To get a bird’s-eye-view of the many programs, organizations, meetings, and activities that
St. Paul's offers, please scroll through our A to Z list below, or click on the letter of a program name that you wish to read about. A contact is provided for further information on each item—please let us know how we can help you become involved, or just learn more about St. Paul’s.
You may scroll down the page or quickly jump to:
[A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] [H] [I] [J] [K] [L] [M] [N] [O] [P]
[Q] [R] [S] [T] [U] [V] [W] [X] [Y] [Z]
About St. Paul’s Church
The founders of St. Paul's Episcopal Church first met in 1852 and held services on 2nd floor of Thomas McCallie's general merchandise at 4th and Market. In 1853 10 families met at home of Col. James A Whiteside on Poplar Street to organize the parish. We currently hold services in our second Nave on Pine & 7th streets in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Built in 1881, our Nave is on the National Register of Historic Buildings. We now have 100's of families that attend St. Paul's each week.
Acolytes
Our acolytes assist in worship by carrying a processional cross, lighting candles, holding the Gospel book, holding candles or "torches", assisting a deacon or priest set up and clean up at the altar, and many other tasks as seen fit by the priest or acolyte warden. please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
Adult Christian Education
St. Paul’s believes deeply in offering opportunities for adults to deepen their faith. We pride ourselves in being a community of seekers. We are a place which struggles to ask the larger questions of life. Classes for adults are offered throughout the year in various formats and on a wide variety of subjects. We offer classes on issues of ethics, faith in the work place, spiritual formation, worship and many others. We also offer preparation for baptism and confirmation. To see a listing of educational opportunities go here. To ask about specific areas of interest please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
Alcoholics Anonymous
This important 12 step program for those with dependency on alcohol meets each weekday at
St. Paul's on the stage just across from the kitchen at 12:00 pm (Noon). For more information please contact AA at the Chattanooga Regional Office 423 499-6003 or chattaca@aol.com
Baptism
Baptism is considered the only requirement for membership in the Christian community. Infant and adult baptisms are offered at St. Paul’s on specific Sundays throughout the year. For more information on baptism for you or your child, see this page and/or please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.to have a priest contact you.
Bible Study and Small Groups
St. Paul’s offers a variety of Bible study opportunities Check the calendars on the home page or contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
Bishop
St. Paul's church is a parish of the Diocese of East Tennessee. The Bishop, The Right Rev. Charles vonRosenberg, works out of The Diocesan House in Knoxville, Tennessee. His See is St. John's Cathedral in Knoxville. For more information on the Bishop and the Diocese please go here.
Bookstore
Breakfast on Sunday Mornings
During the Church Academic year we serve breakfast at 8:30 am on Sunday Mornings for a minimal cost. Reservations are not necessary. If you would like to volunteer to cook/serve breakfast please please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
Chattanooga Community Kitchen
The Community Kitchen is sponsored and supported by Chattanooga Church Ministries, Inc., an organization of churches in the greater Chattanooga area, the ministry and mission of which is to serve the physical, social and spiritual needs of the homeless and less fortunate without expectation of recompense, but out of love and compassion for mankind. See also: Shelters.
Child Care
St. Paul’s offers child care for infants and toddlers to age 4. The Nursery is open from 7:30 am - 12:00pm on Sunday mornings and on Wednesday Evenings during the Church School Year. For information or to volunteer in the nursery or pre-school please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
Children
St. Paul’s welcomes children! We love them and regard them as full-fledged members of our community. We welcome children at all services. The 10:30 am Sunday service features Children's Chapel (during the adult sermon), after which the children return to the service. For more information on our children’s programs please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
"The Chimes"
St. Paul's Bi- Weekly newsletter contains news and information about our parish. Click here to read an on-line version of the latest edition. Click here to be added to our mailing list.
Choir
St. Paul’s Senior Choir (Adults) sings for the church’s Sunday 10:30 am services; as well as several concerts throughout the year. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Choir please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
Church School
St. Paul’s has classes available for children & teenagers from preschool through high school each sunday morning from 9:15am to 10:15am throughout the academic year. For more information on our children’s programs please contact the church office by email at or call Mary Gardner White,Interim Coordinator of Christian Formation at 423.266.8195. For more information on our Youth Programs please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
Clergy / Staff Email Directory.
Coffee Hour
Join us for Coffee Hour immediately following the 10:30 am service on Sundays. We need volunteers to help with fixing refreshments. To volunteer please contact please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
Community Outreach
St. Paul’s supports many programs to aid the less fortunate, including the Chattanooga Community Kitchen, The Chattanooga Area Regional Food Bank, The United Way's First Call For Help Program, St Catherine's Night Shelter for Women & Children., Click here for a detailed description of our Community Outreach Efforts. For more information or to volunteer, please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
Concerts
Through the generosity of the Hansell G. King Music Fund St. Paul's is able to provide concerts, recitals, and musical events throughout the year at little or no cost to the public. Please Note: We are currently scheduling our 2009- 2010 concert series, please check back for updates.
Confirmation
The sacramental rite in which the candidates "express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop" (BCP, p. 860). Those who were baptized at an early age and those baptized as adults without laying on of hands by a bishop are expected to make a mature public affirmation of their faith, recommit themselves to the responsibilities of their baptism, and receive laying on of hands by a bishop (BCP, p. 412). For more information, see this page and/or contact the church office at 423.266. 8195 to have a priest contact you.
St. Paul's church is a parish of the Diocese of East Tennessee. Under the Direction of The Bishop, The Right Rev. Charles vonRosenberg.His See is St. John's Cathedral in Knoxville.
For more information on the Bishop and the Diocese please go here.
Education
EFM (Education For Ministry)
EFM is a four-year curriculum that has enrolled more than 65,000 participants in 30 years and is growing throughout the English-speaking world. EFM now has more than 10,000 active students. An extension program of Sewanee it is an in-depth lay theological education, EFM offers focused personal study and reflection within small seminars to explore the meaning of faith. The class meets on Tuesday Nights from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm. For more information see the EFM website or please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
ECW (Episcopal Church Women)
ECW is an organization of the national church for women of the church, St. Paul's has two chapters that meet at the church. For more information please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
The ECSET is an organization of the Episcopal Parishes in the Southeastern Tennessee area that provides support in educational & mission functions. For more information contact Lisa McNeese, president.
Evensong
Experience the beauty of Anglican, cathedral-style worship at the Choral Evensong service, held several times throughout the year by both our in-house choirs and visiting choirs.
Facilities Use/ Rentals
St. Paul's at this time allows non-profit groups to use our facilities on a per-case basis. Please contact the church office or call us at 423-266-8195 for details.
First Communion
St. Paul's offers First Communion classes for children and their parents. For more information and/or to set up an appointment with a priest please contact the church office by email at or call us at 423.266.8195.
Flower Memorials
The flowers at St. Paul’s are paid for exclusively by donations to the Flower Fund. Without these donations, there can be no flowers. Help us keep the church in full bloom by donating flowers in memory of, or in honor of, someone special—or in thanksgiving for a special blessing or event. The names you designate will be published in the church bulletin. please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195 for more details.
Forward Group
Forward is an ecumenical support group for those who have lost a spouse. Forward also meets for luncheon meetings on the last Fridays of the month. Bring a covered dish or $4.00. Social time begins at 11:30 am with the lunch beginning at 12:00 pm. For more information please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
Funerals
A death in the family can be reported to any of the clergy, via the church office during business hours or after hours listen to the instructions on the voice mail system . Clergy will assist with funeral/memorial plans and can recommend the services of an undertaker.
Handbell Choirs
St. Paul's offers Adults, Youth, and Children the opportunity to participate in three different handbell choirs appropriate to their age and abilities. For information on the Adult Choir contact the church office at 423-266-8195. For information on Children & Youth handbells go to their website.
Hearing Assist Devices
St. Paul's has a limited number of "hearing assist devices", available for those with hearing impairments, that amplifies the sound for most services held in the Nave. To check one out for a service please see an usher.
Inquirer's Classes
St. Paul's conducts adult inquirer's classes at various times throughout year for those that are interested in the Episcopal Church & St. Paul's, These classes are offered for those wanting to join St. Paul's, but the class is open to any adult. For more information please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
Mailing List
To be added to our mailing list please go here. We mail out our Bi-Weekly Newsletter "The Chimes" and also do limited mailings for our concerts and educational programs.
Membership
Membership in St. Paul’s church is based on desire. If you are baptized (or desire to be baptized) and you intend to make this parish your principal community of worship and you will support the ministries of the parish, you may have your self recorded as a member of the parish. We offer several opportunities throughout the year when new members are “welcomed” at our coffee hour on Sunday mornings. We also offer opportunities for adult & youth Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation. For more information on membership contact a member of the clergy via the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
Memorial Garden
St. Paul's has a Memorial Garden where you or your loved ones can have thier ashes buried among a variety of seasonal flowers and plants in our Memorial Garden & Labyrinth. For more information please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
St. Paul's has a long tradition of fine music with our wonderful Casavant Pipe Organ, our adult choir, the children's choirs, handbells, and visiting artists throughout the year. Our new Director of Music, Dr. Kieth Reas is set to begin his ministry at St. Paul's in August; stay tuned for details on the Fall/ Winter 2009 season.
Parish Life Committee
The Parish Life Committee is responsible for overseeing The Coffee Hour, Receptions, Parties, and other Special Events. If you would like to volunteer as a member of the Parish Life Committee please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
Parking
For Sunday worshippers, free parking is provided on the street, in the back of the church or across the street in the Republic parking garage.(Enter from the Chestnut Street Entrance) During the week the only free parking is in designated areas in the back of the church.
Pastoral Care, Off-Site
For those in hospitals, nursing homes, or confined to their own homes. Contact the church office at 423.266.8195 Please do not email visit requests to the church office at this time.
Prayer Requests
Need prayer for yourself or others? St. Paul’s maintains a continuous prayer list at weekday and Sunday services. Please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195 to add your concerns or thanksgivings to the list.
Radio Broadcast
The Sunday 10:30 am Holy Eucharist is broadcast LIVE on WGOW 102.3 FM at 10:30 am on Sundays.. You can stream the feed "Live" from their website. If you are interested in serving as a sound engineer for this very important ministry please contact the church office.
St. Paul's records the Sunday 10:30 service (broadcasted live on WGOW) and MP3's of the services are available here.
Rentals/ Facilities Use
St. Paul's at this time allows non-profit groups to use our facilities on a per-case basis. Please contact the church office or call us at 423-266-8195 for details.
St. Andrew's Children's Choir
Is our vocal choir open to any child age 6 through the 6th grade. This choir regularly presents
anthems at the 10:30 am Eucharist on Sunday's. For more information see their website.
St. George's Chapel
Our chapel, to the right of the Nave, contains the High Altar from our original structure. Weekday Noon Eucharist & Unction are held in the chapel Monday - Friday at 12:05 pm.
Shelters
Our shelter, St. Catherine's for women and children, is managed by the Chattanooga Community Kitchen. Second Presbyterian across the street from us provides space for St. Mathew's Men's Shelter that is also managed by the Community Kitchen. All referrals to stay the night in the shelters must go through the Community Kitchen (423) 265-6835. To volunteer to be the on-site volunteer for the night at St. Catherine's please contact Marcia Wicken. See Also: Chattanooga Comunity Kitchen.
Shut-ins
Speaker Series
Part of our Adult Christian Education Program, the Speaker Series includes guest speakers from outside the parish and members of our Clergy. For more info see our Education Page.
Staff Email Directory.
Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is a lay pastoral ministry designed to train laity to provide support and companionship to those in need within our parish family. This group works under the supervision of The Rev. Suzanne Smitherman, Assistant to the Rector, and works hand-in-hand with the parish inreach committee. For a confidential referral contact the church office at 423-266-8195 and ask to speak with The Rev. Suzanne Smitherman.
Supper Club
St. Paul's Supper Club is the St. Paul's Social Gathering for you if you are married, single, or divorced and over the age of 50. The group gets together for Supper at a member's home about once a month. For more information please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
Tweeners
Tweeners is the St. Paul's Social Gathering for you if you are married, single,
or divorced and between the ages of 30 & 50. For more information please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
The Vestry of St. Paul’s is the legal, canonical (church law) and financial “board of trustees” for the church. Members are elected for three-year terms and lead the parish in setting policies and goals, maintaining the buildings, and raising financial support for the mission of the parish. For questions about the Vestry please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities at St. Paul’s range from serving breakfast on Sunday Mornings to greeting visitors and friends on Sunday mornings, from being an usher,to teaching Sunday School, from helping with stewardship campaigns,to working in the sound booth. . . and the list goes on. To find out how you can get involved, please contact the church office by email or call us at 423.266.8195.
Website
For questions, suggestions, and comments on the St. Paul's
Web Site please contact our Web Sexton, Brent Gass.
Weddings
For information on weddings and/or wedding receptions at St. Paul's, please contact the church office or 423-266- 8195 for more details and set an appointment with a member of our clergy to begin the process.You must be a member, in good standing, of the parish to get married at St. Paul's.
Wednesday Nights
Join us on Wednesday Nights during the school year for dinner followed by Bible Study & other educational opportunities.
Worship Schedule
For a listing of our Worship Times go here.
Youth Group
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