Parish Life

2023

September 17

Homecoming! Students and educators were prayed over by Canon John. Blessings were given to backpacks. After the 10:30 AM service, all were welcome to attend lunch in the Parish Hall. At that time, St. Paul’s said goodbye to Cynthia Meisinger, our Youth Director of Children and Youth Ministries. We wish Cynthia all the best as she moves into the next chapter of her life! And thank you to all the volunteers who worked so hard today to make this year’s Homecoming a success!

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August 18 – 20

Last weekend, the men of St. Paul’s headed north to Camp Mikell, the camp and conference center of the Diocese of Atlanta. The beautiful and natural setting of Mikell set the tone for the men attending to connect, make new friendships, and nurture old ones. The retreat was facilitated by the Rev. Mark Johnson, St. Paul’s former Deacon and now Priest in Charge at Advent/Madison. With Fr. Mark at the helm, and no cell phones, lawn mowing, or week-end chores as a distraction, the weekend was a huge success, filled with fellowship, fun and, most importantly, St. Paul’s men growing together as brothers in Christ.

Under the leadership of Frank West, retreat chairman, the number of men attending this year set a record. Mahalo Nui loa! Bill Harrison was the winner of the first annual Gordon Ramsey Memorial “Sartorial Splendor Sox” award. Want to know more about the significance of this esteemed award coveted by all Episcopal Men? Attend the retreat next year. We are already in the planning stages.

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July 16

This summer, while we wait for The Rev. Canon John Thompson-Quartery to begin his tenure at St. Paul’s as our Interim Rector on Aug. 6, we continue to be blessed with an assortment of supply priests and leaders in the diocese who preside over our Sunday morning worship services. On this Sunday morning we had the privilege of having one of our own parishioners officiate and preach. We thank Nicole Walters for this act of service.

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Mid-Summer Supper & Family Game Night.  An evening of hamburgers, hot dogs, games and…. bubbles!

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June 25

Congratulations to the Rev. Mark S. Johnson who was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests this past weekend at the Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta. Today, he served as celebrant for the first time at St. Paul’s at both the 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM services. Afterwards, a luncheon was served to celebrate his ordination.

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May 20 – 21

This past weekend we celebrated our rector Rev. Hazel Smith Glover’s thirty years of ministry as she and our church prepare for her upcoming retirement. Family, friends, parishioners, and colleagues came out to honor Hazel on Saturday night for a festive evening in the Parish Hall. On Sunday morning, the Rev. Canon Hannah Anderson ,a longtime friend of Hazel’s, delivered a sermon that reflected on Hazel’s spiritual journey and her career as a priest in the Episcopal Church. Following the sermon, Hazel performed her last baptism at St. Paul’s, ensuring one more child is now baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

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May 1

Many donors and volunteers turned out to this spring’s Red Cross blood drive, contributing to the collection of forty-six viable units.

 

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April 9

“Alleluia. Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.” Easter morning 2023.

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April 2

It was a glorious morning on Palm Sunday as we began the start of Holy Week 2023!

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March 29

One of our Wednesday night supper crews: Beth Gourley, JJ Thomasson, JoAnna Thomasson, Heather Heaberlin, and Anne Kelleher.  We are so grateful to all our volunteers who serve in this capacity!

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March 26

Sunday evening. Our EYC and St. Margaret’s EYC joined forces at St. Paul’s for pizza, snacks, and games!

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March 11

Saturday morning sidewalk sale at One Roof Ecumenical Alliance Outreach in Newnan with The Daughters of the King.

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Feb 21

Shrove Tuesday pancake supper! This year’s celebration was hosted by St. Paul’s youth group.

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Feb 21

Our friends from the Rutledge Center joined us in the Parish Hall for dancing, laughter, and connecting through joy!

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Feb. 3 – 5

St. Paul’s vestry’s annual retreat to Camp Mikell. This year we welcome Marge Bass, Mary Frances Honea, and Roy Reynolds as new members of the Vestry! We also welcome Marianne Lawhead as the new Senior Warden!

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Jan. 29

This year’s annual Winter Preaching Series hosted by St. Paul’s. Joining us in this collaborative event were Central Baptist and Newnan Presbyterian. Dr. Mark Douglas, Professor of Christian Ethics at Columbia University, delivered the morning’s sermon, titled “Partners in Mission”.

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Jan. 9

Winter Blood Drive held in the Parish Hall. Per the Red Cross, January is the month with the lowest amount of blood donors. We had a goal of 37 people and did 39!

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2022

Dec. 24

Silent night, holy night. Christmas Eve.

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Dec. 17 

Congratulations to our seminarian Mark Stewart Johnson on his ordination to the diaconate today. The service was held at The Cathedral of St. Philip and presided over by The Right Reverend Robert Christopher Wright.

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Dec. 14

Gingerbread house decorating in the Parish Hall.

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Dec. 11

Cole Hankins performing “Homenaje” (Homage for Claude Debussy) by Manuel de Falla.

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Dec. 4

John Will baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Nov. 27

Making Advent wreaths in the Parish Hall.

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Nov. 20

Silas baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Nov. 13

Sunday evening. The Men’s Club had the privilege of hosting local author Save Quesinberry. Steve spoke about his new book “Better Men”, a story ten years in the making  that traces the (until now) untold history of Coweta County’s Vietnam veterans.

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Nov. 13

Sunday morning worship service. Remembering and honoring our veterans in observance of Veteran’s Day.

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Nov. 12

At the 116th Annual Council, some members of our youth group took part in “Overnight @ Annual Council”. Mary Scott, Mary, and India stayed overnight from Friday evening into Saturday afternoon playing games and enjoying other activities. In partnership with other youth from the diocese, these young ladies also helped with packing 10,000 lunches for food-insecure families. We are proud of these youth, their service to those in need, and how well they represented St. Paul’s this past weekend.

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Nov. 11-12

This year the 116th Annual Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta was held at Holy Innocent’s Episcopal Church and School. Along with the Rev. Hazel Smith Glover, diocesan council delegates Renee Powell, Cynthia Meisinger, Geoff Mattera, and Mark Huskison were in attendance representing St. Paul’s. Prayerful discussion and debate were had concerning a wide variety of important issues facing the diocese. Votes were taken and calls to action issued.

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Nov. 7

Celebrating All Saints’ Day.

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Nov. 5

At the home of Daryl and Amy Jones. A Usher, EM, and Verger party with a focus on celebrating our rector, The Rev. Hazel Smith Glover.

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Nov. 2

After Wednesday night dinner. Making crosses for All Saints Day in honor of loved ones who have passed away during the last year.

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Oct. 30

All Hallows Eve Festival.

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Oct. 2

Blessing of the Animals at First Avenue Park.

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