The House of the Lord

“I was glad when they said unto me, We will go into the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1

This verse is one of my earliest memories. As a child, I remember hearing it recited as we began Morning Prayer. The house of the Lord is a holy place and a place of joy. I’m sure that most of you could share important memories from your life that have taken place in a house of the Lord. In recent years, we have come to recognize that the Church is not the building and we can worship the Lord anywhere, but places of worship do take on meaning and become holy because of the prayers that are offered and the praises that are sung within their walls.

St Paul’s Fall Family Retreat

WHERE
Kanuga Episcopal Conference Center, Hendersonville, NC

WHEN
September 18-20, 2009

The General Convention of the Episcopal Church

Sunday, July 19th, I returned home from my vacation in Hawaii. That evening I was in my back yard when I greeted my backyard neighbor. “I’ve been out of town for two weeks.” I called over the fence. “Were you at that meeting?” she asked. I paused for a moment, not knowing what she was talking about. Then I realized that she was referring to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church.

Education for Ministry (EFM)

This fall St. Paul’s will offer Education For Ministry – an adult education program through which participants learn more about their faith and how that faith informs their lives. EFM is produced by the Episcopal Seminary at Sewanee. It lasts for four years, but the commitment made is only for one year at a time. Over the four years, students study the Old Testament, the New Testament, Church History, and Christian Theology.

The Ethnic Restaurant Group

We will go to Erin’s Restaurant in Rock Hill on Thursday, August 20th, at 6:00PM. Erin Harper features locally grown, organic produce, meats, and cheeses. She serves family-style meals with multiple items in each category. This assures each person that they will find something that will please them in each course. Our RSVP date is Tuesday, August 18th. The price is $18 (adult) and $14 (seniors). It is guaranteed to be a fun time, because Erin prepares what inspires her at the moment. For additional information, please contact Tom Tolbert (803-548-5605, tomtolbert@comporium.net).

Newcomers Welcome Committee

The newly formed Newcomer Welcoming Committee met recently to formulate some plans for helping to make visitors and newcomers to St. Paul’s feel more welcome and included in our parish family. We are looking for volunteers to serve as “Greeters” after the 10:30AM service on Sunday mornings to assist in insuring that visitors sign the guest book and find their way to coffee hour.

Attention All Acolytes

On Sunday, August 9th, at 9:15AM (between services) we will have a mandatory acolyte training session for all levels. Please make plans to attend. Parents, if you would like to learn more about your child’s service to St Paul’s, we would love for you to join us as well. We will meet in the sanctuary and will be finished by 10:15AM to allow the acolytes serving at 10:30AM plenty of time to get ready.

Please let Mrs. Gillespy or Mrs. Mack know if you will not be able to join us. Thanks so much!

Vacation Bible School

“Crocodile Dock” is our vacation Bible school theme this year. Our VBS will be Monday, August 3rd through Thursday, August 6th. As in previous years, we need a small army to help with a fun week. Activities include story telling, music and singing, crafts, dinner and snack, game time, group leaders, and helpers. The only job requirement is a merry heart! Please join us on the dock! All who can help please let Heather Guess or Lizann Lutz know your interest.

York Place Emphasis Sunday

York Place is experiencing financial shortages due to Medicare/Medicaid shortages. The loose offering and checks written for York Place Emphasis Sunday were designated for York Place on July 26th. If you missed this chance to help out, you still may participate in helping this important ministry of St. Paul’s. Write your check to either St. Paul’s or York Place—-but ***you must *** write “York Place Emphasis Sunday” in the memo field (or “for” field) of your check. Thank you for your generous gift. York Place depends on all of us.