We are a worshiping community where everyone matters, everyone is loved, and everyone belongs. Everyone!
Dear Friends, 

We have been having a wonderful time in Australia and are entering our last few days here. We are looking forward to seeing you all, worshiping together, and doing the good and Godly work of loving one another and our neighbors.  

If you’ve been following Flat St. Nick on our social media sites, you have probably seen some of our adventures. One of our more recent adventures was a trip to Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Many may recall the terrible wildfires on Kangaroo Island beginning in December 2019 and continuing into January 2020.  

Lightning strikes sparked blazes in December and caused immense damage including lost lives, over 40,000 different wildlife species dying, 97% of Flinders Chase National Park was burned and 49% of the island was affected by the fires. 

During this apocalyptic bush fire experience, many workers on the island spent half their day fighting fires and the other half continuing tours for visitors as they tried to keep their businesses up and running. It is an understatement to say we were moved by the images and stories of damage and recovery on this beautiful island. 

Kangaroo Island is known for its vast array of indigenous plants and animals. As we drove towards Flinders Chase National Park on the western half of the Island, the trees we were passing became noticeably darker with trunks and branches charred and still covered in soot. Mile after mile of trees were still standing after being singed and burned. We also noticed (and were inspired by) the vegetation springing up from the ground along with the new branches and growth on the burned trees. Such a heartbreaking and beautiful sight. These majestic gum trees and bushes showing off their scars of singed trunks and charred branches while new foliage springs forth and surrounds the scars – bringing new life, regeneration, and healing.

It was and is a picture of resilience.

I pray that we can all have new growth and regeneration after the experiences that singe and char our souls. I imagine these trees on Kangaroo Island just needed to stay upright, continue to reach for the air and sun, and let the waters come to replenish them. Some trees are taking longer than others, so I imagine some are getting help through conservation efforts and revegetation efforts.  

And of course, as I write this, I would be remiss not to mention the resilience of the locals on the Island as well. One gentleman we talked to shared his understanding that wildfires happen (although “climate change appears to be making everything worse”) they are and have always been part of life in the bush. He continued, telling us of stories of islanders and army workers coming together to help people and wildlife. These stories along with the many financial contributions to help recovery efforts are witnesses to community commitment and engagement. 

The people on this island are a picture of resilience too.

I am overwhelmingly grateful for the stories of redemption, recovery and love I have heard and experienced while traveling through Australia. I have been inspired and find God’s spirit hard at work on this side of the world just as God has been at work in Texas and with St. Nick’s.

I am looking forward to seeing you soon and of course, sending you all God’s Peace, Love, and Blessings,
Beth+
Serving Our Community
Small Groups at St. Nick's
This past year we have created small group ministries in our men’s lunch group, the women’s bible study, the praying in color group, our centering prayer groups, and the bible journaling group. Small groups are important in the life of our faith community because they help us get to know one another, support each other, and grow in faith and friendship.

Often the best small groups and ministries come from people’s interests and passions. Are you interested in book studies, sign language, dinner groups, prayer groups, support groups, cooking, food pantry, outreach, or hiking groups? Why not start a small group here at St. Nick’s?  

If you are intrigued or think you may be well suited to be a small group leader, please pray during this month of July. You can contact Rev. Beth in August and let her know about your ideas and what you think God may be calling you to offer our community of faith.
Johnson Ranch Elementary School Drive
We are collecting supplies and writing thank you notes to assist Johnson Ranch Elementary get ready for the school year:

Nurse's Office supplies – ointments/creams, bandaids, peroxide, alcohol, cottonballs, q-tips, gauze, unscented hand lotion, boys and girls size 6 to 8 unerpants and shorts.
 
School Supplies – copy paper, two ply toilet paper, dry erase markers, highlighters, hand sanitizer, small snacks for break room, pens pencils, colored pencils, crayons, folders, binders, glue sticks and scissors.

Hand written thank you cards – thanking the teachers, staff, adminstrators for all they do.

Please place the items next to the food pantry baskets by the font door.
This Week at St. Nick's
Sunday, July 31: Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday Scriptures (click here to see the full Scripture texts): Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14, 2:18-23; Psalm 49:1-11; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21

Collect for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost:

Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Sunday Worship

Invite your friends and family! All are invited to worship with us.

9:30am - Indoor Worship

This summer, we will have only our 9:30am worship, through Labor Day weekend.

You can also livestream our 9:30am worship on YouTube, our website, our Facebook page, or on Twitter.
Prayer Group

Wednesdays, 9:30am

Come pray in color with us! This is a time of prayer and contemplation through words and art on the page.

Contact Hillys Lewis for information on where to meet.
Save the Date!
1-yr Anniversary and Blessing of Backpacks
Sunday, August 28
Mark your calendars for our 1-year anniversary celebration and Backpack Blessing on Sunday, August 28!

This will be a time of giving thanks, seeking God's blessings for us, and a time for worship and fellowship.
Church Administration and Volunteer Information
Vacation
Don’t forget – Rev. Beth and Jeremy are on Vacation for a few weeks. We are thankful for the Rev. Nate Bostian and Stockton Williams.

In the event of a pastoral emergency, you can reach the Rev. Bryn Caddell at St. Michael’s in Blanco at 830-833-3052.

Thank you to everyone who is taking care of St. Nick’s while we are gone!
Diocesan Festival of Fellowship and Revival
Registration is open for "We Will Continue - And How!," a diocesan festival of fellowship and revival taking place September 16 and 17 at the San Marcos Convention Center. Join together with friends from all corners of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas for two days of Good News, worship, music, workshops, exhibits, and celebration, featuring the Rev. Becca Stevens of Thistle Farms as keynote speaker and guest preacher.
Thank You from Mother Bryn
Thank you from Bryn for her stole - she loves it. Thank you to Karen Gordon for such beautiful artwork and thank you, Bryn, for your time with us at St. Nick’s!
2265 Bulverde Rd.
Bulverde, TX 78163
Phone: 214-213-0739