St. Peter & St.

Paul Episcopal Church

Connections
SEPTEMBER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 8

Caregivers Support Group

Many of us at St. Peter and St. Paul’s have (or
someday will) find ourselves in the role of
caregiver. We offer a group where folks can
come together to get idea's, share
experiences and walk together with our Lord
through this tricky stage of life.
Who should come? This group is appropriate for any folks currently in
the caregiver role, preparing for this role, still grieving or recovering
from their recent experience. It may also be appropriate for those who
feel they have something to offer others from their past.
There will be no experts with perfect answers. This will be a true
Support Group where we will walk hand-in-hand, trusting that Jesus
will guide us in this emotional--yet inevitable, part of life.
Monthly meetings begin with a simple dinner followed by a short Bible
Study. (you are encouraged to bring a notebook and a Bible).
The next Caregivers Support Group meeting is Thursday,
September 9th at 6:00pm at Mike & Mary Kay Broughton’s
home at 2800 North Stewart Road in Mission. All are welcome
to attend and are encouraged to bring someone who might
benefit from this wonderful support group.

Back
to
School:
Blessing of
Backpacks,
Students &
Teachers!

St. P&P
BOWL-O-RAMA
Friends,
Fellowship &
Fun!
 St. Peter & St. Paul Episcopal Church PAGE 2
Connections SEPTEMBER 2010

The Great Chase

My son loves to be chased.
In fact, as I write this my wife is pretending to be
a monster and chasing my son around the house.
He is trying to pretend that he is scared, but his
squeals of delight betray him. For whatever
reason, Garrett just loves to be chased.
Our God is a God who enjoys the chase as well, but most of the time God is the
chaser not the chasee. In his book The Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning
describes this aspect of God’s nature when he says “The Tremendous Lover is on
the chase.” The Bible tells story after story where people run from God, but God
does not give up the chase.
After Adam and Eve eat the apple, they hide from God, but God finds them out.
Moses tries to avoid God’s call to free the Israelites by hiding in the desert, but
God speaks to him through the burning bush.
Jonah tries to run from God in a boat, but God chases him down until he is
swallowed by a big fish.
After Jesus’ death, the disciples, out of fear, lock themselves in a room, but the
Risen Christ appears among them offering them peace and a new life as apostles
of His resurrection.
These are just a few of the many Biblical examples of God chasing down His
beloved, and we are all His beloved. God loves us with a passion and an intensity
that we cannot imagine. Like the father who runs to the prodigal son or the
shepherd who sets out to find the lost sheep, God will go to any length to find His
children. God will not stop chasing you.
No matter where you go. No
matter what you do. God will
never stop chasing after you. God
will not tire or grow weary.
But if you are tired of running and
hiding, then stop turn to God and
you will find that He has been
chasing you all along.

In Christ,
Father Michael
 St. Peter & St. Paul Episcopal Church PAGE 3
Connections SEPTEMBER 2010

COME CHECK US OUT!

Long ago, there was this unique and treasure-
filled place to go on special days. Some of these
buildings were guarded by animals (usually lions)
at the doors and some even had wheels. It was
always a special treat to venture into this sacred space. Is anyone else
old enough to know what we’re talking about? Of course, these were the days before
barnesandnoble.com or Amazon, let alone Kindle or iPad...
Libraries! We went to libraries and “borrowed” books to read! What an incredible
“green” idea that was way ahead of its ecological time. Imagine the paper saved…let
alone the money from such a concept!
Well, did you know we have a St. Peter & Paul Library in the office?
Actually, we have two libraries!
We have a book-nook with general topic books for all ages in the hall of the main
building and a whole room dedicated to spiritual, inspirational and religious books in
the church office.
There are books on prayer, daily devotionals, Bible references, AA, Outreach, Bible
studies…books by Philip Yancy, Max Lucado, Henri Nouwen, video’s, etc... and they
are there for you…just for you.
Fr. Michael talks to us about personal spiritual growth and there’s probably a book
that could help you on your personal journey.
There’s one catch…you have to come and see!
SO, PLEASE COME “CHECK US OUT!”
Have questions about our libraries? Ask Vicki Knipp or Fr. Michael!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2010: THANK YOU!

Our High Seas Expedition was an incredible week!
And the volunteers had as much fun as the children did!!
Speaking of volunteers...we could never have done it without
you!! You were absolutely incredible.
We cannot begin to thank everyone for their time, talents,
monetary donations, enthusiasm, singing, silliness, prayers,
donations, God sightings and so much more. We had a great time on our
Vast Voyage and are already thinking about next year!!!
If you have any feedback on VBS or would like some information on
becoming more involved in this ministry next year, talk to JB Townsend.
 St. Peter & St. Paul Episcopal Church PAGE 4
Connections SEPTEMBER 2010

Projection Ministry Kneel Mail Prayer Ministry

If you have been to the 11am
service the last few weeks, you St Peter & St Paul
have seen a change. We have has a unique ministry
begun to project the words of in Kneel Mail. If you
prayers, readings, and songs are not familiar with
during worship. Kneel Mail, it is
From now on you have a emailed prayer needs
choice, you can either follow that are an excellent
along with the projection slides way to share requests and an easy
or grab a bulletin. Either way way to help others out with our
you should receive a Sunday to prayers. Requests can be an urgent,
Sunday with the announcements and ministry
short term or long term; and can be for
schedule.
yourself, for family, friends, or even a
There are three primary reasons to shift to the
projection. 1. The church will save money on friend of a friend!
printing costs. 2. We use less paper which is better mlwhalen46@sbcglobal.net
for the environment. 3. The nature of worship Here are the guidelines for
changes when people look up rather than down at submitting:
a piece of paper. Make sure to include a description
Either way, we will still be printing copies of the of the need and a first name.
bulletin if you prefer to use them. Requests can be anonymous – after
Father Michael is putting together a team to run all, God knows our needs!
the projection during the service. If you are Update us! Keep us posted on how
interested, email him at we can continue to pray or give
michael@stpeterstpaul.org.

RIGHTEOUS RECIPES!!
Every month, we will use this space to reflect the ‘culinary side’ of St Peter & St Paul. We
can’t wait to try your favorite recipes! Send to heatherbmarks@gmail.com

This month’s recipe comes from Jason Broughton.

Who says BBQ has to be done outside?!?

Indoor Baby Back Ribs

1 rack—Baby Back Ribs 1 cup-brown sugar
Pepper—to taste Tony Chachere’s—to taste
Foil (or your favorite seasoning)

Preheat the oven to 300°. Place the rack of ribs on a large sheet of foil on cookie
sheet. Spread the brown sugar, pepper and seasoning in the cavernous area of the
rack of ribs and wrap it up tight in your foil. Place the cookie sheet with the foil-
wrapped ribs in the oven for 3 hours. Enjoy!
St. Peter & St. Paul Episcopal Church
Connections
UPDATE:
The Garden of Eatin’
Garden Outreach Program!
As a recap, we are starting
a 1.5 acre garden to the
north of the church where
we will grow a variety of
vegetables. We will then
sell these vegetables twice
a week from the church’s
porch using the proceeds to feed the hungry.
Whatever we do not sell, we will give to food
pantries to give to the hungry.
Things are moving right along. We are working
the land to create the beds we need so that we
can start planting in mid-September. God has
provided some generous contributions from
local farms and farm supply companies, and so
far we feel blessed. We have a few hurdles still
to overcome, but it will all fall into place.
If you are interested in learning more or finding
ways you can help. Contact Father Michael-
michael@stpeterstpaul.org.
PAGE 5
SEPTEMBER 2010
Men’s Group:
Coffee With the
Carpenter
Attention St. P&P Men:
Coffee With the Carpenter is a
men's group that gathers on the
2nd and 4th Thursdays of every
month from 7:00am to 8:00am.
Come join “the guys” for
morning prayer, breakfast, lots
of coffee, and great discussion!
For more information on
Coffee with the Carpenter,
contact Dan Miller at 519-0090.
Have info for the next newsletter??
Got a story about why you ♥ St P&P?
Want to share your favorite recipe?
Our goal for this newsletter is
that it reflects who we are and
what we do at St Peter & St
Paul. We are constantly
looking for ways to stay
informed and connected via
this newsletter and our website.
If you have a gift for this or if
you have any suggestions,
please contact Heather Marks.
Send to:
heatherbmarks@gmail.com
St. Peter & St. Paul Episcopal Church PAGE 6
Connections SEPTEMBER 2010

The Blessing of the Animals — October 3rd — 3:00pm

Did you know that animals are supposed to
praise God just like us?
Psalm 148:9-10 says “Praise
Him, hills and mountains,
fruit trees and forests; all
animals, tame and wild,
reptiles and birds.”
Well, we are going to give them their chance.
On Sunday October 3rd at 3pm, we are going to
have The Blessing of the Animals.
So bring your animals of any species. In previous
years, we have blessed dogs, cats, bunnies,
gerbils, hamsters, horses, turtles, fish, snakes,
iguanas, hermit crabs, and even spiders (Fr.
Michael’s least favorite pet).

PULSE YOUTH GROUP

(5th-12th grade)
The second Pulse
of the year will be
September 26th
from 5pm-6:30pm.
We will be having “Fun with Fruit,” Offered this fall to children
so wear something you can get
ages 4 years – high school,
dirty. Hee hee!!
Also, I need one parent each month Children’s church is in need of
to help out with Pulse, so if ask additional volunteers.
your mom or dad if they will sign
If you are interested in helping
up. (I know they might embarrass
you, but we could use the extra with this ministry, please contact
help). Fr. Michael or Amy Hoffman.
Questions about Pulse? Contact
Father Michael!
michael@stpeterstpaul.org
St. Peter & St. Paul Episcopal Church PAGE 7
Connections SEPTEMBER 2010

CURSILLO RETREAT
WEEKEND
COMING UP!
Every now and then, we all need
our spiritual batteries recharged…

Cursillo retreats are an awesome and fun way

to revive yourself in the love and fellowship of
Jesus Christ. Lots of folks at St Peter & Paul
have been on a Cursillo weekend and many of
us continue to serve on teams.
Cursillo—A funny word
meaning “a short course in
Christianity”— is designed to
deepen your faith and
strengthen your Christian walk.

Ask anyone wearing a colorful cross on the

third Sunday of the month what their Cursillo
meant to them and you’ll get a different
answer and a huge smile.

The next Cursillo weekend with open spots will

be October 14-17, 2010 at beautiful Mustang
Island, outside of Corpus Christi.

Contact Heather Marks at 802-3822 or via email at

heatherbmarks@gmail.com for more information.
You can also find out more on the Episcopal
 St. Peter & St. Paul Episcopal Church PAGE 8
Connections SEPTEMBER 2010

New Daughters of
the King Officers
President: Gayle Wudarczyk
Vice-President: Jane Sutherland
Secretary: Leonor Fletcher
IT'S TIME TO START
Treasurer: Angie Rivera PLANNING KITE FEST 2011
Last year was so very successful, thanks in
Chaplain: Mary Lou Jesness a large part to our awesome volunteers.
Now we need your help in stepping up for
The Daughters of the KiteFest 2011!
King is a Needed Immediately:
collection of faithful 2 or 3 people to head up the leadership of
women who this event. ( help form committees and
dedicate themselves to oversee them)
prayer and service. Each member Needed soon:
goes through Committee heads for...
Advertising Crafts
a period of studying and learning
Children's games Kite flying
about this ministry. Bake Sale Food
Booths Grounds/Setup
If you are interested in learning more
Of course we will need people to work on these
about the Daughters of the King, talk committees, but first we need chair people. Please
to any of the ladies above or any consider helping out.
Daughter of the King member you see Contact Father Michael or Gayle
(gawudar@aol.com or 240-7775)
wearing the silver cross!

WANTED: MUSIC TEAM MEMBERS

Got musical talents? Play guitar or sing?
Want to make a joyful noise unto the Lord?

Consider using your God-

given talent as part of our
music team!
CONTACT: Arlyn Olson (687-7334)
or any choir member for more info!
 St. Peter & St. Paul Episcopal Church PAGE 9
Connections SEPTEMBER 2010

Dear St Peter & Paul Family,

As you might have noticed the past few Sundays,

we are in the process of giving our church
nursery a little face-lift, and we are writing you
today to ask for your input and support in these
efforts.
Our wish is for St. Peter & St. Paul’s nursery to be
a fun, safe and clean environment that is also
loving and nurturing. It is a slightly tricky endeavor, in that the nursery needs to
be fun and appropriate for all children from birth through five years.
Most of the items that are currently in the nursery were given out of generosity
when the church was first established eleven years ago. Many of these items
were gently used at the time and have since endured the activity of many little
hands. Our plan is to start this makeover with a few basic improvements, then
add improvements as funds allow.
To start, we have made a wish list that will not only improve the groundwork of
our nursery makeover, but also assist our nursery worker in creating a space that
meets our goals:
Foam floor mats: $100 Bookshelf: $70
Storage Shelf: $50 Bins: $55 TOTAL
Cleaning supplies: $50 Paint & Supplies: $150 ESTIMATED
Rocking chair cushions: $50 Bumbo seat: $40 COST: $650
Boppy pillow & cover: $35 Wipes & diapers: $50
Any support you can give is much appreciated. We ask that in lieu of purchasing
these items directly you either send a check with “nursery” in the memo line, or
send a gift card for us to use in purchasing these items. This will prevent the
need to return/exchange, etc.

We will be having a painting party on Sunday, September 12th at 3:00pm to paint a

mural on the walls of the nursery. If that sounds like fun to you, we’d love to see
you then!
If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact either of us. Thanks
again for you support. May God bless you, your families and your little ones!

Amy Hoffman Heather Marks

566-7095 802-3822
St. Peter & St. Paul Episcopal Church
2310 N. Stewart Road
Mission, TX 78574-8842
(956)585-5005