Wales Tales

A Monthly Publication of the Church of Saint David of Wales Denton, Texas

December 2013
Proclaiming and Practicing the Historic Faith Traditional Anglican Worship www.stdavidsdenton.org, e-mail to office@stdavidsdenton.org

From Our Rector

Canon H.W. Herrmann, SSC, VI Rector

Dear Parish Family and Friends: Come thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. (Hymnal pg. 66) What a special time of the year we have entered into on December 1. You might ask, What? The Christmas Season; right? No, not yet. Advent, unlike any other season of the Church year, presents us with the already, but not yet nature of Christs Church. During this season, we take the time to look back on past victories, especially as we prepare to celebrate the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, as he came to live as one of us to offer himself as a sacrifice for the debt that we could not repay. But, also, especially at Advent, we look ahead to the final victory that will be won when Christ returns as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords to claim that which belongs to Him (borrowed from the Bishop of Quincy). From the earliest of times, Gods people have looked for th eir Savior to come among them. Gods chosen people, the Jewish nation, read in Holy Scripture that not only would He come to save the people, but that He would right every wrong, heal the sick, strengthen the weak-hearted and raise up those who have fallen down. Jesus did come the first time and now we do the same thing that the Jews had to do for so long: wait. But this waiting is much, much better than the doctors office, quick lube or drive through bank line. This waiting will bring salvation to the world in the form of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. We are told He will return with power and great glory from the heavens above. I am not sure what that means or what form it will take but I do believe it will most likely not be in the same way He entered into the world, in the flesh, the first time. This next time, all creation will know He has returned and it will be a most spectacular way if power and great glory are any indication. How would you feel and live if you were freed from your fears and sins? We would be a new people and that is exactly what we are promised when we were baptized; a new creation in Christ Jesus. No fear? No sin? Give me plenty of that! (And right now please.) It could come after you read this letter or it could be longer but either way, are we ready? If Jesus choose Advent, 2013 to return, is your spiritual house in order? Advent is a season of preparation, a season of waiting, a season of expectation, a season filled with hope. Have you ever wanted to be part of something in life or the Church and thought that it was too far out of reach? All of us have to build up the courage to step out and actually do what God is inwardly calling us to do. What is holding you back? Fear and sin? Probably. And that is why we wait for the One who will release us, but in the meantime, lets practice living in the way we have been called by our Savior, Jesus Christ this Advent and you will be pleased as He takes up residence in you. See you in church.

The Curates Commentary

Father Clint Wilson, Curate

Dear Saint David's Community: I had the opportunity to have a conversation with a young man today at a coffee shop here in Denton, which was very encouraging. At one point he was lamenting the fact that his life and the vocation he feels called by God to pursue is somewhat on hold as he and his family become more financially stable. I felt inspired in the midst of this to remind him of this simple truth: In the economy of the Kingdom of God, a small thing is no small thing. What does that mean? Well, in his life it means that taking time to be formed into healthier financial rhythms as a family in the short term means they will be postured to do the mission they discern God calling them to in the long term. So the very small choices of what to buyor not buymade every day matter and can yield a major difference over time. God forms us in small responsibilities for larger ones later on. But also, it means the work of the Kingdom of God starts small in our liveslike a mustard s eed (I seem to remember Jesus saying something like thatsee Matthew 13:31-32). One never knows how a very small act might be used exponentially by God to bring transformation to a life. I cannot help but think of our recent visit down to The Gathering with a few Saint Davids members, including Matthew Chafina youth member and acolyte here at Saint Davids. Through our visit his vision for ministry and mission were shaped profoundly by the simple and seemingly small act of giving out a sack lunch and bottled water to some people in need. Who knows how the lives of those blessed by this ministry might be transformed by this act of Gospel kindness (For more on this, read Matthews wonderful article below!). Put simply, let me encourage you this new liturgical year (the first day of Advent was this past Sunday!), to know and remember that the Kingdom of God starts in the small stuff of life. Consider every day and every encounter, every conversation, every task worked and every choice made an opportunity for the Kingdom of God to come on earth as it is in heaven. Live with Kingdom intentionality and see what God does!

The Gathering
By Matthew Chafin

This past week I was invited to attend The Gathering. It is a service opportunity in which we provide food for the homeless. Its purpose is to give to the poor in more ways than dropping money into the Salvation Army buckets. Most of the people who attended were people without homes basically living on the streets, and sometimes lacking food. Some people get scared to be around homeless people because they don't fit into society. Something we should all remember, however, is every person is a Child of God, no matter what they look like or how they are dressed. I enjoyed this experience a lot. Bishop Lambert made an appearance as he is a strong figure in the church and his presence at the gathering was appreciated by all. It is different worshiping with people you have never known or seen in your life before. It gives you a sort of encouragement to hear the stories they have to tell and to understand how you can relate to them. I would have to say there was about 50 people or so there, and I am reminded of this verse, For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them(Matthew 18:20). God was with us that day, and I could feel it. After the Eucharist we handed out lunches to the people, and could see hope in some of them as you handed them a lunch and gave them a friendly smile. This is sometimes all a person needs--to know that someone cares about them. These people whom we served often live on the streets because they have lost hope. Many come to the Gathering every Sunday and worship God because of this amazing program that many people put together, which without them could not happen. This little trip I took has turned me towards the mission side of the church, putting others before myself and thanking God for everything I have, since not everyone is as fortunate as others. I look forward to coming back to The Gathering and doing more mission work as my Christian journey has only begun.

Advent & Christmas at Saint Davids

Sunday, December 8, Advent II 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Advent Lessons and Carols 5:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist Sunday, December 15, Advent III 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Chapel Dedication 5:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist Tuesday, December 17, Advent Dinner and Program 6:00 p.m. Advent Program beginning with Evening Prayer followed by dinner provided for a free will offering. Bishop K.L. Ackerman will be our guest speaker. Sunday, December 22, Advent IV 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist 5:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist Tuesday, December 24, Christmas Eve 4:45 p.m. Carol Sing 5:00 p.m. Christ-Mass with the Childrens Christmas Pageant followed by a reception. 10:45 p.m. Carol Sing 11:00 p.m. Christ-Mass followed by a reception. Wednesday, December 25, Christmas Day 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Sunday, December 29, Christmas I 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist 5:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist Tuesday, December 31, New Years Eve 6:00 p.m. Renewal of Marriage Vows

Around the Parish

Advent Programeach year we have one or more Advent Programs to help develop our spiritual lives during this
season of preparation. This year we are pleased to announce that Bishop K.L. Ackerman will be our guest speaker on coming Tuesday, December 17 beginning at 6:00 p.m. with prayer in the church, followed by a soup, bread, salad and dessert supper that is provided for a free will offering. Following dinner we will enjoy our time with Bishop Ackerman.

Advent Lessons and Carolswill be offered during the Liturgy of the Word on Sunday, December 8 at the 10:30
a.m. liturgy. Those attending the 8:00 a.m. liturgy could leave at the offertory after the presentation which is well worth the time as we prepare spiritually together during this season of Advent. Come join us.

Special Guest Appearance This Sundaya mystery guest will make an appearance this Sunday, December 8
during the morning liturgies. Dont miss him as he is a favorite of all ages.

Advent Sacramental Confessionswill be heard on Saturday morning, December 21 beginning at 10:00 a.m.
or by appointment by contacting the Rector.

Rose Sunday Rosarywill be offered on Sunday, December 15 in the Saint Augustine Chapel following the 8:00
a.m. liturgy.

Christmas Flowersif you would like to order Christmas flowers that will be in the church on Christmas Eve and
through the Christmas season, please fill out the form that is available in the Sunday bulletins and leave it in the offering plate or contact Holly in the parish office at 940.387.2622, office@stdavidsdenton.org. The price is $10.00 each. All orders must be received no later than Wednesday, December 18.

Christmas Eve Receptionswe will be having a reception following each of our Christmas Eve liturgies on
December 24 and we invite all of our parishioners to bring a finger food to share to the reception you will be attending. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors as we celebrate the Incarnation of Our Lord!

Christmas Office Closurethe parish office will close at noon on Tuesday, December 24 and will reopen Friday,
January 3. Phone messages and e-mails will be answered and if you are in need of pastoral care please call Canon Herrmann at the rectory, 940.566.5251.

Combined Morning Liturgyon Sunday morning, December 29, we will have one combined morning
liturgy at 9:30 a.m. and then our usual 5:00 p.m. liturgy that evening. There will be no Sunday School that day.

Annual Renewal of Marriage Vowsis scheduled for December 31 at 6:00 p.m. All married couples are
encouraged to renew their vows to each other as we gather before the altar of God. Would you and yours like an extra measure of grace for 2014? Come join us before you go celebrate and bring in the new year.

Angel Tree MinistryThe Men of Saint Davids are sponsoring the Angel Tree this year and we as a parish will
be working to give several children who have either one or both parents incarcerated a special Christmas. We ask the parish to give so that we may get them some items of need and to provide a blessing from our parish to the children. All checks should be made payable to Saint Davids with a notation in the memo section of Angel Tree. Your generosity is requested.

Pilgrimage to England and Walesthe Rector was not pleased with the initial cost of our pilgrimage and is
currently trying to find ways to lower the price. Stay tuned!

Christian Education
Adult Bible Studyeach Thursday afternoons at 2:30 p.m. in the library. We will not meet on Thursday,
December 26.

Saint Davids Sunday School Christmas Carol Concertwe are delighted to announce that our children have
been given the opportunity to sing carols for the seniors at Dogwood Estates (2820 Wind River Lane, Denton) on Saturday, December 14 at 2:00 p.m. Please help us spread warmth and joy to our community by participating in this event.

Christmas PageantOur Christmas Pageant dress rehearsal/party will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 22. The
Christmas Pageant will take place during the 5:00 p.m. liturgy on Christmas Eve. Come and join us as we await, then celebrate, the joyous birth of Jesus!

New Sunday School Curriculumas we enter Advent we will also be unveiling our new curriculum. We are
very excited about this as Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation; the beginning of a new liturgical year and the promise of great things to come! As we await our Savior's birth let us remember the wondrous things that this Holy child accomplished and then think about our own children, the children of our parish. They have been a source of such joy for me and I am so grateful for the opportunity I've had to work with them. One thing I've learned from them is that they are capable of doing anything

that is asked of them and they have a hunger to learn. Over the past year or so we have tried to invigorate our Sunday School and from the feedback from the parents and students it is working. We are growing in number as well as in Spirit. Our new curriculum, Living the Good News, will build upon this foundation and give our children a deeper knowledge by using a variety of core sessions based upon the Gospel and enrichment activities such as music, art and stories. The lesson plans are catered to each age group and we will have Primary, Intermediate and Upper Teen groups. There is also support available for our teachers and volunteers so that we can reach our full leadership potential and it will be easier for parents to step-in and assist with the classes. If you have any questions please email me at jjones_duffey@msn.com. Thank you! Joyce Jones Duffey.

College Students Bible Studyweekly Bible study continues Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. Join us! For questions,
please contact Father Clint at fatherwilson@stdavidsdenton.org. In support of our college ministry in Denton and their fall Bible Study, we wish to thank all those who helped provide the meals for these students during their meetings at Saint Davids. The students were most appreciative of the foods provided as well as the spirit in which they were given. We look forward to bringing more college students into this group and continuing their bible study.

Organizations and Ministries

CursilloWhat is Cursillo? Youve heard mention of this program from time to time, have you wondered what it is
all about? The Bishops pastoral Plan for the Diocese explains it this way The mission of Cursillo is the same as the mission of the Church. But there is this difference: The Cursillos make every Christian aware of his or her responsibility for mission, and help them become good missionaries. The Cursillos began with a bishop and laity realizing that in order to bring the world to Christ in friendship, they needed to have a plan. That plan was already implicit in the Gospel: Find Christians who already had a vital sense of faith; Energize them with Gods immediate call to each one; Show them the way to work together to share their faith; Link them with other Christians to carry out their work. This is the essence of Cursillo, are you ready for the next step forward in your faith? You can contact Dave Mays at 940.323.8158, elkhound1@verizon.net; Betsy Kensinger at 940.566.2713, b.kensinger@hotmail.com; or Jolayne LaCour, at 940.390.2595, jolaynelacour@yahoo.com.

The Golden Nookwe have several options for your Advent season! New Advent Calendars, Advent Wreaths, and
now: Advent Tapers! Christmas cards, new nativities and angels, the popular devotional Jesus Calling is back in stock, and the bestselling book Heaven is for Real. Bibles, including one with 4 translations side by side, a 365 Devotional and Prayer journal and a new jewelry vendor who has some lovely Sterling Silver jewelry! The new McHarp cross line and other new wall crosses. Plus, tree ornaments, fridge magnets, and other stocking stuffers . Christmas shopping couldn't be easier! Bring your list and everything can be wrapped and gift bagged. Remember shop the Nook first. All proceeds are given to support the WOSD projects such as outreach and camp scholarships.

Junior Daughters of the Kingwill meet on Sunday, December 15 at 12:15 p.m. in the parish library for training. Men of Saint Davids (MOSD)the MOSD will meet on Saturday, December 14 at 8:00 a.m. for Morning
Prayer, breakfast and short meeting. All men of the parish are welcome and invited to meet with us.

The Order of Saint LukeWilt thou be made Whole? This is more than just the title of a book by Fr. R.J.
Womble an OSL member. These are also the words that Christ spoke to the lame man by the pool of Bethesda. Those words still echo today do you want to be made whole in body, mind and spirit? Christ promised that whatever you ask God for in His name you will receive. This is the whole idea behind the OSL, we truly believe that if we ask for healing in Christs name it will be given to us. It may not be when we want it or how we want it, but it will happen when and how God wants it, all we have to do is to believe. As members of the OSL we assist the priest or deacon by laying on of hands and offering up prayers while they anoint and pray for the person requesting aid. We also visit and pray for anyone that needs our intersession. If you would like to a part of this ministry contact any member of the order for information.

Women of Saint Davidswill meet on Saturday, December 14 at the home of Bonnie and Vern Bassett, 905
Ridgecrest Circle in Denton. The social starts at 8:30 a.m. with the meeting to follow at 9:00 a.m. All women of the parish are invited to attend.

Youth of Saint Davids (YOSD) Advent Youth Gathering with our new Curate! Please join us for
a youth Advent Gathering at the Stafkis home on Saturday, December 7 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. We will have a great time together with food, games and, wellawesomeness! How could you possibly not want to come now? The event address is 5599 Luginbyhl Rd. Sanger 76266. Hope to see you there!

Saint of the Month

Saint Lucy December 13

Lucy's name means "light", with the same root as "lucid" which means "clear, radiant, understandable." Unfortunately for us, Lucy's history does not match her name. Shrouded in the darkness of time, all we really know for certain is that this brave woman who lived in Syracuse lost her life in the persecution of Christians in the early fourth century. Her veneration spread to Rome so that by the sixth century the whole Church recognized her courage in defense of the faith. Because people wanted to shed light on Lucy's bravery, legends grew up. The one that is passed down to us tells the story of a young Christian woman who had vowed her life to the service of Christ. Her mother tried to arrange a marriage for her with a pagan. Lucy apparently knew that her mother would not be convinced by a young girl's vow so she devised a plan to convince her mother that Christ was a much more powerful partner for life. Through prayers at the tomb of Saint Agatha, her mother's long illness was cured miraculously. The grateful mother was now ready to listen to Lucy's desire to give her money to the poor and commit her life to God. Unfortunately, legend has it, the rejected bridegroom did not see the same light and he betrayed Lucy to the governor as a Christian. This governor tried to send her into prostitution but the guards who came to take her way found her stiff and heavy as a mountain. Finally she was killed. As much as the facts of Lucy's specific case are unknown, we know that many Christians suffered incredible torture and a painful death for their faith during Diocletian's reign. Lucy may not have been burned or had a sword thrust through her throat but many Christians did and we can be sure her faith withstood tests we can barely imagine. Lucy's name is probably also connected to statues of Lucy holding a dish with two eyes on it. This refers to another legend in which Lucy's eyes were put out by Diocletian as part of his torture. The legend concludes with God restoring Lucy's eyes. Lucy's name also played a large part in naming Lucy as a patron saint of the blind and those with eyetrouble. Whatever the fact to the legends surrounding Lucy, the truth is that her courage to stand up and be counted a Christian in spite of torture and death is the light that should lead us on our own journeys through life. She is the patron saint of eyesight.

Sunday Ministry Schedules

Sunday, December 8
Acolytes: Team II Altar Guild: Team I Hospitality: 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. LEMs: 8:00 a.m. Parker 10:30 a.m. Kensinger Johnston 5:00 p.m. Fitzpatrick Vestry Greeters: 8:00 a.m. Stanphill 10:30 a.m. Hays Ushers: 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Golden Nook: 8:00 a.m. Touraine 10:30 a.m. Hale

Tuesday, December 24
LEMs: 5:00 p.m.
11:00 p.m. Miller Sager Stafki Rousey

Ushers: 5:00 p.m.

11:00 p.m.

Mays Mays Reese

Parker Chafin Seatvet Siegmund Touraine Howington L. Stafki Barrera

Wednesday, December 25
LEMs: 10:00 a.m.
Phillips

Ushers: 10:00 a.m.

Touraine

Sunday, December 29
Acolytes: Captains Altar Guild: Team IV Hospitality: 9:30 a.m. Bahnsen Kensinger Millard Odom Golden Nook: 9:30 a.m. Touraine

Sunday, December 15
Acolytes: Team III Altar Guild: Team III Hospitality: 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. LEMs: 8:00 a.m. Chafin 10:30 a.m. Davis Hale 8:00 p.m. Ballantine Vestry Greeters: 8:00 a.m. Millard 10:30 a.m. Oliver Ushers: 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Golden Nook: 8:00 a.m. Touraine 10:30 a.m. Hale

LEMs: 9:30 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

Ushers: Bradbury 9:30 a.m. Herrmann Hodges 5:00 p.m.

Touraine Rousey Hundley Bussell Miller Fitzpatrick Baird Odom

Vestry Greeters: 8:00 a.m. Rousey 10:30 a.m. Oliver

Tuesday, December 31
LEMs: 6:00 p.m.
Stafki/Stafki

Sunday, December 22
Acolytes: Team IV Altar Guild: Team II Hospitality: 8:00 a.m. Johnson Reese 10:30 a.m. Nichols Golden Nook: 8:00 a.m. Touraine 10:30 a.m. Holland

LEMs: 8:00 a.m. Sager 10:30 a.m. Sanders Sanders 5:00 p.m. LaCour Vestry Greeters: 8:00 a.m. Rousey

Ushers: 8:00 a.m. Blankson 10:30 a.m. C. Stafki Mays 5:00 p.m. Odom

DECEMBER 2013
SU N 1 8:00 Holy Eucharist
9:15 Christian Ed 10:30 Holy Eucharist 12:15 Jr DOK 5:00 Holy Eucharist Curates Day Off

MON 2

T UES 3 9:00 Cursillo Group

W ED 4 6:30 Evening Prayer

T HUR 5 9:30 Morning Prayer

2:30 Bible Study

F RI 6

S AT 7 3:00 Advent Youth Gathering

Rectors Day Off 10 9:00 Cursillo Group 11 6:30 Evening Prayer 12 9:30 Morning Prayer
2:30 Bible Study

8 8:00 Holy Eucharist

9:15 Christian Ed 10:30 Holy Eucharist/ Advent Lessons & Carols 5:00 Holy Eucharist

13 Community School

14 8:30 WOSD
10:00 DOK 2:00 Sunday School Concert

Curates Day Off

Rectors Day Off

15 8:00 Holy Eucharist

9:15 Christian Ed 10:00 Chapel Dedication 10:30 Holy Eucharist 5:00 Holy Eucharist

16

17 9:00 Cursillo Group 6:00 Advent Dinner

18 6:00 Evening Prayer and Healing Mass

19 9:30 Morning Prayer and Holy Eucharist

2:30 Bible Study

20

21 8:00 MOSD

Curates Day Off

Rectors Day Off

22 8:00 Holy Eucharist

9:15 Christian Ed 10:30 Holy Eucharist 5:00 Holy Eucharist

23

24 5:00 Christmas Liturgy and Childrens Christmas Pageant

11:00 Christmas Liturgy

25 10:00 Christmas Day Liturgy

26 9:30 Morning Prayer and Holy Eucharist

27

28

Curates Day Off

Rectors Day Off 31 6:00 Vow Renewal

29 9:30 Holy Eucharist

5:00 Holy Eucharist

30

Curates Day Off

Financial Report from Treasurer, Tom Sanders:

These numbers were presented and received at the November meeting of the Vestry. Income Oct Actual $ 22, 231 Oct Budget $ 24, 775 YTD Actual $ 239, 773 YTD Budget $ 222, 978

Expense Oct Actual YTD Actual

$ 34, 345 Oct Budget $ 232, 762 YTD Budget

$ 26, 128 $ 235, 152

December Anniversaries & Birthdays

Our prayers and best wishes for those celebrating their wedding anniversary: 12/4 Ginny and Jay Anderson; 12/5 Tycha and Sam Acosta; 12/6 Sheri and Jeff Sager; 12/9 Marsha and Lindsay Keffer; 12/14 Delie and Bob Fisher; 12/16 Melissa and David Sims, Robert and Faye Penley; 12/18 April and John MacKenzie; 12/21 Bettie and Jack Leonard, Kristin and David Williamson; 12/27 Kaye and Larry Hayes; 12/29 Julie and James Diebold. Our prayers and best wishes for those celebrating their birthday: 12/1 James Bridges, Kaitlyn Boyle, Catherine Howington; 12/2 Lydia Jones, Lisa Haynes; 12/4 Wayne Allen, Pat Gobble, Lee Stafki; 12/6 Merrie McCane, Rachael Sims, Susan Miller; 12/7 Jeff Sager; 12/8 Bonnie Bassett, John Kensinger; 12/9 Sonja Gabbert, William Robertson; 12/10 Michael Boyle, Stephen Probst; 12/13 Tiffany Hall, Eamon Danzig; 12/14 Jenny Lemley; 12/15 James Parker, Edward MacDonald; 12/16 Will Strecker; 12/17 Bill DeBerry, Catherine Ruev, Nicholas Ruev; 12/18 Nancy Czerw; 12/19 Donald Personett; 12/20 Brittany Keffer, Laura Jennings; 12/24 Ray Powell, Mary Hager; 12/26 Austin Travis, Claudia Brown; 12/27 Lindsay Nieswiadomy; 12/28 Ann Bradbury, Cindy Knox, Mark Nancarrow; 12/29 Tycha Acosta; 12/30 Rena Sutphin, Allison Swegle, Bettie Leonard; 12/31 Shirley Gambrell.

Decembers Sunday Lectionary

Sunday, December 8 The Second Sunday in Advent Isaiah 11: 1-10, Psalm 72 Romans 15: 4-13, Matthew 3: 1-12 Sunday, December 15 The Third Sunday in Advent: Rose Sunday Isaiah 35: 1-10, Psalm 146 James 5: 7-10, Matthew 11: 2-11
Sunday, December 22 The Fourth Sunday in Advent Isaiah 7: 10-17, Psalm 24 Romans 1: 1-7, Matthew 11: 2-11

December Saint Days

December 4 Saint Clement of Alexandria December 6 Saint Nicholas December 13 Saint Lucy
December 21 Saint Thomas the Apostle December 26 Saint Stephen

Sunday, December 29 Isaiah 61: 10-62: 3, Psalm 24 Romans 1: 1-7, Matthew 11: 2-11

December 27 Saint John the Evangelist

December 28 The Holy Innocents