| Photo: Bill Monk | View more photos here. |
Wednesday, Feb. 24
+ Bishop Rob Wright will visit Grace Church and Campus Ministry in Gainesville.
Sunday, Feb. 28
+ Bishop Rob Wright -- St. Gregory's, Athens
+ Assistant Bishop Don Wimberly -- Trinity, Columbus
Friday, March 2 + Bishop Rob Wright will facilitate an open conversation on the relevance of Church for young adults. St. Luke's. All are welcome.
|
The schedule of Bishop Visitations for the first half of 2016 is posted here>>.
For questions about Bishops' schedules, please contact Ieasha Barrow.
Bishop Wright Published in February Vestry Papers
Read Bishop Wright's inspirational article "Fire First!" here>>.
Recalling
something from a recent issue but don't see it here?
Just click for the archive:
|
RESOURCES
Deadline for submitting news items for Connecting is noon Fridays before the next week's publication. Send news and photos to:
Please include location and address for all events and a web link to the full story.
This newsletter is published biweekly by the Diocese of Atlanta except for occasions involving Thanksgiving, Christmas and the editor's vacation. It is distributed on alternating Wednesday evenings.
|
|
|
#GrowForLent | Love
How can you feel closer to God? Your neighbor? How can you love like Jesus? Throughout this time of Lent, Bishop Rob Wright challenges you to take up a practice to grow your spirituality. Follow us on Twitter at @episcopalatl and like the Diocese of Atlanta on Facebook. We want to hear from you and learn how you plan to #GrowForLent.
Study "Just Mercy" at Wednesday Night Suppers | Starts February 17 | St. James, Marietta
St. James' Episcopal Church in Marietta is offering family suppers, followed by an adult book study. The series will last for five Wednesdays. Light supper is served at 6 p.m. and the study will last from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Children's activities and Youth Choir are planned. People from outside of the parish are welcome. To register, contact Sharon Whelan at scw8341@aol.com.
Wednesday Night Lenten Speaker Series | Starts February 24 | St. Patrick's, Dunwoody
The Candler School of Theology at Emory University lights St. Patrick's Holy Week path with four distinguished luminaries. On Wednesday nights, a simple soup dinner in the Parish Hall is offered at 6:00 p.m. with program to follow in the nave (church) from 7 - 8 p.m. Childcare is available upon request by the preceding Monday. Click here for more information.
2/24 The Rev. Dr. Charles Edward "Ted" Hackett
3/2 The Rev. Dr. Don E. Saliers
3/9 The Rt. Rev. Dr. Keith B. Whitmore
3/16 The Rev. Nan Baxter, Society of St. Anna the Prophet
Lenten Quiet Day | February 27 | Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta
"God is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?" (Psalm 27). What can we learn from our fear, and how can we respond to it as people of faith? This Lenten Quiet Day will include praying with stories, scriptures, and spiritual practices, such as Welcoming Prayer, that can help us explore and befriend fear in scary times. The retreat will be facilitated by the the Rev. Lynnsay Buehler, director of the Julian of Norwich Center. For more information, contact Jeanne Mahood at JMahood@stphilipscathedral.org.
|
Lenten Series | Wednesday's at 7 p.m. | Cathedral of St. Phillip, Atlanta

This series features five dynamic ordained priests of the Episcopal Church. The speakers are wonderfully different from each other and have chosen topics that range from the Eucharist, to religious imagination, to social justice. Yet, there are some common themes. You will hear in their stories the comprehensive, incarnational, left-handed thinking that has long characterized the Anglican consciousness. And, you will hear in their voices an excitement about how our historical tradition speaks to the vocation of being a Christian in the contemporary world. Join us in Child Hall or live online, stphilipscathedral.org/lentenseries, Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
|
Accepting the Call
 The Rev. Rob Wood has accepted the call to become Rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Cashiers, NC. He concludes his eleven years as rector of St. Aidan's, Alpharetta, on February 28, and he begins his ministry in Cashiers on March 13. Rob has served as Dean of the Marietta Convocation (2007 - 2016) and first alternate to General Convention (2009, 2012). He has also served as transition consultant for 10 congregations over the last eight years. He and his wife, Linda, invite you to church in the mountains anytime! |
GO! A Celebration of Global Mission | April 16
Join us for the Diocese's annual global mission conference at St. Luke's, Atlanta, on Saturday, April 16, where we will celebrate the ministry of Martin and Sandy McCann in Central Tanganyika and hear from speakers from our Diocese and beyond. The day begins with our own Bishop Robert Wright who will share his thoughts on the importance of global mission. The remainder of the day is full of workshops from which to choose, including Stories of Mission, How to do Mission, and Issues in Global Mission. Five Contact Hours are available for clergy. Registration will open soon.
|
Fire First!

Purpose is the fire that warms the heart, gives light for vision, and generates energy to sustain work.
|
Youth and Young Adult News
|
Get the latest news from the Episcopal Youth Community here. |
Young Adults and the Church: Identifying Gaps and Strengthening Intersections | March 2 | St. Luke's, Atlanta
Real Talk: Join us at St. Luke's on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 6 p.m. for an exciting and open conversation facilitated by Bishop Rob Wright. We'll discuss and explore ways in which Church is relevant and meaningful for young adults -- or not. Where are the connections between young adults and the Church being made? Where are they not being made?
People of all ages, backgrounds, and denominations are welcome to participate, with a special invitation to folks in their 20s and 30s. Dinner will be served. For more information or to RSVP, please contact The Rev. David Wagner at 404-873-7633 / wagner@stlukesatlanta.org, or the Rev. Dennis Patterson at 404-873-7609 / dennis@stlukesatlanta.org.
|
A Bridge from Congregation to College
Are you a high school senior heading to college or other life adventures? Please let us know. Fill out our form, A Bridge from Congregation to College, and let us know where you are going to school or what else you'll be doing. This is the best way to stay connected to the Episcopal Church as you transition into a new life phase.
Graduation Celebration | May 1
Join us on May 1 for our first Graduation Celebration. The Diocese will host this event at Holy Innocents'. This is for anyone graduating! Please plan to be there from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Seniors can register here. Please know the size of your party. Youth that wish to attend as friends can use the same registration. Youth groups can use the same registration. April 27 is the registration deadline.
|
Church Pension Group's Planning For Tomorrow | Lay February 25 and Clergy February 26 - 27
The Planning For Tomorrow Conference for lay employees in the Diocese of Atlanta will be on Thursday, Feb. 25. The clergy session will be held Feb. 26 - 27. For more information, lay employees click here>> and clergy click here>>.
Becoming Benedictine: A Radical Call Toward Spiritual Community | February 27| St. Aidan's, Milton
Come worship and commune at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church in Milton, GA and learn more about the Community of Hope International (CoHI). The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Stuart Higginbotham, Rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Gainesville, GA. The day will last from 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an optional dinner to follow. The mission of CoHi is to create and sustain Christian communities of lay pastoral caregivers united in prayer, shaped by Benedictine spirituality, and equipped for and serving in pastoral care ministries. Cost is $25 for the workshop and lunch and $10 for dinner. To register, contact Harmony Kiser at 770-667-5494 or harmony.kiser@comcast.net.
Called to Lead | March 5
On Saturday, March 5, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church, Atlanta, wardens, vestries and treasurers are invited to Called to Lead, a one-day training with Bishop Rob Wright and his staff designed to support and enhance lay leadership. Clergy are invited to attend as well. For details and registration, click here .
God's Offer, Our Response: The Essence of Benedictine Spirituality | March 12 | St. Martin's, Atlanta
An examination of the essence of the Benedictine approach to the spiritual life and how it influences the development of Anglican spirituality. The presenter, V. Rev. Steven Peay, PhD, who spent 18 years in monastic life and studies, teaches and leads various classes and spiritual retreats on the RULE of St. Benedict and Benedictine spirituality. Now the Dean-President of Nashotah House, a seminary guided by an intentional Benedictine ethos, Peay presides over a semi-monastic community seeking to be a "school of the Lord's service."
RSVP at www.stmartins.org. For more information on Nashotah House and The Very Rev. Steven Peay visit: www.nashotah.edu. Lunch is provided and this e vent is approved for 3 contact hours of Continuing Education credit for clergy of the Diocese of Atlanta.
Saturday, March 12; 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
3110 Ashford Dunwoody Rd - Gable Hall
Atlanta, GA 30319
|
Hunger Walk | March 13
Support Episcopal Charities Foundation on Sunday, March 13, 12 - 4 p.m., at Turner Field for this year's Hunger Walk/Run along with the people and parishes of the Diocese of Atlanta. This 5K event raises funds and awareness for hunger relief every spring. Whether you choose to walk or run, you'll join thousands coming together to support our neighbors in need and celebrate the work that's being done. For more details and to register, click here.
|
England Pilgrimage | Take Action by March 15
Members of the Diocese are invited to consider joining a "Roots of Anglicanism" pilgrimage being planned by the Cathedral of St. Philip, June 3-15, 2016. Participants will experience one of England's great cathedrals or collegiate foundations each day. Visits will include Canterbury, Cambridge University (King's, St. John's, and Trinity Colleges), Durham, Fountains Abbey, Old Sarum, Salisbury, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Winchester, and York Minster. Daily worship will be led by each institution's own choir and clergy.
The pilgrimage will be led by the Cathedral of St Philip's Canon for Music, Dale Adelmann, whose specialization at the University of Cambridge was the history of Anglican choral worship, and the Rev. Canon Wallace Marsh who will serve as Chaplain. Interested participants should reserve their place by deposit before March 15. For more information click here, or contact Dr. Adelmann at dadelmann@stphilipscathedral.org or at 404- 365-1051.
|
2016 Emmaus House Gala | April 17
Emmaus House hosts their Annual Gala where they will celebrate the resilient human spirit that inspires children and families to build better lives for themselves and motivates people to support them. The Gala is Sunday, April 17 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Carter Center. Click here for additional details.
|
Safe Church Training Day | February 27
For those who work with children:
Saturday, Feb. 27 | Atlanta
9 a.m. to noon, The Cathedral of St. Philip
Diocesan Trainer: The Rev. Dr. Deborah Silver
Saturday, Feb. 27 | Cartersville
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., The Church of the Ascension
Diocesan Trainer: The Rev. Mary Erickson
|
For those who work with adults:
DETAILS CAN BE FOUND HERE >>.
Saturday, Feb. 27 | Atlanta
1 - 4 p.m. , The Cathedral of St. Philip
Diocesan Trainer: The Rev. Dr. Deborah Silver
Saturday, Feb. 27 | Cartersville
1:30 - 4:30 p.m., The Church of the Ascension
Diocesan Trainer: The Rev. Mary Erickson
If you have questions about our Safe Church programs and policies, visit the website here or contact the Rev. Deborah Silver.
|
Baltimore Organist William Wisnom Cathedral of St. Philip Performance | March 6
Wisnom is the winner of several international competitions and recipient of numerous awards. He has performed at may venues including the National Cathedral, St. Thomas Church Fifth Ave, NY, Trinity Church in Boston, and Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.
Following the recital, at 4:00 p.m. the Cathedral will offer their weekly service of Choral Evensong, sung by the Cathedral Schola. The recital and Choral Evensong are both free admission, and the general public is cordially invited to attend. For more information, contact Timothy Gunter at 404-365-1050 or 678-230-8057 or visit www.stphilipscathedral.org/music.
|
Click here for current job opportunities.
|
Diocesan Resource Center to Close | March 1
After many years of declining use, the Diocesan Resource Center will close March 1. Parishes are invited to visit the Resource Center at the Diocese Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. until February 29 to select books, curricula materials and videos the parish may want to have. Please bring boxes to take the selected materials away. All books and materials remaining as of March 1 will be donated to the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. Its purpose is to enable Christians in their indigenous churches to grow in faith and knowledge. Do you have questions or is someone from your parish planning a visit? Please contact Mary Job at 404-601-5320 or mjob@episcopalatlanta.org.
|
Hispanic Ministry Resources

A new publication, Historia del Ministerio Hispano en la Iglesia Episcopal, provides an overview of Hispanic Ministry in the Episcopal Church as it has evolved for more than half a century. Written by the Rev. Canon Isaias Rodriguez, Canon for Hispanic Ministries in the Diocese of Atlanta, the book records the origins and development, hard work, joys and sorrows of this ministry.
With more than thirty years in the Episcopal Church, Canon Rodriguez has been a first-hand witness and protagonist in this important journey. In addition to history, the reader may also find a wealth of ideas still valid for the current ministry. For more information or to purchase copies, contact irodriguez@episcopalatlanta.org.
|

For updates from the Episcopal News Service, click here>>.
|
|
|
|