A Message from the Priest in charge...

Dear Friends,

This coming Sunday, February 9, we will celebrate the baptism of Jonathan Quintin Johnson during our worship service and then enjoy the good food and fellowship of each other downstairs at our Second Sunday Brunch. Remember to bring a dish to share for the meal!

On the pastoral news side, we received word this week that former parishioner Mark Robertson died Monday morning in Lexington, Kentucky. We are working with Mark's family and plan to hold a memorial service here at St. John's on Saturday, February 15, at 10:00am, with burial to follow in the memorial garden.

February is "Share the Love" month for Path To Shine, the mentoring and tutoring program we are involved with at College Park Elementary School. "Share the Love" is one of the major fundraiser initiatives for the organization and provides funds for the books and other expenses incurred by the affiliates across the Diocese. Path To Shine is looking for donations of $1 per day or $29 for the month of February. You can make your donation on line by clicking pathtoshine.org/stl2020 or by writing a check directly to Path To Shine. We will forward any checks received to the main office in Smyrna.

Finally, thanks so very much for your generous support of the "Blessing Bags" initiative. Two plastic bins, full of bags with socks, toiletries, non-perishable food items and more, were blessed and made available to our guests last night at our Wednesday night supper. We will do this collection on the first Sunday of each month, so please remember these types of items when you do your regular shopping.

Terri +

Attendance at our February 2 service was 46.

The collection for the day was $2,564.00. Bargain Shop cash receipts were $444.10.

Education and Formation Opportunities...

Thank you, Tisa Anderson, for leading the group in the discussions of Richard Rohr's book, "Falling Upward." What an insightful look at our own journey in the "second half of our lives" with lessons to be gleaned for our corporate lives as members of this church.

On Sundays February 16 and 23, join us in the Hospitality Suite at 11:30am for an open discussion with Rev. Terri, our Priest in charge. For those who were unable to attend the Annual Meeting or for those who didn't get a chance to speak up, this would be a good opportunity to ask any questions or express any concerns that might be on your mind. Nothing structured is planned - just get your coffee and join in the conversation.

Sunday morning Lenten studies begin on March 1 at 11:30am, with our seminarian Ryan Washington leading a discussion of Walter Brueggemann's book, "Reality, Grief, Hope." Join us in the Hospitality Suite at 11:30am.

Each Monday evening, a small group gathers at Kafenio cafe on Main Street to discuss a book/article of religious or theological importance. We are currently reading Barbara Brown Taylor's "Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others." As we get to the chapters about Buddhism, Judaism and Islam, we invite people of those faith traditions to join us for a meal and discussion. This past week, we welcomed Brother Shankura, a Hindu monk from the Vedanta Center of Atlanta. His explanations of the Hindu religion were fascinating and we are looking forward to the upcoming ones. Come join us each week from 6:30pm until 8:00pm.

The Wednesday evening Book Club and Bible Study groups are well into our new studies and you are invited to join us!

Participation in any of these groups is a great way to build friendships and enjoy the fellowship of others. (It also is a great way to keep those brain cells active in the cold winter months.) Come and join us - all are welcome!

Who's serving this Sunday...

Altar Guild - Sylvia Pace

Coordinator - Val Valverde

Crucifer - Ryan Washington

Readers - Sylvia Pace & Michael Isham

Prayers of the People - Jane W. Foster

Chalices - Ryan Washington & Val Valverde

Ushers - Flo Webster & Reuben Bostic

Counters - David Gibbs & Phyllis Smith

Coffee... hosts needed!

Thanks to everyone who has signed up to make the coffee on Sunday mornings. All slots for February are filled and only the last Sunday in March remains open. God is great, Sunday morning coffee is good and all of you people are wonderful!

Parish Calendar Notes...