Hunger Walk, March 1 – An Exercise in Community

I always look forward to the Hunger Walk each year. It is a wonderful time of fellowship and fun all at the same time making a profound statement about the continuing issue of hunger in our community. As some of you are aware, I am a member of the Board of Directors of MUST Ministries and Episcopal Charities Foundation. I can tell you without a doubt one of the major issues the greater Atlanta area faces is feeding the hungry. Just as an example, MUST gives out 10 barrels of food every weekday to feed the hungry in Cobb and Cherokee counties! That's literally five tons of food each week. And there is never enough. As you can imagine the needs are simply escalating at this very time in our life as a country and community. This past summer, MUST, through churches including St. Catherine’s, synagogues, mosques and secular organizations served 2,000+ lunches to children each day totaling nearly 100,000 lunches for the summer through their Summer Lunch program.

So please join me in taking this walk of affirmation and support for the food network in the greater Atlanta area. I know you will find it an Exercise in Community. Want to learn more? Go to www.acfb.org/hunger_walk/.

Fr. Jim+

Valentine’s Dinner Dance

Saturday, February 21

The Valentine’s Dinner, Dance, and Auction is happening on Saturday, February 21st from 5:45 to 11pm at St. Catherine’s. The Dinner/Dance has been a St. Catherine’s tradition for 10 years! Each year the J2A class and their parents host the Valentine’s Dinner Dance and Auction to raise money for their pilgrimage. The pilgrimage is the focal point of the Journey to Adulthood curriculum and is taken after the first year in the Young Adult class. Each year the youth who will be traveling on the pilgrimage work to get donations for both the live and silent auctions. The youth also set-up the event, serve dinner, and sell tickets.

The Valentine’s Dinner Dance and Auction is a great evening. At 5:45 the night begins with a Silent Auction with passed hors d’oeuvres served by the youth and an open bar with beer, wine, and soft drinks. Following the Silent Auction is a seated five course dinner served by the youth. During dessert there is a spectacular Live Auction where items such as stays at vacation homes, gourmet dinners hosted by parishioners, fine art, and overseas trips are offered. The evening concludes with dancing and music from a professional DJ. The entire evening is a great chance to spend time with friends, eat great food, bid on great items, and raise money for the youth to go on their pilgrimage.

Tickets are on sale for two more weeks and will be available before and after the 8:45 and 11:15am services on Sundays, February 8 and 15. We hope you will come out and support the J2A class and their pilgrimage. Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple, and include admission to the event, a five course dinner, and beer, wine, and soft drinks throughout the evening. For more information please stop by the ticket sales table in the foyer or contact Amelia Arthur at 770-971-2839 or Ameliastcatherines.org.

Auction items requested ASAP

We're collecting donated items for the live and silent auction at the Valentine's Dinner Dance on Feb. 21, which benefits the biannual Youth Pilgrimage. Check the Opportunities For Ministry in your bulletin or contact Youth Director Amelia Arthur, amelia@stcatherines.org, 770-971-2839, for information or to donate items, from framed art to use of a vacation home. Thank you!

by Amelia Arthur

St. Catherine’s introduces new Career Ministry!

Are you on a career journey and looking for emotional and spiritual support, as well as educational information and valuable resources? Then look no further. On behalf of St. Catherine’s we would like to introduce you to our Career Ministry.

The Career Ministry will sponsor seven sessions. Sessions begin on Thursday, February 12, and will be held in the Parish Hall from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Each session will include a guest speaker. You can plan to attend them all, or come as you wish. These sessions are open to all St. Catherine’s adult parishioners; however friends, neighbors, and extended family members are welcome to come along!

On Thursday, February 12, our guest speaker will be Jay Litton, who will speak on “The wwWoW! Interview.” Once you’ve heard Jay speak you’ll never hear the word “WoW!” the same again. As the creator of the wwWoW! Interview, he has personally trained thousands of professional job seekers on how to get the job offer they want. Jay derives a tremendous amount of satisfaction from helping others with their careers. He's going to share with us his method of greatly increasing our chances of blowing away any hiring manager and landing the positions we want.

Jay is the Southeast Regional Sales Manager for GuardianEdge. Jay leads a team of over 140 employed volunteer professionals who donate their time to help job seekers. This is one of the largest volunteer groups for job seekers in the Southeast. You can also find Jay at the RUMC (Roswell United Methodist Church) Job Networking Ministry (www.RUMCjobnetworking.com) in Roswell, GA.

After Jay's talk we will divide up into small groups for sharing, support, and networking, as well as offer an opportunity for participants to explore other resources we will have available. Topics include: Communication Skills, Creating a Brand, Networking, Online Tools, Resume Writing, Dealing with Rejection, Getting the Offer.

Mark your calendar for the following upcoming Program dates. If you have any questions, or suggestions, please contact St. Catherine’s new Career Ministry Team: Bill Holman, Tom Hunter, Hans Kraeger, Jennifer Massey, Bruce Perry, Margaret Shaw.

• February 12, 26
• March 12,26
• April 16, 30
• May 14

by Jennifer Massey

Caring for our parish family

Sonshine Ministry and Cats On Wheels have begun to make use of CareCalendars for certain parishioners needing personal assistance. CareCalendar is a web-based system available at www.carecalendar.org which organizes meals, transportation and other help for families during a time of illness or life-changing event, such as the birth of a baby or death of a family member. CareCalendar can also be used for long term situations, including homebound and caregiver respite care needs. There are several helper benefits:

• Stay informed: Read status updates and view photos.
• Sign up to help: See what needs are unfilled and sign yourself up for them.
• Receive e-mail notifications: Get reminders about needs that you signed-up for and any unfilled needs for the day.
• Get maps and driving directions: Know how to get to the recipient’s location, turn by turn.
• Access when convenient: CareCalendar is available around the clock. As long as you have access to the Internet, you can get to CareCalendar. No need to worry about interrupting the coordinator's day when you can easily look it up for yourself.
• It's easy to use and your privacy is kept -- you don't need to start an account or give an email address to check for opportunities to help or read the status updates.
   

How can you help?

• Sonshine Ministry is St. Catherine’s committee which organizes providing meals to parishioners who arrive home from the hospital or face emergencies such as death in the family or loss of job. This group uses traditional communications like phone and email as well as CareCalendars to coordinate their efforts. If you’d like to join them in serving our parish members in need, please contact the committee chair, Amy Morris, amymorris73yahoo.com.
• For information about the individuals currently using CareCalendars, please look for their account numbers and information in your weekly Parish Announcements emails or your print version of The Wheel newsletter.
• Cats On Wheels is our fellowship group which welcomes all active senior adults. In addition, they are sponsoring the CareCalendar for Roy, the husband of our associate rector. To get on the mailing list for their activities please contact Alan Certain, AlanteamCertain.com.

When you need help

• We are here to serve you. Let the church know when you or a loved one has a medical procedure, an illness, a life transition, or other special need. Please allow us the opportunity to share your experience and offer our support. Simply call the church office at 770-971-2839. We will contact the appropriate persons to organize the assistance, whether by establishing a CareCalendar or using our other means.

Wondering when it's appropriate to call our priests and how to do it? Click here to read our article in the November 10-23, 2008 issue of The Wheel.

Sanctuary Flowers and Candles

Thank you to all who have signed up to provide flowers and candles to adorn our sanctuary during 2009. There are still dates available to sign up in thanksgiving for or in memory of a person or occasion. Please check the chart available in the foyer or see the list of open dates in the Opportunities for Ministry form in your bulletin. Your donations are the support for these ministries and we appreciate your contributions.

We want to take this time to remind those who might not yet have signed up but are interested, that we invite you to go together with friends or family to sponsor a vase of flowers. The sponsorship for candles or vases of flowers for any date on the calendar is NOT limited to one or two persons or families. And when you've signed up, please remember to submit a check for flowers ($60/vase) and candles ($20) on or before your scheduled date. Again, thank you for your generosity.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

February 24, 5-7 PM

Come celebrate Mardi Gras St. Catherine’s style at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper! Come to the Parish Hall between 5-7pm for pancakes, King Cake, and fellowship! Once again the youth will be making pancakes, bacon, and spiced apples and serving them from 5-7pm in the Parish Hall. This year half of the money raised will go to the youth program and half will go to St. Catherine’s. The suggested donation is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Come out to have pancakes and fun and help support the Youth Program and St. Catherine’s! For more information contact Amelia Arthur at 770-971-2839 or Ameliastcatherines.org!

by Amelia Arthur

Margaritas and Mardi Gras

February 23, 6:30-9:00pm

Father Jim invites all young adults—married/ engaged/ single, without children, who are in their 20’s and 30’s to join him for Margaritas and Mardi Gras at Tijuana Joe’s Mexican restaurant on Monday, February 23, from 6:30-9:00pm. Father Jim will buy your beverages and you buy your dinner. Father Jim wants to get to know you, help you get to know one another, and wants to ask you how St. Catherine’s can best serve you.

Tijuana Joe’s is located on the corner of Johnson Ferry Road and Lower Roswell Road in the Parkaire Shopping Center ( 690 Johnson Ferry Rd, Marietta, GA 30068). For more information please call Father Jim at 770-971-2839, or e-mail him at fatherjimbellsouth.net. He hopes to see you on February 23rd!

Jesus Christ Superstar GOSPEL – Reserve ASAP!

A trip for everyone to see Jesus Christ Superstar GOSPEL on Thursday, February 12, at the Alliance Theater’s 11:00 AM matinee performance. We will leave St. Catherine’s at 9:15 am by carpool/van for this event. Cats On Wheels is sponsoring this trip and invites all to participate. This new gospel version of the famous rock opera combines Atlanta’s rich gospel tradition and extraordinary choirs with a Broadway-quality cast. Andrew Lloyd Webber has given Louis St. Louis, famed Broadway film composer, permission for this new interpretation of his music. Experience this hit musical as you never have before – as gospel choirs raise the roof off our Alliance.

Twenty group tickets are available on a first-come-first-served basis to anyone in the congregation who would like to attend. Cost is $22 (including tax and carpool parking). Sign up ASAP with your check (make checks to St. Catherine's and be sure to write the designation for "Jesus Christ Superstar"), on the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin or contact the church office.Contact Alan Certain, AlanteamCertain.com, for information.

by Alan Certain

St. Catherine's Preschool Registration

“Cherishing Childhood — Valuing Education”

Preschool registration for the 2009-2010 school year is here! Tours are available weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 AM to noon

• February 11-13 - St. Catherine’s Church families not currently enrolled may register 10 AM to 1 PM at the preschool office.
• Thursday, Feb. 19 - Open registration for the community in the Parish Hall beginning at 10:30 am.

Please visit our website at www.stcatherines.org/preschool.htm for more information on our wonderful preschool. As always, we appreciate referring your friends and neighbors to our quality preschool program for ages one to pre-K.

All about Advance Directives

Saturday, Feb. 14, 10 AM in the Parish Hall

A Valentine to remember? That’s right, if you give your loved one your Advance Directives there will be nothing about you forgotten. Join us on Saturday, February 14, from 10 am to 12 noon in the Parish Hall for an Advance Directives informational class. What kind of medical care would you want if you were too ill or hurt to express your wishes? Advance Directives are legal documents that allow you to convey your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time. They provide a way for you to communicate your wishes to family, friends and health care professionals, and to avoid confusion later on.

Preregistration is needed so we may provide class materials, however there is no charge to attend. You can call the church or sign up in the Opportunities for Ministries in the Sunday bulletin. Please contact Dani Dickson, 770-971-1141 or annejsdbellsouth.net, for more information.

by Dani Dickson

Welcoming Coffee

Sunday, Feb. 15, 10-11 AM in the Parish Hall

No RSVP needed! All newcomers and visitors to St. Catherine's are cordially invited to our next Welcoming Coffee in the Parish Hall during the Church School hour. This will be a social as well as informative gathering, as clergy, staff and lay leaders will be present to answer questions about our programs, services and ministries. Please come for coffee and goodies, and get acquainted with your parish family.

"Episcopalian 101"

An Inquirer's Class for Adults, beginning March 1

An Inquirer’s Class will be offered for all adults interested in being confirmed, received or reaffirmed in the Episcopal Church, or anyone who just wants to know more about the Episcopal Church. The class begins Sunday, March 1 at 10am and will meet during the Church School hour each Sunday (except Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday) through May 17. For those interested, confirmation is at The Cathedral of St. Philip on Sunday, May 31, at 4:00 PM.

Ministry Teams Quarterly Meeting

Tuesday, March 6, 7:00 PM in the Parish Hall

All ministry team members—committee and group chairs, conveners—and all those who are interested in ministry at St. Catherine's, please mark your calendar and plan to attend this important meeting.

Seen around St. Cat's

Sunday mornings are busy times at St. Catherine's -- in Catechesis atriums, Church School classes, worship and fellowship on January 18, 2009...

by Connie Bergeron

Join Coffee Ministry

Want to volunteer for an easy, fun and rewarding ministry? Join us on the Coffee Ministry! You'll provide fellowship on Sundays after 8:45 or 11:15 services by setting up, serving, and putting away coffee and refreshments in the foyer or under our Great Oak when the weather is nice. Dates rotate among volunteers. It's an easy commitment and greatly appreciated by all! Sign up on the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin or for information contact Katja Michael, katja.michaelgmail.com.

Mardi Gras Mission to New Orleans

Each year our partner parish, St. George’s in New Orleans, raises money during Mardi Gras by offering meals to the public. Funds go to their Dragon Café ministry which provides meals year-round to needy people in the neighborhood. A group of us from St Catherine’s will travel there on February 18-23. Some will help with this preparation and sale of food to parade watchers and some of us will work with the Diocese of Louisiana to help rebuild. Maybe we’ll even come back with a few beads!

Watch for announcements of ways you can participate in our continuing partnership with St. George’s, or get involved right now – for information call Al Jones, 770-565-1013 or email 4albellsouth.net.

Photo, above: New Orleans house we worked on during our October 2008 mission trip.

Women's Retreat – Waiting List

Thank you to all who have registered for the Women's Retreat on March 6 - 8 at Amicalola Falls Lodge in north Georgia. If you were not able to sign up with a deposit by February 1, we have begun a waiting list. For information please contact Ginny Lummus, gslummusgmail.com.

Hunger Walk 2009

Sunday, March 1 at Turner Field, Atlanta

The annual Hunger Walk is taking place on March 1st and we need you! Each year the Diocese of Atlanta partners with many other churches, synagogues, and mosques and community organizations to walk in the Hunger Walk to raise money for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. For each $1 raised the Atlanta Community Food Bank can provide $8.28 worth of groceries to those in need. This year Father Jim has issued a challenge to the St. Catherine’s community. For every $1 we raise as a church he will match it! There is no minimum donation for the walk, but those who raise $10 get a free event pin and those who raise $25 get a free event t-shirt. Forms are available on the Hunger Walk bulletin board in the foyer and from Youth Director Amelia Arthur.

The Hunger Walk begins at 2:30pm at Turner Field and the St. Catherine’s group will meet immediately after the 11:15 service that day and carpool to the walk and back. If you can’t walk you can sponsor someone who is walking! Look for the list of names of registered walkers on the bulletin board in the foyer if you can’t walk and would like to sponsor someone. Please contact Amelia Arthur at 770-971-2839 or Ameliastcatherines.org for more information or with questions.

by Amelia Arthur

Invitation to a Holy Lent

Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25

Holy Eucharist + Imposition of Ashes at 7:00 am, 12:00 noon, 7:30 pm

On Ash Wednesday, we are signed with the outward sign of our humble beginnings and common end. The priest invites all to the observance of holy Lent by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word. After our period of silence before the Lord, our maker and redeemer, the priest puts ashes on our foreheads as we take responsibility for this living flesh, notice everything around us, the possessions we hold valuable, the persons we love and know that all will one day turn to dust.

This is one of two days the Episcopal church calls for fasting and church attendance – the other is Good Friday. Fasting is generally accepted to mean abstaining from food and beverage until the communion is received. Of course, we do not recommend this if there extenuating health issues. Please make every effort to attend worship this day. Episcopal Churches throughout our community will have services that day. If you need schedules please call the office and we will be delighted to give you some information on the closest Episcopal church to our work or function.

Wednesday Evening Lenten Series 2009

“Travel Pilgrimage: Seeking God in the Journey,” March 4- April 1

This year’s Wednesday Evening Lenten series, “Travel Pilgrimages: Seeking God in the Journey,” will be members of St. Catherine’s sharing their pilgrimage experiences. A pilgrimage is a journey to a holy place associated with an encounter with God. A pilgrimage is not always what it seems to be. It is not travel for the sake of vacation, although moments of leisure, the experience of new places and peoples, relating to different cultures and histories could convey such an impression to the observer. Nor is a pilgrimage specifically a retreat, even though there are moments and occasions for intentional prayer, meditation, silence and shared reflection. A pilgrimage is a deep inward wandering, a spiritual journey of the human heart to the heart of the sacred.

This series will be Wednesday evenings during Lent, beginning March 4 through April 1. The evening begins with supper at 5:45 pm, followed by speakers at 6:30 pm and concludes with a Taize evensong at 7:30pm. Those sharing their pilgrimage will be:

• March 4: Israel – Tom and Marilyn Hunter
• March 11: Italy – Sally Paris & youth team
• March 18: Ireland and Iona – Susan Johnson+
• March 25: Camino Santiago de Campostella – Deacon Kathy Holman+
• April 1: Egypt – Jim Nixon+

Lenten Morning Eucharist and Study begins March 3

Our Lenten Eucharist and Study will meet Tuesday mornings, March 3 through April 7, at 7:00 am. We meet for a quiet and brief Eucharist followed by a study. We're done by 8:00 and on to the day's demands. For those who have participated in this time over the years we have found it to be special, a time we look forward to as an opportunity to respond to the invitation to a holy Lent. We hope you will join us.

This Lent we will us a small book by Reisman Kimberl, Following At A Distance: A Lenten Study for Adults, as our text for study. The book is inexpensive ($5 or less) so you are encouraged to purchase a copy to maximize your experience not just of our Tuesday study but throughout Lent. You can buy it at many outlets including online sites such as amazon.com and borders.com. In the meantime mark your calendar and set your alarm.

Lenten Resources

Our annual booklet of reflections on the season of Lent, written by our own St. Catherine's parishioners, will be available starting on Ash Wednesday. The Reflection of the Day, and the whole booklet, will also be available on our website -- be sure to check all through Lent and Holy Week (starting on February 25) at www.stcatherines.org/reflections/lent-list.htm.

We also will have on our resource table in foyer a book of reflections published by Episcopal Relief and Development. You also may receive these meditations by email by signing up on the Lent Resources page of the ERD website at www.er-d.org/LentenResources , or click here for the 2009 ERD Daily Lenten Meditations Sign Up.

Liturgies during Lent

First Sunday in Lent: The Great Litany

On the first Sunday of Lent, March 1, at both our 8:45 & 11:15 services, we will sing the Great Litany. The Great Litany is an intercessory prayer including various petitions sung by the priests, with fixed responses by the congregation. It was used as early as the fifth century in Rome. It was led by a deacon, with the collects led by a bishop or priest. The Litany was the first English language rite prepared by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer and first published in 1544. Its use in church processions was ordered by Henry VIII when England was at war with Scotland and France. It was printed as an appendix to the Eucharist in the 1549 Book of Common Prayer (BCP). The 1979 BCP titled it "The Great Litany," distinguishing it from other litanies in the Prayer Book. The Great Litany may be said or sung. The officiant and people may kneel or stand, or it may be done in procession.

Additional Sundays in Lent: Rite 1/Rite 2

During Lent 2009 we will continue some liturgical changes introduced last year within our Sunday worship. These changes will primarily center around the Eucharistic Liturgy and the language and prayers we use each week.

Let's talk about our language. During Lent the 7:30 and 11:15 worship will use Rite I rather than Rite II. The easiest distinction we might draw between the two is that Rite I uses traditional language (thee, thou, thy, etc) versus Rite II which uses contemporary language (he, you, our, etc.). The traditional language rites are known as Rite 1, and the contemporary language rites are known as Rite 2. The Rite 1 liturgies reflect the language and piety of the Elizabethan era and the first Book of Common Prayer (BCP), although the structure of these liturgies also reflects the influence of modern liturgical scholarship. The Rite 2 liturgies reflect more fully the influence of the liturgical movement and contemporary theology. Rite 2 liturgies tend to reflect greater sensitivity for inclusive language issues.

The music we will use will follow the same structure. The Hymnal 1982 provides service music settings that are designated for Rite 1 and Rite 2 services. There is nothing to suggest that a Rite I liturgy is more "holy" than a Rite II liturgy, it is just a matter of preference and/or a desire to reflect the rich heritage and diversity of the BCP. It is for this reason that we'll use Rite I at 7:30 and 11:15 am during Lent.

Let's now talk about our prayers. In both Rite I and Rite II we have a selection of Eucharistic Prayers that we may use, labeled Prayers I and II in Rite I, and Prayers A, B, C, and D in Rite II. At 7:30 and 11:15 we will use Eucharistic Prayer I at both services. This is an ancient prayer of the church finding its shape in the earliest (4th century) celebrations of the Eucharist. The text of this prayer in our current BCP is from the Scottish rite dating from the 17th century. While the language has changed some in its current form, this prayer is in the same basic form as on the day Samuel Seabury agreed to bring it to the American prayer book as the "price" he paid to be consecrated bishop in Scotland. When we pray it we can rejoice in its ancient words and our continued links to the body of Christ throughout the centuries.

During our 8:45 am service we'll use Rite II, Prayer C. Like many of the ancient Eastern churches' prayers, Prayer C contains much congregational response which is largely words from Scripture. The prayer was drafted for the 1979 BCP by Capt. Howard E. Galley. It is often nicknamed the "Star Wars" prayer because of its rich creation imagery. In addition ths prayer reminds us that we do not come to the table week in and out "for solace only" but that we come to be strengthened for service in Jesus' name. It reminds us that we do not come "for pardon only" but to be renewed and sent back out into the work to do ministry. The prayer reminds us of the Old Testament drama of God's continuing effort to draw His people back to Himself. The recital of salvation history reaches its climax in the proclamation of the incarnation and atonement.

We hope in making these changes during Lent you will be introduced to the rich diversity of our liturgy and that you will find some new dimension of your faith enriched.

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Absalom Jones - Diocesan celebration on February 15

The Atlanta chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) will host its annual festival Eucharist commemorating the first African-American priest of the Episcopal Church, the Rev. Absalom Jones, at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at the Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, Atlanta. The Right Rev. Arthur B. Williams, Jr., Assisting Bishop & retired Suffragan Bishop of Ohio will be the featured guest preacher. Music provided by the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church choir, Atlanta, with Trey Clegg, Choirmaster. All are welcome to conclude the festivities at a reception in the Child Hall. For information contact Lane Barnum, 770-761-9316 or lbarnum6yahoo.com.

Why Settle For A Good Marriage When You Can Have A Great Marriage?

You can make the leap from just “good” to GREAT on an Episcopal Marriage Encounter weekend! Marriage Encounter is 44 hours where married couples can get away from jobs, kids, chores, and phones - and focus only on each other. If you’d like greater depth, growth, and enrichment in your relationship, you’ll like the difference an Episcopal Marriage Encounter weekend can make! The next weekend is April 24-26, 2009. Registration is limited so a quick response is encouraged. For more information or to register, please go to: www.stcatherines.org/atlantaeme or contact: Ron & Connie Bergeron, 770-951-1411, atlantaemeearthlink.net.

Diocesan Ministry Fair 2009

From Fear to Hope: Living Faithfully in an Uncertain World
Saturday, February 28, 9 AM - 4 PM at the Cathedral

Reserve February 23 for the 2008 Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta Ministry Fair at the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta. There will be a full day of activities including the Great Gathering, a multitude of workshops for every interest and lunch, too. Cost of the Fair is $20 per person and includes morning refreshments and lunch. Childcare is available for children age 6 & under at a small charge. Registration deadline is Feb. 24. For complete information about all the activities and to register online or by mail you may go to the Diocesan website, www.episcopalatlanta.org/ministry/. Information and registration material is also available on the resource table in foyer at St. Catherine’s. See you there!

Be a Reading Volunteer in our community

We are called to share our talents and resources by serving our community. If you would like to be renewed, children in our community need you. Communities In Schools needs tutors to help children improve their reading skills. If you have one hour a week to donate, we will train you and put you to work. Please call Donna with Communities In Schools at 678-503-0901 for details or to sign up for the next literacy tutor session. More information is also available on their website at www.cisnet.org/cism-cobb/.

Mikell Summer 2009 Camp Schedule

This year's camp schedule has been announced at Camp Mikell in Toccoa, Georgia. Get complete information on their website at www.campmikell.com. For those interested in being a counselor, applications are due by March 11.

Singing Valentines by The Big Chicken Chorus

Order a singing Valentine for your sweetie. A Big Chicken Cupid Quartet will deliver a Singing Valentine in person (limited delivery area) or over the telephone on Friday, February 13, and by special appointment on Saturday, February 14. Don't wait, the supply of quartets is limited! For information visit their website at www.BigChickenChorus.org.

"Children Of Aging Parents" Group at St. Luke’s

Being adult children to our parents as they age can be at times overwhelming and stressful, not only to ourselves, but to our families as well. TACC at St. Luke's is offering an opportunity to come together in a supportive group setting and share feelings and experiences as we explore together this important time in our lives. Do you feel pulled between the needs of your parents and other responsibilities? Are you struggling with past issues with your parents? Do you worry about your parents and their response to your efforts to help? Do you feel confused about the changing role in the relationship with your parents and have conflicting feelings around the relationship you have? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this group is designed for you. We want to provide a place for adult children to explore the impact of their relationship with aging parents. We will look at the issues that are usually present in this developmental stage of family life and consider the historical relationship we each have had with parents. Our goal is to find ways to minimize the stress inherent in this relationship.

When: 4 Wednesday evenings February 11- March 4 2009
Time: 5:45-7:15 p.m.
Location: The Training and Counseling Center at St. Luke’s (TACC), 98 Currier St., Atlanta, Georgia
Cost: $25.00 per session, total of $100.00 (Some scholarships available.)
Facilitators: Meg Moye, LCSW BCD is the Clinical Director of TACC with over 30 years of experience as a therapist with individuals, couples and groups. She is the daughter of aging parents and mother of 3 adult children; Liz Strauss, LCSW LMFT is a therapist on the staff of TACC with over 30 years of experience as a clinical supervisor and therapist working with individuals, couples and families and groups. She is the mother of 3 adult children.
To register: Please send your name, address, phone number and email address with a check for $25 (fee for the first session) to reserve your spot. Send in as soon as possible, deadline: Feb. 9, 2009. Send registration with check payable to TACC, 435 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta, Ga.30308; Attn: Meg Moye Attendance is limited. For questions call TACC at (404)876-6266.

Be Part of a World Class Event

Volunteer at the ING Georgia Marathon and help make it happen! Join the third running of the ING Georgia Marathon, Half Marathon and Wheelchair Half Marathon and Expo March 27, 28, 29, in your community. ING wants you to become involved and help us produce a World Class Event. We have opportunities for you to participate in many ways. Our mission is to present a nationally recognized marathon attracting athletes of all ages and abilities and promote health and fitness, while showcasing the beauty and cultural diversity of Atlanta and its surrounding communities. There are many volunteer opportunities for you, your family, friends, co-workers, company or organization. Volunteer and be part of the excitement! Race Weekend events include:

• March 27-28, 2009 - ING Georgia Marathon Health & Fitness Expo at Georgia Dome
• March 28, 2009 - Publix 5K and Publix Kids Fun Run at Grant Park
• March 29, 2009 - ING Georgia Marathon, Half Marathon, and Wheelchair Half Marathon start and finish at Centennial Olympic Park

For a complete list of volunteer opportunities and to sign up, go to www.inggeorgiamarathon.com. All volunteers receive a volunteer t-shirt and goodie bag.

February Ministry Team Focus: Youth

This month we celebrate the life and work of our Youth ministries. To find out more about their activities please check the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin or contact Youth Director Amelia Arthur.

Photo, right: On the October 2008 Youth Retreat in north Georgia

Letters

Dear St. Catherine's Family,

Phil and I can't thank you enough for the support and concern you showed our family and me after I had my surgery in early December. The meals that friends brought through the Sonshine Ministry were delicious and came at just the right time to help us. Phil and my parents were so grateful that they didn't have to cook, as they had their hands full trying to help me and keep the girls on their schedule. Your prayers, calls, e-mails, cards and other offers for assistance were truly appreciated as well.

We are so blessed to have such caring people in our lives.

Love,
Lisa Spessard

To our St. Catherine’s Family:

John and I want to thank each of you for the gracious way you sent us off to Knoxville, TN. St. Catherine’s has been our church family for 30 years and it has been very difficult leaving so many friends. Our Parish family has been there for us through our parents’ deaths, our daughters’ weddings, our wedding anniversaries, our grandchildren’s births, and so many more life events. We have also been blessed to be with many of you at important events in your lives. Our church has been the place where we experienced God’s blessings and grace and God’s presence. We especially want to thank our clergy for their love, encouragement, support and guidance. Jim, Susan and Kathy are very special, but you already know that. We will continue to hold you in our hearts and prayers. We have guestrooms and would love to have you visit. You can reach us at 905 Vista Oaks Lane, Knoxville, TN 37919 and our new phone number is 865 249 6609. God bless you each and everyone.

Liz and John Rea

Dear [St. Catherine’s],

Thank you for your gift of $4,438.24 for MUST received on January 9, 2009. Through this gift, you have provided hope in the middle of a sea of gad news during these hard times in today’s economy. 2008 left quite an indelible mark on clients at our four locations – record numbers of unemployed individuals., families facing financial crisis, and foreclosures on every street across metro Atlanta. We all have been touched by these trying times…

In 2008 MUST opened a new day center in Marietta to allow for the future expansion of the Elizabeth Inn emergency homeless shelter. We have set our sights on building a new day service center in Cherokee in the near future. When we started on an expansion project, we did not know we would be seeing an increase in demand of approximately 30%. We did not know that many of our past volunteers and donors would become our newest neighbors in need…

The generosity of the in investor in MUST’s work who ultimately makes it all happen is YOU! If you would like more information or a tour of Must Marietta, please call Alice treece at 678-218-4513.

Sincerely,
John Moeller, Executive Director, MUST Ministries

Dear [Father Jim],

Thank you so much for your parish’s generous gift to the work of Episcopal Charities Foundation. We always appreciate deeply the resources that people entrust to us, but we do so with even more gratitude this year, when the economic situation has made giving even more of a “holy sacrifice” for people. It is faithfulness like yours that has created a strong start to our second quarter-century of ministry in the name of Christ. Thank you for being a partner.

As I’m sure you know, the word “charity” in our name has its origins in the Greek word “charitas,” meaning “love.” Your gift of dollars will now translate directly into gifts of love, given in the most face-to-face, incarnational ways. It is our prayer that such love circles right back around to you, in deep and powerful ways. May you be blessed by the blessing you have shared.

On behalf of the Episcopal Charities Board and all those whom our partners serve, I am yours gratefully,

The Rev. Canon Debbie Metzgar Shew, Director, Episcopal Charities Foundation

Congregational Nurses Corner

The FIT Formula for a healthy heart!

The normal heart is a strong, hard-working pump made of muscle. About the size of a person’s fist, the heart has blood vessels that provide the heart itself with the blood supply it needs to be healthy and work hard, pumping blood throughout the body to “feed” our organs with nutrition (absorbed from the digestive tract) and oxygen (collected as blood circulates through the lungs), and to run the blood through the body’s “filters”, the liver and kidneys, to remove waste products that accumulate as a result of normal body functions.

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for developing coronary artery disease, or “CAD,” characterized by deposits of fatty substances (e.g., cholesterol), calcium and other substances in the lining of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle itself. Physical inactivity also contributes to other health risks such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and low levels of HDL (high density lipo-proteins, the “good cholesterol”). The American Heart Association has documented that even moderately intense exercise such as brisk walking is beneficial when done regularly for 30 minutes or longer five to seven days a week. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the Harvard Alumni Study found that people lived two hours longer for every hour of regular exercise they did! Two for one… a simple formula for better health. Why wouldn’t you get up and get moving?

Why Is Exercise Important? Regular physical activity increases your fitness level and capacity for exercise. It also plays a role in prevention of heart disease. Physical inactivity is a major factor for heart disease and stroke. Regular activity can help control blood cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. Aerobic physical activity can also help reduce blood pressure. Many studies have shown that people who modify risky behaviors and start regular activity, even after a heart attack, have better rates of survival and better quality of life!

How Can I Improve My Physical Fitness? Programs designed to improve physical fitness take into account frequency (how often), intensity (how hard) and time (how long) spent exercising. This is what we refer to as the FIT formula: F = frequency (days per week that you exercise); I = intensity (how hard, e.g., easy, moderate or vigorous); T = time (amount for each exercise session or day). Even moderately intense activities, when done daily, can have some long-term health benefits, including walking for pleasure, gardening/yard work, housework, dancing and prescribed home exercise programs. These activities are especially beneficial when done regularly:

• brisk walking, hiking, stair-climbing, aerobic exercise
• jogging, running, bicycling, rowing or swimming
• activities such as soccer or basketball that include continuous running

Kinds Of Exercise

• Aerobics – defined as an activity in which a person is using a large number of muscle groups for a duration of at least 20 minutes; the goal is to be working hard enough to increase your heart rate to 60-75% of its maximum, and repeat this activity at least three times a week for 20 min.
• Strength training – an activity in which we lift a heavy object 8-10 times before we feel muscle fatigue (if you can lift the weight 15-20 times before feeling fatigue, use a heavier weight); helps preserve bone and muscle mass (we lose about 1/3 lb. of muscle every year after age 40!); do these exercises 2-3 times each week for significant benefit
• Balance and flexibility training – before and after any kind of exercise, we should stretch our muscles; particularly with the elderly, balance and flexibility training such as walking on a low balance-beam or T’ai Chi type exercises, can actually improve coordination and reduce the likelihood of falls and bone fractures

What Risk Factors Can I Reduce?

• high blood pressure (regular aerobic activities can lowerblood pressure)
• cigarette smoking (smokers who become physically active are more likely to cut down or stop smoking)
• diabetes (people at their ideal weight are less likely to develop diabetes, and physical activity may also decrease insulin requirements for people with diabetes)
• obesity (regular exercise can help people lose excess fat and stay at a reasonable weight)
• high triglyceride levels (physical activity helps reduce triglyceride levels, which have been linked to the development of coronary artery disease in some people)
• low HDL levels (low levels of this “good cholesterol”, i.e., less than 40 mg/dL for men, less than 50 mg/dL for women, have been linked to a higher risk of coronary artery disease; recent studies show that regular physical activity can significantly increase HDL cholesterol levels and reduce your risk)

“Being thin is not necessarily the solution,” notes Steven Blair, PhD, Sr. Scientific Editor of the Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health. “We need to stop hounding people about their weight and encourage them to eat a healthful diet, and exercise!” START! Is an American Heart Association movement to get America walking – the message is simple: walk more, eat well, live longer! Check with your doctor or other healthcare provider if you have a heart condition, have had a stroke, feel extremely short of breath after mild exercise, or have been told that you have a medical condition that could be made worse by increased activity. If none of these conditions apply to you, you can start on a gradual program of increased activity tailored to your needs and interests! For more information about START! or other programs, check some of these resources:

• www.americanheart.org
• www.thedoctorwillseeyounow.com
• www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/heartdisease
• www.heart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=33053106

From “Health Notes,” January 2009, by Marla Lichtsinn, RN, MPA, CIC, FCN, Parish Nurse

Holy Baptism

Next scheduled date -- Saturday, April 11 (Easter Vigil)

Please contact the church office for information and the customary booklet about Holy Baptism.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

SICK: Sharon Parisi, Lillian Vu, Cindy Alexander, Marilyn May, Tom Carter, Agnes Floyd, Ginney Johnston, Glenda King, Tracey, Zanny Dillson, Doug Simmons, Jenny & her baby Mia Grace Fisher, Wayne, Hugh Wolfe, Joan Nixon, Kevin, Jan, Joyce, John & Tiffany Gaines, Arlene Brooks, Margaret Bowman, David Clark, Patty Thomas & family, Billy Dalton, Kelly Wilson, Annette Beldin, Larraine Nichols, Fran, Betty Bush, Jill Morich, Margaret & Reese Ivey, Susan Stanton, Ella Laird, Diane Pitts, Norma Alexander , Doug Rennie, Russell Peters, Jerry Scott, Mac Fidler, Mary Anne Chavala, Linda Butts, Pia Johanson, Dave Reiner, Kathy Backlund, The Rev. Patty Roberts, Ellen Cook, Tim Gale, Renita Mozley, Stan Dickson

DECEASED: Kay Heinz, Sue Jones’ sister; Donna Rhodes Raines, friend of Karolyn Olliffe & Keith Dumke; Richard Harr, Kristina Higgins’s uncle

SPECIAL PRAYERS: For Jacqueline and Jim Martin; For Becky Keown; Margaret & Bob Bowman .

PARISH CYCLE OF PRAYER

( 2/8/09) Scott & Ginny Lummus; Charles, Tami, Noelle & Justice Mace; Todd Magill; Paul, Karen & Kevin Manno; Marilyn Marcus

BIRTHDAYS: (2/8) Susan Jenkins, Bronte Taylor, (2/9) Andy Mitchell, Rosemary Wolfe, Claudia Kilgore, (2/11) John Schnorf, Kari Nixon, Andrew Harrison, (2/13) Isabel Lopez, Susan Jablonski, Jana Caldwell, (2/14) Katie Ban, (2/15) Pat Brent, (2/16) Tom Heuke, Amanda Braman, (2/17) Chris Sanders, Greg Remter, Jim Mattox, Ken Lewis, (2/18) Elizabeth Ivey, Justin Kerr, Jack Champion, (2/19) Ana Martin, (2/20) Holly Schell, (2/21) Marilyn Hunter, Cosette Gale, Steve Pyburn, (2/22) Joyce Carter, Sarah Denton, Michael Baumann, Katie Barrington

HELP US HELP YOU

Please let the church know when you or a loved one has a medical procedure, an illness, a life transition, or other special need. We are here to serve you. Please allow us the opportunity to share your experience and offer our support. Simply contact the church office at 770-971-2839. Thank you.

St. Catherine's Calendar
 

Monday, 2/9		Monday, 2/16
11:00AM 6:30PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:30PM	Susan’s day off Preschool Board ESL Women’s Bible Study Mentors L & M B.S. Troop 713	6:30PM 7:00PM 7:30PM	Susan’s day off Cobb Schools Closed ESL Kneeler Project B.S. Troop 713
Tuesday, 2/10		Tuesday, 2/17
10:00AM 10:30AM 4:00PM 6:30PM 6:30PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:30PM	Morning Prayer Staff Meeting Catechesis Cub Scouts Invitation Group Youth Ministry Mothers & More Fellowship	18th-24th 9:30AM 5:45PM 6:15PM 6:30PM 7:30PM	New Orleans Mission Bible Study WNL-Dinner Youth Choir WNL-Programs Adult Choir
Wednesday, 2/11		Wednesday, 2/18
9:30AM 12:00PM 5:45PM 6:15PM 6:30PM 7:30PM	Bible Study P/S Valentine Programs WNL- Dinner Youth Choir WNL- Programs Adult Choir	10:30AM 6:30PM 7:00PM 7:00PM	Preschool Open Reg. EFM Men’s Bible Study Homeowners Mtg.
Thursday, 2/23		Thursday, 2/19
11:00AM   12:00PM 6:30PM 7:00PM 7:00PM	JC Superstar Gospel   @ Alliance Theater Preschool Valentine prgms EFM Men’s Bible Study Career Ministry	10:00AM 10:00AM 8:00PM	Women’s Bible Study Wheel A.A.
Friday, 2/13		Friday, 2/20
13th-16th 10:00AM 8:00PM	Jim's day off Youth Ski Trip Women’s Bible Study A.A.	21st-23rd 10:00AM 10:00AM 8:00PM	Jim's day off Happening @ Mikel Folders Women’s Bible Study A.A.
Saturday, 2/14		Saturday, 2/21
8:30AM 9:00AM 10:00AM	Finance Coracle Group Advance Directives	9:00AM 5:30PM	Level 1 Formation Valentine Dinner Dance
Sunday, 2/15		Sunday, 2/22
7:30AM 8:00AM 8:45AM 10:00AM 10:00AM 11:15AM 2:00PM 5:00PM 5:00PM	Holy Eucharist Breakfast Family Holy Service Newcomer Coffee Church School Choral Holy Eucharist Catechesis Youth Group Cont. Prayer	7:30AM 8:00AM 8:45AM 10:00AM 11:15AM   1:00PM 2:00PM 5:00PM 5:00PM 5:00PM	Holy Eucharist Breakfast Family Holy Eucharist Church School Choral Holy Eucharist,   Vestry Installation Girl Scouts Harpers Youth Group Cont. Prayer Alan Certain’s Group

YOUTH NEWS

by Amelia Arthur

Ski Trip - Final weekend to sign up!

The youth ski trip to North Carolina is happening February 13-16th, 2009. The cost of the trip is $250 per person and includes ski rental, lessons, lift tickets, housing, transportation and food for the entire weekend. Forms are available on the bulletin board outside Amelia’s office or from Amelia. Sunday, February 8th is the last day to sign up. Your space is held with your signed permission form and a check for $250. Contact Amelia for more information.

Happening Weekend, April 17-19, 2009

Happening will be held at Camp Mikell over the weekend of April 17-19. Stephanie Burkholder will be the rector for the weekend and Taylor Baumann will be the observing rector, congrats to you both!

Youth in grades 10-12 are eligible to attend Happening. Forms are available online at www.happeningatl.org and are due by April 1. The cost of the weekend is $100.

Christmas Pageant 2008

by Jan Potter

Wheel Schedule:

Next publications:

• February 20 – print edition
• March 6 – print edition
• March 20 – print edition

The Wheel is published two times per month. The usual schedule is as follows: The first edition is the eWheel, in electronic form (HTML) posted on our newsletter page and distributed to all members subscribed to the "Parish Announcements" email list. The next edition is printed and mailed to all parish families, and also posted on our newsletter page in PDF form.(Extra print editions are scheduled before Easter and Christmas.) Copies of each newsletter are available for pickup at church.

Articles are due the Wednesday before publication. Please submit articles to the editor via email (below) or to The Wheel mailbox at church.

The Wheel: get every issue!

Does everyone in your family receive this eWheel, the electronic version of St. Catherine's newsletter? Is everyone subscribed? Email is becoming an important means for our parish communications. Just send the email addresses of everyone who would like get their own copy to Karen Manno at the email address below, or note them on the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin, or contact the church office at 770-971-2829. You'll receive your online version via email, and you can find all current and prior issues of The Wheel on our website at www.stcatherines.org

Editor: Karen Manno
Contact karenstcatherines.org or 770-973-8668