Abundant Love in Scarce Times - An Update on our Annual Giving Campaign
 As of Friday, November 20, 2020, we have 80 pledges for a total of  $183,758.00
 
If you have not submitted your Estimate of Giving for 2021 yet, please prayerfully ask yourself, "What portion of my income is God calling me to give in gratitude for all that God has done for me?"  The Vestry is beginning to build the budget for 2021 and your generous commitment is helpful and appreciated.  Helpful, because that's how the Vestry can prepare our programs and ministries.  Appreciated, because the Vestry will have to make phone calls if you haven't replied by Friday, Nov. 20th, and we certainly would like to avoid that! : )
 
Here are some links to both submit your Estimate of Giving and/or set up automatic payment:
 
https://www.staugustinesmet.com/pledge-cards.html
 
https://www.staugustinesmet.com/eft.html

Food Distribution
St. Augustine's is joining with other local Episcopal Churches to provide food to members of our community in particular need due to the combined impact of both the pandemic and the hurricane. Together we can help offset some of these losses.  The food has been received and divided up into 80 boxes.  The distribution will take place on Saturday, Nov. 21st at 10:00 am on a first come, first served basis.  Please help spread the news and/or come and help distribute the boxes. Volunteers are needed at 9:30 am on this Saturday.
 
This Sunday, November 22, 2020
This Sunday we will offer all three celebrations of the Holy Eucharist:  8:00 am Rite 1, 10:30 am Rite 2, and the Spanish Mass at 12:30 pm. 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 - 540715945; 10:30 - 738718020; 12:30 - 916960910

8:00am Service Bulletin
10:30 am Service Bulletin

Coffee Hour Has Returned (sort of)!
We'll have Coffee Hour in the Courtyard immediately following the 8:00 Eucharist.  We'll provide individual servings of juice and snacks.  Please bring your own coffee.
 
Adult Formation Class - Rising Strong
The Adult Formation class will begin at 9:15 am.  You can attend either in person or on Zoom.  The Zoom link is below.  We'll be discussing the book by Brene Brown,  Rising Strong:  How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead.  Brown's unique way of distilling lessons from hundreds of stories provides us with a blueprint for how to fall, get up, and try again.  It's the path to wholehearted living.
 
Topic: Formation 45: Rising Strong by Brene Brown
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85457883260

Meeting ID: 854 5788 3260
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,85457883260# US (Chicago)
+19294362866,,85457883260# US (New York)

Morning Prayer on Thanksgiving Day
Fr. AJ will lead a service of Morning Prayer on Thanksgiving Day at 9:00 am on our Facebook page. To watch, go to: http://www.facebook.com/staugmet
 
Advent Resources Now Available
Advent begins on Sunday, November 29th  Living Well Through Advent 2020 booklets are now available both in the Narthex and in the Welcome and Resource Center.  Published by Living Compass, the theme of this year's reflections is:  "Practicing Hope with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind."  The booklets are free and available in both English and Spanish.

​Angel Tree
The Angel Tree will be returning this year.  Please be on the lookout for additional details in the weeks ahead.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It has been a privilege and a joy to serve as Rector of St. Augustine's since July of 2006. Looking back, I don't know what I expected would happen in the ensuing years, but I am certain that you have given me more than I could ask or imagine. I am grateful for it all. It is this deep and abiding affection and appreciation that makes this letter difficult to write.

I have accepted a call to serve as Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Staunton, Virginia. My ministry there will begin on January 1, 2021. My last Sunday at St. Augustine's will be December 6, 2020.

I am comforted by the knowledge that Canon Shannon Manning, in her role as Canon to the Ordinary, will shepherd you through this period of transition. In fact, in the perfection of God's timing, Canon Manning was already scheduled to be here on Sunday, December 13th . You are in good, loving, and experienced hands. And, as always, we are all in God's hands.

A friend recently reminded me that the same God that called me to St. Augustine's will also call someone else to St. Augustine's. God is faithful and trustworthy. God is always making things new and moving things towards his purposes.

So brothers and sisters, have no fear for tomorrow. The same God who has cared for us and blessed our shared ministry for all these years, will continue to care for us tomorrow. And my fondness and appreciation for all you have done for me, my family, and my priesthood will last forever.

Peace,
AJ Heine
Rector

Help Needed 
The Episcopal Relief Fund has provided a grant for food distribution to our diocese. Pallets of food will arrive at St Augustine's tomorrow. Please join us in Byrd Hall on Tuesday evening the 17th at 6pm to sort and fill 80 boxes which we distribute on Saturday. Don't forget to wear a mask!!

Coats for Those in Need
Deacon Hackett is collecting coats for the neighbors in our community who are not prepared for the coming colder weather.  Please check you closets for coats that you may be able to donate to those who have none.  Then bring any adult-sized coats that you can spare to the St. Augustine's Welcome and Resource Center as soon as possible.  Thank you!

Abundant Love in Scarce Times - An Update on our Annual Giving Campaign
 
We broadcast the postponed All Saints-a-thon on Sunday, November 8th--a celebration of All Saints and the culmination of our Annual Giving Campaign.  Thanks to all those who helped by submitting their stories and their photos; giving their help and their pledge (estimate of giving).  As of Friday, November 13, 2020, we have 68 pledges for a total of  $176,058.00
 
If you have not submitted your Estimate of Giving for 2021 yet, please prayerfully ask yourself, "What portion of my income is God calling me to give in gratitude for all that God has done for me?"  The Vestry is beginning to build the budget for 2021 and your generous commitment is helpful and appreciated.  Helpful, because that's how the Vestry can prepare our programs and ministries.  Appreciated, because the Vestry will have to make phone calls if you haven't replied by Friday, Nov. 20th, and we certainly would like to avoid that! : )
 
Here are some links to both submit your Estimate of Giving and/or set up automatic payment:
https://www.staugustinesmet.com/pledge-cards.html
https://www.staugustinesmet.com/eft.html
 
You can also watch the "All Saints-a-Thon" on our Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/staugmet
 
And here's a link to some videos what we didn't have time to air: 
 https://youtu.be/4KZpzQWgXIA
 
Thanks again to all the Saints of St. Augustine's, and all the Saints who have gone before us in faith.

This Sunday, November 8

​God's "Abundant Love in Scarce Times."
On Sunday, Nov. 8th, St. Augustine's will broadcast an hour-long Facebook Live telethon to culminate our Annual Giving Campaign and celebrate  All Saints' Day (delayed a week due to Hurricane Zeta). The broadcast will be comprised of live video, pre-recorded segments from "friends" of St. Augustine's, and music videos featuring the people and ministries of our parish.   

Please tune into the St. Augustine's Facebook page on Nov. 8th from 9:15 to 10:15 (and replayed from 11:30 to 12:30) for this celebration of All Saints' Day and important reminder of God's "Abundant Love in Scarce Times."
 
Here's a link to the St. Augustine's Facebook page. Or listen live by calling  (888)958-7272 at 9:15 am and entering this code:  756651412

Services
This Sunday we will only offer all three celebrations of the Holy Eucharist:  8:00 am Rite 1, 10:30 am Rite 2, and the Spanish Mass  at 12:30 pm. 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 - 378733931
10:30 - 268405152
12:30 - 231855260

8:00am Service Bulletin
10:30 am Service Bulletin

Formation 45 (Sunday School for Kids and Adults)
The Christian formation class (for 6th graders through adults) will spend the first three weeks of October discussing different ways people of faith have come to understand the existence of evil.  If you've ever wondered why bad things happen to good people, plan on spending three Sundays from 9:15 to 10:00 am in a Zoom conversation group, here's the link:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76028313979?pwd=U1pWME5iRFBnempmSXp1UjJ4K1JFUT09

Meeting ID: 760 2831 3979
Passcode: f45
 
New on our Website-Preparing for Sunday!
Access this Sunday's lectionary readings at your convenience, and then reflect and pray over them at any time. You'll find an overview, scripture backgrounds, a reflection and prayer starter to enhance your worship experience. Just click on the "Preparing for Sunday" link on our home page (Tip:  We are using "Track 2"):
http://www.staugustinesmet.com

A BUMPER CROP FOR THE PUMPKIN PATCH 
Thanks to God's abundant love, beautiful pumpkins, great weather and a "crop" of dedicated volunteers, the St. Augustine's Pumpkin Patch had a record breaking year, grossing $71,000 and netting $32,000 (less a few expenses)  for the church's ministries. This is more than DOUBLE what we budget for this event each year. While folks came for the pumpkins, they also left with delicious pumpkin bread ($1,500 in sales!), cute face masks ($560!), awesome jewelry ($415!) and even buying every carving kit we had ($1 465!)  Thousands of people visited our Patch this year, with so many expressing appreciation for being able to come and sharing stories of their regular visits from past years. It is clear that the Patch helped the community in healing  from the stresses and trials of 2020 It has perfectly illustrated for us that even in times of perceived scarcity, God pours His love out for His children and is always with us.
 
A celebration of the success of this event would not be complete without grateful acknowledgment of the many parishioners and friends of St. Augustine's who made it possible. From the unloaders- and those who prepared the delicious hot dogs and chili which followed- to those who staffed the Patch, baked bread, contributed homemade items for sale and managed the important administrative details- so many people came together for the good of the church and the community. Well done, good and faithful servants! The St. Augustine's Pumpkin Patch will stand out as one of the comforting certainties in an otherwise uncertain time.
 
For Sound Government, Book of Common Prayer, Page 821
 
O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we
may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to
other nations of the earth.
Lord, keep this nation under your care.
 
To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors
of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative
authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their
duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
 
To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our
laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and
foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to
fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding
and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and
justice served.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to
accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they
may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for
the well-being of our society; that we may serve you
faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.
For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as
head above all.

​Amen.

A BUMPER CROP FOR THE PUMPKIN PATCH
 
Thanks to God's abundant love, beautiful pumpkins, great weather and a "crop" of dedicated volunteers, the St. Augustine's Pumpkin Patch had a record breaking year, grossing $71,000 and netting $32,000 (less a few expenses)  for the church's ministries. This is more than DOUBLE what we budget for this event each year. While folks came for the pumpkins, they also left with delicious pumpkin bread ($1,500 in sales!), cute face masks ($560!), awesome jewelry ($415!) and even buying every carving kit we had ($1,465!)  Thousands of people visited our Patch this year, with so many expressing appreciation for being able to come and sharing stories of their regular visits from past years. It is clear that the Patch helped the community in healing  from the stresses and trials of 2020 It has perfectly illustrated for us that even in times of perceived scarcity, God pours His love out for His children and is always with us.
 
A celebration of the success of this event would not be complete without grateful acknowledgment of the many parishioners and friends of St. Augustine's who made it possible. From the unloaders - and those who prepared the delicious hot dogs and chili which followed - to those who staffed the Patch, baked bread, contributed homemade items for sale and managed the important administrative details - so many people came together for the good of the church and the community. Well done, good and faithful servants! The St. Augustine's Pumpkin Patch will stand out as one of the comforting certainties in an otherwise uncertain time.

Collect For an Election
​
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States, the people of Louisiana, and the people of Metairie, in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

  Book of Common Prayer,  page 822