral part of our organizational structure represented on staff every week. He’ll be contacting the deacons and key volunteers who teach and put together fun gatherings within our faith family. 

Here are a few facts about the Greens. Tobias has been married to Jasmine for 11 years. They have two daughters, Karen (8) and Denise (7). They are all currently participating in another local church but will be moving their membership as a family to San Pedro. Both daughters look forward to joining our children’s ministries programs on Wednesdays and Sundays. 

Tobias holds three bachelor's degrees in Theology, Music Ministry, and Arts in Religion, with the exciting prospect of completing his Master of Divinity within the next two years. Jasmine, a dedicated educator with a Bachelor's in Education, is currently pursuing her Masters in Clinical Counseling, a testament to her unwavering commitment to helping others.

From the Greens:

“Our hearts brim with anticipation as we prepare to lead the 9:00 Sunday Contemporary Service and contribute to Adult Education and Discipleship within our new church community. We approach this opportunity with joy and dedication, eager to share our faith, love, and talents with the wonderful members of San Pedro Presbyterian Church. Together, let's foster meaningful relationships, nurture spiritual growth, and spread a message of hope and love, strengthening our bonds and deepening our relationship with God.”

Please join the rest of our leadership team in prayer as we welcome Tobias, Jasmine, Karen and Denise to San Pedro. 

San Pedro PC joined other Presbyterian churches to build another Habitat for Humanity home in 2023. met every Saturday during our commitment period. No previous building experience was needed and all tools and lunch was provided.  Interested in the next build? Look for signups late fall.

As a reminder, Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio constructs modest, affordable homes alongside hardworking families in San Antonio and Bexar Counties. The people receiving the homes participate in the build. Habitat likes to say, "we provide a hand-up, not a handout." San Pedro has been a longstanding financial and hands-on supporter of this area branch of Habitat for Humanity.

If you have any questions please contact: Gene Trevino genetrevino@prodigy.net 210-479-7650

The following classes are active from February 1st to April 28th. Stop in to any of these classes. Adult Education information and people to answer questions are available in the narthex outside the sanctuary on Sunday mornings before or after worship. Pastor Tobias Green is overseeing adult education ministries; he's available every Sunday morning in person.

ADULT EDUCATION WEDNESDAY CLASS

• Fireside Room (6 - 6:50 pm) Godspeed - Eric Mapes

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY CLASSES

(starting tomorrow in the Arnold Building)

• Room 101 Encountering God - Jonathan & Laura Cowlishaw
• Room 103 Life of the Beloved - Mike Krenz
• The Choir Room - Discovering God Through the Arts - Mark Twehues (NOTE - this class is full, do not attend if you have not already signed up)
• Room 105 How to Study the Bible - Martha Krenz
• Room 106 Psalm 23: A Shepherd's Look - Skye Tandy
• Room 107 Gospel Project - Nico Carrillo
• Room 108 The Epistle to the Philippians - Mike Tandy

Reverend Dr Bryan Stamper shares short video devotionals in addition to his daily series of written devotionals. You can sign up to receive the written devotionals HERE.

Three recent video devotionals:

"We learned about the unclean woman that was healed from Mark 5:25-34. We traveled to several continents beginning in Australia, learning of exotic animals and what a billabong is; then to Asia enjoying fortune cookies and a gift of a necklace; then to Europe where we could experience being a woman of loyalty; on to Antarctica to have hands on experiences of cold ice, warmness of penguin feathers, the peace found in a breeze or the mighty force of cold wind; then off to South America where travel groups "created" the perfect woman; next stop is Africa where we made blankets for babies to be donated, then back to North America. 

We shared laughter and tears, made new friends, and were rewarded with wonderful memories.  

Our journey of God's " Wonderfull World" showed us His beautiful creations. We were reminded, at each stop, how a woman's faith healed her.

Bill and Chris McCartney were terrific hosts, we had everything we needed. The food prepared for us was delicious!!!"

This is an annual event with sign-ups starting in the spring through the summer. There are several women's Bible studies and fellowship groups for women of all ages to join. Contact the office for specific information. A special "thank you" to Cindy Mapes for sending our Communications Team this Fall Women's Retreat recap and for taking pictures of the event. The theme was, "Wonderful World."

Dr Bryan Stamper starts a new messages series for the month of January titled, "The God Life." This video introduces the notion of "The God Life" versus the good life. You can sign up for all Dr Stamper's devotionals HERE.