Saying Goodbye to 2009 and Welcoming 2010 at St. Simon and St. Jude
Look How Far We've Come!
2009 was a tremendous year at SSSJ! Our parish was blessed in many ways as we continued our mission to welcome, to rejoice and to be Jesus in the world. Here's a recap of some of the events that made the year so wonderful...
- In April, Bishop Henderson announced his intention to retire, thus, launching the search for the 8th bishop of our diocese.
- In May, The Bel Canto Singers treated us to an amazing performance of hymns and traditional spirituals. The celebration of Pentecost featured a flaming hoola-hoop in the plaza and the annual parish picnic as a beautiful celebration of the Holy Spirit and our church family.
- In July, Vacation Bible School welcomed many children from inside and outside the parish.
- October saw the most successful Pumpkin Patch ever, participation in the Irmo Okra Strut parade and an amazing Bazaar & Rummage Sale.
- In November the parish welcomed its new Rector in a joyous celebration and renewal of ministry.
- Throughout the year, in addition to worship, SSSJ continued to reach out to the community by hosting several civic organizations in our facilities, continued its long standing tradition of outreach, sponsored an Iraqi immigrant and offered pastoral care to those in need.
- While we laid to rest some very dear friends, the parish was also blessed many times as it engaged in the sacraments of eucharist, baptism, unction, confirmation and marriage.
- The parish welcomed, trained, equipped and empowered new ministers as they were called to the service of God and neighbor.
- 2009 saw the return of Wednesday night suppers, men's club and prayer breakfasts, as well as several other opportunities for Christian fellowship.
Look Where We're Going In 2010
In the year to come we look forward to further growth in Christ and community. There are many ways for all of us to hear the Holy Spirit and respond to God's call if we are only willing to listen. Don't wait! Get involved today, tomorrow and the next day. In the words of St. Francis, "Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
Mark Your Calendars - January 6th is the Feast of Epiphany
Join us in faith and fellowship as we celebrate the revelation of God in human form in the person of Jesus Christ. A candle light meal will begin at 6 PM to be followed by special evening service at 7 PM.
Would You Like to Communicate With Your Parish?
If you have any events, groups or activities that need to be communicated to our church family, please contact Chris Carney - webmaster (-at-) ecsssj.org!
