STARTHE

S U M M E R 2 0 1 6

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

SUMMER at St. Martin’s

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

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

are numerous references in scripture to Christ as the light

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

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

when Jesus was presented to the priests at the temple

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

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

to our city and region.

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

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

Church Offices717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056

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

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

Phone Numbers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STARTHE

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

ON THE COVER

For the past 26 years St. Martin’s Episcopal Preschool has offered a solid foundation in spiritual, educational and social growth for children ages 15 months to five years. Read more about the school on page 15.

Contents

S U M M E R 2 0 1 6

02 From the Rector

05 Worship, Christian Education

and Fellowship for Adults

06 Programs for All Adults

07 Programs for Women

08 Programs for Men

10 Student Ministries

11 Children’s Ministry

12 Outreach and Missions

15 St. Martin’s Episcopal Preschool

16 St. Martin’s Activity Center

17 Parish Life

21 Hope and Healing Center & Institute

23 Giving

18 I EASTER CELEBRATIONS

St. Martin’s Parishioners celebrated Easter Day with a breakfast served by our Vestry and six Holy Eucharist services.

05 I BASIC BIBLE STUDY

Our Adult Sunday School Basic Bible Study tradition of scripture-based instruction continues throughout the summer with classes led by St. Martin’s Clergy.

12 I OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES THIS SUMMER

From making sandwiches and helping in the food pantry, to ministering to the homeless and mentoring at-risk youth, there are plenty of ways to give back to the community this summer.

T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 01

Williamson in her book, Entertaining

for Dummies. “The boring result,” she

explains, is that “the conversation just

picks up where it left off at the last get

together.” So, what is an entertaining

dummy to do to break out of the mold?

“To keep the conversation fresh,” suggests

Williamson, “invite a scandalous

acquaintance or an intellectual with

something to say that everyone wants

to hear.”

Maybe, the “leader of the Pharisees”

who invited Jesus to a Sabbath meal

had something of this in mind when

he invited Jesus for dinner. He was tired

of having the same old crowd over. The

incessant talk about politics and religion

had become shopworn. The predictability

of social gatherings was taking “banquet

boredom” to a new high.

He needed a new and fresh face.

He needed what Williamson calls a

“scandalous acquaintance” to turn

conventional thinking on its ear and

spice things up. He follows Williamson’s

advice and invites Jesus into his home.

Jesus seemed to rarely turn down a

dinner invitation. It did not matter if

the invitation came from a crook or a

dignitary, Jesus made it a point to

be there.

Often, in table fellowship, Jesus seemed to

see the goodness of God’s bounty and the

image of God’s Kingdom. It would be

FROM THE RECTOR

Amother once shared with

me that when her son was

three years old, their church

was meeting temporarily on

Sunday mornings in a local school until

they could move into their new worship

space. To keep their folding chairs from

being mistaken for those belonging to the

school, they painted the word “JESUS”

across the back of each chair.

One day, after church, as this family was

gathered at a local restaurant, the little

three year old stuck out his chest in great

pride and announced, “I can spell chair.”

His mother said, “Well that’s great son,

spell it for us.” With a broad smile, the

little boy uttered the letters, “J-E-S-U-S.”

If you will forgive the stretch here, Jesus

has a great deal to say about where and

how we sit in this portion from Luke’s

Gospel (above), and quite frankly, the way

the boy misspelled “chair,” might be right!

“Most people invite the same two or three

couples over for supper engagements,

and what happens is you end up talking

about the same thing,” writes Suzanne

a “supper” that Christ would use to

remind His followers over the eons of the

price He paid for our sins, and the length

to which He went to show His love for us.

So “suppers,” whether they were fancy

banquets or pot-lucks, seemed an

irresistible opportunity for Jesus to both

experience a foretaste of the Kingdom as

well as an occasion to reveal Kingdom

mysteries, and after a couple of cups of

wine, he gravitates to the supper table

with the Pharisees, begins to break

bread and talk.

But what happens next is worrisome

to those familiar with proper etiquette.

What would Mother Mary think if Jesus

began to eat with His mouth open, put

His elbows on the table or wipe His chin

with the tablecloth? The Scripture does

not mention anything about violating any

of these table taboos, but He seems to do

something far worse! It is something that

would make Martha Stewart or Rachel

“On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the Sabbath, they were watching him closely…When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor…But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place…For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted…’” (Luke 14:1, 7-8, 11).

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“For everyone who exalts himself will be

humbled, and he who humbles himself

will be exalted…”

=

02 T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6

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

Ray cringe with embarrassment! Jesus,

the Guest mind you, has the chutzpah to

question the other guests for the way they

try to seat themselves.

Here is an itinerant preacher, an

uncredentialed rabbi, calling into

question a hardened societal norm which

was designed to reflect the “pecking order”

not just of the Pharisees’ world, but of

cultures in all times, of all shapes

and sizes.

Not only does he question their

choosing, but He also goes on to say how

it should really be done – according to the

“manners” of the Kingdom of God. And

He does not tell them to opt for a genteel

response of “Oh, you go first,” but tells

them something far more radical, “...when

you are invited, take the lowest place...”1

The point to take note of here is that Jesus

seems to be saying true self-worth cannot

be seized in relation to others. It can only

be given. And the one who finds enduring

self-worth – prominence in God’s eyes –

receives it from God, and thus relates to

others not with superiority, but humility.

This seems to be the key point of Jesus’

message, “For everyone who exalts himself

will be humbled, and he who humbles

himself will be exalted…”2

Fast forward to our present day and the

message still applies. The way to the

kingdom is humility, not pride. What

Jesus was saying, and is saying to us

today, is that one of the chief virtues of a

Christian is the humble acknowledgment

of God, and thus the chief sin is self-

worship, our attempt to set ourselves at

the center of the world.

Humility is not self-hatred, for we are

called to love ourselves. But, humility

springs from gratefulness from all that

God has given us. Humility springs from

reverence: how can a sinful man such as

myself dare to approach God? Humility

springs from a knowledge that the sins

which I would believe would keep me

from God, are forgiven by His grace,

because He indeed wants me to approach

Him. It is this humility that God honors.

No one is more surprised than the humble

when they are called into God’s embrace.

Dante heard singing in Paradise, “Blessed

are the poor in spirit.”3 The singers, being

humble, could not understand why they

deserved heaven.

But God is the host. He has His own

standard of who is to be honored. That

woman with no gift in the world’s eye but

prayer, or that man who is truly contrite in

his sins – why should they sit at the head

table? Because, Jesus seems to be saying,

that at the banquet in God’s Kingdom,

God welcomes a humble, broken and

contrite heart.4

At the heart of Christianity is the absolute

necessity of humility before God and

others, in a way that becomes a “real

thing” that affects not just the surface of

our lives, but down to the very core of

who we are in every area of our daily lives.

And at that core, this lesson tells us should

be self-denial, a consuming humility

before God and others.

How does Jesus practically describe

humility? Well, in this case at least, the

Christ teaches we are to reach out to

others, particularly those ignored by the

world – the poor, the crippled, the lame,

the blind. Those whom the world might

deem “the untouchables.” And Jesus calls

us not merely to reach out, but honor

them by making them part of our lives.

He is clear – do this, and you will be

exalted, honored and blessed, not by

the world, but by God.5

1V. 10. 2V. 11. 3Purgatory, Canto XII, 1. 110. 4cf. The Interpreter’s Bible, Luke, p. 253. 5V. 11, 14.

T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 03

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

Well, let us get down to brass tacks.

How to do this? Let me close with an

illustration or two.

Some years ago, my mentor, John

Claypool, described to me a conversation

he had with a colleague about the lesson

she learned from throwing a surprise party

for her husband. The husband’s 50th

birthday was approaching, and months in

advance, she began to make careful plans

for a major, A #1 blowout. A facility was

reserved, a band hired, invitations to old

friends, mentors and colleagues were sent

out, and when the day finally arrived,

the wife could not wait to see the look

on her husband’s face.

When they arrived at the restaurant for

what the husband thought was going to

be a rather quiet evening, the doors were

opened and hundreds of guests yelled in

excitement, “Surprise!” It was a carefully

planned, splendid celebration.

After the event, as the couple was on

their way home, she noticed her husband

unusually quiet. And as they began to

get ready for bed, she finally asked her

husband, “Is everything all right?” He told

her what a great evening it was, and how

very much he appreciated her attention to

details and all of her time and energy. But

then he said, “You know honey, what you

really did was plan the kind of party you

would have liked. You know what I would

really like to have done was simply get

together with a few of our friends for an

intimate meal and conversation.”

I am not quite sure what happened after

that (!), but my friend made an interesting

observation. It grew out of some of those

mailings he had received pushing another

credit card on him. He noted that there

now seemed to be a step above the “Gold

Visa” or “Gold Mastercard,” and it was

the “Platinum Card.” He said he believed

that the wife was living out the Golden

Rule, “Do unto others, as you would have

them do unto you.” Of course, that is

not all bad. But then he suggested that

perhaps another step ought to be taken,

that perhaps what we need is a “Platinum

Rule,” which says, “Do unto others, as

they would like to have done to them.”

In other words, learn to put other’s

desires and needs above your own.

Humble yourself before others.

There’s a wonderful old story of a man

who dreamed one night that he died and

was given a chance to visit both heaven

and hell. In his dream though, the one

thing that death did to people was to

stiffen their elbows. No one in either realm

could bend their arms; they were forced

to live with their arms outstretched. In

hell, he saw a large group gathered around

a table – there was great conflict and

everyone was agitated – each person had

bread in both hands, but remained hungry

because given the stiffness of their elbows,

they couldn’t get it to their mouths. Each

one person was only concerned for him or

herself and misery was piled on misery.

But, in Heaven, where all the humans had

the same physical disability, the people

had discovered a solution. Although they

could not feed themselves with those

stiffened arms, they could feed each other!

They had discovered how to step from

this kingdom to the next – giving way –

letting go – there’s the real difference

between heaven and hell – turning in

upon ourselves, or letting go and allowing

our love to pour out generously into the

lives of those around us.

What will you do with your arms today?

Who needs you to quit pushing them

away with your own self-interest, and

instead let those stiffened arms melt into

a selfless embrace? Most assuredly it

includes those who need to be fed,

clothed, cared for, just loved. Step a bit

closer to home and maybe it is your wife?

Your husband? A child…a friend…maybe a

workmate…maybe someone you will meet

tomorrow or after church today. Or maybe

it is – maybe it is – the Lord Jesus Christ

who you know, right now, is calling you

to quit pushing Him away and let Him

embrace you – as you are.

You know, that child was really right.

What should be written on every chair is

the word “Jesus,” as a reminder that He,

above anyone or anything, is to be exalted

on the thrones of our hearts. He is to come

first, so we can be empowered to make

others first. This is what God honors and

blesses. This is what God exalts.

For “…everyone who exalts himself will

be humbled, and he who humbles himself

will be exalted.” Do unto others what they

would like to have done to them…at the

end of the day, it is the rule that leads to

the kingdom of God – the Platinum Rule.

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

<

Do unto others

what they would like

to have done to

them…at the end

of the day, it is the

rule that leads to

the kingdom of God –

the Platinum Rule.

=

04 T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6

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

ORDER OF ST. LUKE HEALING SERVICE Wednesdays, July 6 and August 3

5 – 6 p.m.

Old Church

This healing prayer service is held for

anyone in need of prayer for themselves,

friends or family. All interested

Parishioners are invited to come and

take part in this service, as well as bring

anyone else who would like to receive

prayer, anointing and the laying on

of hands.

BASIC BIBLE STUDY Grace Moments: Jesus Shows Up in Unexpected Places

Sundays

10:15 – 11 a.m.

Bagby Parish Hall

Adult Sunday School at St. Martin’s

features inspiring teaching and supportive

fellowship as we gather together as one

large group. When Paul spoke before the

Areopagus (a tribunal of pagan Athenians),

he appealed to their own poets in

explaining what God had done through

Jesus Christ (Acts 17:22-34). In so doing,

he was both following the example of his

Savior, who used specific cultural reference

points to convey the eternal truths of God

(think shepherds, vineyards, tax collectors,

etc.) and set the stage for continued

Christian engagement with society for

the sake of the Gospel.

This summer, join the Revs. R-J Heijmen,

Chad Martin and other St. Martin’s Clergy

as we discover Jesus hidden in the film,

music, television and literature of our own

culture. You may be surprised to find that,

as Wycliffe Bible Translators believes, God

has planted within each society the seeds

for comprehension and acceptance of

Jesus Christ. This class is for adults of

all ages.

CHRISTIAN BOOK STUDY

Sundays

10:15 – 11 a.m.

Vestry Conference Room

Clergy Liaison:

The Rev. R-J Heijmen

Our Sunday School

classes emphasize

Christian education and fellowship while

reading various Christian books, and

provide a community in which you can

develop your Christian understanding, a

sense of belonging and lasting friendships.

The class is currently discussing Revelation

for Everyone by N.T. Wright. This class is

for adults of all ages.

SEEKERS

(60s and up) Sundays 10:15 – 11 a.m. Activity Center, Aerobics Room Clergy Liaisons: The Rev. Nick Dyke and the Rev. Robert Wareing

Seekers is a great place for couples and

singles to meet and study the Gospel

and other readings, and then branch off

into Church history, liturgy, sacraments

and other related areas. We just have fun

learning! Please come and join our group.

IN OBSERVANCE OF INDEPENDENCE DAY

SUNDAY, JULY 3

Join us for festive music

celebrating our national

independence. Patriotic

favorites including the “Star-

spangled Banner,” “America

the Beautiful” and “God Bless

America” will be sung at all

services. Sunday School will

not meet in observance of the

Independence Day holiday.

MONDAY, JULY 4 The Church offices will

be closed.

The 6 p.m. worship service in The Church on Sunday, June 19 will be an abbreviated

service preceding the private American Guild of Organists Opening Convocation.

T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 05

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

FAITH IN LITERATUREBeginning in September, the Faith in

Literature group will explore, discuss and

make relevant connections between faith

and works of fiction, past and present.

The day group will meet the second

Wednesday of the month; the evening

group will meet the third Tuesday of

the month. While operating within the

framework of Christian theology, we seek

to ascertain in our reading how all good

literature, if even by its omission, deals

with and reflects themes of faith. For more information, contact Deb Tisch at 713-985-3817 or dtisch@stmartinsepiscopal.org.

Day GroupSEPTEMBER 14 The Lake House by Kate Morton

OCTOBER 12 Brooklyn by Colm Toibin

NOVEMBER 9 I Still Dream About You by Fannie Flagg

DECEMBER 14 The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Evening GroupSEPTEMBER 20 Destiny and Power by Jon Meacham

OCTOBER 18 When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

NOVEMBER 21 The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens

DECEMBER 20 The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPENEducation for Ministry (EfM) is a

program of theological education at

St. Martin’s that has been developed and

administered throughout the Episcopal

Church by the University of the South

School of Theology. Participants are

guided by trained mentors through the

study and discussion of scripture, church

history, liturgy and theology. No more

than 12 students can be enrolled in the

program at one time. Tuition is $350 per

year. Tuition assistance is available.

For more information, contact Deb Tisch at 713-985-3817 or dtisch@stmartinsepiscopal.org.

Congratulations 2015/2016 EfM Graduates Mollie Allen Jon Knolle

April Lauper Kathryn A. Seydler

Joseph M. Seydler Judy Youens

06 T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6

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

CHRISTIAN LIFE STUDY – A BIBLE STUDY FOR WOMENStudy of the Gospel of Mark and

Four Lessons on Servanthood

Thursdays, September 8, 2016 – May 4, 2017

9:30 – 11:30 a.m. or 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Bagby Parish Hall and Payne Education Center

Sign up is now open for the fall session!

Women are invited to experience

fellowship and fun as we learn about God’s

covenant love through the New Testament

book of Mark. Our morning and evening

classes are filled with personal “God

moments,” stories, small group discussion,

music, prayer and large group lecture.

This study offers women of every age

the opportunity to study the Bible in a

comfortable and unintimidating

atmosphere. Beginning students are

encouraged to join us. The class remains

open to visitors and/or new members

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

NEW EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN OFFICERSEpiscopal Church

Women (ECW) of

St. Martin’s recently elected a new slate of

officers for 2016 – 2017. The purpose of

ECW is to empower each other to live the

life for which Christ called us by sharing

His love through outreach, fellowship

and spiritual growth. ECW is the

fellowship of all women of St. Martin’s

and is organized to enable women to

serve our Lord through Service, Worship,

Education, Evangelism and Pastoral Care.

Erynn Scollard – President

Janet Schaumburg – President-elect

Ann Cochran – Past-president and

Parliamentarian

Betsy Trice – Treasurer

Betty Beathard – Treasurer-elect

Margaret Murphy – Recording Secretary

Casey Hedges – Corresponding Secretary

throughout the year. Child care for ages

six weeks to three years and our nurturing

Godly Play program for ages three to five

years are offered and recommended.

Children and grandchildren of those

attending the class are very welcome.

26th AnnualJoy of Giving Market

Tuesday, October 18 4 – 8:30 p.m. Early Bird Shopping Night ($15 admission)

Wednesday, October 19 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Free admission Thursday, October 20 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Free admission

The 26th Annual Joy of Giving

Market hosted by the Episcopal Church

OUTREACH PROGRAMWednesday, June 15, July 13 and August 10

Noon – 1 p.m.

Activity Center, Upper Hall East

Join members of St. Clare’s Needlepoint

Guild as they make sandwiches for Kids’

Meals, the nation’s only meals-on-wheels

service for children that provides healthy,

home-delivered lunches to hungry

children under the age of five who live

in poverty.

Women of St. Martin’s (ECW) marks the

beginning of the holiday season. Donations

for the silent auction would be gratefully

appreciated to help support ECW’s outreach

grants that benefit organizations serving the

less fortunate in our community. If you

have a weekend getaway, tickets to the

ballet or theater, luncheon or dinner, or

gift you would like to donate, please visit

stmartinsepiscopal.org/joy-of-giving-

market for Silent Auction Chair contact

information. Each donated item is featured

in our silent auction and all donations

are tax deductible.

BLANKET LADIESWednesdays

9 a.m. – noon

Activity Center

The Blanket Ladies make cotton flannel

receiving blankets for newborn infants at

local charity hospitals. It is estimated that

more than 45,000 blankets have been

made by these hard-working, wonderful

ladies. Come join this group and share

some fun, fellowship and love. For more information, contact Deb Tisch at 713-985-3817 or dtisch@stmartinsepiscopal.org.

T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 07

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

MEN OF ST. MARTIN’S OUTREACH – KIDS’ MEALS Tuesdays, June 28, July 26 and August 30

5 – 6 p.m.

Activity Center, Fellowship Room

Men of St. Martin’s make approximately

800 sandwiches each month for Kids’

Meals, which is a first-responder to

children five years old and younger who

face debilitating hunger due to extreme

poverty. The organization currently serves

six Houston-area routes that target zip

codes all located within Beltway 8, where

the need is critical.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF USHERS St. Martin’s ushers are often the first

people to greet and assist visitors at the

Church. They are integral to making sure

visitors feel welcome and that all aspects

of our worship services flow smoothly.

Our ushers serve on rotating teams,

according to their schedule and service

time preference. Older teens and young

adults are welcome to serve. Training

is provided.

Serving as an usher is a wonderful way to

get to know others and become involved

in St. Martin’s. Their duties include

greeting and directing parishioners, and

distributing worship booklets. The Head

Usher coordinates the Usher Team in

positions to assist with the collection

of the offering and directing the

congregation to and from the altar during

Holy Eucharist. Ushers are expected to

serve for an entire month four times a year

and encouraged to volunteer for special

services as their schedules permit, such as

for Christmas, Easter, Confirmation, Music

St. Martin’s concerts or special events.

For more information, contact Barbara Piana at 713-830-4116 or bpiana@stmartinsepiscopal.org.

Join us for Bible study as we seek to connect the Gospel to our lives today.

Coffee, fellowship and teachings led by the Rev. Alex Large.

WEDNESDAYSAUGUST 24 THROUGH JUNE 28

7 – 8 A.M. | BRIDE’S ROOM

WEDNESDAYSAUGUST 24 THROUGH JUNE 28

7 – 8 A.M. | BRIDE’S ROOM

For more information, contact the Rev. Alex Large at alarge@stmartinsepiscopal.org.

08 T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6

Your summer spiritual companion is here.Summer Times – A Collection of Scriptures, Meditations and Prayers

“ Dr. Russ Levenson’s fine reputation as teacher and preacher rests on his deep spirituality. In Summer Times we are given an anthology of down-to-earth meditations that are accessible, interesting and very relevant. I commend Summer Times hugely!”

— The Most Reverend and Right Honorable Dr. George L. Carey, 103rd Archbishop of Canterbury

“ The traditional Anglican term for the days and weeks of summer is ‘Ordinary Time,’ but this small but potent book is anything but. It is an extraordinary gift to all of us from Russ Levenson, priest and pastor.”

— Jon Meacham, Former Editor and Chief of Newsweek and Executive Editor and Executive Vice President of Random House

“ My friend Russ Levenson invites us to pause and ponder the gladness of God. His words are like his heart: winsome and gracious. Let him lead you into a quiet place where you will receive a gentle touch from your heavenly Father.”

— Max Lucado, Senior Pastor of Oak Hills Church, San Antonio

“ In this wonderful, refreshing, and powerful book, an experienced Rector holds your hand and takes you through the eternal truths that can shape and enhance a life. With humor and anecdote, he helps you understand the gift of faith. As you plan your summer, this is a must read addition. With this book, Russ Levenson is becoming the finest writer of devotional texts in the Episcopal Church today.”

— The Very Reverend Ian Markham, Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary

“ It is hoped that your summer months are, in fact, slower than all the others and you can carry this companion along to probe you into deeper, more meaningful, more restful, adventures; and . . . give the work that you do when you are not at rest in its proper place – at God’s disposal.” From the introduction of Summer Times

TIMESsummer

A SUMMER COMPANION

Russell J. Levenson, Jr.

A Collection of Scriptures, Meditations and Prayers

About Summer Times

“ My friend Russ Levenson invites us to pause and ponder the gladness of God. His words are like his heart: winsome and gracious. Let him lead you into a quiet place where you will receive a gentle touch from your heavenly Father.”

– Max Lucado, Senior Pastor of Oak Hills Church, San Antonio

“ Dr. Russ Levenson’s fine reputation as teacher and preacher rests on his deep spirituality. In SUMMER TIMES we are given an anthology of down to earth meditations that are accessible, interesting and very relevant. I commend SUMMER TIMES hugely!”

– The Most Reverend and Right Honorable Dr. George L. Carey, 103rd Archbishop of Canterbury

“ The traditional Anglican term for the days and weeks of summer is ‘Ordinary Time,’ but this small but potent book is anything but. It is an extraordinary gift to all of us from Russ Levenson, priest and pastor.”

– Jon Meacham, Former Editor and Chief of Newsweek and Executive Editor and Executive Vice President of Random House

“ In this wonderful, refreshing, and powerful book, an experienced Rector holds your hand and takes you through the eternal truths that can shape and enhance a life. With humor and anecdote, he helps you understand the gift of faith. As you plan your summer, this is a must read addition. With this book, Russ Levenson is becoming the finest writer of devotional texts in the Episcopal Church today.”

– The Very Reverend Ian Markham, Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary

ABOUT LAURA AND RUSSELL J. LEVENSON, JR.

Russ and Laura live in Houston, Texas. Russ is the

Rector of St. Martin’s Church. He is the author of two

other books, Provoking Thoughts and Preparing Room,

devotional companions for Lent and Advent.

summ

er TIMES

Levenson

Books available for sale in the Gift Shoppe

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

FOR ALL STUDENTS

Sunday Morning EYC 10:15 – 11 a.m. The Island Main Hall and Room 207, Middle

school students

Room 203, High school students

Our amazing leaders and awesome

students make this a super-friendly and

welcoming environment to make friends,

play games, read the Bible, and talk about

our faith in Jesus and how God works in

our everyday lives! If you are checking out

St. Martin’s Student Ministries for the first

time this is the perfect place to start!

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUNDAY AND PARENT SUMMITSunday, August 21

10:15 – 11 a.m.

Hope & Healing Center Auditorium

Parents of children from 6th through

12th grade are invited to meet and hear

Attention 6th – 8th graders:

Don’t sit at home this summer!

Join us for games, programs, service projects and exciting off-campus explorations during Middle School Summer Days. The six days will be

divided up into two three-day sessions. There will be something new to do every day – come for one day or come for all!

For more information, contact Florence Ritchie at 713-985-3843 or fritchie@stmartinsepiscopal.org.

Session IJuly 11 – 13 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

$25 per day (Covers meals, activities and transportation)

Register at http://bit.ly/21u8VrX

Session II July 18 – 20 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

$25 per day (Covers meals, activities and transportation)

Register at http://bit.ly/1rjypvs

about all the exciting things happening

this year and beyond from Student

Ministries. This includes programs, mission

trips, service projects and retreats that are

coming up, as well as how you and your

students can be involved!

10 T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6

C H I L D R E N ’ S M I N I S T R Y

SUMMER OF THE SEA SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sundays, June 12 – August 14

10:15 – 11 a.m.

Payne Education Center, Room 202

Join Children’s Ministry for “Summer of

the Sea,” a summer-long program focusing

on lessons that help kids find Jesus when

they seek him whole heartedly. Imagine

Bible stories such as “What would the tuna

do?” or “The shrimp – is he really very

small?” This will be a different, fun and

beach-friendly way to learn about God.

Our Children’s Ministry team is looking

forward to spending the summer with

your children.

All grades – kindergarten through 5th – will

meet together in Payne Education Center,

Room 202. Preschool – newborns through

pre-K – will continue their normal programs

and places in Founders’ Hall.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUNDAY AND PARENT SUMMIT MEETING

Sunday, August 21

10:15 – 11 a.m.

Old Church

Join Children’s Ministry as we kick off a

new school year together. We’ll meet to

offer parents of children ages newborn to

5th grade a chance to meet one another

and ministry staff, and hear about church

leadership visions for the spiritual journey

we plan for our families. There will be a

time for questions about programs and to

hear more about the opportunities available

in child care, preschool and grade school.

We look forward to parent involvement as

we see your role as ministers alongside us,

helping your children grow into a deeper

relationship with Christ. It’s never too

early for kids to learn about how much

Jesus loves them – and that message begins

at home and is supported through Sunday

School. We are eager to walk with you in

our church life together. See you soon!

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY E-NEWSLETTER

Our e-newsletter is the best way to learn

about events particular to preschool and

grade-school children, and upcoming

events specific to younger families. We do

not pull email addresses arbitrarily from

the Church database; you must request to

receive the e-newsletter. We do not often

send regular mail, so the e-newsletter is

designed to make all the communication

about children user-friendly, short and

sweet. We communicate once a week during

the school year and give special dates in

a timely manner for planning purposes.

We keep in mind the school calendar and

your commitment there. We recognize the

younger ages of the children in our ministry

and do not aim to over-schedule or squeeze

out family time.

Visit stmartinsepiscopal.org/children to sign up for the Children’s Ministry e-newsletter.

IMPORTANT SUMMER DATES

FOR KIDS

JUNE 6 –9 Finding Jesus Vacation Bible School

JULY 3 Sunday School will not meet in observance of the Independence Day holiday*

AUGUST 21 Back-to-school Sunday

* Child care continues to be offered for newborns – pre-K during all morning church services.

T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 11

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

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

others less fortunate here in Houston or

another country, doing so “makes the

heart happy!” St. Martin’s partners with

more than 50 agencies in Houston and

abroad. Each week there is an organized

effort to serve others and share in

fellowship with other parishioners. For more information about St. Martin’s volunteer opportunities, call 713-985-3811 or email outreach@stmartinsepiscopal.org.

Lord of the Streets

Wednesdays

June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29

July 6, 13, 20 and 27

August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31

9 a.m. – noon

3401 Fannin

Lord of the Streets ministers to

individuals living in the Houston area

who are homeless and disadvantaged, or

in transition. St. Martin’s assists clients

with clothing, food and other needs. Kids’ Meals

Tuesdays, June 7, July 5 and August 2

4 – 5 p.m.

Activity Center, Community Room

Kids’ Meals provides and distributes

nutritious lunches to hungry preschool

children throughout Houston.

Stamping It Forward

Tuesday, June 7

4 – 5 p.m.

Activity Center, Community Room

No experience is required to help make

paper creations such as cards, boxes,

bags and more benefitting our Outreach

programs. Creative coaching is included!

All paper, embellishments, adhesive and

tools are provided.

Church Under the Bridge

Tuesdays, June 14, July 12 and August 9

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

7:30 p.m., Worship service

2800 St. Charles Street

Church Under the Bridge ministers to

the homeless in downtown Houston by

serving a meal, serving as prayer partners

and providing praise music for the

worship service once a month.

The Beacon Day Center

Saturday, June 11

10:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.

1212 Prairie

The Beacon is a day shelter in downtown

Houston that provides the homeless with

a meal, laundry services, shower facilities

and assistance.

Christian Community Service Center Work Days

Saturdays, June 25, July 30 and August 27

9 a.m. – noon

3434 Branard Street

Church volunteers organize and distribute

food and clothing donations for Christian

Community Service Center, which assists

the poor, hungry, disabled and otherwise

needy, and provides back-to-school and

Christmas programs for low income

children. The organization also offers

emergency assistance for needy families,

job training and school vision screening.

12 T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6

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

HOUSTON: reVISIONreVision works to transform the lives

of at-risk and gang-affected youth by

connecting them to positive adult role

models, building a new community

around strong, affirming peer groups,

and preparing the youth for promising

futures through education and jobs.

Team Sports

Tuesdays

June 7, 14, 21 and 28

July 5, 12, 19 and 26

August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30

7 p.m.

Spring Spirit Baseball, 8526 Pitner Road

Join us for a fun and casual softball

game – weather permitting. Wear your

Outreach t-shirt. Ages 13 and up.

Community Nights

Thursdays

June 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30

July 7, 14, 21 and 28

August 4, 11, 18 and 25

6:45 – 9 p.m.

The Island

Please join us as we serve dinner to

reVision/Youth Advocates and meet for

prayer, breakdancing, Bible study and

tutoring. This is perfect family fun!

Volunteer Orientation

Thursdays, June 2 and August 4

6 – 7 p.m.

The Island

Attend this informative presentation

about our transformational ministry and

learn about the wide variety of volunteer

opportunities.

Prison Ministry

Fridays, June 3, July 1 and August 5

10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Clemens Unit

On the first Friday of each month

mentors minister to kids in prison

serving adult sentences. To learn more

about this transforming ministry, please

attend the reVision orientation on the

first Thursday of each month.

T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 13

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

MISSION TRIP PRAYER PARTNERSTo those of you who were Prayer Partners

last year – Thank you! All 300+ of you!

To those of you who are willing to help

and do it again – Thank you!

To those of you who are new and

would consider joining us this year –

we need you!

Mission trips take the love of Jesus out

into the field and St. Martin’s is blessed

MISSION TO OJO DE AGUA, HONDURASOctober 13 – 20

In partnership with the Texas Water

Mission of the Diocese of West Texas and

the Diocese of Honduras, volunteers will

coordinate with communities in need of

clean water. They will work on a tightly

knit team in the midst of deep poverty

assisting with health and hygiene

education, and final installation of the

well pump.

Approximate cost: $1,500

Registration deadline: Monday, August 1

For more information, contact Outreach at 713-985-3811 or worldmissions@stmartinsepiscopal.org.

Your $45 donation will provide a

needy child with a uniform, shoes

and school supplies. Students who

participate in this program lack academic

supplies and clothing/uniforms needed

to start the year on equal footing with

their more advantaged peers. The

program not only physically prepares

children with academic tools, but also

increases overall self-esteem and

mental readiness for learning. Christian

Community Service Center (CCSC)

provides school supplies for more than

6,000 students in Houston, including

our partners at Yellowstone Academy.

The CCSC Back to School Program

envelopes will be in pews through

September 4.

Christian Community Service Center Back to School Program

to have opportunities in Africa, Europe

and South and Central America. These

trips, by their nature, involve spiritual

warfare. These battles are fought in

the heavens, and without prayer the

missionaries go unprotected and are more

exposed. Prayer is vital. John Wesley says

that “Every new victory which a soul

gains is the effect of a new prayer...”

This year’s Mission Trips include the:

• Companion diocese work in Costa Rica

• Amistad mission in Bolivia

• Faith in Practice medical mission

in Guatemala

• Water wells in Honduras

We want all of our trip participants to be

covered in prayer, especially while they

are in the mission field. Our goal is to

have a minimum of three pray-ers for

every one go-er. Our “stretch” goal is to

have 12 pray-ers for each go-er.

Prayer partners are asked to commit to:

1. Pray for your assigned person before and during the mission trip.

2. Contact three others to join your “inner circle” or team.

3. Wear the bracelet you will be provided.

Even if you can only do the first

undertaking, you are still eligible and

encouraged to be a prayer partner.

Prayer is essential for successful mission

trips. Why? Hudson Taylor, a British

Christian missionary to China in the

1800s, said it best, “When we work,

we work. When we pray, God works.”

We cannot rely on the “natural” for

“super-natural” things. Mission trips are

kingdom building activities, which by

definition require the “super-natural.”

Parishioners are invited to join us and become a prayer partner by contacting Rachel Brownlie at 713-985-3811 or rbrownlie@stmartinsepiscopal.org.

14 T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6

S T . M A R T I N ’ S E P I S C O P A L P R E S C H O O L

GROWING IN GOD’S LOVE

We have had a stupendous year at

St. Martin’s Episcopal Preschool and are

currently in the midst of our summer camp

program themed, “Oh the Places You Will

Go.” This is an opportunity for children to

come to preschool with a relaxed vibe but

still be stimulated to learn and explore.

We look back at the school year with a

thankful heart. Fall and winter were

complete with many events, including a

book fair coupled with Grandparents and

Special Friends Day, followed by our pre-K

Christmas pageant. The new year began

with a Mardi Gras Parade and Go Texan

Day Dads’ Breakfast. No one will forget the

fabulous February gala held at the Omni

Hotel where gala chairs Jen McDonald,

Courtney Schilling and Aubrey Slye, along

with hosts of volunteers, treated us to a

fun-filled evening raising funds for the

school. We celebrated spring with a

Mother’s Day Tea, pre-K graduation

and an all-school picnic.

The school year of 2016 – 2017 will begin

August 15 with classroom visitation. We

will open our doors to children who have

never been in school, as well as veterans of

our program who will be part of our newly

developed Bridge Program. Our curriculum

goals will remain set with a focus on the

whole child that is divided into social/

emotional development, spiritual growth,

cognitive development and physical

development. Additionally, we will broaden

our focus on science using experiments,

gardening and cooking.

As my first full year as Head of School

comes to a close, I remain so thankful for

this special place of learning, support of

St. Martin’s Church, staff of 50 dedicated

professionals and 280 children who will

join us in the fall.

– Ellen Bass,

Head of School

T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 15

S T . M A R T I N ’ S A C T I V I T Y C E N T E R

Exercise classes, Tai Chi, low impact

aerobics, Jazzercise, supervised bridge play

or piano lessons – The Activity Center at

St. Martin’s has it all and more. The

Activity Center lives up to its name and

is a beehive of activity in this very busy

Parish. Did you know we have classes

after school for young children, classes for

adults, a weight room, and locker rooms

for men and women?

Our goal is to provide educational and

physical classes for adults and children in

a calm, relaxing atmosphere where people

can feel the presence of God while taking

a class or just sitting in our lobby. We are

blessed to be a sanctuary for our own

Parishioners and those who may not have

a church home. We want you to feel

blessed when you walk through our doors,

feel the power of the Holy Spirit calm you

and take you through the rest of your day.

Summer programs for adults include

bridge lessons, oil and acrylic painting,

an informative lecture series about past

presidential elections, Jazzercise, low

impact aerobics and Tai Chi. Activities

for children ages 4 and up range from hula

hoop dance, golf, basketball and soccer,

to chess, woodworking, science classes

and Spanish lessons.

For more information about the wide variety of programs offered at the Activity Center, visit stmartinsepiscopal.org/activity-center or call 713-621-8625.

OFFERING FUN SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR EVERYONE

Family Movie Night is back! There will be FREE food, great fun and amazing prizes. This event is perfect for all ages*.

Child care may be provided FREE for newborns – pre-K , only with advance reservations.For more information, or to make a child care reservation, please contact Bruce Morgan at

713-985-3810 or bmorgan@stmartinsepiscopal.org.*The movie is rated PG.

16 T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6

P A R I S H L I F E

Saturday, March 26 – The Episcopal Church Women of St. Martin’s hosted the popular Easter Family Festival that featured a reading of the Easter

story, petting zoo, crafts and face painting. Children filled their baskets quickly during the Easter egg hunt held outside The Island.

SAYING GOODBYE TO ROGER SWANSON DIRECTOR OF FOOD SERVICESSunday, June 12

After the 11:15 a.m. service

Bagby Parish Hall Celebrating his retirement after 16 years of delicious food and wonderful memories

No one could resist his tempting chicken tetrazzini,

Or put down a fork without finishing the delicious

grilled zucchini.

We will definitely miss his oven roasted potatoes,

But not without first taking home some

more broiled tomatoes.

St. Martin’s without him is a hard place to conceive,

It is his leadership and servant’s heart we

are sad to see leave.

T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 17

P A R I S H L I F E

Easter Day 2016Approximately 4,650 people were welcomed for our six Easter Sunday worship services held in The Church, Old Church and The

Island. During Holy Week and Palm Sunday, another 3,100 worshippers shared in Lenten observances that included daily worship

services, as well as Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services, and Holy Saturday baptism. A complimentary Easter breakfast

sponsored by current and past Vestry was served to more than 675 parishioners and guests.

18 T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6

P A R I S H L I F E

T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 19

BIRTHS

April 3 Henry Kellum Blackford,

Son of Kristin and Corbin

Blackford

April 18Olivia Mae Gotcher,

daughter of Leanne

and West Gotcher;

grand-daughter of Beth

and Bobby Reeves; and

great-granddaughter of

Bette and John Fryar

April 25Juliet Estelle Dwyer

and Willoughby Lusk

“Liam” Dwyer, daughter

and son of Elizabeth

and Alexander Dwyer;

granddaughter and

grandson of Mary and

Will Williams; and

great-granddaughter and

great-grandson of Evelyn

and Henry Luckett

April 26Anne Huntington Harper,

daughter of Allison and

Hunt Harper

April 27Fiona Williams Mitchell,

daughter of Stephanie

and Brad Mitchell

May 6Anne Michelle Roff,

daughter of Julia and

John Roff IV; and

granddaughter of Mary

Katharine and John

Roff III

BAPTISMS

April 2

Grace Margaret Miller

Robert Wilder Park

Robert Patrick Ryan

Minnie Cappel Sharpe

April 3Leighlyn Olivia Douglas

April 9Sterling Cheek Gardner

Russell George Kline

Benjamin Randolph

Madray

April 10James DeCamp Smith

April 16Adeline Kadriye Alcorn

April 17Willa Kathleen Henson

Margaret Eleanor Hogan

April 23Victoria Miller Collie

Allison Braley Cook

April 30John Gage Dunn

Leigh Carter Savoie

Giavonna Tombrella

Smith

May 7Kurt Charles Kayem

Philip Haden Kayem

May 14Shelby Rose Lehmann

Elesha Jan Lemus

Michael Bodden Owen

Elizabeth Victoria Ruffin

NEW MEMBERS

Steve Ball

Rachel BarGiel

Katie Brown

Tyler Brown

Elizabeth Brownfield

Carole Bullock

Don Bullock

Jo Devine

Brandon Gianfala

Anne Hawkins

Lauren Lindsay

Grace Lindsay

Joanne Malinak

Bob Malinak

Judy McCloud

Simon McCloud, Jr.

Sophie Miller

Todd Patin

Greg Shakespeare

Laura Sharp

Jason Sharp

Matt Stephens

Cecilia Umoren

WEDDINGS

April 2Rachel Elizabeth Doherty and Marc Alfredo Aiello

April 23Elizabeth Ashley Schlotzhauer and Frederick Richard Putnam II

April 30Sara Katharine Kimbrough and John Andrew Scudday May 14Paige Elizabeth Benefield and Lexington McGregor May

SYMPATHY

March 30Lindsey Vance Gunter

April 2 Jacqueline Hammett Gaylord Anderson

April 7 Robert Glen Berry

April 11Stephanie Ebert Adams

April 20Cynthia de Bottari Colt

May 2 Eleanor Thomas Curtis

May 9 Belen Wagner Schall

P A R I S H L I F E

Sunday, May 1 – Congratulations to the class of 2016! Twenty

graduating seniors and their families and friends gathered in Bagby

Parish Hall to celebrate this milestone during Senior Sunday.

St. Martin’s extends best wishes to these accomplished young

women and men as they leave to pursue new goals.

ST. MARTIN’S BOOKSTORE & GIFT SHOPPESt. Martin’s Bookstore & Gift Shoppe

offers many unique and lovely gifts

along with Bibles and inspirational

books, including Seymour Reaches the

Sky by St. Martin’s parishioner Elaine

O’Rourke. Major credit cards, cash

and checks are accepted, and gift

certificates are available. The Bookstore & Gift Shoppe is open Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and Sunday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

20 T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6

MENTAL ILLNESS Q & A With Dr. Matthew Stanford, Chief Executive Officer, Hope and Healing Center & Institute

Thursday, June 16

Noon – 1 p.m.

Dr. Stanford will offer caregivers and family members of individuals living with serious mental illness the opportunity to ask honest questions in a supportive environment, equip you to better interact with and care for mentally ill loved ones, and learn how to navigate the mental health care system. Join us on the third Thursday of every month. No reservations are required. Bring your lunch; we will provide drinks.

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

COPING WITH CANCER: FOUR DIMENSIONS OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE With the Rev. Dr. Thomas M. (Tommy) Thompson, Senior Minister, Bethany Christian Church and former Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, CanCare, Inc.

Tuesday, June 7

Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Cancer is not just a physical disease. It impacts the life of the whole person and affects all of our relationships. We will explore the four dimensions of the human experience, impact a cancer diagnosis can have for both patient and family in these dimensions, and coping skills that help us learn to live with and beyond cancer.

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

otherwise noted. Reservations are requested. Activities are held

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

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

For information or to register, call 713-871-1004 or visit

hopeandhealingcenter.org.

ABOUT THE HOPE AND HEALING CENTER & INSTITUTE MissionTransforming Lives, Restoring Hope

Who We AreThe Hope and Healing Center (HHC) is a comprehensive mental health resource dedicated to transforming lives and restoring hope through education, training and supportive services.

What We DoEvery week, the Center offers educational seminars and programs to inform the community on issues related to mental health and wellness. These include our popular Lunch and Learn series, a monthly

Mental Illness Q&A, as well as more formal presentations by leading experts and professionals. Some areas we focus on include: Substance Use Disorder, aging, adoption/foster-care, serious mental illness, anxiety, end of life and special needs parenting. Support groups for individuals and families struggling with mental health problems and addiction are offered during the day and in the evening at the Center. Mental Health Coaches are available daily to offer personal guidance and support to individuals and families seeking answers and care. The Center also offers continuing education training for mental health and medical professionals in the community. Services offered at the Center are free or low cost and available to everyone.

AFTER A SUICIDE: THE GRIEF PROCESS With Marjorie A. Kosoy, EdD, Co-founder and Co-director of Red Bird Center, and Sheryl Levin, MEd, LPC, Co-founder and Co-director of Red Bird Center

Wednesday, June 15

Noon – 1:30 p.m.

This presentation will concentrate on the grief process following the suicide of a loved one. Survivors struggle with complex emotions because of the shock and trauma of suicide. We will explore the many variables that contribute to this complicated grief process.

T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 21

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

Chaired by Anna and Scott McLean, the

5th Annual Chrysalis Luncheon was

another success with 360 supporters in

attendance. Mary and George Parnham

served as Honorary Chairs and the

invocation was provided by Rev. Dr. Jim

Jackson, Jr. Dr. Matthew Stanford, Chief

Executive Officer, Hope and Healing

Center & Institute, made opening remarks

and introduced this year’s featured speaker

and Chrysalis Award winner Amy Simpson.

Simpson’s writing for Christian ministry

includes two books, Anxious: Choosing

Faith in a World of Worry and the award-

winning Troubled Minds: Mental Illness and

the Church’s Mission, as well as published

articles in publications such as Christianity

Today, Today’s Christian Woman, Relevant

5TH ANNUAL CHRYSALIS LUNCHEON

and numerous others. She is a former

publishing executive who served as senior

editor of Leadership Journal, and has a

unique career path through the editorial

and business sides of publishing in both

for-profit and non-profit organizations.

As a coach, Amy is trained and certified

through The Coaches Training Institute,

the industry’s most rigorous and highly

respected training program.

Anna and Scott McLean made the

luncheon closing remarks and were

followed by the benediction given by

the Rev. R-J Heijmen.

Tuesday, April 26 – The Rev. R-J Heijmen, Julie Stanford, Dr. Matthew Stanford, Amy Simpson, Mary Moore, George Parnham, Anna McLean,

Scott McLean and Rev. Dr. Jim Jackson, Jr. at the 5th Annual Chrysalis Luncheon.

22 T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6

G I V I N G

Dear Parishioners,

Legacy of Faith Partners is growing. More than 200 of you have decided to make

the Church one of the beneficiaries of your estate. Once you let St. Martin’s

know of your intention, you automatically become a member of Legacy of Faith

Partners. You may think estate planning is something for the well-to-do. Not at all.

It’s really about protecting what you’ve gathered and saved all your life so that your

family and your church will be remembered when you die.

The Book of Common Prayer reminds us that it is our duty as Christians to have

a will, to provide for the well being of our families, our Church and other

charitable organizations. Take the opportunity to plan your legacy. Plan for

causes dear to your heart. Become a member of St. Martin’s Legacy of Faith Partners.

Because of the many bequests and outright gifts that the Saint Martin’s Endowment has received, the fund is growing.

Donations to the Endowment during 2015 totaled $169,061. I am pleased to report that Saint Martin’s Endowment

is making generous annual contributions to the Church’s inreach and outreach programs with $189,070

distributed in 2015.

Prayerfully,

Scott Anderson

President of Saint Martin’s Endowment

For more information about Saint Martin’s Endowment, pick up this brochure from one of the Church information display racks or visit stmartinsepiscopal.org/legacy-of-faith.

T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 23

A gift to the Saint Martin’s Endowment is a wonderful way to remember or honor your loved ones. The funds of the Endowment may be

designated as you wish, strictly for special needs within St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, or for needs of those outside St. Martin’s. Giving

gifts to the Endowment in memory of loved ones who have died, in honor of someone, or for any other reason, are excellent ways to

ensure that the heritage of St. Martin’s will continue. Those honored and the families of those remembered will be notified of your gift.

Checks may be sent to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056, with an enclosed note indicating the names of

those being honored or remembered. Please include your name, address, telephone number and information on others to be notified.

For more information, contact Lynda Eyberse at 713-985-3833 or leyberse@stmartinsepiscopal.org.

G I V I N G

To the Endowment Fund In Memory of:

Jacqueline Hammett Anderson

by Cordelia Cummings

Betty and Paul DeVerter II

Betty Hillman

by Mary Clausen

Elizabeth Walter

Carole Walter Looke

Marcia Lee Key

by Sally and Robert Bussian

Dennie and Jim Hodge

Mary Bacon

Thomas Anthony Rovello

Garrett Stuart Livingston, Jr.

Jeaneane B. Duncan

Preston Moore, Jr.

Lunetta Eva Erwin

Joanne Prescott Baker

Senya Lemus

Richard Gordon Cooksey

Frederick Louis Landry

Ellen Olsen Briggs

Fred M. Schall, Jr.

Roy M. Horlock

Trent Newton Cox

Betty Tutwiler

Ruth Brouse Bauer

Robert E. Beamon

Scott Taylor Burge

Sherma Lee McGillicuddy

Diane M. Whitaker

Jacqueline Hammett Anderson

Marcia Lee Key

Lindsey V. Gunter

Robert G. Berry

Stephanie Ebert Adams

by Laura and Russ Levenson, Jr.

To the Endowment-Outreach Fund In Memory of: Sandra Settegast Thompson Mewhinney

by Jody and Jack Evans II

To the Hope and Healing Center Fund In Memory of: Stephanie Ebert Adams

by Clinton F. Morse

To the Cloister Garden Fund In Memory of: Robert E. Beamon

Jacqueline Hammett Anderson

by Cherry and John Schwarz

To the Music Ministry Fund In Memory of: Dorothy Diers Cregor

by Sally, Olin and George Lancaster

Theresa and Mark Kosmoski

Roy Anne and Don Beckham

To Saintly Stitchers for a Kneeler In Memory of: President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan

by President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush

Their parents

by Mr. and Mrs. Harry Keir

Her sisters who raised her

by Clementine McIver

Her husband Thomas N. Rovello

by Susan Rovello

Her husband David E. Allan

by Mary Margaret Allan

To Saintly Stitchers for a Kneeler

In Thanksgiving for: Her son, Charles B. Sims, and friend,

Christian S. Tsang

by Sara Sims

Her family

by Andrea Margaret Schroeder

Her parents and their family

by Ann K. Stoeber

For her family

by Susan Peterson

Remembering and Honoring Loved Ones and Friends

24 T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6

G I V I N G

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

contact Barbara Piana, Worship Services Coordinator, at 713-830-4116 or bpiana@stmartinsepiscopal.org. Floral gifts also may be given to

the Garden of the Holy Cross flower fund in memory or in honor of a loved one.

April 3

The Church

On the occasion of their marriage by Rachel Elizabeth Doherty and Marc Alfredo Aiello

Old Church

In thanksgiving for the baptism of Ryker Corbitt Nixon by Danielle and Corbitt Nixon

The Chapel

In thanksgiving for the baptism of Leighlyn Olivia Douglas by Nancy W. Douglas

In thanksgiving for the baptism of Luke David Lyman by grandparents Sande and Dwight Lyman

In thanksgiving for the baptism of Grace Margaret by Megan and Steven Miller

In thanksgiving for the baptism of Robert Wilder Park by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wade Park

In thanksgiving for the baptism of Minnie Cappel Sharpe by Francis and Wynne Sharpe In thanksgiving for the baptism of Carson Wedbush by the family of Carson Wedbush

April 10

The Chapel

In thanksgiving for the baptism of Sterling Cheek Gardner by Hila and Rob Gardner In thanksgiving for the baptism of Russell George Kline by Lydia and Will Kline In thanksgiving for the baptism of Benjamin Randolph Madray by Elise and T. Madray

T H E S TA R I S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 25

April 17

The Chapel

In thanksgiving for the baptism of Adeline Kadriye Alcorn by Kadriye and Avery Alcorn

In thanksgiving for the baptism of Margaret Eleanor Hogan by Margot and Brett Hogan April 24

The Church

On the occasion of their marriage by Elizabeth Ashley Schlotzhauer and Frederick Richard Putnam II

The Chapel

In thanksgiving for the baptism of Victoria Miller Collie by Natasha and Ted Collie

May 1

The Church

On the occasion of their marriage by Sara Katharine Kimbrough and John Andrew Scudday

In thanksgiving for the baptism of Leigh Savoie by Amanda and Ryan Savoie

In memory of Jo Claire Gissel by her loving family

In memory of Larry Sikes by his loving family

The Narthex

In memory of Brenda Beathard on the anniversary of her birthday by Betty and Gerald Beathard

The Chapel

In thanksgiving for the baptism of John Gage Dunn by Kaylan and John Dunn

In thanksgiving for the baptism of Giavonna Tombrella Smith by Gina Tombrella and Brett Smith

May 8

The Church

In memory of Susan Ray Mayfield by Ellen and Will Ohmstede, and Joanie and Jude Filippone

The Chapel

In thanksgiving for the baptisms of Kurt Kayem and Philip Kayem by Carol and Curtis Kayem

May 15

The Church

On the occasion of their marriage by Paige Elizabeth Benefield and Lexington McGregor May In thanksgiving for our recent marriage by Jan and George Pilko

The Chapel

In thanksgiving for the baptism of Elesha Jan Lemus by Laura and Robert Lemus

In thanksgiving for the baptism of Michael B. Owen by Brittany and Richard Owen

In memory of Rosa Hernandez and Ruth Lehmann by Lauren Ruth and Shelby Rose Lehmann

Volume 22, Issue 6, Summer 2016

© 2016 St. Martin’s Episcopal Church

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

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

PERIODICALSPOSTAGE

PAIDHOUSTON, TX

PERMIT NO. 013-054717 Sage RoadHouston, TX 77056

WORSHIP SERVICES

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

Facebook.com/StMartinsEpiscopalHouston

SUNDAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Audio copies of Sunday sermons also are available through the Bookstore & Gift Shoppe for just $4.

WEDNESDAY

7:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Chapel

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

6:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Chapel

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