We are a JOYOUS Community of faith!
Dear Friends, 

The Epiphany tradition of picking a “Star Word” is a favorite of many Christians. It is a joyful tradition that can shape and focus your prayer life. For those new to the tradition, located in the church are two baskets of wooden stars with words printed on them. You pick out a word (either with or without looking) and allow that word to live with you for the rest of the year. You can journal the word, use it to guide your prayer time, or simply reflect on how it guides or challenges your life of faith. This is an activity for all ages. A great way to teach children to pray and journal. It’s a fun way of entering into conversation with one another and a clever way of sharing our faith with one another.  

Imagine my delight, on my return to St. Nicholas after our mini vacation, to have a journal entry shared with me on the word Joy. I was given permission to share it so we may all benefit from these thoughts on Joy…  

The Biblical definition of Joy is a feeling of good pleasure and happiness that is dependent on who Jesus is rather than who we are or what is happening around us. Joy comes from the Holy Spirit, abiding in God’s presence from hope in His word.  

That is why we can find joy in knowing Jesus, who has saved us from the domination of darkness and transfers us into the kingdom of Light.  

Luke 3:22 “You are my dearly loved son, and you bring me Joy.” (Journal entry by Rose Marie)

This journal entry was a timely reminder for me (and I hope for you) to trust in Jesus, to go to our scriptures to be grounded in hope, and to hold on to God’s everlasting love in Jesus. 

In a world where our hope and joy are challenged everyday (rising Omicron cases, sickness and death of loved ones, challenges of work and school, fearful news cycle 24/7, social media info overload, etc.), this is a great reminder to turn to God in our scriptures and ground our life in joy. The kind of joy that goes beyond our feelings in any given moment. The deep abiding joy in trusting that God is with us, guiding us, and loving us.  

I am looking forward to hearing about your “Star Words.” There isn’t much that brings this pastor more joy than hearing (or reading) your thoughts on your faith and where you see God in Jesus Christ working in your life. It is a bold and brave act to share our thoughts and our faith with one another.

I pray we can and will share our faith throughout this new year. Share your “Star Words” with me and one another. Share them in art, in word, in deed, in prayer, and perhaps most importantly in faith. Trust that by sharing them, we are helping one another learn and grow in faith.

God’s Peace, Love, and Blessings, 
Beth+
Serving Our Community
Share Center
Baby Items Needed
Thank you to everyone who has been giving to The Share Center. The Share center (sexual health and reproductive education) is an organization in our community whose mission is to serve the needs of those facing unplanned pregnancies, requiring sexual health services & education or those seeking to learn more about parenting.

The Share Center (sexual health and reproductive education) is an organization in our community whose mission is to serve the needs of those facing unplanned pregnancies, requiring sexual health services & education or those seeking to learn more about parenting. They are in need of newborn lotion, Size 5 and 6 diapers, and rattles/toys/teethers. You can place them in the big black and white box shaped like a present near the Prayer Wall.

We are finishing our collection this week and bringing the items on Friday, January 14th. If you are interested in joining Rev. Beth to visit the center and drop off donations please contact her at revbeth@stnickshillcountry.org or 214-213-0739
This Week at ST. NICK'S
Soup and Sandwich
Dinner Church

Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30pm

Come and warm up this chilly week with a bowl of soup. We have offerings of vegetable, chicken, gumbo, and tomato basil soup. Sign-up for items at this link for Wednesday.
Men's Lunch Small Group

Thursdays, 11:30am

Stop by a local eatery to pick up lunch or have some leftovers from Dinner Church and come to St. Nick's for Bible study and fellowship.
Women's Bible Study

Thursdays, 1pm

Women's Bible Study via Zoom. We study and discuss the upcoming Sunday's Gospel reading.

Contact Rev. Beth at revbeth@stnickshillcountry.org  for the link.
Sunday Worship

Thursdays, 1pm

All are invited to worship with us.

8:30am - Outdoor Worship
9:30am - Indoor Worship

You can also livestream our 9:30am worship on YouTube, our website, or our Facebook page.
Bible Journal Small Group
Mondays, 9:15am

Join us for a time of wondering about Scripture and creating together. Come and create beautiful conversation and art.
Save the Date!
Ministry Training and Community Meeting
There will be Ministry Training and a Community Meeting after the 9:30am worship on January 30th.
Children's Ministry and Godly Play
Introduction to Godly Play Training:
"Discover + Renew + Return"
February 5th

If you are interested in Children’s Ministry and learning about Godly Play, join the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas' Christian Formation Committee and Godly Play Foundation trainers, Sharolyn Browning and Becki Stewart, on Saturday, February 5 for a one-day, in-person Godly Play training.

Taking place in San Antonio, the training will be open to all Christian Formation leaders and volunteers, as well as diocesan clergy, whether new to Godly Play or renewing prior learning. Gather with others and learn to better support children as they grow in faith.

Click here to learn more. 
Church Administration and Volunteer Information
Volunteer Helpers Sunday AM
New Sign-up sheets are up for the new year. People of all ages are welcome to participate in our ministries. We have opportunities to be a reader, greeter, altar team member, av/tech team member and to offer hospitality. We will have training at the end of January and if you have any questions contact Rev. Beth at 214 -213-0739 or revbeth@stnickshillcountry.org. 

You can sign up here:
2265 Bulverde Rd.
Bulverde, TX 78163
Phone: 214-213-0739