The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit The Dove
www.ecohs.net June 2012
Inside this issue: From the Rector: Welcome to Summer
Summer is here! These 8:30 am (no change) and when guests attend. I New Bishop Elected 2 next three months, our 10:00 am. This change to the have had preliminary Youth Activities 3 parish community will slow later service will last from discussions with vestry down from our regular June 10th to September 2nd and ministry leaders for Red Door Festival 3 programs and ministries like (Labor Day weekend). I their feedback. We will ECOHS Preschool, Sunday checked with our vestry and also schedule town hall VBS & Fish Fry 4 school, Wednesday choir worship ministry meetings and take written practice, EFM, and Bible coordinators before deciding surveys in order to get Foyer Summer Party 5 study. But we will still be to make the change and your input in more detail. busy with fun activities like there was broad support. Please consider and pray Prayers 6 the Fish Fry and Boat Our goal for the change is to about this option and talk Blessing June 10th at Neva minimize the gap in time with me and others in Treasurer’s Window 7 Jahnz’s home; our first ever between services and allow parish leadership about “Screen on the Green” Friday people more flexibility to your thoughts and evening, June 15th; Vacation enjoy their summer Sundays. feelings. We will need to Upcoming Events: Bible School, June 18th decide on a third service through the 22nd (kick-off In addition, we will have by early August and then conversations this summer SASSE LUNCHEON: Sunday is June 17th); and we would start after about adding a third service June 8, 11:30 a.m. other activities like group Labor Day. trips to plays and baseball this fall. Our current later FISH FRY & BOAT games. Though our youth service is getting near the Everyone have a safe, BLESSING: community will not meet 75% capacity in Sunday fun and glorious summer! June 10 every Sunday evening in the attendance when experts say the church will seem too full Keith+ PASTORAL SUPPORT: summer, they will continue June 14, 9:30 a.m. to meet for fun and ministry (Paul Morris will keep VESTRY MEETING: everyone informed). June 14, 7:00 p.m. This summer we will SCREEN ON THE GREEN: also make a change to our June 15, 8:00 p.m. regular Sunday service
VACATION BIBLE times. I have focused on not SCHOOL: changing service times over June 18-22, 9:00 a.m.-noon the past three years in order to minimize confusion. THE PANTRY: However, beginning June June 30, 8:00 a.m. 10th, we will start our later
FOYER SUMMER PARTY: service at 10:00 am, so our June 30, 6:00 p.m. summer service times will be
Dove contribution deadline: June 24th www.ecohs.net PagePage 2
The Very Rev. Robert C. Wright Elected Bishop of Atlanta
The Very Rev. Robert C. “Rob” Wright, rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Atlanta, and dean of the diocese’s Mid-Atlanta Convocation, was elected by delegates and clergy represent- ing 96 parishes and approximately 52,000 members of the diocese, which covers north and middle Georgia. He will become the 10th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta.
Wright, 48, will replace Bishop J. Neil Alexander, who will step aside in October to become a professor of liturgics and lead the Department of Anglican Studies at Candler School of The- ology at Emory University. Alexander, 58, has served as bishop of Atlanta for 11 years.
Wright will be ordained bishop Oct. 13 at the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta by Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.
Wright previously was canon pastor and vicar at the Congregation of St. Saviour, The Ca- thedral of St. John the Divine, New York, N.Y. (1998-2002); chaplain, Cathedral School, New York City (1998-2000); and chaplain at Washington, D.C., jail (1996). Prior to becoming a priest Wright worked as a youth work program coor- dinator for the U.S. Department of Education’s Children’s Defense Fund (1992-1995). During service in the U.S. Navy from 1982 to 1987 he served as a helicopter crew chief and search and rescue diver.
He is a 1991 graduate of Howard University with a major in history and political science. He holds a master of divini- ty from Virginia Theological Seminary, Alexandria, Va. He was ordained a priest in 1999. He is chair of the diocesan Commission on Ministry and is a board member for Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church and St. Laurence School.
Wright is married to Beth-Sarah Wright. They have five children: Jordan, 20; Emmanuel,12; Selah, 11; Noah, 9; and Moses-Daniel, 6.
For more information, visit the diocesan web site at www.episcopalatlanta.org.
From Deacon Nadine: Become a Mentor
Are you a good listener? Would you like to help young people develop existing strengths? Would you consider being a mentor? Mentoring can transform the lives of at-risk children and youth equipping them to do better academically and socially. Mentoring has been identified as one of the key activities included in comprehensive violence prevention.
Forsyth Public Schools is in need of adults who can provide students with support, friendship, and positive reinforcement. Mentors are matched with students based on experiences and interests. They meet for at least 30 minutes per week at a scheduled time during the school day on school grounds. While together, the two may read, talk, study or just be friends.
How do you become a mentor? Becoming a mentor requires attending one two-hour training session, completing an application and a background check. It also involves committing to spend 30 minutes per week with a student during school hours for the school year, and hopefully the following year. Currently, there is a waiting list for mentors at each school.
If you think you may be interested in mentoring in the fall, please email Deacon Nadine at [email protected]. We are looking at possibly conducting the 2 hour training at ECOHS, if interest warrants. Do you have other interests and ideas for addressing the needs of at-risk children and youth in the community? Watch for meeting notices for the Foster/Mentor Focus Group to begin soon! www.ecohs.net PagePage 3
From the Youth Minister: Fun Summer Stuff
Hello Everyone, June is here and this month will be loaded with all the super fun stuff to launch the summer season. First off, the first fundraiser is on June 15th. We will be showing Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder style) and the youth will be selling popcorn, hot dogs and drinks. This will also be our Flamingo fundraiser kickoff and the bulletin will have the information in it that Sunday, June 17th. Secondly, the reason we are showing Mr. Wonka's story is because VBS is Wonka themed. I will be at VBS each day and would like many youth to help out with it as well. If you do help, Julie Wilson is having a pizza party and big ol' water slide for all the youth helpers to play on until 2:00 p.m. VBS is from the June 18th to June 22nd, 9:00 a.m. to noon. I plan on seeing you there! Thirdly, I have helped out with the pantry and would like all youth to go through this incredible experience. If at least four youth are available, I would like youth to help out with Pantry on June 30th. Lastly, I hope you are all having a great summer and I am looking forward to seeing you all throughout it. Thanks and God bless, Paul
2012 Red Door Raffle: For this year’s Red Door Festival Raffle, we are returning to a favorite from a couple of years ago: THEME BASKETS. Our goal is two dozen baskets. There are information sheets on the table in the parish hall with instructions on assembly of baskets. There is also a thank you gift for the person or group whose basket raises the most money.
Red Door Donors: We could use some help in raising sponsorship (cash) and raffle (gift/certificate) for the Red Door Festival, on October 20th. There are 2012 Brochures with a letter from Fr. Keith on/in both the tables in the Hall and Nave. Used for approaching Potential Sponsors for a donation. Please look at the 2 pages spreadsheet that says Potential Sponsors located in the Parish Hall - Red Door Bulletin Board. Put your initials next to the potential sponsor if you would talk to them about Red Door help These Potential Sponsors have given to other charitable causes in the past. If you have a contact name at any of these businesses and don’t want to ask for help, give the name to someone on the following list. Thanks.
—Tom Gibson, Sharon Linsley, Janet Pfaff, Judy Foster www.ecohs.net PagePage 4
Vacation Bible School Begins June 18
Vacation Bible School is right around the corner! Willy Wonka and the Prodigal son are almost ready! Our kickoff will be on Sunday, June 17th, after the 10:00 service. We will have a tasty coffee hour with healthy and magical treats courtesy of Willie Wonka, followed by a trip to the Cumming Aquatic Center, right down the street, for an afternoon of swimming. What a wonderful way to spend Father's Day!
Please join us as we get ready for an exciting week of Bible School that will begin on Monday, June 18th, from 9:00 a.m. until noon, and meet daily through Friday, June 22nd. This promises to be a fun week of learning about the prodigal son, as we incorporate different character traits into each day of the week. The cost for VBS is $25 per child with a family cap of $75.
VBS registration forms are available in the parish hall. Please add the dates to your calendar and we will look forward to seeing you there!
—Julie Wilson
Blessed Boats and Fried Fish
Please join the fun and fellowship on Sunday, June 10, after the 10:00 service. We will have great food and, of course, the boat blessing. The tradition has been to bless watercraft or items from your boat, or any other item that is meaningful for you and your family. Fried fish, french fries and hushpuppies will be provided. Bring a lawn chair, sunglasses, sunscreen, a side dish or dessert, and a beverage. The gathering will be at Neva Jahnz's home on the lake. Directions are available on the table in the parish hall. www.ecohs.net Page 5
“Give me that Old Time Religion, It’s Good Enough for Me...!” OLD-FASHIONED DINNER ON THE CHURCH GROUNDS & SINGIN’ ! Saturday, June 30th 6:00 p.m. The Pavilion at Holy Spirit All adult parishioners are invited to this century-old church tradition of dinner on the grounds – ECOHS style! It will be an evening of great fellowship, food, and singin’ familiar old spir- ituals and other foot-stomping, hand-clapping tunes! There’ll be something for everyone! Meat, soft drinks & tea provided by the Foyer Ministry. Please bring appetizer, salad, side dish or dessert to share, and other beverage of choice.
To attend, please sign up on the sheet in the Parish Hall OR Online at www.signupgenius.com Click “Find a Signup” then enter [email protected] to find our event page.
Questions? Janice McClelland 770-889-0631 [email protected] or Gloria Szokoly 770-886-0661 [email protected]
www.ecohs.net PagePage 6
Prayers
Holy Spirit Parishioners: Julie C. Anderson, Kendle Baggarly, Betty Bartow, Hank Bauer, Liz Bauer, Jan Cahoon, Bruce Cross, Vivienne Freeman, Tom Gibson, Harold Gill, Marilyn Goeltz, Norm Goeltz, Cameron Howell, Jacqueline Perdue, Chris Prianti, Carmen Smith, Melanie Suggs, C.J. Versteeg, Anna Claire Wilson.
Friends & Family: Carolyn Allen, Lily Anderson, Sally Atz, Donna Bills, Carter & Lisa Bullard, Michael Bullard, Sandra Burchardt, John Bru, Sean Connery, Kim Caylor, The Cureton Family, Michael Daugherty, Mason Denbo, Joanne Ellis, Patty Fusaro, Sara Garrett, DO'n Gaston, Janet Geuter, William Godbey, Michael Halatyn, Sr. Philomena Healy, Lavon Howell, Jeff Joyner, Eleanor Kukarola, Els Lagano, Linda Landry, Joyce Legg, Jimmie & Betty McIntyre, Ricky Mullinax, Billie Murphy, Caroline Newell, Alex Papp, Janet Pollman, Wanda Price, Harry Puzey, Sue Rint, John Scortino, Sherri Starr, Betsy Tanner, Joseph Velardi, The Webb Family.
We pray for Katharine, our Presiding Bishop, Neil, our Bishop, Rob, our Bishop-elect, Keith, our Assistant Bishop, Fr. Keith, our Priest, Nadine, our Deacon, and all bishops, priests, and deacons.
We pray for Aric Fuller and Brandon Gill, stationed in Afghanistan, and all who serve our nation in the armed forces, both at home and abroad.
Pantry Angels We served 142 people in May.
Pantry angels: Judy Norman, Fran Pickering, Liz Tanner, Paul Morris, Harold and Pat Gill, and Sally and Ro Woodhead. Special thanks to Linda Whittle for bringing children’s books from one of the charity shops with which she works, to give out to the children of pantry clients. Their appreciation is written all over their faces.
— Ro Woodhead www.ecohs.net Page 7
Treasurer’s Window BLAAT! BLAAT! BLAAT! THIS IS NOT A TEST OF YOUR NATIONAL EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM, BUT I GOT YOUR ATTENION DID’T I?
AFTER THREE YEARS AT THE POST, IN 2013 I’D LIKE TO MOVE ON TO ANOTHER MINISTRY AT ECOHS, SO I’M LOOKING FOR A VOLUNTEER WHO’D LIKE TO BECOME THE PARISH TREASURER! COULD THAT BE YOU?
BLAAT! BLAAT! BLAAT! THIS IS NOT A TEST - BEING TREASURER IS FUN AND A GREAT LEARNING AND LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY - DON’T BE SHY!!
April 2012 & YTD Results
The following is a summary of our results as of April 30, 2012:
Actual Month Budgeted Month Actual YTD Budgeted YTD Operating Income: $ 35,318 $ 28,696 $ 136,977 $ 126,206 (A)
Operating Expenses:
Personnel $ 14,745 $ 15,036 $ 53,296 $ 52,000 (B) Administration $ 3,995 $ 1,164 $ 9,601 $ 7,616 (C) Bldg/Grnds/Equip $ 862 $ 4,570 $ 12,576 $ 13,430 (D) Diocese Pledge $ 2,115 $ 2,115 $ 8,460 $ 8,460 (E) Preschool $ 4,599 $ 3,940 $ 17,536 $ 15,965 (F) Worship Svc $ 872 $ 1,475 $ 3,327 $ 4,020 (G) Program Expense $ 4,075 $ 7,650 $ 21,905 $ 26,200 (H)
Subtotal: $ 31,264 $ 35,950 $ 126,702 $ 127,692 (I)
OPERATING SURPLUS: $ 4,054 $ (7,254) $ 10,274 $ (1,485) (J)
Other Revenue: (1)
Gifts - Art/Memo’l $ 0 $ 0 $ 3,433 $ 0 Organ Fund $ 5,100 $ 0 $ 5,100 $ 0 Red Door Fest $ 300 $ 0 $ 595 $ 0 Nets for Life $ 405 $ 0 $ 405 $ 0
www.ecohs.net PagePage 8 Treasurer’s Window, continued Other Expenditures: (2)
Art/Decoration $ 0 $ 0 $ 3,258 $ 3,500 Lawnmower $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 3,500 Youth Bldg Rehab $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 5,000 Youth Playgrnd $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 600 Outreach Fund $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 6,000 Staff Bonus/Ret Fd $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 3,500 Pavilion $ 0 $ 0 $ 3,000 $ 0 Red Door Fest $ 400 $ 0 $ 507 $ 0
NET TO RESERVE ACCT: $ 9,459 $ --- $ 13,042 $ --- (K) ______
(1) Other Revenue includes temporarily restricted funds received in the form of loan proceeds and/or donations received for purposes of funding Vestry approved projects such as constructing the Pavilion and purchasing the Altar Kneelers; it may also include revenues resulting from specific ministry activities, such as the Red Door Festival. (2) Other Expenses include expenditures made for purposes of carrying out Vestry approved projects. Expenditures in excess of receipts effectively reduce Reserves.
Last Prior CURRENT CASH POSITION: Current Month Month
Regions Bank Operating Account $104,320+ $ 94,774+ $106,481+ Regions Bank Preschool Checking $ 2,414 $ 1,995 $ 1,856 Regions Bank Rector Discretionary $ 1,235 $ 543 $ 816 Regions Bank Savings (Overdraft Protection) $ 10,008 $ 10,006 $ 10,005 State Bank and Trust (Reserve Investment) $ 24,542 $ 24,542 $ 24,542
TOTALS: $142,519 $ 131,860 $ 143,683 COVERAGE (of $29,069 Avg. Mo. Expenses): 4.90x 4.54x 4.94x ______+ Includes unexpended Diocesan Foundation loan proceeds.
EXPLANATORY NOTES: (A) Well, gosh, this is what you really like to see - With a nod to Irving Berlin, Nothing but (♫ ♪) blue skies do I see…. Really! On the month, the income variance was a positive 23% (MTD $35,318 vs. the projected $28,696), and the YTD numbers are equally impressive, with $136,977 in the Bank next to a budgeted $126,206, for a YTD variance of 8.5%. Don’t know about you but that’s pretty significant in my book. The part that grabs me is that the pledge offerings are still trending ahead of schedule MTD they’re $3,219 ahead of schedule, $19,810 actual vs. an expected $16,591, and on the year we’re still looking strong, with actual pledge receipts of $81,437 compared to a budgeted $76,125, a positive 6.8% variance. Nice, nice, nice – wonder if I was pessimistic in budgeting for a 93% pledge realization this year. I’d like to think we’re ticking along a little closer to the 95% most of the Treasurers tell me they’d like to see in this Diocese. Notice, too, that the pledge variance YTD is just North of $5,300, whereas our overall income is up on the year by $10,771: the Plate and Visitor’s contributions are both bright spots, but for some reason offset by a shortfall in the Members’ Non-Pledging account. On the other hand, we’ve had some unexpected Designated Gifts, and the Preschool income is nicely ahead of schedule as well, all of which continue trends I’ve remarked before in this column. And don’t forget that there’s $5,000 of insurance proceeds in there as well, from the vandalism incident. Still, what great results so far! www.ecohs.net PagePage 9 Treasurer’s Window, continued (B) Moving on to the expenses, first we have the Personnel accounts. We’re steady on the course, as usual, a shade under ($291) for the month, a shade over ($$1,296) on the year to date. Back in March, we were the opposite, just over budget for the month but a shade under for the year. We have a mounting negative variance in the payroll tax account (funny, I think I just undershot in the budget, notwithstanding the extension of the temporary 2011 federal payroll tax cut through 2012), but the expenditures that cause the yo- yoing budget variances seem to me to be outlays for substitute musicians and supply priests, which can’t be forecast with complete accuracy. For the most part, these costs are fixed personnel costs and I wouldn’t expect us to be very far of the budget for the rest of the year. (C) In Administration, we’re way over for the month, but that’s on account of completing and paying for our outside audit procedures in April. We’d actually expected to pay for most of this in May, so we appear to be over budget but it will wash out. Expect these accounts to continue over budget through the year, though, because with the addition of the new copier and some added features in our ACS accounting software we’ve deliberately gone outside the original budget parameters. As I’ve suggested before, the amounts involved are modest, so I see no reason for concern. (D) In Building and Grounds, we’re a good bit under budget for the month because I expected major mower maintenance expenditures in April as the seasonal mowing program began. I can only guess that will show up later. Everything else is under budget so far, too. You’ll notice, of course, that we’re reportedly $854 over budget for the year, but remember that because of the vandalism claim reported in March we should actually register at $2,500 to $3,000 over budget for the rest of the year if everything else is running as it should. The reported $854 YTD variance is therefor misleadingly low since we didn’t make the mower maintenance expenditures. (E) Under the heading Diocese, we report the performance of our annual Diocesan Pledge, which is a tithe based on a three-year moving average of prior years’ actual total operating revenues, consistent with Diocesan Canon 20. We’re right on track, just like we should be. (F) The Preschool expenditures ran over budget again in April ($659), continuing the trend we’ve remarked for each of the last several months, and at about the same rate. It’s basicall on account of the fact that teacher salaries are running ahead of budget, as we’ve noted in every month so far, but – again, I know I sound like a broken record - so is the tuition revenue. We should expect this to continue and take it as a sign of a job well done. Thanks, Julie! (G) In the Worship accounts, we’re a good bit under ($603) for the month, which is mirrored on the year. Nothing exciting here; I note that the Altar Guild funds have been exhausted, and we’re covering they’re costs from our operating income this month. That’s unexpected, so we’ll keep an eye on that. (H) Christian Ed, Parish Life and the various Outreach accounts, grouped together as Program Expense. In Christian Ed, were pretty far under for the month ($3,555) and for the year as well ($4,295), but it’s all on account of the fact that the Parish Retreat – at least so far – came in way under budget. Offhand I can’t remember id we’ve sent of next year’s Camp Mikell reservation fee yet; if not, we’re not that far under, but if so, we are. We’ll let it ride until next time. I don’t see anything else that grabs me in these accounts. (I) Altogether, our operating expenses were under budget for the month by $4,686, and are holding under budget YTD by $990, which is all to the good – but remember that hidden in those numbers are some pretty surprising temporary savings like the mower maintenance costs remarked above. We’ve got a long way to go, and never forget that we’ve got that unexpected vandalism cost ($2,800) that the temporary savings mask. (J) Overall, with hefty amounts of unexpected income and expenses under budget for the time being, we look great so far this year scoring an operating surplus at this point of $10,274 YTD, where we’d expected to be running at a small loss of $1,485 instead. So far, so good.
www.ecohs.net PagePage 10 Treasurer’s Window, continued (K) But Wait, There’s More!! No, REALLY - off budget there’s lots more unexpected and delightful good news: only some of it shows up in this month’s report, but what’s here is pretty neat. For example, in April we received a $5,100 gift to the Organ Fund, and Red Door donations are starting to trickle in as well. It ought to be fun to track the red Door contributions and expenditures over the coming months. The one thing you don’t see you might have heard about - or perhaps you’ve noticed the construction activity across the lower parking lot by the Youth Building. Thanks to the generosity of Ed and Lois Smith, in the last couple of weeks we’ve built a much-need storage building to house the mowers and other outdoor equipment and supplies we use for the Red Door festival. Be sure you go down there take a peek around - what a welcome addition! —Putnam Smith, Treasurer
ECOHS Men’s Group Gatherings The Men’s Steak Cookout was a rousing success in May with 30 gentlemen enjoying great steaks, fabulous fellowship and wonderful hospitality at the home of Emory and Jeannie Lipscomb. A huge thanks to Emory, Jeannie and all that had a hand in the evening.
We’ll be taking off this summer from our monthly breakfast gathering so look for an announcement in late August as we regroup in September.
Blessings to all until then. —Tom McDonnell
Gospel of Mark, Letter to the Hebrews Come to Life
The Gospel of Mark performance has been rescheduled, for Friday, August 17th at 7:30 p.m. This one-man show by Rev. Joseph Morris has been performed around the U.S. and overseas. For more information, visit his web site at www.gospelofmark.us.
Dr. Thomas G. Long of the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, will give a presentation on the Letter to the Hebrews on Wednesday, September 12th at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Long’s web site is www.candler.emory.edu/faculty/faculty-bios/ long.cfm. www.ecohs.net Page 11
Weekly Schedule
Monday 1:00 p.m. AA Meeting in Parish Hall
Tuesday 12:30 p.m. AA Meeting in Parish Hall 12:30 p.m. Mothers’ Group in Nave 6:00 p.m. Education for Ministry in Parish Hall
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. “In Stitches” Knitting & Crochet in Parish Hall 6:30 p.m. Bible Study (Weekly through June)
Thursday 10:30 a.m. Rector’s Bible Study in Parish Hall 12:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist 12:30 p.m. AA Meeting in Parish Hall
Friday 10:00 a.m. AA Meeting in Parish Hall
Sunday 8:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (After June 10) 12:00 p.m. EYC—First Sunday of the Month
New Stewardship Chairman Needed: Tom Gibson will be stepping down as chairman of the Stewardship Committee after this upcoming fall pledge drive for 2012/2013. He needs someone to train to lead the fall drive beginning in 2013/2014. Please contact, Tom, Fr Keith, or anyone on the Vestry if you are interested in this very rewarding ministry.
Mailing to the Church Church Office Hours
If you are mailing to the church, please use our post office box address: Monday through Thursday Church of the Holy Spirit P.O. Box 1010 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Cumming, GA 30028 Fr. Keith is available by appointment
outside of scheduled office hours. All first-class mail should be sent to the post office box address. The Pilgrim Mill Road address only receives second- and third-class mail, and the post office will return any first-class mail with this address to the sender.