the outpostpr.b5z.net/i/u/6148273/f/december_2016_outpost.pdf · 2016-11-29 · resurrection. he...
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200 W Lang St, Alvin, TX 77511-2396 I 281-331-5657 I 281-331-1355 I www.gracechurchalvin.com
O ne Go d — O ne Fami ly — O ne T ab le December
2016
The Outpost
Catch us on Facebook Grace Episcopal Church Alvin
In this Edition
Birthdays & Anniversaries Page 2
Rector’s Article Page 3
Programs and Offerings Page 4
Calendar Page 6
Parish Prayer List Page 7
ADVENT WREATH
Advent is upon us. Your dictionary will define advent as "The arrival of a significant person or event," or "the four Sundays leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ." During Advent it is customary to light a new candle on an Advent Wreath each Sunday. Each candle represents
one of the attributes of God shown through Jesus Christ. The four candles represent:
HOPE: The prophets foretold the birth of Jesus, of a Savior who would bring hope to the people of God. Jesus came in the flesh - he was born as a baby in Jerusalem. A star and the heavenly hosts heralded his coming. But those who noted it were few: Three magi, a few shepherds and an old prophet and prophetess.
PEACE: Jesus brought peace to many of the down-trodden when he came into his ministry. He came in power - healing the sick, driving out demons and bringing hope to a nation that didn't recognize him. "Prepare the way" was the call of John the Baptizer. Jesus is looking for a home in our hearts.
JOY: Great joy was experienced by the disciple at his resurrection. He came in Spirit as the Risen Lord to empower the church to spread the gospel to a world broken and torn by strife. The fire of the Holy Spirit danced on their heads and the Word of the Lord was made known. And he still comes in Spirit to guide and direct us.
LOVE: It is love that God has demonstrated to us through Jesus Christ. Jesus will come again - this time in glory to spread his love over all the earth - "coming in clouds with great power and glory."
God demonstrated each of these attributes through Jesus' ministry here on earth and these are the attributes that he instills and encourages in each of his followers. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is that he brings to us: Hope for the future, the Peace that passes understanding, Joy in the presence of Jesus, and a Love that never ceases.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christmas is when we celebrate the Incarnation. It is about God taking on flesh and becoming human. It is about God being born into a world that was broken and hurting; a world in need of a savior, a redeemer. In truth, a world not much different from the one we live in now.
Christmas begins with the birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve/Day and ends 12 days later on January 6. January 6 is called The Epiphany and is when we remember the coming of the Magi to bring gifts for the baby who was born King of the Jews.
There are two different stories of Jesus' birth in the Bible. In Luke, we find Mary's story which includes the "Annunciation," the journey to Bethlehem, the angels and shepherds. In Matthew we hear Joseph's story, with his dreams, the coming of the Magi and the flight into Egypt.
Both versions are full of mystery and wonder - a babe born in a stable, born to be ruler of creation, but noted by only a few. When you think about Christmas, consider the paradox of the creator of all that exists, who comes in humility, to experience his creation in a new way. Consider the great compassion that is expressed through that simple act of love.
Christmas Worship Schedule
Christmas Eve Contemporary Holy Eucharist, Rite II 6:00 PM Traditional Holy Eucharist, Rite I 10:30 PM
Christmas Day Holy Eucharist, Rite II 10:00 AM
Ministries
Altar Guild Director:
Janice Bell [email protected]
Fellowship & Pastoral Care Council Mary Smith, [email protected]
Liturgy & Worship Council Bryan Foulk, 281-827-5977
Janice Bell, [email protected]
Media & Communications Council Donna Tate, [email protected]
Jo Nell Parker [email protected]
Mission & Outreach Council
Spiritual Formation Council Sandra Green, [email protected]
Lay Ministry Scheduler: Vicki Ennis, 281-585-4660
Verger: Bryan Foulk
Vestry: Jim Callan, Senior Warden [email protected] Jo Nell Parker, Junior Warden [email protected] Janice Bell, [email protected] Brian Foulk, 281-827-5977 Sandra Green, [email protected] Glennie Hefner [email protected] Tommy Peebles, [email protected]
Income $136,745.86
Expenses 139,984.51
Gain (Loss) ($ 3,238.65)
Harriet & Larry Ching 1
Janice & Wayne Bell 23
Dilys & Brian Davis 28
The Office:
Mailing Address 112 W. Lang Hours: M-F 9:00-1:00
The Staff
Interim Rector: The Reverend Nan Doerr [email protected] Organist & Music Director: Paul Humphrey [email protected] Parish Administrator: Danny Hermann [email protected] Nursery Attendant: Claudia Pouncey 281-840-3547
Outpost Edi tor : : g r ac ec h u r c h o u t p o s t @g m ai l .c o m
9 John Bergmann
10 Derrell Cobb
11 Jo Nell Parker
15 Terrie Beasley
15 Elizabeth Reimer
17 Mary Morrison
17 Mark Peebler
19 Devin Will
27 Matt Hefner
27 Makayla Lamb
27 Joel Saenz
27 Eric Tate
28 Xavier Houck
29 Linda Juarez
30 Danny Hermann
Ha ppy Birthday
Grace Episcopal Church
One God One Family One Table
Vision
Grace Episcopal Church seeks to deepen relationships with God, bring
individuals together into a family that builds up one another in love and support, and actively serve our
neighbors and community. Mission
In this family of faith God brings together individuals in all stages of
their spiritual life to form an inclusive family. As a family, we encourage
growth in relationships with God, others, ourselves, and the creation, in that we:
Practice invitation to God’s table,
Welcome and incorporate those who come,
Work together to worship the Lord in powerful liturgy,
Challenge, encourage and teach one another, and
Build one another up for ministry in and beyond the church.
Our Numbers:
As of October 31st.
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Vestry Volitions
The Vestry met on November 21st. The main topic of discussion was the search process for calling a new rector. The next meeting is scheduled for December 19th.
From The Rector…
December is probably the busiest month of the year. So many are making plans to travel out of town, or to welcome visitors into our home. We are baking and preparing meals for the holidays and decorating our homes both inside and out. There are the obligatory parties we are expected to attend. The children and grandchildren have Christmas programs at school, and if we are involved at church, there are extra duties for the season. Then there is the shopping and buying of gifts, wrapping packages and getting some of them in the mail. It's just a busy time of year.
Episcopalians especially have a tendency to get upset with people who rush the season. Not everyone understands about Advent, and many people think the twelve days of Christmas starts on Dec. 13. Remember that Christmas itself is only 12 days long - the shortest season of the Christian year. It is also one of the happiest seasons of the year and we tend to want it to last just a little bit longer, and so we jump in earlier, get a head start.
So the question is, how do we take what we have - four weeks of Advent and 12 days of Christmas and celebrate it with renewed meaning? The joy and good will of Christmas has been co-opted even by non-Christians because it has value; and they do this without mention of the ultimate gift of God. How do we really celebrate the season(s) to bring out the meaning of expectation and the gift of salvation that we are given through the birth of this little child?
Each day give thanks for the ways in which God has blessed you. Engage in random acts of kindness to others when you are out. Remember that many people are really struggling this time of the year with sad memories, or very little hope, or overburdened schedules. Let your Christianity be seen/experienced by people you meet along the way. My 'sense of entitlement' often gets me in trouble, so I have to remember that it's not all about me, regardless of how pressed for time I think I am. Give people the benefit of a doubt when they cross your path in taxing ways.
And remember that Jesus came for all of us - even that person who cut you off at the checkout counter or on the road. Make that special effort to be nice to everyone you meet, even when it is difficult. It could just be that you will make a significant difference in their life that lets them know there is a God who cares for them.
A very happy Advent and a merry Christmas to each and every one of you this year!!
In His Name,
Mother Nan +
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DEGEORGE GIFT BOXES
Please consider giving Christmas gift boxes for our annual delivery to the vets at the DeGeorge Center. It’s easy! Line plastic shoe boxes with
tissue, fill them with items from the list on the Parish Hall bulletin board, and drop them off Sunday on the table provided, or during the week at the Parish Office by December 11th. Plastic boxes are available in the Narthex and Parish Hall. These proud vets greatly appreciate your support.
CHRISTMAS WALK-A-MILE Save the date: This year’s Christmas Walk-A-Mile will be held Monday, December 12th. More info to follow.
CHILDREN’S PAGEANT The Children’s Christmas Pageant will be held at the 10:30 AM Family Service on Sunday, December 18, 2016. We are rehearsing Sunday
mornings at 9:15 AM on November 27, December 4, December 11, & December 18. All children are welcome. There are parts for all. For more info contact Donna Tate @ 832.385.6166.
BIRTHDAY CAKE
The first Sunday of each month is Birthday Cake Sunday sponsored by the Rossanos. Join us between the services on December 4th. for cake, and fellowship
GAME NIGHT, DEC. 16th. This month’s game night will be hosted by Ken and Betty Havens,116 Connie, on Friday, December 16th at 7:00 pm. Bring a favorite
game and a snack. Beverages will be provided. If you’re not a game player, just come to socialize with your Grace family.
ELECTION RESULTS
At our November election meeting, Glennie Hefner, Donna Tate, and Lionel Ortiz were elected to three-year terms, and Charles Lamb and Randy Smith were elected to fill unexpired two year terms on the Vestry. In addition, Jo Nell Parker was elected to join Terrie Beasley and Tommy Peebles as delegates to Diocesan Council. Thanks to Jim Callan, Jo Nell Parker, and J.R. Denson for their service on the Vestry for these past three years. Their leadership and tireless commitment has been a blessing to all of us.
Grace Church Sunday School
Children’s Classes All Ages of Children Welcome Sundays 9:15-10:15am
Adult Classes Sundays 9:15 –10:15am Lectionary Class– A discussion of the weekly lessons. Coffee Discussions—A kind of “Sharing Class.” Sundays 9:15am Bible Study—On Hiatus until January. Tuesday-Rector’s Bible Study 11:00am to 12:30pm The Book of Esther.
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Prayer and Meditation
Wednesdays @ 6:00pm
Everyone is invited to join us for this time spent with the Lord. We will use a number of ways to connect with God including prayer beads, centering prayer, and lectio divina among others. Each session will run from 30 to 45 minutes long and will include a brief time of sharing before we pray. This is not intercessory prayer, but a time to connect with God on a personal level. If you have prayer beads, bring them. If not, we will have beads that you can use.
Christmas Poinsettias It is the custom at Grace/Alvin, to decorate the church with Poinsettias for Christmas. The flowers will be put in place prior to the Christmas Eve Services and will remain in place until Epiphany (January 6
th). Your
generous help in making floral dedications will enable the altar guild to create this special Christmas tribute. Donations are available for $12 per dedication line. You may fill-out the form below and mail it to the church office along with your check, or place it in the offering plate on Sunday. Dedications must be turned in, on or before, December 21st.
Poinsettia Dedication Form
Your dedications will be included as part of the service leaflets from Dec. 24th through Jan. 1st. Poinsettias @ $12 per line are given In Memory of______________________________________ by __________________________________ In Memory of______________________________________ by__________________________________ In Honor of _______________________________________by__________________________________ In Honor of _______________________________________ by __________________________________ In Thanksgiving for __________________________________by __________________________________ In Thanksgiving for __________________________________by __________________________________ To the Glory of God by ___________________________________
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
3 Cub Scout Pack 400 Trimaran Boat Race
4 Holy Eucharist (I) 8:00am Christian Education Programs Holy Eucharist (II) 10:30am
5 Cub Pack 400 Committee Meeting, 6:30pm
6 BSA Troop 400—7:00pm ALANON—7:30pm
7 Prayer & Meditation, 6:00 pm Cubs, 6:30pm Choir Practice, 7:00pm
8
9 Private Event (PH)
10
11 Holy Eucharist (I) 8:00am Christian Education Programs Holy Eucharist (II) 10:30am
12 Christmas Walk-A-Mile
13 Bible Study, 11:00am BSA Troop 400—7:00pm ALANON—7:30pm
14 Prayer & Meditation, 6:00 pm Cubs, 6:30pm Choir Practice, 7:00pm
15 Grace Guild, 10:00am
16 @ The Havens, 7:00pm
17
18 Holy Eucharist (I) 8:00am Christian Education Programs Holy Eucharist (II) 10:30am Private Event (PH)
19
Media & Communications Council, 6:15pm Vestry Meeting, 7:00pm
20
OUTPOST DEADLINE
BSA Troop 400—7:00pm ALANON—7:30pm
21 Choir Practice, 7:00pm
22
23
24 Holy Eucharist (II) 6:00pm Holy Eucharist (I) 10:30pm
25 Christmas Eucharist 10:00am
26
27 Bible Study, 11:00am BSA Troop 400—7:00pm ALANON—7:30pm
28 Prayer & Meditation, 6:00 pm Choir Practice, 7:00pm
29 30 31 NEW YEARS EVE
Let us pray
for the Church
and for the world.
Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your name may be united in your truth, live together in your love and reveal your glory to the world.
Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend Justin Welby Presiding Bishop, The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry Diocesan Bishop, The Right Reverend C. Andrew Doyle Bishop Suffragan, The Right Reverend Dena Harrison Bishop Suffragan, The Right Reverend Jeff Fisher Grace Interim Rector, The Reverend Nan Doerr Grace Music Director and Organist, Paul Humphrey
Guide the people of this land, and all of the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good.
Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours and grant that we may serve Christ in them and love one another a he loves us.
Our Administrator, Altar Guild, Bible Studies, Children’s Ministries, Christian Education, Cursillo, Community Outreach, Daughters of the King, Family Promise, Grace Guild, KAIROS Prison Ministry, Lay Ministers, Music Ministry, Senior Saints, Youth Ministry, Vestry, and all others serving you.
Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation…
Barbara Adkison, Bob Armstrong, Windy Arnold, Kimber Ballard, Herb Barrier, Margaret Barrier, Derrick Beaver, Patricia Bell, Louis Bell, Jean Bilderback, Shirley Braw, Lynne Bruner, Brenda Buelow, Nathan Buzbee, Beverly Capeheart, Becky Carbone, Jackie Childers, Ed Crook, Charles & Lucille Dixon, Diane Ellis, Paula Ellis, Joanne Fisher, Jay Fitch, Luci M. Fuller, Jacob Garcia, Elizabeth Gass, Aaron Gideon, Jerrie Grantham, Bill Harris, Roger Ivey, Dalton Jacques, Jennifer & Cory Johnson, Kenneth Lee, Ben Lockett, Alice Megna, Mildred Morris, Ann Oliver, Bob Peebles, Joan Pelt, Vicky Polaski, Barbara Richardson, Angela Rodriguez, Daniel Rodriguez, Elena Rodriguez, Chad Rogers, Joe Rossano, Josh Sager, Jean Slate, A.O. Smith, Shirley Stockton, Myra Thomas, Scarlet Tucker, Fran Van Winkle, Vinnie, Sandi Willis, Mary Frances Wissner.
Our college students in their journey.
Elizabeth Russell, Texas Tech University John Evans, Texas A & M University Allen Evans, Texas A & M University Calli Fauver, Baylor University Carson Fauver, Texas Tech University Linda Thurmond, Alvin Community College
Protect and guide all who serve in the military.
Mickey Alcantara (USMC), Scott Barrier (USAF), Scott Bean, Robert Berger (USN), Christian Blevins, Jason Bryan, Chase Capehart, Taylor Cameron (USN), Robert Carnie (USN), Ryan Cross, Clayton Crouch, David Dezso, Glen Dockal (USA), Raymond Dugan (USN), Thomas Economidis (USN), Mitchell Goodnight, Matt (USN) & David Hefner (USA), Lance Henderson, Keith (USN) & Kurt (USMC), Adam Miller, Ben Meyer (USCG), Shon O’Connor, Tara Parker, Chad Perry (USAF), Daniel Popham, Ryan Popham, Jonathan Prater, Manuel Rodriguez, Josh Sager (USAF), A. J. Soto (USA), Russell Stewart (USAF), John Swanson, William Thompson, Ray Turner.
Our expectant mothers:
Our newborns:
Faithful Departed:
Guide and protect our First Responders.
Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.
Matthew 21:22
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200 W. Lang St. Mail & Office @ 112 W. Lang St. Alvin, TX 77511-2396
Services
Sunday Worship 8a.m. Rite I
9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Rite II
Morning Prayer
7a.m. Sunday 8:30 a.m. Mon-Sat.
Evening Prayer*
6pm Daily *Prayer & Meditation, Wednesdays
Upcoming Features of Parish Life
Birthday Cake Sunday, December 4, 9:00AM
Christmas Walk-A-Mile, December 12, 6:30PM
Game Night @ The Havens, Dec.16, 7:00PM
Vestry Meeting, December 19, 7:00PM
Outpost Deadline, December 20.
Christmas Eve Services, 6:00 & 10:30PM
Christmas Day Service, 10:00AM
Day After Christmas, Dec. 26, OFFICE CLOSED
Member of
Episcopal Diocese of Texas, epicenter.org
National Episcopal Church, episcopalchurch.org
Worldwide Anglican Communion, anglicancommunion.org
Alvin-Manvel Ministerial Alliance, ministerialalliance.net
One God - One Family - One Table