According to the metric the vestry uses to track the pandemic, our region moved this week into a lower category of risk. We are now yellow on the Brown Global Epidemic website tool. This means that we can responsibly do a little bit more together, and move a little bit closer to some familiar habits. You can find the full current protocols here.

In terms of our public worship, the big changes for Sunday are that the choir may sing while processing in and out and communion will be distributed at the altar rail. We will also have a communion station under the pulpit at 11:00 AM. We will retain for now the practice of Eucharistic ministers dipping bread in the wine and offering the people both elements in that way. At the yellow level of risk, we continue to ask family units to be mindful of spacing and we continue to have a touchless exchange of the peace.

We're learning something we might call "cautious joy." These small tweaks to our worship feel like a gift. And we'll continue to try to be led by love and care for each other.

Eric+

Our 2022 annual pledge campaign has concluded. The Finance Committee and the Vestry will now begin the work of preparing the 2022 budget. Your pledge allows them to prepare a more accurate budget. 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. You may also pledge online using the link below.

as of 11/10/2021

Offerings received this Week $21,752.23

Operating Expenses to Date $738,383.29

Total Income Received to Date $781,864.44

The Vestry Nominating Committee is seeking candidates whom you believe would make outstanding Vestry members for Saint Paul's. If you'd like to suggest someone, including yourself, please contact retiring Senior Warden Ashley Wright. Prior to nominating someone else, please discuss with them their interest and willingness to serve in this role.

The basic responsibilities of the Vestry are:

We expect to elect for three full three-year terms and the remaining year of Matt Gullette’s unexpired term. If the new senior warden comes from the current vestry, we may have an additional unexpired term to fill.

To be eligible for the Vestry, a nominee must answer "yes" to all of the following questions.

Each nominee slated to run for election to the Vestry will be invited to share a profile with the parish via our regular parish communications including the weekly newsletter.

A Note on Eligibility: It was recently brought to our attention that some of our election practices vary from what is required in the diocesan canons (church law in our diocese). Conversations with the Bishop’s staff have clarified the language that will bring our practices into alignment with diocesan canons. On page 19 of the attached Constitution and Canons, those eligible for election are those “confirmed adults in good standing eighteen years of age or older enrolled in the Congregation” (Canon 2.1). Those eligible to vote in an election are “those confirmed adults enrolled in the Congregation who are in good standing and who have reached the age of sixteen” (Canon 2.3). Those already in the process of being confirmed or received and otherwise eligible, are eligible to run and vote while waiting for the bishop’s next visit.

Please contact the Parish Office to update our files.