~ the eSPIRE Newsletter ~
June 14, 2020
The Second Sunday after Pentecost
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No printed inSPIRE this week
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The church office is closed and in-person worship is cancelled through the duration of the present health crisis.
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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Rector and Wardens' Update Regarding Plans for In-Person Worship
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Dear St. Philip’s Family,
As we were reminded in
Ryan’s final sermon, God is worthy of the resounding praises of His people. Part of what makes this current season in the life of our parish so difficult is our inability to gather as usual in worship; in some ways, it feels like exile. It is reminiscent of the lament of Psalm 137, when God’s people cried out from Babylon, “But how shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” As you may know, Bishop Lawrence has given permission for the churches of the Diocese to begin to return to public worship, provided they abide by CDC guidelines, but has emphasized that there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. He has charged the clergy and vestry of each parish with discerning what is best for them in their unique circumstances. The clergy and wardens and vestry of St. Philip’s have been in committed prayer and regular conversation for the past few weeks trying to discern the voice of the Lord as to when we should begin meeting together again in person for worship.
As of the Vestry meeting on June 2, your Vestry and clergy have prayerfully concluded that now is not the right time to reopen for St. Philip’s. Since the reopening of the state by Governor McMaster, COVID-19 cases have continued to increase, and the threat to our elderly population is greater than ever. Furthermore, the present restrictions and guidelines are a serious hindrance to the kind of glorious worship we have come to know and love at St. Philip’s. Among other things, we would be required to:
- Maintain social distancing
- Encourage the use of masks
- Provide sanitizer stations
- Prohibit congregational singing
- Limit the number of people in church
- Discourage physical contact of any kind
Your leadership does not want worship to be an anxiety-producing experience. Therefore, until we can return to some semblance of “normal,” we have decided to continue broadcasting Sunday services so that families and individuals may worship comfortably in their own homes. Our heart’s desire is to be together again in person, so this has not been an easy decision. While we realize that this decision may not be met with universal approval, we want to emphasize that it has been made prayerfully, keeping in mind the differing needs of all the members of our St. Philip’s family. Like you, we long to be together in person for worship in our beautiful church, but until that can happen safely and reverently, we want to protect the sanctity of worship and the health of our members and their families.
We will continue to prayerfully monitor the situation, and we remain hopeful that we will be meeting again in person very soon as we study the best ways to make that happen. In the meantime, we thank you for your continued prayers and financial support and encouragement, which are a tremendous blessing to us all!
Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,
The Reverend Jeffrey S. Miller, Rector
Martha D. Freshley, Senior Warden
Todd C. Brown, Junior Warden
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A Very Successful Canned Food Drive:
Thank You, St. Philippians and Friends!
By Jennie Richardson, Home Missions Team
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Members of the Home Missions Team, including Becky Barber, Guv Gottshalk, Gantt Folline, Swain Marion, and Jennie Richardson, were on hand yesterday to accept donations and transport them to Tricounty Family Ministries in North Charleston.
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We loved seeing your smiling faces at the drop-off point Tuesday morning! Thank you, St. Philippians, for another outpouring of love and support with canned goods and monetary contributions for Tricounty Family Ministries. Chef Connie Stahl was also able to clean out the fridge and freezer in the Parish Hall kitchen and donate casseroles and other items. We delivered one truck and three SUVs full of your donations!
Many who would have gone hungry over the next few weeks will not because of the love you showed these families. It is such a blessing to make a difference in other people's lives during these difficult times, and we look forward to seeing y'all and making a difference again at the blood drive on June 30th!
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"The Church Street Singers" Are Back!
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After two weeks of vocal rest, the virtual choir of St. Philip's Church returned yesterday to serenade Angela Clark, who sources say will be turning 21 on Friday. Have you been curious about our talent? Click the image above to listen to the singing that has been described as "unusual," "better than I thought it'd be," and "not as bad as I expected."
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This week's staff meeting was bittersweet, as it was our first
without Jo Hethcox and our second-to-last
with the Rev. Ryan Streett, who was clad in a baseball cap and T-shirt, channeling his
Ryan "One-Way" Streett days of summer 2018, when he and Ben Singleton led the St. Philip's Giant Slayers softball team in their quest for victory over such rec league powerhouses as the "The Charleston Crushers" and "The Misfits." We are all happy for Fr. Ryan and his family, but we couldn't help but feel down––even though we still have a bit more time with him. One member of the clergy described the feelings we were having as "pre-grieving."
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Click below to see the St. David Choir, under the direction of Jolene Hethcox, singing Philip Stopford's "Do Not Be Afraid" at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St Gudula in Brussels, Belgium, on July 31, 2019.
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We had some fun, though, as during check-in we heard about each other's prissy dogs who refuse to go potty when it's damp outside, and about what happens when a breakfast casserole gets left unattended on the stove during online worship (hint: it involves smoke and a fire truck, but NO injuries or property damage, thank goodness). Still, we miss seeing each other in person. Are you missing your people? If you are isolated or if you would like someone to talk to for any reason, remember that your clergy and staff, along with many members of our parish, are available and eager to be there for you in any way you might need. You may also call one of the priests directly; they would love to hear from you!
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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Save the Date: Blood Drive on June 30
12 noon to 6:00 p.m. in the St. Philip's Parish Hall
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The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donors to help trauma patients or those battling illness or injury. The St. Philip's Home Missions Team has organized a blood drive at our Parish Hall on Tuesday, June 30, from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. Please click the link below to sign up for a time to donate––and then share it with two friends:
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The Red Cross follows the highest standards of safety and infection control to ensure you are completely safe while donating blood. If you can give blood now, please participate in our drive. Your small sacrifice can help save a life during this time of urgent need. Your Home Missions Team has discerned that God has opened a door for us to be salt and light in our community by participating in and encouraging blood donations. Let's seize this opportunity to bless those around us in the name of Jesus. Additionally, we will be distributing take-home cheek swab kits if you would like to join the international bone marrow registry.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.–– John 15:13
Then the righteous will answer him, saying, "Lord, when did we see … you sick … and visit you?" And the King will answer them, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." ––Matthew 25:37-40
Can you donate blood and help give the gift of life to a stranger in need?
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Guest Expert on C.S. Lewis Podcast "Pints With Jack": The Rev. Brian McGreevy
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In yesterday's episode of "Pints with Jack," the San Diego-based podcast that seeks to discover the truth and beauty of Christianity through the works of C.S. Lewis, the Rev. Brian McGreevy was the guest expert! Hosts David Bates and Matt Bush have just finished up their series on "Till We Have Faces," and they will soon be diving into "The Screwtape Letters." Who better to introduce one of Lewis's most interesting and accessible books than St. Philip's very own Screwtape scholar? Click the image above to listen, and click the link below for Bates's episode notes.
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"Screwtape Letters" Class TONIGHT
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The Rev. Brian McGreevy continues 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, or you may watch at your convenience
on YouTube beginning at the same time.
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The 2019-2020 School Year Is Over ...
But Preschool Summer Camp Starts Soon!
Session 1: June 22-26 ~ Session 2: July 13-17
Open to St. Philip's Preschool Students AND the Surrounding Community
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Preschool friends were happy to be saying hello but sad to be saying goodbye last week. If they sign up for summer camp, though, they'll be saying "hello" again soon!
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We are pleased to announce the return of Preschool Camp for babies through age three! Two sessions will be offered this summer: June 22-26 and July 13-17 (campers must have been born after September 1, 2015).
The fee per child is $250, and campers do not have to be St. Philip's Preschool students to attend. Space is limited, with preference given for church members and for full-week camp attendance.
A note about safety: Cleaning is something we have always taken very seriously at St. Philip’s Preschool. We will clean and sanitize daily during camp, and we will also be using air purifiers. We would be happy to share our cleaning protocol with you upon request.
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Our diocese is seeking high school students (preferably rising juniors and seniors) who demonstrate spiritual maturity and leadership gifts to apply for the diocesan Youth Commission. This team serves at diocesan youth events and at Diocesan Convention each year. The diocese provides training for leading Bible studies, small groups, prayer, activities, and sharing the gospel. Applications are now available. Youth Commission is a selective process. Deadline for applications is July 15th.
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Hurricane Season: Get Prepared and Get in Touch!
St. Philip's Disaster Relief Team helps in times of hurricane, tornado, flooding, earthquake, fire, or any other disaster
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The Disaster Relief Team's mission is to provide help, assistance, and hope to our parishioners and neighbors in times of extreme crisis by offering comfort and minor emergency repairs.
We have a network of parishioners who are willing and able to respond when they are called via our phone tree. We have two points of the phone tree and geographic coordinators for most of the tri-county area already in place. We are always happy to welcome new volunteers!
Get Prepared
And Get in Touch
We have members throughout the tri-county area available to provide immediate assistance whenever a crisis occurs, whether it be a hurricane, tornado, flooding, earthquake, or fire. We're here to help you!
Click here if you believe you may require assistance before (preparation) or after a disaster (e.g. cleanup).
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
––Matthew 25:40.
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Online Offering: The Rector's Bible Study TOMORROW
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All are invited to join the Rev. Jeffrey S. Miller for the Rector's Bible Study online! Yes, this is still THE best way to spend your lunch hour in Charleston––or wherever you happen to be! Fix yourself a sandwich, grab your Bible and a seat on your couch, and click the link below a few minutes before noon tomorrow to join!
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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. Jeff Miller
discussed what Jesus tells us is the problem in society and in the world: the corruption of the human heart.
On Friday,
the Rev. Andrew O'Dell
reflected on the importance of praying, listening for the voice of the Good Shepherd, and listening to the voices of those who are hurting.
On Monday,
the Rev. Marc Boutan
reflected on Psalm 91 and what God does when we are pushed out of our comfort zones.
Yesterday,
the Rev. Ryan Streett
returned to the theme of cultivating a heart of worship by learning more about the object of our worship, this time reflecting on Psalm 2 and God's sovereignty. Today, the Rev. Brian McGreevy will be reflecting on the hymn "And Can It Be," written by renowned hymn writer Charles Wesley, who once worshipped at St. Philip's!
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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: Kelsey Brockbank, Abby Burgess, Katie Burris, Elizabeth Flowers, Robert Gould, Janet Hanger, Jonathan Hanger, Joe Livesay, Benjamin Schools, Richard Scott, Lavinia Thaxton, and Lindsey Wing.
We grieve with and pray for Anne Jennings and family on the death of her brother, Robert H. Jennings, IV, on June 2.
We pray for our expectant parents: Henslee and Van Elliott, Ralph and Anna Gray Baker, Torrey and Ryan Knapp.
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:
Keep, O Lord, we beseech thee, thy household the Church in thy steadfast faith and love, that by the help of thy grace we may proclaim thy truth with boldness, and minister thy justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Readings for Sunday
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- Daniel 4:29-37
- Romans 5:1-11
- Psalm 100
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ST. PHILIP'S CHURCH
142 Church Street | Charleston, SC 29401
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HERE
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