COMFORTABLE WORDS. OCTOBER, A Monthly Communication from Holy Comforter Church.

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1 COMFORTABLE WORDS A Monthly Communication from Holy Comforter Church Serving the Episcopal Community of Angleton Since 1897 OCTOBER, Sunday Worship Schedule 8:30 AM Holy Eucharist 9:30 AM Christian Education 10:30 AM Holy Eucharist Children s Church Mission Statement All are welcome to grow with us through worship, prayer, fellowship, and service at Holy Comforter, a Christ-centered family Church. What s Inside Carol s Column Pg. 2 Parish Particulars Pg. 3-7 School Pg. 8 Vestry & Financials Pg. 9 Nominations Pg. 10 Calendar Pg. 11 1

2 Mother Carol s Column October, 2012 In the summer of 2003, I accepted a clinical pastoral internshipat Ben TaubGeneral Hospital in Houston. I had no experience at all in hospital work, so I anticipated a huge learning curve. During orientation, the Chief of Staff, Dr. Kenneth Mattox, welcomed the interns and said: There is a lot to learn about this hospital and about hospital chaplaincy. But the biggest thing you will learn is this: you will get to know yourself. When I heard him say that I thought, That s ridiculous! I m middle aged, for goodness sakes. I ve been in ministry for years. I alreadyknow myself! Wrong. If you were to ask me, what single biggest thing I learned that summer, it would be: I got to know myself! It s enormously important to know who we are. Our self is the one common thing we bring to every single situation we face, no matter where we are or who we are with. There is one aspect of self-knowledge that many folks have not given much thought to: spiritual gifts. Every Christian has them. Do you know what yours are? At Holy Comforter in October we are offering the opportunity to find out! On Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:15, immediately following the 6 p.m. Mid-Week ConnectionHoly Eucharist, we ll engage in a five-part Spiritual Gifts Workshop, led by Paula Haenchen. Over these five 45 minute sessions, we ll learn about Spiritual Gifts in general, then determine what gifts we ourselves have. Finally, we ll consider how all of that fits together at HC. What does HC s particular mix of spiritual gifts reveal to us about what God is up to here? I encourage every parishioner to participate in this month long exploration of Spiritual Gifts. We ve made it easy! If Wednesday evenings don t work for you, you can participate onoctober Sundaymornings at 9:30 in the Parish Hall. If thatdoesn t work for you, let Paula know at newcomer@holycomforterangleton.organd she will send you the information on-line or via US mail. You can combine the options, if need be, to suit your schedule! The Spiritual Gifts Workshop is an important part of our Listening to God s Voice, Responding to God s Call process of discernment. Your participation will not only bless you, but will bless our parish! And speaking of listening.our Bluegrass Festivalis almost here! YOUR help is needed! Become a sponsor! Buy a t-shirt! Sign up to help with set up, serving, drinks booth, take-down every area needs help! The Bluegrass Festival raises money, but more importantly it raises community awareness of Holy Comforter Episcopal Parish! Every Sunday after worship, check in with Andrea Demopulos-Coats in the Parish Hall to learn how youcan help! October is a month full of opportunities! Enjoy! Carol 2

3 Parish Particulars Coffee Hosts for October 7 Daughters of the King 14 Kelly & Andrea Coats 21 Neil & Ouida Thomas 28 The Taylor-Hille Family Please contact Betty Mogford at if you would like to serve Reminder On the first Sunday of each month, all undesignated offerings are committed to the Rector's Discretionary Fund. This fund allows M. Carol to assist individuals 9 in our community who need a bit of extra help. Please give generously! Of course, you may designate a gift to the fund at any time! 1 Deborah Northrup 2 Kim Peck 5 James Arnold 9 Alyssa Fields 12 Nelda Lewis 13 Donna Trusty 14 Andrea Demopolos- Coats 19 Brook Eby 21 George Shackelford 22 Lori Hawkins 23 Glenn Hill 26 Jeff Helms 27 Roman Peltier 30 James Picard Stewardship Snippets Green Tip for October Planting trees is one of the most basic of environmental acts. It embraces the beauty of nature, helps clean the environment from the moment of planting forward, and sets one's mind on the well-being of future generations Living Generously Generosity changes us, filling us with joy and filling our lives with blessings. When we are generous with what we have, we find that unexpected blessings flow back into our lives, catching us by surprise. Somewhere along the way, as we see our acts of generosity helping others and perhaps even changing the world, we say in wonder and amazement, Wow, look what happened, and we find ourselves blessed. Adam Hamilton October Anniversaries 4 John & Cindy Stevens 20 Kurt Ruthstrom & Bonnie McDaniel 21 Ray & Barbara Marin 27 Kerry & Kelsey Payne! 3

4 Parish Particulars Puzzled.about where you fit at HC? Finding your spiritual gifts will help you find your place! In Tyler, on Saturday, October 6, The Reverend Jeff Fisher will be consecrated Suffragan Bishop in the Diocese of Texas. Jeff was elected to this position by Diocesan Council last May. Jeff will take Bishop High's place in the East Texas Diocesan office. Please keep Jeff and his wife Susan in your prayers as they grow into this new ministry. HC is offering a Spiritual Gifts Workshop, with three different ways to participate: Wednesday Mid-week Connection following Holy Eucharist, 6:30-7:15 p.m., or Sundays at 9:30 in Parish Hall (a repeat of Wednesday night's lesson), or *At home, via weekly lessons sent to you online (or through the mail). *For this option, please register in advance by calling the church office or ing newcomer@holycomforterangleton.org Blessing of the Animals Sunday, October 7, 5 p.m. Holy Comforter Prayer Garden (In Parish Hall if Raining) ALL Pets are Welcome! Bring Offerings for the Brazoria County SPCA Suggested Gifts: Purina puppy and kitten food Kitty litter Newspapers Towels Paper Towels Dog and cat shampoo Sturdy, washable toys Petco or Wal-mart gift cards Good used pet crates Bleach Dish soap Liquid laundry detergent 4

5 Parish Particulars Find us on Facebook Newcomer Ministry Thanks to everyone who attended the Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Luncheon. It was a huge success and we are off to a great start for this year s lessons. There are still several days that need to be filled beginning in January, so please register to teach or help in the classroom. Here are the lessons for October: 7 th Children remain in Church 14 th The Flood and the Ark 21 st The Great Family 28 th The Exodus After church, it s easy for us to focus on our inner circle of friends. But to have the heart of Christ means to be truly present to each person we meet, especially "strangers" God brings across our path. To ignore strangers renders us dead to the possibility that God may use us in another person's life or may speak into our own life through that person. Did you know? Across the Diocese of Texas, the average parishioner's annual commitment is $3,575. HC's average annual commitment is: $2,515. We have room to grow! Begin praying now about your 2013 commitment to God's work at HC! 5

6 Parish Particulars Bluegrass Updates Daughters of the King Officers and Junior Daughters Installation Sunday - October 7, :30 Service The officers for the Daughters of the King, ( ) year will be installed. President - Annabelle Powell Vice President - Dorothy Ragain Treasurer-Secretary Dianne Kilgus President (Night Group) Tory Arnold Junior Daughters to be installed. Brooklyn Short Faith Fields The daughters will be hosting a reception in the parish hall after the 10:30 service. Everyone is invited. Holy Baptism Bluegrass and Bar B Q General Sponsorship Levels Banjo: $500 Mandolin: $250 Guitar: $ 100 OR Event Sponsor Stage: $1,000 Coke Wagon: $300 Beer Tent: $250 BBQ: $250 If you will be a sponsor, please send your check to: Holy Comforter, PO Box 786, Angleton, TX by October 10 Your name/ company will be listed on the T-shirt! BBQ Tickets available Sunday, October 7! Pre-Order your Bluegrass T-shirt on Sunday! Sizes S,M,L, XL, XXL -$15 New this year! Bluegrass Country Store! Selling T-shirts, Koozies, Snacks, & Baked Goods Susan Moore is the Bakery Chair! Contact her at susan.lee.m@hotmail.comto provide baked goods All Saints Sunday, November 4 Contact M. Carol if you desire Baptism for yourself or your child. 6

7 Parish Particulars Music Notes Coffeehouse Theology 9:30 AM Sundays in the Parish Hall Join us as we grow in faith together!! We are pleased to have Yuri "on board" at Holy Comforter. Be sure to warmly welcome him and his wife Asuka. If you are interested in participating in music ministry, either choir or instrumental, please let Yuri know! His is: OFFICE HOURS Monday Thursday 9 5 Friday 9-12 October 19-20, 2012 Camp Allen Navasota, Texas Various games and Nightcap Reception Online Registration $160 Double Room $185 - Single Room 7

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9 Holy Comforter Episcopal Church Vestry Synopsis... August 14, 2012 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Holy Comforter Episcopal Parish Vestry was held on August 14, 2012, with Mother Carol presiding. The meeting was opened at 7pm with prayer and then reading and discussion of the Baptismal Covenant. Members present were Allan Dinsmore, Kerry Payne, Ed White, Mike Hattaway, Pam Baron, Barbara Thomas, SuZan Carpenter, and Trey Picard. Absent was Ellen Eby. Others present were treasurer, Jack Fleet and Pam Massingill, clerk. HCES Report Welcoming several new staff members, will be offering some new classes, and the construction on the Science lab and library will be finished and available for viewing on Sunday, the 26th. Meet the teacher will be held on Thursday, August 23rd at 4:30 to 5 and 6 to 6:30. Mother Carol encouraged all to attend to show our support. Jr. Warden s Report- Tile has been repaired. Mike received 2 bids to clean, seal, and wax the floors. Mike also has an Eagle Scout candidate who has researched and proposed a bid of $400 to do this job for the church. The scout s bid was accepted and he will begin work soon. Rector s Report- HC applied to the Diocese for a Strategic Mission Grant to fund HC s Newcomer Ministry Coordinator as a part time position. Paula Haenchen is already volunteering in this position. Bishop Doyle is coming to HC on Wednesday, September 19. The nominating committee for leadership vacancies (vestry members cycling off) has begun. Election is October 21; slate needs to be completed in September. To date the nominees are: Endowment Board- James Northrup; Diocesan Council- George Zwicker; Vestry- Kandy Taylor-Hille and Tom Long. Motion was made by Allan to appoint Kelsey Payne to Friends of HC Endowment Board to fill Jack s vacancy. It was seconded by SuZan. Motion passed with Kerry abstaining. Financial Report- Jack Fleet, Treasurer Re: Altar Guild funds. A motion was made by Allan and seconded by Trey to have altar guild money go through the church general operating account. Deposits to this (and the rector s discretionary account) will go through the general operating account for greater accountability. Motion carried. Discretionary fund received a $5000 contribution last month. Insurance costs are up, but Jack is working to make corrections by removing Lee Hall and the Scout Hut as they are no longer in our possession. Jack will look into the policy history as well as to review the current contents insurance. A financial comparison was made of August 2011 and August 2012 to show a slight improvement over last year in finances. He attributed this to parishioners stepping up and showing faith. Allan moved to accept the financial report. Trey seconded, and motion passed. With no further business, the meeting was closed at 8:45 pm with compline. Respectfully submitted, Pam Massingill Clerk of the Vestry Financial Report General Fund August YTD Operating Income 14, , Operating Expense 14, , Surplus or (Deficit) (9,041.68) Designated Gifts (Memorial, Disc. Fund, etc.) Income , Expenditures , Friends of Holy Comforter Endowment Fund: Balance as of 08/28/2012 $506, Value of mineral properties and other assets is in addition to this amount. 9

10 VOTING FOR LEADERSHIP IS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21 Vestry Nominations Tom Long - I am a cradle Episcopalian. My wife, Jodi, and I have been at Holy Comforter since Autumn We have two children, Ella and Tom. I am an actor working mainly in the Houston area. I feel we have a duty to help our Faith and our church grow and prosper. I would like to serve on our vestry to do just that. Roland (Ronnie) Johnson - I joined the Episcopal Church in I married Cecile at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in I am a retired electrician. I returned to H.C.E.C. in February I would like to offer my past vestry experience to help H.C.E.C. during the discernment process. Kandy Taylor-Hille I have been an Episcopalian for over ten years, one of which has been at Holy Comforter. Myself, my husband Bruce, and sons Benjamin and William love all the opportunities to be involved and to serve at HC. William attend the Day School for 3 years. I work as a public librarian in Danbury. I served for a number of years on the vestry at St. Mary s in West Columbia, and loved my time there and working with Father Peter Conaty. I long to continue this level of commitment at HC so that we can in some small way pay the parish back for the love and kindness it has shown us as members. Nomination for Friends of Holy Comforter Endowment Board James Northrup - I am a cradle Episcopalian having spent 50 of my 56 years attending Holy Comforter. Over the years I've been involved in most things from EYC to Vestry and in between. My wife Deborah and I have one son, Austin 29. Having served on several Endowment boards, I look forward to serving again. Nomination for Diocesan Council Representative George Zwicker - I am a cradle Episcopalian and attended Holy Comforter sporadically from July 2009 until January 2010 when I transferred my letter and began attending regularly. I'm a Sunday school teacher, the chair of the operations committee, and serve on the Bluegrass Committee. I retired last year from the office furniture industry. Although I'm married to our Rector and can't serve on the vestry, it is possible that I can represent Holy Comforter as a delegate to Diocesan Council. Please vote for me! 10

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12 Holy Comforter Episcopal Church 227 S. Chenango P.O. Box 786 Angleton, TX Return Service Requested Holy Comforter Episcopal Church Sunday Schedule 8:30 AM Holy Eucharist 9:30 AM Adult/Youth Christian Education 10:30 AM Holy Eucharist Children s Church Infant and Toddler care is provided from 8:15 AM until Noon Contact Information Parish Office: Parish Fax: info@holycomforterangleton.org Web Address Parish Day School Extended Day School Diocesan Center or Bishop Episcopal Diocese of TX Rector Head of School Office Administrator / Theologian Music Director Children s Ministry Director Newcomer Ministry Coordinator Vestry 2012 The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle The Rev. Dr. Carol Petty Nancy Standlee Fr. Preston Weatherly Yuri McCoy Linda Peck Paula Haenchen Kerry Payne Ellen Eby Ed White Allan Dinsmore Pam Baron Barbara Thomas Mike Hattaway Trey Picard SuZan Carpenter Barbara Thomas, Sr. Warden Mike Hattaway, Jr. Warden Pam Massingill, Clerk Jack Fleet, Treasurer