This Sunday is Senior Sunday, when we celebrate our graduating seniors. We also in a sense "send them off," with the assumption that, depending on their path, we may not see them as often for a few years. In preparing for this day, two prayers have been resonating for me.

The first is from the Baptismal Rite. After the candidates for Holy Baptism have renounced evil and promised to follow Jesus, the Celebrant turns to the People and asks, "Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ?" And we shout, "We will!" Of course, not all of the people we will celebrate Sunday were baptized at Saint Paul's, but they have all been a part of our Baptismal community and it has been our happy responsibility to support them in their life in Christ. That responsibility doesn't end with graduation, any more than parenting does. It goes on evolving, as our young people grow into their own vocations. That promise, with its evolving call, will continue to bind us to these people whose growth has brought us so much joy.

The second is a little weirder, and I'm afraid that I can't find the exact quote. I heard it at the Iona Community in Scotland. The week I was there years ago, they said a prayer for absent members of the community that went something like, "May they not fail you, nor we them." I'm drawn to this notion of a sending community praying to remain/become the community needed by the very people it sent out. Or, a community striving to be what is needed for the ongoing mission of its members in the world. In relation to Sunday, I think this might mean being a place where idealism seems plausible and hope feels trustworthy. May we be such a place and such a people for each of these graduates.

Join us Sunday as we celebrate the gifts and accomplishments of these young people, and assure them that Saint Paul's will always be a home for them.

Eric+

Following Sunday's service, please join us at a reception in honor of our graduating seniors given by the Daughters of the King. The Daughters of the King at Saint Paul’s are continuing to grow a ministry with our college students, sending gifts at fall and spring exams and praying for them throughout the year. If you are interested in knowing more about this ministry, please talk with them after the service or contact Suzanne Pursley-Crotteau.

This Sunday we will collect an offering for the Episcopal Youth and Children's Services. EYCS is a unique organization in the Diocese of Georgia that provides need-based college scholarships for undergraduates and financial assistance for children who might otherwise not be able to go to summer camp at Honey Creek, the Episcopal camp & conference center of the Diocese of Georgia. Several Saint Paul's youth have been among the many recipients of this college scholarship. To make a donation, please make your checks payable to Saint Paul's and note your gift to EYCS or mail directly to EYCS, 18 East 34th Street, Savannah, GA 31401-7433.

College-bound students (ages 17-22) are encouraged to apply online at the Diocese of Georgia website at: eycs.georgiaepiscopal.org, click on Education Scholarships. Application requirements: 1. Fill out online application 2. Current Grades 3. Priest's recommendation 4. Parents' W-2 for the current year.  

The Finance Committee and the Vestry are beginning the work of preparing the 2022 budget. Your pledge allows them to prepare a more accurate budget. If you have not yet completed a pledge card, please prayerfully consider your pledge to a momentous year. Pledge cards are available in the Narthex and by contacting the parish office. You may also pledge online using the link below.

92 Increase (23 new), 6 Decrease, 40 no change

as of 05/11/2022

Offerings pledged this Week $12,981.00

Offerings received this Week $5,873.35

Operating Expenses to Date $301,094.81

Operating Income to Date $420,385.53

Please contact the Parish Office to update our files.