Dear Friends,
Happy Valentine's Day.
Not much is known about St. Valentine other than he befriended and healed his jailor's daughter and signed a note "Your Valentine" and was side to have married young couples against the emperor's orders. Somehow this day, in the 18th century became one of sending cards and reaching out to loved ones. On this day I celebrate Valentine's day not as a holiday for romance but as a day for recognizing the friendship and love we have together because of God. 1st John 4:12 says, "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and God's love is made complete in us." I (we) are able to love because God loves us, God's spirit is within us, and we in turn love one another.
So again, Happy Valentine's day. or Happy God loves you day.
Where my heart and mind really are on this day is the longing for spring and the promise of warmth and growth. With the approach of spring we are entering a holy and hopeful season together.
The season of Lent is drawing near. Lent is a time set apart for prayer, reflection, and returning to God with open hearts. At St. Nicholas, we approach this season with joy, generosity, and a deep desire to grow in faith.
Here are some exciting opportunities for worship, learning, and service during Lent:
Learn about Lent - Intergenerational Activity - Sunday, March 2, 2025 | 10:45AM
Come and learn about the season of Lent, prepare Lent Take Home Bags for you and friends. This time is for all ages to discover and discuss the importance of this holy seaon.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – Tuesday, March 4, 2025 | 5:30PM
Before we begin our Lenten fast, let’s gather for a feast! Join us for our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper in the Parish Hall. This long-standing tradition (all 5 years of it) is filled with laughter, fellowship, and plenty of pancakes! Bring your friends, neighbors, and a joyful heart. Our youth and their faithful sponsors and friends are leading this year - come out and support our faithful youth servants.
Ash Wednesday Services – Wednesday, March 5, 2025 | 7:30Am & 11-4PM & 4:45PM
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of our Lenten journey. We will offer services at 7:30am with the imposition of ashes and a family friendly Ash Wednesday service with the imposition of ashes at 4:45pm. In between from 11am to 4pm we will have our Ashes to Go in the sanctuary and front yard for those who are working or unable to join in one of the worship services. If you have not been to our family friendly worship - it is a beautiful service created to help all ages celebrate the day and begin a holy lent. Ash Wednesday is a day we set aside to remember that we belong to God and this day calls us to humility, reflection, and a fresh commitment to follow Christ.
Why We Celebrate Lent
Lent is a 40-day season (excluding Sundays) that mirrors Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness. It is a time to prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter by engaging in spiritual practices like prayer, fasting, and giving. Lent is not about earning God's love but about making space to receive it more fully. It’s a time for returning to what truly matters and discovering the grace that awaits us in every moment.
Wednesday Night Lenten Class Series: "Practicing Our Faith" | March 12 – April 9 | 6:30 PM
Join us each Wednesday evening during Lent for a special series on spiritual practices and why they matter. Together, we will explore practices such as prayer, contemplative silence, service, Sabbath, and holy friendship. These holy habits help us connect with God, center our hearts, and deepen our walk with Christ. Whether you are new to spiritual practices or seeking to renew your rhythm, this series is for you. Each session will include teaching, conversation, and practical ways to incorporate these practices into daily life.
A Season of Joy and Generosity
Lent is a season of reflection and solemnity but is also blessedly full of moments of joy. Joy in that, because of the focus of Lent, we often see God at work in us and in the world. When we give, we discover abundance. When we serve, we encounter Christ. When we pray, we are transformed. This Lent, I am inviting you to join me in the experiences and offerings listed above. I pray we will embrace the beauty of the journey through Lent, knowing that God’s grace meets us every step of the way.
God's Peace, Love, and Blessings,
Beth+
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WORSHIP
This Sunday at St. Nick's
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Sunday Worship
8:00am worship - Outdoors (weather permitting) Indoors if inclement weather
9:30am worship - in the Sanctuary
We also live stream at 9:30 to Facebook, Youtube, Twitch, and stnickshillcountry.org.
Bring a friend and join us!
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Sunday, February 16: 6th Sunday after the Epiphany
Collect for the 6th Sunday after the Epiphany:
O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Fun-Filled February at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church!
We’ve got an exciting month ahead, filled with opportunities for fellowship, service, and spiritual growth:
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February 15: Crafty Crew – Get creative and connect with fellow crafters.
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February 20-22: Diocese of West Texas Council in San Marcos – Everyone is invited to Join us in San Marcos on Thursday February 20th - 12:30 - 2:00pm for a celebratory time at Council.
We look forward to sharing these moments with you as we continue to live out God’s love in community and service.
Mark your calendars and come be part of the joy!
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The Great Search: An Evening Talk by John Philip Newell
Time & Location
Feb 25, 2025, 6:00 PM
315 E. Pecan St., San Antonio, TX US 78205
About the event
In which the internationally renowned spiritual teacher John Philip Newell outlines the main themes of his ground-breaking new book The Great Search: Turning to Earth and Soul in the Quest for Healing and Home (August 2024, HarperOne in the US and Wild Goose Publications in the UK). In this time of transition in which so many of us are longing for a spirituality of intimacy with Earth rather than a spirituality of alienation from Earth, and a vision of interrelatedness and harmony instead of religious and political division, John Philip points to a path of healing and transformation for us, both individually and together.
This meaningful evening with John Philip is presented free of charge as a gift from St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and Bookstore and will include the main talk, a time of spiritual practice and a question and answer session. All are invited to a post-talk reception including a book signing immediately following.
Register Here.
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NEW PRAYER MINISTRY
Join Our New Prayer Ministry at St. Nicholas!
We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new Prayer Ministry at St. Nicholas! This is a beautiful opportunity to connect with one another, deepen your spiritual journey, and experience the transformative power of prayer.
What Is the Prayer Ministry?
By signing up for our weekly prayer emails, you'll receive prayer requests, inspiring prayers, and thoughtful reflections to guide your spiritual life. Whether prayer is already a regular part of your life or you're just beginning to explore it, this ministry welcomes everyone. Together, we will lift up our church family and the world around us in prayer.
Why Does Prayer Matter?
Prayer has always been central to the Christian life. It helps us draw closer to God, brings comfort in difficult times, and strengthens bonds within our church community. As Scripture reminds us:
- “Pray without ceasing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17
- “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” — James 5:16
Through prayer, we grow in love, compassion, and hope.
How to Get Involved
Signing up is simple! Look for the sign-up sheet at church or email Cissi at this this email. Be part of this meaningful ministry where your prayers make a difference. Let’s lift up our community, our church, and the world in prayer—together.
Prayer Requests
You can share your prayer requests on our website here or you can text them to Rev. Beth at 214-213-0739.
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GIVING OF TIME & TALENT & TREASURE | |
5K4JESUS!!!!
We are so close to our goal of 5,000 hours of service for Jesus in our 5K4JESUS initiative!!! That is so fabulous - go y'all!!!
It's not too late to join in on the fun. We have been tracking hours of service since late August and had the goal of 5,000 hours of loving and serving our neighbors by the end of May. We are so close to our goal - we are jumping for joy like a crowd rooting for marathon runners!!!
Now we are wondering how may more hours we will get by the end of May??? It's never to late to log your hours and join this effort. Go to our website, learn more and log your hours here.
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SIGN-UPS FOR SUNDAY MINISTRIES | |
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Sunday mornings at St. Nick’s are a joyful, heart-filled celebration of faith—where laughter, generosity, and grace fill every corner! Whether you're reading Scripture, greeting guests with a warm smile, assisting at the altar, or raising your voice in song, your presence helps make our worship a glorious symphony of love and service.
Your unique gifts matter! When you serve, you're not just filling a slot on a schedule—you’re helping create a vibrant, welcoming, and Spirit-filled experience for all who walk through our doors (and we promise, there’s coffee involved somewhere).
There's a place for everyone! Whether you’re a first-time reader, a seasoned usher, or a world-class coffee brewer, no experience is needed—just a joyful heart and a dash of curiosity. All ages are welcome and empowered to serve. We believe faith is best lived out with joy, laughter, and a sprinkle of holy chaos.
Sign up at this link and let's make Sundays shine together!
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So thankful for our Galantine's event this past Friday. New friends and old gathered to hear our speakers, eat, and celebrate the love and friendship we have here at St. Nick's. | |
Celebrating our speakers from Galentine's who were willing to share their wisdom and insights. We learn so much from each other and give thanks for all the life experience in our community. | |
Giving thanks for our first ever "Palentines" with our men's fellowship group grilling and having a blast! Look for quarterly gatherings for grilling with the guys. | |
Always thankful for the workday crew who do windows,mow the yard, work on the offices, weed the side yard, wipe down chairs, and all the things! We had 16 folks show up to love and care for our space! Wow!!! | |
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Congratulations to Justin and Joanna on their baptism.
Such a beautiful day with our children helping, the holy spirit coming near and welcoming new members into the body of Christ!
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A special Valentine's gift was brought to Bulverde Heights Nursing Home today. Our Galentine's event collected goodies and care items for the care givers at the Heights. Thank you to the committee who gathered these and shared God's love today! | |
UPCOMING DIOCESAN EVENTS and NEWS | |
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St. Nick's Becomes A Mission!!!
You are invited to celebrate a milestone for St. Nicholas!
On Thursday, February 20th, 2025, during the 121st Diocesan Council, St. Nick's will be recognized as a Mission Church—affirming our place within the Episcopal Church, the Anglican Communion, and the body of Christ.
Why This Matters:
Becoming a Mission Church highlights our shared commitment to prayer, service, worship, and community.
Event Details:
- When: February 20th, 2025
- Where: Embassy Suites & Conference Center
- 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666
- Meet: Hotel lobby at 12:30 PM
Celebrate Together:
- Wear St. Nick’s gear (or navy)
- Enjoy fellowship and snacks
- Process into Council with Rev. Beth
- Hand out gifts to Council members
Feel free to stay, explore exhibits, meet friends from the diocese, and observe Council business. School notes are available from Rev. Beth or the Bishop.
Council in Action:
Support the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center, aiding survivors of abuse. Bring donations to church, Council, or shop their online wishlist.
Needed Items:
- Diapers (size 5+), wipes, shampoo, conditioner
- Toilet paper, cleaning supplies
- Snacks, bottled water
- Queen/Twin sheet sets, towels
- Tampons, body wash, toothpaste, razors
- Walmart or HEB gift cards (small denominations)
Join Us or Pray With Us:
Wear your St. Nick’s gear, and if you can’t attend, please pray for us. We are grateful for every member of our community whose prayers and support have brought us to this sacred step.
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Summer Camps
2025 Camp Registration Open Now!
Register for 2025 Summer sessions for Camp Capers Summer Camp, Mustang Island Family Camp, Duncan Park Summer Camp and Family Camps. Don't miss your chance to enjoy these fun and exciting camping experiences!
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2265 Bulverde Rd.
Bulverde, TX 78163
Phone: 214-213-0739
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