Wednesday, August 5

9:00 am - Bible Study - Conference Room

10:30 am - Yoga - PH

11:45 am - Centering Prayer - Chapel

Saturday, August 8

5:30 pm - Holy Eucharist Rite II - Chapel

Sunday, August 9

8:00 am - Holy Eucharist Rite I - Church

9:15 am - Faith Forum - Conference Room

10:00 am - Nursery opens

10:30 am - Holy Eucharist Rite II - Church

*** Children will remain in church for the Backpack Blessing. No Children's Chapel***

11:30 am - Acolyte Training - Church

Faith Forum

Led by the Rev. Clelia Pinza-Garrity

Join us for two Sunday Faith Forums coming up this Sunday, August 9 and next Sunday, August 16 at 9:15 am in the Homer Davis Conference Room. Together we will explore 1 Peter, a frequently overlooked letter written to communities in a Christian diaspora who are called to witness to the transforming joy of Christ even as they suffer for Christ’s name. 

You are encouraged to purchase our study guide in advance: Now You Are God’s People; Reflections on 1 Peter for God’s Church in God’s World. Eds. Justin Welby, Jennifer Strawbridge,and Abilgail Harries Martin, from Amazon.

Service Sign Up Reminders

Reminder phone calls resumed last week to those who have roles in worship services each weekend and to the Cookie Brigade group.

Schedules for each group are posted on the hallway bulletin board and printed in the church bulletin inserts. If you are unable to complete your scheduled duty, please contact your group lead and/or find a replacement. Thank you for serving!

Opportunities to Serve and Support!

• School Days are here again! Volunteer at OJ Semmes beginning August 12! From Nancy Kulb: Kindergarten and first grade students need assistance with lunch and dismissal the first couple of weeks of school. They will need help at lunch opening milk cartons and condiment packages. Assistance is also needed helping students get on the correct bus at the end of the day. It does not take long - 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how much of the day you are signing up for. Many eyes and hands are needed. There is a sign up sheet on the table outside the library. Please sign up for the slots you can help with. You can contact me at nkulb@cox.net and I will sign you up, and confirm that with you. Be sure to fill out volunteer forms for the 2026-27 school year, also located on the table.

• August is Acolyte Alumni Month at St. Christopher’s. Adults who would like to serve as an acolyte for a 10:30 am service in August are encouraged to sign up here as soon as possible. No experience needed!

• Volunteers needed for Summer projects! We have big projects and little projects, indoor and outdoor projects and projects you can do at home. See Sr. Teresa (AKA Nan) at all 3 services or call the church office (850) 433-0074 for ways you can help.

Education for Ministry

Registration is open now!

Education for Ministry, affectionately known as EFM, is a program of the School of Theology, University of the South. Students sign up one year at a time for this four year program.

Year One offers a study of the Hebrew Scripture (Old Testament).

Year Two offers a study of the New Testament.

Year Three offers a study of the history of the Christian Church.

Year Four offers a study of theology and ethics.

Students meet in seminars under the guidance of trained mentors on Tuesday evenings from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the Henry Baggett Parish Hall. The program grants a certificate at the completion of the four years plus 18 Continuing Education Units each year. EFM offers an opportunity to discover how to respond to the call to Christian service. You will learn how to think theologically, deepen your faith and understanding of your Christian heritage. 

The curriculum was completely revamped in 2025. An online format and new textbooks were introduced last year. A new one-year program is also now offered called "Wide Angle Lens". Registration is open through early August. 

Seminars will begin in September and run the academic year. For tuition costs, registration, or further information, please contact Nan DeStafney or Mari Abbate at abbate3@gmail.com.

Acolyte Training

This Sunday, August 9th, is Acolyte Training Day after the 10:30 am service. This is required for all acolytes and open to anyone who is interested in becoming an acolyte. Please let Jen+ jen@scpen.org to let us know that you will be attending.  

Youth Confirmation Classes

Beginning August 30

Students in 7th through 12th grade are invited to attend Confirmation classes as we explore what it means to confirm your faith in the Episcopal Church.

Classes will run on Sundays from August 30 - October 4 at 9:20 am in the Youth House. 

Not sure you are ready? That’s okay—come join us for fellowship, conversation, and community. 

Please sign up at this link

Any questions, please contact Andie at eyc@scpen.org or text her at 518-229-5405

Children's Ministry News

Backpack Blessing is this weekend at all three services.

Please bring your backpacks, football helmets, gym bags, etc. so all can be blessed at this meaningful service. It's a great way to kick the year off in a super positive way.

Third Grade Bible presentation will be at the 10:30 am this Sunday. 

If you and your family are newer to church and have a child that is older than 3rd grade, please let me know. I'd love to make sure they also receive a bible.

Upcoming:

DoK Jr. Installation will be Sunday, August 23, during the 10:30 am service.

Sweet Studies, our 3rd-7th grade after school group, will begin meeting (in the Youth House) Tuesday, August 25th at 3:30. This group gathers each Tuesday to talk about school, God, life, friendship "stuff," and many other topics.  

Faith Formation programming (Godly Play and StoryMakers) will be held at the same time, 9:15 am -10:15 am. Remember, if your child is in 3rd-5th grade this upcoming school year, their classroom is located in the hallway right by the office. If they are in PK4-2nd grade, their classroom is located next door to the nursery. Once the Faith Formation hour is complete at 10:15 am, children will then go to “big church” with their parents. Just as we have practiced all summer, the kiddos will head to the chapel for their own special worship time after the Gospel has been read, returning in time for the Peace.

We are so excited here at church to try out our new schedule. Our hope and prayer is this change makes Sunday mornings easier for our kids and families!

As always, please don't hesitate to email and/or call me if you have questions, concerns, etc.  

Have a fabulous last week of summer!

Walking in Love-

Alice Ann Ferguson

Children & Families Minister