The Kingdom of God is Within

For the past several Sundays, our lectionary has placed us in the midst of the parables on the Kingdom of God. Eager to know more about this Kingdom and how to find it, followers of Jesus ask question after question. What does one have to do to find this Kingdom? Where do we have to go? Show us the way. Jesus answers that the Kingdom of God is “at hand” – it is “close by” – it is “within” you. God’s Kingdom has been sown, like seeds, and like a mustard seed it will grow itself into a great presence. It is like the pearl of all pearls that is so valuable one would think nothing of giving all one’s possessions to “have” it. God’s Kingdom is like a treasure buried in a field and is worth everything it takes to buy that field. This Kingdom is like the catch of all catches where good and bad abide together and those who are aware will be able to “see” what is good- what is new and worth holding onto.

As Christians, we believe that the ultimate price was paid on a wooden cross. God gave everything so that His Kingdom would be manifest in this world – the Kingdom of God IS here. All we need is knowledge of God and the desire to explore and we will be able to “see” this Kingdom in all that is around us. The Christian Celtic monks knew this; equipped with knowledge of the scriptures and a personal understanding of God’s image dwelling within themselves, these monks would jump into one-man boats made of animal hide to sail the open sea. These boats, called “coracles,” were rudderless. The idea was to surrender to God the path of the journey and to find God in the land and in the people of the place where the boat landed. Unlike the evangelists of later years, the Christian Celts were out to find God in “the other” as opposed to taking God to “the other”. St. Patrick was their model for this style of evangelism as he converted the pagans of Ireland, Scotland, and Northern England without one drop of blood shed in the name of Christ.

On Saturday, August 16 from 9:00 to 2:00 anyone who is interested in exploring this Divine presence “within” is invited to join me, Ginny Acocella, Mel Paris, John Brooks, and Jason Snape in a unique experience in creativity and spiritual exploration. The day promises to be fun, light and relaxed as we “touch into” the Divine creator that dwells in each of us. The invitation is to throw caution to the wind and to journey with us as we look for and find God in ourselves and those around us.

Our day will include a light lunch, so if you are interested in coming or if you need more information, please sign up on the Opportunities For Ministry in your bulletin or contact Kathy Holman, kdh53bellsouth.net.

Kathy+

MUST Summer Lunch-Making

Sunday, August 3 following 10:30 service

We're committed to make 400 lunch bags (!) and we need your help! Please join us to make lunches for the MUST Summer Lunch Program. It's LOTS of fun and won't take long with lots of busy hands. Please bring donations of these items according to the first letter of your last name to the Outreach table in the foyer or to the collection wheelbarrow at the Country Fair this Sunday.

THEN – Join us in the Parish Hall to assemble lunches to be distributed to needy children in Cobb County. For questions please contact Nadine Pope: ronazamindspring.com or 770-973-9057. Thank you for your generosity!

• A-B: Creamy peanut butter (no crunchy style, please)
• C-F: Jelly
• G-J: White or wheat sandwich bread
• K-N: Corn chips (Individually bagged)
• O-T: Juice boxes
• U-Z: Apples

Parish Day at the Lake & Picnic

Sunday, August 3

Please join us for St. Catherine's annual Day at the Lake and Picnic at Red Top Mountain State Park on Sunday, Aug. 3, following the 10:30 service. We have reserved shelter #6 on Red Top Beach Rd. The park has a beach for families with little ones, playground, and hiking trails. All boats and skidoos are invited to come along.

Directions to Red Top Mountain State Park: Take I-75 north to Exit #285. The park is located 1.5 miles each of the exit. For more information please visit the website at Red Top Mountain on the Georgia State Parks website, www.gastateparks.org.

St. Cat’s “Country Fair” continues through August 10

Get your produce, get your produce!

On Sunday, August 3, we will have a local farmer and his wife with us to sell locally grown fresh produce. They participate each week in the Marietta Square Farmer's Market and have graciously agreed to sell their produce on this day at St. Cat's. This is a major part of their income. They promise the freshest produce available in August. Harkening back to the good ol’ days when the local produce man (huckster) went door to door in our neighborhoods, we invite you to "shop" at St. Cat's on August 3 beginning at 8:30 am. Parking on August 3: The upper lot will be reserved for handicapped only, thank you for your consideration

Come one, come all! The St. Cat’s “Country Fair” will feature activity booths, singing and fun for all ages. Each Sunday, 9:15-10;15 AM, the fair will focus on the parables in the Gospel for the week: Fishes & Loaves (August 3) and “Walk On Water” (August 10). So plan to join us on these dates and have some fun!

Best quote overheard at the Fair (on “Mustard Seeds” day, July 27): Upon hearing the invitation to "go to heaven," one little girl protested ,"I don't want to go to heaven. I want to go to Whitewater."

Below: Some pictures from the first Country Fair Sunday, "Wheat & Weeds," July 20

ESL Open House for Students

Thursday, August 21

This Open House is for all prospective students, 7 to 8:30 PM. We will give a brief overview of the program, give out printed information, and take registration forms/checks from those who are ready to register. Classes will be Monday evenings, 6:30-8:30 PM, beginning Sept. 8.

Do you know someone who might be interested in our ESL class for speakers of all languages? Can you help spread the word to the community—libraries, schools, businesses? We need everyone’s help! Flyers are available for distribution now from Lu Dumke, 404-731-9874 or ldumkebellsouth.net.

Volunteer help is still needed

Teachers, Special Topic Speakers, Greeters and Advertising Help! No foreign language experience is needed for many jobs, just a desire to welcome new brothers and sisters in Christ. Please contact Lu Dumke as above to get involved.

Ministry Teams Quarterly Meeting

Tuesday, Aug. 5, 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary

All ministry committee leaders and team convenors, please plan to attend. We'll be developing the plans for Rally Day!

Ministry Directory updates due August 5

All ministry teams and committees, be sure to send all updates for the Ministry Directory to KarenStCatherines.org by the due date. Please include both phone number and email address contacts for all of your committees.

Summer Parish Meeting

Sunday, August 10, 11:45 AM (following 10:30 worship)

Join us for our Summer Parish Meeting on Sunday, August 10, immediately following 10:30 am worship. We will meet in the Sanctuary for no more than an hour. This is a time to hear about fall plans, to have a financial update, and update on planning from the Vestry and to hear from each of you. This year we will take a few minutes to discuss the summer schedule and to evaluate our St. Cat’s Country Fair. Please join us and bring your questions. If there are any specific agenda items you would like considered please contact Fr. Jim at 770.971.2839 or fatherjimbellsouth.net.

We will have our normal schedule this day of worship at 8:00 and 10:30, and Country Fair at 9:15.

“Praying for Pars”

Our next golf outing is August 10. Please respond by August 3 to Walt McGill, wsmcgillaol.com or 770-971-8890. Because of the Summer Parish Meeting this day, let’s go to the 10:30 church service together and the Parish Meeting, before heading out for our tee time at noon.

Please confirm your participation by one week before each of our outings, second Sundays through October. We look forward to some great fellowship together regardless of whether you are "praying for pars" or "eyeing some eagles" or "trying for triples"!

Renewal of Wedding Vows

Sunday, August 17, during 10:30 AM service

Susan and Alan Jablonski invite all married couples to participate with them in renewing their wedding vows at the 10:30 am service on Sunday, August 17.  Susan and Alan are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary.  A reception will follow.

2009 Build begins: Many hands needed for our Barn Raising on Aug. 16!

Sign up in the foyer after services each Sunday, to work one or more dates! We will be building each Saturday, 8 AM to 4 PM, from Aug. 16 through Nov. 1 (except Labor Day weekend). St. Catherine's has donated $17,400 to participate in this build. We are joined with Zion Baptist Church, First United Lutheran Church of Kennesaw, and St. James' Episcopal Church in this project.

We will also be responsible for food at the site on 8/16, 9/13, 10/11 and 10/25, as well as the dedication tentatively scheduled for 11/16. You must be at least age 16 to build, all ages may help with food.

We are building a house similar to the one built last year in the same subdivision in lot #27. Our work is on a home for Jaclyn Brewster and her 2 year old son, Jalyn. Jaclyn works at the Cobb/Douglas Board of Health on the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program. Her mother and sister own Cobb Habitat houses.

First United Lutheran Church will have a BBQ on Sunday, August 17 to raise money for the build (donation request is $5 plus any free-will donation). They will also have an Antique Auto Display of about 20 cars, a dunk tank, hourly raffles and other fun activities for kids and adults. See Tom Snead or Fred Massey for maps to the church.

by Tom Snead

A "Country Fair" Rally Day & Ministry Fair

Sunday, August 24 10:15 AM - 1:00 PM

Two worship times this day – 7:30 & 8:45 AM!

St. Catherine’s annual Rally Day and Ministry fair is right around the corner: “St. Catherine’s Country Fair and Carnival,” carrying through the theme of our highly successful summer Sunday program. Watch for this postcard arriving soon in your mailbox!

On Sunday, August 24 we will have services at 7:30 and 8:45am. Rally Day and Ministry Fair will begin immediately after the 8:45 service. Our goal is to have a day where we will play, learn, and fellowship as a community. We will have lots of fun games—pie eating contest, dunk tank, and a watermelon spitting contest—picnic lunch, and information booths hosted by all the ministries at St. Catherine’s! In addition to each ministry hosting a booth, each ministry is invited to make a banner to carry in the procession at the 10:30 service. Stay tuned to announcements if you are in charge of a ministry.

“Christian Caregiving: A Way of Life”

Do you ever feel uncomfortable talking about your faith, praying with others, or trying to comfort a friend? There is a deep need in today’s world for the distinctive care of those who follow Chist in the way. However, Christian caregiving is often unrecognized and unasrticulated and as a result, not actualized Through dealing with real-life issues in caring and relating, and reading the text, "Christian Caregiving: A Way of Life" by Kenneth C. Hauck, this course will challenge and equip you to care for others in a distinctively Christian way.

This class will be led by “Father Sue” and will begin on Sunday, September 7. Please sign up by August 17 so we may order book copies (cost will be $15) – indicate your interest on the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin or contact Sue, suestcatherines.org.

by Father Sue

Retreat at Kanuga for Advent: The New Birthing of Christ for Today

December 7 - 11

Come for this opportunity to hear J. Philip Newell and Barbara Brown Taylor! In the midst of a broken world, how does Christ lead us more deeply into the heart of creation in its unity and into the depths of the human soul in its oneness? St. Catherine’s is planning to take a group to participate in an Advent retreat, "The New Birthing of Christ for Today," December 7- 11, at Kanuga Conference Center near Hendersonville, NC. We will join these speakers to explore new but ancient ways of devoting oneself to Christ. In the mornings, Philip will deliver keynote addresses, followed by reflections and preaching by Barbara in the evenings. There also will be opportunities for informal conversations with the keynoters.

This retreat is a wonderful opportunity, but the conference is so popular, that the spaces in the Inn are already filled, with only 1 cottage and 4 guest houses still available at this time. If you would like to attend, please contact the Rev. Susan Johnson (770-971-2839) as soon as possible.

About the keynoters

J. Philip Newell is a poet, author and teacher who has earned international acclaim for helping to recover traditions of Celtic spirituality for the enrichment of Christianity today. Formerly warden of Iona Abbey in the Western Isles of Scotland, he is a writer theologian for the Scottish Cathedral of the Isles as well as a companion theologian for the American Spirituality Centre of Casa del Sol in New Mexico. A Church of Scotland minister with a passion for ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, Philip has written 11 books, including Listening for the Heartbeat of God and Sounds of the Eternal. His new book, Christ of the Celts: The Healing of Creation, was published in May.

The Rev. Barbara Brown Taylor is an Episcopal priest, religion professor and author of 11 books, including When God is Silent, Home By Another Way and her latest, Leaving Church: A Memoir of Faith. Ordained in 1984, she spent 15 years in parish ministry before becoming a full-time teacher. Barbara now teaches religion at Piedmont College in Demorest, Georgia, where she holds the Harry R. Butman Chair in Religion and Philosophy. She also serves as adjunct professor of Christian spirituality at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.

Details & Registration

For complete information and registration visit the website at: www.kanuga.org/conferences/2008/advent.shtml. Registration can only be made on-line via this site. Please note in the comment area that you are with the group from St. Catherine’s, Marietta, GA and would like to be housed together. There is a $50 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit required to hold your reservation. Balance is due by November 7th. We will have to make arrangements for lodging somewhere else for Sunday night, and be able to move into our accommodations at Kanuga on Monday afternoon. All meals will be at Kanuga.

You may register as Adult Double: Commuter to Lodger $505 for first registrant, $355 for participating spouse, $285 for nonparticipating spouse Stay in a hotel in Hendersonville on Dec. 7, then move into a Historic Cottage or Guest House vacated by a departing group on Dec. 8 for the nights of Dec. 8-11. (Kanuga lodging includes program, meals and use of recreational facilities. Visit www.historichendersonville.com to find nearby hotels.)

Fall Worship Schedule resumes August 31

• Worship at 7:30, 8:45, 11:15 AM
   
• Church School for all ages begins September 7

Join the Choir: You are invited!

• Adult Choir

You’ve been thinking about it and now’s the time to become a part of St. Catherine’s Adult Choir. We’ll be having a special rehearsal/robe sizing at the home of Ann & Tom Snead on Wednesday, August 20.

Adults, and all youth past the age for Youth Choir, please join us! We regularly rehearse from Labor Day to Memorial Day on Wednesday evenings, 7:30 - 8:45 p.m. and meet at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays to prepare to lead in the 11:15 a.m. services. You are guaranteed at each rehearsal to learn something, laugh heartily and experience God’s presence through beautiful music. Please contact director Brian Williams at brianstcatherines.org, willibmindspring.com or 678.461.9656 if you have questions.

• Youth Choir

Youth Choir returns! We welcome all young people (grades 2nd to 10th, with unchanged voices) who love to sing and wish to be part of the choir. Our first meeting will be on Wednesday, August 13. We will have a potluck supper, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall, followed by robe fitting and singing.

Our regular rehearsals will begin on August 20th. We rehearse on Wednesdays from 6:15-7:30 in the Choir Room, and sing at the 8:45 service on most Sundays through the school year. No training or experience required—just enthusiasmAny questions? Please email Martha Bowden: martha_bowdenbellsouth.net.

Be our eyes and ears

You are our eyes and ears in the congregation... let our publications be your voice to keep the parish informed! We welcome your news about the St. Catherine's activities and ministries you are involved in. You are encouraged to send us information about upcoming events, or to write a report or a reflection about it afterwards. We also are delighted to receive your photos of anything concerned with our parish. (Community events of interest to the general congregation can also be published as space allows.)

Your news will be included in one or more of our parish publications: The Wheel newsletter, the weekly "Parish Announcements" email newslist, and/or the Sunday bulletin “Opportunities For Ministry” insert as appropriate.

What to write: You can write a complete article, or just send us the details and we can fill it out. Don't forget the all-important who, what, where, when, why, and how such as ... is it for adults and/or children? Start and end time? Cost? RSVP needed and when? Location, and driving directions if off-site? And most important, a contact name with phone number and/or email address for those who are interested to find out more. Please note that all articles will be edited for consistency with publication standards and our church's policies, and for space available in the publication.

How to submit it: Send your items to Karen Manno, St. Catherine's Communications Director, by email at karenstcatherines.org. For articles, it can be an email attachment (Word document or most other text formats), or in the body of the email message. For photos, electronic files are greatly preferred. If you prefer not to use email, you may place electronic media (CD, jump drive, etc.) or printed or handwritten copy in Karen’s mailbox in the church workroom. Be sure to include your name and contact information on everything you send!

Publication and due dates:

• The Wheel is published generally twice per month, on Fridays. Please check each edition of The Wheel for the actual dates of upcoming issues. Items are due on the Wednesday before the publication date.
• Parish Announcements email is sent usually once per week on Tuesday or Wednesday. Please send all items to Karen by 11:00 AM on Tuesday in order to be included in the week’s announcements. Note that all email messages will be edited to be concise. Photos are not included in Parish Announcements email. News items will be repeated in email for a maximum of 3-4 consecutive weeks, but may be resumed as the event approaches.
• Opportunities For Ministry – Please send items by Wednesday each week for the following Sunday’s bulletin.

Remember: to have any meeting or event at church you must contact Rosemary Wolfe in the office to reserve your space. This is very important in order to avoid conflicts with other meetings and to make sure your area will have heat/air conditioning turned on!

Whiterocks Partner Visit

Check the July eWheel for great photos from our partner visit!

June 14-21, 2008: Our Whiterocks Week was filled with many fellowship opportunities. After our spirit-filled Sunday service where the Schlenkers were formally recognized we began our week full of activity. On Monday we spent some time together at Lake Allatoona getting to know one another and enjoying a perfect summer day in wonderful warm water. Tuesday was spent shopping, relaxing and just being with the host families. Wednesday started with a trip to The World of Coke followed by a picnic at Centennial Park. It was then on to the MLK center for some meaningful moments and quiet reflection. We returned to the church in time for the parish wide dinner and fashion show where we saw beautiful regalia. On Thursday we met at church in the morning to prepare sack lunches and then delivered those lunches to the community. That afternoon the adults spent in relaxation at the Dickson retreat center (Stan & Dani Dickson's home) while the children played in the creek, fished and even caught a snake. (Yuck!) Friday we traveled to Stone Mountain, spent the day, and literally went out with a bang watching the laser show and fireworks.

Our time together was about forming new relationships and building on old ones. Next summer we will be visiting our partners in Utah. Look for those dates sometime this fall.

I'd like to thank all these:

• Our host families: Fred & Jennifer Massey, The Pope Family, The Muckerman Family, Stan & Dani Dickson, Bella Hutto. Without them this visit would not have been possible. They gave willingly and without reservation. For that I am eternally grateful.
• Our visitors: Ginny Chimburas, Nancy Redcap, Rayma Redcap, Redmon Fox, Chandler Pargeets, Joylnn Duncan, Marley Saulter, Amy, Amic Ridley, Chet Ridley, Willy Ridely, Ryder Ridley, McCoy Ridley, Shineya Scott, Sue Duffield

Special thanks go to:

• Nadine Pope and Father Jim for coordinating our service project with MUST ministries.
• The ladies of the Borderlands reunion group for coordinating dinner Wednesday evening.
• The Schlenkers for hosting dinner Thursday evening.

by Ginny Lummus

A Grand Piano for St. Catherine’s

St. Catherine’s is so blessed in our sanctuary to have acoustics that make worship through music genuinely meaningful. We celebrate our deep heritage with our pipe/electronic organ that calls and leads us in worship, but we also find that different timbres speak to us in other ways. The string quartet on Christmas Eve, the guest trumpeter on Easter, our Jubilate Choir, Laura Christian’s flute offerings, the new Zimbelstern for our organ, and our electric keyboard serve us in significant ways.

As we continue to grow, we find ourselves ready to move beyond the small electric keyboard and to purchase a small, grand piano for the sanctuary. This instrument may be used to accompany the choirs, to offer offertories and special music, and to accompany guest choirs or as a part of chamber music. Our space calls for a beautiful, real instrument in which to offer praise. So, we have established the St. Catherine’s Piano Fund in hope, that over time, we can purchase a new or gently used small grand priced between $15,000- $20,000. This fund would be a wonderful place to honor or remember a loved one.

Thank you for all the ways you continue to help our music program flourish and grow.

Brian & Jana

Marriage Journey Groups

Kickoff Dinner - Sunday, Sept. 6

We invite you to join us for conversations about marriage -- how each of our marriages has evolved and transformed as life has carried us along. No experts, only fellow travelers. Our starting event will be 5:00 PM, September 6, in the Parish Hall. Groups will then form and meet for sessions over the school year. Let us know if you are interested in joining us to learn more about Marriage Journey by signing up on the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin or contacting the office.

Conference table needed    

The church is adding another conference room/adult education classroom for September. We are looking for an oval or square conference room table, approximately 8-9 ft. If you or your workplace has one to donate, please contact Rose Wolfe, 770.971.2839 or rosewolfestcatherines.org as soon as possible.

Men's Retreat: space is filling up    

Reserve ASAP! The Men’s Retreat will be Friday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 5 at Montara Farm in North Georgia. It will be a great time to have fun, meet new friends, and renew old friendships in a spiritually fulfilling, restful environment. Cost will be approximately $275. Space is limited, reserve your spot with a $100 deposit. Check the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin or contact Keith Dumke or Hans Kraeger; email kdumkebellsouth.net.

Men’s Bible Study

Thursdays beginning Sept 4

The Men's Bible Study will be Thursday nights at 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. starting on September 4, and using the series “Journey Through the Bible” from Cokesbury. Our study will continue through December 11. This session of 13 weeks (excluding Thanksgiving) will cover 1 & 2 Kings, 1& 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. This study is written by Dr. Mary Jo Osterman, a Christian educator in the Methodist Church. The study period is 922 B.C. to about 300 B.C. and covers the separated Hebrews of Judah and Israel, the exiles into Assyria and Babalonia, and the return from the exiles. We love for all men join us in this study. We learn a lot about the Bible and ourselves in the process.

Please contact Tom Snead by August 10, tom.sneadearthlink.net, to order the Study Guide in time for the first meeting, Cost is $8. (Pictured above - "Journey Through the Bible" study guide for last year's study of Genesis)

Lambeth Conference July 16-August 3

In catching up on... Lambeth I ran across the following bit of info about the opening Eucharist at the Cathedral of Canterbury:
"Even the music spoke of inclusion. The refrain of the Communion Hymn, " Let Us Build a House Where Love Can Dwell," began: “All are welcome; all are welcome; all are welcome…”
As you may recall we've been using this hymn since the dedication of our sanctuary and most recently for the dedication of the Youth House...
Jim+

Get the real stories about the Lambeth Conference on the Atlanta Diocese website at www.episcopalatlanta.org, including news articles, photos, our bishops' daily blog, and many other links!

Education for Ministry (EFM)

by Sallie Bowes, recent EFM graduate

I started EFM years ago and because of back problems and Stephen’s soccer commitments I was not able to finish any more than my first year. I really wanted to continue but did not have the time. So after Stephen died it was very much a goal of mine to finish EFM. The fellowship and what you learn about the Bible, history of the Church and theology are things that you can apply to life anytime. Also the relationships that you make with your fellow EFM’ers and Mentors are priceless. I personally am glad that I did have the time to go back and finish what I had started, as it was quite rewarding to me.

We hope you will consider joining EFM (Education for Ministry). EFM is a four-year course of study to provide you with a theological basis for your life and your place in the church. Class will meet Thursdays, 6:30 to 9 PM, beginning after Labor Day. A fee is involved, scholarships are available. For questions, please contact Jan Potter, 770-587-3512, or “Father Sue” at the church office.

St. Catherine’s College Book Scholarship Fund

On Sunday, August 3, we will recognize our young adults heading to college as freshmen and present them with college book scholarships. The St. Catherine’s College Book Scholarship Fund began as the Dorothy Hanson Memorial Fund, and is funded each year by gifts in her honor as well as proceeds from parish picnics and other individual gifts. Dorothy Hanson was the mother of Dani Dickson.

To date, we have presented 66 scholarships for a total of $10,000. At this time, we are able to give small scholarships to our rising college freshmen, but with additional gifts to this fund we hope to expand either the amount of the gift or have the ability to help support our students each year of their college careers. We appreciate any and all support of this fund. Please contact the church office for information.

Preschool openings

Our Preschool is filling rapidly but still has a few openings for the fall. Please pass the word to friends and anyone who might be interested in our quality program. Classes begin Monday, August 25. For information visit the Preschool page of our website or call 770-971-2839.

Seek And Ye Shall Find: Cursillo

The Atlanta Episcopal Cursillo Community Weekend #61 will be held Thursday, Oct. 2, through Sunday, Oct. 5, at Camp Fortson in Hampton, Georgia. You are invited to consider this unique opportunity. Cursillo is intended to help Christians learn and live what is fundamental as a Christian and discover and live out a personal vocation. It is a weekend that confirms and affirms present faith and leads participants to strengthen their present Christian lives. Many persons have found this weekend life changing.

Saint Cat’s own Tracy Buckalew will be Rector of Weekend #61, and Rev. Hazel Glover will be the spiritual director. To learn more visit the Atlanta Episcopal Cursillo Community website at www.aecc.us, or contact Father Jim, Carla von Hoffmann, 404-213-7408, or Rick and Tracy Buckalew, 770-956-9609. If you are a Cursillista interested in working or sponsoring a pilgrim, applications are on the website. Deadline for Team applications is July 31. Pilgrim applications are being accepted until Sept.19.

by Carla von Hoffmann

Pilgrimage 2009: Following in the Footsteps of Moses and Jesus

(left - Sunrise view from the top of Mt. Sinai)

Have you ever wondered what it might have been like for Moses to climb Mount Sinai? You can find out on our pilgrimage to Egypt and Jordan, “Following in the Footsteps of Moses and Jesus.” For 11 days ( March 13-24, 2009) we will explore our faith through the eyes of Moses, Joshua, and Jesus in the great lands of Egypt and Jordan (actually our guide in Egypt will be Moses and our guide in Jordan will be Joshua — coincidence?!).

Time is growing short for registering to be a part of this great adventure. Registration and payment are due not later than December 1. Want to know more? Pickup a brochure on the information table at the head of the stairs in the Atrium or speak with Fr. Jim.

VBS photos and movie

For great photos and a movie of all the fun at our 2008 "Power Lab" Vacation Bible School, please go to our VBS 2009 photo album on our website!

August Ministry Team Focus

This month we celebrate the life and work of our Parish Life and Fellowship Ministry Team. To find out more about their activities please check the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin or contact convenor Joan Nixon.

Congregational Nurses Corner

Avoiding Heat Stroke

As temperatures soar during the summer months, so do incidences of heat-related illnesses. Heat stroke or sunstroke—the most severe form of hyperthermia—can cause brain damage and even death if not treated immediately. During a heat stroke, the body is unable to regulate its own temperature, which may rise above 105 degrees. While every age group is at risk, older Americans—especially those living alone—should be aware of the signs of heat stroke.

Heat Stroke signs

• Fainting or feeling unsteady or dizzy
• Changes in behavior, such a confusion or delirium
• Body temperature more than 101 degrees
• Dry, red/flushed skin
• Headache
• Strong, rapid pulse or slow, weak pulse
• Lack of perspiration despite heat
• Nausea
• Unconsciousness/coma

If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, seek immediate medical attention. Make certain the victim is moved to an air-conditioned or shady area; put the individual in a cool bath/shower or cover the person with wet towels or sheets. If conscious, offer the person sips of cool water or juice.

Heat Stroke prevention

The best way to prevent heat stroke is to avoid becoming overheated and to stay well hydrated, avoiding beverages with alcohol, sugar and caffeine, which contribute to dehydration. Other tips include:

• Use air conditioning or spend at least two hours daily in a place that has air conditioning
• Draw blinds or curtains during the sunny part of the day and open windows at night
• Cut back on using heat-generating appliances
• Wear clothes that allow perspiration to evaporate (lightweight, loose)
• Wear sunscreen, insect repellent, and a wide-brimmed hat when outside
• Avoid being outside during high sun times, and limit outdoor activities
• Avoid closed in or crowded places, especially ones that are not air conditioned
• For people living alone, find a buddy or someone who will check in on a regular basis

Sources: National Institute on Aging, American Red Cross, MedicineNet.com

Letters

Father Jim’s 10-year anniversary

It was 10 years ago this month that Fr. Jim and Joan began their ministry here at St. Catherine's. Many years before that St. Catherine's mission statement became "bloom where you are planted!" Jim and Joan, you have done just that. The seeds you have planted have taken root and blossomed. Your ministry to us has always been hopeful and hope filled. We have become a better church family because of your grace, spirit, faith and joy. Well done good and faithful servants! To honor you a donation has been made in your honor to MUST Ministries, Inc. by the staff and Vestry.

Presented by the Vestry and Staff of St. Catherine's on July 13, 2008, read by Junior Warden Ginny Lummus

Parents,

For your child's safety, please refrain from allowing your children to climb the Crepe Myrtle in the front garden near the church’s main doors. This tree is a beautiful compliment to our church entrance but it is not strong enough for climbing, and it would be a tragedy if one of its limbs broke off. Thank you for your cooperation.

The Grounds Committee

On August 2 a team of three St. Catherine's parishioners (Tom Donoghue, Charles Mace and Margaret Shaw) will be doing a triathlon relay at Lake Logan Episcopal Center on Lake Logan, NC. Tom will be leading off with a 1500 meter swim, Charles then will take off on a 40 km bike, with Margaret crossing the finish line after a 10km run. Please wish the team well on their training and keep them in your prayers on race day.

Maureen Donoghue

Dear St. Catherine’s,

Thanks for supporting me and my [Kids4Peace] peace pal, Liam. We had a great time. Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers.

Katie Barrington

St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church:

Thank you for your generous donation of $550. This is a very busy time at Emmaus House. Our Summers Away program has 18 participants with two veteran campers returning to New England as Counselors in Training. A record 140 elementary children have joined our 6 week Summer Day Camp at D.H. Stanton. Many of them will also particpate in 7 th Heaven and our four night Camp Mikell trip. Quite a few older youth are receiving scholarships to regular Camp Mikell sessions. We welcome six full-time college summer interns with diverse backgrounds from Notre Dame, Chapel Hill, Georgia Tech, Emory and Wake Forest. Two Clinical Pastoral Education students, many volunteers and over 14 youth work-groups complete our summer staff. It’s going to be a busy season!

In March we broke ground for the new Muriel Lokey Center. This new building will help us expand the services of the Poverty Rights Office to include Adult Literacy, GED programs, NA/AA groups and other efforts to help our neighbors become more economically secure. The second floor will be an in-town retreat center. I hope you’ll drop by for a tour.

Your gift to Emmaus House not only serves our summer programs, but helps to fund our work with seniors, families, prisoners, and the homeless in Peoplestown, one of the poorest neighborhoods in Atlanta just south of Turner Field. In a typical year we provide more than 150,000 client hours of service with an annual operating budget of $630,000 and a staff of only six full-time and two part-time people.

Your prayers, your suggestions, your time and your material gifts are greatly appreciated by our staff, board, volunteers and those we serve.

Yours faithfully,
The Rev. Elizabeth Claiborne Jones, Director and Vicar of Emmaus House

Holy Baptism

Next scheduled dates -- August 10, November 2

Please contact the church office for information and the customary booklet about Holy Baptism.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

SICK: Sharon Parisi, David Kerley, Lillian Vu, Jason, Justin Elliott, Elaine Stergiou, Ron Mighton, Cindy Alexander, Ella Laird, Jay Hendricks, Gaye, Sam, Hugh Wolfe, Mark Gross, Danielle & Hunter Edwards, Marilyn May, Elaine Krupp, Steve Diffley, Brian Dorsey, Lamar Floyd, Agnes Floyd, Kay Jordan, Stan Dickson, Elizabeth Cantrell, Jenny Shumaker, Doris Bailey, Jerris Spencer, the family of June Hess, Poula Thompson, Bennett Hutcheson, Jim McBride, Patricia Nowicki, Stephanie Shaw, VinLuke & Meredith, Willy Webber, Craig McHattie, Ed Pitts, Gail Tyre

BEFORE SURGERY: Bill Krupp, 8/4/08; Mike Repotski, 8/7/08

DECEASED: Peter Rowland, Susan Roberts’ uncle; Kay Keith, Kevin Keith’s mother; Charles Kern, brother of Marilyn May’s friend; Amy Senn, Sally Powers’ daughter

PARISH CYCLE OF PRAYER

(8/3/08) Chuck, Michelle, Charlie & Maddie Zimmerman; Paul, Ginny, Kevin, Corey & Kerry Acocella; Frank, Ellen, Alison & Grace Adams; George & Norma Alexander; Mike & Amelia Arthur

(8/10/08) Rachel & Vincent Bagby; Ray, Nancy, Katie, Becky & Jonathan Ban; John, Barbara, Riley, Katie, Mary Alice & Thad Barrington; Gina, Taylor & Abby Baumann; Mike Baumann.

HELP US HELP YOU

Please let the church know when you or a loved one has a medical procedure, an illness, a life transition, or other special need. We are here to serve you. Please allow us the opportunity to share your experience and offer our support. Simply contact the church office at 770-971-2839. Thank you.

St. Catherine's Calendar

Monday, 8/4		Monday, 8/11
6:30PM 7:30PM	Susan’s day off Men's Book Study Boy Scouts Troop 713	7:00PM 7:00PM 7:30PM	Susan’s day off Cobb Schools Start Women’s Bible Study Spiritual Formation Boy Scout Troop 713
Tuesday, 8/5		Tuesday, 8/12
10:00AM 10:30AM 7:00PM 7:00PM 8:30PM	Election Runoff Day Morning Prayer Staff Meeting Ministry Team Quarterly GA Festival mtg Rally Day Group	10:00AM 10:30AM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:30PM	Morning Prayer Staff Meeting Mothers & More Youth Ministry Fellowship
Wednesday, 8/6		Wednesday, 8/13
9:30AM 7:00PM	Bible Study Stewardship	9:30AM 6:00PM 6:30PM	Bible Study Youth Choir Dinner Youth Pool Party
Thursday, 8/7		Thursday, 8/14
5:00PM 6:30PM	Wedding Rehearsal CN & D	7:30AM 7:00PM	Executive Mtg. @ Nixon’s Stewardship
Friday, 8/8		Friday, 8/15
7:00PM 8:00PM	Jim's day off Goodson/Paris wedding A.A.	10:00AM 8:00PM	Jim's day off Folders A.A.
Saturday, 8/9		Saturday, 8/16
10:00AM 10:00AM 10:00AM	Mentor Raft Trip Baptismal Prep Youth Reader Training	8:00AM 8:30AM 9:00AM	Habitat Finance Exploring Your Creativity
Sunday, 8/10		Sunday, 8/17
7:30AM 8:00AM 8:45AM 9:15AM 10:30AM 11:45AM 1:00PM 5:00PM	Acolyte Recognition Coffee Time Holy Eucharist Breakfast Country Fair Holy Eucharist/Baptism Summer Parish Meeting Praying for Pars Stephen Ministry	7:30AM 8:00AM 8:45AM 10:30AM   11:45AM	Coffee Time Holy Eucharist Breakfast Holy Eucharist Renewal of vows Catechesis Open House

YOUTH NEWS

A BUSY summer!!

On the Youth Mission Trip to Nashville, June 6-14	The Atlanta contingent at EYE in San Antonio, July 8-13
The J2A Urban Plunge group made a sight-seeing stop at Niagara Falls -- (don't worry, the "plunge" was in Toronto!)
Leaving for the Rite 13 Beach Trip, July 25-27
On the beach at Panama City

For lots more photos of the Youth Mission Trip to Nashville, go to the Nashville 2008 photo album on our website!

Youth Reader Training, Saturday, August 9th, 10-11:30am

Attention all Youth Readers! We will have training for new and returning youth readers on Saturday, August 9th from 10-11:30am in the Sanctuary. All youth, grades 5 and up are invited to be youth readers, if you have not been a youth reader in the past, please contact Amelia or come to the training on August 9th. If you are a current youth reader and you cannot be at the training, please contact Amelia.

Back-to-School Pool Party and Cook-Out August 13th 6-8pm

All youth, are invited to a Back-to-School Pool Party and Cook Out on Wednesday, August 13th from 6-8pm! Come out to have food, fun, and play in the pool at Meadowgrove Pool (the Paris’ pool). Stay tuned for more info and directions!

Youth Leader Fall Training and Orientation

Attention all Rite-13, J2A, and YA leaders! We will be having a Youth Leader Training and Orientation to kick off the church school year! There will be two trainings, each on a Wednesday evening from 6-9pm. The dates for the trainings are August 27th and September 3rd. Each training will be the same; you only need to come to one. Stay tuned to your e-mail for more information from Amelia. Thanks!

Rite 13 Beach Trip

I hope everyone has "recovered" from the action packed weekend at Panama City beach, July 25-27. Here are a few photo's from that momentus occasion. Parents, thanks for sharing your AMAZING young gentlemen and ladies!! I am sure Nancy, Susan and Amelia will echo my sentiments... They were a joy to chaperone.
Ellis Kilgore

Wheel Schedule:

Next publications:

• August 15 – print edition
• September 5 – online edition
• September 19– print edition

The Wheel is published two times per month. The usual schedule is as follows: The first edition is the eWheel, in electronic form (HTML) posted on our newsletter page and distributed to all members subscribed to the "Parish Announcements" email list. The next edition is printed and mailed to all parish families, and also posted on our newsletter page in PDF form.(Extra print editions are scheduled before Easter and Christmas.) Copies of each newsletter are available for pickup at church.

Articles are due the Wednesday before publication. Please submit articles to the editor via email (below) or to The Wheel mailbox at church.

The Wheel: get every issue!

Does everyone in your family receive this eWheel, the electronic version of St. Catherine's newsletter? Is everyone subscribed? Email is becoming an important means for our parish communications. Just send the email addresses of everyone who would like get their own copy to Karen Manno at the email address below, or note them on the Opportunities for Ministry in your bulletin, or contact the church office at 770-971-2829. You'll receive your online version via email, and you can find all current and prior issues of The Wheel on our website at www.stcatherines.org

Editor: Karen Manno
Contact karenstcatherines.org or 770-973-8668