January 2015
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1
Our Annual Meeting is January 25 following lunch after the 10:30 service. This is an important time in our Parish for assessment of the past year, appreciation for those who have served, and anticipation of the year to come. Please plan to attend!
A Glorious Day at Heavenly Rest!
The Gift of a Great Hall Thank you for giving so generously to the capital campaign at Heavenly Rest! We have been profoundly blessed with pledges and gifts totaling over $5.9 million. Please take a moment to visit the bell tower for an update on the campaign and to see a model of a great hall designed by Curtis & Windham Architects. This model is on loan to us from St. John’s Episcopal School in Houston and reflects the Gothic-style construction planned for our own Great Hall at Heavenly Rest.
Featured Inside Parish Fellowship / Curate’s Study.......................2-3 Stewardship/Celebrations.....................................4 Youth................................................................5 January Calendar...................................................6 Back Page ................................................................7
HEAVENLY REST SERVICES Sundays 8:00 a.m. Rite I with Holy Eucharist in the nave
9:15-10:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Rite II with Holy Eucharist in the nave The Christmas pageant and a visit from Santa at the Parish lunch that followed were highlights of Sunday services on December 21.
1:00 p.m. Morning Prayer in Swahili
Weekdays
8:00 a.m. Morning Prayer in the chapel
Wednesdays
5:30 p.m. Healing Service, Holy Eucharist in the chapel Service liturgy is from the Book of Common Prayer.
MISSION
As a community of faith centered in God through liturgy and Christian Practice, the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest exists to: CARE for members of all ages and stages of life. SHARE God’s inclusive and healing love with all people. CREATE opportunities to grow in Christ. SERVE the church, the community, and the world.
Care. Share. Create. Serve. • January 2015
ParishFellowship Open House and Caroling
Curateʼs Study Begins in January “The Tree of Jesse: Judaism and Christianity” Our new Curate’s Study begins on Monday, January 12th! Join Mother Susanna Monday evenings from 6:30-8:00 pm as we journey from Old Testament to New Testament traditions and beliefs. We’ll be studying the intersection of Judaism and Christianity in Scripture, the ancient world and in today’s culture. The class meets in the Bishop Garrett room at Heavenly Rest. For more information or if you have questions, contact Mother Susanna at scates@heavenlyrestabilene.org.
Over 100 visitors and prishoners participated in the Open House in December. Russell Sanders wrote these words following this incredible event on Sunday, December 14. I want to pass them on the entire parish: “Deacon: Hear what the Lord Jesus Christ saith: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (From Holy Eucharist Rite I, BCP page 324) “Congratulations on a job well done. Yesterday, we fulfilled the second great commandment at Church of the Heavenly Rest. I was so gratified to walk up to complete “strangers” and ask them where they were from and how they heard about the Open House. “We tore down walls and opened up doors yesterday.” Then we went out into the neighborhood to sing. And the party hosted by Mary Lou and Ed Conley was the final blessing. Overall, a very good day! My thanks to the entire Neighborhood Committee: Russell Sanders, Terry and Bill Young, Karen Boyd, Lisa Goolsby, and Nolan and Sharon Kelly. A special thanks to those who shared our stories: Lew Carter in the Tower Room, Evelyn Bein, Suzie Ramsey and Karen Boyd in the Altar, Candy and Charles Scarborough in the Chapel, Sue Ivey and Jeff Goolsby in the Nave. Thanks to those who welcomed the people as they entered, Lucy Marak and Robin Dennis and Stephen and Daniel Clement who assisted people with the lift. A very special thanks to Sharon Kelly and Cindy McCarty for the gorgeous reception in the Bishop Garrett Room and to Maureen McCormick for preparing the official English scones. And, finally, to the entire parish for supporting this most gracious outreach to welcome the entire community into this most beautiful building filled with this most beautiful presence of Christ. Everyone who attended thanked Heavenly Rest for the Open House; each one said that they have always admired the church but had never come in--so open the doors and they will come. Amanda Watson, Deacon • Left, Clinton Trig helped lay the cornerstone of our church as an acolyte under Parson Gerhart, about whom he shared many stories along with firsthand descriptions of our church building’s construction...a rare treat for all who were lucky enough to talk with him. • Left, Sue Ivey points out architectural details in the nave. • Far left, Linn Gillespie, age 87, climbs the bell tower stairs. The Gillespie Family donated a bell in the tower when it was completed in the early 80’s.
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http://www.heavenlyrestabilene.org
Left, Junior Ringers and Singers get silly before caroling.
Chamber Music Concert Series
Sunday, January 11 5:00p.m. Above, the younger carolers sang to the Charles Scarboroughs. Below, carolers at Connie Jenning’s home.
Caroling the Neighborhood Sunday, December 14 following the Open House the youth and adults gathered on the Meander Street lawn to begin caroling around the neighborhood, but first the entire group gathered in the home of Connie Jennings to welcome her home. The music and the love rocked the house. The Junior Ringers and Singers group sang to houses on Meander and Amarillo Streets. The Senior Singers sang to houses on Meander (north of the church) and South Fifth Street. One neighbor actually stopped in the middle of Sixth Street and requested a carol. We graciously responded to the request with great gusto. Both groups ended up at the Conley’s home where we sang for our supper of tamales, chalupas and red velvet cake. What better way to prepare for the coming of Christ than to walk the streets among the people, just as Jesus did, in order to share His love through the joy of music? A very special thank you to Dr. Wes Gomer for preparing our music and providing the bells for the Junior Ringers and Singers.
Hanging of the Greens
• Jill Bishop, Sarah Ferguson, Dickson Ferguson, and Martha Ferguson setup the Angel tree. • Courtney and Gage Bryant making ornaments for the Chrismon tree. • Lynn Boyd sets the wreath while David Ekombe, Gail Kaiser, and Jacob Ekombe steady the ladder.
Key City Winds:
Artists-in-residence at Heavenly Rest, Key City Winds is the premiere professional woodwind chamber ensemble in this area. Key City Winds was established by Susetta Rockett (oboe) and Staci Spring (bassoon) in 2012. Based in Abilene, the group provides high quality performances of woodwind chamber music in a variety of combinations and venues. Key City Winds hosts an impressive roster of musicians that includes many University faculty members and professionals. This concert includes works by Gordon Jacob, SaintSaens, Muczynski, and Jennifer Higdon. These pieces will feature both traditional and contemporary music and display a variety of ensembles. They will also be performing an arrangement of the beloved hymn “Fairest Lord Jesus” arranged by Alex Jochum, a recent graduate of Hardin-Simmons University. Key City Winds looks forward to performing this repertoire in the beautiful nave at Heavenly Rest.
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Care. Share. Create. Serve. • January 2015
Louisa,Furuaha, Agatha, Sabina, Karissa, Anna, Shelley, Rachel, and Joshua sang carols to everyone hanging the greens.
A New Confirmation Class Begins If you are new to the church and are interested in becoming a member of Heavenly Rest, we hope you will join the new confirmation class beginning January 18. The class will explore fundamentals of this faith and basic spiritual practices of this community... everything you always wanted to know about the Episcopal Church but were afraid to ask! Confirmation is scheduled for May 17. Class meets every Sunday morning at 9:15 am in the Parish Hall. We’ll study Episcopal traditions in worship, sacrament, Scripture, and everyday life. The class is taught by the clergy and laity of the church. Breakfast refreshments will be served and childcare is available. If you are interested or have more questions, please contact Peter Kent, our Parish Administrator, at pkent@heavenlyrestabilene.org or speak with a member of the clergy.
ParishStewardship Welcome the Neighbors with a Frito Pie Dinner!
Sunday, February 22, at 6pm Heavenly Rest will host an old fashioned Neighborhood Party with Frito Pie, games and music. Everyone is invited to come and meet our neighbors, for it is in welcoming the stranger that we may be entertaining angels. Save this date to help the parish entertain the angels that live among and around us! For more information and/or to help call Deacon Amanda Watson at 677-2091. We will need food preparers and servers, fun and game leaders as well as music leaders. Fellowship, fun and music will warm all our hearts on a, possibly, cold winter night.
JanuaryCelebrations
Happy Birthday January 1 Barbara Beasley
January 9 Joseph Crowe
January 15 Greg Henderson
January 2 Gail Duck Reagan Fulenwider
January 10 Anne Escobedo Michelle Lessing
January 16 Connie Jennings Steve Strain
January 3 Clarence Hart
January 11 Russell Manion Timothy McClellan Dinah Nichols
January 17 Norman French Trevorra Gilliard Kelly Pigott
January 12 Cindy Strain
January 18 Jackie Batjer Scott Ferrell Vicki Kuzma Walter Payne Mary Powers
January 5 Connie Collier Amy Heath Paul Jungmeyer January 7 Stephanie Deyoung
January 13 Alvin Hope
January 8 Winnie Godsey Stephanye Taylor
January 14 Bob Hoppe Kylie Procopio Suzie Ramsey
Happy Anniversary January 5 Angela & Rick Willis January 6 Kate & Matt Haney
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January 19 Jan Funkey
January 7 Jody & Jerry Depriest January 15 Cheryl & Jesse Gutierrez
January 20 Marianna Morrison Chris Reynolds Helen Tindell January 21 Bea Garner Hannah Puckett January 23 Jackie Cox Mary Ray Linda Taylor January 25 Jack Garvey January 26 Peggy Beckham John Henson Robert Powell
January 19 Karen & James Boyd January 22 Wendy & Dick Veigel January 23 Susan & Jon Langford
January 27 Joshua Mehaffey Anne Powers January 28 Mari Cockerell Norma Labarthe January 29 Jesse Guetierrez Douglas Jones Maya Millar Ashley Robinson January 31 Andrew Hart Frank Sheffield
January 26 Jane & Phil Guitar Susanne & John Stowe January 30 Franklynn & Dru Hall Sandra & Gene Sherman
If your birthday or anniversary is not listed, please contact the office. Blessings are given at both the morning services: Birthday Blessings: December 7 • Anniversary Blessings: December 14 • Children’s Blessing: December 21
http://www.heavenlyrestabilene.org
YouthInAction
Glorious Companions in the New Year
November Youth Lock-In EYC had a wonderful time at the Lock-In last month. We started the night with Christmas shopping for some children who attend Bowie Elementary. Participants practiced their budgeting skills when each group was assigned one student. Surprisingly they all made it under budget! We had a blast at Target and are thankful for patient Target employees– once a majority of the group left the building there was a deafening silence. After shopping, we proceeded to the church to wrap presents with wonderful volunteers who taught the teens how to wrap presents perfectly. The rest of the night they played games, ate junk food, watched movies and had a great time. Thanks to all who helped make this night possible!
Calling all middle school youth to the Diocesan Middle School Retreat February 20-22 in Odessa, TX. Weʼll hang out with other middle school youth from all over the diocese. There will be games, songs, talks about God, and loads of fun...make plans to be there!
Above, everyone had lots of fun shopping for the children of Bowie Elementary on the night of the lock-in.
Below, the lock-in group minus Amanda Watson and Mtr. Susanna. We really did have a fabulous time...with this group, how can you not have a good time?!
If you are looking for deeper insights into the theology and belief of the Episcopal faith you are invited to join a new book study on Sunday mornings beginning January 18, 2015. We will be studying “Glorious Companions: Five Centuries of Anglican Spirituality,” by Richard H. Schmidt, which covers great Anglican figures like Thomas Cramner, compiler of the Book of Common Prayer, and C.S. Lewis, author of the “Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” Everyone is invited to join us in the library at Heavenly Rest at 9:15 am. Questions? Please contact Fr. Luke at lback@heavenlyrestabilene.org.
Looking Forward to January EYC (High School Youth) will begin in January on Wednesday, January 14, 6:30-8:00pm. We will have Bible study, dinner, and fun & games. JEYPs (Middle School Youth) will resume Sunday, January 18, 5:00-6:30pm. We will continue our regular routine of Bible Study, games, and dinner. Friends are welcome. Youth Super Bowl Party is February 1 at 5pm. Many thanks to Jody & Jerry Depriest who are carrying on the tradition of hosting the annual party at their house, 125 Hedges Road.
Elizabeth Mulanda wrapping gifts with the help of Heather Manion.
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Care. Share. Create. Serve. • January 2015
Sandra Kent, Candy Scarborough, Amanda Watson, and Gay Ann Walts prepare the candles for the Christmas Eve service.
Right, several of the “stars of wonder” who did indeed shine brightly in the Christmas pageant.
January 7 - Confirmat Epiphany Banquet - 5:ion and 30pm rsvp
venly Rest January 25 - Hea following lunch Annual Meeting – rvice. after the 10:30 se
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
5:30am B.O.B.S
8:00am Morning Prayer
8:00am Morning Prayer
9:30-11:30am Hands-on Outreach
8:00am Rite I Holy Eucharist 9:15am Sunday School 10:15am Adult Choir* 10:30am Rite II Holy Eucharist* 1:00pm Morning Prayer in Swahili
to Peter Kent pkent@heavenlyrestab at ilene.org
6:30pm Curate’s Study
10am Staff mtg
5:00pm Change Ringers
6:00pm Change Ringers
5:15-7:00pm EYC grades 6-8
6:15pm - EFM
WEDNESDAY
8:00am Morning Prayer SJES Chapel 9:30-11:30am Hands-on Outreach 5:30pm Healing Service Holy Eucharist* 6:15-8:00pm EYC grades 9-12
JanuaryCalendar Weekly Events at Heavenly Rest THURSDAY 8:00am Morning Prayer 9:30am Bible Study with Mother Susanna
9:30-11:30am Hands-on Outreach 7:00pm Bagpipes
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
8:00am Morning Prayer Childcare is available every Sunday, 7:30 a.m-Noon, unless otherwise noted. *childcare will be available for this event **childcare can be arranged upon request
7:30pm Adult Choir
For an up-to-date calendar of events, please visit the church website at heavenlyrestabilene.org. Alternating Events
Charles & Candy Scarborough, Nolan & Sharon Kelley, and Mtr. Susanna sing to the helpers working to transform the nave with Christmas greens.
Tuesday, January 6 & 20 4pm - Centering Prayer (Bishop Mayer Room) First & Third Tuesday of January - 6:30pm St. Margaret’s Guild
Sunday Servers
Please take time to thank your Sunday Servers. They work hard to make each service run smoothly. The server schedule can be found on the website at www.heavenlyrestabilene.org, where it will be updated with changes over the course of the month and e-mailed to the servers at the beginning of each month. If you would like a hard copy of the server schedule, please call the office at 325.677-2091.
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Looking for the monthly schedule for Sunday duties? Go to the website, and click on this:
http://www.heavenlyrestabilene.org
BackPage† Fr. Luke, Louisa, Furuaha and Agatha joining in singing carols to everyone hanging the greens last month.
Dear Friends,
At this time of year Heavenly Rest tells again the treasured story of a holy birth in Bethlehem. New birth always brings new responsibilities. In the new year we will be pondering how we may best welcome Jesus into our time and place. The child Jesus was raised in the terrorist world of Herod. Our Lord’s ministry manifesting God’s love, would encounter many adversaries. We live in a safer time, but the dominant culture has been growing ever more apathetic toward God, while radical religious fringes grow ever more intense. Many centuries ago, St. Francis realized that in a cold, dark, and conflicted world, the tiny child Jesus would need a warm home. He built the first creche to shelter the newborn baby. It was not an exclusive house, but a place open to all God’s creatures. Neighboring shepherds could bring their sheep. Searching strangers from far away could bring their gifts. This earthly structure, would be a place for many to share with one another, the loving presence of God.
It has been a joy to see the energy and enthusiasm our members have expressed for “Building on our heritage of faith, hope and love”. Our capital campaign, launched in August, has been a big success. Generous gifts, small and large, have brought the total to $5,921,000. We will be able to preserve, improve and construct greater space for the loving presence of God to be shared. A model of a great hall is on display in the bell tower and you are invited to see it. This particular great hall is now under construction at St. John’s Episcopal School in Houston. The model is not intended to represent our future building, but to give us a sense of the style, feel and quality we might expect from the same architects. What we design will be unique and specifically suited to the needs of the Church of the Heavenly Rest.
It delights me, that this historic congregation has a youthful passion to grow and change. You continue to be an asset to the larger community and a blessing to one another. God has filled our earth with creatures large and small, with humans young and old, and with a spiritual home wise and wonderful. Come, let us adore the Source and Sustainer of these great gifts! Faithfully,
Confirmation and Epiphany Banquet on January 7 “Strengthen, O Lord, your servants…”
Join us for a joyful celebration of the newest members of the Episcopal Church! The Right Reverend J. Scott Mayer, Bishop of the Diocese of Northwest Texas, will preach and preside at a special celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany on Wednesday, January 7th. The evening will begin with our Holy Eucharist and Confirmations service at 5:30pm in the nave. A Mediterranean Epiphany Feast will be held after the service in the Parish Hall. All confirmands, their familiesand guests and all members of the congregation are invited to attend. There is no cost for the meal, but we do ask that you let us know if you plan to come. Please join us for this very special event. Your RSVP to Peter Kent at pkent@heavenlyrestabilene. org is appreciated.
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THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts-Schori, Presiding Bishop THE DIOCESE OF NORTHWEST TEXAS The Right Reverend J. Scott Mayer, Bishop
VISION The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest is a Christian community of faith rooted in the Anglican tradition. Empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacrament, we seek to know the reconciling love of God and to share that love with others.
PARISH STAFF The Reverend N. Luke Back, Rector The Reverend Susanna Cates, Curate The Reverend Amanda Watson, Deacon Dr. Wes Gomer, Organist and Director of Music Ministries Peter Kent, Parish Administrator Bikole Mulanda, Swahili Minister April Powers, Financial Manager Laura Wright, Communications Coordinator Katie Young, Youth Director and Christian Education Coordinator Lynsi Musselman, Newcomer Ministries Susetta Rockett, Music Assistant Shelly Reed, Director: Junior Ringers & Singers Lucy Marak, Childcare Barbradon Brooks, Harpist Arnold Guerra, Sexton Dorothy Guerra, Housekeeper
Heavenly Rest Office Hours
Care. Share. Create. Serve.
Monday-Thursday: 8:30a.m.-12 noon; 1-4:30p.m. Friday: 8:30a.m. - 12 noon (325) 677-2091 chrepis@heavenlyrestabilene.org http://www.heavenlyrestabilene.org
Return Service Requested Telephone (325) 677-2091 602 Meander Street Abilene, Texas 79602-1009
Church of the Heavenly Rest
Abilene, TX Permit #249
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