The Anchor THIS WEEK IN MISSION AND MINISTRY Friday, January 20, 2017 INSIDE Adult Forum 4 Parish Life 5 Youth and Diocese Programs 6 Coming up this Week Sunday 01/22 Third Sunday After Epiphany In the morning: 8, 9, & 11 AM Services In the evening Real Love Group 4PM Dinner 5:30 Tuesday 01/24 Rector s Tuesday Bible Study, 10:30AM on Tuesdays in Davis Hall AA and Al-Anon 8PM Wednesday 01/25 Morning Prayer 9AM TOPS 9:30AM Holy Eucharist 6:30PM Thursday 01/26 AA, 8:00 PM Friday 01/27 Men s Discussion Group at IHOP The Church is Surprised by the Cross Not all of the twelves disciples were fishermen. There was also a middle class tax collector and a political revolutionary. There were women. Jesus spent time with the opposition, Pharisees and Sadducees. He reached out to our folks as well, the Gentiles. Paul was an upper class intellectual. Barnabas was a hard headed businessman. Jews and Gentiles of all sorts composed the early church. Corinth was the New Orleans of ancient Achaia in Greece (Luke Timothy Johnson). It was a melting pot of ethnic, religious, and social diversity as a major port and commercial thoroughfare. The church there had rich and poor, educated and uneducated and has become famous for its factions and divisions. At the heart of their divisions was pride and a spiritual and moral superiority directed against each other. And that is the irony: it was a community of faith. They had all come together because they all felt the pull away from the brokenness of their different worlds toward the singular grace of Jesus Christ. At the same time they were also bitterly divided by the same brokenness which they were either not able or not willing to shake. Paul at the very beginning of his letter names their dilemma in clear and frank terms. Then he offers another direction beginning with a surprising reflection on the meaning of the cross of Jesus Christ. The cross is the source of salvation because it is God s contradiction of the world. More pointedly it is God s contradiction of the Church itself when it loses sight of the unifying vision of the radical and challenging love of Jesus Christ. The cross contradicts us. That, surprisingly, is our hope. Blessings! Jamie+ The Rev. James B. Stutler, rector St. Clement s Episcopal Church Canton. GA The Rev. Jamie Stutler, rector 770-324-2035 frjamie@stclementscanton.org The Rev. Lucy A. Martinez, deacon 770-490-7257 deakonmex@gmail.com Church & Parish Hall, 2795 Ridge Rd. Office & Ministry Center, 2707 Ridge Rd. Office: 770-345-6722 stclements@stclementscanton.org Outreach: 678-493-8124 Mailing Address: PO Box 4156, Canton, GA, 30114 For more information see the website at www.stclementscanton.org
Page 2 Epiphany 2017 Offerings Sunday Sermon Series for Epiphany, 2017: Jesus Who Surprises Us The great 18 th century American theologian Jonathan Edwards described the work of God in humanity as self-contradictory. In other words, God takes us by surprise in Jesus Christ by upending our careful and neat religious formulations. The lectionary in the Sundays after Epiphany this year gives us a wonderful opportunity to explore how God renders us unmade to become remade (a phrase from Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury). Jan. 22: The Church is Surprised by the Cross. (I Cor. 1:10-18) Jan. 29: The Crowd is Surprised by the Beatitudes. (Matt. 5:1-12) Feb. 5: The Disciples are Surprised by Righteousness. (Matt. 5:13-20) Feb. 12: We are Surprised by the Ethics of Jesus. (Matt. 5: 21-37) Feb. 19: The World is Surprised by the Cost of Discipleship. (Matt. 5:38-48) Feb. 26: Peter, James, and John are Surprised by the Transfiguration. (Matt. 17:1-9) Rector s Tuesday Bible Study Series for Epiphany, 2017 10:30AM on Tuesdays in Davis Hall Let Justice Roll Down: The Old Testament, Ethics, and the Christian Life (based on the work of Bruce Birch) What does the Old Testament teach us about social justice today? In a broad survey of the entire Old Testament this series will explore in specific passages what kind of life the God revealed in the Hebrew Bible holds up for us and especially in our relationship with others inside and outside the community of faith. Topical areas will include creation, covenant, civil government, exile and return, wisdom, and morality as revealed in the Torah, the Writings, and the Prophets.
Epiphany 2017 Offerings Page 3 An Invitation to Join a Book Study with the Rector Living into God s Dream: Dismantling Racism in America By Dr. Catherine Meeks Catherine Meeks joined us last fall as part of a series of speakers from around the diocese presenting a myriad of various ministries. Dr. Meeks has led and inspired The Beloved Community in our diocese through which a vision of a world beyond racism can both be imagined and practiced. Her new book of essays by her and others, including our own Bishop Robert Wright, comes recommended as a resource for study and reflection on the parish level. The rector would invite anyone who would like to join him in reading and discussing this book to contact him or the office. Times and ways for discussion can be flexible. Coming Up This Spring in the Forum Celtic Christianity: The Story of a People, a Culture, and a Spiritual Tradition Much of what has been written about Celtic spirituality has been over-romanticized. The fact is that these were tough people living in a tough time. And yet they have given the church a gift rooted in particular circumstances and a particular history. We will explore the pre-christian landscape of what is now Ireland, Scotland, and Wales; present some conflicting theories about the origin of who we now call the Celts ; examine the art of illuminated manuscripts; have a look at the monastic and missionary life; revel in the poetry of the Celtic love of nature; and appraise the continuing value of this tradition in the contemporary church and in the practice of prayer and Christian living.
Page 4 Adult Forum Coming up this Week Sunday 01/22 Third Sunday After Epiphany In the morning: 8, 9, & 11 AM Services In the evening Real Love Group 4PM Dinner 5:30 Tuesday 01/24 Rector s Tuesday Bible Study, 10:30AM on Tuesdays in Davis Hall AA and Al-Anon 8PM Wednesday 01/25 Morning Prayer 9AM TOPS 9:30AM Holy Eucharist 6:30PM Thursday 01/26 AA, 8:00 PM Friday 01/27 Men s Discussion Group at IHOP Third Sunday After the Epiphany: Isaiah 9:1-4 Background for Zebulun and Naphtali These two tribes were named after sons of Jacob, Zebulun, His son by Leah, and Naphtali, his son by the slave Bilhah. These two then be come the progenitors of tribes that occupied the north central and northeastern parts of Israel. Both of these territories, sitting on the trade routes than ran from Syria to the northeast down to the southern coastal areas, were subject to the designs of the larger kingdoms to the east, Syria, and later Assyria. They were invaded by Tiglath-Pileser III (ca. 732 BCE) and their populations were deported to Assyria. The first verse of this reading seems to be an apology on the part of God for the oppression that had happened in the past. The latter part of the verse looks forward to a time of glory and restitution. The phrase, he will make glorious the way of the sea, recalls the placement of these tribes at the heart of merchant routes that crossed from Mesopotamia, to the coastal kingdoms along the Mediterranean. What follow in verses 2 through 7 is a hymn that makes clear that the people will rejoice at what God has done, and verse 4 the reason for their rejoicing. The Altar Guild is looking for new members to join their teams. If this very rewarding ministry is something you would be interested in, please contact Trish Cole at 770-377-4348 or email patriciaocole@hotmail.com. If you know anyone who is sick or in a nursing home and you would like to take flowers from the altar, please come to the Sacristy after the 11 am service, or see Trish ECW (Episcopal Church Women): We welcome all St. Clement s women into the ministry of mission and fellowship at our next meeting on Monday, February 20 th at 7PM in Davis Hall.. For additional information contact Wanda Carr, wandakiddcarr@gmail.com. The Daughters of the King is a Lay Order in the Episcopal Church. The Daughters commitment is to prayer and service. The next Daughters meeting is Sunday, February 12th at 1PM in Davis Hall. Book Club: The next Book Club meeting will be Monday, February 13 th in Davis Hall at 1:30 to discuss the book, THE ORDINARY GRACE, by William Kent Krueger. The Lunch Bunch: Thursday, February 9th at 12:30 at Marlow s Tavern, 901 Ridgewalk Pkwy., in Woodstock next to the Outlet Mall. All are welcome.
Parish Life Page 5 The Men's Discussion Group meets every Friday at 12 noon at IHOP in Canton next to Canton Marketplace. We welcome men and women to join us. The iphone group is meeting again. All are welcome. The 2nd Thursday of the month at 10:30 AM in Davis Hall. Sessions last about an hour and are $5.00. Contact Terri Dover for additional information at 303-475-6779. Upcoming Events Valentine s Dinner February 11 Ash Wednesday March 1 1st Fish Fry March 3 Every Friday from March 3 to April 7 Palm Sunday April 9 Tenebrae April 12 Maundy Thursday April 13 Valentine s Day Dinner: February 11, 2017. Make Your reservations today! Contact Amy MacNeill: macneill7201@gmail.com or call/text: 678-662-1275. 1st seating: 6:30 p.m. 2nd seating: 7:45 p.m. Tickets: $22 per Couple - $10 individual - $40 per table(seats 6-8) - $24 Family of 4. Reservations are very important! We need to have a guest count to know how much food to prepare. We also need, waiters/waitresses and kitchen staff! St. Clement s Cross: We only have two St. Clement s sterling silver crosses left available for sale. The crosses were designed by James Avery. It is a combination pendant or pin. They are $75.00 each. If interested, please contact Wanda Carr at wandakiddcarr@gmail.com or (770) 751-7310. Weight Loss Group meets in Davis Hall every Wednesday morning at 9:30AM, program and discussion group at 10. Meetings last an hour or less. If you have a few pounds to lose we would love for you to join us. Fees are very reasonable, first meeting is free. For information, call Barbara Tilley at 770-735-2285 or come on to the meeting at 9:30AM on Wednesdays. Good Friday April 14 Easter April 16 Birthdays Pat Gearing, 01/23 Kevin Fineis, 01/24 Peter Torek, 01/24 Sheryl Exley, 1/24 Alexandria Yacoub 01/25 Donna Matthews, 1/26 Rebecca Thomas, 01/26 Anniversaries Robert (Bob) and Linda Werner, 01/26 Al and Alice Irvine, 01/28
YOUTH DIOCESE Page 6 1st Sunday: Loose offering goes to Outreach 2nd Sunday: MUST basket Call-In Ministry Helping folks in need week to week. Seasonal Ministries Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving: sharing the celebration of God s grace. Children s Ministries Summer Lunches School Backpacks January 2017 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Jan. 1- No EYC Jan. 6-8 DYC at Camp Mikell Jan. 21 New Beginnings Team Training February 2017 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Feb. 3-5 New Beginnings Feb 19 No EYC Feb. 24-26 Happening #67 Feb. 5,12,26 EYC 5:30pm Atlanta Diocese Communications: Atlanta Diocese Communications: Sign up at ww.episcopalatlanta.org/events to get interesting news and updates delivered to your inbox from Office of the Bishop / Diocese of Atlanta. You'll also receive Bishop Rob Wright's "For Faith" devotions each Friday. The Diocese is pleased to announce the launch of the new "Connecting." We invite you to our new online platform to share the stories taking place in your parish and community. The Diocese is pleased to announce the launch of the new "Connecting." We invite you to our new online platform to share the stories taking place in your parish and community. Cooperative Ministries: MUST Habitat for Humanity Path to Shine We support: Camp Mikell Holy Comforter Emmaus House South American Missionaries Bethesda Community Clinic Blood Drive St. Clement s Episcopal Church 2795 Ridge Road, Canton, GA Monday, January 30, 2:45-7:45 Contact information: Barb Doran (404) 218-3992 Email: Bdoran@bellsouth.net Includes spaghetti dinner