voice the - st. john's episcopal church · 2/4/2016  · in lent of 2016, the parish announced...

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the The Quarterly Newsletter of St. John’s Episcopal Church: Advent, Christmas and Epiphany 2017 VOICE Photo: Reid Horn CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 Jubilate Children’s Choir The Jubilate means “rejoice,” and St. John’s is rejoicing at the establishment of our new children’s choir. In the few months that Benjamin Kolodziej (known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm) has been at St. John’s, he has recruited, organized, and rehearsed twelve young choristers who, with their parents, are excited about their debut in December. One item in Benjamin’s long curriculum vitae that caught the attention of our search committee was his building of youth choirs at his previous church. In the interview pro- cess, Benjamin expressed a lot of know-how in working with kids: balancing fun with education, instilling a love for sa- cred music while also training young voices, and working with parents to find rehearsal schedules that promote participation. His approach has worked at St. John’s. Since September, the Jubilate choir has rehearsed weekly at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays. After spend- ing a few minutes learning the rudiments of music (the names of notes, how rhythm is notated, the dynamic difference between FFF and PPP) the children move to instruments—sometimes simple rhythm instruments and sometimes a set of extremely loud kid’s hand-bells that can be heard all the way to Canterbury and Wittenberg! On occasion, the children explore a piece of music they are learning to sing by using choir chimes, each child holding a chime and sounding it out at Benjamin’s direction.

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Page 1: VOICE the - St. John's Episcopal Church · 2/4/2016  · In Lent of 2016, the parish announced the REFLECT cam-paign for the purpose of improving our campus and facili-ties. Our list

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the

The Quarterly Newsletter of St. John’s Episcopal Church: Advent, Christmas and Epiphany 2017

VOICEPh

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Rei

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C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 1 0

JubilateChildren’s

Choir

TheJubilate means “rejoice,” and St. John’s is rejoicing at the establishment of our new children’s choir. In the few months that Benjamin Kolodziej (known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm) has been at St. John’s, he has recruited, organized, and rehearsed twelve young choristers who, with their parents, are excited about their debut in December.

One item in Benjamin’s long curriculum vitae that caught the attention of our search committee was his building of youth choirs at his previous church. In the interview pro-cess, Benjamin expressed a lot of know-how in working with kids: balancing fun with education, instilling a love for sa-cred music while also training young voices, and working

with parents to find rehearsal schedules that promote participation.

His approach has worked at St. John’s. Since September, the Jubilate choir has rehearsed weekly at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays. After spend-ing a few minutes learning the rudiments of music (the names of notes, how rhythm is notated, the dynamic difference between FFF

and PPP) the children move to instruments—sometimes simple rhythm instruments and sometimes a set of extremely loud kid’s hand-bells that can be heard all the way to Canterbury and Wittenberg! On occasion, the children explore a piece of music they are learning to sing by using choir chimes, each child holding a chime and sounding it out at Benjamin’s direction.

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Membership 1-2-3 on January 14 Membership 1-2-3 provides newcom-ers with an overview of life, focused on worship, discipleship, and mission, at St. John’s. It is designed for those coming from Anglican/Episcopalian churches who wish to transfer their membership, as well as those from other traditions (or no tradition) who want to explore membership at St. John’s. The next class is Sunday, January 14 at 12:00 PM.

Theology on TapTheology on Tap is a fellowship group for men meeting on the second Thurs-day of the month at The Lot (Gaston Road), 7:30-9:00 PM for beer and friendlydiscussion. For more information, contact David Farrell at david@farrell architects.com.

Children’s ChapelChildren’s Chapel meets on the first Sunday of the month during the 10:30 AM

Choral Eucharist. The children meet in the Undercroft (basement of the church) next to the large cross at 10:15 AM and proceed to the Chapel. When Children’s Chapel concludes, the chil-dren rejoin their parents in the church before Communion. For more informa-tion, please contact Gwen McAllenat [email protected].

BaptismsThe next opportunity for Holy Baptism is on Sunday, January 7 at the 10:30 AM. Eucharist. The deadline for signing up for baptism is December 22. Please contact Melissa Newsome in the parish office to register for preparation. For more information about our prepa-ration programs, please contact Jeneé Echard at [email protected].

IN BRIEF

VOICE ADVENT, CHRISTMAS & EPIPHANY 2017the

Winter CalendarNovember 23 Thanksgiving Day November 23 Thanksgiving Dinner for RefugeesNovember 23/24 Parish Offices closed December 3 First Sunday in AdventDecember 3 Vision Journey PresentationDecember 6 Advent ProgramDecember 10 Lessons & CarolsDecember 13 Advent ProgramDecember 20 Advent ProgramDecember 24 Christmas EveDecember 25 Christmas DayDecember 25 /26 Parish Offices closedJanuary 6 Dinner Gracey GatheringJanuary 20 The Epiphany – Pageant & ReceptionJanuary 27 Wine & ArtFebruary 18 Annual Parish Meeting

Sunday School classes are in recess November 26, December 24, December 31 and January 1, 2018.

THE CLERGYThe Rev’d David Stangebye Houk Rector, x421The Rev’d Andy Johnson Curate, x422 The Rev’d John A. Thorpe School Chaplain, x110The Rev’d Herbert R. DeWees Assisting Priest, x419

THE PARISH STAFFMelissa Newsome Parish Administrator, x411Benjamin Kolodziej Organist, Choirmaster x416Jeneé Oxley-Echard Director of Children and Family Services, Communications Coordinator, x444Paul Perrone CustodianJennifer Graham Director of Child CareImelda Garcia Child Care AssistantVeronika Webber Child Care AssistantDavid Porcheddeu Faith@5:30 Music Leader

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

848 HARTER ROAD, DALLAS, TEXAS 75218-2791T 214-321-6451 WWW.STJOHNSEPISCOPAL.ORG

Through January 2020

Kathryn Britt-PriceTiffany FleckensteinD.R. MarshallBen Thomas

Through January 2018

Bill Kiraly Michelle ReedJim StacyAnn Ward

Through January 2019

Joe DolenChristopher TielensKristin TodoraCharlotte Wiles

THE VESTRY

November 23 Thanksgiving DayNovember 23 Thanksgiving Dinner for RefugeesNovember 23/24 Offices ClosedDecember 3 First Sunday in AdventDecember 3 Vision Journey PresentationDecember 6 Advent ProgramDecember 10 Lessons and CarolsDecember 13 Advent ProgramDecember 20 Advent ProgramDecember 24 Christmas EveDecember 25 Christmas DayDecember 25/26 Offices ClosedJanuary 6 The Epiphany – Pageant and ReceptionJanuary 20 Dinner Group GatheringJanuary 27 Wine and ArtFebruary 18 Annual Parish Meeting* Sunday School classes are in recessNovember 26, December 24, December 31, 2017 and January 7, 2018.

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This fall, our REFLECT campaign achieved a milestone.

In Lent of 2016, the parish announced the REFLECT cam-paign for the purpose of improving our campus and facili-ties. Our list of priorities included equipment to REfurbish, spaces to REdesign, and buildings to REstore to their origi-nal luster. Behind all of this was the desire to REnew our mission. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, St. Paul writes, “With un-veiled faces we are beginning to REFLECT the glory of the Lord, and we are being transformed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another.” All of the REnovations and REbuilding is for the purpose of REFLECTing the light of Christ to our neighborhood and helping the parish be at its best as a spiritual home for the next generation.

The goal was lofty. The list of campaign projects totaled $1.5 million dollars as the word went out, asking our parishioners to make an over-and-above commitment (apart from their yearly pledge) to the campaign over a three year period.

Now, half way through the three years we have done great things. To date we have received $1,022,974 toward RE-FLECT. We have replaced the church’s HVAC system (the most costly item on the list) we have replaced the Parish Hall’s elevator and made the facility ADA accessible. We have totally renovated the kitchen and brightened up the Parish Hall. WE have also paid off the debt on our Undercroft.

ADVENT, CHRISTMAS & EPIPHANY 2017 VOICE the

Thank you for helping us come so far, so fast. Not only have we taken care of our most critical needs, but with contributions coming in ahead of schedule, the REFLECT Implementation Committee is working on the next REFLECT priorities with cash in hand. They are:

• Campus signage: The committee has received bids and design options which will provide clear signage all around our campus.

• Church lighting: We need to brighten up the nave, and the committee has had lighting consultants out who are offering economical ways in which we can greatly improve the church’s interior light.

Again, the vestry and leadership of the church thank every-one who has given so generously.

Presently, our pledged total is $1,399,828; close to but still short of, our $1.5 million goal. This means we are still looking for folks who have not participated to get involved, whether you were here at the beginning of the campaign or have joined the church more recently. Either a pledge or a one time gift will help us to make this campaign a complete success. Perhaps an end-of-year contribution is a way for you to make a meaningful investment in this important endeavor.

You can go to www.stjd.org/REFLECT to see the full scope of the campaign and to get involved.

Gratefully yours in Christ,

Reflect Update

A Cool One Million

The most costly priority on the list was a brand new chillerfor the church’s HVAC system.

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christian Education

VOICE ADVENT, CHRISTMAS & EPIPHANY 2017

For more information or to RSVP for christian education classes listed here, contact Jeneé Echard (x444) or Father Andy Johnson (x442) at 214-321-6451 or [email protected]; [email protected].

Continuing to respond to last spring’s CE survey we are striving to offer classes with biblical content which is also relevant to your day-to-day life. In our disciplined

pursuit of learning more about our faith at all ages, St. John’s offers opportunities to learn and discuss our faith on Sunday mornings and during the week.

Sunday SchoolSunday morning Christian Education will continue through December 17 before pausing for Christmas. Classes will continue or begin on January 14. Starting at 9 AM, we will gather together in the Parish Hall for fellowship breakfast before heading to the various classes around 9:15.

Sunday Classes for Children

Frolic – Nursery (age 0-2)Frolic is designed to connect developmental and spiritual milestones as children take their first steps in faith. This program sees the Christian faith a key component in and upon which physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and language skills are developed.

Godly Play – age 3 - KindergartenGodly play takes children on a journey through the stories of God’s people as told in Scripture. This Montessori style program provides them with the language of our faith while encouraging them to interact and engage these stories at their own level of understanding.

Holy Moly! – 1st-3rd gradeAt these formative ages, Holy Moly invites children and their teachers to have a biblical imagination, bringing the Bible to life through a combination of animated videos, creative activities, and age-appropriate Bibles.

Connect – 4th-5th gradeHow we experience God and the Bible changes as we grow and change. Connect takes our pre-teens on a two year journey through key texts of the old and New Testament, challenging them to See, Explore, and Make connections between the Bible and their own lives.

EPIPHANY PAGEANTSaturday, January 6, 5:30 PM BBQ following the Pageant and EucharistWe will be celebrating the season with an Epiphany Pageant in January. Six children are welcome to participate. The pageant will be followed by some tasty barbeque provided by the amaz-ing David Reed. Please join us for the fun, food and festivities.

Youth Class and Youth GroupsYouth Sunday School – 6th-8th gradeThe Book of James and Control

Through Advent, the Middle School youth will continue to study the book of James using a study by Francis Chan. Dur-ing Epiphany, we will transition to a study about authority called Control.

High School Students are invited and encouraged to attend one of the adult classes or to help teach the younger classes.

Youth GroupsThe Middle School (grades 6-8) and High School (9-12) youth meet on alternating Thursday nights during the year from 7:00 - 8:30 PM. With time for food, fellowship, and discussion, the Youth will follow up on themes and Scripture from the Sunday morning classes.

Faith-Filled FamiliesThird Sundays, Beginning in January 2018Faith-Filled Families is St. John’s fellowship ministry for families with children of all ages. Beginning in January 2018, we will meet on the third Sunday of every month to learn about Christ and his message through fun activities, service projects and field trips for the whole family. We will enjoy lunch together and engage the kids with different Scripture and discussion topics every month. Everyone is welcome to openly ask questions, seek advice and offer unique perspectives that will bring our families closer to God and each other. Look for the schedule and more details in the eVOICE beginning in 2018.

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Advent

ADVENT, CHRISTMAS & EPIPHANY 2017 VOICE the

This year, St John’s will present a traditional Lessons and Carols service on the Second Sunday of Advent at 5 PM, a service which follows the model of Kings College in Cam-bridge. Unlike the historic liturgies of the church (such as Matins, Evensong, or the main Sunday Eucharistic service), Lessons and Carols is a rather recent liturgical development. Although there is nothing innovative about a service of alternating readings and singing (the ancient Easter Vigil is one such liturgy that comes to mind), the Lessons and Carols format, as utilized by Kings College and by many other churches on this continent, originated at Truro Cathedral in 1880. Even then, this format did not find much popularity until Eric Milner-White, Dean of King’s College in Cambridge who was convinced that the Church of England “needed more imaginative worship,” presented the first modern Lessons and Carols there in 1918. The order of the readings was solidified in 1919 and remains to this present day; the lessons, proclaimed by members of the community, recount the Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah, which eventually find fulfillment in Christ’s nativity.

St. John’s will present Lessons and Carols in this manner so that Christ’s birth is clearly proclaimed at the conclusion, complete with a few carols of Christmas at the end. Even though this Lessons and Carols takes place during Advent,

we offer this service as an evangelical opportunity for our neighbors, even utilizing prominent members of the com-munity as readers. For many, this may be the only Gospel presentation they hear all Advent season. As Christians, we know the story well, and we willingly engage in a “suspen-sion of liturgical disbelief” so that we can for one evening hear and celebrate the entire Christmas narrative, even though we are still within the larger framework of Advent. Such does not discount the importance of Advent, but rather reinforces it by connecting it (in particular the Old Testament prophecies) with Christmas. Further, Christ-mas carols are in need of rehabilitating as much as Advent hymns need to be remembered, and this gives us a chance to sing some great carols which too often slip by us during the brief two weeks of Christmas.

On this evening, St. John’s Cantate Deo adult choir, joined by the new Jubilate Children’s Choir and supplemented by various instrumentalists, will lead the assembled congrega-tion in the hymns and carols of the season in response to scripture. A preservice recital will begin at 4:30 PM, featuring Karen Abrahamson Thomas, harpist, and Catherine Price Allain, violinist, performing music of the season.

- By Benjamin Kolodziej

A Festival Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

Sunday, December 10th, 5PM

1st CorinthiansFather Andy – Parish HallFr. Andy’s class on 1st Corinthians will continue through Lent. If you want a class that is heavy on the Bible and is relevant to your personal life, come join us. Attendance at any previous week is not necessary.

Women’s Bible StudyLea France – Parish Hall ClassroomA group of women will be continuing their word by word journey through Scripture using the “For Everyone” book series by N.T. Wright. They are currently studying 1st Corinthians.

Lambeth Bible StudyJim Stacy – Parish Hall LibraryThe Lambeth method invites a group of believers to study passages together, reflecting on the words and phrases that catch their attention, how passage intersects with their lives, and how God might be guiding them to respond to the passage. This 5-week class will begin on January 14.

Weekday ClassesFor additional weekday adult offerings such as Small Groups, Yoga, Theology on Tap, Daughters of the King, and the Brotherhood of St. Andrew’s, please see the church web site or call the office.

Sunday Classes for Adults

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Although consumer society bombards us with the sights and sounds of a sanitized Christmas starting early in November, and concluding no later than Christmas Day, the Church has always observed time differently. The four weeks of Advent provide a time to anticipate Christ’s second coming by pondering His first coming, they allow us to prepare to relive the birth of Christ in Bethlehem just as we prepare expectantly for His return, and they permit us to rejoice in God’s promises and prophecies fulfilled by Christ’s incarnation. The Church has a multitude of resources to help inform and enliven our liturgical and spiritual piety during Advent, not the least of which is the hymnody we sing.

At each of our Wednesday Advent potluck and program in December, I will present a study that will engage with many of these hymns, delving into their histories, the stories of their writers or composers, and how they have edified Chris-

tians throughout the centuries. We will explore “Comfort, Comfort, Ye My People” and “Prepare the Way, O Zion,” two raucous dance-like tunes which are generally sung in much too dignified a manner these days, also encountering Ambrose’ ancient chant, “Saviour of the Nations, Come,” which was so cherished by Luther that he translated it into German, ensuring it would find favor in non-Roman Catho-lic circles, and further contemplating “Lo, He Comes, with Clouds Descending,” one of Charles Wesley’s five thousand hymns, so rich in biblical and scriptural imagery. Among other hymns we will encounter within this study, these texts offer us a rich tapestry of theological ideas through which we can approach this season of preparation, and which will make our Christmas celebrations all the more joyous.

Children K--5th grade have their own program in the undercroft. INJ+ Benjamin Kolodziej, Organist and Choirmaster

Anticipate, Prepare, and Rejoice:

Reflections on the Hymns of Advent

As far back as the twelfth century, Epiphany has been the traditional time for plays. Besides the endless dramatic possibilities with the Epiphany story, drama has always been a powerful medium for conveying the church’s teach-ings. So, it is fitting that this year we return to our roots by moving our annual Christmas presentation inside the church on the Feast of the Epiphany which falls on Saturday, January 6, 2018.

Epiphany means “to show forth,” “to make an appearance.” And so, this year, the youth will be presenting the Gospel narrative in a dramatic presentation accompanied by the enduring music and choral works that warms your heart and provides memories for years to come.

And what would an Epiphany pageant be without a feast? After the play, we move to the Parish Hall where the celebration continues with “cast party” to which the whol parish is invited. We will add a bit of Texas to the tradition

of a Boar’s Head Feast and have some incredible pulled pork BBQ with all the sides.

So, after all the football games are over, be prepared to watch some real drama as we celebrate the fact that “Wise men still seek Him.” - By Wade Wiles

Epiphany

Advent Wednesdays, December 6, 13 & 205:45 PM Evening prayer • 6 PM Eucharist • 6:30 PM Potluck and Program

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Family Eucharist at 5:00 pmThe Christmas crèche is blessed and a children’s

homily is preached. A nursery is provided.

Solemn High Mass at 8:00 pmCarols and choir with incense.

A nursery is provided.

Christmas Day Liturgy at 9:30 amSung Eucharist with hymns in the Church.

Christmas

Christmas Eve Liturgies

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ANIMAL BLESSING

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MEN’S CAMPING TRIP

So first, a few questions: Do you attend St. John’s Episcopal Church? Do you enjoy nature and occasion-ally visiting gorgeous areas of natural beauty? Do you like camping out . . . or, make that glamping out? Would you enjoy a once-a-year break from “normal” life? Are you a fan of the 4-F’s: Food, Fun, Fellowship and Faith? Is your pronoun HE? If so, then this is the article for you!

My purpose in writing this is to target older and YOUNGER men of our congregation. If you haven’t heard, there is a thriving ministry in the St. John’s community called the Men’s Campout Group. Please take the time to inquire about this group. They involve themselves in all types of par-ish and community service during the year, but their main reason for existence is their annual campout.

I am actually writing this just after returning from the group’s fall campout which took place this year in beautiful Camp Clearfork in the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas. This was our 24th annual campout, so next year will be the big 25th. We are actively looking for new members to take this ministry into the next 25 years. (Honestly, we are mostly in desperate need of new stories around the campfire.)

Our group traditionally organizes the most comfortable, fun, well fed trips that church groups are allowed to have. We have gone to exotic locales like Big Bend, Garner State Park, Ft. Davis State Park and many other locations within our region of the country. The organizers excel at making sure everyone is taken care of and has an excellent time. A typical trip has the organizers heading out to the chosen destination on a Tuesday to set up the campsite for everyone else’s arrival on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Some guys depart on Sunday, and the rest take camp down and head back to Dallas the following Monday.

MEALS – A hearty breakfast is provided every day. After that, different appetizers and lunch meats are set out for general grazing during the day. Every evening brings a different main meal guaranteed to satisfy.

DRINKS – All waters, soft drinks, cold beer and wine are provided. Some campers choose to bring their own beverage-of-choice to enjoy around the campfire.

GAMES – When the terrain allows, we set up a day of com-petition with an “organized” tournament featuring Washers, Cornhole and Horseshoes. Absolutely NO trash talking is allowed and absolutely NO ONE follows that rule!

SLEEPING – Some locations provide cabins with beds (as was the case with our recent visit to Camp Clearfork) while other locations require campers to bring a tent.

GLAMPING – The organizers have accumulated enough big tents, generators, fryers, freezers and Mr. Heaters to make the most challenging natural terrain as comfy as possible.

ACTIVITIES – Having no set agenda, the campers are really free to do whatever they desire. Several excursions are usually organized that anyone can choose to do, such as golf-ing, shooting, horse riding, hiking, biking, fishing, motorcy-cling, art lessons, star parties and general life discussions. A morning reading typically precedes breakfast, and we have a camp mass on Sunday morning.

What can I say? The St. John’s Men’s Campout Group offers an annual respite from “normal life” that members look forward to all year. Basically everything is provided for a great camping adventure at a very reasonable cost.

Seek out main chiefs Mark McCaffrey or David Reed for more details on this awesome opportunity. I am praying we get lots of new participants for next year’s big 25th Anniversary Men’s Campout.

To learn more about the Men’s Camping Group, please contact Mark McCaffrey [email protected] or David Reed [email protected]. - by Jack Reed

Calling all Men

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REQUIEM IN ETERNUM

Ed Reily September 18Vida Weaver October 4LaVerne Parker November 5

Children’s Choir (cont.) Outreach Ministry OpportunitiesI N U E D F R O M ?

the

The kids then move to singing. They learn how to produce a proper singing tone, which is different from one’s regular speaking or shouting voice. They learn to listen to one another and how to blend as a group.

Sometimes, the children begin rehearsal by singing a more folksy song, like “Rejoice in the Lord Always” or another tune familiar from Vacation Bible School. But they are also always working on at least two hymns from the hym-nal, as Benjamin believes it is supremely important that our young people learn early in life the music that they will sing the rest of their days.

If all of this sounds overly ambitious and serious, the kids are truly having a blast. Six-year-old Grace Echard says, “Mr. Kolodziej is fun!” Indeed Benjamin has shown himself a genius at working with kids, sometimes inter-spersing rehearsals with pictures or videos of animals (such as the red panda, the bichon frise, or the slow loris—if you’re unfamiliar with these specimens, ask one of the kids who love these exotic creatures!) or by pulling out a Lego church he constructed and populated with Star Wars fig-ures, which he uses to instruct the choir about the proper way to compose oneself at worship.

In all these ways, Benjamins’ goals with the choir are being accomplished: to instruct the children in the fundamen-tals of music theory and the basics of choral singing, while introducing them to great composers, great music, and learning the traditions and liturgy of the Church and how to participate meaningfully.

Look forward to the Jubilate Children’s choir singing at the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday, December 3 and at the Lessons and Carols service on Sunday, December 10, at 5:00 p.m. And rejoice!

In our Prayers for the People each week we pray for Reinhardt Elementary, one of our outreach ministries. If you’ve ever entertained any thoughts about ways to help with one of these ministries, Reinhardt may be the per-fect fit. Even if you’re thinking nah, I’m not a teacher. I wouldn’t be able to do this, please read on. Keep an open mind and heart. We think your willingness to help out will bless the staff, the students and YOU.

Reading Tutoring: Volunteers are needed for 1st graders Monday-Friday for 30-minute time slots between 8:30-10 AM, although on a case-by-case basis they may be able to make other times work. Volunteers are asked to sign up for a minimum of 30 minutes per week. Reinhardt’s read-ing program follows a structured curriculum for strug-gling readers, so in order to tutor these students, volun-teers are asked to attend a brief training (approximately 15 minutes) to ensure they follow the curriculum.

Additional Volunteer Needs: Reinhardt also needs volun-teers in the library, cafeteria and as teacher helpers. Ellen Gutt, Reinhardt’s counselor, will work with individual schedules, so give her a call (972-749-7913) or email her ([email protected]) to work out suitable dates and times.

If this ministry sounds like something that is up your alley, you will need to fill out a volunteer application, and complete an orientation, both of which are found on the DISD.org webpage here: https://www.dallasisd.org/Page/322. The process is very straightforward and will take approximately 30 minutes.

Many children’s and staff members’ lives will be deeply enriched by your involvement. It may be the best Christ-mas present they’ll receive this season.

- By RuthAnn Funderburk

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Vestry Voices

Mother, daughter, wife, child of God, friend, student – those are many of my names. Of all the names, I hear “mom” the most as I am the mother of two beautiful seven-year-old boy and girl fraternal twins. Perhaps you’ve seen them in the All Saints’ Day procession or the previous years Christmas pageant. My daughter Emma attends first grade at St. John’s Episcopal school while my son Nathaniel at-tends first grade at Oak Hill Academy – I drive a lot! I have been married to Wade Wiles for 12 years. We have been faithfully attending St. John’s for 11 years and have served in many capacities. Most recently, I was interim Youth Christian Ed Director, a position I really enjoyed but am happy to pass on to Jeneé Echard.

I am a “cradle” Episcopalian. Baptized at St. Peter’s Episco-pal church in McKinney (even though I grew up in Dallas), I spent most of my formative years at St. Michael’s and All Angels where I sang soprano in the choir for 10 years. Prior to having children, I sold real estate for a boutique firm, Abio & Associates. I was involved in singles ministry at the Diocesan and National level. I used to write articles for the Diocesan newspaper, The Espirit, about being single in the church. I even won a national writers’ award for my article “Singles Ministry is not a Social Hour.” This ministry led me to the Anglican School of Theology when I decided I was being called to dig deeper into my faith and spiritual life. I attended three years before the school closed.

This is my second year to serve on the Vestry. My first year, I chaired the Evangelism committee and we held a diocesan-wide conference fea-turing Carrie Boren Heading-ton, the Diocesan missioner of Evangelism. This year I am in charge of Christian Educa-tion. Both committees are near and dear to my heart, as I have children in the parish.

I desire for them to know Christ and spread the Good News of the Gospel to the world.

This summer I formed a Christian Education committee engaging parents in the process of Christian formation. Together we chose a fun and engaging curriculum that has been a big hit for the children. Even the nursery has its own curriculum for these youngest members of our parish! I am very grateful to have been blessed with excellent, committed Sunday school teachers who are shepherding our children. We are returning to our Anglican roots this Christmas season by having an Epiphany Pageant and Feast. This is a great opportunity to share our faith and enjoy a great party with guests. I hope the parish will continue to grow and bless our community. - by Charlotte Wiles

ADVENT, CHRISTMAS & EPIPHANY 2017 VOICE the

I’ve been singing in choirs all my life – church and otherwise – but I have never enjoyed it as much as I have since Benja-min has come to St. John’s.  He has an incredible grasp of the depth and purpose of great music and that his highest calling is to inspire worship. He quickly shows you where the music needs to go and how to get it there, and you perform better than you ever thought you could. We will become a better choir under Benjamin than we have ever been.

If any of you are thinking about singing in the choir, talk to Benjamin and come to a rehearsal. You will be so glad you did. - By Margery Hunter

An Invitation to Sing

Page 12: VOICE the - St. John's Episcopal Church · 2/4/2016  · In Lent of 2016, the parish announced the REFLECT cam-paign for the purpose of improving our campus and facili-ties. Our list

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH848 HARTER ROADDALLAS, TEXAS 75218-2791

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ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH848 HARTER ROADDALLAS, TEXAS 75218-2791

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED