Crucifer Nov. 29
Transcription
Crucifer Nov. 29
Worship Schedule at Christ Church The vision of Christ Episcopal Church is to be recognized as a joyful, spirit-filled community of apostles reaching out and transforming lives for Christ. Sunday 7:30 a.m. 8:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 5:30 p.m. The Holy Eucharist, Rite I The Holy Eucharist, Rite II The Holy Eucharist, Rite I The Holy Eucharist, Rite I Monday 8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer, Rite II (in the Chapel) November 29, 2006 Wednesday 5:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist & Unction, Rite II From the Rector… Thursday 11:45 a.m. Holy Communion from BCP 1928 Recently I heard about a new scam that seems very clever. It seems there are French wine merchants who are counterfeiting bottles of expensive wines. Here’s how it works. The scammers print labels that pass as the real thing and attach them to bottles of ordinary wine. Since these 1st growth wines would not be consumed for twenty or thirty years, the purchaser has no way of knowing, short of sampling a bottle, that the product he has bought is a fake. When the bottles are finally opened twenty years from now, the person counterfeiting the wine is long gone and untraceable. Of all the scams I have heard of, this one seems the most subtle and creative. Vol. XVII No. 38 Please Note: The Crucifer will be published and mailed out on December 13. This will be the only issue for the month of December. If you have something you would like published, the deadline for submission will be December 4. In the Garden of Eden, the serpent is described as “subtle.” Most evil is subtle – attempting to seduce us into wrong behaviors or beliefs, or entice us to trade away something holy for something profane. Sadly, the world is filled with opportunities that would scam us and harm our relationship with God and each other. Happily, the God “in whom we live and move and have our being” offers us a way to withstand these temptations: a relationship with the incarnate Christ. During the season of Advent we anticipate the coming of Christ into the world. I invite you to pause during this short holy season to prepare your heart to receive a gift that is more valuable than any other. Prepare with Bible study, prayer and participation in the bread and wine of Holy Communion. We have been promised that this wine is good for the soul and a foretaste of wonderful things to come. INSIDE The Rev. Harrison M. McLeod, Rector Curate’s Corner 3 Liturgy & Music 4 Youth 5 Children 6 Children 7 Omnium-gatherum 8 Christian Ed 9 Lay Schedule 10 Calendar 11 Scripture Reading for Sunday Clergy and Staff First Sunday of Advent, Sunday, December 3, 2006: First Reading: Zechariah 14:4-9 Psalm: 50:1-6 Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Gospel: Luke 21:25-31 The Rt. Rev. Don A. Wimberly Bishop of the Diocese of Texas The Rt. Rev. Rayford B. High Jr. The Rt. Rev. Dena Harrison The Rev. Harrison M. McLeod The Rev. Robin Reeves The Rev. Paul Taft The Rev. Stephen B. Stine Bishop Suffragan Bishop Suffragan Second Sunday of Advent. Sunday, December 10, 2006: First Reading: Baruch 5:1-9 Psalm: Psalm 126 Second Reading: Philippians 1:1-11 Gospel: Luke 3:1-6 Rector Curate Priest Associate Deacon Mr. Donald W. Duncan Organist & Choirmaster Mr. Jeffrey Ford Assistant Organist Mrs. Bobbie Schroeder Director of Religious Education Ms. Anne Spear Asst. Director of Religious Education Mrs. Diana Keesey Parish Administrator Mrs. Frances Kane Parish Secretary Mrs. Shellie Lohman Publications/Membership Mr. Ledell Reed Sexton Mr. James Winters Assistant Sexton Ms. Jennifer Ducote Office Assistant & Housekeeper Ms. Sarah Jenkins & Ms. Debora Jones Nursery Resetting the Prayer List As of the first Sunday in Advent, December 3, 2006, we will reset the prayer list. If you want a name to stay on the prayer list after December 3, 2006, please call Deacon Stine or the church office. In Our Prayers Anne Fields, Sonya, Mike, Richard Thomsen, Cody, Nan Williams, Ethan, George Koury, John Bradberry, Jennifer, Elizabeth, Teddie Brogan, Patrick Rippy, Dennis Howard, Charles Hamilton, Betty Snodgrass, Ray McGee, Clarice, Bill Terrell, Maddy Lynch, Michael Ehringer, Ann, Marilyn, John, Amy Faulconer, Bob Boyd, Liz Michels, Fr. Jim Price and Deacon Susan Price, Judy Kuna, Loyal Ann, Joe, Sean, James McLane, Kathy Netherland, Barbara Hathaway, Daniel Chesal, Mary Anne Jurica, Cindy, Jessica, Jeremy, Trish Kirkpatrick, Steve Weller, B.J. Powers, Bradley Williams, Donna, Jason & Rebecka Stewart, Judy Frazier, Charles & Cynthia Scott, Coca Tomegea, Elizabeth Williams, Esther, Shari Lisso, Carol Byrom, Patsy Blackstone, Dan, Karen Wood, Clyde & Ruth Metsinger, Grady B., Rona, Evelyn Brown, Nancy, Dick & Dorothy Warfield, Anne, John Paul, Franklin & Cherry, Karin Woodward, Canon Jack Russell, Patsy Abernathy, Judy Freeman, Brandi Wells, Becky Furtado, Clay, Ruth Porrey, Sandra, Maymerle, Betty, Susie, Luci, Ric & Sherril, Terri Robinette, Brandon, Roger, Clyde. Blake, Katherine Kolstad, Joycelyn Inglis, Teresa Crawford, Elizabeth, Roy McKinney, Harold Brasfield, Jean Samford, Franklin Eilers, Ray, Kimberly Lee, Randy Spradley, Jim McConnell, Johnathan, Holy Cross in Sugarland for strength and encouragement in rebuilding, Marion McDaniel. Prayer Requests To delete a name that you placed on the prayer list, or to add a new name, please call Stephen Stine 903-530-8168. The Vestry Mr. Trey Yarbrough, III Mr. Clyde Beaty Mr. Henry Bell, III Mr. Steve Chionsini Mr. Jim Harrison Mrs. Marilyn Luckett Mr. Shelly Smyth Mrs. Barbara Bain Mr. Elam Swann, III Dr. Clayton Whitney Mr. Jack Walker, III Mr. Don Chase Mr. Jim Huggler Ms. Lisa Odom Dr. Andrew Roberts Mr. James Wynne, III Mrs. Mary John Spence Mr. Peter Boyd Mr. Rick Barrett Sr. Warden Jr. Warden Class of 2006 Class of 2006 Class of 2006 Class of 2006 Class of 2006 Class of 2007 Class of 2007 Class of 2007 Class of 2007 Class of 2008 Class of 2008 Class of 2008 Class of 2008 Class of 2008 Pro Vita Treasurer Assistant Treasurer Pastoral Emergency Contacts In the event of a pastoral emergency, you may reach the Rector at (903) 570—7900, the Curate at (903) 343—5998, or the Deacon at (903) 530—8168. 2 Parish Calendar and Events Sunday, December 3, 2006 First Sunday of Advent 7:30 am 8:15 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 10:30 am 12:15 pm 3:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:30 pm 10:00 am 11:00 am 4:00 pm 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist Rite I Brotherhood of St. Andrew Breakfast in the Parish Hall Annual Parish Meeting Children & Youth Sunday School Combined Holy Eucharist Jr. EYC Messiah Spirituality Group Sr. EYC Holy Eucharist Rite I Monday, December 11 8:30 am 2:00 pm 9:30 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 12:00 pm 5:30 pm 6:30 pm Morning Prayer in the Chapel ECW Wine and Cheese 8:15 am 10:30 am 5:30 pm 6:00 pm EFM Anglican Rosary in the Chapel Holiday Concert and Luncheon CODA Meeting Hospice Food Delivery Team 2 EFM Paper Guild Wednesday Bible Class Healing & Holy Eucharist EYC - Youth Room Thursday, December 14 11:45 am 6:00 pm Wednesday, December 6 7:15 am 10:30 am 5:30 pm 6:00 pm EFM Anglican Rosary in the Chapel Holiday Concert and Luncheon CODA Meeting Daughters of the King EFM Wednesday, December 13 7:15 am Men’s Bible Study Tuesday, December 5 9:30 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 12:00 pm 12:00 pm 6:30 pm Morning Prayer in the Chapel Guild of the Nativity Christmas Party Tuesday, December 12 Monday, December 4 8:30 am 4:30 pm Parish Advent Lesson Morning Prayer Caroling & Cheer Holy Eucharist Rite I Men’s Bible Study Wednesday Bible Class Healing & Holy Eucharist EYC - Youth Room Holy Eucharist, ‘28 Prayer Book Loaves & Fishes Team 2 Friday, December 15 Meals on Wheels Delivery Thursday, December 7 10:30 am 11:45 am 6:00 pm Women’s Bible Study Holy Eucharist, ‘28 Prayer Book Loaves & Fishes Team 1 12/1 John Walker 12/3 Jay Hardin 12/4 Molly Rust 12/5 Jyssica Yelas 12/8 Grace Jarrel, Rachel Jarrett 12/11 Hampton Short 12/15 Christian Combest Friday, December 8 6:00 pm PrimeTimers Christmas Party Saturday, December 9 Sunday, December 10 Second Sunday of Advent 7:30 am 8:00 am 8:45 am Holy Eucharist Rite I Family Choir Rehearsal Holy Eucharist Rite II 11 Lay Liturgical Ministry Schedule Sunday, December 3, 2006 First Sunday of Advent 7:30 AM Curate’s Corner 10:30 AM Catherine Jarrel * Grade Jarrel Sarah Grace Sweeney Olivia Sweeney ACOLYTES (* Denotes Server) CHALICERS Rand Huzenlaub Ken Ruether John Carr Nancy Lamar John Carr INTERCESSOR Rand Huzenlaub Nancy Lamar Ken Ruether Brenda Thomsen VERGER LECTOR Patricia Heaton Team Leader: Menefee/Chionsini USHERS ALTAR GUILD Team Leader - MaryRuth Greenwell GREETERS GUILD & WELCOMING FAMILIES 5:30 PM Combined Eucharist The B & J Law Family and The J & B Gabriel Family *The monthly lay schedule may be found on our website under the News and Events, Parish Calendar link, or copies are available in the church office. 7:30 AM ACOLYTES (* Denotes Server) VERGER CHALICERS INTERCESSOR LECTOR Shelly Smyth Dan Toney Shelly Smyth Dan Toney USHERS 8:45 AM Emily Arnold * Julia Arnold * Will Arnold Emily Hults Alex Lisso Austin Martin Shelly Smyth Henry Bell Shelly Smyth Henry Bell Laurie Dowell Team Leader: David Gower ALTAR GUILD Team 2 Leader - MR Greenwell GREETERS GUILD & WELCOMING FAMILIES 11:00 AM Morning Prayer 5:30 PM Ray Blevins Morning Prayer Bob Rowlett John Anderson Team Leader: Tom Ridley Mr. & Mrs. W & L Hamm Family Mr. & Mrs. T & N Perkins Family 10 Christ begins the sermon on the mount not by pronouncing maledictions on the wicked, but by pronouncing benedictions on His people. Yet strangely the next word is "blessed" or "happy" are the poor—"the poor in spirit." Who, previously, had ever regarded the poor as the “blessed” ones of earth? And who beside Christians regard or even honor the poor today? These opening words are foundational to all Christ’s subsequent teaching: it is not what a man does but what he is that is most important. Another current day example of this can be found in the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, or Alanon, originally written by The Oxford Group who were involved in starting the Anglican Church. 1. We admitted we were powerless over ________, that our lives had become unmanageable. 2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. "Blessed are the poor in spirit." So, what is poverty of Claire Lamar Jonathan Phelps Emily Phelps Jonathan Daniel Caitlin Daniel CHILDREN’S CHAPEL Jayne Dannecker 7:30 a.m. 8:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. - As you read this or any of the beatitudes you might look into your own heart and examine your feelings towards them. In order to follow them successfully one must surrender to God and ask for his help to live into the Beatitude. It is in surrendering or taking on a childlike attitude of trust in God to help us that we are able to receive his grace and transforming touch. While we can desire to be more like Christ and make ourselves available for God’s transforming touch it is through the Holy Spirit and the work of Grace that we are transformed. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Weekday Laity for November: Wednesday: 13, 27 - Bill Ferrell; Wednesday: 6, 20, Jan. 3 - Shelly Smyth Thursday: 7, 14, 21, 28, Jan. 4 - Ken Ruether Sunday, December 10, 2006 Second Sunday of Advent modern day terms, it makes me think of the Carrie Underwood song, “Jesus take the Wheel”, where she cries out for Jesus’ help as her car is spinning out of control and she realizes there is nothing she can do. In a recent sermon, I suggested meditating on one of the Beatitudes each month so I thought I would share some thoughts on the first one. The beatitudes are eight statements, blessings or benedictions taught by Jesus in the Opening of the Sermon on the Mount (Mathew 5:3-10). They are concerned with virtue and how a believer in Jesus Christ can achieve that virtue. The Beatitudes are a map of life, a series of directives helping us on our journey to be with God. They also designate the actual condition of people who follow God's guidelines. The First Beatitude CHILDREN’S CHAPEL Courtney Bracken 7:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. - Reflecting on the Beatitudes spirit? It is the opposite of that haughty, self-assertive, and self-sufficient disposition that the world so much admires and praises. It is the very reverse of that independent and defiant attitude that refuses to bow to God, that determines to brave things out, and that says with Pharaoh, "Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice?" (Ex. 5:2). To be poor in spirit is to realize that I have nothing, am nothing, and can do nothing without God and have need of God to accomplish all things. Poverty of spirit is most evident in a person when he is brought to the end of himself in the dust before God and must acknowledge his utter helplessness and need for God’s grace. It is the first experiential evidence of God’s work of grace within a soul and corresponds to the initial awakening of the far country when he "began to be in want" (Luke 15:14). In To take any person, situation or thing and put it in the blank and pray thru these statements is just one of many ways to live into the first Beatitude. Blessings and Peace, Rev. Robin Reeves Curate 3 Liturgy & Music Christian Education and Spirituality Advent Worship & Music Prepare your hearts and minds for the birth of the King by joining us at these wonderful events Messiah Tuesday Tidings of Joy! Holiday Concerts & Luncheons Sunday, December 3, 3:00 p.m. Join us for another stunning performance of Handel’s Messiah sung by a community chorus of 70 singers accompanied by a professional chamber orchestra. Donald W. Duncan, conductor Dara Scholz, soprano Frances Simpson, alto Scott Quinn, tenor John Seesholtz, bass Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance. Please call the Parish Office for your tickets. Tuesdays in Advent at 12:00 noon A Renaissance Christmas Tuesday, December 5 The Madrigal Choir of All Saints’ School in period costume performs Christmas music from the Renaissance. A Brassy Christmas Tuesday, December 12 The Rose City Brass Quintet performs holiday festive favor ites of the season PRAY THE ANGLICAN ROSARY DURING ADVENT Christmas for Organ & Instruments Tuesday, December 19 Assistant Organist Jeffrey Ford, joined by instrumentalists, performs beloved carols on the organ. Come pray the Anglican Rosary on Tuesdays in Advent at 11:30 a.m. in the Children’s Chapel. Join us for a brief time of prayer and meditation, and then head upstairs for a beautiful concert! W2G Wednesdays 2 Gather is on hiatus through the holidays. W2G will return January 10, 2007. Advent Events: A Parish-Wide Day of Women’s Bible Study On Sunday, December 10, come and enjoy Sunday School in the Parish Hall from 10:00 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. We will celebrate Advent all together as a church family. Share in the fun for young and old and create Chrismon Ornaments for our parish tree. Learn the true meaning of Advent. Celebration! Sunday, December 10 We will have one last meeting before the holidays, Thursday, December 7, 10:30 a.m. We will resume classes on Thursday, January 4. Christian Education, Sundays, 10:00am December 10 - Parish Wide Advent Lesson December 17 - No Adult Classes December 24 - No Classes December 31 - No Classes Youth Classes - God’s Holy People Living in Covenant (December 3 and 17) Grades 6-8 meet in Room 210. Grades 9-12 meet in the Youth Room. Caroling and Cheer! Meet in the Guild Hall at 4:00 p.m. We will enjoy caroling, wassail and hot chocolate! Come, have fun, and spread holiday cheer with us as we travel by mini-buses and sing to and with our parish homebound at their homes. We will also sing at the Salvation Army’s William Booth Apartments. Treats will be served before and midway on our journey! Children’s Classes - Rotation 3: Esther: The Queen Who Saved Her People (December 3) K-5th Grade. Immediately following the 8:45 a.m. service, all kids meet in the Parish Hall Alcove for Puppet Show. Afterwards, we will go to our classrooms for Sunday school. December 17 - Christmas Eve Pageant Practice A new rotation of classes will begin on Sunday, January 7, 2007. CHRIST CHURCH COOKIE WALK (Benefiting the Chancel Choir’s trip to NYC) Sunday, December 17. 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Guild Hall Don’t have time to bake for the holidays? Need a quick, homemade dessert for a holiday party or family dinner? How about an all-purpose hostess gift? We have just the thing for you! Come to the Guild Hall on Sunday, December 17 and peruse literally hundreds of homemade cookies…all baked by loving hands of Christ Church parishoners. Here’s how it works…you purchase a box for $12 and then peruse the hundreds of cookies displayed in the Guild Hall, choosing just the right ones for your special event. You can have as many cookies as you want for $12 – provided they will fit in the box with the lid closed! Need even more cookies – buy another box! Are you willing to help bake a few dozen cookies for this event? If so, please call Donald Duncan, OrganistChoirmaster in the Parish Office. You can even bake them in advance and we’ll freeze them and save them until the event! 4 ANNUAL PARISH MEETING Sunday, December 3 Don’t miss the Annual Parish Meeting scheduled for Sunday, December 3. Come and join us beginning at 8:15 a.m. The Brotherhood of St. Andrew will be preparing breakfast in the Parish Hall. At 9:00 a.m. the meeting will begin, and we will have a combined Holy Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. Sunday School will be held for the children and youth from 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. K-5th grade meet in the Holyword Theatre, grades 6-8 meet in Room 210, and grades 9-12 meet in the Youth Room. 9 Omnium-gatherum Youth Ministry Guild of the Nativity From the Parish Administrator We will have a Christmas party on Monday, December 11, from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the home of Doris Baker, 1127 Watkins. Legacy of Faith 2007 General Fund Pledge Campaign Gift Shop News We’re stocked for the Christmas Season! We have Advent Calendars, Christmas Cards, Angels, Seasonal Gift Items (the wooden Advent Calendars are on order and will be here soon). Gift Shop Hours: Sunday: 9:45 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. As of November 27 we have received 176 pledges totaling $674,360. A special note to parishioners 70+: If you are age 70+, the Pension Act of 2006 makes it easy for you to give to Christ Church. According to the legislation, you may donate up to $100,000 per year in 2006 and 2007, directly from your IRA account to a non-profit organization such as Christ Church, tax-free without penalty. These distributions to the church would qualify toward your minimum annual distribution requirement. If you are interested in making this type of gift to Christ Church, please consult with your tax advisor. Newly Baptized! Congratulations to Lauren and Jay Bullock on the baptism of their son, Jackson Henry Stanley Bullock, on Sunday, November 26, 2006. Newly Married! Congratulations to Maria and Cody Yocum who were married here at Christ Church on Saturday, November 18. New Members! We welcome the following mew members who have recently joined our Christ Church family by Letter of Transfer: Susan, Ryan and Allye Spencer. Welcome! All Saints Guild We will have a Christmas party and luncheon on Tuesday, December 19, 12:30 p.m. at the home of Melba Medford, 3014 Old Bullard Road. Advent is here! The ordinary time of Pentecost is over. As a child, I felt such excitement when the altar hangings changed from green to purple. In my child’s mind, purple meant Christmas was coming, and the candles on the Advent wreath were lit in an exciting countdown to that special day. As an adult, I have a deeper appreciation of the Advent season, but I still experience the childhood thrill of seeing purple on the altar. “Purple means prepare!” a priest once said. Prepare for the birth of the Christ child and his coming again. Also, you may not be aware that we have budding actors in our parish. To aid these young thespians, the youth department is accepting used clothing, hats, shoes, and accessories. Feel free to donate those vintage items, which includes the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s! These kids are great at role playing in Sunday school and EYC. They simply need the garb to go with the talent. Items may be dropped off in my office. Purple means prepare! Advent is here! Let us rejoice and be thankful for the gift of the Christ, who was and is and will be forever. The first Sunday in Advent, December 3, holds particular excitement for me in yet another way. On that day, Vance Garvey will begin his ministry as senior high youth leader. Vance is an experienced youth minister with an energy and love for God. He is a native East Texan who comes to us by way of the youth ministry staff of St. John the Divine in Houston. You will have a chance to meet him during the Annual Meeting on December 3, and you will also get to know him as he introduces himself on this page in future Crucifer articles. Respectfully, Bobbie Schroeder Primetimers Christmas Celebration We will have our Christmas party on Friday, December 8, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. We will enjoy Christmas “spirits”, Christmas “goodies”, and special Christmas “entertainment”. ECW Wine and Cheese Start the Advent season off right by gathering with the women of the church for a festive wine and cheese party at the home of Jacqueline Cavender on Monday, December 4, from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. The location is 2115 Holly Creek. Maps are available in the church office. All women of the church are welcome! Tea Towels Towels for sale! $20.00 for a dozen, large; $10.00 for a half dozen large; $15.00 for a dozen small; $7.50 for a half dozen small. Call Jill Law at 903595-6056 or Hazel Innis at 903-592-2631, or visit the Gift Shop. Thanks So Much to the Garden Guild If you have not had a chance to look around the grounds of the church lately, please take the time to do so. The members of the Garden Guild give unselfishly of their time to plant and tend the lovely beds. Their love for our beautiful church is evident. Thanks to each member! Purple means Prepare! The Crucifer Please Note: The Crucifer will be published and mailed out on December 13. This will be the only issue for the month of December. 8 As your calendar fills up with mid-term exams, shopping trips and social engagements, please make time to share in the joy of the Advent season. • Saturday, December 9: Christ Church youth meet in the parking lot at 9:30 a.m. to collect Wheelbarrows of Food for PATH. After we feed others, we’ll feed ourselves! You’ll be home by 1:30 p.m. • Sunday, December 10: The Advent Event 4:00-7:30 p.m. Off we go acaroling to our homebound parishioners and brown bag recipients. It’s an evening of festive fun! 5 Children’s Ministry Children’s Ministry Thank You Nanette and Steve Hutto & Kimber Spinks for hosting a super fun afternoon!!! Christmas Eve Pageant: The Friendly Beasts Casting Call It’s a Fact! Hey Kids! It’s almost time for the Christ Church Christmas Pageant! Come celebrate the birth of Jesus! All children, ages 3 years through 5th grade are welcome to participate. We need the following characters: To sign up for the pageant, please call Miss Anne at the church: 903-597-9854 Mary Joseph InnKeeper Narrator Angel Gabriel Angels 3 Wise Men Shepherds Cow Dove Sheep 2 Mice Camel 2 Cats Donkey Christmas Star 2 Spiders 2 Dogs Frog Curley Horn Sheep 6 Christ Church Kids Rehearsal Times: Sunday, December 17, 10:00 a.m. had a ball at Wednesday, December 20, 10:00 a.m. Jumpin’ Jack’s Party Shack! 7