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The Mainsail

St. Simon Peter Episcopal Church August, 2016

VBS 2016

(This was so much fun it makes you want to find an adult VBS!!!)

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Rector’s Corner

From 1995 to 2005 I was a professor of business management at Savannah State University in Savannah Georgia.

As you might imagine, I loved it. I loved teaching, working with young people, sharing new concepts – I loved

all of it – well, department meetings were not my favorite, but you get the idea.

Part of my work week as a professor was spent in what is known as “office hours.” Each semester, based on my

class schedule, I published a few hours a week that I promised to make myself available to students. During those

published times students could find me in my office ready and willing to talk about whatever they needed.

Sometimes a student wanted extra help on a class project or assignment, and other times they just wanted to

consult with me over a career or life issue. Although students had my phone number for emergencies, I encouraged

them to stick to office hours as was the university’s policy.

I do not publish office hours at St. Simon Peter because as a priest, as your rector, there is not the same sort of

limit of accessibility as there was at SSU. You should have my cell and home phone numbers (912-704-0990 and

205-525-4964, respectively) and are welcome to call me at any time, day or night, if there is a need. Similarly,

you are welcome to stop by to see me at church. Often people make an appointment, and that does help assure

that I have time set aside that will be uninterrupted, but it is not strictly necessary. Friday is my “day off” and I

do try to keep it, but if something needs to be scheduled for a Friday, I understand.

In other words, I have an open door policy. In fact, if you do stop by, you will know I’m in a meeting if my office

door is closed. I only close it for meetings or private conversations. Therefore, I hesitate to publish office hours

because I would not want anyone to think that is the only time it is possible to see me. Also, because my schedule

varies so much week to week with diocese or community events, appointments or emergencies, other than worship

times, a specific set time each week simply is not easy to come by. I am in the office a good bit however, and as

a generality, before and after the Wednesday morning Healing Eucharist is an especially good time to catch me.

Please consider this your invitation. If something is on your mind, do not hesitate to talk to me about it. You may

stop by, we can meet, you may call me, or send me an email or text anytime. The people of St. Simon Peter have

a long and rich history of taking good care of each other. I do not pretend to be the best or even first line of that

care because you all take such good care of each other. We all participate in what is commonly called pastoral

care. I am a piece of the puzzle however, and I hope you will reach out to me when you feel the need.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Mollie+

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Adult Spiritual Formation Class Resumes on August 7

“Life’s Too Short to Pretend You’re Not Religious” by David Dark. ******************************************************************************

It’s almost time for school to start ---So what have the StSP Youth been up to all summer?

Erica Caitlynn – Band Camp

Camp McDowell

Katie and Nora

Gardending

Shelby ROTC Leadership Camp

Anna – Foothills Day Camp

Corbin - VBS

Anna and Friends Erica

Camp McDowell Cheerleading Camp

Shelby

Concert in Atlanta

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BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS - August 7, 2016

(Episco-Chicks at the home of Betty Daughtery on July 13) Look out Laura! Here they come! These fine “chicks” are headed your way on August 10. They will be there from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. All women of the church and friends are invited. As always, everyone brings a finger food or wine to share. 78 Sunset Strip ` Pell City, AL 35128

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ECW Clothing Sale – August 13

Please, please, please……. Your donations are needed. Leave them on the table in the Parish Hall. Myra and her team will price and set everything up.

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“August Birthdays”

1 George “Butch” Walker 15 Terry Gowens 22 Sherry George

2 Ken Kilgroe 15 Deborah Cearley 25 Kenny Lewis

3 James Yaeger 16 Wayne Wilcox 28 John Harrison Allinder

3 Ed Murray 19 Helen Golder Price 28 Worth Barham

7 Barbara Noble 19 Jimmy Hollis 29 John Rickards

10 Whitney Hollis 20 Ann Powell 30 Patti Wilcox

12 Paul Harris 20 Brandon Darby 30 Melinda Harris

15 Mary Ann Moriarty 22 Seton Parsons 31 Braxton Darby

August Calendar August 7 The Blessing of the Backpacks August 13 ECW Clothing Sale August 28 First monthly Cursillo Ultreya August 30 EfM (Education for Ministry) Note: Regularly Scheduled Weekly Activities Are: Tuesday: Cursillo – 10:30 a.m. EfM – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: Holy Eucharist – 10:00 a.m. Needlework Guild – 11:00 a.m. - Chair Yoga – Noon Thursday: Choir Practice

On the Horizon October 15 Fall Festival October 7-23 White Elephant Sale November 5 Dinner Theatre/Talent Show November 9 Bishop’s Visit – Bishop Kee Sloan

White Elephant Sale Donations: Bring your donations to the Parish Hall. Keep in mind this sale is THE biggest fundraiser done at StSP. Its success depends on your generosity. Clean, saleable items in good repair are needed. Or, if you have large items to donate, call Wayne Wilcox at 205.578.6168 and he will arrange for the storage

building to be unlocked for you.

Sale Dates: October 7 - 23

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Summer Church Office Hours

June, July and August

Monday – Thursday - 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Did You Know? If you missed or would enjoy hearing one of Mother Mollie’s sermon again, they

are available on the St. Simon Peter website. You can access them from your PC, IPad, or smart phone. Share this information with your friends and family.

stsimonpeter.org Worship - Sermons

St. Simon Peter Episcopal Church “Our Mission as the Body of Christ” To know our faith…. To live in truth and love….. To serve the needs of all people.

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