Walking Humbly through Lent with Jesus
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” — Philippians 2:3
The clergy of the diocese are aware that for several years now, I have every Lenten season, re-read a Christian classic titled Humility by the great 19th-century missionary, Andrew Murray. In the over 200 books he wrote (including Abide in Christ, With Christ in the School of Prayer, Absolute Surrender, the Spirit of Christ), his most impactful and famous work is a short little tract entitled Humility. And in a world that encourages self-promotion and self-focus, Jesus calls His followers to a different way—the way of humility.
Jesus, though He was Lord of all, chose the path of a servant. He washed His disciples’ feet, welcomed the overlooked, and gave His life for others. True greatness in God’s kingdom is not found in being seen but in being faithful.
Humility is not weakness. It is strength submitted to God. It is trusting Him with our reputation and resting in His approval. A humble heart listens before speaking, serves without seeking recognition, and forgives without keeping score.
Each week, during our now-customary Lenten Thursdays Together, we will have different diocesan leaders humbly share devotions on repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, and their own experiences with the power of humility. If you would like to contribute to Thursdays Together devotions, please send them to communicationdirector@dwgc.org.
In the Lent ahead, let us ask ourselves and each other:
Where can I serve quietly?
Who can I encourage without expecting return?
How can I reflect Christ’s humility in my daily life?
We will be better for it at the end. Our life will be better for the world around us if we do.
May we decrease, so that Christ may increase in us.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, teach us to walk and live in humility. We beseech you to remove pride from our hearts. Give us clean hearts O God. Help us to serve the world around us with joy and love with sincerity. May our lives give You Glory in all things. Amen.
With my love and prayers,
| | In January, youth from throughout the diocese gathered together for the annual DWGC Youth Retreat. This year's theme, "Here I Am, Lord", was focused on discussing how to find and live into the calling as believers in Jesus Christ. The weekend was filled with worship, large group teaching, small group discussions, prayer, and time for fellowship and fun! | | |
We give thanks to God for the many wonderful things He has done—and continues to do—in our parish, Our Savior.
During the season of Epiphany, we had our youth weekend. Our students, along with Deacon Joshua and Nora, had the opportunity to lead worship during the church service. It was a joyful and powerful time in the Lord’s presence. We also enjoyed fellowship together through a special movie night, strengthening relationships and encouraging one another in faith. Our youth also participated in the Diocesan Youth Winter Retreat, which was an incredible experience. The students heard from various leaders as well as from their peers.
We began the year with 14 days of fasting and prayer, seeking God’s guidance and dedicating the year to Him. It was a spiritually enriching time for our church family.
We are especially thankful to God for the progress on our building project, which is set to commence soon. The unity, joy, love, and shared vision the Lord has given our congregation over these past months have been a tremendous blessing.
| | Exciting things are happening at HopePointe in 2026, as we continue to live out our calling to know God, grow the Kingdom, and sow into the lives of others. This year we will send out Father Michael and Deacon Katie Dearman, along with some of our church members, to plant a new work in the Tomball area. The Dearman family continue to contribute so much to HopePointe, and while we will miss them, we are so very proud of this beautiful family and their devotion to following Christ and leading others to Him. | | |
We know God is faithful to bring new workers to His church, please pray with us as we search for new additions to our ministry team. HopePointe has started the search for an Assistant Priest and a full time Youth Minister. We have also been blessed to add a new job title, Director of Ministry Operations, which has been filled by Hillarrie Jones, a long time member of HopePointe.
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February 8th marked our Annual Meeting and Chili Cookoff. Sunday morning worship was full of missions, testimonies and exciting church updates. After the worship service,
we had a brief, but eventful annual meeting where we rejoiced as a church family with the announcement that through the faithfulness of our membership and parish leadership, we will be debt free this year!
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Looking Ahead at HopePointe:
Sojourning - We continue our Sojourning: An Evening of Faith & Culture with a lecture and Q&A session from Dr. Tyler Frick Friday, February 20th.
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St. Timothy’s Advent season began with the youth group hosting their annual Breakfast with Santa. This festive event included breakfast, crafts, and opportunities for families to visit and take photos with the guest of honor, Santa—who was joined this year by the Grinch.
The following day, the Mary’s & Martha’s women’s group hosted their Advent Luncheon. The afternoon featured beautifully decorated tables prepared by participants, an Advent reflection, and a catered lunch served by the men of the parish.
| | Christmas Eve featured the “Everyone is Welcome” Christmas Pageant, where all children who wished, acted out the Gospel lesson on the birth of Jesus. | | For Epiphany, our younger kids put on a special Epiphany presentation during the annual Service of Light. After the service everyone followed the cross out to the back for the Burning of the Greens and then into the Parish Hall for St. Tim’s traditional Mexican Potluck. | | In February, love and marriage was celebrated at a Valentine’s Dinner and Dance hosted by the clergy. | | |
Looking Ahead at St. Timothy's:
On Fridays, during Lent, The Stations of the Cross followed by the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will be offered beginning at 6:00pm (only the Stations of the Cross will occur on Good Friday). All are welcome and encouraged to join them!
On Sunday, March 15, we will celebrate Fr. Stan’s years of ministry as Rector of St. Timothy’s and Dean of the Cathedral. On that same Sunday, Canon Aaron Jeffrey will be installed as St. Timothy’s second Rector. Join us!!
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Please pray for the upcoming walkabouts with our bishop candidates on April 23–25, that they may speak faithfully and that we may listen with open and discerning hearts.
Pray also for the Electing Synod on May 16th, that the clergy and delegates may be guided clearly by the Holy Spirit in their deliberations and vote. And let us pray in advance for the next Bishop of the Diocese of the Western Gulf Coast, that the Lord would raise up the shepherd of His choosing—one who will lead us with wisdom, courage, humility, and a deep love for Christ and His Church.
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Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a Bishop for this Diocese that we may receive a faithful pastor who will preach the Gospel, care for your people, equip us for ministry, and lead us forth in fulfillment of the Great Commission; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (For the Selection of a Bishop, BCP 2019) | | | | DWGC Women's Gathering: The Highs and Lows of Living a Life of Love - April 10 - 11 | | |
And they will know we are Christians by our love, but will they?
In 1 Thessalonians 3:12, Paul prays for the Lord to make new believers in the church in Thessalonica increase and abound in love for one another and for all. This year’s Diocesan Women’s Gathering on April 10th and 11th at St. Timothy’s Cathedral will center around this prayer. How do we as believers, in the hard places and with the hard people, live a life of genuine sacrificial love rooted in the cross, and sustained by the Spirit? Join Beth Moore, this year’s keynote speaker, as she guides us through this challenge of, “The Highs and Lows of Living a Life of Love.”
The gathering begins on Friday evening and wraps up on Saturday afternoon. Dinner, lunch and snacks will be included. We will also offer a variety of breakout sessions to choose from as well as times of prayer, fellowship, and worship. Spots are filling up fast, so please register today!
Do you have questions, please email our Women’s Ministry Coordinator: Anthea Kotlan
- antheak66@gmail.com.
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Disaster Response Trips in Mississippi and North Carolina
The Anglican Relief and Development Fund (ARDF) has been supporting the community in Rolling Fork, Mississippi (tornado relief) and around Black Mountain, NC (Hurricane Helene). If you are interested in joining one of the two trips/teams to Mississippi in April or one of the four trips/teams in June and July scheduled with ARDF or would like more information, click the link below.
| | The Gospel of Matthew Devotional - from Covenant Anglican | |
This devotional is an adaptation of a method of prayer and Scripture reading developed by the Irish Jesuits, which enables us to create space in our hurried lives for stillness, engagement with God’s Word, and honest prayer. You'll be guided to spend a few moments reflecting on artwork and thoughts each day before being led through seven
movements of prayer and Scripture reading to turn our eyes into ears; so that God’s word is received as God’s voice.
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Journey to Jerusalem Devotional - from Grace Anglican Katy | |
This Lenten devotional features reflections from ten Grace writers who want to join you on your Lenten journey to Easter morning. Each day, they offer you a gift: a reading from the ACNA Sunday Eucharistic Lectionary, a thoughtful reflection on its significance, and a prayer to encourage and guide you along the way.
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Cross & Crown Devotional - from Oak Forest Anglican | |
Each day in this devotional consists of Scripture readings, prayers, and questions for reflection. If you only have 10 minutes to spare, not a problem! If you want to ponder the readings for hours, go for it! Our ultimate aim is to reflect meaningfully upon the death and resurrection of Christ, and our union with Him, while pursuing holiness.
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The Bright Path in the Dark World - from All Saints
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This Lenten season All Saints is using The Divine Comedy by Dante as their guide. Rather than trying to finish the entire work, their goal as a church is to grow more intentional in the practices of reflection and repentance that shape this holy season.
You can participate in a simple way—read one Canto (chapter) each week, practice one spiritual discipline (Daily Examen or fasting), and watch one companion video.
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Last week, we sent out an email to everyone throughout the Diocese with a variety of resources for your journey through Lent. In case you missed them, you can find them in the link below:
LENTEN RESOURCES
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