Dear Friends, I hope you’ve had a wonderful summer! It’s been a great time at St. Philip’s. Highlights include our Summer Vacation Bible School, the installation of our new solar panels, and a successful J2A Youth pilgrimage to Scotland. Our new academic year begins this coming Sunday (August 25th) and there are a few items I’d like to share with you: 

Programs

• Formation for Children and Youth begins this Sunday at 9:50 am with the first classes of the year. Youth meet downstairs in the Parish House, children’s classes take place upstairs. Parents please sign in your children upstairs. If you haven’t yet registered, please do so online.
• Adult formation will begin this Sunday. I will lead our first educational offering, Why Church? A presentation on the role and meaning of participation in Christian community. 
• Beginning next week, you’ll see a return of our Ministry Minutes. Each Sunday a different ministry will be showcased, with information about their mission and ways to get involved. They’ll be included in our prayers and present at our social hours. 

Parish Interns 

This fall, St. Philip’s has been asked to assist in the formation of two interns.  

• Lacey Hudspeth is a diocesan discernment intern. She comes to us from the Church of the Advocate, Chapel Hill. You may have already met Lacey – her placement began earlier this summer and will continue through December. During her internship, Lacey will be assisting in worship, supporting the UMD Collaborative ministry, and generally gaining exposure to parish ministry. I will be serving as Lacey’s supervisor. 
• Chris Heintz is a Duke Divinity student intern. He and his wife Meghan have been attending St. Philip’s since May and his placement officially begins next month. As part of his studies towards a Masters of Divinity degree, Chris will be focusing his internship on Christian Education. Sally will be serving as Chris’ supervisor.

 I look forward to seeing you this Sunday! 
In Christ,
Jonah