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 |
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Delta’s Single Hottest Destination Going!!??
Pack your bags and get ready to go to Delta Airline’s single hottest destination. Ready?! We're headed to Israel next spring for an 11-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land. We'll leave Sunday, March 4, and return to Atlanta on Thursday, March 15. We'll visit Mount Carmel and the Jezreel Valley. We'll spend four nights at a kibbutz on the shores of the Sea of Galilee as we explore such sites as the Mount of Beatitudes, Nazareth, Mt. Tabor (the traditional site of the transfiguration), Capernaum, and renew our Baptismal Vows in the head waters of the Jordan River. We'll take time to sail on the Sea of Galilee and see the inspiring "Jesus Boat," a first century fishing boat recovered in the mud of the sea. We'll then move to Jerusalem for five nights where we'll explore the traditional sites of the Passion, Bethlehem and Shepherd's Field, and the Judean Wilderness. Brochures will be available in the coming weeks with final pricing. This tour will be small with a maximum of 25 people who will have the lifetime opportunity to seek Jesus with heart, soul, mind and strength. How do we know it’s Delta’s hottest destination? They told us as we unsuccessfully tried to book air on their new non-stop to Tel Aviv. Their group seats are booked virtually through the end of 2007. We’ll fly Lufthansa from Atlanta to Frankfurt and then on to Tel Aviv. Jim + Services Combine at 10:30 AM Remember to wear red for Pentecost! Our 8:45 and 11:15 services combine this day as we gather to worship at 10:30 AM, followed by the annual Parish Picnic and Youth Car Wash. Please join us for a very special day. Youth Car Wash The youth are planning this fundraiser during the Picnic, so be sure to take the opportunity! Look for the Car Wash Area in our parking lot, leave your car there and it will be spic & span when you leave. Parish Picnic Everyone’s invited! The men of St. Catherine’s (and anyone who would like to assist) are putting on a picnic to celebrate Pentecost and the end of school. And we’re going to raise money to present to our high school graduates going off to college. The picnic will be held rain or shine. Please join us for grilled hamburgers and hot dogs with all the trimmings and dessert in the back of the church outside the Parish Hall after the 10:30 a.m. service. We'll have a moonwalk for kids to play in and have fun. Any and all donations at this event will help. Tom Snead is looking for plenty of volunteers to help put on the picnic. We need people to set up & prepare food the day/evening before, and to set up, grill, serve, tear down, clean up, and monitor the moonwalk the day of the picnic. If you can volunteer in any way, please call Tom Snead at 678-795-9508 or the church office and leave your name and phone number. You can also e-mail Tom at tom.snead A Dove Processional Banner for Pentecost Many of you may remember the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics in Atlanta in 1996. As the torch was lit and the games began, 100 children marched onto the field, waving custom made doves on long bamboo sticks. Olympic Committee rules dictate, that by tradition, live doves be released at the Opening Ceremonies. In 1996, a decision was made that would not utilize live doves. A very special lady was found to design and produce, in total secrecy, the special kite forms that would be the doves of peace to the world. It is one of these doves you will see at St. Catherine’s on select occasions. This Pentecost, St. Catherine’s will have our own dove in the Processional to honor this holy day in our church. The dove is white, a form of kite or banner, carried by an acolyte. It symbolizes peace and love, from our Lord, for our Lord. Why on Pentecost? Research indicates Pentecost is the time when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in Jerusalem and they were empowered to preach to people from every nation who had come to Jerusalem for the feast. The Acts of the Apostles records that about 3,000 were added to their number that day. Christians since have considered this event to be the founding of the church. Pentecost means “fiftieth day,” and is the beginning of the longest day of the church year. It continues until the first Sunday in Advent. In some churches, Pentecost is known as Whitsunday, after the white robes once worn by candidates for baptism on that day. We will also carry our dove on baptism days. Our regular Sunday School schedule and Wonderful Wacky Wednesday program are on summer break. The summer worship schedule begins on June 11 when our 11:15 service moves to 10:30 AM: Saturdays: Sundays: Summer Sunday School begins June 11, 9:40 to 10:20 AM in the Board Room “The service begins on page 355 of the red Book of Common Prayer...” We hear that almost every Sunday. What is this Book of Common Prayer? Where did it come from? Why is it common? Does it come in colors other than Red? What else is in this book? Join other inquiring minds for a little refresher course, or come really look at it for the first time. We will meet each Sunday morning during the summer in the Board Room in the Admin wing. We’re offering this class during the summer especially to those whose volunteer duties during the rest of the year may make it hard to attend programs then. We hope to see you there! 9:30 AM to 12;30 PM, July 10-14 Come to Fiesta VBS, where kids are fired up about Jesus! Children must be at least four years old by Sept. 1, 2006, and are included through rising fith graders. We are asking that each family have an adult or teen volunteer for at least one day (or the whole week). The cost is $20 for one child and $10 for additional children, maximum of $40 per family. Lots of adult and youth help is needed. You can help with snacks, skits, music, games, Bible study, crafts, check in/out. Please contact the church office ASAP if you can volunteer. We’re planning a wonderful week of FUN! Sign up soon -- look for registration forms at church. Tuesday, June 13 All leaders and members of Ministry Teams, please plan to attend. St. Cat’s Joins In Golf Tournament NOTE: St. Catherine’s is pleased to join in this tournament in place of our usual golf tournament. Watch for signup coming soon. We hope to see you there! First Annual Christ Episcopal Church Golf Tournament
When: Monday, August 7, 7:00 AM Hello Fellow Episcopalians, The Brotherhood of St. Andrew’s from Christ Episcopal Church cordially invites (challenges) you to the 1st Annual Christ Episcopal Church’s Golf Tournament. We are so excited to have this tournament amongst our Christian friends in the neighborhood. This will be a great time to golf at one of the premier golf courses in Cobb County. Here is how the day will proceed: 7:00 am to 8:15am – Continental Breakfast Details: Who can play? Anyone who enjoys the game of golf can sign up. All skill levels are encouraged. Again, I am a hacker but love the game. Prizes? The winning church will get a Tournament Trophy to bring home to display at their church. We will also have a Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin holes. Mulligans? Bring some extra cash to buy additional mulligans. Tournament Directors are Richard Len, 678-355-0501, len1062 The St. Cat's Young Family Ministry is off to a great start! Our Kickoff dinner on May 21st was a blast. Special thanks to John and Liz Rea for our authentic Italian dinner and to Emily Gale for all her help with set-up and the kids' food. We have decided to meet socially on the last Sunday of every month. Every odd month the activity will include children and the even months will be adults only. All families with young children (under 12) are invited to join. Please give us your input on how this ministry can serve you best. Please mark your calendars for the upcoming events:
If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Jennifer Gale 770.579.0657 or jennifer-gale Faithful Mission Capital Campaign Message Psalm 61: You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. When my young parents moved to the new development in 1944, their lives changed. They joined a denomination new to them in response to the vision of some far-sighted people for a neighborhood church (the first in our city; all other churches were downtown). Enthusiastically they gave to their new parish and worked for it, and sixty-two years later their great-grandchildren have inherited the buildings and the programs and the spirit they helped create. My mother and father would be thrilled to know that what they valued so highly then is sustaining their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren today. When Albert Schweitzer was asked how a person could be changed, he said, "In three ways: by example, by example, and by example." I am blessed with the example of my parents and the other pioneers who left me this wonderful church. I have the heady promise that I, too, can be a model for future generations and can leave a magnanimous gift for them. I like to think when I respond to my parish's call to stewardship in all its forms that I also am giving for someone's great-grandchildren, perhaps my own. From the "Forward Day By Day" May/June/July 2006, a manual of daily bible readings and devotions.
We will be electing 5 lay delegates to represent St. Catherine's at the Atlanta Diocesan Council in Macon, November 10-11. Delegates must be members of St. Catherine's in good standing, and are required to attend all meetings including pre-Council Convocations. Check the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin or contact the church office if you are interested. Contact Fr. Jim or Sherry if you have questions. We are proud of our graduates! Grace Adams - St. Catherine’s Preschool John Behunin – Fifth Grade Elementary, will attend Dickerson Middle School Justin Baker – Lassiter High School, still doing research on schools Scott Albers – Air Force Basic Training Frances Bowden – Columbia College with B.A. in History, accepted into E.F.M. (Education for Ministry) Graduates:
Like to cook? Make people smile? The Sonshine Ministry cooks and delivers meals to parishioners in need due to new births, surgery, illness, pregnancy, etc. If you would like to become a part of this Ministry, we could really use you. If you know of someone in need, or if you could just use a break, please let us know. You can contact Sue Snape, 770.971.0236, csta "Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer" Hors d'oeuvres Competition
and Foyers’ Year End Party All adults of the parish are invited to join us at 7 PM in the Parish Hall for our annual Hors d'oeuvres Competition and year-end party for our “Foyers” dinner groups. "Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer" is our theme, and food is the competition. Prepare and bring one (or more) of your favorite savory or sweet treats for all to enjoy. If you think you’re kitchen-challenged, bring a can of nuts or a bag of chips to share, just be sure to be there! You get to vote for the best dishes with your money, so bring coins (or folding money if you’re so inclined) to drop in the cup at your favorite dish — the most money wins the prizes! Proceeds will benefit MUST Ministries and the St. Catherine’s Hurricane Relief Fund. Bring the recipe for your dish (or dishes). We'll provide beverages, including lemonade and wine spritzers. We always have a great time, so mark your calendar now! Bishop of Atlanta to visit St. Catherine’s Sunday, July 30 The Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander, Bishop of Atlanta, has scheduled his visitation to St. Catherine’s for July 30. Bishop Alexander will preach and teach in the course of the morning. He will spend time with our clergy and vestry. And, of course, we will mark his visit with hospitality and joy (read: good food). More details will be available soon, but for now simply mark your calendars and be sure to be a part of this glorious day. Join the St. Cat’s Softball Team Batter up! St. Catherine’s is fielding a co-ed softball team for the Diocesan softball tourney on Saturday, August 26. We need 12 women and men to help us win the coveted Bishop's Trophy. We will take enthusiastic beginners as well as ball-playing hotshots! The tourney is a double-elimination format and we are guaranteed to play two games. Practices will be scheduled at our first team meeting. This event is also being billed as a "Family Fun Day." There will be activities such as face painting, moonwalks, and clowns. Bring the family to cheer us on. We will ROCK! There is an announcement on the Diocesan website for more information at EpiscopalAtlanta.org. Please contact Fred Lopez ASAP if you would like to participate in this event ( lopezfred
All newcomers at St. Catherine's: You are cordially invited to our next "get acquainted" coffee 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! Spotlight on General Convention
Please pray the Octave June 4-11 All Episcopalians are invited to participate in the Octave of Prayer in preparation for the 75 th General Convention. The Rev. Dr. Gregory Straub, executive officer of General Convention, has written to every diocese encouraging participation by all parishioners in these eight days of prayer from Pentecost Sunday, June 4, until Trinity Sunday and the start of the 75th General Convention on June 11. The Octave of Prayer is a way for Episcopalians who cannot be present physically for the Convention in Columbus to be present in spirit. An octave is an ancient church tradition of eight days of prayer between two feast days such as the Octave of Holy Week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday or the octave of Christian Unity between the Confession of St. Peter (January 18) and the Conversion of St. Paul (January 25). The meditations for this Octave were written by a number of individuals reflecting the diversity of the church. All of the resources reflect the General Convention's theme of "Come and Grow." Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold and House of Deputies President George L. W. Werner will launch the observance during June 4 parish services. "Supported by the prayer of the whole church, it is my hope that Deputies and Bishops gathered together in Columbus will make decisions that reflect the mind and heart of Christ who through the cross has drawn all to himself in the fullness of his reconciling love," Griswold observes in a letter accompanying the resources. The Octave is available as a booklet which you may pick up in our lobby. The booklet and complete information is available online at Octave of Prayer. Episcopal News Service subscribers will receive a meditation each day by email, or they can download them from the Octave website (to subscribe go to Subscribe to ENS). Bulletin inserts highlight Convention When the Episcopal Church meets together as the General Convention in Columbus, Ohio, from June 13 to June 21, it will be the 75th time the church has gathered to be guided by the Holy Spirit in setting the direction of the church’s mission and ministry. The Episcopal Church’s Office of Communication offers this series of eight bulletin inserts, "Grow In Understanding," to help you learn more about the church and how it makes decisions about its mission and ministry. Below is the insert for June 4: How The Episcopal Church Is Organized For Mission “O God, you have bound us together in a common life.” Your Episcopal Church congregation is part of a much larger community. “Episcopal” means “bishop” in Greek, and the Episcopal Church is governed in part by its bishops. The clergy and elected lay people work with bishops to run their local faith communities and larger church organizations. Each congregation elects some of its members to manage its finances and property. Those members choose a priest to lead them in worship, teach them about the Christian life, help them minister in Christ’s name to the world and counsel them in times of need. A geographic cluster of congregations forms a diocese and gives money to run that structure. The people and clergy elect a priest to lead their diocese as bishop. The bishop is the diocese’s head pastor but he or she is also an administrator, evangelist and teacher. The bishop, in consultation with the people and clergy, chooses people to serve as priests and deacons. Dioceses gather regionally in provinces because some ministry is better done with combined resources. No bishop has authority in another diocese unless invited to minister there by that bishop. Every nine years, we elect a presiding bishop to be our chief pastor, to lead us in developing church policy and strategies, and representing our church to the world. Each diocese meets annually to vote on mission and ministry policies and priorities, and to elect deputies to the General Convention which convenes every three years to make broad decisions about policy and worship. The 75th such gathering will be in Columbus, Ohio, June 13 to June 21. General Convention deputies do not represent a constituency. They agree to have an open heart so that they can prayerfully listen to others and be led by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They also cannot abstain from voting. The layers of our structure, and the jargon that comes with it, may seem complicated and cumbersome but it has its benefits. Together we agree on rules, called canons, that set broad boundaries and hold us accountable. The money given by congregations to dioceses, and by dioceses to the larger church, pays for ministry that individual congregations could not afford. Within our boundaries the smallest groups of people and clergy can form communities that serve their needs and the needs of the world outside their doors. This means that Episcopal congregations have different looks and feels, and yet hold things in common with people all over the world. Read more about it: The complete series, "Grow In Understanding," is available at ENS NewsLink. Ongoing coverage of General Convention available online at Episcopal News Service.
SICK: Sharon Parisi, James, Natalie May, Ron Davidson, Missy Greene, Curtis Bagby, Betty Boyce, Steve Wolfe , Lisa Arnold, Kristin Blackstock, Margaret & Reese Ivey, Devon Parker, Joyce Hendricks, Gwen Smith, Joe Hannigan, Ann Fuchs, George Schnorf, Miss Iva, Fred Decaris, Maxine Partin, Linda Arnold, Bob Arnold, Louis Leach, Donna Schwartz, Matina Bliss, Todd Magill, Cynthia Sikes, Jemy Forman, Nick & Tyler Wolfe, T.J., Mary Ann Harwell, Natalie Whitlow, Betty Thomas, Bobbie McLoud, Scott Dickson, Stephen Lee, Rusty Davis, Ruth Goldstraw, Deanna Stewart SPECIAL PRAYERS: General Convention Prayer: God our Wisdom, who eternally makes all things new: encourage by your Holy Spirit those who prepare for General Convention to labor together for the building up of your world and your Church; counsel them when to act and when to wait; turn their hearts always toward those in greatest need, and away from their own preoccupations and fears; help them never forget that love and mercy are your greatest gifts given us all to offer one another as we see in them Jesus Christ who alone is our joy, our way, our truth, and our life. PARISH CYCLE OF PRAYER: (6/18/06) George & Norma Alexander; Robert & Audrey Archer; Curtis, Rachel & Vincent Bagby; Rodney, Joy & Molly Bailey; Ray, Nancy, Katie, Becky & Jonathan Ban (6/25/06) John, Barbara, Riley, Katie, Mary Alice & Thad Barrington; Brian Baskette; Michael, Gina, Taylor & Abigail Baumann; Art & Susan Bayless; Palmer, Trudy, Emily & Ansley Bayless 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.
Quote: “The only thing you have to do is love your neighbor as yourself, the thing is, you don’t get to pick your neighbors.”
Car Wash!! The youth will be sponsoring a car wash on Sunday after the 10:30 service. Come out and park your car inside the car wash area in the parking lot. Donations will be accepted and will go to support youth trips and the victims of the recent earthquake in Java.
Wear Red!! This Sunday is Pentecost and Amelia having a costume contest for the youth!! Dress up in your best red flare, come to church and help out with the car wash! Judging will take place after the car wash is over. Also, the group, Rite 13, J2A, or YA, that has the most participation during the car wash will get a special treat from Amelia, so get your groups pumped up to wear some red and wash some cars!!
WNL There will be a special WNL on June 14 from 7-9pm for all youth grades 6-12, we will be having a speaker and an ice cream social!
Mission Trip There is still room on the mission trip to the Gulf Coast for all 16-18 year olds. Contact Amelia if you are interested!
Get Pumped up for Frisbee! We will be having a pick up Ultimate Frisbee game on Wednesday, June 7, at East Cobb Park from 7-8 PM. Come out for Frisbee and fun!!
Camping/Tubing Trip Friday, July 14, the youth are going camping!!! We will be going to Unicoi State Park in Helen, Georgia, spending the night and going tubing in the morning. The cost will be $10 a person. Sign up by e-mailing Amelia, Amelia
Thank You from Peter and Colleen Dear J2A group, Colleen and I want to thank you all for making our wedding day so special. We had rave reviews about your talents in serving the delicious food at our reception. You are a very special group of young people who want to serve your church and community. We wish you a very special trip next year! With Love, Peter and Colleen
Next publications:
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 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 |
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