On Sunday, April 30, Rector Bryan Beveridge happened to be one of the guests at a farewell potluck, given for interim Rector Robbin del Nagro at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church.
Beveridge, the incoming rector, witnessed something that left quite an impact on him.
As soon as the Sunday school children finished eating, they asked some adults if they could donate the uneaten food to a small group of underprivileged Mexican children standing at the church gate. Given the go-ahead, the students filled plates with food and brought them to the children at the gate so that they could bring the food home to their families. The following Sunday, Beveridge watched those same students repeat their generous act.
Deeply touched by what he saw, Beveridge felt frustrated at the same time. “I wanted to communicate with the Mexican children, ask them to join us; to come in and listen to the Sunday school stories. The only problem was that I didn’t speak their language.”
He continues: “It all goes back to the fact that our faith is built on relationships, and if we can’t build relationships with the people we see that have needs, we can’t reach them.”
Ten percent of St. Andrew’s attendees are Mexican, 45 percent are Canadian, and 45 percent are American. “Our goal is to grow the Mexican congregation, but I don’t believe I can minister effectively without being fluent in Spanish,” says Beveridge.
Approximately 20-25 children attend their weekly Sunday school, and the majority speak only Spanish. “Our Sunday school is an outreach program,” says Beveridge. “It is the work of the community, along with the work of a Mexican grandmother figure who brings underprivileged children to the classroom, all of whom are related to her.”
Operation Compassion/Feed is another outreach program that the church participates in. Each week, members collect food donations that go directly to the most needy families in San Antonio.
A year ago, Beveridge was perusing a national church website and spotted an ad for a half-time rector position at St. Andrew’s. He responded, was granted an interview and arrived at Lakeside, along with one other candidate. After going through a series of meetings and social events, he returned home to Canada.
Beveridge realizes that what drew him to St. Andrew’s was the strong sense of community. Also, when church members brought forth the kids from the Sunday school during Sunday morning communion, he says, “I was so moved to see the community reaching out and welcoming these little ones.”
On another occasion, he felt inspired when listening to church members speak about their mission. “I saw that, while many churches look inward, this church looks outward.”
He was equally impressed with the care that the members take in the building, in the people and, in particular, the elders and the infirm. “To me,” he says, “that shows a real sense of caring.”
In December 2016, Beveridge was offered the half-time rector position. “Although the position is half-time, performing ministry is never a half-time job.”
Although May 1 was his official starting date, Beveridge was inducted on May 14. He says, “I am now officially the Rector, the Priest, the Pastor; they all mean the same thing.” At this point, his task is to finish the process of getting his correct visas and permits in place.
His wife, Rita, has yet to relocate here, as she is still tending to their youngest son’s school needs. With a blended family of five, they will all be visiting Lakeside during Thanksgiving, and will experience Beveridge leading a service at St. Andrew’s for the first time.
Having been ordained over 40 years ago in Ontario, Canada, Beveridge worked in a range of parishes, from tiny to large, and served as chaplain to the Calgary fire department. “I plan on being involved with the local fire service, but can’t be of use until I speak better Spanish,” he says.
Membership and attendance don’t seem to be much of an issue at St. Andrew’s, according to Beveridge. “A few Sundays ago, we had 105 attendees. In the winter, attendance was up to 170. I do notice, though, that the congregation feels the pinch financially when the snowbirds return home.”
As the new rector, one of Beveridge’s goals is to become a more visible presence in the community. “Wearing my church garb draws questions and I want to be able to answer all questions in a caring and compassionate way. I plan to get out, walk around, ride my bicycle. I’m also committed to community service. In Canada, I was a member of the Rotary Club and I intend to join one of the local chapters very soon.”
Another one of his goals is to grow in his understanding of his faith community for outreach and evangelism in the community.
Then, of course, there’s the language barrier to tackle. “My plan,” he says, “is to be able to effectively communicate with the Spanish speakers of my church and my community. Me and Duolingo (the online language program) are becoming best friends.”
For more information, see standrewsriberas.com.