Weekly
Postings
news & events
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A Letter from the Interim Priest in Charge |
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DO NOT NEGLECT TO SHOW HOSPITALITY TO STRANGERS, FOR BY DOING THAT SOME HAVE ENTERTAINED ANGELS WITHOUT KNOWING IT. Hebrews 13:2
This week I had the pleasure of joining our Saint Paul’s Contemplative Group on Wednesday evening. The topic for consideration was angels. After a brief presentation, the group went into silent reflection for ten minutes. Following reflection, we shared how the Spirit spoke to us. It was a beautiful hour.
Although angels are present at practically every important event in the Bible, they are not often addressed in sermons, which is a bit odd since scripture takes it for granted that angels are real, and they show up frequently from Genesis to Revelation. For example, the psalmist wrote that man was created a little lower than the angels, indicating that angels were present before creation. Angels promised Abraham and Sarah a son. An angel stopped Abraham from sacrificing that son, Isaac. Angels protected Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace.
The word angel comes from the Greek Angelos, which means messenger. That certainly describes the angel Gabriel when he announces to Mary that she will be the mother of Jesus. Another familiar example is the unnamed angel who announced to the shepherds the good news of great joy that in the city of David there has been born a savior, who is Christ the Lord!
Scripture reports that angels can appear in many different forms, but more often than not they look like humans and usually are dressed in bright robes. Even though I have never seen an angel like that, I must report that Cissy and I have the blessing of living with two angels, Lily Belle and Alexis Valentine. They are disguised as Shih Tzus, but we know better.
The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews stresses that one of the hallmarks of genuine Christian faith is expressed in how we behave toward strangers. The writer uses hospitality to define that behavior as active, selfless respect and consideration for those we do not know, and suggests that sometimes without knowing it we may be entertaining angels. I see that behavior at Saint Paul’s!
If any of you have your own or someone else’s angel story to tell I would love to hear it!
Peace,
Joe+
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EVENTS THIS WEEKEND | July 17 |
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Manna Pantry Distribution
Saturday, July 17, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
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Additional people are needed for this month’s Manna Pantry Distribution Saturday, July 17, 9-11:30 a.m. in the east parking lot to distribute the food. Many of our "regulars” are out of town. This is an excellent opportunity to share time with our Augusta neighbors and your Saint Paul’s family. Manna Pantry is a ministry that provides food to 150 families and individuals on odd-number months throughout the year. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, July 17, 9-11:30 a.m. in the east parking lot to distribute the food. Contact Melissa Friedman for more information and to sign up. |
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EVENTS THIS SUNDAY | July 18 |
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Saint Paul's Nursery is OPEN
9:30 AM -12:30 PM
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We are pleased to announce that the Saint Paul’s nursey has reopened for children 6 months to 4 years of age. The nursery will be available on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:30 a.m. to allow parents to attend formation. If you have any questions about the nursey please contact Katie Gullette or the parish office. Miss Connie, Miss Jenna, and Miss Leila are all VERY EXCITED to welcome you back! |
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THE SUNDAY FORUM
Sundays, 9:30 a.m. | Berlin Room
Led by Fr. Dolen
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The Sunday Forum returns this Sunday July 18.
TOPIC: Reclaiming Holy Scripture
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A CUP OF JOE - New Adult Formation Class
Sundays, beginning July 11, 10 a.m.
The Chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul
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Why do we Episcopalians make the sign of the cross? When do we do it? How do we do it?
If those and other questions about our rituals, rites and liturgy keep you awake at night then plan to meet with Fr. Joe Sunday, July 11 at 10 a.m. for the answers.
Coffee will be provided!
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Sunday Worship Schedule
8 AM Rite I - In person
5:30 PM - Celtic Evening Prayer & Communion
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All 3 of our Sunday worship services are in-person with no requirement to sign-up. Welcome Back! |
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There are many opportunities for you to get involved in the life of the church. We invite you to explore the various ministries of Saint Paul’s and encourage you to get involved. There will be information in the Narthex with contact information to find out more if you are interested. Please check it out. |
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EVENTS NEXT WEEK | July 19 - July 25 |
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Noonday Prayer
Monday and Wednesday, 12:05 p.m.
Meeting ID: 595 177 454
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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, whil e joining our prayers to 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 for daily devotions on page 138. |
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Sacred Space at Saint Paul's
Tuesday and Friday, or by appointment
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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 use the calendar below to reserve a time just for you, or contact the parish office if you'd like a different time not listed. |
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Compline
Wednesdays, 8 - 8:15 p.m. Social time follows worship on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 595 177 454
Dial-In: (646) 876-9923
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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, those who gather through Zoom have an opportunity for a mid-week visit.
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Master's Table Soup Kitchen
Saturday, August 28, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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Saint Paul’s will resume volunteering at the Master’s Table Soup Kitchen on Fenwick Street Saturday, August 28th to prepare 350 hot meals. This is an excellent opportunity to get to know other Saint Paul’s parishioners while serving our neighbors. Two teams share the responsibility on Saturdays. The prep team (18+ yrs. old) volunteers from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. slicing, dicing, and cooking. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the serving team of 12 volunteers (13+ yrs. old) serves guest in a cafeteria style line and cleans tables and floors following the lunch. Our greatest need is for servers from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If you are interested, please contact Laraine or Al Yarbrough before July 31, or by telephone call Al at (706) 840-9191 or Laraine at (706) 339-2198. |
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Back to the Creek Retreat for Youth
Friday, July 30 - Sunday, August 1| Honey Creek
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For youth in Grades 6-12, this "Back to the Creek Retreat" will allow our young people to take a break at Honey Creek before their school year begins. The cost is $125. Participant numbers will be limited for this event to enable everyone to spread out in the dorms and during worship and other activities. Registration opens next week. Please contact Canon Joshua Varner for more information. |
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Education for Ministry (EfM) program
TIME TO ENROLL
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CALLING THE CURIOUS: Are you curious to explore the meaning of Holy Scripture, the history and traditions of Christianity, and our ever-changing understanding of God that you may more deeply live your faith? Then it is time to consider the Education for Ministry (EfM) program. EfM is a small-group study and spiritual growth program open to ALL people and begins each August. Contact Saint Paul's EfM mentor, Alan Andrews or Fr. Joe Bowden to have a full conversation about it. WE LOVE EfM! |
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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.
Received as of 5/12/21 for the Year 2021
137 Pledge Cards representing $610,801
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.
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Saint Paul's Faithfulness
as of 7/14/21
Offerings pledged this Week $11,650.02
Offerings received this Week $18,326.90
Operating Expenses to Date $436,077.34
Total Income Received to Date $466,075.08
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OPEN Sundays for Altar Flowers
August 15, August 29, September 5
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If you would like to sponsor a Sunday in honor or memory of someone or “many someones,” please contact the Parish Office. The normal charge is a minimum of $100. What a lovely way to remember or honor someone and contribute to the Flower Guild at the same time.
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Donate to the Summer Music |
On the summer Sundays when the choirs are on vacation, special music is provided by guest instrumentalists or singers. If you’d like to donate the music on these Sundays, please email Director of Music Keith Shafer or call him, (706) 724-2485 x 215 for further information and cost. Gifts can be made as thanksgivings or memorials.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Registration |
Eligible individuals, including those ages 12 and older, can now register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Registration must be completed in advance on the AU Health website.
South Carolina residents who are eligible can also register to receive the vaccine at Aiken Technical College through the AU Health website.
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Are we missing your birthday?
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