inside this issue st. lukes episcopal church • 435 peachtree st. ne • atlanta, ga 30308 • 404.873.7600 • www.stlukesatlanta.org A twice monthly newsletter December 1, 2015 Advent at St. Luke’s ....................... 2 Announcements............................. 3 Calendar ......................................... 4 Birthdays ........................................ 5 Parish News.................................... 6 Children & Families....................... 7 EYC ............................................... 7 Christmas Worship Schedule ......... 8 AND THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:31-32 One of the highlights of my day is driving my kids to school in the morning. I treasure our morning me together because it is the me that we can talk about the day and act silly with each other before the work day begins. On this parcular day, I was caught off guard by a not-so-silly queson from my daughter. She asked from the back seat of the car, “ Dad, are all homeless people black?” Caught off guard, and having very lile me to give a decent explanaon, I said, “Why do you ask? She said, “Because I don’t see any homeless people that are white.” With almost no me leſt before I had to drop them off at school, I fumbled over my words and said, “No, I’ve seen all colors of homeless people.” Then she said, “is it because black people weren’t treated so nice a long me ago?” Now walking up to the door of the school, my response was, “Yes and I love you and have a great day.” My then 6 year old had iniated a conversaon about racial inequality and poverty. As I reflected on that conversaon on my way to work, I realized that my hesitaon and fumbling over my words was a result of trying to hide the truth, or at least water it down. I thought to myself, I don’t want her to have to deal with this race “stuff” like her grandparents and parents. As I connued to think about it, I realized that I spend an enormous amount of energy trying to protect her from the effects of race. As a minority, I have come to realize that this is my reality. Amongst each other we share our frustraons as it relates with the racial climate which oſten serves as therapy for the soul. In mixed company however, we pick and choose which offensive comments to address and which to “give a pass” for fear of being labelled angry or being misunderstood. We teach our children that if someone does something to you to speak up and out so that they will know that they can’t treat you that way, while at the same me shrinking ourselves for the sake of geng along and ahead (which, I might add, is a heavy weight to carry). This begs the queson: In the year 2015, is it possible to be black and American. W.E.B. Du Bois, answering this very queson says, “He (Negro) does not wish to Africanize America, for America has too much to teach the world and Africa. He wouldn’t bleach his Negro blood in a flood of white Americanism, for he knows that Negro blood has a message for the world. He simply wishes to make it possible for a man to be both a Negro and Ameri- can…” That is indeed the struggle! Can I, can my daughter, be unapologecally both. In our conversaon, I feared that being an American black woman is too much for her to bear, so I wanted to protect her by watering down the truth with hopes that she would see herself as simply an American women (I am also aware of the weight that that carries.) In this season of Advent, we are waing with great ancipaon for the birth of the one that is Truth. The one that went around spreading truth throughout the land. I have shared my Truth with you, but yours may be different. I ask, what is the truth that you are not telling or not yet living into, and how do you prepare for Truth’s birth in your life. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” My daughter and I had a great conversaon that evening. I told her the Truth. I told her all about the history of race in America. She had tons of quesons and I did my best to answer them. The most encouraging part is that following my Truth she gave me hers, when she said, “That’s ok dad, because I’m gonna make the world beer.” Yes, you are Black America woman, yes you are! Dennis+ Make Your Christmas flower dedications deadline is Monday, December 7 There’s a form on page 6 or you can go online and download one.
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i n s i d e t h i s i s s u e
st. lukes episcopal church • 435 peachtree st. ne • atlanta, ga 30308 • 404.873.7600 • www.stlukesatlanta.org
If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
John 8:31-32
One of the highlights of my day is driving my kids to school in the morning. I treasure our morning time together because it is the time that we can talk about the day and act silly with each other before the work day begins.
On this particular day, I was caught off guard by a not-so-silly question from my daughter. She asked from the back seat of the car, “ Dad, are all homeless people black?” Caught off guard, and having very little time to give a decent explanation, I said, “Why do you ask? She said, “Because I don’t see any homeless people that are white.”
With almost no time left before I had to drop them off at school, I fumbled over my words and said, “No, I’ve seen all colors of homeless people.” Then she said, “is it because black people weren’t treated so nice a long time ago?” Now walking up to the door of the school, my response was, “Yes and I love you and have a great day.”
My then 6 year old had initiated a conversation about racial inequality and poverty. As I reflected on that conversation on my way to work, I realized that my hesitation and
fumbling over my words was a result of trying to hide the truth, or at least water it down. I thought to myself, I don’t want her to have to deal with this race “stuff” like her grandparents and parents. As I continued to think about it, I realized that I spend an enormous amount of energy trying to protect her from the effects of race.
As a minority, I have come to realize that this is my reality. Amongst each other we share our frustrations as it relates with the racial climate which often serves as therapy for the soul. In mixed company however, we pick and choose which offensive comments to address and which to “give a pass” for fear of being labelled angry or being misunderstood.
We teach our children that if someone does something to you to speak up and out so that they will know that they can’t treat you that way, while at the same time shrinking ourselves for the sake of getting along and ahead (which, I might add, is a heavy weight to carry).
This begs the question: In the year 2015, is it possible to be black and American. W.E.B. Du Bois, answering this very question says, “He (Negro) does not wish to Africanize
America, for America has too much to teach the world and Africa. He wouldn’t bleach his Negro blood in a flood of white Americanism, for he knows that Negro blood has a message for the world. He simply wishes to make it possible for a man to be both a Negro and Ameri-can…”
That is indeed the struggle! Can I, can my daughter, be unapologetically both. In our conversation, I feared that being an American black woman is too much for her to bear, so I wanted to protect her by watering down the truth with hopes that she would see herself as simply an American women (I am also aware of the weight that that carries.)
In this season of Advent, we are waiting with great anticipation for the birth of the one that is Truth. The one that went around spreading truth throughout the land. I have shared my Truth with you, but yours may be different. I ask, what is the truth that you are not telling or not yet living into, and how do you prepare for Truth’s birth in your life. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
My daughter and I had a great conversation that evening. I told her the Truth. I told her all about the history of race in America. She had tons of questions and I did my best to answer them. The most encouraging part is that following my Truth she gave me hers, when she said, “That’s ok dad, because I’m gonna make the world better.” Yes, you are Black America woman, yes you are!
Dennis+
Make Your
Christmas flower
dedications
deadline isMonday, December 7
There’s a form on page 6or you can go online and
download one.
Advent at St. Luke’s Staff InformationSt. Luke’s Episcopal Church
Hala Hess White, Director of Communications404.873.7630, e-mail: [email protected]
Facilities SupportBrian Hummel, Manager of Facilities Support
404.873.7647, Cell: 404.291.0059
Boyce Ansley - Sr. Warden
Mignon Crawford, Treasurer Cap Putt, Finance ChairRobert Long, IV, ChancellorDebbie BachmannArdith BarrowKenzie BigginsHal DanielElaine DeCostanzo
Kate KennedyPhil LamsonBecky MickBrian OpsahlGreg Vaughn
John Earles - Jr. Warden
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Sunday, November 29 at 7 p.m.
Joseph Young, conductor
Amy Little, soprano
Ingrid Cole, contralto
Sam Hagan, tenor
Stephen McCluskey,
bass-baritone
Make a donation (in other words, “buy an ornament”) to one of the ministries supported by the tree and receive a lovely ornament explaining the donation to give to your friends or family. This year’s tree benefits: IHAD, TACC and Crossroads.
Sunday, December 6 at 5 p.m.
works by Todd, Carter,
Ord, Christiansen, Sirett
A d v e n t & C h r i s t m a s C h o r a l C o n c e r t
featuring
The Clark Atlanta UniversityPhilharmonic Society and University Choir
Tuesday, December 1 | 7 p.m.at St. Luke’s
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ADVENT II: What does the incarnation teach us about God? When you look at creation through the lens of incarnation, you see how every cre-ated thing contains its own beauty, its own useful spot in an eco-system, its own purpose in the cosmic act of praise. Looking at creation this way makes it hard for me to see God as a far-off angry judge, but helps me see God’s intimate concern for all life.
ADVENT III: What does the incarnation teach us about humanity? If the incarnation is a lifting up of humanity closer to God, it might help us get rid of some bad old theology about despising the flesh and move closer to remembering our original blessing. If we are fearfully and wonderfully made, it is part of our task as creatures to embrace our creatureliness and celebrate human life as the vehicle God chose for communicating through--and to.
ADVENT IV: What does the life of Christ teach us about incarnation? A look at some of Jesus’ teachings through the lens of incarnation shows a pattern of care for the physical life—healing, feeding, touching—as a spiritual value, which could offer us a pattern for our way of living.
Welcome Receptionfor
The Rev. Lauren Holderour new Associate
for Pastoral Care & Outreach
Sunday, December 6following the 11:15 am
service in the Parish Hall.
Join us to meet Laurenand her husband Jason and
son Charlie.
Melissa Tidwell is the author of “Embodied Light: Advent Meditations on Incarnation.” In her first career, she was the editor of Alive Now magazine, and in her second career she is a recent graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur and a candidate for ordination in the Presbyterian Church USA.
This class will draw on the themes Melissa develops in “Embodied Light.” The book will also be available for purchase before and after class sessions. It is not necessary to have read the book in order to enjoy the class, but if you are looking for an Advent read, this one will make the class and your Advent devotions more complete.
Celebrating the Feast of the IncarnationMelissa Tidwell | December 6, 13, 20 at 10: 15 a.m.| Parish HallIncarnation is the doctrine that reveals Jesus Christ as fully human and fully divine. A deeper examination of this mystery suggests that incarnation is not a one-time revelation, but a continuing pattern of divine activity that we can trace in all creation and even in our own frail flesh. In this class, we will use a variety of sources from scripture and classical theology to poetry and sci-fi fantasy to consider what incarnation teaches about God, about human life, and about the fullness of life in and through Christ as we celebrate in Advent.
BIBLE STUDY - DECEMBER 2
A weekly study of the Gospel of Luke will begin on Wednesday, December 2 at 11 a.m. Several of our clergy will lead the hour-long group on a rotating basis. If you would like to participate, please sign up online at the church website (StLukesAtlanta.org/bible-study). All are welcome!
GOOD OLD-FASHIONED BIBLE STUDY: THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE: THE GOSPEL OF JOHN continues on Sunday morn-ings during Advent. The Gospel of John offers spiritually attuned, stunningly beautiful insights into the nature of Jesus and the meaning of faith. We witness signs and wonders, view contrasts of darkness and light, blindness and sight, death and new life as John puts before us who Jesus is, where he has come from and where he is going. From start to finish John’s purpose is plain: “These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, and believing ... have life in his name.” Jenny Stevens-Scott leads this class and it meets in the Parkins Room. All are welcome.
It’s not too late to receive this year’s reflections for Advent via email. If you would like to receive daily
email, sign up online: stlukesatlanta.org/ advent-reflections-by-email. You MUST sign up - even if you have received Advent or Lenten reflection previously.
DELIVERYSUNDAY, DECEMBER 13
Among our parish’s many traditions, this is a very special one, sponsored by the Daughters of the King. Follow-ing services this Sunday stop by the Glenn Gallery to select a beautiful Poinsettia to deliver to members who are homebound or reside in assisted living/nurse care homes. A special invitation goes out to folks with chil-dren – children can be spectacular am-bassadors of the church! The name and address of a parishioner to visit is provided.
C a l e n d a r
4
PRParkins Room
SLR
St. Luke Room
LI
Library BT
Bell Tower
HRHamilton
Room
CHChurch
WCWilmer Chapel
PHParish Hall
CRChoir Room
GGarden
OSOffsite
NNursery
RSRector ’s
Study
CCMCrossroads
Kitchen
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 9:30 a.m.|Shepherd’s Voice Mail Prep|Room 20110:15 a.m.|Dream Group|LI11 a.m.|Bible Study|PR7:20 p.m.|Adult Choir Rehearsal|CR
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1010 a.m.|Staff Weekend Update|PR12 p.m.|Grief Support Group|LI6:30 p.m.|High Class Dinner|Limehouse Home7 p.m.|Tower Bells Rehearsal|BT7:30 p.m.|Atlanta Women’s Chorus Rehearsal|PH
FR IDAY, DECEMBER 11Delivery of Poinsettias7 p.m.|Faith & Film|OS7 p.m.|Young Adults/POLO Advent Party|Vaughn Home
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 129 a.m.|Flower Guild|CH
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 | ADVENT I I IDelivery of Poinsettias8 a.m.|Holy Eucharist8:40 a.m.|Childcare|N9 a.m.|Holy Eucharist9 a.m.| Children’s Chapel|WC10:15 a.m.| Christian Ed for all ages.10:15 a.m.|Christmas Pageant Rehearsal|Room 10311:15 a.m.| Holy Eucharist12:15 p.m.|Coffee Hour|PH1 p.m.|Commission on Youth Ministry|HR3:30 p.m. Childcare|N3:45 p.m.|Parenting with Love and Logic|SLR4 p.m.|Jr. Choristers Rehearsal|HR4 p.m.|Sr. Choristers Rehearsal|CR4 p.m.|Knitting Group|LI4 p.m.|God Squad|Room 1114:30 p.m.|Adventures in Music|Room 1075 p.m.|Preparatory Choir|Room 1075:30 p.m.|EYC Toy Tag|OS5:45 p.m.|Sunday 2.0 Dinner|PH5:45 p.m.|Children’s Teachers Roundtable|PH6:30 p.m.|Compline|CH
MONDAY, DECEMBER 149:30 a.m.|Tellers|PR12:30 p.m.|Tai Chi Class|SLR4:30 p.m.|Finance Committee|PR6 p.m.|Executive Committee|RS6:30 p.m.|EfM|LI
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 158:30 a.m.|Crossroads’ Kids|Room 1099 a.m.|EfM|LI9:30 a.m.|Staff Meeting|PR10:30 a.m.|Clergy|RS11:30 a.m.|Live & Learn Lunch|TACC4:30 p.m.|Atlanta Boy Choir Dress Rehearsal
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 Deadline for the December 15 and Jan. 1, 2016 combined issue of The Shepherd’s Voice 9:30 a.m.|Atlanta Housing Forum|PH10:15 a.m.|Dream Group|LI11 a.m.| Bible Study|PR7:20 p.m.|Adult Choir Rehearsal|CR9 p.m.|Adult Choir Social|HR
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 310 a.m.|Staff Weekend Update|PR10 a.m.|EfM|LI12 p.m.|Women’s Cancer Support Group|LI12 p.m.| Young Adults Planning|HR5 p.m.|CCG Pastoral Care Team|PR7 p.m.|Tower Bells Rehearsal|BT7:30 p.m.|Atlanta Women’s Chorus Rehearsal|PH
FR IDAY, DECEMBER 4 9 a.m.|Advancement Retreat|HR
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 58 a.m.| Christmas Tree Delivery 9 a.m.|Flower Guild|CH
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 | ADVENT I IChristmas Tree/Wreath Pick-Up - Back Parking Lot8 a.m.|Holy Eucharist8:40 a.m.|Childcare|N9 a.m.|Holy Eucharist10:15 a.m.| Christian Ed for all ages.10:15 a.m.|Christmas Pageant Rehearsal|Room 10311:15 a.m.| Holy Eucharist12:15 p.m. Holder Reception|PH4 p.m.|Lessons and Carols Rehearsal|CH5 p.m.|St. Nicholas Festival|HR5 p.m.| Childcare|N5 p.m.|Lessons and Carols|CH5:45 p.m.|Sunday 2.0 Dinner|HR6 p.m.|Lessons and Carols Reception|PH
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7Flower Dedication Deadline 9:30 a.m.|Tellers|PR12:30 p.m.|Tai Chi Class|SLR4 p.m.|Property Committee|HR6:30 p.m.|EfM|LI
From time to time, St. Luke’s publishes names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and photos of church members in the church bulletin, newsletter, directory and other church communications. As a policy, we will not use names with photos of children.
If you do not want us to use your information in commu-nications, please email David Lowry, Parish Administrator at:
31 Cathy HowlandMalik GrohseHarold BarrettAnna GillonDaniel PedersenJim PettitMillie Byrd Roberts
We celebrate the lives that make up the
community of St. Luke’s Church.
DeathsJane Seddon Willsonmother of Bill Willson
Trudi Gardnermother of Ayres Gardner
Thomas Clarkefather of Becky Morrison
Julian Fridayfather of Beattie Friday
Mit Fitzsimons son of Perk Lawrence
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Deadline for dedications to be included in the Christmas Eve service bulletins is
Monday, December 7. Payment must accompany dedications.
CHRISTMAS FLOWER DEDICATIONS
In support of the Flower Guild Ministry and the Celebration of Christmas at St. Luke’s:
□ I/We send the enclosed contribution in memory of ($20 per person, please):
□ I/We send the enclosed contribution in thanksgiving for ($20 per person or family unit, please):
Your name(s) as you wish to be listed in the Christmas Eve worship bulletins, along with a contact number or e-mail address:
Please make checks payable to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, and note “Christmas Flowers” on the memo line.
Mail to 435 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, 30308, or place in the Christmas Flower box located at the Reception Desk at St. Luke’s.
Parish News & AnnouncementsFaith and Film gathers on Friday, December 11 at 7 p.m. This month we’re screening Joyeuz Noel. Faith and Film is a monthly opportunity for St. Luke’s adults to share a mov-ie, snacks, fellowship, and a lively discussion of issues of faith raised by the film. Those who attend bring a snack to share and a beverage. All St. Luke’s adults are welcome. For location, contact Robert Sherrill ([email protected] | 470-355-1243).
Women’s Cancer Support GroupMeets Thursday, Dec. 3 at noon in the Library. This group is for women who are in treatment for cancer or
are post treatment. The spiritual aspect of illness and healing is part of our discussions. Call Meg (404-876-6266, ext. 2003) with any questions or if you would like to attend.
Grief Support Group Meets Thursday, December 10 at noon in the Library. Call Meg (404-876-6266, ext. 2003) with any questions or if you would like to attend.
Live and Learn Lunch at TACC | Tues-day,December 15 | 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. This month Hope Harvey will look at “The Spectrum of Hoarding: What is it about the need to hold on to things?” RSVPs suggested, walk-ins welcome.
RSVP: 404-867-6266, extension 1 | [email protected]. All are welcome. Suggested donation is $10. More information at trainin-gandcounselingcenter.org.
If you have not already turned in your pledge for our an-nual stew-
ardship campaign for mission and ministry in 2016, please do so today. Commitment forms are in the pew racks and around the church. You can also make your pledge online at StLukesAtlanta.org.
December Schedule
Christmas Tree/Wreaths Delivery and Pick-Up: Saturday, Dec. 5, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: This will be the big weekend for our fundraiser! Our Christmas greenery will be delivered to St. Luke’s on Satur-day morning, Dec. 5, so we’ll be looking for youth to help during the following shifts:
•8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: unloading delivery truck and preparing delivery orders to go out Saturday afternoon
•12:00 -4 p.m.: delivering trees and wreaths to home-delivery orders
Sunday, Dec. 6, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.: We’ll have the trees and wreaths available for parishioners to pick up on this date, and we’ll also be looking for youth to help during this time as well.
Sunday, Dec. 6: Advent Lessons and Carols: Join us Sunday afternoon at 5 p.m. in the church for our Lessons and Carols service! Stick around for the Sunday 2.0 Dinner in the Hamilton room as well.
Thursday, Dec. 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: High Class Dinner at home of Phoebe Ann Mason
Sunday, Dec. 13: Toy Tag at Target: Our Advent tradition lives on as we’ll get toys to donate to the Emmaus House Toy Drive, and we’ll also have some fun and friendly competition in the process. We’ll meet at the Lindbergh Plaza Target (2539 Piedmont Road in the lower level parking deck) at 5:30 p.m., after which we’ll go to The Rev. Dan Matthews’ home to wrap presents and have food. Pick-Up time will be 8:00 p.m. Please bring $10/person as well as a snack to share – males bring something sweet, females bring something salty.
Mark Your Calendars: DYC Retreat at Camp Mikell, Jan. 8-10, 2016: After the holidays are done, join us for this year’s DYC (Diocesan Youth Commission) Retreat from the evening of Jan. 8 through lunch on Sunday, Jan. 10. Pick up a flyer at church for more details, information, and instructions on how to register.
Join us to hear the story of St. Nick and enjoy crafts
and fun afterward.Don’t forget to take off your shoes!
Thanks from the Special Events Team to all the ministries that helped make the Advent Festival so special:
Act IIIBridge Builders
EfM evening groupMen’s Breakfast
Evangelism Committee
We’d love your group to join us next year to make it an even more
intergenerational event!
“Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, St. Luke’s welcomes you.”
Pastoral Crisis or Concerns?Call Beth Elliott at 404-873-7610, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., weekdays: X To connect with our Pastoral Care staff for such things as illness, hospitalization, miscarriage, divorce, unemployment;X To add a name to our parish prayer list or;X To have someone placed on the St. Luke’s Intercessory Prayer list to be prayed for daily.
After-hours & on weekends, call the church at 404-873-7600 to get the name and number of the priest on call.
May God bless you and comfort you in your difficult times as well as your joyful ones.