NOVEMBER 2016 THE STAR
St. Martin’s Day Veterans Day Observance
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church 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.
THE STAR The Star is an official publication of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.
Our Mission Phone Numbers To bring by the power of the Holy Spirit as many people Office...... 713-621-3040 as possible to know, love, and serve God as revealed through Jesus Christ; and to be transformed into Fax...... 713-622-5701 spiritually renewed disciples of Jesus who know, love Activity Center...... 713-621-8625 and serve one another and the world. Café St. Martin’s...... 713-985-3847 Deadline for Announcements The deadline to submit information for The Star is two Event Reservations...... 713-985-3844 months before publication on the 10th of the month. Library ...... 713-830-4118 Church Offices Prayer Requests...... 713-830-4124 717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056 Preschool...... 713-621-2944 Office Hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Hope and Healing Center & Institute...... 713-871-1004 (Individual department hours vary.) The Island/Student Ministries...... 713-871-1004 Postmaster Tours...... 713-830-4117 Send address changes to Visitor Information...... 713-830-4126 St. Martin’s Episcopal Church 717 Sage Road Additional phone numbers and email addresses are at: Houston, TX 77056-2199 stmartinsepiscopal.org > About St. Martin’s > The Staff
ON THE COVER
St. Martin’s Altarpiece – The carving of St. Martin from the altarpiece in the Patron’s Chapel was created in the late fifteenth century. This beautiful, winged triptych of polychromed sculptures clothed in costumes typical of the time when the piece was created is believed to be from the historic state of Tyrol, a region in what is now northern Italy and western Austria. The altarpiece and the Patron’s Chapel where it is located were blessed by The Most Rev. and Rt. Honorable Dr. George L. Carey, 103rd Archbishop of Canterbury, on January 5, 2008. Contents
NOVEMBER 2016
02 From the Rector
05 From the Clergy
06 Worship, Sunday School and Fellowship for Adults
11 Programs for All Adults
12 Programs for Women 07 I CELEBRATING ST. MARTIN’S DAY Join us as we celebrate the more than 60 years of our existence as a 13 Programs for Men Parish and give thanks for God’s many blessings to our Church family. 14 Student Ministries
15 Children’s Ministry
16 Outreach and Missions
19 Parish Life
23 Hope and Healing Center & Institute
24 Giving 08 I OBSERVING VETERANS DAY St. Martin’s continues a time-honored tradition of recognizing the men and women of our armed forces during a special service with guest speakers and patriotic music.
10 I MARKING THE DAY OF HOPE Parishioners are invited to record their hopes and dreams and place them in our special “Hope Chest” that has a permanent home in the Rector’s office.
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Fall brings us lots of gifts – cooler air, football games, family get-togethers, Halloween (if you are a fan – and I am!), Thanksgiving. But it also gives us one of the Church’s great Feast Days – All Saints Day (the morning after Halloween!) on November 1. Well it is November once again, and let’s ponder what it means to be a saint.
hen I say “saint,” you breaking them, being refined again and And that is, we are told in the story, exactly may immediately think again by God’s hand – when the Hebrews what happened – the sun rises, they break of someone of great are about to make a journey from desert camp, they go down to the water’s edge... character and morality into promised land. Moses is dead, leaving and the priests hoist the ark (the visible W– perhaps Mary, Jesus’ mother, or Saint them in Joshua’s charge – and yet, they sign of God’s presence in their midst), they John or Saint Peter, perhaps Mother Teresa, hit a snag – a big one. walk to the water’s edge – and nothing who – by the Roman Catholic’s process, They come to the edge of the Jordan River happens – nothing at all – UNTIL...they evidently just was officially named a Saint – and not a trickling Jordan – a Jordan at step out and place their foot into the water of the Roman Church in September. When flood stage. They are going to have to go – and at that moment, the water stops, the you and I think of “saint” in that way, through the waters again. But this time Hebrews leave the past, and step – literally, we are attributing their sainthood not to God will not do it alone; this time they into the future. They come into the something God did, but something the are called upon to do their part. promised land because they followed; “individual” did. Mary bore the Son of God...John wrote one of the Gospels...Peter was crucified upside down...Mother Teresa started an orphanage and home for the poor. These are the ones we typically think of as saints.
But what does it really take to achieve sainthood? Can it even be achieved at all? Or is it something God brings about in our lives? You see the difference? The focus is not on what the individual does, but on what God does – not saints that the Church Joshua gathers the people and tells them but in the end, they chose to step out in or you or I choose – but the “saints of God’s the next morning they are to put their faith. It’s not what they did that enabled choosing.” And who are those saints? eyes on the Levite priests who will lift the them to come into their new home; it was There’s a great scene in the third chapter of ark and carry it down to the edge of the their belief in God – their faith that made Joshua. I bid you to read through it on your Jordan...and then he says, “This is how them put one foot in front of another. own, verses 7 to 17. It’s about the Hebrew you will know that the living God is among I want to suggest to you that being a saint people passing through water – it is not the you...as soon as the priests who carry the means placing your faith not in what you first time; that was on the banks of the Red ark of the Lord set foot in the Jordan, its do or what you believe about yourself, but Sea. This scene is about 40 years later – after waters flowing downstream will be cut off, in what God does and what God believes and stand in a heap...” (verse 13). wandering in the wilderness, making laws, about you. We too often undercut the
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grace of God because we have this tendency sainthood is a desire for it. The first of the in faith for fear of getting it wrong. God’s to always want to hedge our bets when it Beatitudes is “Blessed are the poor in response to that is, “I believe in you...now comes to our relationship with God. We say Spirit,” which is another way of saying, go do what I created you to do...go be who God loves us as we are; we say we know we “Blessed are those who know their need of I created you to be!” are saved by grace through faith; but do God.” That’s the essential step – faith, not Now, if we buy into that, I want to we believe it? works; belief in God, not belief in what suggest to you that there are two practical you can do or can’t do. As my mentor John We have a tendency to treat God like an outcomes of this understanding of God. Claypool used to say, “The first step in EZ-pass. When I first came to Houston, The first is that you will actually begin to being a saint is wanting to be one.” I did not really understand EZ-pass. I do “saintly” things; you will actually begin thought there was some flat fee you paid, Again, back to the lesson...it was just the to take steps of faith in ways that bless the and then, for the month ahead, you got to small step of faith that stopped those lives of others. Not because you are trying go through the various tolls around town Jordan waters and birthed a nation. All the to get a divine nod from God, but because without paying another dime. But nope, priests had to do was take that first step... you already have. as you know, it does not work that way... just touch the water with their feet. God C.S. Lewis helps us a bit here when he you get an EZ-pass; but it only lets you pass was going to do His part – He knew they writes, “That is why the Christian is in a through a little quicker (unless you are on could do it; but they would not believe it different position from other people who Beltway 8 trying to catch your flight out until they stepped out in faith. are trying to be good. They hope, by being of Bush Airport!). So while we might have A lot of us have trouble taking that first good, to please God...But the Christian hoped that sticker on the windshield would step into the waters of sainthood because thinks any good he (or she) has done give us a bye – we soon realize we still we think, deep down, God’s going to jerk comes from the Christ-life in Him. He have to pay the toll. the rug out from under us. Some of us grew does not think God will love us because Some of us are hindered from being who up with someone who loved us not because we are good, but that God will make us God calls us to be because we believe, deep of who we were – his or her precious son or good because he loves us; just as the roof down, that faith is not enough – there is daughter – but because we colored within of a greenhouse does not attract the sun still some fee we have to pay, something their well-defined lines, keeping us from because it is bright, but becomes bright we have to do, something we have to stop becoming who we should be, trumping because the sun shines on it.” 1 doing – and then, maybe then, when I get the joy of being a child with the burden In what way, today, are you being asked to it all right, then maybe I get a pass; then, of being a slave. step into the water and see what God will maybe, I’ll even be a saint. Sadly, when that happens, we sometimes do through you? Perhaps you are feeling But All Saints Day is a reminder that the exhibit what therapists called “transference,” tension in a relationship with a friend, and essential element in being a saint, the – we transfer our experience with our need to pick up the phone and talk. Maybe EZ-pass if you will, is not the cross you bear, earthly parents to our heavenly Parent; and there’s a coworker you distrust, but could but the Cross of Christ. The birthplace of we are stifled – we do not want to step out C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: HarperOne, 1980), p. 63.
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get to know better over coffee. It could be who know and walk with and love the deserve punishment; and that only saints that your neighborhood is full of isolated One who leads. who have outdone us all deserve the spoils and lonely people and God is leading you of heaven. Some of you know, since in the Middle to reach out to them. Ages, doors of Churches were painted But in God’s kingdom, everything is turned On a more personal level, maybe it is time bright red. If you were being sought after upside down. Thankfully, God’s love flows to see what life is like without the burden deeper and wider than we can imagine. So of addiction. Maybe it is time to let loose of < does his mercy. God is still our sanctuary. a destructive or abusive relationship. Maybe Whatever sin we commit, however many it is time to quit making excuses for not Just put one foot times we fail, He forgives us. God waits in praying, or not resting, or not laughing, the night of our souls, swinging open his or not crying, or not being more loving to into the water. broad door of grace and when we step out the one or ones God has given you; or not in faith...just that one step...through the doing a lot of the things God gave you “You don’t have Door named Jesus, He accepts us however the means to do. we arrive...and at that moment, we are
His saint. Just put one foot into the water. I like what to see the whole Martin Luther King said, “You don’t have staircase, just take As that old hymn goes, “I sing a song of to see the whole staircase, just take the the saints of God....who were patient and first step.” You don’t have to see where the first step.” brave and true...who toiled and fought and the journey will end, just let it begin. lived and died, for the Lord they loved
and knew...” So, the first thing that happens when You don’t have you step out in faith is you may very well They were doctors, and lawyers, and dads, begin to act like a saint; not to prove you to see where the and moms, and kids; they built roads are “somebody” to God – but because you and fought wars; they cleaned dishes and already are and that is precisely what God journey will end, changed diapers; they prayed for their made you to be. loved ones and ones they never knew – just let it begin. they changed lives – they did not live in But there’s a second thing that happens. stained glass buildings or work in robes of You begin to realize you are not alone. = white – they were folks just like you and Those Hebrews could have held back. They me...who doubted, and cried, and sinned, could have simply tried to set up shop by an enemy or even by the law if you had and forgave...they slipped up, they fell without crossing those waters, but they committed a horrible crime, you could down...they got back up, and they believed would not have been in the land of milk run to the church for refuge. Often those being a saint was not so much about what and honey – and they would not have been seeking “sanctuary” were guided to the they did or failed to do as it was about walking with God. In this passage (verse 10) safety of a church by stone crosses inscribed knowing the One who was leading the way. Joshua says, “This is how you will know the with the word Sancturarium – standing as living God is among you...” When? When king of signposts leading ultimately to the What water’s edge are you on this day? you get moving in faith. door of a church painted bright red. Once Maybe it is time to make a move...to be a
stepping through that door, the one being “Saint of God.” It’s not a leap into the Oswald Chambers wrote, “Faith never pursued received protection...whether dark; it’s just a step into the light. But knows where it is being led, but it knows sinner in the wrong, or saint in the right, you know...it’s a step worth taking! the One who is leading.” All Saints Day stepping through that door meant safety, reminds us, yes, of all the great saints who peace, new life, a second chance. have touched our lives; but it also reminds us that sainthood is not given as a “best In our world, we might tend to think that achievement” award; it is given to those sinners don’t deserve protection, they The Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr.
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I was reading an article recently about one There have been a few moments in the past of the false teachings the early church faced: couple of years when I’ve found myself asceticism. Some Christians at Ephesus were dealing with situations that I thought would led astray by commands to keep to extreme go better than they did (I no longer shoot for dietary restrictions, and to eschew marriage perfect, but I still press for unrealistic). They and having children (1 Timothy 2:15 and not only didn’t meet my expectations, but 4:1-5). These teachings perpetuate in some they also brought suffering, frustration and churches today, albeit in different forms, a dose of humility. Honestly, I didn’t want and I sometimes see the same impulses in what I was getting but as I turned to God in my own heart and the hearts of others. It’s prayer I felt Him simply say, “Do you trust no surprise given the messages we receive in me?” If I did, I had to lay down the impulse our society to achieve: there’s a solution to to avoid the pain and search the Internet every problem – a new diet, new pill, new for a solution or find the book that had the program. We want the perfect, the ideal – answers. “Do you trust me?,” he asked. I we want to be in control of our lives and didn’t want to live through the moment, feel escape suffering, vulnerability or whatever it the pain that was ahead of me and stick it is that might make us face the reality of our out; I wanted to find a quick-fix solution. humanity. I look back a few years and I see But the invitation to trust God demands that The Rev. Suse E. McBay my own impulses to try and reach for some Assistant Rector for Pastoral Care we step away from our impulses to extremes vision or ideal. Pushing too hard in sports, and Prayer Ministries – whether food, sex, busyness or spirituality – relationships and life, not giving my physical and admit we are limited, human creatures. self the rest and care I deserve. Expecting It’s then we can come to know the limitless “perfection” (whatever that really means!) God who knows our every need and cares for but never quite getting it. us deeply. Jesus came for the broken and the lost, and when we learn to live in that space and trust him we discover the peace that only he can bring.
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what we learn to our everyday life. It You are always welcome to join one of SUNDAY SCHOOL PEER GROUPS will be a time of learning coupled with the other Sunday morning peer groups. Sundays, November 6, 13 and 20 an opportunity for great fellowship and For more information about this ministry, visit 10:15 – 11 a.m. spiritual support. stmartinsepiscopal.org/young-adults. Peer groups provide an opportunity for SEEKERS COVENANT GROUPS fellowship with other (60s and up) Have you found yourself desiring a closer people of your age and Sundays relationship with other parishioners while some great teaching. 10:15 – 11 a.m. deepening your personal spiritual life? As a result of the feedback from the 2015 These medium-sized Activity Center, Aerobics Room Faith Alive weekend, St. Martin’s is forming groups led by our Clergy Seekers is a great place for couples and Covenant Groups, small groups of 10 – 12 will study Jesus’ parables singles to meet and study the Gospel persons who meet weekly or bi-weekly – some of the most famous, most powerful, and other readings, and then branch in parishioners’ homes. Each group plans most puzzling stories ever told. We will off into Church history, liturgy, sacraments to meet for two hours on a designated study the Rev. Robert Farrar Capon’s and other related areas. We just have fun weeknight for fellowship and discussion of classical book on the parables, Kingdom, learning! Please come and join our group. Grace, Judgment. No matter how familiar we the week’s Bible study. The groups will meet through mid December before the Christmas may (or may not) be with Jesus’ parables, CHRISTIAN BOOK STUDY come ready to be surprised. break, and then begin meeting again in (For adults of all ages) January through later in the spring. Sundays Parents of Young Children For more information and to participate, 10:15 – 11 a.m. contact Kathy Johnson at 713-985-3834 or Payne Education Center, Room 210/212 Vestry Conference Room [email protected]. This group offers parents of young Our Sunday School classes emphasize children (infants through 5th grade) a Christian education and fellowship while ORDER OF ST. LUKE THE PHYSICIAN welcoming place to discuss the joys and reading various Christian books, and HEALING PRAYER SERVICE challenges of being moms and dads. provide a community in which you can Wednesday, November 2 develop your Christian understanding, a 5 – 6 p.m. sense of belonging and lasting friendships. Old Church The class is currently discussing Proverbs, This healing prayer service is held for anyone Ecclesiastes & Song of Songs for Everyone in need of prayer for themselves, friends or by John Goldingay. family. All interested parishioners are invited to come and take part in this service, as well as bring anyone else who would like to ST. MARTIN’s 20s & 30s receive prayer, anointing and the laying Wednesdays on of hands. 40s and 50s St. Martin’s 20s & 30s meet on Wednesdays Scout Center For more information, contact the Rev. Suse McBay throughout the year at various locations. at 713-985-3823 or [email protected]. This group is looking forward to a great year. We hope that you will join us for GIVING THANKS wonderful times of teaching, discussion and fellowship. Thanksgiving Day Worship Service Thursday, November 24 60s + 10 a.m. Bagby Parish Hall The Church, Holy Eucharist
This class is for those 60 and above No Sunday School who are eager to grow deeper in their Sunday, November 27 relationship with Christ. In-depth Bible Sunday School will not meet due and book studies promise to be both to the Thanksgiving holiday. engaging and challenging as we apply
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Celebrating St. Martin’s Day
Sunday, November 6 As is our tradition in years past, we will reflect this day on our patron saint – Martin of Tours. Having begun his adult years as a soldier, his life was changed by a providential encounter by the road – after which his story as a servant of God within God’s church and to God’s children began.
The Rt. Rev. Charles from Virginia Theological Seminary, and F. Duvall, Special another Doctor of Divinity from the School Guest Preacher of Theology, University of the South, 8 a.m., 9 a.m. Sewanee. He has served rural, suburban and and 11:15 a.m. downtown congregations in both South and The Church North Carolina, and was Rector of Church of
the Advent, Spartanburg. As Bishop, he has Sunday School Preacher served as Chair of Kanuga Board of Directors, Bagby Parish Hall ABOUT OUR PATRON SAINT Board of Trustees and Board of Regents Immediately following the Parish Family for University of the South, the House Martin was born in modern-day Picture at 10:15 a.m. of Bishops Theology Committee and the Hungary in 316 and grew up in Pavia, Bishop Duvall, Second Bishop of the Planning Committee. A native of Cheraw, Italy where his father was a tribune Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, South Carolina, Bishop Duvall is married to for the Roman army. He converted retired, is a Citadel graduate who received Nancy and has three grown children and to Christianity before following in his Master’s degree and Doctor of Divinity numerous grandchildren. his father’s footsteps and joining the Roman army when he was 15. When his faith conflicted with serving as a soldier, he resigned his post but was imprisoned as a traitor and later released. He then followed a simple life as a monk and helped found the first monastery in Gaul in about 360.
Martin traveled by donkey and boat to spread the news of Jesus Christ and was sought out for his healing prayers for the sick. He was appointed Bishop of Tours in 371 by the will of the people and recognized as one of the greatest evangelists of the Church. He died in November 397. In the Middle Ages, more churches chose Martin as their patron saint (naming their parishes for him) than any other saint. November 11, the day St. Martin was believed to have been buried, has been PARISH FAMILY PICTURE celebrated as St. Martin’s Day for more 10:15 a.m., Sharp than 1,600 years. In front of The Church
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Veterans Day Observance Commissioner Bush is also committed to helping fellow Texans in his private life. He co-chaired a $30 million capital campaign SPECIAL GUESTS for Big Brothers Big Sisters in North Texas and served as the co-chairman of the Dallas/ Fort Worth Celebration of Reading. He was the Tarrant County chairman for Uplift Education – a highly successful Dallas-based public charter network focused on closing the achievement gap in inner-city public schools. He also served on the Board of Trustees for the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin.
Commissioner Bush is the grandson of President George H.W. Bush, son of former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and nephew of President George W. Bush. He lives in Austin with his wife, Amanda, and their two sons, George P. Bush Prescott and Jack. Naval veteran and Texas Land Commissioner The Honorable As Texas Land Commissioner, George James A. Baker, III Prescott Bush works to ensure Texas veterans The Honorable James get the benefits they’ve earned, oversees A. Baker, III served as investments that earn billions of dollars for the 61st U.S. Secretary public education, and manages state lands of State under President to produce the oil and gas that is helping George H.W. Bush, as make America energy-independent. He the 67th Secretary of the Treasury under also watches over the Alamo and preserves President Ronald Reagan, and as White historic archives at the General Land Office House Chief of Staff to Presidents Reagan that date back to the Spanish Empire. and Bush. He also served as Under Secretary Commissioner Bush has dedicated his life of Commerce to President Ford. He led five to public service, working as a public school presidential campaigns from 1976 to 1992. teacher in Miami after graduating from Baker graduated from Princeton University Sunday, November 6 Rice University and serving in Operation and received his J.D. with honors from The 6 p.m. Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan as an University of Texas School of Law. He is The Church officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve. presently a senior partner in the law firm of We will gather in the evening to recall not Baker Botts. Baker was born in Houston in Commissioner Bush is a successful only Martin’s life as a soldier, but also the 1930. He and his wife, Susan Garrett Baker, businessman. He joined Akin Gump lives of all who serve our nation’s Armed currently reside in Houston, and have eight Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP after earning Services and their families. Please join us for children and 18 grandchildren. this special service to honor our veterans, lift his Juris Doctorate at The University of them and their families up for prayer, and Texas School of Law. He subsequently pray for the protection of our nation and co-founded Pennybacker Capital LLC, peace throughout the world. a real estate private equity firm in 2007, and St. Augustine Partners LLC, a Fort Worth-based investment firm focused on oil and gas transactions and consulting for private businesses.
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MILITARY MEMBERS OF ST. MARTIN’S PARISH FAMILY Susan Garrett Baker Susan Garrett Baker is a founding member of The Rev. John Bentley, Jr. the National Alliance United States Marine to End Homelessness, Corps Reserve (veteran) which began around her dining table in 1983. She and Tipper Gore founded the Parents’ Music Resource Center, which convinced major recording companies to voluntarily The Rev. James label violent and sexually explicit music. In Cunningham, United 1999, Susan helped organize “A Gathering States Air Force (veteran) of Friends” in Amman, Bethlehem and Jerusalem to celebrate the 2000th birthday of Jesus of Nazareth. She has served on the Colonel Timothy Pertuis boards of several organizations, including Commander, 147th Mission Arlen Ferguson Neighborhood Centers, Inc. and the Support Group, United United States Coast Guard Houston Food Bank. Her autobiography, States Air Force (active) Reserve (veteran) Passing It On, was published in October 2010. Colonel Pertuis first entered service in the Chaplain Chip Fields United States Marine Corps in 1991 and Garrison Chaplain, Fort after serving five years of enlisted service Hood, Texas (active) Adams C. McHenry, Jr. was commissioned through Officer Training United States Marine Chaplain Chip Fields School in the United States Air Force. He Corps (veteran) enlisted in the U.S. spent 12 years as an Active Duty Air Force Marines in 1981, officer serving around the world before served four years, and then became a U.S. transitioning to the Texas Air National Army Chaplain in 1993. He has 28 years Guard/Reserve in 2007. He has multiple of active military service. Chaplain Fields combat deployments in Afghanistan and Ensign Paul Piana holds a Master of Theology from Princeton Iraq, and has commanded at the Squadron United States Navy (active) Theological Seminary. He has been deployed level three times. Pertuis is married and to five National Command Authority- has three children. directed missions, and is now Garrison Chaplain at Fort Hood, Texas. Chaplain Fields is married for 28 years to the former Sherry Carroll of San Angelo, Texas. They Piper Hardin Pamela J. Smith have two sons, Reid who is 22 and Taylor Senior Director United States Army Nurse who is 23. of Development, USO Corps (veteran)
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DAY OF HOPE Christmas Eve Sunday, November 27 Saturday, December 24 10:15 – 11 a.m. 1 p.m. Bagby Parish Hall The Church Join together with our Parish family as Family service (no Eucharist) we record our hopes and dreams for our 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. church family and ourselves. You’ll have The Church the opportunity to write them down and Traditional service with Holy Eucharist place them in the “Hope Chest” that has and Parish Choir, Gloria Dei Organ, Brass a permanent home in the Rector’s office and Tympani where it is prayed over throughout the year. Supplies also will be available so that church members can design their own personal or family “Hope Chest.” This little box will be filled with hopes and dreams, and can be placed in your home as a reminder to not CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICES only dream, but also to trust in the hope Join fellow parishioners as we share the we have in Christ. wonder and joy of the birth of Jesus Christ during Christmas worship services that Christmas Day include a meaningful homily, beautiful liturgy and favorite hymns of the season. Sunday, December 25 There also will be festive music by the 11 a.m. Parish Choir accompanied by the Gloria The Church Dei Organ, Brass and Tympani. Traditional service with Holy Eucharist and hymns, anthems and full Choir
AN A VENT REATH EVOTIONA
With this devotional, we hope to provide you with a framework to travel within the circle of “ God’s love throughout the Advent season. Using a question, some Scripture, a brief meditation and a closing prayer, we will offer you what we
1 hope will be a regular companion in your Advent journey for years to come. – Laura” and Russ Levenson
Both adult and children’s versions now available for purchase in St. Martin’s Bookstore & Gift Shoppe
10 THE STAR I NOVEMBER 2016 PROGRAMS FOR ALL ADULTS
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MARTIN LUTHER Cradle of Reformation Tour of Germany with the Rev. Alex Large Tuesday, September 12 – Thursday, September 21, 2017 Discover 500 years of Reformation history during a tour of Germany starting in beautiful Munich and ending in historic Berlin. Tour highlights include traveling the Romantic Road, taking a boat ride through the picturesque Rhine Valley, visiting numerous castles (including Mad King Ludwig’s crown jewel Bavarian castle Neuschwanstein) and retracing Martin Luther’s steps:
• St. Anna’s Church in Augsburg where Luther met the papal legate, Cardinal Cajetan, who demanded that he submit to the pope in 1518 MUSIC ST. MARTIN’S – STAFF • St. Peter’s Cathedral in Worms where Luther was summoned in 1521 to appear SINGER CONCERT AND RECEPTION before an Imperial Diet to recant his teachings Friday, November 11 • The Bach House Museum in Eisenach where there is a permanent exhibition 7 p.m. of the life and work of the great Protestant hymn composer J.S. Bach The Church and Bagby Parish Hall • St. Mary’s Cathedral in Erfurt where Luther was ordained as a priest Our annual Staff Singer Concert has • The homes in Eisleben where Luther was born in 1483 and where he died in become a popular event featuring our own 1546, the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul where he was baptized, and St. Andrew’s staff singers from the St. Martin’s Parish Church where he preached his last four sermons and where his body was laid Choir. Selections will be from the classical in state art song and opera aria repertoire. • Luther Hall, the Augustinian monastery in Wittenberg, where Luther lived first
as a monk and later as owner with his wife and family, and All Saints’ Church, the ORDER OF ST. LUKE famous site where Luther posted his 95 theses on the castle church door and THE PHYSICIAN was buried Wednesdays, November 9, 16 and 30 • St. Mary’s Church in Wittenburg where Luther did the majority of his preaching 5 – 6 p.m. Payne Education Center, Room 207/209* To register online, visit RegisterNow.ittworld.com and use tour code StMartins17. Tour cost: $4,595. Deposit of $500 is due upon registration (early bird savings may apply) The Order of St. Luke For more information, visit stmartinsepiscopal.org/programs-for-adults or contact the the Physician is a Rev. Alex Large at 713-985-3849 or [email protected]. dedicated healing ministry with St. Martin’s that hosts a monthly prayer service, and meets every week for group study and prayer. Our book studies begin this fall with Forgiveness is Healing by Rev. Russ Parker. All are welcome to “come and see” the Wednesday class.
*To learn about the OSL Healing Service on the first Wednesday of each month in the Old Church, see page 6. For more information, email [email protected], or contact the Rev. Suse McBay at 713-985-3823 or [email protected].
THE STAR I NOVEMBER 2016 11 PROGRAMS FOR WOMEN
appointments, and more. At the front the Church, the pulpit, organ, altar and other interesting and important features are discussed.
Over the years there have been more than 10,000 visitors from more than 20 countries, 30 states and 50 cities in Texas who have been touched with this THE MOMS’ GROUP ministry. Groups of all ages and all walks Wednesdays, November 2, 9, 16 and 30 of life have experienced the tours at our 9:15 a.m. Church, including students from area Payne Education Center, Room 207/209 schools, retirement community residents Join mothers of young children ranging and members of other churches. Tours are in age from infants to early elementary for available on Wednesdays, and first Fridays a time of fellowship, teaching, prayer and DOCENT GUILD and Sundays of the month. Special tours support. The consistency of the meeting for groups and tours of the Clerestory and time on Wednesday mornings has created Following the command of Jesus Christ Nave windows are available on other to teach all nations, the Docent Guild at a very bonded group that connects by days by request. St. Martin’s began in the fall of 2004, six engaging our faith and sharing our lives For more information about the Docent Guild, visit together. Newcomers are always welcome. months after The Church opened. The stmartinsepiscopal.org/docent-guild. docents illumine the lives of members and For more information, contact the Rev. Alex Large at 713-985-3849 or [email protected]. visitors to St. Martin’s by sharing with them the story of our faith and the beauty and DOCENT GUILD history of our Church. Maurine Alfrey, Director Since its inception, 70 members of St. Martin’s have participated in the Dianne Kilday, Director Elect
Docent Guild. There are currently 39 Dee Lawrence, Secretary members, 10 of whom are Certified Docents. (A Certified Docent has learned Kathryn Kent, Training DAUGHTERS OF THE KING all the detailed, interesting, and important Gayle Watler, Scheduler Monthly Meeting – Benedictine Practices information and facts to present to the Darleen Carstarphen, Publicity Saturday, November 5 visitors.) A Certified Docent is one of a 10:30 a.m. – noon team of three to five knowledgeable Kay Handly and Fran Smith, docents present for each tour. The tour Payne Education Center, Room 210/212 Continuing Education begins outside the front doors of The The Order of the Daughters of the King Church with information about the Sara Anne Kerley, Communications (DOK) is a spiritual sisterhood of women tympanum, steeples and bells, Wayside dedicated to a life of prayer, service and Dianne Kilday, Special Tours Chapel and cornerstone. It continues evangelism. During this monthly meeting Jeanne Neu, Margaret Mebus through the Narthex discussing things our service theme will continue with a such as the tapestries and life of Saint and Mary Ann Roady, discussion of monastic practices and what Martin, art and furniture. The tour Special Projects they might look like in our lives. We will continues inside The Church with the be talking about different monastery Susan Phelps, Director Emeritus baptismal font, pointing out the symbolic experiences and the gifts of service they features and compass rose, and through The Rev. Mary Wilson, offer to their communities. the Nave explaining the symbolism Clergy Liaison For more information, contact [email protected], or Deb Tisch at found in the Gothic architecture, some 713-985-3817 or [email protected]. history of St. Martin’s, windows, other
12 THE STAR I NOVEMBER 2016 PROGRAMS FOR MEN
MEN OF ST. MARTIN’S DADS’ BIBLE STUDY This group is open to all men of the Parish Wednesdays, November 2, 9, 16 and 30 of all ages, and any male guests and visitors. 7 – 8 a.m. We gather each Thursday morning September Bride’s Room through May for a brief Bible reflection Join the Rev. Alex Large and other dads and then break into groups for discussion, for this weekly Bible study as we seek to fellowship and mutual support, along with connect the Gospel to our lives today. several special guest speakers. Breakfast is Coffee, fellowship and teachings are led available for a $5 donation. Reservations by the Rev. Alex Large. are not required. For more information, contact the Rev. Alex Large at 713-985-3849 or [email protected]. Thursday Morning Bible Study 7 – 8 a.m. Bagby Parish Hall This program year we are studying Galatians – Experiencing the Grace of Christ by John Stott. The book may be purchased for $10 at the Thursday morning meetings or in St. Martin’s Bookstore & Gift Shoppe. Chapters in the study book are studied on a Thursday, September 15 – Former professional baseball player Lance Berkman (sixth from left) was the weekly basis following the schedule below: special guest speaker at the September Men of St. Martin’s Thursday Morning Bible Study. More than 120 parishioners and guests enjoyed hearing him speak about the importance of having a relationship with God NOVEMBER 3 Galatians 7 and living a Christ-centered life. The six-time MLB All-Star player now lives in Houston with his wife, Cara, and their four daughters, and coaches at Second Baptist School. NOVEMBER 10 Galatians 8 and 9
NOVEMBER 17 Galatians 10 and 11 AN ADVENT COMPANION NOVEMBER 24 No meeting – Thanksgiving preparing DECEMBER 1 Galatians 12 ROOM