The images from the massive winter storm that hit the East Coast last week re-minded me of the Great Ice Storm of 1994. That particular winter crisis de-scended on an unsuspecting, sleeping Memphis. I remember going to bed as

usual, but waking to an unmistakable and arresting silence. The silence was punctuated by the intermittent explosions of transformers and ice-laden tree branches crashing to the ground. But it was the silence in be-tween that really got my attention. No cars. No planes. No whir of electronic appliances or buzzing motors. No warm air blowing through the vents. It was beautiful, and terrifying, and holy. At a recent retreat, the leader reminded us that the prophet Elijah did not find God in a mighty, rock-splitting wind, nor in an earthquake, nor in a fire. Elijah encountered God in the sound of sheer silence. My hope for us this Lent is that we can create opportunities to enter into holy silence so that we may encounter God anew. Creating occasions for silence requires effort and commitment, but we do so trusting that if we make ourselves available, God will do the rest. On Wednesday nights (beginning with a brief introductory meeting on Ash Wednesday following the 6 pm Eucharist) we will embark on "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron. This hands-on, group journey is described as "a course in discovering and recovering your creative self," but at its core it's a road map on how to be more attentive, which is ultimately the goal of the spiritual life--to be attentive to, aware of, and participating with the God who in Jesus Christ is al-ready and forever with us. Always. We only need to block out the noise so that we can experience God as Elijah did. In addition to this hands-on group journey, we will also have various speakers on Sundays at 9:15 coming to teach us and lead us through various types of prayer practices. Have you wondered about walking the labyrinth? Come and

hear and then get a chance to walk it. Have you considered centering prayer, but wasn't sure how to get started? You'll have the chance to practice with someone with lots of experience. Maybe you're curious about the Anglican Ro-sary or the Daily Office. You can learn how and why they have been helpful to Christians throughout the ages. I look forward to journeying together to renew our relationship with God this Lent by doing the hands-on work of cultivating holy silence. Peace,

ISSUE 393· Feb 2016

CHURCH VESTRY

2015-2016

Tim Gagliano, Senior Warden Andre Roques, Junior Warden Janice Zitzmann, Secretary

Joy Roques, Treasurer

Stephen Braud Patricia Bridges

Suzie Daly

Lynn DiVincent Sharon Flemming Marina Gregorio

Joyclyn Yuja

Words of Inspiration

From A.J. Heine

Ash Wednesday Service Schedule Ash Wednesday is February 10th,

the services are as follows

7:30am – Imposition of Ashes

12:00pm – Holy Eucharist and the Imposition of Ashes

5:00pm – Station of the Cross

6:00pm – Holy Eucharist and the Imposition of Ashes

Christian Formation During Lent

Sundays at 9:15 -- Practices of Prayer

To pray is to be present to God. There are many types of

prayer and many ways to pray. The "right" way to pray

depends on the person and varies widely. Spiritual advis-ers are fond of saying, "Pray as you can, not as you can't."

In order to help determine what's the right way to pray for

you, we will have various presenters describing several dif-

ferent types of prayer: praying the Anglican rosary, walk-

ing the labyrinth, doing centering prayer, practicing loving-

kindness. But since these are "practices" of prayer, each presentation will not only talk about the practice, but they

will lead us through the actual doing of them. Come learn

about and "test drive" these ancient prayer practices and

discover what works best for the nurture of your relation-

ship with God in Christ.

Wednesday Nights at 6:00 pm

Beginning with a brief introductory meeting on Ash

Wednesday following the 6 pm service, we will embark on

The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron. This hands-on, group

journey is described as "a course in discovering and recov-

ering your creative self," but at its core it's a road map on how to be more attentive to the Creator, which is ulti-

mately the goal of the spiritual life--to be attentive to,

aware of, and participating with the God who in Jesus

Christ is already and forever with us. Always.

The Artist's Way is available for purchase in the Book-store. Each Wednesday, following the celebration of Holy

Eucharist with Anointing (6:00 pm), we will work through

one chapter. This will carry us through March 23rd. If

the group wishes to continue the entire course of twelve

weeks, we will resume meeting after Easter week. Please consider making this part of your Lenten discipline. Think

of it as giving up things that block us from God, and tak-

ing on practices that reconnect us to the Source of all life.

Break Bread Together The February Break Bread Together will be hosted by Amy and Patrick Goodman on Friday, February 19th, at

6:30pm, at their home located at 9721 Dart Street, River

Ridge. Since it is Lent, the Goodman’s will provide both a

meat and a meatless entre: shrimp pasta and smoked

pork. As usual, please bring a side dish, appetizer or

dessert, and a beverage of your choice. Please RSVP directly to Amy at home (738-7254) or by cell (722-5727),

or by email (goodman.amy@gmail.com).

ECW Bunco Night The ECW will host a Bunco night on Saturday, February 20th for 6pm in Byrd Hall. The cost is $10 per person and

we are asking you BYOL and also bring a covered dish to

share. We will eat and socialize until 6:30pm and then

the games will begin. There is no need to know the rules,

we will explain as we go, so grab a friend and come join

in the fun!

First Sunday in Lent On Sunday, February 14th, at 9:15 am, we will have an "all parish" Lenten program to bury our "alleluia's," talk

about liturgical changes during Lent, and help children

understand the reason for this season of penitence and

preparation. Bobby Hadzor, Chaplain at Trinity Day

School, will be leading the activities. All ages are wel-

come!

Youth Group Junior

Our first "Youth Group, Jr." was a huge sucess. Thanks to Catherine Coats' leadership and with the assistance of sev-

eral adult and young adult parishioners, the kids (from the

parish and the Pre-School) learned about Noah's Ark, sang

songs, made crafts, and shared a meal. Parents also

seemed happy to have two hours of "adult time." Our next

Youth Group Jr. is on Friday, Feb. 26th, from 6 to 8 pm.

The Big Cheezy Fundraiser The ECW is sponsoring a Fundraiser at the BIG CHEEZY! A percentage of all sales will support projects

such as: the Honduras Mission Trip, Out Reach Groups,

Periodical Club and many others. The fundraiser will be

Tuesday February 23 all day long. The Big Cheesy is lo-

cated at 3232 Williams Blvd., Kenner. Come on in and

join the fun! You know you secretly love grilled cheese!

Friday’s in Lent Stations of the Cross will be offered on Fridays at 6:00 pm beginning February 12th and continuing through

Good Friday, March 25th. Christians throughout the

centuries have found this a helpful way to contemplate

the mystery and depth of God's sacrificial, abundant,

and self-giving love for us. Please consider making this

part of your Lenten commitment.

Lent Madness 2016 For the seventh year running, people worldwide are gear-ing up for Lent Madness, the “saintly smackdown” in

which thirty-two saints do battle to win the coveted

Golden Halo. If you’re looking for a Lenten discipline that

is fun, educational, occasionally goofy, and always joyful,

join the Lent Madness journey. Visit the website for

more information. http://www.lentmadness.org

Sunday Attendance Figures for

October

Average Sunday Attendance as of 1/31/16: 146 (186 as of 1/31/15)

REGISTRATION for the 2016-17 School year will begin on Monday, Feb-ruary 15th, at 9:00 am, for present students, their siblings and church parishioners. If you or someone you know were not able to attend the Open House, and still have any questions about next year, please feel free to speak with me before I open registration to the general public (February 29th). I am receiving calls and emails about our school each day. Some classes fill up very quickly. Plans are under way for the KREWE OF ST. AUGUSTINE’S PARADE on February 4th & 5th. Don’t miss it! The children love this opportunity to be in the parade, rather than just being able to view it. School will be closed

for Mardi Gras Holidays, Monday through Friday, February 8th-12th. On Monday, February 22nd, THE AMAZING MAGIC SHOW, featuring St. Augustine’s parishioners, Irwin and Stephanie Royes, will entertain the children. This is always a fun show for the children and the teach-ers, as they are truly “amazed.” If any of St. Augustine’s parishioners haven’t seen the Royes perform, feel free to come to the show at 10:00 am. I am pleased to say how proud I am to be a part of St. Augustine’s. I see a bright future for the school and it’s mostly because of parents that care about their children and their education and the wonderful parish support system that we have here.

Date 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

1-3-2016 60 75

1-10-2016 50 119 14

1-17-2016 55 77

1-24-2016 45 87 6

1-31-2016 58 83

Quiet Day at Advent House Friday, February 19 from 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM Advent House, 1637 Seventh St, New Orleans

Join us for the first Quiet Day of 2016 on Friday, February

19 for centering prayer at 9:30 and then take time for per-

sonal spiritual practices such as journaling, reading, writ-

ing, praying. We will end with centering prayer at 2:00 and

leave at 2:30. Future Quiet Days are scheduled for March

18. Bring a lunch. Coffee and tea provided.

U-NITE WITH THE PELICANS

If you missed the deadline for purchasing tickets

(which was January 31st) and you would still like to

attend the game, please contact Chase McVay with

the Pelicans directly. Tell Chase you would like tick-ets in the St. Augustine’s block. You will be required

to give a credit card number and you can pick up

your tickets at will-call before the game. Chase’s

phone number is 504-593-4722 or 850-527-6719.

"The word of the Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is

about to pass by.' Now there was a great wind, so strong it was splitting mountains and break-

ing rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an

earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the

Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence." - 1 Kings 19:11-12

February Youth Group Schedule: No Meeting Feb. 7 due to Mardi Gras Feb 14: Meeting from 5:00-6:30: Valentines Party! We will have a special project lined up to celebrate the holiday. Feb 21: Meeting from 5:00-6:00, church at 6:00pm Feb. 28:Meeting from 5:00-6:30

Happening #76 is coming up! Happening is a youth-led, spiritual formation retreat for 10th-12th graders. Our very own Rose Coats is the Rector for this Happening! You can find more information on the retreat, plus registration at the following site: http://www.eventbee.com/v/secc/event?eid=160447302

Mardi Gras Spirits Fundraiser February 4 - February 9

St. George's Episcopal Church, 4600 St. Charles Ave

Food, beverages, bathrooms, and hospitality.

Open during the following hours

Thur 2/4 4-9PM

Fri 2/5 4-9PM

Sat 2/6 10-2PM

Sun 2/7 9a-10p

Mon 2/8 4-9p

Tue 2/9 8a-4p

Krewe of Hermes Parade Party Fundraiser Friday, February 5 from 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Christ Episcopal Church (Stuart Hall),

2919 St. Charles Ave

Enjoy three parades and dinner. $10 all you can

eat spaghetti dinner and restroom use. Beverages

available at an additional charge. Proceeds benefit Grace at the Greenlight.