The Spirit of Saint Nicholas
The E-Newsletter from Saint  Nicholas Episcopal  Church  
69 Mobley Road, Hamilton, GA 31811
706-628-7272

June 15th - 21st, 2016









































St. Nicholas' mission is to be an example of Christ's love 
for all people.
 
Our vision is to be the center of nourishment in mind, body, and spirit
for all people in our community.  
Summer Worship at  10:00am starting  July 3  
We will gather as a whole parish family for the remainder of the summer for one service at  10:00am . Mark your calendar appropriately and be sure to spread the word.
 

Interfaith Service of Mourning at St. Thomas
 

Dear friends,

In the wake of this past weekend's tragic shooting in Orlando, I have been heartsick. This situation hits all kinds of hot-button issues in our country today like gun violence, acceptance of LGBTQ people, and violence in the name of religion. Regardless of where you stand on any particular issue, this is a national tragedy, and one that requires us to mourn for those who died and pray for the victims' families. If you read Facebook or watch the news, you'll undoubtedly see opinions and coverage that will want to capitalize on our various differences. But as the Church, we are called to unity and love. 

Below is information on a public service at St. Thomas that I will be attending. It will be an interfaith service, where peoples of all faith traditions will gather. People of all backgrounds and walks of life will be encouraged to attend. It's solely a time to mourn with others in our community, not to debate any issues. I hope you will join me.

Sharing our Sorrows
A multi-faith service of mourning for the victims of the Orlando shooting
Sponsored by St. Thomas Episcopal Church and Forgiving Heart Church
Thursday, June 16 at 7 pm
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
2100 Hilton Ave - Columbus

A gathering of music and prayer from many traditions as we mourn the dead, pray for the injured and grieving, give thanks for those who responded with help, and seek unity and understanding. 

If you are hurting over this tragedy, and need some time to talk, reflect, cry, or question, or if you know someone who is, please contact me.  
We need each other in times like these.

Peace,
Jeff+
 

 Writer's Group 

Happy summer to all my writing friends in 
St. Nicholas Writes and beyond! 

Although the 19th is Father's Day, the times are not in conflict as we will be meeting as usual from  9:45-10:45 . Since this is the last meeting before our summer break,  I urge you to come and work on any piece you want to revise. Now is your chance to get advice from your fellow writers.  If you are interested, you may read your piece to a small group of 2-3 or even one other--just bring copies for them. 

I will have revision guidelines for the major genres--fiction, non-fiction, poetry. If anyone in the congregation would like to write something for Dad, we welcome you and your efforts! 
Do join us if only to observe. You never know what will inspire you. (Besides, if you forgot that "Father's Day" card, you will be able to create a very special one that will touch Dad's heart, guaranteed.)  

Hope to see you--and 
save the date, June 19th, 9:45-10:45
Adult Formation classrooms





Save the Date!


Lobsterfest 2016
Friday, September 23,  2016
at 
Sweet Home Plantation, Pine Mountain

Tickets will go on sale July 17th.
 

Lobsterfest Kickoff will be Sunday, July 17th 
Our Lobsterfest Kickoff will be held at church on Sunday, July 17th.  
Look for the red balloons and the Lobsterfest Kickoff table in the narthex. 
Come buy your tickets and sign up to volunteer for our biggest church fundraiser.

 
Lobsterfest 2016

Friday, September 23, 2016
6:00 - 10:00pm
Sweet Home Plantation
Hadley Rd., Pine Mountain, GA
 

Zion Episcopal Church

Zion Episcopal Church in Talbotton now has a  Go Fund Me account to raise money to restore the outside of the  Church. 
  


This was the idea of Lynn Hall. We are so thankful for her energy, creativity and care in initiating this project.   
The Photopia Photography group that Lynn belongs to has taken some stunning pictures of Zion.  


Blessings-To-Go
At our Vestry retreat this year, Barbara Crafton encouraged us to continue to be a blessing to our community. 

The Vestry discussed with great fervor how we might actively engage in this.  Sheri Cody and others suggested that each month, the Vestry look in the month's local newspapers and find people and organizations who are doing good work in our community and approach them to give them a literal blessing. 

Pine Mountain City Council Meeting on June 13   
Ten members of St. Nicholas attended.  
Fr Jeff presented a plaque and told them how much they all were appreciated.  
T he young officer who was first responder to Jamie White when he was shot was acknowledged for his work.

Blessings to Go is a very good thing on so many levels.  

Men's Group Dinner

St. Nicholas Men's Group will convene again  June 21st at 6:30 pm. at  Luke's Pub and Steakhouse 6080 Ga Hwy 85, Ellerslie.  

Please let Chris know how many to plan for, so the restaurant can set up for us.

If anyone would like to share the ride, please let Chris know.

Men's Group Dinner
Date: June 21st
Time 6:30 pm
Location:  Luke's Pub and Steakhouse, 6080 Ga Hwy 85, Ellerslie.
 




  STITCHER'S MEETING
Saturday, June 25th, 10am at St. Nicholas the alter cushion needleworkers will meet to stitch, enjoy tea and cookies and work through any questions or difficulties. Katrina Howe has been working to distribute and design the remaining canvases and 
WE NEED A FEW MORE STITCHERS!
 If ANYONE would like to join our merry band, please come see what we are doing! We can offer lots of encouragement even if you have never stitched before.


Pulpit Swap  
Our annual worship with 
Christian Valley Church, Cataula  will take place 
June 26 at 10:00am.
Services at St. Nicholas will be suspended that week, as we gather with our Christian brothers and sisters. They will join us for worship at 
St. Nicholas on July 10 at 10:00am
Both days will include a meal following the services so come hungry for physical and spiritual food!

 
 
 

 

Steward for the Month of June:


 
The Vestry is pleased to announce that David Halmrast has been selected as the 
Steward of the Month for June 2016.

David Halmrast has been a long time member of 
St. Nicholas and served our parish in many capacities.  
He has also served as Senior Warden.  
When Connie Blackmon retired as Treasurer we were searching for a replacement and Dave, true to form, stepped up and agreed to serve as our Treasurer, and Chair of the Finance Committee.  
He served as our Stewardship Chair last year and was successful in establishing our first balanced budget in several years.  That alone is reason enough to recognize his dedication, but he has since taken on the challenge of obtaining a permanent mortgage to pay off our construction loan.  Dave's spearheading diligence in this regard will save us in excess of $20,000 over the life of the loan that we anticipate closing in July.  

Dave and his wonderful wife Sue, love St. Nicholas and 
St. Nicholas loves them.  They freely give of their time, talent and treasure. Dave's low profile, get it done approach is a real joy to behold.  Please join the Vestry in congratulating Dave as our Steward of the Month for June and saying to Dave,
 "Well done, good and faithful servant".  

Almighty God, who...dost promise that when two or three are gathered together in thy Name thou wilt grant their requests; Fulfill now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them.
         
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.

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.  
 

 
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.


Lectionary Readings 

If you would like to see the readings for Sunday, 

Religion is not a method, it is a life, a higher and supernatural life, mystical in its root and practical in its fruits; a communion with God, a calm and deep enthusiasm, a love which radiates, a force which acts, a happiness which overflows.
                        


For those who are ill, recovering or needing special prayers:
 
Members of St Nicholas:

Jackie Duval
Julie Nordin
Bill & Suzy Eidson
Bill Batastini
Bill Caudill
Danielle Whitworth
Ashley and Nate Taylor
Clara Butzon
Garrett Hinnant
Kay Faircloth

 
Family members and friends of the Community:

Lillian Simpson
Baby Kenleigh & the Boyd Family
Patty Gwara
Jeanna Smith
Gene Wells
Jo Partain
Grace Esbstyne
Mary Ann
The Wahl Family
Karin
Lucius Morton
Earl Nichols
Dr. Michael Burgen
Danny Howard
Dabney
Charlotte Hammond
The Kohler Family
Jeri Harris
Danny Hatchell
Peggy Singletary
Wayne Holloway
Erin Kavannaugh Kirkley
Jack Whitley
James Daniels
Lisa Butler
Mark Oliver
Teresa McCullohs
Ron Anderson & Family
Jean Boyd


In Thanksgiving For:

Our St. Nicholas Committee Chairs

    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.
 


 

           
  June Birthdays
 
  2   Devyn Hinnan
  3   Jeff Jackson
  4   Bill Batastini
  5   Kathie Torres
  5   Michelle Moody
  6   Beth Evans
  6   Robert Queener
15   Meghan McCoy
17   Barbara Bradley
17   Terry Buchanan
21   Caitlyn Whitworth
24   Will Bailey
25   Janice Murphy
28   Carolyn Cox


June Anniversaries

    2     Josh & Helena Davis
           3     Barrett & Barbara Smith 
9     Sheri & Jeff Cody
              9     John & Charlotte Winsness
     10   Ingrid Cheshire & Marilyn Vida
12   Mike & Susan Perry
            20   Steve & William Morgan Morse
   23   Bill & Susan Batastini



CVEM is looking to fill two part-time positions:

Infusion Director

House & Grounds Maintenance Worker 

See both job descriptions at 

To apply, send a cover letter and resume to  martha@cvemjubilee.org

 
reaching_hands.jpg

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!

 
 
In This Issue

Summer Worship Hours

Interfaith Service of Mourning 

St. Nicholas Writer's Group

Lobsterfest 2016 Save the Date

Zion Go Fund Me

Community Needs

Blessings to Go

Men's Group Dinner

Stitcher's Meeting

Pulpit Swap 

Vestry Minutes

Stewards of the Month

Bright Way Ministries

Lay Ministry Schedule

Lay Ministry Opportunities
 
Lectionary Readings
 
Prayers
 
Birthdays & Anniversaries

CVEM Job Openings

Parish Committees
 

 

Links

 

Father Jeff's Travel Blog 

 

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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Than

Thank you, St. Nicholas family, for your active involvement in our parish. 




If you or family members will be in a play, concert, sports or school activity please send the information to the church contact@stnicholashamilton.org 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.

 

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 contact@stnicholashamilton.org

  1. Please include:your names and the names of your minor children,
  2. address,
  3. email addresses,
  4. phone numbers (cell and home),
  5. 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 contact@stnicholashamilton.org.


 



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.  

 



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.







SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE 2016
 
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
(Contact Amanda, 706-886-7515 or amanda@campmikell.com for more information)
 




Electronic Common Prayer


Electronic Common Prayer, Version 2.0   (eCP)  is a brand new update to the first, fully authorized, interactive version of the Book of Common Prayer 1979 of the Episcopal Church USA.
Click here for details 
 

GoFundMe Campaign for Zion Church



For our next phase of fundraising for historic  Zion Episcopal Church  
in Talbotton, Georgia , we have set up a
GoFundMe  campaign. 

There is much to be done to help this amazing bit of Georgia history. 
Please share this and encourage people to be generous. 


For over 160 years, Zion Episcopal Church has watched over the village of Talbotton, GA. There are not many 160-year-old structures still standing in our country.


 
Contact Information

To place information in the newsletter email:
contact@stnicholashamilton.org
St. Nicholas Episcopal Church
706-628-7272