Back to School

by Amelia Snider, Youth Director

The moaning and groaning, the sighs as pencils, paper and other school supplies are tossed into shopping carts. This is the picture that I saw many times while out and about in Marietta during early August. As a kid, I always looked forward to starting school, but then again, I was a bit unusual. While I did look forward to new classes and catching up with friends, I also looked forward to church school, choir, youth group, and all that begins again at church with the start of each school year. Seeing about thirty of our youth and most of our youth leaders at the Back to School Pool Party a few weeks ago, it occurs to me that while the beginning of the school year may bring sighs when thinking about homework, I believe that for our young people it brings the same sort of excitement that I felt in high school.

On Rally Day I attended the 7:30 service and was pleased to hear Father Jim speaking about how St. Catherine's (and the larger church) lives up to our claim to offer something different in the race of life. Each time I see our young people I am astounded by their care for one another and the joy that radiates from them when they gather. I saw the difference that Father Jim was talking about on Rally Day when I heard Margaret Shaw exclaim, "They stay and help when so many people have left, what wonderful young people we have," while she watched our youth carry tables back to the pre-school and help take down tents. Again and again during my time at St. Catherine's I have seen how we are different. Picture the Parish Hall on Rally Day and the amount of people who came together to have fellowship, sign up for ministries, and welcome newcomers. The energy in that room was contagious and although tired I left St. Catherine's that day with a sense of excitement and renewed energy for the beginning of the year. I believe it is our excitement about our time together as a community and our willingness to pitch in and help out that begins to explain how we are different.

One of the readings that is fairly common to use in the service of burial is from the Book of Revelation. In it we are told “See, I am making all things new.” Most of the time it is very comforting to the family, the person who has died is being made new in their life with God and Christ in heaven. However, this message is open to all of us, it is an invitation to discernment throughout our lives. It is a call to be open to how God is continually making each of us a new creation. God continually lives and moves among us and helps make us and all that we do new creations. At the beginning of this year how can we strive to not only be different but to grow and to allow for God to be in our midst by His renewal of who we are and what we do, both as individuals and as a community? Can we invite God into our committee meetings, our church school classes, our trips and retreats?

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.

Marriage Journey Groups

Appetizers & Conversation – Sunday, Sept. 9, 5-7 PM

We invite you to join us for conversations about marriage -- how each of our marriages has evolved and transformed as life has carried us along. No experts, only fellow travelers. An informational conversation is planned for Sunday, September 9, in the Parish Hall from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Let us know if you are interested in joining us for appetizers and learning more. Childcare is provided. Groups are forming this fall and will meet for 10 sessions over the school year.

Native American Ministry Trip

Sign up due now

Last call! If you are planning on going to Jamestown, Virginia (October 31 - November 4) and have not yet returned your registration form to Dale Schlenker, please do so by Sept 9th. If you need more information or are undecided, please call Dale at 770-993-4507 or email edalescomcast.net

Men’s Retreat - Reserve by September 9

"Looking Within: Discovering God's Blessings" -- In an age when we are encouraged to look beyond ourselves for fulfillment, let's spend some time looking within ourselves to find that which God has given each of us to staisfy our every need. The retreat is Sept. 28-30 at Montara Farm in the north Georgia mountains. Sign up ASAP (and invite a friend) with a $100 per person deposit. Total cost is $265 plus gratuity. Fill out the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin or contact the office to reserve.

Acolyte Bake Sale

Sunday, September 9

A bake sale will be held this day after services. All donations go to help with the trip to the National Acolyte Festival in Washington D.C. in October. Thank you!

Family Braves Game Outing - Get tickets by Sunday, Sept. 9!

The Braves play the Milwaukee Brewers starting at 1:05pm. You are encouraged to attend the 8:45 family service, then we will head to the game after Sunday School. The tickets are $10 each and will be in the Upper Box section which spans from 1st base - 3rd base via around home plate. The tickets will be purchased as a group package so the St. Cat’s group will all be together.

If interested please sign up on the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin or contact Scott Lummus, gslummusearthlink.net, or 770.649.5391.

Women’s Monthly Bible Study

Second Mondays beginning Sept. 10, 7-8:30 PM

This study is open to all women who are interested in studying scripture and its application in our lives today. The group focuses on different parts of the Bible paying attention to the purpose and mission of God with his people. With the use of study books, DVDs and lively discussion we learn more of God’s word. Many times this opens discussions about our purpose, opportunities and challenges we face in our contemporary world. Please join us each month! This group is led by Stephanie Yucius, please contact her for more information.

Foyers Kick-Off Dinner

Saturday, Sept. 15, 7 PM in the Parish Hall

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.

Foyers is adult dinner groups that meet once a month... when and where is decided by your group of 6-8 people. Even if you can't make the Kick Off, sign up ASAP to be part of a group in the church lobby after all services, in your Opportunity for Ministry in the bulletin or by email to Georgiadonoghuescomcast.net.

Come experience Wednesday Night Live at St. Catherine’s!

Every Wednesday beginning September 19

• 5:45 - 6:30 pm - Dinner served
• 6:15 - 7:30 pm - Youth Choir rehearsal
• 6:30 - 7:30 pm - Programs for adults, youth & children
• 7:30 - 8:45 pm - Adult Choir rehearsal
• 7:30 - 7:45 pm - Taize Worship

Wednesday Night Live (WNL), formerly known as Wonderful Wacky Wednesdays (WWW), resumes on Wednesday, September 19. This is a time for the community to gather for some food and fellowship; education and conversation; meetings and practice. You are invited to come for supper and stay for adult, youth and children’s programs. You are invited to come for supper and go on to your choir practice, group reunion, Stephen Ministry relationship, group meeting, etc. You are invited to come for supper, enjoy the conversation and head home.

When we hire a new assistant rector we will add a special young families programming time from 5:00 - 5:45 pm. This will hopefully be an addition in January.

Come for dinner!

Sign up each week for dinner by the Monday before each date on the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin or contact the church office. The price will be $5 per person, not to exceed $15 per family, and includes drinks & dessert. The food will be a delicious selection of several well-known restaurants such as Williamson Brothers Barbeque, Moe’s Southwest, The Joyful Diner, etc. to ensure that there is something for everyone in the family. Of course we will also have peanut butter and jelly available for little folks.

Help needed!

We need people who are willing to help us pick up food, set up the Parish Hall, and clean up each evening. Why not make all of our work light by offering another set of hands? Sign up on the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin or call the office.

Adult Program: Lights, Camera... Faith!

Our adult programming on Wednesday evenings this fall will bring faith and life together in a unique approach to our Sunday lectionary. Each Wednesday evening we will look at the next Sunday’s Gospel through the lens of a particular movie that highlights themes or issues emphasized in the Gospel. Obviously with only an hour we will not watch the entire movie but will look at various scenes and themes reflecting the Gospel reading. Each week will propose practical points for reflection, conversation and personal growth in addition to insightful film analysis. Lights, Camera...Faith! provides both a model and a method for a deep and rich media literacy movement among all Christian denominations.

Here is a list of the movies for the first weeks of WNL:

• September 19 - Wall Street: You Cannot Serve Both God and Mammon
• September 26 - What Dreams May Come: Heaven and Hell
• October 3 - Leap of Faith: Help My Unbelief
• October 10 - Philadelphia: Have Pity On Us
• October 17 - The Winslow Boy: Let Right Be Done!
• October 24 - A Few Good Men: Humbled and Exalted

Altar Wine Needed

Our supply of altar wine is getting low. St. Catherine's is fortunate to have members who periodically donate wine in thanksgiving for, or in memory of, a loved one. If you would like to help, please leave your donation in the church office. We use Taylor Tawny Port. Please be sure to denote who your contribution is in thanksgiving/in memory of. Thank you very much.

Welcome to our Newcomers!

Newcomer Coffee

On Sunday, September 23, 10 AM, all newcomers at St. Catherine's are cordially invited to a "get acquainted" coffee 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!

New Faces at St. Catherine’s

Welcome to these new friends at St. Catherine’s! Please look for them on Sunday and let them know how glad we are that they are here.

• Missy and David Worden and their sons, Penn age 6, and Shep age 3. Penn is in first grade at Sedalia Park and Shep is at Faith Lutheran. Both boys are excited about beginning “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. David is an actuary and is interested in Habitat. Missy is a music therapist who plays guitar, piano, and sings and would like to contribute to our music program. The Wordens live in Weatherstone and have been in Marietta for about 10 years. Look for them usually at the 8:45 service.
  
• Marilyn Marcus has lived in the area for 13 years. She has worked in the Philippines and is currently working in North Carolina so we will not see her every Sunday. Marilyn is the sister of Natalie Whitlow and is interested in outreach.
  
• Randy Satterfield grew up on Holt Road but has just found St. Catherine’s. He is new to the Episcopal Church and is in the process of discerning what his interests are.

Remembering those we have loved and lost...

Someone once wrote “grief shared is grief diminished...” With this in mind, the Pastoral Care Ministry Team is offering grief groups with the purpose of supporting individuals who have lost loved ones. Often, people find comfort and strength in hearing others’ stories and in sharing their own. If you have lost a loved one, we invite you to attend the following groups:

Pet Loss Group
Saturday, October 6, from noon to 2 PM

It is difficult when we lose one of our pet friends because they have loved us unconditionally. Please bring a photo or a memento of your pet. Lunch will be provided. Led by Gail McGill.

Good Grief
Six sessions beginning October 8

St. Catherine’s in partnership with Wellstar Health Systems will be offering six consecutive sessions of Cecil Fikes’ Good Grief groups, each Monday beginning October 8, 6:30 until 8:30 PM, in the Parlor. The cost is $15 for the curriculum and registration fee.

Remembering Our Loved Ones Over the Holidays
Six sessions beginning November 11

This group offers a safe place to share stories of loved ones who are no longer with us as we venture into the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. The group will meet six Sundays: November 11 and 18, December 2 and 9, January 6 and 13. Please join us each date immediately following the 11:15 service in the Parlor. Lunch will be provided. Led by Kathy Holman and Gail McGill.

Fall Memorial Service
Sunday, November 4, at 6 PM

Everyone in the congregation is invited to join us at our fall memorial service on All Saints Sunday, to support those in our parish who have lost friends and loved ones since our spring celebration.

Invitations and information will be mailed to those who have informed the church office of their loss in the last six months. If you have someone you would like remembered at this service, please forward your information by Friday, October 26, to Karen Manno, email karenstcatherines.

A reception follows the service. Members of the congregeation are invited to bring a donation of a finger-food item, it will be greatly appreciated.

Cursillo Weekend

Apply by September 20

Seek And Ye Shall Find — From Thursday evening, Sept. 27, through the afternoon of Sept. 30, Cursillo Weekend will be held at Camp Fortson in Hampton, Georgia. You are invited to consider this unique opportunity. The cost is $125 and scholarships are available.

The Cursillo weekend is a special time that accomplishes two goals. Cursillo is intended to help Christians learn and live what is fundamental as a Christian as well as to help these same Christians discover and live out a personal vocation. It is a weekend that confirms and affirms present faith and leads participants to strengthen their present Christian lives. Many persons have found this weekend life changing.

The deadline for the application process is Sept. 20. Many past participants of Cursillo would be happy to talk with you about the weekend. You may also contacts: Father Jim, Carla von Hoffmann (404) 213-7408 and Rick/Tracy Buckalew, 770-956-9609. Christ is counting on you!

Family Movie Night

Sunday, September 30, 5-7:30 PM

Our Young Families group invites you to join us in the Parish Hall with your pillows and blankets to watch Disney’s Racing Stripes. This movie is great for all ages so invite your friends, too. Pizza, popcorn, and drinks will be provided. RSVP for tickets at stcatsfamilieshotmail.com or call 770.579.0657 ($10 per family in advance, and $15 per family at the door).

Stewardship 2008: "Blooming while sowing new seeds"

Celebration dinners in October

Our stewardship campaign theme this year, “Blooming While Sowing New Seeds,” embodies the past while looking forward to the future. The committee has begun planning for the annual stewardship campaign and invites you to begin prayerful consideration of what you can offer in time, talent, and treasure for 2008.

On October 7, 21, and 27 we will host celebration dinners to gather in the Parish Hall for food, fellowship, and conversation around stewardship. Please look at your calendar and mark one of those dates to join us. Watch for more information in the coming weeks.

New Orleans Trips

Please pray for those going on St. Catherine’s work trip to St. George’s and the people of New Orleans on September 12-16.

The weather in New Orleans in December will have moderated considerably from the summer. Won’t you consider joining our next trip on December 5-9 and be part of this exciting and rewarding ministry? Sign up now on the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin. Please contact Paul Parisi, 404-315-8850, for information.

September Ministry Team Focus: Christian Nurture and Development

This month we celebrate the life and work of the Christian Nurture and Development Ministry Team. The team’s mission is to create an enviroment that invites all people to grow into the fullness of who God intends them to be. Groups on this team are responsible for formation for children, youth, and adults. To find out more about their activities or to become involved please check the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin or contact convenors Kristin and Tom Blackstock.

Rally Day 2007

In the Diocese

The Institute for Ministry and Theological Education for the Diocese of Atlanta seeks to provide adult Christian education for active ministry and life-long continue learning. The Institute will offer its first day-long course on Saturday, Sept. 23, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM at the Cathedral of St. Phillip.

The Rev. Luke Timothy Johnson will present “Imagining the World that Scripture Imagines.” Dr. Johnson is the R.W. Woodruff Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at Candler School of Thoelogy of Emory University . The day will include two lectures by Dr. Johnson, Q & A opportunities, breakout sessions, lunch and book signings. The cost is $50 per person. For complete details and online registration please go to www.episcopalinstitute.org.

Letters

Letters were received from the following organizations acknowledging contributions by St. Catherine’s Parish:

• Cobb County Habitat for Humanity, $6,000 in April 2007 and $3,000 in June 2007
• Kairos Prison Ministry of Georgia, $500
• Emmaus House, $197
• The Extension, letters dated June 13 and July 18
• MUST Ministries, $530
• Communities in Schools of Marietta/Cobb County, volunteers

Holy Baptism

Baptisms are next scheduled for October 14. Please contact the church office for information and the customary booklet about Holy Baptism.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

SICK: Natalie May, William Fleming, Frank Lavar, Ed, Courtney, Justin, Sharon Parisi, Barbara Eberhardt Ryan, Harry Hall, John Jaeger, Valerie Shields, Susan, Barbara, Courtney, Anne, Diane, Bennett, Steve Boyce, Jimmy DeLorme, Catherine Moore, Matthew Phillips, Janet Wheeler, Joyce Fannon, Amy Senn, Page Loyd, Paul Horton, Elissa Huffstetler, Mary Hopkins, Laura Lenaeus, Kathleen Williams, David Shannonhouse, Mark Gross, Dixie Redfoot, Peggy Duryea, Hope Alexander, Deborah Hurd, Jimmy Parker, Margaret Bishop & her husband Arlen, Isaac Sanchez, Dorothy Riley, Jane Lawrence, Chloe Hrechko, Mary Ann, Alice Riley, Jamie Harding, Donna Warfield, Stephanie, Ethan, Zachary, Laura, Eric, Luke, Jack, Janet Wheeler, David Lowe, Kevin Blackwell, Michael Patterson, Dianne Blackshear-Wood, Bob Behrend, Sarah Ackerman, Risa Maier, Hazel Caudle

BEFORE SURGERY: Marion Cook, 9/11/07; Sallie Bowes, 9/21/07

DECEASED: Lawrence Riley, Barbara Barrington’s grandfather; Joann Moore, Mark Moore’s mother; Lawrence Haynes, Michelle Parisi’s grandfather; James Cowan, father-in-law of a cousin of Margaret Shaw; Cindy Hurley, sister of a friend of Margaret Shaw; Tom Norris, added by Amelia Snider

PARISH CYCLE OF PRAYER:
(9/9/07) Greg & Margaret Caudle; Alan & Nancy Certain; Stacey, Dana & Jack Champion; Mark, Shirley & Rachel Childs; Donald & Anne Clark, Manuel Luger, Alexandria Brooks;
(9/16/07) Jennifer, Chad & Kendall Cook; Kris, Lisa & Ethan Cook; Marion & Jason Cook, Amanda & Marshall Jones; Sybil Coote

SPECIAL PRAYERS: Pray for the safety of St. Elizabeth’s in Whiterocks, Utah, who have been threatened by forest fires.

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, 9/10		Monday, 9/17
6:30PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:30PM	Men’s Book Study Women’s Bible Study Stewardship Kneelers Group Boy Scouts Troop 713	7:00PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:30PM	Stewardship Mentors Kneeler Group Boy Scout Troop 713
Tuesday, 9/11		Tuesday, 9/18
10:00AM 10:30AM 7:00PM 7:30PM 7:30PM	Morning Prayer Staff Meeting Youth Ministry Fellowship Mothers & More	10:00AM 10:30AM 7:00PM	Morning Prayer Staff Meeting Vestry
Wednesday, 9/12		Wednesday, 9/19
12th-16th 9:30AM 6:15PM 7:30PM	New Orleans Trip Bible Study Youth Choir Adult Choir	9:30AM 5:45PM 6:15PM 6:30PM 7:30PM	Bible Study WNL - Dinner Youth Choir WNL – Programs Adult Choir
Thursday, 9/13		Thursday, 9/20
8:00AM 6:30PM 7:00PM	Executive Committee EFM Men’s Bible Study	11:30AM 6:30PM 6:30PM 7:00PM	Preschool 2’s Picnic EFM AR Search Men’s Bible Study
Friday, 9/14		Friday, 9/21
10:00AM 8:00PM	Jim's Day Off Women’s Bible Study A.A.	10:00AM 10:00AM 11:30AM 8:00PM	Jim's Day Off Folders Women’s Bible Study Preschool 2’s Picnic A.A.
Saturday, 9/15		Saturday, 9/22
8:00AM 8:30AM 7:00PM	Habitat Finance Foyer’s Kickoff	8:00AM	Habitat
Sunday, 9/16		Sunday, 9/23
7:30AM 8:00AM 8:45AM 10:00AM 11:15AM 12:30PM 6:30PM	Holy Eucharist Breakfast Family Holy Eucharist Church School Choral Holy Eucharist Newcomer Group Stephen Ministry	7:30AM 8:00AM 8:45AM 10:00AM 10:00AM 11:15AM 11:15AM 12:30PM 5:00PM 6:00PM	Holy Eucharist Breakfast Holy Eucharist Church School Newcomer Coffee Holy Eucharist Braves Game Outing Bergeron Party J2A Stewardship

YOUTH NEWS

Thanks for your help!

Thank you to all the youth and adults who helped set-up and clean up for Rally Day! You are great!

Lock-in on September 14-15!

J2A and YA Lock In next weekend, September 14-15, 9pm-9am, Get ready for underground church!

Church school begins

Church School starts this Sunday (Sept. 9) at 10am! See you all there!

Youth WNL on Sept. 12!

We have YOUTH WNL next week, Sept. 12, 6:30-8pm!

On the New Orleans Mission Trip... see lots more photos on our website at July 2007 New Orleans trip!

Youth Activity Calendar:

Wheel Schedule:

Next publications:

• September 21 -- print edition
• October 5-- online edition
• October 19 -- 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 copies of each newsletter are available for pickup at church. (Extra print editions are scheduled before Easter and Christmas)

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
Email: karenstcatherines.org
Phone: 770-973-8668