S T .

J O H N ’ S E P I S C O P A L

The Chimes
St. John’s Episcopal Church is a loving community of faith and
worship, showing the love of God to each other and the world.

a publication of St.John’s Episcopal Church, Sealy, Texas January/February 2019

Hwy 36 N at 6th St. Did you know? Schedules Event Photos
Sealy, Texas Episcopal 101- Birthdays & Miscellaneous photos
answers to those Anniversaries
Phone: 979-885-2359 Church Worship Pages 7
burning questions
about liturgy and Here’s the Scoop Schedule and Calendar
Email: why we do what we Keep up with what is
info@stjohnssealy.com do happening the the Upcoming Events
What is Advent? lives of our
Page 2 Schedule of Upcoming
Website: History and Meaning parishioners
Events
www.stjohnssealy.com Justin Holcomb Page 9
Page 1 Page 3
Join us at 10 am on
Sunday for Worship! Page 4

I don’t have any studies to prove

Epiphany: a season it, but my personal theory is that
of endings and it is easier to be depressed in
January than in just about any
beginnings other month. People may argue
for December because
By Linda Ryan Christmas without all the
trimmings (and the people) can
lights that made the December
I like Epiphany. After Advent, it’s be a lonely affair, but, at least in
nights brighter and more hopeful.
my very favorite season. Unlike my eyes, the thought of a new
I admit to being a sucker for
Advent, though, or even year is like a stretch of Route 66
Christmas lights, even though I
Christmas, or Lent, it is a that was as straight as an arrow
don’t put any on my own house.
variable-length season and went on for what seemed
Luckily, I have a neighbor who
consisting of four to nine like half a million miles with
throws herself into the season
Sundays between the date of absolutely nothing much in the
whole-heartedly and decorates
Epiphany itself (January 6) and way of scenery and the
enough for both of us. They have
the beginning of Lent. It mountains that loomed in the
been taken down now and put
celebrates the coming of the distance never seeming to get
away for the next eleven months,
Magi to the Christ Child on the any closer. It’s easy to get
but here and there on my way to
day and the manifestation of depressed in January; all the
work are still the odd houses
God in human flesh, the light lf parties and whoop-de-doo of
with lights glowing. Without
Christ coming into the world Christmas are over, tax season
those little points of light, life
throughout the season. approacheth, it’s still winter and
seems a bit bleaker.
For me, a sad part of Epiphany is the turning of the calendar is a
the darkening of the Christmas reminder that change is coming,
January/February 2019 1

whether we want it to or not.
Babies will be born, elders (and
often much beloved elders) will
die, the economy and the state
of the nation and the world will
continue to wobble like an egg
rolling downhill, and the heroes
we raise today will be found
tomorrow to have feet of very
real clay.
But then there’s Epiphany, the
season. It’s the spark of light that
reminds us that just as
everything has an ending, new
things come along to engage us.
Epiphanies are also sudden
insights and flashes of Godlight
that are like the V-8 commercial.
What is Candlemas?
They smack a person in the
forehead. It’s looking at
something seemingly ordinary
and plain and suddenly having
the lenses change and the thing
appears in a whole new light, a
whole different way, a 180° turn.
It’s an idea that wasn’t there a
Interestingly, February
second ago but suddenly rocks a
personal world with its
suddenness and (potential)
brilliance. It’s seeing that
homeless person hunched over a
formerly abandoned grocery cart
filled with bags and boxes that
contain every single thing they
own and suddenly seeing nail
marks in their hands or a circlet
of thorns instead of a watch cap
on their heads. Things like that
can happen all year but Epiphany
is a reminder to be on the
lookout for those new insights
and changes of perspective.
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T H E C H I M E S
The nights of the Epiphany
season are still dark and cold but
the nights are getting shorter,
day by day, minute by minute.
The green vestments and
hangings of the church remind
us that spring will be here —
whether sooner or later, it will
come. We have celebrated the
manifestation of God among us,
but we can also carry the spark
of new fire, new light, new hope
and new insights. All we have to
do is look.
Linda Ryan co-mentors 2 EfM Online groups
and keeps the blog Jericho’s Daughter . She
lives in the Diocese of Arizona and is proud
to be part of the Church of the Nativity in
North Scottsdale.
A feast of our Lord
celebrated on Feb. 2, also known
as Candlemas and the Feast of
the Purification. It
commemorates the presentation
of Jesus and the purification of
Mary in the Jerusalem Temple
forty days after Jesus' birth, in
accordance with the
requirements of Jewish law (Lv
12:2-8). The feast is celebrated
about forty days after Christmas.
According to the account
of Lk 2:22-39, the presentation of
Jesus was also the occasion of
the meeting of Jesus with
Simeon and Anna. Simeon
recognized the infant Jesus to be
the Messiah at the Presentation
of Jesus in the temple by Mary
and Joseph. It had been revealed
to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that
he would not die before he had
seen the Messiah. When Simeon
saw the child Jesus he took him
up in his arms, blessed God, and
said, "Lord, you now have set
your servant free to go in peace
as you have promised." Simeon
was peaceful and ready to face
death because he had seen the
long-expected Messiah.
The feast dates from the
fourth century in Jerusalem. It
was introduced in Rome in the
seventh century, where it
included a procession with
candles and the singing of the
Nunc dimittis. The celebration
came to include the lighting and
blessing of candles which were
carried in procession. This feast
was known as "Candlemas."
Candlemas is more
commonly celebrated in the
Anglican church, though many
Episcopal churches celebrate the
feast.
Some people believed
that Candlemas Day predicted
the weather for the rest of the
winter. The weather proverbs
express the idea that a fine
bright sunny Candlemas day
means that there is more winter
to come, whereas a cloudy wet
stormy Candlemas day means
that the worst of winter is over.
second is the halfway point
between the Winter Solstice and
the Spring Equinox. It was once
called Cross Day because it was
the day we cross from Winter to
Spring. A great metaphor of
Christ bringing the light to the
world as stated in the Song of
Simeon.
January/February 2019

Judy Johnson baked a pie! It was
so delicious, we didn’t have a
chance to take a photo before it
was all gone. In case you are
wondering why this is news,
consider the fact that when asked
for a recipe in the past, Judy
submitted one in the breakfast
category - Cherrios, add milk.
Hunter and Jaxon Herring are
playing Little Dribblers
basketball. In addition, I have
heard that Brian Owen is
coaching a basketball team.
Speaking of basketball, Clay
Roberts, grandson of Toby
Roberts is having a great season!
He was recently named Tiger of
the Week.
January/February 2019
T H E C H I M E
Annie Smith is on the road again
visiting friends and family in
New Orleans, Birmingham and
South Carolina. She sent us a
photo of St. Mary’s on the
Highlands in Birmingham.
Nick Tinsley and Louise Svetlik
both had their mothers visiting
from England. On the left is
Marie Clare and Pamela Tinsley
is on the right.
S
The Vazquez Family visited
LaJuan Farrell over the
Christmas holiday. As you can
see, she is looking great and
feisty as ever!
Elise Ford is on the Dean’s list at
UNT where she is studying
anthropology. She is working for
the university at the Elm Fork
Education Center. She delivers
science programs to visiting
elementary school students. Elise
is also starting a new job as a
nursery worker at the local
Episcopal Church, St. David of
Wales. She attends the
Canterbury Program there.
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February Church
Schedule

Sunday, February 3, 10 a.m., 4th

Sunday after the Epiphany,
Morning Prayer, Rite II, Mary
Emerson, Officiant

Sunday, February 10, 10:00 a.m., 5th Sunday after Epiphany, Holy Eucharist Rite
II - Rev. Virginia Brown, Celebrant

Sunday, February 17, 10 a.m., 6th Sunday after Epiphany, Holy Eucharist Rite II
January & February - Rev. Virginia Brown, Celebrant

Birthdays Sunday, February 24, 10 a.m., 7th Sunday after Epiphany, Morning Prayer Rite II
Carol Heath, Officiant

1/7 Dana Blankenship

1/16 John Kelly
1/18 Rilla Youngblood
1/24 Carol Awbrey
1/29 Dylan Bunn
1/31 Sandy Scarborough
2/1 Waverly Johnson
2/2 Maddie Moore
2/6 Carol Heath
2/7 Sue McRae
2/10 Frank McRae
2/11 Alec Webb
2/12 Cortni Breman
2/23 Kurt Larson
Anniversaries
February
9, Saturday, ECW Meeting 10:00,
Parish Hall
10, Sunday, Vestry Meeting
11:30, Parish Office
13, Wednesday, Alzheimer’s
Support Group, 10:30, Parish Hall
21-23, Thursday - Saturday,
170th Annual Diocesan Council,
The Woodlands
Last year, a new tradition was

1/7 Louise & Chase Svetlik

1/24 Perry & Andrea Ford
2/8 Susie & Leroy Zapalac
2/9 Jim & Sheryl Moore
4
March
5, Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday
Pancake Supper, 6pm, Parish Hall
6, Ash Wednesday, Ash
Wednesday Services, Noon and
6:15 pm
10, Sunday, Vestry Meeting
11:30, Parish Office
13, Wednesday, Alzheimer’s
Support Group, 10:30, Parish Hall
30, 5th Saturday Fellowship,
more information to follow
started at St. John’s - our 5th
Saturday events. An evening of
fun, food and fellowship hosted
by parishioners in their homes.
We would like to continue these
pot-luck dinners with your help.
We need hosts for the four 5th
Saturdays in 2019.
March 30, June 29, August 31
and November 30.
Let Andrea or a Vestry member
know if you are willing to be a
host!
January/February 2019
 T H E C
Happening-a Diocesan Youth Event
James and Joel went to Happening 162 a couple of
weekends ago. They enjoy reconnecting with
friends they’ve made at the Happenings from
Episcopal churches in towns around Texas. Plus
there are always new faces and new friendships to
be made. There are 4 Happenings each year plus a
mid-winter retreat for high schoolers. James and
Joel return home renewed by the meaningful
communion services and the experiences shared
with other youth. They highly recommend attending
Happenings.
January/February 2019
H I M E S
Traveling the Way of Love:
A new video series from the
Office of Communication
Join host Chris Sikkema, manager for
special projects, The Episcopal Church
Office of Communication, as he journeys
across The Episcopal Church in search of
stories of the ways people in the church
are engaged in the seven practices which
encompass the Way of Love.
“The thing that I find most life giving and
wonderful is going around and listening to
and telling the stories of this church,” said
Sikkema. “Over the next few months, we’re
going to go around and start looking at the
way of love, practices for Jesus-centered
life. We’ll go and see how people turn,
learn, pray, worship, bless, go, and rest.
Trying to serve God and their neighbor in
their context. It’s going to be great; I can’t
wait to see what we find. Come along.”
Traveling the Way of Love, can be
found here.
Accompanying each episode are
resources, including an Episode Guide and
other online resources designed to deepen
engagement with all seven Way of Love
practices as well as additional resources
related to the featured ministry.
Six additional episodes are planned for
2019; watch for them in March, May, July,
September, October and November.
•Gloria Noy
•LaJuan Farrell
•Fr. Eric
•Carla
Beckendorff
•Cody Childress
•Al Heath
•Annie Smith
•Fr. Sam Todd
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Jason Has International, Musical

Sabbatical Plans
Marge Michaelis
Jason Abel, Christ
celebrates her 94th
Church Director of Music
since 2005, will use a
birthday!
" St. John’s is blessed to call Marge our own.
spring sabbatical to learn
At 94 years of age, she has much wisdom to impart
new organ repertoire, and
and we love it when she shares her baking with us!
experience new varieties
" She makes sure to welcome all of the
of musical worship.
children and we have the photos to prove it! Marge
" Beginning after
also volunteers in the Church office once a week.
Easter, Jason will travel to
She is responsible for sending out the birthday and
Munich, Germany. While
anniversary cards. Marge is such a caring person,
in Munich, Jason will
she also sends out get well cards and cards to our
devote time to practicing
parishioners who have moved or can’t make it to
and learning new organ repertoire through the
church for some reason.
generous offer of a local parish which has agreed
" We had a surprise birthday for her after
for him to practice upon their instrument. Jason
church in December. Her daughter, Pat and her
hopes to improve his German language skills,
husband, John, cooked grilled cheese sandwiches
experience living for an extended amount of time
and tomato soup. We sang happy birthday and had
in a foreign country, and perhaps find coaching for
a delicious birthday cake. We remembered to take
performing Bach and other German composers.
pictures before cutting the cake!
" In early July he will be at the Association of
Anglican Musicians (AAM) Conference. AAM is
the national organization of Episcopal Church A note from Marge
musicians for which Jason is currently Treasurer. My sincere thank you to my St. John’s family for my
" At the end of July, Jason will travel to surprise birthday celebration., the cake, cards, and
Newport, RI, where he co-manages the Royal gifts and the love in your hearts and smiles on your
School of Church Music summer training course. faces.
" Jason grew up at St. John’s. He is currently From the oldest...gosh, that is me...to the youngest,
the Director of Music at Christ Church Cathedral in which I haven’t held in my arms yet, you are very
Alexandria, Virginia. special to me and always will be.
From my heart, I thank you!
Marge or Mrs. Michaelis

January/February 2019
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Youngest
& oldest

January/February 2019 7
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St. John’s Annual Vestry Goals for 2019

Meeting
" The annual meeting of St. • Maintain Worship Services
John’s Episcopal Church in Sealy • Continue Outreach to Community
was held on January 13 after our • Establish Blessing of the Animals as a
Sunday Church Service. Community Service
" We were treated to a • Establish Eucharistic Visitor Program
delicious pot luck lunch. It turned
out to be a bounteous day for those
• Promote attendance in the ECW and Men’s
of us who love deviled eggs! Our group
main dish was Cajun Fried Turkey,
cooked by Tim Gassiott. It was so Senior Warden(s):" Mary Emerson (Jan-June)
good, there wasn’t any leftover
turkey. " " " " Brian Owen (July - Dec)
" Once we got down to Junior Warden:" " Waverly Johnson
business, we elected three new Members:" " " Bonnie Carr
Vestry members, Kathleen Kelly,
Bonnie Carr and Mary Emerson. We " " " " JudyJohnson
also elected four delegates to the " " " " Kathleen Kelly
Diocese of Texas Council meeting in
February - Mary Emerson, Bonnie " " " " Marco Vazquez
Carr, Judy Johnson and Andrea
Ford.
" We discussed the budget and
heard from all of the groups that
keeps St. John’s operating. The
Altar Guild could always use more
help. We also need someone to help
with the music. Volunteer if you
can!

8 January/February 2019
 T H E C H I M E S

Upcoming Events at
Historic St. John’s Episcopal Church

Come dressed in your

Imposition of ashes in The beautiful service of
First ECW meeting of finest Mardi Gras
this traditional Ash Evensong during the
2019 is on Saturday, colors of purple, green
Wednesday marks the middle of the week
February 9. All women and gold as we
beginning of the Lenten feeds our soul during
of the Episcopal church celebrate with a
season. the Lenten season. A
are members of the traditional Shrove
simple soup supper is
ECW. Tuesday Pancake
shared in fellowship
Your $10 dues are due Supper.
with our congregation
this month. As part of our outreach
helps to feed the body.
program, we invite the
Please come prepared to Wednesdays beginning
residents of Willow
make decisions about March 13 - April 10.
River Farm to eat with
the activities we will be
us. Enjoy all of the
involved in this year.
pancakes and sausage
Take the survey at: you can eat.
https:// Shrove Tuesday marks
www.surveymonkey.co the end of Epiphany
m/r/978KFH3 and the beginning of
Lent.
St. John’s Episcopal Church is located at Hwy 36 N & 6th St., Sealy, TX Phone: 979-885-2359

Email: info@stjohnssealy.com Website: www.stjohnssealy.com

Join us at 10 am on Sunday for Worship!
9 January/February 2019