Dear Friends,

I don't know about you, but I have been thankful for the last two days of warmer temps. I also appreciate the blue skies and the sun shining - feels hopeful.

That feeling of hope can come upon us in expected places like the sun shining or listening to inspiring music or watching great athletic performances. But hope can also catch us when we least expect it. Hope fills our lungs with a burst of air and often helps us to see the world fresh and new.

I officiated a funeral this past Wednesday. It was for a dear family friend, I have known since I was three. He was a faithful episcopalian, loving father, grandfather and husband, He was a retired Colonel in the Air Force and went on to teach science for Northside schools. I was filled with hope as I met the different people from George's life - all coming together to remember him and proclaim faith in the resurrection.

I was honored to be invited into a sacred and holy time with George's family. Those of us gathered cried, laughed, and shared stories of remembrance. It was, as I shared, a hope-filled time. It was a timely reminder that Jesus invites us into being a part of His life, being part of the church, so we might cry, laugh, and remember our stories as a family of faith.

This Sunday we will hear the call of the first disciples in Mark's Gospel. We will also have our annual meeting where we gather after 9:30 worship to eat, pray, learn, and discern our life together. I hope and pray you will come this Sunday. We have had a year of growth - both in our spiritual lives and in the blossoming of members of our community. We have accomplished starting new ministries and expanded outreach to our neighbors. We have decisions to make, and champions for ministry to empower, and a vibrant church life to celebrate.

There will be care for our children offered by Jena our Family minister and teen helpers after the 9:30am worship service. Our meeting will not be live-streamed so please try to be there. We will have a report to send you if you cannot make it. Please reach out to me at revbeth@stnickshillcountry.org if this is needed.

Whether you can attend the meeting or not, please pray this prayer from our Book of Common Prayer. It is a prayer found on page 818 and is for church meetings. Join me in praying for renewal, courage, and grace.

Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel at St. Nick's for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

I am looking forward to seeing you on Sunday. We have a beautiful life together filled with all the hopeful things - tears, laughter, and telling the stories of our lives and faith.

God's Peace, Love, and Blessings,

Beth+

Save the date to join us after the 9:30am worship on January 21st for our annual church meeting. We will spend time in prayer and planning for this new year of ministry.

Come and learn about St Nicholas and her growth this past year. We also want to share about our plans for this coming year and our bright, vibrant, and generous future. Everyone is welcome to join us. Activities for children will be offered during the meeting.

Sunday, January 21: Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Sunday Scriptures (click here for full scripture readings): Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:6-14; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20

Collect for Epiphany 3:

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Every year our Diocese holds a council for their 80+ churches. Council 2024 will convene in-person February 22 - 24, at the San Marcos Conference Center in San Marcos, TX. Clergy and lay delegates will assemble to hear ministry reports, conduct the annual business of the Diocese, worship together, participate in workshops, and share fellowship.

If you are interested in attending as a guest at council, please contact Rev. Beth for a schedule and to register.

Dinner Church - Bring on the Fun!

Dinner Church takes place each Wednesday from 5:30-7:30 and is a weekly time of a meal, worship, and fellowship. It is a great place to get to know each other better, and to invite friends. Our new Dinner Church leaders have some fun in store over the coming months. Grab your new calendar at the annual meeting. Here's a look at the next couple of weeks:

• Jan 24: Bring Your Best - It's National Compliment Day so everyone should bring their most-liked dish.
• Jan 31: Deja Vu - : Often requested dishes (repeats) in honor of Groundhog Day. We'll also share our favorite church traditions during the conversation. What do you like to do year after year?

Want to attend Dinner Church, but don't have time to prep a dish? Come anyway! There is always plenty of food to go around.

Help out at Church this Winter!

All ages can sign-up at this link

Hospitality - bring snacks

Greet - say hello

Teen Acolyte - help Rev. Beth with worship

Reader - Read and Chalice

Altar - help set-up the altar

We

AV/TECH helpers talk with Jeremy and/or Mark directly after church.