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April 1 - 30, 2006 St. John’s Episcopal
Church SPECIAL EVENTS
April Birthdays Bob Holloman April 4 Emile Escalera April 7 Blanch Shropshire April 7 Ethel Quimby April 9 Al Dixon April 10 Martha Mercure April 11 Anna Ehrensperger April 13 Jane Escalera April 14 David McLeod April 15 John Kosar, IV April 21 Diana Blosser April 29 Linda Vinal April 29 From the Rector Vestry designs new organizational structure for St. John’s For the last several years, some members of the vestry have expressed concern about how we are organized — whether our commissions and their responsibilities are the best way to go about out business. I decided to ask the vestry review that organization, but I wanted them to do it with a fresh perspective. If they decided not to change the way we’ve been operating, that would be fine. But if they decided that changes would be helpful, that would be fine too. The bottom line for any organizational structure is that it has to work. In our case, that means that our structure should facilitate our being an agent of the kingdom of God in College Park and environs. Here’s how we went about this work: The vestry went on retreat to Camp Mikell in January. When they arrived, each was given a sealed envelope containing a letter from the Bishop. (OK, the letter was a forgery, but the Bishop was in on the plot.) The letter said: -1942, preferred that Episcopalians in the suburbs come into the city to worship. Therefore, when the trolley line came out from Atlanta to the Tri-Cities area in 1922, Bishop Mikell decided to close the churches in each of these towns. This history, while obviously fictitious, is not as far off the mark as you might think. Bishop Mikell did think everyone should come into the city to worship (St. Philip’s was located next to the capitol), and he closed the parishes in Hapeville and East Point (from whence cometh our baptismal font). Somehow, St. John’s survived Bishop Mikell’s ax. The premise of the letter, of course, is: suppose we had not. The letter goes on to state: -Cities area. After a rigorous selection process, you and your fellow team members have been chosen to accomplish this mission on behalf of the Diocese. Your mission is as follows: You are to establish an Episcopal parish that is a loving and diverse community celebrating the Good News of Jesus Christ by word, example, and service to others. In order to avoid distractions and equip you as well as possible, the Diocese has arranged for you to have the following resources: There follows a list of resources (to which we added as things occurred to us) that represent the current state of the parish: members, clergy, staff, finances, buildings, support, programs, etc. The letter concludes: -Cities area. After the vestry had received this charge from the “Bishop,” I gave them a number of tasks designed to help them establish goals, prioritize them, and turn them into an organizational structure. I spent a lot of time watching, listening, rocking on the porch, and playing with the fire, but had very little input into their work. The vestry will implement this plan, and I wanted this to be their product. The vestry’s new organizational plan is on page four. Before you study it, I’d like to make a few points. First, I appreciate how hard the vestry worked on it. Second, we have all agreed that it is not written in stone. We will change and adapt it as needed to serve our mission as the Body of Christ. Finally, exercises such as this serve a dual purpose. On the one hand, one hopes that they result in a helpful product. On the other hand, the process itself is, literally, vital. “Vital” comes from the Latin meaning “to live.” Any parish which does not periodically withdraw from its day -to-day business to ask “big picture” questions about its mission and organization will eventually become stale and die.We have an opportunity to stay young, vital, and full of life for Christ by being willing to challenge the status quo in the service of our Lord. I hope you will join us in that faithful work and share your insights with me and the vestry. I also hope you will prayerfully consider how you can “plug into” this plan and help us serve Christ at St. John’s. Please do not be passive. Take the initiative! Let us hear from you! New St. John’s Organizational Plan (with 2006 vestry assignments to each commission) I. Parish Development/Growth (Martha Spring, Sarah Clark) A. Purpose Statement: To recruit and retain new members to St. John’s B. Tasks: 1. Identify & greet visitors/newcomers 2. Get visitors to fill out info cards /distribute mugs 3. Assign simple visitor follow up to Rector/ Assistant Rector/Vestry 4. Quarterly newcomers meeting 5. Provide informational materials about the parish and the Episcopal Church for visitors and newcomers 6. Assist the clergy regarding incorporation of new members into the life of the parish (for example, by assigning sponsors) C. Time Commitment: 2 hours/month and occasional hospitality during and after services II. Parish Life (David McLeod, Carolyn Pierce, Sarah Clark, Dan Seipel, Carl Franzman) A. Purpose Statement: To build familial and community relation - ships within the parish familyB. Tasks: 1. Be a vehicle to communicate how people can become more involved with the parish 2. Plan, organize, and support parish activities 3. Time Commitment: 2 -4 hours per eventIII. Outreach & Civic Duty (Jackie Berlin, Robbin Iddins, Dan Seipel) A. Purpose Statement: To put our faith in Christ into action in the community, and to be proactive active in community affairs B. Tasks: 1. Identify the needs of the community 2. Determine how we can address those needs (as example: Matthew 25:31) 3. Stay informed of community activities in the tri -cities area4. Make emergency groups aware of our availability 5. Monitor community communication strategies C. Time Commitment: 2 – hours monthly (varies) IV. Inreach (Jackie Berlin, Martha Spring, Carl Franzman) A. Purpose Statement: To discuss and implement ways to best serve the spiritual growth of our parish family B. Tasks: 1. Christian Education 2. Pastoral Care: Hospital and home visitation, food, and face -to-face timeC. Time Commitment: Varies V. Finance (Al Dixon, Jason Barringer, Debbie Reeves) A. Purpose Statement: To be good stewards of the church commu nity’s treasuresB. Tasks: 1. Assist the clergy in the continuous process of instill ing into the parish a theology of gratitude and joyful giving2. Plan for and implement ways in which parishioners may give of their time, talent, and treasure, includ ing a pledge drive3. Budget 4. Book and record keeping with monthly statements 5. Audits 6. Pledges 7. Review money plans and requests 8. Manage Bargain Shop relations 9. Manage gifts 10. Asset management (Physical plant) C. Time Commitment: Ongoing VI. Worship (David McLeod) A. Purpose Statement: To coordinate the various ministries involved in worship and advise the rector with respect to his or her responsibility for planning music and worship B. Tasks: discuss and disseminate information regarding worship services, coordinating with clergy, verger, aco lytes, altar guild, music department, and Eucharistic ministersC. Time Commitment: 1 -2 hour meetings are held after the 10:30 a.m. service 4-5 times a year and are open to all parishioners.VII. Buildings and Grounds (Al Dixon) A. Purpose Statement: Ensure proper maintenance, upkeep, and improvements for the parish building and grounds B. Tasks: 1. Organize and hold workdays 2. Handle bids for major projects 3. Coordinate and communicate repairs and other maintenance issues. C. Time Commitment: monthly meetings + property work as needed) VIII. Youth (Martha Spring, Robbin Iddins, Jason Barringer) A. Purpose Statement: Provide meaningful experiences: practical, spiritual, and social, to create a vibrant parish youth culture that nurtures and develops our youth’s spiritual life and encourages them to become active parishioners, both now and as adults B. Tasks: Plan and coordinate monthly youth activities with both the parish and the diocese; provide transportation, etc. C. Time commitment: Varies per event
“Jim & Joe” Jim will be at Perk Place in Hapeville on North Central, near Dogwood, on Monday, April 10 , from 5 -6 p.m. Come enjoy a “cup of Joe” and an “open mike” discussion with Jim.Spring Confirmation Class Each year we offer a course for people who are interested in considering being confirmed in the Episcopal Church or who simply want to brush up on their knowledge of how the church works. The course this year will be held on Sunday mornings from 9:15—10:15 am beginning April 23 and ending at the Confirmation Service at the Cathedral of St. Philip on June 4. In addition to those six sessions, there will be a retreat for Confirmands (those deciding to be confirmed) on June 3 from 10 -3 p.m.The Prayer Book tells us that “in the course of their Christian development, those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are ready and have been duly prepared, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their baptism and to receive the laying on of hands by the bishop.” Confirmation is required by a person wishing to serve as a Vestry member at St. John’s. For years in the Church, Confirmation was considered to be a rite of passage for young people. In recent years, more emphasis has been put on the “mature” aspect of such an affirmation. Some teens are ready to make such an affirmation and we welcome them to such a class. However, the course these focuses as much on adults as teens. If you are interested in joining such a group to be confirmed, to be “received” (if you were confirmed in another denomination), or just to learn more (and perhaps renew your baptismal vows,) please let the clergy know by Easter. If you have questions, please feel free to ask at any time! Daughters of the King Available for Prayer after the 10:30 Service The Daughters of the King will be available to pray with anyone with a special need (or any need!) in the chapel after the 10:30 service. Lord, in your Mercy, Hear our prayer. Upcoming Events ECW Annual Retreat Celebrating the Seasons of the Spirit: Living with the Lord Weekend of May 5 -7 at Camp Mikell (day rates available)Come join with women of the Diocese and the Very Reverend Robert C. Wright of St. Paul's to identify and explore the various spiritual seasons that are part and parcel of Christian Living. Enjoy a variety of delightful activities and use this opportunity to see old friends and make new acquaintances. Visit www.episcopalatlanta.com for registration forms, or contact Gwen Hyman, Episcopal Church Women, Diocese of Atlanta at 404 -361-8607 or ghyman@bellsouth.netEpiscopal Marriage Encounter Weekend of May 5 -7. Marriage Encounter, which is affiliated with Worldwide Marriage Encounter, allows married couples to get away from jobs, kids, chores and phones to focus only on each other. For more information, Ron and Connie Bergeron, 770-951-1411 or atlantaeme@earthlink.net or go to www.stcatherines.org/atlantaeme.Antiracism Training Saturday, May 6, 8:30 am - 4 pm At the Cathedral of St. Philip. The deadline to sign up for this session is May 3.A Word from the Outreach Commission Each month, the Outreach Commission will provide paper sacks for you to pick up on the 4th Sunday and bring back on the 1st Sunday filled with food items for Family Life Ministries. A small sack will be available for children. Please help support this mission! Camp Mikell Summer Camp Registration Camp registrations for summer camp at Camp Mikell are now being taken online at www.campmikell.com. If you would like more information about summer camps please call 706-886-7515 or go to Camp Mikell’s website at www.campmikell.com. Financial Report At the end of February, we were over $800 in the “red.” Pledge payments are steady though. Thank you! If you did not complete your 2005 pledge, please make an effort to do so. Also, response to the rector’s letter has been encouraging, but we are not yet where we need to be. If you have not responded and plan to, please do. Forms are in the narthex. If you did not get the letter, it is in the back of the church, and we need to get your contact information! If your circumstances change during the year and you will be unable to complete your pledge, we ask that you call one of the clergy or the Treasurer to inform us. This is important for two reasons: first, it helps us administer the parish efficiently and realistically. Second, and perhaps more importantly, it alerts us to the fact that you may be in a stressful situation. We want to know because we care! We extend our sympathy to The Tillman family for the loss of Bud Tillman and the Daniell family for the loss of Elizabeth Daniell. Book Signing April 23 There will be a reception and book signing sponsored by the Daughters of the King on Sunday, April 23 for David Benjamin Haddad, author of The Gifts and Calling of God. His new book deals with the relationship of the natural and spiritual, answers questions on how to live a Christian life, and clarifies practical applications for spiritual knowledge.
Questions for the Parish The Parish Development & Growth Commission (formerly the Newcomers Commission) met on February 26 to raise awareness and tackle issues regarding our parish growth. Though attendance at the meeting was light, there was a lively discussion and a lot of questions. We’d like to have everyone’s input on the matter; perhaps you can help us find answers to the questions posed! Please read the questions below and respond to us with any ideas or comments by speaking to either Martha Spring or Sarah Clark on the Parish Development & Growth Commission , talking to the clergy, or contacting the church at parishadmin@stjohnscollegepark.com or 404 -731-8402.How can you help? Volunteer! The Flowers on the Altar The deadline for the Easter flower bulletin is Monday, April 10. If you would like to give altar flowers in memory or honor of someone, please call the office or sign up by sending us a check for $40 with a notation as to whom you want to honor or remember. Please keep in mind that we have flowers on the altar each week—dedicating flowers is a good way to commemorate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special days for your loved ones. Name: _________________________I would like to dedicate flowers for Sunday, (date) ____________ The notation in the bulletin should read: The flowers on the altar are given _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________Please return this form with $40 check attached to the church office or mail to 3480 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337. Wednesday Services Return! St. John’s Wednesday Night Service will return after Easter! Beginning April 19, we will gather in the church at 7 p.m. for this informal service in which we often use contemporary music and celebrate the lives of the saints. Come join us! From the Rector concerning THE DA VINCI CODE: It’s fiction, folks. Not true. Really.
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Eagle Notes