The people of St. Catherine's seek to share in the love that Jesus Christ has for us and the world by welcoming, accepting, nurturing, and serving all people through the power of the Holy Spirit.
We Welcome You!
The Newsletter of St. Catherine's Episcopal Church
Marietta, GA
May 9 - 22, 2005
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May 7 - Planting Party & Picnic |
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IN THIS ISSUE |
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Clergy Letter
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Red shoes
Yesterday I finally made it to the Church around 1:00 PM after hospital calls. I'd just received a phone call that my offer on a house had been rejected. As Jed Clampett from the television show, "The Beverly Hillbillies," used to say, "I was feeling lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut." My gaze focused on the floor as I approached my office when -- there it was! A shoebox with the brand "Keds" on it. Could it be? Would it be? Yes, it was! A pair of red sneakers just like I preached about a week and a half ago! The red sneakers I always wanted as a child but was discouraged by my mother who wanted me to go with navy blue, a much more practical choice. I slipped them on my feet and they fit perfectly! What a wonderful surprise! The attached card read as follows:
Dear Sherry, This is what you get with a really good sermon!
Love, The Donohues & Williams
P.S. Don't push your luck -- our budgets only go so far!
This wonderful surprise reminded me of a camp song: "Surprise, surprise, life is a surprise, just open up your eyes, it's baffling to the wise. Surprise, surprise, life is a surprise, just open up youe eyes and see!"
I'm not one to push my luck but I have to wonder what would have happened if I preached about a red Ferrari? Something to ponder.
Peace,
Sherry +
Spring Planting Party & Picnic
Saturday, May 7, 9 AM to noon
We'll spruce up our church grounds so the church will look fresh and alive for Mother's Day! All ages, please join us to dig in the dirt -- lunch & fun will be served. See you there!
Sunday, May 8, 10 AM
All newcomers at St. Catherine's: You are cordially invited to our next "get acquainted" coffee hour on May 8, during the Sunday School hour. This will be a social as well as informative gathering. Clergy and lay leaders will be present to answer any questions that you may have regarding our programs, services and ministries.
Please come for coffee and "goodies," and get acquainted with your parish family! You never know whether something special may be offered in recognition of Mother's Day!
Seen at our last Newcomer's Party in April:
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Wrap-up/Kick-off Potluck Dinner -- Saturday, May 14, 7 PM in the Parish Hall
We gave it a lot of thought, and found ourselves wondering, "Why do we end our Foyers Groups in the middle of May?" Summer gives us such great opportunities for getting together, like barbeques, pool parties, group picnics, and more.
The answer is very simple: let's extend, and enlarge our Foyers Groups through the summer! So, if you missed getting into a Foyers Group last fall, or would like to try one now; this is the time! We will be having our Foyers wrap-up/kick-off pot-luck on Saturday, May 14, in the Parish Hall. If your group wants to keep meeting, great! If you want to join a new group, that's great, too. Foyers are too much fun to miss for four months!
What are Foyers? They are groups of parishioners that meet monthly (or as close as possible) for a shared meal, fun and fellowship. They can rotate to members' homes, or go out to eat, or take in a movie -- really, anything goes once the group gets started. It's a great way to get to know people in the church (and sometimes to demonstrate that particular culinary skill).
If you're interested, please contact Jim Waddell, jameswaddell
comcast.net, or Joan Nixon, joan0813bellsouth.net
See you at dinner!!
A special series continues on May 11 and 18
Do you ever worry about money? Does it wake you up at night sometimes? It doesn't seem to matter how much or how little you have. Most of us worry about it how should we spend it, are we saving enough, are we making enough? Heck--what is enough? These and other questions will be pondered and played with (yes, played with) in our series on "Money Anxiety" in May. Topics will include What Is Money, Anyway? Knowing Your Money Life (yes you have one, we all do!), and Making Peace with Money. Come join us -- you'll be glad you did.
Every Wednesday -- Dinner at 6, Programs for all ages at 7
Please remember to make your dinner reservation each week by the Monday before
Celebration is May 14/15
Remember to wear RED!
Pentecost readers still needed! Our custom is to have people read the Gospel on Pentecost in as many languages as possible. We need lots of readers for all services, particularly for Saturday (the 14th) and Sunday at 7:30 AM. Please check your Sunday bulletin or contact the church office if you are willing to participate and we will mail the translation to you.
Sunday, May 22 after 11:15 service
Everyone is invited! The men of St. Catherine's are throwing a picnic to celebrate the end of Sunday School. Donations will be accepted to cover the scholarships we give to our high school graduates as they go off to college and the cost of the picnic.
We need plenty of helpers for this event. Any and all men are asked to volunteer. If you can help in any area, please contact Tom Snead at tom.sneadearthlink.net with your name and phone number.
"Safari in the Serengeti" Vacation Bible School
July 11 through 15 -- Sign up now!
On our "Safari in the Serengeti" we will discover Jesus, our King, as we journey through the Bible using a story from each of the first five books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Acts). Our mission project this year will benefit an Episcopal mission in Africa. The missionary family is from Columbus, Georgia
The dates are Monday through Friday, July 11-15, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM daily. VBS is open to all children, ages 4 (as of September 1) through rising 5th grade. The cost is $20 for the first child, $10 for each additional child with a $50 family maximum. To register, please pick up a form in the narthex and return it to the office.
We need lots of volunteers to guide us on our trek! Youth, parents, grandparents... we want you! You can help all week or just one morning, and/or for registration, set up, or clean up. To volunteer, please call Barbara Barrington, 770-516-9224.
The rain poured, the thunder growled, but we learned that nothing stops a dedicated yard sale shopper! Our sale on April 30 was a rousing success, grossing about $2,500 in spite of the wet morning. Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a great day!
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| The Flower Guild preparing our beautiful Easter decorations | Ann Whittle puts the final touches on an Easter arrangement |
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| New Stephen Ministers -- Sally Powers, Kelly Beard, Carla von Hoffman, Shelley Ransdell, Jennifer Buckalew, Al Jones, Jamie Harding | Tom Snead hanging pictures in our new hallways. |
The Women's Bible Study group meets the third Thursday of each month from 6:30-8:00 in the Library. We will continue to learn about Jesus' life by watching Jesus: The Complete Story (a 3-part video series published by the BBC). This video documents Jesus' early years, His mission and final days using biblical texts as well as contemporary scholarship and science. This series will continue for our meetings on May 19 and June 19. We will view a 50-minute segment of the video each month and have time for discussion after.
Light snacks, beverages, and childcare are provided. Please join us and feel free to invite a neighbor or friend. For more information or to sign up for childcare, please contact Elizabeth Lopez at 770-514-1482 or eslopezcomcast.net.
Our last meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 10, at 7:00 PM in the conference room. We will be discussing all the wonderful books we have read this year.
I want to thank all the women who have contributed their time, insights and prayers into this group. It has been truly a good experience for everyone.
Love and Peace,
Mary Koenig
Sunday School concludes on May 22. The summer schedule for Sunday worship begins on May 29:
- 7:30 AM-- Holy Eucharist
- 8:45 AM-- Family Eucharist
- 10:30 AM-- Holy Eucharist
- We've got a great group going on May 12 for dinner and "Menopause: The Musical" -- thanks to everyone who signed up, it's going to be a lot of fun!
- The theater group will see the production of "Godspell" at Mount Bethel United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 7, 7PM. Our own Stephanie Burkholder will be starring in the play! Tickets are $10.
- Watch for possible plans to "Movie Under the Stars" on a Saturday evening in June
Golf Tournament & Dinner -- Monday, July 25
Help is needed for the annual Golf Tournament. Sign up in your bulletin, or contact Scott and Ginny Lummus, 770-649-5391 or gslummusearthlink.net.
Hors d'oeuvre Competition -- Saturday, June 4
Mark your calendar now, and watch for details!
Where In the World Is Father Jim Nixon?
Check the bulletin board at church for great photos, and go to our Clergy Renewal page for the latest communications from Father Jim:
- Photos!
- Videos!
- Schedule!
Inquirer's class through May 22
4 - 6 PM
Did you miss the start of our Inquirer's Class on April 17? Don't worry -- you are invited to come this Sunday at 4 PM, whether or not you were able to attend the last one.
Inquirer's class is a series for anyone who wishes to learn more about the Episcopal Church and St. Catherine's. These classes are for any adults who wish to learn more about the church, pose questions, understand customs and consider membership in the Episcopal Church. Through these informative sessions, we will look at the history of the church, what we believe as Episcopalians, the structure and leadership of the church, how Episcopalians approach Holy Scripture, and any questions that you might bring to us in these particular areas or any others that we might overlook.
The classes meet each Sunday afternoon at 4:00 PM for two hours and will be taught by a variety of leaders so that you will have a chance to get to know St. Catherine's as you're learning more about the Episcopal Church. At the end of the class you will be given the opportunity to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church at the Diocesan-wide Confirmation service at the Cathedral of St. Philip on Sunday, June 5 at 4:00 PM.
If you want to know more please sign up on the Opportunity for Ministry form in your bulletin or feel free to call our clergy.
Next date: Saturday, May 28
Saint Catherine's volunteers staff the Elizabeth Inn and provide dinner for the guests on the 28th of each month. If you would like to help with dinner please call Tracy Buckalew (770-956-9606) or Connie Bergeron (770-951-1411). To volunteer to stay overnight call Carolyn Hilley (770-973-8636) or Fred Massey (404-731-4466). Both tasks are very rewarding!
Parents -- Nursery Help Still Needed!
Until we get a replacement worker in the nursery, I need volunteers on Sunday mornings, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Please let me know when you will be able. I can be reached at 770-578-6634.
Thank you,
Susan Roberts, Church Nursery Coordinator
Church Nursery Worker Needed:. Individual must be 18 years or older; enjoy working with infants ages 0-5; have own transportation; reliable worker; able to work flexible hours; a team player. Background checks will be conducted. Experience working with infants a plus. This is a paid position. Contact Susan Roberts.
Our teens need your prayers. Won't you consider being a Prayer Partner? In just a minute of your time each day, you can pray for one particular teen in our church. For information, please contact Hale Sanders, 770-565-2719.
Reception for David Wayland, April 10
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| Ron Bergeron, George Alexander, David Wayland, Roger Motter | David Wayland, David Bowman, Larry Boyd |
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| Bill Linstrom, Connie Bergeron | Tom Snead, Sherry Coulter |
Troop 713 -- 30 Years at St. Cats!
Boy Scout Troop 713 recently received an award recognizing them for 30 years of meetings at St. Catherine's! A framed certificate will be posted at church -- look for it in the halls. The troop meets every Monday night in the Parish Hall. Congratulations!
Sunday, May 15 4 PM at St. Luke's
Please join Bishop J. Neil Alexander and the people of St. Luke's Episcopal Church for a Festive Choral Evensong in a Diocesan-wide Ingathering and Celebration of the kick off year of the Alleluia Fund for Mission. The event will be on Pentecost Sunday, May 15, 4:00 PM at St. Luke's, 435 Peachtree Street, Atlanta. A reception will follow.
Visit Alleluia Fund for Mission for more information and for directions to St. Luke's.
St. Catherine's Parish,
Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers, and a special thank you to Arlyn Cook for delivering them to my home! We really appreciate everyone's prayers and thoughtfulness while I've been sick.
Thank you!
Amy Morris
To ALL at St. Catherine's
Ginny and I cannot express how much we enjoyed our visit with you last week. It was like old times being with so many people we love and admire. The new building(s) is breath-taking and very inspiring. What a joy to worship there with all of you!
Thanks for the nice reception after church and the picnic basket, the cake, and the turnout. It was hard for us to leave (again) but we were able to get home to Virginia by noon Monday.
Love to all and please know you continue in our prayers.
David and Ginny
Dear Reverend Coulter:
...Here at the Center for Children & Young Adults, we anticipate an industrious new year filled with both new challenges and rewards. Thanks to you and your outreach group at St. Catherine's for the contribution of beautiful handmade blankets. They are already being enjoyed by our kids. Our hope as we begin 2005, is that you will remain a voice for our boys and girls at The Center throughout the year.
...On behalf of the children we serve, thank you again for your donation. We wish you a happy and prosperous new year.
Sincerely,
Annette VanDevere
Executive Director, The Center for Children & Young Adults, Inc.
Dear Mr. Nixon,
Thank you St. Catherine's Episcopal Church's recent gift of $980.00, which we received on Monday, January 31, 2005. Your gift will be designated for our South Asia Relief Fund.
We apologize for the delay in sending your acknowledgement letter. We have been overwhelmed by the number of generous donations we received for the South Asia disaster.
...Your gift makes both an immediate and a long-lasting difference for families suffering in the aftermath of this catastrophe. Please visit Episcopal Relief and Development's Crisis Center for news and updates about how gifts like yours are being used in South Asia. Through your ongoing partnership with Episcopal Relief and Development, lives are being changed.
For each of the lives your contribution has touched, thank you. May God bless you!
Sincerely,
Sandra Swan, President
The Rt. Reverend Harry B. Bainbridge III, Chairman, Board of Directors
Dear Friends in Christ:
We gratefully acknowledge your generous gift to The Extension. Thank you for your loving response to assist in the many needs of our ever growing ministries. Without support from our friends like you, our vital programs would not be possible. Please continue to support us daily with your prayers and take joy in knowing that through your gifts and prayers, broken lives are being changed.
Sincerely,
Stephanie,
The Extension
The AFM is an annual giving opportunity in the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta to create a fund for the support of new parishes in the diocese. Historically, most of the increase in the size of our Church has been the result of planting new parishes. In our diocese, we have wonderful opportunities for growth, but we currently are not even keeping up with the growth in population. The Commission on Congregational Growth and Development has a plan for growth, and our Bishop is committed to growth, but new parishes often cost the Diocese $3-500,000. We need to establish a substantial dedicated fund for this urgent work.
The Diocese asks every person, no matter how much or little they can contribute, to have the opportunity to support this vital work of the Gospel. The AFM primarily focuses on the Easter season, but contributions are welcome year round. For full information or to make a contribution online, visit Alleluia Fund For Mission .
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.
SICK: Sharon Parisi, James, Jean Pitts, Tommy Hill, Georgia Baumann, Karen Ann Mosso, Lisa Arnold, Olivia McLeod, Charlie Stewart, Giselle Galan, Bob Schottle, Armando Fiscal, Tom Bryan, Agnes Floyd, Trenton Kindred, Natalie May, Sally Granade, Kim Fysinaz, Patsy Ramsey, Laura Gary, Roy Miller, Chris Sexton, Chuck Larkin, Ursula Schutz, Rebecca Branchero, Jonathan Kennedy, Leonard Carter, Jenny Ward, Nancy Riley, Susan Stanton, Eileen Motter, Dina Parker, Dorothy Hill, Joe Hill, Roy Clish, Don Drafall
FOR THE DECEASED: Jean Shrader, Marion Cook's sister; James Rice, Nancy Denton's father; Robert Zackery, friend of Jay & Joyce Hendricks; Kathyrn Kiefer, Chris Kiefer's grandmother; Donald Beasdale, Jim Nixon's uncle; Don Price, father of Rebecca & Chris Kiefer's friend
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.
PARISH CYCLE OF PRAYER:
(5/15/05) -- Steve, Cindy, Frederick & Forrest Tuemmler; Jim & Meg Waddell; Claire, Davis & Mitchell Waldron; Allen, Brooke, Taylor, Randy, Stuart & Grace Wallace; Brian, Rebecca & Kelsey West
(5/22/05) -- Natalie, Marilyn & Nat Whitlow; Tom, Peggy, Colleen & Patrick Whitson; Anne Whittle;Brian & Jana Williams; Jay, Chris & Bill Williams
| Monday, 5/9 | Monday, 5/16 | ||
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3:30PM 6:30PM 6:30PM 7:00PM 7:30PM |
Sherry's Day Off Catechesis EFM Men’s Book Study Stewardship Meeting Boy Scouts Troop 713 |
3:30PM 6:30PM 7:30PM |
Sherry's Day Off Catechesis EFM Boy Scout Troop 713 |
| Tuesday, 5/10 | Tuesday, 5/17 | ||
| 10:00AM 6:00PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:00PM |
Staff Mtg. Executive Committee Fellowship/Parish Life Meeting Mothers and More Women's Reading Group |
10:00AM 12:30PM 6:30PM 7:00PM |
Staff Meeting Clericus Meeting Preschool Staff Party Vestry Meeting |
| Wednesday, 5/11 | Wednesday, 5/18 | ||
| 9:30AM 6:00PM 6:45PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:45PM |
EFM W.W.W. Dinner Youth Choir A.A. New Beginnings Spanish Lessons W.W.W. Programs Adult Choir |
9:30AM 11:00AM 6:00PM 6:45PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:45PM |
EFM Preschool Graduation W.W.W. Dinner Youth Choir W.W.W. Programs A.A. New Beginnings Spanish Lessons Adult Choir |
| Thursday, 5/12 | Thursday, 5/19 | ||
| 4:00PM 6:30PM 7:00PM 7:00PM |
Girl Scouts Pilgrimage Meeting D.O.K. Mothers & More |
4:00PM 6:30PM |
Girl Scouts Women's Bible Study |
| Friday, 5/13 | Friday,5/20 | ||
| 10:00AM 8:00PM |
Folders A.A. |
10:00AM 6:00PM 8:00PM |
Last Day Cobb Schools Folders Wedding Rehearsal A.A. |
| Saturday, 5/14 | Saturday, 5/21 | ||
| 8:30AM |
Men's Bible Study Finance Ballet Recital Century 2000 Holy Eucharist Foyer's Party |
8:30AM 1:00PM 5:30PM |
Men's Bible Study Blackshear/Parker Wedding Holy Eucharist |
| Sunday, 5/15 | Sunday, 4/17 | ||
| 7:30AM 8:00AM 8:45AM 10:00AM 11:15AM 4:00PM 6:00PM 6:30PM |
Holy Eucharist Breakfast Family Holy Eucharist Church School Choral Holy Eucharist/Baptism Inquirer's Class Eagle Court/Reception Stephen Ministry (Supervision) |
7:30AM 8:00AM 8:45AM 10:00AM 11:15AM 4:00PM |
Graduates recognized Holy Eucharist Breakfast Family Holy Eucharist/ Youth Sunday Last Day of Church School Choral Holy Eucharist Parish Picnic follows Inquirer's Class |
Keep up with everything at the St. Cat's Youth Webpage
THE NOOS!
Youth Sunday
May 22, 8:45 AM
Not only will we recognize our graduates and have a church picnic on the 22nd, but a crack team composed of our own St. Cats youth will minister in all lay capacities at the 8:45 service. Come support our teens as they employ their spiritual gifts!
PILGRIMAGE
June 15-25
Our J2A youth will commemorate their entry into young adulthood and the end of the Confirmation process with a pilgrimage to Scotland and Northern England. Keep the students and their leaders in your prayers during the coming weeks as we finalize our preparations.
Wednesday Night Live Lives!
We'll continue our WNL program throughout the summer. Our next three fantabulous evenings together:
- May 4: "Acceptance" -- A clip from the movie Toy Story
- May 11: "Having Integrity" -- A clip from Bagger Vance
- May 18: "Complacency" -- A clip from Dead Poets Society
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)
To subscribe to the Wheel, contact Editor Karen Manno, or the church office at 770-971-2829.
Editor: Karen Manno
Email: KAREN
DBLEGL.ATL.GA.US
Phone: 770-973-8668