Weekly
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news & events
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FROM THE INTERIM PRIEST IN CHARGE |
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“WHO ARE THE PEACEMAKERS?”
If this broken world ever needed “Peacemakers,” right now is the time; but it seems that in this moment in history, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few!”
What does it mean to be blessed? What does it mean to be a “Peacemaker?” Where do we find these peacemakers?
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes a number of concise statements concerning blessedness. We know these as the Beatitudes, a Greek word that means happy, so one who is blessed has happiness, joy and contentment.
Peacemaker is simply “one who works toward peace.” The definition is the easy part. The difficulty comes with figuring out exactly how to do that. For people of faith the only place to start is with Jesus, who is our peace, or as our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry says, Jesus is our love. Jesus offered peace to us when he left (by the way, this is one of the most important verses in scripture), “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Jesus is saying that his peace is not peace as the world defines it, which is absence of conflict, avoidance of strife, appeasement and accommodation. History tells us that if there is one thing we can count on with the world’s peace, it is temporary; but Jesus tells us that his peace is eternal.
The peace that Jesus gives us has many qualities, which relate to health, wholeness, harmony, serenity, fulfilment, and freedom from all things that are obstacles to joy; but Jesus’ peace is founded on three essentials – justice and righteousness and love. When these three prevail, there we find peace, the fruit of which is reconciliation – the end of the estrangement between God and humanity and between humanity and humanity.
God’s peace doesn’t eliminate conflict or anxiety. When God’s peace enters our lives anxiety and fear depart. Philippians 4:6-7 says this best, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
So, who are these peacemakers? If you have a moment, go look in the mirror!
Welcome to God’s Peace Corps!
Shalom.
Joe+
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Dear Parishioners of Saint Paul’s Church,
At their July meeting, the Vestry approved an amended 2021operating budget. This budget projects total income of $974,000 and expenses of $966,000 resulting in an operating surplus of $8,000.
Some highlights of the amended budget follow:
Income
- Pledge income is reduced by $24,000 to more accurately reflect current pledges.
- Plate Offering – Cash is increased by $10,000 to reflect a large onetime donation.
- Previous Year Pledge reflects the actual amount.
- Miscellaneous Income included a onetime $15,000 contribution to cover audit expenses.
- Assumed PPP loan forgiveness of $94,655 is supporting the 2021 budget. This will not be available in 2022.
- The endowment will contribute $132,000.
Expenses
- Compensation & Benefits includes four months of expenses for our new rector with a total annual compensation package of $175,000. This also includes $15,000 moved to the Rector Reserve Fund to provide funding for 2022.
- Various expense categories have been adjusted to reflect changes in actual spending trends and return to pre-pandemic operating conditions.
We will give a more thorough, in-person explanation of the budget soon.
Saint Paul’s is blessed with a great many resources, but we have many significant challenges ahead. Your gifts support all that we do at Saint Paul’s, from paying clergy, to supporting our outreach ministries, to paying the electric bill. If you have not made a pledge, please do so as you are able. If you support the church via the offering plate, please consider sending an offering to Saint Paul’s via online or mail. If you made a 2021 pledge, please continue to fulfill it by making regular payments as you are able. We are appreciative of your continued stewardship and support
Will Rice
Treasurer
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ALTAR RAIL CUSHION PROJECT TO BEGIN |
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When you approach the altar rail you may have noticed that the lovely needlepoint kneeling cushions have some fraying and are looking a little forlorn. These cushions were lovingly crafted in the 1950s and are a treasure for the parish. In an effort to keep them from being further damaged, several consultants were contacted, including Linda Mote, a needlework specialist from Lexington, South Carolina. She has overseen many liturgical projects in needlepoint and has an extensive portfolio. Linda recommended that we replace the cushions as it was not the wool thread that is fraying, but the canvas underneath is disintegrating after more than 60 years. This would allow them to be preserved.
With this in mind, Linda came up with several design concepts for new cushions and presented them with sketches and a rendering. The design incorporates the shields of the apostles, with one cushion for each and the shield for Saint Paul. Her proposal includes a plan to paint the canvases, purchase the Persian wool required for these types of fine needlework projects, and the cost of labor to block and create the cushions.
This will be a long project that will take at least two years to complete. The total project is estimated to cost around $15,000 and in order to move forward we will need financial contributions. The needlework will be done by volunteers within and outside the parish. If you needlepoint and would like to be a part of this project, and even if you are interested in learning, your skills are needed. Financial contributions to the project may be made on the online giving page of Saint Paul's website (select altar rail cushion fund) or by check (please add a designation for altar rail cushion on your check). For further information you can email Elisabeth Price or Laurie Montgomery. |
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EVENTS THIS SUNDAY | August 1 |
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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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A CUP OF JOE - Adult Formation Class
Sundays, 10 a.m.
The Chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul
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Why are there two Creeds or maybe even three? What exactly is the “Peace of the Lord?” What is a Collect? Why do we hear them every Sunday? What is the “real presence” of Christ in the Eucharist?
For the last few weeks we have been exploring the origins of various aspects of our wonderful Liturgy with the thesis that some sense of the history, evolution and scriptural basis of Liturgy will enrich our individual and corporate worship.
Please join us as we continue to examine the many facets of our liturgical diamond. We meet in the Chapel from 10:00 am until 10:45 am Sunday mornings.
Coffee is available!
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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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Back to School
Backpack & School Supply Drive
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Our Back-to School Backpack and School Supply drive for Hornsby Elementary & Middle Schools begins Sunday. Drop-off boxes are located in the Narthex and the Parish Office. We need all sizes of backpacks, small to full size, male and female. A supply list from Hornsby Middle School is available here. Cash donations welcome. Please mark your check Outreach Backpack Drive. |
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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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August Issue of Forward Day by Day Available |
The new Day by Day issue for August, September, and November has arrived and is available in the Narthex. If you would like to have one mailed to you, please
contact Hannah in 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. These meditations are also available online on the Forward Movement website.
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EVENTS NEXT WEEK | August 2 - August 8 |
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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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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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CONSIDER JOINING OUR CHRISTIAN FORMATION TEAM
Sunday, August 8, 10:00 am
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Looking for a rewarding ministry? Please consider joining our Christian Formation team. There will be a brief meeting Sunday, August 8, at 10 am, in the Children’s’ Ministries Center, classroom 1, to answer your questions. Our parish has consistently listed a strong youth & children’s ministry as one of our top priorities. Your support and involvement in this program are vital. There will be curriculum to follow, supplies available for any projects you would like to create, and LOTS of support. For more information, contact Coleman Graham Kim Butler or Ivey Coleman . Christian Formation class for all ages begin September 12th.
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Save these fall dates - Details to follow. |
- August 15 - Back to School Blessing & Backpack Drive
- August 22 - Gather by the River Parish Dinner
- August 22 - Choirs return
- September 12 - Christian Formation Classes begin for ALL ages
- September 26 - Ironman Sunday
- October 2 - Walk for Water
- October 3 - Blessing of the Animals
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Back to School Blessing
August 15 at the 11:00 am service
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As we begin a new school year students from pre-K to graduate studies, teachers and instructors, and staff and administrators need our support; and we all need ways to express our hopes and concerns for them at this time.
In order to draw those we love into the powerful ministry of Christian prayer, the Saint Paul’s community will be invited this week via a special email to submit the names (first names only, not read aloud in the Prayers of the People) of all persons—students and their friends, teachers and their colleagues, staff and administrators—for whom we desire God’s intercession and blessing.
On Sunday August 15, these names will be carried in a basket during the entrance procession, offered to God to be specially blessed along with all our students, teachers, laptops, bags and backpacks in our Back to School Blessing.
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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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OTHER RESOURCES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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Meg and Donald Horton have agreed to serve as our new acolyte master team. If you have a child, 9 years-old or older, who is interested in being an acolyte, please contact Meg Horton at megmhorton@gmail.com. |
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Until we consistently have enough ushers to pass the plate on Sundays at the 11:00 am service, there will be two silver alms basins at the back for placing your offering when you are coming into the church. There will also be two silver basins at the front as you go up to communion, if you miss the ones in the back. There is still a need for ushers to help with Sunday services as well as special events. If you are interested in being an usher, contact Nick Uros. |
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OPEN Sunday for Altar Flowers
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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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 7/28/21
Offerings pledged this Week $11,650.02
Offerings received this Week $2,275.00
Operating Expenses to Date $491,791.90
Total Income Received to Date $508,239.31
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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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