Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta Events

Spiritual Seeker Series Kickoff Dinner and Lecture

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Geshe Ngawang Phende, a Tibetan Buddhist monk currently at Drepung Loseling Buddhist Monastery in Atlanta, will inaugurate our Spiritual Speaker Series. Our prayer for this series is that we can hear the stories and expriences of various individuals--learning about their authentic spiritual practice as we grow in our own spiritual journey. We are honored to host Geshe Phende as we give thanks for our relationship with Drepung Monastery.

We will gather at the new parish campus on Thursday, June 25 at 6 pm for dinner and 7 pm for the time of sharing and reflection. Donations are encouraged to support the development of this series and to honor Geshe Phende's time.

Contact Rev. Stuart Higginbotham for more information

3rd Annual Unday Sunday

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Even before we were worshipping, St. Benedict's Youth were busy collecting new packaged underwear and socks for MUST Ministries.

Join us on June 28th for our 3rd Annual Unday Sunday drive by bringing new packaged underwear and socks for children.

Youth who bring these items will get a free ticket to the afternoon showing of Star Trek.

MUST Sandwich Making and Swim

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Wed, 8 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The St. Benedict's Families are invited to gather at The Gotham's home to make sandwiches for MUST Ministries' Summer Lunch Program. After all the hard work is done, then the Gotham's have opened up their pool for a nice refreshing swim.

The MUST Ministries' Summer Lunch Program fills the gap in services when school is not in session. Many children in Cobb County rely on the school lunch program to provide their one meal for the day.

Every summer, St. Benedict's has made sandwiches for the Summer Lunch program. We encourage all youth to BRING A FRIEND! Contact: Courtney Vaughn

Spirituality of Liturgical Art

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Thu, 9 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We invite you to join us for an ecumenical discussion on the Spirituality of Liturgical Art beginning Thursday, July 9th, from 6:30pm - 8:00pm.

St. Benedict's parish will join with The Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church and The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of The Annunciation for a time of exploration, prayer, reflection and study.

We will focus on the role of icons, mosaics and other art in our worship and life of prayer. We will use Henri Nouwen's wonderful book: Behold the Beauty of the Lord as a guide during our discussions, so participants are invited to purchase a copy before we begin. Contact the Rev. Stuart Higginbotham for more information.

Youth: Back to Hogwarts

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Sun, 19 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Once again, we will be going "Back to Hogwarts" on July 19th. Youth who volunteer for Spirit Week will be given a free ticket to the Harry Potter Movie. Others may obtain a free ticket by bringing school supplies for MUST Ministries to distribute to children who need them.

Contact Courtney Vaughn ASAP to reserve your ticket!

St. Benedict's Helps With Holy Comforter Eye Exam Fair

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

St. Benedict's will be working with our friends at the Church of the Holy Comforter to assist with helping folks get eye exams and select new eye glasses. Our first time to get together to help our friends is Thursday July 30th 9:00AM-2:00PM at The Church of the Holy Comforter.

Holy Comforter has obtained a grant from an organization that works with underpriviliged folks that have limited resources. A mobile bus will be coming to The Church of the Holy Comforter once a quarter to get folks tested with eye exams and fitted for new glasses.

We need 8-10 volunteers that can plan to come to Holy Comforter on Thursday July 30th to simply help our brothers and sisters complete the paper work necessary and stay with them during the eye exam and help them choose glasses

If you have time and can help us between 9:00AM-2:00 - or if you have a couple of hours within this time frame and you would like to meet our brothers and sisters in Christ at this terrific church in East Atlanta, we would love to have you join us and experience this special ministry.

A few hours at Holy Comforter can be very healing and restorative and it is an important part of our St. Benedict's Outreach and Mission Program. If Thursday July 30th does not work for you but you are interested in helping with this ministry on another date later this year, that would be great.

Contact: Karen Lemley via email or at 404 647-9779 if you want to help.

Guest Speaker: The Rev. Lynnsay Buehler

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Sun, 16 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

How We Can Cope When God Doesn�t Hear Us

The Rev. Lynnsay Buehler will be our guest speaker and preacher on August 16th. During Vicar�s Forum, she will speak about how we can cope when God doesn�t hear us, and she will share some of her own touching story.

Lynnsay is well-known and highly respected within the Diocese. She has been an Episcopal priest in the Diocese for nearly 20 years, and is currently serving at St. Bede�s Episcopal Church. A graduate of Emory, she is a Spiritual Director, the Director of the Julian of Norwich Center, a contemplative retreat leader, and an Associate at Green Bough House of Prayer. Lynnsay also has training in Pastoral Counseling, and Marriage and Family Therapy. Please join us for this special day.

EYC Housewarming Party

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Sun, 16 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Youth of St. Benedict's are invited to a Housewarming Party with the new youth Director Eve Frazer in what is to be the Youth room at the new campus.

Come eat some pizza for lunch and help us plan the upcoming year.

Bishop Whitmore Visits St. Benedict's

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Women's Book Study

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Tue, 8 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Women's Book Study: "The Shack":

Calling all women of St. Benedict's! MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Daughters of the King will be hosting an upcoming book study that has the country all abuzz.

When: Book Study begins Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 7:00 pm - 8:00pm

Where: The Church Offices Questions: Contact Tracy Efaw.

Education For Ministry (EFM)

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

EFM's first meeting will be held on September 14, 2009. If you are interested in participating, please contact Gail Sickling.

Job Seekers Group

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Job Seekers group is a gathering of individuals who are unemployed and seek a place for support, networking and accountability.

This group meets every 2nd and 4th Monday.

Contact Katherine Williamson or Lesley-Ann Drake for more information.

Summer's Last Splash: EYC Pool Party

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Sun, 20 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

St. Benedict's EYC (6th-12th graders) are invited to the Tatum's for the Summer's Last Splash.

Please RSVP to Eve Frazer

Costume Jewelry Sale at the Cathedral of St. Philip

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Costume Jewelry Sale: Exciting two day event! Bring your daughters, sisters, and best friends for a day of shopping at the Cathedral! Vintage and Contemporary Necklaces, Bracelets and Pins Brooches made especially for the sale. Famous makers- Trifari, Monet, Coro, Napier, Weiss, Danecraft, Marvella, Boucher, ORA, David Hill, Whiting and Davis, Anne Klein. September 22 10 AM to 4 PM and September 23 10 AM to 6 PM. The Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, Atlanta. GA, 30305. Sponsored by the Cathedral of St. Philip's St. Veronica�s Guild and Benefiting Carpenters Kids.

Club 345 2009 Kick-off

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Club 345:

All 3rd-5th graders are invited to the Youth Room at the parish office after church on September 27th from 12:30pm-2pm to kick off the new school year! There's a lot in store for St. Benedict's 3rd-5th graders this year, including this new junior youth group.

Parent's we need your help. We need 2 parent volunteers for this event, one to provide a light lunch and the one to help chaperone. Please email Courtney if you can help.

RSVP to Courtney if your child will be attending.

2nd Annual St. Francis Festival

Sat, 3 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Sat, 3 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Smyrna, Oakdale and Vinings Community is invited to join us on October 3rd from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm for our Second Annual St. Francis Festival.

We will have a pet parade, blessing of the pets, a stupid pet trick contest, pet related vendors, food, snacks and drinks.

The Youth will be having a Chick-fil-a fundraiser to raise money to furnish the EYC room. The School Parent Association will be having a bakesale.

Bring the furry, scaley, or feathered family member for a fun day that celebrates the gift of animals in our lives.

MUST Barrels will be available for donations for flood victims. See list of needed items.

EYC to Six Flags

Sun, 4 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Sun, 4 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

St. Benedict's EYC will be going to Six Flags after church on Sunday, October 4, 2009. Friends are welcome to join.

Please RSVP to Eve Frazer to reserve your ticket.

St. Benedict's is hosting Supper at Holy Comforter

Wed, 7 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Wed, 7 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

St. Benedict's is hosting Supper at Holy Comforter on Oct. 7th.

We need folks to cook and/or come down and serve. If you can not go down to Holy Comforter on Wednesday night to serve, you can cook. We meet at OK Cafe to transfer food at 4:30 pm.

You can sign up to bring:

* Red Beans and Rice (Karen has a recipe)
* Pork Tenderloin
* Tossed Green Salad
* Jello
* Garlic Bread
* Lemonade
* Ice Cream Sandwiches
* Paper Goods-plates, cups, napkins, plastic silverware

We prepare food for 100 people. We meet at Holy Comforter at 5:30 pm to set up for dinner, attend service at 6:30 and we are through no later than 8:00 pm. Families are welcome!
Contact Karen Lemley.

Youth Paintball

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Youth and Parents are invited to join us for our 3rd annual Pharisees vs. Sadducees Paintball event that poses the adults versus the youth in an epic battle for bragging rights for the coming year.

RSVP to Eve Frazer.

Women's Social Group

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The ladies of St B's are getting together for a night of clothes and jewelry!

Parishioner Laurie Willcoxon sells a clothing line called Etcetera. The clothes are well designed and good quality. Katie is bringing her handmade jewelry (silver, semi precious and crystals). Please bring a snack/drink to share with the group and our fabulous hostess, Laurie. This event is just in time for Christmas so hopefully you can get some of your shopping done. Even if you are not a shopper, we would love for you to come and socialize with us! The more the merrier!

RSVP to Katie Loadholtes.

Fall Parish Meeting and Party

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Please join St. Benedict's for our Fall Parish Celebration!

Come listen to Rev. Lang Lowrey give a preview of 2010. Meet Chip Davis, our new parochial vicar. Dine with fellow parishioners at a hosted table where all aspects of parish life from our clergy, our new church operations, our ministry of stewardship, our growing number of adult, youth and children's formation offerings and much more will be discussed.

Courtney Vaughn will have a special program (and movie!) for kids ages 3 years old - 5th grade!

Please join us to celebrate the gifts from 2009 and to plan for participation in 2010.

We will meet in the house across the street from the church. Please RSVP to Chris Wiley with the number of people attending.

Children's Ministry All Hallows Eve Celebration

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Children�s Ministries
All Hallows Eve Celebration

Sunday, October 25, 2009
9:30am - 10:15am God�s Builders Sunday School Room

We invite all children, 3 years old - 5th grade, to join us during the Sunday school hour for a special celebration!
Wear your Halloween costumes!

We�ll learn about All Hallows Eve, read a special story, �God Bless the Gargoyles�, and make our own gargoyles out of clay!
There will be cupcakes and a special blessing of the Halloween costumes!

We hope all children can join us for this special day!

Women's Spiritual Gifts Day

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Click here for more info

Club 345: Bowling for MUST

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Sunday, November 8th, 12:30pm-2:30pm.

All 3rd-5th graders are invited to join us for an afternoon of bowling to benefit MUST Ministries. Admission is a grocery bag full of Thanksgiving "fixins'" for MUST Ministries food baskets.

Recommended items include: Canned sweet potatoes, instant mashed potatoes, canned corn, canned green beans, marshmallows, stuffing mix, cream of mushroom soup, gravy, pumpkin pie ingredients, cranberry sauce.

Stages: A Musical Celebrating The Songs of Life

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Even before we take our first breath, life pulls at us, drawing us out of the womb to write our personal stories and heartfelt songs in the book of life.

Words and Music by:       Tom Schneider
Arranged by:        Karen Shipp
Stage Director:       Pamella Dillard
Music Director:       Ann Marie McPhail
Accompanist:       Carolyn Stephens

Stages is a musical celebrating the songs of life�songs that will take us on a journey from the beginning of our existence to our last, inevitable transition. Stages will serenade life with songs of love and hope, expectation and pain, and leave you feeling buoyant, uplifted and better understood.

Performances
Fri., Nov. 20, 2009 7:00 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 21, 2009 5:00 p.m.

Venue

St. Benedict�s Episcopal Church & School

Parish Hall

2160 Cooper Lake Road

Smyrna, GA 30080

*Refreshments will be served during intermission

**Donations, in lieu of ticket fees, will benefit St. Benedict�s music program

Parish Scavenger Hunt

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, December 2, we will come together as a parish to celebrate the Season of Advent in a unique way: a Scavenger Hunt and Chili Dinner.

Using the Nicene Creed as our guide, we will divide ourselves into teams to explore the entire parish campus�searching for new images and locations that connect with the ancient foundation of our Christian faith. Each team will take photos that will then be used to create a parish-wide slideshow.

What images come to your mind when you read: �We believe in One God, the Father, the Almighty��

You are invited to participate in an exciting and meaningful evening of photos, chili, fellowship, and creativity!

Please contact Fr. Stuart with questions and to RSVP for chili contributions.

Advent Quiet Day Retreat

Sat, 5 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT-Sat, 5 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We welcome the Rev. Dr. Julie Johnson as our Advent retreat leader this year. Julie brings a wealth of experience as a spiritual director, retreat leader, program coordinator, and spiritual companion in her reflections and teachings. Above all, Julie brings a deep awareness of God�s presence in the midst of our lives. Julie is an ordained Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA) . A past spiritual director for the Order of St. Bridgit and the Director of Spirituality Programs with Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia, Julie is currently a spiritual director, congregational consultant, and retreat leader with HolyCreek Ministries. We welcome Julie, as always, to St. Benedict�s Episcopal Church.

You are invited to come to this parish retreat as we discern and reflect together on our Advent theme: Christ in Our Midst. How can we develop a greater awareness of God�s presence in our lives, in our practices of prayer, in our common life together?

Lunch will be served, as will coffee and snacks. We ask for a $10 donation to help cover the cost of the day�s events.
RSVP to the Rev. Stuart Higginbotham: Stuart@MySaintB.org

Parish Spaghetti Supper

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT-Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Everyone's invited!

Bring your family, friends, & neighbors on January 10th, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. The EYC will be cooking and serving a spaghetti dinner with all the fixin's. The menu includes: Spaghetti, Salad, Bread, Dessert, Tea, & Lemonade. Proceeds from this event will go towards the EYC program. Youth are needed to help set-up, prepare, and serve dinner beginning at 4pm. Please contact Eve to sign up to help.

Winter Spiritual Speaker Series features Rev. Sandra McCann, MD

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT-Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday evening, January 13, St. Benedict's parish will hold its next event in the Spiritual Speaker Series. The Rev. Sandra McCann, MD, an appointed missionary of The Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Central Tanganyika, Tanzania, will share of her faith journey and her ministry to Msalato Theological College. Sandy often comes back to visit parishes in the Diocese of Atlanta, and we are grateful to have the chance to visit with her on this night and welcome her as our next Spiritual Speaker.

We will begin the evening with dinner at 5:30 and our program at 6:30 pm. If you would like to contribute to the potluck dinner, please contact Fr. Stuart.

The Spiritual Speaker Series continues to seek out and invite people to share from the uniqueness and authenticity of their faith journey. We inaugurated this formation series in the summer of 2009 with Geshe Phende and the Tibetan Buddhist monks of Drepung Monastery.

If you are interested in helping with future formation opportunities, let Fr. Stuart know!

Music That Makes Community Conference

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT-Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

St. Benedict's is happy to host the All Saints Company in a three-day music and liturgical workshop on March 11-13.

Music that Makes Community is a three day conference dedicated to exploring a style of singing that transforms worship and more deeply forms Christian community.

We are starting a movement in the Church, rekindling an ancient practice of singing, a way of music making that has been central to folk traditions for centuries. Taught and sung from memory, it is simple and beautiful, faithful and traditional. Sung without the use of a book, these songs allow congregations to focus on listening to one another, being attentive to the Holy Spirit, and singing from their hearts

If you have any questions, please contact Fr. Stuart.

To explore more, and to register online, please click here..

Music that Makes Community Information and Registration

Newcomer Gathering & Mini-Ministry Fair

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT-Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Please plan to join us for a Newcomer�s Event March 21st , 4:00 - 6:00 pm in the parish hall to learn about St. B's and its many ministries while enjoying appetizers and refreshments.

Childcare will be provided for infants - 3 year olds.

Please RSVP to Melissa and Todd Kaelin, our Membership Committee coordinators, at mkaelin@gmail.com.

Barbara Brown Taylor Visits St. Benedict's

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT-Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday evening, April14, St. Benedict's parish will welcome Barbara Brown Taylor. St. Benedict's welcomes her as part of its ongoing Spiritual Speaker Series, a forum which highlights persons who share of their own particular spiritual journey and experience. Barbara Brown Taylor will share her reflections from her latest book An Altar in the World. Those attending are encouraged to read the book beforehand, gathering their questions to share with one another that evening.

The evening will begin with a parish supper at 5:30 and the reflection at 6:30.

Please contact Fr. Stuart with any questions.

Ugly Pants Open Golf Tournament

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT-Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The 2nd Annual Ugly Pants Open Golf Tournament will be held on June 14th at Indian Hills Country Club in Marietta. It will be a 12:30 shotgun start and proceeds will go to the St. Benedict's Mission & Outreach activities including a local Habitat for Humanity build in 2010.

Foursomes are $400.

If you'd like to sign up or be a sponsor, please contact Dave Demer.