Weekly
Postings
news & events
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To the Community of Saint Paul’s Church,
Each day I look at the number of new COVID-19 cases in the CSRA. I keep hoping that I will see a down turn, something that will point to the end. Each day, so far, I have been disappointed.
As Jesus hung on the cross, in his time of deepest despair, he gave voice to all that he was feeling, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” These words from Psalm 22 continue, “and are so far from my cry and from the words of my distress? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer; by night as well, but I find no rest.”
These are difficult times for so many. This virus has affected our lives and the lives of those around us. We hurt; we fear the uncertainty of what lies ahead. What will life and community look like in the months to come? How will commerce and schools and, yes, the Church continue to look for new ways to fulfill their purpose?
“My God, my God….” As the Church we must always remember that we are not just some other organization or business that is trying to find new ways to stay viable. We are living members of the Body of Christ, called to continue the reconciling work, the work of drawing each other and the world that surrounds us into right and closer relationship with God.
Just as we can now see beyond Jesus’ words of despair to the joy and knowledge of resurrection and new life; so we can glimpse what lies ahead for us who are faithful in being his Body here and now. There is hope. There is hope that we will fully see the Christ in each other; that we can hurt when others hurt and be joyful when they are joyful; and work purposefully in the work of reconciliation that draws all humanity toward God and one another.
I don’t know how things will look as we begin to return to any sense of “normal.” But I do know working together, loving each other, bearing one another’s burdens, sharing our hopes and dreams, we will continue to be the Church. For just as the Psalm does not end in despair, but looks to hope and promise – “My soul shall live for him; my descendants shall serve him; they shall be known as the Lord’s forever” – so we too look with hope to our future.
Let us pray.
O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgement, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us do, that the Spirit of wisdom may see us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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EVENTS THIS SUNDAY | JULY 12
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SUMMER GATHERINGS WITH GODLY PLAY- Children through 5th grade
Sundays, 9:30 a.m.
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID:
366 090 592
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This gathering will be a relaxed time where we have the chance to connect and talk with each other, share a story or activity, sing, and pray together. We will continue to meet at our regular formation time, Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. and you can join us by using the same link and password that we have been using each week.
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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NEW FORMATION OPPORTUNITY
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BECOMING BELOVED COMMUNITY…WHERE YOU ARE
Ministry of Racial Healing & Reconciliation
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Fr. Jenkins is soliciting interest from those who wish to participate in the work of dismantling racism, which in The Episcopal Church is anchored in the framework of
Becoming Beloved Community
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Email Fr. Jenkins
to express your interest. Those interested will coordinate to schedule a planning meeting online.
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CHRISTIAN FORMATION - Reflection Group
The Universal Christ, by Fr. Richard Rohr
8 weekly 90 minutes sessions; beginning in August; meeting times TBD by participants.
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This small group gathers for eight structured meetings to reflect on the meaning of Christ incarnated and implications practicing or renewing our daily practice of Christianity.
Learning objectives -- participants will:
- learn about a forgotten teaching of Christ;
- have opportunity to learn and engage in Christian contemplative practices;
- practice growing in presence to one another;
- set intentions for becoming a more loving, engaged presence in the world.
NOT INTERESTED in joining?
Consider LISTENING to the podcast:
Another Name For Every Thing
. Season 1 presents conversations about the book. Subsequent seasons delve into being Christian from the theological perspective of the Universal Christ.
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A "Thank You" from Golden Harvest Food Bank
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Saint Paul's Church recently set a goal of raising $10,000 to donate to Golden Harvest Food Bank. In one week, the Church raised $15,000, or the equivalent of nearly 50,000 meals! Since COVID-19 regulations have put volunteer opportunities on pause, our parishioners have found ways to reach out and continue to love thy neighbor.
Thank YOU for making this possible!
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Food Drive Collection and Delivery
Wesley UMC will be conducting a food drive on Saturday, July 18. Non-perishables are being collected for Columbia County Cares, and volunteers are needed to help sort these items. Volunteers, especially those with trucks, are also needed to deliver the donations on Wednesday, July 22 at 9:30 a.m.
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Manna Pantry - Saturday, July 18th
Manna Pantry at Saint Paul’s Church provides a box of food to those in our community who need this supplemental assistance.
Golden Harvest Food Bank will issue pre-packaged family boxes for us to distribute.
Due to COVID-19 safety regulations, interested volunteers must
email Melissa Friedman
and sign-up to participate.
Interested in becoming a Co-Chair of our Manna Pantry Ministry?
Email Melissa Friedman to learn more! *Position requires the completion of a virtual training on August 20.
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EVENTS NEXT WEEK | JULY 13 - JULY 19
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Praying
Together
Audience: All parishioners, visitors, and guests
THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE:
Daily Prayer Tutorial and Worship
Wednesday, July 15, 12 - 12:30 p.m. Followed by Noonday Prayer at 12:30 - 12:40 p.m.
Centering Prayer Tutorial and "Sit"
Wednesday, July 15, 7 - 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, July 15, 12:30 p.m.
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 595 177 454
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
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Following a Daily Prayer tutorial, all are invited to gather for a Noonday Prayer Service through Zoom.
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Centering Prayer Tutorial and "Sit"
Wednesday, July 15, 7 p.m.
*Please note time change
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 595 177 454
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
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“
Contemplative practices
facilitate and deepen our relationship with God.” This tutorial will offer a “beginner's” approach to the practice of Centering Prayer. “The more we practice and allow the transformation process to happen, the more we are able to experience the Indwelling Presence in everything we do. Contemplative practices give us the eyes to see and the ears to hear God calling us to the banquet that is our lives, as they are.”
Immediately following the tutorial and a short Centering Prayer “sit”, stay for the liturgy of Compline on the same zoom meeting at 8 p.m.
Inquiries, questions to be addressed in the tutorial? Please send them in advance to
Fr. John Jenkins.
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Compline
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NOW OFFERED through Facebook Live and Zoom
Wednesdays, 8 - 8:15, 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 opportunity for a mid-week visit.
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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 $11,881.40
Operating Expenses to Date $521,111.48
Total Income Received to Date $513,946.69
Stewardship Campaign:
2020 Pledge Cards Received to Date 174
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Are we missing your birthday?
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