St. Laurence Men
All men of the Parish are invited to the November meeting of the St. Laurence Men on Mon, Nov. 18 in the Parish Hall. Come for dinner at 6:00pm, followed by a Biblical discussion on Destructive Habits: How the Gospel can offer men a new set of redemptive habits. They’ll also begin planning for the Spring Men’s Retreat at Camp Crucis. Then stay and watch the Cowboys/Texans games on the big screen.
St. Laurence Women's Group
Join us as we prepare for the holiday season with a program on “The Art of Tablescaping,” where we will share design ideas and entertaining tips to wow your guests and create a relaxing, enjoyable gathering. We will meet on Tues, Nov. 19 from 6:30-8:30pm in the Parish Hall to enjoy a delicious meal and relax with friends. A donation of $10 would be appreciated to help defray costs. Childcare for age 5 and under is available.
Youth Group Bake Sale
Check out the Youth Group Bake Sale on Sun, Nov. 24 between the services in the Parish Hall. Help the youth raise money for their summer mission trips and pick up some delicious goodies for your Thanksgiving week.
GRACE Thanksgiving Food Distribution - St. Laurence Men’s Group
All men of the Parish are invited to distribute food for Thanksgiving to local families in need on Wed, Nov. 27 from 10:30-12:30pm. Meet at the Food Pantry (839 E. Walnut St., Grapevine).
Thanksgiving Eve Service
Join us on the eve of Thanksgiving to give thanks to God for our many blessings.
Youth Rally
All 6-12th graders are invited to attend this wonderful 2-day youth retreat full of spiritual growth and Christian fellowship at Camp Crucis in Granbury. This weekend is a fun opportunity for students to spend time at our diocesan camp and grow in fellowship with one another while deepening their faith.
St. Nicholas Breakfast
St. Nicholas Breakfast is Sat, Dec. 7 from 9:00-10:30am in the Parish Hall. Bring your kids, the Christmas gifts for the child/children you sponsored and grab some coffee and breakfast. St. Nicholas will be there at 9:30 to share the story of how his tradition of charity began. Then the children will have an opportunity to tell him what gifts they brought for others rather than asking for gifts for themselves. It’s a great morning!
Handel's Messiah Performance
We are excited to announce that our Choir is performing a very special concert of Handel’s Messiah, the Christmas portion and Hallelujah Chorus - and they’ll be accompanied by a full orchestra right here at St. Laurence! Please put this on your calendar now and make plans to join us for this unforgettable event. Sun, Dec. 8 at 5:00pm followed by a wine and cheese reception.
Men's Bingo at UGM
All men of the Parish are invited to Bingo Night at UGM on Mon, Dec. 9. Join us for a great night of fellowship with the men at Union Gospel Mission in Ft. Worth. Meet at Swift Lindley’s House at 6:00pm to car pool. Bingo starts at 7:00pm.
Christmas Party for St. Laurence Men and St. Laurence Women
The St. Laurence Men and St. Laurence Women are having a combined Christmas Party on Sat, Dec. 14 at 6:30pm at the home of Mark and Karie Edson. Dinner is provided but please bring your beverage of choice. All men and women of the Church are invited.
Gainesville State School Visit
On Sun, Dec. 15, 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, Dec. 6 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.
GRACE Christmas Food Distribution - St. Laurence Men’s Group
All men of the Parish are invited to distribute food for Christmas to local families in need on Fri, Dec. 20 from 10:30-12:30pm. Meet at the Food Pantry (839 E. Walnut St., Grapevine).
Middle School & High School Christmas Party
Join us for our Youth Group Christmas Party from 12:30-2:00pm on Sun, Dec. 22. Don't forget to bring a wrapped $10.00 gift card if you'd like to participate in our gift card exchange. Come hungry and ready to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas!
Children's Christmas Pageant
Children’s Christmas Pageant is Sun, Dec. 22 at 5:00pm in the Church. Get it on the Grandparent’s calendars now! The cuteness factor will be through the roof at this not-to-be-missed event. Join us for cookies and hot chocolate outside after the pageant.
Christmas Eve Service
Be a Part of Our Christmas Celebration! Bring your family, friends and neighbors and join us at one of our Christmas Eve services.
Our 5:00pm Christmas Eve service is a perfect service for families with young children.
The 7:00pm Mass is a beautiful service for everyone, especially those not wanting to be out late.
Our Solemn Mass begins at 11:00pm with incredible music and candlelight, and is a glorious celebration of the birth of our Lord. Come early at 10:30pm to sing Christmas carols and enjoy festive music.
Nursery is available for the 5:00 and 7:00pm services.
Christmas Day Service
Join us for Mass on Christmas morning to celebrate the birth of our Lord.
God Squad
Taking our cue from Jesus’ being tempted in the wilderness, our God Squad prayer warriors will learn how to navigate the Bible to find passages to use for specific prayers. There’ll be plenty of games, fun and snacks too! Join us on Sun, Nov. 17 from 3:30-5:00 in the Youth Room.
Gainesville State School Visit
On Sun, Nov. 17, 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, Nov. 8 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.
Men's Bingo at UGM
All men of the Parish are invited to Bingo Night at UGM on Mon, Nov. 11. Join us for a great night of fellowship with the men at Union Gospel Mission in Ft. Worth. Meet at Swift Lindley’s House at 6:00pm to car pool. Bingo starts at 7:00pm.
Whirly Ball
The St. Laurence Men will join the Youth Group for Whirly Ball on Sun, Nov. 10 from 1:30-3:00pm. Who will win, the men or the youth? There could be some smack talk involved, but a fun time to be sure. Meet at Whirly Ball (147 E Harwood Rd, Hurst).
Expansion Update Meeting
Everyone in the Parish is invited to an Expansion Update meeting on Sun, Nov. 10 between the services. Fr. Jordan, the Building Committee and Vestry will give you the most up-to-date details about the expansion. You’ll hear about the General Contractor, the construction loan, an update on the construction schedule and more. The meeting will be filmed if you can’t make it. Sun, Nov. 10 at 9:50am in the Parish Hall.
XYZ Group Lunch
The XYZ Group is a fellowship group for all those 60+ and they’re meeting for a late lunch on Sat, Nov. 9 at 2:00pm at Red, Hot & Blue Restaurant (143 Grapevine Hwy #620, North Richland Hills). Everyone is welcome.
Family Book Chat
For all youth, age 9 and older, and adults. This time the group is reading "A Place to Hang the Moon,” by Kate Albus. It’s a story about the importance of family: the one you're given, and the one you choose. This is a one-day discussion so read the book beforehand and come prepared to discuss what inspired or convicted you the most. See Katie LaPenna for more info. Sun, Nov. 3 from 12:15-1:45pm in the Parish Hall.
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. We will have a baptism at the late service as well. This is also Stewardship Sunday so bring your pledge card if you’re ready.
All Souls' Day Mass
Please join us Sat, 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 Nov. 1 at office@saintlaurencechurch.org.
Trunk or Treat
Everyone in the Parish is invited to our Trunk or Treat event on Sun, Oct. 27 from 4:00-6:00pm (set up begins at 3:00) in the back grass area. We’ll have music, an inflatable obstacle course (perfect for the older kids), a small bounce house (for the little ones), a petting zoo and pony rides! Family friendly costumes only please. We’ll have a costume parade and there’ll be several prizes for costumes and trunks! Everything will be on the grass area behind the office, even the trunks. The community is invited as well.
St. Laurence Men's Chili Cookoff
All men of the Parish are invited to a Chili Cook Off Competition. High School age sons are invited as well. Everything will be provided for you: counter top burners, pots, utensils and all the ingredients you need to make chili. If you have a special ingredient or spice mix, you can bring that, but nothing else. You’ll be divided into random teams, and in true Food Network style, you’ll have 2 hours to create your award winning chili only from what you have. No recipes allowed and prizes will be awarded! Cost is $10/person. Join in the fun on Sun, Oct. 20 at 4:00pm in the Parish Hall. The competition will finish around 6:30 and then everyone is invited to stay afterwards to eat chili and watch football.
Gainesville State School Visit
On Sun, Oct. 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, Oct. 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.
Acolyte Training
Acolytes are the youth who carry the torches and cross during the Church services, they assist during the Eucharist and older youth are thurifers who carry the incense. Anyone interested in becoming an acolyte (age 10 and older) or who is already an acolyte but wants to learn some of the other roles, is asked to come to Acolyte Training on Sat, Oct. 19 at 11:00am in the Church.
New Beginnings Youth Retreat
New Beginnings is a two night retreat at St. Vincent's Cathedral for 6th-9th graders. This fun, spiritual retreat focuses on helping youth grow and build their relationships with God, their family, and their friends!
St. Laurence Women's Group
All women of the Parish are invited to gather for "Sip and Script," a hands-on teaching of creative handwriting by fellow member Katie LaPenna. We will meet on Thurs, Oct. 17 from 6:30-8:30pm in the Parish Hall. You will learn the basics of the craft and design a small chalkboard. A donation of $15 will help defray the cost of the meal and supplies. Childcare for age 5 and under is available.
Men's Bingo at UGM
All men of the Parish are invited to Bingo Night at UGM on Mon, Oct. 14. Join us for a great night of fellowship with the men at Union Gospel Mission in Ft. Worth. Meet at Swift Lindley’s House at 6:00pm to car pool. Bingo starts at 7:00pm.
Anglican Essentials/Adult Confirmation Class
Learn about the Anglican approach to the Bible and the Sacraments, the history of Anglicanism, what it means to live the Christian life in the Anglican way and much more. Perfect for those new to the Anglican tradition or those who just want a refresher on our identity. This class is also for those who wish to receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Childcare is available. Join us Sundays from Oct. 13 through May 4 (with holiday breaks). Confirmation is May 18. Evensong is from 5:00-5:30 and then the class is from 5:45-7:00pm in the Parish Hall and will be taught by Fr. Rogers. Childcare for kids age 5 and under is available.
God Squad
God Squad is a junior Youth Group just for 4th & 5th graders - and this year, we’re taking a deep dive into learning how to pray! Join us Sun, Oct. 13 for a fun time of games, discussion, snacks & Jesus! 3:30-5:00pm in the Youth Room.
Camp Crucis Work Day
Head on out to Camp Crucis in Granbury and help with some cleanup projects for the Fall.
Funeral for Bishop Iker
Bishop Jack Iker, who was our bishop for 24 years, passed away on Saturday after a battle with cancer. He was at St. Laurence many times over those years for annual visits, confirmations, ordinations and other special occasions. We give thanks to God for his life and ministry.
The Funeral Mass will be held Fri, Oct. 11 at 2:00pm at St. Vincent’s Cathedral (1300 Forest Ridge Dr., Bedford). All are welcome. Overflow parking will be available at the North end of Pennington Field, 1501 Central Dr, Bedford, TX 76022. There will be a shuttle bus to the Cathedral beginning at 12:30pm, ending at 1:45pm. The return shuttle will run for 2 hours after the end of the mass.
It will also be live-streamed here.
The late Bishop Iker will lie in state for a vigil on Thurs, Oct. 10 from 5:00-7:00pm at St. Vincent’s Cathedral. From 7:00-10:00pm, the vigil will move to St. Mary’s Chapel. All are welcome.
Please pray for Bishop Iker’s wife Donna and the entire Iker family. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Full Choral Evensong
Everyone is invited to a very special Choral Evensong on Sun, Oct. 6 at 5:00pm. Our choir steps up to the challenge of some very complex and beautiful pieces to offer this extraordinary Evensong, similar to what you would find in the big Anglican Cathedrals in England. Join us afterwards for a wine and cheese reception in the Parish Hall. Childcare for kids age 5 and under is provided.
Oktoberfest
Please join us for Oktoberfest & Clergy Appreciation on Sat, Oct. 5. We’re putting a Texas spin on Oktoberfest so in addition to German sausage we’re serving grilled hamburgers and lots of great sides. The outdoor Biergarten will be open between the Church and Parish Hall so there’ll be plenty of room for everyone. German beer, iced tea and water will be available but bring your own wine if you want it and a dessert for the Dessert Contest. The Vestry is sponsoring a celebration of our amazing clergy, so we’ll be honoring them this night also. Sat, Oct. 5, doors open at 5:30pm, dinner will be served at 6:15. Cost is $20/person. Nursery is available for age 5 and under (no charge) and supervised pizza/movie night for older children is $5/child or $10/family.
Blessing of the Animals
Bring your pet to the lawn between the Church and Parish Hall 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 bless and 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. 5.
Evensong Celebration of Bp. Reed’s 5 Year Anniversary
In celebration of the 5th anniversary of Bishop Reed’s consecration, there will be a special Choral Evensong at St. Vincent’s Cathedral (1300 Forest Ridge Dr., Bedford) on Sun, Sept. 29 at 5:00pm. A reception in honor of the Bishop will follow. We will not have Evensong and Benediction at St. Laurence that night so please go to St. Vincent’s and celebrate with the Bishop!
Parent Meeting for First Holy Communion
There is a parent meeting on Sun, Sept. 29 at 9:50am in the Children’s Chapel room (last classroom on right in Parish Hall) 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. 6, 20 & 27. First Holy Communion is on All Saints’ Sunday, Nov. 3.
Young Men's Outdoor Group Planning Meeting
The Young Men’s Outdoor Group is gearing for a new year of fun, outdoor activities such as camping, canoeing, hiking, shotgun shooting and spelunking. The group is open to boys of all ages and their fathers or male mentors. All those interested are asked to come to a planning meeting today at 9:50am. Where? Outside of course! Meet on the lawn between the Church and Parish Hall.
XYZ Group Lunch
The XYZ Group is a fellowship group for all those 60+ and they’re meeting for a late lunch on Sat, Sept. 28 at 2:00pm at 54th Street Restaurant (2201 State Hwy 121, Euless). Everyone is welcome.
Bishop Reed Sporting Clay Challenge
Help raise money for Camp Crucis by participating in the Bishop Reed Sporting Clay Challenge. 4-person team, true pair each station. Lunch, prize drawings and awards presentation follows the tournament. Sponsorships are available.
God Squad
God Squad is a junior Youth Group just for 4th & 5th graders - and this year, we’re taking a deep dive into learning how to pray! Parents and youth are invited a kick-off pool party at the McGuire’s house on Sun, Sept. 22 from 3:30-5:00pm. We’ll talk about the plans for the year, get to know each other and have a great time.
Gainesville State School Visit
On Sun, Sept. 22, 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. 13 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.