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Greetings!
This issue of Spiritual Adventures highlights our three-week Welcome Back Kick-Off, a series of events focusing on prayer, and including worship, fellowship, food, and fun for all ages! The three-week Welcome Back Kick-Off extends from Sunday, August 14, through Sunday, August 28. Read below to find out what's in store! |
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Three-Week Welcome Back Kick-Off Calendar
 + Sunday, August 14 - Waffles & Mimosas Breakfast at 9:00 a.m. in All Saints' Hall (read more below) + Wednesday, August 17 - Eucharist at 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel - Dinner/Programs at 6:00 in All Saints' Hall - Children's Choir from 6:30 to 7:30 - St. Thomas Choir (adults) at 6:45 + Sunday, August 21 - Breakfast at 8:45 a.m. in All Saints' Hall - Educational Program for all ages at 9:15 - Blessing of backpacks - Cathedral Bookstore sale in All Saints' foyer + Wednesday, August 24 - Eucharist at 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel - Dinner/Programs at 6:00 in All Saints' Hall - Children's Choir from 6:30 to 7:30 - St. Thomas Choir (adults) at 6:45 + Sunday, August 28 - Breakfast at 8:45 a.m. in All Saints' Hall - Educational Program for all ages at 9:15 - Parish-wide Low Country Boil at 6:00 in All Saints' Hall (read more below) |
Waffles & Mimosas Breakfast
 On Sunday, August 14, St. Thomas will serve a special WAFFLES & MIMOSAS breakfast at 9:00 a.m. in All Saints' Hall. There will be something for everyone at this fun and delicious event! This event will be intergenerational and inter-program, including activities, education, and enjoyment from our Children's Education, Adult Education, and Music programs. This event also kicks off our study of prayer, with a special focus on the Lord's Prayer. The cost of the breakfast is only $3 per person, so come and get your fill of food and fellowship! |
Parish-Wide Low Country Boil
On Sunday, August 28, a festive LOW COUNTRY BOIL will be sponsored by the Parish Life Committee and hosted by the young adults. Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. in All Saints' Hall, and the evening will end with the service of Compline. The event will end at 8:00 (since it's a school night!). This Low Country Boil will be the culmination of our three-week Welcome Back Kick-Off. Parishioners of all ages and their guests are welcome. There will be music, fun, and food for everyone, including shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and more! The cost is only $5 per person. No cost to guests. Iced tea and water will be served; any other beverages are up to you. Join us for this wonderful fellowship opportunity! |
Music Notes
This week, Bob Wadkins (photo not available) will sing a recitative and aria from Haydn's The Seasons: Spring at the offertory. Bob is the Public Defender. He is married to CSU professor Mary Jane, and they have a son, Robert, who is also an attorney. |
Calling All Youth!
On Sunday, August 14, St. Thomas will host a PIZZA PARTY for Infusion, a youth servant-leadership program (pictured). This event is for past, present, and prospective Infusion members. All middle school and high school students are welcome, plus all adult volunteers who have experience working with youth. The pizza party will take place at 6:00 p.m. in All Saints' Hall. Please RSVP to office@stthomascolumbus.org. For more information about Infusion, visit http://www.cvemjubilee.org/infusion.html. |
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Integrity Dinner and Movie Event
The Chattahoochee Valley Chapter of Integrity - the leading grassroots voice for the full inclusion of LGBT persons in the Episcopal Church - will host a "Dinner and a Movie" Night at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Friday, August 19, at 6:30 p.m. in All Saints' Hall. The feature presentation will be "Hate Crime". Pizza and beverages will be provided. After the movie, please stay for a discussion of the film. This is an open event to anyone interested in attending. Please RSVP to David Kirkland and Todd Griffin at 706-464-1621.
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St. Thomas Readers Book Discussion Group
The St. Thomas Readers Book Group will begin its seventh season on Thursday, September 8, at 6:00 p.m. in the St. Thomas Parlor. We will be discussing Dancing in Cadillac Light and Part of Me, both by Kimberly Willis Holt. Considered an outstanding author of books for children and young adults, her works are often found on school reading lists. Both of these books celebrate the joys of family, reading, faith, and the triumph of the human spirit. They are not available at the Columbus Public Library, but they may be purchased online and in local book stores. The convener of the group also has several copies that she purchased from Amazon.com. Anyone wishing to purchase one of these copies may contact Sonya Boyd at 706-563-6161 or janjulau@aol.com. The funds will be donated to the St. Thomas Youth.
There will be no meeting of the Readers Group in October so that everyone may participate in the Columbus Public Library's The Big Read, celebrating the works of Edgar Allen Poe. A variety of activities are planned for the month and we hope that all will support The Big Read. Contact the Chattahoochee Valley Regional Library for further information on The Big Read.
Announcements about the November meeting of the St. Thomas Readers will be forthcoming. |
Thank You, from Fr. Hahn
Dear Friends,
I am overwhelmed and grateful for the many prayers and words of encouragement, hope, and testimony you have offered me after I announced my diagnosis of early stage prostate cancer. You are an important part of my support system.
For the next few weeks I will continue to explore and determine, along with my doctors, the best course of treatment for my particular situation. (Actually, doctors advise you to take several weeks to decide what treatment works best for you.) I will let you know what that treatment will be and how it will affect my time away from work.
In the mean time, I have been meeting with our wonderful staff and vestry to make sure that all runs smoothly at church. (Read this issue of Spiritual Adventures to learn about some of our wonderful August programming!) My plan is to have things so well in hand at church that I can focus on a strong recovery during the few weeks I will be out.
Again, thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers. I will see you on Sunday.
God's Peace,
Fr. Doug
(To see a copy of Fr. Hahn's original letter to the parish, scroll to end of this e-newsletter.) |
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Personal Letter From Fr. Hahn, Archived from Wednesday, July 27
My Sisters and Brothers,
Greetings in the Name of the Risen and Conquering Lord Jesus Christ!
I am writing to share with you some news about my health. One month ago, after a routine physical, my physician called me with a concern about one of my tests. This led to a prostate biopsy. The results came back this week and were not what I had hoped for. I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
All indications are that this cancer is in an early stage, that it is contained within the prostate, and that it is a slow growing cancer with very high cure rate. However, it does require some serious and rather immediate treatment.
As you can imagine, Kaye and I are shocked and frightened by this news. We do however have great confidence in my physicians and their advice; we have a strong emotional support system; and we have confidence in God's healing grace and mercy.
Over the next few weeks we will be considering treatment options, leaning on that support system, and discerning the way forward. There is a very strong possibility that this will mean surgery followed by four to six weeks of recovery. I will know this within the next few weeks.
I trust the life of the parish will be in good hands when that time comes. You have a very strong staff and vestry; and the Reverend Lorna Erixson and others will manage Sunday responsibilities and pastoral care. The Bishop and Diocese are aware of this news and will be very supportive and helpful. I am working with all of these folks to make sure that while I am away I can know that the parish is well and that I can pay attention to my own needs.
What I need and ask from you in this time is what I have always received in abundance. I ask for your prayers, your love and your care.
I will keep you informed as I know more, and in the mean time welcome any questions or input you may have.
God's Peace,
Fr. Doug |
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