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The Shamrock
November 11, 2015
THANKSGIVING SUNDAY
 
A Reflection from the Chair of Stewardship
 
In my job as a Parish Administrator, I often find myself in two 'time zones'; items such as printing layouts, communications, booklets, and programs are begun a minimum of two weeks prior to print or email date, so I find myself living in the future a bit. However, much of my day is spent with the present activities taking place in a very busy church, similar to our own St. Patrick's, so I'm very much in the here and now. Yet, I have to confess, there are times when I call out to one of the Priests in the office "what day is it?"; and when they call back with "the 10th", I say "no, I mean is it Tuesday or Wednesday?!" I do keep a firm handle on the month though. Usually.

Interesting time of year, early/mid November. We find ourselves in the midst of our annual pledge drive, while St. Patrick's looks to the future as each of us consider what financial gifts and what amount of time and talent we will give to our church in 2016; we are asked to prayerfully consider increasing our gifts to the church for the next year, in all areas -financial, time, and talent. We've read and heard many stories where God the Giver has inspired others, including our fellow parishioners, to give more, to do more, to be more involved in this loving community.

And, then, we enter Advent. A time of preparation and anticipation. A time of reflection-serious reflection-joyful expectation, and those mystical encounters with 'thin' spaces, times, or places. A time of waiting, a time of hope.

Seemingly different, Stewardship and Advent, yes? But are they really, I wonder? In considering our gifts to this community and God, are we not aspiring, or hoping, to be that person webelieve God has created us to be, and this Church to be? And as we reflect on Christ, our life, and our community throughout Advent, are we not attempting to catch a glimpse-to view-our place in the world, were we belong, and where St. Patrick's belongs?
 
On Sunday, November 22, the last Sunday of the church year and the last Sunday before we enter Advent, we will offer our 2016 pledges in support of the community and ministry of St. Patrick's at the Offertory during the 10:30 a.m. service-a recognition of thanks and love to God the Giver. Afterwards, we will celebrate our life together with a Thanksgiving Feast in the Parish Hall, with the roasted turkeys and beverages provided. This is your opportunity to bring your families favorite Thanksgiving side dish or dessert! A most delicious potluck indeed! Please know that your presence is most welcomed and desired.
 
Yours in Christ,
Keith Harper
2016 Stewardship Chair
 
Click here to read last week's reflection from the God the Giver series.
Thanksgiving for Heroic Service - Veteran's Day, Nov. 11.

O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -- Book of Common Prayer
UPCOMING EVENTS

St. Pat's Family Fun Night! Wednesday, November 18 at 6:00 p.m. - a  chili cook-off! Bring your best chili and enjoy a fun night of fellowship and festivity! Prizes for the chili voted most delicious and spiciest! We are collecting cans (bean size - around 15 oz - RINSED OUT and label off please) for a project, so please bring your bean cans. Following the chili cook-off, we'll have fun activities for our children and will offer adults a preview of what's coming in Advent, a chance to sing together and time for considering how we may enter a holy Advent. All are most welcome! Y'all come! (For more info please contact Mo. Sarah)


SPARKS members (Saint Patrick's Alliance for Retired Kindred Spirits) - come enjoy a
delightful evening on November 21 at 6:30 p.m. with food, drink, and music with Paul Tate.
We cherish our SPARKS Seniors in this parish.  Please accept our invitation  to be our guest at this wonderful dinner and evening of musical entertainment. This evening is to honor YOU and all you do for St. Patrick's.Deadline for reservations is Monday, November 16.  See you there!
If you have not received any SPARKS email and consider yourself a "senior" parishioner please send your email address to Jim Hoffmann at [email protected].   

 
Anxiety-Breath-and the Peace of God Starts Nov. 17:Anxiety can hold a tight grip on the lives of many of us.Join Mother Julia in exploring the relationship between anxiety, breath, and the Peace of God.
We will explore these questions:

What is anxiety?
What is the Peace of God?
How does Jesus respond to anxiety?
What are the roles of Breath and Spirit in Scripture?
Are there breath practices through which we can join with Spirit in working with the reality of our anxiety?

Cost: $60 for the three sessions on Tuesdays, Nov. 17, Dec. 1 and 15 from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. (
Some partial and full scholarships are available, please speak with Julia)
 
Questions: speak with Julia, call (770-455-6523), or email ([email protected])
Registration Deadline: Sunday, November 15
To register: turn in registration form to church or email Julia at [email protected]
 
 
Come out for Pub Theology and Team Trivia, Tuesday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the Dunwoody Tavern (5488 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd)! All (over 21) are welcome! We'll bat around an idea or two from the Gospel reading for Sunday or debate the persons of the Trinity - who knows where the conversation will go? At 8:00, Team Trivia begins and we'll represent St. Pat's! Come at 7:00 and leave when you need to, or come at 8:00 for Trivia or stay the whole night! Questions? Contact Sarah @ [email protected].   
 
RITE 13 DINNER AND CELEBRATION
 
ECUMENICAL LAY CISTERCIANS
On the afternoon of Saturday, November 7, Martha Mills, Nancy Armstrong, and Jim Lynn made their Solemn Professions and were received as Ecumenical Lay Cistercians of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, GA. 

LOOKING AHEAD
Sunday, November 15 at 12:15 p.m.
Vestry Meeting
Wednesday, November 18
6 p.m. chili cook-off, 7 p.m. Advent preview program
Saturday, November 21, 4-11 p.m.
SPARKS Party in Parish Hall
Sunday, November 22 (after 10:30 a.m. service)
Stewardship Ingathering and Thanksgiving Feast
Tuesday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m.
Pub Theology & Team Trivia at Dunwoody Tavern
Sunday, December 6 at 5:00 p.m.
A Magical St. Nicholas Night
Saturday, December 19
Parish-wide Christmas Party

DETAILED CALENDAR:For more detailed information, please check the website.
WEEKLY EVENTS

Centering Prayer: We meet in the library on Mondays at 1:15 p.m. and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome!

Join Mother Julia:
Mondays at Noon- Meditative Basics Class (open to beginner and long time practitioner alike)
Mondays at 2:30- Chair Class (a very gentle yet transformative practice)

Cost: recommended donation of $10-$15
(Donations through December used to purchase yoga supplies such as blocks, blankets, straps, and mats, with at least a tithe of donations going to support Malachi's)
CHRISTIAN FORMATION

Children 
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - meet at 9:00 a.m. in their classrooms: 
Level I - children ages 3, 4, and 5-years old
Level 2 - children in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades
Level 3 - children in 4th and 5th grades 
 
Youth 
Journey to Adulthood classes meet at 9:00 a.m. in their classrooms
Rite 13 - grades 6-7
J2A - grades 8-9
YEA - grades 10-12 
 
Adult Christian Formation - Sundays at 9:15 a.m.
 
 Dates
Class 1  
 Class 2 
 Sept. 20 - Dec. 13
 
Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts 
 
 Nov. 1 - Dec. 13 
Getting Personal with Scripture 
The Roundtable 
 Ongoing Offerings 
Doing Art Looking Up 
Dreams: Listening to God 
 Dec. 20 
Whole Parish Bible Day: Luke 1:39-45  
 

Wonderful Wednesdays 
5:00 - 6:00 - Our cooking crew prepares a simple meal to share. Want to help? Contact Fr. Dick.
6:00 - 6:50 - we share food and fellowship. Diners are asked to contribute $7 ($5 for children) to cover food costs. Please call the church office to make your dinner reservation.
7:00 - 8:00 - Program -

From Christ to Constantine - Oct 28 - Nov 11, December 2 and 9
Together we will select episodes from the PBS series Ancient Roads: From Christ to Constantine for our viewing pleasure and spiritual edification.

November 11: The Age of the Apostles
November 25: Thanksgiving holiday
December 2: Ancient Roads: apocalypse to Heresies
December 9: Ancient Roads: Constantine

Viewing time: 50 minutes. If you want to talk about the experience, stay for 30 minutes of discussion.
 
Free childcare is available by reservation. Contact the church office by the Monday before.

 
OUTREACH

Malachi's is open each Wednesday - lunch at 11:00 a.m., free grocery shopping from 1 -3 p.m.
Click here to learn more.
 
 
   St. Patrick's Episcopal Church | StPat.net | 770.455.6523 
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