March brings a season of reflection, service, and community at Alamo Heights Presbyterian Church. As we enter the season of Lent and look ahead toward Easter, our church family continues to grow together through worship, outreach, fellowship, and meaningful conversations about the future of our congregation.
Below are highlights and updates from the March edition of The Logos.
Thoughts from Pastor Dave
As we conclude our work with the Center for Church Health (PneuMatrix), we find ourselves entering a time filled with both reflection and uncertainty. It is natural during seasons of transition to have more questions than answers.
In moments like these, we hear the comforting words of Paul to the church in Philippi:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 4:6–7
While these words offer comfort, we also acknowledge the real challenges we face as a church. Questions surrounding budget, staffing, membership, programs, and facilities can feel overwhelming. Yet often the greatest challenge is not the change itself, but the sense of loss that accompanies change.
As a church family, we must ask ourselves an important question:
How do we authentically acknowledge our feelings of loss while also adapting to a changing world?
Through prayerful discernment and seeking God’s guidance, we trust that God will lead us toward the path where our church can continue to serve faithfully. In that process, we will discover the peace of Christ in its fullness.
Let’s begin the journey together.
— Pastor Dave
Chaplain’s Corner
Greetings to all members and friends of the AHPC family.
As I write this on February 28, I am reminded of a date that has long been significant in my life. On February 28, 1993, events unfolded at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas that would become one of the most tragic moments in modern law enforcement history. At that time, I served as a Senior Special Agent supervising the investigative team that had developed evidence of illegal federal firearms and explosives activity at the site.
What was intended to be a professional and carefully planned search warrant action tragically escalated after leaks warned the Branch Davidian leadership ahead of time. The resulting ambush left four federal agents dead and twenty others wounded.
Now, 33 years later, our country once again faces violent conflict overseas. As a combat veteran, I know firsthand that war brings suffering not only to soldiers, but also to many innocent people caught in the middle.
Situations like these remind me of something my father once asked me: whether I had everything under control. My response then, as now, is that the only thing I can truly control is my own actions—and sometimes I struggle even with that.
In times like these, the most faithful response we can offer is prayer.
A Prayer for Peace
Holy God, Loving Father,
Give me wisdom to follow Your guidance in how to live this earthly life. Jesus Christ gave us all the guidance we need through His words and actions—help me to follow them faithfully.
Fill me with love instead of hate.
Fill me with gentleness instead of violence.
Fill me with kindness and understanding.
Help me to see others as brothers and sisters, for we are all Your children.
Guide the leaders of all nations and religions to seek Your wisdom when making decisions that affect so many lives. Comfort those whose lives are most affected by war.
Teach us that peace, not war, is the true sign of strength.
We ask for Your love and grace, Holy One, for we have nowhere else to turn.
Amen.
— Chaplain Phil
Celebrating a Faithful Servant: Richard Garcia’s Retirement
Palm Sunday will be a special day at AHPC as we celebrate Richard Garcia’s 31 years of service as the church sexton.
Richard has faithfully cared for the church building and grounds for more than three decades, helping ensure that God’s house remains a welcoming and beautiful place for worship and fellowship.
Celebration Details
Date: Palm Sunday, March 29
Worship Services: 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM
Retirement Celebration: 10:00–11:00 AM in Fellowship Hall
Join us between services as we celebrate Richard with cake, fellowship, and a special gift of appreciation.
If you would like to contribute toward Richard’s gift, please make your check payable to AHPC and write “Richard’s Gift” in the memo line.
Fellowship: Celebrating a Milestone Birthday
Members of the AHPC Friday Lunch Bunch recently gathered at the Towers Apartments to celebrate Kathy Diem’s 95th birthday on February 20.
Although Kathy experienced a challenging year in 2025, she is doing well and sends warm greetings to her church friends.
Attending the celebration were Fran Parsons, Barbara Mathews, Mary Lambert, and Kathy’s daughter Candy, along with other friends from the group.
Happy 95th birthday, Kathy!
Missions & Outreach
One Great Hour of Sharing
During the season of Lent, AHPC will once again participate in the One Great Hour of Sharing offering.
This Presbyterian Church initiative supports ministries that address:
- Disaster relief
- Hunger and poverty
- Climate change
- Immigration and refugee support
Through these programs, communities around the world receive essential resources including food, water, shelter, and opportunities for rebuilding.
Offering dates: February 18 – April 5
Your generosity helps provide safety, sustenance, and hope for people facing difficult circumstances.
Souper Bowl Round-Up Results
This year’s Souper Bowl Round-Up was both creative and impactful.
On February 1, church members gathered to decorate bowls through a workshop sponsored by Clay Casa. The bowls were fired and transformed into beautiful pieces of functional art.
On Super Bowl Sunday, the bowls were displayed at the church entrance and auctioned in a silent auction.
The results were incredible.
Total raised: $2,285 for the San Antonio Food Bank
Because the Food Bank can provide seven meals for every dollar donated, this means the event helped provide:
15,995 meals for families in need
That’s an average of 421 meals generated by each of our 38 artists.
Well done, everyone!
Habitat for Humanity Update
Our Habitat for Humanity project is now three weeks underway as volunteers work to build a home for Lidia Hipolito and her three children.
This is especially exciting because it will be Habitat’s first four-bedroom home, allowing each child to have their own room rather than sharing.
Volunteers from Alamo Heights Presbyterian have joined members from many other Presbyterian churches, along with AmeriCorps volunteers and future Habitat homeowners who contribute labor toward one another’s homes.
Construction has progressed quickly thanks to favorable weather. The exterior work is nearly complete, and the team will soon move indoors.
Stay tuned for the next progress update as this house becomes a home.
Worship & Upcoming Dates
March marks most of the Lenten season this year. Ash Wednesday was observed on February 18 with a meal and service at the church.
Important dates to remember:
March 7
Daylight Saving Time begins. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour.
March 8 – Special Worship & Town Hall
Combined worship service at 9:00 AM, followed by Town Hall #3 in Fellowship Hall.
Michelle Snyder from PneuMatrix will lead a discussion about the future of AHPC based on the congregation’s recent reflection sessions.
All members are encouraged to attend and participate.
March 29 – Palm Sunday
Bring your One Great Hour of Sharing offering and join us as we also celebrate Richard Garcia’s retirement.
April 2 – Maundy Thursday
Meal at 6:00 PM in Fellowship Hall
Service at 7:00 PM
April 5 – Easter Sunday
Join us for a joyful Easter celebration in the sanctuary.
Education: Wednesday Bible Study
The Wednesday Bible Study continues to be a wonderful opportunity for deeper exploration of scripture.
Led by Pastor Dave and Sarah Mayo, the group meets weekly at 12:00 PM in the church library.
A new study series on the life of Jesus begins March 11. All are welcome to attend.
Our Day School
February was a lively month at the AHPC Day School.
Students and families enjoyed several special activities, including:
- The annual Cowboy Breakfast
- Valentine’s Day classroom celebrations
- Early enrollment for the upcoming school year
It’s always a joy to see the church campus filled with the energy and excitement of our young learners.
Order Easter Lilies
Easter lilies are a beautiful symbol of purity, hope, renewal, and the promise of resurrection.
The trumpet shape of the lily is often seen as representing the joyful message that Christ has risen.
If you would like to order an Easter lily in honor or memory of someone, please complete the order form available in the Sunday bulletin or through the church website.
Order deadline: Monday, March 23
At Alamo Heights Presbyterian Church, every season brings opportunities to grow in faith, serve others, and strengthen the bonds of community. We invite you to join us for worship, fellowship, and service throughout this meaningful season.