Weekly
Postings
news & events
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February 18 - February 27, 2022
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"I will, with God's help." Last Thursday night Saint Paul's joined Bishop Logue in celebrating Holy Baptism, with Confirmations, Receptions, and the Installation of a New Rector. Thank you all for throwing such a great party. But it wasn't just a great party: it was also a commissioning of all of us to Christian ministry. It announced loudly that we are here to proclaim the good news, worship God, and serve our neighbors. In the coming weeks and months, we'll be putting together some programs to help us all discern what we are being called to here and now. But this discernment is not just the work of the clergy and staff--it is work for all of us.
The Catechism in the back of the Book of Common Prayer has two questions that are especially relevant to our life together right now: Q. Through whom does the Church carry out its mission? A. The Church carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members. And Q. Who are the ministers of the Church? A. The ministers of the Church are lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons. Lay persons (anyone who is not ordained) are listed first on purpose. You are the first ministers of the church. As our calendar draws close to Lent, a time when evaluation and introspection are especially apt, I encourage you to be exploring how you embody ministry and how we can embody it together. God is always already out in front of us, inviting us further on in love.
Eric+
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FROM THE STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE |
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During the Annual Meeting we distributed an invitation to join the work of the strategic plan for Saint Paul's. If you haven’t had a chance yet to complete the form, please take a minute now. |
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The attached form lists six goals that the strategic planning committee believes will revitalize the church and help us to do to the work that God has given us to do. We anticipate the entire church deepening in ministry through these goals, but if you are especially drawn to one of
them, we want to know!
After prayerful consideration, please fill out this form, check the goal(s) that most speak to you, and return it to the office or place it in the collection plate on Sunday, so that we can make sure you are included in further visioning and implementation. Thank you for being a part of the Saint Paul’s family!
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EVENTS THIS WEEKEND | February 19 |
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Attention Gardeners!
Saturday Morning Work Fest
Saturday, February 19, 9 AM
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Please join our regular garden volunteers for a Saturday morning work fest on February 19th beginning at 9 AM. We’ll be preparing the East side bed next to the church by removing existing verbena, tilling the ground, adding soil amendments, and dividing and replanting perennials from the garden between the West side of the church and the chapel. If you can participate in this event, please email Keith Shafer or call or text him at 706.339.7208. Keith will provide you with information about tools we need. Volunteers with pick-up trucks especially appreciated! |
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EVENTS THIS SUNDAY | February 20 |
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Saint Paul's Nursery is OPEN
Sundays 9:30 AM -12:30 PM
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We are pleased to announce that the Saint Paul’s nursey has reopened for children 6 months to 4 years of age. The nursery will be available on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:30 a.m. to allow parents to attend formation. If you have any questions about the nursey, please contact the parish office. Miss Connie and Miss Jenna are all VERY EXCITED to welcome you back! |
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Sunday Forum
“Women of the Bible: Exploring Difficult Stories and Their Significance Now.”
Sunday, February 20, 9:30 AM
Berlin Room
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The Daughters of the King will lead a four-part series for Christian Formation during Epiphany, February 13, 20, and 27th at 9:30 AM. “Women of the Bible: Exploring Difficult Stories and Their Significance Now” will read and study these difficult Biblical texts as they relate to current reality for women in 2022. Please join us. |
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Godly Play (grades PK - 1st)
9:30 AM -10:30 AM
In the Children's Ministry Center
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ALL children inherently know God, but it is up to us to give them the language of the Christian faith so they can grow to make meaning of our faith in their own lives. Godly Play is a profound method rooted in Montessori principles that forms child spirituality by attending to their natural gifts for wonder and discovery. Children are greeted at the door of the Godly Play room by the "door person." It is VERY important for parents to respect the boundary of the door threshold by not entering the children's sacred space--their Godly Play room. We cannot wait to welcome your children each Sunday!
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Spark: (grades 2-3)
9:30 AM -10:30 AM
In the Children's Ministry Center
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Our older children will again immerse themselves in SPARK, where they will work with the same themes and Scripture that we all encounter in common worship. Every lesson follows a four-part pattern: Gather, Open the Bible, Activate Faith, and Send. Week after week, the children and their leaders gather together, explore the Scriptures, enjoy one another's company, pray, and discover God's presence in their midst.
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Spark: (grades 4- 6) "Look at the Gospels”
9:30 AM -10:30 AM
In the Children's Ministry Center
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Our older children will continue to "Look at the Gospels” of Jesus’ life and ministry. His parables, miracles and teachings are displayed with posters, colored drawings, and miniature models. They are also studying the many wonders of the Old Testament through the first seven books of the Bible.
Each Sunday using the Spark Curriculum we follow a five-part pattern: gather, read the scriptures, discuss its meaning, pray and play “Who dat?” (“Who dat” is a game of Bible trivia based on what they have already learned).
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Sunday Worship Schedule
8 AM Rite I - In person
11 AM Rite II - In person
5:30 PM - Celtic Evening Prayer and Communion
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All three of our Sunday worship services are in-person with no requirement to sign-up. |
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Celtic Evening Prayer and Communion
5:30 PM
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Our guest musician is our own Celeste Ray, clarinet. |
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EVENTS NEXT WEEK | February 21 - February 27 |
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Tuesday's Music Live Continues
Tuesday, February 22, 12 Noon
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Tuesday’s Music Live continues its 33rd season Tuesday, February 22, with a free concert by The Will Anderson Trio. Contact TuesdaysMusicLive.com for more information or call the Box Office at (706) 722-3463. |
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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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Master's Table Soup Kitchen
Saturday, February 26, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
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The Masters Table Soup Kitchen at 702 Fenwick Street will be staffed by Saint Paul’s Church volunteers on Saturday, February 26. This will be an opportunity to get to know other parishioners while preparing and assisting in cooking hot meals for our guests in the community that are food insecure.
Due to Covid restrictions we are limited to 8 volunteers to prepare the food from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM and 8 volunteers to serve the food in their courtyard from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Masks will be required when inside the building regardless of vaccination status.
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Reception for Evensong
Sunday, February 27
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A reception in the churchyard follows Evensong next Sunday. We anticipate being able to gather indoors again soon, however until such time, you can help by making a monetary contribution to the parish life and hospitality fund online using the link below or by annotating your check for the “Evensong Reception” and by serving on our set up and clean up teams. Please sign up below. For more information contact Eric Friedman. |
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Evensong
Sunday, February 27, 5:30 PM
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The Saint Paul’s Choir will sing Evensong at 5:30 PM on Sunday, February 27. The music includes works by William Smith of Durham, Philip Moore, and David Hogan. Mr. Hogan was a passenger on board TWA Flight 800 which exploded off the coast of Long Island on July 17, 1996, killing all 230 passengers and crew. Formerly a tenor in the choir of the Washington National Cathedral, Mr. Hogan was a gifted composer whose setting of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis was dedicated to his choir and will be included in our upcoming Evensong. The rector will officiate, Mark Dickens will be the guest organist, John Robertson will be cantor, and the music will be directed by Keith Shafer. A reception follows the service and childcare will be offered beginning at 5 PM. |
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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Tuesday, March 1, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
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The men of Saint Paul’s will host this year’s Pancake Supper, Tuesday, March 1, 6-7:30 PM. RSVP for dinner using the link below, and Men, please sign up to volunteer your services. Volunteers are needed to assist in the setup, cooking and clean up for this event. This is a great time for the men of Saint Paul's to catch up and for everyone to enjoy dinner with our church family. Email Eric Friedman with questions. |
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Ash Wednesday Services
Wednesday, March 2, 12:00 noon & 7:00 PM
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Ash Wednesday Services will be offered at 12 Noon and 7 PM, Wednesday, March 2. The Nursery will be available for the 7 PM service. |
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New Formation Opportunity
Tuesdays, beginning March 8, 7:30 PM
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A new, small-group study of Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again by Rachel Held Evans is offered during Lent. Our eight-week reading schedule begins Ash Wednesday; and we will begin meeting Tuesday evenings beginning March 8, online via Zoom.
The author, who died in 2019, wrote of this book when it was published "Perhaps more than any other book I’ve written, Inspired is intended to be read, wrestled with, discussed, debated, and creatively engaged with in the context of community. And that’s precisely because the Bible invites us to do the same."
This book selection is the 1Book1Diocese selection for Lent. Bishop Logue said, "Rachel was a thoughtful Christian whose books remain as a testament to the deep, authentic faith of a woman who had a way with God’s word offering a healing balm to those who most needed Jesus’ love." He added, "I have heard her called the C.S. Lewis for the post Baby Boom generations and I find that not hyperbole, but naming rightly the importance of her work."
Register for this group using the link below. Books available in church office late February, $20 (donation). Email Kitty Gordon with questions. |
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SAVE THE DATE FOR OKTOBERFEST
Saturday, September 10, 6:30 -10 PM
The River Room
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Save the date for Oktoberfest by the River, Fund Raising Outreach Event, featuring an oompah band with German theme dinner.
More details to follow.
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March 19 - Manna Pantry
March 22 - Tuesdays Music Live Season Finale
March 27 - Rose Sunday Concert
April 10 - 16 - Holy Week
April 16 -The Great Vigil
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OTHER RESOURCES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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Gathering Safely Plan Updated 12-29-21 |
The Vestry has approved a plan for gathering safely. This plan is available using the link below and on our website . Clergy, vestry, and regathering committee members will continue to monitor the situation and publicize precautions and changes. |
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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.
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.
Pledge Cards Received: 134
89 Increase (22 new), 5 Decrease, 40 no change
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Saint Paul's Faithfulness
as of 02/02/2022
Offerings pledged this Week $12,159.00
Offerings received this Week $43,834.67
Operating Expenses to Date $58,195.01
Total Income Received to Date $94,142.03
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COVID-19 Vaccine Registration |
Eligible individuals, including those ages 5 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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