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September 1 - 30, 2006 St. John’s Episcopal
Church
Dates to Remember Saturday, September 2 Sunday School Workday, 9 p.m. Sunday, September 3 Taizé, 7p.m. Saturday, September 9 Newcomers’ Dessert Evening, 7 p.m. Sunday, September 10 Sunday School classes resume, 9:15 a.m. St. John’s Picnic in Barrett Park, noon Friday, September 15 Final Centennial Brick Deadline Monday, September 18 Jim & Joe, 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, September 20 Wonderful Wednesdays programs and Children’s Choir begins, 6 p.m. Thursday, September 28 Speeders, 10:30 a.m. September 29-October 1 Worship in Pink Weekend Saturday, September 30 College Park Arts Festival Upcoming Events Sunday, October 1 Taizé, 7p.m. Wednesday, October 4 An Inconvenient Truth screening, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, October 7 Blessing of the Animals, 11 a.m. Centennial Celebration Reception Sunday, October 8 Reception after the 10:30 service. Bishop Alexander’s Visit Monday, October 9 Jim & Joe, 5-6 p.m. Sunday, October 22 Children’s Sabbath Thursday, October 26 Speeders, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 31 Halloween—Trick-or-Treating & light dinner at St. John’s, 5 p.m. Schedule of Services
Holy Eucharist Rite I 8:00 a.m.—Sunday 10:30 a.m.—Thursday
9:15 a.m.—Sunday
10:30 a.m.—Sunday
9:15 a.m. Tuesday & Thursday
6 p.m.—Wednesday St. John’s Vestry Robbin Iddins Outreach/Civic Duty, Youth Sr. Warden Debbie Reeves Finance Jr. Warden Jason Barringer Youth, Finance Jackie Berlin Outreach, Inreach Al Dixon Finance, Buildings & Grounds Carl Franzman Parish Life, Inreach Sarah Clark Parish Growth/Development, Parish Life David McLeod Worship, Parish Life Carolyn Pierce Parish Life Dan Seipel Parish Life, Outreach/Civic Duty Martha Spring Parish Growth/Development, Inreach, Youth
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Articles, birthdays, and other submissions for the next Eagle Notes issue are due on or before Wednesday, October 13.
E-mail submissions to parishadmin@stjohnscollegepark.com; mail to 3480 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337; deliver to the office door mailbox; or fax to 404-761-8403.
We want to hear from you! Sunday, September 3 7 p.m. Taizé Service Taizé focuses on light, silence, prayer, and music. We hope you will find the service a beautiful way to add to your worship experience. We hold this service on first Sundays. Saturday, September 2 9 a.m.
Many hands make light work! Come help prepare the church for the start of our Fall Sunday School classes. Necessary tasks include cleaning, putting up shelves, painting, and miscellaneous items. Also, there are copies of information regarding Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, the new Montessori-style Sunday School curriculum for 3-6 year olds, located in the narthex and Bott Hall. Please take a moment to fill out the questionnaire and return it to either Angela Joyner or Martha Spring by Sunday, September 3. You can also return the form to the ushers at the service or to the parish administrator’s door. Sunday School furniture donations are also needed on or before Sunday, September 3. Saturday, September 9th 7 p.m. Newcomer’s Dessert Evening Yum! This will be a relaxing evening in the Parlor for new members and recent visitors to get to know more about staff, vestry, and life at St. John's. Invitations will be mailed to recent visitors and new members, but if we somehow missed you, please let us know or just come. In addition, it will be a wonderful opportunity for parishioners to introduce a friend to the loving community of gentle people who call St. John's home. Bon appetit! Please contact Sarah Clark (404-753-2037) or the Church office (404-761-8402, parishadmin@stjohnscollegepark.com) for more information. Sunday, September 10 9:15 a.m. Sunday School Classes Begin On Sunday, September 10, our children & youth Sunday School classes resume! Children are encouraged to meet in the church at 9:15 to sing before classes start. Adult Classes meet in Bott Hall. Sunday, September 10 12 noon Picnic In Barrett Park In honor of the new fall classes, everyone is invited to meet in Barrett Park after the 10:30 service for a Parish picnic. There will be games, music, food, and more — guaranteed to be a lot of fun for everyone! See you there! Thursday, September 14—September 16 New Directory Mark your calendars! We’ll be putting together a new full-color Centennial year pictorial directory this month, and we want you pictured! There will be both day and evening photo sessions available. Pick your spot early—keep an eye out for the sign up sheet posted in Bott Hall. Each family that participates will receive a free copy of the new directory. It won’t be complete without you! Plus, your family photos should be ready for Christmas cards this year; the day of your session, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a selection of portraits at discounted prices. See Mark Robertson or Lee Barthelette for questions or further information. Say “Cheese!” Friday, September 15 Final Brick Deadline If you have not submitted your order form and payment for centennial bricks, here is your final chance! Create a permanent remembrance on the walkway entering the church for family, loved ones, someone departed, or those just born. These are long-lasting gifts, and a wonderful way to help celebrate 100 years of being a part of our church community. Order forms are available in the narthex and in Bott Hall. Please use a separate form for each brick. Please see Debbie Reeves or Sue Johnson with questions. Monday, September 18th 5-6 p.m. (Rescheduled Date)Jim & Joe Jim will be at Perk Place in Hapeville on North Central, near Dogwood, on Monday, August 18, from 5 -6 p.m. Come enjoy a cup of joe and an open mic discussion with Jim.Wednesday, September 20 6 p.m. Wonderful Wednesdays beginThursday, September 28 10:30 a.m. Speeders Join us as we start up the Speeder’s program after a long summer break! Check the announcements for details. September 29-October 1 Worship in Pink Weekend Join us in helping to raise awareness about breast cancer, honor
survivors for their courage, and pray for those Happy Birthday! September Birthdays: 7 Katie Aboul-Khair M.E. King Sam Ellis Terrell 8 Gale Mull 13 Lenora Griffin 15 Teresa Ball Anne Hill Dwinell 16 Julian Brady Jose Caraballo 19 Carl Cheely Bill Davis 21 Jameson Chamlee Sonny Ukegbu 22 Lisa Franzman 26 Elizabeth Pritchett Mike Spring 27 Charles Taylor Did you know...the 'Birthday Paradox' states that if there are 23 people or more in a room, then there is more than a 50% chance at least 2 of them have the same birthday. For 60 or more people, the probability is greater than 99%.
Prayer List Members Barbarine Thorpe Dorothy Scribner Glen Cassell, Jr. Carolyn Davis Jim & Carol Kadidlo Howard Wise Monica Volz Tracy Trussell Martha McLeod Dan Seipel Marian Tillman Rick Reeves Udine Lowrey Phill Sewell Fr. Harold Bott Barbara Wires Ministries Begin Again children, parents, foster families, and volunteers Odyssey Family Counseling Center Adolescent Recovery Program and Women’s Program Bethlehem Ministries, Pere Bruno and the people of Haiti Family Life Ministries Episcopal Charities Foundation St. John’s Vestry St. John’s Bargain Shop and Volunteers St. John’s Chapter of The Daughters of the King St. John’s Centennial Committee
The Church Frank, our Presiding Bishop Katharine, our Presiding Bishop-elect Neil, our Bishop Frank, our Assisting Bishop Jim, our Rector Ruth, our Priest Associate Fr. George Alexander, our guest Priest this past month
Those who have died Rt. Rev. Bennett Sims, 6th Bishop of Atlanta, retired Bishop Herbert Thompson, Jr., bishop of Southern OH (ret) Joe Tyler’s friend, Gregory Those who died in war this past week
Government George, our President Sonny, our Governor Friends & Relatives Capt. Michael Peterson, who is serving in Iraq Joy Lopez’s sister, Marcia Jackie Berlin’s friend, Shirley Johnny Eckles and family Ray Townsend’s cousin, Sue Jeanne Mull’s mother, Betty; aunt, Marian; and friend, Jane Jim and Charlotte Pritchett's nephew, Trey The Springs’ friends, Katy, David, Sarah, & James Sue Johnson’s friends, Pat and Rob Thomas Calvin Field’s sister, Beverly Paul Brady’s friends, Deana and Janet The Sewell’s family, Hamilton, Carol, Tara, Tyler, & Jonah Marian Tillman’s daughter, Tracey Jane Gunter’s daughter, Katharyn Linda Vinal’s friends, Ruth, Art, Sue, Kelly, and Debra Ethel Quimby’s great-grandson, Colin Gerry O'Connor’s friends, Martha, Shirley, and Rita Julia Paris’ sister Frances, and nephew, Scott Brian Burnett’s mother, Harriet Dock Anderson’s friend, Mark Dennis Luck, our part-time sexton Jason Barringer’s father, Bill Polly Hopkin’s father, Joe Mark Barnes Clinton Harris The Cursillo community’s friend, Deacon Swiss Britt Linda & Pete Ellis’ cousin, Michael In Memory The flowers on the altar last month were dedicated to the glory of God and in loving memory of
Thanksgiving For our blessings known and unknown Daughters of the King Anyone with a special need (or any need!) is invited to meet in the chapel for prayer after the 10:30 service. Lord, in your Mercy, Hear our prayer.
From the Rector Psalm 90 Lord, you have been our refuge * from one generation to another. Before the mountains were brought forth, or the land and the earth were born, * from age to age you are God. 3 You turn us back to the dust and say, * “Go back, O child of earth.” 4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past * and like a watch in the night. 5 You sweep us away like a dream;* we fade away suddenly like the grass. 6 In the morning it is green and flourishes; * in the evening it is dried up and withered. 12 So teach us to number our days* that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. In the first six months of this year, we celebrated the lives and mourned the losses of eight beloved parishioners and close friends. Some deaths were not unexpected, but were nevertheless difficult. Some were unexpected and shocking. And we almost lost Ruth! (She is doing very well. She went to Connecticut after all and is healing there. She’ll return in early September.) That is a lot for a parish our size. It has been traumatic for many of us. This is a time for us to draw closer to one another and God and make our prayer, “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” The Rev. James H. Pritchett, Jr., St. John’s Episcopal Church, College Park, GA. CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION CONTINUES On this Date … 40 years ago excerpts from September 1966 Eagle Notes The cookbook to be published by the senior choir will contain only 250 of the choicest recipes. Have you contributed yours yet? Write it out. Get it to Bena Sue SOON. It’s hoped that the cookbook will be ready by Bazaar time in early November. St. John’s Episcopal Day School begins the 3rd year of operation on Tuesday, Sept. 6. For the first time, we will have separate classes for four and five year old children. Mrs. Ivan Fisher will continue to teach the five year old group and Mrs. R. D. DePoy will be in charge of the four year old group. The growth and success of the school has been primarily due to the sterling abilities and devotion of June Fisher. With two eminently qualified and experienced teachers, we can expect even greater accomplishments. However, only 124 of the 302 children in the parish were registered! Sounds something like the parable that Jesus told about the great banquet that was prepared to which the invited guests didn’t bother to come. We can do much better! Perhaps the next report will show some improvements…
30 years ago excerpts from September 1976 Eagle Notes The late Sibyl Gillman willed to the church her home, located at 3161 East Point Street, East Point. The Vestry decided that before advertising in the newspaper or calling a realty company to sell it, the property should be offered to the members of the parish family. At a meeting on Monday, September 13, it was decided to offer this property for $8,000 or the best offer. 20 years agoexcerpts from September 1986 Eagle Notes The Rev. Frank Allen was elected to the office of Bishop Coadjutor by a special meeting of the Council of the Diocese. Subject to the approval of Fr. Allen by a majority of the bishops and a majority of the standing committees of all Dioceses in the American Church, Fr. Allen will then be consecrated. Designation as Coadjutor means that he will automatically become the Diocesan Bishop upon the death, resignation, or retirement of Bishop Child. Incidentally, Bishop Child said that he did not intend to vacate the chair for a “long, long, LONG time.” Plans are underway at last for a Folk Eucharist! The first service will be September 28. We want to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. For more information, call Ken Snyder. Church school classes for adults will be available each Sunday, beginning Sept. 1. The adults will have 3 choices: a class on Genesis taught by Mr. Bill Hoover & Mr. Robert Higdon; a class based on the History, Doctrine, and Practices of the Episcopal Church taught by Mr. Verne Spring and Mr. Mike Spring; and the Bible Study Grp. Centennial Celebration Gifts Gold crosses: $200 St. John’s Gift Cards: $10 per box Silver crosses: $50 Quilt Raffle Tickets: $2 each Please see Debbie Reeves or Al Dixon for more details. (raffle to be held Sunday, October 8 during the Bishop’s visit)
Centennial Celebration Events Sunday, September 10—Picnic in Barrett Park. Come enjoy music, games, food and fellowship as we celebrate the start of Sunday school programs and the final month before our 100th birthday. Saturday, October 7—Blessing of the Animals at 11:00 a.m. Also, the Centennial Celebration Reception at the College Park Women’s Club. Bishop Alexander will join us. Tickets are $15 each; $25 per couple.
Sunday, October 8—St. John’s 100th Anniversary! Bishop Alexander’s visit and reception in Bott Hall; Details to follow.
Make sure to check the bulletin, Eagle Notes, and St. John’s website for new or rescheduled events.
Happy 100th anniversary, St. John’s!
Annual College Park Arts Festival Saturday, September 30, 2006 Get ready for this year’s festival! College Park is planning to bring the best in artists, vendors, performers, children’s activities, and food to College Park for the 2006 Arts festival, held in Barrett Park. From 10 a.m.—6 p.m. We need Volunteers! Watch for announcements regarding when and how to sign up to staff shifts at the St. John’s booth. Help tell people about our church and life together! from the Diocese and Beyond St. Mary’s Sewanee Hosts a Weekend with Thomas Merton September 15-17Spend a weekend focusing on the life, thought, and spirituality of Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk who became one of the most widely read spiritual writers of all time. Particular attention will be given to Thomas’ effort to show how contemplation can leaven and enrich our busy lives, address some of the challenges we face today, and enable us to enter into a new relationship with persons of other faiths to meet those challenges. The conference will be presented by E. Glenn Hinson, who studied under Thomas Merton for eight years, is the Professor Emeritus of Spirituality at Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond Virginia. The residential fee for this retreat is $190, all-inclusive. The commuter fee is $75 plus the cost of meals. A $30 deposit is required. Friday 6 p.m. until Sunday 11 a.m.
All Saints’ Concert Series Tuesday, September 26—7:30 p.m. The Three Trumpets Atlanta Symphony Orchestra trumpeters Michael Tiscione, Kevin Lyons, and Mark Hughes begin the season with fanfare. Accompaniment by Raymond & Elizabeth Chenault. Become a season subscriber! Don’t miss any of the wonderful concerts offered in the All Saints’ 2006-2007 concert series. Subscribe and receive tickets to all six concerts for the price of five. This offer is available through September 26. Contact All Saints’ Episcopal Church (770-955-5453, 404-881-0835, or AllSaintsConcertSeries@yahoo.com) for more information. Bishop to host book-signing party Friday, September 29—7 p.m. Bishop Alexander will host a book-signing party for the newly published Diocese of Atlanta: Centennial Celebration 1907-2007, commemorating the history of our diocese, at the Cathedral of St. Philip. In addition to an opportunity to chat with the bishop and purchase an autographed copy of the book, there will be music and refreshments. “This will be a great chance to visit with folks from all over the diocese,” said Peggy Dawson, a member of the Centennial Committee. The yearlong celebration of the Centennial gets officially underway at the Diocesan Council meeting in November. Global Mission Event Saturday, October 7th—9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The Diocese of Atlanta presents its 2nd annual Global Mission Event at the Cathedral of St. Philip. The program is designed for all those who believe in reaching out to those in need. Members of outreach committees, Christian educators, clergy, vestries, and friends from the ecumenical community will benefit, she said. Keynote speaker is Elizabeth Allan, veteran of numerous mission trips in the U.S. and other countries. She is married to the Rt. Rev. Frank Allan, 8th bishop of Atlanta. Cost per person is $10, which covers lunch. Registrations are due September 30. For more information, contact Global Mission Committee chair Gini Peterson at 770-879-0321 or ginireid@bellsouth.net. Episcopal Peace Fellowship EPF, along with 25 other organizations, endorses the Declaration of Peace, which pledges
With nearly 70% of the people of the United States opposing this war, there is a growing call to bring the troops home now and to establish a concrete and rapid withdrawal plan. Together — policy-makers and citizens; Democrats, Republicans and Independents; people of faith and people of conscience – we have the power to douse the endless fire of the US war in Iraq that is consuming lives, resources, and the fragile possibilities of peace. Sign The Declaration of Peace – and take tangible, nonviolent action to end this war. To sign the pledge, or to read more about the General Convention resolutions regarding the war in Iraq, visit the Episcopal Peace Fellowship at www.epfnational.org. Prayer for Peace Christ, no one on earth really wants the pain and horror of war. We do not want to kill or be killed, to hurt or be hurt.But we all see injustice, and sometimes it makes us angry and we see no other way to right the wrong except by war. Christ, teach us the ways of peace! Calm our angry hearts and grant to all peoples and their patience in the search for peace and justice. Help us to be ready to give up some of our comforts and power and pride, so that war will leave the face of the earth and we may work for you in peace. -By Avery Brooks, in Plain Prayers in a Complicated World. Respond to Middle East crisis by giving to ERD The military conflict in the Middle East has created a humanitarian crisis that is growing daily. Not only have hundreds been killed and nearly 2,000 wounded, more than half a million people have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety. Many of these vulnerable people are in need of food, water and medicine. Episcopal Relief and Development is partnering with Action by Churches Together (ACT) and the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem to deliver food rations, cleaning supplies, medicines, and diapers and supplementary food for infants and children, to more than 12,000 displaced people. You may respond to this conflict by giving to ERD. visit www.er-d.org, or mail donations to: Episcopal Relief and Development, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101. To donate by phone, please call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. The Flowers on the Altar If you would like to give altar flowers in memory or honor of someone, please sign up by sending us a check and 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 to the glory of God and in _______________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Please return this form with $40 check attached to the church office or mail to 3480 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337. What’s Happening? Community News Family Life Ministries Old Mother Hubbard Went to the cupboard To get her children some food But when she got there The cupboard was bare And so the precious children had none…
Over the past month, the FLM cupboards reached a critically low point. They need our immediate help to fill the shelves in order to have a ready supply for those who those who fall between the cracks of society: the poor, the distressed, and the underprivileged. Please bring in your filled bag of non-perishable food and goods for FLM; deliveries are made weekly from St. John’s. Remember to always pick up a new bag on the last Sunday of every month to help support this vital mission! Suggested items: (items in bold are most needed) Boxed cereal Soup Peanut butter & Jelly Canned meat, veggies (esp. green beans), & fruit Rice Pasta & sauce Dried Beans Prepackaged/canned Mexican food Cookies, chips, & crackers Powdered milk Juice packs Boxed dinners Macaroni & Cheese Flour & sugar Toilet paper Personal items, e.g.Toothpaste & Toothbrushes Razors Soap Deodorant Diapers Monetary donations Ministry items like pots & pans, tables, chairs, beds, dressers, shelves, & lamps
September 2006
Southern Hope Humane Society/Fulton County Animal Services "FIX-EM FREE" It's important to take care of our pets and control the animal population through spaying and neutering. Now, residents of Fulton County who cannot afford these procedures can apply for the “Fix-Em Free” program. Through this program, vaccinations and spay and neuter services are available free for dogs and cats 8 weeks and older. The online application is located at www.fultonanimalservices.com. Call 404-794-0358 for more information. Your Future -Submitted by Phill SewellIn this world you are given as you give And you are forgiven as you forgive - While you go your way Through each lovely day You create your future as you live. Youth Mission Trip -From Nathan Spring Thank you everyone who made donations towards the Diocesan Youth Mission this year. It was a huge success and we were able to help so many people in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, who were still unable to enter their homes nearly a year after the hurricane. Your help made all of this possible. Thank you for keeping all of us on the mission in your prayers. Wonderful Wednesdays - From Ruth HealyOn September 20, we start once again our Wonderful Wednesdays! Program. We will start off two "tracks":
TRACK 1: 6-8 p.m., Via Media Starting in September, we will offer an encore presentation the very popular eight-week VIA MEDIA we presented in the spring of 2005 . As you may remember, this was an enormous success — so much so, that some of you might like to join us for a second round. There is nothing about the topics for discussion during those eight weeks that could get stale. For those of you who didn't participate last year, here is the way it works: we gather at 6 p.m. in the Hall for supper. This is followed by videos, liturgies, and a chance to learn from theologians, clergy, seminary professors, and engaged laity from across the Episcopal Church. We have small group discussion time with a facilitator. We welcome newcomers, neighbors, inquirers, and anyone who is looking for a Christian community. It is a wonderful opportunity to share the Good News with friends and strangers. Beginning in January 2007, we will offer a new program which was designed by the same group, entitled VIA MEDIA VALUES. It will be an opportunity to encounter the basic principles of Christian ethical and moral decision making through the model of the Baptismal Covenant. The schedule be the same— dinner and program.
TRACK 2: 6-7 p.m., Christian Parenting in a Hostile World While everyone is certainly welcome, this class is specifically designed to coordinate with our new Children's Choir (see article) and provide companionship, support, and information to parents while their children are in choir practice. Among other topics, we will discuss loving discipline, morals, and self-esteem and failure. Because the kiddies can't stay out late, Children's Choir and this group will meet from 6-7 with no dinner.will "play it by ear" as to whether we keep this schedule all year or merge the tracks later on. Whichever track is right for you, plan to spend your Wednesday evenings with your friends at St. John's!
Below is an editorial that appeared in the AJC on July 20, 2006. It is reprinted with permission. Durable Faith in a Challenging World By Tom Ehrich, c. 2006 Religion News ServiceAs Mideast violence spiraled and power grabs dominated American politics, I told 100 teenage leaders of National Episcopal Happening they would need a "tough faith for a tough world." By "tough faith," I didn't mean bullying religiosity or moral perfectionism. I meant a durable faith, with enough depth to handle a complex and challenging world, without turning mean, nostalgic or escapist. Everything is changing. Economic competition is global. Capital and jobs flow easily across borders. U.S. teenagers will compete directly with Asians and Europeans. They won't be able to coast or to assume any continuities of privilege. The race will go to those who are prepared, not to those skilled mainly in television, video games and soccer. The forces resisting modernity are strong. Islamic fundamentalism wants to stop this modern world from proceeding. No more freedom for women, no more freedom of thought or expression, no more inventiveness or science, no more secular literature, no more exchanges of ideas with other cultures. Christian fundamentalism follows a similar script, trying to turn back the clock to ancient tribal ways and demanding moral conformity. Governments encourage this resistance to modernity, because it is easier to rule when people feel weak, afraid, isolated and distrustful. I encouraged the youth to be enthusiastic, not discouraged, about this challenging era, for it offers many opportunities. Where is God in this? I think God is leading us forward, not beckoning us backward. I think God cares little about our culture-war issues, but is more concerned about the relentless spread of starvation, disease, genocide, injustice, domestic violence, mind-destroying addictions, and a dangerous gap between rich and poor. What should teen leaders be doing? First, I think the times call for more than a faith grounded in fun and nice people, but rather a faith that listens to the other, truly engages the Word in all of its ambiguities and difficulties, and is grounded in justice and servanthood. Second, I think the times call for real community. Not like-minded people who share common moral and political viewpoints, but loving and accepting people who treasure diversity and follow the practice of Jesus in welcoming outcasts. Not winners seeking to be around winners, but kind and merciful people who break down hierarchies of power and privilege. Third, I think the times call for healthy congregations. Our denominations might or might not get their acts together. They argue incessantly about things that didn't concern Jesus, such as sexuality and who's in charge. The health of the church will be found at the local level, at the altar where people lay their troubles and seek food for their souls, in the pews where strangers become friends, and friends join their voices together in songs of praise and thanksgiving, in the mission projects where the privileged and pampered learn to place less value on comfort, and in the parking lots and quiet places where people share their fears and frustrations and find a listening ear. Fourth, I think the times call for a culture of less, not more, a culture of giving, not getting, where enemies learn to love each other, the rich give away their wealth, the powerful get humble, and the meek, grieving, lost and infirm take heart. The world has plenty of religious zealots drawing lines in the sand and saying who belongs, plenty of religious bullies shouting their opinions and prejudices as if they were the voice of God, plenty of institution builders who worry about not offending anyone. What the world needs is a tough faith that dares to love and to dream. Tom Ehrich is a writer, consultant and leader of workshops. His book, "Just Wondering, Jesus: 100 Questions People Want to Ask," was published by Morehouse Publishing. An Episcopal priest, he lives in Durham, N.C. His Web site is www.onajourney.org. Copyright 2006 Religion News Service. All rights reserved. No part of this transmission may be distributed or reproduced without written permission. Congratulations to Charles & Ashley Olaiya on the birth of their daughter, Sidney Jadesola, on June 16th, 2006 and Randy & Stephanie English, on the birth of their son, Cameron Randolph, on July 28, 2006. and Laura Bott & Dennis Schimmelfennig, who will be married on September 9, 2006. Thank you To Carolyn Pierce, who worked so hard cleaning the kitchen from top to bottom. Your thoughtfulness and time is important and appreciated! September Rate Increases The City of College Park wishes to inform its residents and businesses of the upcoming utility rate increases beginning September 1st.
Join the College Park Historical Society The College Park Historical Society needs you! The society is currently seeking new members, especially youth, to volunteer to create archives. If your a history buff, this is the group for you. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the Historical Society Building, located at 1928 Walker Street.(404) 209-1052 for more details. Mayor’s Ball Saturday, September 23rd, 2006—7:00 p.m. You are cordially invited by Mayor and Mrs. Jack Longino to College Park’s first Mayor’s Ball. This black-tie event at the Georgia International Convention Center will help enrich partnerships among College Park’s citizens, businesses, and religious organizations. Proceeds from the event will be awarded to non-profit organizations in the City of College Park. Tickets are only $25 per person.
If you would like to attend, please call the church office and let us know by Monday, September 11. If there is enough interest, St. John’s can purchase a table in advance, so that we can enjoy the event together. If you have other questions or comments , please contact the Mayor’s Ball co-chairs: Dr. Rhunett Lindsay or Mrs. Sandy Causey, (404)761-0266. Quilt Raffle The beautiful double bed-sized quilt on display in Bott Hall is being raffled off as part of our Centennial events & fundraisers. Tickets are just $2 each, and can be purchased from Debbie Reeves, Donn Blosser, or the Parish Administrator. The drawing will take place at the Sunday, October 8 reception during the Bishop’s visit. Adult Education Who Says?? -from Mike SpringDaVinci Code, Gospel of Judas- what's going on? Are these ideas from Scripture? How many gospels are there? What is scripture, anyway? Who gets to say? Is it infallible? Who wrote it down, and when? Join us on Sunday morning, September 10, to begin a lively class taught by Mike Spring, and learn what your church teaches about scripture. Watch the announcements for details of additional Adult Education classes.Armatus Keeping Children Safe from Abuse “And who so shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.” Matthew 18:5. Armatus is the only internet-based training of it’s kind, designed to teach us how to keep our children safe from abuse. Vestry members and adults in the parish who are working with children have been asked to register and complete the training. Rector encourages everyone to take this free, interactive, and interesting training. If you are interested in learning about Armatus, contact Carl Franzman at cjfranzman@mindspring.com.Children’s Choir Wonderful news! Beginning September 20th, parents are encouraged to bring children on Wednesday evenings from 6 -7 p.m. to sing in the new Children’s Choir. Parents can then participate in the parenting class lead by the rector, while Katie Aboul-Khair directs the children’s choir, with assistance from Dock Anderson and Maggie McEnerny. Kids will be asking to come to church on Wednesdays once they experience the joy of singing and learning about music that this program will provide. We encourage all parents to help our children get involved with Children’s Choir. This will be great for our children and great for our parish. All we need now is you! Children’s voices raised in song surely makes God smile!
Special Back to School Issue! Christian Education Children & Youth -From Carl FranzmanThe children’s education meeting was a huge success! people attended the meeting, which was held outside to the sounds of numerous kids splashing around in the Pritchett’s pool. Laura Kintz was our guest speaker, and she discussed the new pre-school program, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. After a brief discussion, it was decided to keep the start time for Sunday School the same, 9:15 a.m. Dock will meet the children in Church for song time; classes will begin afterwards. Martha Spring and Angela Joyner are undergoing a year-long training program and will be teaching the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. class. Polly Hopkins and Martha Cheely will be teaching the elementary aged children. Shannon Korta & Kathi Indermill have agreed to teach the middle school kids.Rather than have a formal High School class, those kids will be asked to assist with the younger children, under the guidance of Charlotte Pritchett. We should all express our gratitude to these individuals who are giving their time for the children of the parish! Thank you, teachers!
Ruth Healy On the road to recovery (and Connecticut) at last! On the drive to Connecticut at the start of Ruth’s August vacation, she was involved in a terrible hit-&-run accident in South Carolina. After being hit, Ruth’s car was forced over guard rail and rolled down the embankment. Two truckers (who just happened to be paramedics!) saw the accident, stopped, and called 911. Ruth says this is a story full of good Samaritans. Thankfully, her dogs, Gwennie & Hilde, were OK. Ruth, however, had glass in her knee that required several stitches, a dislocated clavicle, a large goose egg on her head, and lots of bruises. After an MRI (and every other test known to man,) and considering the fact that an operation wouldn't be a sure cure, Ruth has decided to hold off on shoulder surgery. Unfortunately, she might have to give up golf, since her left arm will go no higher than her shoulder, but she can still celebrate at mass, drive, and eat with her right hand. (A new experience for her, since Ruth is left-handed!) She does have full use of her left hand, so she can still write and type, thank goodness. While it may not be the relaxing vacation she originally planned, Ruth will still get to see family in Connecticut. She has left Atlanta (flying this time) and will return September 7th. Ruth writes: Well, finally, I am sitting at my desk in Deep River, looking out the picture window at the beautiful garden, enjoying the early morning quiet. Praise God! At the moment all I can think of is the wonderful cards I have gotten from so many of you, the prayers, and support, all of which have made this possible. I confess that at times I wondered if I would ever get here, but we made it! Thanks to the wonderful Emory Health system, I am progressing well; off codeine, onto Ibuprofen, moving my left arm as well as it is going to move, learning to eat with my right hand (messy as it can be) and getting about easily. I have even consulted with Nancy, my golfing partner, about the prospect of letting her play my long shots while I do the pitch and putt of it. St. John's sounds as though great things are ahead - Ray's lovely letter about the choir, the ideas from the swim party parents, all sound great. And I do look forward to getting back into harness after my family stuff here. I think they have just needed to see me in order to believe. I'm going to enjoy these days - a sunset cruise tonight on the Connecticut River, a trip to Martha's Vineyard, and lots of friends and family coming here. I will enjoy vacation and I will be glad to get back in harness with my new beige Prius. Again - many thanks. Love you! Faithfully, Ruth We are all so happy that Ruth survived the wreck, and, though injured, is in good spirits. Thanks be to God!
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Eagle Notes