File - saint augustine`s episcopal church

Annual Church Meeting
January 26, 2014
Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Church
1709 Arctic Ave
PO Box 1657
Atlantic City NJ 08401
Email: staepc@aol.com
Website: www.staugustineatlanticcity.com
609-345-0718
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Brenda M. Harris, Senior Warden
Cheryl D. Browne, Junior Warden
∞
“Connecting People to People, Connecting People to God”
The Parish of St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Annual Meeting
January 26, 2014
As we begin our Annual Meeting, let us pray to God that he will guide us, help
us, sustain us and keep us together and focused through today and this coming
year.
Opening Prayer
+St. Augustine’s remembers Its Faithful Departed+
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Introduction of Tellers-Voting Rules
Election of Officers
Senior Warden Report
Treasurer’s Report
Junior Warden’s Report
Election of Convention & Convocation Delegates
Election of Mission Board Officers
Tabulation
Introduction of New Officers
Submission of all Reports by Title-Please read your reports in your free time. If
you have any questions, please contact the appropriate Chairperson.
Good and Order
Closing Prayer
Now I plead with you,
brethren, by the name of
our Lord Jesus Christ, that
you all speak the same
thing, and that there be no
divisions among you, but
that you be perfectly joined
together in the same mind
and in the same judgment.1Cor 1:10
Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Church
Annual Church Meeting
January 26, 2014
Order of Reports
Directory of 2013 St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church Leadership
Faithful Departed
Senior Warden’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Junior Warden’s Report
Altar Guild Report
Azarel Computer Institute Report
Choir
Lay Eucharistic Report
Episcopal Church Women’s Report
Mission Board Report
Usher’s Report
Welcomer’s Ministry Report
Youth Ministry Report
Please take the time to read the reports. Thank You
Directory of Saint Augustine’s Leadership
Bishop of the Diocese of New Jersey
The Rt. Rev. George Councell
The Newly-elected Bishop William “Chip” Stokes
The Vestry
The Wardens
Brenda M. Harris -Senior Warden
Cheryl D. Browne -Junior Warden
Vestry
Rita B. Krall-Treasurer
Jennifer Couthen-Clerk of the Vestry
Mortimer Mills
Annette Murray
Annette Perkins
Shawn Phillips
Vivian Robinson
Staff
Parish Administrator
Cheryl D. Browne
Church Treasurer
Rita B. Krall
Sexton
Elvis “Willie” Agudo
Sunday School Superintendant
Shawn Phillips
Organist
Marven F. Hill
Directory of Saint Augustine’s Leadership
Delegates to the Convention & Convocation
Brenda M. Harris
Juanita Johnson
Rita B. Krall
Alternates
Gay McArthur
Vivian Robinson
Betty Watson
Representatives to Atlantic City Mission Board
Jennifer Couthen
Ellen Simpson-Ford
Representatives to Episcopal Election Committee
Cheryl D. Browne
Ellen Ford
Brenda Harris
Rita B. Krall
Vivian Robinson
Episcopal Church Women
Shawn Phillips, Standing President
Ellen Simpson Ford-Vice President
Alfreda Mills- Recording Secretary
Omitta Mills-Corresponding Secretary
Annette Perkins-Treasurer
Betty Currie-Chaplain
ST. AUGUSTINE’S FAITHFUL DEPARTED
For the Year of Our Lord 2013
O
God, the King of Saints, we praise
and glorify your name for all your servants who have
finished their course in your faith and fear; for the holy
patriarchs, prophets, apostles and martyrs; and for all
other righteous persons known to us especially ----and
unknown; and we pray that, encouraged by their
fellowship, we also may be partakers of the inheritance
of the saints in light; through the merits of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
Lorraine Alexander
Carl H. Browne
John Butler
Edna Hall
Evan Mills, Jr.
May their soul and the souls of all the departed through the mercy
of God rest in peace, And may light perpetual shine upon them. +
AMEN.
SENIOR WARDEN’S ANNUAL REPORT
2013
“FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD”
- James 2:14-26
All Praise, Honor and Thanksgiving to our Lord Jesus Christ. We have made it through
another year. I guess you can say we’ve come this far by Faith and hard work by some.
As we begin our 114th year, let us reflect on life in St. Augustine’s
Through the tireless
efforts of our Junior Warden, Cheryl Browne, our church, rectory and surrounding
properties have been kept in good shape and well maintained. We have been able to have a
priest a majority of Sundays, THANKS to Canon Amadi and Fr. Eberly. I am truly grateful
to the three of you. Where would we be without you?
We have been able to have some successful programs throughout the year:
Vestry Retreat - facilitator -Pastor Donald Rowell
Eater Egg Hunt
Graduation Sunday
St. Augustine’s Day w/Bp Councell 2 Bus Trips to Sight & Sound Theater
Book Bag Giveaway
Harvest Thanksgiving Service
Vacation Bible School
Thanksgiving Baskets to 3 Families
World Day of Prayer
Fruit Baskets to Sick & Shut-Ins
Usher’s Day
Azarel Computer Institute
Women’s Day Week-end
Black History Month
Children’s Sabbath
Christmas Eve Service
Christmas Party
Even though we have done much, much more needs to be done. The Bible says
“To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required” Have we ALL done what we
should and can for the betterment of St. Augustine’s Church. People of faith
need to roll up their sleeves and do the work of the Lord without being asked.
When they get involved, they follow through, not because it is the right thing
to do but they know it is pleasing to God.
Are we willing to help the church move forward? Do we want to stay the same?
Are we willing to work for the Lord? Or do we just want to come to church, say
a few prayers, partake in Communion and then go home? Are we Monday
morning quarterbacks, who sit back & complain?
We All must be willing to make a profound and serious commitment of time,
talent and treasure if we want to see St. Augustine’s grow. We all have talents
and/or gifts….let’s use them. We can no longer sit back and let other’s do the
work. GET INVOLVED, HELP US OUT!
Our main focus for the year is to get a priest and to build up our Sunday School.
Our future is in our youth. We are in the process of looking at candidates for a
priest. If we are to get a priest, we must be willing to show him/her that we are
truly committed to our church, which we are a unified body willing to work for
the common good.
My sincere thanks to ALL of you who help and support the church: Lay
Readers, Lay Eucharistic Visitors, Ushers, Choir & Volunteers.
A special
Thanks to our Vestry for their guidance and support.
I pray that God gives us the faith, strength, wisdom and commitment to know
what to do and the courage to follow through on it. We must become doers of
the Word not just hearers. When we listen to God’s directions, we make wise
decisions.
Yours in Christ,
Brenda M. Harris
Brenda M. Harris
Senior Warden
SAINT AUGUSTINE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
TREASURERS 2013
ANNUAL REPORT
SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, 2014
GENERAL
DEPOSITS
EXPENDITURES
BALANCE OF GENERAL ACCOUNTS
FORWARDED 12/31/2012
10,023.24
10,243.72
16,960.67
RE-BUILDING
DEPOSITS
EXPENDITURES
BALANCE OF REBUILDING ACCOUNTS
FORWARDED 12/31/2013
374.79
1275.26
18,792.72
PRIEST’S FUND
DEPOSITS
0.00
BALANCE OF PRIEST’S FUND
FORWARDED 12/31/2012
4733.58
COMBINED TOTAL BALANCES
AS of 12/31/2013
40486.97
Respectfully Submitted:
Rita B. Krall, Treasurer
Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Church 2014 Budget
Junior Warden’s Report for the Year 2013
“We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by
faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our
Lord Jesus Christ”- 1 Thessalonians 1:3
I am so grateful for another year of doing God’s work in trying to maintain the
upkeep His church and rectory, while maintaining my sanity. So often we are sidetracked
by what our real purpose is in the church. With the death of my father, I surely know what I
have to do. This year we are still reeling from the maintenance on our church and rectory
from Hurricane Sandy.
We had started out with the cleanup from Sandy, like many people in our region, we
still have lots more work to do. We were able to secure the money from our insurance
company to help with the repairs.
As part of the Sandy repairs, we put a new back door and screen door up at the
rectory, we are in the process of making repairs to the chimney. The wood slates have been
replaced in most of the areas. A new timer installed for the sprinkler system that was
damaged from the storm. A new in ground water system was installed. We still have a lot of
work left to door to the rectory. The front doors have to be replaced and the wood floors
need to be repaired in many parts. We also need new carpet.
The rectory is being taken
care of by Hall Landscaping and we are so thankful to Keith for all his hardwork, he is more
than a gardener as some of you experienced at the Christmas party(those wonderful
kebabs on the grill outside). It’s time for another paint job on the sunny side of the house.
After five years, a hurricane, a duracheo, earthquake and the other mother nature
happenings, a paint touch-up is very much needed.
As requested last year we wanted to put two new doors on the church, one has been
installed on the side and one in the back. The wall in the sanctuary has been redone with
fresh cement-we thank Fresh Crete for their work. The carpets have been shampooed. The
hallway is beautiful if I must say myself, the new paint job and the molding is fabulous. We
will soon start a project for the pictures and we are looking for help. We have replaced all
of the ceiling tiles and the floors have been stripped and long term wax has been put on it.
The floors will be redone in early March possibly. The outside of the church needs to be
painted in the towards the back. We are planning on making a driveway at the edge of the
parking lot and I still haven’t figured out how to keep the people off of the lot, but I will
soon.
We welcome another year of our Sexton and his wife Elvis Agudo and Esther, and
we thank them for keeping our building clean. We have finally figured out the problem with
the refrigerator constantly cutting off and have now made a separate plug for the freezer
and the refrigerator and it hasn’t cut off yet. YEAH! We had the grease trap cleaned and
they will come back when it is warm to clean out our sewerage drain in the back, because
grease has floated down to that area of the piping.
The kitchen is still an issue, as someone or someone’s used the kitchen and never
cleaned the stove or the big sinks. There is dried up batter or something running down the
side of the stove and because it has never been wiped up it thickened and was hard to
remove. To date the stove still has some type of dried substance on the iron racks that we
can’t remove. People are still leaving the sink drain filled with food, which means they are
not using the drain catcher. This is your church, treat it with respect. “Pay careful
attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you
overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood-Acts 20:28.
Since we still have no men in the church to assist with the heavy work anymore, we
want to thank Donald Harris, Oscar Harris, Mr. Jay, Brandyn Mobley and Deacon Darnell
Reynolds for handling our snow removal and all the other various strenuous jobs that we
have needed help with throughout the year.
Thank you to our Senior Warden-Brenda Harris, who has really taken on some big
challenges. She works all day and then comes to the church to do more work. She is truly a
phenomenal woman and faces challenges and troubles with a fair, conservative and
thoughtful mindset. She continues to give messages that are moving, inspirational and
should be thought-provoking. Brenda has showed what true leadership is about, as she has
tried to lead our church without a priest with a just and direct approach. I repeat again this
year how grateful I am that God has put us together to do His work. She has done an
excellent job, of trying to bring people closer to Christ by addressing the problems and
the people first hand. She really loves her church! We continually remember before our God
and Father your work produced by faith-1Thes 1:3.
To our tireless Treasurer (who by the way has done an exceptional job, again) I say
Thank You, you are really very special to me and I want to tell you, what a immense guide
of the churches accounts you continue to be. Your labor prompted by love, and your
endurance inspired by hope-1Thes 1:3
We still need to address the present state of some of the attitudes toward
leadership and work in the church. We have a new Bishop, with new ideas and a new
agenda, we need to be on the positive side of the agenda. Again, I repeat like last year we
are destined to be part of a dying group of churches if we do not change.
We still have people operating their own church, not bringing things to the office for
approval, doing last minute work, not notifying the Senior Warden or Junior Warden of
special needs and disrespecting the leaders of the church.
They complain they can’t
understand a priest or they think one is to short and the other is too long, but you want
communion every week with no ties to it. We have got to come to church on other days
beside Sunday, church needs help every day. Stop being part of the problem you say exist
and be part of the solution that does exist. If you see paper on the floor, or bulletins left
over (which there shouldn’t be) in pew, tissues on the floor-PICK IT UP-THIS IS YOUR
CHURCH TOO!
As Wardens we work very hard to keep your church operating in a spiritual,
financial, holistic and inviting manner, we want you to do the same. Work together to
collectively create a place that children and youth will want to come to and be a part of.
Stop the backbiting and double tongue talking, defend your church in public, when you
know people are saying the wrong thing about people in the church-stop saying, I don’t
know, because you should know-. ALL of you have been leaders of something in this church
at one time or another
I hope we will be able to find a way to work as a united church this coming year. With
the installation of a new bishop, we need to get it together. We do not know what the future
holds for St. Augustine’s, but we pray for FAITH and STABILITY, consistently. God bless you
all and thank you to all who have supported my work in the church. Let’s spend this year
INSPIRED BY HOPE IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Prayfully Submitted by:
Cheryl D. Browne
Cheryl D. Browne,
Junior Warden-St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church
Altar Guild Report 2013
The Altar Guild of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church is grateful to Almighty
God for another year in His service!
Altar Guild Ministry is a ministry of fellowship as we faithfully prepare for all
services of worship in our beloved church according to tradition and the rules of
our faith.
The dedicated members of this ministry have during this year as always;
laundered linens, polished brass and furniture, washed sacred vessels, changed
hangings and candles, arranged and watered flowers, provided sacramental
wine and done all things needed for the worship of Almighty God.
We thank our church family and friends for their support of this ministry by
their gifts of flowers, candles, their purchases of Forward Day by Day and
calendars, donations to the Votive Stand and their monetary gifts! God Bless
you all!
We thank the clergy for their guidance and support! Especially Rev. Canon
Amadi and Father Eberly!
We welcome our new members in training, Ronique Phillips and Millie
Almieda! We meet for business and workshops in January, before Easter and
Christmas and other times as needed.
If you are interested in this important and fulfilling ministry please join us!
Men and women are welcome!
Faithfully submitted,
Lois Demones
Brenda Harris (Co-chairpersons)
Vivian Robinson-Secretary
Michele Woods-Treasurer
Sandra Sawyer
Karen Sawyer
Delores Whiting
Rudolph Currie
Millie Almieda-In Training
In-Active Members
Norma Brathwaite
Gwendolyn Demones
Ramona Holts
Ronique Phillips-In Training
Azarel Computer Institute Report 2013
Well another year of doing what I love to do the most! Teaching people to communicate all
across the community through the Internet. This is one of the most rewarding ministries to be
lead. To watch the faces of people get online and find their way around the internet is so
fulfilling. I look forward to each semester and Mrs. Lois and I are so sad when it ends. The
people enjoy the class immensely and have lots of fun while learning.
This year we had 27 graduates for our Spring and 9 graduates for our Fall sessions. Both groups
were eager to learn and full of excitement. They are emailing on a regular. We had many new
faces, as students and work partners joined our forces. We welcomed Mr. Jay and Merle Bryant
as new assistants and we were blessed again with the presence of Diane Jowers, Vivian
Robinson, Nan Peterson and Dcn. Darnell Reynolds. The Gordy’s handled the decorations and
Carmen McCall handled the kitchen in the Spring and Quanda Grasty and the our Gardner Keith
Hall manned the kitchen in the Fall. Most of them are past students returning back to show their
gratefulness for being brought into the 21st century.
Our goal remains the same to bring the entire community and surrounding areas, up to the 21st
Century and computers in every home. We must realize the importance of having internet
accessibility still! In many homes there still are no computers, which should be unheard of in this
day and age. There are still young and old who do not know how to use the computer. In a world
operating at the speed of light, we need to part of this movement. Which leads me to the biggest
blessing of all, our partnership with Comcast Internet Essentials, a partnership that brought our
church four thousand dollars and awaiting another check for one thousand.
This partnership enabled us to give extra classes in Microsoft word, Internet Safety, Children and
the Internet and the ability to purchase new equipment.
This year we only held one season in the Spring 2012, after the loss of the priest, being
hospitalized and Hurricane Sandy, there just was no time to hold classes. This year we will
celebrate our 10th Anniversary Season and we will have two class season. Spring 2013 and Fall
2013. Items we need for 2013(remain somewhat the same):
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Window 7 software for update
A new projector
5 new computers
A new laptop
A new point & click mechanism
Thank you God for all His blessings on this ministry!
God Bless,
Cheryl D. Browne
Cheryl D. Browne, Instructor Azarel Computer Institute
Saint Augustine’s Choir
Annual Report 2013
The Choir of Saint Augustine's Church is so thankful to God for another year! This year
the choir was under the supervision again of Mr. Marven F. Hill, acting as Supply Organist.
Choir We welcome our newest members. John Borders, Carrie Brandon and Betty Watson. Choir
rehearsal is held every Sunday after church in the sanctuary. All members are required to be in
attendance and so far have shown support for their new time.
We look forward to them doing great things in the coming year!
St. Augustine’s LAY EUCHARISTIC
Annual REPORT 2013
Eucharistic Ministers administer the Chalice at the Eucharist and Eucharistic
Visitors bring the Sacrament to shut-ins that is, they are not to take the place of the
ministry of priests at the Eucharist. This year our Lay Eucharistic Ministers went and
visited our sick and shut in as much as possible. Visits to Len Moore, Joe Almond, Julia
Clanton, Shirley Green and Ramona Holts were arranged. They are a sincere and dedicated
group and realize the confidentiality of visiting our sick and shut in. We are under the
direct leadership of the attending supply priest and the Senior Warden.
We are grateful to these select few who have come to help their church and God by doing
his work.
Episcopal Church Women
Annual Report 2013
ECW Prayer
Almighty God, we pray that you will bless our work in mission and ministry in
the world. Help us to pray fervently, labor diligently and give liberally to
make know the power of your love given through your son Jesus. Let us not
forget the lessons from the past nor fear the challenges of the future. Anoint us
with your grace and shine in our hearts as we reflect your light throughout the
world. Amen
The purpose of the Episcopal Church Women is to unite the women of the
Diocese in program of worship, study, service, fellowship and gifts.
The ECW meets on the First Sunday of the month after the coffee hour, hosted
by the members of ECW.
St. Augustine’s ECW has supported many of the ECW Dioceses programs: The
spring collection for United Thank Offering (UTO ) was $235.48;in fall we
collected $161.00 for a total of $396.48. We collected $56.00 for the Church
Periodical Club.
Worship and Spiritual development had several programs. The World Day of
Prayer was held on Thursday September 12, 2013. The theme for this year was
Nurturing Mind, Body and Spirit. Church members read prayer petitions and
prayers base on the theme. The women’s day weekend was November 9-10,
2013. The theme was Be joyful and glad of heart for the good the Lord has done
2Chronicles 7:10. Our guest speaker for the prayer breakfast was Aviva Wilkes.
She spoke on the purpose of the Temple celebration. The guest speaker on
Sunday was Minister Rayna Hendricks she spoke on the importance of being
involved in the church. God will provide, protect his faithful servants. We
raised over $15000.00 during the women’s day Weekend.
Other special projects were: We had a Fish Fry in August. Stay at Home Tea,
membership drive was held in September. We made donations of toiletries,
blankets, games Christmas decorations, bibles socks and other items to Ancora
Psychiatric Hospital Christmas Patient list. Our Bus trip to Sight & Sound
Theater to see Miracle of Christmas was success. Get well and sympathy cards
were sent to members during the year. We presented Bishop Councell with a
pewter engraved sea shell well wish for a Happy Retirement.
I would like to thank Mrs. Elonde Currie for her leadership of the ECW for
many years. She made the transition very easy. I want to thank all Officers,
Chairmen and Members of ECW for your hard work. I am so grateful for
every ones efforts to make this year a success.
Each and every day, take a moment and be grateful for all you have in life.
Gratitude, after all is a great stress-buster. What you think about consistently
bring more of the same into your life So focusing on the positive, even during
difficult times , is the best way to reduce and alleviate stress and transform
your life.
The Gratitude Prayer
God help us to always look to the many things for which we can be grateful even in the midst of times of loss. Let us enjoy the peace that comes with having
a grateful heart. The Bible tells us that it will rain on the just and the unjust,
but there is always something to thank you
Yours in Christ
Shawn F. Phillips
Shawn F. Phillips
ECW President
Atlantic City Mission Board
Annual Report for 2013
We are thankful for another year and give honor to God in all we do. The Atlantic City Mission
Board continues to meet in an effort to continue to raise up the Episcopal Church in the Atlantic
City Area.
Canon John Sosnowski, continues as the Canon to the Ordinary and regularly attends the
meetings.
The main focus of the year 2013 was (and continues to be in 2014) finding a priest to develop a
shared ministry involving the Historic Church of the Ascension, the Church of the Epiphany, and
the Church of St. Mary the Virgin. The discussion has continued but the plan has yet to come to
fruition.
The Lenten Series was presented on Wednesdays at 6:30. The schedule was:
2/20 –Epiphany
2/27 – St. Augustine’s
3/07 – St. Mark and All Saints
3/13 – St. Mary’s
3/20 – Ascension
The theme was, “Weathering the Storm” – How the Lord helped you get over!
Beginning in April, the three churches decided to begin combined services once a month, in
order that their congregations might get acquainted. The initial scheduled was:
April 7 and July 7 at St. Mary’s – 9:30
May 5 and August 4 at Epiphany – 10:00
June 2 and September 1 at Ascension – 10:00
The combined services have continued and seem to have been enjoyed by all.
Election of Officers was held in May. Due to a tie, and the need to clarify some confusion about
the By-Laws, the final vote was taken in June. The newly elected officers are:
Chairperson – Jennifer D. Couthen
Vice-Chair – H. Hannah Mosée
Sec/Treas – Ellen Simpson-Ford
These new officers will begin their terms in September.
The Diocese went through a transition in the fall. We have a new leader, Bishop Stokes. We
had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Stokes when she accompanied Canon Jones to our October
meeting. The new Bishop attended our December meeting to get to meet us and to learn about
the Mission Board.
Our main focus for 2014 is to strive to develop the Atlantic City Mission Board into a vehicle to
expand our ministry in the Atlantic City area.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer D. Couthen
Chairperson of ACMB
St. Augustine Youth Ministry
Annual Report
The goals of the youth ministry are to provide spiritual growth and guidance to the youth of
the church.
Sunday school is held every Sunday at 9:00 A.M. The children learn about God from bible
stories, prayers, songs, and arts and craft projects. The children are the lay readers and host
coffee hour on Youth Sunday, the fourth Sunday of every month.
This year has been a bless year with many challenges
Many children and parishioners had a wonderful time at the Rectory on March 24, 2013 at
the Easter Egg Hunt. Prizes were given for the most egg collected and three special eggs.
Everyone enjoyed pizza and other refreshments. This year the children recited the Jelly bean
poem for the Easter program. Each person in the church was given a copy of the Jelly Bean
Poem with a satchel with jelly beans to correspond with the poem. We were unable to
participate with the UBE Youth day on June the first. Hopefully in 2014 we will be able to
attend.
The guest speaker for was graduation Sunday day was Minister Jay Jackson on June 23, 2013.
His message came from Matthew 14:22-36. He challenged everyone to have faith. Keep their
eyes set on Jesus so our faith will not be shaken when the storms of life come. Cheryl
Brown made the lovely certificates for the children for participation in Sunday School.
Fun day the kick off for vacation bible school was held on Saturday July 13, 201. Letters were
sent to children who attended vacation Bible School, Sunday in the past and to churches in
the area.
The children had a great time; they played games, danced, made crafts to take
home and had light lunch.
Vacation Bible School was held from July 29 - August 19, 2013. The Theme was Some Time
God has a Child’s Face. And a child shall lead them Isaiah 11:6b. The children learned about
youth leaders in the bible. Mrs. Jean Martin guided the children in making food crafts that
everyone enjoyed. We had seventeen children participate this year. The children had
breakfast and lunch. They attend two filed trips first to the Atlantic City Aquarium and
Young’s skating rink. The closing program was held on Sunday August 11, 2013. The three
groups made presentation to the congration. The children and volunteers were given
certificates. Children who had perfect attendance received ten-dollar gift card to five below.
We were bless to have Bishop Councell Celebrate the mass of our patron saint St.
Augustine. The children made an oversize card, with their hand print and the Prayer of St.
Augustine to wish Bishop Councell a happy retirement. A neck tie was also given to the
Bishop Councell. The children received book bags loaded with school supplies for the up
coming school year, during the mass.
Several children had a special treat this year the children went to the Sight and Sound
Theater in Lancaster to see Noah on July 16, 2013 and the Miracle of Christmas on December
27, 2013 after the performance we ate at a local restaurants in Lancaster. The children had a
wonderful time.
The Children’s Sabetha theme: Beating Swords In to Plowshares: Ending Gun
Violence and the Violence of Child Poverty. This year speak was Alissa Couthen; she did
an outstanding job many parishioners were in tears. She gave us statistics of gun violence in
the country and in our city. She challenged us to mentor or speak to the children in our
neighborhoods who are mislaid. You may be the person to lead them to God.
I would like to thank all who worked with the Sunday school. A Special thanks to Ms.
Cheryl Browne, Mrs. Edna Charleston, Mrs. Julia Clanton, Mrs. Jenifer Couthen, Mrs.
Brenda Harris, Mr. Marvin Hill, Mrs. Alfreda Mills, Mrs. Ellen Simpson-Ford, and VBS
Volunteers.
Goals for 2014
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Continue to enhance and increase the attendance in Vacation Bible School
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Recruit Volunteers to work with Sunday School
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Increase youth involvement in the church and community
Respectfully Submitted
Shawn F. Phillips
Shawn F. Phillips
Sunday School Superintendent
Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Church
2013 Annual Report of the Usher’s Ministry
The Usher’s Ministry is the ministry that assists members and
clergy during services. The Ushers are a group of very dedicated
members, who have committed themselves to doing the work of the
Lord. This year they held their yearly official meeting. Mrs. Delores
Whiting and Mrs. Gwendolyn Demones are the Lead/Contact
persons. These men, women and children have commanded the
Usher’s Ministry with much success. They have managed all the
funerals, and any event that is held at the church. They communicate
with one another and make sure there is coverage for all services, if
someone can not attend. We could all take a page from their book
about committing.
This year they had their second Usher’s Day and it was a
wonderful day. They have a guide that assists them in the procedures
of doing the Usher’s job and they are really committed.
They welcome new members and hope others people will join
and be committed.
Usher’s Ministry
Gwendolyn Demones-Lead
Dolores Whiting-Lead
Julia Clanton
Rita B. Krall
Annette Perkins
Mortimer Mills
Annette Murray
Vivian Robinson-Vestry Liaison
Welcomer’s Ministry
Annual Report 2013
The Welcomer’s are a group of dedicated individuals who meet and greet
every person before entering into the church. They are responsible for making
visitors feel welcomed and comfortable. One of the responsibilities of this
group of committed people are, to make sure any new faces that enter our
church sign the Visitor’s log and a information card. They talk with the visitor
or new member and talk with them during coffee hour, introducing them to the
members of the church. This group is still in the developing very well and have
done an excellent job at “Welcoming” everyone into our church.
They also are looking and would welcome new members.
They can be identified by the beautiful Black and Red colors they chose
to wear for a more uniformed look.
Welcomers
Alissa Couthen
Shawn Phillips
Ernestine Simpson
Vivian Robinson-Vestry Liaison
Notes
Reports were printed the way they were received, no verbage has been changed, unless authorized by President or Chairperson of Ministry.
Cheryl D. Browne/ brancardesigns©
Notes
Reports were printed the way they were received, no verbage has been changed, unless authorized by President or Chairperson of Ministry.
Cheryl D. Browne/ brancardesigns©