St. Mark's Episcopal, Beaumont, Texas
 Contact Us    

Email this page
Print this page




History was made when seven religious leaders hosted a Thanksgiving Service at St. Mark's. See more photos click here.


 Daily Office
 Rector's Diary
 All Saints' Episcopal School
The Treasure House

Hallowthankmas

A word used by a fellow Head of School to describe that hectic period in schools between Halloween and Christmas, a time full of excitement and many activities as ghosts and black cats are replaced by Pilgrims and pumpkins and then Christmas trees and Santa Claus on classroom bulletin boards. Ironically, the three holidays have religious roots. The celebration of All Saints Day (or All Hallows as it is known in England) began on the evening before Hallows’eve or Hallow’een, Thanksgiving has its origin not among the Pilgrims, but is an example of the many harvest festivals celebrated by peoples around the world, and Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, “the Word made Flesh.”  In a sense all three are times of giving thanks, for “all the saints of God who lived not only in ages past,” but are present in our lives today, for the gracious gifts of God at harvest time, and above all for the gift of His only begotten Son, yet, all have been thoroughly secularized in our culture today. Instead of honoring the lives of the saints we pay more attention to imaginary figures “Ghoulies, and Ghosties, and Things that go Bump in the Night.” Thanksgiving becomes overeating and naps while watching football games. Christmas is more about receiving than giving, letters to Santa, and decking the Malls. Lest this sound too much like Scrooge (Bah Humbug!), let us remember in the midst of our celebrations what they are all about and the spiritual truths they represent. Yes, we can take pleasure in them for He who came to bring us abundant life did not take away our sense of humor and our capacity to enjoy life, but He constantly calls us to look beyond the wrappings and see the true gift within and then give thanks with all our heart and soul for His great gift of Love. Halloween is past, but have a Happy Thanksgiving and in time a Blessed Christmas.

A. Dean Calcote



 

 

 

 

 

 



  




 
St. Mark's Calendar
November 27 - Friday
Church Office Closed for Thanksgiving
8:00 am Friday Morning Ministry
9:00 am Pantry Ministry

more... 
St. Mark's News
» St. Nicholas is Coming for Parents' Night Out
  St. Mark's Youth and Their Parents are Hosting a Parents' Night Out...


» ADVENT EVENTS
  During Advent we're going wear our pajamas, make wreaths and ornaments, sing, eat and anticipate the coming of the baby. 


» Dedicate Poinsettias & Wreaths
  Honor a loved one with flowers and greenery.


» Saturday Night Social
  St. Mark's Saturday Night Social at the Barking Dog


» Wellspring Wednesday
  This Wednesday we'll resume Wellspring Wednesdays!


» Diocesan Delegate Nominees Needed
  Nominate Candidates for Diocesan Delegation


» Vestry Nominees
  Nominate Vestry Candidates


» SAVE THE DATE: Cindy Ordination
 

Rejoice with us...



» Habitat for Humanity Apostle’s Build,
  St.  Mark's is doing their part to build a house for Habitat of Humanity and you can help!


» Downtown Vespers
  Downtown Vespers...Evensong...an ancient blessing...a new sound!      


» Altar Flowers
 

Give Altar Flowers for celebration or in memorial....



Media
MainSite
 » Sermon 10/25/09
 » Sermon 11/1/09
 » Sermon 11/15/09
 » Sermon 11/22/09
 » Sermon 11/8/09

more...