The Apostle`s Standard - St. Bartholomew`s Episcopal Church

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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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JR
Erskine
24 Subha
Xavier
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Claudius
Davies
24 Chelsea
Curl
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Katie
Lowry
25 Paula
Voorhies
25 Paul
Elliott
26 Richard
Gann
27 Paul
Farley
28 Cary
Patrick
28 Jim
Muckenfuss
28 Edgar
Johnson
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J. Richard
Cook
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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
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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
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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.
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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 babs@stbartsatlanta.org.
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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
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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, japrkr@aol.com, 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 christen@stbartsatlanta.org 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, Christen@stbartsatlanta.org. 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
christen@stbartsatlanta.org. 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, Christen@stbartsatlanta.org, 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.
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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 (beverley@stbartsatlanta.org) 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
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Contact: Sharon@stbartsatlanta.org with questions/RSVP/more info!
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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, beverley@stbartsatlanta.org, 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.
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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
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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.
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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, shirley@answerfinders.com
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
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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 - beverley@stbartsatlanta.org
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.
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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.
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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 info@alwaysvibrantyoga.com
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
amersonhouse@gmail.com. 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
kgbroerman@yahoo.com if you’d like to set up a time.
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