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200 W Lang St, Alvin, TX 77511-2396 I 281-331-5657 I 281-331-0143 fax I www.gracechurchalvin.com
O ne Go d — O ne Fami ly — O ne T ab le
Grace Church Family to Gather on January 19th
for Annual Parish Meeting
The members of Grace Episcopal Church gather for
the Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, January 19th
at 9:15 a.m. between the two services. Come one,
come all, and please sign up right away, at least by
January 12th, to bring simple breakfast items: to
share. We will elect a new parish representative for
the Verna Browning Fund Board, pick up new
address directories, receive a financial report for
2013 and see the plan for 2014. We will honor
vestry members who just completed their term. We
will take a look at the year ahead in terms of our
parish vision and goals, the diocesan assessment
for developing our children’s and youth ministries.
Everyone will be invited to join one of the listening
groups some meeting on February 16th, some on
February 17th for conversation with the Diocesan
developers. We will also hear an update on the
property acquisition in process and the plans for
facility improvement.
January 2014
The Outpost
Catch us on Facebook Grace Episcopal Church Alvin
In this Edition
Vestry Highlights Page 2
Rector’s Article Page 3
Programs and Offerings Page 4
News and Notes Page 5
January Calendar Page 6
The Episcopal Church at Its Best When Mission Minded
by David W. Price
The Episcopal Church has a rich heritage, one
that we cherish a lot. It is part of the whole
stream of Church history, two thousand years
long. Amazing developments arose through the
dramatic evolution of Christian faith and
practice. The Patristic era was one of defining
doctrine, belief and practice. The Middle-Ages
rocked with the drama of the struggle of power
as nation states rose and fell in influence, and as
the powers of church and state tested varying
angles of relationship and tension. Saints,
liturgies, monasteries, art, music, architecture:
these things shaped every age of the church and
continue to shape us.
Still, we have to admit, the message of Jesus is a
simple one, about the Love of God breaking into
the world and ushering in God’s reign, what the
Gospel’s tend to call, “the Kingdom of God.” So
the Church at its core, can never be about its
past. Rather, taking guidance and insights from
the past, the church is about moving with the
Good News into the future. We believe that
Christ is still born into the world, even through
our work right here in our area.
The Mission-Minded church takes the current
culture seriously. Learning what people are
dealing with here and now, and presenting the
love of God in as fresh a way as possible. Like
the numbers on the calendar and seasons and
technologies change, so our ways of delivering
the changeless love of God finds its new
effective ways too. Ask God: “What brand new
thing will you have me do, and what things will
you have Grace Church as a Family do this
year? Life in Christ is ever a mission and an
adventure.
Ministries
Altar Guild Director:
S. Wayne Mathis, [email protected]
Congregational Care Council
Deacon CarolAnn Mills, 281-756-8009 Lydia Quiroz, [email protected] Mary Smith, [email protected]
Liturgy & Worship Council
John Bergmann, 281-331-6908 Mary Smith, [email protected]
Media & Communications Council
John Bergmann, 281-331-6908 Donna Tate, [email protected]
Mission & Outreach Council
Ken Havens, 281-585-3327 Lydia Quiroz, [email protected] Aubrey Stokes, musicofthenight1086
@yahoo.com Donna Tate, [email protected]
Spiritual Formation Council Kati Garner, [email protected]
Frances Lamb, 281-814-0867 or [email protected]
Deacon Joe Mills, [email protected] Aubrey Stokes, musicofthenight1086
@yahoo.com
LEM Scheduler: Leah Jones, [email protected]
Vergers:
John Bergmann Kati Garner
S Wayne Mathis
Vestry: Mary Smith, Senior Warden 2014 [email protected] Aubrey Stokes [email protected] Frances Lamb 281-814-0867, [email protected] Kati Garner, [email protected]
Ken Havens, 281-585-3327 Lydia Quiroz, [email protected] Jim Callan, [email protected] JR Denson, [email protected] Jo Nell Parker, [email protected]
Income $200,021.39
Expenses 200,708.25
Gain (Loss) $ (686.86)
Celebrate Life
VESTRY VOLITIONS The vestry met at its regular meet-ing on Tuesday evening, December 17 in the church office. Orders of business included the Treasurers report with figures reported at right at the bottom of this page. A report on the Property Acquisition Project indicated that three different inspections were conducted (Air Conditioning, General Building, and Structural Engineering). The inspections revealed that the HVAC equipment was in better condition than expected. There is a need to remedy a huge oak tree limb that is too near the roof. That, and a slope of the slab with a low point on the south edge of the building need to be addressed in final negotiations with the seller. Stewardship progress showed 58 pledges, representing 83% of needed pledge revenues for targeted goals. Follow-up action for the campaign was discussed. Ministry Council Reports were heard, and a preview of Diocesan Development Team for Youth and Chil-dren’s ministries, scheduled for mid-February outlined. The next meeting is Tuesday, January 20 at 7:00 pm in the church office. These meetings are public and anyone is welcome.
The Office: Hours: M-F 9:00-1:00
The Staff Rector: The Reverend David W. Price [email protected] Youth Minister: Ryan Perry [email protected] Deacon: CarolAnn Mills [email protected] Deacon: Dr. Joseph M. Mills [email protected] Organist & Music Director: Len DePrang, [email protected] Parish Administrator: Danny Hermann [email protected]
Outpost Edi tor: Par ish Of f ice Staf f I o f f ice@gracechurchalv in.com I 281 -331-5657
7 James Beasley
7 Sam Doerr
7 Leah Jones
10 Carlton Anderson
11 Diane Ellis
11 Chris Morrison
12 Elizabeth Burford
13 Bailey Ann Hector
14 Daniel Bruner
15 Diane Doren
15 Noelle Wiggins
16 Beth Taylor
18 Justin Folk
18 Elizabeth Stokes
24 Stephanie Bradford
24 Jana Callen
25 Opal Anderson
25 Caroline Hall
27 James Morse
27 Joe Schneider
27 Phyllis Wall
28 Don Hanselman
30 Dick Regenburgh
31 Lynda Lamprecht
Ha
ppy
Bir
thda
y
Mr. & Mrs. Gene Palmer 1/2
Jan and Joe Schneider 1/14
Our Numbers: Year to date
November 31, 2013
Page 2
few moments
with Father David…
Committed to Mission
The year 2014 is here, can you believe it? Because of our faith and
scriptural/liturgical practice, we begin this year steeped in the themes of
the new thing that God brings about in the gift of his Son, our Lord Jesus
Christ. The Epiphany is the feast recalling how the Gentile nations were
signaled about this new light that shines in the world. Magi brought gifts
to the newborn king. God gives to us; we give to God. Such is the rhythm
of the Christian Life. God’s is an open gift, intended for all who will
receive it. Our giving should be the same...an open gift to all who will
receive it. The Church was never supposed to be inwardly focused, but
ready to honor God by focusing on those not yet part of the Body of
Christ. We are to have a mission centered core to our purpose.
To cultivate this missional orientation, we need to be generous,
innovative, and industrious. This is the year when our number of pledges
submitted can reach a new mark, and allow us the freedom to bolster our
work in the community. We will also be unafraid from this generous spirit
to launch a campaign for capital improvements so necessary to support
fresh ministries.
We must be willing to try new initiatives. The team from the diocesan
spiritual formation division will be here next month, helping us develop
our children’s and youth ministries. We must dive in to the listening
groups, where these developers will listen to our insights about what has
been and what can be. In all areas of ministry...pastoral care, outreach,
spiritual growth, we must fearlessly spring into what the Spirit leads us to
try. Ours is a time and a culture in which stubborn service of an
establishment mode will get us no where. Mobilizing enthusiastic
initiatives that fit our vision and mission principles will move and
energize the parish.
All of this will take effort from everybody. The system of the various
councils is allowing more people to jump in and plan things, do things, be
involved in ministry. Pick a parish council that fits your passion:
Congregational Care, Mission & Outreach, Spiritual Formation, Media &
Communication, Liturgy & Worship. Or join in to programs that embody
these areas of focus. Let’s work together to realize the generous,
innovative, industrious church that the Holy Spirit is inspiring us to be.
Happy and Blessed New Year to you and yours.
David +
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 Grace Episcopal Church,
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 behond
the church.
Page 3
Stewardship Summit There is no reason to expect less than our goal, no reason to settle for “almost.” Once we receive just 11 more pledges, we will set a new benchmark in our congregational health and our capacity to do ministry this year. Our goal is 70 pledges, It has not been seen at Grace Church, but this year we can see it. Jesus said “I came that you might have life and that you might have it abundantly,” Fr. Price predicts that by the end of January, we will reach this mark, and realize our need to expand our capacity for mission in this community. Pray and step out in faith as God speaks to your heart. Pick up a card in the church narthex, or call our church office at 281-331-5657. Thank you to everyone who has already pledged for our 2014 Stewardship Pledge drive.
Vestry Members and Council Delegates Jim Callan, Jo Nell Parker and JR Denson begin their terms on vestry this month. S. Wayne Mathis, Leah Jones and new Sr. Warden, Mary Smith will represent us at Diocesan Council next month.
Sunday
evening
Bible Study 7-8:30 p.m. This lively group is studying the Gospel of Mark at the Deacons’ home at 205 Hillcrest Dr. in Hillcrest Village. Just bring your favorite Bible or two. For more information, please call 281-334-7905 or 281-756-8009.
New Sunday Morning Offering Adult Faith Study
Q. What does it mean to be
created in the image of God? A. It means that we are free to
make choices: to love, to create, to reason, and to live in harmony with creation and with God.
Where is this material from? Why...it is from the Outline of Faith, or Catechism found in our Book of Common Prayer. Wouldn’t you like to delve into discussion on material such as this? Deacon Joseph Mills is leading a new s t u d y o f t h e E p i s c o p a l Catechism during the 9:15 a.m. Sunday School hour in the church office for the next several weeks, before resuming his study of the Sunday Bible readings.
Children Bring Food and
Canned Goods, You May Too
In the Narthex, the foyer of the Church Proper, there are food baskets which are filled and delivered to the Alvin Food Pantry. From time to time, or regularly, bring a little something to toss in, the relief of the hungry in our area.
Thank You!
You Are the
Answer for Parish
Hospitality
T h e K e e b l e r E l v e s a r e
plum out of dough. There will be no
elfin magic to help with Take Ten
Coffee Hour Hospitality at Grace. It
is up to you, now. This Sunday,
saunter over to the bulletin board in
the Parish Hall, and boldly sign on to
bring the refreshments for the
fellowship time after Sunday
services. And like magic, The Grace
Church Sunday exper ience
becomes that much more amazing.
What a sweet thing for you to do.
“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”
Learn to Paint
at Grace Church
The Painting Class begins anew on January 6, meeting weekly on Mondays through February 10. The course of study this round:
“The Gristmill”
Cost: $60 total for all six sessions Instructor: Heather Roy
The work that you produce will truly surprise and please you. Ask Jane Hoffman, Chris Patterson, Phyllis Wall, Jan Bettes Schneider, Mark Patterson, Ruby Adams, or any of our folks who have produced painted pieces in Heathers’ class.
Dedicated Service Mark Patterson, John Bergman and Donna Tate completed their terms as Vestry Members at year end, 2013. They all served faithfully to the benefit of our parish life. John worked painstakingly and diligently as Junior Warden, and Donna Tate showed astounding skill as a parish leader among the vestry, guiding the parish through a beneficial visioning process and a steady course of follow-up through the year. We are fortunate to have such outstanding gifts among the people of Grace Church.
Page 4
You are invited… The Congregation is invited to an Epiphany Open House at the Dea-con's home at 205 Hil lcrest Drive, Alvin on Saturday, January 4, 2014 from 2:00 - 5:00p.m. This is our way to say Thank You for all the love and support you give the Mills. . For questions or directions, please call 281-756-8009.
The Altar Guild: A Meaningful and
Vital Ministry
January will be a month of
intentional recruitment and
enrollment for our altar
guild. The Altar Guild is
organized in teams that en-
sure everything is set in
place for the main Grace
Church worship services.
Our Altar Guild Director,
S. Wayne Mathis takes time
carefully and patiently to
train each new member. An
ideal size guild is twelve
members, allowing each
team to be on duty for just
one week per month, serving
only about four hours total
in that week of service. Lets
make it a perfect bakers
dozen, go for thirteen. There
are several positions still
available. Please contact
Wayne at 832-630-0651. We
will have a special dedica-
tion for members on Sun.,
February 2nd.
Discretionary
Funds at Grace
Our deacons, The Rev.
CarolAnn Mills and The
Rev. Joseph Mills, are
involved in many aspects
of outreach in the church
and in the community.
One avenue of their
assistance to people in
need is through the Grace
C h u r c h D e a c o n s ’
Discretionary Fund.
Our Rector, Father David,
also assists people in the
same way through the
Grace Church Benevo-
lence Fund.
Both accounts are
funded principally by
s p e c i a l d o n a t i o n s .
Moreover, on the first
Sunday of each month the
“loose plate offering”—
the currency and specially
designated checks among
the offerings—always go
to these outreach accounts.
Outreach News
Gift Boxes for the
DeGeorge Center for
U.S. Veterans
We rejoice to report that
the people of Grace
Church responded with
great generosity. Phyllis
Wall and Dorothy Camp-
bell were able to deliver
over seventy plastic “shoe
boxes” with assortments
of practical and fun little
gifts and treats for the vet-
erans. They are already
discussing how to get
more people involved next
year, and make our impact
in this wonderful veteran
community even stronger.
People of Grace Church show their Generosity and
Compassion
Pictured at left is the piano
in the Parish Hall believe it or
not. It served for a short time
as shelving for gifts that were
delivered to a family in the
area, just before Christmas.
Grace Church parishioners
organized an adopt-a-family
gift program in December, and
were able to provide a house-
hold with several children
with clothing, shoes, jackets
and other gifts to unwrap on
Christmas morning.
It serves as yet another ex-
ample of how dear to the heart
the joy of outreach is for our
family of faith.
A Note of Thanks
Dear People of Grace
The Altar Guild would like to thank everyone that contrib-uted flowers during 2013. The Christmas floral presentation was especially beautiful. The flower dedication book has been updated and there are currently 52 Sundays in 2014 available for your personalized flower dedications. Please take a moment and sign the flower book (Conveniently located in the narthex). When paying for your flowers, please indicate flowers on the memo line of your check.
Thanks,
YOUR ALTAR GUILD.
Page 5
Integrity Houston Event at Christ Church Cathedral
Integrity Houston would
like to extend an invitation
to its Annual Ally
Appreciation Night on
January 17th. The location
and time are 7pm, Golding
Chapel, Christ Church
Cathedral. Please see
S. Wayne Mathis 832 630
0651 for more details.
Grace Church E.Y.C. Every Wed.
6:30—8pm
Hey Youth: Come for the
fun, for the learning, for
the food, —dinner is pro-
vided—always delicious!
Save the Date:
Mission 2014
“Week of Hope”
June 15-20
with St. Thomas
College Station
Sunday School Primary ages 3-5
Kinder and First grade Second thru Fourth grade
Junior High School
School is Cool where Jesus Rules!
Classes begin at 9:15 a.m. using a top curriculum, Living the Good News.
Please contact Deacon CarolAnn Mills at 281-756-8009 for more information.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4
New Years Day
(Office Closed)
Prayer Study, 1pm, Parlor Mission/Outreach, 7pm
Deacons’ Epiphany Open House, 2-5 205 Hillcrest Dr
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 8:00 H.E. 9:15 Classes for all 10:30 H.E. Deacons' Bible Study,
7pm, Mills' home
9-11:00 Painting Class Pastor's Bible Study,
11am Parlor
Media/Comm, 6:15 pm
Scout 400, 7pm, PH
ALANON, 7:30pm, Parlor
Cubs 6 pm
Prayer Study, 6:30pm,
Parlor
EYC, 6:30pm
Choir Practice, 7:30pm,
Sanctuary
Prayer Study, 1pm, Parlor Mission/Outreach, 7pm
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 8:00 H.E. 9:15 Classes for all 10:30 H.E. Deacons' Bible Study,
7pm, Mills' home
9-11:00 Painting Class
Liturgy and Worship,
6:30pm
Pastor's class 11am
Scout 400, 7pm, PH
Vestry, 7 pm
ALANON, 7:30pm, Parlor
Media & Comm. 6:15
Cubs 6 pm
Prayer Study, 6:30pm,
EYC, 6:30pm
Parents and Youth
Choir Practice, 7:30pm
Prayer Study, 1pm, Parlor Mission/Outreach, 7pm
EYC Progressive Dinner, 7pm
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 8:00 H.E. 9:15 Annual Parish Meeting 10:30 H.E. Deacons' Bible Study,
7pm, Mills' home
9-11:00 Painting Class
26 27 28 29 30 31 8:00 H.E. 9:15 Classes for all 10:30 H.E. Deacons' Bible Study,
7pm, Mills' home
9-11:00 Painting Class Congregatinal Care 6:30pm
Deacons’ Epiph. Open House,, Jan. 4
New Painting Class—Jan. 6
EYC Parents & Youth—Jan 15
Page 6
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 Rev’d Dr. Katherine Jeferts Schori; Diocesan Bishop, The Right Reverend C Andrew Doyle; Bishop Suffragan, The Right Reverend Dena Harrison; Bishop Suffragan, The Right Reverend Jeff Fisher; Grace Rector, The Reverend David W Price; Grace Deacon, The Reverend CarolAnn Mills; Grace Deacon, The Reverend Dr. Joseph M Mills; Priest, The Reverend Nan Doerr, Priest, retired Grace Youth Minister, Ryan Perry Grace Music Director and organist, Len DePrang
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 Administrators, Altar Guild, Bible Studies, Children’s Ministries, Christian Education, Cursillo, Community Outreach, Daughters of the King, Family Promise, Gold 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...
Betsy, Lennie, Bob & Oney Armstrong, Bob Baker, Bill & Rose Mary Barrier, Margaret Barrier, Jacob Border, Julie Borgmann, Lynne Bruner, Craft Fam-ily, Lucille Dixon, Jan & Ted Doerr, Jay Fitch, Denny Gideon, Kitty Haner, Bill Harris, JoAnn Hocking, William Hoffman, Linda Hykel, Ross Jones, Marjorie Lawrence, Christine Mats, Matt McGuinness, Means Family, Tom Mills, Reid Morgan, Mildred Morris, Chris Morrison, Mary Morrison, The Paul Morrison Family, Stacey Nicholson, Sharon O’Connor, Pat Odom, Bob Peebles, Steve Perrin, Abby Perry, Kimberly & Drake Popham, Catherine Proctor, Reimer Family, Chad Rogers, Joe Rossano, Gracie Shepherd, Betty Jo Smith, Kerry & Leanna Smith, William Stidman, Drew Stuart, Shelby Stuksa, Jim Tostanoski, Gail VanCleve, Fran Van Winkle, Vera Weston, Bill Wicker, Mary Frances Wissner
Our college students in their journey Andrew Price, University of Texas, San Antonio Aubrey Stokes, University of Houston Brittney Steiner, Alvin Community College Cameron Schlegel, Lyon College Carver Mathis, Blinn College Elizabeth Russell, Texas Tech University Grace Windsor, Alvin Community College John Evans, Texas A & M Linda Thurmond, Alvin Community College Virginia Stokes, Texas Tech University
Protect and guide all who serve in the military. Mickey Alcantara (USMC), Scott Barrier (USAF), Scott Bean, Christian Blevins, Jason Bryan, Taylor Cameron (USN), Chase Capehart, Robert Carnie (USN), Ryan Cross, Clayton Crouch, David Dezso, Glen Dockal (USA), Raymond Dugan (USN), Mitchell Goodnight, Matt Hefner (USN), David Hefner (USA), Lance Henderson, Eric Heitz (USA), Keith (USN), Kurt (USMC), Casey McKay, Adam Miller, Ben Meyer (USCG), Shon O’Connor, Tara Parker, Daniel Popham, Ryan Popham, Jonathan Prater, Rusty Rand (USAF), Nick Ritch (USA), Manual Rodriguez, Josh Sager (USAF), Kaitlyn Saunders (USA), Russell Stewart (USAF), John Swanson , William Thompson, Ray Turner, Steve Wilson (USAF), Clint Zgarba (USN).
Our expectant mothers
Nicole Kelinske, friend of the Peebles Sandy Alexander Means, daughter of Donna Alexander Sara Roecker
Guide and protect our First Responders
Let light perpetual shine on Annabelle Fairchild, Bess Pretty, and Tom Wills.
Other prayer concerns:
Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.
Matthew 21:22
Page 7
200 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 *Healing prayer Wednesdays
Diocesan Upcoming Events and Area News
YES #113, Jan 17th.
Night with the Rockets, Jan 24th.
Diocesan Council, Feb 7th & 8th.
Diolog, The Texas Episcopalian monthly
magazine, available online at epicenter.org
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
Need a ride to Church? Please call Deacon CarolAnn Mills at 281-756-8009