COMFORTABLE WORDSCOMFORTABLE WORDSCOMFORTABLE WORDSCOMFORTABLE WORDSA Monthly Communication from
Holy Comforter Episcopal Church(
Serving the Episcopal Community of Angleton Since 1897www.holycomforterangleton.org
Sunday Worship
Schedule
8:30 AM Holy Eucharist
9:30 AM Christian Education
10:30 AM Holy Eucharist
Children’s Church
Mission Statement“We are an Episcopal
Community, called to be a
loving refuge in Jesus Christ,
welcoming and serving all.”
What’s Inside
Column Pg 2
Parish Particulars Pg. 3-8
School Pg. 9
Calendar Pg 10
Vestry & Financials Pg. 11
CORE VALUES: CARE
Children - nurturing the
children of Holy Comforter
and the community, through
parish ministries and HCES
Action – serving one another
and those in need, in Angleton
and the world
Relationships – cultivating
vibrant relationships among
ourselves and the larger
community, welcoming and
affirming all in Jesus’ Name
Episcopal Worship – growing
spiritually through liturgy,
prayer and Sacraments
JUNE, 2014
Pentecost Sunday – June 8
One Service – 9:30 A.M.
A potluck luncheon immediately follows worship
June 2014 Pastoral LetterJune 2014 Pastoral LetterJune 2014 Pastoral LetterJune 2014 Pastoral Letter
Dear Friends at Holy Comforter,
There are three major festival days commemorated in the Christian calendar. The first two,
Christmas and Easter, are well-known to both believers and non-believers. But even liturgical
Christians may not be familiar with the third festival, the Day of Pentecost. God the Father’s
wonderful Christmas gift is His only Son, and Christ’s Easter gift is His triumph over the power
of sin and death. Through the Word and the Sacraments, the Holy Spirit gives us the power to
believe and trust in Christ as our Savior. This precious gift of faith in the person and work of
Jesus Christ is the reason Pentecost is the third “mega-festival” of the Church, and why we
celebrate it with such joy and thanksgiving.
Pentecost marks the birth of the Christian church by the power of the Holy Spirit. What
happened on the Day of Pentecost? Ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, the twelve
apostles, Jesus' mother and family, and many other of his disciples gathered together in
Jerusalem for the Jewish harvest festival that was celebrated on the fiftieth day of
Passover. While they were indoors praying, a sound like that of a rushing wind filled the house
and tongues of fire descended and rested over each of their heads. This was the outpouring
of the Holy Spirit on human flesh promised by God through the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28-
29). The disciples were suddenly empowered to proclaim the gospel of the risen Christ. They
went out into the streets of Jerusalem and began preaching to the crowds gathered for the
festival. Not only did the disciples preach with boldness and vigor, but by a miracle of the Holy
Spirit they spoke in the native languages of the people present, many of whom had come from
all corners of the Roman Empire. This created a sensation. The apostle Peter seized the
moment and addressed the crowd, preaching to them about Jesus' death and resurrection for
the forgiveness of sins. The result was that about three thousand converts were baptized that
day
How wonderful that Holy Comforter Episcopal Church also celebrates its birthday on the Day of
Pentecost. This Pentecost Sunday, June 8th, we will experience renewal music from the
Songs of Celebration. You will be given the opportunity to renew your commitment to Holy
Comforter through participating in the Liturgy of Belonging. And after worship we will gather in
the parish hall to share a potluck meal of ethnic dishes. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity
to share wonderful food with faithful friends and to say with new energy, “Holy Comforter, you
are MY church!”
The knowledge that the Holy Spirit of God has taken up residence in our lives, that He dwells
with us forever and will never leave or forsake us is cause for great joy and comfort. My prayer
for each of you is that on the coming Day of Pentecost and throughout the season after
Pentecost, we may experience together the fullness of the power of God in our lives and in our
church.
Faithfully in Christ,
Rev. Carol+2222
It's almost time for Vacation Bible School! We have a very exciting VBS
planned for June 23rd - June 27th from 9:00 AM to 12;00 PM!
Our children will discover the best destination of the summer--SonRise National
Park! They will experience a land of invigorating power and beauty where
there is nothing between themselves and God's big sky!
The children will explore the National Park while learning all about the true
promises of Jesus: True peace, True Riches, True Power, True Love, and
True Hope! Various national park animals will help guide the children
through these important lessons.
Children will explore the Bible through stories and verses, learn music, make
crafts, participate in service projects and so much more.
It is not to late to help with this exciting ministry or to register your children for
VBS.
I am in need of a few artificial Christmas trees for our national park. If you
would like to let me borrow your tree I would appreciate it. Please contact
me for more information.
Kelsey Payne
Director of Children's Ministries
3
Parish ParticularsParish ParticularsParish ParticularsParish Particulars
4
Freedom Flapjack BreakfastDon’t miss our Freedom Flapjack Breakfast on Sunday, July 6th at 9:30. We have asked our
men to step up and make this a men’s ministry event.
Ray Marin and Walt Kilgus have already volunteered to help but more volunteers are needed so
get with them soon and volunteer to help.
Mark your calendars now and be sure to note that there will be one service at 10:30 following the
breakfast.
If you have any questions or need more info I can be contacted at [email protected] or
(979) 864-0403.
Thank you,
Barbara Marin
Special Events Coordinator
Flames of Pentecost Ethnic Potluck LuncheonBe sure to be at church on June 8th for the Flames of Pentecost Ethnic Potluck
Luncheon. Bring a favorite ethnic dish. It can be a casserole, a vegetable, a dip, a
soup, a dessert, bread or anything you would like to bring. It might be something
you grew up eating or something new that you have discovered. We all have our
favorites so it should be fun to see what everyone brings.
If you are not sure of what to bring here are some ideas and suggestions:
•Mexican food such as tacos, enchiladas, guacamole, queso, Spanish rice, charro
beans
•German food such as German fried potatoes, German potato salad, sour kraut,
German chocolate cake
•Italian such as spaghetti, lasagna, pasta, pasta, pasta, pizza, Italian cream cake
•Bohemian / Czech food such as kolaches or tea rings
•Asian or Mediterranean - this is new to me but I know it has become very popular,
surprise us!
•Cajun such as gumbo, jambalaya, ettouffee, crawfish pie, bread pudding
•Or just good ‘ole American Food such as fried chicken, BBQ brisket, chicken or
sausage, hot dogs, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, cookies, banana pudding,
cobblers, homemade ice cream …
I know you won’t want to miss it so mark your calendars now. Be sure to note
that there will be one service at 9:30 and the luncheon will be immediately following
the service.
Christi Cole has volunteered to chair this event and will need your help so get
with her soon and let her know that you will be there to help.
If you have any questions or need more info I can be contacted at
[email protected] or (979) 864-0403.
Barbara MarinSpecial Events Coordinator
Parish ParticularsParish ParticularsParish ParticularsParish Particulars
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Parish ParticularsParish ParticularsParish ParticularsParish Particulars
Dear Holy Comforter Family!
It's that time of year again...time for a little BASEBALL! The Episcopal Diocese of Texas will
be honored during a pregame ceremony on June 13th. The Very Rev. Barkley Thomas will throw out the first pitch. Tickets are $17 per person.
The game starts at 7:10pm. If you would like to join the festivities, please contact Donna
Trusty for more information and tickets. Christ Church Cathedral will host a free hot dog
cookout prior to the game, and everyone is welcome to attend. Parking is available in the
garage on San Jacinto St. across from the Cathedral.
Please join us for all the fun!Donna Trusty
979-529-9636(home)
or
225-223-2003(Cell)
Episcopal Night at
The Astros
6
Parish ParticularsParish ParticularsParish ParticularsParish Particulars…………
Pentecost in the First Testament
Celebrate the Festival of Weeks to the Lord your God by giving a freewill offering in proportion to the blessings the Lord your God has given you. And rejoice before the Lord your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name—you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, the Levites in your towns, and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows living among you. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and follow carefully these decrees.
(Deuteronomy 16:10-12)
Before the Christian celebration of Pentecost, there was a Jewish celebration known as the Festival of Weeks, Feast of the Harvest, and Day of the First-Fruits. It occurred on the 50th day after Passover; Pentecost is the Greek word for “fiftieth” and was the day we now call Pentecost.
Pentecost was the second of the three great feasts of Judaism which explains the presence of Jews from various parts of the known world at that time who journeyed to Jerusalem for the feast.
To modernize the nations mentioned in Acts 2, we could say the people were from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Arabia, Armenia, Italy, Crete, Egypt and Libya.
Wheat, the last grain to ripen, occasioned the thanksgiving feast.
Fr. Preston
.
My Hour in Chapel
“My hour in chapel is more important
than I can fully know myself. It is not an
hour of deep prayer, nor a time in which I
experience a special closeness to God; it is
not a period of serious attentiveness to the
divine mysteries. I wish it were! It
seldom, if ever, pleases my senses. But
the simple fact of being for one hour in the
presence of the Lord and of showing Him
all that I think, feel, sense, and experience,
without trying to hide anything, must
please Him. Somehow, somewhere, I
know that He loves me, even thought I do
not feel that love as I can feel a human
embrace, even though I do not hear a voice
as I hear human words of consolation,
even though I do not see a smile as I can
see a human face. The only way I become
aware of His presence is in that remarkable
desire to return to that quiet chapel and be
there without any real satisfaction. God is
greater than my senses, greater than my
thoughts, greater than my heart. I do
believe that He touches me in places that
are unknown even to myself.
Henri J. Nouwen
7
Christ's Commandment to Us
"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."
Matthew 28: 19-20
What does Jesus expect of us when
we are commanded to 'make
disciples'?
We must invite and welcome our
unchurched friends into our
church.
We must involve and include them
within our Christian community.
Only then will we be able to baptize
them and teach them about living
as Christ in this world.
Thank you, Lord God, for the Great
Commission that empowers us to
be Christ to those that do not
know you.
Parish ParticularsParish ParticularsParish ParticularsParish Particulars
June AnniversariesJune AnniversariesJune AnniversariesJune Anniversaries
25 Elly & Andrea Coats
27 Ronnie & Deborah White
30 James & Deborah Northrup
Hosts for JUNE
If you would like to serve,
contact
Betty [email protected]
1 The Johnsons
8 Covered Dish Luncheon
15 Lady Gaga *
22 Chippendales *
29 Jennifer Lopez *
* Actually, hosts are needed
8
Parish ParticularsParish ParticularsParish ParticularsParish Particulars…………The Archbishop of Canterbury
Justin Welby will meet with
Pope Francis in Rome next month
1 Thomas Long V
7 SuZan Carpenter
8 Gregory Hawkins
24 Allan Dinsmore
27 Ella Long
JUNE BIRTHDAYS
FYI: Vestry Contact Information
Ellen Eby [email protected]
Allan Dinsmore [email protected]
Ronnie Johnson [email protected]
Tom Long [email protected]
Kerry Payne [email protected]
Penney Reed [email protected]
Kandy Taylor-Hille [email protected]
Eric Herbst [email protected]
Barbara Marin [email protected]
If you are unable to attend church,
but would like to receive Holy
Eucharist, just contact the church
office at 849-1269 or
One of these Lay Eucharistic
Visitors will be happy to bring
Eucharist to you!
Holy Comforter
Rector Search Committee
Andrea Demopulos-Coats
Donna Lewis
Betty Mogford
Riley Mogford
John Minkert
Robert Munro
Kerry Payne
Sciobhan Short
BruceTaylor-Hille
Ouida Thomas
(NOTE TO PARISHIONERS
If your birthday or anniversary is not
listed, please advise the office!
979-849-1269
9
Holy Comforter Episcopal School News
June 6th will be the last day of school and June 9th will be the first
day of the summer session.
Due to the wonderful support of the Holy Somcofter Parish and
School community, we made $7,935.00 on ou school carnival!
Thanks to all who worked and attended.
Splash Day
Holy Comforter Episcopal School
May, 2014
JUNE, 2014
10101010
June, 2014
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VESTRY SYNOPSISApril 8, 2014
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Holy Comforter Episcopal Parish Vestry was held on April 8, 2014, with
The Reverend Carol Blaine presiding. The meeting was opened at 7 pm with prayer and formation led by
Reverend Carol.
Members present were Ellen Eby, Penney Reed, Kerry Payne, Allan Dinsmore, and Tom Long. Members
absent were Ronnie Johnson, Kandy Taylor- Hille, and Eric Herbst. Also present were Reverend Carol Blaine and
Pam Massingill, clerk.
Formation
Reverend Carol
Information
Approval of Minutes Allan and Penney moved we accept the minutes as written.
HCES Report- Busy, 85 students, upcoming carnival April 26th, putting in a mailbox, large pothole
needs repair.
Youth Leadership Report – Separate space they can call their own, basketball net, logo and tee shirts,
Wed night church with dinner and“ playtime“, youth minister, want to do stuff and see things, suggested ways to make
funds.
Pastoral Care Ministry Report - Biannual report by Paula
Interim Rector’s Report –WN L suppers going very well. 2 more sessions. Worship concern -slacking on
Sundays– LEMs not showing up, no acolytes, choir is dwindling, Rev Carol will not be here the Sunday after Easter.
Sr. Warden’s Report (Search timeline) – Avg attendance 86.1 for March, working on finding
replacement for Susan, in active search for priest, Kelsey is officially our Children‘s Ministry leader.
Jr. Warden’s Report - lapel mike coming, David Shackleford looked at the azaleas, lights for flags. Motion was made
and seconded that we only use one flag on the campus. Still having some toilet issues and a kneeler came off.
Financial Report-Allan – Committee met Monday.Motion made to not renew the Am Home Shield contract on the
rental property by Ellen, and seconded by Tom, motion passed. Raises – Allan made motion to give Paula – 5% raise
effective May 1st –Penney Seconded. Bank balances – large jump in contingency, due to John and Jane Doe’s
contribution , Exp and revenues are right on target. Fish fries very positive.
Discussion
Other – Penney will be gone for 2 months, Penney will take Allan‘s bursar duty,
Search Committee Report (Kerry) - Entered active search. Reverend Carol discussed and answered questions
about what “active search“ means.
Easter Breakfast (Penney)
VPOD duties and safety precautions – Be cognizant of duties
Easter Schedule and duties -
Decision
Outdoor storage closet (details provided by Eric) aprox $3560. 10 by 16, meets windstorm, has
drawings and particulars, Tabled decisions for later.
Sciobhan as check signer – Kerry moved and Ellen seconded that we add Sciobhan as a check signer.
The Conference May 2-4 @ Camp Allen -
Compline
With no further business, the meeting was closed at 9:25 pm with prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Pam Massingill
Clerk of the Vestry
Financial Report
General Fund April YTD
Tithes and Offerings 29,102 126,027
Expenses and Outreach 21,230 79,546
Friends of Holy Comforter Endowment Fund: Balance as of 4/30/2014 - $474,592.68
Value of mineral properties and other assets is in addition to this amount.
Parish ParticularsParish ParticularsParish ParticularsParish Particulars
Holy Comforter Episcopal Church
227 S. Chenango
P.O. Box 786
Angleton, TX 77516
Return Service Requested
Holy Comforter Episcopal Church Holy Comforter Episcopal Church Holy Comforter Episcopal Church Holy Comforter Episcopal Church
Bishop Episcopal Diocese of TX The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle
Interim Rector The Rev. Carol Blaine
Head of School Nancy Standlee
Parish Administrator / Theologian Fr. Preston Weatherly
Music Director Yuri McCoy
Children’s Ministry Director ( Kelsey Payne
Newcomer Ministry Coordinator Paula Haenchen
Vestry 2014
Ronnie Johnson Ellen Eby
Tom Long Allan Dinsmore
Penney Reed Kandy Taylor-Hille
Kerry Payne Eric Herbst
Barbara Marin
Ellen Eby, Sr. Warden
Tom Long IV, Jr. Warden
Pam Massingill, Clerk
Allan Dinsmore, Treasurer
Sunday Schedule
8:30 AM Holy Eucharist
9:30 AM Adult/Youth Christian Education
10:30 AM Holy Eucharist
Children’s Church
Infant and Toddler care is provided from
8:15 AM until Noon
Contact Information
Parish Office: 979-849-1269
Parish Fax: 979-849-4361
Email: [email protected]
Web Address www.holycomforterangleton.org
Parish Day School 979-849-4602
Extended Day School 979-849-1672
Diocesan Center 1-800-318-4452
or www.epicenter.org