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Letters to the Romans

Summer 2012 Volume 10, No. 6

S t. Peter’s Episcopal Church  101 East Fourth Avenue  Rome, GA 30161  706.291.9111  http://stpeters.episcopalatlanta.org

Inside this issue St. Peter’s new rector 2 New bishop elected 3 Anticipating the General Convention 4 From the interim rector 5 July schedules 6 Thank you, Mother LaRae 6 July calendar 7 Black is back! 7 Guest preachers 8 EfM 8 Congratulations, Janice 9 Follow the convention 9 St. Peter’s 2012 graduates 9 Children’s corner 10 2012-2013 Calendar of Events for Families 11 Influencing – is it for you? 11 Parish news 12

Vestry Members Brad Roberts [Sr. Warden] Ed Hine [Jr. Warden] [Through 2012] M.J. Chisholm Laura Frederick Brad Roberts George Thomason [Through 2013] Jenna Black Beverly Burnes Ed Hine Jack Niedrach [Through 2014] Russ Jennings Andye Moss Suzanne Scott Bob Steinbruegge

The Reverend John F. Herring St. Peter’s New Rector

Associate Rector: The Reverend Janice Bracken Wright  Coordinator of Children’s Ministries: Cameron O’Riley  Summer Youth Coordinator: Logan O’Riley  Organist: Wanda Cantrell  Parish Administrator: Terri Borchardt  Sexton: Sheila Kennebrew  Newsletter Editors: Marny Busbin ([email protected]) and Andye Moss ([email protected])  Church Photographer: Curt Yarbrough  Newsletter Layout: Pat Douglas ([email protected]) 2 | Letters to the Romans Summer 2012

John Herring - St. Peter’s new rector

St. Peter’s new rector, John Herring, is the son of an Episcopal priest. He grew up in New Jersey where his father served several parishes both in urban and rural areas. John experienced both of the best of these possible worlds growing up--cities and the country. He harvested crops in the latter, so it’s evident that he is used to hard work! A graduate of Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, John majored in political science. As a dean’s list student several semesters, he showed leadership qualities by holding offices in several organizations. He also received an award for Meritorious Service to the college and was a member of the varsity crew. (Maybe he can enjoy Rome’s rivers!) A fortuitous invitation from a friend persuaded him that Atlanta was the happening place and he easily found employment in his field when he located there. From 1987 to 2005, John worked in several capacities in the business world from human resources, marketing to recruitment. This experience should serve him well as he assumes the many duties of rector of this parish. Although he had vowed he would not follow in his father’s footsteps, John strongly felt an affinity for service as a priest in the Episcopal Church. In 2005 he moved his wife and family to Sewanee where he received a Masters of Divinity, Theology, from the University of the South. While there, he was affiliated at St. Timothy’s in Signal Mountain, Tennessee with several duties as well as a Deacon. Ordained in 2008, he became an associate at All Saints, Atlanta, a congregation of 2,500 members. He was one of five priests on staff there and his area of concentration has been with their youth programs and outreach with the homeless in Atlanta. He recently returned from a mission trip to Scotland with several of All Saints’ young people. He has planned and led their youth on several trips to several global holy sites in Europe and the U.S. John also serves on several diocesan committees with special interest in finance, seminary scholarships, disciplinary canons and the Church of the Common Ground, a mission to Atlanta’s homeless. Married to Keri for 10 years, they are parents to three “lively, delightful children”. The oldest is Amelia (8), followed by Madeline (6) and Lucas (4). John and family will soon be Romans as they get their Decatur house in order and find one here. He hopes to be at St. Peter’s early or mid-August. He can rest assured that his new St. Peter’s family is eagerly looking forward to their being here.

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th Diocese of Atlanta elects Robert C. Wright to be 10 bishop

The Very Rev. Robert C. Wright (left) was elected on June 2 to be the 10th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. Wright, 48, rector of St. Paul’s Church, Atlanta, was elected on the third ballot out of a field of six nominees. He received 185 votes of 291 cast in the lay order and 90 of 172 cast in the clergy order. An election on that ballot required 146 in the lay order and 87 in the clergy order. The election was held at the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta. Wright was present and stepped to the lectern to accept his election. Wright was elected to succeed Bishop J. Neil Alexander, who was elected in 2001. Because the election occurred within 120 days of the start of the 77th meeting of General Convention in Indianapolis, July 4-12, Episcopal Church canons provide (in Canon III.11.3) for the required consents to be sought from the bishops and deputies at convention. Assuming that consent is received, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori is scheduled to ordain Wright as the 10th bishop of Atlanta on October 13, at Morehouse College. Wright has been rector at St. Paul’s since July 2002. Prior to that, he was canon pastor and vicar for two years at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York, where he was chaplain at the Cathedral School for two years before that. Wright served as a U.S. Navy helicopter crew chief and search and rescue diver from 1982 to 1987. He then worked in organizations that serve youth in the Washington, D.C. area, including the Children’s Defense Fund, and served two mayors of Washington D.C. as a child advocate. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary in 1998 and is currently working on a Doctor of Ministry degree in preaching at the University of the South. He and his wife Beth-Sarah are parents to five children.

“We have a new bishop!” Tom Dasher

“We have a new bishop!” On the third ballot, the Reverend Robert Wright, rector of St. Paul’s Church in Atlanta, was elected the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Atlanta. It was an extraordinary day for all the delegates, both clergy and lay. St. Peter’s delegates, who had been elected by the vestry to attend the Annual Council meeting in November and thus continued to serve as delegates for the election, were Nat Massey, Anne Kerr, Allien McNair, and Tom Dasher. The four of us had met together with Janice and LaRae after the walkabout for the six finalists had been held at St. Peter’s on May 18th. We shared with one another the very important feedback we had heard from parishioners who had attended the walkabout and agreed that, while each of us would vote for our top candidate, it was essential for us all to know how members of the St. Peter’s parish felt about all the candidates. On June 2nd, we convened in St. Philips’ Cathedral at an opening Eucharist. Almost five hundred delegates listened to Bishop Alexander’s homily which stressed the significance of the election, the presence of God in our midst, and the inevitable impact the election would have on the lives of both the new bishop and the people he/she loved. To be elected, an individual had to receive 50% plus one of the lay order and the clergy order on the same ballot. After the first ballot, the top three candidates were the Rev. Wright, the Very Rev. Sam Candler – dean of St. Philips’ Cathedral, and the Rev. Michael Bird – rector of Christ Church in Bronxville, New York. After the second ballot, the election was between the Rev. Wright and the Very Rev. Candler. Before breaking for lunch, the third ballot was taken. Between each ballot, the delegates sang hymns, led by Bishop Alexander, and prayed for the success of the election. When the delegates reconvened after lunch, Bishop Alexander announced that a new bishop had been elected. The Rev. Rob Wright would be the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Atlanta. It was clear that the choice was a popular one among all the delegates who rose together and applauded his election. It was indeed a wonderful moment of unity, mutual support, and confidence in the future of this diocese.

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Anticipating the 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church Janice Bracken Wright

The triennial General Convention of the Episcopal Church will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, July 5-12. I have the privilege of representing the Diocese of Atlanta as one of four clergy deputies who will join four lay deputies, eight diocesan alternates, and two bishops for this important event in the life of our church. Deputies and Bishops from 110 dioceses will gather to worship, converse, network, deliberate and legislate, shaping the future of our denomination. Our Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori writes, “We look forward to a creative and interactive time spent together. Some people have called General Convention, “The Great Family Reunion of The Episcopal Church.” There will be Episcopalians from all across the Church: from Taiwan and Micronesia to Europe, and from Latin America and the Caribbean and all parts of the United States. We speak a variety of languages, we come from a great diversity of local contexts, and I think one of the greatest challenges before us at this Convention is to think about and reflect on and perhaps begin to enact ways in which we will live into being a ‘Church for the 21st Century.’ From my initial study, these are a few (though far from all) of the important issues that will be considered at this convention: Revamping the structure of Church operations – expect passionate conversations about structure, governance, roles, responsibilities, staff and more. Do we operate under a bloated structure that we no longer need and can no longer afford? The budget for the next triennium – expect heated debates about money, primarily because how we spend money speaks of our true mission. Missing and funding priorities go hand in hand. Proposed liturgies to include new rites for honoring creation and the care of beloved animals – expect creative conversation about our relationships to the world God has made and all who live in it. Proposed trial liturgies for the blessing of same gender relationships – expect the media to think this is the only thing we are considering. Watch for passionate discussion from many perspectives indicative of who we are as a diverse yet inclusive church. Proposed additions to our calendar – expect interesting and inspirational additions to our continuing trial use of Holy Women, Holy Men (formerly Lesser Feats and Fasts). Isn’t it good that we Episcopalians take our time with the development of liturgy? Consideration of the proposed Anglican Covenant – expect a variety of positions ranging from outright rejection of the proposed Covenant to complete acceptance. Many may be willing to compromise with words like “unable to adopt in its present form” in order to keep the Episcopal Church at the discussion table worldwide. Revisiting the Denominational health Plan – passed in 2009, this is still a hot button topic as Episcopalians make the connection between health insurance and justice. Expect debate over the implementation, modification, delay or elimination of this plan. In preparation for General Convention, Atlanta’s deputation met at Kanuga Conference Center, along with deputations from throughout Province IV, the 20 dioceses in the nine Southeastern states (June 6-8). Our Presiding Bishop was with us, as was Canon Bonnie Anderson, President of the House of Deputies. They were joined by The Reverend Gregory Straub, Executive Director and General Convention Secretary, and Bishop Stacy Sauls, COO of the Episcopal Church. The meeting included orientation for bishops and deputies, workshops covering the anticipated “energy items,” and discussion of the reports and resolutions contained in the 753 page GC manual know as “The Blue Book” (even though this year’s version is pink). At Kanuga, I learned that I will serve as the Chair of the Atlanta Deputation at this General Convention, a largely administrative role. Our current Chair is Rob Wright, Bishop-elect of Atlanta. Once his election is approved by the House of Deputies, he will be escorted from the floor of the HofD to the gallery of the House of Bishops. At that time, I will take over as Chair. I hope to serve as one of many sets of eyes and ears for you during the General Convention experience. Please join me there by reading and responding to my daily blog: http://janicewright.blogspot.com/.

Editor’s note – for other ways to stay informed about the Convention, see page 9. 5 | Letters to the Romans Summer 2012

From the interim rector LaRae Jordan Rutenbar

As I sit in the middle of my boxes preparing to leave St. Peter’s and Rome, I am very thankful for the privilege of being with you and sharing our time together. After seventeen years in this ministry of transition I realize that my ministry is often received with varying degrees of enthusiasm. What I pray, for every parish I have served, is that God will use what has been good, heal what has been hurtful and enable the building up of the community and the continued ministry of the people. I thank all of you who were patient and journeyed through this time of transition with good will and humor. I have met some great people and I been inspired over the life and ministry of those who have served with me during this time. I know your new rector will be excited, energetic and ready for the gifts and challenges of this new ministry. In light of that, I give my final piece of advice for welcoming the new rector.

1. Wear your name tags, especially in church, at breakfast and during Sunday school 2. Give the rector exactly one year from the first time you meet him to learn your name, remember your family and understand your ministry 3. Reserve judgment. Everyone is new, nervous and makes gaffs during the first few months 4. After the first year invite the rector and his family to your home for dinner, fellowship and conversation. This is how we get to know each other, but it is better after he and his family have settled in and begun to know the parish 5. Tell your friends, community and colleagues what a great rector you have and brag on him so the ministry is built up 6. Encourage, support and rejoice in the success and ministry of one another. Be proud of your church and the ministry that is shared 7. Gather the courage to be open, honest and transparent with your opinions, feelings and expectations with your new rector and each other 8. Create a welcoming and inviting space for your new rector. I might include painting the offices at Willingham house, replacing old furniture or replacing the carpet. This might need some private donations, work groups and cooperation with the property committee 9. Don’t forget the family of the new rector, especially the children. As a lot of attention is being paid to the new rector, but, remember that the family has left friends, schools and another parish 10. Support the parish staff who are also excited, but anxious, about the arrival of their new boss and what that might mean for their job descriptions, place and security. It might affect their usual buoyant and easy going demeanor – be understanding 11. Finally, I leave with you the blessing that I used on my last Sunday. It comes from Romans 12:

Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, Weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; Do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

May God bless us all as we go forth, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. Alleluia, Alleluia.

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July schedules

Altar Guild Contact: Frieda Yeary/Helen Keaten Soup Kitchen Contact: Bill Schoepski, 235-2109 or Sue MJ Chisholm and Laura Davis (co-chairs), Patti Barron, Lea Duncan, Anderson, 291-2599 Vicki Gilliam, Gin Gunther, Helen Keaten, Mary Patton Mon Frances Knight©, Beth Starnes, Irby Ledbetter, Mary McGuffey, Breakfast Crew Contact: Anne/George Pullen, 295-0010 Helen Keaton, Anne Kerr, Will Dellis, Anne Kaiser, Bob Evans 7/1 Tricia Richards, Jimmy Kelley, Mike Alexander, David Hunter, Tues Sue Anderson©, Peggy Nash, Ruth Forrester, Suzy Gilbert, David Powell, Peter Gilbert June Dellis, Will Dellis, Janet Morris 7/8 Jack Niedrach, David Harvey, Tracy/John Schroeder, Cary Wed Sylvia Hine©, John Hine, Dana/Jack Edgens, Sallie Peebles, Kilgore, Bryan Johnson David Norman, Elaine Smith 7/15 Rob Page, Allien McNair, Clem Trammell, Al Bonnyman, Bill Thurs Barb/Rich Molnar©, Laura Frederick, Betsy/George Awsumb, Schoepski, Bill Byington Em Dempsey, Lilli Tucker, Will Dellis 7/22 John Hine, Bruce Hunter, Joel Taylor, Joe Seigler, Wright Friday Andye Moss©, Cissy Rogers, Zibby White, Bill Knight, Ann Smith, Bill Fricks Laughlin, Will Dellis 7/29 Doug Lansing, Russ Jennings, Jack Knight, Sasa Vance, Subs Ann Spears, Meg Eberhart, Jean Clark, Larry Osborn, Andrew Berry Patti/Henry Brown, Ann/George Pullen, Laura Davis, Jan Greeters Contact: Mary Kirkland, 291-0558 Flippen, Nancy Hunter, Mai Mai Kelly, Randa Mixon, Marny Sarah Kilgore©, Em Dempsey, Andye Moss, David Carlton, Karen Busbin, Gin Gunther, Steven Ramos, Leamon Scott, Georgia Hellriegel, Sherron Mull Hardwick, Nell Warren, Bess Crawford (tally), Sherron Mull, Cary Kilgore, Greg Fricks, Barbara/Jim Dixon Loaves and Fishes Contact: Peggy Nash, 235-4911 or Kathy Steinbruegge, 234-5908 Ushers Contact: Leamon Scott, 234-7545 Nancy Knight©, Marny Busbin, Mary Kirkland, Anthea Evans, Nancy Brad Roberts, Randy Warley, Tricia Richards, Frank Minor Hunter, Mai Mai Kelly, Dana Edgens, Laura Frederick, Hollye Smith, Vestry of the Month: Brad Roberts and Elizabeth Ard

Lay readers and chalice bearers Contact: [email protected] Date/Svc Reader/Prayers Chalice Bearer 1st Lesson 2nd Lesson Prayers Sun 7/1 8:30 am John Duncan John Duncan 10:00 am Buster Wright Cameron O’Riley Andye Moss Bryant Steele Bryant Steele Wed. 7/4 No Celtic Service Sun 7/8 8:30 am Mark Jester Mark Jester 10:00 am Tom Dasher Tom Dasher Bob Berry David Harvey Curt Yarbrough Andye Moss Wed 7/11 5:30 pm Curt Yarbrough Curt Yarbrough Sun 7/15 8:30 am Tricia Richards Tricia Richards 10:00 am Bill Byington Janet Byington Buster Wright Meg Alexander Meg Alexander Wed 7/18 5:30 pm Stephen Patton Stephen Patton Sun 7/22 8:30 am Mark Jester Mark Jester 10:00 am Tom Dasher Alexandra Carlton Laura Frederick Cheryl Ranwez Sunny Knauss Wed 7/25 5:30 pm Curt Yarbrough Stephen Patton Sun 7/29 8:30 am John Duncan John Duncan 10:00 am Bryant Steele Wade Carpenter Bob Steinbruegge Randa Mixon Tricia Richards

Thank you, Mother LaRae

As a parting gift to St. Peter’s, Mother LaRae requested any gifts of thanks be used to establish a scholarship program for youth wishing to attend Camp Mikell. St. Peter’s members generously gave $2,275 to this program. Thank you, Mother LaRae, for your generosity, and thanks to the people of St. Peter’s who opened their hearts. 7 | Letters to the Romans Summer 2012

July calendar SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY All weekly schedules are noted on line below – any changes or additions are noted on the actual date. Sunday Worship Tuesday Worship Wed Schedule

8:30 Rite I, Chapel 12:15 Healing 5:30 Celtic 9:00 Breakfast (Daniel Hall) Service Eucharist, Chapel 10:00 Rite II, Church 11:00 Social Hour

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 5 Pentecost Office closes at Independence Day noon Office closed Rev. King Oehmig No Celtic service Office closed

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 Pentecost

Rev. Camille Hegg Office closed

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 7 Pentecost

Rev. Janice Wright Office closed

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 8 Pentecost

Rev. Gray Temple Office closed

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Soup Kitchen

29 30 9 Pentecost

Rev. Don Black

Black is back!

After seven years as rector of St. James, Cedartown, and 1 year as priest-in-charge at Transfiguration, Rome, The Reverend Don Black is now engaged in supply work and vacancy consulting. Don has graciously consented to be the priest-in-residence here at St. Peter’s to help us during this interim period. We gratefully welcome him back!

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Guest preachers

On Sunday, July 1, we welcomed as our guest preacher The Reverend King Oehmig, recipient of the 2010 Dubose Award for Service from the School of Theology, Sewanee. The author of several books related to preaching and the lectionary, King is the founder and editor-in-chief of Synthesis Publications. He has served parishes in the dioceses of Tennessee, Mississippi and Atlanta for 32 years-- including two parishes in our own Northwest Georgia Convocation: Ascension, Cartersville, and St. Barnabus, Trion. King is an avid golfer and golf coach. He is married to Margy (35 years) and they have two sons – Henry (Nashville) and John (Chattanooga), and two daughters-in-law, Mary and Esme, one granddog, Tank, and two grandcats, Willy and Gris.

The Reverend Camille Hegg is a life-long Episcopalian. She received the Master of Divinity Degree at Candler School of Theology at Emory University and was ordained in 1978. She has served churches in Atlanta, Marietta, Macon, Lagrange and Mobile AL. She retired last year and enjoys serving at churches on Sundays, leading quiet days and retreats and being close to her daughter, son in law and grandchildren. She lives in Waleska.

The Reverend Gray Temple will be our guest preacher on Sunday, July 22. Gray retired as rector of St. Patrick’s, Dunwoody after 31 years, then served as interim rector of the Church of the Ascension, Munich, Germany. He is the author of a number of books and published articles. He is married to Jean Temple, a psychotherapist in private practice. They have two grown sons and three grandsons.

The Reverend R. Allen Pruitt is currently rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in LaGrange, GA. Originally from Rome, he became an Episcopalian at St. Peter's, in large part because of the Canterbury Club. Prior to seminary, Allen worked as the Coordinator of Children's and Youth Ministries at St. Peter’s. After graduating from Virginia Seminary in 2007, he served in the Diocese of Virginia before coming back home to Georgia. In his own words, "Everything I learned about preaching I learned from Roger Ard, Janice Bracken Wright, and Jim Yeary. If my sermon is any good, it's thanks to them. If it's not, it's because I didn't listen well enough.”

EfM

On Sunday, June 10, at the 10:00 service, Wade A. Carpenter, Thomas E. Dasher, David A. Hicks, and J Bryant Steele will receive recognition of their successful completion of the four-year Theological Education by Extension Education for Ministry program as administered by the School of Theology, the University of the South. These men join 10 other parishioners who have completed the program since it was instituted and originally mentored at St. Peter's by Kathy Benson in the fall of 2003. What does it take to complete the EFM curriculum? During the academic year, thirty-six weekly seminars of two and a half hours are held. Each seminar opens and closes with a brief worship, led by members on a rotating basis. The second component is the Common Lessons, which include a spiritual autobiography by each member and other discussions focused on topics as varied as Sabbath time, living with differences, mapping your system of theology, or making moral choices. Lessons are the third agenda item: Old Testament, New Testament, church history until 1800, and contemporary theology. These lessons are prepared by the School of Theology and require study of about 30 pages per week. Theological reflection, often called the centerpiece of EFM, is the fourth component. As a group, we examine an incident from daily life, a text, a piece of art, or a current event. We look at the subject through the lenses of our religious heritage, our contemporary culture, and our personal perspective, and we try to help one another develop clearer personal statements and an action plan on the issue for our lives going forward. Through all of these methods we help one another discern the ministry/ministries to which God might be calling us. Yes, EFM is a major commitment of time, energy, and focus. This year's graduates estimated an average of 3-4 hours of "homework" weekly. Do they think it was worthwhile? Yes!

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Congratulations, Janice!

Congratulations to Janice Bracken Wright on the 30th anniversary of her Ordination to the Priesthood in Richmond, Virginia, on June 26, 1982.

[pictured at left: The Reverend Janice Bracken Wright on the day of her ordination with The Right Reverend Robert Bruce Hall, 11th bishop of the Diocese of Virginia.]

GENERAL CONVENTION OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH: Indianapolis, Indiana, July 5 – 12. There are many ways to be informed about the happenings at general convention.

The Very Reverend Janice Bracken Wright, http://janicewright.blogspot.com/

The Very Reverend Sam Candler, http://goodfaithandthecommongood.blogspot.com

The Reverend Canon Alicia Schuster Weltner, http://canonweltner.blogspot.com/

Links to all the blogs can also be found on the home page of the diocese website. http://episcopalatlanta.org. Click on the “Connecting to General Convention”

National Media hub, http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/gc2012/

St. Peter’s 2012 graduates

Three of St. Peter's wonderful young people were among the 2012 graduates from Rome schools. Haley Cooper, our preacher on Youth Sunday, graduated from Darlington and is headed to Georgia Southern in Statesboro in the fall. We hope she knows that that fair city is just below the gnat line! Austin Musselwhite, an honor graduate from Rome High School, is planning to attend Georgia Tech and face the challenges of living in downtown Atlanta. Jake Summerlin, also a Rome High alum, will follow in his parents' and older brother Matthew's footsteps and will become a Berry Viking. Congratulations to these three. Please come back and visit St. Peter's when you can. God speed.

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The children’s corner Cameron O’Riley

ReNew: The Green VBS was held June 18-20, 2012. We Grew in Faith. Had fun. And learned how we can change the world. This year we had a total of 35 children participating in Vacation Bible School with 13 members of the EYC acting as Shepherds. Each morning began with a table-top activity, story and music led by the VBS Band. On Monday we learned about seeds. We heard the parable of the sower, planted sunflower seeds, and made our own trail mix. Children also created Eco-art out of leaves, twigs, flower petals and many other things they discovered outside. Special guests, Kikki and Craig Tucker, came from Tucker Farms and taught us about hydroponics and the produce they grow at their farm. They brought vegetables and seeds for us to look at and shared pictures of their farm. On Tuesday, we learned about thorns and facing challenges. We made bird feeders from empty water bottles, created pockets of love and again heard the parable of the sower, and enjoyed spreads and breads for snack. Officer Tom Benefield, Linda Barnes and ReRe Recycling came from the Rome-Floyd County Recycling Center and we learned what can be recycled and the many ways our "trash" can be given a new life. On Wednesday, our focus shifted to the Good Soil and growing together. Together we made a human tree, ate dirt pie with gummy worms, played games with old cereal boxes, and made friendship bracelets. Representatives from the Georgia Forestry Commission including Ranger Mike Brunson, Ranger Stacey Cantrell, Ranger Jackson, and Smokey Bear came to teach us about fire safety and and their role in protecting our local forests. They even brought their suppression unit which included a bulldozer and plow and a truck that carries water to help put out small brush fires, also known as a Slip-in Unit. Our closing Celebration was postponed one week to coincide with St. Peter's Day. A HUGE thank you to all the children who came and participated! We loved having you with us! Special thanks to: St. Peter's EYC Hollye Smith - Assistant Director Jenna Black, Cameron Jackson, & Bethany Evans - Games Rachel Jones & Amy Massey - Activities Toni King (leader), Christina Kinder, Andye Moss, & Sarah Molnar - Snacks Michelle Crawford & Rebecca Segrest - Floater Dagmar Carlton - Music, Photographer Nick Pettigrew - Guitar Wanda Cantrell - Piano Jennifer Moore - Paintings Anne Hobdy and Erin Bond - Educational posters Matthew Summerlin and Caroline Atkins - Nursery Everyone who donated food, supplies, and recyclables

Future Planning Provided is a schedule of events for Families with Children and Youth for the upcoming 2012-2013 year. Other activities may be planned as we move along, but this will at least give you an idea of things to come as we share in Christ's love together. 11 | Letters to the Romans Summer 2012

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Calendar of Events for Families with Children 2012-2013

July Enjoy the Summer! August 19 Sundaes for Sunday school (following church) September 16 Picnic & Apple Pickin’ at R&A Orchards (following church) October 28 Oktoberfest, 4-6 pm November 11 Game Night, 4-6 pm December 2 Advent 1 – Advent Wreaths, 4-6 pm December 9 Advent 2 – Chrismons and Ornament making, 4-6 pm December 16 Advent 3 – Gingerbread Houses, 4-6 pm December 23 Advent 4 – Birthday Party for Jesus, 4-6 pm December 30 Epiphany Pageant Practice, 4-6 pm January 2 Pageant Practice, 6-7:30? January 6 Epiphany Pageant February TBD March 17 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, 4-6 pm March 24 Palm Sunday March 31 Easter Sunday/ Easter Egg Hunt April 21 Spring Picnic May 19 Last Sunday of Sunday school June 17-19 Vacation Bible School

Influencing – is it for you? Cameron O’Riley

Who are the people who have influenced you? Did they appear to be larger than life? Or was he/she simply someone who had a penchant for being kind? Consider what made this person special to you. George Eliot is quoted as saying "Blessed is the influence of one true, loving human soul on another." Will you prayerfully consider your role at St. Peters? Is God calling you to serve? Maybe he is calling you to teach. Maybe you feel led to share your love of music with others. Or maybe your gift is praying for others and being a support for them as they journey and share their talents. Maybe you can help by simply attending scheduled events. There is work to be done and there is a multitude of ways your gifts can be used. What will your influence be?

Opportunities are available at varying intervals from weekly, to monthly, to the special occasion. Areas of need include:

Children's Chapel Flower arranging Children's Sunday school Breakfast teams Special events from Families and Children Office volunteer Soup kitchen Ushering

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St. Peter’s Episcopal Church 101 East Fourth Avenue Rome, Georgia 30161

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Parish news

The congratulations of the parish is extended to Stephen Wyatt on his graduation from the University of West Georgia with a Master of Education in Professional Counseling Laine Voccio on her graduation from Berry College with a Master in Education Matthew Summerlin on his graduation from Berry College with a Bachelor of Science degree with honors Chris Jester on his graduation from the University of California at Davis with a Master’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering Patrick Hunter on his graduation from Georgia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Lee Niedrach on his graduation from The University of Georgia Law School Ben Clark who graduated from Westminister High School in Atlanta and Conor Clark who graduated from Episcopal High School in Jacksonville. Conor and Ben are the grandsons of Jean Clark Brad Jones, the son-in-law of Meg and Byron Eberhart, on his graduation from General Theological Seminary in New York. Brad will serve as executive director of Grace Point Camp (Episcopal) in Kingston, TN Christina Kinder for her Williamsburg article and Will Crawford on his Kitty Hawk article being chosen for publication in the Rome News Tribune on May 1, 2012 Our recent EfM graduates: Wade Carpenter, Tom Dasher, David Hicks, and Bryant Steele Ginny Smith and Warren Parrino who were married at St. Benedict’s Church, Smyrna, on Saturday, June 23. Ginny is the daughter of David and Nancy Smith The parish welcomes Logan O’Riley who will be working with the youth this summer as the Youth Co-ordinator. Majoring in musical theatre, Logan will graduate from Oklahoma City University in December 2012. His office hours are Wednesdays 10am-2pm, 6pm-8pm and Sundays 10am-12noon The sympathy of the parish is extended to The family of Marny Busbin on the death of her husband, John Charles Busbin, on May 12, 2012