October 2015 - St. Elizabeth`s Episcopal Church

TIDINGS
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Episcopal Church
October 2015
The mission of Saint Elizabeth’s Church is proclaiming God’s Word, celebrating God’s love, and sharing God’s gifts.
RECTOR’S REFLECTIONS
B
ull-beggars, bygorns,
Peg-powlers,
incubuses, sporns,
melch-dicks, boggy-boes:
I wonder who has heard of
these spirits? I have a long
paragraph listing maybe 100
different ghosts each with
a precise characteristic and
abiding place, or place that it
inhabits and haunts. The list
is found in an essay written
by D. L. Ashliman in 1997 about the Scottish
prayer that many of us remember fondly:
From ghouls and ghost
And long-leggedly beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us.
In Hamlet, Shakespeare tells us that on the
night of Christmas eve “the bird of dawning
sings all night long, … and then no spirit dare
stir abroad.” But it is All Saints’ or All Hallow’s
Eve that brings this list to mind and all the fairies
and witches with the charming powers as our
children and grandchildren costume-up to beg
at our doors for something sweet that we happily
provide.
We live in a disenchanted world, believing that
none of these troublemakers exist anymore. Yet
we do not live in a safer world with Putins and
Asaads and Kims all threatening the security of
the world and terrorizing thousands. There is
also the specter of global climate change and as I
write the clapper-knappers of both drought and
fire in California.
On All Saints’ Day we celebrate those who
have gone before us, and whose lives in some
significant way were manifestations of the
proclamation of the Christian faith that love
conquers fear.
We pick up the mantle of faith handed us by
these martyrs and struggle to live as they did
inspired by the power of the Holy Spirit uncowed
by the chittifaces and nixies, by the despots,
warmongers, and terrorists. We live surrounded
by a great cloud of witnesses proclaiming to the
world that the one we follow, the one who has
already prevailed, is the one we call the Prince of
Peace.
Faithfully,
Albert †
Stewardship: Time, Talent, Treasure
Prayerful giving—
Stewardship and St. Elizabeth’s
by David Connolly, Senior Warden
In the last issue of the Tidings I opened a discussion on stewardship
and informally inaugurated our 2016 pledge campaign. Given the
significance of your pledge to the mission and operation of St. Elizabeth’s,
I want to continue that discussion with an examination of some hard
numbers reflecting our financial condition and trends. Your vestry hopes
that this information will underscore in your mind the importance of this
year’s pledge effort as it begins to shift into high gear.
We have all struggled for the past several years under a slowly
recovering economy. Money has been tight but our expenses refuse
to remain static. Not surprisingly, as you will see in Chart 1, our church
finances have been negatively impacted by these conditions.
Chart 1
A review of our finances from 2011 to now shows that beginning in
2012 our total revenues from pledges and plate contributions (Blue)
have been falling short of our actual expenses. In 2012 our shortfall was
around $5000 and dramatically increased in 2013. Our income for 2014
was sufficient but barely and without any cushion for contingencies
or unexpected expenses. For our 2015 revenue to equal the average
annual total revenue for the past four years, we will need approximately
an additional $45,000 by the end of the year. We anticipate that much
of that will be covered by unpaid 2015 pledge revenue, but we are
expecting another shortfall for this year of at least several thousand
Continued on page 3
From the St. Elizabeth Creation Keepers
Amazing Feats of Flight
What bird can fly forward, backwards, hover in midair, and
turn upside down while in flight? You are correct if you named
the hummingbird. Many of you provide food for our native
hummingbird, the Ruby Throat. In the middle of September,
Mike and I sat on the front porch and watched two females fly
at each other, both trying to claim a higher position than the
other. They are battling for control of the feeder in the front
yard because each must gain weight before they face the
rigors of migration. The feeder over the back deck has its own
small combatants.
Among questions this year from parishioners who provide
food for Ruby Throated Hummingbirds, several involved the
periodic appearance and disappearance of hummingbirds
from home feeders at certain times during the spring and
summer. The Bird Watching Answer Book by Laura Erickson,
an affiliate of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, offers several
possible answers for seasonal fluctuations in numbers.
Some variation in numbers may depend on breeding and
migratory cycles. During nesting season, aggressive males
will drive others away from feeders in territory they are
claiming. Although some possessive birds continue to sit on
limbs waiting to dive bomb potential visitors throughout the
summer, the lack of hospitality increases later in the season,
for each bird must add fat and muscle to complete the difficult
migration to a warm winter home.
Meanwhile, nesting females do not make frequent visits
to your feeder when they have nestlings. Instead they visit
flowers that are blooming to collect tiny insects as well as
nectar. Their offspring need protein to develop properly;
therefore, mothers deposit a mixture of insects and nectar into
their beaks. They continue to feed them for a few days after
they are ready to leave the nest. At this point females may try
to teach young ones to take advantage of a sure supply of
nectar in your feeder, which increases the number of visitors
there.
HUMMER HAVEN
In case you don’t already know, Fr. Albert is a bird
and butterfly enthusiast. He and Pat have a lovely home
set in what might be considered a hummingbird and butterfly
sanctuary. A large variety of plant life abounds to provide food
and shelter for small wildlife creatures.
On a hot afternoon in August, Mike and I were invited to the
Daviou home to enjoy the abundance of flying friends. At the
end of the driveway we saw a huge Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)
providing food for a number of Tiger Swallowtail butterflies.
On either side of the walkway to the front porch different
kinds of flowers were blooming, and hummingbird feeders
were hanging above the herbaceous borders. Inside the
house we passed through the living room and kitchen to join
Albert and Pat, along with Elaine and Don Clark, to look down
on the back yard where a variety of large blooming shrubs
attracted additional butterflies.
Next we sat on the front porch to
enjoy the antics of tiny tenants.
Around us, Ruby Throated
Hummingbirds flew at each other
and, in some cases, flew through
the porch near our heads. As
we conversed and watched the
2
Article and photo by Rosalie Jensen
capers of the small birds, a sudden storm brought high winds
and rain. Six humans escaped into the house, but I wondered
what happened to the hummingbirds, which are said to weigh
less than a nickel, and the fragile-looking butterflies that weigh
even less. Obviously, a pollinator paradise must have shelter in
the form of leaves and other cover where small residents can
hide from rough weather and escape predators.
The fierce storm brought to mind a scene from the movie
The Big Year, a story about competitive birders in North
America. In the scene, a female Ruby Throat is flying across
the water of the Gulf of Mexico. Through the magic of digital
technology we view the image of an exhausted female
hummingbird flying low over the water, fighting a headwind,
and actually landing on the shore to be counted by eager
birders. How accurate is this description of a portion of the
grueling migration of our tiny warm weather companions?
THE LONG JOURNEY TO A WARMER HOME
By the time you read this article most of our small summer
residents will be well on their way to Central America. Along
the way they fly close to the ground to watch for insect life and
sources of nectar. When flying over land they will travel during
the day and sleep at night. Over the Gulf of Mexico there is no
place to stop and they must keep going. They may travel over
450 miles of water against a brisk headwind for more than
20 hours to go to their favorite tropical winter homes. Unlike
Monarchs and other migratory butterflies, hummingbirds fly
alone, even young ones who have never made the journey
before.
Why do our native hummingbirds migrate? Experts are
not sure, but they offer several conjectures. First, the birds
seem to be aware of the changes in daylight and the declining
populations of insects and flowers as winter approaches.
Next, Ruby Throats are not well adapted to cold weather;
thus, dropping temperatures may play a part in their need to
go south. Finally, some scientists think that there may be a
chemical change that causes them to migrate.
Why should we leave our feeders up for a
while after the hummingbirds seem to be
gone? Migrants might still be traveling
from the north, young birds may
need to make up for a late start in
gaining weight, and females at
your may have been taking care
of youngsters and must now
gain weight. The picture of
the female on this page was
taken on September 29th
last year. Please think of her
and leave your feeder up a bit
longer this year.
Stewardship: Time, Talent, Treasure
PRAYERFUL GIVING
Continued from front
dollars. In sum, revenue growth has been relatively flat while
expenses have steadily increased.
Our plate revenues have been fairly consistent at
approximately 8% of total revenues, apart from the sharp
increase in 2015 (Chart 2). We have attributed this increase,
however, to new members who have not yet submitted
pledges and we anticipate that plate revenue will to return
to around 8% of total income for the foreseeable future.
That, however, involves a degree of speculation that makes
budgeting more difficult compared to the more predictable
numbers provided by pledges.
Chart 2
The deficits illustrated above are a result of increasing
operating costs (salaries, benefits, utilities, maintenance, etc.)
and occasional extraordinary events (e.g. repair work, loss of
pledging members) with no significant increase in pledge
giving. We have cut expenses where we could over the years,
including reductions in our Outreach contributions, which
are the very real representation of our mission to “share
God’s gifts.” Yet many recurring expenses cannot be cut or
reduced only minimally without affecting operations and we
are always faced with a decline in revenue because of the
death or departure of members.
Accordingly, we need to increase our pledge revenue
to offset the expected increase in expenses and prepare
for the unexpected costs that seem to occur each year.
We do have savings, but those need to held in reserve
for the major capital expenditures that we will face in
the future such as a new roof or furnace. These savings
do produce interest income but that income does not
significantly offset our deficit and cannot be the solution
to our situation at this time.
The people of St. Elizabeth’s have demonstrated
time and time again the willingness to support so many
projects that improve our church. The several gardens
that add beauty and a place for quiet meditation,
for example, have all been paid for by out-of-pocket
contributions from parish members and not out of
operating funds. Now, however, we need to ask you to
consider extending this generosity to the operating
budget by increasing your pledge amount for 2016.
Prime consideration needs to be given to increasing our
operating income. Please consider adding another 5%
or 10% to your 2016 pledge, or what amount you feel
capable of pledging.
Your vestry does understand that circumstances
affect each member’s ability to give. Not all can increase
their giving and that does not affect their standing in
our church community. But it is important that all who
can pledge to so. All we ask is that if you are capable
of enlarging your gift that you approach the matter
prayerfully. Take a moment to determine what is within
your power to give remembering what we are called
upon to do as Christians and as a church. When deciding
on your pledge level find an amount that you can
give joyfully in thanksgiving for the blessings God has
bestowed and as a renewed commitment to “proclaiming
God’s Word, celebrating God’s love, and sharing God’s
gifts.”
St. Elizabeth's has a new
Facebook page
By Amy Anderson
Gabby McPeek ([email protected]) and I (amykerranderson@
gmail.com) have set up a new Facebook organization page for St. Elizabeth’s.
Please click HERE (or go to https://www.facebook.com/stelizabethepiscopal
and like the page.
The Facebook page is a good way to keep church members and the
community updated on the church’s activities, charities, service projects, and
Eucharistic times. If there is anything that you would like the parish or the
community to know, feel free to contact us by email or Facebook message.
You can also post pictures or information to the page as
yourself or write a review.
Help us get a 5 star rating!
https://www.facebook.com/stelizabethepiscopal
3
Veterans' Corner
by Mike Bunting
Military Records/DD-214 Update 
Reconstructing Lost Records
Once again
history is stranger
then fiction, and a lot
funnier:
A fire in 1973 destroyed 80 percent of Army personnel
records for soldiers discharged between 1 Nov 1912 to 1
USS Midway VA-25's Jan 1960 and 75 percent of the Air Force records of Airmen
discharged between 25 Sep 1947 to 1 Jan 1964 (with surnames
Toilet Bomb
beginning with Hubbard and running through the end of
In October 1965, CDR Clarence J.
the alphabet). Veterans whose records have been lost can
Stoddard, Executive Officer of Squadron
download and fill out a specific form at the National Archives
VA-25 "Fist of the Fleet", flying an A-1H Skyraider,
or VA website www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/
NE/572 "Paper Tiger II" from Carrier Air Wing Two
na-13055-info-2-reconstruct-medical-data.pdf that authorizes
aboard USS Midway carried a special bomb to the North
the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) to search
Vietnamese in commemoration of the 6-millionth pound of
for other types of documents that would assist the veteran
ordnance dropped. This bomb was unique because of the
with their VA healthcare access or compensation claim, or
type... it was a toilet!
for valuable research their family member's service history.
The following is an account of this event, courtesy of Clint
For more information, visit the Department of Veterans
Johnson, Captain, USNR Ret. Captain Johnson was one of the
Affairs website http://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/
two VA-25 A-1 Skyraider
NPRC1973Fire.asp.
pilots credited with
If your service time does NOT fall into the above timeframes
shooting down a MiG-17 on
and you request copies of your service record only to be told
June 20, 1965:
they were destroyed in “the fire,” do not quit. Submit the
"I was a pilot in VA-25 on request again. Most likely they will magically find your record.
the 1965 Vietnam cruise.
Unfortunately, it has happened too many times.
Aircraft 572 was flown
Emma Didlake WWII Veteran
by CDR C. W. "Bill" Stoddard. His wingman in 577 (which was
Emma Didlake died August 16th in West Bloomfield,
my assigned airplane) was LCDR Robin Bacon, who had a wing
northwest of Detroit, according to the Oakland County medical
station mounted movie camera (the only one remaining in the
examiner's office. A Michigan woman who was believed to be
fleet from WWII). The flight was a Dixie Station strike (South
the nation's oldest veteran at 110 has died, about a month after
Vietnam) going to the
meeting President Barack Obama in the Oval Office. Didlake
Delta.
was a 38-year-old wife
When they arrived in
and mother of five
the target area and CDR
when she signed up in
Stoddard was reading the
1943 for the Women's
ordnance list to the FAC,
Army Auxiliary Corps.
he ended with "and one
She served about
code name Sani-flush". The
seven months stateside
FAC couldn't believe it and joined up to see it. It was dropped
in a dive with LCDR Bacon flying tight wing position to film the during the war, as a
private and driver.
drop. When it came off, it turned hole to the wind and almost
She spent time with
struck his airplane.
the president in July
It made a great ready room movie. The FAC said that it
during a trip to Washington that was arranged by Talons Out
whistled all the way down.
Honor Flight, a southwest Michigan chapter of a national
nonprofit that provides free, one-day trips for veterans to visit
The toilet was a damaged toilet, which was going to be
monuments and memorials in the nation's capital.
thrown overboard. One of our plane captains rescued it and
the ordnance crew made a rack, tailfins and nose fuse for it.
"Emma Didlake served her country with distinction and
Our checkers maintained a
honor, a true trailblazer for generations of Americans who have
position to block the view
sacrificed so much for their country," Obama said Monday
of the air boss and the
afternoon in a statement. "I was humbled and grateful to
Captain while the aircraft
welcome Emma to the White House last month, and Michelle
was taxiing forward. Just
and I send our deepest condolences to Emma's family, friends,
as it was being shot off we
and everyone she inspired over her long and quintessentially
got a 1MC message from
American life." Didlake was born in Alabama and moved with
the bridge, "What the hell
her family to Detroit in 1944. She was known to her family as
was on 572's right wing?"
"Big Mama" and recently moved to an assisted living family
in suburban Detroit. She was deemed the oldest U.S. veteran
There were a lot of jokes with air intelligence about germ
based on information gleaned by Honor Flight representatives
warfare. I wish that we had saved the movie film."
through national outreach campaigns.
4
Check out our new back yard!
by Donna Wright
If you haven't walked out the back door to see
the transformation of the back of the church, you are
invited to take a look. While planting plants in the
Labyrinth Garden I looked towards the back of the
church and realized the view was not a pleasant one.
I decided that with some money and a little hard
work we could turn this view into a feature for our
church. First was talking it up and describing what it
could be, and several people offered to help paint.
With the help of Robert Wright, Rick Richtarcik, Jim
Ory, Cindy Mayfield and myself, we painted the lower
part in one Saturday morning.
Thanks to the Flower Guild, Bonnie Hunt, Judy
Ford, Angie Elmore, Susan Richtarcik, Margaret Skelly,
Jim Ory and Martha Roberts, we could afford six selfwatering window boxes, new lights, and wood for
the shutters. Robert Wright built the
cedar shutters and I stained them.
Robert and Tom Roberts engineered
the hanging of the boxes and shutters
and Jim Ritch stopped by to offer some
advice.
The window boxes can also be
enjoyed from the inside as well. In the
winter they will have seasonal greens
and pansies.
There are plans for Jazz on the
Green and morning coffee hour. I am
The new look was the brainchild of Donna Wright, who snapped a "before" photo before
sure we will enjoy this area for years
beginning the project. She managed to recruit a team of helpers to tackle the job with her.
to come.
St. Elizabeth's
PICNIC 2015
Thanks to Bonnie & Don Hunt for
sharing your backyard party place
with us. It was a day of good food,
fellowship and fun.
Photos by
Amy
Anderson
5
Ou reach
at St. Elizabeth’s
Together we can do this
St. Elizabeth's helps CHP raise $50,047 at Gold Party
As usual, members of St. Elizabeth's were out in force
at the Community Helping Place's annual Gold Party.
Parishioners dressed for a party and enjoyed a silent and live auction, music and dancing,
and a catered meal during CHP's biggest fundraiser of the year. A good time was had by
all—just ask Millie! Photos by Amy Anderson (except for the one with her in it.)
CHP head to step down, new executive director sought
by Margo Booth
Reprinted from The Dahlonega Nugget
Brenda Cook, executive director of the Community
Helping Place, announced her forthcoming retirement at the
organization’s recent fundraising Gold Party.
Cook has served in her current position since 2007.
She will retire at the end of the year after 51 years in the
workforce, with “the most rewarding years being the past
23 years working with non-profit service organizations,
particularly, Community Helping Place,” she said.
At the event board member Fr. Albert Daviou praised
Cook for her leadership and for the growth of the agency
during her tenure. In 2014 the positive impact on the
community was something over $1,000,000, said Daviou. “Brenda is a shepherd, a steward
of our dollars—committed to seeing to it that they are spent only to the benefit of those in
need here in Lumpkin County,” he said. He also credited Cook with building a strong, stable
and committed staff.
“I was so honored and humbled by the moving tribute presented by Fr. Albert,” said
Cook. “It was a total surprise! I will always cherish the beautiful photo of the wild mustang
in the snow. It is a piece by photographer Ken Taylor that I had admired at last year’s Gold
Party. What a fitting retirement gift!”
The board is conducting a search for a replacement for Cook and hopes to have someone
in place by mid-November. The recent annual Gold Party, the biggest fundraiser of the year for the organization, was
“a wonderful success” said Cook. “There were over 200 in attendance and we exceeded our
$50,000 goal.” 6
Community Helping
Place board members
Ron Larsen, left, and Jim
Curtis present a gift to CHP
Executive Director Brenda
Cook at the organization’s
recent Gold Party, where
Cook announced her
retirement. Board member
Fr. Albert Daviou, pictured in
background, served as the
board’s spokesman as he
paid tribute to Cook.
Where you can lend support
COMMUNITY HELPING PLACE
Food Pantry: October Food Pantry needs are dozen
sized egg cartons and one pound packages of dried
beans. Thank you for your
support. Suzanne Ryerson
Christmas
Ornaments: The Christmas
Tree Ornaments to support
the work of the Community
Helping Place are here! This
year’s ornament features the
Community Helping Place Rock House. We have numbers
37 through 65 of the 600 limited edition ornaments. Each ornament is $20. Please make your check payable
to Community Helping Place and leave your check with
Annette in the office.
St. Elizabeth's Heavenly Hosts
Thanks to the Heavenly Hosts­—Melissa Lach, Bill
Hacker and Robert Wright­—for stepping out there and
representing St. Elizabeth's at Lumpkin Literacy's Annual
Spelling Bee. And, thanks to all their supporters in the
audience at the Holly Theater Sept. 24.
LUMPKIN LITERACY
Abra KadaveR: Lumpkin Literacy will host Abra Kadaver,
a fun night of costumes, food and adult beverages at
Dahlonega Funeral Home, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.
Participants are invited to come dressed as their favorite
author or literary character (or not). Admission to the
fundraising event that supports programs promoting
literacy in Lumpkin County is $35.
White Christmas drive begins
by Melissa Lach
Every year the Community Helping Place's White
Christmas program provides gifts and food to families in
need in Lumpkin County. St. Elizabeth's will be collecting
food for the Christmas baskets now through Nov. 16. The
following items are being requested.
NOTE: Community Helping Place also welcomes checks
that are then used to purchase food through the Food Bank.
Canned green beans
Canned corn
1 pound hams (no refrigeration required)—usually
available at Fresh & Frugal, Dahlonega
Instant mashed potatoes
Mac & cheese package
Cake mix and frosting
Jiffy cornbread mix
Canned fruit
Regular size cans; no petites or extra large, please.
NO ONE ALONE
NOA Sunday at St. Elizabeth's is Oct. 25. Twin size sheets
and canned goods are requested for the shelter.
NOA's Oktoberfest/Chili Cookoff: Cancelled due
to rain Oct. 3. Watch for the announcement of the new date
(probably in November) for this NOA fundraiser.
Eat out and support NOA: Local restaurants in
Dahlonega and Dawsonville have joined forces with No One
Alone to support their Dining for a Difference Campaign
over several months. A portion of your total bill will be
donated to NOA when you mention this program. NOA
provides services to victims of domestic violence in Lumpkin
and Dawson counties.
Monday, Oct. 5, 6-9 p.m., Longhorn’s (Dawsonville).
Oct. 13, 6-10 p.m.: Gustavo’s (Dahlonega).
Oct. 20, 6-9 p.m.: Corkscrew Café (Dahlonega)
Oct. 27, 5-9 p.m.: Kani House (Dawsonville)
Oct. 28, 5-8 p.m.: Zaxby’s (Dahlonega & Dawsonville)
Nov. 4, all day: Shenanigans (Dahlonega)
Nov. 11, all day: Bourbon Street Grille (Dahlonega)
Contact Jean Baker, 706-344-3853, www.NoOneAlone.org
for more information.
Lions recognize Suzanne
Suzanne Ryerson was recognized by the Dahlonega
Lions Club recently with a "Gold Medal Award" for
being "totally dedicated
to serving our fellow
man" and for "unselfish
devotion to helping your
fellow man." The club
"appreciates your gold
medal effort for improving
the quality of life in
Lumpkin County" the
certificate reads.
"I was humbled and
honored," said Suzanne.
John Raber made the
presentation.
Rainbow children's home
Golf Tourney: RCH will hold a fundraising golf
tournament at noon Sunday, Oct. 25, at Achasta. Cost is
$85 per player; sponsorships are available. Contact Melinda
Frausto for additional details, 706-864-5110, melinda.
[email protected].
LOBSTER DINNER: RCH's annual Lobster Dinner will take
place Friday, Nov. 6, at Achasta, 6-9 p.m. Tickets are $100.
Register at rainbowchildrenshome.org.
7
Introducing some of our newcomers
Compiled by Sue Spence
Carla Buchanan
Editor's note: Relative newcomer Sue Spence noticed
that it had been a while since we ran a newcomers' article
and volunteered to take on the project herself. Thanks Sue,
for stepping up and helping us meet our newest members. If
you are a newcomer and would like to be introduced to the
congregation in this way, please contact Sue at drsuzyq@
earthlink.net, or, tap her on the shoulder at church. You will
recognize her from her picture on this page.
Carla moved to the Dahlonega
area in 2011. She is originally from
Indianapolis, Indiana, but has
spent most of her life in the South.
She grew up in Greenville, S. C.,
and attended Furman University
there, graduating with degrees in
both Biology and Chemistry.
She has worked as an analytical
chemist in various industries in
SC, NC, and GA, the last 15 years
in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Her roles have included
Quality Control, Research and Development, Metrology, and
Drug Stability.
Carla enjoys most outdoor activities, such as mountain
biking, camping, and kayaking.
Darrell & Julie Woodall
Darrell and Julie Woodall moved to Dawsonville in January
of 2015. They were delighted to find St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal
Church in February. The friendly and warm congregation
at St. Elizabeth’s
made the decision
to belong an easy
one.
They are both
retired school
teachers. Darrell
taught all levels—
elementary, middle,
and high school.
His interests
include history,
sports, and U. S.
veterans’ activities.
Julie taught
elementary music. Her interests are piano, organ, voice, and
exercise. They raised two sons who live in the Atlanta area.
Darrell is a Lay Weeder and usher. Julie is a DOK and choir
member.
Amy Anderson, Michael Zose & Lexi
Michael and Amy moved to Dahlonega from Atlanta.
Michael’s family is from Austria, but he mainly grew up in
New York. Amy is from Rhode Island. They met in college at
William and Mary
in Virginia, then
subsequently
moved to Atlanta
together for
Michael’s job
and so Amy
could attend a
Neuroscience Ph.
D. Program at
Emory.
They got
married in 2009
and have been
living in Atlanta for the past 9 years. Amy is currently working
as a part-time biology professor at UNG (and full-time
mommy), and Michael is a health-care consultant for GAO.
Lexi was born August 17, 2014, and is currently 13 months
old.
In their free time, Michael, Amy, and Lexi enjoy hiking,
camping, and kayaking.
Sue Spence
Sue Spence moved from Alexandria, Virginia, to
Dawsonville in the fall of 2013. She was a full-time Speech
Pathologist for 49 years and a Full
Adjunct Professor of Psychology
and Speech at St. Leo University
for 6 years.
She has two daughters, Dianna
Spence Weissman and Fay Spence,
and three grandchildren, Amy,
Alison, and Anna Spence.
Sue’s career took her to the
states of California, Virginia,
Georgia, North Carolina, West
Virginia, Massachusetts, and
Oregon. Her travels took her to
Japan, England, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, Alaska, and
Russia. She is a big fan of opera and ballet. Fencing was her
sport of enjoyment.
Her last position was speech pathologist at the Leary
School of Virginia. She was there for 10 years.
Sue has an apartment in the home of her daughter Dianna
and son-in-law Peter. She is a volunteer at the Literacy
Coalition and hopes to begin teaching ESL there in December.
Jessica
Johnson
Here's another
new face, although
now quite familiar
to our parents of
young children.
Jessica Johnson
mans the nursery,
with the help of a
nursery volunteer,
every Sunday. She
is quite popular
with the younger
set.
8
Changes coming in St. Elizabeth's Foyers format
by Margo Booth
Traditionally Foyers at St. Elizabeth's
has involved small groups of people,
usually around eight, meeting in each
others' homes for a meal together. And,
traditionally, scheduling four gatherings
in a six month period has been difficult
for Foyers groups. We as a congregation
have many other interests, including
travel, family (especially grandchildren),
outdoor activities, and more. When
eight people sit down with their
calendars to plan a gathering, it can be
challenging.
Robbie Niles, who takes
responsibility for making sure the
groups are organized every six months,
has had multiple requests to change the
way Foyers works. And so, she recently
polled participants for their comments
and suggested changes.
Of the 15 people who responded
to Robbie's survey (representing
28 individuals), 80% were for the
suspension of Foyers and in favor of
monthly potluck suppers in the parish
hall instead.
One response Robbie shared with
those included in the poll came from
Martha Roberts. “Tom and I have always
enjoyed Foyers and every one of the
people involved, but we agree that,
due to low participation, it has lost
its purpose. ... My daughter said the
same thing occurred at her church;
just gradual dwindling of participants.
I think part of it has to do with busy
schedules and changes in the culture.
There is a lot out there vying for
peoples’ time,” wrote Martha.
"The spirit of Foyers is for a fairly
large group of people to get to know
each other as individuals through
gatherings in each others' homes, and
then move on to newly configured
groups," said Robbie. "I believe that as our congregation
grows and changes, there will most
likely come a time when Foyers will
again serve its proper function," said
Robbie. "Until then, let’s enjoy each
others' company as a community
interested in making newcomers feel
appreciated and loved by inviting them
to sit at our table at the get-together
after church and at more formal
informal pot-luck suppers in the parish
hall. Let’s at least give it a try!"
Keep tuned to the Saint Elizabeth’s
information highway for more details.
Lay weeders
are growing
Lay Weeders unite. Now is
the time to start getting the
grounds looking great for our
upcoming events.
Still looking for a few more
good weeders. See me for your
perfect spot.
Suzanne Ryerson
Pat Hughes will be tending
the juniper, and Michael Zose,
our newest Lay Weeder, will be
caring for the Holly trees in the
Memorial Garden, and around
the bench. Thanks guys.
New Sunday ombudsman
Bill Lach has assumed a new position at St.
Elizabeth's—that of Sunday ombudsman. It is
something like a verger, said Fr. Albert, with a black
robe but without the pointed staff.
Bill is responsible for making sure everyone who
has an assignment in the chancel is present and
that all jobs are covered, and that everything that
should be done in the chancel is being done. This
reduces some of the responsibility of the Vestry of
the Day, and also gives more continuity to the job
of making sure everything is as it should be.
9
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Aluminum pull tabs
St. Elizabeth’s collects aluminum can pull tabs to benefit
the Ronald McDonald House. The house is used to
temporarily house families of children being treated for
cancer or other serious illness at medical facilities. Please
save your drink can tabs and drop them in the “treasure
chest” in the Narthex.
Book Club
Our book for September-October is “Gilead”,
a novel by Marilynne Robinson. An old
pastor writes of his life and generations: his
father a pacifist, and grandfather, an
abolitionist in Kansas pre-Civil War. The
book has been called lyrical and moving,
and won a Pulitzer Prize in 2005. Copies
have been requested at our Lumpkin
County Library. Our next meeting will be
Oct. 19 - note 3rd Monday - at 6 p.m. at
Hoka-Hoka. John Ackermann
First Sunday Offering
On the first Sunday of every month the non-pledge offerings
go to support the Rector’s Discretionary Fund. You may also
designate funds to support the Discretionary Fund.
All Saints remembrance—
First Monday Cafe returns Oct. 5
The First Monday Soup Cafe is gearing up
again in October. The event takes place from
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first Monday
of the month during cooler weather in the
fellowship hall of Dahlonega United
Methodist Church. This year's dates
are: Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 4, Feb.
1 and March 7. Soup, bread, drink and
dessert are available for a $5 donation; all proceeds benefit
the Community Helping Place and Family Connection. Anyone
who would like to donate soups, desserts and cornbread
should deliver them between 9-11 a.m. The soup should be
warm. Any non-disposable containers should have a name tag.
See Suzanne Ryerson for additional information.
submit names by Oct. 21
As has been our custom at Saint Elizabeth's, we will
be remembering all those who have died on All Saints
Sunday, Nov. 1. All names are read in the context of the
Eucharistic Prayer. We will have a sign up sheet in the Narthex for you to
list the names of loved ones to be remembered. If the
person died since All Saints Day 2014, please place an
asterisk by their name. Please print legibly so the name
will be properly transcribed for the bulletin. You may also
email names of the deceased to Annette at: annette.lowe.
[email protected].
All names must be in the office by Oct. 21.
Diocese of Atlanta ECW annual meeting
Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Atlanta will gather
for their annual meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at St.
Margaret's Episcopal Church in Carrollton. All women of the
Episcopal churches in Middle and North Georgia are welcome.
Lunch is $15. For registration and information visit the
organization's new website, www.atlantaECW.org
Mikell Folk School's fall weekend
The Fall Folk School at Camp Mikell in Toccoa is Oct. 16-18
and will offer classes in copper enameling, woodturning,
chainmaille, weaving, independent study and stained glass
(though that class is already filled). For more information and
registration visit campmikell.com.
calendar
The following have regular meeting times,
and only changes are included in the calendar below:
SUN 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Nursery open)
11:00 a.m. Coffee
TUES 9:15 a.m.
Holy Eucharist
10 a.m.
MOBS
WED 6:15 p.m. Choir pracice
Thurs9:30 a.m. Piece Makers
11:30 a.m. FABS—Cancelled until Nov. 5
October
Month of October: Fr. Albert is on sabbatical. Church
office closed on Wednesdays.
FLOWERS SIGN-UP SHEET
There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex for each Sunday of the
year for your memorial or thanksgiving gift of fresh flowers.
More than one gift may be honored in the bulletin on any
given Sunday, so don’t be deterred if someone has already
signed up on your day. Requested donation is $35. Make check
payable to Saint Elizabeth’s, designate “for Flowers,” and drop
it in the collection plate. Robbie Niles
Bakers needed for visitors' gifts
It is the custom to greet visitors and newcomers with a loaf
of bread honoring the tradition of hospitality and our patron
saint, Elizabeth of Hungary. We need more people willing to
bake and bring bread on Sunday mornings. Currently bakers
are asked to bring bread once a month on a rotating basis. If
you are interested in learning more, please contact Judy Ford.
11 19
22
27
27
29
Safeguarding God's Children class
Book Club at Hoka Hoka, 6 p.m.
Piecemakers meets at Martha Roberts' home
Daughters of the King, 10 a.m.
Tidings deadline
Pastoral Care Committee, 5 p.m.
November
1
All Saints Sunday
Outreach Meeting after service
5
FABS resumes
10
SCHEDULE OF SERVICE
Celebrant & Preacher:
Readers:
Chalice Bearers:
Prayers of the People:
Crucifer/Server/Acolyte:
Nursery
Ushers:
Altar Guild:
Flower Guild:
Hospitality:
Bread Ministry:
Lay Eucharistic Visitors:
Tellers:
Vestry of the Day:
October 4
(1st Sunday)
October 11
(2nd Sunday)
Rev. Bill Combs
Wilma B/Donna W
Terry A/Betty G
Donna Wright
Robert W/Bill L
Millie Alexander
Sharon M/B Hartman
Sharon M/Cally P
Cathy Ritch
Bill Hartman
Elaine Clark
Martha Roberts
B Hacker/Pat H
David Connolly
Rev. Bill Combs
Margo B/Lloyd C
Terry A/Betty G
Teresa Hughes
B Hacker/Robert W
Rita Channell
Darryl W/B Hartman
Pat H/Teresa H
Robbie N/Jan W
Bonnie Hunt
Susan Richtarcik
TBA
Lloyd C/Larry C
Suzanne Ryerson
November 1
(1st Sunday)
Readers:
Chalice Bearers:
Prayers of the People:
Crucifer/Server/Acolyte:
Nursery
Ushers:
Altar Guild:
Flower Guild:
Hospitality:
Bread Ministry:
Lay Eucharistic Visitors:
Tellers:
Vestry of the Day:
Wilma/Lloyd/Dyann/Margo
David C/Jackie P
Margo Booth
Betty G/Bill H
Pat Daviou
Sharon M/B Hartman
Sharon M/Cally P
Cathy Ritch
Nancy R/Millie A
Elaine Clark
TBA
Judy F/Tom R
Millie Alexander
November 8
(2nd Sunday)
Teresa H/Pat H
Garry M/Susan R
Lloyd Cupp
Betty G/Bill H
Pat Daviou
B Hartman/Darryl W
Pat H/Teresa H
Robbie N/Jan W
Jackie Peabody
Susan Richtarcik
TBA
Lloyd C/Larry C
Jimmy Booth
FINANCIAL SUMMARY • August 2015
Operating Accts
Actual Budget
Plate Receipts
$
1,595
$
Pledge Receipts
11,145
Interest
8
Diocesan Grant
0
Total Income
12,748
Total Expense 13,364
Difference
(616)
Rev. Paul Roberts
Garry M/Betty G
Lloyd C/Gabby M
Jackie Peabody
Robert W/B Hacker
Millie Alexander
Clarks & Elmores
Bill & Carol M
Robbie Niles
Robbie Niles
Florence Roberts
TBA
Walton P/B Hacker
Sharon McWhorter
birthdays
Oct. 3
Oct. 15
Oct. 19
Oct. 25 Oct. 26 Oct. 28 Oct. 29
Brett Barger
Dan Strott
Chris Greene
Jackie Peabody
Wilma Bammer
Bill Lach
Marilou Kinney
Carla Strott
October 25
(4th Sunday)
Don Black
Pat H/Donna W
Martha & Tom R
Wilma Bammer
Robert W/Bill L
Rita Channell
B Hacker/B Hartman
Melissa L/Jackie P
Donna Wright
Mike & Linda B
Molly Callender
TBA
Pat H/Mike B
David Connolly
anniversaries
October 8
Chet & Janet Barger
October 8
Bud & Ann Rickard
October 17
Bruce & Robyn Pichler
October 23
Garry & Cindi Mayfield
food pantry Schedule
Oct. 2
Oct. 9
Oct. 16
Oct. 23
Oct. 30
Nov. 6
Nov. 13
Trina Pellegrino, Martha Roberts, Sheila Noah
Teresa Hughes, Garry Mayfield, Paul Hamm
Chet Barger, Ginny Ingram, John Ackermann
Judy Ford, Lloyd & Sheila Cupp
Ginny Ingram, Martha Roberts, Sheila Noah
Trina Pellegrino, Garry Mayfield, Paul Hamm
John Ackermann, Ginny Ingram, Judy Ford
NOTICE TO ALL WHO SERVE
Please be at church 15 minutes ahead of the service time and
check in with the Vestry Person of the Day.
833
13,079
9
125
14,047
15,267
(1,220)
Who To Contact
FINANCIAL SUMMARY • YEAR TO DATE
Operating Accts
October 18
(3rd Sunday)
Actual Budget
Plate Receipts
$
15,839
$
6,667
Pledge Receipts
90,000
104,634
Interest
62
72
Diocesan Grant
0
1,000
Total Income105,901112,373
Total Expense 119,246118,687
Difference
(13,345)
(6,314)
August summary from Bob Ingram
As treasurer I get distressed when an expense line is
over budget. The exception to that is nursery salary and
expense.
There was no nursery salary and expense last year so
the budget committer did not budget for 2015. Thanks
to newcomers, we have children in the nursery this year.
What a wonderful reason to be over budget.
11
Altar Guild.......................................... Helen Long
Servers & Chalice Bearers................... Fr. Albert
Bread Ministry.......................................Judy Ford
Ushers.................................................Bill Hartman
Congregational Care............... Marilou Kinney
Daughters of the King.....................Pat Hughes
Refreshments...................................Robbie Niles
Episcopal Church Women........Linda Bunting
Men’s Club................................John Ackermann
Book Club.................................John Ackermann
Memorial Garden............................ John Barber
Pet Memorial Garden............. Amanda Ballew
Piece Makers............................. Susan Richtarcik
Outreach.................................. Suzanne Ryerson
Choir...................................................... Carla Strott
Adopt-a-Road.........................Cathy McLendon
Foyers.................................................Robbie Niles
Flower Guild.....................................Robbie Niles
Newsletter....................................... Margo Booth
Piece Makers update
by Susan Richtarcik
I haven't written much this year about our Piece
Makers but we have all been very busy. For the 2nd year Piece Makers have made purple hats
for the Click for Babies Program, to promote awareness of
the shaken baby syndrome.
On Sept. 24 Father Albert blessed 159 beautiful purple
hats. We then packed them up and I mailed them out to
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. It's an important project
and it was wonderful to be asked to participate again this
year. One of our ladies deserves a special thank you for
crocheting over 100 hats. Thank you Carol Maybach, and
thanks to all Piece Makers because you all are fantastic!
Several of us are now making prayer shawls and others
are constantly working on more hats, scarves, etc. that
we will distribute to various charities in Lumpkin County.
(More about this in a future Tidings.)
Thank you so much, ladies, for agreeing to take on
these projects. It is going to be a banner year for what we
produce. (I promise to let you rest after December.)
Fr. Albert blessed 159
purple hats made by
the Piece Makers. They
have been sent to
Children's Healthcare
of Atlanta to promote
awareness of Shaken
Baby Syndrome.
Saint Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church
1188 Hamp Mill Rd., Dahlonega, GA 30533
(706) 864-5423 • www.stelizabethepiscopal.com
Office hours: Monday - Wednesday: 9 a.m. to noon,
Thursday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Rev. Albert G. Daviou, Rector
Available by appointment during week except Fridays
[email protected]
The Vestry:
David Connolly, Senior Warden
Rick Hayes, Junior Warden
Millie Alexander • Jimmy Booth
Sharon McWhorter • Suzanne Ryerson
Newsletter Editor:
Margo Booth
[email protected]
Bulletin Editor/Webmaster
Robbie Niles, [email protected]
Diocese of Atlanta
The Rt. Rev. Robert Christopher Wright, Bishop
www.episcopalatlanta.org
12