200 W Lang St, Alvin, TX 77511-2396 I 281-331-5657 I 281-331-1355 I www.gracechurchalvin.com

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

2017

The Outpost

Catch us on Facebook Grace Episcopal Church Alvin

In this Edition

Birthdays & Anniversaries Page 2

Rector’s Article Page 3

Programs and Offerings Page 4

Calendar Page 6

Parish Prayer List Page 7

SUMMER SUNDAY

SCHOOL

Formal Sunday Summer School is on hiatus until after Labor Day. If you would like to do an art and crafts project with the kids any Sunday morning in August, please contact Donna Tate, 832-385-6166.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

SUPPLIES

Back-to-School Time is just around the corner! As you are out and about picking up school supplies for your child, or those aisles of school supplies bring back memories, please consider picking up a few supplies for our Grace Church Sunday School program. We are in need of new markers, map pencils, scissors, glue sticks, pencils, and pens. We could also use construction paper, and Manila paper. You can drop supplies in a marked box in the parish hall. Thank you!

RECTOR SEARCH

Important Parish Meeting

Please join us on Sunday, August 20, for an important meeting and discussion with The Rev. Beth Magill, from the Diocesan Mission Amplification Team. This meeting in an important part of our Rector Search Process. We will have a quick, light lunch after the 10:30 service, with the meeting starting at 12:15 PM. One of the purposes for this meeting is for us to reflect on the primary results from the parish profile and rector profile surveys. There will be more information to come as we have it. For now, please put this meeting on your calendar and come and be a part of this important conversation

Ministries

Altar Guild Director:

Janice Bell jsbell_7@hotmail.com

Fellowship & Pastoral Care Council Mary Smith, mebsmith@comcast.net

Liturgy & Worship Council Bryan Foulk, 281-827-5977

Janice Bell, jsbell_7@hotmail.com

Media & Communications Council Donna Tate, donna.s.tate@att.net

Jo Nell Parker jnparkerkw@hotmail.com

Mission & Outreach Council

Spiritual Formation Council Sandra Green, jjr8647@sbcgolbal.net

Lay Ministry Scheduler: Vicki Ennis, 281-585-4660

vrennis@att.net

Vestry:

Donna Tate, Senior Warden donna.s.tate@att.net

Bryan Foulk, Junior Warden 281-827-5977 Janice Bell, jsbell_7@hotmail.com Sandra Green, jjr8647@sbcgolbal.net Glennie Hefner glenniehefner@me.com Charles Lamb, cflamb70@yahoo.com Lionel Ortiz, 281-388-1106 Tommy Peebles, holidog@att.net Randy Smith, 281-968-7074

Income $ 71,723.23

Expenses 79,982.56

Gain (Loss) ($ 8,259.33)

Cynthia & Derrell Cob 15

Frances & Charles Lamb 19

The Office:

Mailing Address 112 W. Lang Hours: M-F 9:00-1:00

The Staff

Interim Rector: The Reverend Nan Doerr nandoerr@sbcglobal.net Organist & Music Director: Paul Humphrey Gphumphrey@yahoo.com Parish Administrator: Danny Hermann gracechurchalvin@hotmail.com Nursery Attendant: Claudia Pouncey 281-840-3547

Outpost Edi tor : : g r ac ec h u r c h o u t p o s t @g m ai l .c o m

2 Wayne Bell 3 Sandra Green

3 Lydia Traylor

4 Deena Stansel

8 Mary Marino

10 Jolene Guilmet

10 Missy Tatum

18 Mary Frances Wissner

22 Donna Alexander

22 Bill Wicker

23 Cormac Hascek

24 Aaron Gideon

24 Laura Tate

25 Jackie Childers

29 Pauletta Jeter

Happy Birthday

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 this family of faith 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 beyond the church.

Our Numbers:

As of June 30th.

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Vestry Volitions

The Vestry Meeting was held on July 17th. Topics of discussion were the rector search, combined 5th Sunday service, backpack blessing, and fundraisers.

From The Rector… It is interesting to see what some famous people have to say about Christianity - about church, or religion. Robert Louis Stevenson once wrote in his diary, “I have been to church today, and am not depressed.” Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote, “I might have entered the ministry if certain clergymen I knew had not looked and acted so much like undertakers.” Where did we get the idea that church is supposed to be solemn and dreary? Where did we get the idea it was supposed to be what happens inside a special building and no where else? I think that idea has done more to kill Christianity than any other thing. It has been said, “The church is an institution that exists for the benefit of those who are not members.”

When Jesus started out, it wasn’t about sitting inside a synagogue or temple. He was out in the community - whatever community he found himself in - and he was forming relationships with the people he met. He did preach on the street corners, but more importantly, he touched people’s lives. He made them feel important. He made them feel like someone cared. Even though that is what Judaism was suppose to be about, Jesus made it real and manifested it in the lives of the people around him.

People somehow understood innately that Jesus stood in the place of God. For them, it was evident that if Jesus cared, then God cared. People swarmed about Jesus and his followers. They jostled for a place in close proximity to Jesus, to hear what he had to say, or to touch him, or to be healed by him.

Jesus put excitement into the lives of the people around him. We have reason to believe that his disciples sang and rejoiced when they got excited by his presence. He even sent them out in pairs to minister in his name. In today’s world, we sometimes forget that part of our faith. I think it is important to figure out what excites you about your faith. Where does your faith touch your life in such a way that you want to be an intricate part of it? Where do you see a need in the world around you where you can be a part of a solution?

Churches in this day and age need a purpose. One that goes beyond Sunday morning worship. They need a purpose that inspires others to help and be a part of it. We have some wonderful outreach ministries to Veterans and to children, etc. But we need something much more “hands on.” We have people who take meals to shut-ins and who minister to those with Alzheimer’s disease.

But Grace church needs a ministry as a church that we can look at and point to as making a difference in someone’s life. Began thinking about what are the needs in this neighborhood to which we as a church can minister. It doesn’t have to be big, and it doesn’t have to include everyone. When someone comes up with an idea, instead of finding reasons why not, look for ways in which it could become a reality. It is in active ministering that we find excitement; the kind of excitement that inspired the first disciples and that draws others in. Where can we as a church find our niche in ministry right here in Alvin?

Blessings,

Mother Nan +

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DEGEORGE FOOD DRIVE

Grace Guild thanks each of you who recently contributed food items for our veterans at the De George Center! Phyllis Wall, and Dottie and Sherry Campbell loaded up and delivered everything during the second week of July, which the veterans enthusiastically UNloaded! The Center houses up to 100 vets in need of shelter. We consider it an honor to support them with gifts at Christmas and food items during the summer. But, of course, we couldn’t have done it without you.

CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Grace Guild is collecting gently used children's books to place in waiting rooms at Stephen F. Austin Community Health Network. We have a “Book Basket” located in the Narthex to receive your donations.

BACKPACK BLESSING

Hey Kids! Please bring your backpacks to church on August 13, either service, to have them blessed before school starts. We will also have a blessing for all educators at both services.

Charles and Frances Lamb will celebrate

their 50th wedding anniversary this month,

with a reception to be held in the Parish Hall

immediately following the 10:30am service

on Sunday, August 13th. All are invited.

Come join your parish family to congratulate

Charles and Frances and wish them many

more happy anniversaries to come!

ALTAR FLOWER

DEDICATIONS

Dedications are being taken for altar flowers. Open dates are now available. The sign-up book is located in the Narthex. The cost is $35.

BIRTHDAY CAKE

SUNDAYS

Don’t forget, the first Sunday of each month is Birthday Cake Sunday sponsored by the Ros-sanos’. Join us between the services on August 6th. for cake and fellowship.

Grace Church Sunday School

Children’s Classes All Ages of Children Welcome Sundays 9:15-10:15am

Adult Classes Sundays 9:15 –10:15am Lectionary Class– A discussion of the weekly lessons. Coffee Discussions—A kind of “Sharing Class.” Tuesdays 11:00am to 12:30pm Rector’s Bible Study in the Admin Bldg. Conference Room Topic of Study: The Gospel of Mark.

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What Cursillo Means To Me

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

Wednesdays @ 6:00pm

Everyone is invited to join us for this time spent with the Lord. We will use a number of ways to connect with God including prayer beads, centering prayer, and lectio divina among others. Each session will run from 30 to 45 minutes long and will include a brief time of sharing before we pray. This is not intercessory prayer, but a time to connect with God on a personal level. If you have prayer beads, bring them. If not, we will have beads that you can use. (On Summer Hiatus)

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Bible Study, 11:00am BSA Troop 400—7:00pm ALANON—7:30pm

2

3 4

5

6 Holy Eucharist (I) 8:00am Christian Education Programs Holy Eucharist (II) 10:30am

7

8 Bible Study, 11:00am BSA Troop 400—7:00pm ALANON—7:30pm

9

10

11 Troop 400 Lock-In 6:30pm - 8:00am

12

13 Holy Eucharist (I) 8:00am Christian Education Programs Holy Eucharist (II) 10:30am

Back Pack Blessing

Lamb 50 Year Anniversary Reception

14

15 Bible Study, 11:00am BSA Troop 400—7:00pm ALANON—7:30pm

16

17 Grace Guild, 10:00am

18

19

20 Holy Eucharist (I) 8:00am Christian Education Programs Holy Eucharist (II) 10:30am 12:15pm Rector Search Update Meeting

21

OUTPOST DEADLINE

Media & Communications Council, 6:15pm Vestry Mtg., 7:00pm

22 Bible Study, 11:00am BSA Troop 400—7:00pm ALANON—7:30pm

23

24

25

26

27 Holy Eucharist (I) 8:00am Christian Education Programs Holy Eucharist (II) 10:30am

28

29 Bible Study, 11:00am BSA Troop 400—7:00pm ALANON—7:30pm

30 31

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 Reverend Michael B. Curry Diocesan Bishop, The Right Reverend C. Andrew Doyle Assistant Bishop, The Right Reverend Hector Monterroso Bishop Suffragan, The Right Reverend Dena Harrison Bishop Suffragan, The Right Reverend Jeff Fisher Bishop, The Right Reverend Philip Duncan, Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. Grace Interim Rector, The Reverend Nan Doerr Grace Music Director and Organist, Paul Humphrey

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 Administrator, Altar Guild, Bible Studies, Children’s Ministries, Christian Education, Cursillo, Community Outreach, Daughters of the King, Family Promise, Grace 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…

Bob Adams, Barbara Adkison, Demi Anderson, Carolyn Armstrong, Windy Arnold, Kimber Ballard, Herb Barrier, Margaret Barrier, Sandra & Charles Batty, Derrick Beaver, Louis Bell, Patricia Bell, Riley Bianchi, Gloria Bishop, Stacey Bitner, Lynne Bruner, Brenda Buelow, Nathan Buzbee, Beverly Capeheart, Becky Carbone, Vivian Castleberry, Jackie Childers, Danice Cox, Ed Crook, Paula DeSham, Lucille Dixon, Anna-Grace Duffy, Lauren & Daniel Duffy, Diane Ellis, Paula Ellis, Joanne Fisher, Jay Fitch, Luci M. Fuller, Jacob Garcia, Aaron Gideon, Jerrie Grantham, Mildred Grear, Mitchell Hardee, Bill Harris, Shirleen Honcoop, Roger Ivey, Dalton Jacques, Greg Jeter, Dave Jones, David Klewer, Kenneth Lee, Ray Lindemann & Family, Ben Lockett, Lois Marshall, Alice Megna, Ashley Morrison, Ann Oliver, Bob Peebles, Alyssa & Landon Rand, Barbara Richardson, Angela Rodriguez, Daniel Rodriguez, Elena Rodriguez, Chad Rogers, Joe Rossano, Josh Sager, A.O. Smith, The Steiner Family, Brooke Stephenson, Shirley Stockton, Myra Thomas, Scarlet Tucker, Fran Van Winkle, Randy Vaughn, Katherine Welch, Christie White, Sandi Willis, Mary Frances Wissner.

Our college students in their journey.

James Beasley, Texas A & M University Calli Fauver, Baylor University Carson Fauver, Texas Tech University

Protect and guide all who serve in the military.

Mickey Alcantara (USMC), Scott Barrier (USAF), Scott Bean, Robert Berger (USN), Christian Blevins, Jason Bryan, Chase Capehart, Taylor Cameron (USN), Robert Carnie (USN), Ryan Cross, Clayton Crouch, David Dezso, Glen Dockal (USA), Raymond Dugan (USN), Thomas Economidis (USN), Mitchell Goodnight, Matt (USN) & David Hefner (USA), Lance Henderson, Keith (USN) & Kurt (USMC), Adam Miller, Ben Meyer (USCG), Shon O’Connor, Tara Parker, Chad Perry (USAF), Daniel Popham, Ryan Popham, Jonathan Prater, Manuel Rodriguez, Josh Sager (USAF), A. J. Soto (USA), Russell Stewart (USAF), John Swanson, William Thompson, Ray Turner.

Our expectant mothers: Holly Owen, Shelley (Hermann) Smith.

Our newborns:

Faithful Departed: We commend to your mercy O Lord, your servants Kathy Craig, Jim Giblin, and Peggy Weir that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that they may rest with all your saints in your eternal kingdom.

Guide and protect our First Responders.

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

Matthew 21:22

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200 W. Lang St. Mail & Office @ 112 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 *Prayer & Meditation, Wednesdays

Upcoming Features of Parish Life

Birthday Cake Sunday, August 6, 9:00AM

BSA Troop 400 Lock-In, August 11, 6:30PM

Backpack Blessing, August 13, Both Services

Lamb Anniversary Reception, Aug.13, 11:45AM

Grace Guild Meeting, August 17, 10:00AM

Rector Search Meeting, August 20, 12:15PM

Outpost Deadline, August 21.

Vestry Meeting, August 21, 7:00PM

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