If you hang out with a certain kind of Christian hippie contemplative long enough, you might hear the phrase “Fall Triduum.” And when you do, you might have no idea what they’re talking about. In the strictest terms, it might be a stretch. “Triduum” means “three days” and only really gets used to refer to the great three days of Holy Week: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Great Vigil of Easter on Holy Saturday. Those three days are the heart of the Christian year. But lately I’ve heard more talk about a Fall Triduum, referring to the three days we’re about to reach: Halloween, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day. 

I don’t think we need to pick out all those threads to hear a call from the church that these coming days are somehow different from the other days around them. Nothing magical happens October 31, but we can all use a reminder that sometimes the gap between what we can see and what we don’t see gets smaller. Or as the old Celtic Christians used to say, there are places where and times when the veil between worlds is thin. All Saints (November 1) is a principal feast of the Christian year and commemorates all the saints at once while reminding us of our fellowship in the communion of saints. All Souls (November 2), or officially the Commemoration of All Faithful Departed, is the day that is actually about our grandparents and friends who loved Jesus and have gone on before us without recognition from the official church calendar. We’ll combine a liturgical observance of All Saints and All Souls on Sunday, November 7). A Fall Triduum might indeed be a stretch. But it is always good to interrupt the mundane all-consuming busy-ness of our lives to mark sacred time. 

So how might we mark sacred time in the midst of trick or treating and then rushing through normal weekdays? First, slow down and break a routine. Stop and notice what you usually rush past. Maybe the veil between worlds does get thin; but certainly, there’s a lot of God’s beauty and work in this world that we are too busy to notice. Second, make time to think and pray about the invisible fellowships of which we are a part—and how these fellowships can help call out the best in us. And finally, yes, remember our own dead. A year with so much death, trauma, and anger has warped our habits of mourning and remembering. All Souls calls us back to a faithful, grateful remembrance of those we have loved, but see no longer. 

Eric+

Dear People of Saint Paul’s:

At the beginning of this year, we passed an annual budget which was projected to take us through the end of the year. We committed to revisiting it mid-year to see if there needed to be additions or reductions based on our actual financial situation. When we made that commitment, we also agreed to a second presentation of the budget to the church as an explanation. As the process unfolded, it coincided with the announcement and arrival of Fr. Biddy. To allow Fr. Biddy to be present, we delayed the second meeting until November 7. On that Sunday, the Vestry will join Treasurer Will Rice and Finance Committee Chair Monty Osteen to discuss the amended budget during the 9:30 a.m. adult formation class time. While the numbers are pretty similar to the original budget, we hope that you will enable us to have a better understanding of what our commitments and opportunities are. At the August Vestry meeting, Will and Monty presented an in-depth look at the budget to the vestry, and we expect to have another similar review of the endowments. All of this is in keeping with our commitment to providing clear information about the business of the Church. Please join us November 7 at 9:30 a.m. in the Berlin Room.

Yours,

Ashley Wright

Senior Warden

The gospel of Luke tells us, “to whom much is given, much is required.” The way I read this tells me I’m in big trouble! This church gives, gives and gives some more to me and my family. Many years ago, I remember reading words from a Sr. Warden revealing he spent more on his weekly entertainment than he gave to the church each Sunday. Do we give back as much as we are required or expected? Not even close. But being good stewards requires commitment and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us. May this work continue. 

--Catherine Stuckey

SAT -- OCT 30, 10AM

WED -- NOV 3, 6PM

Throughout fall, we'll continue to offer opportunities to attend an event and we hope that everyone will do so. If there is a time/day you'd like to see OR if you'd like to host an event in your backyard, please contact Elisabeth in the parish office. 

We are aware of multiple scam text messages to parishioners asking for help from someone claiming to be Fr. Biddy. While you may receive a text message from Fr. Eric or a member of the staff, you will not be asked to purchase gift cards. Please call the parish office if you ever have questions about the authenticity of an email or text.

Our 2022 annual pledge campaign is underway. Please prayerfully consider your contribution to a momentous year. 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.

Pledge Cards Received: 76

as of 10/27/2021

Offerings received this Week $7,918.90

Operating Expenses to Date $729,319.32

Total Income Received to Date $748,033.21

Please contact the Parish Office to update our files.