OUR PARISH PROFILE
St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church 3321 Wheeler Road Augusta, GA 30909 706-738-6676 www.staugustinesaugust.wix.com
The Mission of St. Augustine’s
We are a loving community, welcoming all people, serving others in the power of the risen Christ!
We begin a journey of faith, seeking a new rector…
In constant prayer “Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN”
Our Current Status…
Our vestry members are continually in touch with individual parishioners through our shepherding program and provide opportunities for the parishioners to express their realities and aspirations regarding the parish and feel that these contributions provided an accurate and complete self-evaluation of our present status as of 2015. A summary of these results showed the following: Our parish community is truly warm and welcoming and that we deeply care for each other. The diversity of our people and the welcoming family atmosphere contribute to this strong sense of community. We desire to strengthen our outreach ministries, youth programs, and youth involvement in the parish. Our congregational life together (weekly worship, spiritual formation opportunities, fellowship at holidays, etc.) has been strengthened and we want it to continue to expand. We have many gifts (parishioner talents and physical space) to willingly share with our community and desire a stronger presence in the community.. Our efforts to improve printed and digital communication are noteworthy such as our weekly newsletter, The Canterbury Tales, and our enhanced website. We have sustained strong leadership through our vestry, deacons, and staff. The hopes for the future are universal---bustling with growth, adding new families, and increased outreach opportunities!
We seek a rector who… brings a diverse background of experiences to draw upon in order to help St Augustine's grow; delights in the diversity of our parishioners; works collaboratively and cooperatively with all to articulate and achieve a clear vision for the parish; will effectively shepherd and support our children and youth; values active pastoral care with deep involvement in the lives of parishioners; and encourages the parishioners to utilize their talents and gifts to lead within the congregation and community.
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We Worship Together Sunday Mornings
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I This service is a quiet, intimate liturgy of Word and Sacrament. This service is held in the sanctuary for a small group of loyal participants.
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite 2 The main morning service is a joyful celebration of the Eucharistic rite according to the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. Organ, piano and other instruments accompany congregational and choral song, as we "lift up our hearts" to God. This service lasts about one hour and is followed by fellowship in the parish hall with coffee and refreshments. A nursery is staffed by a trained childcare provider for children under five although children of all ages are welcome in the worship service. Average attendance weekly is about one hundred parishioners.
Wednesdays
12:00 noon Healing Eucharist This service is held in St. Brigid’s Chapel. The service includes the Litany of Healing and the celebration of Holy Communion. Anointing and the Laying on of Hands are offered in the context of the service.
Noon Day Prayer
On Tuesdays and Thursdays during the Lenten season, we offer prayers and intercessions at noon in St. Brigid's Chapel. The Prayer Book service of Noonday Prayer lasts less than 30 minutes, and is led by members of the St. Augustine's congregation.
Holy Day Services
Holy day services are held on appropriate special days especially during Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. Holy day services typically use Rite II and incense, usually during Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost. Two Christmas services are usually scheduled, a traditional afternoon Eucharist with a children’s pageant at 4:00 p.m. followed by a mass with Holy Eucharist and Music at 10:30 p.m.
Our Organization
St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Augusta, Georgia, is a church of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia under the leadership of The Right Reverend Scott A. Benhase. This diocese serves the southeastern part of Georgia and the office is located at 611 E Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401 · (912) 236-4279. We are a member of the Augusta Convocation of which the Very Rev. Billy Alford serves as dean.
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The Clergy
St. Augustine’s is presently searching for a new rector. The Rev. Dr. Talmadge Bowden, Jr., is serving as priest-in-charge as we search for a new rector.
St. Augustine’s is blessed to have two deacons who preach, teach, and assist in providing pastoral care to our congregation. The service of the deacon is very important in the life of our church.
The Vestry
St. Augustine’s vestry comprises nine parishioners elected for staggered three-year terms. This body supervises parish governance and provides leadership for the church’s various organizations through its standing committees.
The Staff
Our parish is supported by several part-time staff members: parish secretary and office assistant, parish administrator, music director, sextons, and nursery attendant; and a volunteer disbursing treasurer and chancellor. Lay persons from the congregation provide volunteer leadership to all parish ministries.
Opportunities for Ministries for Lay Persons
Worship and Liturgy
Two lay ministers, at least one deacon, and a team of acolytes assist with the 10:30 a.m. service. Worship is enhanced by the preparations of an active and experienced Altar Guild who meet annually to discuss various service related items and for spiritual direction. Acolytes are an important part of our Rite II services. The 8:00 a. m. Eucharist is supported by a priest server. The 10:30 a.m. service normally has candle bearers and a crucifer in addition to a server. All young people in grades three through twelve are invited to serve as acolytes. Lay ministers are assigned to the 10:30 a.m. service to read the lessons, prayers of the people, and to bear the chalice. Lay Eucharistic ministers take communion weekly to individuals unable to attend church. Ushers promote hospitality and assistance at every service.
Sanctus bells are used and there is a unique ringing of the outside courtyard bell from the altar area after the blessing of our Lord’s body and blood during both services.
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Music
Music in our Sunday liturgy reflects the richness of resources available to us in the Episcopal Anglican tradition. We enjoy musical selections from the great church music composers. Our Mohler pipe organ is most often used to lead our hymns, chants, and service music, but we also have wonderful hand bells and a few volunteer musicians to accompany our congregations’ prayer and praise.
Spiritual Formation
The promises we make in our Baptismal Covenant are reminders that we are not yet perfect, that we are called to move deeper in our faith and make a difference in our world. Christian formation is the lifelong process of growing in our relationship with God, self, others, and all creation.
Spiritual formation classes are held for all ages every Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. A lay person provides lessons for children that are fun and interactive. The theme for the 2015-2016 school year is "the big story of the Bible." We explore it through acting, singing, drawing, and other lively methods.
Adult classes are offered by the clergy and lay people on a variety of themes, including Bible and book study as well as current events in light of the gospel, using Bishop Benhase’s weekly reflections as a starting point.
Special programs are offered during Lent and Advent. Intergenerational lessons are often provided for the congregation around major liturgical days. A one-week Vacation Bible School is usually offered during the summer.
Our parish hosts Education for Ministry (EfM) on Tuesday evenings throughout the school year. EfM is a unique four-year distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small-group study and practice. The EfM program is preparation for the ministry to which we all are called. It is that vocation for which we pray at the end of the Eucharist: "And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord."
Youth
Episcopal Young Churchpersons (EYC) for youth in grades 6-12 meets most Sunday nights. Our meetings emphasize fun, faith and friends, usually with a little food added to keep our engines going! We provide a variety of opportunities and experiences to draw teens into active, responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the faith community and the greater church. The youth play games, explore scripture and its application to daily life, pray together,
5 and have a great time getting to know one another and God. Our young people participate in convocational and diocesan events and enjoy Christian fellowship in a lot of fun ways!
Young Adults
Members of our parish are actively involved in the leadership and development of Columba House Augusta, an intentional living community for young adults sponsored by the Diocese of Georgia. Columba House Augusta currently offers space for young adults to meet on Tuesday and Thursday nights to explore how their faith intersects with their daily lives. Morning Prayer is held weekday mornings at 7 am.
Outreach
Our parish responds to the needs of others financially and through service. Specifically we support the following ministries: Christ Community Health Services, Columba House, Fisher House, Friendship Community Center, St. Alban’s food pantry, St. Stephens Ministry, United Thank Offering, and Youth Challenge Academy.
The Dave Ramsey course, FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY, is taught by two of our lay persons at least twice a year and is an outreach to all in the community. Each session enrolls about thirty people.
Pastoral Care
Responding to the pastoral care needs of our members is an expression of love and a primary desire of our congregation. Lay Eucharist Visitors visit and serve the Eucharist to our homebound members on a monthly visitation schedule. A committee visits and provides meals to our infirmed. Cards of encouragement are mailed monthly to our shut-ins. Many volunteers welcome newcomers and reach out to those with other need.
Parish Life
Our church is noted for its fun and fellowship! Building community is an important part of the life of our parish. Fellowship activities include Mardi Gras (which attracted over 150 people this year!), Foyer Groups, Pentecost picnic and the Choir Christmas Sing-a-Long. The men of the church meet socially on Thursday afternoons. In the summer we usually enjoy attending baseball games as a parish. We host an annual art show for young and aspiring artists in the community. The women of the church, through St. Clare’s Guild, meet monthly for a short inspirational program. Through monthly love offerings and an annual pre-Thanksgiving bake sale, they support many activities in the church and community. The ladies of the church conduct the annual United Thanksgiving Offering in-gathering.
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Communication
Recognizing the need to have open lines of communication using up-to-date vehicles to deliver news and information to the parish on a timely basis, the leadership of the church and the hard work of its members are ensuring that this challenge is met.
The St. Augustine’s continually evolving website, www.staugustinesaugust.wix.com, provides important information for members and newcomers, including worship schedules, current programs and services, who we are, what we believe, ways in which we can serve, and links to Episcopal Church related sites.
The church office uses e-mail to contact all members who have e-mail access with the latest parish and diocesan news. Our weekly newsletter, Canterbury Tales, is distributed electronically to or printed for members and published online to keep everyone current with schedules, events, news, and important dates.
Current bulletin boards are maintained and a variety of informative printed materials are in revision to ensure our inward and outward communication is accurate and well-articulated. Church services are enhanced by the sound system that ensures all can hear and participate.
Welcoming and Incorporating
Serving as an extension of the clergy, our ushers and vestry persons of the day greet families new to our parish and assists in answering their questions. The clergy and staff promptly contact visitors and newcomers to facilitate their incorporation in the life and ministry of the church. Annually an informal meeting is held in the church to help new members enter our church community. This meeting provides an opportunity for new members to be more personally introduced to our church, clarify information, and meet some of our staff and parish leaders.
Stewardship
As we have been blessed, so we ought to give. All that we have really belongs to God; we are the stewards. How we respond in giving our time, talent, and treasure for the building up of the Body of Christ, says much about us as stewards. Our Stewardship Committee is responsible for the annual Stewardship Canvass, which is conducted to help us appreciate God’s blessings, support His ministry to us in the church, and fulfill His great commission.
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Our First Fifty Years… A History of St. Augustine’s
St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church was organized as a mission in 1960. The first meeting place of the new congregation was in the merchants’ meeting room in Daniel Village shopping center.
Land for the construction of the church building was given by the Nixon family, and the site selected was located at 3321 Wheeler Road. Mr. Gwinn Nixon and Mr. Scott Nixon were members of the mission council. The architect was commissioned to proceed with architectural drawings for the new church. Plans for the entire church plant were completed before the first phase of the building program began.
The first phase of the construction began in 1962 when a multi-purpose building (Currently the Parish Hall) was constructed on the property. Parish status was granted this year.
In 1967, the second phase of the church was constructed and dedicated to the Glory of God and named St. David’s Hall. By now the church buildings included the parish hall, kitchen, offices, additional Christian education space, and a chapel dedicated to St. Brigid of Ireland.
In 1970, the third phase consisted of the new church building (Nave), additional education space, offices and sacristy. This phase completed the building program originally envisioned in 1960 and completed in 1973.
The covered walk-way between the church and the parish hall was constructed and the debt on the buildings was retired in 1990. The latest addition consisting of the new nursery, youth area, new kitchen, and handicap accessible bathroom facilities was completed in 1994.
Our worship is enhanced by…
The Stained Glass Windows of St. Augustine’s
The windows of St. Augustine's were created by the Willet Stained Glass Studio of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The ten windows in the nave and three tall windows in the narthex are modern in design, but draw on traditional conventions of religious art. The beautiful colors and shapes require time and contemplation on the part of the viewer, as each evokes a central theme or figure of the Christian faith.
Materials are available in the narthex to assist you in using the windows as a tool for prayer and reflection.
The installation of the windows was completed May 3, 1975, and dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Paul G. Reeves, Seventh Bishop of Georgia, on Sunday, May 22, 1977.
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St. Brigid’s Chapel
The chapel was commissioned by the Rev. Robert Battin, dedicated to his mother, and the first communion celebrated by the Right Rev. Albert Rhett Stuart, Bishop of Georgia, on the Feast of St. Augustine of Canterbury, May 26, 1966.
The antique pews, brick floor and heart pine walls and ceiling were reclaimed from local buildings. An altar of locally quarried rough stones is topped by a smooth, pink slab of Georgia marble.
The chapel is used weekly for the Wednesday Healing and Eucharist Service and at other times for weddings and special events. Healing Eucharist is held in the chapel every Wednesday at noon. Noonday prayer is offered in the chapel at various times throughout the year.
The Mohler Pipe Organ
The organ, almost 40 years old, was given by many members of the parish in memory of, or thanksgiving for family members or a special occasion. This beautiful two octave instrument is played during all principle services to accompany our volunteer choir.
The Magnificent Bell Tower
In the early 1960’s, the beautiful bell tower was constructed. The bells peel every fifteen minutes and strike the hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The bells call us to worship each Sunday. Toll bells and peel bells are rung for funerals and glorious celebrations.
The Memorial Garden
The memorial garden was established as a burial site for the cremated ashes of parishioners. In 2008 the garden grounds were beautifully re-landscaped and the magnificent fountain was erected.
The Hand Bells
We have two octaves of beautiful hand bells. A hand bell choir convenes and plays on special occasions.
The Risen Christ
The original crucifix which hung in or sanctuary was replaced by the Fontanini Risen Christ, suspended above the altar and donated by parishioners. When it was erected the original cross was moved to St. David’s Hall.
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We share with the Community---
The Prayer Labyrinth
On October 28, 2012, as part of their Sunday worship, the people of St. Augustine's built the outdoor prayer labyrinth on the front lawn of the church near Wheeler Road. Nearly 1.5 tons of river stones were inscribed with names and prayer requests, and then incorporated into the pattern which had been laid out the day before. The seven-course Classical (sometimes called "Cretan") labyrinth is the largest outdoor labyrinth in Richmond County, and is used as an instrument for prayer by parishioners, guests, and complete strangers at all hours of the day and night.
The Little Lending Library
We welcome our neighbors to use our Little Free Library. Anyone may contribute to or take books. If you take a book or two from the library, you do not need to return that exact book. However, in order to keep the Little Library full of good choices for the whole neighborhood, we ask at the next time you drive or walk by, to bring a book or two to share. Little Library book exchanges function on the honor system, everyone contributes to ensure there are always quality books to share. Our little library is registered on the federal registry.
Our Church Facilities
St. Augustine’s welcomes others who wish to utilize our facilities. We have a vestry room, nursery, six classrooms, the youth room, a small and large group room, choir room, kitchen, chapel, and sanctuary that are often shared with others.
FINANCIAL STATUS FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS
Financial History for the Past Three Years
Year Yearly Budget Pledge Total Income Total Yearly Expense 2013 $267,364 $234,689 $286,035 $286,396 2014 $293,360 $231,092 $264,137 $289,692 2015 $278,899 $225,344 $262,306 $283,118
Current Budget 2016
Pledged $205,172 Budgeted $239,492
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LOCAL INFORMATION
Augusta is centrally located between two large metropolitan areas, Atlanta and Charlotte, boasting the Appalachian Mountains to the north and beaches to the east. She was founded in 1736 as a trading outpost during the Colonial times and is the second oldest and second largest city in Georgia.
Located on the Savannah River, Augusta is known worldwide for annually hosting The Masters Golf Tournament and the coveted green jacket. She is also known as the “Garden City” of the South, full of history, atmosphere, Southern charm, and activities to engage everyone’s interest. The charm of the classic South is woven throughout Augusta’s tree-lined streets and majestic antebellum homes.
Augusta is proud of its heritage and Historic Augusta works hard to preserve historically or architecturally significant sites in Augusta and Richmond County, Georgia. This mission is accomplished in many ways, including identifying significant historic resources in the community, educating the general public about their importance, and assisting others in preserving historic properties. The Savannah River provides numerous opportunities for the outdoorsman to meander along the banks of the Savannah on the Riverwalk, canoe down the Historic Augusta Canal, or venture into the swamps of Phinzy Swamp. Within easy driving range is Thurmond Lake, the largest Corps of Engineers lake east of the Mississippi River. The lake encompasses 1200 miles of shoreline, 70,000 acres of water and 80,000 acres of land. The Corps operates 10 Class A campgrounds, five major day use areas, and many other recreational facilities. Thurmond Lake provides excellent striper and large-mouth bass fishing and its wildlife management program provides excellent hunting and wild life observation opportunities.
In recent years, Augusta has become a center of medicine, biotechnology, and military. The city is home to Augusta University, the state's only public health sciences graduate university and one of the area’s major employers with over 7,000 employees. Along with University Hospital, the medical district of Augusta employs over 25,000 people and has an economic impact of over $2 billion.
Along with the medical district, the city’s three largest employers include the Savannah River Site (a Department of Energy nuclear facility) and the U. S. Army Signal Center at Fort Gordon.
Educational opportunities are numerous and include Augusta University, a part of the University of Georgia System, and Paine College, a private Historically Black University affiliated with the United Methodist Church and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
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Augusta is a growing city with more than 9000 new jobs in the past two years. Automatic Data Processing Center is hiring another 500 people and just finished their new office building in downtown Augusta. Some other companies that have facilities or distribution centers in Augusta include CareSouth, T-Mobile, NutraSweet, Teleperformance, E-Z Go, Elanco, Club Car (Worldwide Headquarters), John Deere, and Kellogg’s.
Cape Augusta, located in the old Sibley Mill, will become master developer of the cyber campus, which will stimulate Augusta's growing status as one of the world's largest cyber technology hubs and completely transform one of the most historical properties in the CSRA. The Augusta Authority will continue to operate the hydropower plant inside of the mill and provide Cape Augusta with water and electricity to cool the data center's computers. They will also support the cyber-related activities that are on-going in Augusta such as the Cyber Command Center at Fort Gordon and the cyber activities at Augusta University.
Overall, the cost of living in Augusta is less expensive than the US average. Specifically in the areas of health, housing, utilities, and transportation, our city is below the national average.
For additional information about Augusta, please visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusta,_Georgia
Are you seeking us?
If so, please send your letter of interest to one of the following addresses:
Bill Macuch at [email protected] Bill Macuch, Chairman St. Augustine’s Search Committee 4 Prather Woods Lane Augusta, GA 30909
Search Committee Members: Judy Booth [email protected] 706-414-2312 2341 Redwood Dr. Augusta 30904 Ann Boardman [email protected] 706-868-8991 4278 Owens Rd. Evans 30809 Maureen Coombs [email protected] 706-855-1889 1371 Waterston Dr. Evans 30809 Linda Sigg [email protected] 706-863-6411 305 Wakefield Lane, Martinez 30907 Emily Fields [email protected] 706-339-3290 102 Ansley Place, Harlem 30814 Robert Fields [email protected] 102 Ansley Place, Harlem 30814 Robert Moak [email protected] 706-829-7085 418 Plymouth Ct. Augusta 30909
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Mike Gaynor [email protected] 706-877-2210 4304 Felmellow Drive Grovetown, GA 30813 Hannah Purvis [email protected] 706-231-6581 416 Sheffield Circle Augusta 30909 Lynda Smith [email protected] 706-231-4099 312 Chaparral Drive, Martinez 30907 Tiffany Moyer [email protected] 706-432-6044 409 Dorset Ct. Evans, GA 30809 Brenda Green [email protected] 706-564-2948 2711 Kipling Drive, Augusta 30907 Kim Bragg [email protected] 706-231-2497 2818 Lawrence Place, Augusta 30909 Glenn Todd [email protected] 706-564-8847 771 Sweet Bay Court, Evans 30809
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