~ the eSPIRE Newsletter ~
April 26, 2020
The Third Sunday of Easter
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No printed inSPIRE this week
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The church office is closed and all in-person church activities are cancelled per Bishop Lawrence's directive and the stay-at-home mandate for Charleston.
We will be offering worship online during this time.
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Click below to subscribe to our Vimeo and/or YouTube channel, where you may also go to join us for worship online.
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An email with printable Sunday bulletins will be coming later in the week.
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Do you have any questions about online worship or classes, or is anyone you know having trouble receiving our emails?
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We hope you're feeling comfortable with these new ways to worship, learn, and enjoy fellowship, but if you're having any difficulties, or you know someone who is, please reply to this email so that we can get you, your loved one, or friend connected!
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The Rector's Bible Study is Back in Session!
Beginning last Thursday, April 16, the Rector's Bible study began gathering online through Zoom! There was a nice "crowd" at the inaugural meeting, and it was so great to see everyone's faces! (No one minds if you're in your pajamas, but if for any reason you'd rather not join with your own video on, or if you don't have the capability, that's just fine!) These studies are recorded so that you can watch later if you miss it live or if you'd simply like to watch again; sign up below to receive links to those recordings when they're available, as they are not displayed on our video lists on Vimeo and YouTube.
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Watch "The Screwtape Letters" Class With the Rev. Brian McGreevy Tonight!
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The Rev. Brian McGreevy is back with his exploration of C.S. Lewis's "The Screwtape Letters" Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.! You may stream the class on our streaming site,
saintphilips.online.church, where you will be able to chat with others before and after class (and during, but you'll be busy listening!) or you may watch at your convenience
on YouTube beginning at the same time.
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Note:
There is volume control on the stream that is separate from your computer's or phone's volume. Please make sure that the volume on the stream is up so that you can hear clearly.
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Confirmation Class Still Going Strong
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Many St. Philippians have had April 19 marked in their calendars since early in the fall, as it was set to be a particularly special day, when Bishop Lawrence was to lay his hands on the head of each youth in Al Phillips' Confirmation class (and those adults in the Rev. Andrew O'Dell's Foundations class who wished to be confirmed, received, or reaffirmed) after they had publicly declared their faith in Jesus Christ.
Although Confirmation itself was postponed, Bishop Lawrence still joined us for worship and preached, and Al Phillips continued with his class via Zoom––26 students joined him on Sunday!
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Pictured above: "Virtual choir" round number FOUR during yesterday's staff meeting. This is quite a birthday streak we've got going on! We'd like to report that we are getting better at it. Unfortunately we cannot. Amy Watson Smith enjoyed her serenade nonetheless, though, and she even somehow managed to blow out the candle on the birthday treat that Rachel Murphy had made for her: a chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookie!
The clergy and staff of St. Philip's continue to enjoy seeing each other every Tuesday morning. This week, parish administrator Chisolm Leonard joined from his computer instead of phone for the first time, and even though we couldn't see him, he could see us, and he happily reported, "I see twenty smiling faces!"
How are YOU doing? Please remember that your clergy and staff are here for you. Here is a message that the Rev. Jeff Miller, Rector, released on Monday:
Dear Friends,
As we enter the sixth week of social distancing, anxiety and fear can give way to monotony and frustration. It’s difficult to say how long the present restrictions on corporate worship will remain in place, but the clergy and staff want to continue to meet your spiritual needs and encourage your walk with Christ ... I urge you to take advantage of as many of [the online offerings] as possible, and if you are struggling or in need of counsel, the members of the clergy are available and eager to be of service; don’t hesitate to call!
I am praying for you and I am eager to see you again very soon!
Every Blessing,
Jeff+
Click the link below to let the clergy know how best to address to your needs. You may also reply to this email with any needs or concerns, or contact a priest directly.
The Rev. Jeff Miller: (843) 812-0556
The Rev. Andrew O'Dell: (843) 639-9084
The Rev. Marc Boutan: (843) 737-1277
The Rev. Brian McGreevy: (843) 793-9830
The Rev. Ryan Streett: (843) 601-1120
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Tricounty Family Ministries Resumes Food Distribution
A letter from Kara Stewart, Executive Director of Tricounty Family Ministries
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I hope that you are all safe and healthy in these extraordinary times. Tricounty has experienced many challenges with the spread of the virus in our community. We shut down our services, including our food distribution, out of an abundance of caution. Most of our staff and many of our volunteers fall in the higher-risk categories, and so we wanted to protect everyone from this deadly virus. We have spent the last three weeks strategizing, learning more about the virus and its spread, seeking guidance on safety protocol, and thinking creatively about how we can pursue our mission to provide basic needs during this crisis.
I’m happy to report that with the Board of Director’s approval this week, we are planning to reopen our food pantry as of April 22nd! We will be seeking the help of volunteers on Tuesdays 12-2 so that we can unload the delivery truck, receive donations from our supporters, and bag groceries. We’ll also be seeking help with the food distribution on Wednesdays 10-2. We will need help with car traffic flow, registration, and placing grocery bags in trunks for a drive-through option. We will need help with monitoring social distancing in line, registration, and grocery pass-outs for a walk-up option. We’ll also need extra hands to come in at the end and help us sanitize our workspace.
Click below to keep reading, sign up or register to volunteer, and view donation needs.
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Daily Devotions from the St. Philip's Clergy
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These reflections are posted to the news section of our website (
stphilipschurchsc.org/news
) Monday through Friday at 7:00 a.m., but you may also receive direct links to the videos by subscribing below.
Last Thursday, the Rev. Brian McGreevy explored
"Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain," a glorious hymn that encourages us to live in the light and joy of the Resurrection. On Friday, the Rev. Andrew O'Dell encouraged us to look to the interest of others in the name of the Resurrected Jesus Christ (and ended with a little surprise!).
The Rev. Marc Boutan started off this week by talking to us about God's desire to bless his people––and he gave a special shoutout to "The inSPIRE Ladies," who stuff and label nearly 900 envelopes every week we're not in quarantine (and who bless the staff with laughter that carries through the halls of the church office). Yesterday, the Rev. Ryan Streett reflected on the power of the psalms to calm fear, anxiety, and worry, sharing about a time when he himself leaned on the psalter and drew particular comfort from Psalm 116:6. Today, the Rev. Jeff Miller will be talking to us about Luke 24 and what it means for us that even the people closest to Jesus failed to recognize him following his Resurrection.
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The Holy Spirit: Your Prayer Partner
by Frenchie Richards, St. Philip's Prayer Team
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John 14:26: "The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."
What does Scripture say about the Holy Spirit? John 14-16 tells you a lot. I suggest you study and meditate on these chapters. Here are a few more job descriptions to ponder:
- He is equal with the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19-20).
- He has a mind and knows the will of God (Romans 8:27).
- He leads (Acts 16:10).
- He speaks (Acts 8:29).
- He loves (Romans 15:30).
- He prays for us (Romans 8:26).
- He is the Spirit of truth (John 14:17).
John 10:27: "My sheep hear My voice and I know them and they know me." Since the Holy Spirit is our teacher and since He brings to mind all that Jesus said, we are expected to hear His instructions.
What are some of the ways the Holy Spirit helps us hear?
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The Word: Full of Grace and Truth
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For quite a while now, this small, humble poster (“laminated” with clear boxing tape) has been strategically positioned on a counter in our kitchen where we prepare tea and coffee. It’s been there long enough that I’ve forgotten the details of why I originally made it and placed it there. Time and again, it has caught my eye at just the moment when I am tempted to worry about someone or something.
While taking Scripture verses out of context can be problematic, I’ve long read Scripture within the context of this prayer: “Lord, please highlight something for me today.” Invariably, something tangible stands out.
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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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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: Walton Avery, Katie Burris, Gus Croome, Ed Dibble, Elizabeth Flowers, Robert Gould, Janet Hanger, Jonathan Hanger, Jane Jilich, Gene Lesesne, Barbara Lisle, Joe Livesay, Kimbrough McEniry, Peter Moore, Sharon Nix, Benjamin Schools, and Lindsey Wing.
We grieve with and pray for Ellen O'Dell and family on the death of her brother, Paul Timoney, on April 19.
We pray for our expectant parents: Henslee and Van Elliott, Ralph and Anna Gray Baker.
We pray for protection for
Becca Baird, Chris and Julia Beasley, Graham Blunt, Henry Clayton, Ben Colyer, David Daughtridge, Hayes Fair, George Hoefer, Andrew Kane, Horry Kerrison,
Charles Kirkman, Frazier Kulze,
John Mason,
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, St. John's Chapel, and the Open Door Committee.
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 10/40 Tribal Commission, for Water Mission, and for St. Jean Baptiste, our sister church, and the schools in Haiti.
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Collect for
Sunday:
Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery hast established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings for Sunday
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- Psalm 111
- 1 Peter 1:3-9
- John 20:19-31
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ST. PHILIP'S CHURCH
142 Church Street | Charleston, SC 29401
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HERE
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