Stewardship 2009

We begin our Stewardship campaign on Sunday, September 7th – nearly a full month earlier than in the past. We are doing so because the end of the year gets very busy. We are hoping, with your cooperation, to move our budgeting process along and avoid the very busy holiday season.

I don’t want to take any of the news of our campaign away from our Stewardship Team. I will say, however, how excited I am about their approach this year. I hope you will take the time to attend one of the three Stewardship Lunches/Dinner to hear about the campaign and to learn how to use it to your advantage. This is all that I will say because I want Mark Blythe, John Garner, Ginny Lummus, and Phil Spessard to delight in sharing their approach with each of you.

My deepest regret when we come to this time of the year is that so many of us conclude that Stewardship is solely about asking for money. And yes that is part of it, but such a small part that when we make that assumption we miss out on the story of our life together, how God has blessed us and how we choose to give thanks for those blessings. Stewardship, as hard as it is for some of us to believe, is a spiritual matter. It has everything to do with our relationship with God and His Son Jesus Christ. And exploring that relationship and living more fully into it is what it is to be spiritual beings.

This year we will have three Lay Stewardship Talks. I want to give thanks to Natalie Whitlow, Claire Frost, and Juan Sandoval for taking the time to stand in the pulpit and tell us what their relationship with God and Christ is all about and how this congregation nurtures that relationship. I invite each of you to take a bit of time this fall to listen to what Natalie, Claire and Juan have to say and then attend one of the three lunches/dinner planned by the committee.

Jason Snape asked last year in his fine and thought provoking Wheel article... "Why Stewardship?" He finally concluded "...because I can." With his help and inspiration we are asking each of you this year, "Can You?"

Fr. Jim+

Open House at the Johnsons'

Saturday, Sept. 6, 3-6 PM.

Roy and Susan+ invite you to a house-warming at their "new" home at 3657 Longfellow Trail in Marietta on September 6 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. Directions from the church: Left on Holt Rd; Left onto Robinson Rd.; Right onto Roswell Rd.; Left on Johnson Ferry Rd.; Left on Post Oak Tritt Rd.; Right onto Chestnut Ridge Way; Chestnut Ridge Way deadends into Longfellow Trail, the house will be directly in front of you.

NOTE - Children are loved and welcome, but this sort of party isn't much fun for them so adults only please this time.

Marriage Journey Kickoff Dinner

Saturday, Sept. 6, 5 PM in the Parish Hall

All married couples, you're invited to join us for conversations about marriage, how our marriages have evolved and transformed as life has carried us along. No experts, only fellow travelers. Please RSVP to Peter or Colleen Morich, cjmorichgmail.com.

Church school begins

Sunday, September 7 at 10 am for all ages

Please look for the Christian Nurture and Development brochure for Fall 2008 at church and in your bulletin this Sunday for complete program offerings.

CHILDREN -- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

• Young Lambs atrium - ages 2½ to 3½ years old
• Level I atrium - 3½ years old through Kindergarten
• Level II atrium - first through third graders
• Level III atrium - fourth through sixth graders

YOUTH -- Journey to Adulthood

• Rite-13 - Seventh and Eighth Grades
• J2A - Ninth and Tenth Grades
• YA (Young Adults) - Eleventh and Twelfth Grades

ADULTS -- Choose from these classes this fall:

• “Bible Study Class: The Sunday Lectionary”
• “Christian Caregiving: A Way of Life”
• “Denominationally Speaking: Development of the Many Ways American Christians Worship”
• “Parenting Young Children”
• “What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said?”

Also on Sundays:

• Nursery for infants through age four
• Children’s Chapel during 8:45 AM worship for children who are interested, ages range from two to nine years old.

September Ministry Team Focus -- This month we celebrate the life and work of our Christian Nurture & Development Ministry Team. See their great bulletin board in the foyer at the top of the stairs. To find out more about their activities please check the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin or contact convenors Kristin & Tom Blackstock.

Stewardship Gatherings

• Sunday, Sept. 7 (Lunch 12:30 pm)
• Sunday, Sept. 28 (Lunch 12:30 pm)
• Sunday, October 12 (Dinner 5:00-7:00 pm).

The Stewardship Committee invites you to attend one of three Stewardship Gatherings to share St. Catherine's abundant opportunities to serve and give in support of the ministry and outreach work which God has called us to do. Gatherings are in the Parish Hall. Please RSVP by signing up in the foyer, checking the Opportunity for Ministry in your bulletin, or call the church office at 770-971-2839.

"Good Grief" Group begins Monday, Sept. 8

We are offering a six week bereavement support group using Wellstar's "Good Grief" curriculum on Monday evenings, 6:30-8:30 PM, beginning on September 8. Cost is $20 for the work book. If interested please check the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin or contact Gail McGill at 770-971-8890.

Women Supporting Women

Sunday, September 7 Luncheon

Women Supporting Women's Group is for those who have lost their spouses through death or divorce. You are invited to a covered dish lunch immediately following the 11:15 service in the Parish Hall on September 7. Please contact Gail at 770-971-8890 if you plan on attending.

WNL begins Sept. 10

Join us weekly at Wednesday Night Live for all ages. Dinner is served 5:45-6:30 PM, programs follow at 6:30-7:30. You are invited for dinner, programs and hopefully both. Please be sure to sign up for meals each week in your bulletin or contact the church office by 5 PM on Tuesday the day before.

Meet the new Wednesday Night Live Food Coordinator: Lee Ann Sherry

by Amelia Arthur

Amelia: Hi Lee Ann, tell us about being the Food Coordinator and some of the changes you've made this year.

Lee Ann: I'm looking forward to coordinating the food on Wednesday nights, this year we will have a variety of food choices each month. Each week we will have food from different restaurants such as Moe's, BBQ, and Joyful Diner. As well as having food from a different restaurant we will also offer fresh fruit, healthy side items, and a Peanut Butter and Jelly Bar for young children. Our goal is to have good, healthy food that people will want to come and enjoy.

Our newest addition to our monthly menu is that we will have a "Celebrity Guest Chef" cook for us once a month. The guest chef will come up with their own specialty menu and will prepare it for the Wednesday Night Live dinner crowd. To kick off our Wednesday Night Live Dinners, our first "Celebrity Guest Chef" is Mr. Vic Pillpotts. Vic's menu will include: Applewood Smoked Pork and Turkey, Northwood Baked Beans, Vic's Famous Creamy Potato Salad, Macaroni and Cheese, fresh fruit and dessert.

We all know that it's hard to feed your family good food on a budget, so we've worked hard to come up with a price structure that is good for families and also allows us to cover our costs. The new price structure for this year is as follows:

• $6 for adults and kids 12 and up
• $3 for kids under 12, $1 for the PB & J bar
• $20 maximum for a family.

Each week we need 2 people to help set-up and 2 people to clean-up, if you want to help please fill out the Opportunity for Ministry in your bulletin or sign up to help at dinner on a Wednesday night.

You can sign up to eat dinner each week in the Opportunity for Ministry or call Ginney Linstrom in the church office at (770) 971-2839 by Tuesday at 5 pm. You can also sign up for the following week’s dinner each Wednesday night.

** If you're interested in being a "Celebrity Guest Chef" please call or e-mail Lee Ann Sherry at 770-815-5299, or impactlkaol.com.

Adult program for WNL

We will offer the popular series, Lights, Camera....Faith! as our adult program at WNL. This series is based on contemporary film as a lens for viewing the Gospels. By exploring cinema in the light of the Sunday Scripture we will create a dialogue between Scripture and film, engaging faith through culture and culture through faith.

This year we will invite members of the community gathered on Wednesday evenings to sign up, prepare for, and present one of the films. This will distribute the preparation time and give us the opportunity to hear differing perspectives on the intersection between culture and faith.

For those who wish to view the entire film before our Wednesday gatherings, our opening weeks will be screening the following movies:

• Sept. 10 - Unforgiven, 1992 Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman
• Sept. 17 - Matewan, 1987 Chris Cooper, Mary McDonnell
• Sept. 24 - A Civil Action, 1998 John Travolta, Robert Duvall
• Oct. 1 - The Killing Fields, 1984 Sam Waterston, Haing S.Ngor

Some movies in our fall cycle to look forward to include Sister Act, The Beach, A Chorus Line, Dead Man Walking and October Sky. Come for dinner, fellowship, and a challenging look at our faith through the eyes of Scripture and movie media.

Spaghetti Dinner Fund Raiser for 2-Day Breast Cancer Walk

Saturday, September 13 in the Parish Hall

Team TTBB is holding a Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, Sept 13 with seatings at 5pm and 7pm in the Parish Hall. Bring your family and friends and enjoy a wonderful meal while supporting this cause. Tickets will be on sale this Sunday or at the door. There will also be a raffle for lots of great prizes. Tickets are $10 per adult, $5 for children under 12. Questions? Contact Paddy Phillpotts.

This our team's third year for the 2-Day Walk event. We started out with 8 members and have grown to 20 members on our team, meaning we need to raise a minimum of $20,000! Members of St. Catherine’s who are on the team include Gina Bauman, Maureen Donoghue, Paddy Drives(Phillpotts), Karli Barber, Tami Mace, LeeAnn Sherry, Michael, Caroline and Sally Paris. Anyone who wishes to make a donation to the team can go to www.2DayWalk.org, click on “Walker Info” and then enter any of our names in the walker search (our team shares moneys with all members).

Foyers Kickoff Dinner

Saturday, September 27, 7:30 PM in the Parish Hall

Foyers is adult dinner groups that meet once a month... when and where is decided by your group of 6-8 people. The kick-off event for our Foyers (Dinner) Groups will be held September 15 at 7 PM in the Parish Hall. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. The main dish and drinks will be provided. Even if you can't make the Kick Off, sign up ASAP to be part of a group in your Opportunities for Ministry in your Sunday bulletin.

Catechesis Help Needed!

We need people who can sew and others who can help assemble pre-fab furniture to help with the Catechesis of the Good Sheperd program.  Please contact Laurie Dirksen at thedirksenfamilybellsouth.net or 770.321.9544.  We truly appreciate your help!

Cats kickoff

Saturday, September 20 at Piccadilly

"Cats on Wheels" is St. Catherine's group for fun and fellowship for our active senior adults. Our first event for fall will be a Dutch treat luncheon at Piccadilly Cafeteria on Saturday, September 20 beginning at 11:30 am. The restaurant is at 536 Cobb Parkway South ( US 41 across from U-Haul). We have reserved the private meeting room, so the only noise will be our own. Susan+ will be with us to facilitate the sharing of ideas about the frequency and type of activities that you would attend in the Cats on Wheels ministry.

Come enjoy the company of your friends! Meal cost starts at $4.99 for meat, two vegetables and bread. Please RSVP so we know how many tables to set up by checking the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin or contacting the church office.

Newcomer Coffee

Next date: Sunday, Sept. 21

All newcomers and visitors at St. Catherine's are cordially invited to a "get acquainted" coffee at 10 Am in the Parish Hall, 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!

Retreat at Kanuga

Come for this opportunity to hear J. Philip Newell and Barbara Brown Taylor at "The New Birthing of Christ for Today" Advent retreat, December 7- 11, at Kanuga Conference Center, Hendersonville, NC. If you would like to attend, please contact Father Sue (770-971-2839 or fathersuebellsouth.net) as soon as possible, we are trying to have enough going to fill one guest house. Details are on the website at www.kanuga.org/conferences/2008/advent.shtml.

U.P.W.A.R.D. Update Survey Results

Uniting Parishioners Where All Are Recognized Disciples

The Vestry has been focusing this year on the goals that were created at our annual Vestry Retreat in February. After creating the goals, each Vestry member became a part of a subgroup that had to do with either How We Talk, How We Work Together, or How We Get/Stay Involved. Based on those goals, tasks were created and questions posed to survey the congregation. The original survey report is 29 pages long. In the interest of being good stewards of our resources we will make the detailed report available through our church library rather than mail a copy to each parish family. Feel free to check out the book and if you would like your own copy, simply call the church office and one will be provided to you. Here are the highlights of the survey.

How We Talk (Improved communication to newcomers, community and congregation)

• What is your preferred way to receive communication from St. Catherine’s? (This question asked parishioners to rate each type of communication as best, good, ok, or needs improvement. E – Mail at 79% was rated the best way.)
• How often do you visit the St. Catherine’s website? (Once a month 58%, once a week 35%, 2-3 times each week 7%)
• Do you find what you need on the website? (Yes 86%)

How We Work Together (Ministry structure and function)

• Have you ever been asked to participate in a ministry at St. Catherine’s? (Yes 90%)
• How would you want to be asked to volunteer at St. Catherine’s? (This question asked parishioners to rate each way of being asked as best, good, ok, or needs improvement. In person at 67% was rated the best way.)
• Were you contacted after you filled out a Time & Talent pledge card? (Yes 61%)

How We Get/Stay Involved (Ministry of invitation)

• How did you first find/locate St. Catherine’s? (Friend/neighbor 41%, Drove by 41%, Diocesan website 9%, Preschool 6%, St. Catherine’s website 3%)
• Were you greeted/welcomed on your first Sunday at St. Catherine’s? (Yes 97%)
• How long have you been a member of St. Catherine’s? (15+ years 39%, 10-15 years 14%, 5-9 years 27%, 1-4 years 14%, less than 1 year 3%, not a member 3%)

As always if you have any questions or are interested in being a part of this process, please contact myself, Al Jones or Fr. Jim Nixon.

Ginny Lummus, Junior Warden

Habitat build continues Saturdays through Nov. 1.

Join us onsite to help build our 2008 Habitat for Humanity House. So far interior and exterior walls are squared, trusses are up with a starter course of OSB installed, and the house is 80% wrapped in TYVEK. Our objectives for Sept. 6 are to "dry in" the roof", install windows and begin siding. Sign up in the foyer after services each Sunday, to work one or more dates. You must be at least age 16 to build, all ages may help with food. Look for details and a map to the build location on our website at www.stcatherines.org/habitat08map_info.pdf.

Our Habitat food volunteers from August 16th - L to R, Meg and Larry Boyd, Elizabeth (Beth) Sandoval, Cindy Tuemmler, and Connie Bergeron

Food volunteer help – next date Sept. 13

Thank you to all who gave generously of their time, talent and delicious food to encourage our Habitat volunteer builders on August 16th. If anyone would like to sign up for our future days when St. Catherine's supplies meals, please contact Connie Bergeron at 770-951-1411 or conniebmindspring.com for Sept. 13, Oct. 11 or Oct. 25.

Seek And Ye Shall Find: Cursillo Weekend #61

The Atlanta Episcopal Cursillo Community Weekend will be held October 2-5 at Camp Fortson, Hampton, GA. It is a special time to help Christians learn & live what is fundamental as a Christian and discover and live out a personal vocation. Pilgrim applications accepted through Sept. 19. To learn more check the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin or contact Fr. Jim, Carla von Hoffmann, 404-213-7408, or Rick & Tracy Buckalew, 770-956-9609.

Medical Ministry to Ecuador

Did you know that one of St. Catherine’s outreach ministries is to the people of Ecuador? This year, parishioners Bruce and Barbara Perry will be leading a medical mission trip to Ecuador October 18-25. Our team, which includes fellow parishioners from the Atlanta Diocese, will be providing medical care to the indigenous parishioners of Buen Pastor Episcopal Church in Quito Sur.

Supply donations needed

We are in great need of over the counter medications for this trip, such as vitamins, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, Tylenol etc. Our Outreach ingathering for September will focus on collecting these much needed medications. A list will be available in the foyer beginning Sunday, September 7. Please leave donations in the foyer in the basket at the Outreach table. For any questions please feel free to contact the Perrys or anyone else on the Outreach Committee. Thank you for your generosity!

Our Ecuador Outreach

The Diocese of Atlanta and the Episcopal Diocese of Central Ecuador have had a companion Diocese relationship for over a decade. St. Catherine’s was there in 2000 and 2002 to treat indigenous people around the city of Ambato. The contributions of members of St. Catherine’s of money and medicines were very valuable. Unfortunately the Presiding Bishop requested that the trips be suspended due to issues with the bishop there. The issues have now been resolved and the companion diocese relationship is active. Gini Reid, Past Chair of the Global Missions Committee of our Diocese, has been to Ecuador three times and Bishop Alexander will travel there in November.

Bishop Ramos in Quito has asked that we focus our efforts on Mission Buen Pastor in Quito Sur, an impoverished area with significant numbers of indigenous people. The average daily income is $2.00. St. Matthew’s sent a team to assist in spiritual activities in the Mission in June.

Over the last 4 months individuals from 5 parishes in the Diocese have planned a medical/dental mission trip for October 18-25. The team will be comprised of 2 primary care practitioners, a dentist and dental hygienist, a dermatologist and dermatology nurse, 2 nurses and 4 support staff. The team will be enlarged through the efforts of our diocese in Ecuador including a physician, more translators and support staff. The clinic will be set up in the Mission Buen Pastor serving a population that has little meaningful medical care, no dental care, and no skin cancer care (we noted frequent pre-malignant and malignant skin lesions in the people due to the high altitude and lack of sun screen).

Your prayers and contributions will be greatly appreciated this year. In addition to our collection of supplies, monetary donations are encouraged to cover the cost of the large amount of antibiotics we will take with us. We know that you have and will continue to make a difference in the lives of our Ecuadorian brothers and sisters in Christ.

By Bruce & Barbara Perry

MUST Breakfast help

Father Jim invites you to join him to cook breakfast for the guests at the Elizabeth Inn on the last Wednesday of the month. He asks for just one volunteer each date. Next open dates are September 24; October 29; and November 26. Please contact him at fatherjimbellsouth.net or phone the church at 770-971-2839.

Jubilate Choir Dates for Fall 2008

We are pleased to announce that the Jubilate Choir will provide music at the 8:45 service on the following Sundays this fall - September 21; October 19 and November 23; and at the Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, October 4 at 10 am.

The Jubilate Choir leads worship music with guitar accompaniment. If you are interested in singing or playing with us, please contact Susan Jablonski (sjablonskiwater.com; 770-712-8126). We rehearse on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8 pm in the Choir Room.

St. Catherine’s Needlepoint Kneeler Ministry

by Bev and Bill Fambrough

The mission of this ministry is to design, stitch and put in place 26 needlepoint altar rail kneelers plus provide kneelers for the altar party. These needlepoint kneelers will grace our sanctuary for decades. In planning this project, your design committee has decided upon the following theme: Kneelers 1 through 13 will depict major events occurring in the Old Testament, beginning with Creation at Kneeler 1. The right side will focus on major New Testament events. Kneeler 14 will depict the birth of Christ through Kneeler 26 which will depict the Resurrection. (Not all kneeler designs have been finalized.)

St. Luke, our first altar party kneeler design ready for stitching.

About Our Designer

We have engaged the services of Sheilah Anne Oscher of Ft. Worth, Texas, to aide us in the design and production of the needlepoint kneelers. Sheilah is a nationally known ecclesiastical artist. She has designed needlepoint since 1970 and her work can be found in more than 40 churches throughout the United States. She interprets our designs, paints the canvas, and assembles and package all of the required yarn colors ready for stitching. We are truly fortunate to have such a gifted and talented artist working with us on this important ministry. Visit Sheilah’s website for more examples of her beautiful artistry at www.sheilahanne.com.

“Adopt A Kneeler”

The work is ongoing but we need your support to continue. As a member of St. Catherine’s, you have the opportunity to “Adopt a Kneeler” and have it dedicated to the memory or in honor of a loved one. Six Altar Party kneelers and 12 collection plate silencers are available for adoption as well as the Altar Rail kneelers. Your name and to whom you have dedicated it with be stitched into the gusset area of the kneeler. The name of the St. Catherine’s volunteer who stitched your kneeler will also be noted and remembered. This is a wonderful opportunity to participate in the ongoing beautification of our sanctuary by supporting an endeavor which is dedicated to the glory of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Please look for the kneeler brochures at church or in the print Wheel newsletter being mailed on September 19. For further information, or if you have questions, contact Beverly Fambrough at 770-993-5444 or Beverly618mindspring.com.

Needlework Brigade Stitchers Meeting

A meeting will be held on Thursday, September 18 at 7 pm in the Board Room. This meeting is mandatory for anyone wishing to work on the new kneelers. A refresher course on basketweave stitch will be part of the meeting. If you have any questions please contact Beverly Fambrough at beverly618mindspring.com or call her at 770.993.5444 after 5:30 pm.

Summer Schedule/Country Fair Feedback

We thank you for taking the time to fill out a comment sheet and tell us what you thought of the summer worship schedule. We thought you might want to hear what the survey revealed.

We had about 92 surveys completed – 34 people who attended the 8:00 am service and 58 who attended the 10:30 am service. Of those responding the overall satisfaction level among the 8:00 am crowd was slightly lower than the satisfaction level of the 10:30 am crowd. The dissatisfaction with the 8:00 am seemed primarily focused on the early hour. In response to the question about whether we should repeat the schedule next year overwhelmingly the answer was yes (75) rather than no (17).

Comments – Most negative comments were focused on the early hour for the 8:00 service. Most positive comments were focused on the fellowship with people we don’t regularly see and the opportunity to have breakfast. Concerning the addition of a 7:30 am coffee hour, breakfast, the Jubilate Choir and Taize music, each of these additions drew an overwhelmingly positive response.

For those who attended the Country Fair the feedback was very positive. The feeling was that the Fair was focused on our children and some suggested that more adult activities might be an improvement next year. People liked the produce man on the last Sunday and, as evidenced at the Ministry Fair, they want him to return. Some thought we might have communicated the purpose and program of the Country Fair a bit better while others said that the timing between breakfast and the Fair made them choose between the two offerings. Others simply said that they like a break during the summer. All in all, you told us that it was a most positive summer and encouraged us to consider both the schedule change and Country Fair in 2009. And we will certainly do that!

by Father Jim

ESL Classes begin

by Lu Dumke

The St. Catherine’s ESL Program will hold its very first class on Monday, September 8th, at 6:30 p.m., in the Youth House. We are all very excited! Teachers have already been contacted in a separate e-mail with information about the first night. Here are our other needs for that day:

• Greeters: Several volunteers to help place directional signs, get the registration table set up, and greet prospective students. You will need to arrive around 6 p.m. and plan to stay for at least an hour.
• Registration volunteers: At least two people to test prospective students. If you have experience in ESL placement testing, we could definitely use your help that night. You will need to arrive around 6 p.m. (or as close as possible) and plan to stay for at least an hour.
• Clean-up: A few volunteers (can be greeters if they elect to stay the entire class time) to help put things back in order so the Youth House is left just as we found it. Also taking down signs, etc. These volunteers would help clean-up from 8 until about 8:30 p.m.
• We currently have four students registered for Level 1, but more prospective students have stopped by to register and were instructed to return on the 8th, so they could be tested for placement and provided books by the ESL Team. We will definitely have a Level 1 class beginning the first night, and hope to have a second class soon after, and hopefully the third class as well.

Thanks so much for you dedication to this program. We are ready for our first night and hoping for a nice, big turnout of students! To join us, please contact Lu Dumke, 404-731-9874 or ldumkebellsouth.net.

“Praying for Pars”

Please respond by this Sunday, Sept. 7, for our next golf outing on September 14, to Walt McGill, wsmcgillaol.com or 770-971-8890. Please confirm your participation by one week before each outing, second Sundays through October. We look forward to some great fellowship together regardless of whether you are "praying for pars" or "eyeing some eagles" or "trying for triples"!

Rally Day report

Comments overheard at & after Rally Day & Ministry Fair, August 24, 2008

"What a wonderful day! From the processional to the last minutes of the event and everything in between.  I’d say it rivaled the Olympic Opening Ceremonies for St Cat’s opening the new fall season. Thanks to all involved."

"We may want to hire ourselves out to London who seems a bit worried about hosting the Olympics in 2012."

Father speaking to small child: "Now when you dunk Father Jim, say 'sorry.' "
Child responding: "No!!"

Reflections on Rally Day 2008 by Sydney Spessard (age 5):

It was Rally Day at St. Catherine’s, and we ate and ate. We went outside to play fun, fun games. There was a pie eating contest, and Kelly Donoghue was in it. And there was a watermelon seed-spitting contest. We dunked Father Jim a lot of times. There were balls that you throw at the red post. We threw and threw until we got it (3 a piece). I tried to dunk Father Jim, but it was too hard for me. It was cool. And we dunked Susan, too. I got my face painted and Caroline did too. I got a very cool design. I didn’t want the paint to come off in the bath tub. And, I got pink cotton candy. Rally Day was fun.

Why Stephen Ministry?

by Amelia Arthur

I've heard about Stephen Ministry for most of my life. I have to credit my mother, a trained Stephen Minister, for introducing me to Stephen Ministry. I remember that whenever something happened at our church some of the first people to show up were my mom and the other Stephen Ministers. I didn't really understand then that Stephen Ministry was something that everyone can be a part of and that everyone could benefit from. When Marilyn Hunter asked me to write an article about why I wanted to be a Stephen Minister I had trouble thinking of the exact reason but in the process I was able to look back at the training and realize how important it has been for me in my ministry to the young people at St. Catherine's.

I wanted to be a Stephen Minister partly because I was interested in the training, but mostly because I knew it would be challenging and rewarding. I wanted to go through the training because I thought it would help me be a better listener and I thought it would help me know how to say the right thing at the right time. What I learned when I went through the training was that many of my instincts were correct. I gained the confidence to actively listen and to trust my instincts when I came across situations that were more than I could handle. Most of all I learned that I was able to give a few people what so many of us need, someone who is there to listen. I have found the training to be most helpful in my experiences one on one with our young people. I know now that I have the training to thoughtfully listen, to meet them where they are, and to value confidentiality. Before taking the training I knew most of what I learned but by going through the lessons with seasoned Stephen Ministers I learned to believe in my instincts while also gaining tools which have helped me know how to handle difficult situations. I would recommend the training to anyone who finds themselves in the position of being a listener. Even though I am not currently assigned as a Stephen Minister the training has been and will continue to be an invaluable part of who I am and the ministry I do each day.

Stephen Ministry is recruiting individuals to start a new class of Stephen Ministers this fall. If you are interested or want to learn more please check the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin or contact David Moore, Tom or Marilyn Hunter, or any of the clergy.

Men's Retreat: space is filling up

Reserve ASAP by turning in your $100 deposit check! The Men’s Retreat will be Friday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 5 at Montara Farm in North Georgia. It will be a great time to have fun, meet new friends, and renew old friendships in a spiritually fulfilling, restful environment. Cost will be approximately $275, and space is limited. Check the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin or contact Keith Dumke or Hans Kraeger; email kdumkebellsouth.net for information.

Exploring Our Creative Spirit

Adult Teachers for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

An adult formation course (Level I) for children ages 3 to 6 in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd will be offered monthly over the next year at St. Catherine’s. Classes are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. one Saturday per month from Sept. 20 to Aug. 15, 2009. A tuition fee is involved. Leaders are Margaret Jourden and Karen Maxwell, director of formation for the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and member of St. Catherine's. For information and registration for the class go to http://resources.episcopalatlanta.org/parish_educators/index.html. Please visit the website for information on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program at www.cgsusa.org.

Online Parish Directory - Update your info

If your address or other contact information needs to be changed in the St. Catherine's Online Directory please contact Jan Potter at jcpottergmail.com. View the directory at at http://om027150.onlineolanmills.com/home or look for the link on our website. The password is available in Parish Announcements email or from the church office.

Congregational Nurses Corner

Life Line Screening coming to St. Catherine’s November 26

• 80% of stroke victims had no apparent warning signs
• Ultrasound screenings can help you avoid a stroke
• Stroke is a leading cause of dath and permanent disability
• Screenings are fast, painless, affordable and convenient

Life Line Screening, Inc., will be at St. Catherine’s on November 26 to perform screenings for Stroke Screening/Carotid Artery, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD); and Osteoporosis by non-invasive ultrasound imaging. A complete wellness package of all four screenings is $129. Pre-registration is required as this date is open to the community. Please call 1-800-710-1913 or visit their website at www.lifelinescreening.com for complete information and to register.

In The Community

Diocesan Council requests art donations

The East Atlanta Convocation of parishes will welcome more than 500 lay and clergy delegates and exhibitors to the 102nd Annual Council of the Diocese of Atlanta Nov. 14-15 at the Holiday Inn in Decatur . The theme of the council will be addressing the Millennium Development Goal to promote gender equality and empower women. Following the Friday afternoon worship at Holy Trinity in Decatur we will have a fun-filled evening of barbeque, lively music and an art auction. The proceeds from the art auction will be sent to a designated ministry empowering women.

We need your art donations! We hope to have an exciting collection of art for sale – pottery, painting, sculpture, vestments, woodwork, jewelry, photography, children’s art, etc. Please send your art donation to The Rev. Tim Graham, Church of the Good Shepherd, 4140 Clark Street, Covington, GA 30014, contact rectorxbelllsouth.net or 678-230-8026.

Beginning Computer Training

Every other Saturday, September 6 - November 1, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm -- CobbWorks is offering a FREE workshop series for computer literacy. This class is designed for individuals with little or no computer skills. You MUST be able to attend ALL 5 sessions. This first level course covers the following topics:

• Session 1 - Introduction to computer
• Session 2 - Computer Lingo
• Session 3 - Computer Skills (Windows)
• Session 4 - Computer Skills (Internet/Email)
• Session 5 - Computer Skills (Internet)

Registration is required. Contact CobbWorks, 770-528-4300, Workforce Development Center, 463 Commerce Park Drive, Suite 100, Marietta, GA 30060

Become a licensed Ham

Are you interested in amateur (ham) radio? The Kennehoochee Amateur Radio Club announces a class on obtaining a first level amateur radio license (Technician License) on Saturdays from 8:30 until noon starting September 13 for five weeks at Saint Catherine's Episcopal Church. There is no cost for the class, enrollment is limited to 20 students. This class will prepare students to take the regularly scheduled Amateur Radio Licensing Exam at Marietta United Methodist Church on October 18.

To sign up for the class, please e-mail Elden Morris, N1ETN at n1etnarrl.net. The last day of enrollment is Thursday, September 11 or when the class is full. Students are requested to bring the book, ARRL Ham Radio License Manual for Technician and a notebook for notes. This book can be purchased directly from www.arrl.org or at Ham Radio Outlet, 6071 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30340. Learn more about the Kennehoochee Amateur Radio Club at www.w4bti.org.

Wellstar Lung Cancer study announced

Wellstar Health Systems in Marietta is offering a screening program aimed at detecting early stages of lung cancer, in partnership with the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program and 35 other institutions in the U.S. If you’re a smoker or recovering puffer and at high risk for developing lung cancer you are invited to apply. To be accepted, participants must be at least 40 years old, and be current smokers or have a history of smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. You may not have had a chest CT scan within the past year or some diagnosed disorders or active symptoms of lung disease, and must commit to return for a follow-up CT scan in one year. For more information, call 770-996-7827.

Letters

Dear St. Catherine’s family,

How many times lately have I heard, “There are no words” and now that is exactly what I need to say. You have truly sustained me during these past weeks. Your cards, your phone calls, the flowers, the beautiful service and the reception afterwards, your gift of presence, the meal from Sonshine, and especially, your prayers, have meant more to me than you will ever know.

It was Amy who encouraged me to come to St. Catherine’s; she loved the sense of community she felt here and called herself a “St. Catherine’s groupie.” Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for me and my family. Most of all, thank you for loving Amy and for always making her feel so welcome.

Sally Powers

Dear St. Catherine’s,

Thank you SO much for the scholarship/bookstore money! You all have no idea how helpful that is. I also want to say thank you for letting me in the St. Cat’s family and I will miss you all!

Love,
Sarah Bock

I want to thank St. Catherine’s church for the beautiful flowers that were delivered to my wife at Eden Gardens on Sunday. This meant so much to Margie and me. I wish Margie was able to attend church. Thank you again for thinking of Margie.

Sincerely,
Fleming Rowell

Dear St. Catherine’s,

Thank you for making our 20 th anniversary celebration wonderful! On our wedding day, the Best Man’s toast was, “May you always be as happy and surrounded by good friends as you are today.” Having so many of our dear friends join us in a renewal of vows made us feel “as happy and surrounded by good friends” as we did on our wedding day. We are truly blessed to be a part of the St. Catherine’s community.

In Christ,
Allen & Susan Jablonski

Holy Baptism

Next scheduled date -- November 2

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

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

SICK: Sharon Parisi, David Kerley, Lillian Vu, Jason, Justin Elliott, Cindy Alexander, Ella Laird, Hugh Wolfe, Marilyn May, Elaine Krupp, Bill Krupp, Steve Diffley, Stephanie Shaw, Ron Brannock, Stuart Keith, Tom Carter, Margaret White, Mike Repotski, Louise Bottoms, Francine Blau, Mark Blau, Reese Ivey, Charlie Rousseau, Frances Yeo, Bonita Jackson, Cindy Humphries, Jodi Gammon, Abby Muckerman, Mark Gross, Susan Jenkins, Kevin Keller, for family & friends of Gaye Sims, Stan Benson, Genie Green, Chris Repotski, Jim Smith, Sarah Wayne, Demarius Crawford, Joni Cope, Margie LaSalle, Alicia Morgan, Andrea Giuliano, Elizabeth White, Mit FitzSimons, Connie Bergeron, Lucy Willard, Anne & Lavonne

PARISH CYCLE OF PRAYER

(9/7/08) Ron & Julie Brannock; Frank & Pat Brent; Beth Brinkley; John, Fran, Patrick & Addison Brooks; Lani & Bailey Brooks

(9/14/08) Jennifer, Michael, Caitlyn & Connor Buckalew; Rick, Tracy, Kate & Clay Buckalew; Paul & Valerie Buxton; George & Marilyn Cain; Jana Caldwell & John Behunin

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, 9/8		Monday, 9/15
6:30PM 6:30PM 6:30PM 7:00PM 7:30PM	Susan’s day off Men’s Book Study Grief Group ESL Women’s Bible Study Boy Scouts Troop 713	6:30PM 6:30PM 7:00PM 7:30PM	Susan’s day off Grief Group ESL Coracle Group Boy Scout Troop 713
Tuesday, 8/9		Tuesday, 9/16
10:00AM 10:30AM 4:00PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:30PM 8:30PM	Morning Prayer Staff Meeting Catechesis Mothers & More Youth Ministry Jubilate Fellowship PL& F	10:00AM 10:30AM 12:00PM 4:00PM 7:00PM 7:00PM	Cobb Election Day Morning Prayer Staff Meeting/Lunch Clericus Catechesis Vestry Jubilate
Wednesday, 9/10		Wednesday, 9/17
5:45PM 6:15PM 6:30PM 7:30PM	WNL – Dinner Youth Choir WNL - Programs Adult Choir	5:45PM 6:15PM 6:30PM 7:30PM	WNL – Dinner Youth Choir WNL – Programs Adult Choir
Thursday, 9/11		Thursday, 9/18
6:30PM 7:00PM	EFM Men’s Bible Study	6:30PM 6:30PM 7:00PM	EFM Preschool 4 yr. Parents Men’s Bible Study
Friday, 9/12		Friday, 9/19
10:00AM 7:00PM 8:00PM	Jim's day off Women’s Bible Study Frazer’s Workshop A.A.	10:00AM 10:00AM 8:00PM	Jim's day off Folders Women’s Bible Study A.A.
Saturday, 9/13		Saturday, 9/20
8:00AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 10:00AM 10:00AM 5:00PM	Habitat Finance Radio Club Peer Supervision Frazer’s Workshop 2 Day Walk Dinner	8:00AM 8:30AM 9:00AM 11:30AM   4:30PM	Habitat Radio Club Level 1 Form Cat’s on Wheels Lunch @   Piccadilly Wedding Rehearsal
Sunday, 9/14		Sunday, 9/21
7:30AM 8:00AM 8:45AM 10:00AM 10:00AM 11:15AM 12:30PM 5:00PM	Holy Eucharist Breakfast Family Holy Eucharist Praying for Pars Church School Choral Holy Eucharist Women Support Youth Group	7:30AM 8:00AM 8:45AM 10:00AM 10:00AM 11:15AM 5:00PM 5:00PM 5:30PM	Holy Eucharist Breakfast Family Holy Eucharist/Jubilate Newcomer’s Coffee Church School Choral Holy Eucharist Stephen Ministry Youth Group Lintner Wedding

YOUTH NEWS

Church School begins this Sunday, September 7

This Sunday we welcome Rite-13, J2A, and Young Adults back to Church School from 10-11am. Classes will meet in the youth house at 10am for a back to church school welcome coffee hour provided by the Youth Ministry Committee. Come see us at 10am for coffee, orange juice, doughnuts, and fun. We will also be meeting in our class groups to begin the new church school year so come ready to tell us about your summer!

Sunday Night Youth Program -Eat, Work, Play, begins this Sunday

On Sunday evening from 5-7pm we will kick off our new Sunday night youth program, Eat, Work, Play. This week we will be having a cook out beginning at 5pm followed by a program to welcome us to our new Youth House. We will end the evening with an ice cream social ending at 7pm . All youth leaders and all youth in Rite-13, J2A, and Young Adults are invited from 5-7pm.

Eat, Work, Play, will meet on Sunday evenings throughout the school year. Beginning on Sunday, September 14th the youth house will be open after the programs for coffee and fellowship from 7-8pm . Also beginning on Sunday, September 14th, dinner will be $5 per person or $50 for the semester. Sign up sheets for dinner will be available in each church school class on Sunday mornings as well as at Wednesday Night Live. Forms to to pay in advance for the semester will also be available.

Rally Day 2004 Pics

Wheel Schedule:

Next publications:

• September 19 – print edition
• October 3 – online edition
• October 24 – 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