Weekly
Postings
news & events
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September 25 - October 4, 2020 |
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To the Community of Saint Paul’s Church,
“Perfect love cast out fear,” (I John 4:18)
There is no doubt that we live in fearful times. In the midst of these times we need to always be reminded that it the way of love is the only response that speaks to our faith.
This week we will begin, in a limited way, to gather for in-person for worship. As we do so we must always be guided by our call to love one another. And, as we do, there are risks involved. The only way to minimize these risks is to act in a loving way to others. The Georgia Tech COVID-19 Event Risk Assessment Planning Tool shows that if 50 people gather together there is a 54% chance that one person has an active case of COVID-19. I personally don’t like those odds. I’m not a big risk taker. I am also aware that if one person contracts this disease, and becomes ill, because they attended a gathering at Saint Paul’s it will put many others at risk. It touches the care givers, their families, their co-workers, and friends. The question I place before the parish is, “Is it worth it?” Not, “Is the Church worth it:” but is being the Church in this space, and at this time, worth it? It is a question we will each answer in our own way.
I am, if you haven’t noticed, an extrovert. I thrive on interaction with others, face to face, in person, up close and personal. I know, however, that my love for others prevents this right now. It is hard. It’s not what I want, but I know it is what we need. It is the “we” that I consider, not my own wants or desires.
As we gather, I ask all who attend to think first about the other, the neighbor we are called to love. There will be strict guidelines in place. It means that each of us must follow these, that if there is a question about any of them you remember that it is out of love that they are in place; it is out of love that we take that extra step to protect the vulnerable among us. If one person “errs and strays” we all suffer.
Nothing would make me happier than for all of this to just go away. All I read and hear tells me that is not going to happen for some time. During these days ahead we cannot let down our guard and we must continue to live the way of love, not fearful, but resolute in knowing that the love we show for one another, for all that surrounds us, cast that fear aside.
What is that perfect love? It is that love that focuses all its energy on the other, not on what I want. It is Christ-like love that continually gives of self for the well-being of others.
Let us pray.
Most loving God, who teaches us that in loving our neighbor we are loving you: Grant us the strength and courage to live no longer for ourselves, but for him who died, is risen and gives us new life; that in so doing we may cast out the fear that infects our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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To Listen: to pay attention; heed; obey;
(F)or gaining wisdom and instruction;
. for understanding words of insight;
for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
. doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to those who are simple,[a
. knowledge and discretion to the young—
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
. and let the discerning get guidance—
for understanding proverbs and parables,
. the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
. but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:2-7
Self-isolation has created a slower pace of life for many people. It has offered us a chance to do things that we often claim not to have the time to do. We sit down to eat as a family more often and we treasure our time with friends. It has forced us to listen: to new medical information, to online church, and to so many other things. As a child, I attended camp that constantly encouraged us to be “good listeners”. We often believed that it meant that we needed to be quiet and still, which we probably did. However, it also meant that we need to receive the information and digest it. Hearing the spoken or sung word is just not the same as reading it silently. Praying aloud with others and with one voice is not the same experience as silent and contemplative prayer. Speaking to someone in live time is not the same as sending an email or a text. Emotion and nuance are lost, and unintentional meanings can creep into our understanding.
At Saint Paul’s, 2020 has been a year of listening. We began with listening sessions so that the vestry could begin to discern our path forward. The vestry has reached out several times during our time away from the church so that our connections continue. The search committee commissioned an online survey to ask about your goals for our Church’s immediate future. The strategic planning committee is looking to create goals that reach out a little further. The stewardship committee is informing us about our financial situation, both good and bad, as we approach our 2021 pledges. The Bishop Polk working committee wants to hear how you feel about the cenotaph beside the altar. The Return to Worship committee has created guidelines to ensure best practices as we once again gather at the river.
As we transition back to occupying Saint Paul’s, we will keep listening and pray that we hear God’s word in addition to those of each other.
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From the Stewardship Chair |
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The 2021 Stewardship campaign is underway and pledge cards will be mailed Monday, October 5th, with a request for a response by Monday, November 2nd. The upcoming year will be full of challenges and opportunities as we deal with the ripple effects of the coronavirus and as we open a new chapter in our church life with new clergy. The campaign focus this year will be on two things: receiving a completed pledge card from all who wish to pledge and an increase in giving. Conservative budgeting addressing lower River Room income along with the excitement of completing of the Rector search will require our pledge income to increase by 10%. Our listening sessions, the recent parish profile, and the strategic planning process all outline a vision of a church community that we want to become, and the Vestry-directed preliminary 2021 budget, with the 10% increase in pledge income, provides for that end.
The Stewardship communication will outline three ways to give: pledges can be made by creating a payment online at www.saintpauls.org/giving/, establishing a recurring payment from your bank, or by delivering a check by mail or to the collection plate on Sunday.
Cameron Nixon
Stewardship Campaign Chair
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WALK FOR WATER | Saturday, October 3 |
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SAVE THE DATE!
CSRA 2nd Annual Walk for Water
Saturday, October 3
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Walk for Water is back! This year's Walk for Water is now a virtual event that will impact people around the world by providing solutions that save lives.
A virtual walk is a walk that takes place in multiple locations, yet participants are united by one purpose. We encourage you to grab a water-carrying container, plan a 3.5-mile route in your local community, and walk in solidarity with those who must make this walk everyday to retrieve water for their family.
To join our Saint Paul's walking team:
- Join our "Saint Paul's EpiscoPAIL" team
- Plan your walking route! Whether you want to walk the full 3.5 miles, or just a lap around your neighborhood, you can join our team!
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#ShowYourShirt and Share your walk -- Take a selfie in your Walk for Water shirt and post it using the hashtag. Be sure to tag CSRA Walk for Water and Saint Paul's Church on Facebook!
The 2020 CSRA Walk for Water will bring together teams of participants from both sides of the Savannah River and from all walks of life, as we boldly battle the global water crisis which affects 2.2 billion people around the world. Together, we can make a difference by bringing safe water to people in need. Sign up to walk or donate by clicking the buttons below.
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EVENTS THIS SUNDAY | SEPTEMBER 27 |
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GODLY PLAY - Children through 5th grade
K-2nd grad, 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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We take children and their relationship with God seriously and seek to provide both space to foster encounters with God and the language necessary to make meaning of those experiences. Within the Godly Play classroom, the Biblical narrative is lovingly presented to children using beautiful materials with an invitation to step into each story with awe and wonder. Children are then allowed time to respond to and reflect on their experience of the story.
Please note that beginning this Sunday our Godly Play class will be split into two classes at different times. You will receive weekly emails on Saturday morning with more information. If you don't receive this email and have children K-5th grade, please contact Maddy Elledge.
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RECTOR’S FORUM
Sundays, 9:30 a.m.
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 860 972 849
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
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The Rector's Forum offers a time and place for engaging conversation that is not anchored to a specific curriculum or topic. Always we consider how to honestly and faithfully live out our Baptismal vows, now more than ever! |
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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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Grab a cup of coffee and join us on Zoom before the 11 a.m. service for a few moments of fellowship! Participants will be split into groups of 5-6 people to allow everyone a chance to catch up with your Saint Paul's family. |
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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. This service invites you to come as you are to 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 time.
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BECOMING BELOVED COMMUNITY
…WHERE YOU ARE
Ministry of Racial Healing & Reconciliation
Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 29, Noon - 1 p.m.
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 845 5492 0571
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
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Why racial healing? Why now? Why us? The answer is found in our baptismal identity, most fully articulate in our Baptismal Covenant (BCP 304-5).
We are collaboratively shaping this ministry and welcome your participation. This group gathers to lend mutual support and guidance, to connect around common passions and interests, and to discern the path that leads to racial healing and justice where we are. Drawing guidance from The Episcopal Church’s Becoming Beloved Community framework, we strive to discern individually and collectively how to 1) tell the truth about race and our church, 2) proclaim the dream, 3) practice the way of Love in the pattern of Jesus, and 4) repair the breach in our institutions and society.
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EVENTS NEXT WEEK | SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 4 |
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Noonday Prayer
Monday, September 28, 12:05 p.m.
Wednesday, September 30, 12:05 p.m.
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 595 177 454
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
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Gather online to pray the service of Noonday Prayer. The service will be led by members of the parish and the bulletin will be presented through Zoom so all may participate.
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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PrayingTogether
THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE:
Daily Bread: A simple morning prayer practice from The Book of Common Prayer
Wednesday, September 30, 12:15 p.m., following Noonday Prayer
Faith at Home: a conversation for parents about practicing faith at home
Wednesday, September 30, 7 - 7:55 p.m. Compline follows at 8.
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 595 177 454
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
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Christians are people of daily prayer, and Episcopalians are a people of The Book of Common Prayer. By Baptism, we are hid with Christ in God’s life, and it is our practice of prayer that returns us to God’s life, acting in common assent wherever and whenever we "pray together.” These short tutorials aim to aid in developing and experimenting with prayer practices in the Anglican pattern of divine worship. How we pray and worship proclaims and communicates more about our faith, belief, and hope than can be found in theology libraries. Yet, how do we learn and grow in the living steam of our Anglican prayer tradition? We show up. We learn. We practice. Together.
PrayingTogether offers informal and practical tutorials about prayer and our prayer tradition so that anyone may learn and grow in God’s grace through the prayers of our Church. Topics vary, and Fr. Jenkins invites your suggestions.
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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 opportunity for a mid-week visit.
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CSRA 2nd Annual Walk for Water
Saturday, October 3
The 2020 CSRA Walk for Water will bring together teams of participants from both sides of the Savannah River and from all walks of life, as we boldly battle the global water crisis which affects 2.2 billion people around the world. Together, we can make a difference by bringing safe water to people in need. Scroll to the top of the Weekly Postings to read more and learn how to get involved.
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BLESSING OF THE PETS
Sunday, October 4, 3:30 p.m.
In the spirit of Saint Francis, bring your feathered, furry, multi-legged, or scaly friends for a celebration and blessing Sunday, October 4, 3:30 p.m. in the Churchyard.
Be sure to keep your pet in a carrier or on a leash. Please note that mask will be required by all individuals at all time and social distancing will be maintained.
Spots are limited. Be sure to sign up beginning Monday, September 28, at 9 a.m. using the button below!
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OTHER RESOURCES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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Saint Paul's Faithfulness
Offerings pledged this Week $15,000.00
Offerings received this Week $5,193.90
Operating Expenses to Date $705,629.45
Total Income Received to Date $667,466.88
Stewardship Campaign:
175 pledge commitments made for 2020 ministries.
2021 campaign begins October 4, 2020
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