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Adult Formation
Our next Bible Study will be on April 3. Join us for in-depth conversation for long-time and new Bible readers alike. Father Jeff and others lead the discussion. Come grow with us!
Read, Mark, and Inwardly Digest: Bible for Beginners.
Do you want to learn more about the Bible, but don't know where or how to start? Join us Sunday mornings at 9:45am for a weekly discussion group for all levels of Bible readers. Father Jeff and a group of others will lead the class. If you have any questions, contact Father Jeff or Bob Hamilton.
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Please join us for the new Lego Sunday School class. Yes, you read that correctly - a Lego Sunday School class. Your kids will love learning about the bible and expressing themselves through their creativity. We will begin this new venture on
April 3rd at 9:45
. There will be juice and snacks as well. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Worship at historic Zion Episcopal Church
Date:
April 10, 2016
Time:
4:00pm
Location:
Talbotton, GA
All are welcome to join us!
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Book of Common Prayer (BCP) Class
Starting April 17 at 9:45am:
What is the BCP? Why do we use it? How do we use it? Join us for 4 weeks as Fr. Jeff teaches and answers these questions.
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From Fr. Jeff:
Alleluia! Christ is Risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Lent is over, the season of Easter has begun. One of the things we "gave up" for Lent was a long bulletin in favor of a more concise one and we "took on" using the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) in our worship service. We did this for spiritual reasons but also for practical ones. Spiritually, our congregation has not used the BCP much in our history, so this affords you the opportunity to use an important tool of spiritual growth for Episcopalians. The BCP is second only to the Holy Bible in terms of importance to our faith. Episcopalians rely on the "three-legged stool" of faith: scripture, tradition, and reason. We come to church with our hearts and minds (reason), we listen and respond to the biblical lessons of the day (scripture), and we pray the prayers passed on to us (tradition). Practically, we made this move in order to tighten up our spending on printing and to save a few trees in our use of paper. The Worship Committee and Vestry discussed this move and felt that it was worth experimenting for a while.
During Lent, I asked for honest feedback on the use of the BCPs and shorter bulletins, and was grateful for the many responses I received. I heard from 12 individuals who really enjoy the change. Many of these folks have been asking me for years to do this. They have missed holding the BCP and using the texts therein. They also appreciate that it connects us to the majority of Episcopal churches who use the BCP regularly. It also is an opportunity for them to deepen their prayer lives as the BCP connects them to their past experiences in the church. Most of these folks are longtime Episcopalians and have gotten used to the rhythm of turning to various pages and using multiple books for worship.
I also heard from 9 people who had various degrees of disagreement on the change. A few of these responses included that juggling these books make it difficult for visitors and new Episcopalians to worship. For these folks, using a fuller bulletin is a ministry of hospitality. For some, they simply prefer the "way we have always done it" and the switching back and forth is confusing. Many said they could live with it, but it would take some time to get used to the change. Surprisingly, many of these respondents are longtime Episcopalians with a few new members giving their opinion.
I am sure there are more folks out there who haven't responded either way because either you could go either way, or you don't wish to offend me or anyone. If you haven't responded, please do, as I can see arguments for both ways, and wish to do what's best for whole congregation. For now, we will continue to use the shorter bulletin through the season of Easter. I realize that Lent is probably the worst time to make such a change, since there are so many differences to our worship during that season. However, during Easter, things will "normalize" and it will get easier for those of you who are new to this. The service will pretty much always start on page 355 and will go from there. Like riding a bike, it might take some practice, but once you learn it, you'll never forget.
In addition, I will be teaching a 4-week class on the basics of using the BCP for your daily and weekly worship. We will go step-by-step through the book so that you will know what wonderful resources we have. We will meet on April 17, May 1, 8, & 15 at 9:45am. Make it a part of your continued spiritual growth strategy to join us for that class.
On another note, the response to the baked bread has been overwhelmingly positive, so we will continue to use that as well.
Again, if you have any questions or feedback at all, please let me know. I appreciate all the responses thus far, as it means you care enough to speak your mind.
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Game Day with Christian Valley
Good Christian Fellowship with Food, Fun and Friends
On Saturday, April 16, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., St. Nicholas will host a Game Day with our good friends from Christian Valley. There will be activities for adults and games for children, topped off by a potluck supper.
Starting Friday evening, the men of Christian Valley will be up late smoking and preparing delicious barbequed ribs, chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs. St. Nicholas is asking its fine cooks to prepare tasty complimentary sides, salads and desserts. What a yummy feast!
There will be four square, kickball, corn hole, etc., for the kids and games and activities for adults. The hope is that this will help to develop friendships and strengthen personal relationships between the members of our churches. It is in getting to know one another than we learn to love one another.
Please sign up, mark your calendar and plan to join us for a good time, and an opportunity to grow in Christ's love. Signup sheets are in the narthex. Take a moment and add your name this Sunday. There is no charge for this event.
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Scout Sunday
April 17, at 11:00am:
We will welcome and honor Cub Scout Pack 109, which meets regularly at St. Nicholas on Monday nights, during worship, followed by food and fellowship.
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Scout Sunday
Date: April 17th
Time: 11:00am
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 STITCHER'S MEETING
SATURDAY, APRIL 30TH- 10AM-NOON AT ST. NICHOLAS. If you already have your canvas, bring it to share, and if you don't, maybe this will be your turn to get one. All are welcome, we still need stitchers and there is plenty of time to join and learn.
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Vestry Minutes
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Bright Way Services
Worship services continue at Bright Way Personal Care Home
in Pine Mountain. Other
Lay Eucharistic Visitors are needed for this ministry.
Contact
Bert
if you would like to participate.
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As Episcopalians, we are followers of Jesus Christ, and both our worship and our mission are in Christ's name. In Jesus, we find that the nature of God is love, and through baptism, we share in his victory over sin and death.
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Kenny Hall
Steward of the Month of April
Kenny Hall is the steward of the Month for his efforts in cutting back the under growth and bush hogging the area between the Church and highway 116. His unsolicited work shows his dedication to making our Church and property always looks great!
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"Grace is everywhere."
Georges Bernanos,
Diary of a Country Priest
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Finding your talent . . .
There are many lay ministry opportunities at
St. Nicholas. Each person
has unique talents to share.Think about yo
ur place to joyfully plug into
St Nicholas.
.
Altar Guild, Flower Guild, Greeter, Ushers, Teacher,
Special Event Volunteer, Grounds, Choir, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Stewardship, Communications. . .
More opportunities are available, but begin to think about it.
Tailor your lay ministry to your talent and time.
Most of all, do remember to worship at St Nicholas.
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"Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:21
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Lectionary Readings
If you would like to see the readings for Sunday,
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For those who are ill, recovering or needing special prayers:
Members of St Nicholas:
Cecelia Rood
Bill Eidson
Bill Batastini
Danielle Whitworth
Bob Hamilton
Fr. Bob Dendtler
Cora Coverson
Chris and Liza Price
Ashley and Nate Taylor
Garrett Hinnant
Larry Hinnant
Kay Faircloth
Ingrid Cheshire
For
Members with Unspoken Prayer Request
Family members and friends of the Community
Dr. Michael Burgen
Danny Howard
Jeff Crawford
Charlotte Hammond
Ryan Hernandez
Steffie Collins
Eddie Norris
Bill Gordy
Danny Hatchell
Jeri Harris
Ron Hudson
James Daniels
Jack Whitley
Jameson Miers
Julie Raines
Paul Jones
Robin Zion
Dale Haynes
Erin Kavanaugh Kirkley
Marty Oxford
Peggy Singletary
Jenna Smith
Kohler family
Prayers for all our veterans, those currently
serving their country
away from home,
for their safe return and for their families
who wait for them.
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"Always do right - this will gratify some and astonish the rest."
-MarkTwain (1835-1910)
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1
Anne Simpson
3
Marilyn Vida
6
Ansley Butzon
Shelley Butzon
11
Julie Nordin
Wesley Brown
12
Sidney Evans
14
Jan Pylant
18
Bill Eidson
19
June Wood
22
Josh McCoy
Terry Caudill
24
Beth Brown
25
Kay Faircloth
Rebecca Crowley
27
Dave Halmrast
28
Caroline Queener
31
Peggy Martin
Tommy Meeks Morris
APRIL BIRTHDAYS
2 Scott Crowley
3 Donna Armstrong
Lynn Hall
5
Grey Jackson
6 Caroline Dixon
Sharon Cheatham
9 Linda Gustashaw
12 Marcus Dixon
16 Bill Bradley
Ron Davis
17 Mike Sawyer
21 Kristy Hubbard
Leslie Baker
24 Armani Vargas Butzon
25 Kin Brown
26 Brittany Vargas Butzon
April Anniversaries
3 Dave & Linda Gustashaw
9 Dick & June Wood
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Parish Committees: Who does what around here?
Christ's body is made up of many members and each member has a special gift and purpose. Likewise, the many ministries of St. Nicholas are organized into several committees, so that everyone has an opportunity to serve and so no one person has to bear a ministry alone. Even Jesus sent his disciples out two-by-two, which is a good model for ministry. The Vestry serves as the group that sees the larger vision of the church and equips and supports the other members of the congregation to fulfill their roles as ministers. There are several other areas of ministry, each with a chair, a Vestry liaison, and members who help make the decisions of the Church.
Worship Committee - Chris Butzon, chair; Bob Hamilton, Vestry liaison: This committee works in direct partnership with the Rector and Music Director in planning our worship and getting people involved in the various worship ministries like acolytes, Altar Guild, Flower Guild, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, and Ushers.
Adult Formation Committee - Bob Hamilton, chair & Vestry liaison: This committee plans all of the offerings to help adult Christians grow in their spiritual lives, including our Adult Formation Classes on Sundays, book clubs, fellowship groups, and more.
Children & Youth Committee - June Wood & Helen Varner, co-chairs; Rebecca Crowley, Vestry liaison: This committee plans all our programs and events for children and youth including SNICK, Trunk or Treat, Vacation Bible School, and more.
Building & Grounds Committee - Bobo Morgan, chair; Bill Caudill & Steve Morse, Vestry liaisons: This committee maintains the physical needs of the church building and the 8 acres of land that we have, including the Memory Garden.
Communications Committee - Scott Crowley, chair; Sheri Cody, Vestry liaison: This committee focuses on the way we communicate outward to the world and inward amongst ourselves in partnership with Theresa Dorminy, our parish administrator, in developing the website, newsletter, and more.
Hospitality Committee - Tom Cheatham, chair; Martha Dimon, Vestry liaison:This committee ensures that St. Nicholas continues to be a friendly place for newcomers and long-timers alike, as well as integrating newcomers into the life of the parish.
Outreach Committee - Kin Brown & Sue Halmrast, co-chairs & Vestry liaisons: This committee works to bring the needs of the world to St. Nicholas and encourage our gifts to serve our local community through partnerships with BackSnacks, FOCUS, CVEM, and more.
Pastoral Care Committee - Cecelia Rood, chair; Katherine Johnson, Vestry liaison: This committee tends to the pastoral needs of our parish by visiting, writing notes, sending meals, making prayer bears and blankets, and more.
Parish Life Committee - Anne Simpson, chair; Phebe Robertson, Vestry liaison: This committee plans all of our fellowship events and meals of the church including Mardi Gras, the Parish Picnic, and more. The Lobsterfest Committee, chaired by Martha Dimon, is a separate committee that falls under the umbrella of Parish Life and they plan our biggest fundraising event of the year.
Finance Committee - Dave Halmrast, Treasurer and chair; Nick Simpson, Vestry liaison: This committee oversees the financial stewardship of the parish on a day-to-day basis, in partnership with our parish administrator Theresa Dorminy. The Stewardship Committee is a subgroup of this committee, which plans our annual stewardship campaign.
Anyone can participate in these committees, so if something interests you, please contact the chair or Vestry liaison of the committee. If you have a question or idea about anything that falls under one of these committees, please let them know as well!
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In This Issue
Adult Formation
Lego Sunday School Meeting
Scout Sunday
Zion Worship
BCP Classes
From Fr. Jeff
Game Day with Christian Valley
Stitcher's Meeting
Vestry Minutes
Bright Way Ministries
Steward of the Month
Lay Ministry Schedule
Lay Ministry Opportunities
Prayers
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Parish Committees
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CONTACT
Deadline for submitting news items is noon Monday.
Send news and photos to:
The Spirit of St. Nicholas
is published weekly by
St. Nicholas Episcopal Church.
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Thank you, St. Nicholas family, for your active involvement in our parish.
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Please help us keep the church directory as up-to-date as possible.
If you have not yet filled out a form, please pick one up in the cloister room and return to the church office. Or you can send your info via email to the Parish Administrator at [email protected]
- Please include:your names and the names of your minor children,
- address,
- email addresses,
- phone numbers (cell and home),
- birthdays and anniversaries.
If you need a new picture or a new name tag, indicate that as well. Feel free to use a favorite picture. Just send it in jpeg form to [email protected].
Mobile App Installation Instructions
Church members can view the St. Nicholas Church Directory from their iPhone, iPad, Android or Kindle Fire by downloading the free Instant Church Directory Members App.
You may search for "Instant Church Directory" in the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon Appstore, or use this link:
After installation, open the Instant Church Directory icon (it looks like a church). It will ask for your email address. If your email address is in our church directory, the program will generate a password for you and email it to you.
This worked great for most, but if you have any problems make sure you first check to see that your email address is in the church directory.
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Please look for these cards in the narthex or in the pews and place them in the alms basin if you give electronically.
Father Jeff will bless them at each service along with the other offerings.
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If you or family members will be in a play, concert, sports or school activity please send the information to the church
[email protected]
to be printed in the newsletter. St Nicholas members can then know what is happening with their church family and perhaps attend some of the functions. Include the event with dates, times and location. This is for children, teens and adults.
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SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE 2016
Mini Camp: May 27-29, Rising 1st and 2nd Grader- For camper and parent/guardian
Youth Camp: June 5-June 11, Rising 10th-Just Graduated
Performing Arts Camp: June 12-June 18, Rising 4th-9th Graders
Intermediate Camp: June 19-June 25, Rising 8th and 9th Graders
Junior Camp: June 26-July 2, Rising 6th and 7th Graders
Kid Camp: July 10-July 16, Rising 3rd-5th Graders
Work Camp: July 18-July 23, Rising 10th Graders-Just Graduated
Emmaus House: July 25-July 29, Emmaus House Summer Program
Guest Camp: September 2- September 5, Children, Adults, and Families of all Ages
OUTDOOR CAMPS
Outdoor Junior: May 31- June 5, Rising 6th and 7th Graders
Outdoor Intermediate: May 31- June 5, Rising 8th and 9th Graders
Outdoor Youth: June 12 -June 18, Rising 10th Graders-Just Graduated
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Featured Event Headline
Eric Lindemer Workship
Star Nation Foundation for the Healing Arts
A Not for Profit Corporation
Presents a series of workshops with Eric Lindemer in April 2016.
Eric Lindemer, LMT, has been practicing and teaching the healing arts for almost twenty years. He has worked as a professional dancer, massage therapist and energy healer and has presented at institutions throughout the country including: Harvard University, Boston University, Boston Conservatory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Centers for Spiritual Living in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Oklahoma City, OK, and the Sedona Creative Life Center.
Sunday April 17th
Meridian Clearing 30.00
From 3pm to 5pm:
Location: 1443 17th Street, Columbus GA 31901
The meridians are the body's energy pathways, and in this class you will learn to clear them with your hands! The routine, once learned, only takes about a minute, but it is a powerful tool for clearing and balancing our energy, or someone else's. This class will not make you an expert on the intricacies of the meridians (that requires years of study,) but you'll benefit from knowing how to clear them. Think of it as learning to brush and floss your meridians! Each student will also have the opportunity to have their meridians cleared by Eric as part of the class demonstration. Meridian chart and printed instructions for the routine are provided for each student.
Saturday April 23rd
Meditation, Pranayama, and Energy Balancing
Techniques to clear, strengthen, and upgrade your body/mind/energy system$20.00
From 10am to 11:30am Location: 1443 17th Street, Columbus GA 31901
Prerequisite for Foundations of Energy Healing
Learn powerful techniques to support the health, healing, and awakening of your mind/body/energy system. Practices include: gentle energy clearing & balancing exercises, meditation, pranayama (yogic breathing techniques,) and mudras (hand positions used in meditation to support the flow of energy through the body.) This class offers powerful techniques for self-care, and is also a prerequisite for our Intro To Energy Healing class. Both beginners and experienced practitioners welcome!
Saturday April 23rd
Foundations of Energy Healing $20.00
From 1pm to 2:30pm
Location: 1443 17th Street, Columbus GA 31901
This course offers an introduction to hands-on energy healing techniques for use with oneself, friends, and family, and also may serve as a starting point for those wishing to further their studies in energy healing. Various theories and techniques of energy healing will be presented and demonstrated, and students will have the chance to try a few techniques on themselves and with classmates.
Sunday April 24th
Deepening Meditation
Practice and Temple of the light
Meditation $30.00
From 1pm to 4pm
Location: 1443 17th Street, Columbus GA 31901
Come to relax, release, restore, refresh, and renew! Learn how to develop a mediation practice in your busy life and to maximize the benefits of meditation on health, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Includes discussion of different techniques, practices and a guided relaxing meditative journey through the Elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Starlight to release stagnant energy and welcome healing energy and increased spiritual awareness. We will conclude by sharing this healing energy with the Earth and all her beings. Our potential for healing and awakening is greatly enhanced when we gather together, so if you feel called please join us!
Saturday April 30th Advanced Workshop:
Deepening Meditation Practice and
Anointing of the Light Meditation -6 Hours including lunch. $60.00
From 10am to 4 pm Location: Spirit Farm and Stables
7539 Roosevelt Highway, Warm Springs GA 31830
Expect to deepen your meditation practice and through different senses using music, sound, crystals and essential oil fragrances as well as guided meditation, energy healing and sitting in the current generated by group intention combining with the energy of the earth and the horses at Spirit Farm. At the end of the day there will be the Anointing of the Light Mediation.
This sacred ceremony is similar to the anointing's, blessings, darshans, or attunements of various traditions with the purpose of supporting well-being and spiritual awareness. This ceremony has emerged from my many years of studying and practicing healing and spiritual traditions including Eric's work with Reiki, working with leading healers and teachers, and having received many blessings, Darshans, activations and attunements. This ceremony is appropriate both for those wishing to begin or expand their spiritual awareness as well as for experienced practitioners desiring a "recharge" or a "reboot!"
Individual Energy Healing Sessions
with Eric Lindemer: by appointment only- $75 for 1 hour - $45 for ½ hour.
Call 706-317-2163 (Dr. Ona Graham's office) and speak with Ms. White to reserve a place in the workshops or to schedule a Reiki session. Reiki sessions are available both in Columbus and in Warm Springs.
Class size is limited. Discounts are available for multiple workshops. Scholarships are available for disabled veterans.
Fees for workshops are suggested donations that go to the Foundation to develop healing programs for Veterans and others suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Make checks payable to Star Nation Foundation. Donations are tax deductible.
LindemerFlyer
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Vacation Bible School (VBS)
We hope to have some interest in a week-long VBS this summer at St. Nicholas. This is the traditional format for a summer Bible school, and we would like to be able to offer it to our parishoners, and to the community, as well. Dates will be determined at a later time, and may be contingent on those who are willing to teach and/or be the chairperson(s) during that week. So please, if you have any interest in making it happen email June Wood
Thank you
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