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Weekly
Postings
news & events
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Dear People of Saint Paul's,
All through Lent, the church prepares for Easter. We do this through whatever Lenten disciplines we have adopted, by practicing repentance, in self-examination, meditating on the scripture, and while giving alms. But around the fourth Sunday in Lent (now-ish), the clergy and staff at the church really intensify our preparation for Holy Week and Easter in bluntly practical ways. We begin in earnest proofreading the Holy Week bulletins, ordering supplies, double-checking the leadership roles through the many services and events, triple-checking the communication materials, and quadruple-checking the lists of gifts honoring people with Easter lilies and brass. It is probably not the most spiritually uplifting routine for most of the staff, but it is necessary.
This year, though, I am especially aware of a temptation deeper than boredom that lies buried in this routine. In striving to play our roles in the life of the church well, we on the church payroll are at risk of thinking that we are putting on a liturgical performance for attendees. Not just the staff, but all of us must remain vigilant against any notion that our liturgy is something a few of us "do" and the rest of us watch, receive, consume. If that were ever to become the case, our liturgy would be something other than worship.
Our common worship is something we all do, together. Within the practice, some of us have specific roles to play: sometimes just for a week, and sometimes every Sunday. But always, our public worship is communal and made by all of us with God, whether our names are printed in the back of the bulletin or not. When we are all engaged, our worship then becomes a gift not just to God, but also to each other. All of the different roles, visible and behind the scenes (including "The People"), make it possible for us to pray in this way. Liturgy, worship, prayer - this is something we do, by the grace and with the help of God. It is not something we consume.
What the Prayer Book calls "The People" is an active and faithful role in the liturgy. We are especially short-handed right now in some of the other, specialized roles. Our usher ministry is critically short-staffed. A related ministry, the greeter team, also needs more members. These are ministries of hospitality, welcome, and good order. Please consider whether you are willing to engage in our common worship through these roles. The way we pray depends first on God and then also on the wisdom and beauty cultivated by generations of Christians. But it depends also on us, on each other. Please email me to volunteer to be an usher or a greeter.
Eric+
| | EVENTS THIS SUNDAY | March 30 | |
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The Nursery will be open Sun, March 30
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
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 9:00.
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Sunday Worship Schedule for 3/30/25
8 AM Rite I
11 AM Rite II
11 AM Facebook Live
11 AM YouTube Live
5:30 PM - Celtic Evening Prayer and Communion
All of our Sunday worship services are in-person.
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Easter Lilies and Brass (3 Sundays)
Bulletin deadline, Sunday March 30
If you would like to contribute toward the cost of Easter music, or give an Easter lily, please return the form found in the Narthex to the Parish Office. Requests may also be made using the QR code in the Narthex or by e-mail to mailbox@saintpauls.org no later than Sunday, March 30. A direct link is available below.
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Sunday Parish Breakfast
Sunday, March 30, 9 AM, Tyler Hall
The Parish Life and Hospitality Committee invites you to a Sunday home-cooked breakfast in Tyler Hall, Sunday, March 30. Join us for this time of fellowship with your parish family. This is an excellent Sunday to invite friends to join you at church. Donations welcomed.
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Children's Choirs Rehearsals
Sunday, 9:25 - 10 AM
The Canterbury Choir (children in grades 3-9) and the St. Nicholas Choir (Pre-K through grade 2) will rehearse as scheduled, 9:25-10:00 AM.
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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Characters of Holy Week
Sundays 9:30 AM, The Berlin Room
To prepare us for Holy Week, each week we will dwell with a key character or group from Holy Week.
This week at the Sunday Forum we will be looking at the women of Holy Week: from the woman of the city who anoints Jesus for burial, to the women at the cross (and which women were they? The evangelists seem to disagree), on through to the burial and resurrection. The role of women in the Passion illuminates the role women played throughout Jesus' ministry, in a story not told often enough.
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Godly Play (grades pk4-2)
Sundays, 10-10:45 AM
St. Francis' Room, CMC
The Godly Play class will continue to learn stories from the Bible in an engaging, Montessori format. Kim Butler and Sara Dimsdale 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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Weaving God's Promises
Upper Elementary Class (grades 3-5)
Sundays, 10-10:45 AM
St. Patrick's Room, CMC
Our upper elementary children will continue lessons structured around the Holy Eucharist. Kitty Gordon and Jackie Pingel 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)
Sundays, 10-10:45 AM
St. Benedict's Room, CMC
This supportive class offers a welcoming environment where young people can explore how God is an integral part of their daily lives. Through interactive discussions, relevant activities, and meaningful reflections, teens will discover how their faith can guide them through everyday challenges such as friendships, school stress, and personal growth.
Contact Aubrey Hinkson for more information.
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Rose Sunday Concert
Sunday, March 30, 4 PM
This year’s Rose Sunday Concert at 4:00 PM on March 30th featuring Organist Keith Shafer is being given in commemoration of the 275th Anniversary of Saint Paul’s Church. The program includes music composed by James Hewitt, the first Organist of Saint Paul’s, a performance of “Phoenix,” written in 2016 in observance of the 100th Anniversary of the fire that destroyed 16 blocks of downtown Augusta, and newly commissioned music composed by Michael Burkhardt. The concert is free, and a reception follows in Tyler Hall.
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Reception Following the Concert
Sunday, March 30, 4 PM
The Parish Life & Hospitality Committee invites you to make or purchase a dessert or beverage for the Rose Sunday Reception immediately following the concert at 4:00 PM, March 30. Sign up to bring an item and to serve on the hospitality team to set up or clean up.
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Celtic Evening Prayer and Communion
With Prayers for Healing
Sundays, 5:30 PM
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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Garden City Rhapsody in the River Room
Sunday, March 30, 7 PM, The River Room
This Sunday at 7 PM the Garden City Rhapsody presents a free concert in the River Room featuring the music of Augusta native Brody McLaughlin. The orchestra has members from all across the Augusta community and has been playing for over 2 years now. Mr. Michael Katterjohn will join as a guest conductor this concert. We would love it if you could join us for "Symphonic Nights" this Sunday at 7 PM!
| | | | BUILDING BRIDGES | Saint Paul's in the Community | | |
This Week
Mtr. Kimberly and Fr. Eric delivered checks to the Byllesby Center from Saint Paul's Outreach in support of their feeding ministries and their mental health ministries. We also delivered a check given by the Chandler Endowment Fund.
Next Week:
3/26/2025 - Academy of Richmond County
| | EVENTS NEXT WEEK | March 31 - April 6 | |
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Compline - ZOOM (This Week only)
Wednesdays, 8 - 8:15 PM
Join Zoom
Meeting ID: 595 177 454
Dial-In: (646) 876-9923
Password: Email the Parish Office to request.
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, Chapel
A mid-week Eucharist in the Chapel begins at 11:30 AM. Lunch in Tyler Hall 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
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 Luke. Our text is N.T. Wright’s Luke 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.
Questions? Contact Kitty Gordon or Susan Yarborough
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Dates for your calendar
April 23 - Senior Lunch
April 24 - Caring Prayer
May 4 - Newcomer Party
May 7 - MMM
May 11- Senior Sunday
May 13 - W.E.E.M.
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Help Us Make Palm Crosses for the Parish
Saturday, April 12, 9:30 AM, Tyler Hall
Sunday, April 13, 9:30 AM, Tyler Hall
Drop in Saturday morning for coffee and donuts 9:00 AM April 12, or Sunday morning, April 13, 9-10:30 AM in Tyler Hall. As has been a long tradition at Saint Paul’s we will create palm crosses from palm fronds to be worn on Palm Sunday. All materials and friendly instructors will be provided.
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Baptism Offered
Sunday, April 19,
We will celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism on Saturday, April 19 at the Great Vigil. All who wish to be baptized are invited to contact Fr. Eric.
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Holy Week and Easter Services
April 13-20
Apr 13 - Palm Sunday 8 & 11 AM, 5:30 PM
Apr 14 - Mon in Holy Week, Noonday prayer 12 PM
Apr 15 - Tues in Holy Week, Eucharist 12 PM
Apr 16 - Wed in Holy Week, Eucharist 12 PM
Apr 17 - Thurs Holy Week, Mid-week Eucharist 11:30
April 17 - Maundy Thursday 7 PM
Apr 18 - Good Friday 12 PM & 7 PM
Apr 18 - Stations of the Cross 3 PM Good Friday
Apr 19 - the Great Vigil 7:30 PM
Apr 20 - Easter 11 AM and 5:30 PM
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Holy Week for Children
April 13-20
Apr 13 - 10 AM, Palm Sunday Procession
Apr 17 - 5:30 PM, Children's Service of Foot Washing & Communion on Maundy Thursday
Apr 18 - 2 PM, Children's Stations of the Cross Good Friday
Apr 20 - 10 AM, Easter Egg Hunt in the Churchyard
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The Good Friday Offering
For 103 years, donations to the Good Friday Offering have directly supported ministries of the Anglican Communion Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. Pastoral care, education, and health care continue to be primary ministries through which the reconciling spirit of the Christian faith serves all in need. To make a donation, please make your check payable to Saint Paul’s Church and write “Good Friday Offering” on the memo line.
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Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Lawn
Sunday, April 20, 10 AM
The Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Lawn will begin at 10:00 AM Easter Sunday. We’ll gather on the front steps at 10 AM for a photo before beginning the hunt.
Please help us prepare for this joyful event by bringing 12 stuffed eggs for each child. We also need several people to help hide eggs Easter morning. 12 volunteers will make this job quick and easy. Please contact Aubrey Hinkson.
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Annual Easter Monday Parish Meeting
Monday, April 21, 12 NOON
Our Colonial Charter and Bylaws call for an Annual Parish Meeting on Easter Monday. You are invited to our Annual Parish Meeting in the 275th year of Saint Paul’s Church, Monday, April 21, 12 noon on the front steps of the church. The Churchwardens, Members of the Vestry, and Officers of the Parish will be installed.
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Senior Sunday
Sunday, May 11, 12 NOON
Parents of graduating high school seniors: Senior Sunday is May 11. Please contact Aubrey Hinkson as soon as possible if your student is interested in being included in this service.
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Family Weekend at Honey Creek
May 23-25
All families are invited to celebrate Memorial Day weekend at Honey Creek (May 23-25). Honey Creek is an Episcopal retreat center with 100-acres on a tidal creek overlooking the marsh to Jekyll Island on Georgia’s coast.
The retreat will provide dedicated time for parishioners to deepen their spiritual connection with God, strengthen their bonds as a community, and foster meaningful interactions with one another. We will have programming for parents, children, and families.
Let Aubrey know if you are interested.
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Pictures at Saint Paul's
We will from time to time be placing pictures of parish events on our website, in the Weekly Postings e-mail, and on social media. We will not identify any person or persons in a picture without their permission. If you would prefer that we not use your picture or those of your family, please contact the parish office by email or by telephone at (706) 724-2485.
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Saint Paul’s Gardeners Need You!
While a professional grounds maintenance company takes care of our grounds, shrubs and trees a group of Saint Paul’s volunteers does the “detail work” in the flower beds, perennial borders, and rose garden. Recently we’ve lost several volunteers due to moves or health issues. Our Saint Paul’s Gardeners meet weekly on Thursday mornings (and most stay for the 11:30 am Eucharist in the Chapel). No previous experience necessary—we’ll provide instructions and assistance. Experienced or not, you may enjoy spending some quiet time helping to make our churchyard “a haven of blessing and of peace.” Interested? Please email our Grounds Chair, Keith Shafer, or 706.339.7208.
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1Book1Diocese Lenten Reflection
& Optional Online Book Study
Beginning March 3, 6:00 PM
Each year, the Diocese of Georgia chooses a book for Lenten reading. This year’s 1Book1Diocese selection is Rowan Williams’ new book Passions of the Soul. Books are available in the parish office during the week. Donation $15. We will not offer a class at Saint Paul’s, however, the diocese has provided a study guide to use as your Lenten reflection.
In addition, beginning on Monday, March 3, Canon Varner will host a weekly online reflection group focusing on our 1Book1Diocese offering for Lent. This group will take some time to check in with one another at each gathering and then use the study guide linked below to guide our discussions on each section of the book. This study is open to all; no special expertise is required!
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The New Saint Paul's Pod
We are excited to introduce Saint Paul's Pod, a weekly podcast where faith is nurtured, and the love of God is shared with all. Each episode will feature the previous Sunday's sermon and words of encouragement and inspiration. Tune into Saint Paul's Pod on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio.
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A NEW Outreach Partnership
Goodwill Collection Bin in Tyler Hall
You will find a LARGE Blue Bin in Tyler Hall for your donations to Goodwill. As you begin spring cleaning, we invite you to share your donations for Goodwill using this new bin. Saint Paul’s will receive five $50 vouchers for each filled bin. Our clergy can share these vouchers, which may be used at Goodwill, with those seeking assistance. Contact Mtr. Kimberly for more information.
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Spring Program Guide COMING SOON
"A Church for the City -- A Church for You!
Keep an eye out: our new Spring Program Guide will be available soon.
| | | | Gifts to Saint Paul's Church | |
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"All that we are and all that we have comes from God. In gratitude, we honor him by giving of ourselves and our gifts to care for his world."
--Saint Paul’s Vestry Theology of Stewardship
Gifts can be made using the link below, on-line at saintpauls.org/giving, or by mail to Saint Paul’s Church, 605 Reynolds St., Augusta, GA 30901. Thank you for your generosity.
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