~ the eSPIRE Newsletter ~
August 29, 2021
The Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost
~ no inSPIRE or eSPIRE next week ~
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St. Philip’s and Tricounty Family Ministries Bless Nearly 250 Children with Backpacks and School Supplies |
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Jill Settle, Owens Settle, John Settle, Harry Hood, Connie Rink, Gerry McCord, Becky Barber, Bowen Barber, David Wright, and Jeff Rink.
The Back to School Celebration at Tricounty Family Ministries on August 14 was a huge success! Many volunteers, including 10 from St. Philip’s Church, came to help hand out backpacks filled with school supplies, the vast majority of which had been donated through our supply drive the week before.
Our brief training beforehand began with an emphasis on dignity for those in need in our community and reminders that any one of us at some point might need a helping hand, and it ended with a prayer. Cars were lined up by 9:00 a.m for a 10:00 a.m. start. There were drive-up and walk-up stations for backpacks, hotdog lunches, laundry detergent, and gift cards, and there was a parking lot set up for COVID vaccinations. We wore masks outside in the heat and gave out about 130 filled backpacks and 80 Bibles in less than an hour. We put extra supplies and new books in brown paper bags and continued handing out until noon––243 kids altogether! What a blessing to see the little faces and how thankful the kids, parents, and grandparents were to receive the backpacks and supplies. The celebration ended with a large Ben & Jerry’s truck with free ice cream for all.
Thank you to all who donated, sorted, stuffed, and distributed. Even with COVID and hard times for so many in our community, God finds ways for us to help others, give them hope, and brighten their day!
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The St. Philip’s Choir is journeying next summer to serve as the resident choir at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London the week of August 15–21, 2022, and all parishioners are invited to join us on this exciting adventure! We will have a tour bus and guide, but there will also be plenty of time for you to explore on your own.
Space is limited, and deposits of $250 are due by August 31, so reserve your spot now by contacting Pat Gould at (843) 364-9552 or pgould@stphilipschurchsc.org. |
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The day we’ve been looking forward to is almost here! Rally Sunday, which traditionally has marked the return of Sunday School, Bible studies, and other activities after summer break, is an even more momentous occasion this year, as the “break” has been a lot longer than just a summer. We’ve gone back to our pre-pandemic normal in a few areas––we’re printing the inSPIRE, singing in church, and greeting the clergy following the service––but we will have gone 19 months without coffee with our friends before Rector’s Forum on Sunday morning, without supper following worship on Wednesday nights, and without walking up the steps to the Parish Hall for the Rector’s Thursday Bible study.
Rally Sunday begins with children’s Sunday School at 9:15. Save yourself some time by registering now using the link below. Adults interested in joining the teacher rotation may sign up at the same link!
All adults are invited to attend the Rector’s Forum in the Parish Hall beginning at 9:30. Help yourself to some coffee beforehand! Our single worship service begins at 10:30 a.m. (no 8:15 service on Rally Sunday), and lunch in the Parish Hall will follow. (Men, email Justin Ray if you can help out!) We can’t wait for this special day of worship and fellowship! |
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Register now for 2021-2022 Sunday School
(children and youth; adult volunteers)
Nursery through 12th grade, including 7th–8th-grade Youth Confirmation
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Questions about Sunday School or Children's Church? Email Dorothy Lancaster, Director of Ministry to Children and Families, or give her a call at (854) 429-1940. |
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Haiti Update:
When We Are Weak, He Is Strong
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This past June, the political unrest and ongoing pandemic in Haiti prevented us from being able travel there to celebrate feast day with our sister church, St. Jean-Baptiste, for the second year in a row. At that time, no one could have imagined that within the next two months the president would be assassinated and a 7.2 earthquake would strike!
Since the earthquake on Aug. 14, many of you have called asking about the status of our sister church and schools and what can be done to help. Thankfully, there was no obvious physical damage on the island of La Gonâve, where our sister church is located. They did feel the shaking and the tremors, and we hope and pray that there is no hidden damage done to things like cisterns and underground foundations. They are still in the process of assessing it all.
Even though there was no physical damage, the political situation and turmoil associated with the earthquake will lead to more challenges for obtaining supplies and food. The cost of everything will likely increase again. Our sister church is counting on our prayers and our support. We hope to be able to respond and help them meet the coming challenges.
We are encouraged, however, because of all the good news from this past year, which was filled with many challenges as well. We are happy to be able to share good news with you. In spite of all the political and physical challenges, many good things are still happening in Haiti. The problem is that the good things that happen seldom make the news.
Pictured above: Père Vil, priest-in-charge of our sister church in Haiti, at the annual Feast Day celebration in June.
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I Want to Serve!
Volunteer Alert System
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Are you looking for opportunities to serve? Sign up for our “I Like to Volunteer!” messaging service, and we’ll alert you whenever the need arises. Whether it’s ongoing ministry positions or one-time events, on-campus opportunities or a chance to serve with one of our partner ministries, we’ll keep you in the loop! |
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Here are a few current or upcoming opportunities to serve:
Rally Sunday: St. Philip’s Men’s Ministry is once again helping with set-up, serving, and clean-up at our parish luncheon on September 12, Rally Sunday! Please email Justin Ray (include your mobile number, please) at justin@sunrayflooring.com if you can help. Call (843) 224-1167 if you have questions.
Sunday Morning Coffee Ministry: The “Perky People” are setting their fall schedule, and they need a few more helpers to join the team! Volunteers work in pairs on a rotating schedule to get the coffee ready on Sunday mornings. No experience or special coffee knowledge needed. If you’d like to volunteer, please contact Irene Rowe at artisanpaint@gmail.com or (843) 568-1999.
Flower Guild: Would you like to be a part of the team that prepares the glorious gifts to God that grace the altar each week? You’re in luck––the Flower Guild wants you to be a part of their team, too! You will be taught everything you need to know, including the art of flower arranging––no experience necessary! Contact Sarah Stuhr at sarahstuhr@bellsouth.net or (843) 559-3342.
New Mothers Committee: The ECW is looking for a few volunteers to serve on the New Mothers Committee. This committee helps women transition from “expecting” to “mothering” by providing a meal, prayers, and encouragement. If you would like to help, please contact Gigi Dobbins at gigimccartydobbins@gmail.com.
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AED and CPR Training
Learn to Assist in Emergency Situations
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St. Philip’s has purchased automatic external defibrillator (AED) devices to help save lives should an emergency occur at our church. Doug Ringer, a licensed instructor, will be facilitating a class to train members of the congregation in the use of these machines and in basic CPR technique. The video-driven class (date/time to be determined) is a single session that will last approximately 3.5 hours.
If you are interested in serving our church by learning to apply these life-saving skills, please contact Doug at (423) 827-6596 or ringdoug@gmail.com. |
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Tonight: Theology on Tap for 20s-30s
Last of the summer!
7:00 p.m. at Henry's on the Market, 54 N. Market St. (free parking in St. Philip's lot)
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Theology on Tap is a twice-monthly gathering of young adults in Charleston who long for meaningful conversation about life and God. Tonight's topic is "Relationships: It's Complicated..." Questions are taken anonymously through a texting app. Also, check out the links below for audio and takeaways from last session's discussion on the Bible.
Theology on Tap is wrapping up for the summer, but we are pleased to announce it will be returning in the fall! Keep an eye out for details about the new schedule, and contact Justin Hare with questions: jhare@stphilipschurchsc.org or (854) 429-1937. |
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Hymn Sing:
Request Your Favorites and Support the St. Philip’s Choir
October 3 at 5:00 p.m. in the church
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Do you have a favorite hymn? Or is it hard to pick just one? On October 3, the St. Philip’s Choir is available to sing all of your favorites so you don’t have to choose!
Each request is $10, which will support the choir as they prepare for their residency at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London next summer. Would you like something special? You may request a particular descant or organ accompaniment for a donation of $25. Of course, any amount over that is greatly appreciated! And the choir tithes, so ten percent of donations received will be given to the church.
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Choir Registration:
Calling All Singers Ages Three through Adult!
Join a choir now to experience the thrill of using your talents for God and your church. Registration for all children’s choirs (ages three through 12th-grade) and for the St. Philip’s Choir (teens and adults) is open!
The children sing about once a month in church, and rehearsals begin September 15 (ages three through third grade) and September 16 (4th–12th grade). The St. Philip’s Choir sings every Sunday during the 10:30 service, and rehearsals begin September 1 (simple audition required).
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Registration Open Now:
Anglican Women's Fall Retreat
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Church Office Closed on Labor Day |
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The church office will be closed on Labor Day, September 6. In the event of a pastoral emergency, please call or text the Rev. Bill Christian at (843) 327-0791. |
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Did You Go Home With an Extra Pair of Glasses? |
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Either a miracle of some sort happened and a pair of glasses grew legs and walked away of their own volition following Sunday's service, or––perhaps somewhat more likely––someone accidentally picked them up.
If you arrived home on Sunday with a pair of Lindberg glasses that are perfectly suited for viewing both the congregation and one's notes from the pulpit, please return them to the church office. The rimless/tortoiseshell glasses were last seen on the table by the south door in the narthex. Thank you!
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Are You Ready for Hurricane Season? |
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We never know how bad the effects of a natural disaster will be, so we must prepare ahead of time. South Carolina Emergency Management Division has put together a comprehensive guide to show you how to prepare for an emergency and what to do when one is upon you. Take some time to look it over right now and take the steps necessary to keep you and your loved ones safe. |
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This Week's Livestream Information |
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Welcome to the Team, Noelle! |
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Say what you want about nepotism, but sometimes it's exactly what this world needs, because sometimes it gives you hardworking colleagues like Noelle.
Noelle is the newest inSPIRE lady, and yes, her mother is also an inSPIRE lady, but don't think that means she doesn't deserve this job! On her first day in the office, Noelle kept her head down and got to work, staying on task even as the other ladies around her chatted and laughed as they labeled and stuffed. As she labored, Noelle set an example not only for the other inSPIRE ladies, but also for other part-time office helpers––apparently it is possible to get more of the contents of one's water bowl in one's mouth than on the floor. Who knew?
If you follow St. Philip's on social media, you already knew about this lovely addition to the team. If you don't follow us and you want to be among the first to hear lighter stories like these, click one or both of the buttons below to give us a follow right now! You'll also get reminders about upcoming events and get connected to more of your St. Philip's family.
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Would You Like Someone to Pray With You? |
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To pray WITH someone:
Call Juanita Orvin, who will connect you with a prayer minister who will pray for your concerns over the phone.
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
Aug. 29 ~ Sunday School teacher orientation (12:00 noon)
Aug. 29 ~ 20s-30s Welcome Back BBQ (4:00 on the lawn)
Sep. 6 ~ Labor Day (church office closed)
Sep. 12 ~ Rally Sunday (no 8:15 service; parish lunch following 10:30 service)
Sep. 16 ~ Rector’s Bible Study resumes (12:00 noon, Parish Hall)
Sep. 21 ~ Blood Drive (12:00–6:00 p.m., Parish Hall)
Sep. 22 ~ Wednesdays Alive! service, supper, classes resume
Oct. 1-3 ~ Women’s Retreat at Camp St. Christopher
Oct. 3 ~ Hymn Sing (5:00 p.m. in the church)
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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: Elizabeth Bowles, Judith Carr, Sam Chesnutt, Sarah Clarkson, Charles Cornwell, Gerry Dickinson, Sally Fayard, Elizabeth Flowers, Mary Forbes, Lisa Frampton, Juli Garland, James Gettys III, Mary Anne Hanckel, Maude Hornsby, Aurry Janell Koch, Claudia Kolster, Joe Livesay, Connor Lowndes, Sarah Marshall, Brumby McLeod, Beverly Melvin, Juanita Orvin, Olivia Palmer, Isla Pearce, Bill Sammons, Fran Sanders, Jay Schrimpf, Elizabeth Scott, Larry Scoville, Lynne Scoville, Anne Shaver, Rose Tisdale, Hope Walters, Carolyn Warlick, Liz Williams, Louisa Willis, Lindsey Wing.
We grieve with and pray for: The family of Grace Kelley Creel, who died on August 20.
We pray for our expectant parents: Jon and Olivia Hipp Black, Justin and Molly
Hare, William and Zippy Hood.
We pray for protection for Becca Baird, Chris and Julia Beasley, Graham Blunt, Henry Clayton, Ben Colyer, David Daughtridge, Hayes Fair, Morgan and Mason Herring, Andrew Kane, Horry Kerrison, Charles Kirkman, Frazier Kulze, John Mason, Zach McFadden, Philip Middleton III, Jackson Miller, Ned Montgomery, Edward Pritchard, and David Scott serving in our Armed Forces.
We pray for our home missions: Star Gospel Mission, Tricounty Family Ministries, Lowcountry Pregnancy Center, and St. John's Chapel.
We pray for our world missions: For Suzy McCall and LAMB, for the medical missions to Honduras, for ministry to victims of genocide and AIDS in Rwanda, for Water Mission and the Global Water Center, for The Persecuted Church, and for St. Jean Baptiste, our sister church, and the schools in Haiti.
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Collect for Sunday:
Lord of all power and might, who art the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of thy Name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings for Sunday:
- Deuteronomy 4:1-9
- Psalm 15
- Mark 7:1-23
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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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