the outpost · a cursillo weekend is a spiritual retreat. at cursillo you will gain a deeper...

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

The Outpost

February 2019

Catch us on Facebook Grace Episcopal Church Alvin

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Grace continues to encourage the faith life of her pa-rishioners including the Priest’s Bible Study each week, as well as Sunday school taught by the priest, formation for children and children’s church led by Aubrey Smith. Paul is doing an excellent job of leading the choir and playing the organ and piano for services. Morning Prayer is available three days a week and is led by parishioners: Tommy Peebles, Jo Nell Parker and Bill Wicker. In May of last year, Kitty Haner passed away and left $200,000 to the church. Some of this money was used to do many of the over-due repairs around the Grace campus and in 2019 the vestry will explore different options available to invest the remainder of the money for future use. In the next year, my hope is that we will continue to look for ways to serve the Alvin community by continuing and expanding our outreach efforts. The Fish Fry, Pumpkin Patch, Christmas Walk-a-Mile and our Blessing Box will be ways that Grace will impact our community. In addition, I hope that we will continue to grow in fellowship with our sister church, Holy Comforter, through time spent in Bible study together as well as participation in Holy Comforter’s Farmer’s Market which takes place every Saturday. As we find ourselves already in this new year, the good work and momentum gained in 2018 must not simply slip away. While I have ideas, so do you. The vision of a vibrant parish is always a mixture of two things: our needs and our dreams….and dreams don’t simply come from the top. Building on what we do well, the work of 2019 will be to enhance where things are working and start afresh where things are lacking, missing or needed. Together we do this sa-cred work: me listening to you, trusting you, and empowering you to follow what the Spirit would have you do. And you lis-tening, trusting and empowering me to follow what the Spirit would have me do as your priest. You’re in my prayers…each one of you…every day. Gratefully, Suzanne+

In this Edition

From the Priest in Charge

Birthdays & Anniversaries Page 2

Lay Ministry Schedule Page 3

Upcoming Page 4

Spiritual Formation Page 5

Calendar Page 6

Parish Prayer List Page 7

A Message from your Priest-in-Charge

Since my arrival on July 1, 2018, things have been full and meaningful. A week and a half before this, I was ordained to the transitional deaconate at St John the Divine. I said “yes” to Grace as it was made clear to me when the ves-try interviewed me that they were waiting for someone to say “yes” to Grace and to be ready and willing to grow together. When I heard these words “grow together”, from a church aptly named “Grace”, my heart was stirred and my spirit was overcome with hopeful optimism and excitement. In many ways saying “yes” to Grace took some time, but with encouragement and belief expressed in me from the diocese and others, I decided that if Grace was will-ing to take a chance with me, I was willing to do the same. I haven’t looked back and I’m so grateful that Grace is where God would have me be. The first 6 months of ordained ministry in The Epis-copal Church have been full of lessons. I am finding the best teachers to be the members of Grace who have extended help, encouragement and grace when called upon. Four new staff members have been added to Grace including Parish Admin-istrator, Laura Tate, Children’s Minister, Aubrey Smith, Bookkeeper, JoAnn Hocking, and Interim Treasurer, Gerry Stacy; and Danny Hermann retired this year. In addition, while a deacon, there were 10 supply clergy who helped preside over the Eucharist. Three of these presiders were diocesan staff, including Canon to the Ordi-nary, Kai Ryan+. It was my hope to expose Grace to the va-riety and interesting clergy that this diocese is fortunate to have. In addition, we had the privilege of having Father Rick Benson+ with us for many weeks. Father Rick+ became a mentor to me and taught me so much as a deacon. There have been many improvements made to Grace with the help of out-going Junior Warden, Charlie Lamb. Our church grounds have been cleaned up with trimming of the trees and flower beds. Jim Callan and others helped to see that our playground was power-washed and filled with new mulch. The church doors were re-stained and new locks were installed. In addition, Randy Smith installed a safety gate and rails in the church office to ensure that falls would-n’t happen off the main step down. Lights were installed around the Administrative Building for safety purposes. And, with the help of Adam Arendell, the parish hall underwent a major renovation. Many from Grace worked together to pick out pleasing paint colors for the walls as well as fixtures so that a comfortable and inviting space would be created not only for Grace, but for the community to use. In addition, the bathrooms were upgraded and Bob Poteet and Charlie Lamb laid the new flooring in the parish hall to complete the parish hall renovation.

Volunteer Ministries

Altar Guild Director:

Janice Bell [email protected]

Fellowship & Pastoral Care Council Mary Smith, [email protected]

Liturgy & Worship Council Janice Bell, [email protected]

Media & Communications Council Donna Tate, [email protected]

Jo Nell Parker [email protected]

Lay Ministry Scheduler: Vicki Ennis, 281-585-4660

[email protected]

Your Vestry:

Sherry Campbell, Senior Warden [email protected]

Anna Arendell, Jr. Warden [email protected] Donna Tate [email protected] Tom Clark [email protected] Glennie Hefner [email protected] Lionel Ortiz [email protected] Jolene Guilmet [email protected] Jim Callan [email protected] Jim Thompson [email protected]

The Office

Mailing Address 112 W. Lang Hours: M-F 9:00-1:00

The Staff

Priest in Charge: The Reverend Suzanne Smith [email protected]

Organist & Music Director: Paul Humphrey [email protected]

Parish Administrator: Laura Tate [email protected]

Children’s Minister: Aubrey Smith [email protected]

Nursery Attendant: Claudia Pouncey 281-840-3547

Outpost Edi tor : : o f f i c e@g r ac ec h u r c h a l v i n .c o m

3 Josh Weber

3 Steven Whitacre

6 Lydia Quiroz

8 Nathan Thompson 9 Kerri Flex

10 Sara Scott 13 Linda Thurmond

14 Heather Mathis

15 Naomi Hall

16 Vicki Ennis

16 Maedell Ercums

17 Claire Peebler

19 Carver Mathis

21 Neveah Juarez

21 Tracy Mitchell

25 Paul Humphrey

27 Jan Bettes

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 inclu-sive family. As a family, we encour-

age growth in relationships with God, others, ourselves, and the crea-

tion, in that we:

Practice invitation to God’s ta-ble,

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 minis-try in and beyond the church.

9 Ken & Betty Havens

20 Joe & Joan Rossano

February

LAY MINISTRY SCHEDULE

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO SERVE,

PLEASE SECURE A SUBSTITUTE

AND NOTIFY THE VESTRY PERSON OF THE DAY.

Altar Guild Team 2 Team 3 Team 4 Team 1

LEV Donna Kati Kati Jim C.

WORSHIP SERVICE

8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM

Vestry Sherry Lionel/Jim T. Jim C. Anna

Ushers Phyllis Becky Betty Anna

Carol Ken

Lector/Intercessor Gary Tommy Jana Gary

Crucifer/LEM Gary Tommy Jana Gary

WORSHIP SERVICE

10:30 AM 10:30 AM 10:30 AM 10:30 AM

Vestry Tom Donna Glennie Jolene

Ushers Jim C. Donna Glennie Laura

1st Lesson Donna Mary Jo Nell Randy

Psalm Donna Mary Jo Nell Randy

2nd Lesson Donna Mary Jo Nell Randy

Intercessor Charles Don Don Jana

Chalice Charles Don Don Jana

Crucifer Makayla Don Eli Jana

Gospel Jeremy Gunner Cora

Torch Avery

Torch Cormac

Children's Chapel Aubrey Aubrey Aubrey Aubrey

WHAT IS CURSILLO? A Cursillo weekend is a spiritual retreat. At Cursillo you will gain a deeper understanding of what leading a spir-it filled life is all about. You will learn tools that will ena-ble you to live a God filled life in your normal day-to-day activities. It is a weekend filled with God’s love shown to you through a lay people led team of Episco-palians from our Diocese of Texas. Ordained ministers are also on each team that are for spiritual guidance and counseling. Cursillo begins with dinner on a Thursday evening and concludes Sunday afternoon. It is held at the lakeside cabins and meeting center at beautiful Camp Allen in Navasota, TX. The next Cursillo is June 6-9, 2019 and will be led by Michael Smith. There will be another opportunity Au-gust 8-11, 2019 as well. If you have any questions or may be interested in Cur-sillo, please talk to Aubrey Smith, Michael Smith, or Don Richardson, or me (Kati Garner).

How has Cursillo Changed My Life? I have been a part of the Cursillo community since February of 2010, when I made my Cursillo. It was a weekend that saved me spiritually. I had been through a divorce that was final in December of 2006. I was still dealing with feeling of guilt and anger over my failed marriage. I had to go from being a stay at home Mom for 23 years to suddenly having to provide a home, food, clothing, etc. for myself and three kids-two of whom were still in elementary school. As a result of the spiritual counseling I received during the weekend, I was able to let go of a lot of the anger and feelings of guilt I still held onto. I learned how to “Let go and let God” take over my life. I was able to get on with my life and start enjoying it again. I have now been happily married to Mark for 7 1/2 years. I have been on the team for 7 Cursillo weekends since then. I was the leader of the Cursillo in August of 2017. We were at Camp Allen when Harvey hit. Our three-day weekend turned into a 7-day retreat! We were high and dry and had plenty of food. God provided every-thing we needed. I ask you all to prayerfully consider being part of a fu-ture Cursillo weekend. God’s blessings, Kati Garner

Sunday, Feb. 3rd we will celebrate Boy Scout Sun-day. A blurb from the Boy Scout site below shares more information on what Boy Scout Sunday is, why it falls on this date, it's history, and why it is important in the life of our church as a sponsor.

The Boy Scouts of America have designated the

Sunday preceding 8 February, or 8 February if it is a Sunday, as Scout Sunday.

The day is meant to mark the founding of the

Scouts in the United States. Observation varies by unit and locale. Scouts go to their places of worship in uniform and help with the service.

In the United States, Scouting has been used by churches, temples, synagogues, and many other

religious organizations as part of their youth ministries. Approximately 50 percent of all

Scouting units are chartered to religious groups. These observances offer an opportunity for con-gregations to honor Scouts and Scouters, as well

as to learn more themselves about the value of Scouting as a youth program.

Please be sure to be welcoming and introduce

yourself to the Scouts and Scout leaders on Sun-day the 3rd! It is a blessing to be able to open our campus and our hearts to the Scouts weekly dur-

ing the year and especially this Sunday as we hon-or their commitment to service and community.

We look forward to having you join us as

we honor our Scout Troop and all Scouts across our country.

Scout Bistro

Join the Scouts for their yearly Bistro on Satur-day, February 9th. Seating begins at 4:00 PM.

Tickets will be on sale on the 3rd between the ser-vices. Please contact Brigitte Nelson (832-526-

5158) for additional information.

Spiritual Formation

Children’s Classes All Ages of Children Welcome Sundays 9:30-10:15am

Adult Classes Sundays 9:30 –10:15am Tuesdays 11:00am to 12:30pm Priest’s Bible Study in the Admin Bldg. Conference Rm. Resumes Feb. 5 Topic: “When Heaven Meets Earth” A Twelve Part Study on “Heaven and Earth” from the Bible Project.

Wednesday Night Bible Study The Bible Study hosted by Holy Comforter Episcopal Church Parish Hall (227 Chenango, Angleton TX 77515) centers on a video series called “How to read the Bible” led by Father Travis Smith, Father Preston Weatherly, and Deacon Suzanne. The evening begins with a meal and fel-lowship at 6 PM and the study begins at 6:30. Childcare is provided. A carpool from Grace gathers in the parking lot at 5:10 in order to leave by 5:20. All are welcome!

Morning Prayer Join us every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 9:30 in the Church for Morning Prayer!

Souper Bowl of Caring and Soup Cook-off

150 million people will tune into the Super Bowl while 48 million Americans struggle with hunger. Make a play with @souperbowl #TackleHunger Donate by placing canned goods or monetary gifts in the soup pot in the Narthex. Join us as we help #TackleHunger through @souperbowl. 100% of all donations benefit chari-ty. It's not too late to be a champion off the field! Sign up to #TackleHunger with @souperbowl today! www.souperbowl.org

Our Souper Bowl of Caring concludes with a

Soup Cook-off Today following the

10:30 service!

Join us for lunch

and take part in the judging!

Lenten Soup and Salad Suppers

Circle each Wednesday evening during Lent for good food, fellowship, and inspiration.

(March 13 through April 10)

This year we have been invited to join with other

churches in our community. Each church will host the dinner and will put on a skit and provide music as the custom has been in the past. Our Wednesday night to host will be March 20. We are asking the great cooks in Grace Church to step up provide soups and salads. We will need 10 soups/chilies and 5 salads. Also, we will need crackers, French bread, cornbread, and, of

course, some desserts. In February there will be a sig-nup sheet available. So, be thinking about what yum-my, tasty soups and salads that you can sign up to

bring.

Don’t drive at night? No problem! Call the church of-fice, and we will provide a ride.

http://www.souperbowl.org

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Morning Prayer 9:30am

2

3 Scout Sunday Holy Eucharist (I) 8:00am Christian Education Programs Holy Eucharist (II) 10:30am

4

5 Priest’s Bible Study, 11:00am BSA Troop 400—7:00pm ALANON—7:30pm

6 Morning Prayer 9:30am Bible Study, Holy Comforter, Angleton 6:00pm, Carpool time, 5:10 BSA Cub Pack 400, 6:30pm Choir Practice, 7:00pm



9

Boy Scout Bistro 4:00 pm

10 Holy Eucharist (I) 8:00am Christian Education Programs Holy Eucharist (II) 10:30am

11 12 Priest’s Bible Study, 11:00am Vestry Mtg., 7:00pm BSA Troop 400—7:00pm ALANON—7:30pm



OUTPOST DEADLINE


16

17 Holy Eucharist (I) 8:00am Children’s Sunday School 9:30am Holy Eucharist (II) 10:30am

18

19 Priest’s Bible Study, 11:00am Vestry mtg 7:00 pm BSA Troop 400—7:00pm ALANON—7:30pm


21 Morning Prayer 9:30am Grace Guild 10:00am


23 Private Birthday Party 12-7 pm

24 Holy Eucharist (I) 8:00am Christian Education Programs Holy Eucharist (II) 10:30am

25

26 Priest’s Bible Study, 11:00am BSA Troop 400—7:00pm ALANON—7:30pm

27 Morning Prayer 9:30am Bible Study, Holy Comforter, Angleton 6:00pm, Carpool time, 5:10pm BSA Cub Pack 400, 6:30pm Choir Practice, 7:00pm


*If you have not received a pledge card, please contact the church office

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 Assistant Bishop, The Right Reverend Hector Monterroso Bishop Suffragan, The Right Reverend Dena Harrison Bishop Suffragan, The Right Reverend Jeff Fisher Grace Priest In Charge, The Reverend Suzanne Smith Grace Music Director and Organist, Paul Humphrey

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, Grace Guild, KAIROS Prison Ministry, Lay Ministers, Music Ministry, 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, Demi Anderson, Adam and Christy Arendell, Carolyn Armstrong, Susan Armstrong, Windy Arnold, Kimber Ballard, Margaret Barrier, Sandra & Charles Batty, Derrick Beaver, Louis Bell, Patricia Bell, Joyce Bergmann, Riley Bianchi, Stacey Bitner, Christian Blevins, Stephanie Bradford, Morris Browne, Lynne Bruner, Dianne Buckelew, Brenda Buelow, Jackie Bush, Nathan Buzbee, Beverly Capehart, Becky Carbone, Karen Carmona, Jackie Childers, Wanda Craig, Ed Crook, Anna-Grace Duffy, Lauren & Daniel Duffy, Diane Ellis, Vicki Ennis, Flossie Elkins, Paula Ellis, Jay and Ruthie Fitch, Luci M. Fuller, Jacob Garcia, Cynthia Gardner, Aaron Gideon, Jerrie Grantham, Mildred Grear, Dovie Hall, Mitchell Hardee, Bill Harris, Geri Hawkins, Phil Henry, Lois Horner, Roger Ivey, Dalton Jacques, Debra Kelinske, David Klewer, Judy Klewer, Carolyn Lacy & Family, Bryan Lamb, Danice Laevelle-Cox, Kenneth Lee, Ray Lindemann & Family, Ben Lockett, Lois Marshall, Alice Megna, Mildred Morris, Jim Oliver, Barbara Passmore, Bob Peebles, Joan Pelt, Tom Peterson, Curtis Resta, Barbara Richardson, Donald Richardson, Jim and Elizabeth Reimer, Angela Rodriguez, Daniel Rodriguez, Elena Rodriguez, Chad Rogers, Joe and Joan Rossano, Josh Sager, The Steiner Family, Brooke Stephenson, Shirley Stockton, Joyce Stroup, Neal Squyers, Mary T. Scarlett Tucker, Fran Van Winkle, Randy Vaughn, Bonnie Weber, Azra Kay Weidner, Katherine Welch, Curtis Weidner, Christie White, Tom Williams, Sandra Willis

Our college students in their journey.

Ashton Arendell, Louisiana State University James Beasley, Texas A & M University Catherine Patton, North Carolina State University Protect and guide all who serve in the military.

Mickey Alcantara (USMC), Scott Barrier (USAF), Scott Bean, Robert Berger (USN), Christian Blevins (USA), Jeremiah Bruner (USA), 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 Good-night, Matt (USN) & David Hefner (USA), Lance Henderson, Nathan Hines (USN), 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, Vincent Wilson (USA), Sam Neumann (USN)

Our Expectant Mothers:

Our Newborns: Olivia Belle, Ezra Blevins

Faithfully Departed: We commend to your mercy O Lord, your servant(s), Joanne Fisher and Denny Gideon, that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that they may rest with all your saints in your eternal kingdom.

Guide and protect our First Responders.

Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.

Matthew 21:22

200 W. Lang St. Mail & Office @ 112 W. Lang St. Alvin, TX 77511-2396

Services

Sunday Worship 8am Rite I

9:15 am Sunday School 10:30 am Rite II

Morning Prayer

9:30 am Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Upcoming Features of Parish Life

Birthday Cake Sunday, Feb 3

Souper Bowl of Caring, Feb 3

Scout Sunday, Feb 3

Priest’s Bible Study Resumes, Feb 5

Boy Scout Bistro, Feb 9

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

the outpost · a cursillo weekend is a spiritual retreat. at cursillo you will gain a deeper...

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