focus “truer eligion” · 9/8/2011 · this autumn and winter our christian youth fellowship...

Focus � �� “True�Religion”

We are delighted to welcome friends and neighbors who visit to worship God here, including: Raymond Allen M.D., Fran & Sandy Smith, Ginger Peterson, Larry E. Todd., Khwanza LeBlanc, Mary Cowell, Shelby, Melody, Jada, Alison, Elly & Evie Tatera, Tim and Molly, Rev. Clay Manley. Hope to see you again soon! Save these dates and plan to participate:

Friday, September 9 at 7 p.m. Young Adults Dinner at Church

Sunday, September 11 at 5 p.m. Interfaith Gathering for 9-11-11 Decatur Hotel & Conference Center (130 Clairemont)

Wednesday, September 21st all day Lifeline Screening Sponsored by DeKalb Medical Center

Friday - Sunday, September 23-25 Disciples Women's Retreat Norman Park, Georgia Speaker: Sandra Barnhill of Forever Family

September 23rd at 7:30 p.m. Atlanta Concert Ringers Concert Sanctuary, First Christian Church of Decatur

Saturday, Sept 24th 5-8 p.m. Garden of Eatin’ Decatur Cooperative Ministry event at Decatur Family YMCA

Saturday, October 1st from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Blessing of the Pets in the church park

Saturday, October 22, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. More Hands for God Christian Churches unite for ministry at City of Refuge, ATL Mega Multi-Family Yard Sale Home of Nancy Shealy to support church ministries

Friday and Saturday, November 11-12 Christian Church in Georgia Regional Assembly New Hope Christian Church in Lawrenceville

Decatur Cooperative Ministry In-Kind Donations for Sept. Non-perishable food, Breakfast bars/variety pack cereal, 13 & 55 Gallon-size trash bags, Toilet paper, Paper towels, Dinner hand towels, Liquid bleach, Powder laundry detergent, Powder & liquid dish detergent, All purpose cleaner, Bathroom cleaner. Coffee Pot, 3-area rugs in red, blue, or mustard yellow, small kids table and chairs, paper shredder, 6ft screen or partition, rain poncho’s for children, and travel alarm clocks. Please contact Sue E. Holec, Volunteer and Donations Manager, at 404-377-5365 (option 7) or [email protected] for questions.

“Thank you, FCC Decatur, for your outpouring of love, prayer, resources, and food items for Decatur Emergency Assistance Ministry (DEAM). Our Outreach Ministry sent an over-and-above gift of $1,000 to DEAM. You are wonderful!” Shalom, Pastor James

Did you meet and greet…? Recent Visitors

Watching our figures News and notes for God’s folks

Sunday, August 21, 2011 8:30 a.m. Awakenings Service 7 10:50 a.m. Sanctuary Service 72 Total 79 Offering $2,328.00 Utility Offset (Atl. 225.00 Stereographic Club) Capital 5,500.00 Total $ 8,053.00

Sunday, August 28, 2011

8:30 a.m. Awakenings Service 10 10:50 a.m. Sanctuary Service 56 Total 66 Offering $1,725.00 Offset (Candlelight) 60.00 DEAM 5.00 Offset (Blue Elephant Books) 50.00 Total $1,840.00 Total Giving January 1 - July 31 ‘11 YTD Total Income $150,932.07 ‘11 YTD Total Expenses $152,851.27 ‘11 YTD Surplus (Deficit) ($ 1,919.20)

Leave a Living Legacy

Remember the Church

in Your Will

Music and Movement for children & youth ministries starts in September Starting on September 11, singing, music and movement will be added to the Christian curriculum on Sunday mornings for children and youth. Rehearsals will be in the Choir Room below the Fellowship Hall. No advance registration or audition is required; all are welcome! On first and third Sundays between 9:45 and 10:15 a.m., all children 5th grade and under will receive musical training for a Children’s Choir. On second and fourth Sundays between 9:45 and 10:15 a.m., all youth between 6th and 12th grades will also join together for music and singing.

Christian Youth Fellowship programs for young people in 6-12th grades This autumn and winter our Christian Youth Fellowship ministry is lead by youth officers Katie Brewer-Calvert and Kasey Bezio with support from adult advisers Brandy and Glen Alsobrook, Sage and Paul Appleby, and Pastor James Brewer-Calvert. The CYF program is open to all young people from 6th up through 12th grades. We meet regularly at First Christian Church of Decatur and elsewhere in the city alongside Disciples Youth in Metro Atlanta. For more information call our pastor at 404-378-3621. ♦ Sunday, Sept. 11 at 5 p.m. -- Participate in 9-11 Interfaith Gathering at Decatur Hotel/Conference Center

♦ Sunday, Sept 18 at 12:30 p.m. -- Youth meet here to plan carnival for More Hands for God

♦ Sunday, Sept. 25 at 4:30 p.m. -- Gather at Northside Hospital with Disciples Youth of Metro Atlanta

♦ Sunday, Oct. 9 at 10:30 a.m. -- Youth attend Gay Pride Parade in downtown Atlanta

♦ Saturday, Oct. 22 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- More Hands for God Community Service, at City of Refuge, Atlanta

♦ Sunday, Oct. 30 at 4:30 p.m. -- Gather at International School with Disciples Youth of Metro Atlanta

♦ Sunday, Nov. 6 at 12:30 p.m. -- Meeting and special program at First Christian Church of Decatur

♦ Sunday, Nov. 20 at 4:30 p.m. -- Gather at (site TBA) to play with Disciples Youth of Metro Atlanta

♦ Sunday, Nov. 27 at 12:30 p.m. -- Unload Christmas Trees at First Christian Church of Decatur

♦ Sunday, Dec. 18 at 10:50 a.m. -- Present Original Christmas Pageant (Pageant rehearsals to be announced)

Friday night dinner for Young Adults on September 9 at 7 p.m.

Sarah McClelland writes, “Join us Friday, September 9 at 7 p.m. for a gathering of young adults! Supper is being provided by Yolanda and Mary Frances, so all you need to bring is yourselves, and ideas on what you might like to see our church do for you! All young adults are welcome - and questions are welcome, too! If you have questions or are planning to attend, email Sarah at [email protected] or call (229)392-6169 to RSVP. See you soon!”

September Birthdays

Wayne Darby-Jobson - Sept. 1 David Blake - Sept. 7

Katie Brewer-Calvert - Sept. 7 Wiley Harris - Sept. 9

Sandra Sexson - Sept. 16 Emily Skuban - Sept. 17

Anita Renahan-White - Sept. 19 Chris Butler - Sept. 28

Mary Kate Westbrook - Sept. 28 Lillie Sapp - Sept. 29

Caroline Leslie - Sept. 30 Theresa Lohr - Sept. 30

September Anniversaries Lyman & Lily Delk - Sept. 5

Brad & Carolynn Miller- Sept. 5 Ross & Beth Schiavo - Sept. 6 Ralph & Emily Smith - Sept. 7

My three brothers and I do not hang up the phone or conclude a conversation with each other before we have talked sports. Same story with my son in college. On more than one occasion my mother has pointed out that our true religion is baseball. Fellow believers, this autumn is shaping up to be a great one for Georgia. The Atlanta Braves are a sure bet to be in the mix in October. “Sports Illustrated” writer Peter King predicts that the Atlanta Falcons will make it all the way to the Super Bowl. The WNBA Atlanta Dream started their season mired in last place, yet are now setting their sites on the playoffs. Are you like me, digging the UGA Dawgs’ chances in ‘11 with QB Murray under center? If anyone has a handle on Georgia Tech football, please let me know. One thing we do know: the SEC rules the roost when it comes to college football; in January an SEC East team will be #1.

As fun as it is to contemplate shiny trophies resting on shelves here in Georgia, I am going to miss some of the action...live, that is. My home recorder will be working overtime this fall, taping great games for later viewing while I practice, alongside you and yours, my really, truly favorite religion. Ah, sacrifice! The purpose of religion is to connect people with God and with one another. What do you think is the difference between being a fan and a follower? To what degree is sacrifice a factor? Where do you stand? Peruse this newsletter and discover that there is merit, music, messages, and mission here to be personally experienced and collectively shared. Sign up and sign on. This autumn is shaping up to be a great one for Christ’s community of faith planted in downtown Decatur. As always, First Christian Church of Decatur, I am delighted to be your pastor. Shalom, James Brewer-Calvert

Non-Profit Organization

U.S Postage Paid

Permit 137

Decatur, Georgia 30030

First Christian Church

of Decatur (Disciples of Christ)

601 West Ponce de Leon Avenue

Decatur, Georgia 30030 Church Office — 404-378-3621

Fax — 404-378-1875 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.decaturdisciples.org

Ministers: All the People

Your Church Staff:

The Rev. Dr. James L. Brewer-Calvert, Senior Pastor

William E. Garner, Director of Music

Sarah McClelland, Director of Christian Education

Kathy Westbrook, Church Organist

Elizabeth Hamm, Bookkeeper

Sherry Davis, Church Administrator

Azeb Gidey, Custodian

Mark Ranney, Facilities Manager

Your Volunteer Ministry Coordinators: Diana Blake, Wedding Coordinator

Rev. Daphne Reiley, Caregiver Spiritual Support

Return Service Requested

Dec

atu

r D

isci

ple

s

Th

e N

ew

slet

ter

of

Fir

st C

hri

stia

n C

hu

rch

of

Dec

atu

r

August 31, 2011

Volume 48, Issue 15

We are Disciples of Christ,

a movement for wholeness

in a fragmented world.

As part of the one body

of Christ, we welcome all

to the Lord's Table

as God has welcomed us.

--Christian Church

(Disciples of Christ)

Statement of Identity

Mark Ranney named new Church Facilities Manager

We are delighted to introduce longtime church member Mark Ranney as our new Church Facility Manager. He will be on site on Sunday, Monday and Thursday. Church Custodian Azeb Gidey works on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Mr. Ranney will also be responsible for special events and activities that take place at our physical plant. Keep up the good work!

Caregiver Support Group to meet monthly on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m., starting Sept. 13

First Christian Church of Decatur is pleased to announce the formation of a Caregiver Support Group which will be meeting at the Church from 7 to 9 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. The initial meeting of the Support Group will be held on September 13th in the Carmack Room. The focus of the Caregiver Support Group will be to provide a safe environment for caregivers to share their feelings and their experiences while supporting and encouraging one another. The Group will be open, and all caregivers are welcome to participate. For more information, call Rev. Daphne Reiley, Director of Caregiver Spiritual Support, at 770-366-1206. Rev. Daphne C. Reiley, Director of Caregiver Spiritual Support

Hand Bell Choir resumes rehearsals on Wednesday, Sept. 7, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. First Christian Church’s Hand Bell Choir, under the direction of Mr. William E. Garner, will resume rehearsals after a well-deserved summer hiatus. The Hand Bell Choir offers special music and anthems on a regular basis during Sunday morning worship services as well as at local nursing homes and, on occasion, in concert. The only requirements for joining the Hand Bell Choir are the ability to read music and commitment to rehearse every Wednesday evening for one hour with a fun-loving, faithful group of Christians. Call 404-378-3621 for more info.

Community Invited on Sunday, September 4

Come to hear and meet Carl McColman, Author The Big Book of Christian

Mysticism: The Essential Guide to

Contemplative Spirituality Book Presentation & Signing

at 9:45 a.m. Message in Sanctuary

at 10:50 a.m.

Reception & Book Signing Afterward in Social Hall

Co-Sponsors: Blue Elephant Book Shop and First Christian Church of Decatur

9/11 Interfaith Gathering

Set for 9/11/11 in Downtown Decatur On Sunday, September 11, 2011, at 5:00 p.m., there will be an interfaith gathering on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11. Open to all and free of charge, the event will be held in the ballroom of the Decatur Hotel and Conference Center, located at 130 Clairemont Road, downtown Decatur, Georgia. Parking at the hotel for a charge or free parking Decatur First Baptist Church next door. The 9/11/11 Interfaith Gathering planning committee includes Atlantans from a variety of faith expressions, including Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, and Muslims. The event will remember those who died on September 11, 2001, while seeking to shift our combined energies toward the building of relationships between faith communities and across lines that have divided us in the past. Our hope is to help heal the wounds of 9/11/01, and to move our wider community forward with hope and peace. Our vision is to create space to foster dialogue, prayer across faith traditions, and mutual understanding. Our goal is that this interfaith gathering will serve as a positive expression of unity in diversity, and will showcase what is happening across Decatur and Atlanta in interfaith relations. Our aspiration is that at the end of the day, participants will have formed new relationships that will live and move beyond 9/11/11. To become an endorsing/supporting organization, contact the 9/11/11 Interfaith Planning Committee through Jan Swanson, Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta (404-622-3399 at [email protected].) Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, Sermon: “The Whole World is Watching”

Sr. Pastor James L. Brewer-Calvert preaching on Matthew 18: 21-35 Liturgists: The Rev. Phil Foster and the Rev. Adei Grenpastures First Christian Church of Decatur Sunday worship at 8:30 and 10:50 a.m.

September 2011

First Christian Church of Decatur

601 West Ponce de Leon Avenue

Decatur, Georgia 30030

44-378-3621 office

404-378-1875 fax [email protected]

Sunday Worship Schedule

8:30 a.m. Awakenings Service (chapel)

9:15 a.m. Sharing in Fellowship Hall

9:30 a.m. Sunday school for all ages

10:50 a.m. Sanctuary Service

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

3:30-8:30 p.m. Cello Lessons

2 3

1-2 p.m. Spiritual Growth with

Rev. Grenpastures

4 9:45 a.m. Presentation by Carl

McColman

12:15 p.m. Meet & Greet &

Book signing

8 p.m. NA

5

Office Closed

6 3-5 p.m. SIS

3:30-6:30 p.m. Music Theory

Grp


8 p.m. AA/ALANON

7 9:30 a.m. SIS 3-5 p.m. SIS

3:30 p.m. Music Theory Grp.

6:30 p.m. Bell Choir Rehearsal

7 p.m. Emory Chase Condo Associa-

tion

7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal

8 10:30 a.m. SIS

2 p.m. Retired Teachers Board Mtg.


6:30 p.m. Suzuki Violin

7:30 p.m. Lydia Circle

9

7 p.m. Young Adults @ church

7-9:30 p.m. Atlanta

Stereographic Assoc.

10


Rev. Grenpastures

11

3 p.m. Northlake Vespers

5 p.m. 9-11-11 Interfaith gather-

ing @ Decatur Hotel & Confer-

ence Center 8 p.m. NA

12

10 a.m. Staff Meeting

11 a.m. Prayer Group

7:30 p.m. Stewardship Meeting

6:30p.m. Women @the Well in

Parlor

13 1:30 p.m. Ruth Circle at

church 3-5 p.m. SIS


7-9 p.m. Caregiver Support

Group 8 p.m. AA/ALANON

14 9:30 a.m. SIS

3-5 p.m. SIS


7 p.m. Outreach Meeting


15 10:30 a.m. SIS

12 noon-2 p.m. Women @ the Well

In Parlor

2 p.m. Retired Teachers


16

5 p.m. Gentle Spirit CC needs

van

17

Gentle Spirit CC needs van


Rev. Grenpastures

18 Godly Play Sunday

Gentle Spirit CC needs van

12:30 p.m. CYF plans activities

for More Hands for God

8 p.m. NA

19



6:30p.m. Women @the

Well in Parlor

7:30 p.m. Mary Magdalene Circle

20

3-5 p.m. SIS


8 p.m. AA/ALANON

21 9 a.m.-3p.m.Lifeline Screening

in Social Hall

9:30 a.m. SIS

3-5 p.m. SIS



15 10:30 a.m. SIS

12 noon-2 p.m. Women @ the

Well In Parlor


23 7:30 p.m. Atlanta

Concert Ringers Concert @

church

Disciples Women Retreat Sept.

23-25 at Norman Park

24 1-2 p.m. Spiritual Growth

with Rev. Grenpastures

5-8 p.m. Garden of Eatin at

Decatur YMCA

25

4:30 p.m. CYF at Northside

Hospital

8 p.m. NA

26



6:30 p.m. Evaluation & Planning

6:30p.m. Women @the Well in

Parlor

27

3-5 p.m. SIS


8 p.m. AA/ALANON

28 9:30 a.m. SIS

10:30 a.m. Bank of America Retirees

3-5 p.m. SIS



29 10:30 a.m. SIS

12 noon-2 p.m. Women @ the

Well In Parlor


30

focus “truer eligion” · 9/8/2011 · this autumn and winter our christian youth fellowship...

Documents