NOVEMBER 2015 STAR - St. Martin's Episcopal...

St. Martin’s Episcopal ChurchSt. Martin’s Episcopal Church

STARTHE

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

St. Martin’s Day

Veterans Day Observance

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.

Our MissionTo bring by the power of the Holy Spirit as many people as possible to know, love, and serve God as revealed through Jesus Christ; and to be transformed into spiritually renewed disciples of Jesus who know, love and serve one another and the world.

Deadline for AnnouncementsThe deadline to submit information for The Star is two months before publication on the 10th of the month.

Church Offices717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056

Office HoursMonday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Individual department hours vary.)

PostmasterSend address changes to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church 717 Sage Road Houston, TX 77056-2199

Phone Numbers

Office ..............................................................713-621-3040

Fax ..................................................................713-622-5701

Activity Center .................................................713-621-8625

Café St. Martin’s ..............................................713-985-3847

Event Reservations .........................................713-985-3844

Library ...........................................................713-830-4118

Prayer Requests ..............................................713-830-4124

Preschool ........................................................713-621-2944

The Hope and Healing Center & Institute ........713-871-1004

The Island/Student Ministries .........................713-871-1004

Tours ...............................................................713-830-4117

Visitor Information ..........................................713-830-4126

Additional phone numbers and email addresses are at:stmartinsepiscopal.org > About St. Martin’s > The Staff

STARTHE

The Star is an official publication of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.

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 is believed to be from the historic state of Tyrol, a region in what is now northern Italy and western Austria. It depicts four scenes from the life of St. Martin, as well as wood carvings of St. Peter and St. James-the-Greater. For more information about the altarpiece, see page 5.

Contents

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

02 From the Rector

04 Worship, Christian Education

and Fellowship for Adults

06 Veterans Day Observance

08 Day of Hope and Advent Wreath Project

09 Programs for All Adults

10 Programs for Women

11 Programs for Men

12 Student Ministries

13 Children’s Ministry

14 Outreach and Missions

18 Parish Life

22 Hope and Healing Center & Institue

23 Giving

08 I DAY OF HOPE AND ADVENT WREATH PROJECT

Record your hopes and dreams and place them in our special “Hope Chest,” and make an Advent wreath to enjoy during the Advent season.

06 I VETERANS DAY OBSERVANCE

St. Martin’s honors the men and women of our armed forces during a special service with guest speakers and patriotic music.

05 I ST. MARTIN’S DAY

Join us in celebrating the more than 60 years of our existence as a Parish and give thanks for God’s many blessings to our Church family.

FROM THE RECTOR

The window was inspired, of course, by Jesus’ words we find

at the end of Matthew’s Gospel: “All authority in heaven and

on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples

of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of

the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have

commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.”

(28:18-20) Herein rests the great mission of the Church – and the great

mission of St. Martin’s – to make disciples.

Recently, St. Martin’s passed a significant moment – our 9,000th

member joined (you can read more about her and her family on the next

page). In fact, since that joining, we have had nearly 50 more people join

St. Martin’s either through baptism, the new members class or transfer

from another church. Every now and then, someone will ask me, “How

large will St. Martin’s be?” My answer is, “I don’t know…I just know that we

are called to be faithful to the Great Commission, which I don’t believe had an

expiration date…!” There’s a bit of tongue in cheek there of course, but the

reality is, for whatever reason, God always had in mind to build a large

church family here at the corner of Sage and Woodway.

I have worshipped and served in large parishes, small and everything in

between. I remember in my first position fresh out of seminary, my two

children and the children of one other family were the only youngsters

in their Sunday School program (orchestrated by, well, my bride,

Laura!). That was then, this is now; and I am blessed to be your Rector –

at this large, vibrant, busy and growing Parish.

Keeping in mind that the average Episcopal Church today has around

200 members with an average Sunday attendance of less than 100,

remember that St. Martin’s began with well over 200 members back in

1952. By 1959, only seven years later, under the direction of Dr. Bagby,

the Parish topped 2,000 members. So again, I am confident God works

in small churches, large ones and everything in between. We are a large

Parish, and I suspect we will continue to grow – as long as we are faithful

to the mission Christ has put before us – to make disciples of all nations.

The Great Commission window, located on the north wall of our beautiful nave (pictured below), is a haunting reminder of Jesus’ last great charge to the Church. A “haunting” (particularly thinking on the heels of the month of October!) is not always a bad thing – it can be a good thing – that thing, memory, thought, tune that stays in your head, or heart, and pulls you into a deeper place.

02 T H E S TA R I N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

The Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr.

F R O M T H E R E C T O R

You and I both know to those who have

been given much, much is expected. (Luke

12:48) That means as we continue to make

our way through our stewardship season

that we not only seek to encourage

members to support our Parish, but also

seek – with great thought and prayer – to

reach the most people we can with the

largest net – and we do have a large net.

Christ called disciples but for one reason:

so that, empowered by the Holy Spirit, they

would go into the world and call and make

new disciples; that they would grow the

Body of Christ. That haunting call is upon

us as well – and we should never let it

leave our hearts.

Evangelism is the work of reaching out for

the sake of Christ, in the name of Christ,

in the power of Christ to bring others to

Christ. And while not all of us are called to

be pastors or priests, all Christians are called

to be agents for Him – and let us not be

“secret agents!”

I like what my mentor John Stott writes

about this call upon us, “Although every

Christian is not called to be a minister or a

missionary, God does intend every Christian to

be a witness to Jesus Christ. In his own home,

among his friends in his college or at this place

of business, it is his solemn responsibility

to live a consistent, loving, humble, honest,

Christ-like life, and to seek to win other people

for him. He will be discreet and courteous,

but determined.”[1]

The most recent study of the demographics

in our area tells us that about 35 percent of

those living within a five mile radius of

St. Martin’s do not yet have a worshipping

community in which to grow and live out

their faith. Of that same percentage, almost

just as many stated that they are “seeking”

such a community. There is work still

to be done.

As we live out the Great Commission at

St. Martin’s, let each of us pray that we are,

by God’s grace, and in His power, doing

our own part. Let the Great Commission

of Scripture – and that great and beautiful

window at St. Martin’s haunt you a bit –

“go...make...” Where? In your home…at

the grocery…dry cleaner…on your evening

walk…at work…that person you see on the

street who just, for some strange reason,

catches your eye, and tugs on your heart

– perhaps haunts you just a bit…you are

commissioned by Christ Himself to make

disciples…what a great call that is…

[1] John Stott, Basic Christianity (Downer’s Grove, Illinois: Inter-Varsity Press, 1971), p. 141.

<

The most recent study

of the demographics

in our area tells us

that about 35 percent

of those living within

a five mile radius

of St. Martin’s

do not yet have

a worshipping

community in which

to grow and live out

their faith.

=

Thursday, September 10 – St. Martin’s welcomed the 9,000th member of the Parish when Peggy

England and her family joined the Church after transferring from St. Francis Episcopal Church in

Potomac, Maryland. (from left to right) The Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr. met with Craig England,

Elizabeth England, Carl England and Peggy England, along with the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle,

Bishop of Texas, and Michael Donaldson, Senior Warden.

T H E S TA R I N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 03

W O R S H I P , C H R I S T I A N E D U C A T I O N A N D F E L L O W S H I P F O R A D U L T S

SEEKERS

(60s, 70s and up)

Sundays 10:15 – 11 a.m. Activity Center, Aerobics Room Clergy Liaisons: The Rev. Nick Dyke and

the Rev. Robert Wareing

Seekers is a great place for couples and

singles to meet and study the Gospel

and other readings, and then branch off

into Church history, liturgy, sacraments

and other related areas. We just have fun

learning! Please come and join our group.

CHRISTIAN BOOK STUDYSundays 10:15 – 11 a.m. Vestry Conference Room

Clergy Liaison: The Rev. R-J Heijmen

Our Sunday School classes emphasize

Christian education and fellowship while

reading various Christian books, and

provide a community in which you can

develop your Christian understanding, a

sense of belonging and lasting friendships.

COVENANT GROUPS

The Rev. Rob Dixon, our new Associate

Rector for Pastoral Care and Outreach, is

meeting with members throughout the

fall to consider ways in which we can

respond to a need expressed by members

to connect beyond our regular worship

and programming, specifically in small

group gatherings for fellowship and

discipleship. He would welcome your

input and an opportunity to visit with

members who have an interest in this

initiative. Feel free to contact the Rev. Dixon at 713-830-4131 or [email protected].

BASIC BIBLE STUDY

Singing a Song of the Saints of God: A Year-long Look at Biblical Heroes Sundays 10:15 – 11 a.m. Bagby Parish Hall Led by Dr. Matt Stanford, Chief Executive Officer, Hope and Healing Center & Institute

As the old All Saints Day hymn goes,

“one was a doctor, and one was a queen,

one was a shepherdess on the green…one

was a soldier, and one was a priest, and

one was slain by a fierce wild beast.” The

point, of course, is that Christian saints

can be found anywhere and everywhere,

because being a saint is not chiefly about

what we do or don’t do, but rather about

trusting in Jesus, who “paid it all” (in

the words of another great hymn). The

saints of God are people like you and

me, ordinary men and women through

whom God has done extraordinary

things. This will be a chance to “get real”

about who we actually are and wonder

once again at God’s amazing grace

through Jesus Christ. For more information about Basic Bible Study, contact Deb Tisch at 713-985-3817 or [email protected].

Thanksgiving Day Service

Thursday,

November 26

10 a.m.

The Church

Holy Eucharist

Christmas Eve Services

Thursday, December 24

1 p.m.

The Church

Family Service (no Eucharist)

3 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

The Church

Holy Eucharist with nativity liturgy;

festive music by the Parish Choir,

Gloria Dei Organ, Brass and Tympani

Christmas Day Service

Friday,

December 25

11 a.m.

The Church

Holy Eucharist

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29

Adult Sunday School will not meet due to the Thanksgiving holiday.


About Our Patron Saint Martin was born in

modern-day Hungary in

316 and grew up in Pavia,

Italy where his father was

a tribune for the Roman army. He converted

to Christianity before following in 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

celebrated as St. Martin’s Day for more

than 1,600 years.


The St. Martin’s Altarpiece This altarpiece depicts figures clothed in costumes typical of the time when the piece was created in the 1400s. The two wings doors are carved with scenes from the life of St. Martin while the center of the triptych holds sculptures of St. Martin flanked by St. Peter on his right and St. James-the-Greater on his left. 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.

Upper left wing: This scene from the early life of St. Martin illustrates the well-known episode when young Martin, then a Roman soldier, divided his cloak with his sword to share with a shivering beggar.

Lower left wing: St. Martin appears to be blessing three lifeless nuns. This panel probably refers to the legend that

“St. Martin said that in his dreams he conversed with three saints: the Virgin Mary, St. Agnes and St. Thecla.” At the time the piece was produced, it was customary to

portray all canonized women as nuns.

Upper right wing: This panel shows the elevation of a reluctant St. Martin to Bishop of Tours in 371 A.D. Despite the ornamental trappings of a bishop, his eyes remain fixed

on his heavenly mission.

Lower right wing: This scene commemorates St. Martin’s death in November 397. It is thought to depict the legend that, at the moment of death, Ambrose, Bishop of Milan (St. Martin’s friend and brother in Christ), “was said to have been transported in a

dream to Gaul to perform the last rites.”

Center left: St. Peter, standing on St. Martin’s right, holds the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Center: Under delicately carved Gothic tracery, St. Martin stands, crozier in hand,

wearing the miter and cope of a Bishop.

Center right: St. James-the-Greater, on his left, wears a pilgrim’s hat. The cockleshell on the brim of the distinctive hat was the hallmark of pilgrims visiting the shrine of

St. James, the first apostle to be martyred.

CELEBRATING ST. MARTIN’S DAY Sunday, November 15 You are invited to join us in celebrating the more than 60 years of our existence as a Parish and help us remember all those who have gone before us as laity and Clergy in this wonderful Parish. Please come and give thanks for Martin, our patron saint, and God’s many blessings to our

Church Family.

Special Guest Preacher The Rt. Rev. Edward L. Salmon, Jr. (retired) 8 a.m., 9 a.m.

and 11:15 a.m.

The Church

Bishop Edward L. Salmon, Jr. (retired) is the former Dean and President of Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Nashotah, Wisconsin. Prior to that appointment, he served as Bishop of South Carolina from 1989 to 2008. A native of Natchez, Mississippi, Salmon received his Bachelor of Art degree in history from Sewanee: The University of the South and Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary. He was ordained a deacon in 1960 and priest in 1961. Bishop Salmon first served missions in northwest Arkansas and became involved with The Anglican Digest, for which he serves as Chairman of the Board today. He went on to become Associate Rector and then Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas, before serving as

Rector of The Church of St. Michael & St. George near St. Louis, Missouri. While there he founded the Anglican Communion Institute, which seeks to promote the cause of traditional and biblical Anglicanism. Bishop Salmon was a member of the Board of Trustees for Sewanee for more than 30 years, as well as the Board of Regents. After retirement, he served alongside the Rev. Alex Large as Rector for All Saints Church in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Bishop Salmon still has Episcopal oversight of two congregations, and also leads retreats for

vestries and preaches.

PARISH FAMILY PICTURE 10:15 a.m. Sharp In front of The Church




SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS

United States Army Lieutenant General Rick Lynch (retired)

General Lynch attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduated

in 1977 and was commissioned as a regular Army Engineer Officer. As an Engineer, he commanded both a Mobile Assault Bridge Company and Combat Engineer Company in the 2nd Armored Division. He then branched transferred to Armor and subsequently commanded both a tank battalion (1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division) and tank brigade (1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division).

Sunday, November 15

6 p.m.

The Church St. Martin’s salutes the many military men and women of our Parish who have served our country. Please join us for this special service honoring our veterans that is set within the context of Evening Prayers and patriotic music. Child care is available for newborns – pre-K during this service.

General Lynch was promoted to Brigadier General in 2001 and served as the Assistant Division Commander, 4th Infantry Division, Chief of Staff, Kosovo Forces, and Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations for Joint Force Command Naples, Italy. He served in Iraq as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Effects and the spokesman for Multinational Forces Iraq from 2005 to 2006. General Lynch went on to command the 3rd Infantry Division from 2006 to 2008, during which time he deployed the Division to Iraq as part of the Surge, and commanded Task Force Marne in Iraq for 15 months. After redeployment, General Lynch was selected to command III Corps and Fort Hood, Texas. His last position in the Army was as the Commanding General, Installation Management Command and Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management. He was responsible for 163 Army installations worldwide with an annual budget of $12 billion and workforce of 120,000. After retirement, General Lynch became the Executive Director of The University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute, a multi-million dollar facility focused on advanced technology to help humanity and finding

affordable solutions to complex problems. He is now the Chief Executive Officer of his own consulting company, RLynch Enterprises. General Lynch recently published a book on adaptive leadership entitled Adapt or Die: Leadership Principles from an American General. He and his wife, Sarah, reside in Southlake, Texas.

United States Navy Captain Eugene A. Cernan (retired)

During 20 years as a Naval Aviator, including 13 years with the National Aeronautics and Space

Administration (NASA), Captain Eugene A. Cernan left his mark on history with three historic missions in space as the Pilot of Gemini IX, Lunar Module Pilot of Apollo X, and Commander of Apollo XVII. After flying to the moon not once, but twice, he also holds the distinction of being the second American to walk in space and the last man to have left his footprints on the lunar surface. Among his numerous honors, the most significant are the Navy Distinguished Flying Cross, Distinguished Service Medal with Star, NASA Distinguished Service Medal, FAI International Gold Medal for Space, induction into the U.S. Space Hall of Fame, enshrinement into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, Naval Aviation’s Hall of Honor and International Aerospace Hall of Fame. Captain Cernan received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the United States Naval Post Graduate School. He authored the book The Last Man on the Moon, which tells about the fear, love and sacrifice demanded of the few men who dared to reach beyond the heavens for the biggest prize of all – the Moon.




United States Navy Vice Admiral William E. Ramsey (retired)

After completing flight training at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida, Admiral Ramsey went on to

become the first pilot to make a nose-tow catapult launch from a carrier, first pilot to conduct a single-engine landing aboard ship in both the F-4B and E-ZC, and first pilot to fly a turbo prop aboard ship. He became the first commanding officer of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and upon the carrier’s commissioning took her to sea in October 1977. Admiral Ramsey retired with more than 35 years of active duty, including nine sea tours, 15 deployments of longer than six months each, and 138 sorties

over North Vietnam.

The Very Rev. Anthony P. Clark, Command Chaplain, Florida Army and Air National Guard (active)

Chaplain (Colonel) Anthony P. Clark

currently serves as the Command Chaplain for the Florida Army and Air National Guard. His 30 years of uniformed service includes enlisted service in the Military Intelligence Corps, training as a Chaplain Candidate and 20 years of experience as a Chaplain in the Florida Army National Guard. Chaplain Clark is endorsed by The Episcopal Church and has served more than 23 years as a parish priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, most recently as Dean of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando. A graduate of Stetson University and Virginia Theological Seminary, Chaplain Clark served on the Diocesan Board, Standing Committee, diocesan Finance Commission and as a three time Deputy to General Convention. He is currently a pursuing a Doctor of Ministry through Trinity School for Ministry.

The Honorable James A. Baker, III James A. Baker, III

served as the 61st

U.S. Secretary of

State under President

George H.W. Bush,

as the 67th Secretary

of the Treasury under President Ronald

Reagan, and as White House Chief of Staff

to Presidents Reagan and Bush. He also

served as Under Secretary of Commerce

to President Ford. He led five presidential

campaigns from 1976 to 1992. Baker

graduated from Princeton University and

received his J.D. with honors from The

University of Texas School of Law. He is

presently a senior partner in the law firm

of Baker Botts. Baker was born in Houston

in 1930. He and his wife, the former Susan

Garrett, currently reside in Houston, and

have eight children and 17 grandchildren.

Susan Garrett Baker

Susan Garrett Baker

is a founding member

of the National

Alliance to End

Homelessness, 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 label violent and sexually

explicit music. In 1999, Susan helped

organize “A Gathering of Friends” in

Amman, Bethlehem and Jerusalem to

celebrate the 2000th birthday of Jesus

of Nazareth. She has served on the

boards of several organizations, including

Neighborhood Centers, Inc. and the

Houston Food Bank. Her autobiography,

Passing It On, was published in

October 2010.

United States Army Lieutenant Colonel James B. Montgomery (retired)

After receiving his commission into the Army

Medical Service Corps, Lieutenant Colonel James B. Montgomery went on to serve as a Medical Platoon Leader, 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor (Opposing Forces) at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California; Commander of Delta Company, Walter Reed Army Medical Center; Comptroller and Deputy Commander for Administration, Ireland Army Community Hospital, Fort Knox, Kentucky; Deputy Commander for Administration, US Army Health Clinic, Vicenza, Italy; and Senior Program Analyst, Office of the Army Surgeon General. Among Jim’s numerous military awards and decorations are five Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals and four Army Achievement Medals. After retiring from military service, he joined the Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, Virginia, as a Senior Performance Improvement Consultant.

Military Members of St. Martin’s Parish Family

The Rev. John R. Bentley, Jr.United States Marine Corps Reserve

The Rev. James CunninghamUnited States Air Force 1st Lieutenant

Arlen FergusonUnited States Coast Guard Reserve HM 2nd Class

Adams C. McHenry, Jr.United States Marine Corps Corporal (veteran)

John E. OlsenUnited States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel (retired)

Paul PianaUnited States Navy Ensign

Pamela J. Smith United States Army Nurse Corps 1st Lieutenant (veteran) The Hon. John T. Wooldridge United States Navy Captain, JAGC (retired)



“ AN ADVENT WREATH DEVOTIONAL

1

”Both adult and children’s versions now available for purchase in St. Martin’s Bookstore & Gift Shoppe

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 hope will be a regular companion in your Advent journey for years to come.

– Laura and Russ Levenson

DAY OF HOPE AND ADVENT WREATH PROJECT Sunday, November 29

10:15 a.m.

Bagby Parish Hall

Join together with our Parish family as we

record our hopes and dreams for our church

family and ourselves. You’ll have the

opportunity to write them down and place

them in the “Hope Chest” (pictured right)

that has a permanent home in the Rector’s

office 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 only dream, but also to

trust in the hope we have in Christ.

Additional supplies will be on hand to

make an Advent wreath with fresh greens

and candles. It will be yours to take home

and enjoy as you and your family and

guests celebrate the Advent season.


P R O G R A M S F O R A L L A D U L T S

INFORMATION MEETING FOR NEW YORK CITY TOUR Sunday, November 15

Following the 11:15 a.m. service

Bagby Parish Hall

Come fly away to the city that never

sleeps for an arts and leisure tour

March 29 – April 3, 2016, that can be

customized to accommodate personal

interests and tastes. This trip, which

is open to all members and friends of

St. Martin’s Parish, includes airfare,

transfers from the airport to the hotel,

tickets to some of the best Broadway

shows, several meals, guided tours

and great accommodations in the

heart of one of the most exciting

cities in the world.

Families are welcome and encouraged

to go together. However, because

of the fast pace, amount of walking

required and full schedule of

activities, this trip is recommended

for physically fit adults and mature

teenagers.

For more information, contact Bruce Morgan at 713-985-3810 or [email protected].

ORDER OF ST. LUKE THE PHYSICIAN

Wednesdays,

November 4,

11 and 18

5 – 6 p.m.

Payne Education

Center, Room 207/209

St. Martin’s chapter of the Order of

St. Luke (OSL) the Physician is part

of an international organization that

is dedicated to the Christian healing

ministry. The group studies Holy Scripture

and books written about the healing

ministry with the purpose of being

equipped to offer this ministry to others.

OSL invites those interested in knowing

more about Jesus’ healing today to “come

and see” the Wednesday class. For more information, email [email protected], or contact Jennifer DiMichele at 713-985-3845 or [email protected].

FESTIVAL CHORAL EUCHARISTSunday, November 8 6 p.m.

The Church

The brass principles from the

Houston Symphony will join us in the

presentation of thrilling works for choir,

organ, brass and tympani.

SERVANT HEARTS The Servant HeARTS ministry offers

parishioners a new avenue to utilize

their creative gifts, talents and abilities

to serve God and His Church by creating

a strategic plan and outlet designed

for these purposes. Based on responses

from the Spiritual Gifts Assessment from

the Membership 101 Class, we have

discovered that parishioners who have

a heart for service and creative abilities

would benefit from this structured

ministry to utilize and explore their gifts.

Through Servant HeARTS, parishioners

will be able to use their God-given talents

to support various projects and events

at St. Martin’s. This ministry will be

coordinated and orchestrated through

the Office of Creative Ministries.

For more information, contact Bruce Morgan at 713-985-3810 or [email protected].


P R O G R A M S F O R W O M E N

DAUGHTERS OF THE KINGSaturday, November 7

10:30 a.m. – noon

Payne Education Center, Room 202/204

Dr. Matt Stanford, Chief Executive

Officer of the Hope and Healing Center

& Institute, will speak about

“Gratefulness and Mental Health” at the

monthly meeting for the Order of the

Daughters of the King. The vision of this

order is to know Jesus Christ, to make

Him known to others, and to become

reflections of God’s love throughout the

world. Membership is open to women and

girls at every stage of life – from ages seven

to 107.

For more information, contact [email protected], or Deb Tisch at 713-985-3817 or [email protected].

EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN ANNUAL RETREAT AT CAMP ALLENFriday – Sunday, November 20 – 22

Navasota, Texas

Come hear great speakers and attend

wonderful workshops focusing on the

theme “And Who Is Your Neighbor?”

to help you refuel before the holidays.

For more information and to register,

visit epicenter.org/ecw-annual-retreat.

THE MOMS’ GROUPWednesdays,

November 4, 11

and 18

9:15 a.m.

Payne Education

Center, Room 207/209

Join The Moms’ Group as we discuss

together the joys and struggles of raising

young kids. Mothers of young children

ranging in age from infants to early

elementary meet for a time of fellowship,

teaching, prayer and support. The group

is led by Emily Large.

OUTREACH PROGRAMWednesday, November 18

Noon – 1 p.m.

Activity Center, Upper Hall East

Join members of St. Clare’s Needlepoint

Guild and Saintly Stitchers as they make

sandwiches for Kids’ Meals, the nation’s

only meals-on-wheels service for children

that provides healthy, home-delivered

lunches to hungry children under the

age of five who live in poverty.

Trim and TinselA Holiday Hostess Workshop

Share a fun evening with ECW friends at a holiday workshop. Learn decorating tips for your next holiday event complete with a custom wreath and centerpiece.

Tuesday, November 17 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

The Island$25 per person

Event ChairsKelly Leonard, Katie LaRue, Mary Susan McDowell and Elle Wiens

[email protected]

Register online by Friday, November 13 at stmartinsepiscopal.org/registration.


An Advent CompanionPreparing Room – A Collection of Scriptures, Meditations and Prayers by Russell J. Levenson, Jr.

“ Advent is the season where we turn once again to the beginning of the Christian story as it centers on Jesus. The pieces of this story come together not from one set of hands, but many – and they are not of one texture, but many. In these pages, I hope to offer several gifts: Scriptures key to telling the story, a brief meditation, and avenue for “preparing room” and a prayer. This collection is designed to carry one through the season of Advent.”

From the Introduction of Preparing Room

ROOMpreparing

AN ADVENT COMPANION

A Collection of Scriptures, Meditations and Prayers

Russell J. Levenson, Jr.

Available for purchase in St. Martin’s Bookstore & Gift Shoppe

YOUNG DADS’ BIBLE STUDY

Wednesdays, November 4, 11 and 18

7 – 8 a.m.

Bride’s Room

Join the Rev. Alex Large and other dads of

young children for Bible study as we seek

to connect the Gospel to our lives today.

For more information, contact the Rev. Alex Large at [email protected].

P R O G R A M S F O R M E N

THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY Thursdays

7 – 8 a.m.

Bagby Parish Hall

This group is open to all men of the

Parish of all ages, and any male guests

and visitors. We gather each Thursday

morning through May for a brief Bible

reflection and then break into groups

for discussion, fellowship and mutual

support, along with several special guest

speakers. Breakfast is available for a $5

donation. Reservations are not required.

NOVEMBER 5 Chapter 7 – Mark 6:30-56 Amazing Compassion

NOVEMBER 12 Chapter 8 – Mark 7:1-37

The Heart of the Matter

NOVEMBER 19 Guest Speaker

Brian Jamison,

East West Ministries

Brian Jamison

spent seven years in

East Africa teaching

at a Bible college

and later training

evangelists working

among unreached

tribes of Samburu, Maasai and Sabaot.

In 2008, God moved him northward to

begin working with Muslims in North

Africa and the Middle East. Having spent

time in more than 20 countries with a

Muslim majority, his individual gospel

presentations to Muslims have grown to

more than 100. Brian has partnerships

with other organizations in Iraq and

Algeria, and oversees staff in Turkey,

Jordan, Egypt and the Philippines. He

holds a master’s degree from Dallas

Seminary and has served with East West

Ministries the past 13 years.

NOVEMBER 27 No Meeting – Thanksgiving

KIDS’ MEALS – MEN’S OUTREACH PROGRAM Tuesday, November 10

5 – 6:30 p.m.

Activity Center, Fellowship Room

Join the Men of St. Martin’s to make

sandwiches for hungry children. We

make approximately 10,000 sandwiches

annually that are delivered for lunch to

preschool children living in poverty.


S T U D E N T M I N I S T R I E S

FOR ALL STUDENTS

Sunday Morning EYC 10:15 – 11 a.m. The Island

Let’s get started with Sunday mornings!

Meet downstairs for donuts, fun and

to learn more about God through the

Bible. If you are visiting or looking to

check out our middle school group for

the first time this would be the perfect

place to start! For more information, contact Florence Ritchie at 713-985-3843 of [email protected].

MIDDLE SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

8th Grade Confirmation Classes Sundays, November 1 – February 21

10 – 11:10 a.m.

Hope and Healing Center Auditorium

Confirmation Retreat (required)

Friday – Sunday, January 8 – 10

Carolina Creek Christian Camp, Huntsville

The St. Martin’s 8th grade Confirmation

class runs from November – February and

gives students an opportunity to learn

about and think through the Christian

message in a more intentional manner

than ever before. Through classes,

discussion, fellowship and retreat, these

students will be led through the journey

from childhood to adult faith. For 8th grade Confirmation information, contact Will Kulseth at 713-830-4148 or [email protected].

HIGH SCHOOLSchool-based Fellowship Groups

Our school-based Bible studies continue

this fall. We believe meeting students

where they are gives us the greatest

opportunity to reach them and their

communities. The times and locations

of these groups are tailored to their

specific schools.

Please check theislandlive.com for all the details.

.

CUB SCOUT PACK 354 AND BOY SCOUT TROOP 354Scouting with Cub Scout Pack 354 and

Boy Scout Troop 354 at St. Martin’s is fun

and a wonderful opportunity to teach

life skills – leadership, ethics and more.

The three promises of the Scout oath are:

Duty to God and country; Duty to other

people; and Duty to self. Based on this

premise, the adult leadership works to

bring the young men in the organization

to independence and true self-reliance as

they progress through the advancement

program. This “boy-led” concept enables

young men to lead, make decisions,

budget and plan for events. It is through

these experiences they gain a greater

understanding of themselves. More

than 145 Eagle Scouts have come from

Boy Scout Troop 354 since 1957. The

troop meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m.

at The Scout Center. Visitors are always

welcome.

For more information, contact Walt Schroeder, Scout Master, at [email protected], or visit houstontroop354.org.

Every year Scouts attend the Scout Sunday service during which they act as ushers, greeters and flag bearers, and participate in the service.


C H I L D R E N ’ S M I N I S T R Y

ABOUT OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL PROGRAMOur communication to parents regarding

Children’s Ministry often is overly specific

to grade school children. But what about

the little guys, our precious preschool

children? What does their Sunday

morning look like? Well, for starters,

preschool meets in an entirely different

building: Founders’ Hall. This is where

we minister to children ages newborn

through prekindergarten. Every age has

their own room that is age appropriate,

beginning with the Stork room that is

open to newborn babies until they reach

one year of age. Children then move to

the Bunny room where they remain until

they turn two when they become a Lamb;

three-year-olds are in the Butterfly room;

four-year-olds are in the Turtle room; and

children in prekindergarten are in the

Owl room. Children can be promoted to

an older classroom as their development

demands between the Stork and Bunny

rooms. Once they reach the Bunny room,

promotion takes place for children in

August in conjunction with back to

school. It’s an exciting time for both

children and parents!

Within the preschool program, we have

a curriculum designed for our smallest

parishioners called God Loves Me. Our

classrooms have teachers who are ready

to receive children during all the morning

worship services. In the early part of the

morning we offer music to the preschool

kids taught by Ophelia Pujol, Children’s

Choir. She has been involved in

St. Martin’s Music Ministry for 29 years

and we’re honored to have her with our

kids every Sunday! After music, teachers

guide the kids through the Bible lesson

and activity before parent pick up.

Our preschool program is overseen

by Ursella Rylander, Children’s Ministry

Coordinator, who has a 20+ year preschool

teaching background. Our preschoolers

are nurtured and loved on every Sunday

while they learn about Jesus’ love for them

at a very early age. After all, it’s never too

soon to know how much we’re cherished

by Him!

Collections for the Children’s Christmas Outreach Project

Sunday, November 7 – December 13

Payne Education Center, Room 202

The Children’s Ministry will collect, package and send care-boxes to the Seafarers’ Center of Texas. As sailors travel through the Port of Houston during the Christmas season, they are often away from home for weeks at a time and are in need of supplies.

Collections include:

• Gum and hard candy • Key chains • Paper and envelopes • Pencils and pens • Playing cards • Puzzles and games • Postcards and stamps • Socks and baseball caps • Texas souvenirs • Toothbrush and toothpaste • Dental floss • Kleenex and combs • Band-aids and Q-tips • Lotion and lip balm • Nail clippers • Shampoo • Disposable camera

Children’s Ministry will pack, wrap and decorate these boxes in Sunday School on Sunday, December 13. Outreach Ministry will then deliver our gift boxes to the Seafarers’ Center

just in time for Christmas!

For more information, look in the Children’s Ministry e-newsletter for details. To sign up for the e-newsletter, contact Holli Kight at 713-985-3816 or [email protected].

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29

Children’s Sunday School* will not meet due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

*Child care for infants through pre-K will continue to be offered during all morning worship services.


O U T R E A C H A N D M I S S I O N S

PARTNERING WITH AMAZING PLACE TO HELP THOSE WITH MEMORY LOSS Numerous St. Martin’s parishioners are

devoted volunteers and supporters of

Amazing Place. Founded in 1996,

Amazing Place is Houston’s only day

program devoted to adults with mild to

moderate memory loss. Its participants,

ranging in age from 50 to 90, benefit

from invigorating programs that promote

health, wellness and fellowship. Amazing

Place also provides support for families

and the community.

Each November, St. Martin’s Outreach

ministry sponsors a Turkey Trot event at

Amazing Place where volunteers host a

Thanksgiving party for clients. During

Outreach Sunday, we create 50 beautifully

decorated Easter wreaths and deliver them

to Amazing Place families. Additionally,

our volunteers repurpose flowers leftover

from memorial services by taking them

to Amazing Place for clients to arrange.

Our partnership with Amazing Place is

commended in the note below from the

Episcopal Health Foundation President.

“I visited Amazing Place last week at

the invitation of a good friend who is on

the board – and I was amazed. I was very

proud that our congregations are

participating supporters. The work of

Amazing Place is outside the scope of

Episcopal Health Foundation’s grant

funding parameters, which they

understood when they invited me to

tour, but like so many necessary and

worthy organizations, it deserves the

support of our diocese. Thanks for what

you do for this great organization,

and so many others.”

Elena M. Marks

President and CEO

Episcopal Health Foundation

For more information about Amazing Place, visit amazingplacehouston.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN COLLABORATION WITH AMAZING PLACE

Worried About Your Memory? It May Not Be Dementia!

Wednesday, November 11

Noon – 1 p.m.

Hope and Healing Center

Join Sally Davis, Amazing Place Health

Services Director, in reviewing situations

attributed to age-related changes and

sharing lifestyle habits that can increase

your chances of aging successfully.

Memory lapses are not always caused by

dementia. Many adults over 50 worry

about becoming forgetful; it is natural to

feel uneasy when you forget something.

However, many memory lapses are

simply the result of normal aging

changes, not a serious illness.

The event is free of charge. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit hopeandhealingevents.org.

Turkey Trot Tuesday, November 24

10 – 11 a.m.

Amazing Place, 3735 Drexel Drive

Amazing Place provide a safe, spiritual

and nurturing program for older adults

with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s or

similar dementia, while offering respite,

education and support to their caregivers

and families. St. Martin’s hosts this

Thanksgiving party each year

for the clients.


Prison Ministry

Friday, November 6

10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Clemens Unit

Team Sports

Tuesdays, November 3, 10 and 17

7 p.m.

Spring Spirit Baseball, 8526 Pitner Road

Weather permitting

Bo’s Place Holiday Dinner

Monday, November 2

5:30 – 7 p.m.

Bo’s Place, 10050 Buffalo Speedway

Bo’s Place is a non-profit, free-of-charge

bereavement center that offers multiple

grief support services for children,

families and adults in their grief journey,

and provides education and resources

for those who assist people in grief.

St. Martin’s volunteers serve a holiday

meal to these families twice a year.


GET INVOLVED WITH OUTREACH AND MISSIONS Whether you are reaching out to help

others less fortunate here in Houston or

another country, doing so “makes the

heart happy!” St. Martin’s partners with

more than 50 agencies in Houston and

abroad. Each week there is an organized

effort to serve others and share in

fellowship with other parishioners. For more information about St. Martin’s volunteer opportunities, call 713-985-3811 or email [email protected].

HOUSTON: reVISIONreVision works to transform the lives

of at-risk and gang-affected youth by

connecting them to positive adult role

models, building a new community

around strong, affirming peer groups,

and preparing the youth for promising

futures through education and jobs.

Community Nights

Thursdays, November 5, 12 and 19

6:45 – 9 p.m.

The Island

Volunteer Orientation

Thursday, November 5

6 – 7 p.m.

The Island

Kids’ Meals

Tuesday, November 3

4 – 5 p.m.

Activity Center, Community Room

Kids’ Meals provides and distributes

nutritious lunches to hungry preschool

children throughout Houston.

Stamping It Forward

Tuesday, November 3

9:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 4 – 5 p.m.

Activity Center

No experience is required to help make

paper creations such as cards, boxes,

bags and more benefitting our Outreach

programs. Creative coaching is included!

All paper, embellishments, adhesive and

tools are provided.



of mental health, foster care and

adoption services in Texas. Through

St. Martin’s Angel Tree Project, volunteers

sign up to fulfill the Christmas gift wish

lists for these children. Gifts should be

unwrapped and new. If all items will not

fit in a bag, please label items with the

child’s name and

wish list number.

Toys are not

recommended

that imply

violence, such as

toy guns, water

pistols, military

or wrestler action

figures, punching bag clown or boxing

gloves. Please adhere as much as possible

to the gift list provided and focus on

needs, with a recommended donation

of $50 to $100 total per child. Gift cards

from Target or Walmart are welcome.

Please bring donated toys by Sunday,

December 6. To volunteer for this project or request information, contact Rachel Brownlie at 713-985-3811 or [email protected].

The Beacon Day Center Thursday, November 19

10:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.

1212 Prairie

The Beacon is a day shelter in downtown

Houston that provides the homeless with

a meal, laundry services, shower facilities

and assistance.

Houston Food Bank/San Mateo Episcopal Church Food Fair Saturday, November 21

8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

San Mateo Episcopal Church

6635 Alder Drive

St. Martin’s coordinates quarterly food

distribution to hundreds of families in

the underserved San Mateo community

located in southwest Houston.

The Gathering

Monday, November 23

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Bagby Parish Hall

The Gathering endeavors to use its time

and gifts to serve Church members and

others in our community who suffer with

memory loss. The program provides a

safe and loving environment filled with

creative and stimulating activities for

care partners, and allows their care givers

respite from the day-to-day care and

often difficult support required by care

partners. For more information, contact Kathy Tellepsen at 713-621-6485 or [email protected], or the Rev. Suse McBay at 713-985-3823 or [email protected].

Church Under the Bridge

Tuesday, November 10

6:30 p.m. Leave from St. Maritn’s parking lot

7:30 p.m. Worship service

2800 St. Charles Street

Church Under the Bridge ministers to

the homeless in downtown Houston by

serving a meal, serving as prayer partners

and providing praise music for the

worship service once a month.

DePelchin Children’s Center’s Angel Tree Christmas Gift Program

Pick up wish list bags

Sunday,

November 15

8:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

and 5:45 – 7:15 p.m.

Sunday, November 22

8:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Angel Tree table in The Church Narthex

Drop off filled gift bags

Sundays, November 22 and 29

and December 6

Activity Center during the morning services,

and to the ushers during the evening service

Weekdays and Saturday, December 5

Activity Center* * The Activity Center is closed November 25 – 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The DePelchin Children’s Center is

committed to meeting the needs of

children as one of the largest providers



RECIPIENT 2

Recipient name(s)

Address

City, State and Zip

Donor name to appear as

Ministry Amount: $

THE GIVING TREE CHRISTMAS CARD PROGRAMCelebrate the holiday season with family and friends by making a donation in their

honor to your favorite ministry. Simply fill out the form below and return it to St. Martin’s

Episcopal Church by mail, fax or email by Sunday, December 15. Feel free to attach the

names of additional recipients. The cards shown below will be personalized and mailed to

each person on your list. Your tax deductible gift can be paid by credit card or check

payable to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.The Giving Tree

MINISTRY YOUR GIFT WILL...Christian Community Service Center $45 provides rice and beans for the food pantry.Open Door Mission $30 provides 12-step recovery books and telephone cards.The Prison Ministry $30 provides a storytelling DVD for 10 inmate dads.Yellowstone Academy $40 provides two students with Bibles.Yellowstone Boy Scouts $100 provides a tent.ReVision $50 provides dinner for Community Night at The Island.The Gathering $20 provides a day of fellowship and entertainment for seniors with Alzheimer’s.World Mission Christmas Gifts $100 provides Christmas gifts for children at Amistad mission.Outreach Ministries Any amount will support outreach ministries by donating a Giving Tree card.

RECIPIENT 1

Recipient name(s)

Address

City, State and Zip

Donor name to appear as

Ministry Amount: $

DONOR AND PAYMENT INFORMATION

Name

Address

City, State and Zip

Phone

Email

Number of cards ordered Total donation: $

Payment method (circle one) Check VISA AMEX MC DISC

Credit card number

Expiration date Auth. Code

Signature

Mail: 717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056 Email: [email protected] Fax: 713-622-5701

Christmas (1) Christmas (2) Christmas (3)


P A R I S H L I F E

THE ROAD TO EMMAUSThat very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles

from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened.

While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with

them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this

conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still,

looking sad. Luke 24:13-17

A beautiful bronze

sculpture was

recently donated to

St. Martin’s by Marion

E. Mundy in memory

of her husband Joseph

S. Mundy that depicts the amazing story

of two disciples and their walk with Jesus,

the resurrected Messiah. The sculpture is

currently on display in the Narthex of The

Church until it will be moved at a later

date to the hallway outside the Chapel.

The sculpture was created by the Rev.

Craig Biddle III, a retired Episcopal priest

living in Maryland, who shares his

reflections on making the sculpture:

“After many years in the active ministry

The Road to Emmaus became for me the

most significant Bible story, the one that

influenced me the most. It is a wonderful

story, pregnant with meaning, about

the warm, affectionate and energizing

relation between divine power and

ordinary human beings. I found it startling

to discover how simple, straightforward

and honest is our connection with God.

The sculpture is a narrative about

a human interaction between the

resurrected Jesus and two humble people,

walking home after witnessing the

staggering events of Jesus’ crucifixion

and its aftermath. Only one of them is

given a name, Cleopas.

With his hand extended and his fingers

gathered, Cleopas is struggling for

preciseness – he is trying to capture in

words the unfathomable events they had

witnessed in Jerusalem. I see him as very

much the ‘believer,’ straining to convey

his insights to his companion while

gently holding her with his left arm. The

difficulties in creating the appearance of

the resurrected Jesus were and remain a

complex task. Where did he get his clothes

after he left the ‘empty tomb?’ What do

I put on his feet? How can I depict hands

or wrists scarred by crucifixion? These are

sculptor’s questions that drift in to

theological conundrums.

Barely visible under his humble mantle,

Jesus seems larger than life yet stunningly

intimate and completely present. His arms

embrace his companions much as ‘a hen

gathers her brood under her wings.’ (Luke

13:34) I have made Jesus a ‘mother hen’

of sorts, affectionately corralling Cleopas

and his wife with encompassing arms

and over-sized hands that bear the scars of

crucifixion. His feet are naked, touching

the ground the way lightning strikes,

reminding us that all of Earth is holy.

(Exodus 3:5) Jesus is now certain that death

is not the final answer; he is confident

about the future, and assured of the

creative possibilities that lie ahead. He

wants to tangibly transmit this confidence

to Cleopas and his wife so he touches them

lovingly. The power of touch has profound

significance for me. It is the ultimate form

of human communication. And Jesus is

telling this couple in no uncertain terms

that his resurrection means new life is

available for everyone.

The basic meaning of my sculpture is

that The Road to Emmaus represents the

beginning of Christian life. Even today

we do not walk alone on our complicated

journey. We have a Loving Companion

who joins us along the way even if we

do not recognize Him.”


P A R I S H L I F E

Sunday, September 13 – St. Martin’s

Children’s Ministry Sunday School teachers

were commissioned during the Family Table

worship service in the Old Church before the

kick off of the new program year. Our wonderful

teachers focus on the importance of each child’s

spiritual life and look forward to nurturing

that all year long.

Thursday, September 10 – Members of the

Clergy went on a Prayer Walk of our campus

that included stops in both sacred spaces and

work spaces, from The Church and Chapel to

Activity Center and Café. Staff members and

lay members of the Parish also joined in the

prayers in numerous areas.

Mid September – Daughters of the King gather throughout the year for meetings as they welcome

new members to their group of women of all ages to live out the things Jesus has taught concerning

prayer, service and evangelism. Meetings are held the first Saturday of the month. For more

information see page 10 or contact Deb Tisch at 713-985-3917 or [email protected].

Thank You Throughout the year St. Martin’s supports other organizations both financially and through Outreach activities. In recognition of this assistance, we receive numerous notes of thanks that have recently included the following:

<“Thank you for your gift to Berkley Divinity School at Yale.”

Pamela Wesley Gomez Director of Development,

Berkley Divinity School at Yale

“Thank you for your recent gift to Camp Allen’s 2021 Centennial Fund, ‘Awaken Your Spirit.’ Your contribution is most appreciated and will go a long way towards helping us complete our fundraising goals.”

George Dehan, President, Camp Allen

“Thank you from all of us at the Living Church for your generous support of our ministry…Your support literally makes our ministry possible.”

Christopher Wells, Executive Director, The Living Church Foundation

“What a thoughtful response St. Martin’s has made to All Saints’, Hitchcock, to help cover some of the loss sustained following their recent theft.”

The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle

Ninth Bishop of Texas

“With the help of supporters like you, we continue to increase the number of children we serve each day, with the hope of ending hunger among preschool-aged children in Houston.”

Cristina Vetrano Executive Director, Kids’ Meals

“…Please allow me to express our gratitude for your recent service project benefitting our food pantry…Your donation came at the perfect time to help us meet the needs of our clients.”

Courtney Hagen Emergency Services-Central Manager, Christian Community Service Center


P A R I S H L I F E

Tuesday September 22 – Ladies from

Episcopal Church Women of St. Martin’s

gathered for the fun and inspiring “Crossing 40”

fall luncheon that featured a delicious catered

lunch and presentation by Chris Seay, founder

of Ecclesia Houston. (photo left) Event chairs

Shelly Newton (left) and Terrie James welcomed

guest speaker Chris Seay. (photo below) (from

left) Martha Bair, Maurine Alfrey, Sara Anne

Kerley and Gerry Eversole were among the

approximately 140 who attended the luncheon.

BAPTISMS

September 12 Elizabeth Grace Carter Grace Anna Fanning Swayze Quinn Lomax

September 19 Savannah Evonne Franz

September 26 Alice McIver Wright

MARRIAGES

September 12 Caroline Margaret Barrow and Thomas Parker Bates September 19 Loren Elizabeth Phillips and Edward Primeau Reardon III September 26 Elizabeth Grant Gay and Matthew Charles Spade

SYMPATHY

September 2 Earl Merril Gilbert September 17 Grace Peckham Compton Vinson September 24 Sandra Settegast Thompson Mewhinney September 29 Mary Jane (Janie) Martin

Episcopal church WomEn of st. martin’s

Challenge Yourself to Make A Difference

CrossingGuest speaker Chris Seay, founder of Ecclesia Houston, shares the story of his “40 Days of Solidarity with the Poor,” and will inspire

and challenge each of us to begin a similar journey of our own.

Tuesday, September 2211 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Bagby Parish Hall

Tickets are $20 each. Register online by Tuesday, September 15 at stmartinsepiscopal.org.

EvEnt chairs tErriE JamEs and shElly nEWton

child carE gEnErously sponsorEd by parEnts of young childrEn ministry

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

The Church offices will be closed beginning

Wednesday, November 25 at noon through

Friday, November 29.


P A R I S H L I F E

Christmas Flower and Decorations

It is a tradition at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church to have Christmas poinsettias decorating The Church and Old Church

as we celebrate this special holy season. Parishioners are invited to make a donation for these beautiful flowers in

memory of a loved one who has passed away, or in thanksgiving for blessings of living family members or friends.

If you would like to give a special Altar poinsettia at Christmas, please send your check, made payable to St. Martin’s

Episcopal Church, together with this page to St. Martin’s Flower Fund, 717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056.

All contribution requests received before Monday, December 1 at 5 p.m. will be included in the worship booklet

available at all Christmas services. Any requests received after the deadline will be published in a future issue of

The Star. Poinsettias will be available for pick up by donors under the porte cochere on Saturday, December 27

from 8:30 to 11 a.m. If you have any questions, please contact Gena Lewis at [email protected] or 713-785-9006.

Christmas FlowersPlease print clearly.

Given by __________________________________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________________________________

Phone ____________________________________________________________________________________

Email Address ______________________________________________________________________________

h In memory of __________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

h In thanksgiving for ____________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

h I wish to remember a loved one by having flowers placed in The Garden of the Holy Cross.


Christmas Flowers and DecorationsIt is a tradition at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church to have Christmas poinsettias decorating The Church and Old Church as we

celebrate this special holy season. Parishioners are invited to make a donation for these beautiful flowers in memory of a loved

one who has passed away, or in thanksgiving for blessings of living family members or friends. If you would like to make a

donation for the Christmas altar flowers, please visit stmartinsepiscopal.org > Giving > Christmas Altar Flowers

(stmartinsepiscopal.org/christmas-altar-flowers) to fill out the online Christmas Flower Fund donation form and pay by credit

card, or send your check, made payable to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, together with this page to St. Martin’s Flower Fund,

717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056.

All contribution requests received before Monday, November 30 at 5 p.m. will be included in the worship booklet available

at all Christmas services. Any requests received after the deadline will be published in a future issue of The Star.

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Van Arsdel at [email protected] or 713-572-9944.

P A R I S H L I F E


H O P E A N D H E A L I N G C E N T E R & I N S T I T U T E

Friends of UT Lunch

Monday, November 2

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m

The Friends of the Medical School seek

to bring to the Houston “Orange Blood”

community and their friends the latest

cutting edge medical information from

The University of Texas Medical School

at Houston and its Texas Medical

Center affiliates.

How to Beat the Odds of Heart Disease

Tuesday, November 3

6:30 – 8 p.m.

Heart disease is the #1 killer in the United

States. Are you at risk for heart disease?

Please come and learn about cardiac risk

factors and how you may be able toprevent

heart disease. Join St. Martin’s Parishioner

Catharine (Catey) Carter, RN, UT Health

Weatherhead PET Center for Preventing

and Reversing Atherosclerosis and Research

Manager, Century Health Study, to learn

about heart disease prevention and a state-

of-the-art comprehensive cardiac health

study now underway. The Century Health

Study seeks to prove that an aggressive

preventative treatment plan of diagnostic

testing, appropriate medication, and

lifestyle improvements can prevent

heart disease.

All classes, seminars and special events are free of charge unless

otherwise noted. Reservations are requested. Activities are held in

the Hope and Healing Center & Institute that is located on the

eastern side of the St. Martin’s Episcopal Church campus.

For more information or to register, visit hopeandhealingcenter.org.

Psychotherapy & Faith Conference: Illuminating the Sacred In Healing Relationships

In collaboration with The Institute for

Spirituality and Health, The Menninger Clinic

and Baylor College of Medicine

Friday, November 6

7:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m

This annual conference has grown to be

the educational resource for mental health

professionals and others who meet the

needs of people with a faith tradition.

Lunch and Learn: Worried About Your Memory? It May Not Be Dementia

With Sally Davis, RN, MSN, Health Services Director, Amazing Place

Wednesday, November 11

Noon – 1 p.m.

For more information, see page 14.

Mental Illness Q&A Thursday, November 19

Noon – 1 p.m

Dr. Matthew Stanford, Chief

Executive Officer,

Hope and Healing

Center & Institute,

will offer caregivers

and family members of individuals living

with serious mental illness, the opportunity

to ask honest questions in a supportive

environment, equip you to better interact

with and care for their mentally ill loved

ones, and learn how to navigate the mental

health care system. Join us on the third

Thursday of every month. No reservations

required. Bring your lunch; we will

provide drinks.


A gift to the Saint Martin’s Endowment is a wonderful way to remember or honor your loved ones. The funds of the

Endowment may be designated as you wish, strictly for special needs within St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, or for needs of those

outside St. Martin’s. Giving gifts to the Endowment in memory of loved ones who have died, in honor of someone, or for any

other reason, are excellent ways to ensure that the heritage of St. Martin’s will continue. Those honored and the families of those

remembered will be notified of your gift. Checks may be sent to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056,

with an enclosed note indicating the names of those being honored or remembered. Please include your name, address, telephone

number and information on others to be notified. For more information, contact Lynda Eyberse at 713-985-3833 or

[email protected].

G I V I N G

To the Endowment Fund In Memory of:

Eleanor Brooks Brown

by Lettalou Whittington

Barbara Chiles

Nolan Henry King

by Ginya and Clayton Trier

Lida and John Herring

Elizabeth and Robert Harris

Martha Bair

Mr. and Mrs. K.M. Williams

Carol and Charles Mitschke

Joseph D. Radzwill

Esther V. Houser

Patricia Ann Bodley

Thomas L. Branch

Linda Wallis

Royden Stanley Bair

Edward Albert Blackburn III

Remembering and Honoring Loved Ones and Friends

Susan Matthews Ellerbeck

Hazel Muckley

Peter Voskamp

Brad Burton

Carol Howard Turtur

Linnie Burton Donnelly

Mary Ruth Reese

William R. Parkey

Gerald R. Westbrook

Sandra Nixon Kennard

Eleanor Brooks Brown

Addaleigh Brooks Hamilton

Nolan Henry King

Blanche Palmer Craig

Thomas W. Ford

by Laura and Russ Levenson

Blanche Palmer Craig

by Rae and Jon Royle

John Kutinac

Aimee and Michael Peay

Kathryn Avellanet

Elizabeth and Richard Hagens

G.M. Rowe III and Family

J.A. Robins

Mary Lynn and Ned Ross

Julie B. Harrell

Joan and Daniel Cohen

Peter Voskamp

by Carole Sue Fenoglio

Rachel and Peter Voskamp

John Voskamp

Katie and Drew Marye

Emily and Berke Marye

Melinda and Bill Kelley

Linnie Burton Donnelly

by Carolyn Cowden Little


To the Endowment-Outreach Fund In Memory of:

Royden Stanley Bair by Candance and Michael Leskin Martha and James Buck

To the Endowment-Inreach Fund In Memory of:

Blanche Palmer Craig by Charles Meacham

Thomas W. Ford by Bruce McIntyre

To the Outreach Ministries Fund In Memory of:

Linnie Burton Donnelly by Sandra and Smith Ray

To the Docent Guild Fund In Memory of:

Tom and Scott Johnson by Susan and Mike Phelps

To the Hope and Healing Center Fund In Memory of:

Thomas W. Ford by Sue and Jerry Botts

Teresa and Rick Witte

Peggy Roe

Beverly and Dan Arnold

Peter Jameson

The Sikes Family

To the Christian Life Study Fund In Memory of: Elaine Illig Davis by Ollie Kensinger

To the Flower Fund Fund In Memory of

Dorothy Hightower by Ollie Kensinger

To the Christian Life Study Fund In Honor of: Christy Dauphin by Kris and Thomas Dill

To the Endowment-Choir Fund In Memory of:

Susan Ray Mayfield by Pam and Steve Wakefield

To the Order of St. Luke Fund In Memory of: Gerald R. Westbrook by Betty and Don Douglas

Jane Seiffert

Doreen Haaland

To the Serenity Garden Fund In Memory of: Nan Luckett Williams by Elizabeth Williams

To the Saintly Stitchers Fund In Memory of: Sissy Lipscomb by Ann and Gerald Thurmond

Linnie Burton Donnelly by G. Arthur Donnelly III

To the Endowment Fund In Honor of: Nancy Shelton by Gloria Herman

To the Music Ministry Fund In Honor of: Carolyn Thompson and Gwynne Old by Mark Davidson

G I V I N G


G I V I N G

Altar Flowers Given to the Glory of GodTo give Altar flowers for The Church, Narthex, Old Church or Chapel in memory of a loved one or to celebrate a special occasion,

please contact Barbara Piana, Worship Services Coordinator, at 713-830-4116 or [email protected]. Floral gifts also

may be given to the Garden of the Holy Cross flower fund in memory or in honor of a loved one.

September 6 The Church

In thanksgiving for the 63rd anniversary of St. Martin’s Parish and the anniversary of the Wayside Chapel for All People by Marcia and Martin Taylor

September 13The Church On the occasion of their marriage by Caroline Margaret Barrow and Thomas Parker Bates

In thanksgiving for the 80th birthday of Martin Taylor by his family, Marcia Taylor, Carol, Mike, Grace and Ryan Trautwein and Saralee, Daniel, Garrett and Haley Parker The Chapel In memory of William W. Bryan and F.L. Bryan by Ruth Bryan

In thanksgiving for the baptism of Anna Grace Fanning by Rhonda and Thomas Fanning

September 20 The Church

On the occasion of their marriage by Loren Elizabeth Phillips and Edward Primeau Reardon III The Narthex In thanksgiving for our 6th wedding anniversary by Dean and Meredith Huffman The Chapel In thanksgiving for the baptism of Elizabeth Grace Carter by Fowler, Lucy, Laura and Thomas

September 27 The Church On the occasion of their marriage by Elizabeth Grant Gay and Matthew Charles Spade In memory of Nancy Elizabeth Garfield by Carolyn In memory of Mary Gray Lester by Linda Lester Griffin and Earl L. Lester, Jr. The Chapel

In memory of Rody Olvera by the Olvera and Morgan families


Volume 21, Issue 9, November 2015

© 2015 St. Martin’s Episcopal Church

The Star (USPS 013-054) is published monthly by St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. Periodicals postage paid at Houston, TX. Address changes may be emailed to [email protected]. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.

PostmasterSend address changes to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church 717 Sage Road Houston, TX 77056-2199

PERIODICALSPOSTAGE

PAIDHOUSTON, TX

PERMIT NO. 013-054717 Sage RoadHouston, TX 77056

WORSHIP SERVICES

With an emphasis on beautiful liturgy and excellence in music, worship at St. Martin’s provides an opportunity to give thanks and praise to God. Rite I is the form regularly used. All Christians baptized in the name of the Trinity are welcome to receive Holy Eucharist in the Episcopal Church.

Facebook.com/StMartinsEpiscopalHouston

SUNDAY

8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, The ChurchSpoken service with sermon

9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (first, third and fifth Sundays) or Morning Prayer (second and fourth Sundays), The ChurchFamily service with hymns, anthems and full Choir; feast days and other special events may affect the 9:00 a.m. worship schedule.

9:15 a.m. Family Table, Holy Eucharist, Old Church Family-friendly contemporary worship

11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, The Church Traditional service with hymns, anthems and full Choir

11:15 a.m. The Altar, Holy Eucharist, The Island Contemporary worship for all ages

6:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist, The ChurchTraditional service with hymns, choir and organist; casual attire

Healing prayer, or prayer for any need, is offered after each service in The Church in the Patron’s Chapel located to the left of the Altar.

Child care is available for newborns – pre-K for all Sunday morning services.

For the sermon schedule and sermon audio, visit stmartinsepiscopal.org.

Audio copies of Sunday sermons also are available through the Bookstore & Gift Shoppe for just $3.

WEDNESDAY

7:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Chapel

Noon Holy Eucharist followed by the Sacrament of Healing (Holy Unction), Chapel

6:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Chapel.

The Order of St. Luke the Physician offers a Healing Prayer service from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the Old Church on the first Wednesday of each month.

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