EPIPHANY Annual Parish Meeting is. Sunday, January 28 th, Following the Service A light Brunch will be served. JANUARY 2018 Vol. 10 No.

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1 EPIPHANY 2018 Annual Parish Meeting is Sunday, January 28 th, Following the Service A light Brunch will be served. Election of Vestry and Nominating Committee JANUARY 2018 Vol. 10 No. 7 The Rt. Rev. J. Scott Mayer, Bishop of Northwest Texas The Rev. Canon Mike Ehmer, Canon to the Ordinary 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 Bishop of Northwest Texas The Rt. Rev. J. Scott Mayer Canon to the Ordinary The Rev. Canon Mike Ehmer Deacon The Rev. Tom Burns 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 Mr. Corby Considine Adult Christian 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 Dr. Mary 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 The Journey of the Magi T.S. Eliot A cold coming we had of it, Just the worst time of the year For a journey, and such a long journey: The ways deep and the weather sharp, The very dead of winter.' And the camels galled, sore footed, refractory, Lying down in the melting snow. There were times we regretted The summer palaces on slopes, the terraces, And the silken girls bringing sherbet. Then the camel men cursing and grumbling and running away, and wanting their liquor and women, And the night-fires going out, and the lack of shelters, And the cities hostile and the towns unfriendly And the villages dirty and charging high prices: A hard time we had of it. At the end we preferred to travel all night, Sleeping in snatches, With the voices singing in our ears, saying That this was all folly. Then at dawn we came down to a temperate valley, Wet, below the snow line, smelling of vegetation; With a running stream and a water-mill beating the darkness, And three trees on the low sky, And an old white horse galloped away in the meadow. Then we came to a tavern with vine-leaves over the lintel, Six hands at an open door dicing for pieces of silver, And feet kicking the empty wine-skins. But there was no information, and so we continued And arriving at evening, not a moment too soon Finding the place; it was (you might say) satisfactory. All this was a long time ago, I remember, And I would do it again, but set down This set down This: were we led all that way for Birth or Death? There was a Birth, certainly We had evidence and no doubt. I had seen birth and death, But had thought they were different; this Birth was Hard and bitter agony for us, like Death, our death. We returned to our places, these Kingdoms, But no longer at ease here, in the old dispensation, With an alien people clutching their gods. I should be glad of another death.

3 Alexandria, Chris, Kaylene, Gary, Addison, Bobby, Donna, Vivian, Gary, Sarah, Kellie, Marge, Ernest, Susan, Ann, Janet, Gwen, Sydney, Kathey. Dean, Coral, Mica, Sandra Nikki, Clyde, Tina, Shirley, Garrett JANUARY BIRTHDAYS 1 Kimberly Meyers 2 Audrey Cook 2 Olivia Cook 4 Alva Claire Jordan 10 Frankie Clarkson 10 Coen Stafford 11 Gary Garlitz 17 Mary Rogers 17 Chris Chance 19 Ann Gett 23 Rev. Frank Swindle 23 Georgia Corwin 24 Gloria Swindle 25 Mack Hibbitts 26 Vicki Kerr JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES 6 Mindy & Amy Johnson-Hicks Please notify the Parish Office if there is an omission or change. Thank you. Parish Prayer Requests: Tommy, Jerry, Jo, Tina, Elisabeth, Jonathan, Noel, Karen, Sue, Derrill, Ross, Jimmy, Jenny, Rita, Robbie, Joy, Fran, Victorio, Kim, Glenda, Ray, Troy, Fred, Janet, Dylan, Joan (Jo-ann), Wanda, Jimmy, 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, 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 Nominating Committee News BIOGRAPHIES 2018 Annual Meeting Slate for Vestry, Delegates, and Nominating Committee Vestry Nominees Kristi Pemberton Sally Stafford Convention Delegates Mary Linda Jordan Jessica Stewart Nominating Committee for 2018 Kristin Maguire Kathy Shannon Jane Wolf Kristy Pemberton Biographies My wife Lesli, and I, (and Jillian!) have been attending St Nicholas since January 2016 and were immediately welcomed with open arms. We are so

4 thankful for the love and support we have received, it has changed our lives. Originally from Fort Worth, I have lived in Midland since May, Prior to attending St. Nicholas I have attended non-denominational churches and served as associate Pastor as well as been an active board member. I currently serve on the Pastoral Care Team as well as chairing the Parish Life group. I look forward to serving and giving back to this wonderful family. Sally Stafford Phillip and I have two children who are homeschooled. I am the director of the children's ministries here at St. Nicholas and also play in the Handbell choir. Finding a church home that so closely aligns with my personal beliefs has given me hope and I am deeply grateful to this parish and its mission. Linda Jordan I am committed Christian, a wife of 41 years, a mother of two sons, two daughter-in-laws and three off the charts grandchildren. Michael and I have been involved in St Nicholas since 1981 with the exception of a couple of years when we attended Holy Trinity and Santa Maria. Currently, I am one of the parish nurses, sing in the choir and serve on the search committee for our new priest. I am active in community outreach with the Jubilee Center and the Senior Pantry at the Food Bank Jessica Stewart MA a Midland native has an academic background in History, Theology, and Anthropology. She is a published author and poet having presented an academic paper at a national conference and been published in local anthologies. Since 2013 she has worked as an administrative assistant for the Texas Oral Health Coalition and as the Church Administrator of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Midland. Jessica is a lifelong Episcopalian and began to attend St. Nicholas in Spring of 2012, since then she has become involved in church life as a Kitchen Angel, a member of the Handbell Choir and working in the Church library. Kristin Maguire I am a cradle Episcopalian, born and raised in Montana. I have been active in 9 congregations, most recently as a member of the choir at St. Nick's. I am currently in my 4th year of the EFM program. I am married to Matt and prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom to 2 wonderful sons, I worked as a petroleum engineer. I currently work very part time assisting expats who are relocating to Midland. Jane Wolf St. Nicholas has been a big part of my life for the past 40+ years, and I am so grateful for this parish family! In recent years, I have served on the vestry, the publicity committee, the pastoral care committee, and the search committee; I ve been the stewardship chair, a delegate and alternate to diocesan

5 conventions, and I am presently a member of the diocesan Standing Committee and Commission on Ministry. Most fun of all is singing in the St. Nicholas choir. My two grown daughters live in Austin and Kansas City; I have two stepgrandsons and one start-from-scratch grandson. I retired in 2015 after a 20- year career in real estate. Service on the board of Basin PBS, along with St. Nick s, keeps me off the streets and out of the pool halls. Prayer for the Search of a New Rector Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a Rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Godly Play News for our children! Godly Play is our Montessori-based children s education program. It allows our youngest members to explore their faith through play. The teacher presents a lesson that is followed by a time for the children to wonder and delve into their relationships with the Divine and each other. This is followed by their choice of art, or a project the teacher chooses, and the morning finishes with a tea party and snacks. 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. The Children will be singing Sunday, January 7 th, during the Offertory. (For those of you who missed the Lessons & Carols Service!) 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 January Jubilee Food Pantry Saturdays January 13 th and 27 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 We are so grateful for our Supply Priests during the Search for a New Rector! ~St. Nicholas Parish

6 A list of upcoming Supply Priests For January and February January 7, 2018 January 14, 2018 January 21, 2018 January 28, 2018 (Annual Parish Meeting) February 4, 2018 February 11, 2018 February 18, 2018 February 25, 2018 Canon Mike Ehmer Rev. Stockton Rev. Stockton Rev. Stockton Rev. Stockton Rev. Bill Wright Canon Mike Ehmer Rev. Jim Liggett To the talented artisans who decorated the Parish Hall to reflect a festive Advent and Christmas. To the St. Nick s Angels for sprucing up the Nave for the season of Advent & Christmas. To the Altar Guild, LEM s, and Lectors for the many beautiful and varied services. To the angels who decorated the nave with the exquisite Christmas Eve Poinsettias. To the Ushers and Greeters who make St. Nicholas such a welcoming congregation. To the musicians, choristers, and handbell ringers for their hours of preparation to add the heartfelt music of the soul to our services of worship. To the congregation which sings hymns of praise to God, as if there were no tomorrow. To the many elves behind the scenes in the Kitchen, in the Library, and our hard working Vestry, and Sr. and Jr. Wardens. Dear All, We give thanks for all the people who helped make December such a meaningful month: To Fr. Stockton, Canon Mike Ehmer, Fr. Jim Liggett, Deacon Tom, and the many volunteers who made such a meaningful December of splendid services. To the Choristers, Handbell ringers, Readers, and Kitchen Angels for the beautiful Lessons & Carols Service and Reception. To all who pray unceasingly and daily for the health, welfare and safety of the members of St. Nicholas. And, to the Office Volunteers for all the many mailouts, Newsletters, and front desk tasks. St. Nicholas is a blessed congregation. As we approach 2018 with Christ s love in our hearts, and great anticipation for what our Lord has in store for us in the Search of a Rector, and, the New Year, let us give thanks! Darryl Knapp, Lay Ministry Coordinator & Organist/Choirmaster

7 Pastoral Care Team In the absence of a fulltime rector, we are deeply committed to Parish Family visitations~ (i.e. Hospital, Sick, Homebound). If you would like to be involved in feeding HIS sheep, and ministering to those in need, please contact: Kimberly Meyers ~ kreationsbykimberly@suddenlink.net ( ) or Jane Wolf ~ jane@janewolf.com ( ) Also, if you would like to be a recipient of a pastoral care visit, please notify the church office. HospiceMidland Grief Support 911 W. Texas Ave COFFEE BREAK FOR MEN Wednesday 9:00 10:00am The first Wednesday of every month; 9-10 am. Enjoy coffee and fellowship with other men who have lost a loved one. Led by Robert Kirk, Hospice of Midland Chaplain rkirk@hospiceofmidland.org 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. March 12 th, June 11 th, 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: January 15 th, February 19 th, April 2 nd, May 7 th, 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 ECW Outreach: Please consider the idea of No Carnival Dollars as our outreach fundraiser for This involves setting a date by which we donate an amount calculated by the cost of ingredients if we baked or created something plus the typical amount we would spend buying someone else s item. This has been an unusual year in the parish, and our time is heavily committed, but needs in the community and church remain to be met! We will set a time to vote on this idea and a deadline in January. Thank you for prayerful consideration! Edna Hibbitts Daughters of the King The Daughters of the King is a national, Episcopal women s group whose purpose is prayer: thanksgiving, supplication, intercession for others.

8 Prayer requests are kept anonymous unless the sender gives permission to use specific names and privacy respected by the Daughters and can be sent to Pamela Howell at with the subject line: DOK prayer request. CHRISTMAS EVE at ST. NICHOLAS

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11 SUNDAY January 7 The Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ WHITE Genesis 1:1-5 Acts 19:1-7 Mark 1:4-11 Psalm 29 Rev. Canon Mike Ehmer SUNDAY January 14 Second Sunday after the Epiphany Green 1 Samuel 3:1-10(11-20) 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 John 1:43-51 Psalm 139:1-5, Rev. Stockton SUNDAY January 21 Third Sunday after the Epiphany Green Jonah 3:1-5, 10 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Mark 1:14-20 Psalm 62:6-14 Rev. Stockton SUNDAY January 28 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Green Deuteronomy 18: Corinthians 8:1-13 Mark 1:21-28 Psalm 111 Lector OT & Rick Lopez Edna Hibbitts Corby Considine Joanne Weber Psalm EM Reader Mary Kathy Shannon Beth Rubin Kristin Maguire EM Prayers Russell Meyers Pamela Howell Patrick Street Jeff Hewett Eucharistic Patrick Street to Margaret Visitors Karen Street Acolytes Dusty Ellis Dusty Ellis Dusty Ellis Dusty Ellis Altar Guild Sydney Bryer Scot Marter Nicole & Jonathan Jordan Mary & Nathan Mary Beth Anton Jo Weber Joan Whitt Fellowship Jane Wolf Jessica Stewart Kitchen Angels The Meyers Flower Guild Godly Play 2018 JANUARY MINISTRY ROSTER Bonnie Kelley Norma Viney Sally & Phillip Stafford Pamela Howell Norma Viney Sydney Bryer Megan Buck Jonathan Jordan Kathy Shannon Wes Perry Laura Morrow Rebecca Nicholson Greeters Michele & Joe Cobb Ann Gett Norma Viney Russell & Kimberly Meyers Kitchen Angels Michele Cobb Michele Cobb Michele Cobb Michele Cobb Prayer Ministers Kimberly Meyers Margaret Cindy Manley Margaret Newcomer Janet Whitman Jane Wolf Jane Wolf Janet Whitman Companion Sound Nicholas McRae Joe Cobb Nathan John Todd Ushers Linda George Janet Whitman Janet Whitman Robert Whitt Chris Buck Bryan Duplantis Bryan Duplantis Robert Whitt Vestry Michael Jordan Mary Pamela Howell Robert Norrgard Beth Rubin Joan Whitt Joe Cobb Robert Norrgard

12 ST. NICHOLAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 4000 W. Loop 250 N. Midland, TX Periodical Postage PAID at Midland, TX Monthly Newsletter (USPS ) JANUARY 2018 St. Nicholas Episcopal Church 4000 W. Loop 250 N. Midland, TX All are Welcome, Really! Sunday Service 9:30 AM Holy Communion No Wednesday 5:30 PM Healing Service & Eucharist (Suspended temporarily) 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!