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holy spirit episcopal church houston texas

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table of contents mission and core values 1 what we seek in a rector 2 our vision for the future 2 how we worship 3 about us 4 our campus 5 history of holy spirit 6 financial health 8 our endowment fund 8 holy spirit episcopal school 9 christian education 10 how we serve 11 children s and family ministries 11 episcopal youth community 11 day of service acts in action 12 prayers of the people 12 community of hope 12 care callers 12 holy spirit s ministries 13

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holy spirit episcopal church w elcome to holy spirit episcopal church we are a warm and accepting community located in the heart of houston our 10-acre campus is home to our church and a school for infants through 8th grade with more than 1,100 members holy spirit is full of energy and optimism our church family encourages people to find their own comfort level in their walk with christ and we have developed classes programs and ministries that foster spiritual growth and fellowship and inspire our members to reach out to those in need and bring god s love into the world we invite you to discover more about our parish and hope this brochure reflects a little about who we are and how god is calling us mission and core values holy spirit episcopal church is a welcoming community with christ as the cornerstone we reflect the holy spirit to the world through · acceptance ­ we acknowledge god s call to accept our differences as we join together on our spiritual journeys · connections ­ we become the body of christ through a broad footprint of ministries that foster deep relationships caring for one another fun and fellowship · teaching ­ we develop disciples through thought-provoking worship our parish school and a variety of educational opportunities · service ­ we follow christ s example of sacrificial love by serving people in need wherever they may be.

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what we seek in a rector holy spirit seeks a rector who has a deep love of god follows christ s example and has a theology rooted in an extensive knowledge of the bible the book of common prayer and episcopal tradition our new rector is a vibrant and engaging preacher and storyteller who will help us apply god s word to our everyday lives we seek a rector who will be a strong pastoral presence in times of need and will be visible active and involved in both the church and school community he/she is a good listener with a sense of humor and an energy that will inspire the church community attract new members and help us grow and thrive our new rector will lead and empower the clergy staff and laity to make a difference in the lives of our families our church and the wider community he/she will remain open to all forms of liturgical expression respect and embrace the diverse worship styles and ministries of the congregation and challenge us to try new things our new rector is nurturing and accepting of all people unafraid to meet each of us at the cross with scripture as the foundation our new rector will both educate and challenge us intellectually and spiritually to live god s word our new rector can articulate his/her personal beliefs clearly and illustrate these beliefs through personal example while remaining open to differences of opinion on issues of faith and christian tradition he/she has an active personal prayer life and a desire to help parishioners grow closer to god through prayer our new rector will commit to continue bringing the church and school together as one body will have the desire and ability to connect with youth and young families and actively will seek opportunities for intergenerational collaboration through encouragement of and involvement in ministries and programs for children youth young families and adults of all ages our new rector will help build a new generation of christ followers derived from a parish survey conducted in early 2012 our vision for the future the following is what we at holy spirit would like to be able to say about ourselves in the coming years this information was derived from a church-wide visioning event held in early 2012 community holy spirit welcomes all visitors into our community we work to bring the whole church together as one cohesive community and offer opportunities for fellowship retreats and prayer which strengthen our relationships offer encouragement and create a sense of connection holy spirit episcopal school is a treasured part of our community and parishioners embrace our school families in fellowship and worship our ministries inreach and outreach events enrich the lives of our community and help those in need family and youth holy spirit offers engaging programs for children and youth and families actively participate in all aspects of church life the parish has a vibrant music program for all ages that helps draw in new members and retreats provide the opportunity to grow closer together spiritual formation holy spirit provides many opportunities to foster spiritual growth and bring people of all ages into a deeper relationship with christ clergy are supportive and encouraging of lay ministries that enrich the lives of the church community home groups christian education and spiritual formation classes are led by trained clergy and laity outreach holy spirit is actively engaged in ministry and outreach through mission trips com munity service days and partnerships with charitable organizations we strive to lift up those struggling and in need so that they may find hope and spiritual renewal through christ growth holy spirit is a community that is growing in membership growing financially and growing spiritually effective communications plays a key role in attracting and welcoming new members and educating the church community about our ministries parishioners offer their time talent and treasure to support holy spirit s mission and continued growth 2

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how we worship t o meet the needs of our congregation we offer three worship services on sundays each with its own distinct character the diversity of worship experiences plays an important role in the life of our church 8 a.m rite 1 eucharist this quiet reflective service in the nave features organ music and hymns without choir accompaniment 10:30 a.m rite ii eucharist in this service we follow the more contemporary language of rite ii in the 1979 book of common prayer with hymns accompanied by organ and a full choir 10:30 a.m contemporary eucharist this vibrant worship service held in the parish hall features holy spirit s contemporary worship team the live band plays contemporary worship music and parishioners follow the service from two large projection screens in addition to our three sunday worship services there is a healing eucharist offered on wednesday at 11 a.m in the nave all sermons are recorded and published on a podcast which can be accessed through our website www hsechurch.org this not only gives parishioners an opportunity to listen to sermons from other services but offers those who are hospitalized or home-bound a way to stay connected with their church family holy spirit has a very active acolyte ministry with more than 60 children and youth serving in the ministry during the 10:30 a.m worship services our younger members meet in our children s chapel for a worship experience tailored to children ages four through 5th grade parents can focus on the sermon and children return to the service to celebrate holy eucharist with their families holy spirit s contemporary worship service podcasted sermons offer those who are hospitalized or home-bound a way to stay connected with their church family for infants and toddlers childcare is available for both the 8 a.m and 10:30 a.m services after services parishioners gather in the parish hall for coffee and fellowship children s chapel offers a worship experience tailored to children ages four through 5th grade 3

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about us total membership 1,195 average sunday attendance 292 easter sunday attendance 710 baptized in 2011 14 data taken from the 2011 parochial report age distribution holy spirit has an active greeters ministry for welcoming visitors to the church level of education how long members have attended holy spirit graph data derived from a vision validation survey conducted in early 2012 4

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our campus h oly spirit is located in the memorial area of houston as the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the nation houston boasts a robust economy award-winning school districts a world-renowned medical center and one of the nation s finest theater and performing arts districts holy spirit s lush green campus reflects the subtropical climate of the gulf coast region with 80-year-old oak trees and plantings of palms and colorful azaleas holy spirit s five-bedroom rectory is located in the rustling pines subdivision in the memorial area the 10-acre campus features the following nave with seating for 600 the church first began offering worship services in the nave in 1969 holy spirit s nave has seating for 600 parish hall the parish hall is the site of our contemporary worship service it offers seating for 300 and features a fully-equipped kitchen for fellowship after worship services and during special church events school facilities include 32 classrooms a library teacher s lounge gymnasium and attached catering kitchen three playgrounds two computer labs two science labs a nurse s station an art room school offices playing fields and an 11-room daycare the church and the school share the nave parish hall classrooms and gym holy spirit owns a 3,100-square-foot fivebedroom 3 ½-bath rectory located in the rustling pines subdivision in the memorial area zoned to the award-winning spring branch independent school district memorial is a wellestablished area of houston with home prices ranging from $250,000 to over $10 million the memorial area spans five zip codes over 30 subdivisions and six independent villages our grounds feature a labyrinth for prayer and reflection 5

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history of holy spirit s ince holy spirit first opened its doors in 1958 the church has been served by just three rectors a testament to our stability as a parish and our commitment to finding leaders who reflect who we are and are committed to furthering the vision of our church body january 3 1960.the rev d hubert c palmer becomes priest-in-charge visiting clergy serve the new chapel until father hubert becomes holy spirit s priestin-charge father hubert serves holy spirit until his retirement in february 1987 october 19 1958 holy spirit s first mission service in the late 1950s the memorial area was considered the far west side of houston bishop john e hines identified the need for a church in this area and officiated our very first mission service on october 19 1958 at bunker hill school nineteen of the 26 people present signed a petition to form the chapel of the holy spirit and build a church on 10 acres owned by the diocese of texas and located at perthshire and tallowood one of the original founding couples are still members to this day january 27 1961.the mission becomes a parish church of the holy spirit is formed and 10 years of active building follow the nave offices and classrooms are completed in 1969 fall 1962 holy spirit episcopal school opens with a staff of three the school opens its doors to 89 students ages 3 through 5 over the years the school has grown to a student body of more than 340 for more information on the school see page 9 1975 elementary school begins holy spirit episcopal school begins teaching its first elementary school students september 1987.the rev d melvin k gray begins his service father melvin succeeds father hubert as rector and serves holy spirit until january 2001 the parish hall has seating for 300 and features a fullyequipped kitchen for fellowship after worship services and during special church events 6

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january 1997 dedication of new facilities holy spirit dedicates a major addition to its facilities a gymnasium middle-school wing of the school full-size kitchen youth center remodeled parish hall and kitchen and an expanded parking area july 2009 first home group meets home groups give parishioners an opportunity to pray study and share in the weekly lives of others in a smallgroup setting the church has two home groups to meet the needs of its members one located near the church and another located on the far west side of town in katy august 1997 middle school opens holy spirit episcopal school opens its middle school and begins accepting its first 6th-grade students may 2000 graduation of 8th-grade students holy spirit episcopal school s first 8thgrade class graduates the organ at holy spirit was created in the neo-baroque style in the 1970s at the end of a revival in historic organ building 2001 contemporary service begins what started as a sunday evening service quickly grew in just a few months contemporary service is now an established part of holy spirit s sunday morning tradition home groups give parishioners an opportunity to pray study and share in the weekly lives of others in a small-group setting december 2009 endowment fund reaches $1.25 million see page 8 2002.the rev d david puckett begins service father david served as rector until his retirement in december 2011 father david was instrumental in securing the current financial health of our parish april 2010 first maundy thursday day of service volunteers from the church school and community take the day off to help those in need for more information on day of service see page 12 2012 holy spirit episcopal school turns 50 7

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financial health h oly spirit has a track record of financial stability and fiscal responsibility although total pledging units have decreased over the past few years the average amount pledged has been increasing and when holy spirit experienced a budget shortfall in 2011 parishioners stepped up to close the gap in 2011 the total pledging units were 239 and the average pledge was $4,024 2011 income loan history $997,144 $533,424 $44,694 auction holy spirit s debt balance is $824,880.09 as of december 31 2011 in 1996 $2.75 million was borrowed for the construction of the middle school and gymnasium in 2007 the community received a $100,000 pledge to match funds contributed specifically for debt reduction this reduced the debt by $200,000 over the course of the next three years in 2009 holy spirit received an anonymous donation of $1 million to further pay down the debt and for new equipment purchases to improve the hvac systems the current note was refinanced in 2009 for a five-year term 20-year amortization and will need to be renewed in february 2014 the loan payments are shared 67 percent school 33 percent church pledges additional donations events and other 2011 expenses personnel programs buildings office additional assessment general expense mortgage p&i $786,011 $109,313 $352,247 $42,208 $125,409 $12,011 $98,305 $824,880.09 debt as of 12/31/2011 our endowment fund what we do for ourselves dies with us what we do for others lives forever holy spirit s endowment fund supports longterm christian ministry and growth in the holy spirit community by providing start-up capital for projects and programs within the parish the fund has supported ministries and projects including the funding of a summer youth missioner continuing education and training for holy spirit s contemporary worship team two student scholarships in celebration of the school s 50th anniversary support for an acts in action service day and funding for vacation bible school since 2009 over $125,000 in grants have been awarded between church and school projects donations from parishioners and friends of the church include cash paid-up life insurance bequests in wills iras and 401k plans if any gift exceeds $1,000 it is gratefully acknowledged with an engraved brass leaf on the endowment tree in the church narthex giving to the endowment fund provides our parishioners with a wonderful opportunity to honor a loved one or create a memorial to someone these are gracious gifts which provide long-lasting benefits to the holy spirit community the fund s tremendous growth over the last 10 years is due to the continued generosity of our parishioners holy spirit s endowment tree 8

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holy spirit episcopal school h oly spirit episcopal school hses is a premier private school for infants through 8th grade and is a key ministry for holy spirit hses combines the best traditions of learning with relevant contemporary programs that promote excellence in instruction richness in service godly character and physical well-being the school follows the tenets of the episcopal identity · a high regard for intellectual discipline · tolerance and inclusivity · service for others · faith and reason as partners · worshipping together following our liturgical traditions hses serves more than 340 students in a small classroom environment with an average studentteacher ratio of 15:1 the student body includes children from more than 39 different countries and there is a natural diversity of faiths at hses faculty and staff look for the values that unite people rather than divide and parents have commented that the school is known for being a place of acceptance and nurture during chapel students learn the rhythm of the liturgical seasons and are also taught to value those with different faiths it is this shared setting where students are invited to take their spirituality further in their studies and out into the bigger world through unique outdoor programs a cultural exchange program with costa rica and various community service projects each year the school participates in day of service on maundy thursday and parents and church volunteers are working to identify other opportunities to bring the school and church together as a community the head of school and rector communicate frequently and work closely together at vestry and school board meetings in 2012 hses celebrates its 50th anniversary beginning with a joint-effort auction in february the celebration honored two of the school s founders jan leach and maureen alfrey holy spirit has also joined with the school to create the holy spirit episcopal church endowment legacy scholarship which offers a three-year scholarship to qualifying students beginning in their 6th-grade year the endowment committee has challenged the board of trustees of the school to continue with the scholarship beginning in 2013 holy spirit episcopal school features 32 classrooms a library teacher s lounge gymnasium and attached catering kitchen three playgrounds two computer labs two science labs a nurse s station an art room school offices playing fields and an 11-room daycare 9

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christian education a t holy spirit we believe spiritual education extends beyond the pulpit our educational offerings seek to bring parishioners into a deeper relationship with christ and help them navigate the rough waters of everyday life holy spirit s family connections class studies current christian literature in the context of tackling everyday challenges such as raising children and building a more spiritual home authors studied include n.t wright john and susan yates john townsend and c.s lewis on sundays children s christian education for ages 3 through 5th grade teaches the bible through a variety of hands-on learning activities including arts and crafts singing drama workshops and gym activities the curriculum based on a four-week rotation of a singular bible passage is designed to reinforce learning and bring the bible to life for our young members in addition to sunday educational offerings there are enrichment opportunities during the week including home groups and morning bible study classes holy spirit clergy and guest clergy lead several lecture series throughout the year on sunday mornings and during the lenten season topics have included · resurrection what it is why it matters · england america and texas three nations under an anglican god · christian virtue the path between rules and instincts · holy spirit god place parish and you · the anglican covenant curriculum holy spirit clergy and guest clergy lead several lecture series throughout the year on sunday mornings and during the lenten season weekdays in addition to our sunday educational offerings there are many enrichment opportunities during the week evening home groups give parishioners an opportunity to study and discuss bible passages in depth in a home setting and popular morning classes for women include a wednesday ladies book study and a friday gathering after school drop-off classes have studied same kind of different as me by ron hall and denver moore and books by rob bell donald miller and beth moore for our youth grades 6 through 12 we offer multiple opportunities for spiritual education our youth education class meets from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m episcopal youth community also for grades 6 through 12 meets each sunday at noon for bible study fellowship and fun all activities whether a game bible study meal service project or mission trip are designed to model and express the love of christ and witness his transformative love to the world 10

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how we serve w e at holy spirit believe that everyone has gifts to share from lending a hand on sundays to reaching out to help those in need to having opportunities for learning and fellowship our church body offers more than 40 ministries here are a few highlights children s and family ministries at holy spirit we seek to build the foundations of his kingdom in the hearts of children and families in our church community each week children gather for children s christian educa children participating in choir camp have the opportunity to lead a worship service and sing for those in the community tion a lively hands-on sunday school class during our 10:30 a.m worship services children hear an age-appropriate lesson in children s chapel while learning about episcopal tradition and liturgy during the summer children and adults have the opportunity to learn about god s word together during vacation bible school children participating in our choir camp have the opportunity to lead a worship service and sing for those in the community and children and youth who take part in summer strummers learn guitar basics and have the chance to play during the conduring the summer children and adults temporary worship service for have the opportunity to learn about adults we foster spiritual growth god s word together during vacation bible school episcopal youth community is active in outreach participating in mission trips both in houston and most recently in san francisco with a weekday bible study group and a variety of fellowship opportunities offered throughout the year episcopal youth community youth in middle school and high school take part in holy spirit s episcopal youth community eyc which meets each sunday at noon for fellowship and study special events like community service opportunities and youth retreats are held throughout the year for two years the youth have led a 24-hour prayer vigil which leads up to the church s annual rally day during the prayer vigil youth lead parishioners in group prayer and reflection the prayer vigil is an opportunity for the parish to pray in a truly focused and united way for our church and for those in need see how we serve page 12 11

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continued from how we serve page 11 eyc is also active in outreach participating in mission trips both in houston and most recently in san francisco where youth partnered with st paul s episcopal church to help those in need in 2010 inspired by the advent conspiracy movement a nationwide campaign that encourages christians to spend less worship fully give more and love all eyc raised the funds needed to build a water well at an anglican church in uganda prayers of the people in the fall of 2008 a number of parishioners shared with clergy the desire to move away from the standard form of prayers set out in the book of common prayer and begin offering prayers written by holy spirit s own members clergy were supportive and after initial training the ministry began to grow and find the support of the larger church body each week writers study the lectionary readings selected for sunday s worship service and with prayer and meditation reflect that message in the wording of the prayers of the people clergy then review for theology and content the prayers reflect the needs and concerns of our church family as well as topical concerns such as civil unrest and natural disasters day of service acts in action in 2008 members of the church community became inspired by the message of outreach that came from the pulpit week after week after seeing the dire need in the community after hurricane ike ravaged the gulf coast that same year parishioners formed day of service held each year on maundy thursday the day jesus washed the feet of his disciples parishioners take a day off from work and provide assistance to a variety of area nonprofit organizations from yard maintenance to delivering meals to working with clients volunteers work to extend god s kingdom and become true disciples of christ in 2011 holy spirit s outreach committee formed acts in action as a supplement to day of service the service days held quarterly provide parishioners hses students and community volunteers with additional opportunities for outreach the parish is also active in ongoing volunteer work with local nonprofits including westside homeless partnership lord of the streets memorial assistance ministries and habitat for humanity for two years the youth have led a 24-hour prayer vigil which leads up to the church s annual rally day during the prayer vigil youth lead parishioners in group prayer and reflection acts in action provides parishioners hses students and community volunteers with opportunities for outreach community of hope one of the ways holy spirit brings god s love to the home-bound is through its community of hope ministry a christian community of lay pastoral caregivers members of the ministry visit with parishioners and non-parishioners in their homes hospitals nursing homes and retirement homes formed by benedictine spirituality and bonded by shared prayer members of this ministry make several hundred visits each year often making multiple visits to the same people members meet each month for continuing training and study and many are licensed lay eucharistic ministers care callers at holy spirit parishioners don t just lend a hand and a heart some are even called to lend an ear through the care callers ministry with approximately 300 families at holy spirit care callers work to touch base with everyone on the church roster throughout the year the calls are an opportunity for church members to share prayer requests and pastoral concerns in a confidential setting and reinforces the message that everyone is an integral member of the holy spirit family 12

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holy spirit s ministries outreach and inreach acts in action care callers casserole patrol community of hope daughters of the king meditation books for advent and lent pastoral friends flower delivery prayer chain prayer shawl ministry shear blessings in a backpack st joseph of arimathea guild christian education home groups ladies book study nooma sunday school for adults youth and children office and grounds emmet s gang holy folders fellowship amen sister friend breakfast club ladies night out men s breakfast pairs and spares saints and sinners seniors lunch out help on sundays acolytes altar guild chalice bearers contemporary worship media team contemporary worship music team friends of fellowship greeters lay eucharistic visitor corps lay readers/lectors parish choir prayers of the people writers side chapel prayer ministry ushers children youth and families children s activities bags children s chapel choir camp eyc episcopal youth community first communion class guitar camp safeguarding god s children vacation bible school day of service formed after members of the parish became inspired by the message of outreach that came from the pulpit week after week 13

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