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Weekly
Postings
news & events
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October 20 - October 29, 2023 | |
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At the Vestry meeting, we received updates on the Church’s audited financials. The Finance Committee, led by Monty Osteen, has been working with the staff to improve the efficiency of our internal financial operations, which will also align it with our financial audits.
The hard work of our stewardship campaign is upon us, and you will soon be receiving a personal contact from a fellow church member asking you to participate financially with a pledge card. This “every member canvas” is designed to connect all of us with the spiritual underpinnings of the financial needs of our church and its mission. Thank you to Bill Ford and Bryan Hawkins for leading this effort.
I want to add a personal request to the stewardship conversations. I spoke to the importance of wider participation in our stewardship in a speech I gave at the Annual Meeting in January and its core request bears repeating.
In my remarks, I recalled a conversation from 25 years ago with a fellow Episcopalian in Richmond, Virginia speaking about a candid and direct message his church had with the then 50 year-olds and 60 year-olds to take on more giving as most of that church’s pledges were coming from the 70 and 80 years-olds. We’ve all seen the charts showing that we at Saint Paul’s are in a similar situation. At Saint Paul’s the 70 and 80 years-olds collectively give over 60% of the pledges. It has been expressed before that the over reliance on these older generations is potentially financially disastrous.
Now that I have reached the exalted age of 50+, I get what that Richmond church was saying. In fact, I’m sure we all “get it”. I am called now, as I was in January, to publicly make a request from a 57 year-old that, specifically, us 50 and 60 year-olds have to begin, sooner and not later, to take over the giving leadership of the 70 and 80-year-olds by increasing our giving.
I know that people give what they are able to give, and we are thankful for that. There are also many 50-60 year-olds who give at a high level. But I am asking that when you assess your annual pledge, do what I am going to do, which is to look hard to make a significant increase. The $100 or $500 annual increases I have done over the years, made me feel good but I have come to realize, and I’m awkwardly sharing that realization with you, that that incremental giving will not get us where we need to be financially: able to fully fund two clergy, employ a full time paid youth ministry position and properly staff the church office. These are highly ranked strategic initiatives of the congregation and they cost money.
I hope I have not offended anyone; offense was not my intent. But having candid conversations about money has to occur. I hope my placing of myself in the middle of the group that needs to become larger pledgers, to backfill, as it were, the 70 and 80 year-olds, points out that I and my family are also going to be doing the same thing I’m asking we all do: look hard at significantly increasing pledges.
Cameron Nixon
Senior Warden
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EVENTS THIS WEEKEND | October 21 | |
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Master's Table Soup Kitchen
Saturday, October 21
8:15 AM prep and 10:15 AM serving
702 Fenwick Street, Augusta
The Master’s Table Soup Kitchen at 702 Fenwick Street will be staffed by Saint Paul’s Church volunteers on Saturday, October 21, 8:15 AM for prep and 10:15 AM for serving. This will be a good opportunity to get to know other parishioners while preparing and assisting in cooking and serving hot meals for guests in the community that are food insecure. If you wish to serve, please RSVP on our website (a direct link is available in the Weekly Postings). Contact Al or Laraine Yarbrough for more information.
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Walk with the Spirits
Saturday and Sunday, October 21, 2-5 PM
This weekend, keep an eye out for some of Saint Paul's parishioners leading the Walk with the Spirits: Catherine Robertson, Bill Ford, Whatley Bush, and Mark Albertin. You're invited to join the Historic Augusta, Inc.’s popular Walk with the Spirits held in Saint Paul’s Churchyard, on Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22 from 2-5 PM. The Creation Care Committee will be providing refreshments for the event.
The event features the “spirits” of some of Augusta’s notable residents. The guided tour will also include the history of the cemetery. Tours begin every 20 minutes and will last approximately 45 minutes. Cost is $20 for adults, $10 for students (k-12). Reservations are required and may be made by visiting historicaugusta.org/walkwiththespirits.
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EVENTS THIS SUNDAY | October 22 | |
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Sunday Worship Schedule
8 AM Rite I
11 AM Rite II
5:30 PM - Celtic Evening Prayer with Communion
6:30 PM - Compline + Sit and Wait (Chapel)
All of our Sunday worship services are in-person.
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Continental Breakfast
Sunday, 9:00 AM, Tyler Hall
| Busy morning? Breakfast with your friends at Saint Paul's instead! We've added McDonald's Biscuits to our Continental Breakfast. Donations accepted. | | | |
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The Nursery will be open Sunday, Oct. 22
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
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We are pleased to announce that the Saint Paul’s nursery is open for children 6 months to 4 years of age. The nursery will be available this Sunday morning beginning at 9:30 A M.
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St. Nicholas Choir (age 5 - grade 2)
Canterbury Choir (grades 3-9)
Sundays, 9:25 - 10:00 AM
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The Canterbury Choir (children in grades 3-9) and the St. Nicholas Choir (age 5 through grade 2) will meet this week as scheduled.
If you or any family or friends are interested in the choir program, please email Director of Music, Keith Shafer or call (706) 724-2485 ext. 215.
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The Way of Love
9:30 AM, The Berlin Room
Our series in the Sunday Forum continues: The Reverend Deacon Kimberly Dunn leads The Way of Love.
The Way of Love is a way of life. More than a program or curriculum, it is an intentional commitment to a set of practices. It’s a commitment to follow Jesus: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, Rest. We will learn what this commitment and way of life looks like through loving others as Jesus exemplified and God commands. For more information, contact the Rev. Deacon Kimberly Dunn.
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Godly Play (grades pk4-8)
Sunday, 10-10:45 AM
St. Francis' Room, CMC
| Sara Dimsdale and Kim Butler will lead our younger children in the Saint Francis Room (Godly Play Room). If your child is in the Saint Nicholas choir, they will transition from choir to formation | | | |
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Spark Upper Elementary (grades 3-5)
Sunday, 10-10:45 AM
St. Patrick's Room, CMC
| Kitty Gordon and Joni Vanover will lead our older children. They will meet in the Saint Patrick Room (large classroom across from the office). If your child is in the Canterbury choir, they will transition from choir to the formation class. | | | |
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Middle School Formation grades 6-8
Sunday, 10-10:45 AM
St. Benedict's Room, CMC
| Elizabeth and Charlie Tudor will lead our middle school. They will meet in the Saint Benedict Room. | | | |
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Confirmation Classes begin
Sundays, 12:30 PM, Tyler Hall
If you’ve been baptized but not confirmed, or were confirmed elsewhere and now consider the Episcopal Church your home, join us to take the next step of Confirmation or Reception. Confirmation classes are also a wonderful opportunity if you have questions and just want to know more. Signal your interest by emailing Fr. Eric. Classes begin Sunday, October 15, 2023, 12:30 PM.
YOUTH CONFIRMATION:
Students in grades 9-12 who have not been Confirmed are encouraged to contact the clergy to let them know of your interest.
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EYC (Episcopal Youth Community)
Grades 6-12
Sunday, 5-7 PM, Offsite at St. Bart's
EYC will meet with our St. Bart's friends at the pumpkin patch for dinner and pumpkin carving.
Friends always welcome! Contact Alison Nesbit or The Rev. Deacon Kimberly Dunn .
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Celtic Evening Prayer and Communion
with Prayers for Healing
Sundays, 5:30 PM
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Celtic Evening Prayer and Communion is a candle-lit service that emphasizes the contemplative side of worship, features some of Augusta’s best Celtic musicians, and offers prayers for healing for those attending, for others, and for the world. Come as you are and enter into a place of rest, prayer, and reflection.
Laura Tomlin is our guest musician this week.
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Sit and Wait Meditation Group
Sundays, 6:30 PM, Chapel
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Sit and Wait has moved to Sunday night with a new format beginning on September 3, 2023. This service will follow the Celtic Service at 6:30 PM. The format will follow An Order for Compline from the Book of Common Prayer (page 127-135). The focus of the service will be the appointed Rule of Benedict for the Day. At the end of Compline, a twenty-minute sit will follow, and everyone will leave in silence.
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EVENTS NEXT WEEK | October 23 - 29 | |
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ZOOM Book Study
Tuesdays, 7:30 PM,
Grateful: The Subversive Practice of Giving Thanks led by Barbara Coleman.
“Every day there are reasons not to be grateful. Terrible, distressing, painful, and awful things happen all the time. Yet gratitude is a defiance, of sorts, the defiance of kindness in the face of anger, of connection in the face of division, and of hope in the face of fear. Gratefulness does not acquiesce to evil–it resists evil.”
Books are available in the Narthex on Sunday and in the parish office during the week. $20 donation. Sign up on the website, so that we can forward class schedules and updates.
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Compline - ZOOM
Wednesdays, 8 - 8:15 PM Social time follows worship
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Meeting ID: 595 177 454
Dial-In: (646) 876-9923
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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Mid-Week Eucharist
Thursdays, 11:30 AM
| A mid-week Eucharist in the Chapel begins at 11:30 AM. Lunch in the Berlin Room follows at 12 noon with a weekly Bible study (more information below.) Join us as your schedule allows: Come for Eucharist and lunch, lunch and Bible study, or stay for all three. (So that we may honor mid-day schedules, lunch is scheduled for 15 minutes and will continue through the Bible study conversations.) | | | |
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Lectio at Lunch
Thursdays, 12 Noon, Tyler Hall
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Join us for a delicious and engaging Bible study!
Every Thursday in Tyler Hall you’ll find a lunch combo that can’t be beat! We offer a tasty meal with a generous helping of fellowship, plus a lively discussion arising from the Gospel of Mark. Our text is N.T. Wright’s Mark for Everyone which takes this Gospel in small bites, reflecting on each week’s reading with relevant and important insights. We finish promptly at 1:00 PM and invite you to join us as your schedule allows. You may bring your own lunch or share in the meal provided. Donations accepted.
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Caregivers' Support Group
Thursday, October 26, 3:30 PM, the Chapel
Caregivers’ support group will meet Thursday, October 26, 3:30 PM in the chapel. This group provides support for people caring for people they love (our first thought is ailing spouses, aging parents, children who need extra attention, and other relations of mutuality in which one-way care has grown), but anyone who is a caregiver for another is welcome. Contact Fr. Eric for more information.
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Trunk or Treat for Hornsby Elementary
Saturday, October 28
Saint Paul’s will provide a trunk or treat event at Hornsby Saturday, October 28. Trunk or Treats give kids a safe, fun way to celebrate Halloween–especially in neighborhoods where trick or treating door to door may be difficult. We need more “trunks” on site and can take donations of more candy. Email Fr. Eric for details and to sign up.
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Mission Trip Information Gathering
Sunday, October 29, following 11 AM
Next Sunday we are pleased to welcome Cameron Graham Vivanco, our Episcopal missionary in Ecuador. Cameron will join us following the 11 AM service in the Berlin Room for an information session with details for our July 2023 mission trip back to Ecuador. For more information contact Rose and Gene Helmich.
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Dates for your Calendar
November 5 - Evensong & Reception
November 12 - 2nd Sunday with Creation Care
November 14 - TML
November 15 - Senior Lunch
November 18 - Manna Pantry
November 18 - Walk for Water
December 3 - Creation Care Tree Sale
December 10 - Creation Care Holiday Wrap Exchange and Party
December 16 - Ordination
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Personal Hygiene Drive for Hornsby
October 1-31
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As part of our support for our partner neighborhood school, we are gathering personal hygiene items for the children at Hornsby Elementary during the month of October.
Items requested include laundry detergent, baby wipes/cleansing clothes, spray deodorant, travel-size deodorant, tampons, feminine pads, travel-size lotion, individual packaged toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand towels, and wash cloths. Baskets are located in the Narthex and Tyler Hall.
Contact Barbara Coleman for more information.
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Tuesday's Music Live
October 31, 12 Noon, Nave
Tuesday’s Music Live 35th season continues Tuesday, October 31, at 12 noon, with a free concert by Vega Harp Duo, Vonda Darr and Carolyn Munford. More information by calling the Box Office, (706) 722-3463 or tuesdaysmusiclive.com.
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Mmm... Men's Monthly Meal
November 1, 4 PM begin cooking, 6 PM dinner
| Join us Wednesday, November, 6 PM for our Men’s Monthly Meal (Mmm...). The Men of Saint Paul’s will gather at 4 PM in the River Room to prepare a Spaghetti Dinner. Men, please sign up for cooking and clean up teams and everyone PLEASE RSVP for dinner on our website. Donations welcomed. For more information contact Eric Friedman. | | | |
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Fall Floral Arranging Presentation
Saturday, November 4, 9:30 AM, Tyler Hall
Margaret Brown Flowers presents a free
🍁🌻 Fall Floral Arranging Presentation🌻🍁
All women and men of the Church are invited. Margaret will teach us how to make beautiful fall floral arrangements for our home using grocery store flowers. You will leave with a “how to” list. No experience required. Refreshments served. Come join the fun.
Please register. Sponsored by the Flower Guild. For more information contact Pam Uros.
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Baptism Offered
Sunday, November 5
The Prayer Book notes Holy Baptism is especially appropriate on four dates: at the Easter Vigil, on the Day of Pentecost, on All Saints' Day or All Saints' Sunday, and on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord.
We will celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism at the feast of All Saints', November 5. All who wish to be baptized are invited to contact Fr. Eric.
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All Saints' and All Souls' Prayer List
On All Saints’ Sunday, November 5, we remember especially those in our parish family and in our families who have died in the past year. Please email the parish office or telephone at (706) 724-2485 by Sunday, October 29, if you would like to place someone special on the list.
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Evensong
Sunday, November 5, 5:30 PM
Evensong will be sung by the Saint Paul’s Choir on All Saints’ Sunday, November 5, at 5:30 PM. Music of Heathcoate Statham, George Elvey, and Randall Kempton. A reception follows the service.
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OTHER RESOURCES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS | |
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Saint Paul's Faithfulness
as of 10/19/2023
Offerings Pledged this Week $13,942.31
Pledged Offerings Received this Week $9,880.00
Total Operating Expenses to Date $772,273.64
Total Income Received to Date $844,754.25
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Are we missing your birthday?
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