Weekly
Postings
news & events
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A Letter from the Interim Priest-in-Charge |
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EXTRAORDINARY ORDINARY
This past week at church, I mentioned in conversation that it was nice to be in “ordinary time.” I didn’t realize that I was talking about something that was not entirely familiar to everyone. So, here’s a brief explanation and comment.
The term “ordinary time” originated in the Catholic Church to indicate the parts of the liturgical calendar that are not included in the major seasons: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Pentecost. For example we just began ordinary time on the Monday after Pentecost (May 24th), and will conclude on the Saturday before Advent. What can be confusing is that there is also a bit of ordinary time from the Monday after the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord through the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
Don’t go looking for ordinary time in the Prayer Book – it’s not there. The term evolved from the way the titles of the seasons, Sundays and major holy days are expressed (BCP page 31) in “Ordinal numbers” – first, second, third, fourth, etc.
I’ve always been a bit uneasy about the word ordinary in this context since it may convey routine, common, or mundane. In the church there is nothing “ordinary” about “ordinary time.” Ordinary time is living out our faith and the meaning of Christ’s resurrection in ordinary life during those months when we don’t have major feasts to refocus our attention.
The summer months and ordinary time lay before us, but this ordinary time season at Saint Paul’s is going to be anything but ordinary – it will be extraordinary! You don’t want to miss it!
Peace,
Joe+
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An Update from the Rector Search Committee |
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We are pleased to announce that our search committee has now moved into face-to-face meetings with our candidates, the final phase of our discernment process. Our committee began our work together in June 2020, and we have spent the past year in self-examination, study, and listening. Over the past few months, we have been engaging extensively with our candidates and spending time in prayer and reflection, individually and collectively, as we listen for God’s voice and guidance in this process.
We are deeply grateful to the following parishioners for their commitment to Saint Paul’s and their willingness to serve in this important ministry. We are incredibly proud of the dedication demonstrated by these committee members. They have done this critically important work with thoughtfulness, respect, honesty, and a deep commitment to discerning God’s will for our church family:
Julie Badger
Hava Chandler
Melissa Heckathorn
Meg Horton
John Robertson
Wright Montgomery
As we move into this last phase of our discernment process, we ask that you pray for our church and our candidates and our search committee to be imbued with wisdom and the awareness of God’s vision for our church as we seek a faithful pastor to join us in our ministries in our parish, community, and diocese.
Yours in Christ,
Kim Butler and Brad Sandbach
Saint Paul’s Rector Search Committee
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EVENTS THIS SUNDAY | June 6 |
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Sunday Forum
Sundays, 9:30 a.m. | Berlin Room
Led by Fr. Dolen
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THIS SUNDAY'S TOPIC:
The Devil Made Me Do It. Is there a devil or is it just folklore?
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Book Study: Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times
Sundays, 10 a.m. | Colonial Chapel (outside near Celtic Cross)
Led by Fr. Bowden
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Join Fr. Bowden for this study on our Presiding Bishop’s latest book. All who are interested are invited to gather by the Celtic Cross on Sundays at 10 a.m. We will end promptly by 10:45 a.m. to allow everyone time to get into church. In this book, Bishop Curry offers no abstract or philosophical analyses of love. He simply tells his personal stories of how he has experienced the love of God, which he proclaims is the only source and key to life and that love is “an equal opportunity employer.”
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Sunday Worship Schedule
8 AM Rite I - In person
5:30 PM Celtic - In person
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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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EVENTS NEXT WEEK | June 7 - June 12 |
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Noonday Prayer
Monday & 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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About Your Sermon: Conversations on Sunday's Sermon
Mondays, 12:05 - 1 p.m.
Led by Fr. Bowden
Meeting ID: 595 177 454
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Every Monday we invite you to gather for and discuss the Good News of Jesus Christ proclaimed in Sunday’s sermon from the 11 a.m. service. We begin with Noonday Prayer at 12:05 p.m. and then jump into discussion to explore your questions and interests, theological themes, and implications. We end promptly at one o’clock for those joining during a lunch hour.
The video of the service is available on our Facebook page immediately following Sunday’s 11 a.m. livestream. The sermon usually begins at about 25 minutes into the service, to which you can advance the video. |
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Sacred Space at Saint Paul's
Tuesday and Friday, or by appointment
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Sacred Space is an opportunity for you to be in your church’s sacred space to rest and pray. You will be provided with a simple Order of Service to guide your prayers, but pray according to your practice and however fulfills your needs for your own sacred time and space.
Please use the calendar below to reserve a time just for you, or contact the parish office if you'd like a different time not listed. |
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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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Usher Training
Saturday, June 12, 10 AM
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For all persons interesting in becoming an usher on Sundays, there will be an usher training on Saturday, June 12th at 10:00 a.m. There will be light refreshments and it should last about 45 minutes to an hour. Please RSVP to Nick Uros or the parish office
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DoK Discernment Classes
Beginning Monday, June 14
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The St. Ruth Byllesby Chapter of the Order of the Daughters of the King (DoK) will begin discernment classes for new members starting the week of June 14th. 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 or call her at (706) 910-9331 by June 7th.
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Musical Memories for Alzheimer's
Monday, June 21, 7 PM
Live-streamed from AU
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This year's Musical Memories for Alzheimer's will be live-streamed from Augusta University's Recital Hall, Monday June 21, featuring Rob Foster and friends. Rob is a frequent musician for our Celtic service. Our Outreach Committee will send a donation of $500 and invites you to join them in supporting this fundraising concert which began at Saint Paul's four years ago. To make a donation or for more information, visit the Alzheimer's Association Longest Day website. |
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Help Us Celebrate Independence Day
Sunday, July 4, 11 AM
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We would like to have the Saint Paul’s Brass Quintet and Percussionists with us for this year’s 4th of July service but it can happen only if we raise the funds to pay for it. If you’d like to donate to the cause as a thanksgiving or memorial please be in touch with Director of Music Keith Shafer or call him, (706) 724-2485 x 215 no later than than Friday, June 25th. We look forward to a full choir and inspiring music as we enjoy our country’s birthday. |
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Education for Ministry (EfM) program
TIME TO ENROLL
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CALLING THE CURIOUS: Are you curious to explore the meaning of Holy Scripture, the history and traditions of Christianity, and our ever-changing understanding of God that you may more deeply live your faith? Then it is time to consider the Education for Ministry (EfM) program. EfM is a small-group study and spiritual growth program open to ALL people and begins each August. Contact Saint Paul's EfM mentor, Alan Andrews or Fr. Joe Bowden to have a full conversation about it. WE LOVE EfM! |
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OTHER RESOURCES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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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
136 Pledge Cards representing $605,801.00
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 6/02/21
Offerings pledged this Week $11,650.02
Offerings received this Week $6,373.90
Operating Expenses to Date $310,099.16
Total Income Received to Date $327,224.24
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Altar Flower Sponsorships Available |
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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Donate to the Summer Music |
On the summer Sundays when the choirs are on vacation, special music is provided by guest instrumentalists or singers. If you’d like to donate the music on these Sundays, please email Director of Music Keith Shafer or call him, (706) 724-2485 x 215 for further information and cost. Gifts can be made as thanksgivings or memorials.
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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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