|
"... you did not do it to the least of these, therefore, you did not do it to me." Matthew 25:45
Occupy Me
The Occupy movement continues in various locations. Most folks have stopped paying attention, I suppose. But, in the Occupiers inarticulate rage, they are right about something. Max Weber said it long ago, "...bureaucracy is frightening for its efficiency in dehumanizing people."
I guess that's the disconnect for all the well-intentioned corporate people as they watch the protesters. They get defensive because they have gone to work and excelled and tried to live ethical professional lives. They have participated in the system and the system has rewarded them with station, access and wealth.
Imagine when Jesus told his disciples that their service was lacking towards him. Imagine their defensiveness. They had been clear that they had done everything that Jesus had required. But Jesus went on, "as you did it to the least of these, you did it to me." Jesus' call to us is to remain human; so human so as to refuse to dehumanize anyone; so human as to object to any bottom line except the bottom line of human dignity for all. So human so as to remain available to those imprisoned by human frailty, sickness, nakedness, hunger or crime.
Some will say to back to Jesus that being this human requires super human strength, even sainthood. But I am not so sure. Jesus knows that each of us have a yet untapped well of compassion in our hearts. He knows that because He put it there. And, until we pour out this compassion to the neediest, our institutions and we are hollowed out versions of ourselves.
Thought for today: The bottom line is human dignity.
Prayer for today: Occupy me Lord, Occupy me.
Rob+
To respond to Fr. Wright, please email him at stpauls696@aol.com.
|
|
|
 Upcoming Bible Studies
November 16 & 20
I was hungry, thirsty, naked, sick and in prison and you did.... Matthew 25:31-46
November 30 & December 4
Help is on the way - Mark 1:1 - 8
December 7 & 11
John's Testimony - John 1:6 - 8, 19 - 28
December 14 & 18
Don't be afraid, it's God - Luke 1:26 - 38
Events November 17 - 23
Sunday, November 20
9am: Worship Service & Sunday School
10am: Adult Bible Study
10:15am: Drama Ministry Practice
11:15am: Worship Service & Sunday School
Monday, November 21
6:30pm: Financial Peace University
Wednesday, November 23
No services or Bible Study
|
Stewardship Reflection - Financial Peace University
Every week a member of the St. Paul's congregation will share their reflection on Stewardship. Below is an excerpt from Kim Adams' reflection. Follow the link at the end to read the full offering. 
Stewardship is one of the most prevalent themes of the Bible, and yet is often minimized in discussions about Christian life. I must be quite honest in saying that it wasn't until my participation in Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University (FPU) sessions that I realized that there are more verses in the Bible that speak to stewardship and finances than just about any other subject. I think it's because stewardship has an impact on practically every aspect of our existence. I must also admit that like many others, I equated stewardship with only one area: money. In FPU, we learned that a "steward" refers to the responsibility that is entrusted to a manager, or in other words, "an administrator of affairs and possessions of another." I have learned that from a biblical point of view, stewardship is all-inclusive. It touches every area of our life, including our time and talent as well as our treasure. Stewardship is faithfully using whatever God gives us (our interests, opportunities, skills, employment, family, talents, spiritual gifts, land, money, etc.) for His glory. Teachings on stewardship ranges from Genesis 1-2 when God made man and woman stewards of the Earth, to Revelation 21-22 when God will make His children stewards of the new creation.
|
|
The Episcopal Church Women of St. Paul's would like to remind parishioners that the church will celebrate the Fall UTO Ingathering on Nov. 20th, at the 9 and 11:15 a.m. services.
What is UTO? Most people know it has something to do with a little blue money box and coins, but they don't know the message behind it. The mission of UTO-United Thank Offering-is to offer daily prayers of thanksgiving to God and make a daily outward sign of those prayers (a small monetary donation) in a way that will benefit others. So please join this twice-a-year church mission and pick up your UTO box at the church any Sunday through UTO Day. For more information about UTO please visit http://www.episcopalchurch.org/uto/ or see the ECW's UTO chairs Ida Demons, Karlene Duncan or Janita Poe.
Submitted by Janita Poe (janitapoe@bellsouth.net)
|
|
Bishop Search and Transition
A time of mutual discernment for Nominating Committee and candidates
The application period has closed, and the candidates and the Nominating Committee have begun a time of mutual discernment. During the next several weeks, we ask that you continue to hold the candidates and the committee daily in your prayers.
- The Nominating Committee
|
|
Adopt A Family for Christmas
For the past 6 years, the St. Paul's Episcopal Church Outreach Committee has organized the "Adopt A Family for Christmas" program. Despite the economic downturn and its effect on nearly everyone, you, St. Paul's has continued to generously support our surrounding church community and we hope we can count on you again this holiday season.
We have taken great care and consideration of today's economic climate and as a result, we have limited the "Adopt A Family for Christmas" program to 25 families per school, for students in grades K-5. Can we count on you to adopt a family? They need you. We need you. With the help of designated school representatives, we will be able to better target and identify those students with the greatest needs.
Please consider adopting a family or a child and making the holiday joyful to those in need. A sign up table will be available in Bowden Hall on Sunday, November 20th, or you may email sarithaharden@bellsouth.net to select a family or child.
The "Adopt A Family for Christmas" holiday celebration will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2011, from 11:00am -2:00pm.
Submitted by: Saritha Wood-Harden, Program Coordinator
sarithaharden@bellsouth.net
|
|
Happy Thanksgiving - Newsletter Break
The newsletter will take a short break next week in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. The next announcements will be sent out on Thursday, December 1. Please send your announcements to news@stpaulsatl.org by Tuesday, November 29.
Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
|
|
Servants Needed!
Vestry Nominations
 Nominations for the Vestry will be accepted from November 13th until December 13th. Please submit your name and resume to the Parish Administrator, Kelly King at stpauls306@aol.com.
To be eligible to serve on the Vestry: you must be a Confirmed member of the church older than 16 years of age; you will have attended church regularly in the year proceeding the election; you will have made and completed your financial pledge by December 13, 2011.
The Election Process for the Vestry of St. Paul's.
1. Nominations accepted Nov. 13-Dec. 13
2. Nominating committee prepares the slate for election
3. The Nominating Comm. will publish the slate. Jan. 1
4. Nominations from the floor at Annual Meeting, Jan. 15, 2012
5. Four new Vestry members are elected, Annual Meeting.
Submitted by Fr. Wright (stpauls696@aol.com) (12/11) |
Annual Churchmen's Theater Event
The Episcopal Churchmen invite you to join them again, this Christmas season, at the Agatha's Mystery Theater on Saturday, December 17, 2011 @ 7:00 PM. This year's audience-participation play is entitled "Yes Virginia, Someone Killed Santa Claus", and promises to be as much fun and as entertaining as the previous productions. The ticket price includes a five (5) course meal consisting of appetizers, soup, salad, choice of entree' and desert. A glass of wine is served with the salad. A member of the Churchmen will be available, in the Bowden Hall, beginning Sunday, October 23, after both services, to accept deposits or full payments. We have spaces for fifty (50) persons and urge you to get your seats as soon as possible. The price per ticket remains the same as in previous years ($62.50). We would love to have you join us for an enjoyable evening during the holiday season. Submitted by Bob Martin.
|
Altar Flowers
The flowers on the altar were given to the "Glory of God" and "In Memory" of Clyde McGrady and John Henry Burdett, brothers of Sherri McGrady-Johnson and Ethelene Ashford, by Leonard and Agnes Anderson. The flowers were arranged by Jan Hilliard, Ani Whitfield, Janaia McNeill, Lori Henry and Jay Richardson. |
Member Birthdays
November 17 November 24 Melvin White Clarence Anderson Vincent Bond Charles Logan Kendall Evans Rebecca Smith Camille Chiller Marcus Byrd November 18 November 25 Joey Cole Pat Ouisley Leila Somerville Heidi Farmer-Drew Amirah Jabbie November 19 Fairfax Williams November 26 Rev. Philip Lythcott Harold Cranford Ellington Gillespie Ray Abram Agnes Hall November 20 Bill Gray November 27 Amani Kelley Davida Sylvain Anjwan Vance November 21 Yvette Vance Kevin Young Diana Chiller November 28 Leroy Walker November 22 Elizabeth Lewis November 29 Bob Martin Lillian Rance Andre Bailey Rudolph Blackman, Jr. Trenton Kimble November 30 November 23 Jacquelyn Curry Marcia Williams John Goodlett, Sr. Mecky Jackson Diana Blackman Wes Anderson, Jr. Alyson Britt Lekeshia Jarrett Perry Williams, Jr. Tina Kimble Maia Brookes
|
|
St. Paul's Prayer List
 Please pray for the sick and shut in: Fr. Van Bird; William Epps, Sr.; Horace Goodlett; Charles Harding, Sr; Jorge Lawton; Mabel McCullough; Lorraine McIver; Gloria Poe; Rhoda Tolbert; Janet Turner; Edward Williams; Beatrice Watley; Louise Williamson.
|
|
|
Community News
Giving for Growth Through Episcopal Relief & Development's Gifts for Life
"Giving for Growth" is the theme of this year's Gifts for Life catalog - filled with ways to delight those on your holiday gift list and help communities worldwide to flourish.
First-time givers will notice that the catalog is divided into sections for easy browsing: cows and goats are in the Animals and Agriculture section, and solar energy systems are under Green Gifts. Supporters familiar with the Gifts for Life catalog will see that a new section has been introduced, with gifts to "Inspire your Community." This section includes heartfelt stories and group giving ideas to inspire communities to share God's great abundance - be it a Sunday School class, a book club, or even a family. To read more, click here >
Work of Our Hands Artists' Market
 The ninth Work of Our Hands Artists' Market Nov. 17-20 at the Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta, will feature nearly 75 local and regional artists offering fine art, folk art, and crafts, including paintings, glass, fabric and wood art, pottery, jewelry, sculptures and many other handmade and original gifts in a variety of price ranges. more
Prematurity Awareness Month The March of Dimes h as designatedNovember as Prematurity Awareness Month and November 17 as Prematurity Awareness Day. The March of Dimes wants women to know that there are steps they can take to reduce their risk of premature birth, which is the number one killer of newborns and a major cause of serious health problems.
One of the best things a woman can do for her baby is to get a medical check up before she gets pregnant. If she's healthy, her baby has a better chance of being born healthy and on time. Babies born too early may have serious health problems. It costs society billions of dollars every year. More than half a million babies are born prematurely every year, and the number is rising.
During November, help the March of Dimes fight premature birth. Please visit marchofdimes.com to learn how.
Submitted by Nicole Lowry for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter (Atlanta, GA)
Visit Epiphany's Nativities For the fourteenth holiday season, The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany presents an exhibit of over 250 nativity scenes from around the world on Saturday, November 26 and Sunday, November 27 and from Wednesday November 30 through Sunday, December 4. Many of the nativities are accompanied by scriptural quotes and hymn texts. Admission: $5.00 for adults; $4.00 for Seniors & Students, Children under 12 free. For a brochure or more information call 404.373.8338 or visit www.epiphany.org. |
If
you have events, meetings or anything that you would like to share with the St. Paul's community,
please make sure to send it to news@stpaulsatl.org by Tuesday of the week you
would like it published. Please limit your submissions to approximately 100 words and submit them in Word format. We look forward to your input
and ideas.
Looking
forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Communications Committee
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
|
|
|
|
