SUNDAY SERVICE INFORMATION
Our current worship schedule is as follows:
8:00 AM Rite I Holy Eucharist Service
10:30 AM Rite II Holy Eucharist Service. This service will also be live streamed.
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CONFIRMATION CLASSES SUNDAYS AT 9:00 AM
We will have Bishop Kai Ryan visit with us on Sunday, March 5, for a confirmation service. Confirmation classes are being held Sundays at 9:00 a.m., in the Library. The classes will be the preparation for anyone (teen or adult) who wishes to be confirmed, or received into the Episcopal Church, or wants to reaffirm their baptism before the bishop. All are welcome to attend the classes. Contact Fr. Richard or Sarah Martinez, if you have any questions.
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CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING AND CHILI COOK-OFF!
The annual meeting of Christ Episcopal Church will take place on Sunday, January 29th, at 9:00 am. The annual meeting will be in the midst of the single, combined service that day. During the annual meeting we will elect Vestry members, hear reports from the Treasurer, Sr. Warden, and Rector, and celebrate our accomplishments during 2022. Written ministry reports will be available and we look forward to the return of the Chili Cook-off and Golden Ladle.
Click HERE to read about our vestry candidates, Lu McCann, Patty McDaneld and Wright Meyer.
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The Annual Chili Cook-Off returns! All are invited to cook up their best chili in search of the "Golden Ladle." Not interested in cooking chili? We'll have a potluck of sides and desserts as well. Sign-up sheets will be in the narthex for the next couple of weeks. The Chili Cook-Off will occur in the Family Life Center/Back Patio (weather permitting), following the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 29th. (Remember, we have one service that day at 9:00 a.m. The Annual Meeting will be during the service.) We want all to come and enjoy some good food and fellowship as we celebrate the good things God has done and continues to do in our parish.
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In preparation for our Annual Meeting on January 29th, I’d like to ask us all to, each week, look at a passage of scripture and do a little reflection. Please find a few moments of quiet and open the scriptures. There will not be a quiz, but it will serve as a primer for the Rector’s Report.
Read Acts, Chapter 10
- What do you know about Cornelius? About Peter?
- What does “God shows no partiality” mean for our congregation’s ministry?
- What kind of growth, education, or experiences will help us live into this?
Thank you,
Richard+
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Wellness Commission Offering -
Loss and Grief Session
Presented by Deacon Jan Halstead
We all experience loss and grief in a different way and from different situations. We grieve the loss of one that we love. We grieve the loss of health, lifestyle, or relationships. Grief isn't something that we
just get over. It is a journey that we are on, and we move through grief and find that there is joy in life again. Join this session as we have conversations about how to live well through the time of loss and
grief.
The session will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 9am – 2pm in the library. You can register online HERE or there will be a paper sign-up sheet at the counter.
Lunch will be provided. We ask for a registration fee of $5.00 to help with the cost.
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SENIOR SHEPHERDS VALENTINES DAY "SURPRISE"
The Senior Shepherds of CEC met last Wednesday to organize our annual Valentine's Day "Surprise" for the Children and Young people of the church. These will be presented at the end of the 10:30 service on February 12, 2023 to any young people or children in the church. If there are young people or children who can not attend, please let us know, and we will arrange to get their "surprise" to them. Contact: bettyprince25@gmail.com.
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Vestry Voice for January 2023
The beginning of each new year is a good time for all of us to reflect, evaluate and plan for growth opportunities, including spiritual growth for ourselves as well as the church congregation. The CEC Vestry, in planning and budgeting meetings, has been thinking along the same lines as we prepare for 2023.
The great news is that we are headed for an outstanding year! While we were somewhat still constrained during the first months of 2022 by the effects of COVID, including decreased church attendance and a deficit budget, we never lost our welcoming spirit, generosity in giving, participation in community outreach, dedicated lay leaders and a diocese willing to help us maintain the sanctuary via grants for improvement.
In the latter part of 2022, we began to see a ramp-up in members returning to church, new members, increased giving and correction of a budget deficit, and new opportunities to connect with one another. In this position we begin 2023!
Looking forward, the Vestry has expressed a desire to see more of the congregation active in formation and fellowship activities, and a wider circle of congregational leaders. We wish to attract and engage more children and youth, expand our activities for children, and support our
lay leaders for children and youth. We plan to participate in more public events, especially those supporting diversity and welcoming people of color to our church. We will encourage more intentional inviting and welcoming of new members, as well as building on relationships developed within our established groups and those formed during Community, Conversation and Cookies.
What does this mean for you? First of all, the Vestry wishes to thank you, the congregation, for your incredible participation, generosity and volunteerism. We would love to support each of you in your spiritual endeavors and growth. In this regard, we want to get to know you, to hear your voices and stories, and learn about your priorities, values and needs. Going forward we will be reaching out to you via the LEAD Journey process…. more to come! In the meantime, we would love to hear your thoughts and ideas for improvements and new ministries. And most of all, we are here for your spiritual needs, prayers, and connecting you with our clergy when you need help during challenging times.
Never hesitate to reach out to any of the Vestry members to express your thoughts and needs! YOU are the soul of the church, and the reason we exist. May God bless you and may you personally experience God’s grace, love and kindness in the upcoming year.
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LEAD Journey Introduction to “Who Are We” Charts Communication
January 2023
Following up with my earlier newsletter announcement about our church’s participation in a diocese-led effort called the Lead Journey, I would like to provide you with feedback regarding your participation in a recent data collection which took place during the Fall Festival last year. This data collection was a kick-off for the first phase of the Lead Journey, which calls for church leadership to LISTEN to and LEARN about our congregation and community.
Those of you who attended the Fall Festival had an opportunity to fill out a survey of basic information about yourselves. There were large sheets of paper on a table where you could record data such as your age range, place of birth, hobbies, and so forth. If you click on the
following link HERE you will find summary data and charts from that data collection.
During the next few weeks all of you will be asked to fill out a more detailed online survey which will provide additional depth of information about your background, preferences and values. Input from each one of you is truly valued and will help us all to understand “Who Are We?” Please be on the lookout for upcoming newsletter communications about the next survey.
In the meantime, if you have any questions about or input concerning the summary charts from the Fall Festival survey, please reach out to me or any member of the Lead Journey team ( Deacon Jan, Linda Dozier, Lea Melvin, Cynthia Mudd, Craig Strauss and/or Jerry Woltring). We would love to hear your thoughts about the implications of this data as we seek understanding of our church members and the community.
As we spend this time of listening and discernment of who we are, I am reminded of this line of scripture from the prophet Jeremiah: Lord, you are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name (Jeremiah 14:9). God is in our midst to lead us and guide us. Regardless of how
young or old we are, where we are from, or in our varied interests, God is gifting us and calling us to grow in being ministers of love and grace.
Richard+
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INTERCESSORY PRAYER PARTNER MINISTRY
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Intercessors will be at the back of the church, near the sacristy door to pray with anyone who would like special prayers during communion at the 10:30 service on Sundays. Often people will ask for prayers for healing for themselves or others, but any prayer request is welcomed. If you would like to pray with one of our prayer partners, you are encouraged to come forward for communion and then make your way to the back for additional prayers. If you have any questions about this ministry or are interested in becoming a prayer partner, contact Cindy Gravis or Fr. Richard.
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You can give online at www.cectx.org OR you can mail your check to 3520 W. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park, TX 78613.
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And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And all ate and were filled. What was left over was gathered up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.
Luke 9:16-17
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CEC Finances – Available in the Library
A copy of CEC’s latest financial statements can be found on the bulletin board in the library. Each month we will post the prior months financial report on the library’s bulletin board after the Vestry meeting.
The Vestry meets on the third Monday of each month. If you have questions about the Church’s finances, please ask any Vestry member or the Church Treasurer.
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CEC VESTRY MEETINGS
The Vestry usually meets on the third Monday of each month, at 7:00 p.m. Any congregant can attend a Vestry meeting and observe. Only Vestry members have voice and vote. Vestry meetings do become "closed" when discussing personnel issues or staff salaries. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Vestry has been meeting on Zoom. If you wish to attend, please notify Fr. Richard, and he will send you the Zoom link.
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If you would like to submit a prayer request please click the image above
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Prayers for Y., Jobie G., Frank W., Doug M., Velma B., Stennett, Allen S., Lauren S., M.R., Bobbie W., Richard W., Yolanda L., Keelie S., Art B., Jake, Jessica R., Sam, Wayne M., Bert P., Barbara S., Jeff B. Jr., Cindy G., Dave G., Mike F., Baer, Cindi, Angela, Nita M., Dan M., Don P, Mike M., Nicole, Omar, Michaela H., Tom F., Bob P., Aaron. Prayers of strength, healing, and speedy recovery for all those in our congregation who currently suffer from upper respiratory infections, seasonal allergies, and other illnesses.
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Discipleship Group - This group meets the first and third Sunday of the month at 6:00 pm in the library. It includes study of the Sunday service gospel readings and is open to anyone wishing to participate. Please contact Bill Sterling at sterling.william@sbcglobal.net for more information.
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The Tuesday Book Club has just begun Twisted Scripture: Untangling 45 Lies Christians Have Been Told by Andrew Farley. The book is available on Amazon. If you’re considering this group, this would be a good time to start. Please join us on Tuesdays from 10:30-12:00 in the library for lively discussions, diverse insights and much laughter. All are welcome! Questions, please contact Mary Wybenga at EJayW@msn.com or at 303-850-7347.
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Please join us for Sunday Worship:
8:00 AM Rite I Holy Eucharist Service
9:00 AM Adult Forum Class (Library)
10:30 AM Rite II Holy Eucharist Service
Please visit our website (cectx.org) for more information.
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Our church nursery is open from 9:00 am to noon. The nursery is located in the stone building. The nursery serves children through the age of 4 and is open every Sunday morning.
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Children's Chapel meets Sundays during the 10:30 service in the Family Life Center.
Don't forget - volunteers are still needed! Come help our youngest parishioners grow in Christ! Children's Chapel meets Sundays during the 10:30 service in the Family Life Center. If you can help, please contact our Children's Chapel Coordinator, Meghan Mazy. Lesson plans and supplies will be provided.
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Check out the Calendar of Events here for youth group meetings, social activities and more!
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All third party events held at the church are listed here. For parents, if at the church campus while the event(s) is taking place, children should be supervised by a trusted individual, as Safeguarded personnel / volunteers will not be present.
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Christ Episcopal Church | 3520 W. Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613 | 512.267.2428 | www.cectx.org
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