“On the night he was handed over to suffering and death …” For many years as I have read, heard, or spoken this phrase from Eucharistic Prayer A (p. 362 BCP), the word “suffering” explodes in my mind and heart. Jesus, the incarnate God, had real flesh and bone. His body was subject to the same pains that we all experience. His heart and mind were subject to humiliation, degradation, and vilification just like us.

That Thursday night began a series of exquisitely painful events that culminated in Jesus being nailed to a cross, where his pain and suffering were intensified. Jesus had to drag his lacerated back against rough wood to draw himself up just to take a breath. To get himself into that position he had to pull his body up using his hands, which were nailed into place. The nails more than likely severed or partially severed his median nerves at the wrist. The pain would have been excruciating. It is no wonder that the word excruciating comes from the Latin Excruciatus, “out of the cross.” Death came as a welcomed friend at 3:00 pm on Friday. The spear that pierced his right lung and heart was not necessary.

We must not forget that in the twelve hours before being nailed to the cross Jesus suffered humiliation, sleep deprivation, dehydration, violent beatings, and significant blood loss from scourging. He clearly was in shock as he was too weak to carry the upper part of his cross, which weighed about 100 pounds. Jesus was obviously in terrible condition since he lived only three to six hours after being crucified. He was dying, but still asked God to “Forgive them for they know not what they are doing.”

I have been a bit graphic, but I don’t want any of us to forget the real life and death sacrifice made by God in Christ. A sacrifice made so that we by that grace are freed from sin and death.

Peace,

Joe+

To the People of Saint Paul’s Church:

As we gather together in person this Easter Sunday for the first time in months, we include in our prayers a hope for a return to “normal.” The Return to Worship Committee met again this week to guide us toward in-person services, and our preparations for the same are ongoing. As we gather speed, there will be opportunities for you to participate in worship as ushers and altar guild members. Our committees continue to work, albeit meeting mostly via Zoom, and will always welcome new members should you have an interest. 

The Vestry will meet Easter Monday on the steps of the Church at noon to install the wardens and vestry for the upcoming year. Please continue to pray for each other, Saint Paul’s Church, and the Vestry. We are limited to 75 persons at this meeting, but it is an open meeting and you are welcome there.

Throughout this Easter vigil and each day thereafter, you are in my prayers. 

Ashley Wright

Senior Warden

Like the 2020 Christmas offering, this year's Easter offering will be used to make a real difference in our community. The Outreach Committee has selected Christ Community Health Services to be the recipient of this year's Easter offering. CCHS is a nonprofit in Augusta that offers affordable, quality primary health and dental care to the uninsured and underserved. Their mission is "To proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and to demonstrate His love by providing affordable, quality primary health care to the underserved."

In 2019, their ministry served more than 7,600 patients. We are excited to be a part of this important organization in our community! You can learn more about CCHS on their website.

If you have questions or would like additional information about this Offering, please contact Melissa Friedman or Nancy Kotti.

Give Online by clicking the button below

* Limited in-person worship; Pre-registration required. Currently, the 9 & 11 a.m. in-person services are full. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please contact the Parish Office. If spaces become available we will contact you this weekend.

The Parish Office will be closed April 5 - 10. We will reopen by appointment with our normal business hours at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 12.

If you have not completed a pledge card, please complete this year’s annual stewardship appeal and return it to the church as soon as possible, or pledge online on our website at saintpauls.org/pledge-card/. If you did not receive a pledge appeal in the mail or have simply misplaced yours, please email the parish office or contact by telephone at (706) 724-2485 ext. 225.

as of 3/31/21

Please contact the Parish Office to update our files.