This summer, unlock the real and magical worlds of fairytales through arts and crafts play, dramatic readings and games. Students will enjoy new twists on their old favorites - like the Cinderella from China and the "twice upon a time" Rapunzel - and may even be introduced to some REAL heroes of fairytale times. And don't worry, BOYS, there will be knights, dragons, and heroics for you, too! The week will culminate in a "Fairytale Ball" where students can come dressed as their favorite character.

Camp for children and youth, ages 7-13, is Monday-Friday, July 28-August 1, 10:30 AM-12:00 PM. The fee is $120 for parishioners; $130 for non-Church members. For more information, call the Activity Center at 713/621-8625 or click here to download a PDF of the registration form.

Lauren Burrow holds a Masters in Reading and Language Arts and is a recent graduate of Rice University's School Literacy and Culture Project: The Storytelling Project. She has taught early childhood for five years and is entering her third year at St. Martin's Episcopal Children's Center.

This co-ed camp, led by Coach Larry Gatewood, is designed for young "beginner athletes." The boys and girls will learn beginner skills in ball handling, dribbling and basic basketball knowledge. This is a great summer activity for your "new" basketball player! Please bring Gatorade and a snack, or money for snack and drink machines.

Camp for grades 4-8 is Monday-Thursday, July 28-31, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. The fee is $140 for parishioners; $150 for non-Church members. For more information, call the Activity Center at 713/621-8625 or click here to download a PDF of the registration form.

Anthony Orona, our High School Youth Minister, will say "farewell to St. Martin's" at the end of July. Erin Puckett McClure, our Middle School Youth Minister, will be leaving us in the middle of August. Please join us to say "farewell" to our friends on Friday, August 8, at 2:00 PM at the Island, after Vacation Bible School (VBS). For more information about their departure, and about Barry Moore, our new Interim High School Youth Minister, please click here.

The Peer Mentor Retreat is August 8-10. For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

[This is a diocesan event for youth.] Keyword = retreat

August 22-24, 2008 at Camp Allen. The Happening Movement is a powerful instrument of renewal in the Church. Its purpose is to concentrate closely on the person and teaching of Jesus Christ. Our faith is seriously examined in a relaxed, fun, informal and loving atmosphere. The Happening weekend is an experience that gives those who attend the desire to understand and serve God through his Church.

For more information, visit www.epicenter.org.

[This is a diocesan event for youth] Keyword = retreat

August 22-24, 2008 at Camp Allen. A Youth Encounter Spirit (Y.E.S.) weekend brings together members of the 7th-9th grade youth of the Diocese of Texas as a Christian community. The 7th-9th grade participants and adult sponsors from youth groups among the parishes and mission churches of our diocese become members of the Y.E.S. family. The focus of Y.E.S. is "on who Christ is". Y.E.S. helps foster a clearer appreciation of self, richer relationships with others and a deeper experience with Jesus.

For more information, visit www.epicenter.org.

[This is not a St. Martin's event]

On Saturday, August 23, The Church of St. John the Divine is hosting two special events open to the community and enthusiastically invites you to be a part of this tremendous day!

The Saturday morning event, Back to School Brunch: A Chat and Worship Time with Christy Nockels (formerly of Watermark) promises to be a spirit-filled time of worship, teaching and prayer. Focusing on women's and young girl's ministries, Christy and her band will perform some of her songs as well as share with the audience her experiences and stories. Tickets are $25 and registration is available at www.sjd.org. Space is limited. The event will be held in the Parish Life Center of The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Blvd., Houston, TX 77019.

On Saturday evening, the tone changes with an outdoor concert at the St. John's School Field 2 1/2 located at 3360 W. Alabama, across the street from The Church of St. John the Divine. The line-up includes John Denmon, Christy Nockels and Robby Seay Band. Gates open at 5:30 PM. Tickets are available for $10 plus service charge at www.ticketservant.com or The Church of St. John the Divine Bookstore. Tickets are available the day of the event for $15. Blankets and lawn chairs are permitted; cooloers, pets and alcohol are not permitted. Concessions will be available from Chick-Fil-A for purchase (bring cash). Parking is available in surrounding areas; please watch for signs. Please help us support Yellowstone Academy kick off their school year by bringing of donations of copy paper and dropping them off in the bins at the front gates.

For more information, contact Rebecca Llenos at St. John the Divine at 713/354-2219 or 713/829-0027.

St. Martin's is having the first of many "intergenerational" events, also known as "St. Martin's Family Days." Join us for "Homecoming Sunday" on Sunday, August 24.

After a summer of vacations and time away, St. Martin's wants to say "welcome back!" Join us for an old-fashioned picnic on Homecoming Sunday, August 24. It's sure to be a morning of renewal, fellowship, fun and reconnection.

Schedule for the morning:

10:15 AM - AD Players present The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, in Bagby Parish Hall

11:00 AM - Picnic lunch* is served in the Cafe

11:30 AM - Family fun in the Activity Center

Bring your skates, rip sticks and roller blades for Roller Disco
Wear your tennis shoes for the Rock Climbing Wall
Explore the Caterpillar Maze
Come join the fun and decorate cookies or sing karaoke

12:15 PM - Lunch* and a show, in Bagby Parish Hall

Pick up a picnic lunch from the Cafe and stay for the AD Players presentation of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

Please note:
This morning's activities will replace the 10:15 AM Christian Education classes for all age groups, including preschool, elementary, youth and adults, with the exception of the Seekers Class, which will meet.

* The cost of the meal is $5/person or $20/family.

Today we celebrate the St. Martin's family being "back home." Today we celebrate being together.

For more information about this event, contact Bruce Morgan at 713/985-3810.

Other planned "St. Martin's Family Days:"

September 7, Fall "Kick-Off" Sunday

November 2, All Saints' Day

January 11, 2009, Epiphany, Feast of Lights (for information about this event, click here, or contact Eric Moen at 713/985-3819.

March 8, 2009, "H20," Help to Others Ministry Fair

April 5, 2009, Palm Sunday, with Middle Eastern theme

May 31, 2009, Pentecost Picnic / Youth Mission Sunday

For more information about "St. Martin's Family Days," contact Jamie Martin Currie at 713/985-3829.

The High School Water Wars are on Sunday, August 24, 7:00-8:30 PM at the Island. We will kick off our year with food, fun and fellowship. Water guns, high velocity H2O, and the Battle of Waterloo make this the perfect event to bring your friends and have a good time with the youth ministry team and youth of St. Martin's.

For more information, contact Barry Moore at 713/984-3842.

Middle School Water Wars are on Sunday, August 24, 4:30-6:00 PM at the Island. We will kick off our year with food, fun and fellowship. Water guns, high velocity H2O, and the Battle of Waterloo make this the perfect event to bring your friends and have a good time with the youth ministry team and youth of St. Martin's.

For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

St. Martin's continues with its series of "intergenerational" events, also known as "St. Martin's Family Days." Join us for Fall "Kick-Off" Sunday on Sunday, September 7, when the 2008-2009 Christian Education year begins.

For more information about this event, contact Jamie Martin Currie at 713/985-3829.

Other planned "St. Martin's Family Days:"
November 2, All Saints' Day

January 11, 2009, Epiphany, Feast of Lights (for information about this event, click here or contact Eric Moen at 713/985-3819.

March 8, 2009, "H20," Help to Others Ministry Fair

April 5, 2009, Palm Sunday, with Middle Eastern theme

May 31, 2009, Pentecost Picnic / Youth Mission Sunday

For more information about "St. Martin's Family Days," contact Jamie Martin Currie at 713/985-3829.

Island City Limits Music Festival is Sunday, September 7, 5:00-9:00 PM at the Island. This event "kicks off" the fall year for Episcopal Youth Community (EYC).

For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

6ten
casual evening worship
Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense,
the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Psalm 141.2

A new time of worship begins on Sunday, September 14, 2008 at 6:10 PM in Bagby Parish Hall, with sermon and Holy Communion. This service is uniquely committed to our traditional liturgy as well as to artistic representation and music which amplifies the faith once delivered. As the sun sets we will gather to worship and give God thanks for loving and pursuing us in order to share His life now and forever. With songs and hymns, modern and ancient, this service of Holy Communion will use Rite II from The Book of Common Prayer.

This additional service will allow St. Martin's one more opportunity to provide fresh and relevant expression of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Dress is casual.

For more information, contact the Rev. F. Stuart Shelby at 713/985-3849.

The High School Retreat to Westendorf, Texas is October 17-19. Get away for a few days and discover God's beauty in this great state we call Texas.

For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

Island City Limits open mic nights are held on the following dates, from 7:00-10:00 PM at the Island:

October 24
November 14
January 9
February 13
March 6
April 3

For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

St. Martin's continues with its series of "intergenerational" events, also known as "St. Martin's Family Days." Join us for "All Saints' Day" on Sunday, November 2, time and location to be announced. For more information about this event, contact Jamie Martin Currie at 713/985-3829.

Other planned "St. Martin's Family Days:"

January 11, 2009, Epiphany, Feast of Lights (for information about this event, click here or contact Eric Moen at 713/985-3819.

March 8, 2009, "H20," Help to Others Ministry Fair

April 5, 2009, Palm Sunday, with Middle Eastern theme

May 31, 2009, Pentecost Picnic / Youth Mission Sunday

For more information about "St. Martin's Family Days," contact Jamie Martin Currie at 713/985-3829.

The Youth Service Outreach Day is Saturday, November 8, 8:30 AM-1:00 PM at Christian Community Service Center (C.C.S.C.).

For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

We've got another Youth Service Outreach Day planned on April 25, 2009 at the Houston Food Bank.

[This is a diocesan event for youth.] Keyword = retreat

November 14-16, 2008 at Camp Allen. The Happening Movement is a powerful instrument of renewal in the Church. Its purpose is to concentrate closely on the person and teaching of Jesus Christ. Our faith is seriously examined in a relaxed, fun, informal and loving atmosphere. The Happening weekend is an experience that gives those who attend the desire to understand and serve God through his Church.

For more information, visit www.epicenter.org.

Island City Limits open mic nights are held on the following dates, from 7:00-10:00 PM at the Island:

November 14
January 9
February 13
March 6
April 3

For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

[This is a diocesan event for youth] Keyword = retreat

November 14-16, 2008 at Camp Allen. A Youth Encounter Spirit (Y.E.S.) weekend brings together members of the 7th-9th grade youth of the Diocese of Texas as a Christian community. The 7th-9th grade participants and adult sponsors from youth groups among the parishes and mission churches of our diocese become members of the Y.E.S. family. The focus of Y.E.S. is "on who Christ is". Y.E.S. helps foster a clearer appreciation of self, richer relationships with others and a deeper experience with Jesus.

For more information, visit www.epicenter.org.

Confirmation is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, December 6 at 2:00 PM. Adults have been prepared, as well as those desiring reaffirmation of faith. A reception in honor of the Bishop and Confirmands will be held immediately following the service in Bagby Parish Hall.
Bibles for the Bishop's Signature:
Confirmands who have prayer books or Bibles for the Bishop to sign are asked to bring them to the Church office the week before (to be given to Nancy Hassay for processing). Be sure your name is printed inside the book; it will be returned to you in Bagby Parish Hall following the service.
Information:
For additional information concerning Adult Confirmation, contact Nancy Hassay at 713/985-3817. For additional information concerning Youth Confirmation, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843 or Eric Moen at 713/985-3819.

The Progressive Dinner, for grades 9-12, is December 6, 6:00-10:00 PM at the Island. For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

The Christmas Party for grades 6-8 is December 7, 4:30-6:00 PM at the Island. For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

The Christmas Party for grades 9-12 is December 7, 7:00-8:30 PM at the Island. For more information, contact Barry Moore at 713/985-3842.

Island City Limits open mic nights are held on the following dates, from 7:00-10:00 PM at the Island:

January 9
February 13
March 6
April 3

For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

St. Martin's continues with its series of "intergenerational" events, also known as "St. Martin's Family Days." Join us for "Epiphany" and "Feast of Lights" on Sunday, January 11. For more information about this event, please click here, or contact Eric Moen at 713/985-3819.

Other planned "St. Martin's Family Days:"

March 8, 2009, "H20," Help to Others Ministry Fair

April 5, 2009, Palm Sunday, with Middle Eastern theme

May 31, 2009, Pentecost Picnic / Youth Mission Sunday

For more information about "St. Martin's Family Days," contact Jamie Martin Currie at 713/985-3829.

The Feast of Lights service is on Sunday, January 11, in The Church, featuring St. Martin's youth assisting with the service. Come to this beautiful candlelight service where we all can take the light of Christ out to the world literally with our actions and symbolically through candles and an amazing fireworks display (which follows the service).

After the fireworks show, everyone is invited to come over to the Island for hot dogs, dessert and fellowship as we celebrate the Feast of Lights.


Youth interested in assisting should contact Eric Moen at 713/985-3819 or Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

Confirmation Retreat for grade 8 is January 16-18 at Carolina Creek Christian Camp. For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

[This is a diocesan event for youth.] Keyword = retreat

January 23-25, 2009 at Camp Allen. The Happening Movement is a powerful instrument of renewal in the Church. Its purpose is to concentrate closely on the person and teaching of Jesus Christ. Our faith is seriously examined in a relaxed, fun, informal and loving atmosphere. The Happening weekend is an experience that gives those who attend the desire to understand and serve God through his Church.

For more information, visit www.epicenter.org.

[This is a diocesan event for youth] Keyword = retreat

January 23-25, 2009 at Camp Allen. A Youth Encounter Spirit (Y.E.S.) weekend brings together members of the 7th-9th grade youth of the Diocese of Texas as a Christian community. The 7th-9th grade participants and adult sponsors from youth groups among the parishes and mission churches of our diocese become members of the Y.E.S. family. The focus of Y.E.S. is "on who Christ is". Y.E.S. helps foster a clearer appreciation of self, richer relationships with others and a deeper experience with Jesus.

For more information, visit www.epicenter.org.

Join us on Sunday, February 1, for this annual wellness event. The theme is Spirituality, Awakening & Recovery.

For adults:
The Rev. Jeff Georgi will present a free program for all interested adults, from 1:00-3:00 PM in Bagby Parish Hall. The Rev. Jeff Georgi, M.Div., M.A.H., CCAS, LPC is Clinical Director of the Medical Addictions Program; Clinical Faculty, Department of Psychiatry, Surgery & School of Nursing, Duke University Medical Center.

For youth:
The youth ministry will host their own Recovery Sunday event at the Island on Sunday evening.

Recovery Sunday is presented by St. Martin's Episcopal Church Prevention and Recovery Council. Programs are free. Guests are encouraged and welcomed.

For more information, contact the Rev. Dr. John K. Graham at 713/985-3815, or visit our Prevention & Recovery Council Web page.

Island City Limits open mic nights are held on the following dates, from 7:00-10:00 PM at the Island:

February 13
March 6
April 3

For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

The Parents Spring "God & Sexuality Retreat" Meeting (for parents of youth) is February 15. For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

The "God & Sexuality Retreat," for grades 8-12, is February 20-22. You are invited to join us as we learn about why we are as God made us, and the awesome responsibility of God's gift of sexuality.

For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

Ash Wednesday is February 25, 2009.

The High School Confirmation Class, for grades 9-12, will be held from 6:45-7:45 PM in the Parlor.

Meeting dates:
March 4
March 11
March 25
April 1

For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

Lenten Rootworks, for grades 6-12, meets from 6:45-7:45 PM at the Island.

Meeting dates:
March 4
March 11
March 25
April 1

For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

Wednesdays in Lent schedule:
5:15-6:30 PM - Dinner, Bagby Parish Hall
6:00 PM - Worship, Holy Eucharist, The Church
6:30-6:45 PM - Welcome and announcements
6:45-7:45 PM - Programs for adults, youth and children

We have programs for adults, youth and children. For more information, contact Brittney Jacobson at 713/985-3821.

Island City Limits open mic nights are held on the following dates, from 7:00-10:00 PM at the Island:

March 6
April 3

For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

St. Martin's continues with its series of "intergenerational" events, also known as "St. Martin's Family Days." Join us for H20 (Help to Others Ministry Fair) on Sunday, March 8, time and location to be announced. For more information about this event, contact Jamie Martin Currie at 713/985-3829.

Other planned "St. Martin's Family Days:"
April 5, 2009, Palm Sunday, with Middle Eastern theme
May 31, 2009, Pentecost Picnic / Youth Mission Sunday

The High School Confirmation Class, for grades 9-12, will be held from 6:45-7:45 PM in the Parlor.

Meeting dates:
March 4
March 11
March 25
April 1

For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

Lenten Rootworks, for grades 6-12, meets from 6:45-7:45 PM at the Island.

Meeting dates:
March 4
March 11
March 25
April 1

For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

Wednesdays in Lent schedule:
5:15-6:30 PM - Dinner, Bagby Parish Hall
6:00 PM - Worship, Holy Eucharist, The Church
6:30-6:45 PM - Welcome and announcements
6:45-7:45 PM - Programs for adults, youth and children

We have programs for adults, youth and children. For more information, contact Brittney Jacobson at 713/985-3821.

Spring Break Ski Trip, for grades 6-12, will be March 14-March 19 to Breckenridge, CO.

For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

Wednesdays in Lent schedule:
5:15-6:30 PM - Dinner, Bagby Parish Hall
6:00 PM - Worship, Holy Eucharist, The Church
6:30-6:45 PM - Welcome and announcements
6:45-7:45 PM - Programs for adults, youth and children

We have programs for adults, youth and children. For more information, contact Brittney Jacobson at 713/985-3821.

The High School Confirmation Class, for grades 9-12, will be held from 6:45-7:45 PM in the Parlor.

Meeting dates:
March 4
March 11
March 25
April 1

For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

Lenten Rootworks, for grades 6-12, meets from 6:45-7:45 PM at the Island.

Meeting dates:
March 4
March 11
March 25
April 1

For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

Wednesdays in Lent schedule:
5:15-6:30 PM - Dinner, Bagby Parish Hall
6:00 PM - Worship, Holy Eucharist, The Church
6:30-6:45 PM - Welcome and announcements
6:45-7:45 PM - Programs for adults, youth and children

We have programs for adults, youth and children. For more information, contact Brittney Jacobson at 713/985-3821.

The High School Confirmation Class, for grades 9-12, will be held from 6:45-7:45 PM in the Parlor.

Meeting dates:
March 4
March 11
March 25
April 1

For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.

Lenten Rootworks, for grades 6-12, meets from 6:45-7:45 PM at the Island.

Meeting dates:
March 4
March 11
March 25
April 1

For more information, contact Aleeta Brashear at 713/985-3843.