~ the eSPIRE Newsletter ~
May 15, 2022
The Fifth Sunday of Easter
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Men's Lunch TODAY at noon
On the menu: Shrimp Creole
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Thank You, St. Philip’s!
A message from Tea Room Co-Chair Amanda Ayers
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Dear St. Philip’s Family,
This past week we were blessed to be able to run the 2022 Tea Room after a two-year pause because of COVID-19. The task of restarting after a two-year hiatus was a bit daunting, to say the least.
What I found, however, was a congregation that was eager to restart this long-standing tradition. One that was looking for ways to help, to get together, and to work toward the common goal of serving. Tea Room is not a small operation. We need a minimum of 70 volunteers each day, and that doesn’t include those who make okra soup, bake desserts, deliver flyers, roll silverware, and create artwork and other items for our gift shop. It is truly a labor of love.
We had no shortage of volunteers. We had many new parishioners volunteer, and we had many longtime parishioners as well. Some worked for a few hours. Some made desserts daily. Some worked all day, every day. Everyone worked hard and sacrificed their precious personal time. Honestly, though, as I watched everyone in action, it didn’t seem like work! Everyone was smiling, chatting, laughing––both with each other and with our guests. I know that by serving one another and serving together, many new relationships were created, helping to build a stronger church and a brighter light for the Lord.
This past week was such a gift––to our church family, to our visitors, and to our God. I am so, so grateful to each one of you, for your service, for your support, for your prayers, for your love, and for your time. St. Philip’s is truly a blessing and is truly blessed.
In Christ,
Amanda Ayers
Tea Room Co-Chair
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. ––1 Peter 4:8-11
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This Weekend: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts
Friday, May 13 (7:00-9:00 p.m.)
Saturday, May 14 (9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.)
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Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. ––1 Corinthians 12:4-7
God has given you (yes, you!) gifts for ministry, and there is no greater joy than discovering these gifts and finding ways to use them in the service of Christ. Join Brian McGreevy and Andrew O’Dell for a spiritual gifts workshop on May 13 and 14. Lunch will be provided on Saturday.
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Senior Recognition: Submit Information by Monday
Senior Recognition Sunday: May 22 during the 10:30 service
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We will be recognizing our hardworking high school and college seniors on Senior Recognition Sunday on May 22 and in next week’s inSPIRE and eSPIRE. If someone in your family has graduated or is graduating this spring, please submit the information at the link below!
Please also share this link with anyone you think might miss it!
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Choral Evensong This Sunday |
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Vocation and the Theology of Beauty at St. Philip’s |
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On the second Sunday of Easter, several members of St. Philip’s––artists, musicians, and architects––met to discuss the possibility of forming a group to consider the theology of beauty and the vocation of the Christian artist. The conversation was enthusiastic and fruitful, producing many ideas and almost as many questions! In a culture where the concept of objective beauty is often met with disdain, Christians in the arts and other creative professions have an important role to play in using their gifts grounded in a Christian worldview, and our hope is to provide a place of encouragement for such folks in our congregation.
When asked about their first experience of St. Philip’s, visitors and newcomers often say that beauty drew them in. Something they saw or heard beckoned them through the doors for the first time, and the beauty of the space and the worship helped open their hearts and minds to the goodness and truth of the Gospel. Worship in the beauty of holiness continues its work year after year, service after service, as hymns and vestments, architecture, and flowers quicken hearts to receive the proclamation of God’s Word.
Those interested in joining our discussion are invited to contact Charles DeAntonio ( charlesdeantonio@gmail.com) for more information. All are invited to pray with us as we ask what role art and artists might play in fulfilling the Rector’s vision for St. Philip’s, reaching out with the living Word to those living in darkness, offering the strength and solace of Beauty in communion with Goodness and Truth. |
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Calling All Rising 6th Graders: Youth Group Preview
Middle School Youth Group: May 13, 20, and 27 at 6:00 p.m.
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St. Philip’s Youth Group warmly invites all rising 6th graders (current 5th graders) to join our middle school youth group for the last three weeks of May! We meet from 6:00–8:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Bring a friend and join the fun! Friday, May 13, 20, and 27.
In Christ,
David Gilbert and the Youth Staff
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VBS Registration Open Now
Adult and youth volunteers needed!
Vacation Bible School ~ June 13-16, 9:00 a.m.–12 noon
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Registration for the Very Best (week of the) Summer, aka VBS, is open now! This year’s theme is Make Waves: What You Do Today Can Change the World Around You, and current current 3K–5th-grade students are invited to have fun, make friends, and learn about how our love for Jesus can create a ripple effect that can impact the world around us. We need youth and adult helpers to register as well!
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House of Prayer: May Prayer Points
by Frenchie Richards, St. Philip’s Prayer Ministry
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“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” ––Isaiah 56:7
“The effective fervent prayers of a righteous man avails much.” ––James 5:16a
Answered Prayers:
1. For wonderful participation in all of the Holy Week and Easter services.
2. For the State Supreme Court decision that found in favor of St. Philip’s and 13 other churches to keep their properties.
3. For the wonderful success of the Tea Room outreach.
4. For the successful completion of the Foundations class.
5. For the 40-plus adults confirmed and the 70-plus children confirmed.
Prayer Points for Local Needs
1. For extra measure of wisdom for Bishop Chip Edgar.
2. For healing and guidance for the other 14 churches that the Supreme Court decided against allowing to keep their properties. For ways that their needs can be met as they deal with the verdict. Show us how we might help them.
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Volunteer Opportunity Next Week |
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The staff team has a particular need for front desk volunteers through Friday, May 20, to facilitate some much-deserved time away. We’ve set up coverage openings for morning and afternoon slots, but even a couple of hours of your presence would be a huge blessing! Duties involve greeting visitors and answering the phone with the spirit of Christian hospitality (and no worries, we’ll walk you through the phone steps).
Perks: Unlimited coffee, frequent tasty treats, clergy sightings.
Sign up: Click the link below or call the church office: (843) 722-7734.
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Wednesdays Alive! Service and Class Tonight |
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Tonight's supper: Taco bar
Next week's supper: Creamy chicken penne
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2022 New Wineskins Conference: One Mission
Ridgecrest Conference Center––September 22-25, 2022
A message from Suzanne McCord, World Missions Committee
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Big news break––our very own missionary, LAMB Institute founder Suzy McCall, is one of the New Wineskins speakers this year! View the complete list of speakers, which includes the Most Rev. Dr. Foley Beach, Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America, at the link below.
The conference happens only once every three years, so you don't want to miss this one––just think of all that has happened in the last three years! There is a shaking going on, and this is the best way to hear about what the Lord is doing all over the world from the missionaries on the front lines.
A livestream option is available for those who can't be there in person.
For more information about the conference and to join other St. Philippians who are attending, please contact Susan Keller or Gerry McCord. |
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Rector's Bible Study Resumes Tomorrow |
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Cool Surprise at Final Choir Rehearsal |
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Our youngest choristers received a special treat during their final rehearsal last Wednesday: a visit from the Kona Ice truck! The Cherub, St. Nicholas, and St. Cecilia Choirs are now in summer recess, while the Canterbury Choir finishes up after this Sunday’s Evensong service. |
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Upcoming Schedule Changes
Summer is creeping up on us!
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May 15 ~ Final Sunday school and Rector's Forum
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May 22 ~ Final high school youth group (off-campus)
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May 25 ~ Final Wednesdays Alive! service, supper, class
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May 26 ~ Final Rector's Bible Study
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May 27 ~ Final middle school youth group
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Walking the Battlefields with the Rev. Jeffrey S. Miller
Antietam, Harpers Ferry, and Gettysburg––Limited Space Available!
September 12-16, 2022
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Connoisseurs Tours invites you to enjoy a specially curated tour of Civil War battle sites with the Rev. Jeffrey S. Miller as your guide! The battles of Antietam, Harpers Ferry, and the three-day Battle of Gettysburg marked a turning point not only in the course of the American Civil War, but also for the future of the United States of America. This journey will deepen your understanding of this monumental conflict that left no American untouched. In the evenings, unwind in comfort at carefully selected accommodations in the heart of this historic region.
Ready to book or learn more? Contact Connoisseurs Tours Guest Service Coordinator Chandler Scott at (800) 856-1045, ext. 4, or chandler@connoisseurstours.com. |
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This Week's Service Information |
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The Rev. Ryan T. Streett, Rector of Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, Mississippi, and former Assistant for Young Adult and College Ministry at St. Philip's, will be preaching this Sunday at our services of Holy Communion at 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. |
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Happy Birthday, Denise Pickford! |
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Music admin Denise Pickford, affectionately known as Queen Victoria and occasionally erroneously known as Phyllis, got some extra-special birthday treatment yesterday, though––a serenade commissioned by organist and choirmaster Chris Walchesky and written and performed by Church of the Resurrection Priest Associate Rich Giersch. Hold on to that paper towel with the handwritten lyrics, Denise––no telling what that will be worth one day!
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If you follow St. Philip's on Facebook and Instagram, you already knew about Denise's birthday shenanigans. And if you don't ... why not? Take a minute to follow us now so that you, too, can be among the first to see fun pictures, hear about upcoming events and schedule changes, and learn about the curious things that sometimes happen on our campus. |
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Would You Like Someone to Pray With You? |
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To pray WITH someone:
Prayer appointments are available with trained prayer ministers for personal needs related to healing for physical, emotional, or spiritual needs. All meetings are confidential and can be arranged by contacting Juanita Orvin ( juanitaorvin@gmail.com) or Frenchie Richards frichards7@aol.com.
To ask for prayer FOR someone:
Call Suzanne McCord, head of the prayer chain, and she will pass your request on to members of the chain:
Both options are always confidential.
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Save the Date
May 12 ~ Rector’s Bible Study resumes
May 13, 14 ~ Spiritual Gifts workshop
May 15 ~ Last Sunday School, Rector’s Forum
May 15 ~ Diaper Drive (Lowcountry Pregnancy Center)
May 15 ~ Choral Evensong (Canterbury Choir, 5:00 p.m.)
May 22 ~ Senior Recognition Sunday
May 25~ Last Wednesdays Alive! before summer recess
May 26~ Last Rector’s Bible Study before summer recess
June 5 ~ Choral Evensong (5:00 p.m.)
June 6-10 ~ Preschool Summer Camp session one
June 13-16 ~ Vacation Bible School (VBS)
July 18-22 ~ Preschool Summer Camp session two
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Never miss a sermon!
Click below to subscribe to our Sermons podcast.
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Membership Directory
Are you looking for a fellow parishioner's contact information? Our directory is online! Click the "My St. Philip's" button on our homepage, stphilipschurchsc.org, to log in or sign up for an account. And for easy access on your phone, download the Church Life app!
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We pray for the sick: Arthur Applegate, Baby Avera, Jean Carlton, Judith Carr, Keenan Cummings, Maffett Dowd, Sally Fayard, Elizabeth Flowers, Mary Forbes, Debbie Foster, George Gulyas, Mary Anne Hanckel, Dara Heikes, Susan Hemminger, Robert Johnson, Robert Kizer, Claudia Kolster, John Legare, Connor Lowndes, Molly Margaret O’Quinn, Baby Zan Murphey, John Murray, Ulrika O’Neil, Bill Phillipps, Valerie Rouillard, Fran Sanders, Jay Schrimpf, Sydney Severance, Pete Sperr, Jenny White, Lindsey Wing, and Harrison Woods.
We pray for our expectant parents: Anna Gray and Ralph Baker, Felicia and Tim Evans, Katie and Ruben Perez-Phillips, Lauren and Ashton Phillips.
We pray for protection for Becca Baird, Chris and Julia Beasley, Graham Blunt, Henry Clayton, Ben Colyer, David Daughtridge, Tripp Hathaway, Morgan and Mason Herring, Andrew Kane, Quin Kane, Horry Kerrison, Frazier Kulze, John Mason, Zach McFadden, Philip Middleton III, Jackson Miller, Edward Pritchard, Nathaniel Rollings, David Scott, and John Self serving in our Armed Forces.
We pray for our home and world missions: Star Gospel Mission, Lowcountry Pregnancy Center, Suzy McCall and LAMB, for the medical missions to Honduras, for ministry to victims of genocide and AIDS in Rwanda, for the Persecuted Church, for Anglican Frontier Missions, for Uganda Christian University Partners, for Water Mission and the Global Water Center, and for St. Jean Baptiste, our sister church, and the schools in Haiti.
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Collect for Sunday:
O Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know thy Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leadeth to eternal life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
\ Amen.
Readings for Sunday:
- Revelation 19:1-9
- Psalm 38:1-8
- John 13:31-35
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ST. PHILIP'S CHURCH
142 Church Street | Charleston, SC 29401
Church Office Hours
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Friday
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