March 2005 Prepare for Easter A couple in the congregation recently told me about a talk they had with their 5-year-old, trying to explain Lent and Easter. In the course of the conversation, they mentioned Jesus' death. "What??" the child cried out in alarm. "Jesus is dead?" The rest of the evening was spent trying to console the young child. As we move through Lent toward Holy Week and Easter, I have thought about this child, wondering what it must be like to have the stories of our faith be so fresh, so powerful, so real. I wonder what it feels like to be devastated by the news of Jesus' death, to be truly shaken by the unfairness and cruelty of it. We have heard these stories so many times that we can easily become immune to their power. We let the joyous news of Jesus' resurrection erase the devastating news of his death. But the truth is that Jesus' death was devastating to those who knew and loved him. The disciples were terrified and grief stricken. For them, there was no skipping from Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the joyous news of the resurrection on Easter. The disciples lived every painful moment of the horrible, holy week between those two events. For us, the temptation may be strong to come to church and wave our palm fronds on Palm Sunday and shout, "Christ is risen!" on Easter, while skipping the events in between. But I urge you not to give in to that temptation. Instead, join us on Maundy Thursday as we remember the last night of Jesus' life on earth, a night he spent washing the feet of his disciples and eating a last meal with his friends. Be with us as we strip the altar, letting its bareness remind us of Jesus' desolation as he prepares for what is to come. Join us on Good Friday to hear the story of Jesus' agonizing crucifixion and death. Take time to sit in silence in the church and meditate on the last words spoken by the earthly Jesus before he died. Be with us at the Easter Vigil, as we in darkness hear the stories of God's mighty acts of salvation throughout history. Be there with the women as they discover Jesus' empty tomb that first Easter morning. By deliberately walking through the events of that week we may recapture some of our young friend's feeling of devastation at Jesus' death. And when we do, we may truly sing with joy on Easter morning, "Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed!".
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Within Our Walls
Save the Date: It was 40 years ago that nine pilgrim families from St. Anne's Episcopal Church came together to found St. Dunstan's. The first services were held at Tuxedo School on Northside Drive in January 1965. Mark your calendars now for the 40th Anniversary Celebration on Pentecost Sunday, May 15. Pentecost is traditionally thought of as the birthday of the universal church, and this year it falls the same week as St. Dunstan's Day on May 19. Thanks, thanks, thanks! Thank you to Richard Stansbury for agreeing to be the new Acolyte Chair, filling the position vacated by David Butler. And thanks to Danny Woodard, who has agreed to assist Richard in this important ministry. Thanks to Lee Morris, who is resigning as parish treasurer after two years (this time!) in this vital position. And thanks to Daria Jones who has agreed to take the post. Daria has spent many hours in the church office working to transfer all our records to a new software system. We are grateful for her service. Thanks to Nancy Knight Latimore for chairing the many receptions we have had in recent weeks, including the welcome reception for Nanette Woodworth, the going away party for Jane and David Butler, and the reception for the bishop and confirmands. Thanks also to all who assisted her in these events. Thanks to Dick Harris for keeping our website up to date. For information about current parish events and for copies of sermons visit www.stdustan.net. Thanks to Geoff Walker for constructing a threshold to our basement door to keep out leaves and creatures. Thanks to James Millikan for installing shelves for storage of our Sunday School supplies so that Nanette can find our many supplies easily. Thanks to Cathy Raper for donating a box of oasis for our flower arranging. It is stored in the sacristy for our use. Thanks to Betty Whittier for a new stepladder for altar guild and flower committee use.Thanks to Lynn Hood for organizing the nametag box. Deadline for articles for the April Bellows is March 15. Please email your articles to stdunstansatl@earthlink.net or leave them in Kim Branch's mailbox in the church office. Art Show - BIG Success: Five years ago Karen Rolader and Jane Blount dreamed of an Art Show at St. Dunstan's. Their dream became a reality that has continued to grow and flourish. This year the 4th Annual St. Dunstan's Art Show had over 30 artists and grossed over $9000 - after expenses, 25% will be given to the church and is designated for playground equipment. The Art Committee is already meeting and beginning to plan for next year. The 2005 Art Show Committee was Gilda Morris: Chair, Bill Pruett: Co-Chair, Lee Morris and Daria Jones: Accountants, Beth Clinton: Initial Correspondence, Dottie Albright: Re-word brochure, Tonia Hopkins and Daria Jones: PR and Marketing, Gay Allen: Show Designer, Jane Hill: Children's Art Room, Barbara Bradshaw: Coordinator for Holy Comforter, Michelle Searcy: Coordinator for Emmaus House Room: Carol Sue Ravenel: Volunteer coordinator, Jane Lamkin: Food Stylist for Wine and Cheese Party, James Millikan and his band: provided music for Wine and Cheese Party, Jane Blount: hanging of the show and Karen Rolader: Thank you Notes (on Fred Branch's cards) to all artists and volunteers. There were artists from St. Dustan's and elsewhere and buyers from St. Dustan's and elsewhere. All had a good time. We are ready to do this again! Please MARK your calendars for January 27, 28 & 29, 2006 Artists from St. Dunstan's were: Gay Allen, Christine Bird, Beth Clinton, Mimi Doctor, Titu Doctor, Sarah Hancock, Grace Hauser, Susan Hauser, Michael Hill, Peachy Horne, Jane Lamkin, Gilda Morris, Bill Pruett, Carol Sue Ravenel, Allie Summerville, Mary Summerville, Rucsandra Woods Doctor and Nanette Woodworth. Holy Week Schedule Palm Sunday (March 20, 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.) - We begin the service outdoors (weather permitting) and process into church waving palm fronds, as we remember Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. At the gospel, the mood of the service changes dramatically, as we read the story of Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Maundy Thursday (March 24, 6 p.m.) - We will begin at 6 p.m. in the parish hall with a simple supper, provided by the church. After supper we will go into church (about 6:45), for the Maundy Thursday liturgy. In this moving service, we are all invited to participate in washing one another's feet, as Jesus did for his disciples the last night of his life. The service continues with the Eucharist, and ends as we sit in silence during the stripping of the altar. Please don't let hesitancy about the foot washing keep you from this service. That part of the liturgy is voluntary, not mandatory. Also, there will be a separate activity for the children during the stripping of the altar, so that adults may enjoy the silence and children may participate in an activity appropriate for them. Good Friday (March 25, Noon -3 p.m.) - The service for this most somber day of the Christian year begins at noon with the Good Friday liturgy. After the liturgy is over, the service continues until 3 p.m. with meditations on the Stations of the Cross. Please feel free to come to any or all of the service, as you are able. Easter Vigil (March 26, 7 p.m.) - This dramatic service begins with the lighting of the new fire, from which the Paschal candle is lit. The first part of the service is held in darkness, as we hear scripture stories of God's acts of salvation throughout history, beginning with creation. Midway through the service we turn on the lights, and ring bells as we joyously proclaim that Lent is over and Christ has risen. In the early church, the Easter Vigil was traditionally the time when new converts to the faith were baptized. Keeping with that tradition, baptism will also be part of this service. Easter Sunday - (March 27, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.) Come celebrate Jesus' resurrection on this most festive day of the Christian year. An Easter egg hunt will be held for children after the 10:30 service. No Sunday School this day. Mary & Martha's Place March 17 and 31: Simplicity in Action-Social and environmental implication of simplicity. Adult Education in Lent Sunday Mornings promptly at 9:30 a.m. in the Founders Room Our Adult Christian Education classes during Lent are designed to help us all observe this holy season. Make coming to Adult Education part of your Lenten discipline. "Forgive Us as We Forgive Others" The Rev. Patricia Templeton will lead a four-week series on forgiveness.
***There is no Sunday School on Easter Sunday. *** Christian Formation for Youth and Children Christian Formation for children and youth includes education, worship, outreach and fellowship. From time to time in the Bellows articles we will focus on one or more of these areas. This month I would like to talk to you about what we do in Children's Chapel. The philosophy behind Children's Chapel is comprised of several efforts:
It is possible that with such a large age range, the older children will be frustrated with some of the songs or stories aimed at younger children. They have the option, as stated above, of taking on the role of storyteller, or they may prefer to be with their parents in Big Church. We hope you will talk with your children so they make the choice best for them and their maturity level. During Lent we have been using puppets made of recycled materials to tell stories that focus on Galatians 5:22-23, The Fruits of the Spirit. Thank you to all of you who have helped make this happen (from making scenery to playing the parts!), especially Kieran Cannistra and Matt Taylor. *Important Dates to place on your Calendars* Maundy Thursday March 24 Family Day Hike - please watch for April or May date to be determined Vacation Bible School - June 27 - July 1, 2005 *Important Dates to place on your Calendars* February 27, March 6, March 13 (9:30-10:20 a.m.) -Tom Schneider, Ph. D. - Guest Speaker in Youth Sunday School on the topics of communication, anger management and genius. Tom is a member of St. Dunstan's and has worked with adolescents for over 50 years. He currently works at Florence McDonnell Counseling and Spirituality Center. Sunday March 6 - Diocesan Youth Service at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church (meet here at St. Dunstan's at 3:30 pm) Sunday March 13- -Youth Hunger Walk (or Run!) (Information to be handed out in Sunday School.) Friday March 18th - Episcopalooza Diocesan Youth Event at St. Dunstan's Intergenerational Outreach Opportunity! SUDANESE CHURCH NEEDS VOLUNTEERS The Diocese of Atlanta supports a worshipping community of Sudanese Refugees that meet on Sundays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Christ Community AME Church in Clarkston, just east of I-285. While the adults attend service, a small group of children (anywhere from 5 - 15) gathers for Sunday School. I am hoping that St. Dunstan's will take responsibility for one Sunday every five weeks. Curriculum will be provided, and I will gather materials. Please contact me if you would like to participate from time to time. Youth Fundraising Opportunities During Lent, the St. Dunstan's Youth Group will again sell compact fluorescent light bulbs. CFL's are good for the environment because they use only about one third the energy of regular incandescent bulbs. CFLs cost a little more than regular bulbs, but they last much longer. The CFLs sell for $5.00, with $1.00 going to Georgia Interfaith Power & Light. The Youth Group will also sell "Bishop's Blend" coffee this year. The coffee is shade-grown, on plantations that use only minimal, if any, chemicals or fertilizers. The coffee is also "fair trade," which means that coffee farmers must belong to cooperatives that are democratically controlled by their members, and they must use integrated crop management and environment protection plans. The price is $9.00 for regular, $10.00 for decaf or cinnamon spice, for a 12-ounce bag. By contributing as you can, you are helping to finance all the St. Dunstan's Youth Group activities! Thank you in advance for your support! Prayer List Update The Gade and Williams families, especially Captain Daniel Gade, have been on our Parish prayer list for a number of months, asking God to protect him in Iraq; and for the last month to let him continue his young life. Daniel is a West Pointer who commanded an armored unit in Iraq. About a month ago, he was terribly wounded by a roadside mine, airlifted to Germany and then to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. He has been in ICU since, suffering from multiple wounds-leg amputation, breathing difficulties, kidney failure, double vision, infection and weakened muscles in his damaged arm. His surgeries have been numerous and long and he continues to fight for his life. Daniel's wife, Wendy, is the oldest daughter of good friends of ours, Ron and Joyce Williams of Sandy Springs. The Gades have a toddler, Anna Grace, who was born in South Korea. Daniel had an assignment there before he was transferred with his group to Iraq. The Gades and Williams have an extraordinary faith in God and in the power of prayer. The fact that Daniel is still alive is present proof of that power and faith. We ask you as our friends to also believe in this power and to ask God that Daniel may continue his young life, to give him and his family the strength to face the new future now before them, and to bless him with mercy and peace. We also pray that God's light will shine on all the others still in danger, those that have been injured, and those who stand before him. We pray for the Iraqi people. We pray that God will teach us how to live with conflict and war. Passages *Congratulations to those recently confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church. Our confirmands are John Booth, Michael Hill, Lindsey Reece, Roy Reece, Miguel Ruiz, Peter Ruiz, Bob Longino, Edward Robertson, Cassie Templeton and Rhonda Woodard. Kieran Cannistra was received into the Episcopal Church. *Congratulations to Highland and James Witzcak on the February 5 birth of their son, Grant Norwood Witzcak. *Our sympathy to George Davison on the death of his mother, Lela Davison. Welcome New Members * Tom and Bettye Schneider, from the Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta, GA Episcopal Relief Development (ERD) Most Episcopalians are familiar with Episcopal Relief and Development's work in providing assistance after natural disasters. Most recent examples include supplying aid to people displaced by floods in Venezuela and the enormous effort to assist victims of the tsunami. However, ERD also has on-going programs around the world for food security and primary health care. In addition to supplying food directly, ERD provides seeds, farming tools, and animals. Safe drinking water and proper sanitation, along with programs to reduce the impact of malaria are only a few of the health care areas in which ERD is involved. To learn more about ERD or to donate on line, please go to www.er-d.org.
"Jane" (Sung to the tune of "Mame") Who puts the muse right into our hearts, Jane Deadline for articles for the April Bellows is March 15th. Our Schedule, Most Always Church Office Hours Sundays Wednesdays
2004-2005 Vestry Assignments
Our Staff The Rev. Patricia Templeton, Rector |
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