We are a JOYOUS Community of faith!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  

It’s going to sound so cliché to say, I can’t believe we are entering a new year… but seriously! I can’t believe we are entering a new year already! What a year this has been!!! 

I am reminded of one of my favorite prayers for children by Sophie Piper. Sophie Piper is known for her stories of faith and prayer books for children. I’m sure you will find many of her books in our Pray Ground Library. In her book, Prayers for a Better World, she prays for the Old and New.  

Old and New by Sophie Piper

Thank you, dear God, for the blessing of things that stay the same:
for the people we have known for ever and the familiar paths where we walk.

Thank you, dear God, for the blessing of things that change:
for newcomers with their new customs, new ways of doing things, new paths to discover.

Thank you, dear God, for the blessing of the old and the blessing of the new. Amen. 

I love this prayer! It serves as a reminder that our Christian tradition embraces those who have gone before us – their traditions, witness, and foundation of love. But we also know that God and our faith are dynamic. We are a people who embrace transformation and change and are called to continually grow in love, forgiveness, and faith.  

As a new and growing church community, it seems like everything we do is new. This past year, we have been fixing up a new building, and learning about our new space, making new friends, and exploring new ministry opportunities both in and out of the church! Again, everything seems new!  

But we also have deep connections to Christians who have come before us, and our faith and life together is built on the trust and belief of God’s Love for us through Christ Jesus. The scriptures we read on Sundays (the Revised Common Lectionary) are read by Christians all over the world. Our Book of Common Prayer is shared throughout the world as well. Our adherence to the church year and our celebration of saints and holy days are also traditions that have been handed down by other faithful Christians.  

This sweet prayer from Sophie Piper reminds us to continue to tend to our existing relationships and habits, but to also embrace and seek new relationships and habits. Not a bad thing to be reminded of as faithful Christians! It is so easy to be comfortable and rest in the familiar. There is no doubt in my mind that we are called, in this new year, to meet new friends and neighbors, to cultivate new ministry opportunities internally and externally, and to embrace growth and transformation in Jesus our Lord.  

I believe God is with us in the old and new. God lives with us in the tension between familiar and change. Somehow God is at work in the sharing of comfort in the old stories and shared memories of friends just as God is whispering excitement in the new relationships formed and new stories shared.  

So...Happy Old Year. And... Happy New Year.  

And truly,  

Thank you, God, for the blessing of the old and the blessing of the new. Amen.


God’s Peace, Love, and Blessings, 
Beth+
Serving Our Community
Comal County Sheriff's Office Gifts
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who gave so generously for the Comal County Sheriff’s Office. 

We had a wonderful visit with staff, deputies and Sheriff Mark Reynolds. We were privileged to hand out mugs, pray with them, and extend our thanks for the work and care they give to our Comal County 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.  

We have been collecting newborn lotion, Size 5 and 6 diapers, and rattles/toys/teethers. We will be collecting these items for them the whole month of December. You can place them in the big black and white box shaped like a present near the Prayer Wall.

We will finish our collection the week of January 9th and bring 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.
Disaster Relief through Episcopal Relief and Development
The tornadoes that swept the mid-Mississippi Valley were devastating, killing at least 90 people and leaving thousands without infrastructure or homes. We are choosing to help by supporting ERD (Episcopal Relief and Development) efforts to provide relief and support. You can make a donation to ERD disaster relief on their website.
  
In addition to monetary help, please join us in lifting these communities up in prayer: 
 
God… Draw near to us in this time of sorrow and anguish, comfort those who mourn, strengthen those who are weary, encourage those in despair, and lead us all to fullness of life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen
–Holy Women, Holy Men: Celebrating the Saints, Church Publishing: New York, page 733

O God, our times are in your hand.  In the midst of uncertainty lead us by your never-failing grace as we seek to be agents of healing and hope. Walk with us through difficult times; watch over us in danger; and give to us a spirit of love and compassion for those who suffer and mourn. And finally remind us that you have promised never to leave us so that even in the valley of the shadow of death your love may be felt, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
–The Rev. Lyndon Harris, from the Episcopal Diocese of New York disaster preparedness plan

You can also add your own prayers and petition on our Prayer wall in the sanctuary.
This Week (And Next) at ST. NICK'S
Sunday Worship
January 2:
All are invited to worship with us.

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

January 9:
No Outdoor Worship
9:30am - Indoor Worship
________

You can also livestream our 9:30am worship every Sunday on YouTube, our website, or our Facebook page.
Epiphany Activity – After Church on January 2
The Church Season of Epiphany begins on January 6th. The word epiphany means "to make known" and in the season of Epiphany we hear scriptures that reveal Jesus Christ’s identity as the son of God and savior of the world. We celebrate that Jesus is ever present in our lives and making a difference.
  
Each Epiphany season we participate in the tradition called “Star Words” as a spiritual practice. On January 2nd, there will be a basket of wooden stars with words written on them. The word you choose becomes your “Star Word” for the year. Sometimes, people randomly choose the words, and others hunt for just the right word. This is a fun spiritual practice for our community. You can pray your word through the year, offer devotions on our website or social media, reflect on, or journal your word throughout the year.

Here are some thoughts on how your word can help form you this coming year:
 
  • If you find a word that is encouraging – how might this word guide you?
  • If you find a word that is challenging – how might this word shape you?
  • If you find a word that is perfect for you – how can you share this gift with others?
  • If you find a word you resist – how might this word teach you?

Whatever your word – pray it, reflect on it, journal it, and talk about it. Share your thoughts with Rev. Beth and our community. Let it shape your life and our community this coming year.
Small Groups and Weekly Activities
Small Groups and weekly activities will take a Christmas break and resume the week of January 12th.
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.
2265 Bulverde Rd.
Bulverde, TX 78163
Phone: 214-213-0739