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See more GREAT Photos from
Lobsterfest
on our
THANK YOU, Lynn Hall!!
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Dianne Armstrong and St. Nicholas Writes would like to thank all those who
contributed their labor and their talents to producing our last Sunday's program,
"The Jackson Family Writes Britain!"
The family entertained an appreciative audience, regaling us with their stories and leaving us with their impressions of Britain, all of which form a kaleidoscope of memories not soon forgotten.
We are so grateful that we had this wonderful opportunity to share their journey
with them, and thank them for their delightful performances.
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Excavating the Celtic Inner Landscape
October 4
9:45-10:45am
Join David Johnson and Father Jeff Jackson on an exploration of Celtic spirituality through the work of poet/philosopher John O'Donohue. Learn how to plant and cultivate a rich tradition of beauty, imagination, and friendship into your spiritual life.
Excavating the Celtic Inner Landscape
Date: October 4
Time 9:45-10:45am
Location Adult Classrooms
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If anyone is interested in going to the
Springer Opera House
on
Sunday Oct 4th
for a matinee of CHORUS LINE - and getting together for lunch before at the Rankin. Please let Katherine know or sign up on sheet at church. If enough people we may get a group rate.
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Blessing of the Animals
October 4th
5:00 pm
A bit about St. Francis of Assisi
Why do we bless pets on this day?
St. Francis of Assisi lived in Italy in the 12th century. Having grown up in a wealthy family, he renounced his wealth and worldly possessions and lived very simply.
When Francis spoke, everyone listened, including the animals. He told the animals that
Jesus loved them too. There is a story of a wolf who lived in the town of Gubbio. The wolf came into the town each evening, frightening the inhabitants or eating them. Francis went to speak to "Brother Wolf" and found out that the wolf was hungry. Francis explained that that was not reason enough to eat people and their pets or to terrorize them. The wolf became very gentle, the people fed him and he gave the children in the town rides on his back.
Francis brought us the Christmas creche. In the town of Gubbio, he built a small outdoor stable and put people in the stable to portray Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the angels. Then he added the animals - cow, donkey, sheep, etc. When asked, Francis said, "Surely the animals praised the new Messiah just as the shepherds and angels did."
And so in honor of this blessed saint of the church we gather today with our animals - our pets, our service animals, police dogs and horses, zoo animals and all God's creatures and give thanks for what they do for us and for what they mean to us.
Prayer for a Pet
Blessed are you Lord God of the universe. In your infinite wisdom you created the universe and blessed us with all living creatures. I especially thank you for entrusting me with my pet, my friend who brings me so much happiness and whose presence very often helps me get through trying times.
Please bless my pet and make me a responsible steward of your creature. May we continue to give each other joy and remind us of your power. As my pet trusts me to take care of it, help me remember to trust you to take care of us, for in so doing we share in your love for all your creatures. And especially, we remember all endangered species and ask your help in taking care of them so that we may continue to appreciate all of your creation. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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"Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, for all the people you can, in every place you can, as long as you can".
Enjoy the blessings of good stewardship!
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We're setting a place for you...
Mark your calendars!
Sunday, October 18th is the date for this year's
Consecration Sunday.
Please plan to attend two important events: Sunday morning worship at 10:00 a.m. and the Celebration Luncheon immediately following worship that same day -- a meal from a very special caterer in Harris County.
We hope that you will attend worship on Consecration Sunday and consider your financial commitment in the church sanctuary as an act of worship.
In
Christ,
St.
Nicholas Stewardship Committee
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Dear St. Nicholas
Family,
Consecration
Sunday is coming.
Congregations that approach financial stewardship from a biblical perspective do not view the money Christians give to their church merely as a way to pay its bills. Rather, such congregations see financial contributions as a way to help people grow spiritually in their relationship with God by supporting their church's mission and ministry with a percentage of their incomes.
Our congregation's finance committee has selected the New Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program as a way to teach the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving in our stewardship education emphasis this year.
New Consecration Sunday is based on the biblical philosophy of the need of the giver to give for his or her own spiritual development, rather than on the need of the church to receive. Instead of treating people like members of a social club who should pay dues, we will treat people like followers of Jesus Christ who want
to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship. New Consecration Sunday encourages people toward proportionate and systematic giving in response to the question, "What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?"
During morning worship on Consecration Sunday, October 18th, we are asking our attendees and members to make their financial commitments to our church's missionary, benevolent, and educational ministries in this community and around the world.
Every attendee and member who completes an Estimate of Giving Card does so voluntarily by attending morning worship on Consecration Sunday. We urge people to attend who feel strongly opposed to completing a card. The procedure is done in such a way that no one feels personal embarrassment if he or she chooses not to fill out a card.
We will do no home solicitation to ask people to complete cards. During morning
worship, our guest leader will conduct a brief period of instruction and inspiration, climaxed by members making their commitments as a confidential act of worship.
We will encourage participation in Consecration Sunday events through the Consecration Sunday team and governing board members. Since we will make no follow-up visits to ask people to complete their cards, we will make every effort to inform, inspire, and commit everyone to attend Consecration Sunday worship.
Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation in Consecration Sunday events.
Chair, Stewardship Committee
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Save the Date:
Join CVEM for an evening of
"Bluegrass Served Up Family Style"
featuring Columbus' own Debbie Anderson on
Sunday, Oct. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at
S
t. Thomas Episcopal Church
.
Tickets will be $20 per person or $50 for a family. This ministry fundraiser includes a celebration of the 20th anniversary of TAP, the Thompson-Pound Art Program, a week-long summer art program for children ages 6-12 recruited from diverse religious and socio-economic backgrounds that teaches tolerance and peace-making. More event details to follow soon. E-mail [email protected] for more information.
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Bluegrass Served Up Family Style
Date: Sunday, October 25th
Time: 5:00- 7:00 pm
Location: St. Thomas Episcopal Church - Columbus, GA
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BackPack Snacks
The Outreach Committee is busy planning more activities to support the project,
BackPack Snacks. Along with three other Harris County Churches, St. Nicholas will be providing nutritional, easy to prepare meals for school children whose meal times are uncertain on the weekends. We will be packing six meals into back packs for four children chosen for the program by the counselor at Park Elementary School. The Vestry has voted to give $300 seed money for this program, but your donations are needed to make it a success.
Before the planned
October 25 fund raiser, more donations are needed to provide meals for four back packs seven times. Donations can be made monetarily by checks made out to St. Nicholas with the notation Back Pack Snacks on the memo line. Food articles can be brought to the church and will be collected and distributed. More breakfast foods are currently needed. Suggestions are small bags or boxes of cereal, individual packets of macaroni and cheese, individual small cans of fruit, granola bars, peanut butter, crackers, pop tarts, individual flavored rice and beef sticks.
Watch for more information about the fund raiser on 25 October and continue to bring donations as this is an on-going project
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Movie on the Green
During the fall, we'd like to have a monthly "Movie on the Green" for us and the local community. We'd show a movie on the front lawn of the church. Everyone would bring their own blanket or camp chair. Once it gets cold, we could move inside.
To do this we'd need wholesome popular videos either donated or loaned by the congregation; a volunteer each month to set up and take down the equipment (computer, projector and screen); volunteers to bag popcorn; and volunteers to help post advertisements around the area.
If you are interested in helping to organize this family fun or would like to do some of the specific duties listed above, please let Sheri Cody know.
If you miss her at church you can reach her @ Sheri Cody
or
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Please look for these cards to place in the alms basin if you are enrolled in electronic giving. Father Jeff will bless these along with the other offerings given each Sunday.
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Steward of the Month
Steve Morse
Our tireless and energetic Lobsterfest leader
Steve
Morse has done it again! For the second year in a row, Steve has headed a fantastic event. Sweet Home Plantation has never been so festive and as fun-filled as it was last Friday evening.
So much hard work goes into making our major fundraiser the great success that it continues to be.
Big thanks to
Rebecca Crowley
and
William Morgan
for a well-organized and beautifully done silent auction and we are very grateful for
Barbara Morgan
's unflagging support.
For all of the unsung workers and supporters who always show up to help in dozens of ways, from slicing cakes, to setting tables, to taking out the garbage - Saint Nicholas salutes you!
Well done, good and faithful Servant!
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Sue Halmrast and
Patsy Downs
for re-decorating our Narthex area.
Sue and Patsy scrounged second hand stores and thrift shops to find good furniture at
extremely low prices. They spent several days antiquing the second hand armoire.
They have the decorators knack.
Thank them when you see them.
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"Sharing our gifts with others brings satisfaction, peace and joy to the giver's heart. St. Paul once remarked: " . . . we must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
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From Father Jeff:
In the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 6, the first Christians struggled with leadership. The twelve apostles, who were kind of like Jesus' Vestry, had gotten to the point where they couldn't keep up with all the things that needed to be done. Some of the widows of the young church were being neglected, and were not getting fed appropriately. So in order to spread the work out, the apostles ordained seven leaders to do the work they couldn't do. This is where the ideas of deacons first came into being, as these were leaders who were set apart for a specific ministry in helping the poor and needy. The apostles discovered the need, communicated the need, and then people felt called by God to use their gifts appropriately.
Using that as a model, I am attempting here to communicate the need to you all. We have wonderful leaders at St. Nicholas and are always on the lookout for more. Many people assume that everything is done by someone else, but when those people need to rotate off because they have fulfilled their commitment or because they've suffered a major life change and can't fulfill their commitment, then we need others to use their gifts.
Next year, ALL of our committee chairs are rotating off or are moving. Therefore we are in GREAT need of new leadership. The committees of the church are intended to be the teams of people who work together to do the ministry of the church. They are there because the church works best when we do things in community. Normally, I like to discover people's gifts and ask people directly for their service, but with so many chairs rotating off, I thought I would communicate the need and see if any of you want to approach me before I approach you. If I hear no response, I'll be starting with phone calls. Here are the leadership needs (committee chairs serve 1-year terms):
3 Vestry members to serve 3-year terms
Worship Committee chair
Adult Formation chair
Children's Formation chair
Building & Grounds chair
Communications chair
Hospitality chair
Outreach chair
Pastoral Care chair
Parish Life chair
Treasurer/Finance Committee chair
Lobsterfest chair
Of course all these committees need dedicated people to serve as well. God is calling YOU to serve. All levels of time commitment are needed. All levels of participation are needed. All of these are important ministries and your gifts are needed to make them happen. Please begin to pray and listen for what God might be calling you do.
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 Lay Ministry Opportunities
There are many lay ministry opportunities at
St. Nicholas. Each person has unique talents to share. Think about your place to joyfully plug into
St Nicholas.
A few ideas are: Flower Guild, Greeter, Ushers, Teacher, Special Event Volunteer, Grounds, Choir, Lay Eucharistic Minister........
More opportunities will be listed next week. But begin to think about it. Tailor your lay ministry to your time.
Most of all, do remember to worship at St Nicholas.
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NEW MINISTRY BEGINS AT
ST. NICHOLAS
A Puppet Ministry
-
Thanks to
Ann Bacher
and
Tai Jackson
- is beginning at St Nicholas.
Ann is a new member at St Nicholas. Interested in Puppet Ministry for some time, she has puppets, a stage, music and Christian scripts to use.
Tai makes puppets and writes scripts. Between the two this new ministry is off and running with full Vestry approval. They will be looking for your participation - children and adults. Email the church if interested in helping. Performances will be in the church and out in the community. More news to come.
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Lectionary Readings
If you would like to see the readings for Sunday,
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In Thanksgiving
For a successful LobsterFest
For those who are ill, recovering or needing special prayers:
Members of St Nicholas:
Ashley and Nate Taylor
Bill Caudill
Dorothy Webster
Garrett Hinnant
Larry Hinnant
Bob Hamilton
Bill Batastini
Shelley Butzon
Kay Faircloth
Dave Halmrast
Family members of members of the community:
James Daniels
Jack Whitley
Ron Anderson
Clara Butzon
The Harris Family
Jameson Miers
Julie Raines
Paul Jones
LaDean Hall
Leanne Croft
Robin Zion
Dale Haynes
Jimmy Dorminy
Jimmi Ann Moore
Erin Kavanaugh Kirkley
Marty Oxford
Prayers for those in grief:
For the Morris Family on the death of
William Warner Morris - Janna's Grandfather.
For the Hubbard and Martin Families on the death of
Andi Hubbard.
For the Haynes and Tomlin Families on the death of
Eddie Haynes.
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.
For those with unspoken prayer requests.
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Birthdays and Anniversaries
October Birthdays
1 Alyssa Tranmer
Kim Stokes
4 Bobo Morgan
Nick Baker
Rachel Brent
9 Dalton Avery Hinnant
10 Emma Evans
11 Laura Burris
12 Bronwyn Jackson
Pat Demonet
15 Charles Norris
16 John Brent
Libby Horne
17 Abbey Avery
19 William Morgan
20
Liz Dixon
23
Suzy Eidson
26 Brad Armstrong
30 Matt Hinnant
Sheila Dixon
4 Meghan & Josh McCoy
20 Robert & Hollie Queener
21 Linda & Mike Sawyer
22 Lange & Lynne Taylor
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Confirmations
The next confirmation service will be on
December 13 at 4:00pm
at the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta. If you would like to be confirmed, received, or reaffirmed, please let Fr. Jeff know so he can plan future classes.
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Confirmations
Date: Sunday, December 13th
Time: 4:00pm
Location: Cathedral of St. Philip - Atlanta
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As stewards, we are accountable to God for our time, talent and treasure. We return to the Lord, the giver of all our gifts, a truly grateful first share of our time, talent and treasure.
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Four Upcoming Retreats for Adults
Looking for a way to deepen your spiritual life? Honey Creek offers retreats that give room for recharging as well as learning more. Here are four upcoming offerings:
Cursillo - October 8-11
Pronounced 'kur-see-yo', this a short course in Christianity taken from the Spanish word meaning 'little' or 'short course'. Cursillo developed after World War II with Roman Catholic men. The short course has now been given to men and women around the world and in the process has assisted generations of Christians to more faithfully follow Jesus in their daily lives. Cursillo begins on a
Thursday evening and ends the following
Sunday evening. During those three days the participants engage in listening to talks given by priests and lay people, and small table discussion, while worshiping and playing together. The next Cursillo weekend will be
October 8-11, 2015, at Honey Creek. You can find out more and register to attend at
cursillo.georgiaepiscopal.org
Women's Retreat - October 16-18
St. Elizabeth's, Richmond Hill will again host a Women's Retreat at Honey Creek. The retreat meets
October 16-18. With the theme "Deeper Into the Heart of God: Place of Freedom" the weekend is dedicated to bringing participants into an ever-deepening love relationship with Jesus. For more information or to register, contact Emily Hubbard at
(912) 856-7902 or email her at
[email protected]
Advent Retreat - December 11-12
In December, the Revs. Dwayne Varas and Lonnie Lacy will lead an Advent Retreat at Honey Creek on following Jesus in the way of St. Ignatius. This retreat will be held
December 11 from
5 p.m. until 5 p.m. on
December 12th.
Click here for a brochure on this retreat.
The rates for the conference including three meals are: Lodge 1 Single $144, Lodge 1 Double $99.50, Lodge 2 Single $133, Lodge 2 Double $94, Cottage $90, and Campers and Commuters $64. Registration information will follow.
Lenten Retreat - February 19-20, 2016
In Lent, the Revs. Liam Collins and Frank Logue will offer a retreat at Honey Creek. The retreat will explore reconciliation, making room for real changes to take place in the lives of retreat participants during the weekend itself. This 2016 Lenten Retreat will meet
February 19 at 5 p.m. and conclude by
2 p.m. on the 20th. The costs will be identical to those for the Advent Retreat above.
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YOUTH FALL RETREAT
New Beginnings Team & Participant registrations are now open! New Beginnings is a spiritual retreat designed for middle school youth. This is a life-changing weekend, and we believe all middle school youth in our diocese should experience it. You can find team registration
here
and participant registration
here
.
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The 2016 Diocesan Youth Mission Trip will be to Birmingham, Alabama. The dates are July 10-15. If your church would like to be a part of it you can RSVP now. Email Youth Missioner, Easton Davis here for more information about the trip.
 ***UPDATE***
We now have 2 Diocesan Mission Trips scheduled for July of 2016. Diocesan Mission Trip Birmingham will now be for high school youth.
The diocese has also partnered with All Saints' Atlanta to provide an Atlanta based mission trip for middle school youth. These mission trips are just the beginning of providing a tailored mission trip experience for all youth of our diocese. Choose your diocese when planning a youth mission trip! Email Youth Missioner, Easton Davis here for more information
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In This Issue
Lobsterfest
Writer's Group
Excavating the Celtic Inner Landscape
Chorus Line
Blessing of Animals
Consecration Sunday October 18th
Bluegrass Family Style
Back Pack Snacks
Movie Nights
Online Giving
Steward of the Month
Narthex
From Fr. Jeff
Lay Ministry Schedule
Lay Ministry Opportunities
New Ministry
Vestry Minutes
FOCUS Food Pantry
Lectionary Readings
Prayers
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Confirmations
Upcoming Retreats for Adults
2016 Youth Mission Trip
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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 Patty Hamilton 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 Patty Hamilton 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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