Weekly
Postings
news & events
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To the Community of Saint Paul’s Church,
Just as we, in some ways, begin to get used to the new way of doing things they change. This Sunday we will be bidding farewell to the Rev. Ranie Neislar, sending her forth to St. Thomas Church in Huntsville, Alabama. We will all miss Ranie’s infectious smile and laugh. Her warmth and caring nature, while missed here, will be so appreciated by the people of St. Thomas.
As a part of our liturgy this Sunday we will have “sending forth” prayers and a blessing that will represent the good wishes and prayers that will accompany her as she moves to Alabama. Please add your thought and well wishes in the Facebook comments so that she can read the sentiments of her Saint Paul’s family.
Yesterday there was a Zoom meeting with the clergy of the Diocese, Bishop Benhase, and Bishop-elect Logue. Frank Logue has been in conversation with the Bishop of Atlanta and expressed their desire to develop a plan for the Episcopal parishes in the state of Georgia and not two dioceses moving in their own direction. This was supported by the clergy gathered.
As work continues on developing a phased plan during this time of challenge and change, this time of “re-entry”, the work of the Church continues. At this time Bishop-elect Logue was clear that we would not return to in-person worship until at least July 1. This date was chosen in conversation with a group of experts from Emory.
I know that many of us would like to come back home more quickly. I also know that Bishop-elect Logue, the Bishop of Atlanta as well as Fr. John and I feel that the safety of all our congregation warrants moving in slow and deliberate ways. Please know that all of us are working toward and planning for that time when we will gather again within the walls of Saint Paul’s.
Finally, I want to remind everyone that Frank Logue will become the XI Bishop of Georgia in a Service of Ordination of a Bishop on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 11:00 in the morning. While the in-person attendance is limited, the virtual attendance of the people of the Diocese will no doubt be felt by Frank and his family. Information on a link to “attend” follows in today’s Postings.
As we observed the Feast of the Ascension yesterday I ask that you join me in the following prayer:
Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting.
Amen.
It is always good to be reminded that Jesus abides with us, his Church, wherever and when we gather.
May God continue to bless us and be with us as we move into an uncertain future.
George
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EVENTS THIS SUNDAY | MAY 24
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GODLY PLAY- Children through 5th grade
Sundays, 9:30 a.m.
OFF THIS SUNDAY for the Memorial Day weekend. We will see you next Sunday!
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Saint Paul's takes children and their relationship with God seriously and seeks to provide both space to foster encounters with God and the language necessary to make meaning of those experiences. In our new digital environment, we are excited for families to gather with their children to experience the Biblical narrative lovingly presented, followed by a time for awe and wondering. See you Sunday!
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RECTOR’S FORUM
Sundays, 9:30 a.m.
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 860 972 849
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
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The Rector's Forum offers a time and place for engaging conversation that is not anchored to a specific curriculum or topic. Always we consider how to honestly and faithfully live out our Baptismal vows, now more than ever!
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YOUTH FORMATION - Middle and High School
Sundays, 10:30 a.m.
OR Zoom App, Meeting ID: 795 073 836
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Youth gather for some theology, fellowship, and lively conversation before tuning into 11 a.m. worship. It’s everything you love about our Sunday morning experience, except the chicken biscuit.
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EASTER FORMATION - The Universal Christ, by Fr. Richard Rohr
SEEKING THOSE INTERESTING in forming a second group; see below in "New Formation Opportunities"
Topic: Theology/Cosmology of Christ, Contemplative Prayer, Community
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This small group (currently full) is reading and reflecting on Fr. Richard Rohr's The Universal Christ: How a forgotten reality can change everything we see, hope for, and believe.
Participants will:
- learn about a forgotten teaching of Christ;
- have opportunity to learn and engage in Christian contemplative practices;
- participate will practice growing in presence to one another through paired and group sharing
- set intentions for becoming a more loving, engaged presence in the world.
A wonderful alternative practice since this group currently is full is to listen to Fr. Rohr’s podcast,
Another Name For Every Thing. Season 1 offers chapter-by-chapter conversations about the book. Subsequent seasons delve into deeper conversations about the meaning of Christ’s universal presence.
IF you are interested in participating in the NEXT group, communicate your interest to
Fr. Jenkins.
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NEW FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES
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The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr
Led by Fr. Jenkins
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Two opportunities:
- Book Discussion Group-- Richard Rohr's The Universal Christ. Interested in reading, learning and discussion with a more traditional book group format? Email Fr. Jenkins to indicate your interest. The group will set its own schedule and meeting times.
- Reading & Reflection Group-- 8 Weeks, with Fr. Jenkins -- Richard Rohr's The Universal Christ. Seeking those interested in a deeper encounter with the ideas and theology of this book. Weekly 90 minute meetings incorporate intentional settings for solo, paired, and group reflection. Email Fr. Jenkins to indicate your interest.
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Centering Prayer & "Sitting" Practice Group
Led By Fr. Jenkins
Seeking Interested Participants
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Centering Prayer
is a receptive method of Christian silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience God's presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. It can be helpful to one's practice of centering prayer, especially at the beginning, to have periodic accountability and support through a group.
If you are interested in learning about centering prayer, about exploring possibilities for forming an online sitting group, or about other contemplative practices,
please notify Fr. Jenkins
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OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES | MAY 22 - MAY 31
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Write A Note To A Family in Need
Golden Harvest is collecting notes of encouragement for families who are struggling during the COIVD-19 crisis. The notes will be included in boxes of emergency food that are distributed across our service area. To participate, simply write a handwritten response to one of the prompts below:
- Prompt 1: Write down your favorite scripture or prayer and include a drawing that illustrates your scripture or prayer.
- Prompt 2: Write a note of encouragement and illustrate it with an image that symbolizes hope for you, like a rainbow or sunrise.
Mail notes to:
Golden Harvest Food Bank
Attn: Volunteer Notes
3310 Commerce Drive
Augusta, GA 30909
Or dropped off at the Aiken or Augusta Warehouse.
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Distribute Meals with St. Luke
Deliver breakfasts and lunches to children in need in Richmond County on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout May. Email
StephTeague@aol.com to learn how you can get involved.
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EVENTS NEXT WEEK | MAY 24 - MAY 31
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Praying
Together
Audience
: A
ll - visitors, guest, and parishioners!
THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE:
Noonday Prayer Tutorial and worship
Wednesday, May 27, 12 - 12:30 p.m. Followed by Noonday Prayer at 12:30 p.m.
Daily Devotions Tutorial & worship
Wednesday, May 27, 7:30 - 7:55 p.m. Followed by Compline at 8 p.m.
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 595 177 454
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
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Our church's deepest and strongest roots are found in daily common prayer.
The Book of Common Prayer
contains a variety of daily prayer services for both private or public
use, but few Episcopalians today are comfortable with how to pray these prayers solo or in community (in whatever form it presently takes). Praying Together offers tutorials about prayer and our prayer tradition so that everyone may learn how to pray the daily prayers of our church, giving their attention and intention to God's presence in the community of common prayer.
Contact Fr. Jenkins
if you would like to request instruction about a particular daily prayer service or at a particular time.
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Noonday Prayer
Wednesday, May 27, 12:30 p.m.
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OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 595 177 454
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
Following a Noonday Prayer tutorial, are invited to gather for a Noonday Prayer Service through Zoom.
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Compline
Wednesdays, 8 p.m.
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 595 177 454
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
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“The Lord Almighty, grant us a peaceful night and a perfect end.”
Wednesday evenings, we will gather online to pray the service of Compline at 8 p.m. The service will be led by members of the parish and the bulletin will be presented through Zoom so all may participate. Compline is a beautiful, simple, and quiet service to end the day with on
e another in prayer with Go
d.
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OTHER RESOURCES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Saint Paul's Faithfulness
Offerings Pledged this Week $15,000.00
Offerings Received this Week
$7,058.90
Operating Expenses to Date
$369,396.57
Total Income Received to Date
$409,496.96
Stewardship Campaign:
2020 Pledge Cards Received to Date 174
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Consecration of Bishop-Elect Frank Logue
Saturday, May 30 at 11 a.m.
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God willing and people consenting, Frank Sullivan Logue will be ordained and consecrated a Bishop in the one holy catholic and apostolic Church, and the 11th Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Georgia.
Your presence (online) and prayers (real-time) are requested.
Join Live:
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Daughters of the King Discernment Classes for New Members
Beginning in the last full week of May on Zoom
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The St. Ruth Byllesby Chapter of the Order of the Daughters of the King (DoK) will offer discernment classes for new members beginning the last full week of May on Zoom.
DoK is an international prayer and service order in the Episcopal Church, and The St. Ruth Byllesby Chapter is part of the ministries of Saint Paul's Church. If you are interested in discernment classes or have questions about the DoK, please
email Suzanne Pursley-Crotteau
at or call her at (706) 910-9331.
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Forward Day by Day is here!
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The new Day by Day issue for May, June, and July has arrived. If you would like to have one mailed to you, please
contact the parish office
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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.
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Are we missing your birthday?
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