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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 April 2016
The Outpost
Catch us on Facebook Grace Episcopal Church Alvin
In this Edition
Birthdays Page 2
Rector’s Article Page 3
Programs and Offerings Page 4
Calendar Page 6
Parish Prayer List Page 7
Beaut i fu l Handc ra fted
African Items Available
Unique gifts, handcrafted items from East Africa, will be for sale in the Parish Hall after the morning services on the Sundays of April 10th and April 17th at 9:00 AM and 12 noon. All proceeds benefit African Team Ministries.
ABOUT AFRICAN TEAM MINISTRIES
This organization has been serving the churches in East Africa for more than 20 years. They also resettle displaced people, support orphans, provide AIDS education and prevention, and literacy training.
African Team Ministries is a Christian ministry working as an intermediary between African and American churches. With help from Episcopal, Methodist, Presby-terian, Lutheran, and Anglican denominations, we provide funding for orphan and refugee relief missions and evangelism in East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The support they receive is sent directly to our partnering Bishops to provide school fees, tuition, books, and uniforms. This support ensures that the children receive an education and a measure of stability needed to rebuild their lives. We currently have children registered for sponsorship in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. For more information about his ministry see: www.africanteamministries.org.
Spring Garage Sale
It’s time to start cleaning out your closets and garages. Our spring garage sale will be held on Saturday, April 16th., from 7:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Items can be dropped off in the Parish Hall as early as the afternoon of Sunday, April 10th. Items will continue to be accepted through Thursday, April
14th. by calling Chris Patterson (713-419-6913), Sandra Green (832-621-8120), or Jo Nell Parker (281-450-4948) for access to the Parish Hall. We also need your help. If you can help with set-up, day of sale, or clean-up, please call Sandra Green or look for the sign-up sheet in the Narthex. All hands on deck!
The Great Fifty Days
The season of Easter is actually a celebration of 50 days, from Easter until Pentecost. The word Pentecost means fiftieth and is the Greek rendering of the He-brew word Shavuot. Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, be-gan as a harvest festival in Canaan, coming approxi-mately seven weeks after the first day of Passover.
The 50 days of Easter have been observed longer than any other season of the Christian year. It was seen as an “unbroken Sunday,” a week of weeks plus the eighth day of the new creation.
Thus, the Council of Nicaea (AD 325) prohibited the penitential posture of kneeling during Eastertide, as well as on Sundays throughout the year. Only standing, the resurrection posture, was allowed for prayer during this time.
These 50 days were especially devoted to teaching on the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, for those baptized at Easter were only then allowed to be present and to participate in the Eucharist.
As the paschal mystery is at the center of Christian existence, so Eastertide should be the richest and most joyous part of the year. Thus, the paschal candle burns at all services throughout the 50 days until Pentecost, at the end of the Easter season.
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 JR Denson 832-443-4575
Jo Nell Parker [email protected]
Mission & Outreach Council
Spiritual Formation Council Sandra Green, [email protected]
Lay Ministry Scheduler: Vicki Ennis, 281-585-4660
Vergers: John Bergmann
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] JR Denson, 832-443-4575, [email protected] Chris Patterson, [email protected] Glennie Hefner [email protected] Tommy Peebles, [email protected]
Income $29,701.54
Expenses 30,707.53
Gain (Loss) $( 1,005.99)
Robert & Ruby Adams 2
Mark & Chris Patterson 12
Joseph & CarolAnn Mills 17
Sam & Nan Doerr 27
Tom & Priscilla Clark 28
Randy & Mary Smith 29
Tracy & Cora Mitchell 30
The Office:
112 W. Lang Hours: M-F 9:00-1:00
The Staff
Rector: The Reverend David W. Price [email protected] Youth Minister: Organist & Music Director: Paul Humphrey [email protected] Parish Administrator: Danny Hermann [email protected]
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
1 Thomas Denson
1 Michael Foulk
3 Helen Wreyford
3 Catherine Andrade
4 Will Mathis
9 Andrew Price
11 Micah Schneider
14 Janay Andrade
14 Glennie Hefner
16 Brandon Weaver
19 Brittin Oliver
20 Bob Evans
20 Perry Hector
20 Theresa Wiggins
28 Joan Rossano
30 Janice Bell
30 Kara Mathis
H ap py B irthd ay
Grace Episcopal Church
One God One Family One Table
Vision
Grace Episcopal Church seeks to deepen relationships with God, bring individu-als 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 togeth-er individuals in all stages of their spir-itual 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 February 29
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Vestry Volitions
The vestry met on March 14th. Topics of discussion were the budget, the garage sale, and the vote to appoint Glennie Hefner to the vestry for the remaining year to replace Maedell Ercums.
A Few Moments with Father David…
Give More, Do More, Care More
Here, I will score a “C minus” on the art of subtlety. Speaking plainly is important because the strength of Grace Church as a witness to the faith depends on strengthened support from every person in the parish family. Ten years ago in the early months of my first year here, we launched an additional stewardship appeal to boost giving so we could budget and operate “in the black” for our basic ministry. People responded well, and we were able over a number of years to keep our giving ahead of spending and even build a reserve which is an important element of fiscal health. That reserve has been tapped three years in a row, and is likely to disappear altogether this year. We have a similar situation with respect to the participation of people in essential ministry. We need more people stepping up to work in church life. In every program of ministry, the people carrying those functions need help. Investing more robustly in giving and volunteering invigorates personal spiritual health. We feel better spiritually when giving generously, just as one does physically when activity and nutrition improve.
We all care. I know that. I have no doubt that members of Grace Episcopal Church care, but I want all the people to manifest their caring strongly in what they give tangibly in time, talent and treasure. It is a personal policy of mine to have NO knowledge of what people give to the church. It is therefore, only a guess for me to say that people might be giving the same amount to the church year after year. Jennifer and I modestly increase our pledge every year, even if only five dollars per week, an increase of just $260 over a year period. In Jennifer’s work as an R.N., she has received some cost of living raises through the years. Admittedly, this really helps when determining to increase our pledge increase. Giving sacrificially and consistently can have a surprising result over time. If my estimate is correct, the Price household cumulative giving over these ten plus years of ministry will soon exceed $100,000. I have no handsome portfolio of assets from which to give giant chunks of money. But we give steadily from our weekly income. I do not want to know what any other person gives, but I do want people to know that tithing is a joyful choice in our house. I have tried consistently to urge everyone to consider tithing or moving toward the tithe. If a person’s giving in proportion to income starts at a lower percentage, it can be adjusted toward ten percent over a number of years.
The seven week season of Easter, the Great Fifty Days, can be a season of joyful sacrificial giving. We can strengthen our habits of stepping up to tasks we need to do for God, through Grace Church work. You can call the church office, talk to the Parish Administrator, and make a pledge or increase your pledge. This is your church, your parish family. All of us care. How will we live it out?
Though Christ let us continually offer to God the sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that
acknowledge his Name. But to do good and to distribute, forget not; for with such sacrifices God is
well pleased. (Hebrews 13:15, 16)
David +
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Birthday Cake Sundays
The first Sunday of each month, we will have birthday cake between the services sponsored by the Rossanos. A special thank you to Joe and Joan for providing this fellowship
opportunity for the entire congregation to gather, eat, and celebrate birthdays.
Altar Flower Dedications Dedications are again being taken for altar flowers. Open dates are now available. The sign-up book is located in the Narthex.
Parish Councils for Grace
Church Life and Work Our Parish Councils are our way of
planning and living out the goals for ministry
in our church. We are using the month
of February to refresh and build up these
teams. You are encouraged to find a
council on which you would like to serve.
The various councils are: Fellowship and
Pastoral Care, Media and Communication,
Liturgy and Worship, Mission and outreach,
and Spiritual Formation. Contact the Parish
office or Fr. David if you are willing to get
involved. Meeting times will be published in
Grace Greetings.
Outreach is Energizing:
Meals-On-Wheels Seeks Helpers Our Grace Church team for Meals on
Wheels serves on the first Wednesday of
each month. They work in pairs to deliver
on simple routes around the Alvin area.
Gathering at the First Presbyterian Church at
10:45 am, all are finished within an hour and
a half. We need you to help augment the
team for this exceedingly important outreach
ministry. Please call Phyllis Wall if you are
willing to help.
Bibles for our Children Some of the eggs hunted on the church
grounds on Easter Day had little notices
to come to church to pick up a bible for
personal use. Various kinds of Bibles were
handed out with attention to developmental
differences for the various age groups.
Thank you, to all parents, grandparents,
chapel leaders and Sunday School Teachers
that help bring the bible message to life for
our children.
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 & Mondays 6:30pm Ladies Bible Study—Discussing material from the Bible, in engaging creative modes. Tuesday-Rector’s Bible Study 11:00am to 12:30pm Discussion prompted by video presentations of Walter Brueggemann and other scholars. Sunday Evenings 7 pm @ The Mills Home
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Lectionary Class: Sundays at 9:15AM
All are welcome! A discussion of the Sunday Lessons, the weekly selection from the lectionary. This class now meets in the parlor. Mr. John Will is the facilitator.
Ladies Bible Study
Ladies, a new Bible Study is open to all. We are discussing possibilities for our next Bible topic. Join us and see how God speaks to you in the creative approaches that are encouraged. We gather Sunday mornings at 9:30 am in the Admin Building conference room and/or Monday evenings at 6:30 pm in the Parlor for prayer, sharing, music and discussion.
Presiding Bishop calls for
a season of prayer
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has called for a season of prayer for regions of the Anglican Communion which are experiencing violence and civil strife.
“In this season of Resurrection, I call on everyone to pray for our brothers and sisters in areas where there is much burden and little hope,” the Presiding Bishop said.
In addition, in his Easter Message 2016, Presiding Bishop Curry addressed the situation in Brussels, noting, "The truth is even as we speak this Holy Week, we do so not only in the shadow of the cross but we do so in the shadow of those who have been killed in Brussels, of those who have been wounded and maimed, of those who weep and mourn. And of a world mourning, and not too sure how to move forward.”
Citing Galatians 6:2 - Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ – .Presiding Bishop Curry called for prayer throughout the holy season of Easter. Beginning on April 3, the First Sunday of Easter, and proceeding through Pentecost May 15, The Episcopal Church is asked to pray for a particular province or region:
• Burundi • Central America • Democratic Republic of the Congo • Middle East • Pakistan • South Sudan
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
3 Holy Eucharist (I) 8:00am Birthday Cake Christian Education Programs Holy Eucharist (II) 10:30am Bible Study in the Mills’ Home, 7pm
4
5 Rector’s Bible Study 11:00am BSA Troop 400—7:00pm ALANON—7:30pm
6 Cub Pack 400 6:30pm Parish Choir 7:00pm
7
8
9
10 Holy Eucharist (I) 8:00am Christian Education Holy Eucharist (II) 10:30am Bible Study in the Mills’ Home, 7pm
11
12 Rector’s Bible Study 11:00am BSA Troop 400—7:00pm ALANON—7:30pm
13
Cub Pack 400, 6:30pm Parish Choir 7:00pm
14 Grace Guild, 10:00am
15
16 Spring Garage Sale, 7:00am—2:00pm
17 Holy Eucharist (I) 8:00am Christian Education Programs Holy Eucharist (II) 10:30am Bible Study in the Mills’ Home, 7pm
18
Media & Communications Council, 6:15pm Vestry Meeting, 7:00pm
19 Rector’s Bible Study 11:00am BSA Troop 400—7:00pm ALANON—7:30pm
20
OUTPOST DEADLINE
Cub Pack 400 6:30pm Parish Choir 7:00pm
21
22
23
24 Holy Eucharist (I) 8:00am Christian Education Programs Holy Eucharist (II) 10:30am Bible Study in the Mills’ Home, 7pm
25 26 Rector’s Bible Study 11:00am BSA Troop 400—7:00pm ALANON—7:30pm
27 Cub Pack 400 6:30pm Parish Choir 7:00pm
28 29 30
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 Rector, The Reverend David W. Price 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 Administrators, 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, Herb Barrier, Derrick Beaver, Patricia Bell, Louis Bell, Jean Bilderback, Blaiden Bouse, Shirley Braw, Lynne Bruner, Velma Bumstead, Nathan Buzbee, Beverly Capeheart, Becky Carbone, Mary Cobb, Charles & Lucille Dixon, Ted Doerr, Paula Ellis, Joanne Fisher, Jay Fitch, Elizabeth Gass, John Gass, Aaron Gideon, Bill Harris, Kenneth Lee, Ben Lockett, Kenneth Marvel, Chris Morrison, Ann Oliver, Bob Peebles, Tommy Peebles, Chad Rogers, Kevin Ross, Joe Rossano, Nicole Rowden, Josh Sager, A.O. Smith, Shirley Stockton, Rennard Sweet, Scarlet Tucker, Fran Van Winkle, Joy Weiner, 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. 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 *Healing prayer Wednesdays
Upcoming Features of Parish Life
Birthday Cake Sunday, April 3, 9:00AM
Spring Garage Sale, April 16, 7 AM—2 PM
Vestry Meeting, April 18, 7:00PM
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
