Clergy Letter 

Unclaimed Blessings

I've been reading Esther De Waal's book, "Living with Contradiction (Reflections on the Rule of St. Benedict)," which invites the reader to live creatively in the midst of life's contradictions. With springtime in full bloom I found this reflection especially fitting for our community: 

"Be so still inside that you can listen at every moment to what life is offering you," Brother David Steindl-Rast says. But the reality is that often we are so busy, so pre-occupied with our own concerns, so self-centered and obsessed with our own immediate world that we miss all the good things that God has prepared for us, and that lie ready at hand, waiting for us to see them. And we pass them by, they are lost forever, these gifts. I sometimes wonder if in the kingdom of heaven there is a great room, rather like a vast lost property office, filled with parcels of every shape and form, unclaimed blessings, that God has given us and we have failed to notice, to receive and make our own. 

Look for those blessings, they're all around! 

Prayers of the People 

SICK: Terry Hall, Sharon Parisi, Hazel Roberts, Bob Price, Beverly Casper, Mary Koenig, Arlene Brooks, Richard Huffstetler, Allen Davis, Frances Greene, Hannon Combs, Sean Sembrat, Vivian Whatley, Carole Seim, Jim Seeba, Annie Gorman, Keagan Goolsby, Agnes Floyd, Linda Wood, Thomas Simmons, Cristalia Smith, Ric Davis, Marian Wiemer, Barbara Cordery, Sherry Coulter, Gene Cowart, Mya Dahnke, Matthew Miller, Rich Nuckolls, Sim Siebert, Sue O'Neal, George Wyatt, Mary, Jeanette, Peggy, Franka Van Neerven, Marilee Kelley, Mervyn Morgan, Mary Lamm, Lee Blackshear 

BEFORE SURGERY: Peggy Snook, 6/8/2004 

DECEASED: George Hicks, Susan Roberts' uncle; Henry Adams, Ellen Adams' father-in-law; Chris Arnett, friend of Susan Roberts; Jack Deutscher, Rod Deutscher's father; The Rev. Paul Cosby, friend of the Barrington family; Keith Stoeber, Bobbye Greene's brother. 

SPECIAL PRAYERS:
Defend all the men and women of our armed forces at home or abroad especially in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait that they will have a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be. 
For Adele, health and safety. For Emily Cosby & family. 

PARISH CYCLE OF PRAYER: 
(5/16/04):
Natalie, Marilyn & Nat Whitlow; Tom, Peggy, Colleen & Patrick Whitson, Michael Sardone; Anne Whittle; Brian & Jana Williams; Jay, Chris & Bill Williams 
(5/23/04):
Russ, Lydia, Davis & Grayson Williams; Susan Williams, Michelle & Jennifer Williams-Davis; Tony, Margaret, Bryan & Chris Wilson; Sara, Claudia & Kirsten Wittich; Steve, Rosemary, Tyler & Nick Wolfe 

Hors d'oeuvre Competition & Party! 

Saturday, May 8 at 7 PM 

It's time for the annual St. Catherine's Hors d'oeuvre Competition! For those of you who really like the sweeter things in life, we also have competition for desserts as well as appetizers. We'll have judging and prizes for both categories. You can bring as many different dishes as you desire. 

If you're not inclined to prepare, but are an admiring and appreciative judge of good taste, bring along a can of nuts or some chips and join the fun! We'll provide beverages for this adult evening. Casual attire is the word of the day. 

We hope to see you at 7 pm on Saturday, May 8, at the church -- the specific location will depend on the weatherman!

Women's Retreat

May 14-16 

It's almost here! The Women's Retreat will be held May 14-16 at the Center For New Beginnings in Dahlonega. Join us for an uplifting time at this beautiful facility. Please contact Sherry Coulter for details right away. The cost is $200, which will be due with your reservation. As always, money should not prevent you from attending.

VBS Registration Opens

Check your bulletin this weekend (May 8-9) for registration forms for St. Catherine's Vacation Bible School, set this summer for June 21-25. The theme this year is -- what else? -- "Construction, I.N.C. (In the Name of Christ)." It's all about how God "remodels" kids by grace through his word. VBS is for children ages 4 years through 5th grade. The fun starts daily at 9:30 AM and goes until 12:30 PM. The cost will be $20.00 per child (maximum $40.00 per family). 

We're lining up our team of volunteers for teachers, teacher assistants, photographer, bringing snacks, etc. Parents and youth, Rite 13 and older, please contact Sherry Coulter or Barbara Barrington right away!

Clergy Cook-Off & Family Festival 

Sunday, May 16 1-4 PM at the Marietta Square 

Live Entertainment, Games, Attractions--come see our clergy in action, plus all the fun! Benefits The Extension, Must Ministries, and Communities in Schools. 

Can you help? We need members of the congregation who are willing to cook on Saturday and/or to host our booth on Sunday anytime between 1 and 4 PM -- please contact the office!

May Day Planting Party 

Our first May Day Planting Party was a glorious success. It was a day to be truly remembered for all the planting, cooking, sweeping, shoveling, lugging, and joyful presence to one another. Even in the mist and rain of the morning we found a sense of joy and wonder as we brought such beauty to our grounds. A big thank you to those who worked so hard, to those who donated flowers, shrubs, and mulch, to those who cooked and served our lunch, and to those who worked so hard to plan, organize and direct the day. We want to especially thank Gail McGill and Bev Fambrough for their planning and direction. Gail could not be with us because of graduations and family trips, but we know she was with us in spirit. Bishop Alexander and Lynn stopped by to spend time with us and even though he couldn't plant because of a pastoral emergency, he was delighted to be with us. Someone from another congregation said on Monday, I will never arrive at St. Catherine s again and not see the grounds in light of the joy and celebration I felt amongst you on Saturday. 

One of the most common comments of the day was "This was fun, when are we going to do it again?" Well, mark your calendars! We've scheduled an Octoberfest Planting Party for Saturday, October 23!
 

	Talking with our bishop: Diane Danford, Lynn Alexander, Bishop Neil, Ann Snead, Barb Selby
Bill Williams, Jim Danford, Caitlyn Buckalew prep the soil
	Our biggest helper: Owen Snape
Chefs Extraordinaire: Richard Koenig, Ellis Kilgore, Tom Snead, John Rea, Bill Ivey, Ron Cook

Grounds Maintenance -- Let's keep it up! 

The plantings are done -- now we need volunteers to maintain the grounds of St. Catherine's. Grounds Maintenance Teams work in groups of three to four people who primarily cut the lawn. Other responsibilities include pulling weeds and blowing/raking leaves. Contact Gail McGill for more information. P.S. This is an earth-y ministry!

Building Update 

A miracle occurred last week in our building project. The momentum changed from tearing down to building up and you can feel it in the air. 

The old building now is completely demolished except for a bit of cleaning up here and there. The new glue laminated beams and roof decking are being installed. Today, May 6, the first of the great beams will be lifted in place and we will be well on our way to rebuilding this magnificent sanctuary. The electricians are back at work installing wiring so that the roof structure (insulation, decking and shingles) may once again be installed. All in all, the sanctuary building is moving along quite well. 

All of the permits for rebuilding the education building are complete and in hand. The sprinkler system on the second floor is being installed this week. New partitions will begin to appear next week. The electrical panels are all delivered and being installed. The playground committee of the Preschool is working hard on a plan and are nearly ready to order equipment. The date for the completion of the Education Building is now Friday, July 30. This will give us more than a month to prepare for Preschool and Church School opening in September. We are very excited about the building and the quality of reconstruction. Our Education Building will be a wonderful new space. 

We are nearly settled with our insurance company, GuideOne. Except for unforseen conditions, the only two remaining conversations are the final contents replacement and code upgrades required by Cobb County as we rebuild the building. We are awaiting final settlement from Traveler's Insurance the builder's risk insurance carrier. They have been very cooperative and don't anticipate any problems with their final agreement. Once that is received Dudley-Barrett promises more trades on this site than we can possible accommodate. This, too, is good news! 

We are very blessed by the commitment of our trades, our contractor Dudley-Barrett, our architect Young Goldstein, and the people of St. Catherine's who are contributing countless hours to ensuring that this project achieves the glorious end it so richly deserves. We've talked with the Bishop about some possible dedication dates but are waiting until we get a better picture of the construction schedule. We are confident, however, that we will celebrate our first Advent in the new building this fall. 

-------- 

Our new liturgical furniture was designed by our architect, Randy Young, and is being crafted by our wood craftsman, Jose Isaziga. As each piece is finished we are storing it in a conditioned storage unit. I received a call this morning from Jose that he had completed the new altar, 2 flowers stands and 2 credence tables. He met me at church and then followed me to our storage unit. He opened the back of his van and there, in all its glory, was our new altar. Words cannot describe the emotions that I felt -- AWESOME, SPECTACULAR, INCREDIBLE, BEAUTIFUL are just a few. It took my breath away. We are so blessed with the people working on this project! 

Rose Wolfe
 

	The roof is off again
The first new wall to be erected

Calling All Graduates! 

Are you graduating this spring, any grade? We would like to recognize you in the bulletin. Please write your name and what school you are graduating from in your Sunday bulletin or call the church office. For college-bound high school graduates, please tell us where you will be attending in the fall.

Blood Drive 

On Sunday, June 20 (yes, on Father's Day) the Red Cross blood donation van will be in our parking lot for your convenience. Is it on your calendar yet? Watch for the sign-up sheet near the church office!

Pentecost is May 30 

Join us for a very special celebration of this major feast day in the life of the church. 
Remember to WEAR RED!

Foreign language readers needed! Our custom is to have people read the Gospel on Pentecost in as many languages as possible. We will need readers for all services on Saturday and Sunday. Please check your Sunday bulletin or contact the church office if you are willing to participate at one service--we will mail the translation to you ahead of time.

Next Baptisms

Please check with the office for more information and to request the customary booklet about Holy Baptism.

"Safeguarding God's Children" Training 

Saturday, May 15 

The new program is here for those needing the diocese-mandated training in child sexual abuse prevention. The first session will be Saturday, May 15, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Anne's Church in Atlanta. (St. Anne's is on the left at the corner of Moore's Mill and Northside Parkway. Take the Moore's Mill Road exit off I-75 and go east.) 

The training is currently required for all clergy and lay parish employees, as well as anyone working with youth on a regular basis. However, the diocese suggests that with this new training anyone who has anything to do with children in the parish, and anyone in parish leadership should consider attending. 

This new program also has a section for parents and others interested in learning more about prevention of child sexual abuse. It is mainly video and discussion in two parts and may be attended by clergy and laity. The diocese recommends it for anyone needing training for summer programs. 

At least two additional trainings will be offered, one in late summer and one in the fall. Those who have had training in this area previously need not attend. However, if it has been a number of years, an update would be good.. Training materials from Church Publishing will be available for purchase. 

There is NO charge for the training on May 15. If you have questions, contact Linda Scott at the Episcopal Center at 404-601-5353, 800-537-6743 or Lscott  episcopalatlanta.org. 

Camp Mikell - Summer 2004 

The 2004 summer camp schedule for Mikell is now posted on the Camp Mikell web site. The web site indicates which camps have openings and which are filled.

Send a Child to Camp with Skymiles! 

Emmaus House, a ministry of our diocese serving neighborhoods south of Turner Field, needs your Delta SkyMiles to send inner-city children to camp. Five camps in New England will provide scholarships to the children of Emmaus. This is a wonderful opportunity for inner-city youth to have marvelous experiences that are otherwise utterly beyond their reach. The camps, however, cannot provide transportation. If you can donate Delta SkyMiles, contact Mary Kay Kohles-Baker at 404/351-4420 or baker.kohles  att.net. Giving miles is very simple. If you are unable to assist with SkyMiles, you can still help by sending a check to buy clothing and equipment for the children to take to camp. Send your contribution to Emmaus House, 1017 Hank Aaron Drive, Atlanta, GA 30315 (marked "New England Camp Program"). On behalf of the children you will be helping, thank you! 

News from St. Elizabeth's 

Our Companion Parish in Whiterocks, Utah

Prayers and a Groundbreaking for the new Vicarage were held on Sunday, May 2. 
Parish Register 

Baptisms -- Easter, April 11, 2004
J-Lin Mason Perank
Riley Chet Ridley
Ryder Cheton Avi Ridley
Julian David Shavanaux, Sr.
Bryan David Wold 
Blessing of Marriage of Sarah Jane Duncan and Bryan David Wold -- April 18, 2004
Celebration of Marriage of Christy LaRose Einerson and Thomas Howard Seaver -- May 1,2004 

St. Elizabeth's Trip to the opening of The National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C.
Sept. 18-Sept. 23

The trip will include the Ecumenical Service of Commemoration of the opening of the NMAI at the National Cathedral, Native Nations Procession from the National Mall to the Capitol Building followed by Opening Ceremonies in front of the Capitol and First Americans Festival on the Mall. A group of 25 from St. Elizabeth's will be hosted by St. Patrick's Episcopal Church. 

Happy Birthday to Apahgteeket Whsee-ev -- Our newsletter, "Prayer Feathers," is now a year old. We hope you have enjoyed having a newsletter and we hope that you read it and find it informative and helpful. 

The annual Paths Crossing Conference was held at Roman Nose State Park in Watonga, Oklahoma, April 15-18. The vestry voted to send two representatives from St. Elizabeth's to participate and to represent us at the Mountains and Deserts meeting being held during the conference. Our two representatives were Ginny Chimburas and Nancy Redcap. 

Talking Circle -- We will continue our study of the book "A Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren on Sunday for a while during the Great 50 Days of Easter. This book has provided us with some interesting and thought provoking conversation and sharing. 

For information about this summer's companion parish trip of St. Catherine's to St. Elizabeth's contact Paige Schlenker, 770-993-4507, or psaskins  bellsouth.net.
 

Ute Culture Day at St. Elizabeth's, July 2003

Diocesan Council Delegate & Office elections 

The 2004 Diocesan Council of the Diocese of Atlanta will be held Nov. 5-6 at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education in Athens. We have 5 delegates to be elected to represent St. Catherine's. If you are interested in running for this office (the Vestry will elect our delegates at its May 18th meeting) please see the Opportunity for Ministry form in your Sunday bulletin or call the office. 

In addition there are a number of elected offices to be filled including Standing Committee Member, Deputies to the 2006 General Convention, Mikell Camp and Conference Center Governor, Appleton Family Ministries Governor, Trustee of the University of the South, and Member of the Ecclesiastical Trial Court. If you might have interest in any of these elected offices, please see either Jim or Sherry.

Sonshine helps our parishioners in need 

Sonshine Ministry is our "Meals On Wheels" program and we buy, cook and deliver food to parishioners in need. We're updating our lists and recruiting new people. Contact Sue Snape, 770-971-0236 or csta  bellsouth.net to help out.

Daughters of the King 

This is a religious order for women in the Episcopal Church. We are beginning training for prospective members. Meetings are the fourth Saturday of the month at 9:30 am and all women are welcome. Call Ellen Adams, 770-977-8924 if interested.

Poll Workers needed 

Poll Workers are needed for July 20, 2004 General Primary Election. Paid training is provided (the pay for Election Day work is $95). If you are interested in working this election or future elections, please contact Leonard Sandberg, Area Supervisor, Cobb County Board of Elections at 770-977-8028.

St. Catherine's Youth Website -- New and Improved! 

Check it out! Stuart Wallace recently assumed the volunteer responsibility (ministry) of redesigning and updating the St. Catherine's Youth page. Each group -- Rite 13, J2A and YA -- now has their own page on the site with news and information specifically for their group. It is a work in progress, but it already looks fantastic! Stuart is still in the process of adding a few more things, though, so please be patient. If you would like to have anything added to the website (pictures, news, etc.), please email the youth webmaster through the link on the website.

Annual Golf Tournament 

The date is set! Your tee time is August 2 -- mark your calendar!

Student receives prestigious Mellon Fellowship 

Congratulations to Robin McGill, a 2003 Honors graduate of the University of Georgia, one of only about 85 students to receive this year's prestigious Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship, the highest award given in the humanities. Robin is pursuing a one-year Masters of Letters in Latin at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. She will use the fellowship for her first year of graduate studies in the Ph.D. program at Brown University in the fall. 

Clergy Companions Conference 

"Taking the corners off triangulation" is a conference for clergy companions in the Diocese of Atlanta, set for Saturday, May 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Anne's Church in Atlanta. The presenter is Sharon Parisi, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and member of St. Catherine's in Marietta. After gathering and coffee, the presentation is from 10:30 to 12:30, followed by lunch and fellowship until 1:30, then discussion of upcoming events. RSVP to Lynn Alexander at jnalt  aol.com or 404-943-1969. Tell her if you need transportation.

Be a Summer Lay Scholar 

Come explore the purpose and power of biblical parables, during Summer Lay Scholars, August 2-8, at Columbia seminary in Decatur. With two New Testament scholars and two experienced preachers, walk through some select parables in depth. How do parables "work?" Whose views do parables intend to upend? Where are parables lurking -- and working in us -- today? The week beings Monday evening and ends at noon Friday. The $225 tuition includes the course fee as well as three lunches. You are encouraged to stay on campus; $133 covers lodging and several meals. Deadline to register is July 26. For a brochure call the Lay Institute of Faith and Life, 404-687-4577 or email LayInstitute3CTSnet.edu.

Thank Yous 

Dear Rev. Jim Nixon and people of St. Catherine's, 

Many thanks for your donation to our Easter flowers. It helped make our Easter beautiful! 

Sue Duffield + 
 
 

Dear Reverend Nixon, 

Thank you for your recent letter. Your words meant very much to me and I will continue to keep you and your community at St. Catherine's in my prayers. 
Please feel free to contact me if there is any way in the future that we may be of help to you. He is risen, indeed. Alleluia! 

Sincerely yours in Christ, 
Reverend Edward J. Thein 
Pastor, Holy Family Catholic Church (Hosts of our Silent Auction in March)

St. Catherine's Calendar 
 

Monday, 5/10	Sherry's Day Off	Monday, 5/17	Sherry's Day Off
6:30PM 7:30PM	E.F.M. Boy Scouts Troop #713	6:30PM 7:30PM	E.F.M. Boy Scouts Troop #713
Tuesday, 5/11		Tuesday, 5/18
10:00AM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:00PM	Staff Meeting/Lunch Women's Book Study Fellowship Meeting Youth Leader's Meeting Executive Meeting	10:00AM 12:30PM 7:00PM	Staff Meeting Clericus Meeting Vestry
Wednesday, 5/12		Wednesday, 5/19
8:30AM 9:00AM 4:00PM 6:45PM 7:30PM 7:45PM 8:30PM	Construction Team E.F.M. Catechesis Youth Choir Jubilate practice Adult Choir YANKS	8:30AM 9:00AM 11:00AM 4:00PM 6:45PM 7:30PM 7:45PM 8:30PM	Construction Meeting E.F.M. Preschool Four Year Old Graduation, Holt Road Baptist Catechesis Youth Choir Jubilate Rehearsal Adult Choir YANKS
Thursday, 5/13		Thursday, 5/20
12:00PM 6:30PM 7:30PM	Preschool 3 year old picnic Adult Inquirer's Class Mentor Meeting
Friday, 5/14	Jim's Day Off	Friday, 5/21	Jim's Day Off Last Day of School
14th-16th 10:00AM 8:00PM	Women's Retreat, Center for New Beginnings Folders A.A.	10:00AM 8:00PM	Folders A.A.
Saturday, 5/15		Saturday, 5/22
8:30AM 8:30AM 5:30PM	Men's Bible Study Finance Meeting Holy Eucharist/Jubilate Choir	8:30AM 9:30AM 10:00AM 5:30PM	Men's Bible Study D.O.K. Brunch for all Teachers Holy Eucharist Service/Jubilate Choir
Sunday, 5/16		Sunday, 5/23	Recognize Graduates at all Services S4F3, Youth to Six Flags
7:30AM 8:45AM 10:15AM 11:15AM 1:00PM 4:00PM 6:30PM	Holy Eucharist Family Holy Eucharist Church School Choral Holy Eucharist Clergy Cook-Off, Marietta Square Adult Inquirer's Class Stephen Ministers	7:30AM 8:45AM 10:15AM 10:15AM 11:15AM 4:00PM	Holy Eucharist Family Holy Eucharist Last Day of Church School Adult Choir Choral Holy Eucharist Adult Confirmation/Reception, Cathedral of St. Philip

YOUTH NEWS 

This Saturday, May 8, at 5:30 service -- one of our youth director candidates is planning to join us. All Youth and Leaders who would like the opportunity to meet one of candidates are welcome to join us! Hope to see you Saturday evening. 

JUBILATE! 

We're off to a great start with our first two weeks of music for the Saturday 5:30 service! Don't forget rehearsal Wednesdays at 7:45 in the Youth House. (musicians at 7:30 please). We'll include a group guitar lesson from 6:45 -7:45pm also in the Youth House. All those interested in learning guitar are welcome. All Singers welcome! Please remember - be at the church on Saturday by 5pm for warm ups. 

Rite 13 Beach Trip! 

Date: Friday, June 11 - Sunday, June 13, 2004
Leave St. Cats early Friday morning / return Sunday evening
Place: Blue Horizon Lodge and Retreat Center, Panama City Beach, Florida / 850.234.8123 
Chaperones: Rachel Bagby, Bill Bowden, Jennifer Massey, Keith Muckerman
Cost: $100.00 holds your reservation - payable now to St. Catherine's 

P.S. We need a minimum of 14 to stay at the Blue Horizon Lodge and Retreat Center - You may bring a friend. You need to have your friend [or their parent] complete and return the form with a check payable to St. Catherine's for the deposit. Deadline is past but there are a few spaces left!!

MAY S4F3 - SIX FLAGS!! 

May 23 -- the Youth will celebrate the last day of Church School with a trip to Six Flags. Cost is $25 per person - check or cash, due this Sunday [May 9] to your Youth Leader. You may bring a friend, but all money needs to be in this weekend. 

We will leave the church parking lot at 10:30 AM and return at 6:00 PM. We will use the church van but depending on turnout, we may need additional adult drivers and chaperones-- So, Moms and Dads, please let one of the Youth Leaders know asap if you can join us. 

PYE - Province IV Youth Event 

PYE is a triennial event that will take place July 20-25 at Berea, Ky. (Diocese of Lexington). This event is for senior high youth (rising 10th grade-rising college freshman-summer of 2004). It will be a week of mission work, laughter, prayer, getting to know people from other dioceses and to see the greater church in action. The Diocese of Atlanta will be taking a group of youth and adults and our bishop to this event-make sure you sign up by May 10. Registration forms can be found on the diocesan web site at PYE 2004-Atlanta. If you have questions about youth events, contact Kim Smith, diocesan youth coordinator, at 404/601-5354, 800-537-6743 or ksmith  episcopalatlanta.org 

Youth Leader Meeting with Father Jim 

May 11 at 7:00 PM. 

Lake Outing 

The J2A and YA lake outing will be June 13. Details to follow. 

CONSTRUCTION I.N.C. 

Vacation Bible School is June 21 - 25. This is an opportunity for the youth (Rite 13 and up) to help with the parish. Please contact the church or Barbara Barrington at barbbarring  yahoo.com if you are interested. 

Summer Work Opportunity 

Michael Paris is in charge of the swimming pool at Meadowgrove. She is looking for youth who are at least 15 years old to work part time as lifeguards. Candidates for the job must be certified in lifesaving and CPR to work and the pay is $8.00 per hour. The shifts are 4 hours long. If you are interested in this work, please contact her by phone at 770-509-0161or by email: mparis2  hotmail.com

The Mission Prayer 

Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Wheel Schedule: 

e-Wheel on the first Friday of the month (articles due the Wednesday before)
Print Wheel mailed on the third Friday of the month (articles due the Wednesday before) 

Editor: Karen Manno
Email: KAREN  DBLEGL.ATL.GA.US 
Phone: 770-973-8668