Our church community has been busy throughout this unusual year working to serve our community, worshipping together, and providing spiritual education. Here are highlights from 2020 for St. Philip’s.
Our Black History Month program was held on Saturday, February 22nd. Dr. Wizdom Powell, a former White House Fellow under President Obama, presented an interesting, enlightening and thought provoking presentation. Her presentation was entitled “Breath, Eyes, Memory” – Reimagining racial trauma exposure, response and resiliency among African American boys and men.
Our Black History Month program was held on Saturday, February 22nd. Dr. Wizdom Powell, a former White House Fellow under President Obama, presented an interesting, enlightening and thought provoking presentation. Her presentation was entitled “Breath, Eyes, Memory” – Reimagining racial trauma exposure, response and resiliency among African American boys and men.
On February 25th, we celebrated Shrove Tuesday with a pancake supper. Shrove Tuesday is a day of indulging in rich, fatty foods before the tradition of abstaining throughout Lent.
We held Stations of the Cross throughout Lent on Wednesday evenings in March and April. They later moved to Zoom.
All services and meetings were moved to Zoom on March 18th as a result of the pandemic. We’ve been gathering on Zoom every Sunday for Morning Prayer ever since.
Our spring Bible Study, sponsored by Baptized for Life, focused on the Epistle of James.
In June, we erected a Little Pantry. It was installed in front of St. Philip’s to help support members of the Nickeltown community. Food donations are graciously collected from our members and distributed by volunteers.
In June, we erected a Little Pantry. It was installed in front of St. Philip’s to help support members of the Nickeltown community. Food donations are graciously collected from our members and distributed by volunteers.
Throughout the summer, the exterior of St. Philip’s was repainted. Many thanks to Julia Tackett for selecting the colors, Bill Little and Jimmy Martin for overseeing the project, and the Vestry for their perseverance and steadfastness!
Our monthly drive-in Communion started in July. Communion is distributed and received following strict safety guidelines set forth by Bishop Waldo.
In August, we came together weekly to read and discuss So You Want to Talk about Race. Baptized for Life organized this important group.
In August, we came together weekly to read and discuss So You Want to Talk about Race. Baptized for Life organized this important group.
Throughout September-November, Bible Study read Letters of John Embracing Certainty in times of Insecurity.
On October 4th, we celebrated the blessing of the animals for St. Francis day via Zoom.
Baptized for Life sponsored Advent Wreath making via Zoom on November 29th. Wreath kits were available for adults and children at the church. Traditionally each of the four Sundays of Advent is marked by lighting a candle.
Throughout December, we came together to participate in our Advent book study - Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas by Adam Hamiliton. We learned the meaning behind the names of Christ and the difference He makes in our lives.
In December, we participated in the United Housing Connection’s outreach to those experiencing homelessness in the Upstate. St. Philip’s provided backpacks and blankets. The backpacks will be filled with items to aid against harsh winter weather.
We will celebrate our Zoom Christmas Eve service with a children’s gospel and drive-in communion. All of the kids received a nativity to participate at home in the Nativity of our Lord.