Dear Friends,
Last week we celebrated a glorious milestone of becoming a Mission church in the Diocese of West Texas at our 121st Diocesan Council! You were well represented by 52 of your St. Nick's family members. It was a glorious and beautiful celebration. I am beyond thankful for God's faithfulness these past five years and look forward with great hope and expectation for the next five years. If you did not have a chance to see our council presentation you can find it here.
This coming week we are entering the season of Lent. This is a time we set apart to prepare ourselves for the glory of Easter and Christ's resurrection. We make time for prayer, service, and reflection, turning toward God so we might be renewed and draw near to Christ Jesus.
As you ponder your relationship with God in Jesus Christ, I want to encourage you to listen to our Bishop's address from council. You can find it at this link. He set the theme for council and for the coming year in the diocese to the 6th chapter of the book of Isaiah - “Here am I. Send Me.” Bishop Read exhorts us to love and leadership given the challenges facing the church, our nation, God's beloved people, and our world.
You may be, like me, pondering your Lenten disciplines and deciding what to take on or give up this year, perhaps it would serve us well to take on prayer and the call to bigger and bolder prayers by Bishop Read.
"As we continue this journey; as we continue learning to be the Church in a new day; as we do ministry in challenging times; as we learn to get outside our walls and try new ministries; I invite you to say bigger prayers.
Phillips Brooks was a graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary and rector of Trinity Church in Boston. He also composed the words to the Christmas hymn, “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” before becoming Bishop of Massachusetts. Phillips Brooks is quoted as saying, “Pray bigger prayers.” “Don’t pray for crutches – pray for wings.” “There is not one prayer you or I can pray that Jesus doesn’t wish was bigger.”
Pray bigger prayers, for the Diocese of West Texas, pray bigger prayers for your congregation, and pray bigger prayers for yourself. Pray bigger prayers, and stand up to say, “Here am I. Send Me.” Amen. "
Our life together begins and ends with prayer. Our relationship with God begins and ends with prayer. It only makes sense to pray the biggest and boldest prayers we have in us.
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, March 2: Last Sunday after the Epiphany - Transfiguration Sunday
Collect for Transfiguration Sunday:
O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; 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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LENTEN OFFERINGS
Learn about Lent - Intergenerational Activity - Sunday, March 2, 2025 | 8:45AM and 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 season. You can come to either the 8:45AM formation time or the 10:45AM formation time.
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.
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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 | |
We have exceeded our goal for our 5K4JESUS!!!!
Alleluia - praise the Lord! Y'all are amazing - we have collectively served 5,023 hours of service for Jesus in our 5K4JESUS initiative!!!
Let's keep logging our hours and see how the holy spirit keeps leading us to serve our community and neighbors.
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SIGN-UPS FOR SUNDAY MINISTRIES | |
Serving in Sunday Morning Ministries: A Joyful Calling | |
At St. Nick's, every Sunday is an opportunity to serve and share in the joy of worship. Whether you’re operating the AV/Tech booth, reading scripture, greeting newcomers, or helping with hospitality, each ministry is vital to creating a welcoming and meaningful experience for all.
AV/Tech: Help enhance our worship experience by ensuring smooth transitions in the service through sound and visual support. Meet the needs of our online community so they can worship with us.
Reading: Share God’s Word with the congregation by reading scripture aloud, guiding us in prayer and reflection. And administer the chalice during communion so people can be fed and strengthened.
Greeting: Be the friendly face that welcomes guest and regulars alike, making everyone feel at home.
Hospitality: Serve and care for our community as you offer refreshments, creating space for fellowship and connection after the service.
Offertory Helpers: Count and collect the money after the service so we might be good stewards of the gifts our people give us.
Serving in these ministries is a joyful way to be part of our vibrant community. Join us in making Sundays a special time for worship, fellowship, and growth.
Sign up at this link and let's share our life together with joy and thankfulness.
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We love how Father Ben Nelson from TMI and Jake were showing off our banner at our Diocesan council. We may be biased but we love our beautiful banner!!!
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Our delegates, alternates, staff and bishop's committee members had a great time at dinner at Council. So much fun thanking God and dreaming about St. Nick's future. | |
We loved seeing everyone in their St. NIck's swag for our council procession. It was a bit of wait - but so worth it!!! | |
You are always invited to stay after worship and connect with one another over coffee and goodies. You will be delighted at how easy it is to make new friends - especially friends of all ages! | |
Have you noticed our grow lights and budding plants in the corner of the sanctuary? So fun to catch our kiddos learning and we are so thankful for the Good News Garden Ministry! | |
Thanks to all the dinner church attendees - comfort food is the best - and definitely kid approved!!! | |
UPCOMING DIOCESAN EVENTS and NEWS | |
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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The Good, The True, & The Beautiful Retreat
FEATURING ESTEEMED MUSICIANS TERRI HENDRIX AND LLOYD MAINES
The Rt. Rev. Dr. David G. Read, Bishop Diocesan, invites you to attend The Good, The True, & The Beautiful Retreat April 25 - 27 at Camp Capers. This highly anticipated retreat offers a spiritual and nurturing environment to deepen your faith and build relationships.
Explore the restorative power of storytelling, songwriting, and creativity through the lens of faith. Escape the demands of everyday life and nurture your creative talents and blessings of nature. Tap into your creativity through art, poetry, music, and nature.
Included in the retreat are delicious meals, time for fellowship and personal reflection, and a selection of wonderful sessions to choose from including:
Visual Arts – Terri Hendrix and Patti Reed
Guitar The Easy Way – Lloyd Maines
Poetry Workshop led by the Rev. James Derkits
Reading Nature – A hiking expedition led by Johnson Jeffers
This highly anticipated retreat offers a spiritual and nurturing environment to deepen your faith and build relationships. Explore the restorative power of storytelling, songwriting, and creativity through the lens of faith.
A wonderful opportunity for connection with God, nature, and the arts.
To register click here.
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2265 Bulverde Rd.
Bulverde, TX 78163
Phone: 214-213-0739
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