All Saints Anglican Continues Beth Moore Series

All Saints Anglican Church in Peachtree City will offer another Beth Moore Bible Study course for women beginning September 15th . The program is open to the public.

The eight-week course is entitled “Esther: Its Tough Being A Woman” and is scheduled for Tuesday nights 7-8 p.m. at the Peachtree City United Methodist Church Windgate Road campus, which All Saints is purchasing on a lease-to-buy plan. A daytime class is also available.

Those interested may sign up through the church office at 770-486-5374. Workbooks may be purchased for $19.00 through the office as well.
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The Summit to Participate in National Back to Church Sunday Sept 13

The Summit is participating in Back to Church Sunday, a national movement of churches to encourage formerly churched people to ReThink Church and try it again. According to LifeWay Research, 38 percent of people are receptive or highly receptive to attending church. 82 percent say they would be open to attending church if a friend invited them. But, unfortunately only 21 percent of active church-going Christians invited someone to church last year! The Summit is joining with thousands of churches to help change those statistics by inviting everyone to attend church on September 13, 2009.

WHO:
The Summit

WHAT:
The Summit invites former church attendees to ReThink Church on Back to Church Sunday.

WHEN:
Sept 13, 2009

WHERE:
1373 Hwy 92S., Fayetteville, GA

CONTACT:
Pastor Sandi Wilmesherr, The Summit
770.460.3335
www.thesummitpc.net
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Brooks United Methodist Church Blesses Backpacks

All students and families are invited to Brooks United Methodist Church on Sunday, August 16th to be a part of Blessing of the Backpack Sunday. There will be a special time during the service where we will ask God’s blessing on our students, school faculty and families for the new school year. Please join us on the 16th at either the 8:45 AM service or the 11:00 AM service. We are also collecting backpacks and school supplies for DFCS to be blessed during the service if you would like to participate in this mission effort. Brooks UMC is located just 3 miles south of GA 85 at the corner of GA 85 Connector and Morgan Mill Road. Call the church at 770-719-7593 for more information or visit our website at www.brooksumc.com.

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The Mission Society Appoints Three New Board Members

William O’Brien, Rev. Robert Sturdy and Rev. Robert Kwasi Aboagye-Mensah
Join Diverse Board of Interdenominational Religious and Community Leaders

The Mission Society today announced the appointment of three new members to its board of directors: William O’Brien, co-director of BellMitra Associates, Frisco, Texas; Rev. Robert Sturdy, rector of Trinity Church, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and Rev. Robert Kwasi Aboagye-Mensah, presiding bishop of the Methodist Church - Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

The Mission Society's Board of Directors is formed by committed Christians who have a heart for mission ministries. The board is composed of 20 members.

“We’re honored and blessed to have these three dynamic individuals join our board of directors,” said the Rev. Dr. Philip R. Granger, president and chief executive officer of The Mission Society. “Throughout their careers they have exhibited a commitment to missions and a passion for service, and we will greatly benefit from their alliance with our organization.”

William O’Brien is co-director of BellMitra Associates, teaches each fall at the John Leland Center for Theological Studies in Washington, D.C., and serves as adjunct professor at Dallas Baptist University in the field of missions. O’Brien was the founding director of The Global Center at Samford University and formerly a missions professor at Beeson Divinity School. He has served on the board of directors of The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, as a senior associate of the Evangelical Fellowship of Missions Agencies, and is a former president of the American Society of Missiology. He is also a former executive vice-president of the International Mission Board (SBC).

O’Brien co-authored “Choosing a Future for U.S. Missions” and wrote “Challenges Confronting Baptist Missions” in 2003 for The Baptist History and Heritage Society. O’Brien holds a liberal arts degree from Hardin-Simmons University and a master of church music degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His alma mater honored him with a doctor of divinity degree in 1981.

Rev. Robert C. Sturdy is an Episcopal Priest currently serving as the rector of Trinity Church in Myrtle Beach, S.C. He is the youngest serving rector of the past 50 years in the Diocese of South Carolina. Sturdy received his theological education at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University, England, and did his undergraduate studies at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina.

Rev. Robert Kwasi Aboagye-Mensah currently serves as presiding bishop of the Methodist Church - Ghana. An author of several books and editor of the Africa Bible Commentary, Aboagye-Mensah has been nominated for the Millennium Peace Award and was honored in 2005 with Ghana’s second highest national award, presented by the president of the Republic of Ghana. Aboagye-Mensah holds advanced degrees from the University of Ghana, University of Nottingham, University of Aberdeen and Virginia Theological Seminary.

Founded in 1984 in the Wesleyan tradition, The Mission Society recruits, trains, and sends Christian missionaries to minister around the world. At present, The Mission Society has more than 200 missionaries in 32 countries. The Mission Society develops diverse programs and ministries in accordance with its missionaries’ unique callings and gifts, ranging from well drilling and the arts to more traditional ministries such as teaching English and church planting. Its church ministry department provides seminars, workshops, and mentoring for congregations in the United States and overseas, helping equip churches for strategic outreach in their own communities and throughout the world.

For more information, visit www.themissionsociety.org or contact Ty Mays at (770) 256-8710 or tmays@inchristcommunications.com.
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FRC Invitiation to Duluth, GA Event: How to Fight Adult Entertainment Industry

In partnership with my friend Tim Echols and all our allies at TeenPact, I'm pleased to invite you to a special briefing on July 14 in Duluth , Georgia , on how to fight the adult entertainment industry. The event will take place from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Georgia Baptist Missions and Ministry Center at 6405 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth . To register, contact the Rev. Roy Newman's office at 770-936-5314 or by email at rnewman@gabaptist.org.

This promises to be an effective and informative event with top-notch speakers like:

Phil Burress -keynote speaker, policy expert, founder of Citizens for Community Values in Ohio, and a leader there in several successful battles against the porn and adult entertainment industry.

Mary Francis Bowley, president of Wellspring Living, a nonprofit group that has addressed Atlanta's problem with the forced prostitution of children and worked with the victims of childhood sexual abuse.

Kassey McClure, a former participant in the adult industry who left it after she became a mother in 2004. Kassey has a vision to provide resources to women who want to leave the industry once and for all.

Dinner is included in this indispensable briefing for Georgians as you work to clean up this ugly dimension of so many towns and cities. There is a conference fee of $15, which includes the dinner.

Again, contact Rev. Roy Newman as listed above to take part. Thank you and God bless you.

Join us July 14 for a special briefing in Duluth on how to fight the "adult entertainment" industry.

Sincerely,
Tony Perkins
President
Family Research Council
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Fayette: Holly Grove AME Holds 112th Anniversary "Fun Fest"

As part of their 112th Anniversary observance entitled Preserving Our Past, Building Our Future, Holly Grove African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church will hold a Fun Fest on Saturday, May 30, 2009, from 11:00 AM- 3:00 PM. The Pastor at Holly Grove AME Church is Reverend Eyvonne Whitman.

Bring the entire family! Join them for food, games, and entertainment, including “note singers," chorus groups, and dance teams.

Visit the Historical Room in the church to learn more about the rich heritage of Holly Grove AME Church and of African-Americans in Fayette County.

400 Holly Grove Church Road
Peachtree City, GA 30269

DIRECTIONS: South on Peachtree Parkway.
Right on Robinson Road .
Left on Holly Grove Church Road.
(Look for the historical marker, the white fence and the church sign.)

Holly Grove AME Church at (770) 631-7650.
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Fayette: All Saints Excitement Drives Yard Sale

All Saints Anglican members are having a ball getting ready for their huge 23 May yard sale at 303 Kelly Drive. Jonathan Fry displays a fine painting available at a bargain price. Many other bargains include appliances, furniture, books, barbells, and golf clubs.

The sale, which is sponsored by the Youth Ministry, will support the HOME FOR OUR FAITH campaign that is underway at the church.

The Peachtree City church has plans to purchase a large permanent property this summer.

Photo L-R: Fry, Fran Plunkett, Madeline Fry, Andrew Fry, William Fry and Fracena Dolan,Youth Minister.
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AFP- Church 'irrevocably committed' to Reconciliation with Jews: Pope

Pope Benedict XVI reiterated the Catholic Church was "irrevocably committed" to reconciliation with the Jews, in comments made during a meeting with Israel's two chief rabbis.


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The Oak Ridge Boys “A Gospel Journey” DVD debuts at #2 on Billboard Music Video Charts

Oak Ridge Boys “A Gospel Journey” TV Special to air on GAC, RFD, and Gospel Music TV

In the times of declining music sales, one thing is for sure – Legends Last Forever!!! This past week, Gaither Music Group released The Oak Ridge Boys: A Gospel Journey on DVD and CD, which debuted on the Billboard Music Video chart at #2!!!

Hosted by Bill Gaither and filmed before an intimate audience of friends and fellow-artists at Gaither Studios, this DVD release features more than 90 minutes of live performances by the Oak Ridge Boys singing their best-loved gospel favorites, combined with vintage footage and photos of their 36-year journey together.

To catch the television special highlighting A Gospel Journey, check out the following air dates and times.

DATE TIME NETWORK

May 17th 3am & 11pm Cornerstone Satellite
May 19th 9:00p Liberty Channel
May 22nd 12:00a Liberty Channel
May 22nd 9:00p Vision TV CANADA
May 23rd 1:00a Golden Eagle Satellite
May 23rd 3:30p/5:00p Crossroads TV CANADA
May 23rd 5:00p Guardian Enterprise/WSFJ-TV 51
May 23rd 8:00p Daystar TV
May 23rd 8:00p/12:00a GAC
May 23rd 10:00p Miracle Channel
May 23rd 12:00a Vision TV
May 23rd 7:00p Family Net
May 23rd 9:00p Liberty Channel
May 23rd times vary Total Living Network
May 24th 10:00a GAC
May 24th 7:00a Daystar TV
May 24th 9:00p Gospel Music TV Network
May 24th 5:00p Guardian Enterprise/WSFJ-TV 51
May 24th 7:00p Family Net
May 25th 9:30a/4:30p/7:30p/11p Christian TV
May 25th 12:30p Trinity Broadcasting Network
May 26th 3:30a Christian TV
May 26th 9:30P Trinity Broadcasting Network
May 27th 2:00a Gospel Music TV Network
May 28th 7:00p RFD-TV
May 29th 3:00a/11:00a RFD-TV
May 30th 6:00p RFD-TV

Bill Gaither describes the motivation behind this new release, stating, "Over the years, the Oak Ridge Boys have taken gospel music into places I, and most other gospel artists, would have never been invited.

This celebration of their gospel journey was more than just a fun opportunity to hear their gospel favorites ... it was about honoring their deep commitment to their gospel roots. I applaud that; and through this DVD I believe countless listeners will enjoy seeing four hearts that truly beat for music with a message."

Oak Ridge Boy, Joe Bonsall, also comments, "This is the most exciting time I've ever experienced with the Oak Ridge Boys. I can remember sitting and watching Gaither Homecoming videos on television and being so blessed. Then on my 50th birthday, we were invited to sit in the audience for the Cathedrals Farewell Celebration and I couldn't believe it ... and when we were called to the stage to sing, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven! Now, more than 10 years after that video was released, we consider Bill and Gloria and many of our other heroes to be friends. Being in their studio, standing in the places where so many legends have stood, to create a video documenting our gospel journey was definitely a full-circle moment for the Oak Ridge Boys."

The Oak Ridge Boys: A Gospel Journey is distributed by EMI and is available in stores everywhere.
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Power of the Cross in stores May 5th

Release party at Free Chapel (Gainseville, GA) May 3rd at 6pm

Featuring a live concert and autograph signing with Ricardo Sanchez, as well as the chance to purchase the album early.

If your church is interested in selling Power of the Cross in their bookstore:
They can get a special discount if they call Integrity Music Church Sales at 1.800.239.7000. When they call, they need to tell the Church Specialist that they are calling about the "Friends of Free Chapel Special". The special discount is available only on box lots (each box contains 30 CDs).

Listen to Ricardo Sanchez: http://www.myspace.com/ricardomusic

Free Chapel
3001 McEver Road
Gainesville, GA 30504
P: 678.677.8300
F: 770.532.7097

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Invested Music Group Presents Korey Bowie Live

Album Release Party
Life and Love, Vol. 1: Songs of the Heart
(visit links below to hear a sample of Korey's music)

May 17, 2009
The Loft @ CW Midtown Music Complex
1374 W. Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA

Doors Open at 5:30PM

Special Appearances by: Claudius Craig and Mali Music
Special Performance by: Jevonne Nicole Wilson

Purchase Tickets @ TicketAlternative.com

$7.00 Admission and $5.00 at the door if wearing a vest
http://www.koreybowie.com/
www.myspace.com/koreybowie

Korey J. Bowie has been called to devote his musical gifts for the uplifting of the Kingdom of God.

As a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Korey grew up playing drums, piano and bass guitar, while also singing and directing the choir at Holy Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church. He followed in the footsteps of his parents, whom were both talented singers and musicians.

Bowie developed a deep and sincere appreciation of music at the age of 13 and realized that he had a gift of writing and producing. He went on to work with and write for Betty Burnes Lee, The True Praise Youth Chorale, Savannah State University's Wesleyan Gospel Choir and New Mercies Christian Church of Lilburn, Georgia. Korey was the Assistant Minister of Music at New Mercies Christian Church where he was directly responsible for Youth Worship and Arts as well as the band.

Korey Bowie is currently the Worship and Arts Pastor at Life Church Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia.

He devotes his time to enriching the development of high school students at Carver School of the Arts as the Music Technology and Audio Recording Instructor. His musical mission for songwriting is to create music that intrigues the ear to listen, lyrics that challenge the mind to think and evokes the true spirit that causes the heart to change!
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Chaplains Comfort Families of Fallen

The night sky looked calm and tranquil from a gently soaring aircraft, miles above the Eastern Seaboard towns below. However, there was nothing tranquil or calm in the hearts of one family on board, traveling to Dover Air Force Base to witness the dignified transfer of their son's remains.

Their son, their Marine, their hero had paid the ultimate sacrifice in the mountains of Afghanistan only the day before. The staff at the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center would carefully prepare his remains for transfer to his final resting place.

As the family arrived at the Dover flightline, the mother's tear chalice overflowed and her emotions began to stream from her eyes. Her husband quickly comforted her with his embrace as a Port Mortuary chaplain swiftly made his way over to console the grieving couple.

Later that night, an aircraft landed at Dover and an advance team boarded the jet to inspect and pre-position the transfer case. An honor guard of Marines reverently transported the fallen Marine from the aircraft to a specialized transfer vehicle waiting nearby. Among the few airmen and Marines respectfully performing their duties on the aircraft was a familiar face – another Port Mortuary chaplain, the counterpart of the chaplain who comforted the parents earlier that evening.

The Marine's remains are meticulously prepared for their escorted delivery and final interment in a family plot in his hometown. Once the remains are prepared, a fellow Marine arrives at Dover to escort his comrade on the journey home. Before departing on this solemn mission, the escort receives a briefing from his Marine liaison team with Port Mortuary chaplains present.

The Port Mortuary chaplain staff consists of Air Force Chaplains (retired Lt. Col.) David Sparks, (Lt. Col.) George Ortiz-Guzman, (Maj.) Klavens Noel, and Master Sgt. Timothy Polling, a chaplain's assistant. Throughout the dignified transfer process, they provide humble counsel to the family, Port Mortuary staff and escorts, and pray over the remains of the fallen hero. This process has been repeated thousands of times over the past several years, as the nation's fallen continue to make their way back home through the Port Mortuary at Dover.

"As a chaplain, comforting grieving families and watching over the remains of those heroes who keep me safe is the greatest calling I could answer," said Ortiz-Guzman, who added that he is humbled and honored to "serve those who serve."

Working at the Port Mortuary can be horrific and overwhelming. Constant exposure to the fallen takes a mental toll on the mortuary staff, as they know well that it could be them or their brother's or sister's remains waiting to go home. The chaplains work the same processing system as the rest of the staff, but must remain strong during those distraught times.

"Remaining strong and sane for the sake of the mission is a defense mechanism humans use to perform amongst all that horror," Ortiz-Guzman said. "But we try to be as real as we can with our troops. They know when you are 'snowballing' them. We cry with them and laugh with them. We are part of the team and they all know it."

Chaplains must continue to convey the rock, and that rock is beyond any chaplain – the rock is God, Ortiz-Guzman said. When a chaplain begins to have difficulty dealing with the situation and cannot show his emotions to the troops, he bounces his feelings off a fellow chaplain in private, and relies on his faith, keeps his spiritual focus and draws on the support of the 436th Airlift Wing chapel staff, he added.

Chaplains use these resources to keep themselves spiritually ready to help others.

"I have the greatest admiration for these loyal chaplains," Air Force Col. Bob Edmondson, commander of the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center, said. "As a commander, I place the highest priority on the safety, health and well-being of all those in my charge. For this mission, our chaplains are the sensors, confidants, caregivers, and friends that keep us all safe and healthy and sane. Each member of the AFMAO team bears a very personal and unique responsibility; our mortuary staff and the families of the fallen depend on these dedicated chaplains for their mental and spiritual well-being."

Edmondson's team is responsible for all Air Force mortuary matters, from both current and past conflicts, and operates the nation's sole port mortuary, which serves the entire Defense Department. To succeed in their mission, his team must remain healthy – physically, mentally and spiritually. Sometimes staying healthy is a task in itself – a task that requires professional counselors.

"Port Mortuary troops have various, but certainly significant stress issues," said Sparks, who explained a chaplain must maintain absolute confidentiality with those troops and families he serves.

Sparks said he's awakened many nights by servicemembers and others who cannot sleep due to the stress they were enduring.

"We are where they are," is the overlying theme to Sparks' approach to his mission, he said. "I've been out at bars at midnight, drinking a Coke and talking things through with team members. This is the duty of a chaplain. We are there when they need us, not when it is convenient."

Many chaplains have served the Port Mortuary team, Sparks said, explaining that the mortuary keeps two long-term chaplains on staff and consistently rotates a third chaplain through on four-month cycles. They do this to ensure a chaplain can handle the stresses of the mortuary prior to taking them on long-term, he said.

Not every chaplain is suited for Port Mortuary duty, said Sparks, who has been on staff here for more than five years. Certainly, not every chaplain can sustain this duty for a year-long tour. Sparks said he believes a chaplain goes through three stages once he assumes Port Mortuary duty: the horror stage, the sadness stage and the focus stage.

"At first, a chaplain just reacts to the horror of mortuary duty," he said. "We see more of the destruction of war here than teams out in the field will ever see. For instance, let's say a team loses 20 soldiers, which weighs heavy on a team in the field. Here, we see those same 20 fallen warriors, plus all the fallen from every other team."

Many chaplains begin to feel a profound sadness – which can linger if they don't find a focus, Sparks said. To compensate, he explained, many of the mortuary staff members focus on the science of their job.

Since early April, when Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates approved a policy change allowing media filming of dignified transfer operations, more and more family members now attend the transfers. The increasing number of grieving families is another consideration the chapel staff must remain focused on.

"With the constant human toll in front of us, the mortuary staff feeling the stress of this work and an increase in the number of grieving families, a sustainable focus is the only way a person can function here," said Sparks, who added that he does not view this as a negative thing, but rather an opportunity to touch the lives of families in need.

Sparks and his fellow chaplains remain dedicated to those who need them most, Sparks said: their staff members and the families of the fallen.

As the fallen Marine's family flies home and the escort leaves Dover with the hero's remains, more transfer cases arrive on an aircraft from Ramstein Air Base, Germany. At this point, the Port Mortuary chaplains stand ready and step forward to comfort the next arriving family.

Somewhere in the grieving mother's mind and in the minds of the mortuary staff, a change was being made. Sparks prayed that he comforted them and changed their focus "from devastation to dignity, from horror to honor, from remains to respect and from fatalities to families."

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
Special to American Forces Press Service
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Fayette: One Accord in Concert at NFUMC

The public is invited to attend North Fayette United Methodist Church on Sunday, April 19, as One Accord, a 12-member vocal ensemble auditioned from the Atlanta Christian College Concert Choir performs at the 8:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. worship services, and then again that day at 3:00 p.m. when the group performs in a special concert .

One Accord specializes in performing various styles of a cappella music. They have represented the Atlanta Christian College in many different settings, including church and civic groups, banquets, high schools, conventions, and services throughout the southeastern United States.

One Accord has appeared twice on Good Day Atlanta (WAGA-TV), sung the National Anthem and at half-time show for the Atlanta Falcons, sung the National Anthem for the Atlanta Braves, and performed for the Governor’s Prayer Caucus, Macy’s Christmas Concerts at Lenox Square Mall, and the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast in East Point.

NFUMC is located at 847 New Hope Road. For more information about this event, or other events at NFUMC, call 770-461-2409, or visit www.nfumc.com.
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Experience Serenity at Stone Mountain Park’s Easter Sunrise Service

65th Non-Denominational service held at the mountain

As the sun rises over the city, Atlantans can celebrate the peace and tranquility of Easter with family and friends at the top or bottom of Stone Mountain.

What: 65th Annual Easter Sunrise Service

Who: The Stone Mountain Ministerial Association presents two simultaneous, non-denominational Easter services at the top and at the base of Stone Mountain on Memorial Lawn. Park gates and Summit Skyride open at 4a.m. Please allow an extra hour or more for large crowds.

When: Sunday, April 12; services begin at 6:15a.m.

Where: Stone Mountain Park; top of the mountain and laserlawn

Tickets: Vehicle entry to the park is $8 for a one-day permit or $35 for annual permit. Church vans and buses enter free. Round-trip Skyride fees are $9.00 for adults and $7.00 for children 3-11 and $5.50 one-way. There are no fees for the walk-up trail to the top of the mountain.

More info: stonemountainpark.com
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Celebrate Eastern Orthodox Easter and Holy Week April 12 - 19

St. Christopher Hellenic Orthodox Church of Peachtree City invites the community to join in celebrating Eastern Orthodox Easter and Holy Week services during the week of April 12-19th.

The reason for the different dates of Western (Catholic, Protestant, Episcopalian) Easter and Orthodox Easter (Pascha) is primarily because Orthodox Christians determine the date of Easter (Pascha) based on the Julian Calendar in use during the First Ecumenical Council of Nicea in 325 AD. Additionally, in keeping with the rule established by the Council of Nicea, the Orthodox Church holds to the tradition that Easter (Pascha) must always fall after the Jewish Passover, since the death, burial and Resurrection of Christ happened after the celebration of Passover.

This year, the 350 million Orthodox Christians worldwide celebrate Easter (Pascha) on Sunday, April 19, 2009.

The young mission of Peachtree City, Georgia, began on October 26, 2003 with its first Divine Liturgy celebrated at the Fayette Family YMCA in Fayetteville, Georgia. A planning group of about 15 families met with the Rev. Fr. George Tsahakis, and with the blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta, began inviting families from the Clayton, Coweta, Fayette, Henry, Spalding and South Fulton areas to join together to form the new parish.

Within one year, more than 50 families had committed their support. A warehouse in the business/industrial park of Peachtree City was renovated through the hard-working efforts of parishioners, who provided most of the labor and materials needed for the heating, air conditioning, drywall, plumbing, cabinetry, interior painting and carpeting.

At present, the church seats more than 100 and offers Sunday and weekday church services, coffee fellowship, community luncheons and dinners, and a full offering of parish ministries that include religious education from nursery through adult education (year-round), classes for inquirers and converts, Hellenic language and dance, GOYA, JOY, community family nights, and outreach and evangelism to area residents and visitors. The very active Philoptochos Chapter (Friends of the Poor) was soon formed and parishioners are committed to serving its philanthropic efforts and the surrounding community’s service needs.

In December 2006, 10 acres of property in Fayette County were purchased (one mile outside of Peachtree City on Ebenezer Road) and they plan to pay off the mortgage in early 2010 and begin the building of the new educational and meeting facility shortly thereafter. That will enable them to worship and offer ministries on-site until the permanent sanctuary and church complex is completed.

For a complete schedule of services visit http://www.saintchristopherhoc.org/.

Photo: Holy Friday “Lamentations” Service offering praise to Christ, officiated by Rev. Fr. George Tsahakis.

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All Saints Anglican Rector Talks “Lent and Easter 101”

Reverend Michael Fry, Rector of All Saints Anglican Church in Peachtree City, sat down with Freddy Burdeshaw recently and fielded some basic questions about the Christian seasons.

1. Burdeshaw:A neighbor asked me to explain all the smutty looking foreheads a couple of Wednesdays back; what should I say?

Fry: The Christian tradition of marking worshipers foreheads with ashes dates back well over 1,000 years and symbolizes the penitence of the faithful as the season of Lent begins. You may have heard of the Biblical expression of repenting in “sackcloth and ashes.”

2. Burdeshaw: Okay, I understand the ashes are placed on foreheads as a sign of repentance. Where do the ashes come from? Will any ashes do? How are they placed?

Fry: Traditionally the ashes are the burned remains of palms that were used in the Palm Sunday service the year before, but any ashes will do. They are placed on the forehead in the form of a cross.

3. Burdeshaw: Well, since Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, where do the terms of Shrove Tuesday and Mardi Gras come into play?

Fry: “Shrove Tuesday” is the eve of Lent. The term comes from the old English word “shrive” meaning to forgive. There has historically been an emphasis on the importance of the faithful confessing their sins as the season begins.

“Mardi Gras” is a French term meaning “Fat Tuesday.” It comes from the tradition of abstaining from sweets and fat during Lent (in years past, fat was considered a good thing). So there was often quite a celebration on the eve of Lent as all the goodies were consumed from the pantry since they wouldn’t keep over the next seven weeks.

4. Burdeshaw: Would you explain the church season of Lent and its connection with Easter?

Fry: The term “lent” comes from an old English word meaning “spring” (similar to lengthen –as in the daylight hours are getting longer each day). In church language it refers to the forty weekdays before Easter: As Jesus fasted forty days in the wilderness before embarking on his ministry, so Christians have long undertook a forty-day preparation for the Easter celebration. The hope is that by observing the time-honored Christian traditions associated with the season that the Easter celebration will be more meaningful and we will all have grown spiritually through the process.

5. Burdeshaw: I know Lent involves fasting and I take that to mean not eating! Some of us fat boys can’t deal with that! Is this absolutely required?

Fry: Various churches have different practices—some more strict than others. In our church, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are the only days where fasting is clearly proscribed. The manner of fasting varies according to individuals’ spiritual practices and health. This can range from an absolute fast (no food or water for a period of time) to simply a reduction in portion size and abstinence from certain foods.

6. Burdeshaw: Are there other activities Christians are supposed to observe during Lent besides fasting?

Fry: Definitely. A primary activity of the season is for Christians to undergo a period of self-examination—asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to us areas of our lives where we have fallen short of God’s perfect will. Fasting is actually an aid in this process.

Other activities associated with Lent include taking on additional acts of charity as well as added religious devotions. It is hoped that some new outreach or spiritual practice that we undertake for these seven weeks might become part of our regular routine even after Easter so that we emerge from the season as stronger Christians who have drawn nearer to our Lord.

7.Burdeshaw: It seems the number 40 has numerous Biblical connections, including the days preceding the crucifixion of Jesus. Did God plan for all of these “40 day events?”

Fry: While the reason behind it is not specified in the Bible, the time period of forty days or forty years occurs frequently. For example: In the time of Noah it rained forty days and forty nights; When Moses went up on to Mt. Sinai to receive the law he was there forty days and forty nights; The Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years after escaping Egypt and, as I mentioned earlier, Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights before beginning his public ministry. Since the figure has Biblical significance, we can presume it has spiritual significance as well.

8.Burdeshaw: Apparently Palm Sunday is an integral part of Holy Week. Does this commemorate some historical event related to the Passion of Christ?

Fry: Yes—The service and the day are a time when we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on the Sunday before his crucifixion. In the Bible we are told that crowds welcomed him by spreading their garments and cut branches on the road before him. John’s Gospel particularly mentions them being palms.

Many people don’t know this, but we have a first-hand historical account that the services we celebrate today for Holy Week were celebrated in Jerusalem as early as the 4th century A.D. (and probably earlier). If you Google “Travels of Egeria” you will find a pilgrim’s tale of her visit to the Holy Land and the Christian celebrations held there, including the reenactment of “Palm Sunday.”

9.Burdeshaw: I recently heard the term “Spy Wednesday” for the first time in connection to Judas. What is the meaning of that?

Fry: It’s not a term I’ve heard used a lot, but it refers to the day that Judas met with the religious authorities in Jerusalem and agreed to betray Jesus so that they could arrest and try him (two days before his death on the cross).

10. Burdeshaw: Thanks Father Michael for your patience in answering what I know are some dumb questions. One final question: What are the plans at All Saints for Holy Week?

Fry: You’re welcome, and they were very good questions. We will celebrate Palm Sunday on April 5th at our 10:30 AM service; On Thursday the 9th at 7:00 PM we will commemorate the last supper; Good Friday (April 10th) we will also hold our commemoration at 7:00 PM. Our first Easter service will actually be held on Saturday night after sundown (8:30 PM) and then we will have two on Sunday morning at 8:00 & 10:30 AM.

All Saints Anglican Church is located at 303 Kelly Drive in Peachtree City.

Palm Sunday (Apr 5 at 10:30)
Maundy Thursday (Apr 9 at 7 pm)
Good Friday (Apr 10 at 7 pm)
Easter Eve Morning Prayer (Apr 11 @ 8:30 am)
Easter Egg Hunt (Apr 11 @11 a.m.) (Call 770-486-5374 for directions)
Easter Vigil (Apr 11 @ 8:30 pm)
Easter Sunday (Apr 12 @ 8:00 am and 10:30 am)

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Fayette: Free Southern Gospel Concert Coming to FFUMC

On Sunday, May 3, 2009, a FREE southern gospel concert will be provided in the main sanctuary of Fayetteville First United Methodist Church, 175 E. Lanier Avenue, Fayetteville, GA 30214. The approximate two hour concert will start at 6:30 PM. Doors will open at 6 PM.

This concert will feature a group that previously performed in Fayetteville a number of years ago, and have since produced a new CD – PEACHLAND QUARTET. Additionally, a relatively new group – GMC Trio – will also perform. Both of these groups will lift spirits in 2009!!

An offering will be taken to support the retirement of the current mortgage.

Please mark your calendars; invite and bring your friends and neighbors; and help us FILL THE SANCTUARY on the evening of May 3!

To learn and hear more of PEACHLAND QUARTET, visit: www.peachlandquartet.com
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The Raleigh Ringers to Perform at PTCUMC May 2nd

The Raleigh Ringers, an internationally acclaimed, advanced community handbell choir based in Raleigh, NC, will perform in Peachtree City on Saturday, May 2, at 7:00 PM at Peachtree City United Methodist Church, 225 Robinson Rd.

Since its founding in 1990, The Raleigh Ringers has been dazzling concert audiences with unique interpretations of sacred, secular and popular music, including famous rock n' roll tunes arranged just for handbells.

The Raleigh Ringers performs on one of the most extensive collections of bells and bell-like instruments owned by any handbell ensemble in the world. The 16-member choir has performed in 34 states and in several cities in France, and has also performed live on several nationally syndicated radio and television shows. To see and hear video clips of The Raleigh Ringers visit their website at http://www.rr.org/.
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Tickets for the concert are $10 each and can be purchased in advance by contacting PTCUMC Handbell Director Jeanne Blood at 770.487.2962. A Spaghetti Supper will precede the concert from 5:00 – 6:00 PM, held at the PTCUMC Children and Youth Campus, 400 Windgate Rd. Dinners are $5 per person. Proceeds from this concert will benefit PTCUMC youth attending the North Georgia Youth Music Camp in June.