The Spirit of Saint Nicholas
The E-Newsletter from Saint Nicholas Episcopal  Church  
69 Mobley Road, Hamilton, GA 31811
706-628-7272
May 17th - 23rd, 2017
Sunday Services 8:30 and 11:00am 
SNICK -  Wednesdays 5:30 
(led by Children of St. Nick - followed by dinner)



St. Nicholas' mission is to be an example of Christ's love 
for all people.
Our vision is to be the center of nourishment in mind, body, and spirit
for all people in our community.  
St. Nicholas is piloting a new program for the whole congregation. 
SFFC is a national movement partnering with the Church to temporarily care for at-risk children and youth, while strengthening families in crisis. 
With over 30 homeless children and youth in Harris County, we are partnering with 
to show hospitality in the homes of our parishioners to children and families in need. 
We will have a parish-wide training on May 20, 10:00am-12:00 noon for those interested in hosting and for those can support families who do host. 
There are many ways to help with this program! 
For more information on how SFFC works, go to http://www.twincedars.org/program/safe-families-children/ or contact Chris Butzon, ministry leader or  Fr. Jeff

 
Lunch Bunch
The next Lunch Bunch will meet this Sunday, May 21st after the 11:00 service! 
We will meet at the  Callaway Country Kitchen, 17800 US-27, 
Pine Mountain.
Come join us & bring a friend!

 

 

From Fr. Jeff:

We tend to think that reconciliation is impossible, so we don't even try to make it happen. We think that it's often no use saying "I'm sorry" because those words can be so hollow. We wall off our hearts with certain people so that we don't get hurt again. We refrain from speaking because our culture tells us it's better to pretend things are OK instead of teaching us how to resolve differences. But Jesus forgave people while he was still being murdered by them! Later, the deacon Stephen did the same thing as people were throwing stones at him. If they can forgive in the midst of violence, then surely we can learn how to forgive in the midst of passive-aggression. Forgiveness is not a weakness. It's the most powerful thing we can do because it's rooted in the most powerful gift - love. 

*If you would like to receive messages like this in text form from Fr. Jeff every week, text "Add me" to 

Peace,  Jeff
 

Coffee Cups
In order to reduce our spending and our waste, we encourage you to bring a favorite coffee mug from home to leave in the cabinet for your Sunday coffee. 
Or if you want to just get rid of a few, please bring them! 
When you're done with your coffee each week, you can put them in the dishwasher to be used again. 
Thank you for helping us be good stewards of all of God's gifts!
 
Vestry Retreat

This past  Saturday, the Vestry took some time to pray, discuss, discern, and plan in a one-day retreat. After eating a "light" breakfast prepared by Sue Halmrast and playing a team-building game led by Bob Hamilton, we did some looking back and looking forward. Father Jeff led a series of questions which the Vestry discussed. You will find many threads which highlight our parish family and the gifts God has given us.

Of all the Episcopal churches in the area, why did you choose St. Nicholas?
The Rector, Divorce, Holy Spirit, Ministries, Non-Judgmental, "We Love Everybody", Relaxed/Laid Back, Country Church, Size, Family, Relationships, Friends, Welcoming, Belonging

What keeps you coming back?
Familiarity, Grace, A Restart to my week, Coming Home, Music, Warmth, Opportunities for Service to God, Coffee, Worship with Like-Minded Folks & Not Like-Minded Folks, Diversity, Body of Christ, Ever-changing, Involvement, Beautiful Building, Commitment

What has been your best experience at St. Nicholas?
The first day I came, I was so welcomed. 
The love in sharing and trust in conversations held during Adult Formation or Lenten Program, it was a safe place to share.
Beverley's Funeral - everyone came together and celebrated her life
Having friends encourage me to go to Episcopal 101 and then they went with me.
Being received into Episcopal Church at the Cathedral
Father's Day 2011 - Being received by Bishop Whitmore, I knew I belonged
Having lunch at Rose Cottage with Fr. Jeff for the first time

What are some of the commonalities in these stories? Relationships, Belonging, Hospitality, Grace, Holy Spirit, Embraced, Loved

What is it about the Episcopal Church that draws you in?
Reverent, Liturgy, Courageous, Open-Minded, All Are Welcome, Leaders by Example, Followers by Example, History, Tradition

What is it about Harris County/Columbus/LaGrange/area that you value?
FOCUS - opportunity for Ministry, Nature/Beauty, Peaceful, Close-Knit, North Ga in the West, Callaway Gardens, Columbus/LaGrange, CSU, People

What area of our common life at St. Nicholas do you think needs more attention?
Stewardship - focusing on generosity in giving, More fellowship - Lunches/ Wednesday Night Suppers/6-Month Parish Meeting, More Organization - Planning/ Committee Notebooks, Pastoral Care - a little more transparency with the Prayer List

If God gave you three wishes for your church what would they be?
Debt Relief, Salary Increases, Growing in Christ, Stone Walls, Stained Glass, Organ

In summary, the Vestry acknowledged that we are at our best when we are building relationships with one another and when we are offering a place for people to belong. Our future challenges include growing closer together as a parish family, which will increase our pastoral care for one another, our organizing of events and programs, our opportunities for fellowship, and those things will increase our generosity. 
Father Jeff and the Vestry committed to working on these areas in the next 7 months of the year and beyond.

 
St. Nicholas Writes
the church writing group, will meet for the last time this term on 
Sunday, May 28, from 9:45-10:45  in the Adult Formation classroom. 
A panel of writers from our group, some of whom have been published, will discuss the particulars of the writing process as they experience it; that is, how they are inspired, what problems they run into, what keeps them going and motivated.  
Everyone is urged to come and support our talented authors, and see for yourselves the Word in real-life practice. 
They will tell you, too, that everyone has a story to tell--and we can help you tell it!   
Inquiries: Dianne Armstrong .
 
     
           Outreach Ministry Opportunties:

Mondays at 2:00pm - Holy Eucharist at Harris County Jail, contact Fr. Jeff at 706-761-0115

Wednesdays at 1:40pm - Packing 
back packs for BackSnacks, deliveries to school on Thursdays, contact Grant Flynn at 706-457-9531
 
Needed --- Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEV's)

Aside from regular services, St. Nicholas is out and about visiting parish members and community.   
Fr. Jeff and LEV's visit hospital or home-bound parish members, family members, Bright Way Personal Care Home, and Harris County Jail.   Other places would love to have visits from us.  There is a big need to bring God's love to the community through Eucharist and pastoral care.   LEV's are trained to give  Eucharist and provide pastoral care.  
 
We are in need of additional Lay Eucharistic Visitors for this ministry.    
Several members are visiting the prison and Bright Way, however, only two LEV's are active at the moment.   
If you are interested in being trained as an LEV or are able to become active again as an LEV, please contact Fr Jeff (Fatherjeff@stnicholashamilton.com) or the church office (contact@stnicholashamilton.org


Journey to Adulthood
Our new youth program continues with our Rite 13 class (grades 6 & up) at 9:45 in the Classrooms, led by leaders 
Sheri Cody, John Brent, 
Jennifer Milton, and 
Bob Hamilton. 
For more information, contact Sheri Cody



 
Do you speak a second language? 
We would love for you to share your gift on Pentecost  Sunday, June 4 in reading the Gospel in multiple languages. 
Bring your own translation of  John 7:37-39 in whatever language you can speak as we hear multiple tongues proclaim the Gospel! Please contact Fr. Jeff or Chris Butzon if you can help out.

 
All Ladies of St. Nicholas!


The Daughters of the King will host an informal luncheon and informational meeting after the  11:00 a.m.  service on
Pentecost Sunday, June 4, 2017
Please mark your calendars and plan on coming to learn more about DOK and get to know members of our chapter here at 
St. Nicholas.

If you have been contemplating becoming a member of our chapter of the DOK, now is your chance for some fun and exciting information about our plans for the near future.

Please let Andy Butzon or Jennifer Milton know if you plan to attend. Spread the word and bring a friend!

 

 
St. Nicholas Summer Lock-In
July 28  will be here before you know it.  

We are looking for energetic helpers to assist with the end of summer 4 th Annual lock-in to be help at the church. 
There are several ways you can help: brain storming, promotion, food preparation, registration, decorating, chaperoning, teaching, setting up and breaking down.  
This event is fun for all ages.  
If you are interested in assisting with the lock-in at St. Nicholas, please contact  Sheila.a.Dixon@delta.com .  
You can text Sheila at cell  404-852-3467  or call home  706-322-9702

More details of the event to come soon. 
 

Stewards of the Month

Back in Epiphany, when determining where to take our annual Ashes to Go, Father Jeff asked new member Shannon Klein, who has done a monthly Bible study at the Harris County Jail, if we could take ashes in to the jail. She put him in touch with the authorities there and they allowed us to come in on Ash  Wednesday
That led to a conversation with parishioners of taking communion to the prisoners there. 
Since  March 20 , Father Jeff and three other volunteers have gone every week and set up a full Eucharist service in the jail. 
Men and women prisoners alternate weeks that they come. 
As many as 15 men and 8 women have been served in this outreach ministry. 
The volunteers give their time to be present and listen to the prisoners, with non-judgmental ears. 
We read Scriptures, have a conversation about them, and break bread together. As several volunteers say commonly, "I get more out of this than they do." 
These volunteers exemplify the Scripture that when we visit the prisoner, we are visiting Christ himself. 

Therefore, this month's Stewards of the Month go to the 
Jail Eucharist Ministers: Martha Dimon, Alex Garrett, Jim Gilliam, Katherine Johnson, Shannon Klein, Janice Murphy, Larry Nordin, Phebe Robertson, Barrett Smith, and Bert Tomlin

Thank you all for your ministry!

 


please contact Marci Horne for changes

 
Needed --- Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEV's)

Aside from regular services, St. Nicholas is out and about visiting parish members and community.   
Fr. Jeff and LEV's visit hospital or home-bound parish members, family members, Bright Way Personal Care Home, and Harris County Jail.   Other places would love to have visits from us.  There is a big need to bring God's love to the community through Eucharist and pastoral care.   LEV's are trained to give Eucharist and provide pastoral care.  
 
We are in need of additional Lay Eucharistic Visitors for this ministry.    
Several members are visiting the prison and Bright Way, however, only two LEV's are active at the moment.   

If you are interested in being trained as an LEV or are able to become active again as an LEV, please contact Fr Jeff ( Fatherjeff@stnicholashamilton.com) or the church office ( contact@stnicholashamilton.org




         
Bright Way Services

Worship services continue at Bright Way Personal Care Home  in Pine Mountain. Other  Lay Eucharistic Visitors are needed for this ministry. 

Contact  Bert  if you would like to participate.



 
Zion Services for 2017:
 October 1st 
November 12th 
4:00pm

An opportunity to worship at historic Zion Church, built as an Episcopal church in the 1840s, will be offered at  4 p.m. Sunday, April 30th, in Talbotton. 
On the N ational Register of Historic Places, Zion's building has been spared modernization. 
It is a rare Gothic American parish church constructed of old growth timber. 

Zion Church is located at 100 Main Street in Talbotton on U.S. 80. 
Contact Father Jeff Jackson at  (706) 761-0115  for further information. 
Non-perishable food will be collected for Talbotton families in need.

All are welcomed - Invite a friend.

 




 
Lectionary Readings 

If you would like to see the readings for Sunday, 

                        


For those who are ill, recovering or needing special prayers:

  Members of St Nicholas:

Carleen Frokjer
Bill Caudill
Bob Hamilton
Chris Butzon
Jacqueline Duval
Harris County Prison Ministry
Jenny Jackson
BackPack Program
Safe Families Program
Lynn Norris
Cecelia Rood
Michelle Moody
Bill Eidson
Nate Taylor
Clara Butzon


 
Family members and friends of the Community:


John Halmrast
Grace Millet
Terri
LuAnne Creighton
Anita Cheshire
Jordan
Denson Franklin
Trish Davis 
Ann Carolyn King  
McCullohs Family
 Brightway Patients & Staff
Russ Fackler
Joseph Green
Heather Partin
Barbara Hamilton
Danny Hatchell

For Those In Mourning


    Prayers for all our veterans, those currently 
serving their country  away from home, 
for their safe return and for their families 
who wait for them.
 
   

      MAY BIRTHDAYS

2 Martha Dimon 
3 Jackson Crowley 
8 Judy Jenks 
10 Andy Butzon 
13 Phebe Callaway Robertson 
14 Doug Jr. Martin 
16 Karen Thorne 
16 Rose Brent 
28 Nick Simpson 
29 Erick Whitworth 
29 Randy Dameron
29 Theresa Dorminy


MAY ANNIVERSARIES

1  Karen & Jay Thorne 
5  Graham & Marci Horne 
   18 Bob & Patty Hamilton 
   20 Scott & Rebecca Crowley 
   20 Larry & Julie Nordin 
   21 Kin & Beth Brown
  
 
In This Issue

Safe Families for Children

Lunch Bunch

From Fr. Jeff

St. Nicholas Writes

Coffee Mugs

Vestry Retreat

Outreach Opportunities

Journey to Adulthood

Lay Ministry

Pentecost Sunday

Daughters of the King

2017 Organ Tour

Stewards of the Month

Vestry Minutes

Bright Way Ministries

Sunday School Schedule

Zion Worship
 
Lectionary Readings
 
Prayers
 
Birthdays & Anniversaries



Links (in alphabetical order)
 
















CONTACT
  
Deadline for submitting news items is noon Monday.

 Send news and photos to: 
 
The Spirit of St. Nicholas 
is published weekly by 
St. Nicholas Episcopal Church.

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Than

Thank you, St. Nicholas family, for your active involvement in our parish. 




If you or family members will be in a play, concert, sports or school activity please send the information to the church contact@stnicholashamilton.org to be printed in the newsletter. St Nicholas members can then know what is happening with their church family and perhaps attend some of the functions. Include the event with dates, times and location. This is for children, teens and adults.

 

Please help us keep the church directory as up-to-date as possible.


 

If you have not yet filled out a form, please pick one up in the cloister room and return to the church office. Or you can send your info via email to the Parish Administrator at contact@stnicholashamilton.org

  1. Please include:your names and the names of your minor children,
  2. address,
  3. email addresses,
  4. phone numbers (cell and home),
  5. birthdays and anniversaries.

If you need a new picture or a new name tag, indicate that as well. Feel free to use a favorite picture. Just send it in jpeg form to contact@stnicholashamilton.org.


 



Mobile App Installation Instructions






Church members can view the St. Nicholas Church Directory from their iPhone, iPad, Android or Kindle Fire by downloading the free Instant Church Directory Members App.  

You may search for "Instant Church Directory" in the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon Appstore, or use this link: 

After installation, open the Instant Church Directory icon (it looks like a church).  It will ask for your email address.  If your email address is in our church directory, the program will generate a password for you and email it to you.

 

This worked great for most, but if you have any problems make sure you first check to see that your email address is in the church directory.  

 



Please look for these cards in the narthex or in the pews and place them in the alms basin if you give electronically.

Father Jeff will bless them at each service along with the other offerings.



Electronic Common Prayer


Electronic Common Prayer, Version 2.0   (eCP)  is a brand new update to the first, fully authorized, interactive version of the Book of Common Prayer 1979 of the Episcopal Church USA.
Click here for details 
 
GoFundMe Campaign for Zion Church



For our next phase of fundraising for historic  Zion Episcopal Church  
in Talbotton, Georgia , we have set up a
GoFundMe  campaign. 

There is much to be done to help this amazing bit of Georgia history. 
Please share this and encourage people to be generous. 


For over 160 years, Zion Episcopal Church has watched over the village of Talbotton, GA. There are not many 160-year-old structures still standing in our country.





Calling all artists, DIY-enthusiasts, yard-sale fanatics, collectors of cool things: The Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministry needs your expertise and your chairs for its CHAIRity for CVEM. CHAIRity is held on  May 21  from  Noon to 6 p.m.  at Arts in the Park in Lakebottom Park. CHAIRity features one-of-a-kind chairs donated, created, or repurposed by local artists and friends of CVEM and proceeds benefit our neighbors in need in the Chattahoochee Valley region. There are no real rules for chairs: It can be a chair you decorate, repurpose, create or just something unique you've collected through the years. We are also looking for chairs that others may use to decorate. If you would like to donate a chair, please contact us at  info@cvemjubilee.org  or call  706.327.0400
Let me know if you need anything else please!

Holli

Holli Melancon
Communications Director
Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministry
 





It's almost time to TAP! 
TAP   2017 will take place on   June 26-30   from   8:45 to Noon   at the Rankin Arts Center Uptown. 
TAP is a week-long art program for children ages 6-11. 
Through music, drama, dance, art and stories, 
TAP paves a way for a lifelong journey of peace. 
Children are recruited from diverse cultures and faiths and provided the opportunity to unify through art.
About this year's theme: A butterfly begins its life in one form, and ends it in another: Transformation! 
Through the performing arts, TAP transforms hate to love, anger to peace, confusion to clarity, judgement to acceptance, competition to community. Come be a part of TAP 2017: "Transforming Me to We"
There is an application process for TAP. You can apply online   HERE   or print off a brochure and mail it in   HERE

Other ways to participate in TAP:

Teen Intern/Mentor Program: We are also seeking teens to serve as Interns (rising 7th & 8th graders) and Mentors (9th-12th graders). 
Teen training takes place the week before TAP,   June 19-23
You do not have to have participated in TAP before to apply! 
If you're interested, contact us