Blessing of the Animals
Bring your pet to the lawn in front of the Chapel for a special blessing to celebrate the feast day of St. Francis, patron saint of animals. This is a fun and unique morning when we celebrate all of God’s creatures. We have had dogs, cats, hamsters, goldfish, ferrets, birds, turtles, rabbits and bearded dragons! All animals are welcome as long as they are on a leash or in a container. 10:00am on Sat, Oct. 3.
Care Givers Lunch
The Care Giver’s Ministry will have their next lunch on Sat, Oct. 3 at 11:00am at Wildwood Grill (2700 E Southlake Blvd). All those who take care of ailing or disabled loved ones or have recently lost loved ones are invited.
Parent Meeting for First Holy Communion
There is a parent meeting on Sun, Oct. 4 at 9:50am in the Children’s Chapel in the Children’s Building for all parents of kids who are ready to receive communion, usually age 5 and older. Then the classes for the kids will be Oct. 11, 18, 25. First Holy Communion is on All Saints’ Day, Nov. 1.
Food Truck & Cowboys Watch Party
Everyone in the Parish is invited to watch the Cowboys and enjoy lunch together from the 1956 Pizza Food Truck. Sun, Oct. 4 at 12:00pm after the late service. Kick off is at noon. The Pizza Truck will be making fresh, hot pizzas so please come to the Parish Hall to grab a slice or two and then hang out to eat and watch the Cowboys game. Pizza - whole or slices - brownies and soda are available for purchase. BYOB if you want something else while you watch the game.
XYZ Group Lunch
XYZ is a social group for senior parishioners and they’re meeting for a potluck lunch on Sat, Oct. 10 at 2:00pm in the Parish Hall. Please bring a dish to share. Coffee and tea will be provided, but please bring anything else you would like to drink.
First Holy Communion Class
First Holy Communion classes for kids who are ready to receive communion, usually age 5 and older, are Oct. 11, 18, and 25 at 9:50am in the Children’s Chapel of the Children’s Building. First Holy Communion is on All Saints’ Sunday, Nov. 1.
Meaningful Christmas Ornament Exchange
Families of St. Laurence are invited to participate in “A Meaningful Christmas” ornament exchange. Beginning Sun, Oct. 11 at 12:00pm in the Parish Hall you will be able to sign up for one of 23 devotion topics. As a family, you can create ornaments together and bring them to the exchange on Sun, Nov. 15 at noon. This is sure to be a memorable activity as we draw closer to Christ this season!
TELET Evangelism Training Class
Everyone is invited to a very special training on how to talk with others about Jesus. If you’ve struggled knowing what to say when someone asks you why you believe in God, if your heart races at the thought of explaining what Jesus did for you, or if you’d rather scroll on your phone than have a conversation about your faith, this class will help take away those fears. Even if you missed the first class, please join us on Oct. 11 from 4:30-7:30pm in the Parish Hall. The class is led by Fr. Wilson, who has written books and taught Evangelism Training for years. Pizza dinner will be served. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for High School teens. Please register by clicking the link below.
Willing Hands
All those who like to craft are invited to bring their current project and have fun working together with others who like to craft. It’s a time of Christian fellowship, creativity and service. Bring your lunch and meet in the Parish Hall on Tues, Oct. 13 from noon-2:00pm. Willing Hands meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Crafts can be for yourself or for others. If you are interested in donating your creations, Willing Hands will be developing outreach opportunities for that.
Funeral for Elanor Russell
The funeral for Elanor Russell will be Sat, Oct. 17 at 11:00am followed by a luncheon reception in the Parish Hall. The family is requesting that everyone wear purple or green. Purple is the color Elanor’s brother picked as her favorite color and green is the representative color for CACNA1E International, the support group for the genetic disorder that Elanor had. Childcare for kids age 5 and under is available. All are welcome. May Elanor rest in peace and rise in glory.
Gainesville State School Visit
On Sun, Oct. 18, the St. Laurence mission team will minister to the boys at the Gainesville State School. If you would like to come, please contact Carl Lapiska by Fri, 2 so your name can be put on the list. Treats and letters for the boys are always appreciated but please contact Carl so he can advise what is needed.
God Squad
Our Youth Group just for 4th & 5th graders is meeting Sun, Oct. 18 for a fun time of games, discussion, snacks & Jesus! They’ll be talking about what’s in the prayer book and have a special “pumpkin prayer” activity. 3:30-5:00pm in the Flex Space of the Children’s Building.
Men's Bingo at UGM
All men of the Parish are invited to Bingo Night at UGM on Mon, Oct. 19. Join in for a great night of fellowship with the men at Union Gospel Mission. Meet at Swift Lindley’s House at 6:00pm to car pool. Bingo starts at 7:00pm.
St. Laurence Women's Group
All women of the Parish are invited to the next St. Laurence Women’s Group meeting on Thurs, Oct. 22 from 6:30-8:00pm. Please bring a bottle of wine to share and $10 to offset the cost of dinner. Childcare for kids 5 and under is available for anyone who makes a reservation 24 hours in advance by clicking the link below.
New Beginnings Youth Retreat
Join us for New Beginnings, a two-night retreat for 6th-9th graders, October 23-25 at St. Vincent's in Bedford. It's a chance to unplug, make new friends, deepen existing friendships and delve into what it means to build stronger relationships—with God, family and peers. Cost is $75. Contact Katie LaPenna here to register or to get more information.
Trunk or Treat
Everyone in the Parish is invited to our Trunk or Treat event on Sun, Oct. 25 from 4:00-6:00pm (set up begins at 3:00) in the back grass area. We’ll have a petting zoo, inflatable games, a costume parade, and all the fun trunks for the kids to enjoy. Family friendly costumes only please. We’ll have prizes for costumes and trunks! Everything will be on the grass area behind the office and the community is invited as well.
All Saints' Sunday
Join us as we celebrate All Saints’ Sunday! The children will process at the beginning of both Masses, carrying banners that have been made over the years, each one celebrating a different saint.
All Souls' Day Mass
Please join us Mon, Nov. 2 at 9:30am for a special All Souls’ Day Mass. At this service, we will remember those who have died and lift them up in prayer. Please let us know the names of those departed loved ones you would like prayed for by emailing the Church office before Oct. 30 at office@saintlaurencechurch.org.
Gainesville State School Visit
On Sun, Sept. 27 the St. Laurence mission team will minister to the boys at the Gainesville State School. If you would like to come, please contact Carl Lapiska by Fri, Sept. 11 so your name can be put on the list. Treats and letters for the boys are always appreciated but please contact Carl so he can advise what is needed.
TELET Evangelism Training Class
Everyone is invited to a very special training on how to talk with others about Jesus. If you’ve struggled knowing what to say when someone asks you why you believe in God, if your heart races at the thought of explaining what Jesus did for you, or if you’d rather scroll on your phone than have a conversation about your faith, this class will help take away those fears. This 2 day class is led by Fr. Wilson, who has written books and taught Evangelism Training for years. Classes are Sat, Sept. 26 and Sun, Oct. 11 from 4:30-7:30pm in the Parish Hall. Pizza dinner will be served. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for High School teens. Please register by clicking the link below.
Inscribe These Words Bible Study
Our popular Wednesday Bible Study returns this week on Sept. 23 and this year we’re studying the Gospel according to Mark. Through this in-depth study, we’ll explore the ministry of Jesus and Mark’s particular emphasis on Jesus’ universal call to discipleship. Each Wednesday begins at 6:00pm with an optional dinner and fellowship in the Parish Hall, followed by Bible Study from 6:30-8:00pm. Evenings include both small-group discussion and a large-group teaching led by one of our priests. Choose from men’s, women’s, or mixed small groups. Bible reading and homework is a critical component of the study. Perfect for those new to Bible studies as well as those who have been studying scripture for years. The study runs from Sept. 23-Feb.3 with holiday breaks, finishing before Ash Wednesday. Childcare is provided.
Men's Bingo at UGM
All men of the Parish are invited to Bingo Night at UGM on Mon, Sept. 21. Join in for a great night of fellowship with the men at Union Gospel Mission. Meet at Swift Lindley’s House at 6:00pm to car pool. Bingo starts at 7:00pm.
Newcomer's Brunch
All those new or somewhat new to St. Laurence are invited to a Newcomer’s Brunch on Sun, Sept. 20 at 12:15pm in the Parish Hall right after the late service. You’ll get to meet some of the vestry and staff and have a chance to learn a little bit more about the Church. It’s also a great chance for you to ask questions. We want you to feel welcome here and to know about ways you can plug in if you wish. Please join us!
Gainesville State School Visit
On Sun, Sept. 20, the St. Laurence mission team will minister to the boys at the Gainesville State School. If you would like to come, please contact Carl Lapiska by Fri, Sept. 4 so your name can be put on the list. Treats and letters for the boys are always appreciated but please contact Carl so he can advise what is needed.
XYZ Group Lunch
XYZ is a social group for senior parishioners and they’re meeting for a potluck lunch on Sat, Sept. 19 at 2:00pm in the Parish Hall. Please bring a dish to share. Coffee and tea will be provided, but please bring anything else you would like to drink.
Canterbury Youth Choir Begins
Our Canterbury Youth Choir returns! This is for all kids who are old enough to read and older. We teach the Royal School of Church Music which teaches vocal skills, basic music theory and the Anglican tradition of choral music. The Canterbury Choir will sing at approx. 2 services a month (1 at 8:30am and 1 at 10:45am). Rehearsals will be every Wednesday from 6:30-8:00pm in the Music Building.
Evensong & Benediction Return
Evensong is a uniquely Anglican liturgy and St. Laurence is one of the few Churches in our Diocese to offer Evensong. It is sung Evening Prayer, from the Book of Common Prayer and starting Sept. 13 it will be returning every Sunday at 5:00pm in the Church. The service has two main features: 1. Listening to Bible Readings and 2. Offering prayers and praises to our Heavenly Father. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is combined with Evensong and is an extra-liturgical devotion, arising out of people’s desire to express faith in the presence of Jesus in the sacrament of the Eucharist. Here, for a few minutes we contemplate the mystery of His presence in the consecrated bread and we adore Him with hymns of praise. It’s a brief but powerful way to worship Jesus.
God Squad
God Squad is a junior Youth Group just for 4th & 5th graders. Meet in the Flex Space of the Children’s Building for a fun afternoon on Sun, Sept. 13 from 3:30-5:00pm. We’ll talk about the plans for the year, get to know each other and have a great time.
Middle & High School Youth Group Kick Off Party
Both Middle School and High School Youth will kick off the new school year with a fun mystery event. You’ll never guess what it is! Meet in the Youth Room on Sun, Sept. 13 at 12:15pm and we’ll finish at 2:00pm. It's the perfect way to reconnect and start the year.
Expansion Update Meeting
Everyone is invited to our next Expansion Update Meeting on Sun, Sept. 13 at 9:50am between the services in the Parish Hall. We’ll give everyone the latest scoop on finishing the project, the furniture, where we are financially and the upcoming transition from a construction loan to a long-term loan.
Sunday School Begins
Sunday School for youth and kids begins Sept. 13 between the services at 9:50am. Adults will have an All Parish Expansion Meeting on that day and will begin Sunday School on Sept. 20. Kids are in the Children’s Building, Youth are in the Youth Room and Adults will be in the Parish Hall.
St. Laurence Chorale
Join the choir! The St. Laurence Chorale starts their rehearsals for the year on Wed, Sept. 9 and continue every Wednesday night at 7:30pm in the Choir Loft. The Chorale sings at the 10:45am Sunday services and occasional 8:30 services throughout the year. Join in at any time.
Willing Hands
All those who like to craft are invited to bring their current project and have fun working together with others who like to craft. It’s a time of Christian fellowship, creativity and service. Bring your lunch and meet in the Parish Hall. Willing Hands will meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month from Noon-2:00pm starting on Tues, Sept. 8. Crafts can be for yourself or for others. If you are interested in donating your creations, Willing Hands will be developing outreach opportunities for that. Please contact Meredith Whited here if interested.
Care Givers Lunch
The Care Giver’s Ministry will have their next lunch on Sat, Sept. 5 at 11:00am at a location still to be determined. All those who take care of ailing or disabled loved ones or have recently lost loved ones are invited.
Ministry Fair
Are you looking for a way to connect with all that we do at St. Laurence? Maybe get involved with something new and meet new people? Our Ministry Fair is designed with you in mind - to connect you with the many Ministry, Spiritual and Social events throughout the Parish. On Aug. 30, our Parish Hall will be filled with the leaders of many of our ministries who will have info about their groups and ways to get involved. Plan to join us as we showcase St. Laurence Life - Sun, Aug. 30 between the services at 9:50am in the Parish Hall.
Funeral for Judy Green-Redier
The funeral for Judy Green-Redier will be Sat, Aug. 29 at 1:00pm followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. All are welcome. May Judy rest in peace and rise in glory.
1st Day of Parent's Day Out
Our Parent’s Day Out ministry has their first day of school on Tues, Aug. 25. Parent’s Day Out is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00am-2:00pm. Our program binds a comprehensive curriculum with the wonderful truths of God's love and grace.
Diocesan 6-9th Grade Game On Event
Middle schoolers (6th–8th graders), it’s time to get your game face on! Join us at St. Peter and St. Paul Church on August 23 from 3:00-5:00pm for an afternoon of yard games, board games, snacks, and even better fellowship. It’s the perfect chance to unwind, have fun, and catch up with friends. No registration required—just show up ready to play!
Men's Bingo at UGM
All men of the Parish are invited to Bingo Night at UGM on Mon, Aug. 17. Join in for a great night of fellowship with the men at Union Gospel Mission. Meet at Swift Lindley’s House at 6:00pm to car pool. Bingo starts at 7:00pm.
Gainesville State School Visit
On Sun, Aug. 16, the St. Laurence mission team will minister to the boys at the Gainesville State School. If you would like to come, please contact Carl Lapiska by Fri, Aug. 7 so your name can be put on the list. Treats and letters for the boys are always appreciated but please contact Carl so he can advise what is needed.
St. Laurence Day Picnic
We’re celebrating our 75th Anniversary and the feast day of our patron, St. Laurence, at our annual St. Laurence Day Picnic. Everyone’s invited! This year we’ll be in our new Parish Hall with all the AC you could want. We’ll enjoy the wonderful BBQ, waterslides and activities that always makes the picnic so special. The difference this year is plenty of room to mingle and visit with all your friends and no sweating! Plan to join us Sun, Aug. 9 from 12:30-5:00pm in the Parish Hall.
World Famous BBQ, smoked on site by our St. Larry’s Burnt Offerings BBQ Team
Water slides for the big kids, kiddie pools for the little ones
Potluck lunch - Last names ending with A-P bring a side dish, Q-Z bring dessert please
Frozen margaritas
Ice Cream Truck
Live Band
Corn Hole Tournament
Mahjong and Board games
Plenty of parking
Nursery will be open until 2:00pm
Children's Chapel Returns
Parents, you can breathe a sigh of relief as Children’s Chapel returns on Sun, Aug. 9 during both services. Children’s Chapel is a worship service for young kids that includes age appropriate hymns, prayers and a Gospel lesson. Children start in the big Church with their parents and then when called, follow the cross to a service just for them in the Children’s Chapel Room in the Children’s Building. Their service lasts approx. 30 minutes before the children re-join their families at the time of the peace
Youth Group Fellowship Lunch
The High School Youth and Middle School Youth are invited to hang out together and have lunch. Meet at Kincaid’s Hamburgers in Southlake.
Diocesan 6th Grade Pool Party
All kids going into 6th grade this year are invited to a Diocesan Pool Party on Sat, Aug. 2 from 2:00-4:00pm at the home of Frank and Anne Marie Wagnon in Southlake. Come for an afternoon of swimming, games, snacks and lots of fun with other 6th graders around the diocese.
Art Exhibition
For one night only, everyone is invited to the most talked about gallery opening in Southlake. Join us for an elegant evening featuring the works of our accomplished young masters in our “In the Beginning…A Painting Class for Kids,” alongside beautiful icons created by our Sacred Arts Icon Class. Walk the red carpet, mingle with the artists (autographs may be available) and enjoy champagne, sparkling cider, cheese, and crackers. Black tie is completely unnecessary, but dramatic entrances are encouraged. Thurs, July 30 at 6:00pm in the St. Laurence Louvre (ok, it’s the Atrium).
Youth Group Fellowship Lunch
The High School Youth and Middle School Youth are invited to hang out together and have lunch. Meet at Kincaid’s Hamburgers in Southlake.
In the Beginning….A Painting Class for Kids
Kids entering 3rd-6th grades next fall are invited to a beginner's watercolor class that will explore fun techniques while painting through the days of creation in Genesis. Taught by Hilary Hale, a long-time commercial illustrator, the kids will be introduced to the joy of painting while praising God, our Creator. Monday-Thursday, July 27-30 from 10:00am-Noon in the Atrium. Also featuring an Art Showing & Reception on Thurs, July 30 at 6:00pm in the Atrium. Please keep an eye out for Registration details since this class will require a $25 supply fee.
Men's Bingo at UGM
All men of the Parish are invited to Bingo Night at UGM on Mon, July 20. Join in for a great night of fellowship with the men at Union Gospel Mission. Meet at Swift Lindley’s House at 6:00pm to car pool. Bingo starts at 7:00pm.