February 2015 Edition The Apostle’s Standard The Apostle’s Standard St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church Newton’s first law of motion teaches that an object in motion stays in motion unless another force acts upon it. Translated into church lingo, I think we would say a church staff stays a church staff until the Holy Spirit acts upon us to do something different. Friends, in very biblical fashion, we have spent the last seven years together working to be Christ in the world. And now, the Holy Spirit has called all of us to do something different. While I will be leaving as your Associate Rector for Youth and Young Adult Formation, God will be with us both, leading us to new things, reminding us that God is always at work among us. St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church 1790 LaVista Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30329 www.stbartsatlanta.org The Rev. Sharon Hiers Worship at St. Bartholomew’s Holy Eucharist Sundays 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 6:00 p.m. Compline 2nd & 4th Sundays, 8:00 p.m. RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Taizé Service 2nd Mondays, 8:00 p.m. Wednesdays 12:10 p.m. Healing & Holy Eucharist Choral Evensong 1st Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. Morning Prayer Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. Episcopal Relief and Development Celebrates 75 Years Sunday, February 15th, Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) the international relief and development agency of The Episcopal Church kicks off it’s75th year celebration of strengthening communities around the globe, through programs that promote health, alleviate hunger and create economic opportunities. The agency works with Church and ecumenical partners to fight poverty, hunger and disease. St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church 1790 LaVista Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30329 Tel: 404-634-3336 Fax: 404-634-0505 www.stbartsatlanta.org Mission Statement: A nurturing, inclusive community centered in Jesus Christ, called to grow in our faith through worship, ministry, education, and service. 20 February 2015 My relationship with St. Bartholomew’s began when The Rev. Nan Baxter introduced to me to the rector, The Rev. Mac Thigpen in 2007. Some of you may remember that I spent a brief time as the parish administrator before being called to serve full time as the Director of Youth and Young Adult Formation in January 2008. As this community graciously welcomed me into your midst, here are a few things that happened in those first weeks together: • We went to Camp Mikell for vestry weekend • Josh Thomas was ordained a priest here by The Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson • We celebrated Mardi Gras on Super Bowl Sunday because Fat Tuesday was an election day; this fundraiser sent 4 teenage pilgrims to Costa Rica • We buried Pat Curl • I attended my first young adult event. There were three of us. • I preached my first sermon my first Sunday, introducing myself to most everyone from the pulpit In these recent weeks as I prepare to end my time as a priest at St. Bartholomew’s, I am reminded how this community continues to do God’s work. Here are a few highlights: • Our faithful vestry has just concluded another weekend at Camp Mikell • Mardi Gras will be celebrated on Fat Tuesday, February 17; we will send 11 teenage pilgrims to Belize • We will bury Duncan Curl • The young adults are thriving, with some 15-18 very active members, including one on the vestry, and we are hosting a diocesan event for all young adults this month. • I will preach my last sermon as your Associate Rector in this place Seven years. We have experienced so much together, and learned and taught and felt growing pangs together. I am grateful. Beyond words. Continue the good work, faithful people of God. My life is forever altered by you. While the altar I serve may be changing, your presence with me and mine with you will never be forgotten. GOD IN CHRIST is half the truth and mystery of the incarnation. CHRIST IN US is the full other half. Sharon+ Happy Birthday in March to.... WHEN A PRIEST LEAVES When a Priest leaves St. Bartholomew’s has been blessed over the years with excellent staff – clergy and lay – and to have a number of assisting clergy who have served the parish over a number of years. Some have come and gone, some have retired within the community, but it has been some time now since a full-time priest has left. Some members of St. Bartholomew’s may not remember a time when a priest has left while they have been here. Now comes our task of saying “goodbye” to the Rev. Sharon Hiers who has been an intimate part of our community for the past seven years. Sharon leaves her ministry at St. Bartholomew’s with gratitude and a full-heart, ready to embrace her new call to ministry at our sister parish, Church of the Epiphany. As we think through what it means “when a priest leaves,” I am appreciative of the Rev. Michael Sullivan, rector of Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, Atlanta, for his blog last August which addressed this when two of his priest were leaving, and for allowing me to use much of what he said in such a fine form intact. “Every time a priest leaves a parish, someone asks a loving question: will you come back for me? When my baby is born? When I’m married next spring? When I die? And the priest knows the answer, which the church has said to be “no” forever and a day, but the priest also wants to please and love, so he or she usually stumbles over the answer somewhat embarrassed. “Priests are invited into the most intimate journeys of the heart and soul. We walk the path when life gives joy, and we stay the course when life throws a curve ball. We attempt, sometimes with success and sometimes with failure, to embody the compassion and grace to which God calls us. And in the process, our vocation is not merely a job but a deep calling to community, a deep calling to one another. “The community of the church is not like any other. The sacramental life we share is the life that God calls us toward. In our shared calling, the priest’s chief role is that of celebrant, presiding at the altar on behalf of the community. Pastoral care is a direct and natural outgrowth of the shared sacrament of that altar, and as such, the priests’ actions in the parish are directly linked not to personal but to corporate relationship in the liturgy itself. “In the Episcopal tradition, dioceses have made it a policy that when a priest is called elsewhere or retires, he or she ceases to exercise his or her office in the former parish. Over the last few years, the Church Pension Fund has even made this policy a stated requirement of receiving one’s pension. Of course, there is an exception to every rule, and in extreme circumstances, the Bishop might allow a priest to return for a single service or special occasion. But because the sacramental relationship has ended with the Body of Christ assembled in that place at that time, the pastoral relationship ends as well. “Of course there’s another reason for this rule: respect. The departing priest wants to respect the office of his or her colleagues who are called anew by the parish and respect the laity of the parish as well. 2 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 6 6 7 8 9 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 13 13 14 15 15 15 15 15 15 17 17 17 Drew Kristina Lita Susannah Jean V. Ruth Kenneth Vince Ivan Christian Allison Bev John Rebecca Eva Theresa Alex Tim Sarah Jenny Laura Paul Giselle Emma Charlie Ed Linda Don Ellen Ric Sammy Linda Kanyisile Maggie Christine Jennifer Rutland Jolley Sanford Atkinson Smith Pannill Hilson Marsala McCloskey Gould Jones Rogers Nowell Wolfe Walton Johnson-Pritchett Trotter Holmes Chisholm Lee Pittard Werner Gilmore Lowry Michael Nix Erhard Lewis Taylor Martinez Ledden Harris Barrett Kulyk de Catanzaro Curl W A S G Y W B ! O God, our mes are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on your servants listed here as they begin another year. Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen their trust in your goodness all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Book of Common Prayer, Page 830 17 18 18 18 19 20 21 21 21 21 22 23 23 23 24 24 24 25 25 25 25 25 26 26 26 27 28 28 29 29 29 29 30 31 31 31 Alice Frank Roger Maggie Lisa Lore Janie Wayne Melissa Sarah Amira Audrey Barry June Lee Linda Peter Art Bill Jeannie Randall Piper Bird Cabe Carol Steven Phil Nathan Gary Apostolos Norah Paul Ben John Kristi Rebecca Bryant-Molyneaux Nute Sumrall Barber Newton Jackson Lee McCloskey Godfrey Smith-Rooks Dickerson Barassa Jernigan Lastinger Henry Thompson Jordan Fortnam Prioletta Gilders Mahood Tibbals Johnson Pilatsky Agel Lyle Lewis Mosrie Courtright Chawk Kalantzis Henry Gouin Wells Hughes Graves Dickerson 19 Happy Birthday in February to.... 16 Knox Pannill 17 Marie Morgan 17 Phil Mainor 18 Jan Peterson 18 Joyce Lasseter 18 Anne Mee 18 Susan Williams 19 Bill Buckner 19 Mary Winn Dickerson 19 Sarah Williams 1 Charlie Kunkler 1 Meredith Anderson 1 Bridget Johnson 1 Jo Herdee 2 Jane Terry 19 John Roberts 2 George Partington 21 Chris Agel 3 Evan Lee 21 Kenzie Anderson 3 Melinda Vanniekerk 21 Lynn Morey 5 Michelle Hiskey 21 Bennett Anderson 5 Zach Osterman 22 Alice Davidson 5 Marsha Vanderford 22 Alessia Escobar 23 Katie Cook 6 Jim Pugh 23 Addison Hosley 6 Valerie Dowell 24 Pat Zeller 7 Chris Palazzolo 24 Ted Johnson 7 Kay Kuck 24 Amy Pritchett 8 JR Erskine 24 Subha Xavier 8 Claudius Davies 24 Chelsea Curl 9 Katie Lowry 25 Paula Voorhies 25 Paul Elliott 26 Richard Gann 27 Paul Farley 28 Cary Patrick 28 Jim Muckenfuss 28 Edgar Johnson 9 J. Richard Cook 9 Bernhard Zinkgraf 11 Simrill Smith 11 Donna Mote 12 Amy Kitchens 12 Cammie Driskell 12 Margaret Hylton Jones 13 Drew Maller 13 Gregory Bishop 14 Tommy Westbrook 14 Erika Fajman 15 Mark Elberfeld 18 W A S G Y W B ! O God, our mes are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on your servants listed here as they begin another year. Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen their trust in your goodness all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Book of Common Prayer, Page 830 If a former priest returns for liturgies, it can undermine the new priest’s vocation. “Unfortunately, it can also create a scenario where some laity are ‘special’ enough for the priest to return while not returning for others. We are called to model transition for one another, as well as the deep and abiding respect that the world so often forgets in its dealings with one another. “Finally, there’s one more theological reason and one we priests especially need to be reminded of often. While the sacramental life is the call, it is not ours. A priest is required for a sacrament but the sacrament is not dependent upon any particular priest. The sacrament is the focus. Not the priest. “For some priests friendships are so closely entwined with priesthood that it will take them a year or so just to untangle who they are and what friendship is like when they are no longer a parish priest. Even though they live in town, let us give them that space. “So, despite our love and care, we must let go. Will we invite them back to preach? Of course. Do we hope to hear how their life is? You better believe it. And will we trust in the wisdom of the Church to allow clear boundaries for their new calling? With God’s help, we will.” A part of Sharon will remain in this place forever. She gave herself to God and to us in this place. As we bid her Godspeed, may we all continue in mission and ministry together in God’s wide, inclusive, nurturing, grace-filled, and compassionate Church. Much love and peace, The Rev. Wm McCord Thigpen ASH WEDNESDAY I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word. Book of Common Prayer, p. 265 February 18, 2015 Imposition of Ashes and Holy Eucharist Services: 7:00 a.m. Chapel 12:10 p.m. Nave 7:00 p.m. Nave 3 PRAYERS FOR ALL For Parishioners needing our prayers Taylor Lewis, chronic pain; Robert Andrews; Doris Maisel, Parkinson’s; Danny Schieman; Pebbles King; Fred Agel; Jim Curtis, rehab; Bob Bennett; Amy Pritchett, recovering from knee surgery; Cathy Agel, recovering from back injury; Marsha Aughtry, recovery from gall bladder surgery; Sophie Mott; Dan Niccum, recovery from sinus surgery; Carol Gearing, immunotherapy for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma; Eliza Pannill, recovery surgery; Joan Payton, hip replacement on Feb. 13; For those unable to attend church Len Fabian; John Nowell; June Henry; Doris Maisel; Graham Roberts; George Johnston; Elizabeth Wood; MEMORIALS & GIFT UPDATES St. Bartholomew’s has received the following memorials and gifts during the past month. If you have given a gift to St. Bartholomew’s this month that is not indicated here, or that has not been acknowledged personally, please call the church office so that we can correct the oversight. Thank you to all who support the Parish through your gifts. MEMORIAL FUND IN MEMORY OF BEVERLY PATRICK IN MEMORY OF DUNCAN CURL IN MEMORY OF MABEL HOAGLAND HAITI MISSION AT BOIS BLANC IN HONOR OF JONES PIERCE ARCHITECTURE AMERSON HOUSE For a safe delivery for those who are pregnant Mandy Shur-Sytsma; Meredith Harper; Giselle Caban Gilmore; Sarah Smith; Chelsea Miidla For Thanksgiving The Members of St. Bartholomew’s For Catechumens Jim Engstrom, Emily Wehby, Doug Weaver Family in the armed services Jonathan Courtright, son of Peggy and Paul Courtright, currently deployed Stephan Leong, cousin of Ron Peterson Victor Ellis, father of Jenna and Victoria Ellis Stephen Paul, brother of Susan Johnson, active duty military, Iraq Grant Robillard, son of Nora Robillard Eric Blittle, nephew of April Whitt Paul Charles Smith, godson of Marla Gearing NEW GREEN LITURGICAL SET A new green liturgical set in memory of Fred Terry will be blessed on Sunday, February 8, during the 10:30 a.m. service. The new set was designed and fabricated for St. Bartholomew’s by Juliet Hemingray Church Textiles of Derby, England through Tevor Floyd and Company of New Jersey. Green is used during the Season after the Epiphany and the Season after Pentecost (the longest season of the church year). The new green set highlights needle work of local flowers and the triskelion (three interlocked spirals) which is a symbol of the Trinity and is in the center of the outdoor labyrinth. We are grateful for the gifts to the Memorial Fund in memory of Fred Terry that have made this addition to our liturgical life possible. Family and friends for whom prayer has been requested* Bonnie Moore, mother of Susan Litton, Alzheimers; Bill Aughtry, brother of Marsha Aughtry, multiple sclerosis; Gordon & Claire May, parents of Anna Marie Soper-O’Rourke; Luke, grandson of Pamela Luca, friend of Jo Flick, cancer; Ed Hague, friend of Susan Dugan; Annie Loring, friend of Linda Erhard, terminal cancer; Brynleigh Shellinger, friend of Sarah Penna; Marlene Linz, daughter of Fran Linz, recurrence of cancer; Jane Pannill, mother of Knox Pannill, health issues; Cathy Perrodin, friend of Molly Mitchell & Marian Gordin; Anne Farmsworth, friend of Marian Gordin & Molly Mitchell; Faye Bowles, retinopathy, friend of Sara Irwin; Derrick Mee, terminal cancer, brother of Anne Mee; David Joyner, Shepherd Staff contact; Bill Thigpen, home hospice, father of Mac Thigpen; Elija Gardner, severe headaches, friend of Sara Irwin; Scott Bowles, chronic nausea, friend of Sara Irwin; Jerome Wells, cancer, friend of Shannon Gallier; For those who have died and their families: John Powell, long-time parishioner; Stuart Pineda, father of Mona Pineda; Betty Trumm, sister of George Douglas; John Lee, brother of Shirley Lee; James Erwin, father of Sandy Schieman; Angela Montasante, grandmother of Mark Dadonna; Stephen Solomon, friend of Amelia Harmon; *This prayer list is updated on the first of each month. In general the names are kept on for at least 2 months. When the names are removed the hope is that prayers for those named will continue. If at anytime you wish to have a name reinstated or give an update, please contact Fr. Mac, Rev. Bev, or Keith Harper in the church office. 4 A sneak peek at the new set – the pulpit fall. MEMBERSHIP UPDATES Please note these additions and changes in your membership directory. WELCOME NEW MEMBER John Booth and Chris Watts 404 Page Avenue, NE Atlanta, GA 30307 (678) 480-0492 DEATHS John Powell CONTACT INFORMATION UPDATES FOR MEMBERS: Kitty Burdette & Rex Cade-White 2420 Bristol Place Please log on to St.BartsConnects at https://secure.accessacs.com/access/login.aspx to update your address or other contact information or send the new information to Babs Douglas [email protected]. 17 FINANCIAL & VESTY HIGHLIGHTS TREASURER'S REPORT JANUARY 2014 Since the financial information was not available in time for the January newsletter, I am including December and end-of-year information in this report. December 2014 Our pledge income for December was over budget ($88,551vs. $60,735 budgeted per month). Our income from other sources was also over budget, so our total income for December was $103,799, significantly over our budgeted monthly income of $69,083. Our expenses for December were $72,676 – over our budgeted expenses of $69,084. January 2015 With pledges still coming in, the budget committee is still in the process of finalizing the 2015 budget. Thus, the only figures available for January are actual income and expenses. Pledge income was $44,864 (compare this to our budgeted monthly pledge income of $60,735 in 2014). Total income was $50,658, and expenses were $61,905, for a deficit of $11,247. End of 2014 Financials We ended 2014 on strong financial footing, thanks to the hard work of all who gave generously in response to Julius’ appeal at the beginning of the year and who stayed current on their pledges throughout the year. Our end-of-year income and expenses $868,431 and $833,976, respectively, for a net surplus of $34,455. There was $115,965 in our operating account (note: this was down to $104,215 at the end of January), plus approximately $23,500 in reserve and investment accounts. Finally, the endowment fund balance was $1,238,233 at the end of 2014. We have much for which to be thankful. Respectfully submitted, Marla Gearing Treasurer ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH VESTRY MINUTES: DECEMBER 21, 2014 Shirley Lee was elected to serve as Junior Warden. Juliana Lancaster was elected to serve as Clerk. Annual Pledge Campaign Update As of now, we had 246 pledges totaling $711,560. If you have not yet turned in your 2015 pledge, please do so immediately so that the budget process can be completed. New HVAC units have been ordered for the parish hall. We hope for delivery in one to two weeks with installation immediately following. 2014 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS Have been mailed to all who contributed more than $250 to St. Bartholomew’s during 2014. Please open and review your statement when it is received so that we can correct any problems before you get ready to complete your tax returns. YOUR PLEDGE IS NEEDED Have you made your 2015 Pledge? 246 pledges have been received bringing us to 86% of the budget for 2014. All pledges are needed as we finalize a budget for 2015. Please pledge today at: https://stbarts.episcopalatlanta.org/Content/Fall_Campaign.asp 16 SO MUCH GREAT CHILDREN NEWS! LENTEN BREAD BAKING WORKSHOP If you would like to learn how to make the bread used for communion during Lent, please join us February 7 at 10:30 a.m. - 12 Noon in the Parish Hall. Each participant will receive a recipe, make a loaf of bread, and receive helpful tips for their next batch. All ages of bread makers are welcome! While the bread is baking, we will get ready for lunch and our official tasting of the bread. Please contact Jane Parker, [email protected], if you would like to be on the Rota to make bread for a Sunday in Lent. Please RSVP so there will be ample bread making supplies to Christen Erskine at [email protected] by Wednesday, February 4 at 6:00 p.m. ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA! Sing it, shout, say it ... now is the time! On February 17, we will make the Alleluia Banner and bury it as part of our Mardi Gras celebration. If you have a fantastic design for the banner, please contact Christen Erskine, [email protected]. The banner is unearthed on Holy Saturday as we prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord. FEBRUARY FAMILY FUN NIGHT February 20 at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall Families with children 7 and younger are invited to bring something to share and share a meal with friends. Please RSVP via Sign-Up Genius before February 17. http://www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0A4BA8AE2DA46-february CHILDREN FORMATION LENTEN RETREAT Saturday, February 28 Godly Play leaders and anyone interested in learning more about Children's Formation, mark your calendars! We will have a 3-hour retreat February 28, 9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon. Come to sit in the circle, wonder, and make meaning for yourself, and deepen your practice of Godly Play. RSVP to [email protected]. Story requests, topics for discussion or specific activity ideas welcome. GODLY PLAY TRAINING IN ATLANTA IN JUNE For interested in working with our children on Sunday mornings, there will be a Godly Play Core Training led by Godly Play Foundation trainers, June 4-6 at the Cathedral of St. Philip. For those who have been teaching and are interested, Advanced Training will be offered, too. Contact Christen Erskine, [email protected], if you are interested in learning how to become a storyteller, door keeper, or deepening your experience of Godly Play. 2015 VACATION BIBLE - WEEK OF WONDER - SAVE THE DATE! June 15-19, 2015, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Again this year we will partner with St. Luke's for school age children first through fifth grade interested in an all-day VBS experience. All day kids will be dropped off at St. Luke's at 9:00 a.m., stay through lunch and then board a bus at 12:30 p.m. to come over to St. Bartholomew's. Our biggest kids (rising fourth and fifth graders) will have opportunities for mission field trips. Everyone will have an opportunity to participate in mission work throughout the week. Registration will be available February 15. All adults and teen interested in playing (volunteering) should contact Christen Erskine. 5 YOUTH NEWS 2015 YOUTH Spring January 4 – 2 Christmas 9:20 a.m. – Rite-13 & J2A – Wardens’ Hall January 11 – 1 Epiphany 9:20 a.m. – Rite-13 & J2A – Wardens’ Hall CLASSES FOR LENT March March 22 – 5 Lent 9:20 a.m. – Rite-13 & J2A – Wardens’ Hall March 29 – Palm Sunday 9:15 a.m. – Youth & Adults Event: Making palm crosses and sack lunches for Common Ground AFTERNOON: Visit to Common Ground January 18 – 2 Epiphany TREBLE CHOIR TRIP TO ORLANDO WORSHIP at EBENEZER BAPTIST & VARSITY April 5 - Easter - Egg Hunt!! January 25 – 3 Epiphany 9:20 a.m. – Rite-13 & J2A – Wardens’ Hall February 1 – 4 Epiphany 9:20 a.m. – Rite-13 & J2A – Wardens’ Hall April 12 - 2 Easter 9:20 a.m. – Rite-13 & J2A – Wardens’ Hall Friday, April 17 RiteRite-13 Rehearsal, Dinner & February 8 – 5 Epiphany 9:20 a.m. – Rite-13 & J2A – Wardens’ Hall February 15 – Last Epiphany 9:20 a.m. – Rite-13 & J2A – Wardens’ Hall AFTER AFTER CHURCH: PIZZA AND SETSET-UP FOR MARDI GRAS February 17, 2015 MARDI GRAS! April 19 - 3 Easter – RITE-13 & Treble Choir 9:20 a.m. – Restock shelves at Toco Hills April 26 26 - 4 Easter 9:20 a.m. – Rite-13 & J2A – Wardens’ Hall HOW ABOUT THIS FOR A LENTEN PRACTICE THIS YEAR? Read the Bible in a Year - The Bible Challenge comes to Episcopalians Always wanted to read the Bible all the way through? 2015 could be your year. Start in Lent (February 18)! To finish in a year, each day you will read 3 chapters from the Old Testament, 1 Psalm and 1 chapter from the New Testament. It will take you 20-25 minutes, depending. All you need to do is: • Go to the free online schedule for readings: (www.thecenterforbiblicalstudies.org) . You will also get background information and hear from the priest Marek Zabriskie, the founder of the Bible Challenge. • Purchase a good study Bible (The New Oxford Annotated Bible, New Revised Standard Version with Apocrypha, 2010, 4th edition, is recommended by The Rev. Zabriskie and colleagues). Talk with Beverley Elliott if you want further advice. Go to online Amazon or try discount bible sites or Cathedral Bookstore. Cost $18-$35 (depending hardback or paperback; new or used). • Purchase The Bible Challenge, Read the Bible in a Year, ed. Marek P. Zabriskie, available www.forwardmovement.org $18 or go to Cathedral Bookstore. The portion of the book covering the first thirty plus days is available at no charge. The full Kindle / iPad version is available for 9.99. This book offers a brief commentary on each set of readings for the day. The authors include Marek Zabriskie, former Presiding Bishop, Frank Griswold, former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowen Williams, Biblical scholar Walter Brueggeman and others. • Send an email to Beverley Elliott ([email protected]) if you plan to join the challenge. If there is interest we can form an on line or real time support group. Research reveals that Christians who show the most change in their faith behavior are not those who go to church, or even read the Bible twice a week. It is people who read the Bible four times or more a week. Parishes and dioceses around the U.S. have experienced renewed energy as people have committed to reading. Join Beverley and others in this venture. May 3 – 5 Easter 9:20 a.m. – Rite-13 & J2A – Wardens’ Hall May 10 – 6 Easter – Mother’s Day 9:20 a.m. – Rite-13 & J2A – Wardens’ Hall February 22 – 1 Lent 9:20 a.m. – Rite-13 & J2A – Wardens’ Hall May 17 – 7 Easter - Teachers and Graduates 9:20 a.m. – Rite-13 & J2A – Wardens’ Hall Afternoon fun: SKY ZONE!! March 1 – 2 Lent 9:20 a.m. – Rite-13 and J2A – Wardens’ Hall March 8 – 3 Lent – Pilgrims out on overnight 9:20 a.m. – Rite-13 & J2A – Wardens’ Hall March 15 – 4 Lent – Treble Choir 9:20 a.m. – Rite-13 & J2A – Wardens’ Hall 6 Contact: [email protected] with questions/RSVP/more info! 15 SUNDAY MORNINGS IN LENT A LENTEN EXPLORATION - TWELVE STEP SPIRITUALITY Sundays February 22, 29 & March 8 9:30 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. The Meeting Room The Twelve Step practices and principles known well too many who are recovering from addictions, also have great wisdom and practical application for anyone on a spiritual journey. Lead by two St. Bartholomew members, this series will look at the origins of the twelve step practices as well as incorporation into life. The brief presentations are designed to facilitation class discussion. See Beverley Elliott, [email protected], for more details. REMEMBERING MARY MAGDALENE IN HOLY WEEK Sundays, March 15, 22 & 29; 9:30 a.m... The Brooks Room Presenters: Lisa Persons and Beverley Elliott How might including a liturgy in Holy Week that remembers Mary Magdalene’s loving anointing of Jesus’ feet shift your experience of this annual unfolding of Holy events? On Holy Monday this year, March 30 at 6:30 p.m., St. Bartholomew's will host a contemplative liturgy created by Episcopal priest and modern mystic, The Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault. The liturgy invites us all to remember how Mary Magdalene ardently anointed Jesus’ feet after he arrived in Jerusalem, revealing that she knew the sacrifice he was about to make. Marking Mary Magdalene’s loving accompaniment of Jesus at every stage of the Holy Week drama shifts the emphasis from abandonment of Jesus and consequential guilt, to his sacrificial love – a course of action voluntarily chosen, bringing about the cosmic reconciliation through which “all heaven and earth are brought together in unity through Christ.” (Ephesians 1:10) The two classes are designed to prepare participants for the contemplative anointing liturgy. This unique liturgy was first offered at the Episcopal House of Prayer in Collegeville, Minnesota. To read more about the liturgy, see this article: http://www.episcopalcafe.com/ put_women_back_into_holy_week/ Lisa Persons has and M. Div. from Candler School of Theology and is coordinator for Amerson House Spirituality Center. She has studied with Cynthia Bourgeault over a number of years. The Rev. Beverley Elliott is Senior Associate Rector for Adult Formation and Pastoral Care at St. Bartholomew's. LENTEN WORKSHOP MANAGING SIGNIFICANT LOSSES THROUGH GRIEF SUPPORT CHOIR NEWS! TWENTY YEARS OF COMPLINE CELEBRATED IN FEBRUARY In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Compline at St. Bartholomew’s, the Schola Cantorum will be offering several special events in February. On Sunday, February 1, they will sing the 6:00 p.m. service honoring the Feast of the Presenation and Candlemas. Music will include the Missa Brevis in F of Palestrina, and a setting of ‘O Magnum Mysterium’ by contemporary Norweigian composer, Ola Gjeilo, accompanied by Martha Bishop, cellist. Regular services of Compline will take place at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 8 and 22. On Sunday, February 15 at 8:00 p.m., the Schola will offer a service of sung Compline in Cannon Chapel on the campus of Emory University. The Schola Cantorum of St. Bartholomew’s EVENSONG SUNG AT THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. PHILIP On Sunday, March 1, the Evensong Choir of St. Bartholomew’s has been invited to sing the Cathedral’s 4:00 p.m. service of Choral Evensong. They will offer works of Peter Hallock, Peter Moger, Herbert Howells, Lee Hoiby, and Thomas Morley. The Evensong Choir of St. Bartholomew’s, preparing for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve TREBLE TOUR TO ORLANDO/WINTER PARK Over the holiday weekend (January 16 through January 19), 15 members of the Treble Choir undertook a tour to Orlando and Winter Park, Florida. While there, they sang services at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Winter Park, teaming up with the Treble Choir of All Saints’ to offer the main 11:15am Sunday Eucharist, as well as Evensong that afternoon. The Treble Choir also visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios (there were no Dementor incidents). Thanks to all who helped with this trip! Especially chaperones Dave & Jennifer Curl, Mary Beth Brush, Amy Hall-Shalvoy, Jim Lee, and Heather Almond, as well as Chaplain Sharon Hiers. Saturday February 28, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Amerson House Chaplain Davey Hall and The Rev. Beverley Elliott These couple of hours are designed for those in the parish who are currently grieving and would like a place to share their experience of loss, and listen to the experience of others. Davey and Beverley will ensure that it is a place of safety and support. Davey Hall is a Hospital and Hospice chaplain and facilitates grief support groups as part of his work. Beverley has chaplain experience and training in facilitating grief support groups and is the Associate Rector for Pastoral Care at St. Bartholomew's. 14 7 HAPPENINGS AROUND ST. BARTHOLMEW’S St. Bartholomew’s Lunch & Learn Presents CURRENT ADULT FORMATION CLASSES Sunday Mornings, 9:30 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. Does the Church have a role in Fostering Civil Discourse? Rev. Martha Sterne EpiscopalPriest&Author February 5, 2015 11:30 in the Meeting Room $12 Call the church office @ 404-634-3336 to make your reservation. “ThereisnoothervoicelikeMarthaSterne’s. Inherwise,funny,andutterlycandidhands, nothingremainstrivial.” BarbaraBrownTaylor Martha Sterne has long been a kindred spirit for those who find the power and grace of God in the faith and foibles of human stories. Her latest book, "Tell Me A Story," is drawn from the last five years of her parish ministry. She is still collecting stories and most likely will ask you to share any stories you have! It'll be good for you. If you love great storytelling and are curious about the preaching process, prepare to cherish this book. If you want your friends to experience what it is like to see Jesus through Episcopal eyes, you will want to pass this book to them. If you want your friends to experience what it is like to see Jesus through Episcopal eyes, you will want to pass this book to them. Brought to you by the Pastoral Care Committee of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church 8 February 8 & 15. Meeting Room Facilitators: Members of the Adult Formation Committee This two part series will show clips of a 90 min live webcast that the Episcopal Church aired in October from the historic Christ Church in Philadelphia. The presenters, including the Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori make various arguments for the Episcopal Church to take up its role and fostering civil discourse among the Abrahamic faiths. Segments of the webcast will be shown, followed by guided discussion. You can go to http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/10/23/churches-have-role-to-play-in-fosteringcivil-discourse-in-society/ for the full webcast. Wednesday Night Book Study The Nonviolent Atonement, by J. Denny Weaver January 14 - February 11, 2015 6:30 p.m. -7:45 p.m. Brooks Room Presenters Kerry Lockerman and John Roberts Weaver explores the history of the Christian doctrine of atonement, exposing the intrinsically violent dimensions of the traditional ransom and satisfaction views and offering instead a thoroughly nonviolent paradigm for understanding atonement (based on what he calls “narrative Christus Victor”). J. Denny Weaver is Professor Emeritus at Bluffton University, a Mennonite school in Ohio, where he taught for 31 years. He has written and lectured widely on Anabaptist history and perspectives. Participants should obtain copies of the book and bring to the first session. The Nonviolent Atonement by J. Denny Weaver, 2nd ed., Eerdmans, 2011 [not the 1st ed., 2001]. Amazon new about $21, used about $16, Kindle about $15. CLASSES FOR LENT WEDNESDAY EVENING FILM AND DISCUSSION SERIES DISMANTLING RACISM: A LENTEN JOURNEY TOWARD LIBERATION February 25, March 4, 11, 18, & 25; 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The Meeting Room Lent is a time for not only self-examination and repentance, but also one that anticipates liberation from the things that bind us, limiting our full human experience. The Diocesan Commission for Dismantling Racism has invited each parish in the diocese this Lent, to explore the nation's evolving race-relations and the structures that support racism. 2015 is also the 50th anniversary of the death of Jonathan Daniels, an Episcopal seminarian from Washington DC, who was killed in Hayneville Alabama while working on civil rights. There will be a diocesan pilgrimage to Hayneville late this summer. In response to the dioscesan invitation and in preparation for the pilgrimage, St. Bartholomew's response is to host a series of films with discussion; Banished, Traces of the Trade, Slaves in the Family and The Journey of Jonathan Daniels to name the key films. We are inviting guest facilitators to host each film and discussion. Dinner is served before class, and we will end each session with Compline. Please sign up for the dinners. 13 HAPPENINGS AROUND ST. BARTHOLMEW’S EVANGELISM COMMITTEE INVITATION The Evangelism Committee has as its mission to extend the loving hospitality of Christ and the presence of our parish into neighboring communities while inspiring our parishioners into fuller participation in the life of our parish community. Through our Greeters and Shepherd’s Staff we focus on inviting, welcoming, and incorporating guests into the life and ministry of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church. We work to foster nurturing relationships and encourage building community through worship, fellowship, education, and service. Greeters seek to make all who worship at St. Bartholomew’s feel welcomed and appreciated. Before and after services they offer a warm greeting to parishioners and guests. Shepherd’s Staff members look for guests to show hospitality, answer questions, and to encourage signing the Guest Book. When guests leave their contact information either in the Guest Book or on a Pew Card, Shepherd’s Staff members attempt to make a follow-up call and send an email to thank guests for worshiping at St. Bartholomew’s and to provide information about our church. If guests are interested, they are added to our mailing list and information is provided to help them learn about our various ministry opportunities. Shepherds seek to help worshipers meet parishioners and join ministries in which they are interested. Quarterly the Evangelism and Shepherd’s Staff Committees host Newcomer Receptions to welcome new worshipers and to give them opportunity to meet Clergy, Vestry, and other members. If you would like to be part of this ministry, please consider serving as a Greeter, a member of the Shepherd’s Staff, or a member of the Evangelism Committee. Let me know if you have interest in one or more of these areas. You would be most welcome to serve with us. Shirley Lee, Vestry Chair for Evangelism (404) 634-7729, [email protected] FREE TAX PREPARATION The VITA Program (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is offering free tax preparation if your household income was $53,000 or less in 2014. Don’t pay for filing, loans or rapid refund! VITA e-filing gets your cash in 7-10 days! 1040EZ, 1040A, 1040NR & 1040’S prepared FREE! To make an appointment at a location near you: call 211 or visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers. This program is made possible by AFL-CIO Community Services and United Way Partnership. FINAL AFFAIRS FAIR Mark your calendars! Back by popular demand, on Saturday February 21, the Heirs of Anna and Simeon will host a Final Affairs Fair, open to all parishioners interested in learning more about how to plan for their senior years. It will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall and Meeting Room with a light lunch provided. The topics will include legal issues, living arrangements in our senior years, estate and financial planning, organ/tissue donation, planning your legacy, planning your funeral and burial options. More details to come so stay tuned. Adair Maller, Chair, Heirs of Anna and Simeon 12 HAPPENINGS AROUND ST. BARTHOLMEW’S Episcopal Relief and Development Celebrates 75 Years Sunday, February 15th, Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) the international relief and development agency of The Episcopal Church kicks off it’s75th year celebration of strengthening communities around the globe, through programs that promote health, alleviate hunger and create economic opportunities. The agency works with Church and ecumenical partners to fight poverty, hunger and disease. Bishop Wright has chosen the theme “Thrive to Five” as our Diocesan focus for this special fundraising year, spotlighting the need for children and families to get the best start in life through maternal health, malaria prevention and early childhood development programs. An aspect of this campaign is protecting the most vulnerable populations from malaria by equipping malaria control agents to ensure pregnant women and children under age five sleep under mosquito nets every night in malaria-prone areas, and to monitor new use through ERD’s award-wining NetsforLife program. In an ambitious worldwide effort to control malaria (World Health Organization’s Roll Back Malaria Initiative) and in support of the 2000 Millennium Development Goals, the ERD NetsforLife campaign in 2011/12 pledged and exceeded its goal of contributing $5 million to send treated bednets to subSaharan Africa; an area that is host to the most dangerous strains of the disease. Nets donated by ERD NetsforLife: over 416,600 Nets donated by the Diocese of Atlanta: over 15,350 Nets donated to date by St. Bartholomew’s: over 800 (protecting 2,400 mothers and babies from night-biting mosquitoes) WOMEN’S TABLETALK DINNER TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2015 Thursday March 5, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Meeting Room International Women’s Day is March 8 of each year. This year the theme is “Make it Happen”. To mark the day this year, Women’s TableTalk has been resurrected. Women’s TableTalk dinners are famous for good food, good conversation and good enough wine. The speaker for the evening will be Bird Pilatsky, a young adult member and doctoral student in Women’s Studies at Emory. Grounding her talk in the current racial politics that have emerged from incidents of police shootings of young black men in the U.S., Bird will talk about the relationship between white feminist and black womanist politics, raising the importance of thinking womanism in this moment of racial struggle and injustice. Feminism and feminist social justice politics are part of the leadership fighting against police brutality, but feminism has an immense history of racism, and as such thinking womanism seems like a worthwhile undertaking. Not sure about some of the terms….they will be clarified. Not sure about what to wear … white, purple and green are the international women’s colors. Not sure who is going to set up or clean up…nor am I. Cost - $13:00 Phone (404) 634-3336 to register. Email Beverley to help - [email protected] A milestone was reached in 2000 when 1 billion nets were distributed worldwide. Sustaining this number of nets is the most effective way to break the life cycle of malaria. We cannot rest. Unless we maintain our efforts we will lose our gains. Wars, natural disasters, resistance to drugs and insecticides are all constantly at work to dismantle our successes. Opportunities to sustain the gain at St. Bartholomew’s: Annual March Madness NetsforLife fundraiser beginning March 17 for the men’s teams and March 20th for the women’s teams World Malaria Day April 25th Checks can be written at anytime to St. Bartholomew’s with NetsforLife noted in the memo field and dropped in the offering plate. 9 HAPPENINGS AROUND ST. BARTHOLMEW’S HAPPENINGS AROUND ST. BARTHOLMEW’S Mardi Gras! Fat Tuesday, February 17, 2015 6:00pm— 6:00pm—8:30pm St. Bartholomew’s Parish Hall Party! Music! Food! Dinner, dessert, & a show. Come in costume! Adult tickets: $15 each Children & youth: $7.50 each Family max: $45 Fine and fabulous print: Ticket includes dinner of red beans, rice and sausage, Caesar salad, and bread pudding with a secret sauce! Also includes full entertainment, provided by members of our parish, and offerings by our youth. No better value or fun this side of New Orleans! Cash bar. 10 HEALING YOGA with Pat Madden-Hudson of Always Vibrant Yoga The Enneagram & The Lenten Journey: Walking The Path to New Life Facilitated by Kimberly Broerman, Spiritual Director, Deep Waters Center Saturday, March 14, 2015 10 am – 3 pm (includes lunch) Amerson House Spirituality Center, Saint Bartholomew’s Lent is a season of preparation, a time for deepening selfawareness and prayer, for returning to God, removing obstacles blocking the way. For each of us, the path and obstacles will be different, based on our particular personalities, as revealed and described through the Enneagram. In this workshop, we’ll explore how the Enneagram can help us get unstuck and shape prayer practices for Lent and beyond that help us work with our particular gifts and sorrows. Through guided meditation, teaching, exercises, and group sharing, participants will discover ways to search and love ourselves more deeply, while also revealing the things that get in the way, obscuring our vision and obstructing the Spirit within us. The focus of healing yoga is to provide relief and support for individuals with health challenges and seeking support and recovery from injury, illness and chronic conditions, from physical pain and discomfort to a range of emotional and mental stresses and concerns. Yoga works to help many find relief, support and inspiration for healing and personal growth and to help: Reduce symptoms Manage illness Promote healing Support lifestyle changes Manage chronic disease Improve overall health and well-being Complement an existing state of health or wellness program Benefits of Yoga: Improves current health and well-being Increases energy and vitality Helps overcome physical or emotional trauma Addresses special needs of the differently-abled Reduces pain and discomfort related to a wide range of various chronic ailments or conditions Amerson House Group Yoga Classes Wednesday 6 PM Call Pat Hudson (678) 772-4068 or email [email protected] to reserve a place in class Investment: $50 includes lunch and workshop materials and facilitation; $15 for members of St. Bartholomew’s. To Register: Email Amerson House Center for Spirituality [email protected]. Make sure you include your Enneagram Type or *see below. Details regarding payment will be emailed back to you. *Please note: This workshop requires a working knowledge of the Enneagram and one’s type. If you do not already know your type, Kimberly is offering some individual typing sessions for workshop participants at a discounted rate of $50. Contact her directly at (404) 275-3328 or [email protected] if you’d like to set up a time. 11
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