The Bishop is Coming this Sunday, August 30th
The Rt. Rev. Morris K Thompson, Jr. will visit this Sunday to preach and celebrate at the 10:30 Eucharist.  He will also confirm Lily Coats.  We will also celebrate the Holy Eucharist at 8:00 am 12:30 pm (en Espanol).  All of the previous precautions for in-person worship will continue: mask wearing, social distancing, contact tracing sign-in, hand sanitizing, etc. 
 
All of these services will also be available live (and later recorded) on the St. Augustine's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/staugmet

Please make the choice that is best for you and your family's health and safety.

You can also dial in and listen to the live broadcast by dialing (888)958-7272 and then entering these codes:

8:00 AM - 667510371
10:30 AM - 166390845
12:30 PM - 157209074

​Bulletins:

Serving this Sunday: 
8:00 AM - Kathy Chiles, LEM; TBD, Usher; Pat Roy, Priest Server
10:30 AM - Frank Boimare, LEM; TBD, Usher; Ava Esquivel, Priest Server; Kyla Wilson & Kenzlie Wilson, Torchbearers
  
Coffee Hour and Adult Christian Formation
We will not have the Zoom Coffee and Hour and Formation Class this Sunday, August 30th due to the Bishop's visit.  However, please plan on attending after the 8:00 Eucharist on Sept. 6th to hear about the plans for both Adult and Children's Formation beginning on Sept. 13th.  For a preview, check out the book, Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs & Practices by Scott Gunn and Melody Wilson Shobe.

Tuesday Bible Study is Zooming!
If you'd like to virtually attend the Tuesday Bible Study (from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm) please follow the link below.  We "read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest" the Gospel for the coming Sunday.  All are welcome!

Pen Pal Ministry
One of the things that makes St. Augustine's a rare and life-giving community are our inter-generational relationships--a web of connections offering support and encouragement, wisdom and insight between people of all ages.  As the COVID-19 pandemic stretches on, continuing those connections is more important than ever.  We are hoping that by starting a "pen pal ministry" we will accomplish the following objectives:

• Provide a way to minister to those who are homebound
• Generate and foster connections to the St. Augustine's community
• Give people of all ages something to do that is important and meaningful while quarantined
• Actively welcome newcomers to St. Augustine's who have joined via online worship

If you'd like to participate as writer and/or receiver, please click here and answer some questions to help us get started: 
https://forms.gle/hHYx4MqbAjqCQu2HA
 
Formation 45 (Sunday School)
On Sunday, September 13, our "Formation 45" will begin for both children and adults of our parish. Each Sunday from 9:15am to 10am (45 minutes), we will have Children's Sunday School via Zoom, while ages 6th grade through adults will have Christian formation with Father AJ (also via zoom). Eventually, we hope these activities will return to in-person, but for now, we are celebrating the grace that technology allows! If you are ages 6th grade through adult, no pre-registration is necessary. ALL are welcome every Sunday or every once-in-a-while. For our pre-K through 5th grade, we are asking that you pre-register so we know how many packets to purchase. If you have a grandchild that may visit with you a few times during the school year, we would like to encourage you to register them. If you have a child that MIGHT want to participate(we are not asking for a commitment as we know things are currently fluid), please email Catherine Coats so she can include them in the count. Please email by August 27th so we have time for the materials to arrive.

Gratitude from Don & Cheryl Greco
A gift was made to St. Augustine's by Don and Cheryl Greco in thanksgiving for the many acts of generosity, support and assistance that they have received from members of the congregation during their recent health challenges.  In making the gift, Don and Cheryl wanted to offer something in return, but not in a way that would appear merely transactional so as not to reject or negate the gift that they've received.   As Don put explained, "we want to reach all those who have helped us over the past two years, those who provided us with prayers and moral support, with transportation to therapy, and with so many wonderful meals."  Thanks be to God from whom all blessings flow.  And thanks be to God for the chance to be in that flow!
 
Hurricane Laura Response

"The breakers of death rolled over me,
and the torrents of oblivion made me afraid.
The cords of hell entangled me,
and the snares of death were set for me.
I called upon the Lord in my distress
and cried out to my God for help." Psalm 18:4-6
 
In these hours as the damage from Hurricane Laura comes into clearer focus, may we heed the words of the psalmist and call upon the Lord in our distress.  Pray for those who are anxious, afraid, injured, distraught, endangered, or homeless.  Open your heart to ways to be of comfort and support.  For now, making monetary donations to reputable "on the ground" charities is the best way to help (Red Cross, Episcopal Relief and Development).  Please also be gentle with yourselves and one another.  PTSD is real and the images of flooding and destruction at the time of the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina is likely to stir up latent emotions.  Again, remember the words of the Psalmist:
 
"They confronted me in the day of my disaster;
but the Lord was my support.
He brought me out into an open place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me."  Psalm 18:19-20
 
Peace be with you and God be with all those who are suffering.

A prayer for those impacted by Hurricane Laura.

O merciful Father, who has taught us in your holy Word that you do not willingly afflict or grieve your children: Look with pity upon the sorrows of those in the path of Hurricane Laura. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their souls with patience, comfort them with a sense of your goodness, lift up your countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

You can also dial in and listen to the live broadcast by dialing (888)958-7272 and then entering these codes:

8:00 AM - 640028339
10:30 AM - 715647030
12:30 PM - 584854244

Serving this Sunday:
8:00     am Ronald Coats, LEM; Brian Noustens, Usher
10:30  am Stella Sanson LEM; Sharon Flemming, Usher

​Coffee Hour and Adult Christian Formation
On Sunday, August  23rd, Fr. AJ will conclude a Zoom class entitled "Episcopal Church 101."  The Zoom "classroom" will open at 9:00 am for general visiting (kind of like a virtual coffee hour).  The class will begin at 9:15 am and end at 10:00 am.  The link for the class (either via computer or dial-in) is below.  The link will be the same for all three classes.  This introduction to the Episcopal way of being the Church is intended to be a refresher for some, a preparation for those considering Confirmation (see below), or an introduction to the curious.  If someone you know fits one of those categories, please invite them to join in!

Tuesday Bible Study is Zooming!
If you'd like to virtually attend the Tuesday Bible Study (from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm) please follow the link below.  We "read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest" the Gospel for the coming Sunday.  All are welcome!

Pen Pal Ministry
One of the things that makes St. Augustine's a rare and life-giving community are our inter-generational relationships--a web of connections offering support and encouragement, wisdom and insight between people of all ages.  As the COVID-19 pandemic stretches on, continuing those connections is more important than ever.  We are hoping that by starting a "pen pal ministry" we will accomplish the following objectives:

• Provide a way to minister to those who are homebound
• Generate and foster connections to the St. Augustine's community
• Give people of all ages something to do that is important and meaningful while quarantined
• Actively welcome newcomers to St. Augustine's who have joined via online worship

If you'd like to participate as writer and/or receiver, please click here and answer some questions to help us get started: https://forms.gle/hHYx4MqbAjqCQu2HA

Get Ready for the Bishop--Sunday, August 30th!!!
The Bishop is coming for his annual visitation on Sunday, August 30th, at 10:30 am, where he will officiate and preach. Please make plans to attend the worship service either "here" or online. The sacrament of Confirmation will likely have to be postponed to a later date, but updates will be announced as they become known. Unfortunately, the Reception for the Bishop and the Candidates will also be postponed to 2021.

Formation 45 (Sunday School)
On Sunday, September 13, our "Formation 45" will begin for both children and adults of our parish. Each Sunday from 9:15am to 10am (45 minutes), we will have Children's Sunday School via Zoom, while ages 6th grade through adults will have Christian formation with Father AJ (also via zoom). Eventually, we hope these activities will return to in-person, but for now, we are celebrating the grace that technology allows! If you are ages 6th grade through adult, no pre-registration is necessary. ALL are welcome every Sunday or every once-in-a-while. For our pre-K through 5th grade, we are asking that you pre-register so we know how many packets to purchase. If you have a grandchild that may visit with you a few times during the school year, we would like to encourage you to register them. If you have a child that MIGHT want to participate(we are not asking for a commitment as we know things are currently fluid), please email Catherine so she can include them in the count. Please email by August 27th so we have time for the materials to arrive.

Gratitude from Don & Cheryl Greco
A gift was made to St. Augustine's by Don and Cheryl Greco in thanksgiving for the many acts of generosity, support and assistance that they have received from members of the congregation during their recent health challenges.  In making the gift, Don and Cheryl wanted to offer something in return, but not in a way that would appear merely transactional so as not to reject or negate the gift that they've received.   As Don put explained, "we want to reach all those who have helped us over the past two years, those who provided us with prayers and moral support, with transportation to therapy, and with so many wonderful meals."  Thanks be to God from whom all blessings flow.  And thanks be to God for the chance to be in that flow!
  
News About Althea Clark's Sister
Your prayers are requested for the repose of the soul of Helen Caceres, sister of Althea Clark, who died this week.  Funeral services are pending at this time.  May her soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

An Idea to Make Giving to St. Augustine's Easier
As probably most of us have encountered, the new income tax regulations have eliminated the ability to itemize deductions.  To some degree this may consciously or subconsciously curb our enthusiasm toward charitable donations, which, of course could have an adverse effect on St. Augustine's.Church.
 
If you own an IRA, you are required to take a mandatory distribution annually once you reach the age of 70.5 or 72 depending on your birthday.  What you may not know is that you can have all or part of that distribution earmarked for a particular charitable organization (St. Augustine's we hope!).  The extremely important piece of information is that when preparing your taxes you will find a section under the "IRA distribution" area which asks if you've taken part or all of the distribution as a charitable donation.
 
To say it as simply as possible:  this makes the charitable donation part of your distribution virtually TAX FREE!. 
 
While it is not mandatory that we take the distribution this year because of the pandemic, why not be "wise as serpents" and generous as saints (to paraphrase Jesus) and at least take a distribution on the charitable donation amount rather than just do the monthly donation for which you receive no deduction.

A Message from our Conference Center
In mid-March, the full breath of the COVID-19 crisis stunned the whole Solomon Episcopal Conference Center team with each ring of the phone and the certainty that yet another cancellation was on the other line.

It became evident that this pandemic would be far worse than Katrina. With no light at the end of the tunnel, furloughs began and rigorous measures were enacted in hopes we could prevent the Solomon Center from closing.

Panic stricken and running out of options, we sent out our first appeal letter for financial assistance. The response was overwhelmingly swift and generous. That was our first glimmer of hope that all of the harsh measures were worth it. You told us you value the Solomon Center by the donations that began to arrive. Despite retreat centers closing all around us, because of you, the gates to the Center remain open and we are here for you.

On September 13th, this year's SECC SUNDAY is vital to the sustainability of the Center. Your contribution ensures that our ministry continues.

Please consider a tax-deductible donation. No amount is too small!

Donate - Solomon Episcopal Conference Center

Eucharist Resumes this Sunday, August 16th
We will resume our pre-pandemic worship schedule with celebrations of the Holy Eucharist at 8:00 am, 10:30 am, and 12:30 pm (en español).  All of the previous precautions for in-person worship will continue: mask wearing, social distancing, contact tracing sign-in, hand sanitizing, etc.  Please make the choice that is best for you and your family's health and safety.

All of these services will also be available live (and later recorded) on the St. Augustine's Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/staugmet

You can also dial in and listen to the live broadcast by dialing (888)958-7272 and then entering these codes:
8:00 AM - 395867879
10:30 AM - 499118910
12:30 PM - 202060069

Serving this Sunday:
8:00 am      Dotty Suthon, LEM; TBD, Usher
10:30 am   Rachel Whitley, LEM; Charlene Hibbs, Usher
 
Coffee Hour and Adult Christian Formation
On Sundays, August 9th, 16th, and 23rd, Fr. AJ will lead a Zoom class entitled "Episcopal Church 101."  The Zoom "classroom" will open at 9:00 am for general visiting (kind of like a virtual coffee hour).  The class will begin at 9:15 am and end at 10:00 am.  E-mail Kate for a link for the class (either via computer or dial-in).  The link will be the same for all three classes.  This introduction to the Episcopal way of being the Church is intended to be a refresher for some, a preparation for those considering Confirmation (see below), or an introduction to the curious.  If someone you know fits one of those categories, please invite them to join in!

Bissonet Plaza School Supplies
Thank you to everyone who donated school supplies. Bissonet Plaza School is overwhelmed by the generosity and prayers of St Augustine’s!

Benjamin Sanchez Arrives in Texas!
Benjamin arrived safely in Austin, Texas this week to begin his year of study at Seminary of the Southwest.  Please keep Benjamin and his fiancee Paula in your prayers during this year of formation and transition.

Pen Pal Ministry
One of the things that makes St. Augustine's a rare and life-giving community are our inter-generational relationships--a web of connections offering support and encouragement, wisdom and insight between people of all ages.  As the COVID-19 pandemic stretches on, continuing those connections is more important than ever.  We are hoping that by starting a "pen pal ministry" we will accomplish the following objectives:

• Provide a way to minister to those who are homebound
• Generate and foster connections to the St. Augustine's community
• Give people of all ages something to do that is important and meaningful while quarantined
• Actively welcome newcomers to St. Augustine's who have joined via online worship

If you'd like to participate as writer and/or receiver, please click here and answer some questions to help us get started: 
https://forms.gle/hHYx4MqbAjqCQu2HA
 
DIOCESAN YOUTH GROUP EVENT
EpiscoFest is a fun event for 6th-12th grade students to kick-off a new school year together. Join us on August 15th at 2pm!  We will gather online Saturday afternoon via Zoom for ice-breakers, games, small groups, and worship. EpisoFest welcomes youth of all faith backgrounds from around Louisiana. When we're not busy dancing and playing, EpiscoFest will share the lives and experiences of Saints of Color.
 
Register in advance:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kf-2tpz0vHtOqEkziAieV6fs4Q62FWQLp
 
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Zoom meeting. Email the Rev. Jane-Allison Wiggin-Nettles (jwigginnettles@edola.org) with any questions.
 
Get Ready for the Bishop--Sunday, August 30th!!!
The Bishop is coming for his annual visitation on Sunday, August 30th, at 10:30 am, where he will officiate and preach. Please make plans to attend the worship service either "here" or online. The sacrament of Confirmation will likely have to be postponed to a later date, but updates will be announced as they become known. Unfortunately, the Reception for the Bishop and the Candidates will also be postponed to 2021.

Formation 45 (Sunday School)
On Sunday, September 13, our "Formation 45" will begin for both children and adults of our parish. Each Sunday from 9:15am to 10am (45 minutes), we will have Children's Sunday School via Zoom, while ages 6th grade through adults will have Christian formation with Father AJ (also via zoom). Eventually, we hope these activities will return to in-person, but for now, we are celebrating the grace that technology allows! If you are ages 6th grade through adult, no pre-registration is necessary. ALL are welcome every Sunday or every once-in-a-while. For our pre-K through 5th grade, we are asking that you pre-register so we know how many packets to purchase. If you have a grandchild that may visit with you a few times during the school year, we would like to encourage you to register them. If you have a child that MIGHT want to participate (we are not asking for a commitment as we know things are currently fluid), please email Catherine so she can include them in the count. Please email by August 27th so we have time for the materials to arrive.

An Idea to Make Giving to St. Augustine's Easier
As probably most of us have encountered, the new income tax regulations have eliminated the ability to itemize deductions.  To some degree this may consciously or subconsciously curb our enthusiasm toward charitable donations, which, of course could have an adverse effect on St. Augustine's.Church.

If you own an IRA, you are required to take a mandatory distribution annually once you reach the age of 70.5 or 72 depending on your birthday.  What you may not know is that you can have all or part of that distribution earmarked for a particular charitable organization (St. Augustine's we hope!).  The extremely important piece of information is that when preparing your taxes you will find a section under the "IRA distribution" area which asks if you've taken part or all of the distribution as a charitable donation.

To say it as simply as possible:  this makes the charitable donation part of your distribution virtually TAX FREE!

While it is not mandatory that we take the distribution this year because of the pandemic, why not be "wise as serpents" and generous as saints (to paraphrase Jesus) and at least take a distribution on the charitable donation amount rather than just do the monthly donation for which you receive no deduction.

Dear St. Augustine family,

Many of you if not all, may know that I am leaving soon to receive my Diploma in Anglican Studies at the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas.

Is not a secret that I served as a Roman Catholic Priest for seven years after 11 years of preparation in Rome, Mexico and other countries. I was a very young man, at 19 years old starting my religious life, leaving my parents and my homeland.

I graduated from Philosophy on 2004 in Mexico, served in Argentina in Mission for a year, and graduated again from Theology in Rome on 2008. Finally, I was ordained on July 2011 in Rome, a whole roller coaster of studies seemingly to bring me to my complete life as a servant of God.

However, as the time passed, to me the missing part was the need to live the priestly ministry having a home and a family. When I realized the Episcopal Church had that option, I started to look for answers.

After a long time of reflection, meditation and prayer, under the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, on 2018, I met Bishop Morris Thompson, who opened the doors of the Episcopal Church to me. And from that point, my new story began surrounded by an amazing family, all of you!!; with the unconditional guidance from Father A.J. a great human being, leader and friend, full of conviction and faith.

My life in this community has been not too long, but very rich in knowledge and growth, since the Vestry, Fr. A.J., Bishop Thompson and Cannon Manning, have been open to offer the Mass in Spanish.

This has been a long journey, but one fruitful and also one of my personal dreams solidified. Since I started my life as a parishioner here at St. Augustin, I felt welcomed, appreciated and received by the most caring and opened community. Most of all, I feel touched for the way on how the spirituality and the sense of unity are practiced constantly. Now I know the feeling of having someone by your side, watching you grow, and someone who you would like to share your life with, someone to care for, to love, now it is different and makes sense to me.

I would like to express my deepest appreciation and thanks for the kindness you have shown to me during this time, for showing your love and support to us. Your prayers that are most highly value and needed. I feel that I am carrying the name of St. Augustine with me to Austin, and my dear family I hope I can make you very proud when I get back.
 
Thank you so much for your support, prayer and blessings. 
 
Sincerely, 
Benjamin Sanchez

​Serving this Sunday:
8:00 am      Tammy Verrette, LEM; Chuck Blanchard, Usher
10:30 am   Kathy Chiles, LEM; Shirley Bernadas, Usher

Coffee Hour and Adult Christian Formation
On Sundays, August 9th, 16th, and 23rd, Fr. AJ will lead a Zoom class entitled "Episcopal Church 101."  The Zoom "classroom" will open at 9:00 am for general visiting (kind of like a virtual coffee hour).  The class will begin at 9:15 am and end at 10:00 am.  Please email Kate to get the link (either via computer or dial-in).  The link will be the same for all three classes.  This introduction to the Episcopal way of being the Church is intended to be a refresher for some, a preparation for those considering Confirmation (see below), or an introduction to the curious.  If someone you know fits one of those categories, please invite them to join in!

Zoom meeting: Sundays August, 9th, 16th, and 23rd. 
Meeting room opens at 9:00 am, class begins at 9:15 am.
Topic: Episcopal Church 101

Blessing of the Backpacks Sunday, August 9th
We will ask God's blessing upon teachers and students this Sunday at all the services. By doing so we are seeking God's guidance and presence over the entirety of this coming school year. Please participate in whatever way feels right and safest for you and your family. Whether live or at-home, teachers and students will have the opportunity to lift their backpacks and other school supplies in order to ask God's blessing upon this entire effort.

Funeral Services for Bob Vining
A celebration praising God for the life of Bob Vining (husband of Linda Vining) and the promise of the Resurrection  will take place at St. Augustine's on Monday, August 10th, at 11:00 AM.  Unfortunately, safety protocols requires this to be a private service for family members.  You are encouraged to offer your prayerful presence by watching live at http://www.facebook.com/staugmet

Pen Pal Ministry
One of the things that makes St. Augustine's a rare and life-giving community are our inter-generational relationships--a web of connections offering support and encouragement, wisdom and insight between people of all ages.  As the COVID-19 pandemic stretches on, continuing those connections is more important than ever.  We are hoping that by starting a "pen pal ministry" we will accomplish the following objectives:

• Provide a way to minister to those who are homebound
• Generate and foster connections to the St. Augustine's community
• Give people of all ages something to do that is important and meaningful while quarantined
• Actively welcome newcomers to St. Augustine's who have joined via online worship

If you'd like to participate as writer and/or receiver, please click here and answer some questions to help us get started: 

https://forms.gle/hHYx4MqbAjqCQu2HA

DIOCESAN YOUTH GROUP EVENT
EpiscoFest is a fun event for 6th-12th grade students to kick-off a new school year together. Join us on August 15th at 2pm!  We will gather online Saturday afternoon via Zoom for ice-breakers, games, small groups, and worship. EpisoFest welcomes youth of all faith backgrounds from around Louisiana. When we're not busy dancing and playing, EpiscoFest will share the lives and experiences of Saints of Color.

Register in advance:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kf-2tpz0vHtOqEkziAieV6fs4Q62FWQLp

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Zoom meeting. Email the Rev. Jane-Allison Wiggin-Nettles with any questions.

Get Ready for the Bishop --Sunday, August 30th!!!
The Bishop is coming for his annual visitation on Sunday, August 30th, at 10:30 am, where he will officiate and preach. Please make plans to attend the worship service either "here" or online.The sacrament of Confirmation will likely have to be postponed to a later date, but updates will be announced as they become known. Unfortunately, the Reception for the Bishop and the Candidates will also be postponed to 2021.

Formation 45 (Sunday School)
On Sunday, September 13, our “Formation 45” will begin for both children and adults of our parish. Each Sunday from 9:15am to 10am (45 minutes), we will have Children’s Sunday School via Zoom, while ages 6th grade through adults will have Christian formation with Father AJ (also via zoom). Eventually, we hope these activities will return to in-person, but for now, we are celebrating the grace that technology allows! If you are ages 6th grade through adult, no pre-registration is necessary. ALL are welcome every Sunday or every once-in-a-while.For our preK through 5th grade, we are asking that you pre-register so we know how many packets to purchase.If you have a grandchild that may visit with you a few times during the school year, we would like to encourage you to register them.If you have a child that MIGHT want to participate(we are not asking for a commitment as we know things are currently fluid), please email Catherine so she can include them in the count.Please email by August 27th so we have time for the materials to arrive.