1116 23rd Avenue • Meridian, MS 39301

601.693.2502 • stpaulsmeridian@gmail.com

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Deadline to submit articles for “The Epistle” is the 15th of each month. The Epistle • June 2018

We are almost there! And we are excited to announcethat the organ renovation is just about complete,

including the new division designed for the rear of the nave.This last week in May repairs will be made to the windchests and palettes. Then on Wednesday, May 30, the truckwill arrive with the refurbished console and the new chestand pipework for the new division.

One of the first things you will notice will be the return ofthe facade pipes. These are the gold, non-speaking pipes infront of the main organ chamber in the chancel. Over theyears these pipes have become dulled and their finish hasdeteriorated. They have now been refinished to theiroriginal color. In addition, the front rank of pipes in the division in the rear of the nave will befinished to match them. The process of reinstallation of the console and installation of thenew division will take several weeks, but we hope you will be excited by watching theprogress. We may have to do without organ music for a couple of Sunday services and wemay possibly have at least one service with no music. However, we are certain that once theinstallation is complete, our ears will be rewarded with the glorious sound of our parishorgan speaking again.

—David Benson

Summer Worship Schedule — One service only at 9:30 a.m.

Christian formation for all ages will follow the worship service

Summer office hours: Mon-Thur, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Fri 9 a.m. -12 p.m.

A Grand Youth Sunday

St. Paul’s does many things in grand style, and one of those iscelebrating its youth and children in a big way! We are blessed with a

large group of vibrant young people who love participating in parishlife. This year the choir loft overflowed into the first four pewsbrimming with kids. John Jordan Proctor, music permanent staff atCamp Bratton-Greene, came down from Oxford to play camp music forthe service. St. Paul’s graduates Reid Perry, Scottland Sanders, AddieFlorey, Alexa Hogan andSarah Slade receivedblessings and prayers asthey begin their journeysinto adulthood. FatherAustin received a bigshock as he was initiatedby the youth duringannouncements,complete withchampagne poppers!This was such a fun andlively worship service,thanks to everyone whomade it happen!

John Jordan Proctor and Father Austin.

Organ Repairs Nearing Completion

Parish Family,

Throughout the year, we see so much of a youth presence in our midst. Ourchildren have a voice and an energy in this place that we celebrate. There

is one person that deserves our thanks more than any of us can give. ClaireHasselle, our Director for Children and Youth, gives her whole heart and spiritinto the lives of our young people. She is forming young disciples for God’schurch through her gentle and sincere spirit that is amazingly Episcopal. Somuch of what she does for our children also happens at times when most ofus are not at St. Paul’s (clergy included). It is through the tie-dye shirts, EYCevents and holding our children during the most formative chapter of theirlives where we give thanks. Whenever you see Claire, please join me inthanking her, thanking her, and thanking her again. Claire, you are loved andyou are cherished for all you do.Faithfully,Austin+

Claire HasselleDirector for Children & Youth

Our youth initiate Father Austin, complete with poppers!Many thanks to Jo Ann Culpepper for making his newstole.

Healthy Tips For Eating OutIt’s difficult to stay within your calorie needs while vacationing. Try

making healthier choices when eating away from home this summer.

1. Consider Your Drink — choose a drink without added sugars.

2. Share a Main Dish — divide the entrée with a friend.

3. Savor a Salad Full of Vegetables — ask for dressing on the side.

4. Avoid the “All You Can Eat Buffet” — order a steamed, grilled orbroiled dish off the menu

5. Quit the “Clean Your Plate Club” — when you’re full, leave the restor take leftovers home.

Our members: Dave Russell, DJ Wells, Edgar Morrison, John Carrier, Lee Morphis, Mary Scott, MikeReich, Norma Veach, Peggy Carrico, Robbie Morrison, Rose Hudson, Steve,William Godwin, AnnaMeyers and Annie Melton.In our senior living communities: Deannie Carmichael, Elise Leach, Gwen Eddleman, Janet Sinyard,Joyce Welsh, Linda James, Lora Jones and Nita Neville.Extended family and friends: Agnes Lewis, Alice Miller, Ally Gressett, Alixus Hearn, Amanda Lockey,Anna Meyers, Barbaree Heaster, Baston Geiger, Billy Hull, Bob Jarrett, Brenda Hiatt, Bridget Mann,Cathy Parker, Cheryl Drennan, Claudia McKibben, Cory Gaylord, Dot Harrington, Edesser “Dess”Reid Ward, Rob and Aislinn Ward, Ellen Rogers, Emily Holt, Frank Baker, Frank Barrett, Freddie BeaWatson, Helen Valentine, Jewell Greer, Josephine Hodges, Ken Fisher, Laura, Lou Dubose, MaryHallwell, Mary Irby, Michelle Nelson, Nell Williams, Robert Kirkland, Rod Hartzog, Ronald KeithFranks, Sally Gercens, Sandra Spengler, Scott Pringle, Tom Cook, Tom Schramm and Wilfe Manning For those who have died especially: Jimmy Crane and Mitties De Champlain.For those serving in the Armed Forces, for all who serve overseas and their families, especially ShumBenson, Connor Covert, Graham Ford, Andrew Behm, Nick Mullen, Brandon States and The 155thCombat Engineers. We pray for our Bishop Brian. We pray for our Rector Austin and his family.

June 2 ........Delena Avara, Katie HasselleJune 3 ........ Gary & Barbara BooneJune 4 ........Hardy & Dottye GrahamJune 5 ........Albree & Scotty Florey, Robert & Lee LoebJune 6 ........Joe BlanksJune 8 ........Robert & Missy Bailey, Duncan Chalk, Jim & Cindy McGinnisJune 10 ......Mary DunnJune 11 ......Tom & Joy Greer, Karen Rea, Cooper TibbettsJune 12 ......Anthony & Leslie HiattJune 13 ......Lisa Howell

June 14 ......John & Linda Carrier, Caroline ComptonJune 16 ......Woodie & Helen AbrahamJune 18 ......Dana Lawyer, Page SikesJune 19 ......David FitzgeraldJune 20 ......Anne ChalkJune 21 ......Chad & Dixie TibbettsJune 22 ......Larry NowakJune 23 ......Elaine SandersJune 24 ...... Greer Holladay, Jean Merrell, Autumn ShirlandJune 27 ......Olivia Lewis, Mary ScottJune 29 ......Chuck & Bobbie Rea

June 3 June 10 June 17 June 24

VESTRY COUNTERS Rob Calcote & Candy Ward/Lock: Eugene Perry

9:30 A.M.

READER 1 Wayne Wuestefeld John Compton Ingrid Price Sonya Carrier

READER 2 Polly Covert Catherine Little Jim McGinnis Rick Barry

PRAYERS Jo Benson Lynne Taleff Joan Moore Lindy Deen

USHERS Marsha Miller Adrian Page Clay Holladay

Jim Miller Cindy McGinnis Laura Holladay

Susan Nowak Jim McGinnis Robert Loeb

Larry Nowak Steve Slade Lee Loeb

ACOLYTES AJ Page Autumn Shirland Arlyn Grace Sanders Cate Simmons

Elizabeth Scott Bond Hardin Hiatt Shep Sanders Lucy Simmons

Wyatt Bond Sellers Breaux Robert Wilson Cameron Burchfield

ALTAR GUILD Candy Ward Candy Ward BJ Ray BJ Ray

Marilyn Greene Marilyn Greene Connie Arline Connie Arline

Rainey Breaux Rainey Breaux Cheri Barry Cheri BarryCHALICE Rick Entrekin John Carrier Gary Jones Bob Covert

Plug Me In, Please!Here we find out more about the committeesthat you might want to be a part of.

The Finance Committee: Vestry Liaison is BrandonDunn. This committee is charged with providingguidance to the Vestry in all financial matters of theparish. This includes, but is not limited to, theinvesting of assets, assisting with the annual budget,reviewing the annual audit results and reviewingdeveloping internal controls. If you want to lend yourexpertise to this committee, call Brandon at601.479.4899.

The Property and Grounds Committee: RickEntrekin serves as Vestry Liaison on a committee ofone. He would welcome volunteers to assist withsuch tasks as painting and playground upgrading.Many have stepped up to help with these things inthe past but new recruits are encouraged to join theteam. Call Rick at 601.581.7666. Many hands makelight work!

The Administration and CommunicationsCommittee: Eugene Perry is the Vestry Liaison for thiscommittee. He is working with Father Austin todefine the scope of this committee’s work. He, too,would welcome volunteers in determining thiscommittee’s direction. Eugene can be reached at601.527.6663. Let’s get the word out about thewonderful things happening at St.Paul’s!

The Great 50 Days was a time full of fun, feasts andfellowship. It takes the hard work and dedication by many

to make this happen. THANK YOU to all who worked,cooked, cleaned and attended the Great 50 Days

celebrations. It was St. Paul’s most highly attended to date!Each Wednesday the Parish Hall was packed, and the

playground was full. A great time was had by all!

We rejoice in the birth of Ella GrayDeweese, born April 8, in Houston, Texas.Parents Matthew & Menton Deweese and

grandparents Jim & Cindy McGinnis.

We rejoice in the birth of Wesley ScottMcGehee, born May 15, in Meridian.Parents are The Rev. Austin & Tiffany

McGehee, big brother Alban.

DAYS

Directly above, Joanne Entrekin,Beth. Wuestefeld, GloriaChancellor and Missy Bailey. Atleft, Father Austin, ScottlandSanders, Alban and Tiffanyduring the baby shower at theFish Fry. The two little girls atright are Sellers and CarlyleBreaux.

Robert Bailey

Enjoying the crawfish boil, from left, are: Patrick Lewis, Chad Tibbetts, Dustin Simmons, John Rea,John Carrier and Jamie Begnaud.

In the summer, Episcopal churches across the countryencourage members to worship while on vacation and to

share that experience with their home parishes. No matterwhere you find yourself on your summer travels, take the time tovisit another church while you are away from home. Be sure toreport back to us at St. Paul’s about your experience! Vacationsare times for renewal and recreation. Worship fits right in withthose objectives.

• Take a picture of yourselves with the church sign and emailit to St. Paul’s: stpaulsmeridian@gmail.com.

• Post a photo on your Facebook wall and tag St. Paul’s.

• If you have a great story to share that will inspire others,share it widely!

• Bring back a service bulletin to post on our parish bulletinboard.

• Or, send us a postcard with the church’s picture on it. Mailto: St. Paul’s, 1116 23rd Ave., Meridian, MS 39301.

• Visit other Episcopal Church ministries in the places whereyou travel — camps, conference centers, schools, retirementhomes, hospitals or missions.

• Deliver a token of friendship from St. Paul’s to the ones youvisit. It can be something as simple as a flyer you create andprint before leaving home. Something like, “Joe and MarySmith from St. Paul’s in Meridian, Mississippi, were here.Thanks for welcoming us!” Be creative, involve your familyin the design and creation, and have fun doing it.

On Sunday, August 7, we will be awarding two prizes:

1) To the parishioner who or family that traveled farthest fromhome and visited an Episcopal Church; and

2) To the parishioner who or family which visited the mostnumber of Episcopal churches. (It’s your responsibility tomake sure we know of your accomplishments! You gotta tellsomebody!)

Help us out locally, too! Bring back some interesting stories andfresh ideas that can reinvigorate parish life and mission.Networking with new friends in other parishes or missionsacross the country can strengthen the entire communion — andSt. Paul’s! And don’t forget those Anglican sisters and brothers inother countries. If you’re traveling outside the U.S. be sure tovisit the Anglican Church in the area you’re visiting. Somethingimportant for us all to remember is that others who are travelingwill be visiting our church, so be sure to help folks to feelwelcome. And another thing: as you are entertaining summerguests, bring them to church and celebrate their visit on socialmedia!

O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times ofrefreshment and peace; and grant that we may so useour leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds,that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of yourcreation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Wishing you a joyful and restful summer!

—The St. Paul’s staffArticle adapted from Unapologetically Episcopalian

During the summer months, keeping dailyprayer as a routine can be hard. It can be

especially hard with a toddler who needs moreguidance in learning what prayer is and why itis important. Some words are easier for atoddler to understand, try teaching this five-word prayer with your toddler over thesummer.

Jesus: Jesus is at the center of our faith andyour child likely hears this name many timesthroughout the week. Once your child knowsthe word Jesus, they can learn all that goesalong with His name: love, forgiveness,heaven, etc. This gives them something relatable to pray to.

God: God is an easy word for most toddlers to say. It’s also abig part of the story in understanding who God is. God is thefather of Jesus, and toddlers can understand this relationshipwith ease. Exploring the relationship between God and Jesusgives us a whole new perspective of our faith.

Love: This word is central to our faith. It’s why God created us,it’s why Christ sacrificed himself for us, and it’s the foundationfor our morality. Love is on the frontlines everyday of our lives.We should be loving our family, our friends, our teachers,classmates, and so on. Once your toddler learns to

communicate their love to you and others, they canbegin to realize God’s love for them.

Sorry: Chances are “sorry” is a word your toddler isvery familiar with. As humans, it is all too easy to hurteach other. Learning “sorry” and what it means willhelp your child apologize to others, as well as ask forforgiveness from God. It will help them see good frombad, and that it’s important to ask for forgiveness. Thiswill help your toddler learn a very simple, butimportant sentence: “Jesus, I’m sorry.”

Amen: This word can be used in many ways, and it’sfun to say! You can have your kids shout it out withexcitement, or even say it silly. “Amen” can mean many

things, but it is always an affirmation of belief. This can getthem excited about praying. Since “Amen” ends most prayers, itis a great way for your child to participate even if they don’tknow many words.

Demonstrating a routine of praying daily, such as bedtimeprayers, can influence your child as they grow. This can set thefoundation for a strong relationship with God. You can startwith a simple prayer, like: “Jesus, I love you. Amen.” It’s a shortlittle prayer, but it says everything that a little one needs to say.This can be the start of a beautiful relationship!

VBS in June!

The Mediator is hosting VBS this summer the week of June 25 - 30 from 10a.m. – 1 p.m. each day. The theme is “Earthkeepers – Adventures for

Creation Club Kids.” The focus is on conservations, recycling, and repurposingmaterials. Children ages 3 – 4th grade are invited to participate and lunch for allwill be provided each day. Youth and adult volunteers are needed for variouspositions. Please contact Claire Hasselle to get signed up. Donations for craftsupplies are also needed. All VBS crafts will be made from recycled materials.The following items are needed:

• Cereal boxes — any size

• Milk jugs — ½ & 1 gallon

• Clear plastic soft drink bottles — all sizes

• Tin cans — all sizes

• Magazines that contain creation photos.

Materials can be left in the parish hall or the office. It’s going to be a week full of learning, crafting,worship, and fun!

Pop-Up EYC

EYC takes a bit of a break in thesummer months due to

everyone’s summer travel plans.We do get together several timesthough to keep out relationshipsstrong. Details are still beingplanned but go ahead and markyour calendars for the followingdates: 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, and 7/25.We will be taking field trips,having parties and doing someservice projects as well. Be on thelook out for updates!

Keep Church in Your Travel Plans this Summer!

A happy crew at Youth Sunday.

Teaching Your Toddler About Prayer

Michael Hassellespreading the Good News.

Traveling Jesus has become tradition at St. Paul’s. As our kids travel this summer with friendsand family, they can take pictures of themselves with their “Flat Jesus” wherever they are.Parents can post these photos on Facebook,and tag St. Paul’s, or simply send in a text to me topost on the St. Paul’s website, Instagram or Facebook page. This is a great way to illustrate thatJesus is with us no matter where we go, and it will keep our kids in touch with one another overthe summer. If you missed the chance to make one, just let me know so I can get one to you. Ican’t wait to see what adventures are in store for “Flat Jesus” this summer. Peace, Claire Hasselle

Traveling Jesus is Back

This Summer!