Over the years, I have been a part of a number of conversations at Saint Paul’s that include discussion of the importance of having more children, youth, and young adults and families at Saint Paul’s. Looking at the data from the parish survey completed during our rector search process, it is clear that this is a legitimate concern and something that is needed to give balance to our church. During the self-examination that was also a part of the search process, it was clear that older members of our congregation are the lifeblood of the church. They are involved as leaders and volunteers in every area of life at Saint Paul’s.

Earlier this year, Father Eric Biddy asked me to work on developing and growing children and youth ministries at Saint Paul’s. We recognized that this ministry would be healthiest and most meaningful if we did this work in a way that connected our children and youth with our adults and with the ministries and fellowship that are part of our life together. Our children, youth, and young adults offer new energy, enthusiasm, and ideas to our church. Our older adults offer knowledge, skills, experience, wisdom, support, and encouragement to our church and younger parishioners. It is essential that we recognize the importance of all ages and that is why we have created a program that builds children, youth, and intergenerational ministries.

Over the past months, we have been intentional about providing new opportunities for parishioners of different ages to come together for service projects and ministries and to give our children and youth increased opportunities to participate in existing ministries at Saint Paul’s. This Sunday, we have two opportunities available for our parish members:

Thank you to all who have engaged in our programs this year. There will be many opportunities to get involved in the year to come. We look forward to having you share your gifts with our young people.

In Christ,

Kim Butler

Director of Children, Youth, and Intergenerational Ministries

In July 2022, the Vestry voted to move the black plaque on the Polk memorial to a new spot in the Narthex with context added to further explain the life of General Polk and his connection with Saint Paul’s. That plaque would be replaced in the castellation on the Chancel wall with similar material engraved with a Eucharist-centric verse. The gift of the chancel floor and the altar rail by the Polk family would be acknowledged by a new plaque on the Chancel north wall, adjacent to the door into the vesting room. All this is to occur, per a Vestry vote, by not using any operating funds. 

Mr. Tom Robertson has been superintending this process and has chosen Mastercraft Flooring of Augusta to remove, replace and re-install the various components of this project. Mastercraft Flooring has worked with the Church in a number of projects in the past and is well qualified to help us undertake this project properly. 

Prior to the July vote, the Vestry was aware of interest by a number of parishioners to contribute to the overall project cost, and we are now at a point to establish such a purse. If you would like to contribute, you can place a check in the mail or the collection plate before Christmas, earmarked “Polk Monument Project.” All donors are kept anonymous unless the Church is told differently for capital projects and if you want to stress anonymity, feel free to note so on the envelope with your contribution. Only the Church administrator will know the source of the gifts. 

In Christ,

Cameron Nixon

Senior Warden

as of 12/14/2022

Offerings pledged this Week $12,981.00

Offerings received this Week $5,621.00

Operating Expenses to Date $847,387.56

Operating Income to Date $920,271.53

Please contact the Parish Office to update our files.