Weekly
Postings
news & events
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January 1 - January 10, 2021 |
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To the Community of Saint Paul’s,
Today we stand at the dawning of a new year. In many ways it is like none other we have experienced. I believe that the image of dawning is a powerful one; the overcoming of darkness by light; the feeling of a new day and new opportunities.
We are ready to place 2020 in the past and move toward a bright future. Challenges however persist. The parish is still not able to gather in person for worship. Because of the loss of River Room revenue, Saint Paul’s faces significant challenges in the budget for 2021. This challenge is compounded by the loss of well over $125,000 in pledges from 14 families who either disagreed with the Vestry decision to move the Polk monument or the process that lead to that decision.
This past year has posed challenges and in the midst of difficult decisions, this Vestry has exhibited real leadership. It is the most dedicated and thoughtful vestry I have ever had the privilege to work with. I have no doubt that this leadership will continue.
Eight years ago this month Susan and I came to Saint Paul’s. As with the arrival of any new rector, it seemed to many a time of dawning, a time of opening to the promise that lay ahead. And so it was for a season. New life began, new members and new leadership emerged. Visitors felt welcomed into the fabric of the Church. There was a vibrancy that was filled with the Spirit.
That Spirit-filled life is being lived by so many, even in the midst of these challenging times, not looking to the past but to a future filled with hope and expectation. It is that hope for newness, rebirth and renewal that we celebrate this Christmastide. It is the hope of new and life-giving power in the person of Jesus that defines who we are.
The baby in the manger we celebrate grew up into a man that challenged the norms of his day. He looked to the past for direction, but to the future with a vision for something new. It was this radical view, not accepting the way things were, but also opened to the loving hands of God for all people, that ultimately led him to the cross.
But…we know that it did not end there. Death never has the ultimate power. Jesus’ resurrection was but the first fruits of new life for all creation. The old has passed away, behold the new has come.
Let us all give thanks for the new that lies ahead, not just as a community of faith, but as individuals, where the light of God’s love shines forth. We must remember that the light shines in the darkness and that the darkness does not overcome it.
2021 offers something new, something life-giving. I pray that the people of Saint Paul's keep their eyes and hearts open to the new life and renewed hope that is offered. The old has passed away…the new has come. Let’s not close our eyes and miss it.
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Please make note of the following information:
- Our parish Annual Meeting will be held online via Zoom and will follow a modified timeline due to the pandemic.
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The Zoom link for the meetings is found in the Postings below and on the website calendar.
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In consultation with our parish chancellor, the Vestry adopted the following plan at its December meeting to conduct our parish business which includes:
- Voting to fill 3 vestry positions and 1 warden
- Receiving financial and ministry reports.
- Nominations are open until the process closes at the Annual Meeting on Jan 10.
- The parish will send an email Friday, January 8, with vestry bios for all nominations presented as of Wednesday January 6.
- Should more than three nominees run for vestry as has been the case in recent years, or more than one for junior warden, we will use a mail-in ballot process. That voting process, known as ranked-choice voting, functions similarly to our usual balloting procedure.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact a member of your Vestry or Clergy.
From The Book of Common Prayer, 12. For a Church Convention or Meeting
Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in our parish’s Annual Meeting for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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EVENTS THIS SUNDAY | January 3 |
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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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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.
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
No Rectors Forum; resumes January 10
Who: Open to everyone, week-by-week
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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 and Conversation
No Coffee and Conversation; resumes January 10 for Birthday Sunday!
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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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EVENTS NEXT WEEK | January 4 - January 10 |
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Noonday Prayer
Mondays and Wednesdays, 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
Tuesday and Friday
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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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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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Coffee and Conversation: Birthday Sunday Edition
Second Sundays, 10:35 a.m.
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 860 972 849
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
Help us celebrate our friends with January 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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Annual Meeting
Sunday, January 10, 12:30 p.m.
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 595 177 454
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
See above for more information.
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UPCOMING FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES |
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Read the Gospel of Mark
Starting January 1, 2021, through February 16.
Epiphany 2021
Other resources:
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LOVE IS THE WAY: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times
Beginning January 17, 9 a.m., Eight Sunday meetings online
If you’ve ever heard Presiding Bishop Michael Curry – be it in church, on his podcast, or on the "Today Show" – you know heart of his message 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 the message and offers an inspirational road map for living the way of love through troubling times.
Our reading group(s) will be guided by the Episcopal Church's study guide.
The parish has 15 copies; Reserve yours ($20) for pickup at the parish office or order your own while supporting our local independent bookseller, The Book Tavern, on Broad St.
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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 12/30/20 for the Year 2021
130 Pledge Cards representing $571,601.00
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 12/30/20
Offerings pledged this Week: $15,000.00
Offerings received this Week: $17,849.70
Operating Expenses to Date: $968,456.30
Total Income Received to Date: $958,047.87
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Are we missing your birthday?
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