Out of the Darkness Walk

Saturday, September 28, 11:30 AM Stinson Park, Omaha

On Saturday, September 28th, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will hold its annual Out of the Darkness walk for suicide prevention, and to honor those who have wrestled with suicide and severe depression. The walk seeks to be an occasion of support and encouragement to honor those we love, and AFSP has a tradition of providing beads of different colors to signify the different reasons we walk as we honor loved ones and support each other. Fr Ben will be attending again this year and gathering with anyone who would like to walk or attend the program, gathering at 11:00 am at the southeast corner of the open lawn of the park. You may wish to bring a lawn chair or blanket while waiting for the walk to begin, or if you'd like to hold fellowship in the park as the walkers travel the walk of about 1 mile near the park.

More information about the walk activities and some connected fundraising is available HERE

Instructed Eucharist(and first youth and children's Sunday) Sunday, September 29, 8:30 & 10:30 AM

On Sunday, September 29th, we'll celebrate an Instructed Eucharist. We have done this regularly at St Augustine's as a chance to go through our worship service a bit more carefully, with our clergy commenting on the purpose and meanings of our prayers and traditions as we go. Our goal is to enter into the joy of a richer understanding of our weekly rhythms, and to open a space of curiosity where we can literally ask questions during church about why we do what we do. This is a great chance to bring a friend to church who might be curious about what worship is like in Episcopal Churches, either as a visitor or as someone who might be looking for a church home and want to know more about how we pray!

It is also the first "Last Sunday of the Month" in our program year (from September to May), so our youth and children will be present at the 10:30 worship service (which is part of why we timed the Instructed Eucharist for that day). Kids will be very welcome to come to the front for a good view and a good chance to learn! Otherwise, please be kind with the children of our church community as they learn how to be at worship with their families — we might have a bit of extra rustling and chatter as they learn how to pay attention in church over the year, but how we welcome them is a powerful sign that this is a place they belong, and where they can grow in their faith and love of God and neighbor as we help raise them into young adulthood.

Church Family Dinner

Wednesdays at 6:00 PM

Wednesday, October 2 will be Hamburger & Hot Dogs Followed by Pet Blessing

Church Family Dinners have begun with a Twist.

This year, we'd like to ask you to help us set up, cook & clean up dinner. Parish Life has set up a sign-up sheet with a basic dinner plan for each evening in the hope that we have members who would enjoy cooking part, or all of the main meal, either here or at home to be brought in. The church can reimburse for food you purchase(we will have a limit per 20 servings). We didn't leave out our friends who can't cook, you can head in early to chop and set up, or stay late for clean up! We really love spending this fellowship time with you, but know it isn't sustainable without a bit of extra help, so please prayerfully consider looking at the sign up and lending a hand. 

Another fun addition to Wednesday evenings is programming for all ages, even adults! After dinner, around 6:30, we break out into programming groups: Toddlers-1^st Grade have themed activities and play time; 2-5^th Grade have Communion Class; 6-12^th Grade have Youth Group; Adults have Episcopal 101. Youth will switch to crafts/free play time at 7, and if you're able to stay until 7:15 we end the evening with Compline for all but 6-12^th who will stay until their normal end time of 8:00 PM.  You do not need to attend the week prior to attend the classes.

Please use THIS LINK or the paper sheets in the Parish Hall to sign up to help during Wednesday Dinners. Please let us know if you have any questions about dinner or programming.

Nursery Helpers Needed!

We are currently seeking nursery helpers to join our team on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. If you have a passion for working with children and would enjoy contributing to a nurturing environment, we would love to hear from you!

For more information or to express your interest, please reach out to Kate

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a difference!

Pet Blessing and Celebration of Creation

Wednesday, October 2, 5:45 PM, with Wednesday Church Family Dinner Night

We will offer a chance to have our pets blessed on Wednesday evening, October 2. Please load up your pets and feel free to join us in some holy chaos as we gather for dinner (and pet treats) and bless our animal friends. 

After dinner, our own Pam Eby will put on her Zoo Educator hat and bring out some materials to help draw us into awe and wonder at our job as stewards of God’s creation. In addition, this year, we’ll have some small animals from Town and Country Animal Rescue who are available to adopt. Town and Country is also always looking for help fostering animals, so if this is something that has been on your heart, they’d be a great resource for any questions you may have. This is a great event for the young and the young at heart. Please join us, and feel free to bring friends! RSVP’s to Kate are helpful just to get a sense of numbers, but we’ll plan for plenty of food and friends! 

Our Outreach Committee would also love to use this opportunity to collect pet food to be donated to Town and Country Animal Rescue, so if you are able, please bring some with you that night. If you won't be there, but would still like to make a donation, please check out their Amazon Wishlist, Chewy Wishlist, or donate money by CLICKING HERE.

Bible Study for October & November

Tuesdays at Noon

Thanks to everyone who participated in our September Tuesday Bible Study on the Letter of James! Many who attended voiced gratitude that it connected to our Sunday morning lectionary (the schedule of weekly readings), so Mtr Lisa and Fr Ben have decided to continue that connection in October and November.

October: Paul's Letter to the Hebrews. This letter from Paul to early Hebrew communities is important both for how its theology and witness describe Jesus within the vision of previous scriptures as a high priest and messiah, and because it raises lots of questions — from then and now — about how followers of Jesus and the continuing Jewish tradition relate to each other. Mother Lisa will be leading these classes on October 1st, 8th, 15th, and 29^th (skipping the 22nd for the meeting of the Elaine Randall Book Club).

November: the Book of Ruth. The Hebrew Bible ("Old Testament") book of Ruth is the story of a widowed foreigner who cares for her family, and becomes an ancestor of the line of David. We'll discuss this window into both human relationships of its time and how God draws leaders and saviors from among the unexpected. Fr Ben will lead classes on November 5th, 12th, and 19th.

Fall Garden Clean Up! Saturday, October 19, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM

Please join us on Saturday morning, October 19th, to help clean up and take care of our beautiful gardens around St Augustine's. You're welcome to come early or join later and work for an hour of the morning with us. Garden Steward Jim Keepers will have jobs for all skill levels and ages, from picking up sticks to weeding and pruning to shoveling, carting, and spreading mulch around our plants. There will be snacks on hand for helpers!

Want to help, but not available that morning? Contact Jim. Youth needing service hours can submit time sheets to Jim or Kate.

Boo Bash Youth Halloween Party Wednesday, October 30, 5:45 PM

Calling all thrill-seekers and taco lovers! Get ready for a spooktacular night of fun and fright as our youth group transforms the Parish Hall and Sunday School Rooms into the ultimate Halloween extravaganza!

We'll have a Costume Party and Haunted Happenings Activities: Face Painting, Crafts, Games, and more! Feast: Dive into our Taco Bar Delight Bonfire: Toast S'mores and share spooky tales by the fire Special Attraction: Enter the "Scary Story Room" if you dare!

Bring your family, bring your friends, and brace yourselves for a night of ghoulish delight! Costumes are a must, and bravery is optional in the "Scary Story Room." Let the hauntingly good times roll!

See you there, if you dare! ✨

Save The Date For Christian Outreach Program of Elkhorn(COPE)'s First Ever Little Black Dress Event Thursday, October 24!

Tickets will be available soon for the Little Black Dress Event on October 24 at A Venue on the Ridge (20033 Elkhorn Ridge Dr, Elkhorn, NE 68022) from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. This ladies night includes an evening of appetizers, drinks and basket auction. The Basket auction will be going on the week prior, and will be concluded at the event. (Saint A's has 4 baskets in the auction!!) Only a limited number of tickets will be available beginning October 1, so make your plans now. Contact Rhonda Vest for details.

St. A's Outreach Committee Started Something Good!

Great news! Last year we began a new ministry to provide families with milk. Using seed money from DioNeb and in partnership with Hy-Vee, St. A’s own “Dough Boys” have delivered more than1,450 gallons to milk to Christian Outreach Program of Omaha (COPE). Since the initial drive, this program has been picked up momentum with other churches joining in the effort! Way to go, guys!

Special Collection for September is

Episcopal Relief and Development

In September, our Special Collection benefits Episcopal Relief and Development or ERD, the organization within the broader Episcopal Church working for lasting change around the globe. Each year ERD, along with supporters and partners, facilitates healthier and more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people suffering from poverty, disaster, and disease.

In August, we raised $490.00 for the Benedictine Way and Incarnation Monastery. A big Thank You to everyone!

Chills & Thrills: Murder Mystery & Chili Cook Off Sunday, November 10, 5:00 PM

Get ready for a sizzling night of suspense and spice at Chills & Thrills: Murder Mystery and Chili Cook-Off! As the tantalizing aroma of secret chili recipes fills the air, a chilling crime unfolds. Guests will compete to win the coveted title of Best Chili while also piecing together clues to solve a puzzling murder. Was it the competitive chef with a fiery temper, or the charming stranger with a hidden past? Everyone’s a suspect—and the heat’s on in more ways than one. Join us for a night of mystery, delicious chili, and a dash of danger!

Interested in starring in the murder mystery (don't worry - you don't have to memorize your lines!) email Julie. 

Feast of All Chilis!

Get Ready to Spice Things Up! Attention chili enthusiasts and foodies alike! It's time to fire up your taste buds and join us for the much-anticipated Chili Cook-Off.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen maverick, we want you to showcase your chili prowess. Sign up individually or assemble your dream team for a chance to claim the coveted traveling chili trophy. Themes and costumes are optional but highly encouraged for an extra dose of FUN!

 Not a Chef? No Problem!

If you'd rather be a chili connoisseur than a contestant, we need you too! Join us for an evening of Murder Mystery, fellowship, fantastic food, and friendly competition. Desserts and Drinks will be provided by the Parish Life Committee, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone.

Sign Up Now!

Ready to take on the chili challenge? Sign up individually or as a team by contacting Kate. Don't miss out on the gastronomic event of the year!

Car Seat Donations?

Fr Joseph Alaak at St Martha's Episcopal Church in Papillion is collecting good-condition car seats for newly arrived Dinka refugee families connected to the worshipping congregation at St Martha's. The primary need is for children about 3-6 years old, although they need a few infant-range car seats as well. If you have a lead or would like to coordinate a donation, please contact Fr Joseph, or bring your car seat to church and we will coordinate getting it there.

Stewardship This October

This coming October, we'll have our annual Stewardship Campaign around "time, talent, and treasures" that we pledge back to God in thanksgiving. On Sunday, October 6th, we'll have a "treasure" Sunday, talking about our Finance Committee's and Vestry's planning for the stability and growth of our church, and introducing the campaign. Sunday, October 13^th will focus on the call to use our "time" as the community of St Augustine's, and Sunday, October 20^th will be dedicated to the "talents" we have and the ways we can offer them throughout our lives. Stewardship invitation letters, pledge cards, and materials for the campaign will be distributed on October 6^th and by mail, and we will have an ingathering of our pledges and celebration coffee hours after church on October 27th. Please join us in early prayers for the stewardship we take up together!