"Restoring relationships with God and one another."
The Life and Work of Reconciliation
January 29, 2012
PRAYER AND SACRAMENTS
Holy Eucharist ~ Changing the World One Eucharist at a Time We celebrate the sacrament of Holy Eucharist on Sundays at 8:00 and 10:30 pm. "Come all who hunger for a better life, a fairer world, a universe restored and reconciled to our original unity with the God of all creation."
Daily Morning Prayer (“Think Eight”) In Solidarity with the Whole Church Ready to try daily prayer? Every morning at 8:00am, Church of Reconciliation is at prayer. Those who are able to be present represent those who aren't. We offer Morning Prayer from the prayerbook, follow the calendar of saints' days, read from the schedule of scripture readings, and pray for those who have been commended to our church. When you can’t be physically present, “think eight”. Find Morning Prayer on page 80 of the prayerbook, or Google “Daily Office” and choose a site.
“Organ Donor” Reconciliation has an “organ donor” - someone who is donating a very nice Alan organ to us so that our music ministry can continue to grow in its diversity! Jim Leech, who has been playing our keyboard recently is also an organist and is looking forward to the opportunity to use the organ for some of our music selections on Sunday mornings.
Holy Baptism, Confirmation, Unction Holy Baptism will normally be scheduled on one of the following days: The Baptism of Jesus (Jan 8), Easter (April 18), Pentecost (May 27), All Saints (Nov 4). The Bishop will be present for Confirmation on March 4. Unction (Healing) is normally offered on the third Sunday of each month.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Study and Spiritual Direction Groups
SUNDAYS, 9:15 am “Biblical Foundations of Christian Spirituality” Christianity has a rich heritage of spiritual teachings and practices. This class is for anyone who is interested in learning and practicing Christian spirituality. We meet at 9:15 am in the Vicar’s office at the church.
MONDAYS, 2:00 pm "Drop In" Bible Study Drop in sometime on a bible study based on readings of the week, at the Mirador Retirement Center on 7201 S Staples Street at 2:00 pm weekly.
TUESDAYS, 6:00 pm Spiritual Direction Group A spiritual direction group is a gather of people who are open to sharing the experiences, questions, and even struggles of their spiritual journey with one another, and to support each other in listening for God. This group meets at the Authentic New York Pizza Restaurant, 5702 S Staples Street at 6:00 pm weekly.
FRIDAYS, 10:15 am Bible Study Study the Bible readings for the week with us on Friday mornings at 10:15 am at the church.
MONTHLY/FRIDAYS, 7:00 pm “Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time” Home group gatherings that based on Marcus Borg's book, "Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time" See this website for more information about the book MEETING JESUS »
Online Discussion & Practice Go to our homepage and click on the Blog at the top of the homepage to join us for discussion and practice based on a passage from a Master Teacher of Christian spirituality.
MISSION AND MINISTRY UTO ~ United Thanks Offering Ingatherings February 12, May 20 Reconciliation will have two ingathering this spring for the United Thank Offering. One on February 12, just before we take our offering to Council, and one on May 20, the Sunday closest to the Day of the Ascension. Practice being thankful!
Bringing LYRA to Corpus Christi ~ Monday, April 23 We have invited the LYRA Vocal Ensemble from St Petersburg, Russia, to Corpus Christi on Monday, April 23. First United Methodist has agreed to be our co-host and to provide the venue. We need volunteers to provide a room and meals for the singers while they are here - three males and two females. Look up LYRA online! Corpus Christi is in for a treat.
Remember... The Neighborhood is Our Parish The whole neighborhood is our parish, and our ministry at this time is to help the Neighborhood Association bring our neighbors together. Our Feast of Friends events in the park are evolving into block parties, pastoral need awareness, neighborhood watches, and community outreach fairs. Feast of Friends events will be less frequent, but monthly efforts of different kinds will still be important for our neighborhood ministry.
Clothes to the Homeless, Sunday March 11 John McDermont reported a very successful distribution of clothes to the homeless on January 15. The next distribution is March 11.
COMMUNITY AND FELLOWSHIP
Hospitality to Members and Guests ~ Sign Up for Refreshments Refreshment time after the church service is good hospitality toward guests and a fellowship treat for the rest of us. Make it a point to greet guests and to sign up to bring the refreshments on the Hospitality Calendar on the bulletin board. Hospitality toward guests by serving Christ in them is an ancient spiritual practice that goes back to the Benedictine communities.
Feast of Friends is for Us Too! The monthly Feast of Friends we host in the park for our neighbors is for all of us! It is an obvious way to build relationships with our neighbors as we learn to serve them and to invite them to serve the community with us. It is also our own opportunity for building community and fellowship with neighbors, members, and friends. Come out and get to know each other! Pastoral Care If you know of any members of Reconciliation in need of pastoral care, please contact Lila Vaughan (Bishop's Committee Liaison for Pastoral Care) at 361-991-3273, Father Bruce at 512-787-3042, Wendy Molina (President of the Daughters of the King) at 361-877-0536, or the church office at 361-852-9677. You may also indicate any pastoral needs on a prayer card available at the church and give it to Lila, Fr Bruce, or an office volunteer. The office is open from 9:00 am to noon most mornings. Please let Fr Bruce know if you would like to get together.
COMING UP
This Month ~ Alan Organ Installed An ALAN ORGAN is being donated to Reconciliation. It should be installed sometime this month!
Thursday to Saturday, February 16-18 - Diocesan Council in McAllen Workshops, activities, and diocesan business. Please pray for delegates, Alice Nixon and Jeri Morey, and for our alternate, Eileen Benton.
Shrove Tuesday, February 21 Come and go from 5:30 to 7:30 pm for pancakes and good fellowship. Pancake suppers symbolize emptying your cupboards and your hearts as you prepare for Lent.
Ash Wednesday, February 22 Imposition of Ashes will be offered at 7:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 5:30 pm.
Sunday, March 11 (Daylight Savings Time begins. Wake up early!) Distribution of clothes to the homeless. Meet at 10:00 am. We have volunteers in place who already know much of what needs to be done. Thursday, March 29 ~ Neighborhood Association Reconciliation hosts the general NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION for hot dogs and neighborhood business in the church parking lot at 7:00 pm. We will be discussing a membership drive and proposing a 2012 calendar of neighborhood activities and events.
Sunday, April 1 ~ Passion/PALM SUNDAY
Sunday, April 8 ~ EASTER Festival Eucharist, 8:00 am and 10:30 am
Saturday, April 14 ~ "SPRING FLING" Hosted by Reconciliation and Neighborhood Association officers for the general neighborhood Monday, April 23 Reconciliation and First United Methodist Church co-host the LYRA vocal ensemble from St Petersburg, Russia. Go to their website LYRA »
Monday thru Friday every week Morning Prayer at 8:00 am on the front lawn of our church. Offer prayers for those who have been commended to this church and join us in solidarity with Christians around the world.
