Church Web Site: www.christchurchtyler.org

Worship Schedule at Christ Church

The vision of Christ Episcopal Church is to be recognized as a joyful, spirit­filled community of

apostles reaching out and transforming lives for Christ.

Please Note: The Crucifer is published twice monthly and mailed out on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. If you have something you would like to see published in The Crucifer, the deadline for submission is on the first and third Monday of each month.

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Sunday 7:30 a.m. The Holy Eucharist, Rite I 8:45 a.m. The Holy Eucharist, Rite II 10:00 a.m. Christian Education Classes 11:00 a.m. The Holy Eucharist, Rite I 5:30 p.m. The Holy Eucharist, Rite I

Tuesday 8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer, Rite II (in the Chapel)

Thursday 12:00 p.m. Holy Communion from BCP 1928

December 15, 2010 Vol. XII, No. 2

From the Rector: “Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” Luke 2.4­7

He remembers the conversation like it happened yesterday. “I have great news, Joseph – I’m pregnant!” Joseph’s sorrow and disappointment were palpable.

He had hoped to hear this from Mary, but several months after the wedding, not several before. Because he knew he wasn’t the father.

The story she had told – of angelic visitation and prophecy and the Messiah, was simply too much. Until Joseph was visited in his sleep.

The angel said to him, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to make Mary your wife; for the baby inside her is of the Holy Spirit.” The simple man felt his heart skip a beat. Then the angel said, “Mary will bear a Son; and you will name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Joseph arose from bed and went to Mary. His mind swam with many thoughts. Mary had been true to him! The realization that he had been called by God to raise the Messiah. It had all happened so quickly. But at that moment, his life changed forever.

In a whisper, life can change. From the words, “It’s a girl” to “there’s nothing we can do.” The cele­ bration of Christmas reminds us that God has cho­ sen to walk with us. In good times and in bad. To be our Advocate. Our Guide. And our Savior.

The angelic message is more than a word of knowledge for a simple Galilean carpenter. It is a word for you.

Experiencing Epiphany 3 Spirituality 4 Liturgy & Music 5 Children 6 Youth 7 Choir School 8 Fellowship 9 Lay Schedule 10 Calendar 11

I N S IDE

Rector continued on page 4..

The Crucifer

I have said these things to you that my joy may be in you, and that your joy maybe com­ plete.

John 15:11

In Our Prayers Please consider including the prayer list in

your daily devotions.

Mike, Dick, Franklin & Cherry, Sonja, Amora Lee, Joan & Glenn, Alan, Renee, Gipsy, Betty, June, Ted, Scott, Sam, Brian, Maggie, Wanda, Marion, Doug, Paul & Gloria, Kyle, Pam, Allison & Jeffery, Bunkie, Lucy, Charles, Karen, Kathy, Abby, Pat, Jeff, Jennifer, Meredith, Joshua, Kathy, Myrlene, Rachel, Bob, Rob, Jessie, Bennie, Samantha, Bradley, David, Melissa, Jack, Wanda, Jerry, Barrett, Ken, Lindsey, Stepha­ nie, Sam, Michael, Lucy, Amy, Emily, Sarah, Sally, Mary, Theresa, Steve, Mary, Cornelia, Zachary, Roger, Anne, Pat, Sheila, Allen, Jacki, Jeanene, Jennifer, Ashley, Ethan, Larry, Grady, Damien, David, Dakota, Richard, Valerie. Prayer List Requests If you would like to add, or remove a name on the prayer list, please call The Rev. Stephen Stine, at 903­530­8168, or the church office at 903­597­9854. To protect the confidentiality of those in the prayer list, we will use first names or initials only.

2

Clergy and Staff The Rt. Rev. Andrew Doyle Bishop of the Diocese of Texas

The Rt. Rev. Rayford B. High Jr. Bishop Suffragan The Rt. Rev. Dena Harrison Bishop Suffragan

The Rev. David Luckenbach Rector The Rev. Matt Boulter Assistant Rector The Rev. Kirkland Knight Assistant Rector The Rev. Stephen B. Stine Deacon

Mr. Jeffrey Ford Organist/Choirmaster Mrs. Andrea Thomas Organ Scholar Mr. Vance Garvey Director of Sr. High Ministries Mrs. Denise Jarrett Director of Middle School Ministries Ms. Tina Ridley Director of Children’s Ministries Mrs. Diana Keesey Parish Administrator Mrs. Carolyn Velleca Parish Secretary Mrs. Lee Hensarling Publications/Membership Mr. Ledell Reed Sexton Mr. Kendric Milton Assistant Sexton Ms. Jennifer Ducote Office Assistant & Housekeeper Ms. Mary Manson, Ms. Vanessa Molina, Ms. Katie Rader, Ms. Ashley Bracken, & Ms. Mary Sue Carter Nursery

The Vestry Mr. Tim Alexander Sr. Warden Mr. Gary Avery Jr. Warden Dr. Peyton Luckett Class of 2010 Ms. Liz Shaw Class of 2010 Mrs. Elizabeth Lisso Class of 2010 Mr. Francis Kay Class of 2011 Mrs. Cynthia Patty Class of 2011 Mr. Tom Ridley Class of 2011 Mr. George Roberts Class of 2011 Mr. Day Shelmire Class of 2011 Mr. Bret Berry Class of 2012 Mrs. Dee Dee Bufe Class of 2012 Mr. Clyde Davis Class of 2012 Mrs. Mary Ruth Greenwell Class of 2012 Mr. Bryan Rossman Class of 2012 Mrs. Mary John Spence Pro Vita Mr. Bill Clawater Treasurer Mr. Peter Boyd Assistant Treasurer

Pastoral Emergency Contacts In the event of a pastoral emergency, you may reach The Rev. David Luckenbach, Rector, at 903­279­ 8777, The Rev. Matt Boulter, at 903­944­8494, or The Rev. Stephen Stine at 903­530­8168. You may also call the church office, 903­597­9854, dur­ ing normal business hours.

Scripture Readings for Sunday 4th Sunday of Advent ­ December 19

First Reading: Isaiah 7:10­17 Psalm: 24 or 24:1­7 Second Reading: Romans 1:1­7 Gospel: Matthew 1:18­25

1st Sunday After Christmas ­ December 26 First Reading: Isaiah 61:10­62:3 Psalm: 147 or 147:13­21 Second Reading: Galatians 3:23­25; 4:4­7 Gospel: John 1:1­18

2nd Sunday After Christmas ­ January 2 First Reading: Jeremiah 31:7­14 Psalm: 84 or 84:1­8 Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3­6, 15­19a Gospel: Matthew 2:13­15, 19­23 or

Luke 2:41­52 or Matthew 2:1­12

EYC Ski Trip Please keep our youth and all travelling with them in your prayers as they journey to Colorado, December 17­22.

11

Parish Calendar and Events Sunday, December 19, 4th Sunday in Advent

7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 8:00 am Canterbury Choir Rehearsal 8:45 am Holy Eucharist Rite II 9:45 am Gift Shop open till 11 am

10:00 am Christian Education Classes 11:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 12:30 pm Children’s Pageant Practice 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist Rite I

Monday, December 20 10:00 am Gift Shop open till 2:00 pm 5:30 pm Vestry meeting

Tuesday, December 21 6:30 am Brotherhood of St. Andrew 8:30 am Morning Prayer in the Chapel 9:15 am Education for Ministry

10:00 am Gift Shop open till 2:00 pm 12:00 pm Advent Service and Lunch 2:00 pm Dream Group 6:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Wednesday, December 22 7:15 am Men’s Bible Study

10:00 am Gift Shop open till 2:00 pm Thursday, December 23

10:00 am Children’s Pageant Practice 12:00 pm Holy Eucharist ‘28 Prayer Book 6:00 pm Loaves & Fishes Team 4

Friday, December 24, The Eve of the Nativity Church Offices Close at 3:30 pm

4:00 pm Christmas Pageant & Family Eucharist

7:30 pm Festal Carol Sing & Concert 8:00 pm The Festal Eucharist

10:30 pm Festival of Lessons & Carols & Holy Eucharist

Saturday, December 25, The Nativity 10:00 am Christmas Day Eucharist

Sunday, December 26, 1st Sunday after Christmas 7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 8:00 am Canterbury Choir Rehearsal

10:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite II No Sunday School classes today

5:30 pm Holy Eucharist Rite I Monday, December 27, Church Offices Closed Tuesday, December 28 — Friday, December 31 Church Offices Close at Noon Thursday, December 30

6:00 pm Loaves & Fishes Team 5 Saturday, January 1, New Year’s Day

12/31 Andrew Todd; 1/3 Elizabeth Huggler; 1/5 Alexander Wick, Benjamin Wick,

Russell Wynne, Eleanor Boulter; 1/7 Betsy McKinney; 1/9 Parker Bracken.

Sunday, January 2, 2nd Sunday after Christmas 7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 8:00 am Canterbury Choir Rehearsal 8:45 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

10:00 am Christian Education Classes 11:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist Rite I

Monday, January 3, Church Offices Closed Tuesday, January 4, Church Offices Open

8:30 am Morning Prayer in the Chapel 9:15 am Education for Ministry 2:00 pm Dream Group 4:00 pm Handbell Choir 6:30 pm Education For Ministry

Wednesday, January 5 7:15 am Men’s Bible Study 6:00 pm Book Club 5:30 pm Face2Face/Catalyst Youth Groups 6:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, January 6 12:00 pm Holy Eucharist ‘28 Prayer Book 3:00 pm Choir School of East Texas 6:00 pm Loaves & Fishes Team 1 6:30 pm Epiphany Gathering, Young Adult

Friday, January 7 Saturday, January 8 Sunday, January 9, The Feast of the Epiphany

7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 8:00 am Canterbury Choir Rehearsal 8:45 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

10:00 am Christian Education Classes 11:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 12:30 pm Children’s Pageant Practice 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist Rite I

Book Club will resume January 5. Our new book is “The Soul of Christianity” by Huston Smith.

10

Lay Liturgical Ministry Schedule

Weekday Laity for September 2, 9 Ken Ruether. The monthly lay schedule may be found on our website, www.christchurchtyler.org.

Sunday, August 15 12 Pentecost

7:30 AM 10:00 AM 5:30 PM

ACOLYTES (* Denotes Server)

St. Thomas Jonathan Phelps*

Emily Phelps Nicolas Hardy Sam McKinney

Jack Hamm

VERGER Elam Swann

CHALICERS Ken Reuther Bill Ferrell Laurel Beaty

Frank Hibbs INTERCESSOR Ken Reuther Leo Berman LECTOR Bill Ferrell Jerrill Burnette

USHERS Team Leader: TBD

ALTAR GUILD Team 1 Leader ­ Barbara Gabriel

GREETERS GUILD 10:00 a.m. ­ Narthex: Marilyn & Steve Chionsini

Guild Hall Entrance: Wooldridge Family

Sunday, August 22 13 Pentecost 7:30 AM

10:30 AM, FIESTA SUNDAY, ALL SAINTS 5:30 PM

ACOLYTES (* Denotes Server)

St. Luke Claire Roberts* Austin Martin Forbes Owen

Travis Roberts Benton Owen

VERGER Bryan Rossman

CHALICERS Rand Huzenlaub

Shelley Smith H. Bell, D. Jarrett Frank Hibbs INTERCESSOR Rand Huzenlaub Roger Fowler

LECTOR Shelley Smith Austin Martin

USHERS Team Leader:

TBD

ALTAR GUILD Team 1 Leader ­ Barbara Gabriel

GREETERS GUILD N/A

Sunday, December 19 4th Sunday of Advent

7:30 AM 8:45 AM 11:00 AM 5:30 PM

ACOLYTES

St. Mark Madeline Wynne

Kate Roberts Jack Roberts Chet Wynne

Cameron Spinks

St. Paul Ashley Bracken Austin Martin Forbes Owen Benton Owen Sarah Bracken

VERGER John Carr John Carr

CHALICER Bill Ferrell Denise Jarrett Ted Walters

Frank Hibbs INTERCESSOR Bryan Rossman Sean Holliday

LECTOR John Lee Roger Fowler

USHERS James Wynne Randy Gilbert

ALTAR GUILD Teams 2 & 3 Leaders: Sheryl Alexander & Nancy Clawater

GREETERS GUILD 8:45 Narthex: Pam Holley & Lynne Short G.S. Bldg: Patsy Smith & Sue Taylor 11:00 Narthex: The Berry Family G.S. Bldg: Christy Carlisle & Ray Chambers

Sunday, December 26 1st Sunday after Christmas

7:30 AM 10:00 AM 5:30 PM

ACOLYTES

St. Matthew Jyssica Yelas Paul Hibbs Alex Lisso

Chase Hardin Sarah Lisso

VERGER Bryan Rossman

CHALICER TBD David Jarvis

Rand Huzenlaub INTERCESSOR Tana Kay

LECTOR

USHERS TBD

ALTAR GUILD Teams 2 & 3 Leaders: Sheryl Alexander & Nancy Clawater

GREETERS GUILD 10:00 Narthex: Patsy Smith & Laurel Beaty G.S. Bldg: The Rodieck Family

3

Experiencing Epiphany

The Word Becoming Flesh, Dwelling Among us

This Christmas, on December 25, the Gospel lesson will be proclaimed from John’s hauntingly mysterious pro­ logue: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14)

As is often pointed out, the verb here for “dwelt” is literally “tabernacled.” The Word became flesh and taberna­ cled among us. He pitched his tent among us, and fastened himself to our world, our terrain, our lives.

One of the images here is a God who made pilgrimage to a “far off land” (the Parable of the Two Sons from Luke 15 comes to mind) to sojourn with a people who were once “foreigners,” but are now made one with him, brought near, brought all the way in.

What is the Incarnation? It is God, in the person and flesh of Jesus Christ, moving into our neighborhood.

Is this Incarnation something merely that took place 2000 years ago and is now a nice historical fact? Hardly. On the contrary, the Incarnation is not just something that happened; it is something that happens.

In the Book of Acts Luke writes that this sequel to his Gospel story will be a continuation of what “Jesus began to do and teach” (Acts 1:1) the implication being that, in Acts, the story of the Church and her beginnings, Jesus is still doing and teaching things. In and through the action and being of the Church, Jesus is acting, Jesus is present.

Do you see? The Church of Jesus is the ongoing Incar­ nation of God. In Anglicanism we take this “ongoing In­ carnation” quite seriously, and it is one of the many things that drew me to this tradition.

Now, I want to connect this to the mission and vision of the Epiphany Community and the Epiphany Eucharist (an alternative service of worship) which, God willing, will

commence on Sunday, January 30 here at Christ Church on the fourth floor. Why are we launching this new ser­ vice? Because we are called to continue the Incarnation of Jesus. We are moving into the cultural, imaginative and social “neighborhood” of certain types of people who, as of yet, have not (in the main) darkened the doors of Christ Church or any other Episcopal Church here in Tyler. We are “pitching our tent” among them, setting up and taking down chairs, sacred furniture, musical instruments. We are “incarnating” into their musical world, into their cyber world, into their world of living and working in a hectic, frantic, anxious, fragmenting world (and trying to raise kids in the midst of it all!).

I hope you can see the connections between the Incar­ nation of the Word and the mission and ministry of the Church, and between the Incarnation and the mission and ministry of Epiphany.

When God went on mission and reached out to us, “condescending” to us as the Fathers of the Church said, he knew his “audience” quite well; he knew the group he was coming down to, intending to minister to. As we think about this in Epiphany we are led to reach out to the fol­ lowing groups of folks:

Everyone. You belong just because you are human; you are invited to the Altar just because you are baptized.

Those who desire to bring their unchurched (or “underchurched”) friends into our rich Angli­ can worship.

People who want faithfully to experiment with wor­ ship, liturgically and musically.

People who want to involve their children in wor­ ship and community life at a deeper level.

Seekers who are full of questions; doubters who always seem to struggle with this faith thing.

As we look forward to the first Epiphany Eucharist, may we pray that the Word might dwell richly and take on flesh in the midst of our community.

The Rev. Matt Boulter, Assistant Rector

Do you ever find yourself wondering about why we wor­ ship the way we do? Do you ever wonder how you should do certain things in worship, or what you should say and when? Do you have questions about our Episcopal wor­ ship? Beginning in January, Fr. Matt is beginning a new Christian Formation Series, "Questioning our Worship: the 'What' & the 'Why' of Liturgy." Come, engage, and learn!

Spirituality

Christian Education Classes 10:00 ­10:50 a.m.

Adult Christian Education The Book of Genesis, The Rev. David Luckenbach leads this class in the Ascension Room, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1.1 So begins the Bible. The word Genesis means ‘beginning’, and in the first book in the Bible, a great story unfolds about the origins of everything: the universe and time, earth and sky, men and women, childbirth and death, work and rest, love and sin, nations and languages, and God’s relationship with human beings. It is a powerful tale that has told the story of ‘us’, Israel, the Church and, really, the human race, for over 3,000 years. Gene­ sis contains a number of the essential stories that in­ form our faith – Adam and Eve, Noah and the Ark, Abraham and Sarah, Sodom and Gommorah, and many more. Who me? A Priest? How new covenant brings about new creation, The Rev. Matt Boulter leads this class in the Trinity Room. What does it mean to be a Chris­ tian? What are we doing when we go to church? Why do we do these things? We will explore the following topics: the doctrine of creation; the meaning of the priesthood; the essence of covenant, the relationship between church and world/culture, Jesus Christ as the new Adam, the church as God’s means of implementing salvation in the world. Adult Inquirers Confirmation Class led by The Rev. Stephen Stine in the Epiphany Room. If you are an adult interested in confirmation in the Episcopal Church, please plan on attending. It will be for confir­ mands and anyone desiring to learn more about the Episcopal Church. Bishop High will be at Christ Church for confirmation on March 27, 2011.

Children, Mid­High and Sr. High Children (3—4 years of age) Meet in the Nursery classroom. Grades 5K—4th Meet in the Discovery Kingdom hallway. EYC Fish (Grades 5—6) “Growing up with God,” meet on the 4th floor. Mid­High (Grades 7—8) “Christ: The Basis of Faith,” meet on the 4th floor. Sr. High (Grades 9—12) “Christ: The Basis of Faith,” meet on the 4th floor.

Weekday Christian Education Adults Men’s Bible Study, Lectionary­based study, Gospel Reading: Wednesdays, 7:15­8:15 a.m.

Women’s Bible Study, Wednesdays, 10:30­11:30 a.m. Led by Poosie Swann this study will resume Wednesday, January 12, 2011.

Women’s Bible Study, Thursdays, 10:30­11:30 a.m. Led by Father David, this study will resume Thursday, January 13, 2011.

4

God loves you! “Behold – the virgin shall bear a Son, and they will call Him Emmanuel – God with us.”

God is with you. Today.

May this year’s celebration of the birth of Jesus fill your mind with hope, and warm your heart with love.

Faithfully in Christ Jesus,

CHRISTMAS DAY CELEBRATION

RITE II SERVICE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2010 THE HOLY EUCHARIST OF THE NATIVITY

10:00 A.M.

The Christmas Eucharist is a simple, quiet celebra‐ tion of the nativity of Our Lord.

Rector, Continued from page 1

Fellowship

GIFT SHOP NEWS

“CHRISTMAS IN TYLER” ORNAMENTS HAVE ARRIVED!

*Featuring Christ Episcopal Church in 2010 Only available this year

$10.00 each Sponsored by Tyler Main Street program

The supply will be limited.

9

Annual Meeting and Vestry Elections Our annual meeting will be held on

Sunday, January 16, 2011. The Vestry will meet on Monday, December 20 to

finalize the list of nominees. Once the list is complete, and short biographies have been received on each in­ dividual, they will be included in the Sunday bulletins on Sunday, December 26 and Sunday, January 2. We will also have a link on the homepage of our website, www.christchurchtyler.org, where you can view the

nominees and their bios.

United Thank Offering Again Christ Church has shared our prayers, out talent, our time, and our dollars with others. Our Fall Ingathering had 27 participants with contributions of $1343.52. Many of the awards return to areas nearby for projects dear to our hearts. For example, the Diocese of Colorado received $7300 for a “Godly Play” project at Mission Church in Denver. A total of $5500 purchased refrigerators to ex­ pand the ministry of Loaves and Fishes in the diocese of Northern California. These grants are among those awarded nationally and internationally to help address human needs. Reta Martin, Chair

ThankYouThankYouThankYouThankYou ThankYouThankYou

My first introduction to Christ Church was the willing- ness of the people to serve. No matter what I asked, the

response was always “Yes, I can do that”. So a huge THANK YOU to Doris Baker, Laurel Beaty and Vera

Kelso for covering my desk in my absence. And THANK YOU to the Gift Shop ladies who have also pitched in to cover phones. May God bless you abundantly! In him,

Carolyn Velleca ThankYouThankYouThankYouThankYou

ThankYouThankYou

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE Christmas Eve, Friday, December 24,

Church offices close at 3:30 p.m. Christmas Day, Saturday, December 25,

10:00 a.m., Holy Eucharist, Rite II. The First Sunday after Christmas Day,

December 26, 7:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist, Rite I; **10:00 a.m., Holy Eucharist, Rite II, (no Sunday School);

5:30 p.m., Holy Eucharist, Rite I. Monday, December 27, Staff Holiday,

Church Offices closed. Tuesday, December 28—Friday December 31,

Church Offices close at noon. Thursday, December 30, The Holy Eucharist service

using the 1928 Prayer Book will not be held. Sunday, January 2,

Return to regular worship schedule. Monday, January 3, Staff Holiday,

Church offices closed. Tuesday, January 4, Church offices open,

return to regular schedule.

Letter from the Rowletts Many thanks to all who wished us well at the recep­

tion Sunday, December 5 th . Thank you for the ceramic plaque of Christ Church, the lovely cross, the generous monetary gift, and especially for the giant card. Your writ­ ten words will be a source of strength when the miles be­ tween us seem so far. All will be a beautiful reminder of our time at Christ Church.

Christ Church became our home 38 years ago when we moved to Tyler. Jeanne’s brother Dick Elwood was rector at the time. What a blessing these past years have been sharing, loving, and serving the Lord with all of you.

We appreciate the phone calls and all of your prayers for our new journey to Bartlesville.

In Thanks, Love and Peace, Jeanne and Bob Rowlett

This will be the last Crucifer issue for 2010. The deadline for the January 11 issue is Monday, January 4, 2011.

Mission Trip and Holy Land Pilgrimage, 2011 Jos Nigeria Mission Trip

June, 2011 For more information, please contact Father David.

Pilgrimage Tour of Holy Land and Jordan September, 2011

For more information, please call Kathryn Waller, Connoisseurs Tours at 1­8­00­856­1045.

Choir School of East Texas

8

Third Annual Cookie Walk

What fun! Sunday morning and the Parish Hall is filled with tables and tables of cookies, choristers selling empty boxes and folks filling them with cookies for the holiday. Many thanks to the Choir School Board and to all the wonderful parish­ ioners and Choir School parents who baked cookies and purchased cookies. Your efforts provided the Choir School with over $1200 in support.

Fourth Annual Christmas Recital with the Choristers and Boar’s Head Feast

Thursday, December 9th What an exciting evening! Over ninety family members and friends joined the choristers on Thursday for an evening of piano, harp, and choral performances followed by a remarkable Boar’s Head Feast hosted by the Choir School of East Texas Board. As we sang the Boar’s Head Carol with Kali Ridley soloing the Latin verse and refrain, a boar’s head was paraded throughout the Parish Hall for all to admire.

Each of the choristers performed beautifully! Congratulations to Caitlynn Sandoval for Perfect Attendance this semester and to Kali Ridley for earning the Highest Standards award.

Many, many thanks to the board members who provided this opportunity for the choristers and their families, and to the ten Choir School staff members who teach the choristers each week. It is a blessing for us all.

We also had a Secret Santa Party!!!!

5

Advent

Tidings of Joy 12:00 Noon ­ In the Nave

December 21, Andrea Thomas, Organ This will be Drea’s first solo musical offering here at Christ Church since arriving on June 1, 2010 to fill the position of Organ Scholar. She will bring to us a varied program at the “King of Instruments” as she gives the final performance of the Tidings of Joy Series.

LIGHT MEAL PROVIDED IN THE PARISH HALL FOLLOWING EACH CONCERT.

On behalf of the Music Ministry here at Christ Church, let me wish you a Blessed Advent and thank you for your support of this program. It is hard to believe that we are at the end of another year, or should I say the beginning of a New Year? There are many opportunities to be a part of the music here at Christ Church whether it is singing in one of several choirs or helping to provide food for the Choir School or sit­ ting in the congregation and appreciating the fine music that we offer up to God as we come every week to celebrate the Eucharist.

Jeffrey Ford, Organist/Choirmaster

A Festival of Lessons & Carols

A Festival of Lessons & Carols The Solemn Midnight Eucharist 10:30 p.m.

Join us for a beautiful candlelight liturgy modeled after the famous “Service of Lessons and Carols” sung each Christmas Eve at King’s College in Cambridge, England.

Children’s Christmas Pageant & Holy Eucharist

4:00 p.m. Come join us for a family service that will

include the Children’s Christmas Pageant as well as the celebration of the Eucharist.

Arrive early to get a seat for this popular service!

Festal Carol Sing & Concert 7:30 p.m.

Come join us for a celebration of this Holy Season with the singing of Christmas Carols in festive settings with Organ,

Strings and the Chancel Choir.

The Festal Eucharist 8:00 p.m.

The festal Eucharist is a candlelight service and grand celebration of the Nativity with

all of the pageantry associated with Anglican worship.

Liturgy & Music

THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST

Christmas Eve Celebrations Friday, December 24, 2010

This year’s Christmas pageant “The First Christmas: A Children’s Christmas Pageant” is new and different from years past. Our cast is looking forward to performing in the Nave for our church members, family and friends!

Two practices are scheduled: Sunday, December 19 at 12:30 p.m. and Thursday, December 23 at 10:00 a.m.

The pageant and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist will be held on Friday, December 24 at 4:00 p.m.

E‐Kids, Jr. E‐Kids

Ringing Bells !!

Children’s Ministry

Registration is available for parishioners and members of the community. www.perspectives.org/east‐texas or contact Tina Ridley

903‐597‐9854 / tridley@christchurchtyler.org

15 Lessons 4 Sections‐Biblical, Historical, Cultural, Strategic.

6

Youth Ministry HOT! HOT! HOT! HOT!

EYC Chili Cook-Off

The EYC Chili Cook­Off is back! On Sunday, January 30, $5 per person buys you a lunch with dessert, a chance to win fun prizes, and a free sampling of a variety of chili recipes to be judged in various categories. Participate as an individual, as group of friends, a Guild, or just come and eat with us! The cost for entering a recipe in the contest is only $25; to do so, please fill out the form below and submit your registration to Caro­ lyn at the welcome desk. Checks should be made out to “Christ Church” with “Chili Cook­Off” in the memo line. All proceeds from the Chili Cook­Off will go towards the purchase of a much­needed EYC van! So far we have raised over $12,000 and only need an additional $10,000!

Also, if you aren’t a chili fan, or just don’t have a recipe that you’d like to submit, you can still support our youth as a Chili Cook­Off Sponsor! There are three levels of sponsorship that begin at $50. The more people who take part in the contest (as sponsors, entrants, or as hungry chili­eaters), the more fun we’ll have and the more money we’ll raise for our youth. For more information on how to be a part of this amazing event, or to enter your recipe in the Cook Off, please contact Sherry Dunn. See you there!

I must confess that I am the type of person who begins listening to Christmas music in early October. Yet, I refuse to put up our Christmas tree at home until the day of, or after, Thanksgiving. For some reason, I feel like I am rushing things by decorating a tree, but the music is just enough to whet my appetite for holiday music. In my mind I realize that, for some strange reason, I want to take my time in arriving at the holiday season. I never want to rush in unprepared.

Its like that in life sometimes too. We seem to think we are ready to move forward into the next phase of life, or confidently attempt to pursue new adventures without taking the time to prepare for what is coming. As I’ve stated before, life only has one speed ­ and that’s full speed. Yet even with all this in mind, it seems that

Advent has once again crept up behind me, and all of a sudden, we’ve begun a new church year. So, again, I am left wondering, “Am I prepared to receive the coming King?” When we have company over to our house, the day before is always cleaning day. The floors are swept, the laundry is finally put into the proper drawers, and things get tidied up in whatever way necessary.

The same should be said for Advent. It’s no secret that our bodies are temples. So I wonder...how tidy is your temple? As we continue to prepare to observe another Christmas, and celebrate the coming of our redemption through Christ, let us not forget to look inside ourselves and prepare our hearts and our minds to receive the gifts that He has prepared for us this season. Vance Garvey: Director, Sr. High EYC

EYC

Chili

Coo

k-O

ff 20

11

Sund

ay, J

anua

ry 3

0

12:3

0 -

2:0

0 p

.m.

$5 p

er p

erso

n fo

r lun

ch

Cont

est E

ntry

: $25

per

reci

pe

Team

Nam

e: _

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

__

Nam

e Yo

ur C

hili:

___

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

__

Phon

e N

umbe

r: __

____

____

____

____

____

____

__

Emai

l: __

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

__

Not

e: C

hili

cont

esta

nts w

ill b

e re

spon

sible

for m

akin

g 5

quar

ts o

f the

ir co

ntes

t chi

li, a

nd fo

r brin

ging

any

ad

ditio

nal f

ood

item

s the

y de

em n

eces

sary

for t

astin

g th

eir r

ecip

e (c

hoco

late

, Frit

os, c

hees

e, so

ur c

ream

, etc

.)

No

cont

esta

nts m

ay c

ook

thei

r chi

li at

the

chur

ch th

e da

y of

the

even

t. Ch

urch

will

pro

vide

tast

ing

spoo

ns

and

cups

, as w

ell a

s a la

dlin

g sp

oon

for d

ishin

g ou

t ta

stes

. Log

istic

det

ails

to c

ome

clos

er to

eve

nt.

Sele

ct y

our d

esire

d co

ntes

t cat

egor

y.

Spic

iest

Best

All

‘Rou

nd

Exot

ic

Yank

ee (

w/b

eans

) Te

xan

(no

bean

s)

If Sp

onso

ring,

Sel

ect a

Cat

egor

y...

$50

-Ja

lape

ño

$10

0-

Hab

añer

o

$250

-N

aga

Jolo

kia

(Gho

st C

hili)

7