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

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

2017

The Outpost

Catch us on Facebook Grace Episcopal Church Alvin

In this Edition

Birthdays & Anniversaries Page 2

Rector’s Article Page 3

Programs and Offerings Page 4

Calendar Page 6

Parish Prayer List Page 7

EASTER IS COMING!

EASTER is the first principle feast day of the Christian faith. It is because of Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ that we are a people called after his name. Without the resurrection, there would be no Christian faith. It is very popular for many people to show up at church on Easter. There is the egg hunt, and usually a meal of sorts, great music, fellowship and much to do with Alleluias! What we often forget is that in order to get to Easter morning, we have to go through The Last Supper, Good Friday and Holy Saturday to get there. Without the crucifixion and death of Jesus - there would be no Easter. When the book, The Shack came out a number of years ago, I did not want to read it. So many people told me about it, and gave me copies. I knew what it was about and I didn't want to go through the ini-tial pain inherent in this story. But out of the ashes, out of the death, and out of the pain comes healing and life itself. It's the same thing with Easter - often we don't want to go through the remembrance of that tragic trial and death. It's long, its complicated, and its depressing. But what we find in the midst of the story is the incredible love that Jesus has for us that even while we were still sinners, he dared to die for us so that we might be adopted into the family and find eternal life with him. It is a powerful and healing story, and we need to honor and remember it because without it, we would not have the glory of the resurrection and Easter Sunday. Wishing each of you a Holy Week and Glorious Easter

EASTER SUNDAY

BREAKFAST & EGG HUNT

First, we need your help getting ready. On Sunday, April 9th. at 9:00am, bring one dozen empty plastic Easter eggs, some stuffing’s, such as individually wrapped candy, stickers, small toys, and a simple breakfast dish to share. We will stuff eggs, share breakfast, and enjoy each other’s company while we prepare for our annual egg hunt and breakfast at 10:00am on Easter Sunday, April 16th.

Holy Week and Easter

Palm Sunday – April 9 – 8:00 and 10:30 A.M. Maundy Thursday – April 13 – 7:00 P.M. Good Friday – April 14 – Noon and 7:00 P.M. Note: No Easter Vigil this year on Holy Saturday. Easter Day – April 16 – 8:00 and 10:30 A.M.

Ministries

Altar Guild Director:

Janice Bell jsbell_7@hotmail.com

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

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

Janice Bell, jsbell_7@hotmail.com

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

Jo Nell Parker jnparkerkw@hotmail.com

Mission & Outreach Council

Spiritual Formation Council Sandra Green, jjr8647@sbcgolbal.net

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

vrennis@att.net

Vestry:

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

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

Income $ 21,614.39

Expenses 29,230.22

Gain (Loss) ($ 7,615.83)

Ruby & Bob Adams 2

Chris & Mark Patterson 12

Nan & Sam Doerr 27

Mary & Randy Smith 29

Cora & Tracy Mitchell 30

The Office:

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

The Staff

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

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

1 Thomas Denson

3 Catherine Andrade

3 Helen Wreyford

4 Will Mathis

4 Lionel Ortiz

11 Micah Schneider

14 Janay Andrade

14 Glennie Hefner

16 Brandon Weaver

19 Brittin Oliver

20 Bob Evans

28 Joan Rossano

30 Janice Bell

Ha ppy Birthday

Grace Episcopal Church

One God One Family One Table

Vision

Grace Episcopal Church seeks to deepen relationships with God, bring

individuals together into a family that builds up one another in love and support, and actively serve our

neighbors and community. Mission

In this family of faith God brings together individuals in all stages of

their spiritual life to form an inclusive family. As a family, we encourage

growth in relationships with God, others, ourselves, and the creation, in that we:

Practice invitation to God’s table,

Welcome and incorporate those who come,

Work together to worship the Lord in powerful liturgy,

Challenge, encourage and teach one another, and

Build one another up for ministry in and beyond the church.

Our Numbers:

As of February 28th.

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Vestry Volitions

A Special Meeting was held on March 20th. to discuss the results of the Holy Cow Survey. The Regular Vestry Meeting was held on March 27th. Discussion topics were not available at press time.

From The Rector… I love books. Right now I'm reading four books. Yes, all at one time. I had gotten away from daily devotionals and now I have three. (My fourth book is a mystery novel.) I have a number of devotionals at home that I have used in the past, but these three are all new. My reading from Jesus Always today was especially pertinent. It talked about looking to Jesus when you feel inadequate, and as I faced the blank sheet of paper to write this article, I had not a clue what to write. So as I read my various devotionals, I was looking for inspiration. I find that connecting with Jesus at the start of each day helps me handle the varied situations that arise during the day. I'll be the first to admit, I'm not perfect and I don't always do what I should; but there is a degree of confidence that comes from being in tune with Jesus. Some of the conversations I've had this week, I'm sure, have been a direct result of listening as promoted by the "Living Well through Lent" book that most of us have been reading since Ash Wednesday. That book will end soon, but our daily connection with the risen Lord should continue on. You could begin a new devotional book, or use the Book of Common Prayer to begin a regular time of reading the daily office, or follow the lectionary readings. Using the Forward Day by Day, found in the Narthex, is also an excellent way to connect with The Divine. My newest book is one I picked up just this week called The Book of Mysteries by Jonathan Cahn. I found it in the fiction section at Mardel's, but in actuality it is a daily devotional couched as a novel. Rather than having the date at the top of each page, it simply says, Day 1, Day 2, etc. Jonathan Cahn is a Messianic Rabbi - in other words, a Jewish Christian leader - and in the tradition of Paul, he leads a community made up of both Jews and Gentiles. On Day 2, Chan tackles the name of God, YHWH. (There are no vows in the Hebrew language.) We learn, through Moses, that the name means I AM. Although accord-ing to Hebrew tradition, this name is never to be pronounced, we always use the name of God when we talk about ourselves. We include God when we say things like: 'I am' happy. 'I am' sad. 'I am' going to the movies. Even when you introduce yourself, you preface your name with that of God: I am (Name). Chan tells us that our existence flows out of God's existence, "therefore you must put Him first and then let everything flow from that."

Glory in God,

Mother Nan +

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GUILD NEWS

We began the year with Happy New Year gift certificates to Paul and Danny, a $200 contribution to Nan’s discretionary fund, and we covered the cost of oil for the Altar Guild’s candles - $500. This month we began working the city’s Depot Days again. On the 3rd Saturday of every month, we plan to work displaying our beautiful quilt and selling raffle tickets. Opal’s quilt is especially beautiful this year (I’m seriously hoping to win), but it is still a rather hard sale since the raffle drawing is not until Dec. Oh, well…worth the effort and easier with every passing month. This month, in addition to raffle tickets, we also had prayer beads to sell. Mother Nan taught us to make the lovely beads at our last meeting. She taught everyone but me. I was busy with another of our endeavors: we are gathering small, gently used books for distribution in the waiting rooms at Stephen F. Austin Community Health Network offices, and I was stamping the books with our GRACE GUILD stamp. The offices serve primarily the un- and the under- insured and many of those entering are kids who are sick, who are getting preventive care, or who are just accompanying mom. The Guild believes, like so many others, that kids should have books in their home, so the Stephen F. Austin kids will be encouraged to take books home and we will replace them. If you have small, gently used kids’ books you’d like to contribute, please bring to church and give to any Guild member. Thanks! Vicki.

SAFEGUARDING GOD’S PEOPLE

SUNDAY, APRIL 2 @ Noon

Grace Church will be holding a Safeguarding God's People Class on Sunday, April 2 @ noon. This safety course is required by the diocese for anyone in church leadership, but especially Vestry and ministry leaders. Prior to attending this class, there is an application, background check, and reference check process. If you want to attend this training or have any questions, contact Donna Tate @ donna.s.tate@att.net. There will be a similar course for those who work with the children of Grace on Sunday, July 9. More information will be shared about these events over the next

couple of months.

FROM THE SR. WARDEN The vestry met on Monday, March 20, with The Rev. Francene Young and took a conference call from the Holy Cow! Consulting Company for the interpretation of our survey results. We are still working through what it means for us and for the next steps in the search process. Watch this space for more details about getting together soon as a parish to talk about where we are on our journey to a new rector. Please continue to pray for Grace Church, your vestry, and God’s plan for our next rector. Next, we need to conduct our Rector Profile Survey. This survey will help the Vestry focus on the characteristics that will be important for our next rector to have. We are working to get an online version up and available. Hard copies will be available on Sundays, and in the church office. You can drop them off into the labeled basket in the narthex or to the church office by April 23rd. For more information, contact Donna Tate, at 832.385.6166.

STATIONS IN THE PARK

SATURDAY, APRIL 15TH.

We will be gathering at National Oak Park on April 15th at 11:00am for a simple, family-friendly, Stations of the Cross service. Bring a sack lunch or picnic for you and your family and join us. Grace will provide a cooler of water. Let’s start a new tradition together.

FIFTH SUNDAY COMBINED

SERVICE, APRIL 30TH.

Mark your calendars for our 5th Sunday combined service and brunch. Worship will begin at 9:30am with a pot luck brunch to follow.

Grace Church Sunday School

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

Adult Classes Sundays 9:15 –10:15am Lectionary Class– A discussion of the weekly lessons. Coffee Discussions—A kind of “Sharing Class.” Tuesdays 11:00am to 12:30pm Rector’s Bible Study in the Admin Bldg. Conference Room Topic of Study: Ephesians Sunday: 9:15am Confirmation Classes 6 Classes Beginning March 5th. Admin Bldg. Conference Room

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THE BISHOP IS COMING!

THE BISHOP IS COMING!

And that means…it’s time to party! Why? For Episcopalians, a Bishop's visit is an event of celebration. In the Anglican/Episcopal tradition a bish-op is not just the “CEO” of a geographic association of Episcopal Church. Rather, the bishop of a diocese is a symbol; a symbol that while we are many and diverse, we are all part of the same body of Christ. Just a reminder that we have Bishop Duncan (visiting bishop retired from the Diocese of Central Gulf Coast) coming for a visit on Saturday, May 6. It will be an evening service and we would really like to have everyone there to welcome him to Grace Church, Alvin. Confirmation will be followed by a reception honoring both the confirmands and the bishop.

CONFIRMATION CLASSES During Bishop Duncan’s visit we will have confirmations and receptions for those wishing to become full members of the church. Confirmation classes are on-going. The classes meet at 9:15am in the Admin Building conference room. In these classes we will learn what it means to be a Christian, and those special things that make us Episcopalians.

We are conducting our Rector Profile Survey. This survey will help the Vestry focus

Prayer and Meditation

Wednesdays @ 6:00pm

Prayer and Meditation is on hiatus during Lent. We encourage you to attend the Wednesday Evening Lenten Programs and Suppers during Lent. Prayer and Meditation will resume April 26th.

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 Holy Eucharist (I) 8:00am Christian Education Programs Confirmation Class Holy Eucharist (II) 10:30am

3

4 BSA Troop 400—7:00pm ALANON—7:30pm

5 Last Lenten Supper, 1st. Presbyterian Church, 6:30pm Choir Practice, 7:00pm

6 7 Stations of the Cross, 7:00pm

8

9 PALM SUNDAY Holy Eucharist (I) 8:00am Egg Hunt Prep 9:00am Christian Education Programs Confirmation Class Holy Eucharist (II) 10:30am

10

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

12 Cubs, 6:30pm Choir Practice, 7:00pm

13 MAUNDY THURSDAY Holy Eucharist, 7:00pm

14 GOOD FRIDAY Good Friday Liturgy, Noon Good Friday Liturgy, 7:00pm

15 HOLY SATURDAY Stations in the Park, 11:00am

16 EASTER Holy Eucharist (I) 8:00am Breakfast & Egg Hunt 10:00am Christian Education Programs Holy Eucharist (II) 10:30am

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

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

19 Cubs, 6:30pm Choir Practice, 7:00pm

20 Grace Guild, 10:00am

21

22

23 Holy Eucharist (I) 8:00am Christian Education Programs Confirmation Class Holy Eucharist (II) 10:30am

24

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

26 Prayer & Meditation, 6:00 pm Cubs, 6:30pm Choir Practice, 7:00pm

27

28

29

30 Christian Education Programs Combined Holy Eucharist 9:30am Pot Luck Brunch, 10:45am

Let us pray

for the Church

and for the world.

Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your name may be united in your truth, live together in your love and reveal your glory to the world.

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

Guide the people of this land, and all of the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good.

Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours and grant that we may serve Christ in them and love one another a he loves us.

Our Administrator, Altar Guild, Bible Studies, Children’s Ministries, Christian Education, Cursillo, Community Outreach, Daughters of the King, Family Promise, Grace Guild, KAIROS Prison Ministry, Lay Ministers, Music Ministry, Senior Saints, Youth Ministry, Vestry, and all others serving you.

Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation…

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

Our college students in their journey.

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

Protect and guide all who serve in the military.

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

Our expectant mothers:

Our newborns:

Faithful Departed: We commend to your mercy O Lord, your servant Louis Armstrong, that your will for him may be fulfilled; and we pray that he may rest with all your saints in your eternal kingdom.

Guide and protect our First Responders.

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

Matthew 21:22

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200 W. Lang St. Mail & Office @ 112 W. Lang St. Alvin, TX 77511-2396

Services

Sunday Worship 8a.m. Rite I

9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Rite II

Morning Prayer

7a.m. Sunday 8:30 a.m. Mon-Sat.

Evening Prayer*

6pm Daily *Prayer & Meditation, Wednesdays

Upcoming Features of Parish Life

Stations of the Cross, Fridays in Lent, 7:00PM

Birthday Cake Sunday, April 2, 9:00AM

Lenten Program,1st Presby. April 5, 6:30PM

Egg Hunt Prep & Breakfast, April 9, 9:00AM

Stations in the Park, April 15, 11:00AM

Easter Breakfast & Egg Hunt, April 16, 10:00AM

Vestry Meeting, April 17, 7:00PM

Grace Guild, April 20, 11:00AM

Combined Service & Brunch, April 30, 9:30AM

Member of

Episcopal Diocese of Texas, epicenter.org

National Episcopal Church, episcopalchurch.org

Worldwide Anglican Communion, anglicancommunion.org

Alvin-Manvel Ministerial Alliance, ministerialalliance.net

One God - One Family - One Table