Houston...

Dearest Holy Comforter family,

One of the most memorable lines in a movie comes from Apollo 13: “Houston, we have a problem...”  Today, HC has a problem, but it is the best kind of problem to have. We are seeing new beginnings right and left! The food pantry leadership team first opened a “Christmas shop” and now is looking at expanding to make small household items available for free for our neighbors. Our liaison at Fitzpatrick Elementary was reassigned to two other schools this year and it is clear that without her support, we need to make a change. We have begun an exploration with pastor Austin of Mercy House to try to partner with that program to continue serving children at risk for hunger on weekends.

Mary Lois Monroe and Michael Paul have brought a fresh new set of offerings to the Artists in Residence of Many Colors. “Music Mondays” are filled with laughter, discovery, and the community that is possible when people sing and play instruments together. Watch out for an article soon about a concert series we will kick off in December! We have gorgeous new musical instruments for our music ministry at Holy Comforter and later in this newsletter, you will find a bio and picture of Kris Sanchack who joins HC as our new accompanist/choir director.

Our Wednesday evening family meals have resumed and there is such joy watching a bunch of kiddos running around, squealing, and having fun after dinner. The ECW is hosting another luncheon on September 17th, which will be followed by a Christmas gathering early in December. Lyn Frazer keeps stopping by my office with juicy little tidbits and documents that tell the story of our parish as she continues to make progress with our parish archives. The garden keeps producing okra and hot peppers, and the Paul’s keep harvesting. Haynes Kelley and Mark Semler also keep on keeping on helping with all kinds of small and large and very important “to-do’s” that help keep us running.

So here's the “problem”: we are bumping into quite a number of space challenges. Where in the past, at least since I came on board, there was a lot of room (no pun intended) for all the different ministries to be and do and grow as their imagination and resources permitted, now our work must be more thoughtful and intentional as we look at the use of space at Holy Comforter. In September, I am going to gather a cross-section of formal and informal leaders of the church to look ahead to the space and resource needs of our ministries. There will be a blueprint of our available space and members of different ministries will share with the whole group what they are dreaming of and what space that will require. I suspect that there are more space needs than available space. That means that first, in that meeting, and then with the vestry and finance team, we will need to prioritize and find ways to compromise as we try to be as faithful as possible to all the ways in which our parish is growing in service, community, and fellowship.

I recognize only too well that a process like this isn't always fun or easy. All of us will be challenged to practice much grace, humor, and goodwill. But those attributes are evident in abundance around all our church these days and they will serve us well. If you find yourself struggling a little as decisions are made in this season leading up to 2025 and beyond, stop and remember that these are the kinds of challenges that go with finding new purpose, new direction. We are receiving the gift of life, and life abundant!

Joyfully trusting in that abundant life, onward! Rosa+

Meet Dr. Kristofer Sanchack

Dr. Kristofer Sanchack, Director of Music at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, also serves as Associate Professor and Director of Choral Activities at Alabama State University.

Dr. Sanchack’s wide-ranging musical career began with his study of piano, where he rapidly progressed to study with Curtis Institute of Music mainstay Freda Pastor Berkowitz, whose husband, Ralph Berkowitz, co-founded Tanglewood Music Center.  Dr. Sanchack went on to receive a B.M. in Composition with Honors and High Distinction from Pennsylvania State University.  He holds an M.M. in Choral Conducting from the University of South Carolina, where he received an assistantship in Accompanying, and a D.M. in Choral Conducting at Indiana University.  Dr. Sanchack has served in such capacities as the Keyboard Artist for the nationally-renowned Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, and répétiteur for the Anchorage Opera.  In addition to accompanying numerous vocal recitals and masterclasses, he has shared the stage with conductors such as Raymond Leppard, Paul Hillier, John Nelson and Nicholas McGeegan and singers including Sherill Milnes, Timothy Noble and Thomas Cooley, as well as Ailyn Perez, Evan Rogister and Lawrence Brownlee.  Dr. Sanchack has appeared with the Asheville Symphony, Greenville Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony and Montgomery Symphony orchestras, and continues to be in demand as a soloist and accompanist around the United States, currently serving as accompanist to the statewide "Melody Makers" chorus in Indiana.  As a conductor, Dr. Sanchack gave his Carnegie Hall debut with the Alabama State University Choir in May 2023, to the largest audience in attendance on the concert series.  In addition, he is the director of the Prattville, AL Community Chorus.

also streamed live on our Facebook page

 If you are able, please consider helping to break down boxes in the food pantry immediately after this service. Thank you!

  Michael Paul • Randy Woodland

Weekday Worship 

MONDAY

Compline | 7:00 PM facebook 

WEEKDAYS

Morning Prayer | 8 AM

National Cathedral 

 Please pray for

Parishioners — Joe Albree, Walter Alvarenga, Ann Carlton, Barbara Dailey,

Rob Dailey, Fred Earle, Sidney Hennessey, Scott Lollar, Eddie Norred,

John Parker, Lea Russell, Judith Granger Ward,

Randy Woodland, Evie Yonker, Barbara Zdanis

Friends — Gay Curlin, Harry Curlin, Wayne Goble, Janet Hutto,

Jon Kusa, Laura, Mike Lloyd, Shelly McCown, Susan Ray

Students — Davis Dickert, Grayson Dickert, Matthew Franklin,

Will Franklin, Anna Hoffman, Addie Hoffman,

Sam Lee, Michael Moore, Aiken Via

In loving memory,

T.J. Esco, Donald Fox