The Chronicle - St. Mary's Episcopal Church
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The Chronicle November 2021 St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Bellville, Texas 77418 Dear Saint Mary’s Family, A few years ago my brother and I hiked a portion of the Appalachian Trail. We were dead tired when we reached a three sided shelter for our last night on the trail. One other soul had already claimed a spot when we arrived. Hiking alone and appearing to be in his seventies, he immediately struck me as someone who marched to a different drum. Although slow to talk at first, the fellow sojourner began to open up. When I asked him what his name was, he said, “Well . . ., “ and started to tell a story. Usually when you ask someone for their name they respond with, “Hi, I am Bill, or Francis, or Steve, or something.” But this guy began to tell me his story. Finally he said, “But you can call me Michael.” I was a little disappointed. I had already decided his name had to be Gus. If ever there was a Gus in the world, he was it. He shared that he was retired. His Social Security benefits weren’t enough to live a traditional life, but allowed him to live like a king on the trail. So, he hiked full time on various trails throughout the country. I asked him what kind of work he had done. He casually responded, “I am a retired clown.” My pulse quickened. I don’t think I have ever met a retired clown. I was also a little alarmed as I thought about all the scary clowns in the movies and on the internet. It might be a long night. I prodded him to tell me more about his life as a clown. I asked him what it took to be a good clown. He quickly answered, “You have to be vulnerable. People think they have to get it right all the time. Most have no idea how to be real and vulnerable. When they see a clown trip over his own feet, they relax just a little bit. For a moment, they can just be real, and human, and vulnerable. That’s why people love clowns.” The depth of his answer struck me. I think he hit right at the heart of something vital. We work so diligently to hide our faults, or at least manage them, revealing only enough to appear humble and sincere. We cover up our failures. Make excuses for our shortcomings. Numb our pains. Being real and honest with ourselves and others is absolutely necessary for real joy. I spend a lot of time trying to let go of the facade I wear to hide my own feelings of inadequacy, and yet am surprised how my own ego covertly tries to keep me from accepting my own shortcom- ings. It is hard and continual work. I can’t genuinely accept God’s love for the real me if I don’t truly acknowledge the truth of my own brokenness. Like a clown, we all trip over ourselves. But most of us try to cover it up like we have it all together. Gus the clown, I mean Michael, didn’t seem to have this problem. He genuinely accepted who he was and who he wasn’t. Is there something in your life you are trying to hide and pretend it’s ok. Growth begins by accepting who we really are. Who you are, is enough. Blessings, John+
The Chronicle
Remember in Prayer
Our Church Family in a Nursing Facility or Homebound : Mildred Weige, Kees
Leenheer, Addie Smith
Sick, hospitalized, other : Vern Scholey, Polita Fraga, Jessica Engler, Don Phillips, Peggy
Beckmier, Brenda Blum, Debra Parker, Sharon Metcalf, Lincoln Tiemann, Greg Giebel, Father Tim
Bucek, Fay Johnson, Phyllis Johnson, George Hail, Clader family, Peggy & Ronald Tipton, Luke
Michael Keaton, Edward Cooper, Joe Ennis, Joe Summerlin, Judy Kaliszewski, Adrienne White-
Florcruz, Sky Lewy, Jane & Robert Olson, David
Our Family in Active Military: Travis Grell, Timothy Hummel, Jason Tolbert, Dane Brochthrup, Ryan
Share, Troy Fisher, Ellis Taylor, Austin Leedy, Kyle Murray, Garrett Langley, Taylor Roberson, Andy Koy,
Brian Watt , Michael Lutz, Ben Klotz, Blake Strieder, Harrison Holcomb
For a month’s time, your requested prayer will be offered during the liturgy.
November Birthdays
2 Mildred Weige Lunch Bunch is Wednesday,
14 Clay Kistler November 10, at 12:15pm.
23 Austin Dornon
24 Shaun Grell Menu: Fried chicken, baked
29 Brooks Dornon beans, green salad, rolls, and des-
30 Monte Richardson sert.
Hostesses:
Penny Miller, Susie Kemper,
Wanda Cloud
General Fund Account
September 30, 2021
Balance forward: $10,324.91 August 31,2021
Income $9614.47 September 2021
Expenses: ($17,531.36) September 2021
Book Club Meeting Balance as September 30, 2021: $2,408.02
A Man Called Ove by St. Mary’s Foundation
November Anniversaries Fredrik Backman June 2021
$363,869.00
5 Mike & Cassie Kasprowicz
21 Tom & Annette Johnson
November 9, 2021 John J. Milligan
26 Bill & Phyllis Johnson 6:30pm Endowment Fund
$494,880.00
Dear St. Mary’s Family,
I hope you had a chance to stop by or at least order pumpkins from our annual Pumpkin
Patch on Saturday, October 2. We had a great crowd and a lot of fun. The Patch was a
success, making over $11,750!
Sadly, the Austin County Fair Parade was cancelled this year due to rain, but Shaun and
Brooke Grell brought the float up one day so our Pre-K and Kindergarten students could sit
on it and perform their song for the other students and parents.
If you purchased a ticket for the Turkey Drive Thru meal, please remember to come by and
pick it up on Wednesday, November 3, from 5:00-6:30. We will also be selling Nothin’ Bundt
Cakes for $7 in the lower parking lot. Thank you for your support of this annual event.
Please save the date for our annual fundraiser on Saturday, January 29. The theme this year
is Kentucky Derby. Tickets will go on sale in December. Please stop by the office, if you are
interested in attending or donating anything to this fun event.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Lori Collins
Sunday School News
Everyone is invited to come to our Advent
wreath making event during Sunday School
on November 21. It’s time to get ready for the
mystery of Christmas! We will start at 9:30 in
the parish hall. All the supplies you need will
be there!
Mark your calendar for December 19th. The
children’s Christmas program will be on this
date during the 10:30 service.
Mary Ann Johnston
November 25-26
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
24 N. Masonic
Bellville, Texas 77418
979-865-2330
saintmary@sbcglobal.net
www.saintmarysec.org
Mission Statement:
Know Christ’s love,
Follow HIS example
Grow in HIS grace.
Day School
Sunday Services Vestry and Officers Board of Trustees
7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist I David Charpiot Lura Charpiot
9:15 a.m. Sunday School Senior Warden President
For adults & children
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist II Terrie Hudgins
Marshall Marek Vice President
Church Staff Junior Warden
Carey Kokemor
The Rev. John Campbell Secretary
Caroline Kemper
Rector
Treasurer & Clerk Justin Richardson
Myra Demel Treasurer
Secretary/Bookkeeper
Annette Johnson Lori Collins
Carole Tarwater Graeme Lawrence Head of School
Organist Pete Vest
Sara Kramer
Justin Richardson
Mary Ann Johnston Justin Noviskie
Christian Education Director Gana Marek Neville Remmert
Brooke Grell
Chris Masters
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