The Crucifer

I have said these

things to you that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

John 15:11

From the Rector:

Commit your way to the Lord. Trust in God and He will act. Psalm 37.5

Anglican Christians have been observing All Hallows’ Eve, or Halloween, since at least the eighth century. Originally a prayer vigil, All Hallows grew into a more festive evening during which beggars would knock at doors to ask for a "soul cake", a form of shortbread, in exchange for prayers for the dead of the household. Today, the soul cakes have become sweets, the vigil is gone, and All Hallows’ Eve has become Halloween.

But the intent of All Saints, to remember and give thanks for the lives of the faithful departed, has endured.

We remember the commitment that the saints made to Christ: to know and follow Jesus throughout their lives. The signs of their ministry remain with us.

Near the Tower of London there stands an ancient parish church called "All Hallows". Just inside the wall enclosing the graveyard at All Hallows there is a large sign, placed so that tourists leaving the Tower may read it. The sign at "All Hallows" cites a bit of history and then raises a pointed question: "Jesus Christ has been worshipped in this building for 600 years, on this site for 1100 years, and in Britain for 1300 years. Don’t you think it’s time you got started?"

The sign, like the feast for which that ancient parish was named, reminds us that our faith, and the congregation in which we worship, pray, learn, and fellowship, is a gift which has been passed down through successive generations of saints. Those saints were faithful stewards of the faith and the church which was delivered to them. Now it is our turn, and our time.

Financial stewardship is a discipline which reflects our confidence in God’s provision, and nurtures our faith as believers. We commit our lives, and the resources which are a part of them, to the Lord. And we trust that He will provide for our needs and make great use of those resources.

God’s blessing upon Christ Church continues to be abundant. And we are honored that He chooses to use our time and our talents and our wealth to proclaim the Gospel, nurture faith, and minister to the needy.

At all worship services this Sunday, October 30, we will make our financial commit- ments to the Lord through Christ Church. Please bring your signed commitment card to church this Sunday, or mail it to the church this week. Together, our efforts will ensure that in 2012, Christ Church will continue to be a congregation which equips people to follow Christ.

It’s time to get started.

Yours Faithfully in Christ,

Experiencing Epiphany 3 Spirituality/Calendar 4 Liturgy & Music 5 Holy Land Pilgrimage 5 Children's Ministry 6 Youth Ministry 6 Fellowship & Outreach 7

I N S I D E

October 25, 2011 Vol. XII, No. 22

In Our Prayers Please consider including the prayer list

in your daily devotions.

Joan & Glenn, Amy, Alan, Wanda, Lindsey, Scott, S.J., Jake, J.C., Shirley, Mike, Dick, Sonja, Pam, Jennifer, Meredith, Joshua, Wayne, Bess, Gipsy, David, Terry, David, Sheila, Christian, Cameron, Chris, Gregg, Nicole, Tanya, Mary and family, Lula Sue, Kathy Rose, Mike, Ray, Albert & Jean, Murray, Hal, Richard, Shirley, Brian, Ben, Sally, Bill, Yvonne, Brooke, Todd, Jan, Marian, Jamie, Sean, Morgan, Alan, Anne, Jim, Lominta, Israel Jr., Charlotte, Rosie, Dot, Linda, Jana, Kolbe, Leigh, Linda, Carolyn, Chuck, Ben, Sarah, Betty, Makenzie, Martha, Peggy, Brett, Doreen, Myra, Susan, Syler, Matt, Nanci, Julian, Steve, John, Angela, Andi, Steve, Chris, Vicky, Bea B., Billy, Joe, Leo, Bo. Prayer List Requests We will re-set the Prayer List as of Sunday, October 30. If you would like to keep a name on the prayer list, please contact The Rev. Stephen Stine at 903-530-8168 or Lee Hensarling at the church office. To protect the confidentiality of those in the prayer list, we will use first names or initials only.

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Clergy and Staff

The Rt. Rev. Andrew Doyle Bishop of the Diocese of Texas

The Rt. Rev. Dena Harrison Bishop Suffragan

The Rev. David Luckenbach Rector The Rev. Matt Boulter Assistant Rector The Rev. Brandon Peete Curate The Rev. Stephen Stine Deacon

Mr. Jeffrey Ford Organist/Choirmaster Mrs. Andrea Thomas Assistant Organist 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. Zion Spencer Epiphany Music Leader Mr. Ledell Reed Sexton Mr. Kendric Milton Assistant Sexton Ms. Jennifer Ducote Office Assistant & Housekeeper Ms. Mary Manson, Ms. Vanessa Molina, Ms. Ashley Bracken, Mrs. Nicole Garvey, Mr. Todd Hague, Ms. Mary Sue Carter Nursery

The Vestry Mr. Francis Kay, Sr. Warden, Class of 2011

Mr. Bryan Rossman, Jr. Warden, Class of 2012 Mrs. Mary John Spence Pro Vita Mr. Peter Boyd Treasurer Mr. Tom Ridley Clerk Mrs. Cynthia Patty Class of 2011 Mr. George Roberts 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 Mrs. Laurel Beaty Class of 2013 Mrs. Mardi Byrd Class of 2013 Mr. Steve Hardy Class of 2013 Mrs. Frances Swann Class of 2013 Mr. Trey Yarbrough Class of 2013

Scripture Readings for Sunday 20 Pentecost, October 30, Proper 26

First Reading: Micah 3:5-12

Psalm: 43

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, 17-20

Gospel: Matthew 23:1-13

November 6, All Saints’ Day

First Reading: Ecclesiasticus 44:1-10, 13-14 or Ecclesiasticus 2:(1-6) 7-11

Psalm: 149

Second Reading: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-17 or Ephesians 1:(11-14) 15-23

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12 or Luke 6:20-26 (27-36)

23 Pentecost, November 13, Proper 28

First Reading: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18

Psalm: 90 or 90:1-8, 12

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10

Gospel: Matthew 25:14-15, 19-29

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

Additional Contact Information

The Rev. David Luckenbach dluckenbach@christchurchtyler.org Tina Ridley tridley@christchurchtyler.org

The Rev. Matt Boulter mboulter@christchurchtyler.org Denise Jarrett djarrett@christchurchtyler.org

The Rev. Stephen Stine ssti@tjc.edu Vance Garvey vgarvey@christchurchtyler.org

Jeffrey Ford jford@christchurchtyler.org Lee Hensarling lhensarling@christchurchtyler.org

Diana Keesey dkeesey@christchurchtyler.org Carolyn Velleca office@christchurchtyler.org

Church Web Site: www.christchurchtyler.org Lay Ministry Schedule: www.christchurchtyler.orgworship

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General Update on the Epiphany Community

As most Christ Church parishion- ers probably know, over the past few months I have been dedicating my column in the Crucifer to a discussion of some aspect of my Sunday morning Christian formation class. (I must say, in passing, that the current “course” I

am teaching is perhaps the most satisfying Sunday morning class I have ever taught. I really think that this has little to do with me, and much more to do with what the Spirit is up to here at Christ Church!)

This time, however, it seems like a good idea for me to give readers a general update on the health and the progress of the Epiphany Community. While admitting that our average Sunday attendance is lower than what I hoped it would be at this point (we are in the 60’s, whereas I had hoped that by this point we would be in the 80’s), I honestly think that this is the only “leading indicator” which is not deeply encouraging. And since I believe that the church grows organically, not primarily (in the long run, at least) as a result of artificial or external or imposed efforts or initiatives, I have solid expectations of more numeric growth in the near future.

Allow me to list several bullet points.

· Music Ministry. Zion’s leadership of the Epiphany Praise Team over the last several weeks, particularly since Fiesta Sunday at All Saints, has been truly remarkable. I am so grate- ful to him, and proud of him! He has made great strides in terms of: the number of folks participating on the Praise Team, the range of musical instruments played, the social and spiritual cohesion of the group, the introduction of new songs (one, “Hope in Your Name,” which he wrote especially for our community). His efforts and those of the team (and much prayer!) have been bearing much fruit: the music in this ser- vice is clearly worthy of a service folks can invite their friends to with confidence.

· Leadership Development. This has been a real answer to prayer, in that I could list the names of several individuals (probably about five to ten) who in the last few months have approached me and indicated a desire for a deeper leadership

Experiencing Epiphany role. One person is helping with technological issues; one per- son trains others and is always on point to do whatever is asked; two people have begun intentionally to pray and plan for a special ministry of prayer during the Communion portion of the liturgy; several have joined the Praise Team; one is hoping and planning somehow to help with our ministry to the down- trodden & disenfranchised; one has applied to be our college intern (a position hopefully opening up in the next few months). Praise God! Please pray for more of this! And please note: this kind of deeper growth is absolutely the key to numerical growth.

· Overlap with other Ministries. Last Sunday there were seven teens serving in the Epiphany Eucharist who were also at EYC (“youth group”) that day. There are an unprecedented number of Epiphany folks in my Christian Formation class (sometimes as many as ten, in a class of about thirty or so). Seven (depending on how one counts) Epiphany folks, four of them relatively new to Christ Church have been participating in our “Turbo Group,” a group consisting of future leaders and apprentices for our emerging Neighborhood Group ministry here at Christ Church (which will begin in January or Febru- ary), meeting in homes during the week throughout the Smith County area. Two Epiphany young people are mentoring teen- agers under Vance’s oversight. This kind of ministry “cross pollina- tion” is one primary reason we began the Epiphany Community!

· Intentional Ministry to the Downtrodden and Disen- franchised. We have recently been blessed by the presence of a man whom many readers will know, who God brought to us from the Salvation Army. Thanks to a Christ Church mem- ber who met this man on the 4 th floor one Sunday, he has now been gainfully employed for about a week and a half! Most interestingly of all, many different people have responded to the call to serve Christ in this man (giving him rides, donating things of value to him, etc.) and many people (in the Epiphany Community, in the broader Christ Church Community, as well as folks who just know me or read our weekly newsletter or just heard a rumor of what is going on) have contacted me with words of profound encouragement. No wonder Jesus said things like “When you clothe the naked and feed the hungry, you are doing these things to me!”

Please keep Epiphany in your deepest and daily prayers! It is an honor to serve and shepherd this budding community.

The Rev. Matt Boulter, Assistant Rector

New to Christ Church? Come to “Christ Church 101”

• Four classes on “all things Anglican:” history, theology, worship, Bible.

• Four Sundays in a row: October 30, November 6, 13, 20, 10:00

• In the Christ Church Library, 3rd floor, Grelling-Spence Bldg.

• Dinner with the Rector Sunday, November 13, 5:00-7:00 pm,

Parish Hall. • Please contact the church office to make reservations.

Save the Date

The Ordination of The Rev. Brandon B. Peete to the Order of Priests

Saturday, the 3rd of December

11:00 am

Christ Episcopal Church

Spirituality Calendar

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CLASSES 10:00-10:50 am

Adult Christian Education, 3rd fl. Grelling-Spence Bldg.

The Gospel of Luke, is taught by The Rev. Luckenbach in the Ascen- sion Room.

Prayer: How to Have a Lifelong Conversation with God. The Rev. Matt Boulter teaches this course in the Epiphany Room.

Modern Anglican Divines, October 30-December 11. Who are the major modern theologians of Anglicanism? What do their writings say to us as Christian disciples of the 21st Century? In this seven-week course, we will look at Anglican thinkers such as William Porcher Dubose, William Temple, Frederick Denison Maurice, and Rowan Williams. The Rev. Stine will teach this course in the Trinity Room.

Christ Church 101, October 30, November 6, 13, 20, CEC Library, 3rd floor, Grelling-Spence Bldg.

Children and Youth Nursery: 8:30 till end of 11/11:05 services, infant-1st grade,

Godly Play: Children from 2 years to 2nd grade grow their faith through Godly Play, a Montessori-based curriculum using a careful telling of scripture stories, engaging story figures, and a variety of creative activities to encourage children to seek and find their own answers to their faith questions.

3 rd – 6 th AKALOO: A curriculum for 3rd through 6th grade that brings a "stage-specific" approach to faith formation for our children and youth by focusing on five areas of discipleship: Bible, God, Disci- ple, Church, and World.

7 – 12 th Character: A study designed for 7th through 12th grade students that reveals how people of the Old Testament encountered God in amazing ways, and their lives were drastically changed. Stu- dents see how an encounter with God will change their lives forever.

Weekday Christian Education Tuesday AM, (Men’s Bible Study) 6:45-7:45 am, 3rd floor, Grel- ling-Spence Bldg., led by The Rev. Luckenbach.

Men’s Bible Study, Lectionary-based study, Gospel Reading: Wednesdays, 7:15-8:15 a.m., Undercroft.

Women’s Bible Study, Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 am, Trinity Room. The Gospel of Matthew, led by Frances Swann, childcare pro- vided.

Women’s Bible Study, Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 am, Epiphany Room, A Word from the Prophets, led by The Rev. Luckenbach.

Youth Activities Weekly—EYC—4th floor

EYC Fish (5th-6th grade) & Jr. EYC (7th-8th grade) Come join us for dinner, discussion and games, 6:00-7:30 pm every Wednesday, 4th floor.

Sr. EYC (9th-12th grade) Join us every Wednesday 6:00-7:30 pm for a time of fellowship, food, community, and study. This year’s study theme is “Discipleship”.

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Every Week at Christ Church Sundays

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 10:50 am

10:00 am Christian Education Classes 11:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 11:05 am Epiphany Eucharist, 4th floor 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist Rite I

Mondays 10:00 am Gift Shop open till 2:00 pm 4:00 pm Choir School of East Texas

Tuesdays 6:45 am Tuesday AM with Rector 8:30 am Morning Prayer in the Chapel 9:00 am Education for Ministry 9:00 am Staff Meeting

10:00 am Gift Shop open till 2:00 pm 4:00 pm St. Cecilia’s Handbell Ensemble 6:30 pm Education for Ministry

Wednesdays 7:15 am Men’s Bible Study 9:00 am Yoga Class

10:00 am Gift Shop Open till 2:00 pm 10:30 am Women’s Bible Study 6:00 pm Book Club 6:00 pm Face2Face/Catalyst Youth Groups 6:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Thursdays 10:00 am Gift Shop Open till 2:00 pm 10:30 am Women’s Bible Study w/Rector 12:00 pm Holy Communion, 1928 Prayer Book 4:00 pm Choir School of East Texas 6:00 pm Loaves & Fishes

Upcoming Events at Christ Church Friday, October 28

6:00 pm PrimeTimers Oktoberfest Saturday, October 29

6:00 pm Epiphany Pumpkin Party-Bryant home Sunday, October 30-Commitment Sunday

12:15 pm Reception for Andrea Thomas Tuesday, November 1

11:00 am Hospice Food Delivery Wednesday, November 2

11:00 am Gift Shop Christmas Open House till 6:00 pm 12:00 pm Mom’s Group-Don Juan’s on the Square 5:30 pm Good Grief Group

Saturday, November 5 6:00 pm Doors open for Dixieland Dancehall

Sunday, November 6-All Saints Sunday, DST Ends Monday, November 7

11:40 am ECW Luncheon & Meeting 5:30 pm Pub Club-B.J.’s Brew House

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 6!

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Music Ministry

Music at Christ Church

Reception for Andrea Thomas, Assistant Organist

Many of you know that Drea Thomas has been commuting to Christ Church from Dallas since she and her husband moved there several months ago. She has accepted a position as Assistant Director at the Chapel of the Cross in downtown Dallas. Please join us at a reception in the Parish Hall on October 30 following the 11:00 a.m. Eucharist to say good bye and to thank Drea for her service here.

Phase One of Piano Project Complete

The Parish Hall piano was in need of some major refinishing on the outside case due to constant use and moving over the years. While having it refinished some needed tonal work was also done. This minor work will enhance the music played on this piano for Parish Hall events from PrimeTimer gatherings to dinners and receptions. The work is complete and for now this piano will be in the Nave in anticipation of Phase Two.

Phase Two is the restoration of the Steinway Grand that is normally in the Nave. Once funds have been raised, this pi- ano will be sent to Bernard Mollberg in Blanco, TX to be totally rebuilt and returned to its original beauty-both inside and out. You may go to his website at www.mollbergpiano.com to see his fine work.

I want to thank those who have given to this project and those who will give. This investment will ensure the making of great music at Christ Church for many years to come.

Holy Land Pilgrimage September 20-October 2, 2011

The outcome of the pilgrimage was the transformation that took place inside the person. Pilgrims returned with an impression imprinted on the soul, rather than in the memory of a digital camera.

On September 20, twenty-nine pilgrims travelled to the Holy Land. As we finally made our way through the airport, we met our tour guide Gus. As he greeted us, he said “Welcome home.” Our pilgrimage started at that moment. On a door at the Basilica of the Nativity this was written:

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Youth Ministry

Children’s Ministry

Salvation Army Bell Ringing Saturday Dec. 3 10:00 am-2:00 pm

Macy’s North Entrance

E-Kids only Sunday, December 11

Angel Tree Christmas Shopping We will leave from the church,

get lunch at a restaurant, shop for 3 children and then return to the church and

wrap the presents. Pick-up at 4:00 pm

Please let Ms. Tina know if your child is planning on participating.

Pageant Sign up

Sheets are now available in the Discovery Kingdom Hallway. Please sign up as soon as possible.

MOM’s Group *First Wednesday of every month

Don Juan’s on the Square, Noon.

*Third Thursday of every month Mom’s Night Out

Carino’s Restaurant 5:30-7:30 pm

*It’s a mommy day! Every Wednesday morning

9:00 am, Yoga, 10:30 am, Women’s Bible study

Childcare available

Dixieland Dancehall Dixieland Dancehall Dixieland Dancehall Saturday, November 5

• Come one; Come ALL! • Wear your Western duds! • Doors and nursery open @ 6:00 p.m. • FREE dance lessons from 6:30­7:00 p.m. • $10 per person or $30 per family • RSVP @ Front Desk by Wednesday, November 2

Scholarships are available if needed; contact Vance or Denise at the church office (903-597-9854). All proceeds will go

toward the North Tyler Day Nursery and the Children’s Advocacy Center (as with Tyler Mission Week) for their continued service and

support to children in the Tyler area.

7:00 ­ 9:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall

Fellowship & Outreach

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Kids Corner—Happy Birthday! 11/1 Wayne Walker, Anne Falconer, Nash Bergfeld; 11/2 Jackson Fausett; 11/5 Evan Finn; 11/9 Forbes Owen,

Amelia Brown; 11/10 Eamonn Thurmond.

Welcome!

Welcome to new member, Pat Colburn. We are grateful she has cho- sen to make Christ Church her home.

Good Grief Group

We will meet Wednesdays, October 26, November 2, 9, and 16 at 5:30 pm in the Epiphany Room on the 3rd floor of the Grelling- Spence Bldg. The purpose of this group is to provide spiritual and practical support for parishioners who have suffered a loss. The moderator will be The Rev. Stephen Stine. Please call Deacon Stine at 903-530-8168 (cell) if you have any questions.

Come and Meet Fr. John Naumann

Father John Naumann, Director of the Amani Development Organization will be speaking at Christ Church on Thursday, Octo- ber 27, 6:00-7:30 pm.

Amani is a registered NGO (non governmental organization) working to relieve poverty in rural central Tanzania. Amani works with local communities to establish and sustain water resources, agriculture and forestry development, education, health and nutri- tion.

Father Naumann grew up on a farm in Australia and began his ministry as an Anglican Priest in 1966 before moving to serve an Episcopal congregation in Billings, Montana in 1989. After a sabbati- cal in Tanzania in 2000, Fr. Naumann began raising money to drill water wells there. In 2004 he retired and moved to a rural area south of Dodoma. If attending, please reply to the church office.

OKTOBERFEST! Friday, October 28, 6-8 pm

German food, beverages (you may bring beer & wine!), music, pictures. Presentation by Randy Gilbert. Bring your own German dish or pick up a suggested recipe from the office desk. Don't like German food? Bring a covered dish & enjoy the music, fellowship, & presentation. Don't want to cook? Help share the cost of the sau- sage. It's not too late to make reservations. We need to know how many sausages to buy!

Sign the sheet at the office desk or contact Ann Smyth asmyth0524@aol.com 903 593-6557.

All Saints Day

Our departed loved ones will be remembered at the services on Sunday, November 6. If you would like to add a name to this list, please call or email the church office no later than Wednesday, No- vember 2.

Sr. EYC Ski Trip

Attention Sr. EYC Youth and Parents! A few more spaces are now available for this year’s trip. Please contact Vance ASAP to sign up before you miss out!

ECW Luncheon and Meeting

Monday, November 7, 11:45 am. Christ Church Pilgrims Reflect on the Holy Land Tour, in the Parish Hall. Come hear about their experience, a life-changing event. Childcare provided.

United Thank Offering.

The United Thank Offering is a personal and family devotional pro- gram of the Episcopal Church. By putting coins in the blue boxes or envelopes, we can show our thanks to God for our blessings. Blue boxes are located in the Narthex, as well as the track rack in the church lobby. UTO envelopes are available in the pew racks. The UTO Fall Ingathering is All Saints’ Sunday, November 6, all services.

Bethesda Clinic

Christ Church is beginning a new ministry with Bethesda Clinic. On Saturday, November 12th, 7:45 am-noon, Christ Church will fully staff the clinic with doctors, nurses and personnel for all other ar- eas. We are also including the Jr. High and Sr. High youths. If you are interested in participating, please call Laurel Beaty at 903-752- 5181. The next clinic date will be in the spring of 2012. As always your prayers are appreciated.

Dinner Groups

You are invited for food, fun and fellowship at parishioners’ homes during the year. To join, please contact Ann Jarrel at 903-592-8771 or annjarrel@sbcglobal.net. Our next dinner will be Friday, Novem- ber 18 at 7:00 pm.

Letter from PATH

Dear Friends, Thank you so much for your gift to PATH for the wildfire vic-

tims. We are so grateful to have you in our PATH family. Your gifts are providing families with food, hope through their

financial struggles, and strength to reach out for help. Through your gifts and our caring volunteers, we are able to provide a hand up in an individual’s time of financial crisis.

Thank you again for your continued support of PATH and our programs. Sincerely, Mitzie Avera, Administrative Director

You are invited to a Christmas Preview Party at Christ Episcopal Church Gift Shop Hosted by The Terra Sancta Guild

Wednesday, November 2, 11 am until 6 pm Bring a friend!

Commitment Sunday, October 30

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Psalm 37:5

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.

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

Worship Schedule at Christ Church

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

11:05 a.m. The Holy Eucharist, Rite III

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

Church Web Site: www.christchurchtyler.org