Current News
San Pedro is a member of Mission Presbytery, PCUSA. We will be hosting the June meeting on June 16th and 17th.
From their website:
- Mission Presbytery consists of 134 churches in South Central Texas. Geographically this is an area that stretches from the Rio Grande Valley to Del Rio, into the Hill Country as far north as Adamsville, southeast to Collegeport, south to Brownsville and places in between, including Austin, San Antonio, Victoria, and Corpus Christi. The population of Mission Presbytery includes over 300 Teaching Elders and approximately 21,800 lay members.
- It is a governing body with responsibilities for oversight of its teaching elders and churches.
- It is a community of Presbyterian churches engaged in ministry and mission for our Lord.
With 134 worshipping communities and over 300 teaching elders, not many of us can claim to know everyone in the presbytery. The hope of this web page to enable us to have more of a sense of being the Church together.
We are hosting the June regional presbytery meeting, which consists of welcoming folks who have not been on our campus, providing food and fellowship space for the Friday and Saturday meetings, and providing a worship opportunity for the Saturday morning meeting. We need a lot of people serving in various capacities. Sign up below.
Sign up to volunteer HERE
San Pedro is blessed with a host of education opportunities for saints of all ages. Every Sunday morning, adults have three new opportunities to learn with other believers during the 9:00 am hour. Skye Tandy teaches a class for women, Mike Tandy teaches a co-ed class, and Eric Mapes teaches a co-ed class.
Some heavy truths: You help other people grow in their faith. Everyone around you is influenced by you. Whether by your intention or youe omission, your actions, words and choices impact people in your community. You either help them move toward righteousness or brokenness.
So it is essential for you to continue growing in your knowledge of God through God's word. The journey of drawing closer to Christ through small groups of believers was how the church was formed. And at San Pedro, we have three teachers committed to offering creative, interesting and dynamic learning opportunities every Sunday morning.
Got questions? Sign up on your Connection Card or ask questions at church.
Eric's class - Main Building 9:00 am Parlor Room
Skye's class - Arnold Building 9:00 am room 106
Mike's class - Arnold Building 9:00 am room 104
A group of music loving choir members got together to make quick work of sorting, clearing out, and preparing our music files for the latest updates to our choir room. For the past two years San Pedro's been making major renovations to buildings, roofs, and grounds. The latest upgrade in the Arnold Building is the music office and rehearsal space.
Pictured is our beloved Music Director, Mark Twehues, with faithful friends and singers after a quick project to ensure our music library is safely secured for the next phase of renovation. The "grand opening" and big reveal will officially take place on Pentecost Sunday, May 28th.
The collection of socks and shoes took place the Sunday after Easter. On one day, San Pedro Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, TX collected 3,00+ pairs of socks and 1000+ pairs of shoes for local non-profit agency - Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM).
Pictured is Dianna Grippi from San Pedro with CAM's Mary Henderson (Volunteer Manager) with our full delivery.
Llearn more about Christian Assistance Ministry from their website HERE.
About 20 years ago, the idea of a cross wall was created 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.
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.
In a recent written devotional Dr Stamper explores the process of discovering a God-given vision for believers. Like all people, Pastor Bryan acknowledges seasons of personal difficulty and feeling "stuck" spiritually. This 2 minute video is a simple reminder for a practical tip to awaken a sense of God's presence in our lives. If you'd like to sign up for Dr Stamper's daily devotional, the link is 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.
We're growing! With more children attending Sunday morning worship with their families, we're expanding our program into multiple 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 (aka Kid's Church ). Sign-up for specific Sundays through our Sign Up Genius link: HERE. Make a difference.
For more information, please contact our Children's Ministry Directors, Lisa Hunt and Alicia Jeffrey at kids@sanpedropc.org.
Throughout the Lenten Season we have been collecting notes of gratitude from members of our worshipping community. It has been a joy to read and share the notes in worship. The video below is a compilation of all of those notes. Take a moment and read these notes. Your heart will be warmed.
- Pastor Paul
San Pedro is a community of generous saints who contribute to local charities. Recently our Missions Team gave $15000 to House of Neighborly Services in support of their new food pantry.
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/
Children will be singing for our Palm Sunday music celebration. Pastor Paul put together a teaching video for them to practice the words at home.
When I came up with the idea of an outdoor fellowship event for men that involved fishing and hog hunting, I wasn't sure the idea would move forward. But when Reverend Carla Mathews and her husband, Danny, offered the use of their Floresville ranch, it felt like a Holy Spirit nudge to explore the concept further.
It turns out there are other churches in Texas (and around the country) who host outdoor ministry events for men and families. There are even several who put together annual hog hunts! A lot of people enjoy fellowship in God's creation - churches close to great outdoor spaces have been camping for years. And as most people who spend a lot of time outside know, it's not really about "catching" or "hunting;" it's more about spending time with friends in relaxed settings.
So in February a half a dozen of us threw our gear together and headed down to Floresville. The Mathews named their ranch, "Lalaland." It's a 170 acre retreat space for their extended family who make their way from around the country for big holiday seasons. They've expanded and stocked their pond, which now have serious sized bass, a few catfish and lots of brim.
The men who went out in the blinds only saw one hog just before dark, but most everybody some fish. If you'll look carefully at the attached image, you can see me holding up two large bass at the same time. Those were caught on the same, double treble hook top water lure, at the exact same moment. I've never seen anything quite like it, but we got it on video to prove it's not just a fish tale.
Aside from the hunting, I learned a lot about hosting a group of men for a short overnight retreat. In addition to appreciation for Danny and Carla, much thanks goes out to Pastor Paul for putting together a delicious chili meal and two large breakfast casseroles. The man knows how to feed people!
Aside from the food and activities, I enjoyed having a little time to learn more about a few of the men in our church. So if you know anybody who'd like to go on another outdoor adventure, call the office and get in touch with me. And remember we're hosting every other month men's fellowship gatherings at local spots to play pool, throw darts, and enjoy local beverages.
Ask around and you'll find lots of gatherings where food, friends and fun are being organized by San Pedro family members.
On March 4th a group of about 30 gathered to work on our lower lot property. My goal for the workday was to cut down much of the brush that had grown up so one could see down to the street from our parking lot. In addition, we needed to pick up the massive amount of garbage that people have left on the property over the years. As people arrived I told them that it was a big job and we probably wouldn't be able to get it all done in a day. Wow, was I wrong!
I had a conversation with a friend a couple of weeks ago who had been given a very difficult set of things to deal with for a loved one. He was concerned he would never be able to get it all done. He said, “Paul, I thought the good Lord never gave us more than we can handle.”
God often gives us more than we can handle on our own, but never gives us more than we can handle in community. The job of dealing with the lower lot was more than I thought possible. But when my faith family of San Pedro showed up, the job was easy. The job was even fun.
As for my friend, neighbors, friends, and family have been there for him. Folks have reached out, helping him with all he needs to get done.
As I've pondered both of these things in the past days, I am reminded that God comes to us in the form of community, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. It is in community one with another, that we can better see and understand God in our lives.
San Pedro's mission team helped feed 125 meals to local folks through the Mobile Loaves and Fishes ministry in June. Clothing and hygiene items also went 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.
Pastor Paul put together another great song for the kids to learn a Bible passage - Deuteronomy 6:4-5. The children will sing this song in worship in March.
San Pedro Presbyterian Church nurtures a variety of excellent sacred music ministry groups. Recently the Fellowship Team hosted a music appreciation luncheon to celebrate the leadership of Mark Twehues (our director) and Stephanie Price (associate director). In gratitude for their talents, commitment and leadership, and to thank all our musicians, adults in all our groups were given a special pen and customized thank you note (hand made from Libby Fleming).
The choirs practice weekly, where people of all experience levels and abilities are welcome. For the current adult choir schedule go HERE. For information about the bell choir schedule read THIS.
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.
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.
Mark Twehues and Stephanie Price lead our talented vocal and musical ensembles.
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
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 worship song.
The fabulous nuevo cuisine of our own Reverend Paul Gaedke has caught the attention of none other than Chef Gordon Ramsey. Paul had the opportunity to appear on next season of Hell's Kitchen (sneak peek shown above). The time was grueling, and he had to keep it a secret (he never went on those cruises he was raving about).
When asked how his time went, Pastor Paul responded with a curt, "I didn't learn a thing. If anything, I taught Gordon how to cook. Those shows are all staged to make him look good. And I was hoping to get the show name changed to 'Heaven's Kitchen.'"
Pastor Bryan's comments, "I stayed at the guy's house for two months and he never made the same dish twice. Shrimp and grits; corned beef with cabbage, Cuban sandwiches - the list goes on. His wife Gina is spoiled. The guy's a magician. If he opened a restaurant I'd be there every day. Seriously."
Our Fellowship Deacon contacted Gordon's team to hear their side of the story, but all we heard was a curt, "no comment."
NOTE: Obviously, the above work of satire is meant in good fun. But Pastor Paul really is a great cook, and he'll be adding his magic to the upcoming CANO night in June. RSVP your spot(s) HERE.
We've created a new game called, "Where's Paul?" The rules are very simple.
- Find the picture of Paul on our campus.
- Put your name on a slip of paper at the narthex table to enter the drawing.
- Listen for your name to be called at a Sunday winner's drawing.
San Pedro Presbyterian operates with Six elders who rotate for three year terms. We normally add two elders per year, but this year Gina Williamson is filling a position for an Elder who was asked to extend her term for a fourth year due to the pandemic. So our three new elders who begin their terms in February are as follows:
Gina Williamson (2 years)
Kimberly Aplet (3 years)
Jeff Kolok (3 years).
They will be voted on at the annual meeting on Sunday, February 5th.
The following classes are active from January to May 2023. The easiest way to connect to a class is by either sending an email to the office, or asking a facilitator in person on Sunday morning. Adult Education information and people to answer questions are available in the narthex outside the sanctuary on Sunday mornings before or after worship.
Open Sunday Morning Study
Time: weekly at 9:00 am
Leader: Mike Tandy
Where: Arnold Building Rm 104
Contact: Office
Women's Sunday Morning Study
Time: Weekly at 9:00 am
Leader: Skye Tandy
Where: Arnold Building Rm 106
Contact: Women's Sunday Study
Open Sunday Morning Study
Time: Weekly at 9:00 am
Leader: Eric Mapes
Where: Parlor (main building)
Contact: Eric's Class
Women's Wednesday Noon Study
Time: Weekly at 12:00 pm
Leader: Carol Shelfer
Where: Fireside Room
Contact: Brown Bag Ladies
Women in the Word
Time: monthly 4th Tuesdays, 10:00 am
Leader: Charlotte Noll
Where: Fireside Room
Contact: Women in the Word
Women's Monday Night Book Study
Time: Weekly at 6:30 pm
Leader: Betty Hayes
Where: Fireside Room
Contact: Book Study
Saturday Men's Zoom Class
Time: Weekly at 10:00 am
Leader: James Bell
Where: Zoom link (sent upon request)
Contact: Zoom Class
We are implementing new software that will make it easier for our San Pedro family to connect with each other and minister to one another. Our directory is becoming a more powerful tool to help manage groups, ministries, check-ins, RSVPs, communication, and calendars - things that are going to help us stay connected to one another and modernize our database.
This transition may seem overwhelming; so we are asking for your help as we roll out this new system. And if you get stuck, we'll be available during the month of February before and after worship in the narthex.
Here are the steps;
STEP 1.
Make sure your email address is up to date in the current church directory. If you need to update this information, please email the correct information to nico@sanpedropc.org.
STEP 2.
Check your email for a message from no-reply@planningcenteronline.com with the subject line “You are invited to join our directory,” and click “Join Directory” in the blue box on the bottom of the page.
***PLEASE NOTE - IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE AN INVITATION ON MONDAY, JANUARY 30TH - CHECK FOR THIS EMAIL IN YOUR SPAM FOLDER***
STEP 3.
Your browser will open a new tab and ask you to verify your account with your mobile number or email address. Enter your mobile number/email address and click “Next.” You will receive your Church Center login code in your mobile messages or email. Enter the code into the designated place on the web page and click next.
STEP 4.
After entering your Church Center login code, you will be directed to a page that asks you to log in under your name. If the name is incorrect, please contact Nico at nico@sanpedropc.org to resolve the issue. Otherwise, if the information is correct, continue to log in.
STEP 5.
After logging in you will see the directory with the members that have already been added. Above the search bar but below the church logo, you will see a link that states, “You haven’t shared your information yet. Share it now.” Click the link and you will be directed to your directory profile where you can edit any information that is incorrect and join the directory.
This directory is an in-house directory that only members have access to. So please check all the boxes allowing all of your information to be displayed before clicking the “Join Directory” button.
You will then be listed in the new San Pedro PC directory! The FINAL step in staying connected is to download the mobile "Church Center" app from the ios or android app store and sign in to your account. During the Potluck on February 5th, we will have a table set up to help get you logged in if you happen to have any difficulties with this process.
Again, if this seem overwhelming, just stop by our information table during the month of February with your phone. We'll get you set up.
San Pedro PC joins other Presbyterian churches to build another Habitat for Humanity home in 2023. Our build starts on February 4th and will continue through March 25. Volunteers are needed every Saturday. No previous building experience is needed and all tools and lunch will be provided. Please contact the office with questions.
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
Avoid excessive plastic bag usage and show some San Pedro pride at the same time. Available immediately, members can purchase 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. Guests of San Pedro receive a lovely shopping tote with information about our church inside. When you make your donation, you ensure a guest will get one, too.
Totes are available in the narthex. Get yours today, and spread the word about San Pedro when you shop.
The following fellowship groups are active throughout the Spring of 2023. The easiest way to connect to a group is by either sending an email to the office, or asking a facilitator in person on Sunday morning. Fellowship group information and people to answer questions are available in the narthex outside the sanctuary on Sunday mornings before or after worship.
Boomers
Who: {born 1946-1964)
Begins: January
Where: various homes
CANO Saturday Nights
Who: 30's, 40's, 50's
Begins: February
Where: various homes
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
Who: 18+
Begins: January
Where: various homes
Men's Fellowship
Who: men 18+
Dates: January, March, May
Where: Various
Women's Fellowship
Who: women 18+
Dates: monthly
Where: various homes/restaurants
Pickle Ball Fellowship
Who: Men & Women all skill levels
Dates: weekly
Where: various courts
San Pedro is a church that has been blessing our community for the past 50+ years. We support local non-profits, nurture Christian development for all ages, and provide a faithful interpretation of the Bible for local San Antonio neighbors. An aspect of being faithful includes the use of our facilities, which involves ongoing wear and tear on our property.
Our active members know we've spent the last year and a half investing in badly needed deferred maintenance. One of the last, major projects is to correctly repair the Arnold Building roof and to replace inefficient single pane windows. The roof was leaking in several places. Broken windows needed replacing, and several rooms were unusually cold or hot during extreme temperatures.
The cost for this was approximately $80,000. The great news: thanks to the faithfulness and generosity of our members, we were able to pay for this project out of our current funds without a fundraiser. Thank you, San Pedro family, for giving to the Lord for these many years. We can continue to bless our community into the future, and we can turn our thoughts to a vision of what's next. Please make plans to attend our annual meeting on February 5th to hear a vision from Pastor Bryan and Pastor Paul, calendar reminder is here: LINK
San Pedro is fortunate to have a beautiful collection of unique, highly sought after light fixtures throughout our sanctuary and Reynolds Hall (with a few outside the main office). These unique midcentury modern pieces were often used by "the dean of Texas architects," O'Neil Ford. Crafted by Beaumont Mood Lighting, these are now considered collectors items due to their aesthetic and connection to San Antonio.
Each light is unique, but the basic design is consistent. They usually feature round, oblong or cylindrical housings, with the sconce shades coming in semi-circles or having three sides. Their distinctness is in the lines carved into the ceramic with dozens and sometimes hundreds of holes. They were designed and crafted starting in the late 50's, but they are commonly found throughout landmark San Antonio institutions today.
Homes by Ford that have kept their original features in Olmos Park, Terrell Hills and Saint Mary's Hall often have them. Trinity University has several. And even a few Bill Miller Restaurants used them. An in-depth article about these lights was published on the front page of the Home & Garden section of S.A. Life on Saturday, March 13th, 2021. You can read the full article HERE.
It has been an amazing year for our San Pedro youth group with so many cherished memories, new friends, and so much laughter that it causes soreness! Looking back over the past year it seems to have just flown by so quickly. So now, as another year fast approaches, it seems fitting to look back over all the special moments from our time throughout the year.
We started off the year with a Lock-In (which seems to be the fan favorite event) in March where the youth group had some fun with messy outdoor games, late-night games of hide and seek, a movie in Reynolds Hall, and fellowship as they learned what it means to be a friendly neighborhood youth group.
Our youth helped support outreach events and mission projects like the Great School Supply Grab.
Serving our community during the Mission Project week was also something that our youth group showed a genuine heart for serving and a strong desire for building up those that are underprivileged.
Now, most of our faith family has seemed to notice our youth growing closer together and building each other up. Even our younger kids in the children’s ministry have been looking up to the youth, especially during VBS.
Looking back over the past year, it is easy to see how our youth have grown in many ways. One example of this is from when the youth attended the Intercultural Youth Conference this past year at Mo-Ranch where they learned about other cultures and how different upbringings shape the way we worship and how we view the world and what they can do to tell their story to the world.
The summer ended with a pool party and a back-to-school lock-in where the youth continued to learn about what it means to be Loving, Inclusive, Faithful, and True to one another and to those around them.
The fall began with Sunday morning Bible study and Sunday afternoon youth group where foundational knowledge was prioritized and on Wednesday nights our youth were encouraged to help with our Wednesday Night Kids Program.
This year, our youth group really took their centering verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to heart. They have been building each other up and encouraging one another throughout the year and it has shown in the way they fellowship with one another.
Take a look at all the fun memories here.
From PJ Waite -
The Music Ministry of San Pedro is grateful for the congregation's support this past Sunday. The enthusiasm for our basket and jewelry sale raised $1500. This will go towards purchasing additional bells and music, and gives all the SPPC community a part in glorifying God in this ministry.
The choir and orchestra alike are humbled by Mark's gift for Christ-centered musical direction. Thank you, Mark, for your devotion to God, and for sharing your heart with us.
PJ
When does a peanut butter and jelly sandwich represent something more than a part of a meal? For many of us, food is taken for granted. We have an abundance. PB&J's are more of a snack, something from our childhood. But for many of our local neighbors, any food is a blessing.
San Pedro continues to prepare and deliver food through the efforts of our Catholic brothers and sisters at Saint Francis of Assisi. You can RSVP for the next month opportunity HERE.
The ministry is called Mobile Loaves and Fishes - a ministry of serving lunches and dinners to local non-profits, immigrant communities, and shelters. San Pedro Presbyterian serves at Mobile Loaves and Fishes on the third Friday of every month, both preparing meals and delivering them to local apartment communities. The time commitment is only a few hours, families can serve with children.
Alicia Jeffrey and Lisa Hunt serve as the Co-directors of our Children's Ministries. Both Alicia and Lisa have children of their own in our program and are invested in the kids of our church and community; we are excited to have them investing in our young saints. With multiple years of experience and professional degrees, they are both professional educators in the San Antonio school system.
From Alicia:
San Pedro has been my church home for 30+ years. After going away to college and living out of town for several years, it is great to be home. I have an eight year old daughter, Emmy, and I also work full-time as a teacher. I hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. I feel children thrive in a safe, loving, and enriching environment where they are free to explore, interact with others, and are comfortable being who God made them to be. Children learn when they are having fun! My goal is to help set the foundation for a relationship with Christ by teaching children about God’s love.
From Lisa:
It's my pleasure and honor serve as a part of the children’s ministry here at San Pedro. I am a full-time special education teacher, wife and mother of two. As a member of San Pedro Church, it is important to me to grow our children’s ministry by helping our children know and understand God’s love for them.
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 serves San Pedro in a full-time staff position with our main programming team, focusing primarily on ministries to junior high and senior high students.
ESPN reports San Pedro Presbyterian's Director of Youth Ministries, Nico Carrillo, has qualified for the 2022 US Open Tennis Tournament. Barely missing out in last year's qualifying events (pictured facing off against Novak Djokovic in 2021), Nico has won enough matches and he now anticipates a strong showing.
Around the church office, the buzz has reached a fever pitch. When asked for his comment about this unprecedented development, Choir Director Mark Twehues said, "Wait, Nico plays tennis? And what's the US Open?"
Pastor Paul gave his support, too. "There's no way we're giving him time off for this. He can play in the tournament, but we expect him back on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings with our youth."
You can confirm more information about The US Open Tennis Tournament HERE. We have no idea when Nico's playing in the first round, but prayers are welcome.
UPDATE: The US Open is a real tournament, this article is not. However, we do have a passionate group of Pickleball enthusiasts who play at several locations every week. Nico made an appearance and dominated; Pastor Bryan has been showing up to play, too. Want to join them or get on the Pickleball Fellowship list? Get connected with the group HERE. For information about our youth programming, go HERE.
BREAKING NEWS: San Antonio's Fox 5 News has confirmed The White House has invited San Pedro Presbyterian's Business Administrator, Mabrie Casbeer, to serve as their Interim Press Secretary. Balancing marriage to a local San Antonio firefighter, raising three young children, and working full-time at the church, Mabrie nevertheless agreed to help our nation.
Mabrie shared her reflections and comparisons between working as Press Secretary for the President, and serving a local Presbyterian church. Her response,
"Are you kidding me? Working for a church is way harder! Why does everybody make such a big deal about this Press Secretary thing? It's super easy. Have you ever worked for a church? No comparison between the two - the church job is way more challenging. I love it. But it's harder."
President Biden apparently asked Mabrie to stay on through the end of his term, but she confirmed with the church leaders that her calling was to serve San Pedro Presbyterian for the foreseeable future. When asked for their response to the news Mabrie wasn't leaving the church, Pastors Bryan and Paul hugged, wiped away tears, and let out a collective sigh of relief. Collecting himself and trembling with emotion, Pastor Paul replied, "God does answer prayers."
UPDATE: While we enjoy a bit of humor and satire, we include two bits of news to go with the fun. First, Mabrie's new email is office@sanpedropc.org. Second, please note Mabrie is a worshipping member at San Pedro. If you're able to direct your inquires to her during the week, it allows Mabrie to separate her work and worship lives. Sunday is family time for the Casbeers: hugs, smiles and fellowship are always welcome.
Our youth had an amazing time at the Intercultural Youth Conference hosted by Mo-Ranch this past weekend! While the youth group has been to Mo-Ranch before, this was our first time attending this conference, and what an eye-opening and unique experience it was. We were able to see glimpses into the diversity of culture and upbringing within our faith community and celebrate what makes us all different.
The theme of the conference was to “leave our mark” on the world and how we want to make an impact. Our kids learned that the way we leave our mark on the world is by sharing our story with others. While we all come from different backgrounds, experiences, and cultures, we are all One Body in Christ. We witnessed some inspiring testimony, demonstrations, games, food, and stories from various represented cultures that inspired some deep discussion and curiosity to learn about the stories of those around us.
After having some time to decompress and talk about the things we all enjoyed most about the conference, everyone expressed how cool it was to see the culture that other people were raised with. All things said, our youth group had a really good time at ICYC and look forward to the possibility of attending next year with more of their friends.
In an exciting development, the Marketing Team at San Pedro has made a decision about how to creatively market our church to the broader community. After months of discernment, they identified an untapped demographic for church and Christian marketing.
Beginning this month, television viewers will notice our logo on the nationally televised American Cornhole League. Pictured above is one of our first spots on ESPN during a recent championship match (note the logo placement).
To be accurate, this decision was not the Marketing Team. It was Pastor Paul and Pastor Bryan.
Says Pastor Paul, "I realize spending $55,000 on one televised cornhole tournament seems excessive, but I mean... it's cornhole. Who doesn't love cornhole? Think of the exposure! Didn't somebody famous say 'Fortune favors the bold?' I mean come on. It's cornhole."
When asked how this t.v. ad would help the church, Pastor Bryan responded. "Well, you know, exposure and stuff."
So look for our next ad (when we raise more money).
UPDATE: Obviously, this entire article is satire, but the American Cornhole League is a real thing - you can read about it at https://www.iplaycornhole.com. And Pastor Bryan is open to cornhole and pickleball invitations.
The elders of San Pedro Presbyterian Church announce Pastor Dr Bryan Stamper, Senior Pastor, accepted a coaching opportunity in the Premiere League in England. Dr Stamper will be coaching Manchester United for the coming season, serving as a mentor for the world's greatest player, Ronaldo.
Associate Pastor Reverend Paul Gaedke, in shock, gave his explanation:
"Well you know Bryan did really well with his son's 12 year old team. So I guess it makes sense. I think he's going to be flying back and forth a lot. And, of course, we'll be doing a lot of Zoom meetings (heavy sigh). But I'm supportive and excited to see what he can do. And he's making a lot of money."
As part of his agreement, Dr Stamper disclosed that his salary from Manchester United of $2.5 million dollars will not replace his current terms of call. So San Pedro will be still be compensating him while he travels back and forth from Europe. When asked why the church should still pay him, he responded, "Well I'll still be writing the daily devotionals and making phone calls and stuff. I'm also coming around to the 'prosperity gospel' thing."
DISCLAIMER: Obviously the above article is satirical. But Pastor Bryan will be hosting a corn hole tournament for a Christian Night Out at his and Kerry's home. Expect the competition to be fierce. RSVP your attendance HERE.