September, Calendar Notes & Notable Mark Your Calendar! 2 Sunday Services 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. All are welcome! Market Mass 8:30−9am every Wed Homecoming Sunday September 7th Fall Adult Education Class Begins Sep. 14 at 9:30am Read and discuss, Delwin Brown's new book "What Does a Progressive Christian Believe" Swinging Seniors "Margaritaville" Cookout Sep. 17 at the Lunsford's Newcomer's Class Fri, Sep. 19 − 7:30−9:30pm in the St. Francis & Clare Room (upstairs over the patio) Bishop Talton's Visit to St. A's Sunday, Sep. 21st Baptism, Confirmation, Reaffirmation Corazon Build Sat, Sep 27th in Mexico The Blessing of the Animals Sunday, Sep 28 at 10:30am service The Parish Fun Weekend October 3-5, 2008 at Camp Stevens in the San Jacinto Mountains

Published by and for The Members and Friends of
St. Augustine by-the-Sea Episcopal Church

September, 2008 - Vol. 39, No. 9 - Archive - Search

Homecoming Sunday is September 7th, the Sunday after Labor Day It is a day to reconnect with one another and to, with joy and anticipation, look forward to the emerging "new year." It is a time to think seriously about committing time and presence to the events of the fall, especially classes, opportunities for fellowship and fun and to outreach opportunities. If the summer represents, at least for some, a time of quiet and slowing down; the ensuing fall is a time to re-awaken and the Homecoming Celebration is meant to signal that to our hearts and imaginations. Some of our fellowship groups will be providing food and drink for our community. There will be music and the Bounce House returns for the kids (and some braver parents). It is a fit day to bring guests and our choir will be returning from their summer vacation. Join us for worship at either service but then for the party from 11:45 − 12:45 a.m. on the patio and lawn. Spiritual Practices at St. Augustine's Different people are drawn to different disciplines of spiritual practice but the goal of all spiritual practice is to draw us closer to the heartbeat of God. I am pleased that continuing this Fall, St. A's will offer two disciplines to the community: Centering Prayer − a form of contemplation − continues on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 7:30 in the Chapel. No prior experience is required; just show up. Yoga will return on Sundays at 9:15 on the 2nd and 4th Sundays lead by Gina Shelton in the Francis and Clare room upstairs above the Patio. No prior experience is needed but bring a mat or small rug. A "freewill offering" will be received at each class: give what you are able. Corazon Build is set for Sat., Sept. 27th (see flyer on patio for more information). We need to raise a total of $6,000 for this build. To date we have received: $3,967.

A Fond Farewell
by The Rev. Laura Queen
When I arrived at St. Augustine, we shared the courtyard with the school. When we changed schools, we gained a courtyard. Every Wednesday that summer several of us came and worked to transform the garden into what it is today. We moved rocks, turned the soil, planted flowers, cleaned out the bird bath, planted bulbs… MORE

Reflections on the Women's Retreat
by Marianne Anderson
As I drove to pick up my carpool partner, a woman I did not know, I noted the absence of my usual "how do I get myself into these things?" God was preparing a place for me.… MORE

Alternative Creeds
by The Rev. Hartshorn Murphy
The flap over the Pledge [of Allegience], flag lapel jewelry and hands-over-the-heart and the like is code language for a far deeper question about symbols and realities of patriotism in the on-going Culture Wars. Which got me thinking about the Creeds… MORE

A Bishop's Visitation
by The Rev. Hatshorn Murphy
The Bishop has always remained our central symbol of that connectedness. The Bishop, in his or her very person, is the person who symbolizes that dimly seen reality that we are "larger than ourselves." Historically and sacramentally, Bishops were the ones who presided at baptisms… MORE

Adult Formation Class

The Adult Sunday School will be reading "What Does a Progressive Christian Believe: A Guide for the Searching, the Open and the Curious" by Delwin Brown…" MORE

A Policy Regarding Marriage for Same Sex Couples at St. Augustine's Parish
by The Rev. Hatshorn Murphy
This parish has been offering same sex commitment services for some years now and our goal has been, and continues to be, to treat both straight and gay couples equally. In the past this has meant that all couples, gay and straight, who are single, are asked to attend pre-marital counseling sessions, attend worship here at St. Augustine's during their time of preparation for their wedding day and attend a newcomer's class, being open to an invitation to join this parish… MORE

Dear friends, Thank You
by The Rev. Pat Hendrickson
This is a belated thank you from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful send off you gave Kate and I last May. The love and support the you have shown both of us, throughout our journeys to ordination and since, cannot be measured… MORE

Lambeth Reflection
by Michael Bell
This experience had been a blessing, indeed. And, at times it had not been particularly pleasant. Right now, I'd say I'm ambivalent about my Lambeth experience and look to Paul's relationship to the Corinthians to help navigate through this ambivalence… MORE

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