200 W Lang St, Alvin, TX 77511-2396 I 281-331-5657 I 281...

200 W Lang St, Alvin, TX 77511-2396 I 281-331-5657 I 281-331-0143 fax I www.gracechurchalvin.com

O ne Go d — O ne Fami ly — O ne T ab le

Grace Church Family to Gather on January 19th

for Annual Parish Meeting

The members of Grace Episcopal Church gather for

the Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, January 19th

at 9:15 a.m. between the two services. Come one,

come all, and please sign up right away, at least by

January 12th, to bring simple breakfast items: to

share. We will elect a new parish representative for

the Verna Browning Fund Board, pick up new

address directories, receive a financial report for

2013 and see the plan for 2014. We will honor

vestry members who just completed their term. We

will take a look at the year ahead in terms of our

parish vision and goals, the diocesan assessment

for developing our children’s and youth ministries.

Everyone will be invited to join one of the listening

groups some meeting on February 16th, some on

February 17th for conversation with the Diocesan

developers. We will also hear an update on the

property acquisition in process and the plans for

facility improvement.

January 2014

The Outpost

Catch us on Facebook Grace Episcopal Church Alvin

In this Edition

Vestry Highlights Page 2

Rector’s Article Page 3

Programs and Offerings Page 4

News and Notes Page 5

January Calendar Page 6

The Episcopal Church at Its Best When Mission Minded

by David W. Price

The Episcopal Church has a rich heritage, one

that we cherish a lot. It is part of the whole

stream of Church history, two thousand years

long. Amazing developments arose through the

dramatic evolution of Christian faith and

practice. The Patristic era was one of defining

doctrine, belief and practice. The Middle-Ages

rocked with the drama of the struggle of power

as nation states rose and fell in influence, and as

the powers of church and state tested varying

angles of relationship and tension. Saints,

liturgies, monasteries, art, music, architecture:

these things shaped every age of the church and

continue to shape us.

Still, we have to admit, the message of Jesus is a

simple one, about the Love of God breaking into

the world and ushering in God’s reign, what the

Gospel’s tend to call, “the Kingdom of God.” So

the Church at its core, can never be about its

past. Rather, taking guidance and insights from

the past, the church is about moving with the

Good News into the future. We believe that

Christ is still born into the world, even through

our work right here in our area.

The Mission-Minded church takes the current

culture seriously. Learning what people are

dealing with here and now, and presenting the

love of God in as fresh a way as possible. Like

the numbers on the calendar and seasons and

technologies change, so our ways of delivering

the changeless love of God finds its new

effective ways too. Ask God: “What brand new

thing will you have me do, and what things will

you have Grace Church as a Family do this

year? Life in Christ is ever a mission and an

adventure.

Ministries

Altar Guild Director:

S. Wayne Mathis, [email protected]

Congregational Care Council

Deacon CarolAnn Mills, 281-756-8009 Lydia Quiroz, [email protected] Mary Smith, [email protected]

Liturgy & Worship Council

John Bergmann, 281-331-6908 Mary Smith, [email protected]

Media & Communications Council

John Bergmann, 281-331-6908 Donna Tate, [email protected]

Mission & Outreach Council

Ken Havens, 281-585-3327 Lydia Quiroz, [email protected] Aubrey Stokes, musicofthenight1086

@yahoo.com Donna Tate, [email protected]

Spiritual Formation Council Kati Garner, [email protected]

Frances Lamb, 281-814-0867 or [email protected]

Deacon Joe Mills, [email protected] Aubrey Stokes, musicofthenight1086

@yahoo.com

LEM Scheduler: Leah Jones, [email protected]

Vergers:

John Bergmann Kati Garner

S Wayne Mathis

Vestry: Mary Smith, Senior Warden 2014 [email protected] Aubrey Stokes [email protected] Frances Lamb 281-814-0867, [email protected] Kati Garner, [email protected]

Ken Havens, 281-585-3327 Lydia Quiroz, [email protected] Jim Callan, [email protected] JR Denson, [email protected] Jo Nell Parker, [email protected]

Income $200,021.39

Expenses 200,708.25

Gain (Loss) $ (686.86)

Celebrate Life

VESTRY VOLITIONS The vestry met at its regular meet-ing on Tuesday evening, December 17 in the church office. Orders of business included the Treasurers report with figures reported at right at the bottom of this page. A report on the Property Acquisition Project indicated that three different inspections were conducted (Air Conditioning, General Building, and Structural Engineering). The inspections revealed that the HVAC equipment was in better condition than expected. There is a need to remedy a huge oak tree limb that is too near the roof. That, and a slope of the slab with a low point on the south edge of the building need to be addressed in final negotiations with the seller. Stewardship progress showed 58 pledges, representing 83% of needed pledge revenues for targeted goals. Follow-up action for the campaign was discussed. Ministry Council Reports were heard, and a preview of Diocesan Development Team for Youth and Chil-dren’s ministries, scheduled for mid-February outlined. The next meeting is Tuesday, January 20 at 7:00 pm in the church office. These meetings are public and anyone is welcome.

The Office: Hours: M-F 9:00-1:00

The Staff Rector: The Reverend David W. Price [email protected] Youth Minister: Ryan Perry [email protected] Deacon: CarolAnn Mills [email protected] Deacon: Dr. Joseph M. Mills [email protected] Organist & Music Director: Len DePrang, [email protected] Parish Administrator: Danny Hermann [email protected]

Outpost Edi tor: Par ish Of f ice Staf f I o f f ice@gracechurchalv in.com I 281 -331-5657

7 James Beasley

7 Sam Doerr

7 Leah Jones

10 Carlton Anderson

11 Diane Ellis

11 Chris Morrison

12 Elizabeth Burford

13 Bailey Ann Hector

14 Daniel Bruner

15 Diane Doren

15 Noelle Wiggins

16 Beth Taylor

18 Justin Folk

18 Elizabeth Stokes

24 Stephanie Bradford

24 Jana Callen

25 Opal Anderson

25 Caroline Hall

27 James Morse

27 Joe Schneider

27 Phyllis Wall

28 Don Hanselman

30 Dick Regenburgh

31 Lynda Lamprecht

Ha

ppy

Bir

thda

y

Mr. & Mrs. Gene Palmer 1/2

Jan and Joe Schneider 1/14

Our Numbers: Year to date

November 31, 2013

few moments

with Father David…

Committed to Mission

The year 2014 is here, can you believe it? Because of our faith and

scriptural/liturgical practice, we begin this year steeped in the themes of

the new thing that God brings about in the gift of his Son, our Lord Jesus

Christ. The Epiphany is the feast recalling how the Gentile nations were

signaled about this new light that shines in the world. Magi brought gifts

to the newborn king. God gives to us; we give to God. Such is the rhythm

of the Christian Life. God’s is an open gift, intended for all who will

receive it. Our giving should be the same...an open gift to all who will

receive it. The Church was never supposed to be inwardly focused, but

ready to honor God by focusing on those not yet part of the Body of

Christ. We are to have a mission centered core to our purpose.

To cultivate this missional orientation, we need to be generous,

innovative, and industrious. This is the year when our number of pledges

submitted can reach a new mark, and allow us the freedom to bolster our

work in the community. We will also be unafraid from this generous spirit

to launch a campaign for capital improvements so necessary to support

fresh ministries.

We must be willing to try new initiatives. The team from the diocesan

spiritual formation division will be here next month, helping us develop

our children’s and youth ministries. We must dive in to the listening

groups, where these developers will listen to our insights about what has

been and what can be. In all areas of ministry...pastoral care, outreach,

spiritual growth, we must fearlessly spring into what the Spirit leads us to

try. Ours is a time and a culture in which stubborn service of an

establishment mode will get us no where. Mobilizing enthusiastic

initiatives that fit our vision and mission principles will move and

energize the parish.

All of this will take effort from everybody. The system of the various

councils is allowing more people to jump in and plan things, do things, be

involved in ministry. Pick a parish council that fits your passion:

Congregational Care, Mission & Outreach, Spiritual Formation, Media &

Communication, Liturgy & Worship. Or join in to programs that embody

these areas of focus. Let’s work together to realize the generous,

innovative, industrious church that the Holy Spirit is inspiring us to be.

Happy and Blessed New Year to you and yours.

David +

Grace Episcopal Church One God • One Family • One Table

Vision

Grace Episcopal Church seeks

to deepen relationships with

God, bring individuals together

into a family that builds up one

another in love and support, and

actively serve our neighbors and

community

Mission:

In Grace Episcopal Church,

God brings together individuals

in all stages of their spiritual

life to form an inclusive family.

As a family, we encourage

growth in relationships with

God, others, ourselves, and the

creation, in that we

Practice invitation to

God’s table,

Welcome and incorporate

those who come,

Work together to worship

the Lord in powerful

liturgy,

Challenge, encourage and

teach one another, and

Build one another up for

ministry in and behond

the church.

Stewardship Summit There is no reason to expect less than our goal, no reason to settle for “almost.” Once we receive just 11 more pledges, we will set a new benchmark in our congregational health and our capacity to do ministry this year. Our goal is 70 pledges, It has not been seen at Grace Church, but this year we can see it. Jesus said “I came that you might have life and that you might have it abundantly,” Fr. Price predicts that by the end of January, we will reach this mark, and realize our need to expand our capacity for mission in this community. Pray and step out in faith as God speaks to your heart. Pick up a card in the church narthex, or call our church office at 281-331-5657. Thank you to everyone who has already pledged for our 2014 Stewardship Pledge drive.

Vestry Members and Council Delegates Jim Callan, Jo Nell Parker and JR Denson begin their terms on vestry this month. S. Wayne Mathis, Leah Jones and new Sr. Warden, Mary Smith will represent us at Diocesan Council next month.

Sunday

evening

Bible Study 7-8:30 p.m. This lively group is studying the Gospel of Mark at the Deacons’ home at 205 Hillcrest Dr. in Hillcrest Village. Just bring your favorite Bible or two. For more information, please call 281-334-7905 or 281-756-8009.

New Sunday Morning Offering Adult Faith Study

Q. What does it mean to be

created in the image of God? A. It means that we are free to

make choices: to love, to create, to reason, and to live in harmony with creation and with God.

Where is this material from? Why...it is from the Outline of Faith, or Catechism found in our Book of Common Prayer. Wouldn’t you like to delve into discussion on material such as this? Deacon Joseph Mills is leading a new s t u d y o f t h e E p i s c o p a l Catechism during the 9:15 a.m. Sunday School hour in the church office for the next several weeks, before resuming his study of the Sunday Bible readings.

Children Bring Food and

Canned Goods, You May Too

In the Narthex, the foyer of the Church Proper, there are food baskets which are filled and delivered to the Alvin Food Pantry. From time to time, or regularly, bring a little something to toss in, the relief of the hungry in our area.

Thank You!

You Are the

Answer for Parish

Hospitality

T h e K e e b l e r E l v e s a r e

plum out of dough. There will be no

elfin magic to help with Take Ten

Coffee Hour Hospitality at Grace. It

is up to you, now. This Sunday,

saunter over to the bulletin board in

the Parish Hall, and boldly sign on to

bring the refreshments for the

fellowship time after Sunday

services. And like magic, The Grace

Church Sunday exper ience

becomes that much more amazing.

What a sweet thing for you to do.

“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”

Learn to Paint

at Grace Church

The Painting Class begins anew on January 6, meeting weekly on Mondays through February 10. The course of study this round:

“The Gristmill”

Cost: $60 total for all six sessions Instructor: Heather Roy

The work that you produce will truly surprise and please you. Ask Jane Hoffman, Chris Patterson, Phyllis Wall, Jan Bettes Schneider, Mark Patterson, Ruby Adams, or any of our folks who have produced painted pieces in Heathers’ class.

Dedicated Service Mark Patterson, John Bergman and Donna Tate completed their terms as Vestry Members at year end, 2013. They all served faithfully to the benefit of our parish life. John worked painstakingly and diligently as Junior Warden, and Donna Tate showed astounding skill as a parish leader among the vestry, guiding the parish through a beneficial visioning process and a steady course of follow-up through the year. We are fortunate to have such outstanding gifts among the people of Grace Church.

You are invited… The Congregation is invited to an Epiphany Open House at the Dea-con's home at 205 Hil lcrest Drive, Alvin on Saturday, January 4, 2014 from 2:00 - 5:00p.m. This is our way to say Thank You for all the love and support you give the Mills. . For questions or directions, please call 281-756-8009.

The Altar Guild: A Meaningful and

Vital Ministry

January will be a month of

intentional recruitment and

enrollment for our altar

guild. The Altar Guild is

organized in teams that en-

sure everything is set in

place for the main Grace

Church worship services.

Our Altar Guild Director,

S. Wayne Mathis takes time

carefully and patiently to

train each new member. An

ideal size guild is twelve

members, allowing each

team to be on duty for just

one week per month, serving

only about four hours total

in that week of service. Lets

make it a perfect bakers

dozen, go for thirteen. There

are several positions still

available. Please contact

Wayne at 832-630-0651. We

will have a special dedica-

tion for members on Sun.,

February 2nd.

Discretionary

Funds at Grace

Our deacons, The Rev.

CarolAnn Mills and The

Rev. Joseph Mills, are

involved in many aspects

of outreach in the church

and in the community.

One avenue of their

assistance to people in

need is through the Grace

C h u r c h D e a c o n s ’

Discretionary Fund.

Our Rector, Father David,

also assists people in the

same way through the

Grace Church Benevo-

lence Fund.

Both accounts are

funded principally by

s p e c i a l d o n a t i o n s .

Moreover, on the first

Sunday of each month the

“loose plate offering”—

the currency and specially

designated checks among

the offerings—always go

to these outreach accounts.

Outreach News

Gift Boxes for the

DeGeorge Center for

U.S. Veterans

We rejoice to report that

the people of Grace

Church responded with

great generosity. Phyllis

Wall and Dorothy Camp-

bell were able to deliver

over seventy plastic “shoe

boxes” with assortments

of practical and fun little

gifts and treats for the vet-

erans. They are already

discussing how to get

more people involved next

year, and make our impact

in this wonderful veteran

community even stronger.

People of Grace Church show their Generosity and

Compassion

Pictured at left is the piano

in the Parish Hall believe it or

not. It served for a short time

as shelving for gifts that were

delivered to a family in the

area, just before Christmas.

Grace Church parishioners

organized an adopt-a-family

gift program in December, and

were able to provide a house-

hold with several children

with clothing, shoes, jackets

and other gifts to unwrap on

Christmas morning.

It serves as yet another ex-

ample of how dear to the heart

the joy of outreach is for our

family of faith.

A Note of Thanks

Dear People of Grace

The Altar Guild would like to thank everyone that contrib-uted flowers during 2013. The Christmas floral presentation was especially beautiful. The flower dedication book has been updated and there are currently 52 Sundays in 2014 available for your personalized flower dedications. Please take a moment and sign the flower book (Conveniently located in the narthex). When paying for your flowers, please indicate flowers on the memo line of your check.

Thanks,

YOUR ALTAR GUILD.

Integrity Houston Event at Christ Church Cathedral

Integrity Houston would

like to extend an invitation

to its Annual Ally

Appreciation Night on

January 17th. The location

and time are 7pm, Golding

Chapel, Christ Church

Cathedral. Please see

S. Wayne Mathis 832 630

0651 for more details.

Grace Church E.Y.C. Every Wed.

6:30—8pm

Hey Youth: Come for the

fun, for the learning, for

the food, —dinner is pro-

vided—always delicious!

Save the Date:

Mission 2014

“Week of Hope”

June 15-20

with St. Thomas

College Station

Sunday School Primary ages 3-5

Kinder and First grade Second thru Fourth grade

Junior High School

School is Cool where Jesus Rules!

Classes begin at 9:15 a.m. using a top curriculum, Living the Good News.

Please contact Deacon CarolAnn Mills at 281-756-8009 for more information.

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3 4

New Years Day

(Office Closed)

Prayer Study, 1pm, Parlor Mission/Outreach, 7pm

Deacons’ Epiphany Open House, 2-5 205 Hillcrest Dr

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 8:00 H.E. 9:15 Classes for all 10:30 H.E. Deacons' Bible Study,

7pm, Mills' home

9-11:00 Painting Class Pastor's Bible Study,

11am Parlor

Media/Comm, 6:15 pm

Scout 400, 7pm, PH

ALANON, 7:30pm, Parlor

Cubs 6 pm

Prayer Study, 6:30pm,

Parlor

EYC, 6:30pm

Choir Practice, 7:30pm,

Sanctuary


12 13 14 15 16 17 18 8:00 H.E. 9:15 Classes for all 10:30 H.E. Deacons' Bible Study,

7pm, Mills' home

9-11:00 Painting Class

Liturgy and Worship,

6:30pm

Pastor's class 11am

Scout 400, 7pm, PH

Vestry, 7 pm

ALANON, 7:30pm, Parlor

Media & Comm. 6:15

Cubs 6 pm

Prayer Study, 6:30pm,

EYC, 6:30pm

Parents and Youth

Choir Practice, 7:30pm


EYC Progressive Dinner, 7pm

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 8:00 H.E. 9:15 Annual Parish Meeting 10:30 H.E. Deacons' Bible Study,

7pm, Mills' home

9-11:00 Painting Class

26 27 28 29 30 31 8:00 H.E. 9:15 Classes for all 10:30 H.E. Deacons' Bible Study,

7pm, Mills' home

9-11:00 Painting Class Congregatinal Care 6:30pm

Deacons’ Epiph. Open House,, Jan. 4

New Painting Class—Jan. 6

EYC Parents & Youth—Jan 15

Let us pray

for the Church

and for the world.

Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your name may be united in your truth, live together in your love and reveal your glory to the world.

Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend Justin Welby; Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev’d Dr. Katherine Jeferts Schori; Diocesan Bishop, The Right Reverend C Andrew Doyle; Bishop Suffragan, The Right Reverend Dena Harrison; Bishop Suffragan, The Right Reverend Jeff Fisher; Grace Rector, The Reverend David W Price; Grace Deacon, The Reverend CarolAnn Mills; Grace Deacon, The Reverend Dr. Joseph M Mills; Priest, The Reverend Nan Doerr, Priest, retired Grace Youth Minister, Ryan Perry Grace Music Director and organist, Len DePrang

Guide the people of this land, and all of the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good.

Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours and grant that we may serve Christ in them and love one another a he loves us.

Our Administrators, Altar Guild, Bible Studies, Children’s Ministries, Christian Education, Cursillo, Community Outreach, Daughters of the King, Family Promise, Gold Guild, KAIROS Prison Ministry, Lay Ministers, Music Ministry, Senior Saints, Youth Ministry, Vestry, and all others serving you.

Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation...

Betsy, Lennie, Bob & Oney Armstrong, Bob Baker, Bill & Rose Mary Barrier, Margaret Barrier, Jacob Border, Julie Borgmann, Lynne Bruner, Craft Fam-ily, Lucille Dixon, Jan & Ted Doerr, Jay Fitch, Denny Gideon, Kitty Haner, Bill Harris, JoAnn Hocking, William Hoffman, Linda Hykel, Ross Jones, Marjorie Lawrence, Christine Mats, Matt McGuinness, Means Family, Tom Mills, Reid Morgan, Mildred Morris, Chris Morrison, Mary Morrison, The Paul Morrison Family, Stacey Nicholson, Sharon O’Connor, Pat Odom, Bob Peebles, Steve Perrin, Abby Perry, Kimberly & Drake Popham, Catherine Proctor, Reimer Family, Chad Rogers, Joe Rossano, Gracie Shepherd, Betty Jo Smith, Kerry & Leanna Smith, William Stidman, Drew Stuart, Shelby Stuksa, Jim Tostanoski, Gail VanCleve, Fran Van Winkle, Vera Weston, Bill Wicker, Mary Frances Wissner

Our college students in their journey Andrew Price, University of Texas, San Antonio Aubrey Stokes, University of Houston Brittney Steiner, Alvin Community College Cameron Schlegel, Lyon College Carver Mathis, Blinn College Elizabeth Russell, Texas Tech University Grace Windsor, Alvin Community College John Evans, Texas A & M Linda Thurmond, Alvin Community College Virginia Stokes, Texas Tech University

Protect and guide all who serve in the military. Mickey Alcantara (USMC), Scott Barrier (USAF), Scott Bean, Christian Blevins, Jason Bryan, Taylor Cameron (USN), Chase Capehart, Robert Carnie (USN), Ryan Cross, Clayton Crouch, David Dezso, Glen Dockal (USA), Raymond Dugan (USN), Mitchell Goodnight, Matt Hefner (USN), David Hefner (USA), Lance Henderson, Eric Heitz (USA), Keith (USN), Kurt (USMC), Casey McKay, Adam Miller, Ben Meyer (USCG), Shon O’Connor, Tara Parker, Daniel Popham, Ryan Popham, Jonathan Prater, Rusty Rand (USAF), Nick Ritch (USA), Manual Rodriguez, Josh Sager (USAF), Kaitlyn Saunders (USA), Russell Stewart (USAF), John Swanson , William Thompson, Ray Turner, Steve Wilson (USAF), Clint Zgarba (USN).

Our expectant mothers

Nicole Kelinske, friend of the Peebles Sandy Alexander Means, daughter of Donna Alexander Sara Roecker

Guide and protect our First Responders

Let light perpetual shine on Annabelle Fairchild, Bess Pretty, and Tom Wills.

Other prayer concerns:

Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.

Matthew 21:22

200 W Lang St, Alvin, TX 77511-2396

Services

Sunday Worship 8a.m. Rite I

9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Rite II

Morning Prayer

7a.m. Sunday 8:30 a.m. Mon-Sat.

Evening Prayer*

6pm Daily *Healing prayer Wednesdays

Diocesan Upcoming Events and Area News

YES #113, Jan 17th.

Night with the Rockets, Jan 24th.

Diocesan Council, Feb 7th & 8th.

Diolog, The Texas Episcopalian monthly

magazine, available online at epicenter.org

Member of

Episcopal Diocese of Texas’ epicenter.org;

National Episcopal Church, episcopalchurch.org;

Worldwide Anglican Communion,

anglicancommunion.org;

Alvin-Manvel Ministerial Alliance, ministerialalliance.net.

One God - One Family - One Table

Need a ride to Church? Please call Deacon CarolAnn Mills at 281-756-8009

200 W Lang St, Alvin, TX 77511-2396 I 281-331-5657 I 281...

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