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The Spirit of Saint Nicholas
The E-Newsletter from Saint Nicholas Episcopal Church
69 Mobley Road, Hamilton, GA 31811
Sunday Services 8:30 and 11:00am
SNICK - Wednesdays 5:30
(led by Children of St. Nick - followed by dinner)
The Church Office Will Be Closed on Monday, May 29th for Memorial Day
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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.
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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!
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From Fr. Jeff:
Before Jesus ascended to heaven, he promised his disciples that even though he wouldn't be physically with them, he would send an Advocate - the Holy Spirit - to be with them. That word "advocate" in the Greek is "paraclete" (not parakeet!), which means "one called to walk alongside." The Spirit walks alongside each of us. We are never alone, even when we feel like we might be, because the Spirit is right there with us, inspiring us, challenging us, encouraging us, and comforting us. Think of the last time someone wrapped their arms around you when you were sad, or when someone helped you when you really needed it, or when a friend called you when you were feeling lonely. That was the work of the Holy Spirit, moving through them and walking alongside you.
*If you would like to receive messages like this in text form from Fr. Jeff every week, text "Add me" to
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Parish Adminstrator
We are sad to report that our dear Parish Administrator, Theresa Dorminy, will be leaving us soon to take a new job in LaGrange. We are happy for her, and so grateful for her many years of excellent work at St. Nicholas. Theresa's last day will be
June 5
. We wish her the absolute best!
However, God provides, and we are excited that we have a new Parish Administrator, Lindsey Sandoval, who will be assuming the role. Lindsey has been filling in for Theresa for the last year and will be training with Theresa in the next couple of weeks. As with any transition, we ask for your patience and prayers. If you haven't met Lindsey yet, please be sure to stop by the office or give her a call to welcome her officially to St. Nicholas.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
More details of the event to come soon.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Lectionary Readings
If you would like to see the readings for Sunday,
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For those who are ill, recovering or needing special prayers:
Members of St Nicholas:
Ingrid Cheshire
Mabry Collins
Bill Caudill
Chris Butzon
Jacqueline Duval
Jenny Jackson
Michelle Moody
Bill Eidson
Nate Taylor
Clara Butzon
Family members and friends of the Community:
John Halmrast
Terri
Anita Cheshire
Denson Franklin
Trish Davis
McCullohs Family
Harris County Prison Ministry
Brightway Patients & Staff
BackPack Program
Safe Families Program
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.
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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
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In This Issue
St. Nicholas Writes
From Fr. Jeff
Parish Administrator
Pentecost Sunday
Daughters of the King
Coffee Mugs
Vestry Retreat
Outreach Opportunities
Journey to Adulthood
Lay Ministry
2017 Organ Tour
Stewards of the Month
Vestry Minutes
Bright Way Ministries
Sunday School Schedule
Zion Worship
Prayers
Birthdays & Anniversaries
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Links (in alphabetical order)
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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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Thank you, St. Nicholas family, for your active involvement in our parish.
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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.
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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
- Please include:your names and the names of your minor children,
- address,
- email addresses,
- phone numbers (cell and home),
- 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.
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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.
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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.
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GoFundMe Campaign for
Zion Church
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.
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*****DATE CHANGED TO JUNE 4TH*****
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
June 4th
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
*****DATE CHANGED TO JUNE 4TH*****
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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
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You do not have to have participated in TAP before to apply!
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