Weekly
Postings
news & events
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December 11 - December 20, 2020 |
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To the Community of Saint Paul’s Church,
The collect for All Saints’ Day offers these words, “Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer." In these words, we are reminded that it is this love that binds us all together; it is this love that empowers our community of faith to live out its witness to the transforming power of God.
St. Paul, in his first letter to the Church in Corinth, is writing to a church that was a mess. There were fifteen distinguishable problems he addresses: The Corinthians factionalizing behind rival leaders (1:10–4:21; 16:10–18); incest (5:1–13); prostitution (6:12–21); celibacy within marriage (7:1–7); Christians married to one another asking about divorce (7:8–11, 39); Christians married to pagans asking about divorce (7:12–16); questions surrounding marriage and remarriage (7:25–40); lawsuits (6:1–11); idolatry (8:1–11:1); concerns about women praying and prophesying in immodest ways (11:2–16); chaos in worship, with speaking in tongues and competing voices (chapter 14); inequality in the communal meal (11:17–34); denials of the bodily resurrection of Jesus and of Christians (15:1–58); the collection of a large sum of money to be sent to Jerusalem (16:1–4); and a change in Paul’s travel plans (16:5–9).
All in all, the moving of a monument, a diminished budget, calling a new rector, each might seem insignificant. And in many ways, they are. Emotional energy, however, surrounds them all. In the midst of the whirlwind, we must be reminded of what was happening in Corinth: a basic failure in relating to one another in love, and a dramatic failure of the local church to act considerately in the face of their competition for status and influence. Each of these problems would have been bad enough, but when they were all present together, the combination was toxic. Douglas A. Campbell, who teaches New Testament at Duke Divinity School, says “When we take a step back from all the ins and outs of the issues in the letter, we can see that Paul is urging something simple on the Corinthians. A great deal of what he says can be summed up in the phrase 'appropriate relating.'”
Paul makes his appeal to the Church quite simple. In the midst of all conflict, all disagreement there must, for the follower of Jesus, be love.
Paul reminds us: “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends; as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away.
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways.
For now, we see in a mirror dimly but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood.
So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:1- 13)
It is my prayer that we can hear St. Paul’s words, “read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them” so that the healing power they offer may be ours.
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From the Search Committee |
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Dear Saint Paul’s Community,
The Saint Paul’s Search Committee has been hard at work on the Parish Profile since receiving your feedback from the parish survey, reviewing the listening sessions, receiving information from the Strategic Planning Committee, and having conversations with parishioners who have reached out to our committee members. We will complete the profile in the next month, and at that time it will be submitted to the Diocesan Office for approval.
We are grateful for all of the input we have received as voice is valued in this process. In an effort to make sure every parishioner is informed and engaged, we have added a new section to our Saint Paul’s website that will provide you with more detailed information about the
search process. The Rector Search Page includes our timeline, houses all communications with the Parish regarding the process, and includes a list of search committee members.
If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, we invite you to reach out to one of our members. Thank you for your continued prayers as we move through this discernment process.
In Christ,
Saint Paul’s Rector Search Committee
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“And they offered Him gifts…” (Matthew 2:11)
Our relationship with W. S. Hornsby School K-8 gives us a wonderful opportunity to share the joy of this season. Instead of dwelling on what we can’t do (host the Angel Tree breakfast and sharing of gifts, making gifts of flowers and music) let us focus on what we can do.
In working with the school, we will be able to purchase items that support the school’s direct needs. Your gift will help us purchase:
• Gifts for 15 Angel Tree recipients whom the school has identified as having significant needs
• Special books to fill each classroom library
• A new sound system for the auditorium
“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”
(Isaiah 40:8)
What a transforming opportunity we have been given, to share the Word we have received with those around us. Flowers will again fill our church, music will swell within its walls, but now let us share the gifts we have received in a life-giving and meaningful way.
If you have questions or would like additional information about this Christmas Offering, please contact Melissa Friedman or Nancy Kotti.
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Ways to Give to the Christmas Offering
As in years past, your Christmas Offering, made in memoriam or in thanksgiving, will be listed in the Christmas Eve bulletin. Please be sure to include all names as they should appear.
Mail a check to the Parish Office by Friday, December 18
- Make checks payable to Saint Paul's Church and designate it as "Christmas Offering"
- To give your gift in Memory, Honor, or Thanksgiving of someone, include their name(s) on a note in the envelope with your check. Please be sure to write the text as it should appear in the bulletin (Ex: In thanksgiving for Jane Doe by Bob Smith; In memory of John Doe).
Give Online by clicking the button below
- Under Fund, select "Outreach," then select "Christmas Offering" as the Sub Fund
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To give your gift in Memory, Honor, or Thanksgiving of someone, leave their name(s) in the comment box. Please be sure to write the text as it should appear in the bulletin (Ex: In thanksgiving for Jane Doe by Bob Smith; In memory of John Doe).
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#AdventWord
A Daily Practice for Advent
How long, O Lord…. How long will you turn you face from me? —Psalm 13
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Saint Paul’s clergy encourage everyone to take up a daily practice of observance this Advent using # Advent Word .
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A Booklet of Advent Blessings for Your Home |
Faith is grown in our daily lives and Advent offers a special opportunity for creating and gathering around a sacred space in your home. This short booklet contains simple prayers, blessings and reflections for anyone and everyone to practice their faith right up and into the mystery of Christmas. |
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EVENTS THIS SUNDAY | December 13 |
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GODLY PLAY - Children through 5th grade
K-2nd grade, 9 - 9:40 a.m.
3rd-5th grade, 9:45 - 10:30 a.m.
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 366 090 592
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Advent is the beginning of our liturgical year. Advent means “coming,” as in the coming of Jesus.
Godly Play will spend the next four Sundays preparing our hearts and minds for the mystery of the birth of Jesus.
Over the next weeks, we will share our Advent stories, light our Advent candles, and spend time with our Holy Family.
As in previous years, the culmination of these lessons will be an opportunity to prepare the creche for the parish on the fourth Sunday of Advent at 4 p.m.
We encourage all the parishes' children to join us this Advent season as we prepare to find God-with-us, Emmanuel.
Please feel free to bring your Advent Wreaths or any items your family shares during Advent in your home.
The Godly Play class sends weekly emails on Saturday morning. If you have children K-5th grade and would like to receive this email, please contact Maddy Elledge.
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RECTOR'S FORUM - ADVENT LECTIONARY STUDY
Sundays in Advent
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Who: Open to everyone, week-by-week
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 860 972 849
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
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Join us for the Rector’s Forum this Sunday. During our time together we will reflect on the Collect of the Day and lessons appointed for that Sunday. Our time is spent understanding how ancient words impact our current reality. |
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COFFEE & CONVERSATION
Sundays, 10:35 a.m.
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 860 972 849
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
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Help us celebrate our friends with December birthdays during Coffee and Conversation on Zoom. Enjoy a fun song the Saint Paul's choir has prepared and fellowship with your Parish family!
Click here for more information on Birthday Sunday, including Zoom instructions!
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CELTIC EVENING PRAYER AND COMMUNION
Sundays, 5:30 p.m.
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Our Celtic Evening Prayer is a candle-lit service that emphasizes the contemplative side of worship and features some of Augusta’s best Celtic musicians. Come as you are and enter into a place of rest, prayer, and reflection.
Please note that during this time, we ask that everyone sign up to attend as each service is limited to the number of participants. You will be required to submit your email address for contact tracing.
Masks are kindly required by all individuals at all times.
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EVENTS NEXT WEEK | December 14 - December 20 |
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Noonday Prayer
Monday, December 14, 12:05 p.m.
Wednesday, December 16, 12:05 p.m.
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 595 177 454
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
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Noonday Prayer is a short and simple service which allows prayer to enter into the midst of our daily work or other activities, while joining our prayers in the ongoing prayer of the Church around the world. It may also be observed in private and is found online here and on p.103-107 in The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) or in the simplified version daily devotions on page 138.
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About Your Sermon: Conversations on Sunday's Sermon
Every Monday, Noon - 1 p.m.
12:05 - 12:10 p.m. Noonday Prayer
12:10 - 1 p.m. Conversation about Sunday’s sermon
Facilitator: Sunday’s preacher
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 595 177 454
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
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Every Monday we invite you to gather for and discuss the Good News of Jesus Christ proclaimed in Sunday’s sermon from the 11 a.m. service. We begin with Noonday Prayer at 12:05 p.m. and then jump into discussion to explore your questions and interests, theological themes, and implications. We end promptly at one o’clock for those joining during a lunch hour.
The video of the service is available on our Facebook page immediately following Sunday’s 11 a.m. livestream. The sermon usually begins at about 25 minutes into the service, to which you can advance the video. If you would like any help, contact Maddy Elledge.
No reservation is required. If you need any help learning how to join a Zoom meeting, contact Maddy Elledge.
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Sacred Space at Saint Paul's
Tuesdays and Fridays
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Sacred Space is an opportunity for you to be in your church’s sacred space to rest and pray. You will be provided with a simple Order of Service to guide your prayers, but pray according to your practice and however fulfills your needs for your own sacred time and space.
Please note that during this time, we ask that everyone sign up to attend as each time is limited in the number of participants. You will be required to submit your email address for contact tracing.
Masks are kindly required by all individuals at all times. You will receive a follow up email with more details on additional guidelines.
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Advent Stories—Our Story in God’s Story
Wednesdays in Advent, 7 - 7:55 p.m.
Who: Open to everyone, week-by-week
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 595 177 454
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2020 has been hard in so many ways. This Advent we have much more to bring before God in supplication and longing. Gather with others each Wednesday to hear a part of the Advent story from our Godly Play ministry and then reflect through conversation and other media to more deeply encounter our story in God’s. This experience will help you prepare yourself to ponder the mystery of the incarnation at Christmastide. Inquiries, contact Fr. Jenkins.
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Compline – Facebook Live and Zoom
Wednesdays, 8 - 8:15 p.m., social time follows worship on Zoom.
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 595 177 454
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
Compline is a beautiful, simple, and quiet service to end the day together in prayer with God. This service is led by members of the parish using an on-screen bulletin so everyone may pray together.
Following the prayers, which are streamed on Facebook Live, those who gather through Zoom have an opportunity for a mid-week visit.
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Children's Christmas Liturgy and Carols
Sunday, December 20, 4 p.m.
Saint Paul's Churchyard
This Advent program will be held in the churchyard for our Godly Play children and their families. Join us for this special time as we prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of Christ’s birth. Please sign up for this event as spaces are limited.
Masks are required.
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UPCOMING FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES |
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LOVE IS THE WAY: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times
Beginning January 10, 9 a.m., Eight Sunday meetings online
If you’ve ever heard our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry speak – be it in church, on his podcast, or on the "Today Show" – you know that the message at the heart of his words is always love: love of God, love of your neighbor, love that transcends religion or gender or background.
In his new book, "Love is the Way," Bishop Curry expands on this message and offers an inspirational road map for living the way of love. Through the prism of his faith, ancestry, and personal journey, "Love is the Way" shows us how America came this far and, more important, how to go a whole lot further.
Support our local independent bookseller, The Book Tavern. Peruse the study guide. Tune into Bp. Curry’s podcast, Way of Love.
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OTHER RESOURCES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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From the Stewardship Chair
Lord we give faithfully, and in our giving, we honor you,
the source of all our blessings, our daily bread, and all the gifts in our lives.
Pledges are still coming in and as of this week, we have received a total of 125 pledges representing $562,914. 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 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.
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Saint Paul's Faithfulness
Offerings pledged this Week $15,000.00
Offerings received this Week $14,466.35
Operating Expenses to Date $896,727.38
Total Income Received to Date $843,633.51
Stewardship Campaign:
Pledge Cards Received to Date for the Year 2021: 125 representing $562,914
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The new Day by Day issue for November, December, and January has arrived. If you would like to have one mailed to you, please contact the parish office.
Forward Day by Day is a booklet of daily, "page-a-day," inspirational meditations each reflecting on a specific Bible passage from the daily lectionary readings of the Episcopal Church. The meditations are rich in substance and offer a wide range of witness and experiences.
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Are we missing your birthday?
Birthday Sunday will be celebrated THIS Sunday, December 13!
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