Rector Page

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September 6, 2023

ROUNDUP SUNDAY: September 10 will be the start of our fall program year. Join us at 9:15am in the parish hall for a light breakfast and an introduction to our programs for the year. Classes for all ages start the following week. Feel free to wear your cowboy boots and western wear!

CHRISTIAN FORMATION FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND YOUTH: Programs for children and youth will formally start on September 17th at 9:15am. Godly Play and our new youth program will meet the 1st and 3rd Sunday at 9:15am. Rev. Mark will lead the youth program and they will meet in the youth room. Laura Babbitt will lead the Godly Play class in their usual classroom by the front door. Children’s Chapel will continue to be every week during the 10:30am service.

CHRISTIAN FORMATION FOR ADULTS: will meet every Sunday at 9:15am in the Conference Room. Joyce Davis will lead the initial offering of a look at the Gospel of Matthew. Focus is on central themes and important teachings from the gospel.

ACOLYTE TRAINING SEPTEMBER 10th: We need to recruit and train new acolytes as some of our current ones have graduated and moved on to college. Youth 4th grade and up are invited to serve as candle bearers and crucifers. This is an important way you can serve our parish for we need you on Sundays! Please let us know you are coming so we can order pizza for after the training. Click here to RSVP.

COMMUNION CHANGE: The bishop has advised us that it is time to go back to a common cup as we did before Covid. Studies have long shown that sipping from a silver/gold chalice is the best way as the metal does help kill the germs the alcohol doesn’t. (This is why I do not use pottery.) If you still wish to intinct please just dip a small bit of the host in the wine. Parents may wish to assist young children to prevent them getting their fingers in the wine. Simply dip the host for them and give it to them. Remember taking just the bread is also an option. If you have any questions or reservations, please call Rev. Mark.

August 30, 2023

THOSE WHO SERVE: We have quite a few open spots in our Acolyte, Chalice and Lector schedule. Click here to go to the online sign up sheet.

ROUNDUP SUNDAY: September 10 will be the start of our fall program year. Join us at 9:15 in the parish hall for some breakfast and an introduction to our programs for the year. Classes for all ages start the following week. Details about our Sunday morning offerings at 9:15 will come out in a special edition of the Epistle. Classes will all officially start September 17. More details next week.

ACOLYTE TRAINING SEPTEMBER 10: We need to recruit and train new acolytes as some of our current ones have graduated and moved on to college. Youth 4th grade and up are invited to serve as candle bearers and crucifers. This is an important way you can serve our parish for we need you on Sundays!

COMMUNION CHANGE: The bishop has advised us that it is time to go back to a common cup as we did before Covid. Studies have long shown that sipping from a silver/gold chalice is the best way as the metal does help kill the germs the alcohol doesn’t. (This is why I do not use pottery.) If you still wish to intinct please just dip a small bit of the host in the wine. Parents may wish to assist young children to prevent them getting their fingers in the wine. Simply dip the host for them and give it to them. Remember taking just the bread is also an option. We will start this September 10. If you have any questions or reservations, please call Rev. Mark.

August 23, 2023

HOW TO HELP WITH DISASTER RELIEF FOR MAUI: Several people have asked about helping the people on Maui. Episcopal Relief and Development has put out a plea for donations. They are a great way to make sure your donations are used efficiently and properly. Or you can put a donation in the plate marked for ERD and I will make sure it gets to them.

THOSE WHO SERVE: We have quite a few open spots in our Acolyte, Chalice and Lector schedule. Click here to go to the online sign up sheet. The link has also been added for future use in the left column under “Quick Links”.

HEALING MINISTRY: Our healing team had their first meeting last Sunday. They will be available to pray with people for healing or other needs initially once a month. We can expand this to more often if we get some additional volunteers. If you are interested, I would be happy to train you in this ministry. The next meeting of the team will be Sept. 3rd between the two services. Questions, contact Rev. Mark.

TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY AND WEDNESDAY THEOLOGY LUNCH: will both meet this week. Bible study on Tuesday at 9am zoom and in person and theology at noon on zoom.

HEALING SERVICE EVERY WEDENSDAY AT 11

August 16, 2023

TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY AND WEDNESDAY THEOLOGY LUNCH: will both meet this week. Bible study on Tuesday at 9 zoom and in person and theology at noon on zoom.

ROUNDUP SUNDAY: September 10th will be the start of our fall program year. Join us at 9:15 in the parish hall for some breakfast and an introduction to our programs for the year. Classes for all ages start the following week.

ACOLYTE TRAINING SEPTEMBER 10th: We need to recruit and train new acolytes as some of our current ones have graduated and moved on to college. Youth 4th grade and up are invited to serve as candle bearers and crucifers. This is an important way you can serve our parish for we need you on Sundays! We will conclude the training with a pizza luncheon – RSPV here.

HEALING MINISTRY: Our healing team had their first meeting last Sunday. They will be available to pray with people for healing or other needs initially once a month. We can expand this to more often if we get some additional volunteers. If you are interested I would be happy to train you in this ministry. The next meeting of the team will be Sept. 3rd between the two services. Questions, contact Rev. Mark.

HEALING SERVICE EVERY WEDENSDAY AT 11

August 9, 2023

BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS: This Sunday is the Blessing of the Backpacks as teachers and students head back to school.

SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE NEEDS YOUR HELP: Thank you to all of you who stepped up last week and supported our supply drive. We almost made it with your generous gifts but we are still short by about $700. So please help us provide the supplies for Hutsell and Katy students that they need for this coming year. Click here to make an online donation.

HEALING MINISTRY MEETING THIS WEEK: Those interested in our Healing Ministry are invited to come to a meeting between the services in the Conference Room this Sunday. This would be a group of people available to pray for healing with people following receiving Eucharist on Sunday mornings at both services. We will initially offer this one Sunday a month and as we build the team we can expand to two Sundays. There will be training If you are interested in being part of this ministry. Please email Mark.

WEDNESDAY HEALING SERVICE: Services will return on August 9 at 11:00 a.m.

WELCOME BACK HUTSELL STUDENTS: Would anyone be interested in helping me welcome the Hutsell students back on Wednesday the first day of school at dismissal time? I’m thinking of handing out popsicles during the afternoon pick up time (just before 3pm). Email me if interested

THANK YOU LISA SIVILS: Thank you to Lisa for leading our online Morning Prayer for the three weeks I was gone. Morning Prayer is live every morning at 8:00 Monday-Friday. You can watch it anytime during the day on our Facebook Page.

August 2, 2023

SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE NEEDS YOUR HELP: We will bless the school supplies this coming Sunday but we are well short of our goal. We ordered $3,300 worth of supplies and have collected $1,000 so far. So please help us provide the supplies for Hutsell and Katy students that they need for this coming year. Click here to make an online donation – select Back to School Donations Fund.

HEALING MINISTRY: We are restarting our Healing Prayer ministry. This would be a group of people available to pray for healing with people following receiving Eucharist on Sunday mornings at both services. We will initially offer this one Sunday a month and as we build the team we can expand to two Sundays. There will be training If you are interested in being part of this ministry. Please email Mark.

WEDNESDAY HEALING SERVICE: Services will return on August 9th at 11:00 a.m.

STORYTELLING FESTIVAL: Wendy and I are at the Biblical Storytellers Festival in Baltimore where we will be presenting a workshop this week along with attending workshops and performances by other storytellers. I will be back for Sunday, August 6th. These are part of my Continuing Education requirement of the diocese. All clergy must complete 24 CEUs each year.

July 26, 2023

FIFTH SUNDAY IN JULY: Just a reminder that there are 5 Sundays in July. July 30th will be a single service at 9:30am with a potluck afterwards – more details above.

CHILDREN’S FORMATION DISCUSSION: All parents of children should have received an email and survey about making plans for the fall. Senior Warden Harlan Matthews will lead a discussion about plans on July 30th as part of the potluck after the service. Childcare will be available so I hope to see y’all there.

TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY will meet every Tuesday while Mark is gone. Joyce Davis will be leading the discussion.

WEDNESDAY HEALING SERVICE: will not meet for the rest of July. Services will return on August 9th.

RETREAT AND STORYTELLING FESTIVAL: I left on Tuesday morning July 18th for an 8 day Ignatian Silent Retreat at the Jesuit Center north of Lafayette Louisiana. Shortly after I return I will be off to the Biblical Storytellers Festival in Baltimore where Wendy and I will be presenting a workshop. I will be back for Sunday, August 6th. These are part of my Continuing Education requirement of the diocese. All clergy must complete 24 CEUs each year. I will be taking a few days of vacation in between. The Rev. Mary Wilson and the Rev. Herb Stallknecht will be leading services while I am gone.

July 19, 2023

FIFTH SUNDAY IN JULY: Just a reminder that there are 5 Sundays in July. July 30th will be a single service at 9:30am with a potluck afterwards – more details above.

TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY will meet every Tuesday while Mark is gone. Joyce Davis will be leading the discussion.

WEDNESDAY HEALING SERVICE: will not meet for the rest of July. Services will return on August 9th.

July 12, 2023

RETREAT AND STORYTELLING FESTIVAL: I will leave on Tuesday morning July 18 for an 8 day Ignatian Silent Retreat at the Jesuit Center north of Lafayette, Louisiana. Shortly after I return I will be off to the Biblical Storytellers Festival in Baltimore where Wendy and I will be presenting a workshop. I will be back for Sunday, August 6. These are part of my Continuing Education requirement of the diocese. All clergy must complete 24 CEUs each year. I will be taking a few days of vacation in between. The Rev. Mary Wilson and the Rev. Herb Stallknecht will be leading services while I am gone.

TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY will meet every Tuesday while Mark is gone. Joyce Davis will be leading the discussion.

WEDNESDAY HEALING SERVICE: will not meet for the rest of July. Services will return on August 9th.

HEALING MINISTRY: Shirley Simms has asked me about reviving a healing ministry. I am happy to do that. This would be a group of people available to pray for healing with people following receiving Eucharist on Sunday mornings and offering prayer at the midweek Healing Service. If you are interested, please email me.

FIFTH SUNDAY IN JULY: Just a reminder that there are 5 Sundays in July. July 30th will be a single service at 9:30 with a potluck afterwards. Details below.

CHILDREN’S FORMATION DISCUSSION: All parents of children should have received an email and survey about making plans for the fall. Senior Warden Harlan Matthews will lead a discussion about plans on July 30 as part of the potluck after the service. Childcare will be available so I hope to see y’all there.

July 5, 2023

BLOOD DRIVE THIS SUNDAY: Please see below to sign up for this Sunday’s blood drive to be held in the Parish Hall from 9am-1:30pm.

TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY AND WEDNESDAY SERVICE/THEOLOGY LUNCH will resume next week as usual.

LORD OF THE STREETS: What a great response we have had for people interested in working with LOTS. See the article below for details, but we will definitely move ahead based on your response to the request for help.

June 28, 2023

LE ANNA’S ORDINATION: If you missed the livestream, it’s saved on the Cathedral’s website:

Click here to watch the service

SPECIAL ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION THIS SUNDAY: I was reminded this week that the Hajj, the pilgrimage for Moslems started this past week. Several people asked about what it was. I will show a video about this important pilgrimage at 9:15 in the conference room this Sunday.

TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY AND WEDNESDAY SERVICE/THEOLOGY LUNCH Will not meet next week. I will be visiting Wendy’s family in Austin Sunday evening through Wednesday morning.

OFFICE CLOSED MONDAY AND TUESDAY: The office will be closed Monday, July 3rd and Tuesday, July 4th.

June 21, 2023

LE ANNA’S ORDINATION: Le Anna Brun’s ordination will be held this Saturday at 10am.

Click here to watch the livestream.

Click here to download the bulletin.

AMAZING PLACE: I have invited Amazing Place to come to our services to tell you all a little about what they offer us as we partner with them as part of our ministry of the month focus. Amazing Place is a great agency that focuses on supporting individuals and their families suffering from any of the types of Dementia. They offer Caregiver support and education as well as wonderful programs to keep your memory sharp. Linda and another member of the staff will be here at both services and at 9:15 to answer any of your questions.

ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION: This week will be a presentation by our visitors from Amazing Place At 9:15 in the conference.

TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY AND WEDNESDAY THEOLOGY LUNCH Will meet this coming week. Bible Study at 9:00 on Tuesday and Theology Lunch on zoom at noon.

WEDNESDAY HEALING SERVICE: The Wednesday Healing service is at 11:00 each week. We will be meeting on June 28.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE HYMN? This summer I would like to open up hymn selection to the congregation. If you have some favorite hymns send them in an email to Mark or we will have a box in the narthex to where you can drop your suggestions. Please include the hymn number if possible since some hymns have more than one tune.

June 14, 2023

VBS NEXT WEEK: Please pray for our volunteers and attendees as we begin VBS on Monday. We will be posting pictures on Facebook and updates in next week’s Epistle. A big thank you to all how have helped prepare so far!

ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION: I’m thinking about trying something different. I will offer “Ask the Rector” sessions. I will be in the Conference Room on Sundays at 9:15 if anyone wants to drop in to chat, ask a question or discuss something that is on your mind. There will be a special program from Amazing Place on June 25th to meet with their Pastoral Care lead and talk about issues surrounding Dementia that may be of interest to our parish.

MARK AT VIRGINIA SEMINARY THIS WEEK: Bishop Ryan nominated me to be one of a group of clergy that are being trained to serve as mentors and coaches to clergy in the diocese. I will be at Virginia Seminary for an intensive week of training for this role June 12-17. I will be back in time for Sunday.

OFFICE CLOSED: The office will be closed this week but will reopen tomorrow as Jennifer is back in town.

June 7, 2023

MARK AT VIRGINIA SEMINARY NEXT WEEK: Bishop Ryan nominated me to be one of a group of clergy that are being trained to serve as mentors and coaches to clergy in the diocese. I will be at Virginia Seminary for an intensive week of training for this role June 12-17. I will be here for Sunday services, but gone during the week. The Rev. Alex Large at COTHA will also be attending.

OFFICE CLOSED: The office will be closed next week Monday-Wednesday as both Jennifer and I will be out of town.

TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY: The Tuesday Bible study meets each Tuesday via Zoom and in-person in the conference room at 9:00 each week. Joyce Davis will help facilitate the meeting next week as Mark will be at a Continuing Education program at Virginia Seminary.

WEDNESDAY HEALING SERVICE: The Wednesday Healing service is at 11:00 each week. We will be meeting on June 7, 21, 28. We will not meet June 14th as Mark will be at a Continuing Education program at Virginia Seminary that week.

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