St. Matthias Episcopal Church

2009-02-28T14:16:00.002-06:00

Our Standing Announcements:

◆ Sunday - 9:30 am Adult Sunday School
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School
1st Sunday - Potluck Lunch following Mass

◆ 2nd Tuesday - Episcopal Church Women - Noon St. Catherine's Guild
◆ Wednesday - 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist & Dinner

◆ 2nd Thursday - 6:00-7:30 pm Vestry Meeting
◆ 2nd & 4th Thursday - 7:00 pm Episcopal Church Women -St. Monica's Guild
◆ Friday - 10-Noon Men's Fellowship Group

Food Pantry: We continue to gather non-perishable foods, especially: soups, canned/boxed meals, pasta sauce, dry beans and rice. The peak period of demand always goes from the 15th to the end of each month.

2008-08-16T17:14:00.001-06:00

Our Standing Announcements:

1st Sunday - Potluck Lunch following Mass ◆ 2nd Tuesday - Episcopal Church Women
3rd Monday - Vestry Meeting - 6:30 pm

Sunday August 17th - Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Adult Sunday School
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School - Fellowship Hour

Mon 6:30 pm Vestry

Tue 10 am Diocesan Executive Council - Dallas

Wed 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist followed by Dinner & Study Group

Fri 10-Noon Men’s Group

Sunday August 24th - Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Adult Sunday School
10:30 am Morning Prayer & Younger Children’s Sunday School - Fellowship Hour

Birthday: 22nd Bill Taylor and Doug Warren

This Week At SMEC

2008-07-24T15:12:00.002-06:00

Our Standing Announcements:
1st Sunday - Potluck Lunch following Mass
2nd Tuesday - Episcopal Church Women
3rd Monday - Vestry Meeting - 6:30 pm

July 2oth Tenth Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Adult Sunday School
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School -
Fellowship Hour

Wed 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist followed by Dinner & Study Group

Fri 10-Noon Men’s Group

July 27th Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Adult Sunday School
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School -
Fellowship Hour

Birthday: 22nd Mary Ann Reid; 24th Ralph Fields and Bari Hart; 25th Jeanie Beggs,
and Katy Rose Warmke

2008-03-10T19:47:00.002-06:00

Our Standing Announcements:
1st Sunday - Potluck Lunch following Mass
2nd Tuesday - Episcopal Church Women
3rd Monday - Vestry Meeting - 6:30 pm

Sun. March 9 The 5th Sunday of Lent
9:30 am Older Children’s and Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School
Fellowship Hour

Mon. Office closed
10am Women's Study Group

Wed
5:30 pm Holy Eucharist/Stations of the Cross - supper and Study to follow

Study Class: Beginning Life Together

God never intended for Christians to do life alone, but that they would do life together in community. Beginning Life Together gives us an overview of the five Biblical principles that God intends for our life. This is a six-week journey that will give us a taste of the life God created us to live! All are welcome to attend as we explore God's plan for His people.

Fri
10am Men's Group

Sunday: Palm Sunday

9:00 am Choir Practice

9:30 am Older Children’s and Adult Sunday School

10:30 am Liturgy of the Palms: Beginning in Prayer Garden

10:40 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School
Fellowship Hour following Service

5:30 pm Sedar [sign-up sheet]

M-T-W
5:30 pm Compline

Holy Thursday
5:30 pm Solemn Holy Eucharist & Vigil before the Altar of Repose [sign-up sheet]

Good Friday
Noon Solemn Stations of the Cross

5:30 pm The Liturgy for Good Friday

Holy Saturday 7:30 pm Liturgy of The New Fire & the Renewal of our Baptismal Vows

Easter Day
9:30 am Adult & Older Children's Sunday School

10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children's Sunday School

2008-02-23T10:57:00.002-06:00

Our Standing Announcements:
1st Sunday - Potluck Lunch following Mass
2nd Tuesday - Episcopal Church Women
3rd Monday - Vestry Meeting - 6:30 pm

Sun. February 24 The 3rd Sunday of Lent
9:30 am Older Children’s and Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School
Fellowship Hour

Mon. Office closed
10am Women's Study Group

Wed 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist/Stations of the Cross - supper and Study to follow

Study Class: Beginning Life Together

God never intended for Christians to do life alone, but that they would do life together in community. Beginning Life Together gives us an overview of the five Biblical principles that God intends for our life. This is a six-week journey that will give us a taste of the life God created us to live! All are welcome to attend as we explore God's plan for His people.

Fri 10am Men's Group

Sunday: 4th Sunday in Lent

9:30 am Older Children’s and Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School
Fellowship Hour following Service

Holy Week March 16-23:

Palm Sunday
9:30 am Adult & Older Children's Sunday School

10:30 am Liturgy of the Palms/Holy Eucharist & Younger Children's Sunday School

5:30 pm Sedar [sign-up sheet]

M-T-W 5:30 pm Compline

Holy Thursday 5:30 pm Solemn Holy Eucharist
& Vigil before the Altar of Repose [sign-up sheet]

Good Friday Noon Solemn Stations of the Cross
5:30 pm The Liturgy for Good Friday

Holy Saturday 7:30 pm Liturgy of The New Fire & the Renewal of our Baptismal Vows

Easter Day 9:30 am Adult & Older Children's Sunday School
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children's Sunday School

2008-02-10T07:40:00.000-06:00

Our Standing Announcements:
1st Sunday - Potluck Lunch following Mass
2nd Tuesday - Episcopal Church Women
3rd Monday - Vestry Meeting - 6:30 pm

Sun. February 10 The First Sunday of Lent
9:30 am Older Children’s and Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School
Fellowship Hour

Mon. Office closed
10am Women's Study Group

Tue Noon ECW

Wed 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist/Stations of the Cross - supper and study to follow

Fri 10am Men's Group

Sunday: Second Sunday in Lent

9:30 am Older Children’s and Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School
Fellowship Hour following Service

New Study Class beginning February 2oth Beginning Life Together

God never intended for us to do life alone, but to do life together in community. Beginning Life Together gives us an overview of the five Biblical principles that God intends for our life. Get ready - we're about to begin a six-week journey that will give us a taste of the life God created us to live!

2008-01-05T19:20:00.000-06:00

Our Standing Announcements:
1st Sunday - Potluck Lunch following Mass
2nd Tuesday - Episcopal Church Women
3rd Monday - Vestry Meeting - 5:30 pm

Sun. January 6th The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles
9:30 am Older Children’s and Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School
First Sunday Lunch following Service

Mon. Office closed

Wed 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist and Healing Service - supper and study to follow

Sunday: First Sunday after the Epiphany

9:30 am Older Children’s and Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School
Coffee Hour following Service

January 29th Smorgasborg

February 3rd Annual Parish Meeting following Morning Worship

2008-01-01T10:25:00.000-06:00

Our Standing Announcements:
1st Sunday - Potluck Lunch following Mass
2nd Tuesday - Episcopal Church Women
3rd Monday - Vestry Meeting - 5:30 pm

Mon. & Tue Office closed

Wed 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist and Healing Service - supper and study to follow

Sunday: The Epiphany

9:30 am Older Children’s and Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School
First Sunday Lunch following Service

January 27th Annual Parish Meeting

Parable of the Birds

2007-12-24T21:17:00.000-06:00

Louis Cassels was religion editor for United Press
International.His "Parable of the Birds" has been
reprinted and rebroadcast on radio many times in
the years since it first appeared in the
Christmas editions of newspapers across the
country in 1959. The first time I heard it was many
years ago on Paul Harvey. I share it with all of
you with a prayer that it might lead us all closer
to the Light, Christ Jesus our Lord.


The Parable of the Birds

Once upon a time, there was a man who looked upon
Christmas as a lot of humbug. He wasn't a Scrooge.
He was a very kind and decent person, generous to
his family, upright in all his dealings with other men.

But he didn't believe all that stuff about God
becoming man, which churches proclaim at Christmas.
Why would God want to do anything like that?

So when his family left to attend midnight services
on Christmas Eve,he stayed home.

Shortly after the family drove away snow began to fall.
He went to the window and watched the flurries getting
heavier and heavier. Sometime later, as he was reading
his newspaper by the fire, he was startled by a thudding
sound that was quickly followed by another. Then another.

When he went to investigate, he found a flock of birds
huddled miserably in the snow. They had been caught
in the storm, and in a desperate search
for shelter had tried to fly through the window.

"I can't let these poor creatures lie there and
freeze," he thought. "But how can I help them?"

Then he remembered the barn. It would provide
a warm shelter. He quickly put on his coat and
boots and tramped throught the deepening snow to
the barn. He opened the doors wide and turned
on the light.

But the birds didn't come in.

"Food will bring them in," he thought. So he
hurried back to the house for bread crumbs,
which he sprinkled on the snow to make a
trail into the barn.

To his dismay, the birds ignored the bread crumbs
and continued to flop around helplessly in the snow.
He tried shooing them into the barn by walking around
and waving his arms. They scattered in
every direction – except into the warm, lighted barn.

"They find me a strange and terrifying creature," he
said to himself, "and I can't seem to think of any way
to let them know they can trust me."

"If only I could be a bird myself for a few minutes,
perhaps I could lead them to safety."

Just at that moment the church bells began to ring.
He stood silently for awhile, listening to the bells
pealing the glad tidings of Christmas.

Then he sank to his knees in the snow.  
"Now I understand,
"he whispered. "Now I see why You had to do it."

2007-12-23T21:28:00.000-06:00

Grace and Peace:

Once again, the joyful celebration of the birth of Christ our Lord is upon us. As we entered the Season of Advent, we were called to pause from the often rushed preparations for Christmas and reflect on where we were at in our Christian journey - maybe even discovering that we had temporarily slid off the path.

Yet, it seems that the Holy Spirit has a way of finding us and nudging us until we pay attention and return to the journey. But we are not alone in this and it is important for us to take a look around and seek out those who are in need of a kind word, a visit, or some other gesture of kindness at this time of year.

Remember God says: “Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”
Isa. 41:10

Our Christmas Eve service begins with Carols at 10:15 pm with the Holy Eucharist beginning at 10:30 pm. It will be our opportunity to pause in this often rushed time of the year to focus on the Reason for the Season.

The following Sunday, December 30th, worship will be at our regular time, 10:30 am. It will give us another opportunity to hear beloved Christmas Scriptures and sing favorite Carols being the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas.

May the grace and peace of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit bring us all joy as we await the coming of Christ! Merry Christmas to all.

Yours in Christ
The Rev. Donald R. Perschall
Rector

2007-12-12T15:57:00.000-06:00

Our Standing Announcements:
1st Sunday - Potluck Lunch following Mass
2nd Tuesday - Episcopal Church Women
3rd Monday - Vestry Meeting - 5:30 pm

Next Sunday: The Third Sunday In Advent - Rose Sunday

9:30 am Older Children’s and Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School - Coffee Hour

Mon. Office closed

Wed 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist and Healing Service - supper and study to follow

Sunday: The Fourth Sunday In Advent

9:30 am Older Children’s and Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School - Hanging of Greens & Coffee Hour

December 24th Christmas Eve Mass 10:30 pm

*****************************
From this week's Sermon:
I always enjoy the scripture readings from the Prophets during the season of Advent. Some of the best and most inspiring words of Scripture are found here. Last week, we read from Isaiah about beating swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks. A wonderful, hopeful vision.

Today, we read from Isaiah chapter 11: The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. This is a scene that makes it into many of our Christmas cards. It is a scene of peace.

Did you see the news report this week about a a tiger is raising a group of piglets at a zoo near Bangkok. The piglets were nursing from their adopted mother who seemed perfectly content with the whole thing. The piglets actually wore little tiger-stripe costumes. It’s not something you see every day, but it’s a picture of living together in peace.

This morning we lit the second Advent candle, the candle of Joy. This is a season for thinking and reflecting on what brings Joy into our lives. And one of those things that brings Joy into my life is the message of the angels “Peace on earth, good will to all people.”

But while we may talk and sing of Joy and Peace, there is an elephant in the room. Or to be more accurate, there is a locust-eating, camel skin-wearing, fire and brimstone preaching Prophet in the room named John.

Sometimes you have to wonder about our Lectionary. We have this Old Testament reading and beside it the Gospel reading of this crazed wild-eyed prophet, calling the religious leaders a “brood of vipers.” These two scenes seem to be worlds apart. A picture of peace on the one hand and an angry guy in the wilderness pointing out sin and calling for repentance on the other. How do we reconcile these Scriptures? We are left to wonder if we wouldn’t be better off putting John somewhere else, anywhere else but on the Sunday we light the candle of Joy?

Well, there is a tension, to be sure. My first instinct was to just not deal with John today. There is plenty in Isaiah’s prophecy to occupy us fruitfully without having to wade into John’s diatribes. But after thinking about it, it struck me that such tension is where we live a lot of our lives, and perhaps considering both of these Scriptures together would be profitable.

Let’s be honest: facing tension and turmoil is as much a part of the holidays as fruitcake and the barking dog version of Jingle Bells. This is a time of Joy, a time for family and friends, a time for celebration, but it is also a difficult time and a time of competing feelings.

This is a time for joyful celebrations, but it is also a time when losses are deeply felt. For those who have lost loved ones, the Christmas Season may not be so joyful. There are those for whom this will be the first Christmas without a loved one, and it will be a very different Christmas. Joy will be rather muted. And for some, it will be all they can do just to get through Christmas.

This is a time when we send cards with sentiments like “Joy to the World,” but we make these proclamations in the midst of a very violent world. We may speak of “peace on earth” when we don’t really feel it in our hearts. We speak of Joy while we deal with anger and conflict - Peace while we live with anxiety and tension.

Some of us will join with family at Christmas. But sometimes, these family get-togethers are not exactly all Joy. Some of us will find ourselves walking on eggshells - some of us will have to bite our tongues at times - or will be left feeling a lot of stress just getting ready for such events. It seems to be part of the deal.

And of course conflict is never far away. Yesterday the Diocese of San Joaquin, based in Fresno, California - with 173 lay and clergy convention delegates voting in favor, and 22 against - removed itself from the Episcopal Church and became a Diocese in the Province of the Southern Cone. Undoubtedly this will be followed by punitive actions ecclesiastical and civil against them.

And then there are the feelings of conflict within us too: we feel joy and sadness, excitement and loss, hope and despair, seemingly all at the same time.

So maybe it is appropriate that this morning we have John on the one hand and Isaiah on the other. Isaiah holds out the Peaceable Kingdom where Joy and Peace may be found while John reminds us that maybe the problem isn’t ‘out there’ but ‘in here’ after all. Maybe, in order to get to the peaceable kingdom, we need to repent.

John was quite a sight: he ate honey and locusts, dressed in camel hair, and called people to turn their lives around. He preached out in the wilderness and people flocked to him for baptism. But when some of the religious and political leaders came to him, he let them have it. “You brood of vipers!” he said. Not exactly joyful, peaceful words. And he told them, “Bear fruit worthy of repentance.” Or in other words: “just saying the right words won’t cut it - show by your lives the change in your heart.”

Maybe this is actually what we do need to hear - because if true Joy and Peace is to be found, then other contrary things will have to be moved out of the way. We will have to prepare the way of the Lord because there is a mess to clean up. And since we are all a part of the mess, since we all have those things in our lives that need to be cleaned up - those ugly things that we all need to let go of - then John’s words are necessary for us to get to Isaiah’s vision. Maybe we need to do some repenting in order to help bring about God’s Peace that we may experience His Joy.

In closing, before we all start looking for a place of escape - let me remind us all that God’s Peace and Joy are not to be found in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. God’s Peace and Joy are to be found in the midst of all those things - but because of Jesus within us, we still have calm in our hearts. Conflict and turmoil are a part of life - they are both around us and within us. And yet – and yet even in the midst of the storm, God is still there for even in the darkest night, God’s light comes when we least expect it, a Child is born, bringing us the opportunity of Peace and Joy.

2007-11-21T20:44:00.000-06:00

Our Standing Announcements:
1st Sunday - Potluck Lunch following Mass
2nd Tuesday - Episcopal Church Women
3rd Monday - Vestry Meeting - 5:30 pm

Next Sunday: The Last Sunday After Pentecost - Feast of Christ the King

9:30 am Older Children’s and Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School - Coffee Hour

Mon. & Tue. Office closed

Wed 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist and Healing Service

Birthdays: Nov. 26th Laura Berry, Nov. 27th Mona Berry

Next Sunday: The First Sunday In Advent

9:30 am Older Children’s and Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School - 1st Sunday Lunch to follow

December 6th Angel Tea with Mrs. Stanton

December 8th Advent Quiet Day at St. John's Corsicana 9am - 2pm

2007-11-04T18:56:00.000-06:00

Our Standing Announcements:
1st Sunday - Potluck Lunch following Mass
2nd Tuesday - Episcopal Church Women
3rd Monday - Vestry Meeting - 5:30 pm

Mon. Office closed

Wed 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist - Supper - Study: "Gifts of the Holy Spirit"

Next Sunday: The 24th Sunday After Pentecost

9:30 am Older Children’s and Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School - Reception and Lunch to follow

from this weeks Sermon: The Art of Blessedness

Not long ago, I was reading the account of the experiences of a patient with heart disease. While his life was dramatically affected but his illness, he made a very real choice not to become enslaved by his disease - unlike so many others who become bound by other circumstances they face in life - he chose to live each moment. One statement that he made, made quite an impact on me when he said: "Freedom doesn’t mean you get to choose what happens to you. But you do get to choose how you react to it.... and life depends upon choice."

So often in life we don’t get to choose what happens to us. We do, however, get to choose how we react to it. We can focus upon our emptiness and our loss or we can choose to see that which we do possess. Jesus didn’t say "choose to be poor," but rather said, "amid your poverty remember, you possess the Kingdom." Jesus didn’t say "choose to be mourners," but rather said, "amid your grief, remember, the Comforter is here." Jesus didn’t say "choose to be downtrodden," but rather, "amid your meekness, remember, the whole Kingdom is your inheritance." There is blessing in the choices we make, in how we respond to life’s broken edges that cut and tear the very fabric of life. In other words, things don’t always have to be as they appear to be in the life of one of God’s Saints.

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness" That’s getting things down to a pretty basic level. We all know to a certain extent what it’s like to be hungry or thirsty - and while we may never have been truly without food nor have experienced life threatening dehydration - all have felt the pangs of hunger and thirst at some point - and I am not just referring to what we stuff into our mouths because there are many types of hunger, and a variety of ways of satisfying that thirst. That’s where the choice behind this beatitude is.

The Prophet Isaiah spoke of ways of satisfying hunger and thirst that don’t really satisfy, asking "why do you spend your money, your time, your energy on things that only leave you as hungry and thirsty as when you started to eat or drink them, perhaps even more so?" Does it really satisfy hunger, for instance, to bite into pornography, or does it only leave us feeling even more empty than before? Quite often addictions, no matter which drug we speak of, often begin because we think they’ll satisfy the thirst within, but they never do.

Just like those preoccupied with wealth, or occupational or societal success can be as poor as any street person, unsatisfied and ever more hungry. Why waste yourself on bread which isn’t bread? That was Isaiah’s question. There is a blessing in such a choice.

Jesus said “blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” The Lord’s Prayer amplifies this Beatitude for us when our Lord taught us about forgiving who have somehow stepped over the line in our lives. How quickly we rush over the words "as we forgive" in that prayer. Forgiveness is never an easy process. We don’t get to choose the ways in which we are wronged. And it happens all the time. Yet we do choose, how we will respond to it, and there is freedom in that choice. On the other hand, we can choose to become enslaved by bitterness. I’ve known a lot of people lost in that wilderness.

When Jesus said "Blessed are the pure in heart" He wasn’t calling us back into a spiritual naivete where everything could be cured by a cookie and a nap. He was and is urging those who hear Him, in holiness, to choose to open their arms.... to take a risk. To be genuine, to approach others without mixed motives or hidden agenda, to be on the outside the same as the inside.

Now, the blessing behind this beatitude, the direction toward which Jesus is pointing, becomes possible when we choose to no longer nurse our wounds, to no longer see only the tainted aspects and failures of others and even ourselves, and choose instead to focus upon God and what God perfect in us.

Finally, Jesus said: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Who amongst us can deny the need for peacemaking in our very broken world. Every Christian has the responsibility to truly live out the Gospel in their relationships - where the blessings of peace follow : marriages and families are strengthened, healthier churches emerge, and a thriving, gospel-centered ministry based on Jesus own example is found.

It’s more than interesting, how Jesus is calling us to live - possessing the Kingdom of God, comforted by His presence, enjoying the great riches of His Kingdom, hungering for what is really good, being full of mercy, being pure in heart and instruments of God’s peace. This is how the great Saints of the Church have always lived with open arms and open eyes, heads raised high, they became the salt of the earth, the light of the world. That’s the blessing of such a choice - such a life. And may it be so for us also. Amen!

2007-10-30T10:57:00.000-06:00

Altar Party
Bishop Stanton, Fr. Don & Confirmands
Monday Office Closed

Thursday Feast of All Saints 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist

"The exact origins of All Saints are uncertain, although, after the legalization of Christianity in 313, a common commemoration of Saints, especially the martyrs, appeared in various areas throughout the Church. For instance in the East, the city of Edessa celebrated this feast on May 13; the Syrians, on the Friday after Easter; and the city of Antioch, on the first Sunday after Pentecost. Both St. Ephrem (d. 373) and St. John Chrysostom (d. 407) attest to this feast day in their preaching. In the West, a commemoration for all the saints also was celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost. The primary reason for establishing a common feast day was because of the desire to honor the great number of martyrs, especially during the persecution of Emperor Diocletion (284-305), the worst and most extensive of the persecutions. Quite supply, there were not enough days of the year for a feast day for each martyr and many of them died in groups. A common feast day for all saints, therefore seemed most appropriate.

In 609, the Emperor Phocas gave the Pantheon in Rome to Pope Boniface IV, who rededicated it on May 13 under the title St. Maria ad Martyres (or St. Mary and All Martyrs). Whether the Holy Father purposefully chose May 13 because of the date of the popular celebration already established in the East or whether this was just a happy coincidence is open to debate.

The designation of Nov. 1 as the Feast of All Saints occurred over time. Pope Gregory III (731-741) dedicated an oratory in the original St. Peter's Basilica in honor of all the saints on Nov. 1 (at least according to some accounts), and this date then became the official date for the celebration of the Feast of All Saints in Rome. St Bede (d. 735) recorded the celebration of All Saints Day on Nov. 1 in England, and such a celebration also existed in Salzburg. Austria. Ado of Vienna (d 875) recounted how Pope Gregory IV asked King Louis the Pious (778-840) to proclaim Nov. 1 as All Saints Day throughout the Holy Roman Empire. Sacramentaries of the 9th and 10th centuries also placed the Feast of All Saints on the liturgical calendar on Nov. 1.

According to an early Church historian, John Beleth, Pope Gregory IV (827-844) officially declared Nov. 1 the Feast of All Saints, transferring it from May 13. However, Sicard of Cremona (d. 1215) recorded that Pope Gregory VII (1073-85) finally suppressed May 13 and mandated Nov.1 as the date to celebrate the Feast of All Saints. In all, we find the Church establishing a liturgical feast day in honor of the saints independent of any pagan influence."

read it all at: http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0199.html

TIME CHANGE - 'Fall Back' - DST Ends!

Sunday The 23rd Sunday After Pentecost

9:30 am Older Children's & Adult Christian Education

10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children's Christian Education

Fellowship Hour to follow

2007-10-23T09:58:00.000-06:00

From this week's sermon......

Have you ever noticed, that during the difficult times of life the value of the church as an institution becomes more and more clear. Like when our nation sought to bring healing to the deep wounds of September 11th - to find a way to overcome evil with good. Or as the Pakistani people try to make sense of Thursday’s murderous attack on their former Prime Minister. Or to parents as we negotiate the treacherous landscape of raising our children in the world today. Or the person facing cancer, or the death of a loved one, or impending surgery, or some unexpected frailty of life. From the oldest among us to the youngest, from the community to the individual, the church is a unique institution that can have a powerfully positive effect upon all phases of life.

I firmly believe that the church is a gift to the world from God. And that you and I are stewards of that part of the gift that’s located here in this place. And that stewardship has to do not only with providing the financial means by which the church can do the work to which God calls us, but also with making use of the tools God has given the church to help the world.

And perhaps one of the most important of those tools is the subject of our reading from Second Timothy. You see, within the gift of the church is to be found a precious treasure that truly has the power to help people. And as we try to navigate through all the many challenges of living as human beings in the real world, God has given us a resource that is tried and true. And so a young Christian man named Timothy – living in a world not unlike our own in terms of confusion, injury, difficulty, and war – is given this piece of sage advice:

“Continue in what you have learned…knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through Jesus Christ.”

Paul is telling Timothy to center himself – to anchor his life as a follower of Christ - in the Scriptures. For Timothy, those scriptures were the Law and the Prophets. For us ---- they are New and Old Testaments of the Bible.

A cartoon in The New Yorker shows a man walking up to the customer service desk of a large bookstore. The clerk, peering into her computer screen, says, “The Bible you say? Hmmmmm, let’s see. That would be in the ‘Self Help’ section.”

That cartoon rather wryly suggests one of the problems we face as we attempt to read and understand the Bible as modern Christians. In our consumer-driven culture and even to some in the church, the Bible has become just one more consumer option, one more source of therapeutic advice alongside books on dieting, dating, astrology, and life-strategies for becoming successful people. But this is a very false image - for the Bible is not “self-help” to nurture our own private narcissistic spirituality, but something far more important. You see, the Bible is the story of God’s work to re-create a world that is drowning in sin.

How are we going to create a new world for ourselves and our children out of a planet that is currently reeling under the influence of terrorists who believe it is right and good to blow up innocent women and children? How can we reach into the world of greed, power and injustice, and bring about the eradication of poverty, hunger, and racism? How can the world be re-made into a community where love reigns, justice flows, and peace prospers? Isaiah sees it as world in which children are never harmed, old people live active lives and are never left behind, swords are turned into farming tools that produce food and not death, and terrorist camps where hate is taught are turned into schools where love is learned and no one learns war anymore.

The Bible is about working with God to build that kind of a world for us, our children and grandchildren to live in. It is about converting this current world of brokenness and sin into a world of healing and life.

And one major way that God plans to accomplish this is by the creation of a group of people – the church – who will tell the world the story of Jesus, and who will dare to model the way of life of this new world for all to see.

We - you and I - according to this Book are the stewards of the hope of the world!

So what must we do as we face terrorism, and hatred, and bigotry, and oppression, and illness, and frailty, and death?

Well, we must find a center from which we can operate effectively and powerfully. A center that keeps us focused and oriented around the things that are important. A center that provides us the understanding and the resources that we need to help God accomplish his plan of saving the world. And that center is God’s eternal and unchanging Word - that Word that tells us: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good!” and that: “God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.”

And so in these days it is important for you and me to speak clearly to the world.
about the trustworthiness of God to accomplish good in our lives and in our world even when it seems as though evil is winning the day.

This is the story of Sacred Scripture! That when in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve made a monumental mistake, God refused to let their sin be the end! And when Jesus breathed His last, hanging there on Calvary’s tree, when it appeared that it was all over - then Sunday came!

When you move to the center of our faith and take hold of this Word, you soon learn that the word “end” has not been written into God’s vocabulary yet. That the word “tragedy” is always temporary and never permanent. That the word “loss” is eventually transposed into “gain”. And even death itself gives way to life because God is still at work!

This is the message we are to bring to the world! There is a God who loves us, and will be faithful no matter what happens around us! And this is the life of hope we are to live and practice so the world will know that God is bringing us through! God has not given up on us - He will overcome even the darkest evil with good!

Friends, center your life here, on the sacred writings that hold so true. It is the Word the world most needs to hear and see in times like these!

Our Standing Announcements:
1st Sunday - Potluck Lunch following Mass
2nd Tuesday - Episcopal Church Women
3rd Monday - Vestry Meeting - 5:30 pm

Mon. Office closed

Tue ECW Noon in the Parish Hall

Wed 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist

Next Sunday: The 22nd Sunday After Pentecost - Bishop’s Visitation, Confirmation Service, & 60th Parish Anniversary Celebration

9:30 am Older Children’s and Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School - Reception and Lunch to follow

2007-10-14T07:23:00.000-06:00

Have you ever heard the expression "gratitude is an attitude." Perhaps like me when you heard it, you filed it away as an unsophisticated cliche', suitable for a bumper sticker, but not for much else. But you know, the thing about cliche's is that they are often true. That's why we remember them in the first place. And the truth of the matter is that gratitude is an attitude of personal choice.

Gratitude is not a feeling, although feelings of gratitude are often appropriate. True gratitude is a way of living. It comes from the way in which we see ourselves in relation to God, and then to the world around us. If we truly believe that life itself is a gift freely given, and from that that everything we have is a gift, from the greatest to the trivial, from breath, to shelter, to food, to the shoes on our feet, then we will live our lives gratefully, in thanksgiving, seeking to make whatever return we can for the things that we have been given. BUT if I am not grateful, then I will not even think of giving back. And by the same token, if giving back never occurs to me, or if I do it begrudgingly, then obviously I am not very grateful.

My friends, it is not until we understand, to quote from our burial office, that "you are dust and unto dust you shall return", that we will be grateful. When we begin to understand that nothing, and I mean nothing is owed to us, then we will be grateful. When we begin to understand that everything, in truth, belongs to God, then we will be grateful. When we begin to understand that Jesus Christ died for our sins, then we will be grateful... and then we will live, and move, and have our being in a spirit of gratitude.

If you want to know the key to a happy and successful life, this is it. If you'd like a piece of the abundant life that Jesus promises us, this is it. Indeed, if you don't find your life to be abundant and joyful, it is inevitably because you are not very grateful. Gratitude comes from understanding who we are, who God is, and the nature of the subsequent relationship. Let me say one last time, gratitude is not a feeling, it is a choice. So today, choose wisely.

2007-10-13T19:14:00.000-06:00

Our Standing Announcements:
1st Sunday - Potluck Lunch following Mass
2nd Tuesday - Episcopal Church Women
3rd Monday - Vestry Meeting - 5:30 pm

Mon. Office closed

Wed 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist - Vestry Meeting following

Thurs 150th Anniversary of St. Matthew's Cathedral

Fri & Sat Diocese of Dallas Convention

Next Sunday: The 21st Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Older Children’s and Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School; Fellowship Hour

Sunday October 28th Bishop’s Visitation, Confirmation Service, &
60th Parish Anniversary Celebration

2007-10-09T11:46:00.000-06:00

Our Standing Announcements:
1st Sunday - Potluck Lunch following Mass
2nd Tuesday - Episcopal Church Women
3rd Monday - Vestry Meeting - 5:30 pm

This Sunday: The 19th Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Older Children & Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School; Fellowship Hour

From this week's Sermon: "I am sure that we all have had such moments in our own spiritual walks - when we thought all we needed was - more faith - especially when we consider all that the first Disciples were able to do for the Kingdom - our Gospel demonstrates a very important lesson for all of us: those who believe in the Name of Jesus have what we need to accomplish great things for the Kingdom AND that we should not allow our own self doubts to keep us from doing those things.

There are few greater icons of Christian faith in our time than Mother Teresa, whose work among the poorest of the poor in the slums of Calcutta epitomized the power of Christian faith. Most recently a new book entitled: Come Be My Light presents to us clear evidence that Mother Teresa had doubts about her faith and struggled with a sense of spiritual emptiness for almost the entire time that she directed the order of nuns she founded.

Come Be My Light presents letters Mother Teresa wrote to a series of spiritual advisers over the decades that describe her haunting sense of divine absence, interrupted by only occasional periods of consolation. While she restored the hope of countless others with her radiant joy in service, her own hope often lay in ruins. "In my heart there is no faith—no love—no trust—there is so much pain—the pain of longing, the pain of not being wanted. I want God with all the powers of my soul—and yet there between us—there is terrible separation."

Mother Teresa's experience of spiritual darkness does not diminish her evident holiness, and in some ways it enhances it, much like the words in our OT Lesson today. Many of history's greatest saints suffered similar periods - and Mother Teresa's struggles is not so much disconcerting as consoling. For who among us has not also felt, at times, a hole where God should be?

And perhaps this is the real lesson for us to learn today - that God's presence is not dependent on a believer's feeling or lack of feeling. Mother Teresa’s example clearly demonstrate that feelings are not the point."

Mon. Office closed

Wed 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist

Next Sunday: The 20th Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Older Children’s and Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School; Fellowship Hour

Sunday October 28th Bishop’s Visitation, Confirmation Service, &
60th Parish Anniversary Celebration

2007-09-09T07:11:00.000-06:00

Our Standing Announcements:
1st Sunday - Potluck Lunch following Mass
2nd Tuesday - Episcopal Church Women
3rd Monday - Vestry Meeting - 5:30 pm

This Sunday: The Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Older Children & Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School; Fellowship Hour

Mon. Office closed

Tue. Noon ECW: bring a bag lunch & your pricing pen!

Wed 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist & Soup Supper
6:30 pm Harvest Unlimited Training

Next Sunday: The Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Older Children’s and Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School; Fellowship Hour

September 28th & 29th Parish Garage Sale

October 28th Bishop’s Visitation, Confirmation Service, &
60th Parish Anniversary Celebration

2007-08-27T15:43:00.000-06:00

Mondays Office closed

Wed Alpha 5:30pm Holy Eucharist/Dinner/Discussion:

"How Can I Make the Most of the Rest of My Life?"

So, here we are at the end of this first round of ALPHA - what happens to me next? This Wednesday we will look at our alternatives.

Next Sunday: The Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost

9:30 am Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Morning Prayer & Younger Children's Sunday School; 1st Sunday Lunch

Anniversaries: 8/30 Jim & Teri Marsh
Birthdays:

Wednesday September 5th ALPHA Celebration beginning at 5:30 pm

October 28th Bishop's Visit & Confirmation

2007-08-21T13:13:00.000-06:00

Mondays Office closed

Wed Alpha 5:30pm Holy Eucharist/Dinner/Discussion:

"What About The Church?"

Places are important because of the memories we have of the people who have shared them with us. I can never enter the 'olde family pew' without remembering the folks who shared it with us and those who sat around us. It is impossible to enter the sacristy of that parish without seeing a very friendly face, even though Mattie has been gone for many years now. Many of us have felt the tug of a particular place where we have been touched by others and by the presence of the Lord. This week we will examine such a place.

Next Sunday: The Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost

9:30 am Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children's Sunday School; Fellowship Hour

Please pick-up your September Newsletter this Sunday

Birthdays: 22nd Bil Taylor & Doug Warren; 23rd Pauline Hattenback; 26th Chip Perryman

October 28th Bishop's Visit & Confirmation

2007-08-12T14:03:00.000-06:00

Mon Office closed

Tue ECW 5:30pm Marina Club

Wed Alpha 5:30pm Holy Eucharist/Dinner/Discussion:

"Does God heal today?"

Many people are skeptical of the notion that God continues to heal people. Frustrated by a lack of results in spite of faithful prayer, some have concluded that God is either unable or unwilling to heal those who call upon Him - yet God still heals! The subject of divine healing is a greatly neglected part of most people’s Christianity. It is rarely even discussed in "mainstream" churches. Join us this week to answer the important question: Does God heal today?

Next Sunday: The Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost

9:30 am Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children's Sunday School; Fellowship Hour

August 20th Sept. Newsletter material due

October 28th Bishop's Visit & Confirmation

New at SMEC

2007-08-07T14:45:00.000-06:00

Mon Office closed

Wed Alpha 5:30pm Holy Eucharist/Dinner/Discussion:
"Why &How Should We Tell Others"

"Why should we talk about our Christian faith? Isn't it a 'private matter'? Isn't the best kind of a Christian is the one who just lives the Christian life? The short answer is that someone had to have told that person about the Christian faith. The slightly longer answer is that there are good reasons for telling others about Jesus." The Rev. Nicky Gumbel

Sat Alpha 9:30 am "Holy Spirit Saturday"

This Saturday we will address these questions: Who is the Holy Spirit? What does the Holy Spirit do? How can I be filled with the Spirit?

Next Sunday: The Tenth Sunday After Pentecost

9:30 am Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children's Sunday School
Fellowship Hour

Birthdays: 6th Rene' Spann
Anniversaries : 11th Don & Shirley Bullock

This Week at SMEC

2007-07-27T14:22:00.000-06:00

Today: The Ninth Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Adult Sunday School
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children's Sunday School; Fellowship Hour

Mon-Tue Office closed

Wed Alpha 5:30pm Holy Eucharist/Dinner/Discussion: "How Does God Guide Us"

Next Sunday: The Tenth Sunday After Pentecost

9:30 am Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children's Sunday School; First Sunday Lunch

Birthdays: 29th Chuck Benton, 31st Shirley Fields, Mary Jane Gould,
3rd Caroline Perryman

Anniversaries : 30th Bill & Doris Taylor, 31st Jim & Muriel Moore

2007-07-15T13:32:00.001-06:00

"Why and How Do I Pray"

The power of prayer should not be underestimated. James 5:16-18 declares, "…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops." God most definitely listens to prayers, answers prayers, and moves in response to prayers.

The power of prayer is not the result of the person praying. Rather, the power resides in the God who is being prayed to. 1 John 5:14-15 tells us, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him." No matter the person praying, the passion behind the prayer, or the purpose of the prayer - God answers prayers that are in agreement with His will. His answers are not always yes, but are always in our best interest. When our desires line up with His will, we will come to understand that in time. When we pray passionately and purposefully, according to God's will, God responds powerfully!

Join with us this Wednesday at 5:30 pm as we explore together "Why and How Do I Pray" at our ALPHA Course.

This Week At SMEC

2007-07-15T06:30:00.000-06:00

Sunday July 15th: The Seventh Sunday After Pentecost

9:30 am Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice

10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School; Fellowship Hour

Mon Office closed
Work Day: 8-11 am
5-8 pm

Vestry 5:30 pm

Wed Alpha 5:30pm Holy Eucharist/Dinner/Discussion: “Why And How Do I Pray?”

Next Sunday: The Eighth Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice

10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School; Fellowship Hour

Birthdays: 18th Doris Taylor,
Anniversaries: 20th Louis & Cindy Warren

This Week at SMEC

2007-07-07T20:12:00.000-06:00

Today: The Sixth Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Adult Sunday School
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School; Fellowship Hour

Mon Office closed

Tue ECW 5:30 pm at the Marina

Wed Alpha 5:30pm Holy Eucharist/Dinner/Discussion:
“Why and How Should I Read the Bible?”

Next Sunday: The Seventh Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School; Fellowship Hour

July 16th Work Day 8-11 am & 5-8 pm

This Week's Birthdays: 11th Shirley Bullock

2007-07-01T07:05:00.000-06:00

Today: The Fifth Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Adult Sunday School
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School
1st Sunday Lunch

Mon-Th Office closed

Next Sunday: The Sixth Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School
Fellowship Hour

Wed July 11th 5:30pm Next Session of Alpha: "Why and How Should I Read the Bible"

Work Day: July 16th 8-11 am & 5-8 pm

Birthdays:
Anniversaries: 2nd Ed & Jennifer Hamrick

2007-06-23T19:23:00.001-06:00

2007-06-23T18:51:00.001-06:00

SMEC held its second session of ALPHA on Wednesday. Our topic for the night: Why Did Jesus Die?

You could say it was because Pilate condemned Him to death. Or because Judas betrayed Him. Or because the Temple priests needed Jesus dead. All that would be true, but to anyone reading the story in the Gospels it comes across that there is something more to it.

Jesus said that He came to give His life to redeem those willing to believe in Him - that His death was the price that had to be paid to release people from slavery, slavery in the sense that we are under the power of sin and death, and need to be set free. So Jesus is telling us that His death would make it possible to be linked with God in a new relationship.

St. Paul tells us that Jesus became sin for us, so that we might be declared righteous through Him. Because He suffered what we deserved, Jesus redeemed us from the curse or penalty of the law. “The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him.” Because He suffered the penalty, we can enjoy peace with God.

Next Wednesday night's topic: “How Can I Be Sure of My Faith?” Join us for worship, dinner, a video on our topic, dessert and conversation starting at 5:30 pm.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

This Week.........

This Sunday: The Fourth Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Adult Sunday School
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School; Fellowship Hour

Wed: Alpha 5:30pm Holy Eucharist/Dinner/Discussion: “How Can I Be Sure of My Faith?”

Sat: Vestry Planning Day beginning at 8am

Next Sunday: The Fifth Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School; Fellowship Hour

2007-06-14T09:05:00.001-06:00

SMEC held its first session of ALPHA on Wednesday. Our topic for the night: Who Is Jesus? Given today's confusion, it was a very timely topic indeed!

C.S. Lewis wrote: "A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher." Either Jesus was and is the Son of God, or else He was insane or evil but, C.S. Lewis goes on, "Let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to." "However strange or terrifying or unlikely it may seem, I have to accept the view that He was and is God."

Next Wednesday night's topic: Why Did Jesus Die? Join us for worship, dinner, a video on our topic, dessert and conversation starting at 5:30 pm.

This Sunday: The Third Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Adult Sunday School
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School; Fellowship Hour

Mon Vestry 5:30 pm in Church Library

Wed Alpha 5:30pm Holy Eucharist/Dinner/Discussion: “Why Did Jesus Die?”

Next Sunday: The Fourth Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Adult Sunday School; Choir Practice
10:30 am Holy Eucharist & Younger Children’s Sunday School; Fellowship Hour

June 30th Vestry Planning Day

This Week at SMEC

2007-06-09T14:36:00.000-06:00

Monday: June 11, 2007 St Barnabas, Apostle

Church Office Closed

Tuesday: June 12 Enmegahbowh

ECW at the Marina 5:30 pm

Wednesday: June 13

5:30 pm Holy Eucharist/Dinner/ALPHA Course

Thursday: June 14 Basil the Great, Bishop

Friday: June 15 Evelyn Underhill

Saturday: June 16 Joseph Butler, Bishop

Sunday: June 17 Third Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Adult Sunday School in the Library
9:30 am Choir Practice

10:30 am "Younger" Children's Sunday School in the Education Building
10:30 am Holy Eucharist
12:00 pm Coffee/Fellowship in the Parish Hall

Coming Attractions:

June 30th Vestry Planning Day

This Week At SMEC

2007-06-02T12:26:00.001-06:00

Monday: June 4, 2007
Church Office Closed

Work Day/Cook Out beginning at 4 pm

Tuesday: June 5

Wednesday: June 6
5:30 pm Holy Eucharist/Healing Service

Thursday: June 7 Corpus Christi

Friday: June 8

Saturday: June 9 Columba of Iona

Sunday: June 10 Second Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Adult Sunday School in the Library
9:30 am Choir Practice

10:30 am "Younger" Children's Sunday School in the Education Building
10:30 am Holy Eucharist
12:00 pm Coffee/Fellowship in the Parish Hall

Announcements:

June 13th Alpha Begins!
5:30pm Holy Eucharist/Dinner/Discussion

June 30th Vestry Planning Day

Weekly Calendar:

2007-05-26T12:15:00.000-06:00

Monday: May 28, 2007 1st Book of Common Prayer in 1549
Church Office Closed

Tuesday: May 29

Wednesday: May 30 Ember Day
5:30 pm Holy Eucharist/Healing Service

Thursday: May 31 Visitation of Blessed Virgin Mary

Friday: June 1 Ember Day Justin Martyr

Saturday: June 2 Ember Day The Martyrs of Lyons

Sunday: June 3 Trinity Sunday
9:30 am Adult Sunday School in the Library
9:30 am "Older" Children's Sunday School in the Parish Hall
9:30 am Choir Practice
10:30 am "Younger" Children's Sunday School in the Education Building
10:30 am Holy Eucharist
12:00 pm First Sunday Lunch in the Parish Hall

Announcements:

June 4th Work Day/Cook Out beginning at 4 pm

June 13th Alpha Begins! 5:30 Holy Eucharist/Dinner/Discussion

June 30th Vestry Planning Day

The Episcopal Diocese of Dallas Convention:
The 112th Annual Convention will be held at SouthFork Ranch in Parker, Texas on Friday October 19th and Saturday October 20th 2007.

The Week of May 14th 2007

2007-05-12T10:09:00.000-06:00

Weekly Calendar:

Monday: May 14, 2007 Rogation Monday
Church Office Closed
6:00 pm Vestry Meeting - Parish Hall

Tuesday: May 15 Rogation Tuesday

Wednesday: May 16 Rogation Wednesday
5:30 pm Holy Eucharist/Healing Service

Thursday: May 17 Ascension Day

Friday: May 18 Feria

Saturday: May 19 St. Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury, 988

Sunday: May 20 The Seventh Sunday of Easter
9:30 am Adult Sunday School in the Library
9:30 am "Older" Children's Sunday School in the Parish Hall
9:30 am Choir Practice
10:30 am "Younger" Children's Sunday School in the Education Building
10:30 am Holy Eucharist
12:00 pm Coffee & Goodies in the Parish Hall

Announcements:

The Episcopal Diocese of Dallas Convention:
The 112th Annual Convention will be held at SouthFork Ranch in Parker, Texas on Friday October 19th and Saturday October 20th 2007.

Safe Church Workshop:
May 19 at St. Mark's (516 S. O'Connor, Irving). This workshop (formerly titled "Awareness Training Seminar on Child Abuse") focuses on diocesan policies and suggestions regarding safe church environments as well as child abuse prevention and detection. It is for those who have not previously attended. The diocese requires all clergy, employees (including clerical and day maintenance personnel), volunteers who supervise youth activities, and parochial school staff to attend. Though not required, unpaid Sunday school teachers are welcome and encouraged to come. To register, contact Ellen Gunn (214-826-8310 or 800-851-8497). Direct all questions to the Office of the Canon to the Ordinary at the above telephone numbers.

All Saints Camp - "Back to the Mountain"
Retreat will be a time of spiritual growth and meditations on May 19 - 20th. We have not yet announced the leaders for the weekend. For applications or more information, contact Linda (214-351-9330) or go to www.episcopalrenewalcenter.org.

Addiction and Recovery Retreat:
May 18 – 20 at All Saints Camp. The Commission on Addiction and Recovery presents its fourth annual recovery retreat entitled "Not my will — the rollicking, rocky, renewing road to humility." It is open to anyone working a 12 step/recovery program. The cost is $100 for the entire weekend. Click here to download a brochure with registration form. For more information, contact Julia Chalker (214-543-1563 or juliachalker@tx.rr.com) or Neal Hern (214-352-8492 or nealhern@aol.com).

Safe Church Workshop:
May 31 at St. Matthew's (5100 Ross Ave., Dallas). This workshop (formerly titled "Awareness Training Seminar on Child Abuse") focuses on diocesan policies and suggestions regarding safe church environments as well as child abuse prevention and detection. It is for those who have not previously attended. The diocese requires all clergy, employees (including clerical and day maintenance personnel), volunteers who supervise youth activities, and parochial school staff to attend. Though not required, unpaid Sunday school teachers are welcome and encouraged to come. To register, contact Ellen Gunn (214-826-8310 or 800-851-8497). Direct all questions to the Office of the Canon to the Ordinary at the above telephone numbers.

Sewanee's Anglican Tour:
May 31 – June 11. Sewanee's School of Theology, is accepting reservations for its annual "Worship and Travel with Sewanee: A Tour Course in Anglican History and Spirituality," which is open to anyone who desires to study and experience the historical heritage of Christianity in England and the current spiritual life of the Church of England. Designed for lay and clergy participants, as well as Sewanee graduate students, this tour is both an educational and enjoyable "sight-seeing" trip and a deeply moving spiritual pilgrimage. The Rev. Dr. Susanna Metz, assistant professor of contextual education, and the Rev. Anne B. Chisham, director of Anglican Tours, will be the guides. For more information, contact the Rev. Chisham (800-438-2403 or abcrev@cox.net, or go to http://theology.sewanee.edu/anglican%20tours).

The Week of May 7th 2007

2007-05-05T07:54:00.000-06:00

Weekly Calendar:

Monday: May 7, 2007 Feria

Church Office Closed

Tuesday: May 8 Dame Julian of Norwich, c. 1417

Wednesday: May 9 St. Gregory of NazianzusBishop of Constantinople, 389

5:30 pm Holy Eucharist/Healing Service

Thursday: May 10 Feria

Friday: May 11 Feria

Saturday: May 12 Feria

Sunday: May 13 The Sixth Sunday of Easter

9:30 am Adult Sunday School in the Library

9:30 am "Older" Children's Sunday School in the Parish Hall

9:30 am Choir Practice

10:30 am "Younger" Children's Sunday School in the Education Building

10:30 am Holy Eucharist

12:00 pm Coffee & Goodies in the Parish Hall

Announcements:

Ancient Treasures of the Holy Land in Dallas:

Experience the Ancient Treasures of the Holy Land, the largest and most breathtaking collection of Holy Land antiquities to come to the United States. This two-hour, walk-through exhibit, which includes portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls, is coming to Dallas Fair Park March 14 – July 28.Exhibit HoursSunday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. To order group or individual tickets, contact John Wade (866-698-5333 or jwade@thevmgr.com or go to www.HolyLand1.com.

All Saints Camp:

418 Stanton Way, Pottsboro is now accepting registrations for Summer Camp 2007 that will carry the theme, "Listen! God is Calling." All Saints invites people of all ages to spend a week surrounded by God's creation and listening for God's call among the stately trees and wave-lapped shores. They have a camp for every age. Come join them! For more information about the summer camp schedule, go to www.allsaintstexoma.org.

ACN "Good News Initiative

"The Anglican Communion Network (ACN) has formally launched the Good News Initiative, which will bring a renewed focus on evangelism to all its members. The initiative will concentrate on training events throughout the U.S. aimed at equipping local clergy and lay leaders to reach out effectively with the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. The Rev. Cn. Dr. Michael Green has committed the remainder of 2007 to the Network as chief trainer and head of the core team, which will consist of Dr. Green and his wife, Rosemary; the Rt. Rev. Keith Ackerman, bishop of the Network's Diocese of Quincy; the Rev. Cn. Daryl Fenton, ACN's chief operating officer; Mrs. Jenny Noyes, ACN's coordinator of communications; and our own Missioner for Evangelism, Ms. Carrie Boren. The first Good News training event will take place May 18 – 20, 2007 at the Pro Cathedral Church of St. Clement in El Paso, TX. Bishop Ackerman's Diocese of Quincy is hosting a diocesan-wide "Good News" evangelism training June 7 – 10. Network parish Christ Church in Savannah, GA, has offered to host a parish evangelism weekend in October. Training events targeting clergy will also take place sometime in the future. The ACN will continue to publicize evangelism-training events, as details become firm. If you would like to host an event, please contact Jenny Noyes (412-325-8900 or jnoyes@acn-us.org).

The Week of April 30th 2007

2007-04-28T07:53:00.000-06:00

Calendar:

Monday April 30th
Church Office Closed

Tuesday May 1st

Feast of Saint Philip and Saint James

Wednesday May 2nd

Feast of Athanasius Bishop of Alexandria, 373
5:30 pm Holy Eucharist/Healing Service

Thursday May 3rd

Feria (The Finding of the Holy Cross, 335)

National Day of Prayer

Friday May 4rth

Feast of Monnica Mother of Augustine of Hippo, 387

Saturday May 5th

Sunday May 6th
Fifth Sunday of Easter
9:30 am Adult Sunday School in the Library
9:30 am "Older" Children's Sunday School in the Parish Hall
9:30 am Choir Practice
10:30 am "Younger" Children's Sunday School in the Education Building
10:30 am Holy Eucharist
12:00 pm Coffee and "Potluck" Lunch in the Parish Hall

Announcements:

Child Abuse Prevention Awareness: The month of April is "Child Abuse Prevention Awareness" month, and the "Brown Bag Campaign" for the Rainbow Room. The "Brown Bag Campaign" is kicked-off every year during April, but donations are gratefully excepted all year long. The Rainbow Room excepts only NEW items. Our philosophy is: "Abused Children do not need abused things." Brown bags will be placed in the Parish Hall for those who would like to participate. There will be a list of items needed inside of each bag. You can return your Brown Bag to the church or you can deliver it to the CPS office at 115 S. Murchison. Thank you for sharing with the abused and neglected children of Henderson County!

Ancient Treasures of the Holy Land in Dallas: Experience the Ancient Treasures of the Holy Land, the largest and most breathtaking collection of Holy Land antiquities to come to the United States. This two-hour, walk-through exhibit, which includes portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls, is coming to Dallas Fair Park March 14 – July 28.Exhibit HoursSunday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. To order group or individual tickets, contact John Wade (866-698-5333 or jwade@thevmgr.com or go to www.HolyLand1.com.

Living Stones! May 4 – 5 at All Saints Episcopal (5001 Crestline Rd., Ft. Worth). The Renewal Center has designed this program for youth in grades 5 – 6. High school students, supported by adults, staff this weekend. For applications or more information, contact Linda (214-351-9330) or go to http://www.episcopalrenewalcenter.org/.

All Saints Camp: 418 Stanton Way, Pottsboro is now accepting registrations for Summer Camp 2007 that will carry the theme, "Listen! God is Calling." All Saints invites people of all ages to spend a week surrounded by God's creation and listening for God's call among the stately trees and wave-lapped shores. They have a camp for every age. Come join them! For more information about the summer camp schedule, go to www.allsaintstexoma.org.

Summer Staff Needed: All Saints Camp is still in need of more counselors, male and female. The dates of service are May 30 – July 28. We pay a base salary of $210/week plus experience and certification bonuses.

The Week of April 23rd 2007

2007-04-19T19:01:00.000-06:00

Calendar:

Monday April 23rd

Church Office Closed

Tuesday April 24rth

Wednesday April 25th

5:30 pm Holy Eucharist/Healing Service

Thursday April 25th

Feast of Saint Mark

Friday April 26th

Saturday April 27th

Sunday April 28th

Fourth Sunday of Easter

9:30 am Adult Sunday School in the Library

9:30 am "Older" Children's Sunday School in the Parish Hall

9:30 am Choir Practice

10:30 am "Younger" Children's Sunday School in the Education Building

10:30 am Holy Eucharist

12:00 pm Coffee and Goodies in the Parish Hall

Announcements:

Child Abuse Prevention Awareness:

The month of April is "Child Abuse Prevention Awareness" month, and the "Brown Bag Campaign" for the Rainbow Room.For those who are not familiar with the "Rainbow Room" The Henderson County Community Partners (HCCP) Rainbow Room provides Child Protective Services (CPS) the emergency resources needed to assist abused and neglected children. All supplies in the Rainbow Room are provided by generous community donations. The "Brown Bag Campaign" is kicked-off every year during April, but donations are gratefully excepted all year long. The Rainbow Room excepts only NEW items. Our philosophy is: "Abused Children do not need abused things." Brown bags will be placed in the Parish Hall for those who would like to participate. There will be a list of items needed inside of each bag. You can return your Brown Bag to the church or you can deliver it to the CPS office at 115 S. Murchison. Thank you for sharing with the abused and neglected children of Henderson County!

Ancient Treasures of the Holy Land in Dallas:
Experience the Ancient Treasures of the Holy Land, the largest and most breathtaking collection of Holy Land antiquities to come to the United States. This two-hour, walk-through exhibit, which includes portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls, is coming to Dallas Fair Park March 14 – July 28.Exhibit HoursSunday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. To order group or individual tickets, contact John Wade (866-698-5333 or jwade@thevmgr.com or go to www.HolyLand1.com.

Youth retreat April 27th— S.P.R.I.N.G. at the lake:

"Do something!"at All Saints Camp (418 Stanton Way, Pottsboro). Contact Deacon Pam Dunbar 214-826-8310.

Healing Conference:
April 27 – 28 at Incarnation (3966 McKinney Ave., Dallas). The Center for Christian Healing, a ministry of the Diocese of Dallas, invites you to join them for a conference entitled "Rise up Church with broken wings: The healing of our Lord's Church and His people" featuring the Rt. Rev. William Frey as speaker. Bishop Frey will address our collective and individual brokenness and need for healing as our Lord's Church. Transition 45, a worship group led by Justin Stanton, will provide music. Cost for the conference is $40/person or $70/couple and includes lunch on Saturday. The Center invites everyone to join conference attendees at Incarnation for the closing Eucharist on Saturday at 5 p.m. and hear Bishop Frey preach on April 29 at the 10 a.m. service at St. Luke's (5923 Royal Ln., Dallas). For more information, contact the Center (214-368-6304 x22, or cgreene@StLukesDallas.org).

Living Stones!
May 4 – 5 at All Saints Episcopal (5001 Crestline Rd., Ft. Worth). The Renewal Center has designed this program for youth in grades 5 – 6. High school students, supported by adults, staff this weekend. For applications or more information, contact Linda (214-351-9330) or go to http://www.episcopalrenewalcenter.org/.

All Saints Camp:

Summer Staff Needed:

All Saints Camp is still in need of more counselors, male and female. The dates of service are May 30 – July 28. We pay a base salary of $210/week plus experience and certification bonuses.

The Week of April 16th 2007

2007-04-15T11:06:00.000-06:00

Calendar:

Monday April 16th
Church Office Closed

6:00 pm Vestry Meeting Parish Hall

Tuesday April 17th

Wednesday April 18th
5:30 pm Holy Eucharist/Healing Service

Thursday April 19th

Feast of Alphege
Archbishop of Canterbury, and Martyr, 101

Friday April 20th

Newsletter deadline

Saturday April 21th

Feast of Anselm
Archbishop of Canterbury, 1109

Sunday April 22th
Third Sunday of Easter
9:30 am Adult Sunday School in the Library
9:30 am "Older" Children's Sunday School in the Parish Hall
9:30 am Choir Practice
10:30 am "Younger" Children's Sunday School in the Education Building
10:30 am Holy Eucharist
12:00 pm Coffee and Goodies in the Parish Hall

Announcements:

Child Abuse Prevention Awareness:
The month of April is "Child Abuse Prevention Awareness" month, and the "Brown Bag Campaign" for the Rainbow Room.For those who are not familiar with the "Rainbow Room" The Henderson County Community Partners (HCCP) Rainbow Room provides Child Protective Services (CPS) the emergency resources needed to assist abused and neglected children. All supplies in the Rainbow Room are provided by generous community donations. The "Brown Bag Campaign" is kicked-off every year during April, but donations are gratefully excepted all year long. The Rainbow Room excepts only NEW items. Our philosophy is: "Abused Children do not need abused things." Brown bags will be placed in the Parish Hall for those who would like to participate. There will be a list of items needed inside of each bag. You can return your Brown Bag to the church or you can deliver it to the CPS office at 115 S. Murchison. Thank you for sharing with the abused and neglected children of Henderson County!

Ancient Treasures of the Holy Land in Dallas

Men's Retreat at All Saints Camp:

April 20 – 22 at All Saints Camp (418 Stanton Way, Pottsboro). St. Luke's invites all men of the Diocese of Dallas to a retreat at All Saints Camp. The featured speaker will be Gen. Charlie Duke, Apollo 16 astronaut, whose topic will be "A walk to Christian maturity - growing in Christ." Registration dates are March 4 – April 1, and space is limited. For more information, contact Debbie Sawtelle (214-368-6304 x36 or dsawtelle@stlukesdallas.org).

"Art & Soul" Conference:

April 20 – 21 at Epiphany (421 Custer Rd., Richardson). Province VII Christian Formation Commission is proud to announce its triennial conference "Art & Soul." Guest speakers will explore the World of Art as it intersects and integrates with Christian formation. This conference seeks to give participants the opportunity to tap into the creative side of worship. They will offer a choice of workshops, dinner on Friday, and a light breakfast and lunch on Saturday. Registration is $75. For more information, contact Kerry Johnson (972-414-4797 or kerryraider@comcast.net).

Healing Conference:

April 27 – 28 at Incarnation (3966 McKinney Ave., Dallas). The Center for Christian Healing, a ministry of the Diocese of Dallas, invites you to join them for a conference entitled "Rise up Church with broken wings: The healing of our Lord's Church and His people" featuring the Rt. Rev. William Frey as speaker. Bishop Frey will address our collective and individual brokenness and need for healing as our Lord's Church. Transition 45, a worship group led by Justin Stanton, will provide music. Cost for the conference is $40/person or $70/couple and includes lunch on Saturday. The Center invites everyone to join conference attendees at Incarnation for the closing Eucharist on Saturday at 5 p.m. and hear Bishop Frey preach on April 29 at the 10 a.m. service at St. Luke's (5923 Royal Ln., Dallas). For more information, contact the Center (214-368-6304 x22, or cgreene@StLukesDallas.org).

Living Stones!

May 4 – 5 at All Saints Episcopal (5001 Crestline Rd., Ft. Worth). The Renewal Center has designed this program for youth in grades 5 – 6. High school students, supported by adults, staff this weekend. For applications or more information, contact Linda (214-351-9330) or go to http://www.episcopalrenewalcenter.org/.

The Week of April 9th to April 15th 2007

2007-04-07T10:56:00.000-06:00

Calendar:

Monday April 9th

Church Office Closed

Tuesday April 10th

5:00 pm Women of the Church Meeting - Marina

Wednesday April 11th

5:30 pm Holy Eucharist/Healing Service

Thursday April 12th

Friday April 13th

Saturday April 14th

Sunday April 15th

Second Sunday of Easter

9:30 am Adult Sunday School in the Library

9:30 am "Older" Children's Sunday School in the Parish Hall

9:30 am Choir Practice

10:30 am "Younger" Children's Sunday School in the Education Building

10:30 am Holy Eucharist

12:00 pm Coffee and Goodies in the Parish Hall

Announcements:

Child Abuse Prevention Awareness:

Ancient Treasures of the Holy Land in Dallas
Experience the Ancient Treasures of the Holy Land, the largest and most breathtaking collection of Holy Land antiquities to come to the United States. This two-hour, walk-through exhibit, which includes portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls, is coming to Dallas Fair Park March 14 – July 28.
Exhibit HoursSunday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. To order group or individual tickets, contact John Wade (866-698-5333 or jwade@thevmgr.com or go to www.HolyLand1.com.

The Week of April 2nd to April 8th 2007

2007-03-31T09:42:00.000-06:00

Holy Week Calendar

Monday: April 2nd
5:30 Compline

Tuesday: April 3th
5;30 Compline

Wednesday: April 4rth
5:30 pm Compline

Thursday: April 5th
Maundy Thursday
5:30 Solemn Holy Eucharist
6:30 Vigil before the altar of Repose

Friday: April 6th
Good Friday
12:00 Solemn Stations of the Cross
5:30 The Liturgy for Good Friday

Saturday: April 7th
Holy Saturday
7:30 pm The Liturgy of The New Fire & the Renewal of of Baptismal Vows

Sunday: April 8th
Easter Sunday
9:30 am Adult Sunday School in the Library
9:30 am "Older" Children's Sunday School in the Parish Hall
9:30 am Choir Practice
10:30 am "Younger" Children's Sunday School in the Education Building
10:30 am Holy Eucharist
12:00 pm Coffee and Goodies in the Parish Hall

Announcements:

Child Abuse Prevention Awareness:
The month of April is "Child Abuse Prevention Awareness" month, and the "Brown Bag Campaign" for the Rainbow Room.
For those who are not familiar with the "Rainbow Room" The Henderson County Community Partners (HCCP) Rainbow Room provides Child Protective Services (CPS) the emergency resources needed to assist abused and neglected children. All supplies in the Rainbow Room are provided by generous community donations. The "Brown Bag Campaign" is kicked-off every year during April, but donations are gratefully excepted all year long. The Rainbow Room excepts only NEW items. Our philosophy is: "Abused Children do not need abused things." Brown bags will be placed in the Parish Hall for those who would like to participate. There will be a list of items needed inside of each bag. You can return your Brown Bag to the church or you can deliver it to the CPS office at 115 S. Murchison. Thank you for sharing with the abused and neglected children of Henderson County!

Stamps:
We are in great need of postcard and first class stamps. Please put all stamp donations in the collection plate or give them directly to Father Perschall or Vicki Beeler.

Newsletters:
If you would like to assist in the production and mailing of our monthly newsletter please contact Father Don.

All Saints Camp:
All Saints Camp (418 Stanton Way, Pottsboro) is now accepting registrations for Summer Camp 2007 that will carry the theme, "Listen! God is Calling." All Saints invites people of all ages to spend a week surrounded by God's creation and listening for God's call among the stately trees and wave-lapped shores. They have a camp for every age. Come join them!

New Wineskins conference:
April 11 – 15 at Ridgecrest Conference Center (Ridgecrest, NC). Speakers from around the world and Anglican missionaries from many agencies are coming to New Wineskins for Global Mission 2007. Their purpose is to inspire and equip Anglicans in the U.S. to fulfill our Lord's Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. The Diocese of Dallas World Mission Commission is offering scholarship assistance to members of our churches who would like to attend. For more information, contact Mrs. Diane Stanton (214-343-6422 or http://www.ugandapartners.org/). To learn more about New Wineskins Missionary Network, go to http://www.newwineskins.org/.

The Week of March 26th to April 1st 2007

2007-03-20T17:03:00.000-06:00

Calendar:

Monday March 26th
Lenten Feria
The Annunciation (transferred)
Newsletter Submission Deadline
Church Office Closed

Tuesday March 27th
Lenten Feria
Feast of Charles Henry Brent
Bishop of the Philippines, and of Western New York, 1929

Wednesday March 28th
Lenten Feria
5:30 pm Stations of the Cross/Holy Eucharist
6:00 pm Lenten Series and Supper

Thursday March 29th
Lenten Feria
Feast of John Keble Priest, 1866

Friday March 30th
Lenten Feria

Saturday March 31st
Lenten Feria
Feast of John Donne Priest, 1631

Sunday April 1st
Sunday of the Passion
Palm Sunday
9:30 am Adult Sunday School in the Library
9:30 am "Older" Children's Sunday School in the Parish Hall
9:30 am Choir Practice
10:30 am "Younger" Children's Sunday School in the Education Building
10:30 am Holy Eucharist
12:00 pm Coffee and Snacks
5:30 pm Seder Dinner

Birthdays:
March 31st Rosemary Durham

Announcements:

Child Abuse Prevention Awareness:
The month of April is "Child Abuse Prevention Awareness" month, and the "Brown Bag Campaign" for the Rainbow Room. For those who are not familiar with the "Rainbow Room" The Henderson County Community Partners (HCCP) Rainbow Room provides Child Protective Services (CPS) the emergency resources needed to assist abused and neglected children. All supplies in the Rainbow Room are provided by generation community donations. The "Brown Bag Campaign" is kicked-off every year during April, but donations are gratefully excepted all year long. The Rainbow Room excepts only NEW items. Our philosophy is: "Abused Children do not need abused things." Brown bags will be placed in the Parish Hall for those who would like to participate. There will be a list of items needed inside of each bag. You can return your Brown Bag to the church or you can deliver it to the CPS office at 115 S. Murchison. Thank you for sharing with the abused and neglected children of Henderson County!

Easter Vigil:
Sign up sheets for Easter Vigil are in the Narthex.

Stamps:
We are in great need of postcard and first class stamps. Please put all stamp donations in the collection plate or give them directly to Father Perschall or Vicki Beeler.

Harvest Unlimited:
The Harvest Unlimited Program is still in full swing! Please consider getting involved in this program as our church reaches out to our community and neighbors. Please contact Father Perschall or Ralph Fields.

Newsletters:
If you would like to assist in the production and mailing of our monthly newsletter please contact Jennifer Mason.

All Saints Camp:
All Saints Camp (418 Stanton Way, Pottsboro) is now accepting registrations for Summer Camp 2007 that will carry the theme, "Listen! God is Calling." All Saints invites people of all ages to spend a week surrounded by God's creation and listening for God's call among the stately trees and wave-lapped shores. They have a camp for every age. Come join them!

New Wineskins conference:
April 11 – 15 at Ridgecrest Conference Center (Ridgecrest, NC). Speakers from around the world and Anglican missionaries from many agencies are coming to New Wineskins for Global Mission 2007. Their purpose is to inspire and equip Anglicans in the U.S. to fulfill our Lord's Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. The Diocese of Dallas World Mission Commission is offering scholarship assistance to members of our churches who would like to attend. For more information, contact Mrs. Diane Stanton (214-343-6422 or http://www.ugandapartners.org/). To learn more about New Wineskins Missionary Network, go to http://www.newwineskins.org/.

Holy Week Calendar:
Monday April 2nd:
5:30 pm Compline

Tuesday April 3rd:
5:30 pm Compline

Wednesday April 4rth:
5:30 pm Compline

Thursday April 5th
Maundy Thursday
5:30 pm Solemn Holy Eucharist
6:30 Vigil Begins

Friday April 6th
12:00 pm Good Friday
Solemn Stations of the Cross
5:30 pm Evening Service

Saturday April 7th
Holy Saturday
5:30 pm Liturgy
Easter Vigil

Sunday April 8th
Easter Sunday
10:30 Holy Eucharist

Men's Retreat at All Saints Camp:
April 20 – 22 at All Saints Camp (418 Stanton Way, Pottsboro). St. Luke's invites all men of the Diocese of Dallas to a retreat at All Saints Camp. The featured speaker will be Gen. Charlie Duke, Apollo 16 astronaut, whose topic will be "A walk to Christian maturity - growing in Christ." Registration dates are March 4 – April 1, and space is limited. For more information, contact Debbie Sawtelle (214-368-6304 x36 or dsawtelle@stlukesdallas.org).

"Art & Soul" Conference:
April 20 – 21 at Epiphany (421 Custer Rd., Richardson). Province VII Christian Formation Commission is proud to announce its triennial conference "Art & Soul." Guest speakers will explore the World of Art as it intersects and integrates with Christian formation. This conference seeks to give participants the opportunity to tap into the creative side of worship. They will offer a choice of workshops, dinner on Friday, and a light breakfast and lunch on Saturday. Registration is $75. For more information, contact Kerry Johnson (972-414-4797 or kerryraider@comcast.net).

Healing Conference:
April 27 – 28 at Incarnation (3966 McKinney Ave., Dallas). The Center for Christian Healing, a ministry of the Diocese of Dallas, invites you to join them for a conference entitled "Rise up Church with broken wings: The healing of our Lord's Church and His people" featuring the Rt. Rev. William Frey as speaker. Bishop Frey will address our collective and individual brokenness and need for healing as our Lord's Church. Transition 45, a worship group led by Justin Stanton, will provide music. Cost for the conference is $40/person or $70/couple and includes lunch on Saturday. The Center invites everyone to join conference attendees at Incarnation for the closing Eucharist on Saturday at 5 p.m. and hear Bishop Frey preach on April 29 at the 10 a.m. service at St. Luke's (5923 Royal Ln., Dallas). For more information, contact the Center (214-368-6304 x22, or cgreene@StLukesDallas.org).

Living Stones!
May 4 – 5 at All Saints Episcopal (5001 Crestline Rd., Ft. Worth). The Renewal Center has designed this program for youth in grades 5 – 6. High school students, supported by adults, staff this weekend. For applications or more information, contact Linda (214-351-9330) or go to http://www.episcopalrenewalcenter.org/.

The Week of March 19th to March 25th 2007

2007-03-17T08:26:00.000-06:00

Calendar

Monday March 19th
Lenten Feria (Feast of Saint Joseph)
House of Bishops Meeting Camp Allen
Church Office Closed
6:00 pm Vestry Meeting Parish Hall

Tuesday March 20th
Lenten Feria (Feast of Cuthbert Bishop of Lindisfarne, 687)
House of Bishops Meeting Camp Allen
6:00 - 8:00 pm Harvest Unlimited

Wednesday March 21st
Lenten Feria (Feast of Thomas Ken
Bishop of Bath and Wells, 1711)
5:30 pm Stations of the Cross & Holy Eucharist
6:00 pm Lenten Series & Soup Dinner

Thursday March 22nd
Lenten Feria (Feast of James De Koven Priest, 1879)
6:00 - 8:00 pm Harvest Unlimited

Friday March 23rd
Lenten Feria (Feast of Gregory the Illuminator
Bishop and Missionary of Armenia, c.332)

Saturday March 24th
Lenten Feria

Sunday March 25th
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Passion Sunday
9:30 am Adult Sunday School in the Library
9:30 am "Older" Children's Sunday School in the Parish Hall
10:30 am "Younger" Children's Sunday School in the Education Building
10:30 Holy Eucharist
12:00 pm Harvest Fiesta Luncheon

Lay Reader: Allyson Mitchell
Oblations: The Leon Family

Birthdays & Anniversaries:

March 24th: Vicki & Jerry Beeler's Anniversary
March 24th: Andrea & Father Don's Anniversary
March 24th: Peggy Gould's Birthday
March 24th: Abigail Perschall's Birthday

Announcements:

Evangelism 101:
77 percent of those individuals who come to church and make a commitment to Jesus Christ do so because of personal contact with a friend or family member.

Food Pantry Donations:
We are still collecting canned goods and non perishables for the Food Pantry on Sundays in March. Please put these items on the collection table in the Parish Hall.

Stamps:
We are also in great need of postcard and first class stamps. Please put all stamp donations in the collection plate or give them directly to Father Perschall or Vicki Beeler.

Harvest Unlimited:
Many parishioners would love to invite to their church folks from their neighborhood, but they don't know them. They know that many have no church home, but they don't know how to invite people they have never met. To solve this problem, Harvest Unlimited is helping a number of parishes and mission stations in our diocese set up "call centers" from which members can call neighbors and ask them how they might pray for their needs. Then, they invite them to a "Harvest Sunday." The Harvest Unlimited Program is in full swing! Please consider getting involved in this program as our church reaches out to our community and neighbors. Please contact Father Perschall, Vicki Beeler or Ralph Fields.

Newsletters:
Extra church newsletters & Women's "Hot Flashes" newsletters are in the Parish Hall. Please make sure to update the church on any address changes to ensure you get your newsletter in a timely manner. If you would like to assist in the production and mailing of our monthly newsletter please contact Jennifer Mason or Father Perschall.

All Saints Camp:
All Saints Camp (418 Stanton Way, Pottsboro) is now accepting registrations for Summer Camp 2007 that will carry the theme, "Listen! God is Calling." All Saints invites people of all ages to spend a week surrounded by God's creation and listening for God's call among the stately trees and wave-lapped shores. They have a camp for every age. Come join them!
Small Fry (1/2 week program for grades 1 – 3) — $175
Intermediate (grades 3 – 6) — $325
Jr. High (grades 6 – 9) — $325
Middlers (grades 8 – 10) — $325
Sr. High (grades 9 – 12) — $325
Family camp (all ages, four days and three nights) — $75/adult; $50/child

Holy Week Calendar:

Sunday April 1st:
Sunday of the Passion:
10:30 am Palm Sunday Service
5:30 pm Seder Dinner

Monday April 2nd:
5:30 pm Compline

Tuesday April 3rd:
5:30 pm Compline

Wednesday April 4rth:
5:30 pm Compline

Thursday April 5th
Maundy Thursday
5:30 pm Solemn Holy Eucharist
6:30 Vigil Begins

Friday April 6th
12:00 pm Good Friday
Solemn Stations of the Cross
5:30 pm Evening Service

Saturday April 7th
Holy Saturday
5:30 pm Liturgy

Sunday April 8th
Easter Sunday
10:30 Holy Eucharist

The Week of March 12th to March 18th 2007

2007-03-10T12:13:00.000-06:00

Calendar

Monday: March 12th -
Feast of Gregory the Great
Church Office Closed
6:00 - 8:00 pm Harvest Unlimited
Calling & Praying

Tuesday: March 13th - Lenten Feria
12:30 pm Women of the Church Meeting -
Parish Hall Bring Sack Lunch -
Focus is Fiesta Celebration
6:00 - 8:00 pm Harvest Unlimited
Calling & Praying

Wednesday: March 14th -
5:30 pm Stations of the Cross
& Holy Eucharist
6:00 pm Lenten Series & Soup Dinner - Devotional Prayers

Thursday: March 15th - Lenten Feria
6:00 - 8:00 pm Harvest Unlimited
Calling & Praying

Friday: March 16th - Lenten Feria

Saturday: March 17th - Feast of Patrick
Bishop and Missionary of Ireland, 461
6:00 pm Special Worship with David Gish featuring
"Joyful Noise" Praise & Gospel Service

Sunday: March 18th
Fourth Sunday in Lent
9:30 am Adult Sunday School in the Library
9:30 am School Age Children's Sunday School in the Parish Hall
9:45 am Choir Practice
10:30 am Children's Sunday School in the Education Building
10:30 am Holy Eucharist
12:00 pm Coffee/Goodies in the Parish Hall

Lay Reader: Allyson Mitchell
Oblations: K. Lamb & Mary Ann Perryman

Birthdays & Anniversaries:

13th Judy Harvell
15th Laura Goodson
16th Jim Marsh

Announcements:

Food Pantry Donations:
We are still collecting canned goods and non perishables for the Food Pantry on Sundays in March. Please put these items on the collection table in the Parish Hall.

Stamps:
We are also in great need of postcard and first class stamps. Please put all stamp donations in the collection plate or give them directly to Father Perschall or Vicki Beeler.

David Gish:
Please attend our special worship service Saturday March 17th at 6:00 pm. Bring your friends and neighbors for this evening of praise and gospel...come and make some "Joyful Noise".

Harvest Unlimited:
The Harvest Unlimited Program is in full swing! Please consider getting involved in this program as our church reaches out to our community and neighbors. Please contact Father Perschall, Vicki Beeler or Ralph Fields.

Newsletters:
Extra church newsletters & Women's newsletters are in the Parish Hall. Please make sure to update the church on any address changes to ensure you get your newsletter in a timely manner. If you would like to assist in the production and mailing of our monthly newsletter please contact Jennifer Mason or Father Perschall.

Holy Week Calendar:

Sunday April 1st:
Sunday of the Passion:
10:30 am Palm Sunday Service
5:30 pm Seder Dinner

Monday April 2nd:
5:30 pm Compline

Tuesday April 3rd:
5:30 pm Compline

Wednesday April 4rth:
5:30 pm Compline

Thursday April 5th
Maundy Thursday
5:30 pm Solemn Holy Eucharist
6:30 Vigil Begins

Friday April 6th
Good Friday
12:00 pm Solemn Stations of the Cross
5:30 pm Evening Service

Saturday April 7th
Holy Saturday
5:30 pm Liturgy

Sunday April 8th
Easter Sunday
10:30 Holy Eucharist

The Week of March 5th to March 11 2007

2007-03-02T18:39:00.000-06:00

Calendar

Monday March 5th
Lenten Feria
Church Office Closed
Harvest Unlimited 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Tuesday March 6th
Lenten Feria
Harvest Unlimited 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Wednesday March 7th
St. Perpetua and Her Companions
5:30 pm Stations of the Cross/Eucharist
6:00 pm Lenten Series & Supper

Thursday March 8th
Lenten Feria
Harvest Unlimited 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Friday March 9th
St.Gregory of Nyssa
Harvest Unlimited 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Saturday March 10th
Lenten Feria

Sunday March 11th
Third Sunday in Lent
9:30 am Adult Sunday School in the Library
10:30 am Children's Sunday School in the Education Building
10:30 am Holy Eucharist

Announcements

Stamps and Non perishables
Please remember to bring letter and postcard stamps along with non perishables on Sunday. The stamps will assist with our Harvest mailings while the non-perishables will be brought to the Food Pantry.

Harvest Unlimited
Harvest Unlimited teaches congregations how to contact their neighbors and invite them to church, using the telephone, and it provides all of the demographics by zip code. This ministry has proven highly effective throughout the U.S. It not only brings in many new families, but it also infuses the parish with new life. Members of St. Matthias have attended numerous hours of training and the program has begun! If you are interested in participating please contact Father Perschall. Vicki Beeler is the Call Chair and Deacon Moore is the Prayer Chair.

The Week of February 26th to March 4rth 2007

2007-02-24T14:19:00.000-06:00

Calender

Monday February 26th
Lenten Feria
Church Office Closed
Harvest Unlimited 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Tuesday February 27th
Lenten Feria - Feast of George Herbert - Priest
Harvest Unlimited 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Wednesday February 28th
Lenten Feria
St. Oswald, Bishop of Worchester,
Archbishop of York, Abbot, 922
5:30 pm Stations of the Cross/Holy Eucharist
Lenten Series on Prayer with a Soup Supper

Thursday March 1st
Lenten Feria
Feast of David, Bishop of Menevia,
Wales, c 544
Harvest Unlimited 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Friday March 2nd
Lenten Feria
Feast of Chad, Bishop of Lichfield, 672
Day of Abstinence
Harvest Unlimited 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Saturday March 3rd
Lenten Feria
Feast of John and Charles Wesley
Priests, 1791, 1788
Ember Day
Safe Church Workshop 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
St. Luke's (5923 Royal Ln. Dallas)

Sunday March 4rth
Second Sunday in Lent
9:30 am Adult Sunday School in the Library

10:30 am Children's Sunday School in the Education Building
10:30 am Holy Eucharist
12:00 pm First Sunday Lunch
Lay reader: Jennifer Hamrick
Lay Eucharistic Minister: Deacon Moore
Oblations: Susan Goodson & Bari Hart

Announcements:

Harvest Unlimited
Harvest Unlimited teaches congregations how to contact their neighbors and invite them to church, using the telephone, and it provides all of the demographics by zip code. This ministry has proven highly effective throughout the U.S. It not only brings in many new families, but it also infuses the parish with new life. Members of St. Matthias have attended numerous hours of training and the program has begun! If you are interested in participating please contact Father Perschall. Vicki Beeler is the Call Chair and Deacon Moore is the Prayer Chair.

Father Perschall and Deacon Moore at Harvest Unlimited Training.

The Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross is a devotion based on the time Jesus carried the cross through the streets of Jerusalem to the place of crucifixion. St. Matthias will walk the Stations of the Cross each Wednesday at 5:30 pm followed by the Eucharist. We will then move to the Parish Hall for a light supper and the Lenten Series.

Lenten Series
The 2007 Lenten Series begins this Wednesday.
The Series will focus on Anglican Spirituality. Each Wednesday we will cover the basic tasks that traditionally have been associated with Lent. Stations of the Cross, Prayer, Scripture Reading, Almsgiving and Fasting.

Safe Church Workshop
March 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Luke's 5923 Royal Ln. Dallas
The workshop focuses on diocesan policies and suggestions regarding safe church environments, as well as child abuse prevention and detection. It is for those who have not previously attended. The workshop is required for all clergy, employees (including clerical and day maintenance personnel), volunteers who supervise youth activities, and parochial school staff. Participation by unpaid Sunday school teachers is not required; however, they are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Ellen Gunn 214-826-8310. You should direct questions to the Office of the Canon to the Ordinary at the same phone number.

Cursillo
March 22 – 25 at All Saints Camp 418 Stanton Way, Pottsboro
The rector will be Jo Dodson from St. Paul's, Greenville. For applications or more information, contact Linda 214-351-9330 or go to www.episcopalrenewalcenter.org.

All Saints Camp
Is now accepting registrations for Summer Camp 2007 that will carry the theme, "Listen! God is Calling." All Saints invites people of all ages to spend a week surrounded by God's creation and listening for God's call among the stately trees and wave-lapped shores. They have a camp for every age. Come join them! For more information about the summer camp schedule, go to www.allsaintstexoma.org.

Newsletter & Blog
If you would like to submit a picture, article or have a suggestion please contact Jennifer Mason. Thanks to Greg Mason and especially Rene Spann for submitting so many pictures for both the newsletter and this blog.

The Week of February 19th to February 25th 2007

2007-02-16T18:11:00.000-06:00

Calendar

Monday February 19th
Feria
Last day of the Tanzania Primates Meeting
Please continue praying for the Primates
Church Office Closed
Vestry Meeting 6:00 pm Parish Hall

Tuesday February 20th
Shrove Tuesday
Pancake Supper 5:30 pm Parish Hall

Wednesday February 21st
Ash Wednesday
The First Day of Lent
Services at both 7:30 am and 5:30 pm
(No Eucharist/Healing)

Thursday February 22nd
St. Peter's Chair at Antioch

Friday February 23rd
Polycarp, Bishop of Martyr Smyrna
Deadline for newsletter submissions

Saturday February 24rth
St. Matthias, Apostle

Sunday February 25th
First Sunday in Lent
9:30 am Adult Sunday School in the Library
10:30 am Children's Sunday School in the Education Building
10:30 am Holy Eucharist
12:00 pm Coffee/Goodies in the Parish Hall

Announcements:

Shrove Tuesday:
Thanks to the Men of the Church for hosting our Pancake Supper!
Please bring friends and neighbors and enjoy the pancakes, sausage and fellowship.
There is no charge but donations are appreciated.

Ash Wednesday:
There are two services for Ash Wednesday. The imposition of Ashes will occur at both services. The 5:30 pm Service will replace our usual Eucharist/Healing Service.

Smorgasbord:
Thanks to everyone who worked so hard! We broke some records this year! A full report to follow in our March newsletter.

Harvest Unlimited:
Members of the church have attended two training sessions for this new program. A full report to follow in our March Newsletter. Please visit their website to learn more:
http://www.harvestunlimited.org/
UPDATE: Next week we will begin this program. If you are interested in participating or to find out more please contact Father Perschall. If you would like to join the Prayer Team contact Muriel and if you would like to join the Calling Team contact Vicki.

New Link:
There is a new link in our "link section"- check it out! This link is for our daily readings according to our Book of Common Prayer (BCP) in the English Standard Version (ESV).

The Week of February 12th to February 18th 2007

2007-02-07T14:14:00.000-06:00

Calendar

Monday: February 12th
Primates Meeting at Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Church Office Closed

Tuesday: February 13th
Absalom Jones
51st Annual Smorgasbord
Please arrive by 10:00 am

Wednesday: February 14th
Cyril and Methdius
Valentines Day
5:30 pm Holy Eucharist/Healing Service

Thursday: February 15th
Thomas Bray

Friday: February 16th

Saturday: February 17th
Harvest Unlimited Meeting

Sunday: February 18th
Last Sunday after the Epiphany
Amazing Grace Sunday
9:30 am Adult Sunday School in the Library
10:30 am Children's Sunday School in the Education Building
10:30 am Holy Eucharist
12:00 pm Coffee/Goodies in the Parish Hall

Announcements:

Smorgasbord Reminders:
Please turn all ticket money in to Rene or Peggy.
Please be at the church on no later then 10:00 am.
Please bring all food prepared and ready to serve!
Please bring food in several smaller containers instead of one large dish.
Please remember to mark any dishes, utensils etc. with your name.

Birthdays & Anniversaries:
Anne Perryman 12th
Mary Ann Perryman 14th

The Week of February 5th to February 11th 2007

2007-01-30T18:47:00.000-06:00

Calendar:

Monday: February 5th
Agatha, Martyr
Church Office Closed

Tuesday: February 6th
St. Titus

Wednesday: February 7th
Feria
5:30 pm Holy Eucharist/ Healing Service

Thursday: February 8th

Friday: February 9th
Feria

Saturday: February 10th
9:00 am Rural Church Conference in Sulphur Springs

Sunday: February 11th
The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
Sexagesima
9:30 am Adult Sunday School in the Library - Galatians
10:30 am Children's Sunday School in the Education Building
10:30 am Holy Eucharist - Historical Liturgies
1928 BCP
12:00 pm Coffee/Goodies Parish Hall
Set up for Smorgasbord

Announcements:

Smorgasbord Reminders:
Please turn all ticket money in to Rene or Peggy.
Please be at the church on Tuesday the 13th no later then 10:00 am.
Please bring all food prepared and ready to serve!
Please bring food in several smaller containers instead of one large dish.
Please remember to mark any dishes, utensils etc. with your name.

Birthdays & Anniversaries:
Jennifer Mason 7th

The Week of January 29th to February 4rth 2007

2007-01-29T19:38:00.000-06:00

Calendar:

Monday: January 29th
Church Office Closed

Tuesday: January 30th
12: 30 pm - Women's Meeting in the Parish Hall
Bring a lunch - Finalizing Smorgasbord

Wednesday: January 31st
5:30 pm Holy Eucharist/ Healing Service

Thursday: February 1st
St. Brigid, Abbess of Kildare, 523

Friday: February 2nd
The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple

Saturday: February 3rd

Sunday: February 4rth
The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
9:30 am Adult Sunday School in the Library - Galatians
10:30 am Children's Sunday School in the Education Building
10:30 am Holy Eucharist - Historical Liturgies:
1789 1st American BCP
12:00 pm First Sunday Lunch

Announcements:

If you are planning on attending the Rural Church Conference in Sulphur Springs on the 10th of February please contact Father Don.

Smorgasbord sign up sheets are in the Parish Hall. If you need additional tickets to sell please contact Rene.

Smorgasbord 2006: