St. Paul's YAMs - Episcopal Young Adult Ministries

Young Adults "Don't Call it a Christmas" Party

2011-12-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

Friends,

Once again the Lisa and I will open our homes to the Young Adults of the parish. Those in their 20s and 30s are welcome to come to party like our Savior is coming. Happy Advent!

On Friday, December 16, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., the Leopolds will provide food and treats as their gift to the YAMs (Young Adult Ministries). The only thing you need bring is yourself and a beverage of choice. If you plan to attend, please email me for directions and so that enough food can be purchased.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

P.S. To get you excited about this year's party, here are some pictures from the two previous years.

2010:

2009:

November Habitat Build

2011-11-18T14:11:00.000-08:00

Friends,

Just a reminder about the Habitat for Humanity Build Day Sat. 11/19. Meet at the site: 1612 Olive Street 37406. Work time is 9AM-Noon. Wear close-toed-shoes, warm clothes, and a smile.

Also, there will be a budding documentary filmmaker on hand to film a little Promo for St. Paul's/YAMs.

See everyone there,
Bob

P.S. I tried to send some texts today - we are working on how and when we get the word out and keep the word out. I appreciate your feedback.

October Habitat Work Day

2011-10-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

Friends,

This month our Habitat Work Day will be on Saturday, October 15th, from 9:00AM to Noon. We will meet directly at the work site ( 2709 Curtis Street, Chattanooga, TN, 37406 ) at 9:00, not at St. Paul's.

I hope that lots of you will be able to make it this month, especially as it is getting cooler.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Privateer Yacht Club Event

2011-09-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

Friends,

Don't forget about the great event this Sunday, after the 10:30 service. More info can be found here.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

September Habitat for Humanity Work Day

2011-09-13T15:48:00.000-07:00

Friends,

This month our Habitat Work Day will be on Saturday, September 17th, from 9:00AM to Noon. We will meet directly at the work site ( 2912 Curtis Street, Chattanooga, TN, 37406 ) at 9:00, not at St. Paul's.

I hope that lots of you will be able to make it this month, especially as it is getting cooler.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Labor Day Sermon

2011-09-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

Friends,

I think that I have finally cracked the Dropbox Code - this means that my Sermons as MP3s are back.

This was preached on Labor Day Weekend.

Here is a link to the readings.

Here is the sermon.

Enjoy!

Yours in Christ,
Bob

YAMs to Swarm the Privateer Yacht Club

2011-08-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

Friends,

On Sunday, September 25, the YAMs will meet at the reception following 10:30 worship at St. Paul's to carpool to the Privateer Yacht Club for some sailing and a picnic.

This event has been organized, in large part, by YAM, Jonathan Few. Thanks Jonathan!

We will carpool to the club to have a picnic, including hamburgers, chips, soft drinks, etc. All that the interested YAM need bring are the following items:

Swimsuit
Towel
Afternoon Beverage of Choice

More information about the Privateer Yacht Club can be found here.

Here are some directions to the club:

Exit I-75 to Highway 153 north. Follow Highway 153 North Approximately 6.8 miles across Chickamauga Dam. Immediately at the north end of the dam, exit at Lake Resort Drive . Go fully around the traffic Circle and turn on to Lake Resort Drive . Follow Lake Resort Drive approximately 1.5 miles to the intersection with Gann Store Road . Turn Right on Gann Store Road . Follow Gann Store Road , past Gold Point Marina , approximately 1.1 miles. At the top of a hill, where Gann Store Road turns left, go straight onto Privateer Road . At the end of the Cul D Sac on Privateer Road is the entrance gate to the Club. The address is 4713 Privateer Road, Hixson, TN 37343. If anyone gets lost on the trip, please call 423-877-9411 for help.

I hope that we will have a big turnout for this last-of-warm-weather hurrah!

Yours in Christ,
Bob

August Habitat Build Pictures

2011-08-22T12:44:00.001-07:00

Habitat 01, originally uploaded by rkleopold.

Friends,

Here are the pictures from the recent Habitat build. We had a great time at the warehouse (read: out of the sun). I hope that everyone will consider coming out on September 17, for our next Habitat Work Day.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Saturday, August 20, Habitat Work Day

2011-08-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

Friends,

St. Paul's Habitat Crew Needs Your Help: August 20 and Beyond!

Twenty-five years ago, a group of community leaders came together to form a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in our community. From its first build, to its most recent triplex which was the recipient of a lot of St. Paul's "sweat equity," Habitat of Greater Chattanooga has partnered with thousands of volunteers, donors and organizations to build homes for more than 225 families. Be a part of this important ministry, changing lives one home at at a time.

St. Paul's volunteers are a part of the Habitat effort every month. Our next Habitat build is this Saturday, August 20. St. Paul's parishioners (ages 16 and older) will gather at 8:45 a.m. in the parking lot to carpool to work on a Habitat for Humanity house. Work time is 9 a.m. until noon. We will be at the Warehouse, which is air conditioned, at 1201 E. Main Street 37408. Meet us there if you can't make the carpool. This is the last month of the carpool as most folks are able to get the address from the eChimes, this website, or facebook.

I hope that lots of folks can make it as many hands make light work.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

July Habitat Build

2011-07-13T11:41:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, July 16th, at 9:00, St. Paul's parishioners (among them YAMs) will meet at the ReStore on Main Street to build the frame for a Habitat house. Habitat for Humanity builds homes in partnership with those who would otherwise be unable to purchase a home.

Sermon for a Good Friday

2011-06-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

Friends,

Many of you have asked if I might share the full text of the sermon that I preached last Good Friday. Our previous bishop had asked that we not post full texts of sermons, as he was plagiarized and did not want us to fall prey to the same fate. Nevertheless, we have a new bishop with no such policy (yet), so here is the full text since there was no recording available from that service.

Enjoy!

Sermon Preached on Good Friday, Year A, April 22, 2011, at St. Paul's, Chatt., by RKL

In the Name of the One, Holy, Undivided Trinity. Amen.

In the formal discernment process for the priesthood, a wise counselor asked me if
I was prepared for the representation that the priesthood is. Was I prepared for or had I given thought to what I, as priest, would represent? I told her that I had thought about the fact that clergy represent God to the people – pronouncing God’s blessing and presiding at God’s Sacraments. She agreed, but added that the clergy also represent humanity before God. I did not know then, and I am only starting to know now what she meant and I am still surprised by the new ways that Incarnational Ministry affected Christ Jesus and still affects us as ministers of the Gospel.

At the heart of this representation of the sacred to the profane and the profane to the sacred is the mystery of the Incarnation. Whether God, in the person of Christ, is dragged down to earth or Christ, in the person of God, drags earth up to heaven, these reconciliatory movements happen through the mystery of the Incarnation.

I know what you are thinking, this is typical Bob: at Christmas, he preaches Incarnation; at Pentecost, he preaches Incarnation; at baptisms, he preaches Incarnation; and now on Good Friday, big surprise – Incarnation. But, as Anglicans, our tradition holds the mystery of the Incarnation – that the Person of God in Christ, would put on the mortal coil, being born into human likeness, in the person Jesus of Nazareth – Anglicans hold this divine mystery most sacred.

Today, this Good Friday, is a day our minds turn to thoughts of Christ’s dying for us. But today is also a day to consider the living God, living for us and all aspects of life that are touched by that divine presence. At Christmas, we heard that Christ was born for us. At Holy Week we hear that Christ died for us. On Easter, we will hear that Christ is raised to new life for us. Common to all of these statements is that God has been there before. In the person of Christ, God has been to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows that humanity has to offer – from the top to the bottom. And in all of these places, where the Incarnate Word has dwelt, dwells now, and will dwell, God's presence there deigns to make the basic stuff of life, the experiences that make up the human experience, Christ’s presence there makes them Holy.

Through the mystery of the Incarnation, experiences of the body are not separate from spiritual experiences. Christians do not have a spirit-is-good and flesh-is-bad understanding of the world. Christ Jesus walks with us as one of us and this human life, even with all of its brokenness, is pronounced Holy by the very presence of God. In the person of Christ Jesus, God knows friendship, in his family and in his disciples; and God knows emnity, in the religious authorities, agents of empire, and participants in the status quo who were threatened by His ministry.

In the person of Christ Jesus, God hears music, dances at weddings, weeps at the grave of a friend, is put on trial, and prays for deliverance, that this cup might pass from his lips. In the person of Christ Jesus, God knows the cool wetness of rivers, like the Jordan, God knows the embrace of a loving mother, and God knows the joy of new discovery – learning to walk and talk and eat. In the person of Christ Jesus, God smiles at children, laughs at jokes, knows victories and defeat – peaks and valleys; strikes and gutters.

And on this Good Friday, in the person of Christ Jesus, God knows what it is to be betrayed, abandoned, arrested, imprisoned, beaten, and God knows what it is to suffer injustice and to be agonizingly murdered. Christ has been there, and is there still, and will be there from generation to generation – not suffering for the sake of suffering, but suffering that we may not be left, ultimately, alone. The Incarnational Christ is Emmanuel, God with us.

Through the mystery of the Incarnation, Christ is still there with us, sharing in our joys and sorrows along with us, and there is nothing too great for the shoulders of Christ to bear, because he has already borne the sins of the whole world on his back, and even in that moment, Christ was working His redemptive works of love and reconciliation. Christ is with us still – in our highest of highs and our lowest of lows, and everyplace in between, and yes, Christ is even at the bottom.

I don't know where the bottom is for you. Maybe it was early in your life, when your father died unexpectedly. Maybe, it is yet to come in losing battle to cancer. Maybe it was recently in a terrible divorce, in a failure of nerve, in a loss of faith, or in the betrayal of a friend. Maybe it has been in a life of extended hardships and brokenness, never seeming to be able to make it better or to dig yourself out. I don't know where the bottom is for you, but I do know this: Christ is there. In
pain, and in sorrow, and in loss, and in betrayal, and even in death, Christ is there at the bottom: redeeming the seemingly irredeemable and reconciling the seemingly irreconcilable.

I have told some of you this story before, but it has been such in important part of my ministry, since hearing it, that I must share it with you again, especially today. Our story takes place at the Virginia Seminary in Alexandria, long before I was a student there, even before Donald was a student there back when it was still called the Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary in Virginia at Alexandria. In the late 1950s, the dean of the Virginia Seminary, was a man named Jesse Trotter, of the Trotter family with ties to Chattanooga. Dean Trotter was a Holy Man, and much beloved, by both students and faculty alike.

As seminary dean, his house was provided on campus, beside a major green-space that is now called the Trotter Bowl. Dean Trotter, and his family that included his wife and teen-aged son, lived just next to the Virginia Seminary Chapel – the same chapel that I preached about earlier this year, after it had burned to the ground. Dean Trotter was a staple at chapel services, always present at Good Ole' Morning Prayer, or GOMP, as the seminarians affectionately called it. After years of battling mental illness, the Trotters' teenage son, eventually succumbed to the terminal symptom of depression and took his own life in their house just next to the chapel. For days, Dean Trotter came to chapel services and said nothing. Days turned into weeks, as he came to worship services in the chapel, and still said nothing – participating in the service as much as his heart would allow – hearing the comforting words, even if unable to speak them fully. Dean Trotter lost weight, his health declined, and many, many prayers were directed his way and the way of his family.

Weeks turned into months and still Dean Trotter could not bring himself to speak during chapel services, until finally at the end of a service of Good Ole' Morning Prayer, Dean Trotter stood up, climbed, trembling, into the pulpit, and addressed his spellbound congregation. The chapel knew a silence that I am sure it had not known before or since, as he spoke these words: “I have seen the bottom and Christ is there and, in Christ, the bottom holds.” I have seen the bottom and Christ is there and, in Christ, the bottom holds.

I don't know where the bottom is for you. Maybe it was early in your life, maybe it is yet to come, or maybe it is today. Whenever or where ever you hit bottom, know that Christ has been there and is there now and will be there again, and his presence there dares to make even those places at the bottom, Holy.

Today, as Christ Jesus reaches the bottom, we are blessed to witness two arms of love outstretched on the hard wood of the cross: we see the bottom . . . and we should not be surprised to find that Christ is there and, in Christ, the bottom will hold. Amen.

Yours humbly in Christ,
Bob

YAMs at the McCallie Lake Again - Yay!

2011-06-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

YAMs at the McCallie Lake

Thanks,

On Sunday, June 5th, after the “Coffee Hour,” after the 10:30 service, the YAMs will head to the McCallie School for their lunch plans. We will provide hot dogs and buns. All you need to bring is a swim suit and a side dish to accompany the grilling. We will have use of the McCallie Lake until 3:00 to barbeque, swim and have a great time. There may be a few surprises too, so come prepared for lots of fun!

See you all there,
Bob

May Habitat Build Details

2011-05-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

Friends,

I have some more info on our Habitat Build on Sunday.

First, these are general habitat rules:

No open-toed shoes.
Wear clothes that might get paint or mud on them.
Bring a water-bottle.

Second, I have the address. We will return to the triplex at 1614 Euchalyptus Drive, 37421.

We will be painting and/or siding.

Thanks,
Bob

Three-Course Burst of YAMs Sunday School Classes after Easter

2011-05-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

Friends,

Beginning this Sunday, and continuing for three successive Sundays (May 8, 15, & 22), the Young Adults (20s and 30s) Sunday School class, which has been on hiatus through Holy Week and Easter, returns with a three-course burst: Resurrection, Reconciliation, and Re-Creation. These three classes, which meet at 9:15 in the Miller Conference Room, will take us to the end of the Sunday School year. Each class will be based upon the theme for that day, tied to the readings for that day, and truly applicable to our lives as young adults of faith in Chattanooga. What does Resurrection look like? What does it mean to be Reconciled? How can our recreation be Re-Creation? Please consider joining these fun and informative three classes that will prepare to walk through the Great Fifty Days of Easter and through the summer.

I hope to see a lot of you there.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

YAMs Lunches

2011-04-04T09:31:00.001-07:00

YAMs at Greenlife, originally uploaded by rkleopold.

Friends,

As the nice weather approaches, we always notice a surge in the numbers at our lunches. I also have it on good authority that Sitar will be opening a buffet downtown that is open on Sundays. Nice.

Please consider joining this fun group after Coffee Hour after the 10:30 service at St. Paul's.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Educational Luncheon with Jenny McConnachie

2011-03-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

Friends,

On Sunday, May 1st, at 12:15 PM, after the 10:30 service, the Young Adults will sojourn to Big River Brewery for a luncheon and program with Jenny McConnachie. Jenny is the co-founder of African Medical Mission, a group that ministers to those in rural South Africa. Jenny works with members of the Episcopal Church’s Young Adult Service Corps (YASC), including St. Paul’s own YAM, Sarah Cardwell, currently serving at the Itipini Community Clinic, which serves patients with routine care, maternal/baby health and HIV testing and screening, and includes a preschool and afterschool programs, a community garden, and a skills training program. Please join us for what promises to be a most informative gathering. We will order from Big River’s standard menu, with many accessible price points (even for young adults).

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Meditation from Sunday Sermon: Lent III March 27 Bob Leopold

2011-03-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

Meditation from Sunday Sermon: Lent III Don't Fear the Reaper

Often the ministry of Jesus scares us: it is too real, too personal, too close-to-home . . . but by sharing in that ministry, we are given life-giving spiritual food. The promise for us becomes, as we share in the ministry of Jesus together, we are brought with him into Holy Communion with God.

The disciples do what we all try to do, they try to temper Jesus’s behavior. They subtly, perhaps passive-aggressively, try to influence your behavior. We all do this all the time, if not to Jesus, then to each other. Sometimes folks ask me, “Are you going to let your hair grow again?” When the actual request is, “Please cut your hair.” In much the same way, the disciples urge Jesus to eat something, when they may actually mean: get away from that woman, your ministry to her is scarring us . . .

This is something that the World does not understand and has never understood – the people of God do not fear death, because we know that there is something better for all of us. In my short drive to St. Paul’s every day, I pass by the Pickle Barrel restaurant on Market Street. More often than not, there is a car parked there with enough bumper-stickers to convince me that the driver of the car is of the World's ways, not a believer, and, is probably against the ideas of God and The Church entirely. One such sticker reads, “God loves you, pray for death.” What is intended as an insult to people of faith is, in fact, a cherished part of our tradition . . .

Death does not have the final word and one day we will all discover what it is to be truly wealthy, in the richness of God's eternal saving touch and everlasting healing embrace. All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave, even in Lent, we make our song: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Readings and a Prayer for Lent III

Exodus 17:1-7
Romans 5:1-11
John 4:5-42
Psalm 95

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

April Habitat for Humanity Build

2011-03-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

Friends,

On Saturday, April 16th, at 8:45, St. Paul's parishioners (among them YAMs) will gather in the St. Paul’s parking lot to carpool to work at the Habitat Retail Store. Habitat for Humanity builds homes in partnership with those who would otherwise be unable to purchase a home. The ReStore raises money for these efforts and also provides inexpensive materials for those building or renovating their own homes.

As many of you may also know, there is a required form to be filled out in order to work. I am making that form available here. Just print out the form and bring it with you on Saturday. If you forget, I will try to have some forms with me at 8:45 AM at St. Paul's. Our official work time is the morning shift of 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

There is no cost (outside sweat equity) associated with this event. After we all arrive at St. Paul’s and get our paperwork filled out, we will carpool to the ReStore to work for the morning shift. If you already have paperwork on file, please feel free to meet us at the ReStore (1201 E. Main St.).

I hope that you will all consider coming out for this event. Praying with your hands is good too, y'know!

Yours in Christ,
Bob

March Habitat Build Day

2011-03-16T15:43:00.001-07:00

Friends,

On Saturday, March 19th, at 8:45, St. Paul's parishioners (among them YAMs) will gather in the St. Paul’s parking lot to carpool to work on a Habitat house. Habitat for Humanity builds homes in partnership with those who would otherwise be unable to purchase a home.

As many of you may also know, there is a required form to be filled out in order to work. I am making that form available here. Just print out the form and bring it with you on Saturday. If you forget, I will try to have some forms with me at 8:45 AM at St. Paul's. Our official work time is the morning shift of 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. As a special treat this week, lunch is being provided for us by a Habitat Volunteer.

There is no cost (outside sweat equity) associated with this event. After we all arrive at St. Paul’s and get our paperwork filled out, we will carpool to the build site to work for the morning shift. If you already have paperwork on file, please feel free to meet us at the build site (which I will post here assoon as I have).

We will be painting this week, so dress appropriately.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

February Habitat Build Day

2011-02-18T08:07:00.000-08:00

Friends,

On Saturday, February 19th, at 8:45, St. Paul's parishioners (among them YAMs) will gather in the St. Paul’s parking lot to carpool to work at the Habitat Retail Store. Habitat for Humanity builds homes in partnership with those who would otherwise be unable to purchase a home. The ReStore raises money for these efforts and also provides inexpensive materials for those building or renovating their own homes.

As many of you may also know, there is a required form to be filled out in order to work. I am making that form available here. Just print out the form and bring it with you on Saturday. If you forget, I will try to have some forms with me at 8:45 AM at St. Paul's. Our official work time is the morning shift of 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. As a special treat this week, lunch is being provided for us by a Habitat Volunteer.

There is no cost (outside sweat equity) associated with this event. After we all arrive at St. Paul’s and get our paperwork filled out, we will carpool to the ReStore to work for the morning shift. If you already have paperwork on file, please feel free to meet us at the ReStore (1201 E. Main St.).

Yours in Christ,
Bob

P.S. We will not be lifting tiles or reorganizing wallpaper. Rather, we will be building wall frames for a house to be installed next week. I know that sometimes the ReStore is not as exciting for folks, especially when it seems like busy-work, but this week we will actually be doing a lot of good for a Habitat family in ways that we can immediately see and feel.

State of the YAMs Meeting and Luncheon

2011-02-02T19:45:00.001-08:00

Friends,

As I am sure all of you have read in the bulletin or in the Chimes, this Sunday at 12:30 PM is the State of the YAMs meeting. It all began a few months ago . . .

Faithful YAM, Brandon Mozingo, asked me where I envisioned the YAMs going in the next five years. I hemmed and I hawed and I really couldn’t give a good answer. While we know that Jesus did not have a five-year plan when he began his public earthly ministry, we probably should be thinking longer term than we are. So . . . if you are interested in where the YAMs might be going . . . do you have an idea for a particular ministry? Would you love to see the YAMs do something that we are not? Do you think that there needs to be a strategic plan in place for the welcoming of 20s and 30s people when they walk into St. Paul’s for the first time? Would you like to know about what mission opportunities are available for 20s- and 30s-aged Episcopalians? Perhaps you grew up at St. Paul’s and have not yet come to see what the YAMs have to offer you. If you have opinions on any of these items or have some grand plan for a great ministry in a way that none of us have ever envisioned, please consider coming to share this idea with the group as we work together through where we might be headed. The event will start at 12:30 – enough time to allow for Coffee after the 10:30 service. We will share ideas as we eat lunch together.

I really hope that everyone will be able to come out to this event to share ideas. It is really important.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Sermon for the Conversion of St. Paul

2011-01-25T14:56:00.000-08:00

Friends,

Last Sunday, Jan. 24th, St. Paul's Celebrated our Patronal Feast Day, the Conversion of St. Paul. Below are the Collect, readings, and my sermon for this occasion.

The Collect

O God, by the preaching of your apostle Paul you have caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world: Grant, we pray, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may show ourselves thankful to you by following his holy teaching; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Readings

Acts 26:9-21
Psalm 67
Galatians 1:11-24
Matthew 10:16-22

The Sermon (audio files)

The Acts Reading
The Sermon

I hope that you all enjoy it.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Great Movie Opportunity for YAMs and Others

2011-01-19T11:08:00.000-08:00

Friends,

Faithful YAM, Kat Hoffman, sent me this information that I am sharing with you:

The documentary film, “What’s Organic About Organic,” by Shelley Rogers will be screened at the Chattanooga Convention Center in Room #3 on Friday, January 21, 2011, at 8:00 P.M. The film will be followed by a brief discussion. Admission to the event is free. Please consider coming out for this event about such an important topic.

Thanks,
Bob

P.S. The official (read: pretty) flyer can be found here.

Pictures from Beers, Brats, and Boardgames

2010-12-03T12:04:00.001-08:00

YAMs Big River 10032010 010, originally uploaded by rkleopold.

Friends,

Here are some pictures from one of our most popular YAMs events to date, the Beers, Brats, & Boardgames excursion to Big River Brewery.

Click on the picture above to be taken to the whole set. Thanks to Jonathan for his picture-taking skills (all of the blurry ones were taken by yours truly). Enjoy!

Yours truly,
Bob

Preparation for The Dinner for the Wider St. Paul's Community

2010-12-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

Friends,

There has been some confusion about "the day of preparation" for the dinner for the wider community. In a word, everything is on Sunday. After the 10:30 service on Sunday, December 5th, the YAMs will meet in the kitchen throughout the day, as you are able, to help prepare the feast for that evening. Everyone is invited and encourage to attend the service of Advent Lessons & Carols at 5:00 PM, followed (at 6:15) by the Second Annual St. Paul's YAMs Dinner for the Wider Congregation. We will need lots of YAMs on hand for the dinner, so please consider coming out for this event.

Just to reiterate: nothing is happening for this event on Saturday. Enjoy MainX24 or the like.

Peace,
Bob

Sermon for the Last Sunday After Pentecost

2010-11-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

Friends,

Here is the audio for the sermon I preached on October 24th.

First, the texts . . .

The Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm 46
Colossians 1:11-20
Luke 23:33-43

Then the MP3s . . .

Here is the Gospel Reading.
Here is the Sermon.

Thanks and enjoy,
Bob

Grateful Gobbler Walk and Thanksgiving Service

2010-11-22T09:13:00.000-08:00

Friends,

That time of year is nigh upon us: Thanksgiving is just around the corner and with it comes the Grateful Gobbler Walk, Roll, or Stroll to Benefit the Homeless in our area. This walk takes place on Thursday morning, November 25th – Thanksgiving Day – at 8:00 AM. This year, participants of all ages from St. Paul’s are invited to walk, roll, or stroll – all under the banner of the Episcopal Church. This is not just limited to YAMs or Youth. If you are interested in walking, please register online here. The cost is a donation $20 per walker – do not let this be a limiting factor. St. Paul’s Members plan on meeting before the walk at the carousel in Coolidge Park under the Episcopal Flag. After the walk, we will make our way to St. Paul’s for the Thanksgiving Day Service, which begins at 10:30 AM.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Sermon for the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost

2010-11-21T09:43:00.000-08:00

Friends,

Here is the audio for the sermon I preached on October 24th.

First, the texts . . .

The Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Joel 2:23-32
Psalm 65
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Luke 18:9-14

Then the MP3s . . .

Here is the Gospel Reading.
Here is the Sermon.

Thanks,
Bob

November Habitat Build Day

2010-11-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

Friends,

On Saturday, November 20th, at 8:45, St. Paul's parishioners (among them YAMs) will gather in the St. Paul’s parking lot to carpool to a Habitat Build. Habitat for Humanity builds homes in partnership with those who would otherwise be unable to purchase a home. There is no cost (outside sweat equity) associated with this event. After we all arrive at St. Paul’s, we will carpool to the build site to work for the morning shift. We should wrap up around lunch time.

As many of you may also know, there is a required form to be filled out in order to work. I am making that form available here. Just print out the form and bring it with you on Saturday. If you forget, I will try to have some forms with me at 8:45 AM, which is when I will be getting there. Our official work time is the morning shift of 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. After our shift ends, we will luncheon together - time, weather, and cash permitting.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

YAMs Retreat Friday, Nov. 12, through Sunday, Nov. 14

2010-10-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

Friends,

YAMs mark your calendars: from Friday, November 12th, through Sunday, November 14th, the YAMs will be on retreat to Grace Point. We will leave around 6:00 PM on Friday and should be back by 3:00 PM on Sunday afternoon. Grace Point is our Diocesan Camp and Conference Center, located just over an hour away on the Watts Bar Reservoir. The retreat will provide a chance to get away from the stressors of modern life in Christian Community with one another – culminating in a Celebration of Holy Eucharist at the St. Paul’s Chapel of Grace Point. More details to follow soon.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Halloween-Themed Evening Activities for IHN Families

2010-10-24T11:25:00.000-07:00

Friends,

On Friday evening, October 29th, at 6:00 PM, St. Paul’s YAMs and Youth will partner to provide food and Halloween-themed evening activities for the IHN families we will be hosting this evening. Activities will be confined to the second floor of St. Paul’s. Please come out to help give these families a most fun evening and remember that All Hallows’ Eve is a Holiday of the Church (even though we will be celebrating All Hallows’ Eve Eve Eve). I hope to see lots of folks there.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

October 24th – YAMs “Cold” Breakfast Chefs and Servers

2010-10-20T11:25:00.001-07:00

Friends,

As may have read, Sunday October 24th, is the parish BBQ at St. Paul’s. As such, the morning breakfast offerings have been continental. That is . . . until now. The YAMs, partnered with Chef Nate Flynt, will be providing a cold breakfast to rival any cold breakfast. Preparation will be Saturday morning, October 23rd, with more details to follow. However, in order to serve, the YAMs should be on hand Sunday morning by X:XX AM. It is early, to be sure, but will be worth it. See you there!

Yours in Christ,
Bob

October Habitat Build Day

2010-10-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

Friends,

On Saturday, October 16th, at 8:45, St. Paul's parishioners (among them YAMs) will gather in the St. Paul’s parking lot to carpool to a Habitat Build. Habitat for Humanity builds homes in partnership with those who would otherwise be unable to purchase a home. There is no cost (outside sweat equity) associated with this event. After we all arrive at St. Paul’s, we will carpool to the build site to work for the morning shift. We should wrap up around lunch time.

As many of you may also know, there is a required form to be filled out in order to work. I am making that form available here. Just print out the form and bring it with you on Saturday. If you forget, I will try to have some forms with me at 8:45 AM, which is when I will be getting there. Our official work time is the morning shift of 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. After our shift ends, we will luncheon together - time, weather, and cash permitting.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

St. Paul's YAMs Beers, Brats, & Boardgames

2010-09-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

Friends,

Fall . . . ahh . . . a welcome rest from the warmth of this summer. Fall evokes images of leaves changing, shared meals, and, of course, Octoberfest. This year the YAMs are trying their own Octoberfest of sorts. After the 10:30 AM service, on Sunday, October 3rd, the YAMs will make their way over to Big River Brewery for a private dining room filled with a full menu’s worth of Octoberfest-y items (including beer). What’s more, many German Boardgames will be on loan from the Leopold collection for the celebration. Please come join us for what promises to be a most excellent afternoon. The cost is the cost of menu items ordered. I sure hope that everyone can make it to this fun event!

Yours in Christ,
Bob

P.S. Here are some pictures from this event.

YAMs to Have Sunday Lunch at the Public House

2010-09-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

Friends,

After the 10:30 Service on Sunday, September 26th, the YAMs will break their Fall norm of going to Greenlife Grocery in order to support fellow YAM (and Head Chef of the Public House) Nate Flynt, by heading to the Public House. We will be in the dining room and they are expecting a bunch of us, so I hope a buncho of us will be able to attend. Please consider coming out in order to kick-start your YAMs Fall participation.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

YAM Lindsay Rieman Organizes Dancing at the Choo-Choo

2010-09-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

Friends,

This is a departure from most of my posts, but I thought that I would share about our YAM, Lindsay Rieman, who helped organized this:

Way to go Lindsay!

Peace,
Bob

YAMs Fall Schedule

2010-09-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

Friends,

Here is the much-requested YAMs Fall Calendar of Events. If you are a young adult (somewhere in your 20s or 30s) and live in the Chattanooga Area, you are invited to participate in these events. Many of our core Young Adult Ministers (YAMs) hail from St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Downtown, Chattanooga, but know that - if you read this blog and fit the geographic and chronologic requirements - you are invited and will be welcomed. Contact me here for more information.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Sermon from Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

Friends,

Here are the readings (and my sermon) from Labor Day weekend:

Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Jeremiah 18:1-11
Psalm 139:1-5, 13-17
Philemon 1-25
Luke 14:25-33

Also, here is what I had to say about Paul's Letter to Philemon (the Epistle).

Here is the Epistle.

Here is the Sermon.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

YAMs Fall Work Day

2010-09-08T15:02:00.000-07:00

Friends,

On Saturday, September 11th, at 9:00 a.m., the St. Paul's YAMs gather at St. Paul's to begin a work half-day. Chief among our projects will be painting shelves for the Godly Play Christian Education Room. Also, we will be helping a few other parishioners with light work at their homes - chores that they could otherwise not do. Everything should be wrapped-up by lunchtime, where we will gather for a shared meal at Big River Grille. We hope to see a big turnout for this fun service event that will really help the St. Paul's Community.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

September Habitat Build Day

2010-09-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

Friends,

On Saturday, September 18th, at 8:45, St. Paul's parishioners (among them YAMs) will gather in the St. Paul’s parking lot to carpool to a Habitat Build. Habitat for Humanity builds homes in partnership with those who would otherwise be unable to purchase a home. There is no cost (outside sweat equity) associated with this event. After we all arrive at St. Paul’s, we will carpool to the build site to work for the morning shift. We should wrap up around lunch time.

As many of you may also know, there is a required form to be filled out in order to work. I am making that form available here. Just print out the form and bring it with you on Saturday. If you forget, I will try to have some forms with me at 8:45 AM, which is when I will be getting there. Our official work time is the morning shift of 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. After our shift ends, we will luncheon together - time, weather, and cash permitting.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

St. Paul's August Habitat Build

2010-08-24T10:47:00.001-07:00

SNC00071 (2), originally uploaded by rkleopold.

Friends,

Thanks to everyone who helped out last Saturday. Here are a couple pictures I snapped from my phone of the event. Check out those rafter dwellers and Adam's use of that saw!

Peace,
Bob

Pictures from St. Paul's YAMs at the McCallie Lake

2010-08-24T08:13:00.001-07:00

IMG_3400, originally uploaded by rkleopold.

Friends,

Check out these pictures from the YAMs at the McCallie School "Lake."

Thanks,
Bob

St. Paul's YAMs Hike to Cloudland Canyon

2010-08-24T08:02:00.001-07:00

P6200074, originally uploaded by rkleopold.

Friends,

Sorry these pictures took so so long. Thanks to all who attended the hike and took these great pictures!

Yours in Christ,
Bob

August Habitat Build Day

2010-08-02T12:04:00.000-07:00

Friends,

On Saturday, August 21st, at 8:30, St. Paul's parishioners (among them YAMs) will gather in the St. Paul’s parking lot to carpool to a Habitat Build. Habitat for Humanity builds homes in partnership with those who would otherwise be unable to purchase a home. There is no cost (outside sweat equity) associated with this event. After we all arrive at St. Paul’s, we will carpool to the build site to work for the morning shift. We should wrap up around lunch time.

As many of you may also know, there is a required form to be filled out in order to work. I am making that form available here. Just print out the form and bring it with you on Saturday. If you forget, I will try to have some forms with me at 8:15 AM, which is when I will be getting there. Our official work time is the morning shift of 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. After our shift ends, we will luncheon together - time, weather, and cash permitting.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

P.S. Please check out some pictures from this event here.

YAMs Covered-Dish Lunch and Movie

2010-08-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

YAMs Covered-Dish Lunch and Movie

Friends,

On Sunday, August 8 (not the 15th as previously stated), After the 10:30 Service, the YAMs will gather in the Yo Room and adjacent kitchen, upstairs at St. Paul’s. Once there, the YAMs will set a table of covered-dish items for a shared YAMs meal. While the YAMs eat, a short movie will be shown on the projector. After the film is over, a brief discussion will follow. Children are welcome. The cost of this event is a covered-dish item. Please come join us.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Sermon for the 9th Sunday After Pentecost (Year C)

2010-07-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

Friends,

Below is the sermon I most recently preached.

The Collect of the Day:

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Here are the readings in text format.

Here is the audio recording of the gospel and of the sermon.

Enjoy!

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Sermon for the 7th Sunday After Pentecost (Year C)

2010-07-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

Friends,

Below is the sermon I most recently preached.

The Collect of the Day:

O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Here are the readings in text format.

Here is the audio recording of the gospel and of the sermon.

Enjoy!

Yours in Christ,
Bob

YAMs Cookout at the McCallie Lake

2010-07-06T09:32:00.000-07:00

Friends,

On Sunday, July 11th, after the 10:30 service, the YAMs will head to the McCallie School for their lunch plans. We will provide hot dogs and buns. All you need to bring is a swim suit and a side dish to accompany the grilling. We will have use of the McCallie Lake until 3:00 to barbeque, swim and have a great time. There may be a few surprises too, so come prepared for lots of fun!

Yours in Christ,
Bob

P.S. Check out some pictures here.

July Habitat Build Day

2010-07-05T06:32:00.000-07:00

YAMs Habitat Build

Friends,

On Saturday, July 31, at 8:30, St. Paul's parishioners (among them YAMs) will gather in the St. Paul’s parking lot to carpool to a Habitat Build. Habitat for Humanity builds homes in partnership with those who would otherwise be unable to purchase a home. There is no cost (outside sweat equity) associated with this event. After we all arrive at St. Paul’s, we will carpool to the build site to work for the morning shift. We should wrap up around lunch time.

As many of you may also know, there is a required form to be filled out in order to work. I am making that form available here. Just print out the form and bring it with you on Saturday. If you forget, I will try to have some forms with me at 8:15 AM, which is when I will be getting there. Our official work time is the morning shift of 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. After our shift ends, we will luncheon together - time, weather, and cash permitting.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Hiking with the YAMs

2010-06-08T12:08:00.000-07:00

Friends,

YAM, Cliff Hightower, has graciously offered to lead us on a hike through a local canyon. Here are the details as they will appear in the Sunday Bulletin, the eChimes, and on the facebook page:

"YAMs Day Hike, Sunday June 20th after the 10:30 Service

After Coffee Hour church on Sunday, June 20, the YAMs will be headed to Greenlife Grocery for lunch. Immediately after lunch, any YAM who is interested is invited to go on a hike to Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia. The park is a mere 30 minute drive from St. Paul's, on top of Lookout Mountain.

After lunch at Greenlife, the YAMs will carpool up to Cloudland Canyon, which is located in Dade County, just past Trenton. The hike is an easy two and a half to three hour hike around the perimeter of the canyon. Some of the things seen along the trail will include incredible sights of the canyon, formed thousands of years ago by the creek that runs through the middle of the gorge. Next, the trail heads downhill and cross over the creek, and along this path rhododendrum, hemlock, and other plant life found along creeksides can be seen. The trail continues on the south crest of the canyon and there are at least three different stopping points for incredible views.

For those feeling even more adventurous, there is an option last leg we can take before going to the cars that leads to two pristine waterfalls at the bottom of the canyon. To get to these waterfalls, one must travel down 600 stairs. Climbing back up is the problem, but it's well worth it.

Cloudland Canyon requires a $5/car parking fee. This is the only potential cost of the excursion. For more information, please contact Cliff Hightower (on the YAMs facebook page)."

I hope that everyone will consider joining us for this great day trip!

Yours in Christ,
Bob

P.S. Please check out some pictures here.

June Habitat Build Day

2010-06-07T12:05:00.000-07:00

YAMs Habitat Build

Friends,

On Saturday, June 19, at 8:30, St. Paul's parishioners (among them YAMs) will gather in the St. Paul’s parking lot to carpool to a Habitat Build. Habitat for Humanity builds homes in partnership with those who would otherwise be unable to purchase a home. There is no cost (outside sweat equity) associated with this event. After we all arrive at St. Paul’s, we will carpool to the build site to work for the morning shift. We should wrap up around lunch time.

As many of you may also know, there is a required form to be filled out in order to work. I am making that form available here. Just print out the form and bring it with you on Saturday. If you forget, I will try to have some forms with me at 8:15 AM, which is when I will be getting there. Our official work time is the morning shift of 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. After our shift ends, we will luncheon together - time, weather, and cash permitting.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Sunday Suppers for Six

2010-06-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

Friends,

I was asked to send this along by fellow YAMs, Lisa Leopold and Paul Barnett, Jr. I hope that you consider participating in this ministry.

"All,
We have been working with the In-reach Committee to establish a new ministry at the church ... Sunday Suppers for Six. Hopefully you've seen this in the bulletin, Chimes, or e-Chimes. The purpose of the ministry is to facilitate a way for members of the church from different groups within the church to get to know each other better. The plan is to divide into a bunch of small groups between 4 and 8 people and have those groups get together once a month on their on schedule for some social activity -- whatever the group decides. Initially we will do this for the 4 months over the summer from June to October, and then switch groups in the fall.

This is a great way for us as young adults to get to know other parishoners that might not normally come to our events. I hope that you all would please consider participating with this. I think it would be great to have at least one young adult in every group. For all you folks that aren't partnered... or those of you with partners who might not be as enthuiasic as you are ... you can request to be with one other person ... or see what people the Holy Spirit has in mind for you. We hope to see you all on June 6th for the kick-off event. If you can't make it and your interested let us know and we will get you plugged into a group. If you plan on being there on June 6th at 6:00, email Amy Sandy at sandy@stpaulschatt.org and let her know your interested; cost is $6.

See you on the Sixth!!!
Lisa and Paul"

Thanks for your consideration,
Bob

May Habitat Build Day

2010-05-07T03:31:00.000-07:00

YAMs Habitat Build Day

Friends,

On Saturday, May 22, at 8:30, the YAMs will gather in the St. Paul’s parking lot to carpool to a Habitat Build. Habitat for Humanity builds homes in partnership with those who would otherwise be unable to purchase a home. There is no cost (outside sweat equity) associated with this event. After we all arrive at St. Paul’s, we will carpool to the build site to work for the morning shift. We should wrap up around lunch time.

As many of you may also know, there is a required form to be filled out in order to work. I am making that form available here. Just print out the form and bring it with you on Saturday. If you forget, I will try to have some forms with me at 8:15 AM, which is when I will be getting there. Our official work time is the morning shift of 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

St. Paul's YAMs Facebook Group

2010-05-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

Friends,

I hope everyone knows about the YAMs facebook group on facebook. It is cleverly titled, "St. Paul's YAMs." Please join that group for the most up-to-date information on YAMs events. Here is a link for you.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Metropolitan Ministries Benefit Concert

2010-04-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

Friends,

I was asked to pass this along:

"On Wednesday, April 28, at Lindsay Street Hall (corner of MLKjr Blvd & Lindsay Street, Chattanooga), C.C. Booker III, featuring Will Scruggs, will present a concert to benefit the human needs fund of Metropolitan Ministries, with two sets at 7 & 9 PM - $10/1 set; $15/both.

C.C. Booker III is an Atlanta-based jazz quartet exploring the soul/jazz music of Ray Charles, King Curtis and Booker T & the MGs. The band is made up of Will Scruggs on vocals & saxophones, David Ellington on Hammond B-3, Dan Baraszu on guitar and drummer Marlon Patton.

Refreshments will be on sale, as will the band's self-titled CD, plus other Scruggs CDs and t-shirts. All proceeds go to help fund Metropolitan Ministries’ efforts to support those in need of financial, emotional and physical necessities. All ages are welcome; listening and dancing are encouraged.

For further information, contact http://www.lindsaystreethall.com/ or call 423 658-5587."

Thanks,
Bob

May 1st Eastertide Party Cancelled

2010-04-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

Friends,

This was announced at the 10:30 service yesterday, but just to be sure everyone here knows . . . the May 1st Eastertide Party has been cancelled in leiu of the Fun Hunt after the 10:30 service on Sunday, May 2nd. See everyone there . . .

Thanks,
Bob

YAMs Eastertide Party

2010-04-18T06:31:00.000-07:00

YAMs Eastertide Party at the Leopolds’ Home

Friends,

At 4:00 PM on the evening of Saturday, May 1st, the Leopolds will open their home to host a “Christ is Risen!” party for the St. Paul’s Young Adults. The festivities celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord will continue until about 9:00 PM. All that participants should bring are positive attitudes, unless there are special dietary restrictions to be considered. Please email me to RSVP and for directions. This will be a chance for us to celebrate the Risen Christ and the season of Easter together. I do hope that you all will be able to make it out for some fun and gluten-free treats and maybe even some Lamb from our grill.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Helping Weekend Clarification

2010-04-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

Friends,

I apologize for the tardiness of this announcement, but it has been difficult to get all of those who need help together for the Helping Weekend. But, now that I have gotten the helpees together, I need to wrangle the helpers. Essentially, the main team for work will meet at St. Paul’s on Saturday morning, April 17th, at 9:00 to paint the Godly Play shelves. After this, we will move out in teams to various locations to help parishioners with light house work. The idea would be that we could all meet together for lunch around noon. I hope that many of you will be able to attend this, the second annual, Helping Weekend.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

YAMs 2nd Annual Helping Weekend

2010-04-01T06:31:00.000-07:00

St. Paul’s Second Annual Helping Weekend

Friends,

St. Paul’s Helping Weekend – From Friday April 15th to Sunday April 17th, the YAMs will be roving about in small teams in order to help St. Paul’s parishioners with household chores – particularly those parishioners who might have trouble doing these chores themselves. We will be accepting donations – this event will act as a fundraiser for the Young Adult Ministries at St. Paul’s. If you are interested in being on one of these helping teams, please let me know at me or call the church office. We look forward to working with all of the St. Paul’s family. For more information see the letter in this issue of the Chimes, written to those we will be helping.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Updated Calendar for Spring and Summer 2010

2010-03-30T12:57:00.000-07:00

Greetings friends,

Well, there has been a lot of push and pull with the schedule and I really want to make sure to schedule events that people want to attend, so . . .

Here is the new schedule for Spring and Summer 2010. I hope that an event you would like to attend made the list.

April 15-17 - Helping Weekend
May 2 - Fun Hunt
May 22 - Habitat Build
June 6 - Sunday Supper Series Kickoff
June 20 - Day Hike
July 9 - YAMs Progressive Supper
July 21 - Habitat Build
August 12 - Movie & Discussion (with Pizza)
August 28 - Covered Disch Supper

Here is a link to the new schedule as a .pdf with more times and information. Enjoy!

Yours in Christ,
Bob

YAMs Lunch with Partnership

2010-03-29T12:26:00.001-07:00

SNC00043, originally uploaded by rkleopold.

Friends,

Sorry for the delay in updating the website - we have been pretty busy around here, gearing up for Holy Week. On Sunday, Feb. 21st, after the 10:30 service, the Director of Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults (http://www.partnershipfca.com/) came to talk to the YAMs about volunteer and service opportunities. Here are some pictures from that luncheon. Enjoy!

Yours in Christ,
Bob

2nd Annaul Fun Hunt Postponed

2010-03-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

Friends,

As many of you have let me know that you cannot attend the Fun Hunt - one of last year's biggest events - we have decided for the good of the order to move the Fun Hunt into the Season of Easter. The new Fun Hunt day will be May 2nd, after the 10:30 Celebration of Holy Eucharist. The rest of the details - what we will do, when we will eat, will be unchanged.

Thanks for understanding and I hope everyone can make the new day and time.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

YAMs 2nd Annual Fun Hunt

2010-03-10T07:10:00.000-08:00

St. Paul’s Second Annual YAMs Fun Hunt Friends, On the afternoon of Sunday, March 21st, the St. Paul’s YAMs (folks in their 20s-30s) will gather immediately after the 10:30 service on the church stage (right next to the coffee hour Key-Andrews Hall) for the 2nd annual St. Paul’s YAMs Fun Hunt. We have devised a devilishly clever scavenger hunt to take place throughout the buildings of St. Paul’s. This promises to be a fun way for the St. Paul’s YAMs to learn about the various ministries that take place here and to learn some of the history and geography of the church’s building. We learned a lot from the 1st annual Fun Hunt last year and this year’s Fun Hunt promises to be even better. Lunch will be provided before the hunt begins and snacks will be provided throughout the scavenger hunt. Little ones are welcome too. Please consider coming out for this fun event, even if you feel you know a lot about what goes on here, we will have a few great surprises along the way. Who knows, your team might even win. Yours in Christ, Bob

March Habitat Build Day

2010-03-01T06:31:00.000-08:00

YAMs Habitat Build

Friends,

On Saturday, March 13, at 8:30, the YAMs will gather in the St. Paul’s parking lot to carpool to a Habitat Build. Habitat for Humanity builds homes in partnership with those who would otherwise be unable to purchase a home. There is no cost (outside sweat equity) associated with this event. After we all arrive at St. Paul’s, we will carpool to the build site to work for the morning shift. We should wrap up around lunch time.

As many of you may also know, there is a required form to be filled out in order to work. I am making that form available here. Just print out the form and bring it with you on Saturday. If you forget, I will try to have some forms with me at 8:15 AM, which is when I will be getting there. Our official work time is the morning shift of 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

February Luncheon Speaker

2010-02-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

YAMs Luncheon Speaker

Friends,

On Sunday, February 21st, after the 10:30 service, the YAMs will meet on the St. Paul’s stage for luncheon and a speaker. We will welcome as our speaker the director of Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, Inc. (the former Family and Children's Services.) It is probably the oldest and largest social service organizations in Chattanooga. Please join us for what promises to be a most engaging presentation. Child care will be provided, and the cost is $5. (Please do not let the cost be a limiting factor.) Please RSVP to me by February 19th.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

P.S. Please check out the pictures here.

YAMs Christmas Party Pictures

2010-02-15T13:20:00.001-08:00

YAMs Christmas Party, originally uploaded by rkleopold.

Friends,

Here is a picture from the YAMs Christmas Party. Click on the picture to be sent to the whole set. This is the new way that picture will be added to the YAMs website. This will help with space issues on the blogspot server. Also, you will be able to search by tags so that any YAMs pictures you would want to see, just click on the YAMs tag. I hope that you enjoy this batch. Watch for more in the coming weeks and months.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Flickr Upload to Blog Test

2010-02-15T12:46:00.001-08:00

Hello, originally uploaded by rkleopold.

Friends,

I appreciate your patience in these little tests (as on facebook, twitter, the blog, and now from flickr). I hope that they will be over sooner rather than later. In the meantime, this is a picture that I have uploaded to my flickr account for the purposes of "pushing" it to the YAMs website (and by extension being pushed to the st. paul's facebook page). Who knew ministry would take on these dimensions? I sure as heck didn't.

Thanks again,
Bob

Mardi Gras Party with the 102 Class

2010-02-01T07:08:00.000-08:00

Mardi Gras Party for YAMs and Episcopal 102

Friends,

On the evening of Tuesday, February 16, at 6:00 PM, the YAMs and the Episcopal 102 class will join forces for a brief explanation of “Fat Tuesday” and to party! The party will be held in Key-Andrews Hall. Food will be fed, drink will be drunk, danced will be danced . . . Sorry, but I love cognate accusatives. Come and celebrate the feast that makes the fast all the more meaningful, Mardi Gras. There may even be a pancake or two.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

January Habitat Build Day

2010-01-14T06:31:00.000-08:00

YAMs Habitat Build

Friends,

On Saturday, January 30, at 8:30, the YAMs will gather in the St. Paul’s parking lot to carpool to a Habitat Build. Habitat for Humanity builds homes in partnership with those who would otherwise be unable to purchase a home. There is no cost (outside sweat equity) associated with this event. After we all arrive at St. Paul’s, we will carpool to the build site to work for the morning shift. We should wrap up around lunch time.

As many of you may also know, there is a required form to be filled out in order to work. I am making that form available here. Just print out the form and bring it with you on Saturday. If you forget, I will try to have some forms with me at 8:15 AM, which is when I will be getting there. Our official work time is the morning shift of 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Yours of Christ,

Bob

YAMs Host Dinner for Wider Church

2009-12-27T10:55:00.000-08:00

YAMs Host a Dinner for Wider St. Paul’s Community

Friends,
On Sunday, January 17th, at 6 P.M., the YAMs will host a dinner for the wider St. Paul’s Community in Key-Andrews Hall. During the dinner, a quest speaker will talk about the current State of the Church as it relates to Young Adults. If you are interested in meeting some YAMs and finding out whom they are, why they are here, or anything else, please consider coming to this most enlightening evening. The YAMs want a relationship with you; do you want a relationship with them? Prove that the YAMs are important to you by coming to this dinner that they are hosting. Many of you have asked me if you could share a meal with the YAMs at Greenlife Grocery, well now here is your chance. Child care will be provided, and the cost is $6. (Please do not let the cost be a limiting factor.) Please RSVP to me or by calling the Church office by January 13th.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

YAMs Christmas Party at the Leopolds’ Home

2009-12-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

YAMs Christmas Party at the Leopolds’ Home

Friends,

At 6:00 PM on the evening of Sunday, January 3rd, the Leopolds will open their home to host a Christmas party for the St. Paul’s Young Adults (please note that this is a change from Saturday, December 26th). The festivities celebrating the natal feast of our Lord will continue until about 9:00 PM. All that participants should bring are positive attitudes, unless there are special dietary restrictions to be considered. Please email me to RSVP and for directions. This will be a chance for us to celebrate the birth of our Lord and the end of the year together. I do hope that you all will be able to make it out for some fun and gluten-free treats.

Yours in Christ,

Bob

P.S. Check out the evite here.

P.P.S. I have added a picture set that is linked to here.

Sermon from Advent I, Year C

2009-12-01T10:09:00.000-08:00

Friends,

As I mentioned below, I was allowed to preach twice this past weekend. Here is the second sermon of the two, for Advent I.

Here is the Collect:

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Here are the readings:

Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-9
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36

Here is the Gospel reading in audio format.

Here is the sermon.

Enjoy! I just love the image of my sermon sitting next to Styx or some other dirty-little-secret band on someone's iPod. I am not sure if this actually happens, but I do love the image.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Thanksgiving Day Sermon

2009-12-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

Friends,

This past weekend, I got a double-whammy of preaching done. Here is the first sermon from Thanksgiving Day.

Here is The Collect:

Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Here are the readings:

Joel 2:21-27
Psalm 126
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Matthew 6:25-33

Here is the Gospel reading in audio format.

Here is the Sermon.

I hope that everyone had a happy Thanksgiving.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Pictures from the 2009 Grateful Gobbler

2009-11-30T11:57:00.001-08:00

Friends,

Thanks to all of you who were able to walk in the Grateful Gobbler Walk or attend the Thanksgiving Day Service or both!

Here are some pictures from the event. These were taken and lovingly shared by Andy Montgomery. Thanks Andy.

I just love the huge group that we had from St. Paul's and other area Episcopal Churches that met under the Episcopal flag. Pretty neat.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

YAMs Deliver Goodies and Go Advent Caroling

2009-11-27T06:38:00.000-08:00

YAMs Meet for Lunch, Delivery of Baked Goodies, and Advent Caroling

Friends,

As mentioned previously, the St. Paul’s Young Adults will be caroling to homebound members of St. Paul’s. We also plan on making some other surprise appearances – consider yourselves warned! We will begin with a quick lunch after the 10:30 AM service at (Greenlife as usual) and then make our way a-caroling where we will hand out baked goods that were crafted the day before. We should be finished by mid-afternoon. Please try to come to our singing practice the previous morning if at all possible. We will be advent caroling, which means that we may need some help on our songs. In addition, you can help us bake. Bob Leopold needs help baking.

Yours in Christ,

Bob

P.S. Check out the evite here.

YAMs Bake Goodies and Rehearse Advent Carols

2009-11-27T06:30:00.000-08:00

YAMs Prepare Baked Goodies and Rehearse Advent Carols

Friends,

On Saturday, December 19th, at 10:00 AM, at the St. Paul’s kitchen, the YAMs will gather to prepare baked goodies and practice our singing for the following day’s activity. The YAMs will meet to make baked goodies to hand out the following day after the 10:30 church service to those to the homebound whom we will visit. So, bring your favorite cookie recipe and the necessary ingredients and come on out and cook with us. Also in preparation of Sunday, the 20th, we will practice our “Advent” caroling songs. We will welcome our Director of Music, Keith Reas for this endeavor. Please bring your favorite singable tunes in and we will practice while we bake.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

P.S. Please view the evite here.

Last Minute C.S.Lewis Opportunity

2009-11-21T12:53:00.000-08:00

Greetings friends,

Thanks to one of our newest YAMs, Jennifer, I am able to share with you an opportunity to see some of C. S. Lewis's finest work . . . presented in person. The Screwtape Letters is a book that wistfully details the correspondence between two demons - Screwtape and Wormwood. The younger and less experienced Wormwood receives encouragement in his duty to tempt humanity from the older and superior Screwtape. Needless to say this is an ironically clever work of fiction.

The Tivoli theater is presenting a one man show of the book tonight and tomorrow night. More information can be found about the performance here and more information can be found about the Tivoli's schedule here.

I don't know that I will be able to make it, but I would welcome a report from someone who does.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Grateful Gobbler Sponsorships

2009-11-14T06:38:00.000-08:00

Grateful Gobbler Sponsorships

Friends,

Many of you have expressed interest in sponsoring a walker for the Grateful Gobbler Walk, Roll, or Stroll to benefit the homeless. If this is the case, please make out a check payable to “The Homeless Coalition” in the amount of $20.00 per sponsor. Checks can be given to The Rev. Robert K. Leopold or to any other member of St. Paul’s ministry team. Thank you so much for your support of this important ministry.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Grateful Gobbler and Thanksgiving Service

2009-11-14T06:29:00.000-08:00

Grateful Gobbler Walk and Thanksgiving Service

Friends,

That time of year is nigh upon us. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and with it comes the Grateful Gobbler Walk, Roll, or Stroll to Benefit the Homeless in our area. This walk takes place on Thursday morning, November 26th – Thanksgiving Day – at 8:00 AM. This year, Adam Webb and I will be finding participants from St. Paul’s to walk, roll, or stroll. This is not just limited to YAMs or Youth. If you are interested in walking, please pick up one of the flyers peppered throughout the church or see Adam or me for more information. The cost is a donation $20 per walker – do not let this be a limiting factor. We plan on meeting before the walk at the carousel in Coolidge Park under the Episcopal Flag. After the walk, we will make our way to St. Paul’s for the Thanksgiving Day Service, which begins at 10:30 AM. Please do not go someplace and pay for treats, as they will be made available at St. Paul’s, once again this year.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

P.S. Here are some pictures.

Pictures from YAMs Serivng Breakfast

2009-11-04T11:38:00.002-08:00

Friends,

Here are some pictures from the recent YAMs Breakfast service. We got great reviews and hold the record for the most people served this year so far. Yay! Also, I love the fact that we served sweet potato home fries - the YAMs served yams . . . nice. Thanks for everyone's hard work - especially Paul and Nate (with the chef shirts on).

Yours in Christ,
Bob

P.S. Please excuse the quality of these pictures - they were taken on my phone.

Pictures from YAMs Cleaning Up St. Paul's Grounds

2009-11-04T11:38:00.001-08:00

Friends,

Here are some pictures from the recent YAMs Cleaning of the St. Paul's Memorial Garden. Seth had tons of fun playing in the dirt and so did I. Thanks to everyone for their hard work in this venture. Check out Alex's Helment. Enjoy!

Yours in Christ,
Bob

P.S. Please excuse the quality of these pictures - they were taken on my phone.

Rick Govan Speaks

2009-10-27T06:29:00.000-07:00

YAMs Dinner with Speaker Rick Govan

Friends,

On Friday, November 13th, at 6 p.m., the YAMs will meet at St. Paul’s Key-Andrews Hall for dinner. We will welcome as our speaker, Rick Govan. Rick Govan is, in addition to being a faithful St. Paul’s member, Rick is the Ministry Development Facilitator for the Diocese of East Tennessee, specializing in promoting the Ministry of all the Baptized. He will share with us and empowering message of shared ministry and that spreading the Gospel is the responsibility of all – lay and ordained. Child care will be provided, and the cost is $6. (Please do not let the cost be a limiting factor.) Please RSVP by emailing me by November 11th.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

P.S. Please view the evite here.

YAMs Clean Up

2009-10-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

YAMs Clean Up St. Paul’s Grounds

Friends,

Saturday Oct. 24, from 10:00 AM to noon, the YAMs will gather at St. Paul’s in order to help the sextons clean debris from the parking lot after the Fall pruning. This event is a short one, but should still be lots of fun. Tools that you might get to use include: a leaf vacuum, pruning shears, a garbage bag, etc. The cost is nothing and children are welcome to help too.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

P.S. Please check out the evite here.

P.P.S. Check out the Pictures here.

YAMs Breakfast

2009-10-14T06:29:00.000-07:00

YAMs Serve Breakfast

Friends,

On Saturday, October 31, at 9:00 AM, the YAMs will gather at the St. Paul’s Kitchen to prepare breakfast for the following Sunday. We will be making a great breakfast for the celebratory feast day of All Saints’ Day. We will also be trying on our costumes for the breakfast service . . . yup, costumes. On Sunday morning, we report to St. Paul’s at 8:00 AM in order to set out the breakfast for the morning. Breakfast service will be over in time to make the bulk of the Sunday School hour.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

P.S. Check out the Pictures here.

Sermon for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost

2009-10-12T10:42:00.001-07:00

Friends,

Sorry for the delay in getting this up. I preached way back on October 4, but never put thesermon online. Sorry about that. So . . .

Here is the Collect:

Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Here are the reaings from the 18th Sunday after Pentecost (October 4th):

Genesis 2:18-24
Hebrews 2:(1-8)9-18
Mark 10:2-9
Psalm 8 or 128

Here is the Genesis reading and Sermon in audio format:

Genesis
Sermon

I hope you enjoy it!

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Pictures from St. Paul's and St. Peter's In-Gathering

2009-10-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

Friends,

Here are some pictures (from my phone - sorry for the quality) from the Joint Gathering of St. Paul's YAMs and St. Peter's College & Careers groups.

Enjoy!

Thanks to everyone who was able to attend.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

LaPaz Film Discussion

2009-10-11T11:21:00.000-07:00

Greetings friends,

Our good friend Kat Hoffman sent me this info about a film and discussion as part of the Ministries of LaPaz de Dios.

I hope that I am able to attend.

I promised that I would share info like this with you all when I get it. Hopefully some of you will be able to make it.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

St. Peter's College and Careers Speaker Series

2009-10-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

Friends,

Following up with our joint venture with St. Peter's College & Careers group, I am letting everyone know about the upcoming opportunity in their speaker series. On Monday, October 12, the C&C group will meet at St. Peter's Episcopal Church at 6:00 PM.

The program begins with a service of Evening Prayer, followed by dinner and a speaker. The speaker on the 12th will be the Rev. Lou(isa) Parsons, Rector of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Ooltewah. She will give a presentation on the Millenium Development Goals.

If you are interested in attending, please email Robert Hartmans (whom many of you have met, if you attended the aforementioned dinner or any of our service events) to let him know that you are coming, so that they will know how many to expect.

Perhaps I will see many of you there.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

YAMs Lunch

2009-09-18T06:28:00.000-07:00

YAMs Luncheon Together after the 10:30 Service

Friends,

Every Sunday, after coffee and refreshments after the 10:30 service, the YAMs get together at Greenlife Grocery for lunch. Greenlife is a perfect place to meet for such a gathering, providing: ample parking and seating, a variety of foods (allowing even for the most restrictive diet), no pressure to buy anything or leave a tip, free samples, a nice community ethic, and practices that reflect good stewardship of God’s creation. We had toyed with the idea of having a roving restaurant luncheon, but for fear that this would create too much confusion, we have decided to stay at Greenlife. We especially hope that this “un-movement” will continue to build continuity. If it has been a while since you have come to Greenlife with us, please consider joining us this. If you have never been, please consider coming to have lunch with those in your age demographic. We would love to see you and welcome you. For many of us, this is akin to the old-fashioned “Sunday Dinner” that many of us grew up with. Please come and dine with your St. Paul’s family. We usually sit upstairs. Look for the guy in the collared shirt.

Yours in Christ,

Bob

YAMs and College and Careers Group

2009-09-16T06:29:00.004-07:00

YAMs to Share a Dinner with St. Peter’s College and Career Group

Friends,

On Monday Oct. 5, at 6:00 PM, the YAMs will host the College and Career group from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Redbank. The Young Adult from St. Peter’s will gather with the Young Adults from St. Paul’s at St. Paul’s for a service of Evening Prayer, a brief talk by the leaders of both of those groups, followed by dinner together in small groups. This event is free, dinner costs $6, and Child Care will be provided. If you can come, please email me. We sincerely hope that you all will join us.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

P.S. Please view the evite here.

P.P.S. Check out the pictures here.

YAMs Schedule for the Fall and Winter Now Available

2009-09-11T11:08:00.000-07:00

Friends,

The time has come for a new schedule of YAMs events for the coming year . . .

Upcoming Events:

Make Goodies & Rehearse
Sat. 19 December
St. Paul's Kitchen
10:00 AM
Free

Advent Carolling
Sun. 20 December
St. Barnabas & Beyond
Noon
Free

Christmas Party
Sat. 26 December
The Leopolds' House
4:00 PM
Free

Host Dinner for St. Paul's
Sun. 17 January
St. Paul's Parish Hall
6:00 PM
Free

Habitat Build Day
Sat. 30 January
Habitat on East Main
8:30 AM
Free

Mardi Gras Party
Tues. 16 February
St. Paul's Parish Hall
6:00 PM
Donation

Luncheon Speaker
Sun. 21 February
St. Paul's Stage
Noon
$6

Habitat Build Day
Sat. 13 March
Habitat on East Main
8:30 AM
Free

Past Events:

Dinner with St. Peter's YAs
Mon. 5 October
St. Paul's Parish Hall
6:00 PM
Free

Province Four Young Adult Summit
Fri. 16 October - Sun. 18 October
Camp Mikkel, Taccoa, Georgia
2:00 PM Friday through 4:30 PM Sunday
$140/person

YAMs Clean-Up Grounds
Sat. 24 October
St. Paul's Campus
10:00 AM
Free

YAMs Serve Breakfast
Sun. 1 November
St. Paul's Parish Hall
7:00 AM
Free

Dinner with a Speaker
Fri. 13 November
St. Paul's Stage
6:00 PM
$6

Grateful Gobbler Walk
Thurs. 26 November
Coolidge Park
8:00 AM
Donation

You may also view the calendar as a .pdf here.

I hope that everyone feels welcome to participate in these events and will strongly consider doing so.

The above links will "go live" as soon as the information is available.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Lookouts Pictures

2009-09-10T11:08:00.000-07:00

Friends,

Many of you were able to come to see the Lookouts loose their season closer to the Birmingham Barons - despite the juju of our "rally caps." Oh well. Perhaps next year . . . Below are some pictures of the outing that I hope you enjoy. (Check out the twins, Troy and Bob . . . no, we didn't plan it.)

Again, I am sorry to everyone that no car was given away. That was kind of a bummer as was loosing the game, but I still think that everyone had lots of fun. My favorite memory of the afternoon was the page: "Father Leopold to the Beer Garden. Father Leopold to the Beer Garden." Touch of class friends.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

YAMs to the Lookouts Game

2009-08-31T08:06:00.000-07:00

Friends,

On Monday, Labor Day, September 7th, at 2:15 PM, the Chattanooga Lookouts (Professional Baseball Team) play their final game of the season. The YAMs will be in attendance. We will meet at St. Paul’s at 1:30 PM and walk (or ride the Free Downtown Shuttle) to the stadium. The price of admission is $2 a person, but with a caveat. The Lookouts will be giving away a car that day. If your ticket wins, you must donate that car to St. Paul’s ☺. You may, of course, still claim the donation on your taxes. Who knows when we will return, as baseball has no time constraints. Please join us for this last lazy afternoon of Summer. As always, do not let price be an excluding factor.

Thanks,
Bob

P.S. Please view the evite here.

P.P.S. Please view the pictures here.

Pictures from Community Kitchen Visit

2009-08-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

Greetings friends,

Many of you were able to make it with the YAMs to the Community Kitchen on Saturday, August 29. Thanks for coming out and supporting this great ministry. While we were there we moved one room full of hygiene products into another room, closer to their intended targets. During this process, we noticed certain deficiencies in their stock. Coupled with Brother Ron's concerns, here is what the Kitchen is after:

wall clocks (battery operated)
wall art
clip-on lamp (and light bulbs)
rugs (non-slip)

deoderant
hand sanitizer
epsom salt
tooth brushes
shampoo
razors

If you happen to have any of these items lying unused around your house or are in a charitable mood the next time you are at a store, please consider making these donations. There will be a drop-off box at St. Paul's in the coming weeks.

Also, here are some pictures from the outing. Enjoy!

What a mural! I hope that everyone had a great time and enjoyed helping as much as I did!

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Sermon for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost

2009-08-24T05:12:00.000-07:00

Friends,

Here are the Collect and readings for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost:

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11), 22-30, 41-43
Psalm 84
Ephesians 6:10-20
John 6:56-69

Here are audio files of the Gospel and the Sermon:

Gospel
Sermon

Enjoy!

Bob

Young Adult Summit

2009-08-16T06:29:00.000-07:00

Friends,

One of our upcoming events is significantly more intensive and costly than the rest. This event targets Young Adults interested in leadership roles. I am planning on going to this event, as it looks great, but I know that cost may be a factor for some of you. The event itself is offering scholarships, but the YAMs budget is just about tapped out – especially as we are currently in softball-funding limbo. So, I cannot offer much in the way of help to this event beyond a ride our car. If you are a student of any sort (or only very recently not) at UTC, I can help out with diocesan funds.

Boy howdy, all of this and I haven’t even told you what it is. Well, they have spent a lot of money on marketing and web design, so check out what the event itself is saying here. The event itself is being billed as the Province IV (Southeast US) Young Adult Gathering. It is full of great speakers and should be very exciting. I would love to take a big group from St. Paul’s to this conference. It takes place on Oct. 16-18.

There is a deadline to register that is Sept. 14th. After that there is an additional fee. I called and talked to the coordinator and she agreed to waive the fee, but it would be helpful to know who might be at all interested in this event as soon as we can. Please, please, please email me back as soon as you can if you have any interest in this event.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

Pictures from Becky Welchel's Talk

2009-08-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

Greetings friends,

Many of you were able (even in the summertime) to make it to the YAMs dinner with speaker Becky Welchel. Becky told us all about the Episcopal Metropolitan Ministries and St. Paul's support thereof. It was a great evening with great conversations and relationships begun.

Here are some pictures from the evening. Enjoy!

Thank you so much to our guests who came from EMM.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

August Community Kitchen

2009-08-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

Greetings friends,

On Saturday, August 29th, the YAMs will go to The Chattanooga Community Kitchen in order to prepare and serve food for those to whom the Kitchen ministers. We will meet at St. Paul’s parking lot at 8:00 AM. From there we will carpool to the Kitchen, as parking is limited. As with our last trip, the YAMs have extended this opportunity to serve to the Tweeners and other college and young adults groups from other local Episcopal communities of faith. There will be plenty of opportunities for people to serve in various capacities. We will most likely be back at St. Paul’s by noon. Please let The Rev. Bob Leopold know if you can help with this event. Hopefully, we will have a strong showing for this, as the Community Kitchen really provides a wonderful ministry for this area. I hope to see everyone there.
I have been assured that this time our services will be put to good use.

Yours in Christ,
Bob

P.S. Please view the evite here.

P.P.S. Here are the pictures from the event.

Sermon for the Seventh Sunday After Pentecost

2009-07-30T23:16:00.000-07:00

Friends,

Admittedly this post is a little belated, but here is the sermon from the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost. Here are the Collect and appointed readings for that day:

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know our necessities before we ask and our ignorance in asking: Have compassion on our weakness, and mercifully give us those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask; through the worthiness of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

2 Samuel 7:1-14a
Psalm 89:20-37
Ephesians 2:11-22
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

Here are audio files of the Gospel reading and the sermon.

Gospel
Sermon

Enjoy!

Yours in Christ,
Bob

St. Paul's Clergy at the Opening of The St. Paul's Chapel at Grace Point

2009-07-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

Friends,

Recently, the St. Paul's Chapel was opened and consecrated at the Diocesan Camp and Conference Center, Grace Point. On the way in, your clergy was having a great time and it shows in this candid photo, snapped by Don Myers.

I hope that you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed ourselves that day!

Yours in Christ,
Bob