Weekly
Postings
news & events
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August 4 - August 13, 2023
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New Beginnings
I was a student for a long time—by the time I finally graduated, my son was enrolled in kindergarten. So the school calendar is in my bones. Late summer (or increasingly, the middle of summer) always brings with it, for me, the exciting anticipation of new beginnings.
And so, it's especially appropriate that this Sunday we'll have our back-to-school blessing on the same day that we welcome The Reverend Deacon Kimberly Dunn as our new Associate Rector. Reverend Kimberly will serve at all three services Sunday—she'll be preaching next Sunday, August 13. So we'll have a big day Sunday, with pastries and coffee to welcome Rev. Dunn at 9:00, then an ask-me-anything session with her in the Berlin Room at 9:30 (we do not have any kids' programming scheduled for that hour this week, so let me emphasize that kids are welcome at this session). At 11:00 the choir will be back and we'll bless students, teachers, and school supplies. That's also last call for our backpack and books drive for our partners at Hornsby Elementary. After the 11:00 liturgy, we'll hold our end of summer celebration with hot dogs and games in the churchyard—and another chance to greet Reverend Kimberly. Then finally we'll have a light reception after the 5:30 Celtic service.
The rest of our programming returns the week of August 13. Hot breakfast is back that morning from 9:00 to 10:30 and our full formation programming for children and adults resumes, as well. Kids' choirs will rehearse at 9:25 (all are welcome, contact Keith Shafer for details) and children's formation happens at 10:00 (contact Kim Butler with any questions). Adults will begin a new series on the Epistle to the Romans at 9:30. And our first zoom book study of the program year will kickoff on Tuesday night, August 15. We're reading Barbara Brown Taylor's Speaking of Sin—copies will be available on Sunday and there's a sign up further down in this email.
Whew! That's a lot for two weeks, and it's not even everything we have going on. This is an exciting time of new beginnings all around us and at Saint Paul's. Even after 272 years of prayer at this location, new life and energy are springing up right now. Come join us!
Eric+
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SIGN UP FOR A FOYER GROUP |
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Foyer Dinner Groups (from the French word "foier" meaning "hearth" or "home") are a way to foster connection among parishioners in a smaller setting outside of our larger, parish-wide events. Foyer Groups provide time to be with one another so that friendship may grow. They are not a study or prayer group; they have no agenda other than spending time with one another.
Each group of 8-10 people meets once a month for a simple meal and relaxed conversation in the homes of members. The gatherings last approximately 2 hours. Generally, the host provides the main dish and others bring the rest of the meal (appetizer, salad, side, or dessert), but groups can be organized in many other ways. If you're concerned about accommodating a group in your own home, please sign up and share hosting with another, or consider hosting a casual backyard evening.
We will schedule groups for fall and new groups for spring. Each group will meet 3 times.
Use the link below to add your contact information and complete a very quick 3 question form. The Hospitality Group will organize the groups and send information by September first to get you started.
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EVENTS THIS SUNDAY | August 6 |
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Your generous non-pledged offerings (cash and designated checks) on the first Sunday each month support our clergy's Discretionary Account. Fr. Eric and Rev. Kimberly use these funds to meet urgent needs within our community, to further the ministries of the church when other funds are not available, and to support community programs and institutions that serve those in need. |
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Books and Bags Drive for Hornsby Elementary
Through August 6
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Our Books and Bags drive for the children of Hornsby Elementary, our partner school, continues this week. The school has plenty of school supplies, so we are only collecting 2 items: backpacks and children’s books this year. You’ll find drop-off boxes in the Narthex and in the Parish office until Sunday, August 6. Need help picking a book. See this list for suggestions. For more information, contact Barbara Coleman. |
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Sunday Worship Schedule
8 AM Rite I
11 AM Rite II
5:30 PM - Celtic Evening Prayer with Communion
All of our Sunday worship services are in-person.
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"Ask Me Anything" - The Rev. Kimberly Dunn
Sunday, August 6, 9:30 AM, Berlin Room
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Join us Sunday at 9:30 AM in the Berlin Room for an “Ask Me Anything” session with new associate rector, the Rev. Kimberly E. Dunn. As a shortcut for Saint Paul’s to get to know Rev. Kimberly, she will respond to (note the careful avoidance of the word “answer”) any question thrown at her. |
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The Nursery will be open Sunday, August 6
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
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We are pleased to announce that the Saint Paul’s nursery is open for children 6 months to 4 years of age. The nursery will be available this Sunday morning beginning at 9:30 A M.
For more information, please contact Kim Butler, Director of Children, Youth, and Intergenerational Ministries. |
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Back to School Blessing
Sunday, August 6, 11 AM
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We’re sending our students and educators back to school with our prayers and blessings. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite your friends to join us for this special service. All students, teachers, and administrators are encouraged to bring book bags, briefcases, or laptops to be blessed for the new school year. |
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End of Summer Celebration
Sunday, August 6, following the 11 AM service
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Following the 11 AM service on August 6, we will celebrate the end of summer with hot dogs and games in the churchyard. AND we'll celebrate with the Rev. Kimberly Dunn on her first Sunday with us! All are invited to join the celebration. |
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Celtic Evening Prayer and Communion
with Prayers for Healing
Sundays, 5:30 PM
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Celtic Evening Prayer and Communion is a candle-lit service that emphasizes the contemplative side of worship, features some of Augusta’s best Celtic musicians, and offers prayers for healing for those attending, for others, and for the world. Come as you are and enter into a place of rest, prayer, and reflection.
Keith Shafer will be our musician this week.
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Reception following this Sunday's Service |
Join us on the Portico this Sunday for a light reception following the Celtic service to welcome the Rev. Kimberly Dunn to Saint Paul's. |
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EVENTS THIS WEEK| August 7 - August 13 |
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Help us welcome the Rev. Kimberly Dunn |
Help us welcome the Rev. Kimberly Dunn to Saint Paul’s! Rev. Dunn begins her ministry with us August 1. We’ll celebrate as a parish following each of our Sunday services on August 6, her first Sunday serving as deacon. As she gets settled in Augusta, please take this opportunity to get to know her better by inviting her to a meal or to a gathering in your home; or help her get to know the CSRA by sharing a gift certificate to your favorite local spot. We’re hoping to fill her calendar with hospitality.
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Earth Day 2024 Planning Session
August 9, 6 PM, Tyler Hall
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Want to be part of the planning committee for Saint Paul's Earth Day 2024 Celebration? Join the Creation Care team for the first of its Earth Day planning sessions on Aug. 9 at 6 PM in Tyler Hall. All ideas are welcome. For more information, contact Jennifer McKee. |
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Join the Choir
Rehearsals Wednesdays, 7 PM
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The Saint Paul’s Choir (older teens and adults) began rehearsals Wednesday, August 2, 7 PM and will sing this Sunday, August 6.
Auditions are not required to join the choir. You don’t have to be a soloist or even a member of Saint Paul’s. If you can sing and blend with others, email Director of Music, Keith Shafer or call (706) 724-2485 ext. 215. |
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Compline
Wednesdays, 8 - 8:15 PM Social time follows worship on Zoom.
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Meeting ID: 595 177 454
Dial-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, those who gather through Zoom have an opportunity for a mid-week visit.
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Mid-Week Eucharist
Thursdays, 11:30 AM
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A mid-week Eucharist in the Chapel begins at 11:30 AM. Lunch in the Berlin Room follows at 12 noon with a weekly Bible study (more information below.) Join us as your schedule allows: Come for Eucharist and lunch, lunch and Bible study, or stay for all three. (So that we may honor mid-day schedules, lunch is scheduled for 15 minutes and will continue through the Bible study conversations.) |
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Lectio at Lunch
Thursdays, 12 Noon, Tyler Hall
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Join us for lunch and a Bible study – we've made it easy!
This small group format begins with lunch. As we continue sharing a meal, three biblical lessons are read aloud by members of the group, followed by a reflection from Brian McLaren’s We Make the Road by Walking. We conclude our time together engaging with the reflection. Much of the work of the Holy Spirit in formation is in forming relationship. We invite you to join this small group as your schedule allows.
You may bring your own lunch or share in the meal provided. Donations accepted.
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Sit and Wait Meditation Group
Thursdays, 6-7 PM, Chapel
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Thursdays begin in the Chapel with a reading or other offering to enhance this space before the “Sit” begins. After the 20-minute Sit, an open discussion follows until 7:00 PM. This is an open group with no limit on the number of participants. Please email Suzanne Pursley-Crotteau or contact by phone at (706) 910-9331 for further information and/or to enroll in the sit. |
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Saint Paul's Night at the Ballpark
August 26, 6:05 PM
Deadline to purchase Tickets August 11
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Join us on the "E-Z-Go Picnic Patio" at SRP Park as we celebrate the end of summer and our return to the program year. Your ticket includes the Greenjackets ballgame, an all-you-can-eat buffet, and closing fireworks.
The 90-minute all-you-can-eat buffet menu includes: all beef hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork, cole slaw, baked beans, chips, watermelon, cookies, Coca-Cola drinks, sweet tea, and water.
You may reserve a ticket using the link below. Tickets $22 adults; children/youth age 18 and under $15. The deadline for us to reserve group tickets is August 11.
This is a fellowship event for the full parish, and we do NOT want cost to be a reason for anyone to miss this event. Please contact Fr. Eric. We will have sponsored tickets available. |
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St. Nicholas Choir (age 5 - grade 2)
Canterbury Choir (grades 3-9)
Rehearsals begin Sunday August 13, 9:25 AM
Please note the change of date.
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The Canterbury Choir (children in grades 3-9 and the St. Nicholas Choir (age 5 through grade 2) begin rehearsals Sunday, August 6, 9:25 - 10:00 AM. There are no weekday rehearsals for the children’s choirs; all rehearsals are scheduled on Sunday mornings to accommodate busy family schedules!
Singing in the choir gives youth and children a lifetime love for music and their own connection to worship.
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Second Sundays with Creation Care
Sustaining Sacred Sites
August 13, 4:30 PM, Berlin Room
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The Creation Care team's newest initiative kicks off in September. We'll announce the details with a panel of local preservationists. Join us at 4:30 PM in the Berlin Room. We'll wrap up in time for the Celtic service. All are welcome. For more information, contact Jennifer McKee.
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August 13 - The Epistle to the Romans study begins
August 15 - "Speaking of Sin" Zoom Study begins
August 19 - Master's Table Soup Kitchen
August 21 - Vestry Meeting
August 26 - Saint Paul's Night at the Ballpark
Sept. 3 - Veterans' Ice Cream Social
Sept. 6 - MMM (Men's Monthly Meal) Low-Country Boil
Sept. 8 - Acolyte Lock-in and Training
Sept 19 - Tuesday's Music Live Begins
Sept. 23 - Manna Pantry
Sept. 23-24 - Ironman Weekend
Sept. 30 - Flower Guild Breakfast & Meeting
Sept. 30 - Hymn Festival
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Book Study
Speaking of Sin by Barbara Brown Taylor
ZOOM beginning Tuesday August 15, 7 PM
Led by the Rev. Kimberly E. Dunn
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Barbara Brown Taylors brings a fresh perspective to the language Christians use to identify and talk about the condemnation sin. "Sin," according to Barbara Brown Taylor, an Episcopal priest, "is our only hope, the fire alarm that wakes us up to the possibility of true repentance." She contends that sin can be "a helpful, hopeful word" that can move us from "guilt to grace." Taylor motivates and empowers Christians to talk about sin in a way that is necessary for understanding and accepting salvation, as well as how it could be translated into our daily lives.
Books are available in the Narthex this Sunday and in the Parish Office during the week. $15 donation. Sign up using the link below. The class schedule and zoom link will be emailed by the leader to class participants.
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Master's Table Soup Kitchen
Saturday, August 19, 8:30 AM - 12 PM (2 shifts)
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The Master's Table Soup Kitchen at 702 Fenwick Street will be staffed by Saint Paul's Church volunteers on Saturday, August 19th. This is a good opportunity to get to know other parishioners while preparing and assisting in cooking hot meals for our neighbors in the community who are food insecure. If you wish to serve, please RSVP on the website or using the link below. Contact Al or Laraine Yarbrough for more information. |
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OTHER RESOURCES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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Calling all Acolytes (Ages 9+)
Training and Lock-in Sept. 8
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Anyone ages 9 and up interested in becoming an acolyte is encouraged to contact Meg Horton. Acolytes help guide the service in the processions and assist the clergy at the altar. Training and a Lock-in will be held September 8. More details to come. |
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Buy a Raffle Ticket
Recteq Wood Pellet Smoker Grill
Funds benefiting Saint Paul's Outreach Programs
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Raffle tickets for a Recteq RT-590 Wood Pellet Grill ($10) are available from any Outreach Committee member and in the Parish Office (see Hannah Purvis). Most folks pay $971 ($899 + tax) for this grill -- but it could be yours for only $10.Drawing will be held September 23. Proceeds benefit Saint Paul’s Outreach Ministries.
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Are you interested in the Education for Ministry program?
More than a Bible study, EfM takes a fresh look at life events in the light of church tradition and 21st century culture. Participants study, worship, and engage in theological reflection together in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.
The Church of the Good Shepherd offers an EFM group on Thursdays at 6:30 PM. and will begin in late August.
Everyone is welcome and we encourage those from all parishes to join us!
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New Forward Day by Day Available |
The new Forward Day by Day issue for August, September, and October has arrived and is available in the Narthex. 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 experience. |
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Saint Paul's Faithfulness
as of 8/2/23
Offerings Pledged this Week $13,942.31
Pledged Offerings Received this Week $16,744.00
Total Operating Expenses to Date $553,922.45
Total Operating Income Received to Date $662,322.45
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Are we missing your birthday?
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