Weekly
Postings
news & events
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December 18 - December 27, 2020 |
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Last month, the Vestry voted to move the Bishop Leonidas Polk cenotaph to a different position within the church buildings. This month, the Vestry considered a proposal to relocate it to the east side of the Narthex. The Vestry plans for more detailed information about the proposal to be communicated to the congregation soon in anticipation of a vote with regards to the same in January. Additionally, we are planning for the annual meeting, where we will consider the financial situation of the church as well as select new Vestry members. We know that some members of the congregation feel strongly about the move, and we respect everyone’s opinions. The Vestry spent considerable time and effort in addressing the proposed relocation. We understand that this comes at a time when we are physically disconnected from our beautiful church and unable to gather in familiar ways. Our daily lives have changed so much this year.
The one thing that stays the same is that we will still be able to celebrate the birth of Christ, share His love, pray for our families, friends, and neighbors, and enjoy God’s grace. As we move into the Christmas season, I pray that each of you finds joy and fulfillment in God’s promise to you.
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A Message from the Presiding Bishop |
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Joy to the World - 2020 Christmas Message
"While this is a strange year, the ministry He gives us remains the same. We will prepare him room in our hearts by taking on the ministry Jesus demands of us: feed those who are hungry; welcome the stranger; clothe those who are naked; heal those who are sick; visit the prisoner. Love God. Love your neighbor. Sing joy into this old world. Prepare him room."
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Christmas Offering Update |
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFTS! |
Thank you for your generous gifts to the Christmas Offering that has made Angel Tree 2020 possible. Nine students from Hornsby and six children that we help every year have gifts and food for Christmas. Each child’s box contains pajamas, an outfit, a jacket/hoodie, a mask, a book, a game, hand sanitizer, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a yummy treat. Each food bag contains ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, veggies, applesauce, hot cocoa, cookies, and napkins. |
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It's not too late to give! We are still planning on supplying Hornsby with a sound system that has been requested and a handful of books for each classroom library. See ways to give below.
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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.
Please note that the deadline for listings in the bulletin is TODAY, Friday, December 18.
Mail a check to the Parish Office
- 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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Celebrate Christmas with Us! |
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We are excited to offer a number of in-person gathering opportunities for our Christmas Services! Please note that all in-person activities will require pre-registration as spots are limited. Masks are required by all individuals at all times.
In-person gatherings are subject to change. Please monitor church communications for updated information.
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Children's Christmas Liturgy and Carols
Sunday, December 20, 4 p.m.
Saint Paul's Churchyard
We are so very excited to gather in person Sunday afternoon in what we affectionally call the “circle of children” to be together again and to bring the story of Advent to its conclusion with Godly Play’s “Children’s Liturgy for Christmas Eve.”
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Christmas Eve Celebrations
Thursday, December 24
4 & 6 p.m. – In-person at Saint Paul's
3:45 & 5:45 p.m. – Carol Sing in the churchyard
Gather in the church or watch online as we celebrate this Holy night together! Those attending the in-person service are invited to a carol sing in the churchyard 15 minutes before each service.
If the service you to attend a service that is full, you can be added to the waitlist by calling the Parish Office at (706) 724-2485.
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Christmas Day Celebration
Friday, December 25,
10 a.m. – In-person at Saint Paul's
9:45 a.m. – Carol Sing in the Churchyard
Celebrate the birth of Christ in the church! We will begin gathering outside the church 15 minutes before the service for a carol sing.
If the service is full, you can be added to the waitlist by calling the Parish Office at (706) 724-2485.
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A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
Sunday, December 27, 11 a.m.
The Canterbury and Saint Paul’s choirs will join readers from the congregation to observe this beloved liturgy of our Anglican heritage.
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EVENTS THIS SUNDAY | December 20 |
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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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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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Children's Christmas Liturgy and Carols
Sunday, December 20, 4 p.m.
Saint Paul's Churchyard
See details above.
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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 21 - December 27 |
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Noonday Prayer
Monday, December 21, 12:05 p.m.
Wednesday, December 23, 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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Christmas Eve Service
Thursday, December 24
4 & 6 p.m. – In-person gathering at Saint Paul's*
See details above.
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Christmas Day Service
Friday, December 25, 10 a.m.
10 a.m. – In-person at Saint Paul's
9:45 a.m. – Carol Sing in the Churchyard
See details above.
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A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
Sunday, December 27, 11 a.m.
See details above.
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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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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 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 arriving before Christmas. Reserve yours ($20) for pickup at the parish office or order your own--perhaps as Christmas gifts— while supporting our local independent bookseller, The Book Tavern, on Broad St.
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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 & Christmas
Blessings for Your Home
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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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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 129 pledges representing $569,801. 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 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 $40,928.15
Operating Expenses to Date $941,677.80
Total Income Received to Date $921,164.99
Stewardship Campaign
Pledge Cards Received to Date for the Year 2021: 129 representing $569,801.00
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Are we missing your birthday?
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