THE KEYS OF ST. PETER
THE KEYS OF ST. PETER IS A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
VOLUME XIIII, ISSUE 8 AUGUIST 2009
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
311 W. 7th St., Columbia, TN 38401
RECTOR’S LETTER: WE’RE JUST’A WALKING!
Dear Friends, It‘s about to begin! On Rally Day, August 9 we will begin a new parish-wide program on relational or friendship evangelism titled ―Just Walk Across The Room‖ (or ―Just Walk‖ for short). This campaign is four weeks in length and will include Sunday sermons, Monday evening prayer services, as well as Wednesday evening dinner presentations. ―Just Walk‖ is the kick off program for our entire 2009-2010 program year, with its emphasis on how we can lovingly talk about our faith with others and have them consider the benefits of Christianity in their lives. Here is the schedule. Sunday Sermons: Aug 9-The Single Greatest Gift Aug 16-Living in 3D Aug 23-The Power of Story Aug 30-Living for a Grander Vision Monday Evening Prayer Services at 5:30 in the chapel: Aug 3-Conclusion of the Day of Prayer Aug 10 Aug 17 Aug 24-Holy Eucharist for St Bartholomew‘s Day Aug 31 Wednesday Dinner Presentations at 5:30 in the parish hall: Aug 12-Jesus as a relational model for us and learning to follow promptings of the Holy Spirit. Aug 19-Developing friendships, discovering other‘s faith stories, and discerning appropriate next steps in talking about faith matters. Aug 26-Hearing and telling faith and gospel stories Sept 2-Focusing on God‘s priority: people PLAN NOW TO BRING YOUR FAVORITE POT LUCK DISH ON WEDNESDAY EVENINGS! If you have any questions about Just Walk please call the church office at 388-3331. Blessings, Fr. Richard
Inside this issue:
New Bible Study Birthday’s & Anniversary’s Library & Café Classes Schedule changes Financial Report Youth News 2 2 3 3 4 5
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August Birthdays BIBLE STUDY
A new Bible study will begin in September using Beth Moore's DVD/workbook study, Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman. The study combines a historical look at Esther combined with modern day applications. Sessions will be each Sunday evening up until the week before Thanksgiving. Participants need to purchase workbooks individually and bring them to the first session September 13th (Lifeway, amazon.com, etc -- approx. $14) This is a wonderful time of fellowship and growth and past participants will attest that it provides a great accountability system for regular study of scripture. If you have questions please contact Vicki Kenney, Kae Fleming, or any previous Bible study participant. 1st Paige Taylorene Daniel Gunnar Terhune nd 2 Mary Susan Kennedy 3rd Laurie Pinkleton 5th Randy Bradford Claire Alexandra Naddy 6th Deanna Kay Carper 7th Catherine Barnett Gale Courtney Moore Kae Fleming 8th Chelsea Inman 9th Steven Crawford 11th Courtney Moore 12th John Tomlinson Donald Turner Christopher Brunner Mark Orman Susan Harwell Peri Bowman Dorothy Evans th 13 Jane Carey Uggla Sandra Leonard Aaron Evans 14th Catherine Brunner Christian Tuesca 15th B.J. Ledbetter 16th Bob Thompson Jinger Gayle Brewer 17th Lewis Inman Missy Scott 18th Will Cain Michael Sharpton Delk Kennedy Ramzi Naddy 20th Matt Walton Will Walton 21st Walker Vining 24th Sarah Bailey Robert Billy Blackstone th 25 Lonsdale Koester Zeke Maddux 26th Martha Sue Cain Nisty Day Laurie Bellis 29th Polly Ann Halliday Michael Waters Clark Austin Daniel 30th Leslie Turner Schuster Andrew Taylor Glenn Tristan Alderson 31st Wesley Tuesca
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BLESSING OF THE BOOKBAGS
On Sunday August 2 we are having our first annual blessing of the book bags. With Maury County Schools starting that week we will pray over our students and teachers for a great academic year. Come one, come all!
HOLY DAY EUCHARISTS
Please note that we will have two Holy Day Eucharists this month. They are scheduled for 5:30 PM in the church chapel. Feast of the Transfiguration is on August 6 and St Bartholomew‘s Day is on August 24.
August Anniversaries
4th 9th 10th 14th 15th 16th 21st 31st Lucia & Walker Vining Emily & Matthew Scoggins, III Lois & Gilly Orr Sue & Eric Eckelkemp Mary Susan & Delk Kennedy Karin & Kelly Roach Marilyn & Tom Webster Liz & Buzz Lovell
LIBRARY CLASS
What does your faith look like to outsiders? Starting August 16th the Library Class will resume at 10:15 AM. We will explore topics from the book ―unChristian.‖ This book compiles groundbreaking research into the perception of 16-29 year olds and reveals that we have taken steps backward in one of our most important assignments. As we know, Christians are supposed to represent Christ to the world. However, descriptions like ―hypocritical,‖ ―insensitive,‖ and ―judgmental‖ have been used to characterize Christians. We hope you join us for thought provoking discussions about Christians and negative perceptions that exist, learn how to reverse them, and explore practical examples of how we, as Christians, can positively represent our faith to others. Everyone welcome!
CAFÉ CLASS
―Awake My Soul: Practical Spirituality for Busy People‖ by Timothy Jones. There is an undeniable hunger for spiritual nourishment and direction, but many of us don‘t have time for extensive, time-consuming exercises. In Awake My Soul, Timothy Jones offers an accessible spirituality that real people can incorporate into each busy day. It is recommended that you have your own copy of this book for the class. You can purchase a copy of this book on line from Amazon.com (new copies starting at $19.00 and used copies starting at $3.75) or from a local bookstore. Class starts August 16th at 10:15 AM.
RALLY DAY
On Rally Day Sunday, August 9 we will commission our Sunday school teachers at the 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist. A delicious lunch will be served afterward!
BACK TO REGULAR SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Please note that we will go back to our regular Sunday worship schedule on August 16. Services at 8, 9:15, and 11 AM with Sunday School at 10:15.
5th SUNDAY BREAKFAST
On Sunday August 30 we will have our usual Fifth Sunday Breakfast at 10:15 AM in lieu of Sunday School. More details to follow.
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FINANCIAL REPORT
Although the books are not closed on July, our financial condition improved significantly during the month. Since May, the number of pledging units that have paid less than half of their prorated pledge is down from 20 to 13. In May, 32 pledging units were ‗ahead‘ on their pledge; now there are 49 pledging units ‗ahead‘. Budgeted spending has been reduced by $10,900 through July, which has allowed rebuilding our cash reserves. Assuming these trends continue, we will be able to avoid making cuts in other areas and think about restoring some of the cuts made previously. Keep up the good work! Neil Clark, Treasurer
GOD & CHURCH PROGRAM
Advance word for member of St. Peter‘s! Fr. Richard will be offering The God & Church program for local Boy & Girl Scouts in grades 6-9. Classes will be held at the church on Sundays November 1—December 13, 4-6 PM. We will take a break on November 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Cost is $10 including workbook, supplies, and refreshments. Registration deadline is Friday, October 16. St. Peter parishioners get first dibs on registration so please let Fr. Richard know early of your interest.
ST. PETER’S 2009 VESTRY
John Finney, Senior Warden Jason Terhune, Junior Warden Victoria Gay, Clerk Neil Clark, Treasurer Susan Bailey John Finney Don Marshall Mike Sharpton B. I. Naddy John Porter Mike Redding Bob Thompson Becky Clayborne Louis Davis Gail Lewis Matthew Scoggins, Jr.
OUTREACH NEWS
The People’s Table Mark your calendars! St. Peter‘s will be in charge of cooking for the month of September. Please call Sue Malone at 388-5700 to volunteer to help with cooking and serving. You will work with outreach volunteers from other churches in Columbia and fellow parishioners who might attend a different service than you do. It is a great way to get to know other people interested in outreach. All in the service of a good cause that helps many people in need in the community. Ecuador Medical Mission Trip Watch next month for a report from Bob Thompson & Nestor Rodriguez about their time spent in Ecuador.
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YOUTH NEWS
Welcome back to all! I trust everyone has had a wonderful summer - we have been busy with Pool Parties, a Mission Trip, the St. Michael‘s youth conference and Vacation Bible School. I hope you are ready for even more fun! Be sure to watch for all kinds of awesome and exciting activities in future newsletters and bulletins. As a reminder the age group breakdowns are as follows: Sr. EYC: all youth in grades 9th – 12th Jr. EYC: all youth in grades 6th through 8th Small Saints: 5th grade and younger (lower age may vary depending on the activity) Please remember that you are always welcome to bring friends to any events! If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me via cell phone (615-300-6644) or email (karinroach@yahoo.com). A huge Thank You to Beth and Brian Holmes who graciously opened their pool to the St. Peter‘s kids every Wednesday again this summer! We had a wonderful time swimming, eating hot dogs, and spending time together. What a great opportunity for fellowship throughout the summer!
Vacation Bible School 2009
Many, many thanks to all who participated in Vacation Bible School and to all the spectacular volunteers who made the week the huge success it WAS: the teens, activity leaders, kitchen workers, etc…(more than 30 families donated food, time or money for our dinners)!! We had another wonderful week. Our first Sr. EYC meeting will be Wednesday, August 19th from 6-8pm in the Youth Room. We will be discussing our plans for the 2009-2010 year. All are encouraged to bring a friend and come hungry!
Plans are in the works for the annual canoe trip. Keep an eye out for more information.
Sunday School
As summer winds down and the new school year begins, we at St. Peter‘s also begin gearing up for the new Sunday School year! Sunday August 9th is Rally Day, the ―official kick-off‖ of Sunday school. During the 10:00am service we will recognize the pupils and commission the 2009-2010 teachers. All are invited to stay for a scrumptious lasagna lunch in the Parish Hall immediately following the service. The following Sunday, August 16 th, we will return to the three service schedule with Sunday School at 10:15am. Our youth class offerings this year are: 3,4, & 5 year olds – Godly Play in the classroom off the Parish Hall 1st – 3rd grades – Godly Play in the downstairs classroom 4th & 5th grades - ECC Curriculum, Upstairs 6th – 8th grades – ECC Curriculum, Upstairs 9th – 12th grades – In the Youth Room downstairs Please feel free to contact Karin if you have any questions.
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ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 311 West 7th Street Columbia, Tennessee 38401 Phone: (931) 388-3331 Fax: (931) 381-0769 E-mail: office@stpeters38401.
We’re on the Web! www.stpeters38401.org
The mission of St. Peter’s Church is to prepare the Parish Family to proclaim the word of God through worship, service, and evangelism.
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