The Apostle`s Standard - St. Bartholomew`s Episcopal Church
Transcription
The Apostle`s Standard - St. Bartholomew`s Episcopal Church
The Apostle’s Standard June 2016 Edition The Apostle’s Standard St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church June 2016 ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church 1790 LaVista Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30329 Matthew 22:39 St. Bartholomew’s Celebrates World Refugee Day, Sunday June 19. 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. (September—May) Choral Evensong 1st Sunday of the Month, 5:00 p.m. (September—May) Taizé Service 2nd Mondays, 8:00 p.m. Wednesdays 12:10 p.m. Healing & Holy Eucharist . Morning Prayer Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., Chapel Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., Chapel Thursday in Spanish, 8:30 a.m., Chapel (September—May) RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Scotty Greene Vestry Liaison Outreach & Social Justice Georgia is home for over 25,000 of these refugees from 66 different countries. Refugee families come to this country with the clothes on their back, maybe some personal belongings, little or no money, and usually speaking no English. In addition to the personal cultural upheaval, to survive they must cope with the multiple, byzantine challenges of health, housing, education, and employment bureaucracies. ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ -Matthew 22:39 World Refugee Day Sunday, June 19 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. 16 Sixteen years ago the United Nations General Assembly established June 20 as World Refugee Day to raise awareness of the plight of millions of people who flee their home countries to escape persecution and physical harm because of their religion, nationality, race, political opinion or membership in a social group. As of the end of 2015 the United Nations estimates that there are almost 60 Million refugees or internally displaced people in their own countries around the world. Fifteen million of that number live in the United States. Some ten years ago, through the leadership of Christina Dondero and Sharon Steele, St. Bartholomew’s joined faith communities around the nation to welcome refugee families and assist them in re-settling in their new homes. Over this time St. Bart’s parishioners have sponsored eight families, 40 souls, from Rwanda, Eritrea, Burma, and Thailand. Today, St. Bart’s sponsors our families from Burma and Eritrea. Karen and Paul Werner are the primary sponsors for these families. What does that mean? It means rental assistance from the Church for the first three months, Karen and Paul visiting with them weekly, welcoming them, helping them find their way, resettle and adjust to their new homes. They coordinate parish volunteers who help with transportation, translation, arranging medical appointments, doing what it takes to get kids into school, finding employment, for English tutors, and moving them into housing. It means love in action for the stranger. On Sunday, June 19, we will celebrate World Refugee Day by welcoming our refugee family from Eritrea, Fiseha, Megbe, and their children Agape, Cover article continued on next page... FINANCIAL & VESTY HIGHLIGHTS WORLD REFUGEE DAY Treasurer’s Report—May From Eritrea, Megbe, Fiseha, Agape, and Arsema. Also, Paul Werner, one of their primary sponsors, and Colin Reynolds, their English tutor. From Burma, Do, Lun Lun, Kai, and Dim holding Sang and Arsema, as well as our refugee family from Burma, Do and Dim and their children Kai, Lun Lun, and Sang, to worship with us at the 10:30 service and honoring Honoring them at a coffee reception following the service. There will be a special Adult Formation class at 9:30 where we will see excerpts from a documentary on the refugee resettlement experience and discuss refugee resettlement, led by Hope Gray, a representative with our resettlement partner New American Pathways. Please join St. Bartholomew’s special celebration of WORLD REFUGEE DAY. (if you are interested in becoming a lead refugee family sponsor or volunteering to assist refugees please contact Karen Werner, [email protected]) Sincerely, Scotty Greene Vestry Liaison for Outreach Despite having 5 Sundays in May, our pledge income for May was slightly below budget ($59,684 vs. $61,361budgeted per month). Our income from other sources also below budget, so our total income for May was $67,249 (well below our budgeted monthly income of $71,395). Nonetheless, our YTD total income is still above the budgeted figure by $18,187. Our expenses for May were $55,102 – significantly below our budgeted expenses of $71,395. Essentially all of the difference between the budgeted and actual figures was related to personnel, since we were not paying a rector’s salary in May. Our YTD expenses (which were above the budgeted YTD expenses by $5,526 last month), are now below the budged YTD expenses by $10,767. Thus, at the end of May, we were running a surplus of $28,953. Our operating account balance was $152,035, and we had approximately $22,500 in reserve and investment accounts. This places us in a good position going into the summer. Nonetheless, I would urge all of us to stay current in our pledges over the summer, in order to keep us in good financial health as we look to welcome an interim rector this summer and a new rector sometime next year. Respectfully submitted, 2016 BUDGET REPORT ANNUAL BUDGET INCOME Pledges Loose Offering Undesignated Special Offerings Building Use Reimbursement Investment Income Extra Unpledged Receipts Lenten Alms Kitchen Revenue TOTAL EXPENSES Personnel Diocese of Atlanta Debt Service Administration Children's Christian Education Adult Christian Education Continuing Education Evangelism Finance Outreach Guild of Ten Talents Parish Life Pastoral Care Property Stewardship Youth Ministry Worship Music Program Arts Ministry TOTAL May TO-DATE ACTUAL May TO-DATE BUDGET 736,336 6,000 68,000 24,658 20,500 50 1,200 856,744 573,569 82,093 19,061 105,130 5,030 350 6,500 190 6,600 13,000 550 700 28,971 2,000 1,550 2,100 9,350 856,744 Marla Gearing Treasurer The Vestry was advised that the expenses for Mac’s farewell event exceeded donations and agreed to accept any further donations offered. Any remaining deficit will be covered by the operating budget. 2 15 1 Jody England 1 Benjamin Gilmore 1 Evan Willis 2 Sheryl Sloane 1 Daniel Heintjes 2 Emily Wehby 2 Evelyn DuVal 3 Stephanie Linz-Gould 3 Sarah Morey 3 Thomas Heintjes 3 Emily Gwynn 4 Max Chesnut-Anne 3 Mattie Martinez 4 Carol Newsom 4 Pete DeBruin 4 Amelia Harmon 4 Wes Sargent 6 Bill Heustess 4 Marsha Bond 6 Raz Schreiber 4 Deborah Vander Lande 6 David Carter 5 Andrew Booth 22 Virginia Murray 6 John Lavier 6 Krista Wuchter 22 Carolyn Scott 7 Ben Carroll 7 Peggy Courtright 22 Bobbi Geery 7 Matt Beard 7 Zachary Lancaster 23 Eli Brush 7 Sally Herrmann 8 Kristin Sargent 23 Zachary Anderson 8 Joe Wisniewski 9 Cathy Agel 23 Jacob Crofford 8 Erin Rose Johnson 9 Debra Lankenau 9 John Zellars 9 Kathy Koporec 9 Bill Davies 10 Lynsey Barron 10 Eleanor Pritchett 10 Louise Turner 10 Jenny Barber 11 Ron Peterson 11 Charlene Zimmerman 11 Shannon Orr 11 Susan Atkinson 10 Dave Courtright 10 Tom Curl 10 Mandy Suhr-sytsma 11 Mike Wolfe 11 Heidi Tauscher 11 Chelsea Leversedge 12 Carmen Rivera-Dubocq 13 Ann Johnston 13 Elise Curl 13 Beckett Poole 14 Carl Whigham 14 J. R. Phillips 15 Lisa Ellis 16 Babs Douglas 17 Dan Niccum 17 Owen Bryant- 18 Max Lasseter 19 Margaret Manoharan 19 Steve Nowicki 19 John Culbertson 19 Laura Hammond 20 Mary White 21 Mary Kimberly 22 Jenna Teston 22 Jo Flick 14 HAPPENINGS AROUND ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN JULY TO....! HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN JUNE TO…! 23 Catherine Howett 23 Matt Unwin 26 Ken Lockerman 27 Rick Day 27 Callan Wells 27 Kathleen Barber 27 Paul Smith 28 Ng Okafor 28 Katherine Roberts 29 Anne Carroll 29 Daniel Miller 30 Melissa Chanin 30 Nelson Wright 30 Leela Mehta 14 Jonathan Courtright 15 Polly Becton 15 Logan Casey 15 Keith Harper 16 Arlene Morey 17 Ruben Hester 17 Elizabeth Martin 18 Sandy Souther 18 Laurie Amerson 18 Shelby Morris 18 Isaac Chanin 18 Margot Wells 18 Zoey Hammond 19 Paul Whitaker 19 Patrick Gleason 19 Trevor Graetz 20 Kip Scheidler PARISH WEEKEND 2016 CELEBRANDO DIVERSIDAD —JUST MORE SO! We Need Workshop Presenters! September 9-11, 2016, Camp Mikell, Toccoa, GA Do you hear the call to be a workshop presenter at our next annual Parish Weekend? Following feedback and requests we are continuing to celebrate the many diverse histories, gifts, talents and quirks among us. You are invited to lead a workshop of either approximately 1 or 3 hours, according to substance. Think intergenerational, intercultural, inter-relational and inter-spiritual! Let The Rev. Beverley Elliott, [email protected], know of your questions and ideas. Last year we had Indian dancing, Appalachian prayer candle making, Australian boomerang painting, Coming-Out storytelling and many more, just to give you some ideas. Even if you don’t plan on presenting a Workshop, DO mark your calendar, as we want ALL St. Bartians’ to be there! 20 Darby Hammond 21 Betty Whitaker 21 Marcia King 21 Jeevan Michael 21 Connor Curl 23 Steve Smith 23 Robert Brown 23 Monica Berg 24 Roz Dewart 25 Richard Carroll VESTRY HIGHLIGHTS 25 Sophie Ledden 25 Isabella Flyte Financial Information 26 Russell Smith 27 Anne Dunlop 28 Jenna Ellis 28 Sharon Dixon 29 Page Love Smith 30 Rick Peavy 30 Eliza Pannill 30 Emma Morey 30 Alexa Lee 31 Bill Voorhies 31 Martha Bishop 31 Loren Williams The treasurer reported that April’s pledge income was $14,385 below budget, but this was largely offset by other receipts; total income was below budget by $1,906. YTD total income is above budget by $22,336. April operating expenses were significantly above budget $84,798 versus $71,395. Majority was related to closing out Mac’s payroll expenses with accrued vacation pay. Other contributors to the overage were a high water bill, that is being investigated and the timing of an insurance payment. Result was a monthly deficit of $13,403. YTD, expenses are over budget by $5,526. Year to date, there is a surplus of $16,809 and we have over $104,000 in our operating account. Other Actions The Vestry was advised that the Endowment Board approved the request for lighting control system and was still considering the request for kitchen equipment. The Vestry discussed the remaining proposals for use of the 2016 distribution, which had not been acted upon in April. The Vestry approved the request from the Outreach Committee to fund a project intended to increase awareness and involvement in Outreach ministries ($10,000), a request to fulfill our commitment to the Haiti ministry ($2,800), and a request to fund the development of ‘as-built’ drawings in support of the LTBC planning work ($1,500). The Vestry did not take action on the other requests. The Vestry asked the Executive Committee to conduct interviews with candidates for Interim Rector and make a recommendation to the Vestry. The Vestry agreed on a process for creating a list of parishioners to be asked to serve on the Nominating Committee. The Vestry was advised that the expenses for Mac’s farewell event exceeded donations and agreed to accept any further donations offered. Any remaining deficit will be covered by the operating budget. 3 HAPPENINGS IN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH CHRISTIAN THEOLOGIANS CALL FOR COURAGE - IN A TIME OF FEARFUL PUBLIC DISCOURSE At the end of May, the Workgroup on Constructive Theology produced and distributed a video titled Fear Not!, which encourages Christians to respond in faith to the dangerous and fearful public discourse of our current political season. The workgroup, which was established in 1976, consists of an intentionally diverse membership of Ph.D. theologians whose work focuses on Christian theology and practice in relation to contemporary social justice issues. Representing a broad range of Christian traditions and perspectives, the workgroup is an ecumenical community of scholars who bring the resources of theology to bear on the pressing issues of our time. Over the past forty years, successive generations of workgroup members have published a dozen books together, including Christian Theology: An Introduction to Its Traditions and Tasks (Fortress, 1982), Reconstructing Christian Theology (Augsburg Fortress, 1994), and Constructive Theology: A Contemporary Approach to Classical Themes (Augsburg Fortress, 2005). Their latest publication, Awake to the Moment (Westminster John Knox Press, 2016), will be released in September. Fear Not! is the first video created by the workgroup. It is intended to speak quickly and directly to current political realities. “This is a moment of particular urgency when thoughtful Christian voices are needed in our public discourse,” said workgroup member Shannon Craigo-Snell, a professor of theology at Louisville Presbyterian theological Seminary. MEMBERSHIP UPDATES & MEMORIALS & GIFT WELCOME: Mary & Patrick Gleason 1329 University Dr. Atlanta, GA 30306 678-640-2058 Weddings Adonis Bovell & Ngozi Okafor Greg Cook & Doug Weaver Baptisms Mackey Miller Transferred Out Richard Byrd to St. John’s, Johnson City, TN MEMORIALS & GIFTS 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 – FOR USE BY MUSIC DEPARTMENT IN MEMORY OF CHRISTINE DE CATANZARO OTHER SUPPLIES AND FOOD FOR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL The video can be viewed in its entirety at https://youtu.be/8xW2gbLr-lQ. It was produced by Rev. Landon Whitsitt who serves the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as Executive of the Synod of Mid-America. Workgroup members encourage the dissemination of Fear Not! to as many people as possible. The video transcript is also available at http://goo.gl/cmVCli for classroom or liturgical use. DEATH John Fredrick ‘Fred’ Agel, Sr. UPDATED PARISHIONER INFORMATION: EPISCOPAL PUBLIC POLICY NETWORK LAUNCHES ELECTION ENGAGEMENT TOOLS We are pleased to offer a number of tools and resources for Episcopal congregations and individuals interested in engaging in the election this year. Offerings include an Election Engagement Toolkit featuring information on nonpartisan activities, an Episcopal Pledge to Vote, and opportunities for advocacy on voting rights. Kendall & Kerry Lockerman 441 Clairemont Ave. #1220 Decatur, GA 30030 404-292-6669 The Election Engagement Toolkit includes resources on how to host a candidate forum or a voter registration drive, call for civil discourse in the election, and more. We are also calling on Episcopalians to take an Episcopal Pledge to Vote and commit to voting in the general election. On our website, we offer a state-by-state election map with information on voter registration deadlines and candidates. Sarah & Canon Smith 2611 Brookhaven View, NE Brookhaven, GA 30319 For Episcopalians, engaging in the election must go beyond simply casting a ballot. Official Episcopal policy recognizes voting and political participation as acts of Christian stewardship, calling upon congregations to engage in conversation on public policy issues, to develop voter registration and issue education campaigns, and to advocate for protection of voting rights. We are committed to supporting Episcopalians in these engagement efforts. Find all election engagement materials and download the election engagement toolkit at http://advocacy.episcopalchurch.org/episcopal/EpiscopaliansVote 4 13 PRAYERS FOR ALL FOR PARISHIONERS NEEDING OUR PRAYERS: Mark Vetterling; Jane Terry, rehab; Taylor Lewis, chronic pain; Robert Andrews; Doris Maisel, Home Hospice; Danny Schieman; Pebbles King; Eliza Pannill; Susan Casey and team; Gary DeBacher, recovery from illness; Louise Floyd; Angela Smith, eye surgery for leaking retina; Chemin Rogers, healing for Rheumatoid Arthritis; Al Persons, heart rate irregularities; Cliff Schane, recovering illness; Kerry Lockerman; FOR THOSE WHO ARE EXPECTING CHILDREN: Meredith & Taylor Harper. FOR THANKSGIVING: Safe arrival of Ella Libby Greene and Wilder Isaac Greene, twin grandchildren of Anne Greene FOR THOSE UNABLE TO ATTEND CHURCH: Len Fabian; June Henry; Jim Curtis; Jean Smith; Virginia Anne Holmes. FAMILY IN THE ARMED SERVICES: Stephan Leong, cousin of Ron Peterson 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 FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR WHOM PRAYER HAS BEEN REQUESTED:* Jane Pannill, mother of Knox Pannill, recovery; Genie Williams, friend of Linda Erhard, cancer; Stella Warhol, friend of Linda Erhard, moved to assisted living; Jim Parker, brother-in-law of Robin Schreiber, kidney cancer; Jeanette; Salvattore Marsala, father of Vince Marsala; Wade Freeman, son-in-law of Grace Barr; Jamie Lowman, son of Peg & Jim Lowman; Caleb, nephew of Jo Flick; Evelyn Casey, mother of Susan Casey, reoccurrence of cancer; Lucy Erhard, mother of Linda Erhard, age related frailty; Judy Barban, sister of Frances Calder; Dick and Ev Holifield, Will Hampshire, friends Babs and George Douglas; 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; Jane Pannill, mother of Knox Pannill, health issues; Jean Temple, friend of Keith Harper; Bill Armstrong, parish IT consultant, heart failure; Mark Kulyk, brother of Maggie Kulyk, aggressive brain cancer; Bob Cosby, brother of Peggy Courtright, cancer; Robb Henshaw, brother of Susan Dugan, heart issues; Pam Scaff, friend of Susan Dugan, chemotherapy; Flora Burton and Sonia, friends of Lily Ann Rein; Aaron Williams, nephew of Loren Williams, aplastic anemia; Beth Wellborn, sister-in-law of Anne Greene, cancer; Kathryn Nowrack, friend of Anne Greene, recovery from stroke. FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED AND THEIR FAMILIES: John Fredrick ‘Fred’ Agel, Sr., husband of Cathy, father of John, longtime parishioner Marlene Linz, daughter-in-law of Fran Linz George, father of Rebecca Wolfe *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 Rev. Bev, Fr. Austin or Keith Harper in the church office. 12 EPISCOPAL CHURCH LAUNCHES ELECTION ENGAGEMENT CAMPAIGN “If we who are Christians participate in the political process and in the public discourse as we are called to do — the New Testament tells us that we are to participate in the life of the polis, in the life of our society — the principle on which Christians must vote is the principle, Does this look like love of neighbor?" – Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, March 2016 Episcopalians can live out our call to care for our neighbors as ourselves by engaging in the public square. This November 8, our nation will head to the polls to decide a number of important elections, and there are many opportunities for Episcopalians to engage in this electoral process. Official Episcopal policy recognizes voting and political participation as acts of Christian stewardship, calling upon congregations to engage in conversation on public policy issues, to develop voter registration and issue education campaigns, and to advocate for protection of voting rights. A faithful commitment to political participation aligns with our Baptismal Covenant’s promise to “strive for justice and peace and respect the dignity of every human being.” There are several ways you and your congregation can answer the call to faithfully engage in the electoral process. This page is dedicated to assisting you in navigating some of the important issues in this election season such as addressing poverty, protecting voting rights, and engaging in civil discourse. “ENGAGING IN ELECTIONS IS ONE WAY WE CAN LIVE OUT OUR CALL TO CARE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS AS OURSELVES.” “ELECTION ENGAGEMENT GOES BEYOND SIMPLY CASTING A BALLOT, BUT INCLUDES ENGAGING IN CIVIL DISCOURSE AND PROTECTING VOTING RIGHTS." -Lacy Broemel Manager for Communications and Operations, in the Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations 5 SUMMER ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION OFFERING SUMMER YOUTH HAPPENINGS GOD GOES TO THE MOVIES…SHOWING NOW! Upcoming Youth Events Reflecting on films has proved to be a popular way at St. Bartholomew’s of reflecting on God and our inner lives. One Sunday this June or July would you like to show parts of a film, documentary or made for TV series? Contact Beverley Elliott, [email protected] to express interest and receive details for a suggested class format. This week our movie is Inside Out (details in the column to the left), which is suitable for children and youth, as well as adults. June 12: Inside Out is a 2015 American 3D computer-animated comedy-drama adventure film. The film is set in the mind of a young girl named Riley Andersen (Kaitlyn Dias), where five personified emotions—Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), and Disgust (Mindy Kaling)—try to lead her through life as her parents (Diane Lane and Kyle MacLachlan) move from Minnesota to San Francisco and she has to adjust to her new life. The film's producers consulted numerous psychologists, who helped revise the story by emphasizing the neuropsychological findings that human emotions affect interpersonal relationships and can be significantly moderated by them. Presented by Beverley Elliott and Christen Erskine. June 19: Moving to Mars. The story of a refugee family’s journey from Burma to a new life in England. The film reveals the steep challenges (literally like moving to another planet!) that a “new life” in a 21st Century western country brings to a refugee family. This is one part of our Workd Refugee Day Celebration. Presented by Hope Gray. June 26: Nineteen Eighty-Four. Two principal films have been made of George Orwell’s novel, one in 1956 and another in 1984. The novel is a form of study about how bad things might be in a totalitarian society if they were as bad as they could possibly be. The world is divided into three totalitarian SuperSates in a constant state of war designed to consume the products of society, and people are under constant, unrelenting surveillance: Big Brother is Watching You. We’ll view scenes from both movies and consider the idea of an absolute tyranny with no way out, contrasted with Christian redemption. Presenter by Bob Van Keuren. July 3: TBD: Would you like to present your special Movie? Maybe something patriotic? Yes? Excellent! Contact Rev. Beverley at [email protected]. July 10: Kumare is an American 2011 documentary film directed by Vikram Gandhi. A provocative social experiment-turned-documentary, Kumare follows American filmmaker Vikram Gandhi as he transforms himself into a wise Indian guru, hoping to prove the absurdity of blind faith. Instead, he finds himself forging profound connections with people from all walks of life -- and wondering if and when to reveal his true self. Will his followers accept his final teaching? Can this illusion reveal a greater spiritual truth? Winner of South by Southwest's Audience Award, Kumare is an insightful look at faith. Presented by Steve Smith. July 17: Brooklyn tells the profoundly moving story of Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Lured by the promise of America, Eilis departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother's home for the shores of New York City. The initial shackles of homesickness quickly diminish as a fresh romance sweeps Eilis into the intoxicating charm of love. But soon, her new vivacity is disrupted by her past, and Eilis must make choices between two countries and the lives that exist in both. Presented by Mark Elberfeld. July 24: White Like Me, based on the work of acclaimed anti-racist educator and author Tim Wise, explores race and racism in the U.S. through the lens of whiteness and white privilege. In a stunning reassessment of the American ideal of meritocracy and claims that we've entered a postracial society, Wise offers a fascinating look back at the race-based white entitlement programs that built the American middle class, and argues that our failure as a society to come to terms with this legacy of white privilege continues to perpetuate racial inequality and race-driven political resentments today. Presented by Deb Aring. July 31: TBD! 6 The Rev. Austin McGehee, Associate Rector [email protected], (404) 634-3336, ex. 222 July 10—15 Sunday—Friday Diocesan Mission Trip atlSERVE Atlanta, GA Rising 7th—8th grade Youth July 10—15 Sunday—Friday Diocesan Mission Trip Birmingham Birmingham, AL Rising 9th thru just graduated high school DIOCESAN MISSION TRIP ATLSERVE | JULY 10-15 This is our first middle school Diocesan Mission Trip! The diocese has partnered with All Saints' Atlanta to provide a tailored mission trip experience. What will the nature of our work be? Our weekly schedule is filling up with some great work projects. Youth and adults will be put on teams and will serve in a variety of ways. So far, our service will include the following: volunteering with Meals on Wheels, a YMCA program, Smart Lunch Smart Kid, the Atlanta Food bank, and Emmaus House. You must register to make the $55 deposit. The payments are 3 identical payments of $90. You can make them online or mail in a check to the Diocese. If needed, please choose pay later during the registration process. Contact us for any questions. When: July 10-15 Where: Atlanta, Georgia Who: Rising 7-8th grade youth Cost: $325 per youth and $150 per adult chaperone Go here to learn more, http://www.eycdioatl.org/uploads/4/6/5/7/46578657/flyer_% 7C_mt_atlserve.pdf, or contact Easton Davis at [email protected] or call him at (404) 343-9870. DIOCESAN MISSION TRIP BIRMINGHAM | JULY 10-15 This will be our first high school Diocesan Mission Trip! The diocese has partnered with YouthWorks to provide a tailored Episcopalian mission trip experience for the youth of the diocese. The first half of the week, participants will spend time serving the local community of Birmingham by leading bible lessons, games, and making crafts with community children. The other half of the week, participants will be involved in activities with local organizations to meet various needs of the community. These activities include serving at a food shelter, working in clothing distribution, working at a soup kitchen, or serving at an elderly care facility. Registration can be found here. Online payments can be found here. You must register and make the $60 deposit online or contact us. If needed, please choose pay later. When: July 10-15 Where: Birmingham, AL Who: Rising 9th thru just graduated high school Cost: $375 per youth and $250 per adult chaperone Go here to learn more, http://www.eycdioatl.org/uploads/4/6/5/7/46578657/mt_% 7C_birmingham.pdf, or contact Easton Davis at [email protected] or (404) 3439870. 11 CHOIR & FINE ARTS NEWS TREBLE CHOIR Do you know a child who loves to sing? The Treble Choir of St. Bartholomew’s (ages 7 and up) teaches musical skills, vocal technique, teamwork, liturgy, spirituality, and above all – belonging to something greater than ourselves. Join us in a 1000 year old tradition of youth leadership in music! The 2016-2017 choral season will include a Treble Choir tour the weekend of January 14, 2017! Contact Shannon Gallier, Organist-Choirmaster, to set up a vocal interview with your future chorister at [email protected], 404-634-3336, ext. 228 SUMMER CHOIR! Ever thought of taking the Choir out for a test drive? Join us this summer on Sundays at 9:25 a.m. in the choir loft! We’ll take 30 minutes to prepare a simple anthem. During the summer, the choir program is more relaxed – no vestments, no processions – but we still like to keep up our musical standard by offering an anthem at the offertory. Summer Choir is a great option for those who don’t have time during the academic year to commit to the full choir schedule. The final Sunday of Summer Choir is August 21. AUDITIONS FOR CANTERBURY CHOIR – JULY 6 THROUGH AUGUST 12 Interested in joining the Canterbury Choir in the new season? Contact Shannon Gallier to set up your vocal interview! The interview process is low-key! It is merely to determine vocal ability and basic musical knowledge. The Canterbury Choir is the group that carries the heaviest load during the academic year, and sings the most challenging repertoire. Choir is a great stress relief and a fun way to spend time making great music! We work hard, but the rewards are many! Join us! Contact Shannon at [email protected]. The Parish Administrator was able to dig up this wonderful photo of our Choir Master Shannon’s own first choir audition in grade school. Shannon was precocious—and quite the singer! HAPPENINGS AROUND ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY—REGISTER NOW We are currently enrolling folks for the 2016-2017 Education for Ministry (EfM) program at St. Bartholomew's. EfM is a unique four-year distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small-group study and practice. We commit to one year at a time, and study the Bible, church history, theology, and ethics. We meet during the year every Tuesday night for 36 weeks. People in any year of the four-year program are welcome to join us. For information please contact Esther Harbert at [email protected]. LUNCH AND LEARN - DEMENTIA FROM THE INSIDE Thursday, June 16, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Meeting Room Our speaker will come via You-Tube on the internet - Dr. Richard Taylor, psychologist. Dr. Taylor was diagnosed Alzheimer's Disease in 2005 and died of cancer in 2015. He dedicated his life to traveling and educating his inside experience of dementia. Cost $7.00 Please call the church office to RSVP for lunch. (404) 634 3336. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR This summer, there is a great need volunteers to host the Coffee Hour following the 10:30 service. Individuals, groups of friends, families, or ministry groups can sign up for a Sunday on the Coffee Hour Signup Sheet at the back of the Parish Hall or by calling the church office. In addition to the coffee that is already provided, hosts provide savory and/or sweet finger foods and a non-alcoholic drink or punch. If you have any questions, contact Cindi Knighton ([email protected]) or Dan Niccum ([email protected]). BABY GIFTS & SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR OUR REFUGEE FAMILY Lweh Paw of the Burmese refugee family St. Bart’s sponsored 5 years ago is expecting her first baby girl born in America in mid-August. Lweh Paw and her entire family are very excited. Do you have baby things, mainly baby clothes and diapers, that you can donate to Lweh Paw? Donations may be brought to church and placed in the Taylor Room, where Christina Dondero will collect them and take them to the family. They will share any extras with other refugee families. Thank you for your help. CLOTHING CLOSET COMING TO THCA ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S CELEBRATES THE FINE ARTS The Guild of Ten Talents is excited to be planning our first Fine Arts Gallery! This exciting new event will take place Friday—Sunday, September 16—18. This will be a juried event showcasing fine art creations by parishioners. Be on the lookout later in June for information on how to apply to be a part of the show. Also, if you are interested in being a part of the Guild of Ten Talents Committee, please contact Mary Kimberly at [email protected]. 10 We get a lot of requests for clothing at Toco Hills Community Alliance. We have a few things, but are looking to expand this part of our ministry. If you love to sort and organize and have always wanted to be a personal shopper, this is for you! We are also looking for a donation of several clothing racks to help keep us organized. Please contact Mary-Louise Wilson at [email protected], if this sounds fun. Thank you for your continued support of THCA, and our neighbors. You’ll never know who you might run into at our new Clothes Closet, either helping stock, assisting clients, or doing a little shopping themselves! 7 AMERSON HOUSE HAPPENINGS WAY OF THE MONK, PATH OF THE ARTIST: 12-WEEK ONLINE JOURNEY THROUGH THE ARTIST'S RULE June 14 - September 4 Register with abbeyofthearts.com or directly at http://tinyurl.com/z9xyp95 "This online program is for anyone seeking to make more explicit connections between their spiritual practice and their creative expression. You might consider yourself an artist, a poet, or simply someone who experiences joy in the process of creating. You might consider yourself a contemplative or have experienced a longing for more presence to each moment." A small group at Amerson House will be taking a 12-week online class with Abbey of the Arts this summer starting (online) June 14. We will form a local cohort that will meet once a month between June and September. The primary text for the class is Christine Valters Paintner's book The Artist's Rule: Nurturing Your Creative Soul with Monastic Wisdom. Drawing on monastic spirituality from the wisdom of desert, Celtic, and Benedictine traditions, the class will explore contemplative practices that support and encourage the flowering of our creative visions." These are dear to our hearts at Amerson house and so we are excited to study this together. Join us! For more details from Abbey of the Arts and to register with them, go to this link, http:// tinyurl.com/z9xyp95. Program fee to Abbey of the Arts: $175 (Scholarships available, see below). To join the local practice group at Amerson House, email [email protected]. Local meetings will be held in June, July, August, and September. Our initial meeting is June 16, 7:00 p.m. The first meeting will be organizational so that we can discuss what we want to do as a group. Later meeting dates TBD at meeting. Feel free to attend all or a few. Local meeting cost: $5 donation per gathering. For more information about joining the local cohort, email [email protected]. SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE: WAY OF THE MONK ARTISTS’ COURSE AMERSON HOUSE HAPPENINGS THE FOUNDATIONAL PRACTICE OF SURRENDER: A 12 STEP SPIRITUALITY MINI RETREAT Leaders: Liz Sanford and Rusty Jones Sunday, July 10, 12:30 p.m.—3:30 p.m., Amerson House Spirituality Center, $15 and includes lunch Today's retreat will explore the cyclical process of surrender as a pathway to acceptance and peace. Using 12-step writings and other material as food for thought, we will sit deeply within our own spiritual development process of surrendering to grace and we will share with each other our stories of self and of something much larger than self. To be in control of one's destiny, health, career, or finances seems to be an unquestionable cultural value. On a practical level it may be partially true, especially when you are young. But on the bigger level of all things spiritual, it is not true: You are not in control. Surrendering to this truth is at first quite painful. Later, surrender to that which you can not control brings an acceptance, a serenity, a peace. The 12 Steps are grounded in this counter-intuitive insight. They suggest, as does much other spiritual direction, that releasing control is a way to make life much happier . Where do you sit with the practice of letting go? letting it be? surrendering to God? Are you just beginning to acknowledge your own limits? Or are you floating in the grace of knowing that God is in control and you can turn over the wheel to him/her ? To quote Richard Rohr: "Gradually, a practice of letting go allows us to be ready for greater and greater surrenders to grace, until we are finally ready for the big letting-go called death. ...Surrendering to the divine Flow is not about giving up, giving in, capitulating, becoming a puppet, being naïve, being irresponsible, or stopping all planning and thinking. Surrender is about a peaceful inner opening that keeps the conduit of living water flowing. It is a quiet willingness to trust that you really are a beloved child of God. It really is that simple, which for the human ego is very hard." Somehow it's easier together. Open to people with and without 12 step experience but who have a desire for reflection and personal sharing. Come join us. The Guild of Ten Talents is offering 2 scholarships for the upcoming online retreat that draws on monastic spirituality from the wisdom of desert, Celtic, and Benedictine traditions. Way of the Monk, Path of the Artist: A 12-week journey through The Artist's Rule will explore contemplative practices that support and encourage the flowering of our creative visions. Participants are invited to meet in a monthly local practice cohort at Amerson House. Our organizational meeting is scheduled at Amerson House on June 16 at 7:00 pm, and you may join the course or local group at any point. Because of the nature of the registration process, we will be able only to offer reimbursement of the $175 tuition. Contact for local cohort: [email protected]. Contact for scholarships: [email protected]. More on the course: abbeyofthearts.com. Liz Sanford and Rusty Jones are parishioners at St. Bart’s with many years of experience exploring 12 step spirituality. They led a Sunday School class at St. Bart’s which introduced many people to the power of the 12 step spiritual practice. THEOLOGY ON TAP: A NEW WAY TO BELIEVE Join us for a day with one of the most passionate and influential leaders of the Church, Ignatius of Loyola. The Spiritual Exercises, developed by Ignatius in the 16th-century as a path to transformation for faithful Christians desiring a deeper relationship with God, have withstood the test of time and remain to this day a valued tool for pilgrims on the journey, clergy and lay alike. Thursdays, June 16, 22, and 29, 7:00 p.m.—8:30 p.m., Amerson House Not sure what you believe about God, Jesus, or a holy host of other things? Wondering if and how you fit into traditional religious organizations? Restless for an authentic faith and life? You are not alone. Join Kimberly Broerman, Spiritual Director of Deep Waters Center for Prayer and Exploration and others as we seek a new way to believe, belong, and practice our faith. Drawing from a number of resources (with suggested readings if you want to dive deeper), we will consider a different theological question each gathering, engaging in dialogue about what we’ve learned and experienced, and discovering how we might think and speak in more congruent, life-giving ways that open us to a deepening sense of God’s presence and movement in our lives. Investment: $80 for St. Bart’s members. Contact Kimberly (404-275-3328; [email protected]) with questions or to sign up. 8 To register or with questions: email [email protected] or phone Liz Sanford for enquiries, (404) 388-6776. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA: RENEGADE, PENITENT, SHINING STAR RETREAT Presenter: Lalor Cadley, Spiritual Director Saturday, August 20, 9:30 a.m.—3:00 p.m., Amerson House Our day will include three presentations based on the Exercises--I. Structure and Intent of the Exercises; II. Discerning God's Will for Our Lives; III. Recognizing and Resisting Temptation--each one followed by time for quiet reflection and shared conversation. Lunch provided. Cost: $30.00; $20.00 for St. Bart's members. RSVP required : [email protected] 9