St. Nicholas' (New)*Comer Class Wednesdays August 22, 29, & September 5, & 12

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1 Summer Happenings New Educational Offerings by Mother Nancy Reclaiming Jesus Sundays July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, & 12: A Bible Study and Discussion St. Nicholas' (New)*Comer Class Wednesdays August 22, 29, & September 5, & 12 The Bible in 90 Days Sundays beginning September 16 th JULY 2018 Vol. 11 No. 2 The Rt. Rev. J. Scott Mayer, Bishop of Northwest Texas The Rev. Canon Mike Ehmer, Canon to the Ordinary The Rev. Nancy Springer, Rector The Rev. Tom Burns, Deacon

2 St. Nicholas Episcopal Church 4000 W. Loop 250 N. Midland, Texas Office Hours: M-Th 8:30am-4:30pm Saturdays 9:00am-12Noon Website The Rt. Rev. J. Scott Mayer The Bishop of Northwest Texas The Rev. Canon Mike Ehmer Canon to the Ordinary The Rev. Nancy Springer Rector The Rev. Tom Burns Deacon VESTRY Mr. Joe Cobb, Jr, Sr. Warden Finance Committee Liaison Mr. Robert Norrgard Jr. Warden, Facilities Landscape Committee Liaison Ms. Joan Whitt, Clerk Outreach Liaison Dr. Pamela Howell Pastoral Care Liaison Ms. Sally Stafford Children s Education Liaison Dr. Michael Jordan Greeters, Ushers, Liaison Ms. Chris Newman Worship Committee Liaison Ms. Beth Rubin Children s Godly Play Liaison Parish Life Committee Liaison Ms. Kristy Pemberton Gifts and Memorials Liaison Mr. Jeffrey Hewett, Chancellor Mr. Matt Maguire, Treasurer Staff Mr. Darryl Knapp Lay Ministry Coordinator, & Organist/Choirmaster Ms. Sharon Gerald Bookkeeper Mr. Scot Marter Sexton Letters from St. Nicholas is published free of charge monthly (USPS ) by St. Nicholas Episcopal Church 4000 W Loop 250 N Midland, TX POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: Letters from St. Nicholas 4000 W Loop 250 N Midland, TX from the Rector.. Welcoming or Inviting? There is a big difference in being a welcoming church and being an inviting church. Welcoming is passive. We wait for others to make the decision to come to St. Nicholas and then we welcome them warmly and lovingly. Being welcoming is necessary! But it isn t the first step, or the last, when it comes to bringing people into our limb of the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement. And, although I am aware that 78.3% of all statistics are made up, I have found a myriad of sources that say anywhere from 80-90% of people who come to a church for the first time, do so because they were personally invited by someone they know. And, approximately 80% of people who don t go to church would be willing to go IF someone invited them! So, let go of the excuse, I don t want to invite them because they won t come. In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) Jesus tells us to GO and make disciples. He didn t say stay put in your worship space and hope people come to us. To be Inviting means that we, as followers and disciples of Jesus are engaged with our faith outside of the walls of St. Nicholas buildings. You (will) hear me say regularly that ours is not a passive faith but an active one - it is a way of life that comes from living in an active relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. And if we know the peace and love and forgiveness and grace that comes with living The Way, why wouldn t we want to share that with others?! continued

3 For instance, have you ever said or heard someone else say, I don t know how someone who doesn t have faith in Jesus gets through a situation like this. We all know people who don t believe. Let s invite them into a relationship with Jesus. Isn t that the greatest thing we can give? Our tagline of Everyone is Welcome, Really! is good and necessary, but we have to invite them first, and then welcome them with an open heart. Inviting and welcoming go hand in hand. We don t expect people to show up to our personal events or even dinner at our house without an invitation first. And we don t invite folks to our house or to a party and then ignore them or tell them they aren t welcome. Why do we expect things to work differently with church? When folks begin to join us regularly, our job of being inviting and welcoming doesn t stop there. Just like coming to church to begin with, the main reason people get involved in church is that they are personally asked. We have to invite them into our specific ministries and activities, welcome their ideas and gifts and way of doing things, knowing and accepting that we will be changed by their presence and participation. So, to help you invite - and I mean personal invitations, not just hoping they will see our print ads in a few publications or our beautiful visible sign, but a personal, verbal invitation from you to someone you know - here are some tools and tips: We will soon have available Invitation cards (business card size) that you can all carry with you in your wallet or purse. They will have our address, website, phone number and regular worship and formation times printed on them. This is an easy and non-threatening way to invite others to St. Nicholas. We will also provide specific event invitation cards (postcard size) that you can hand out to your friends and coworkers who you think will be interested. Always wear your name tags when at St. Nicholas. Name tags invite everyone to know us and emphasize our message that we are open and inviting and welcoming. Attend fellowship time after the worship service every Sunday and invite those in the worship service who don t regularly stay for fellowship to join you. Continue our ongoing conversation (remember my article in last month s newsletter and sermon from June 17) about how can we best use our abilities and resources to reveal God s love to the community immediately around us and all of Midland. And, for a good laugh, and some squirmworthy truths, check out the awkward invites videos of The Skit Guys: lism and this homily by Fr. Johnathan Meyer of All Saints Catholic Parish: uk7tbm God s peace, Mother Nancy+ Rally Day is Sunday, August 19 th

4 The Kitchen Angels St. Nicholas, funds church receptions and parishioners that are in need of a meal (sick, death, new baby). Please, prayerfully consider a monetary donation to this ministry. If you are unable to cook a meal for a fellow parishioner, or, just do not have the time, this is the perfect opportunity to serve our church family! Thank YOU!!!!!!!!!! Kimberly Meyers 15 Bill Garbelman 15 Mary Anne Dingus 15 Elizabeth Howell 16 Karen Street 17 Jennifer Livesay 19 Gary Shinn 19 Dusty Ellis 21 Alex Padilla 24 Phillip Stafford 25 Courtney Norrgard 28 Fran Renz 29 Marty Riggs 31 Edna Hibbitts JULY BIRTHDAYS 2 Robert Norrgard 4 Kathy Shannon 14 Joan Whitt JULY ANNIVERSARIES 9 Kristin & Matt Maguire 29 Sally & Phillip Stafford Please notify the Parish Office if there is an omission or change. Thank you. Parish Prayer Requests Prayer Ministers pray every Sunday with any member of the congregation who has special prayer requests. They are found at the back of the church near the double doors during Communion. The Prayer Ministers also pray during the week for the congregation, for our clergy, for our church and those parishioners in special need. Parish Prayer Requests: Tommy, Jerry, Jo, Tina, Elisabeth, Jonathan, Noel, Karen, Sue, Derrill, Ross, Jimmy, Jenny, Robbie, Joy, Fran, Victorio, Kim, Glenda, Ray, Troy, Fred, Dylan, Joan (Jo-ann), Wanda, Tana, Darwin, Ben, Gina, Tom, Cynthia, Rachel, Daniel, Ann, Dave, Nancy, Brandy, Gregg, Isaac, Tisha, Wells Family, Terry, Ronnie, Linda and Family, Janie, Colleen, Kathy, Colleen, The Chalfant family, Charlie, Alexandria, Chris, Kaylene, Gary, Addison, Bobby, Donna, Vivian, Sarah, Kellie, Marge, Ernest, Peggy, Jane, Mary Ann, Susan, Ann, Janet, Gwen, Sydney, Kathey, Dean, Coral, Sandra, Nikki, Clyde, Shirley, Latonya, Lani-Sue, Margaret, Timothy & Family, Raymond & Family, Craig, Tanya, Kalee, Debbie, Sarah, Jenn, Richard, Terry, Kellie, Hazel, Thomasine, Latonya, Don, Cathey, Elizabeth, Qanna, Emmory, John, Jennifer, Kellie, Carol, Lisa, Kati, Pamela, Jim & Family, Denise, Frankie, Adriana & Family. For those in the Armed Forces: Jordan, Robert, Stephen, Karen, Gabriel, Isaac, David, Daulton, Charlie, Luke, James, Mika, Tres, Josh, Jacob, Christine, Noah, Jackson, Aaron, Nicholas, Adam, Margarito, Kenton For the Departed: Janet Knapp, Mother of Darryl Knapp We are updating our parish prayer list. Prayer requests are on the reverse side of the white Visitor Information card. Short term requests are for one month, and Long term requests are for six months. Please let us know if we inadvertently removed your prayer request. Thank You.

5 Reclaiming Jesus Sundays July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, & 12: Reclaiming Jesus: A Bible Study and Discussion Join Mother Nancy on Sunday mornings after worship in the parlor, July 8 through August 12, for an ongoing discussion on the statement prepared by our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and the leaders of numerous church and Christian organizations across our country entitled RECLAIMING JESUS: A Confession of Faith in a Time of Crisis These faithful leaders believe that we are to be followers of Jesus before anything else, that the church s role is to change the world through the life and love of Jesus Christ, and that it is the duty of Christian leaders to speak the truth in love to our church and the world. You may pick up a copy of the summary of their statement in the Welcome Center at St. Nicholas. I also encourage you to go to their website reclaimingjesus.org to watch their video and read the statement in it s entirety. "If it isn't about Love, it isn't about God." ~ Bp Michael Curry The Bible in 90 Days Sundays beginning September 16 and ending December 16 Wednesdays beginning September 19 and ending December 12 Folks can chose which session they want to attend each week, on Sunday or Wednesday. The two sessions each week will cover the same material. You really CAN read through entire Bible, and Bible in 90 Days (B90) makes it possible. B90 is a group oriented, Bible reading plan that engages people in a 90- day, cover-to-cover reading of the Bible. Reading just 12 pages a day in a specially designed Bible, with weekly teaching videos, and group accountability combine to make a life changing experience. Churches across denominations, prisons, drug rehabs, corporate Bible studies, neighborhood small groups almost a quarter million people have used B90 successfully. So turn your aspiration into inspiration! Prayer for My Parish Almighty God, My parish is composed of people like me. I help make it what it is. It is friendly, because I am. It does great work, because I work. It makes generous gifts, because I am a generous giver. It makes generous gifts, because I am a generous giver. It brings other people into its worship, because I invite them. It is a parish family of loyalty and love, of fearlessness and faith, and a parish with a noble spirit, because I

6 -who make it what it isam filled with these same qualities. Therefore, with the help of God, I will dedicate myself to the task of being all the things that I want my parish to be. Bless my journey, Lord God, that I might build the Church through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. St. Nicholas' (New)*Comer Class Wednesdays August 22, 29, & September 5, & 12 *we don't want anyone to feel new for very long! Whether you are a cradle Episcopalian, brand new to the church, or anywhere in between, all are welcome, Really! Join in a lively discussion about the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement. In this 4 week class, we will talk about where we came from, who we are, why we worship as we do, and who God is always calling us to be. 6:30-7:30pm, St. Nicholas' Parish Hall If you wish to be confirmed into the Episcopal Church at Bishop Mayer's visit in December, tis class will prepare you. If you don't know what that means, come to the class and find out! In conjunction with the class, we will have an Instructed Eucharist on Sunday, September 9 th. Godly Play News for our children! We have a growing group of children who are excited and eager for class each week. It is inspiring to see them learning the stories and developing favorite lessons. Godly Play may be designed for children, but it has something for everyone. I have learned as much as the students. Children s Choir immediately follows Godly Play in the Nave. Two volunteers are needed for class each week. The teacher is responsible for the lesson and the assistant keeps everything running smoothly. No experience is needed! It is a fun opportunity to serve our church family. I am available anytime to answer questions about the program. We need a few more volunteers. If you are interested, I would love to visit with you. ~Sally Stafford, Children s Christian Ed July Jubilee Food Pantry Saturdays 9:00am July 14 th and July 28 th Volunteers are always welcome! The pantry is located at 3311 Andrews Hwy. There is a green bin in the Welcome Center for donations of Tuna fish and peanut butter. Thank you. ~Linda Jordan

7 The ECW at St. Nicholas is looking for a re-start! The Episcopal Church Women organization is so much more than organizing receptions. The National ECW board developed the following Vision statement: "Our vision for all women of the Episcopal Church is that we become a vibrant blend of all ages, coming together as a peacemaking, healing part of the church" with the hope and goal to offer women the opportunities at the local, diocesan, and national level opportunities for spiritual growth and ministry. If you would like more information and want to be involved in this re-start, please pick up an information packet in the Welcome Center and contact Mother Nancy. Stay tunes for the date of our first organizational meeting. Please also explore the national ECW website: ecwnational.org. Youth Summer Camp Programs Dear Friends in Christ, We continue our excellent youth summer camp programs this year. The time spent experiencing God s love in an outdoor setting is meaningful, valuable and life changing. This year s theme for camp is Who Dat Saint?: Stories of Some Heroes of the Faith! The campers will spend a fun, activity-filled week learning about different saints and their impact on the world. We try to provide the best experience possible for our campers while also maintaining affordable tuition costs. Even so, the cost of attending summer camp can be prohibitive to some of our youth, especially if there is more than one child in a family. I am, once again, appealing for contributions to help with summer camp tuition for youth who would otherwise be unable to attend. Donations to assist with the cost of summer camp should be sent to the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas 1802 Broadway Lubbock, TX Please notate Summer Camp Donation on your check. Your generosity in helping us provide these opportunities truly makes an important difference in the lives of our youth, for which we are all very grateful. Faithfully, J. Scott Mayer Bishop Weekly Outreach Plate Offering First Sunday: Rector s Discretionary Fund Second Sunday: Outreach Third Sunday: Deacon s Discretionary Fourth Sunday: Episcopal Relief and Development Fifth Sunday Fellowship A Note of Gratitude I want to express my heart-felt gratitude for all the expressions of care, friendship, and prayer during and after my knee replacement surgery. The healing continues, challenges are still ahead, but I am praying for continued strength, flexibility, and use. I cannot tell you enough how much such a personal and community embrace means. Thank you and God bless you all. ~Pamela Howell

8 Summer Sunday Fellowship Have you considered helping out with Sunday Fellowship? The Kitchen Angels are always looking for help in providing coffee hour goodies and cleaning up afterwards. If you would like to help out please consider signing up for any available Sundays or just staying after to help wash dishes. The Sunday fellowship sign-up sheet is in the foyer next to the stewardship envelopes. If you are interested in bringing goodies just write down your name and preferred contact information on the sheet. More than one person can provide goodies or help on any specific Sunday so feel free to sign up with others. If you have any questions please talk to Jessica Stewart on Sundays or contact her by at or phone at A Big Thank You to HOSPICE PROGRAMS GRIEF 101 Mondays, 12Noon 1pm A one-hour class held quarterly offering basic grief information on how to cope with the death of your loved one. September 10 th, December 10 th BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP A group for adults who are experiencing grief and loss of a loved one. Encouragement and basic coping skills offered in this 6-week series of classes. Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm Sessions: July 9 th August 13 th, September 10 th, October 15 th. HANDLING THE HOLIDAYS This two-session workshop offers support and a guide for how to plan for the holidays without your loved one. Mondays, 6:30 8pm. November 5 th and 12 th Kimberly & Russell Meyers for the most wonderful 4 th of July Social Gathering

9 Celebration of a New Ministry The Rev. Nancy Springer

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13 2018 JULY MINISTRY ROSTER SUNDAY JULY 1 st 9:30AM Sixth Sunday after Pentecost 2 Samuel 1:1, Psalm Corinthians 8:7-15 Mark 5:21-43 SUNDAY JULY 8 th 9:30AM Seventh Sunday after Pentecost 2 Samuel 5:1-5,9-10 Psalm 48 2Corinthians 12:2-10 Mark 6:1-13 SUNDAY JULY 15 th 9:30AM Eighth Sunday after Pentecost 2 Samuel 6:1-5,12b- 19 Psalm 24 Ephesians 1:3-14 Mark 6:14-29 SUNDAY JULY 22 nd 9:30AM Ninth Sunday after Pentecost 2 Samuel 7:1-14a Psalm 89:20-37 Ephesians 2:11-22 Mark 6:30-34, SUNDAY JULY 29 th 9:30AM Tenth Sunday after Pentecost 2 Samuel 11:1-15 Psalm 14 Ephesians 3:14-21 John 6:1-21 Lector OT & Kimberly Meyers Edna Hibbitts Jessica Stewart Corby Considine Sydney Bryer Psalm EM Reader Jeff Hewett Patrick Street Harris Kerr Kathy Shannon Patrick Street EM Prayers Patrick Street Jeff Hewett Russell Meyers Mary Williams Kristin Maguire LEV Patrick Street Altar Guild Scot Marter Mary Beth Anton Jo Weber Joan Whitt Mary Beth Anton Jo Weber Joan Whitt Vicki Kerr Scot Marter Sydney Bryer Mary Williams Acolyte Dusty Ellis Dusty Ellis Dusty Ellis Dusty Ellis Dusty Ellis Fellowship The Meyers Need Volunteers Need Volunteers Need Volunteers Need Volunteers Flower Sydney Bryer Sydney Bryer Norma Viney Bonnie Kelley Bonnie Kelley Guild Godly Play Sally & Phillip Stafford Laura Morrow-L Rebecca Kathy Shannon-L Megan Buck-A Rebecca Nicholson-L Matt Maguire-L Phillip Stafford-A Nicholson-A Megan Buck -A Greeters Kimberly & Russell Joe & Michele Norma Viney Michele & Joe Cobb Ann Gett Meyers Cobb Prayer Cindy Manley Cindy Manley Kimberly Meyers Cindy Manley Ministers Newcomer Jane Wolf Janet Whitman Jane Wolf Janet Whitman Jane Wolf Sound Joe Cobb Joe Cobb John Todd John Todd Joe Cobb Ushers Bryan Duplantis Janet Whitman Bryan Duplantis Janet Whitman Robert Whitt Chris Buck Chris Buck Janet Whitman Bryan Duplantis Chris Buck Vestry Joe Cobb Joe Cobb Robert Norrgard Michael Jordan Michael Jordan EM Beth Rubin Wednesday JULY 4 th 5:30PM GREEN Patrick Street Amos 5:14-15, Psalm 50:7-15 Matthew 8:28-34 Joan Whitt Wednesday JULY 11 th 5:30PM GREEN St. Benedict of Nursia Pamela Howell Philippians 2:12-16 Psalm 119: Luke 14:27-33 Joan Whitt Robert Norrgard Wednesday JULY 18 th 5:30PM GREEN Patrick Street Isaiah 10:5-7, Psalm 94:5-15 Matthew 11:25-27 Sally Stafford Wednesday JULY 25 th 5:30PM RED Pamela Howell Jeremiah 1:1, 4-10 Psalm 7:1-6, Matthew 13:1-9

14 ST. NICHOLAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 4000 W. Loop 250 N. Midland, TX Periodical Postage PAID at Midland, TX Monthly Newsletter (USPS ) JULY 2018 St. Nicholas Episcopal Church 4000 W. Loop 250 N. Midland, TX All are Welcome, Really! Sunday Service 9:30 AM Holy Communion Wednesdays at 5:30 PM Healing Service & Eucharist In the Chapel Phone (432) The Mission of St. Nicholas Episcopal Church is to Reflect the Love of Christ and to Respect the Dignity of all People. Website The Episcopal Church welcomes you!