connection

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St. Peter’s

CONNECTION VOL. 6, No. 10 December 18, 2015

Connecting the World with God’s Love

THIS ISSUE: Chancel Choir and Carillon Bell concert Enjoy the sounds of Christmas at the 9:45 and 11 a.m. traditional services Sunday, Dec. 20.

Christmas at the Green Head to LaCenterra to hear Christmas music provided by the Living Stones’ band tonight, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m.

St. Peter’s Advent Schedule Dec. 18 Living Stones’ Christmas at the Green, 7 p.m., LaCenterra Dec. 20 Chancel Choir Concert, 9:45 and 11 a.m., Sanctuary Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Services 3 p.m. – Children’s Worship for families and children, Sanctuary 4 p.m. – The Element Worship with Communion, Lott Hall 5 p.m. – Living Stones Worship, Cinco Ranch High School 5 p.m. – Carols and Candlelight with the Chancel Choir and Orchestra, Sanctuary 5:30 p.m. – The Element Worship with Communion, Lott Hall 7 p.m. – Carols and Candlelight with the Chancel Choir and Orchestra, Sanctuary 9 p.m. – Carols, Candlelight, and Communion with the Youth Choir, Sanctuary 11 p.m. – Carols, Candlelight, and Communion with Combined Choirs, Sanctuary

20775 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, Texas 77450 (281) 492-8031 www.stpkaty.org

Christmas Eve snacks needed

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hristmas Eve is a long day for our clergy, choirs, musicians, and staff, with little time for a meal. We are asking for volunteers to bring snack foods such as fruit, veggies, cheese, or crackers to go along with the ham that will be provided for them. If you would like to help, please bring your item to the Parlor on Christmas Eve afternoon or as you arrive for worship services.

Sign up for Jan. 3 blood drive

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ur next blood drive is Jan. 3 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. You can sign up to donate in the Lobby on Dec. 20 or 27. You also can sign up by contacting Marsha Asplin at mea1242@ aol.com. All who donate or attempt to donate will receive their choice of a $5 Starbucks Card or a longsleeved Commit for Life Tshirt. If you have questions about donating blood, please contact Marsha.

Celebrate the Light Dear Friends in Christ, If you were in one of our traditional services last Sunday, you are aware of two announcements I made. As I write this article, those two announcements came together in an amazing way. The first announcement was just before my sermon. I told you that our dear friend and retired pastor Bob Kristensen had gone missing without a trace on Friday morning. I asked you to join me in prayer for him and his family—which we did at that very moment. I have to tell you that I did not really hold much hope, if any, that we would find him alive—much less in good shape. It was probably apparent that I was very upset. The second announcement came at the end of the service, just before the benediction. I told you that I will be preaching a sermon series in January, as we observe Epiphany, called “Celebrate the Light.” I pointed out Dr. Pat Sparks, Senior Pastor that we have heard so much news that seems to focus on the darkness in our world today. As I thought about this, the idea for this series was placed in my heart. There really is a light to celebrate—the light of Christ! On Monday morning the news came that Bob had been found in good condition. He does not remember everything about what happened. He seemed to simply get turned around as he was driving to visit Tom Ellis. His family took him to the doctor for a checkup. We are continuing to pray for his full recovery from this experience and hope to see him back in his church pew soon. As soon as I heard the news that Bob was missing, I went to a dark place because of my anxiety and worry over him. Then, in an instant, the light broke through and I began to celebrate. This is the kind of miracle that I want to celebrate with the “Celebrate the Light” series. Do you have a story of being in a dark place until the light broke through? I would love to hear it. Please e-mail it to me at [email protected]. God is good! Grace and Peace,

Pat

Deliver poinsettias to the homebound

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ou and your family are invited to help make Christmas a little brighter for others by delivering poinsettias to those who are homebound. You can pick up a poinsettia and delivery instructions after the last Christmas Eve service or between 1 and 2 p.m. on Christmas Day in the Sanctuary.

KIDS JAM Christmas Musical

Angels We Have Heard

Special presentation of ‘A Manger Suite’

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ome hear the Chancel Choir, Orchestra, and Carillon Bells present a Christmas music extravaganza Sunday, Dec. 20, at the 9:45 and 11 a.m. traditional services. The program will feature Michael W. Smith’s “A Manger Suite,” beautifully orchestrated traditional carols, and a rousing postlude featuring the wonderful favorite “Sleigh Ride.” Please join us for this festive and special Sunday.

Living Stones’ Christmas at the Green

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KIDS JAM Children’s Choirs

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IDS JAM resumes rehearsals Wednesday, Jan. 27, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. We have four choirs for children ages 4 through fifth grade. Please contact Anne O’Quinn at [email protected] for more information.

ome join us Dec. 18 as the Living Stones worship team heads to the Green at La Centerra for a wonderful night of Christmas music. The band will begin at 7 p.m. We invite you to join some of the west campus leaders as we pass out coffee mugs with an invitation to our Christmas Eve service. We look forward to seeing everyone there as we share a night of music with our community.

We4 (Wednesdays 4 Everyone)

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e4 offers a weekly devotional, crafts, games, stories, mission activities, and more for children who are 3 years old through fifth grade. We4 begins again on Jan. 27. Registration is coming soon at stpkaty.org. Contact Children’s Ministries at (281) 492-8031 for more information.

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Wednesday Nights at St. Peter’s

W Galveston’s Bryan Museum. The KEYS group will travel to Galveston Friday, Jan. 15, to visit the newly opened Bryan Museum. The museum is housed in the former Galveston Orphans Home built in 1895. It offers visitors an opportunity to experience the rich cultural history of the southwestern United States. Lunch afterward will be at Shrimp ‘n Stuff. Cost of the trip is $7 per person plus lunch. The bus will leave St. Peter’s at 9 a.m. and return by 4 p.m. Sign up at the KEYS bulletin board in the Lobby. Contact Ray or Peggy Batig at (281) 394-5358 if you have questions. Brown Bag Bridge. We had a great Christmas celebration! Winners were Martha McKitterick, high; Joan Davidson, second high; and Willie Morrilon, third high. Joan and Willie took home Brown Bag Angels.

Sign up online by Jan. 4 for our Girlfriend Getaway women’s retreat in Round Top. 4

ednesday night small groups will resume on Jan. 27. We encourage you to participate in a small group this coming year. There will be a variety of studies for all interests and ages. Watch our website, newsletter, and bulletin for information about specific groups.

Small group studies for adults

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e will offer several adult studies that meet on various days of the week starting in January. Information on these groups will be available on our website and in our newsletter and bulletin. Make 2016 the year you take part in a small group study!

Mission in the Dominican Republic

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e have an opportunity to partner with Alison Patrick, our worship intern in The Element, as she follows God’s call on her life. Here’s a personal note from her: It has been an absolute joy to return to my home church and worship with each of you. God has used this past year to stretch and grow my spirit in so many beautiful ways. I thank you, my community, for being such an encouraging part of that. I am excited to follow God’s path for me in a three-month mission trip to the Dominican Republic in January. I’m inviting you to partner with me. This past summer, I spent a week leading worship in the Dominican Republic with a nonprofit called GO Ministries. They partner with locally established churches, ministries, nutrition centers, and clinics to help raise funds and to further develop these organizations. In many ways I have already prepared for my trip, but I would also love to connect with you as a congregation and ask for your support. My hope is that you might partner with me on this trip in prayer. If you will be in prayer with me, please send me a quick e-mail. If you can support me financially, please send an e-mail or go to the link provided in this letter. Thank you for all you have already done in my life by simply being a part of the St. Peter’s community. Philippians 1:3-11 Sincerely, Alison Patrick tinyurl.com/GoPartner2016 [email protected]

In Our Prayers PRAYERS

Bonnie Bell, Lynn Bortka,

Dennis Bowling, Faunelle Deaton, John Duffield, Doug Folts, Jim Foster, Shirley Franklin, Caleb Gore, Art Henderson, Mike Ibarguen, Brian Jones, Oscar Jones, Don Kennedy, Wanda Klaus, Mary Leigh, Ralph Lovell, Betty Marsh, Maynard Robertson, The Farace family lit the Advent candles and read scripture during our 9:45 a.m. traditional service. If you would like to participate in the candle-lighting next year, contact Rev. Kim Poer at [email protected].

Kathryn Sadowski, Anne Scruggs, and Cheryl Swift. JOY To Greg and Stefanie Propes on the birth of their daughter Charlotte. PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY Tim and Alison Batig, John Belsha, Will Brandt, Skyler Cook, Austin Foster, Westley Freeze, James Gilbert, Tyler J. Gorcie, Dylan Greismeyer, Stephen Travis Harding,

The Chancel Choir and Orchestra presented their annual Messiah Singalong Dec. 6. This event attracts people from all over the Houston area who enjoy a chance to sing this Christmas favorite with a full orchestra. If you are interested in being a part of the Chancel Choir or Orchestra, please contact Director David Galasso at [email protected].

Adam Higdon, Matthew Ivester, Mike Linn, Ryan Lueders, Blake Nunes, Cameron Nunes, Ryan O’Quinn,

ST. PETER’S ATTENDANCE December 6 Traditional Worship 8:30 216 9:45 530 11:00 474 the element 9:45 49 11:00 101 SPLASH 63 Living Stones 153 Living Stones Students/Kids 96 TOTAL 1,682

December 13 Traditional Worship 8:30 163 9:45 192 11:00 416 the element 9:45 60 11:00 109 SPLASH 64 Living Stones 189 Living Stones Students/Kids 99 TOTAL 1,292

Matthew Platz, Shawn Platz, Hamilton Rencurrel, Jack Ritchie, Don Rolleg, Ben Saunders, Jacob Shinkle, John Simmons, and Jasen Wilson.

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Modern Widows Club

Connecting the World With God’s Love

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Katy-area resident, Natalie Lancaster, has recently started a Houston chapter of Modern Widows Club, which seeks to be a bridge of understanding, comfort, compassion, and positive change between a widow and society at large. The group offers support, friendship, and practical help to widows of all backgrounds, cultures, and financial situations. Meetings are the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at St. John the Divine in the Parlor. For more information, e-mail [email protected].

Treasures in the Attic raises more than $1,000 for Ballard House

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hank you so much to those who donated items to Treasures in the Attic and to all who volunteered their time to help children shop and wrap gifts. It was a wonderful day, and the kids had so much fun. Your generous donations to the Katy Ballard House totaled $1,100 and are much appreciated. Thank you for your support!

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December Mission Focus Mission Christmas Gift Cards. You can give just the right gift to a loved one or friend and do something for someone who may be less fortunate than you are by purchasing a Missions Gift Card, which benefits one of five organizations. This is a great way to honor that special person who has everything. Please visit the Missions Table in the Lobby Sunday to select cards benefitting ZOE, United Methodist Committee on Relief, U.M. ARMY, The Methodist Children’s Home, and Christ Clinic. For more information on any of these programs, please contact Nathan Bledsoe at [email protected] or (281) 492-8031.

Church Without Walls Look for exciting changes to CWOW in the new year!

Daniel: Thriving under pressure

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hadrach, Meshach and Abednego survived the fiery furnace and are coming to St. Peter’s in January. On Tuesday mornings, beginning Jan. 19, we will offer a study of the first six chapters of Daniel, the man Jesus calls a prophet in Matthew. The 12-week class, which will meet at 9:30 a.m., will include video presentations by Hebrew scholar Michael D. Matlock, an associate professor of Old Testament and early Judaism at Asbury Theological Seminary. He will focus on how we can survive, even thrive, in exile and under pressure—without compromising. You can sign up at the Information Desk in the Lobby. Cost of the study manual is $16.

Fruits of the Spirit subject of women’s study

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ur next Beth Moore study, “Living Beyond Yourself,” begins Jan. 12 at 9:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. This study looks at the fruits of the Spirit. Registration is at stpkaty.org or at the Information Desk in the Lobby. If you have any questions, please e-mail [email protected].

Southwest District Leadership Training

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he Southwest District Leadership Training is Jan. 30 at Sugar Land First United Methodist Church from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Classes will be available for members of Staff Parish Relations Committee, Trustees, and Finance Committee as well as for Lay Leaders and those involved in Children and Youth Ministries, Young Adult Ministry, and Senior Adult Ministry. Cost is $10. Register at southwestdistrict.org.

Daily Bible Reading College Christmas Party. College students are invited to our College Christmas Party at Emily Burrus’ house on Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. Bring a white elephant gift (under $10) wrapped to exchange. Come hungry; we will have dinner! For information, contact Heather at [email protected]. Rooted Junior High Ministry. Rooted will return Wednesday, Jan. 13, from 6-8 p.m. in the Wesley Student Center. We’ll have games, music, prizes, worship, and small groups. Bring $3 for pizza dinner. High School Home Groups. Our Home Groups will start again on Jan. 10 at 5 p.m. All groups will meet in the Wesley Student Center to see which group will be crowned champion in the first-ever Home Group Game Night! If you are not a member of a home group and would like to join, please contact Heather at [email protected]. Student Ministries Mid-Winter Camp. All sixth- through 12th-graders are welcome to attend Mid-Winter Camp at Forest Glen Feb. 26-28. Registration forms and information will be available at stpstudentministries.org or in the Wesley Student Center. We will need adult leaders! Cost is $150. Registration forms are due by Jan. 17.

Jamaica Golf Tournament sign-up begins Jan. 4

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on’t miss the best golf tournament in Katy, benefitting our high school seniors’ mission trip to Jamaica! Join us at Pine Forest Country Club Monday, Feb. 15, for a four-man scramble, dinner, and awards. We’ll also have a great auction with many items for the whole family. Registration begins Jan. 4. Cost is $125 by Feb. 7. Go to stpstudentministries.org to register. For information, contact Heather at [email protected] or (281) 944-4929.

The Grace Notes provided worship music for The Gathering’s Christmas Homecoming Service. The Gathering offers fellowship and activities for homebound seniors.

Dec. 21 – 27 MONDAY Micah 5:2-5a TUESDAY Psalm 80:1-7 WEDNESDAY Hebrews 10:5-10 THURSDAY Luke 1:39-45, 46-55 FRIDAY Exodus 40:34-38 SATURDAY John 1:1-14 SUNDAY Isaiah 9:2-7 Dec. 28 – Jan. 3 MONDAY 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 TUESDAY Psalm 148 WEDNESDAY Colossians 3:12-17 THURSDAY Luke 2:41-52 FRIDAY Numbers 6:22-26 SATURDAY Matthew 25:31-46 SUNDAY Micah 5:2-5

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S u nday Worship 8:30 a.m.

Traditional Worship with Holy Communion

9:45 a.m.

Traditional Worship The Element Contemporary Worship Sunday School for All Ages

10:30 a.m.

Living Stones St. Peter’s West Campus at Cinco Ranch High School

11:00 a.m.

Traditional Worship The Element Contemporary Worship SPLASH Children’s Worship Sunday School for Adults

St. Peter’s Events Calendar

ECDC preschool registration

Friday, Dec. 18 7:00 p.m.

Christmas at the Green

LaCenterra

Chancel Choir Concert

Sanctuary

1:30 p.m.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

S209

7:00 p.m.

Trustees

Conference Room

Women of Joy

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Women’s Cancer Support Group

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Sunday, Dec. 20 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. Monday, Dec. 21

Tuesday, Dec. 22 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Friday, Dec. 25

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egistration for the 2016-2017 school year for St. Peter’s Early Childhood Development Center is Jan. 5-15. Registration forms will be available in the ECDC office. We offer classes that are developmentally and socially appropriate for children who are 15 months through 5 years as of Sept. 1. For more information, contact the ECDC Office at (281) 4920623 between 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Christmas Day Sunday, Dec. 27 4:00 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28 Church office closed Sunday, Jan. 3 8:00 a.m.

Blood Drive

Scout House

Detailed weekly calendars of St. Peter’s events are available on our website.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

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he Alzheimer’s Support Group will meet Dec. 21 at 1:30 p.m. in S209 for a time of caring and sharing. For more information, contact Beverly Deerhake at (281) 372-8389.