Seventh Annual St. Nicholas Block Party

For the seventh year, the church of St. John and St. Mark in Albany held its St. Nicholas Block Party for neighborhood children and parents on Saturday, December 8. The annual event began as an outreach ministry of one of the congregation's Cursillo Reunion groups, but was quickly adopted by the entire community.

Working through a partnership with Radium Springs Elementary School, (a Title I school within walking distance of the parish) flyers were sent through each child's weekly parent packet. Children and parents were invited to join the congregation in an introduction to St. Nicholas on the Saturday nearest December 6th.

Despite the fact that the neighborhood has been devastated by both tornadoes and hurricanes in the last two years, more than 40 children, along with parents or older siblings gathered with a large contingent of parishioners for this celebration.

Parents and students were brought to the Parish Hall for hot chocolate and cookies. From there, the children were escorted to another room, where each child got to choose two to three gifts for Mom, Grandmother, Dad, or other significant people. A wide assortment of possibilities... from jewelry to tools... was on display. All items are free, donations made by the congregation. After selections were made, the children were then assisted--as needed--in wrapping their selections.

Once their Christmas shopping is finished, the children rejoined their families in Primo Hall. Ornament kits were available, and each child made an ornament. St. Nicholas was also present, handing out chocolate gold coins and hugs.

The Rev. Johnny Tuttle, Rector, in speaking about this neighborhood ministry said, "The remarkable thing to me is that this congregation is so engaged in its conviction to be involved in the life of Radium Springs. 

Bishop Knocks on the Door of St. James' Quitman

Imagine being the only Episcopalian in town. That was the case in 1895 when only one Episcopalian lived in Quitman. But within two years a small group that included a priest from Valdosta were holding services in their homes. By 1899, they began to plan for a church building, and in 1900 the cornerstone of the building was laid. St. James' has been renovated, expanded, moved, and expanded again since its 1910 consecration.

Unlike the original congregants, half of the small congregation who attends St. James' don't live in Quitman. "They come from the neighboring county or two, live in rural areas of the state," said the Rev. Jim Elliott, Priest-in-Charge, "for a small town, St. James' congregation covers a broad spectrum both socio-economically and ethnically."

During his visitation to St. James' on Sunday, Bishop Scott Anson Benhase told the congregation, "It's apparent that you love each other."

Bishop Scott Anson Benhase with the Rev. Nancy Sartin, Deacon, and the Rev. Jim Elliott, Priest-in-Charge at St. James' on Sunday.

"We do love each other," affirmed Elliott, "and are very accepting of differences. On the whole we have very gen erous hearts when helping neighbors in need."

Longtime organist Emily 

Wall, had endured St. James' old finicky organ and admitted that she often had to be creative in the way that she played. Once the congregation decided to replace the organ, they raised funds, but only half of what was needed. A parishioner stepped forward and donated the remainder on the condition that a bronze plaque be placed on it stating that it was given in thanksgiving for the ministry of Emily Wall.

"I'm very proud of our people," said Elliott, "when neighbors have experienced disasters, like the recent hurricanes, we raised funds for Episcopal Relief and Development. We talk a lot about sacrificial love, the kind that Jesus exhibited to the entire world. It's especially evident and palpable here at St. James' as we prepare and wait for the Feast of the Incarnation." 

Around the Diocese

Advent at St. Paul's Augusta

Making Advent wreaths at St. Paul's Albany.

Lighting the Advent candle at St. Luke's Rincon.

Reminder About Pledges

Plan Now for CreekFEST this February 15-17

CreekFEST began with a mission to get all those of us around the Diocese who appreciate and love The Creek together. We worship, play games, eat yummy food, sing, tell stories, relax, and enjoy time together, all while celebrating the place that brings us joy and peace. This is still the mission of CreekFEST, and we hope you will consider making this weekend a family event, so mark your calendars! 

Registration includes lodging, meals, a 

t-shirt, and events. 

Click here to register.

This year, we'll be entertained by the Dusty Roads Band on Saturday evening.

Jesus said to his disciples, "Come away by yourselves and rest a while" (Mark 6:31). 

Between exams, the holidays, travel, and all the other things that December brings, January is often a time when we truly need a time of rest. Come to Honey Creek January 11-13 to relax, tell stories, gather around the fire, and experience the Light coming into the world.

This retreat, coordinated by the Rev. Amy Bradley and Canon Joshua Varner, will offer time to relax, time to tell and listen to stories, and time to play together. The retreat is for g rades 6-12. The c ost is $115 (after January 4 cost is $125). Contact your priest and/or our Canon Missioner for Children and Youth, the Rev. Canon Joshua Varner for scholarship assistance:

[email protected]

Register Now at

http://bit.ly/2019WinterYouth

United Thank Offering

Prayers for Weekly Liturgies

Diocesan Office Update and News

Bishop Scott Anson Benhase  will make his annual visitation to Trinity, Statesboro at 10:30 AM, Sunday, December 16th. The bishop's  full schedule is available 

here. 

The Rev. Canon Joshua Varner  is on retreat this week.

The Rev. David Rose, Rector of St. Luke's Rincon, will preside and preach at the noon Thursday Eucharist at Diocesan House.

Diocesan offices will be closed December 24-26 and January 31-1.