DECEMBER 2015 STAR - St. Martin's Episcopal Church · 2015-12-01 · Contents DECEMBER 2015 02 From the Rector 04 Worship, Christian Education and Fellowship for Adults 09 Programs

St. Martin’s Episcopal ChurchSt. Martin’s Episcopal Church

STARTHE

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Christmas at St. Martin’s

Atop each of the spires of The Church is a three-dimensional

radiant cross, a symbol of Christ, the light of the world. There

are numerous references in scripture to Christ as the light

of the world (John 1:9, 14). These include the story of the

wise men coming to see the child Jesus (Matthew 2:1-15),

when Jesus was presented to the priests at the temple

(Luke 2:30-32), and Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist

(John 1:29). May St. Martin’s always be that light of Christ

to our city and region.

Our MissionTo bring by the power of the Holy Spirit as many people as possible to know, love, and serve God as revealed through Jesus Christ; and to be transformed into spiritually renewed disciples of Jesus who know, love and serve one another and the world.

Deadline for AnnouncementsThe deadline to submit information for The Star is two months before publication on the 10th of the month.

Church Offices717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056

Office HoursMonday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Individual department hours vary.)

PostmasterSend address changes to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church 717 Sage Road Houston, TX 77056-2199

Phone Numbers

Office ..............................................................713-621-3040

Fax ..................................................................713-622-5701

Activity Center .................................................713-621-8625

Café St. Martin’s ..............................................713-985-3847

Event Reservations .........................................713-985-3844

Library ...........................................................713-830-4118

Prayer Requests ..............................................713-830-4124

Preschool ........................................................713-621-2944

The Hope and Healing Center & Institute ........713-871-1004

The Island/Student Ministries .........................713-871-1004

Tours ...............................................................713-830-4117

Visitor Information ..........................................713-830-4126

Additional phone numbers and email addresses are at:stmartinsepiscopal.org > About St. Martin’s > The Staff

STARTHE

The Star is an official publication of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.

ON THE COVER

During the design and construction of The Church, it was decided that historical figures of noted preaching gifts would be carved and placed into the pulpit as a reminder of the call to excellence in preaching and as a reminder to pass on the faith handed down to us. The pulpit is crafted of quartered white oak wood and features sculptures of: Jesus, the Christ, at the center of the pulpit; the Rev. John Wesley, Anglican cleric and Christian theologian; St. John Chrysostom, the fourth-century Bishop of Constantinople; St. Paul, the Apostle, who often referred to himself as the “Apostle to the Gentiles”; the Rev. Charles Simeon, an English and Anglican clergyman; and the Bible verse I Corinthians 2:2, “…For I resolved to know nothing while I was amongst you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified...”

Contents

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

02 From the Rector

04 Worship, Christian Education

and Fellowship for Adults

09 Programs for All Adults

10 Programs for Women

11 Programs for Men

12 Student Ministries

13 Children’s Ministry

14 Outreach and Missions

17 Parish Life

23 Hope and Healing Center & Institue

24 Giving

21 I JOY OF GIVING MARKET MARKS 25TH ANNIVERSARY

The Episcopal Church Women of St. Martin’s Joy of Giving Market kicked off the holiday season and helped raise funds for Outreach grants benefitting organizations in the community.

19 I CELEBRATING POINTS OF LIGHT

The special interfaith and ecumenical service of prayer, reflection and song was hosted by a broad range of faith leaders from throughout the Houston area.

04 I CHRISTMAS AT ST. MARTIN’S

Rejoice in this blessed and joyous season with St. Martin’s Parish family during traditional worship services. Our wonderful Parish Choir is joined by the Gloria Dei Organ, brass quintet and timpani during the evening services.

T H E S TA R I D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5 01

FROM THE RECTOR

The fact that we have four Gospels

– where some of the same stories

are contained in each – tells us

that the words of Jesus’ mouth

were, in fact, shared by word of mouth.

They also tell us the value of telling and

re-telling stories again and again so they

weave their way into our hearts and lives.

Advent and Christmas are upon us again

– and we will hear, tell and share a story

that has been told for more than 2,000

years. “So Joseph also went up from the town

of Nazareth in Galilee in Judea, to Bethlehem,

the town of David, because he belonged to the

house and line of David…While they were

there, the time came for the baby to be born,

and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.

She wrapped him in cloths and places him in

a manger, because there was no room for

them in the inn.” (Luke 2:1-7)

We will hear this story again – and

many like it – in the weeks to come. It is

important to revisit what God’s Word,

and its stories, have to tell us. In an essay

on Church life, the author John Updike

suggested when we Christians regularly

recite what we believe, those oft cited

recitations are “like paths worn smooth in

the raw terrain of our hearts.” In other

words, telling and re-telling shapes

who we are.

You probably don’t know “Thomas,” but

you have likely seen him. He is one of the

many “sign spinners” who work in the

Houston area. I’ve been intrigued by these

fellas for some time. A modern take on the

walking billboard, they grab hold of large

cardboard signs shaped like an arrow –

pointing the way to new apartments,

a sale or a new restaurant.

There’s usually one at the corner of South

Post Oak and Woodway. That’s where I met

Thomas – on my way to vote (I hope you

voted!). On my walk back to the Church,

I struck up a conversation with Thomas.

I wanted to know how you get a job as

a “sign spinner.” My questions included

things like, “Do you have a natural knack

for that?,” “Do they teach you how to do

that?” and “Where are you from?”

I was struck by his answers. The company

he works for employs a number of young

people…the company houses them

together…provides them with insurance…

and a wage well above minimum. “But

how do you learn to spin?,” I pressed the

point. “Well, those who know how, teach

us; and then we practice together. When

someone learns something new, he shares

it; and then tries to teach it to us. We all

learn from learning and living together…

it’s really been a pretty good job for me…”

So our city’s “sign spinners” evidently

live together in community, learn from one

another, and then go out and “point the

way.” Sound familiar?

<

It is important to revisit what God’s Word,

and its stories, have to tell us.

=

Why do we return to the same stories again and again?

While preachers at times get ribbed a bit for repeating themselves, some Biblical scholars have suggested that our greatest preacher, Jesus, may have repeated similar parables and stories not dozens of times, but perhaps hundreds of times.

02 T H E S TA R I D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

The Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr.

F R O M T H E R E C T O R

We will come together much over the

next few weeks – some of you will get with

old friends and family, but in addition to

that, we will worship over the four weeks

of Advent up until Christmas Eve and

through the Twelve Days of Christmas up

until Epiphany. We will hear the old, old

story again…and it is worth telling…and

re-telling…hearing and re-hearing…

It’s the story of God’s love for us, made

manifest in a child born to a young Virgin

Mom and a homeless carpenter Dad.

There’s the manger and the star, shepherds,

angels, the magi – they are all, really, signs

pointing us back to God. And when we

gather to share the community of prayer,

song, lesson…when we gather around our

Lord’s Table to be fed by the Bread and

Wine, when we do it again and again –

indeed, the “again-ness,” is like “…like

paths worn smooth in the raw terrain of

our hearts…”

Perhaps there’s a lesson worth learning

from our sign-spinning friends, fed together

with the knowledge of God’s deep and

abiding love for each of us. We can go into

the world and point the way for those who

don’t yet know where to find just what

they are looking for – joy, peace, hope,

love, salvation…

Hear the story; tell the story; become part

of the story – it shapes who we were created

to be – the children of God, in a world

that so needs to know of His love. Blessed

Advent…Merry Christmas…again

and again…

<

We can go into the world and

point the way for those who don’t yet know

where to find just what they are

looking for – joy, peace, hope, love, salvation...

=


W O R S H I P , C H R I S T I A N E D U C A T I O N A N D F E L L O W S H I P F O R A D U L T S

ADVENT QUIET DAY WITH ST. MARTIN’S CLERGY AND HOUSTON BOYCHOIR How Better to Start the Advent Season Than to Stop! Sponsored by St. Martin’s Clergy and Daughters of the King Saturday, December 5

9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The Island

Spend a day with your Clergy team!

We offered this unique opportunity to

our Vestry last year and when we finished,

a long-time member of the Parish and a

member of our Vestry commented, “This

has been the most meaningful program

I have ever participated in during my

years at St. Martin’s.”

We will begin with coffee and light

refreshments, and a special performance

by the Houston Boychoir, then reflections

by Clergy on their own perspectives on

the Advent season and the Feast of the

Incarnation. This will be interspersed with

moments of quiet reflection with your

Rector and Associate and Assisting Clergy

team members. A light lunch will be served,

and the reflection time will close with Holy

Eucharist. There is no cost, but a donation

to cover the cost of meals is requested.

Registration is required; child care

is available. To register, visit stmartinsepiscopal.org/programs-for-adults. For more information, contact Jennifer DiMichele at 713-985-3845 or [email protected].

Advent and Christmas at St. Martin’s

LESSONS AND CAROLS SERVICESunday, December 6

11:15 a.m.

The Church

Our annual Lessons and Carols Service

is a wonderful testament to the season

celebrating the birth of our Lord.

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICESThursday, December 24

1 p.m.

The Church

Family service (no Eucharist)

This service is perfect for families with

young children. It lasts approximately

35 minutes and features wonderful music

of the season and Nativity liturgy.

3 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

The Church

Holy Eucharist

The Parish Choir, Gloria Dei Organ,

Brass and Tympani provide the perfect

setting for the celebration of our Lord’s

birth. As the sun sets in the west, the

lights shining through our beautiful

stained glass windows set the mood of

wonder as we celebrate the triumph of

light over darkness with the first of our

traditional liturgies. Seating is more

readily available during the 8 p.m.

and 10:30 p.m services.

If balcony seating or parking a distance from

The Church causes difficulty for you and

your family, please consider attending one

of these services later in the evening.

Parking

Overflow parking for all services has

been arranged at the garage on South

Post Oak at Riverway. For those who

need assistance, golf carts will pick up

pedestrians from this parking garage,

as well as from the parking lots on

Woodway and near Regions Bank.

For more information, contact Bruce Smith at 713-985-3801 or [email protected].



CHRISTMAS DAYFriday, December 25

11 a.m.

The Church

Holy Eucharist

After opening your Christmas presents,

bring your family to Church and celebrate,

“for unto us a child is born; unto us a son

is given.” The Choir will be accompanied

by the Gloria Dei Organ.

CHRISTMAS COMMUNIONIf you know of a homebound person, or

you are homebound yourself and want to

receive Christmas communion from one

of the Clergy, please call Cyndy Ensign

in Pastoral Care at 713-985-3808 or

[email protected].

CHRISTMAS OFFERING The Christmas Offering is a longstanding

St. Martin’s tradition. We truly have so

much for which to be thankful, and we

are blessed to be able to share our gifts

with others in the community through

this Outreach offering. Your generosity,

especially this time of year, will bring hope

to others. Envelopes are available in the

pews and Church information display racks,

and can be placed in the offering plate

during the Advent and Christmas

worship services.

FEAST OF LIGHTS SERVICESunday, January 11

6 p.m.

The Church

This beautiful candlelight service takes the

light of Christ into the world literally with

our actions and symbolically through

candles. Everyone is then invited to go to

The Island for fellowship and a reception. Youth interested in assisting with the service or reception should contact Will Kulseth at 713-830-4148 or [email protected].

HOLIDAY HOURSChurch Offices

In recognition of Christmas, the Church offices will remain open on Thursday, December 24 until 5 p.m. (individual department hours may vary) and will be closed Friday, December 25. In recognition of the New Year’s holiday, the Church offices will be closed beginning Thursday, December 31 at noon through Friday, January 1.

Activity Center

The Activity Center is open Thursday, December 24 until 1 p.m., and then closes through Saturday, December 26 for Christmas. The Activity Center also closes at noon on Thursday, December 31 and reopens on Monday, January 4 in

recognition of New Years.

St. Martin’s Bookstore & Gift Shoppe

The Bookstore & Gift Shoppe will close on Thursday, December 24 at 2:30 p.m. and reopen on Monday, January 11

following their annual inventory.

Café St. Martin’s

Café St. Martin’s will not be open Monday – Wednesday, December 21 – 23 for Christmas and Monday – Wednesday,

December 28 – 30 for New Years.



CLERGY RECOMMENDED READING

To follow are a number of books

recommended by members of our Clergy

for some suitable reading for pleasure or

study purposes. Some of these books, in

addition to NIV study Bibles, NRSV study

Bibles and The Book of Common Prayer,

are either available for purchase in

St. Martin’s Bookstore & Gift Shoppe

or can be ordered for pick up.


The First to Follow by John R. Claypool

Tracks of a Fellow Struggler: Living and Growing Through Grief by John R. Claypool

Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine by Max Lucado

Finding God at Harvard: Spiritual Journeys of Thinking Christians edited by Kelly Monroe Kullberg

The Last Man on the Moon by Eugene Cernan

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

The Rev. Martin J. Bastian

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners by John Bunyan

The Acceptable Sacrifice: The Excellency of a Broken Heart by John Bunyan

Things Hidden: Scripture as Spirituality by Richard Rohr

The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown

The Rev. Mary Wilson

Reclaiming the Great Commission: A Practical Model for Transforming Denominations and Congregations by Bishop Claude Payne and Hamilton Beaszley

Self Talk, Soul Talk by Jennifer Rothschild

Home by Another Way by Barbara Brown Taylor

The Rev. R-J Heijmen

Heretics and Heroes: How Renaissance Artists and Reformation Priests Created Our World by Thomas Cahill

American Catholic: The Saints and Sinners Who Built America’s Most Powerful Church by Charles R. Morris

Law & Gospel: A Theology for Sinners (and Saints) by Will McDavid, Ethan Richardson and David Zahl

Luther for Armchair Theologians by Steven D. Paulson

The Rev. Alex Large

Five Women of the English Reformation by Paul F.M. Zahl

Mockingbird Devotional: Good News for Today and Every Day

The Collects of Thomas Cranmer by Paul F.M. Zahl and Fred Barbee

Glorious Companions: Five Centuries of Anglican Spirituality by Richard Schmidt

Luther for Armchair Theologians by Steven Paulson

The Rev. Chad T. Martin

What’s So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancey

The Reason for God by Timothy Keller

Nudge: Awakening Each Other to the God Who’s Already There by Leonard Sweet

An Advent CompanionAn Advent Companion

Meditations and Prayers by Russell J. Levenson, Jr.

ROOMpreparing

AN ADVENT COMPANION

A Collection

of Scriptures,

Meditations

and Prayers

Russell J. Levenson, Jr.

Available for purchase in St. Martin’s Bookstore & Gift Shoppe

“Advent is the season where we turn once again to the beginning of the Christian story as it centers on Jesus. The pieces of this story come together not from one set of hands, but many – and they are not of one texture, but many. In these pages, I hope to offer several gifts: Scriptures key to telling the story, a brief meditation, and avenue for “preparing room” and a prayer. This collection is designed to carry one through the season of Advent.”

From the Introduction of Preparing Room

Preparing Room – A Collection of Scriptures, Meditations and Prayers by Russell J. Levenson, Jr.



“ AN ADVENT WREATH DEVOTIONAL

1

”Both adult and children’s versions now available for purchase in St. Martin’s Bookstore & Gift Shoppe

With this devotional, we hope to provide you with a framework to travel within the circle of God’s love throughout the Advent season. Using a question, some Scripture, a brief meditation and a closing prayer, we will offer you what we hope will be a regular companion in your Advent journey for years to come.

– Laura and Russ Levenson

The Rev. Rob Dixon

The Will to Live On: This Is Our Heritage by Herman Wouk

The Prodigal: A Ragamuffin Story by Brennan Manning and Greg Garrett

In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership by Henri J.M. Nouwen

The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Rev. Suse McBay

Suffering and the Heart of God: How Trauma Destroys and Christ Restores by Diane Langberg

Bold Love by Dan B. Allender

Café Theology by Michael Lloyd

Healing Agony: Re-Imagining Forgiveness by Stephen Cherry

The Life of St. Anthony by Athanasius

The Rev. Sarah Condon

Grace in Practice: A Theology of Everyday Life by Paul F.M. Zahl

Jeremiah: Pain and Promise by Kathleen M. O’Connor

The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith by Timothy Keller

Bed and Board by Robert Farrar Capon

The Rev. Nicholas R.D. Dyke

Psalms Now by Leslie F. Brandt

Your God Is Too Small by J. B. Phillips

The Good Shepherd by Lesslie Newbigin

The Collects of Thomas Cranmer by C. Frederick Barbee and Paul F.M. Zahl

Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time by Marcus J. Borg

The Rev. Robert E. Wareing

Works by Henri J.M. Nouwen, R.C. Sproul or Andrew Murray


Professional Blend

Parlor

Clergy Liaison: The Rev. Marty Bastian

This class is for professionals who desire

fellowship centered on the word of God.

40s and 50s

The Scout Center

Clergy Liaisons: The Rev. R-J Heijmen

and the Rev. Rob Dixon This group is looking forward to another

great year. We hope that you will join

us for wonderful times of teaching,

discussion and fellowship.

60s+

Activity Center, Upper Hall East

Clergy Liaisons: The Rev. Marty Bastian

and the Rev. Mary Wilson

This class is for those 60 and above

who are eager to grow deeper in their

relationship with Christ. In-depth Bible

and book studies promise to be both

engaging and challenging as we apply

what we learn to our everyday life. It

will be a time of learning coupled with

an opportunity for great fellowship and

spiritual support.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PEER GROUPS Sundays

10:15 – 11 a.m.

Peer groups provide an opportunity for

fellowship with other people of your age,

and some great teaching from fellow

parishioners and our Clergy. Peer groups

will focus on Singing a Song of the Saints

of God: A Year-long Look at Biblical

Heroes. They will meet again in February

and April.

20s and 30s Activity Center, Fellowship Room

Clergy Liaison: The Rev. Suse McBay

This group is geared toward both young

adults and young families. We are excited

to study scripture and get to know one

another better.

Parents of Young Children

Payne Education Center, Room 210/212

Clergy Liaisons: The Rev. Alex Large

and the Rev. Chad Martin

This group offers parents of young

children (infants through 5th grade) a

welcoming place to discuss the joys and

challenges of being moms and dads.

SEEKERS

(60s and up)

Sundays 10:15 – 11 a.m. Activity Center, Aerobics Room Clergy Liaisons: The Rev. Nick Dyke

and the Rev. Robert Wareing

Seekers is a great place for couples and

singles to meet and study the Gospel

and other readings, and then branch

off into Church history, liturgy,

sacraments and other related areas.

We just have fun learning! Please

come and join our group.

CHRISTIAN BOOK STUDYSundays 10:15 – 11 a.m. Vestry Conference Room

Clergy Liaison: The Rev. R-J Heijmen

Our Sunday School classes emphasize

Christian education and fellowship while

reading various Christian books, and

provide a community in which you can

develop your Christian understanding,

a sense of belonging and lasting

friendships.



P R O G R A M S F O R A L L A D U L T S

ST. MARTIN’S 20S & 30S Christmas Party

Wednesday, December 16

7 – 9 p.m.

Home of Katie and Ryan LaRue

Bible Study and Dinner First, second and third Wednesdays

of the month

7 – 9 p.m.

Visit stmartinsepiscopal.org/young-adults

for a current listing of locations.

Social Events

Last Wednesday of the month

7 – 9 p.m.

Visit stmartinsepiscopal.org/young-adults

for a current listing of locations. For more information, contact the Rev. Alex Large at [email protected] or check out our Facebook group of more than 175 members at Facebook.com and search for St. Martin’s 20s & 30s.

PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDRENChristmas Party

Saturday, December 19

7 – 9 p.m.

Federal Grill, 510 Shepherd Drive

This group for parents of young children

(infants through 5th grade) also meets

for Sunday School, playdates and

mom’s nights.

Young Dads’ Bible Study

Wednesdays, December 2, 9 and 16

7 – 8 a.m.

Bride’s Room

Join the Rev. Alex Large and other dads of

young children for Bible Study as we seek

to connect the Gospel to our lives today.

Wednesday, October 21 – Dave Zahl,

Founder and Director of Mockingbird Ministries

and Editor-in-chief of the Mockingbird blog, was

the special guest speaker at a recent meeting

of St. Martin’s 20s & 30s. This ministry is a

fellowship group for singles and couples of the

Parish that meets regularly for social events,

Bible studies and speakers.

The Moms’ Group

Wednesday, December 2, 9 and 16

9:15 a.m.


Mothers of young children ranging in age

from infants to early elementary meet for

a time of fellowship, teaching, prayer and

support. The group is led by Emily Large. For more information, contact the Rev. Alex Large at 713-985-3849 or [email protected].


P R O G R A M S F O R W O M E N

CHANGE OF HEARTNow offered

at two times

Hosted by

The Moms’

Group and led

by Janie Putman

Wednesdays, January 6 – March 2

9:15 – 10:30 a.m.


Childcare is provided. To sign up or for more information, contact Emily Large at [email protected].

Led by Janie Putman

Wednesdays, January 20 – March 9

1 – 2:30 p.m.

The Island, Room 201

To sign up or for more information, contact Janie Putman at 713-782-3077 or [email protected].

Women are invited to this study group

on the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law

relationship. If yours is difficult, we can

offer hope; if yours is great, we can learn

from you. The class book A Change of

Heart is available for purchase in

St. Martin’s Bookstore & Gift Shoppe.

Session one should be completed for

the first meeting.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN OF ST. MARTIN’S “MARATHON FOR LIFE: LIVING LIFE ON PURPOSE LUNCHEONFriday, January 15

11 – 11:30 a.m. Check in

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Program

Bagby Parish Hall

Author, marathoner and pastor

MaryAnn McKibben-Dana speaks about

her book Sabbath in the Suburbs...and

Beyond: Finding Rest, Play, Renewal

and Delight.

OUTREACH PROGRAMWednesday, December 9

Noon – 1 p.m.

Activity Center, Upper Hall East

Join members of St. Clare’s Needlepoint

Guild and Saintly Stitchers as they make

sandwiches for Kids’ Meals, the nation’s

only meals-on-wheels service for children

that provides healthy, home-delivered

lunches to hungry children under the

age of five who live in poverty.

Please Join Us for the Episcopal Church Women of St. Martin’s

Annual Christmas CoffeeMonday, December 7

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

At the home of Jennifer and Tadd Tellepsen; call 713-985-3844 for location information.

Valet parking provided

Event ChairsSusan McConn, Mary Majors Payne and Jennifer Tellepsen

[email protected]

In the spirit of the season, please bring a new, unwrapped toy to be distributed by the DePelchin Children’s Center.


KIDS’ MEALS – MEN’S OUTREACH PROGRAM Tuesday, December 15

5 – 6:30 p.m.

Activity Center, Fellowship Room

Join the Men of St. Martin’s to make

sandwiches for hungry children. We

make approximately 10,000 sandwiches

annually that are delivered for lunch to

preschool children living in poverty.

LAZARUS GUILD The Lazarus Guild consists of a group

of men who are ushers for funerals and

memorial services at St. Martin’s. There

are three teams of Guild members who

serve for one month in each quarter of the

year. Their duties include escorting family

members from the Parlor to their seats

in the Church, assisting those who need

help opening the doors and entering the

Church, serving as ushers, helping with

any other assigned duties, and cleaning

the pews and straightening the pew racks

at the conclusion of the service. For more information about becoming a Lazarus Guild member, contact Cyndy Ensign at 713-985-3808 or [email protected].

P R O G R A M S F O R M E N

THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY Thursdays

7 – 8 a.m.

Bagby Parish Hall

This group is open to all men of the

Parish of all ages, and any male guests

and visitors. We gather each Thursday

morning through May for a brief Bible

reflection and then break into groups

for discussion, fellowship and mutual

support, along with several special guest

speakers. Breakfast is available for a $5

donation. Reservations are not required.

DECEMBER 3

Guest Speaker the Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson Jr., Rector,

St. Martin’s Episcopal

Church

DECEMBER 10 Christmas break begins after

this meeting; classes resume January 14.

Available for sale in St. Martin’s Bookstore & Gift Shoppe

A Festival of Lessons and CarolsWith readings by Lord Carey, Mr. Waterston and Dr. Levenson,

and featuring the music of St. Martin’s Parish Choir

The Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Dr. George L. Carey103rd Archbishop of Canterbury


Rector, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church

Mr. Sam WaterstonAward-winning Actor


S T U D E N T M I N I S T R I E S

FOR ALL STUDENTS

Sunday Morning EYC 10:15 – 11 a.m. The Island

Let’s get started with Sunday mornings!

Meet downstairs for donuts, fun and to

learn more about God through the Bible.

If you are visiting or looking to check out

our middle school group for the first time

this would be the perfect place to start! For more information, contact Florence Ritchie at 713-985-3843 of [email protected].

HIGH SCHOOL

School-based Fellowship Groups

Our school-based Bible studies continue

this fall. We believe meeting students

where they are gives us the greatest

opportunity to reach them and their

communities. The times and locations

of these groups are tailored to their

specific schools.

Please check theislandlive.com for all the details.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

8th Grade Confirmation Retreat (required) Friday – Sunday, November 13 – 15

Carolina Creek Christian Camp, Huntsville

Students taking part in the Confirmation

class are required to attend the retreat

where they will have the opportunity

to learn about and think through the

Christian message in a more intentional

manner than ever before. For 8th grade Confirmation information, contact Will Kulseth at 713-830-4148 or [email protected].

Middle School Fall Retreat The weather was great, the lake was

beautiful, and the entire weekend

was awesome according to teens who

spent a weekend in mid October

at the Middle School Retreat at

Lake Livingston.

Will Kulseth led an enthusiastic group

of teens through lessons and discussion

about how Jesus took the world’s

message of hatred for enemies and

exacting revenge on those who harm

you, and flipped it to show us how and

why we are to love our enemies and

pray for them.

The group spent most of the day Saturday

out on the lake, on paddleboards and

kayaks, spending time with old friends

and new, and enjoying the Texas

sunshine. Everyone had a wonderful

time and wished it would last longer.

The best part, though, might have been

after the retreat ended – hearing from

parents how their children were still

talking about the retreat, and sharing

what they learned with friends and

even teachers.


Holy Spirit.” Breathe that in, breathe that

out. Repeat. I’m drawn to the power of

the Holy Spirit. Not the thought of a Holy

Spirit. Not a figurine of a Holy Spirit. Not a

Holy Spirit made from flammable material.

Rather a belief in a power that I do not

have and that I cannot find in shopping

centers or decorations. A belief in a God

of hope is my ticket to finding the spirit

I seek. Going there, doing that, seeking

that and it has helped. Spirit.

– Holli Kight, Lay Minister for Children’s Christian Education

CHORISTERS’ CHRISTMAS PROGRAM AND RECEPTION

Sunday, December 20

Program

9:15 a.m.

Old Church

Reception

10 – 11 a.m.

Bagby Parish Hall

Join us at the Family Table service as the

Choristers’ children’s choir presents the

annual Christmas program. Told through

anthems and narratives, the Choristers

bring the traditional Christmas story to

life. Children’s Ministry will host a

reception in Bagby Parish Hall for all

families and children immediately

following the Choristers’ program. We

look forward to another wonderful year

bringing in the Christmas season together.

Children’s Sunday school will not meet

on this day so all can attend the special

Christmas festivities. For more information, contact Kellen Gray at [email protected].

C H I L D R E N ’ S M I N I S T R Y

GOT SPIRIT?When I wrote

this piece, I was

enjoying hot sunshine

pouring through my

office windows. It

was a clear, 90 degree

day in October and

I hadn’t even bought pumpkins for the

season yet. So when asked to write

something for a December issue under

these conditions, I found myself having

to dig deeply to find something

December-esque about which to write.

Here’s where I landed:

Spirit…either Christmas or otherwise.

Do I have it? Do I even want it? If so,

how do I get it? One might say an outing

to Hobby Lobby could help. Christmas

exploded on their shelves in June, and now

the poor little pumpkins and pilgrims are

marked down to rock bottom prices as their

irrelevance gleams on the price tags. Been

there, done that, bought that and it hasn’t

helped. Next.

I venture out to the shopping center in

search of some spirit. Upon entering the

parking lot, I have to swing my car wide to

avoid hitting the oversized gold ball and

red bow ornament adorning the entryway.

All the glitter and tinsel and fake garland

and pre-placed lights that are meant to

entice me simply disappoint me in their

contrived nature. Been there, done that,

seen that and it hasn’t helped. Next.

I decide to think on Christmas – nothing

but Christmas – spend time dwelling on

Christmas. Planning a Christmas service,

writing a feel good December story,

gathering Christmas lists from loved ones,

deciding meal plans and settling on dates

for entertaining company in hopes of

warming up a spirit. Been there, done that,

thought about that and it hasn’t helped.

Next.

Out of desperation, I seek the wise council

of Pinterest only to discover Romans 15:13.

It says, “May the God of hope fill you with

all joy and peace in believing, so that you

may abound in hope by the power of the

Children’s Christmas PartySponsored by Episcopal Church Women of St. Martin’s

Saturday, December 1210 a.m. – noon

St. Martin’s Activity CenterFree Admission

Refreshments Festive Crafts Entertainment Pictures with SantaEvent Chairs Elizabeth Dwyer and Aubrey Slye

For more information or questions, email [email protected].

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20

Sunday School for children in kindergarten through 5th grade

will not meet so that all may attend the Christmas Celebration.


Christian Community Service Center Jingle Bell Express

Monday – Wednesday, December 7 – 9

6 – 8 p.m. Sort and set up toys

Friday – Saturday, December 11 – 12

7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Assist with toy distribution

Bellaire United Methodist Church

4417 Bellaire Boulevard

Volunteers are needed to help sort and

set up toys donated for needy children in

the Houston area, and then assist parents

as they select toys, books and food for

their children.

The Beacon Day Center


10:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.

1212 Prairie

The Beacon is a day shelter in downtown

Houston that provides the homeless with

a meal, laundry services, shower facilities

and assistance.

Church Under the Bridge

Tuesday, December 22

6:30 p.m. Leave from St. Martin’s parking lot

7:30 p.m. Worship service

2800 St. Charles Street

Church Under the Bridge ministers to

the homeless in downtown Houston by

serving a meal, serving as prayer partners

and providing praise music for the

worship service once a month.

bags and more benefitting our Outreach

programs. Creative coaching is included!

All paper, embellishments, adhesive and

tools are provided.

Lord of the Streets

Wednesdays, December 2, 9 and 16

9 a.m. – noon

3401 Fannin

Lord of the Streets ministers to

individuals living in the Houston area

who are homeless and disadvantaged, or

in transition. St. Martin’s assists clients

with clothing, food and other needs.

DePelchin Children’s Center’s Angel Tree Christmas Gift Program

Drop off filled gift bags

Sunday, December 6

Activity Center

during the morning services and

to the ushers during the evening service


Activity Center

The DePelchin Children’s Center is

committed to meeting the needs of

children as one of the largest providers of

mental health, foster care and adoption

services in Texas. Through St. Martin’s

Angel Tree Project, volunteers sign up

to fulfill the Christmas gift wish lists

for these children. Gifts should be

unwrapped and new. If all items will

not fit in a bag, please label items with

the child’s name and wish list number.

Toys are not recommended that imply

violence, such as toy guns, water pistols,

military or wrestler action figures,

punching bag clown or boxing gloves.

Please adhere as much as possible to the

gift list provided and focus on needs,

with a recommended donation of $50

to $100 total per child. Gift cards from

Target or Walmart are welcome.

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE AND MENTOR Whether you are reaching out to help

others less fortunate here in Houston or

another country, doing so “makes the

heart happy!” St. Martin’s partners with

more than 50 agencies in Houston and

abroad. Each week there is an organized

effort to serve others and share in

fellowship with other parishioners. For more information about St. Martin’s volunteer opportunities, contact Outreach Ministry at 713-985-3811 or [email protected].

Kids’ Meals

Tuesday, December 1

4 – 5 p.m.

Activity Center, Community Room

Kids’ Meals provides and distributes

nutritious lunches to hungry preschool

children throughout Houston.

Stamping It Forward

Tuesday, December 1

9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

and 4 – 5 p.m.

Activity Center

No experience is required to help make

paper creations such as cards, boxes,

O U T R E A C H A N D M I S S I O N S



HOUSTON: reVISIONreVision works to transform the lives

of at-risk and gang-affected youth by

connecting them to positive adult role

models, building a new community

around strong, affirming peer groups,

and preparing the youth for promising

futures through education and jobs.

Team Sports

Tuesdays, December 1, 8 and 15

7 p.m.

Spring Spirit Baseball, 8526 Pitner Road

Weather permitting

Seafarers’ Christmas Gift Boxes Through Sunday December 13

Payne Education Center, Room 202

The Children’s Ministry will collect, package and send care-boxes to the Seafarers’ Center of Texas. As sailors travel through the Port of Houston during the Christmas

season, they are often away from home for weeks at a time and are in need of supplies.

Children’s Ministry will pack, wrap and decorate these boxes in Sunday School on Sunday, December 13. Outreach Ministry will then deliver our gift boxes to

the Seafarers’ Center just in time for Christmas!

GumHard candyKey chains

PaperEnvelopes

PencilsPens

Playing cardsPuzzlesGames

PostcardsSocks

StampsTexas souvenirs

Baseball capsBand-aids

CombsDental flossFlashlightKleenexQ-tips

LotionLip balm

Nail clippersSoap

ShampooToothbrushToothpaste

Disposable camera

For more information, look in the Children’s Ministry e-newsletter for details. To sign up for the e-newsletter, contact Holli Kight at 713-985-3816 or [email protected].

Volunteer Orientation

Thursday, December 3

6 – 7 p.m.

The Island

Community Nights

Thursdays, December 3, 10 and 17

6:45 – 9 p.m.

The Island

Prison Ministry

Friday, December 4

10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Clemens Unit


RECIPIENT 2

Recipient name(s)

Address

City, State and Zip

Donor name to appear as

Ministry Amount: $

THE GIVING TREE CHRISTMAS CARD PROGRAMCelebrate the holiday season with family and friends by making a donation in their

honor to your favorite ministry. Simply fill out the form below and return it to St. Martin’s

Episcopal Church by mail, fax or email by Sunday, December 15. Feel free to attach the

names of additional recipients. The cards shown below will be personalized and mailed to

each person on your list. Your tax deductible gift can be paid by credit card or check

payable to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.The Giving Tree

MINISTRY YOUR GIFT WILL...Christian Community Service Center $45 provides rice and beans for the food pantry.Open Door Mission $30 provides 12-step recovery books and telephone cards.The Prison Ministry $30 provides a storytelling DVD for 10 inmate dads.Yellowstone Academy $40 provides two students with Bibles.Yellowstone Boy Scouts $100 provides a tent.ReVision $50 provides dinner for Community Night at The Island.The Gathering $20 provides a day of fellowship and entertainment for seniors with Alzheimer’s.World Mission Christmas Gifts $100 provides Christmas gifts for children at Amistad mission.Outreach Ministries Any amount will support outreach ministries by donating a Giving Tree card.

RECIPIENT 1

Recipient name(s)

Address

City, State and Zip

Donor name to appear as

Ministry Amount: $

DONOR AND PAYMENT INFORMATION

Name

Address

City, State and Zip

Phone

Email

Number of cards ordered Total donation: $

Payment method (circle one) Check VISA AMEX MC DISC

Credit card number

Expiration date Auth. Code

Signature

Mail: 717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056 Email: [email protected] Fax: 713-622-5701

Christmas (1) Christmas (2) Christmas (3)



P A R I S H L I F E

Sunday, October 4 – St. Martin’s celebrated Hope and Healing Sunday in early October with special

guest preacher the Rev. Kate Picot, former Associate Rector for Pastoral Care and Prayer Ministries at

St. Martin’s who now serves as the Director and Chaplain of the Harnhill Centre of Christian Healing

in England. Parishioners also enjoyed her Sunday School presentation, “What I’ve Learned from the

Mission Field Called Home.”

REMEMBERING TO CARE October marked the 16th anniversary

since Interfaith CarePartners started

the Alzheimer’s Care Team®

Gathering Place at St. Martin’s. Team

leader Kathy Tellepsen has served since

the inception of the team alongside

many tireless volunteers who have

made the Gathering Place what it is –

a time of companionship, laughter and

joy for those suffering from memory loss

and their families. Since 1999, there have

been 225 care partners (families) served,

15,411 hours of dedicated service and

92 Care Team members.

“The love, commitment and compassion

of each volunteer are testaments to their

faith and answer the call to know, love

and serve one another and the world,”

said Karen J. Pettit, Care Team

Coordinator for Interfaith CarePartners.

“Their ministry has a positive effect on

the Care Partners and their loved ones

which cannot be measured. Truly, they

‘glorify God in all they do!’”

Many thanks to all our wonderful

volunteers!


P A R I S H L I F E

Wednesday, October 7 – The Rev. Rob

Dixon, Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care and

Outreach, gave the blessing and welcomed

attendees to the HOUSTON: reVision Volunteer

Appreciation Luncheon at The Island (photo

above). Ken Chickering (photo above; right)

received the Volunteer of the Year award at

the event.

Wednesday, October 7 – Dr. Matt Stanford,

Chief Executive Officer of the Hope and

Healing Center & Institute, was the special

guest speaker at the monthly Order of St. Luke

Healing Service that focused specifically on

mental illness. This service is held the first

Wednesday of the month in the Old Church

from 5 – 6 p.m.

Sunday, October 4 – Parishioners celebrated the first anniversary of the Altar worship service with

a fun family picnic followed by Texans football game on the big screen. This contemporary service

for students, families and adults of all ages offers church members another opportunity to worship

together while maintaining St. Martin’s tradition of excellence in inspirational music and preaching

set within our Episcopal liturgical style. The service is held Sundays at 11:15 a.m. at The Island.

BAPTISMS

October 3 Benjamin Edward Neal October 4 Thomas Price Wilson

October 8 Carys Boyleston October 10 Matthew Bishop Gray Hunter Ross McKey William James Nelson October 11 Hallie Marie Guerrini October 17 John Austin Ahlrich Wynn Paul Barnhart Robert William Brown III Augustus Toombs Imel Dominic Matthew Valvano October 23 Jacob William Duin October 24 Hudson Finn Fisher Olivia Skye Fisher Michael Nwachinemere Nwaiwu III October 31 William Reese Jones

MARRIAGES

October 10Amber Marie Mueller and Michael Ross Wendt October 24 Emilie Ross Beeman and Ky Daniel Cooksey

SYMPATHY

October 16 Ortrud Lefevre Much October 17 Bonner Baker Moffitt


POINTS OF LIGHT INTERFAITH AND ECUMENICAL SERVICE The mid October service celebrating the

25th anniversary of the Points of Light

Foundation brought together 30 faith

leaders from the greater Houston area

and more than 800 members of the

Parish and community for prayer,

reflection and song. The Rev. Dr. Russell

J. Levenson, Jr., Rabbi David Lyon and

Imam Wazir Ali served as hosts for the

event that included remarks given by

Jon Meacham, Executive Editor and

Executive Vice President of Random

House. The service was the kick-off

P A R I S H L I F E

event for the Points of Light’s Conference

on Volunteering and Service, which is the

largest gathering of volunteer, national

service and civic leaders in the world.

<“The freedom to believe or not, as one’s consciousness dictates, is inextricably

bound up in the American heart and the American mind. The good news about

the country is that faith shapes our public life without strangling it, and the ecumenical nature of our time together on this occasion –where so much light shines –bears unmistakable witness to the role that belief in God can play in inspiring acts of service and sacrifice.”

– Jon Meacham


P A R I S H L I F E

THANK YOU

“The Interfaith Prayer Service and

Sunday Supper was an extraordinarily

special and beautiful way to kick-off

our time in Houston. Thank you for

your leadership and partnership,

and your wonderful hospitality, too.

I simply can’t imagine a better way

to begin our weeklong convening of

change-makers; or a more meaningful

way to commemorate our 25th

anniversary and honor our founder.

Thank you especially for your words

of inspiration and call-to-action for

the important work ahead.

On a personal note, I want to thank

you for the invitation to gather in

your beautiful sanctuary…and to

be filled-up by the wonderful spirit

present there. It was a special gift,

particularly on the eve of what is

usually the most mentally and

physically exhausting week of my

year. Truly, it gave us strength for

the journey. So much so, that I left

Sunday night imagining what a

perfect church-home St. Martins

would be – well, if I weren’t

Atlanta-based. Thank you for the

joy this visitor found in

worshiping there.”

With appreciation and admiration,

Tracy Hoover

Chief Executive Officer

Points of Light

Sunday, October 18 – The Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr. (left) joins Rev. Father Lubomir Kupecz

of St. Vladimir’s Russian Orthodox Church, Deacon Stepan Nazarian of St. Kevork Armenian Church

and First Lady Barbara Pierce Bush following the Points of Light service.


The 25th Annual Joy of Giving Market marked the start of the holiday season with three days of shopping October 21 – 23 in Bagby

Parish Hall, the Activity Center and breezeways that featured more than 85 high-end merchants offering gifts for everyone. The event

also included daily silent auctions and frozen entrées from the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of St. Martin’s Pantry. The event,

which netted more than $97,500, is the primary fundraiser for ECW’s outreach grants that benefit organizations in the community.

25th Annual Joy of Giving Market

P A R I S H L I F E


P A R I S H L I F E


H O P E A N D H E A L I N G C E N T E R & I N S T I T U T E

Lunch and Learn: Starting the End-of-life Conversation

Wednesday, December 9

Noon – 1 p.m.

According to one national survey nine in

10 Americans want to discuss their own

and their loved ones’ end-of-life care. But

only about three in 10 Americans have

actually done so. It’s always too soon

until it’s too late. We know that no single

conversation can cover all the decisions

that you and your family may face. What

a conversation can do is provide a shared

understanding of what matters most

to all. This can make it easier to make

decisions when the time comes. Bring

your lunch; we will provide drinks.

All classes, seminars and special events are free of charge unless

otherwise noted. Reservations are requested. Activities are held in

the Hope and Healing Center & Institute that is located on the

eastern side of the St. Martin’s Episcopal Church campus.

For more information or to register, visit hopeandhealingcenter.org.

ABOUT THE HOPE AND HEALING CENTER The Hope and Healing Center (HHC)

is a comprehensive mental health

resource dedicated to transforming lives

and restoring hope through education,

training, and supportive services.

Every week, the Center offers educational

seminars and programs to inform the

community on issues related to mental

health and wellness. These include our

popular Lunch and Learn series, a monthly

Mental Illness Q&A, as well as more

formal presentations by leading experts

and professionals. Some areas we focus on

include substance abuse disorder, aging,

adoption/foster-care, serious mental

illness, anxiety, end of life and special

needs parenting.

Support groups for individuals and

families struggling with mental health

problems and addiction are offered during

the day and in the evening at the Center.

Mental health coaches are available daily

to offer personal guidance and support to

individuals and families seeking answers

and care. The Center also offers continuing

education training for mental health and

medical professionals in the community.

Services offered at the Center are free or

low cost, and available to everyone.

Mental Illness Q&A Thursday, December 17

Noon – 1 p.m

Dr. Matthew Stanford, Chief

Executive Officer,

Hope and Healing Center & Institute,

offers caregivers and family members of

individuals living with serious mental

illness the opportunity to ask honest

questions in a supportive environment,

equip them to better interact with and care

for their mentally ill loved ones, and learn

how to navigate the mental health care

system. Join us on the third Thursday of

every month. No reservations are required.

Bring your lunch; we will provide drinks.

Monday, October 19 – Ruth Ebenstein (right), an American-Israeli writer/activist, shared her

journey from breast cancer to lobbyist for women’s health in her talk at the Hope and Healing

Center & Institute.


To the Endowment Fund In Memory of:

Claire Elizabeth Ryan by Laura and Michael RyanBlanche Palmer Craig by Harriet and Ralph Cousins Virginia and Cal Cialdella Haynes and Boone LLP Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP

Earl M. Gilbert by Dee Gilbert

Daniel William Benthall by Ingrid Benthall

To the Endowment-Inreach Fund In Memory of:

Blanche Palmer Craig by Tish and David Peden

Mary Jane “Janie” Martin by Jennifer and Marty Gueho

To the Endowment-Choir Fund In Memory of:

Susan Ray Mayfield by Lydia Mayfield Abbott

To the Alzheimers Care Team Fund In Memory of:

Grace Compton Vinson by Helen Joyner Carter Christie The Tellepsen Family

June Dyke Jo Kitt and Robert Vinson and Family Victoria and Marshall Jeffus and Family Russell Copeland Betty and Dan Montgomery

To the Outreach Ministries Fund In Memory of:

Gary Barton Edward H. Bodde III Steven A. Forsythe Billye Stevens Halbouty Dr. Lake Littlejohn, Jr. The Honorable Virginia Kilpatrick Shehee Daniel G. Stephens Jerene Jones Winocour by Beth Sanders Moore and Jess Moore

To the Hope and Healing Center Fund In Memory of:

Thomas W. Ford by Betty and John Cabaniss Barbara and Bob Collie Betty Hendrix Mary Frances Monteith Cynthia and Fisher Trigg

To the Endowment Fund In Honor of:

Robert Patrick Ryan by Laura and Michael Ryan

GUIDELINES FOR YEAR-END CONTRIBUTIONSThe Internal Revenue Service requires

that, in order to be tax deductible in 2015,

cash, check or credit card contributions

to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church must be

received by the Church or postmarked by

the United States Postal Service no later

than Thursday, December 31; this would

include prepayment of your 2016 pledge.

The finance staff is required to check the

post office cancellation dates on all

receipts in early January to ensure our

legal compliance to this rule.

To better assist you with end-of-year contributions, the finance office will be open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30. The campus, including the finance office will be closed at noon on Thursday, December 31.

GIFTS OF STOCK OR OTHER SECURITIESGifts of stock or other securities must also

be physically received by the Church by

4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, or

posted to our brokerage account by close

of business on Thursday, December 31

in order to be tax deductible in 2015.

We strongly suggest that stock transfers

be initiated by mid-December and you

advise the finance office of the pending

transaction.

For specific information about how to make a gift of appreciated securities, please visit stmartinsepiscopal.org/giving.

St. Martin’s is required to comply with

these IRS guidelines in order to maintain

our charitable tax status as delineated

under the IRS Code section (501)(c)(3).

Online payments via credit card can be

made at stmartinsepiscopal.org/giving.

For more information, contact Debbie Hutchison at 713-985-3803 or [email protected], or Becky Werlla at 713-830-4145 or [email protected].

G I V I N G

A gift to the Saint Martin’s Endowment is a wonderful way to remember or honor

your loved ones. The funds of the Endowment may be designated as you wish, strictly

for special needs within St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, or for needs of those outside

St. Martin’s. Giving gifts to the Endowment in memory of loved ones who have

died, in honor of someone, or for any other reason, are excellent ways to ensure that

the heritage of St. Martin’s will continue. Those honored and the families of those

remembered will be notified of your gift. Checks may be sent to St. Martin’s Episcopal

Church, 717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056, with an enclosed note indicating the

names of those being honored or remembered. Please include your name, address,

telephone number and information on others to be notified. For more information,

contact Lynda Eyberse at 713-985-3833 or [email protected].

Remembering and Honoring Loved Ones and Friends


G I V I N G

Altar Flowers Given to the Glory of GodTo give Altar flowers for The Church, Narthex, Old Church or Chapel in memory of a loved one or to celebrate a special occasion,

please contact Barbara Piana, Worship Services Coordinator, at 713-830-4116 or [email protected]. Floral gifts also

may be given to the Garden of the Holy Cross flower fund in memory or in honor of a loved one.

October 4 The Church

In thanksgiving for Fred M. Schall on his 100th birthday by his family

The Chapel In thanksgiving for the baptism of Thomas Price Wilson by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Carson Wilson IV

October 11The Church On the occasion of their marriage by Amber Marie Mueller and Michael Ross Wendt

In thanksgiving for the 5th wedding anniversary of Mary and Will Williams by Ruth Giampietro

In memory of Paula Chandler by the Craig Chandler family and the Robert O’Brien family

The Chapel In thanksgiving for the baptism of William James Nelson by Debbie and Paul Berner

October 18 The Church

In thanksgiving for Judith Ann Dunbar by Lynn and Doug Dunbar

In thanksgiving for the baptism of Augustus Toombs Imel by Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Allen Imel

In memory of Marie and Ebert Boylan by Michael Boylan

In memory of Sarah Dumond Vidrine by Lynn and Doug Dunbar

The Chapel In thanksgiving for our 24th wedding anniversary by Myra and Martin Schexnayder

October 25 The Church On the occasion of their marriage by Emilie Ross Beeman and Ky Daniel Cooksey

The Chapel

In thanksgiving for the baptisms of Olivia and Hudson Fisher by Mr and Mrs. James Fisher, Jr.

In thanksgiving for the baptism of Michael Nwachinemere Nwaiwu III by Christabel Nkiru Ebuzoeme and MacMichael Kelechi Nwaiwu

T H E S TA R I DECE M B E R 2 0 1 5 25

Volume 21, Issue 10, December 2015

© 2015 St. Martin’s Episcopal Church

The Star (USPS 013-054) is published monthly by St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. Periodicals postage paid at Houston, TX. Address changes may be emailed to [email protected]. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.

PostmasterSend address changes to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church 717 Sage Road Houston, TX 77056-2199

PERIODICALSPOSTAGE

PAIDHOUSTON, TX

PERMIT NO. 013-054717 Sage RoadHouston, TX 77056

WORSHIP SERVICESSee page 4 for Christmas service times.

With an emphasis on beautiful liturgy and excellence in music, worship at St. Martin’s provides an opportunity to give thanks and praise to God. Rite I is the form regularly used. All Christians baptized in the name of the Trinity are welcome to receive Holy Eucharist in the Episcopal Church.

Facebook.com/StMartinsEpiscopalHouston

SUNDAY

8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, The ChurchSpoken service with sermon

9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (first, third and fifth Sundays) or Morning Prayer (second and fourth Sundays), The ChurchFamily service with hymns, anthems and full Choir; feast days and other special events may affect the 9:00 a.m. worship schedule.

9:15 a.m. Family Table, Holy Eucharist, Old Church Family-friendly contemporary worship

11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, The Church Traditional service with hymns, anthems and full Choir

11:15 a.m. The Altar, Holy Eucharist, The Island Contemporary worship for all ages

6:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist, The ChurchTraditional service with hymns, choir and organist; casual attire

Healing prayer, or prayer for any need, is offered after each service in The Church in the Patron’s Chapel located to the left of the Altar.

Child care is available for newborns – pre-K for all Sunday morning services.

For the sermon schedule and sermon audio, visit stmartinsepiscopal.org.

Audio copies of Sunday sermons also are available through the Bookstore & Gift Shoppe for just $3.

WEDNESDAY

7:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Chapel

Noon Holy Eucharist followed by the Sacrament of Healing (Holy Unction), Chapel

6:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Chapel.

The Order of St. Luke the Physician offers a Healing Prayer service from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the Old Church on the first Wednesday of each month.

Documents

DECEMBER 2015 STAR - St. Martin's Episcopal Church · 2015-12-01 · Contents DECEMBER 2015 02 From the Rector 04 Worship, Christian Education and Fellowship for Adults 09 Programs