From Father Graham

Dear Friends in Christ,

The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit continues to amaze and impress me. The ministries of outreach embraced and accomplished by this congregation are truly wonderful. I’ve known many other congregations which were much larger in terms of people and resources and those churches did not begin to accomplish the ministries of outreach evident at this parish. I commend all of you for your dedication to others. Keep up the good work!

Another thing that has impressed me here is the quality of the adult Christian education offerings and the level of participation on the part of so many of you. Sincere appreciation goes to those who plan, present and attend these events.

I have been asked to be the presenter for adult Christian education for the four Sundays in May. I have agreed to do so with the heartfelt hope that attendance will continue strong. I would rather not be the one who wrecked the great attendance with which I’m so impressed!

So what are we going to consider together during May? Community! During these four sessions in May I’d like us to discuss together The Case for Community. We’ll explore the origins of the first community in Christ established by Christ Himself. In subsequent sessions together we’ll talk about the challenges of community, the marks of a true faith community, communities in conflict and making the community stronger.

Please understand that I have no intention of doing all the talking with those of you attending doing all the listening. That’s not my style and I can’t do it this way. We can and we will learn from one another.

I’m excited about spending this time with many of you. I can’t promise not to include some anecdotes about one of the best communities I’ve ever experienced, the circus. I learned so much from those folks and I love sharing stories with others even after all these years.

Plan to join this adventure dedicated to exploring the importance of community in our Christian journeys and how we can strengthen the community of faith known as The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit.

In Christ,

Warden’s Corner

        I look around and see so many of our parish family giving of their time, talent and resources. Our ministries continue to thrive and grow. Two such people are Chris Kennedy and Norm Goeltz. Both were elected 

to and served on the vestry. Unfortunately, Chris and Norm recently resigned from the vestry. Chris for personal and health reasons and Norm for health reasons. Thank you for your service to Holy Spirit. However, as 

happens so often in our parish, Alice Bryan stepped up to the plate and volunteered to serve on the vestry. Thus, in accordance with our by-laws, the vestry voted unanimously to appoint Alice to serve in Chris’ place 

until the next vestry election. Welcome to our team, Alice.

        Other great things are happening.  The Stations of the Cross have been up, the Risen Christ Statue that will hang over our altar has been ordered, and Kate and Brian Lewis are completing their research regarding

 the replacement of the worn-out windows in the back of the church with stained glass. Wonderful enhancements to our worship space. But, the heart and soul of Holy Spirit remain its people you and me and those 

intangibles. Our faith, our love, our excitement, our family spirit. So, with God's help, let's continue to move down the road together, Looking Forward in Faith. 

Evan 

Outreach

112 families were served by Outreach in March. Pantry Angels for the month of March are: Pat, Karin, Lindsey, Winnie and Cecilia Markey.

Stewardship Update – Time & Talent

A lot has been said lately about the Treasure part of Stewardship and how important it is to keep our pledges current. However, I think it’s time that we focus on the other two areas of Stewardship…Time and Talent. Many of our programs at Holy Spirit are growing again and they really need some help from talented individuals who are willing to dedicate their time.

You may not be able to do any more financially to support our parish, but have you considered offering your time and talent? One area that really needs more focus is our youth. We always seem to have a need for teachers and there will be a work day to revamp the shed into classroom space on Saturday, April 28^th, starting at 9:00 AM. For the revamp, all that’s required is some basic ability to move things around and do some painting. If you feel that you could contribute as a teacher please contact Shannon David, Carol Franklin or Nick Woodhead.

There are also plenty of other ministries in the parish that could use your help and support, like Children’s Chapel, the Pantry outreach program, Building & Grounds and the newly reinvigorated Pastoral Support Ministry. If you feel moved to help in any of these areas, just give the church office a call and you will quickly be put in touch with the right person.

As we move toward making Stewardship a more year round effort, we hope to formalize the commitment of Time & Talent as another part of annual giving.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10

Jay Franklin

Stewardship Ministry Chair

Men’s Breakfast

We had about 17 men of the parish at the April breakfast and we enjoyed some great fellowship. The next Men’s Breakfast will be on Saturday, May 12^th, at 8:30AM in the parish hall. A sign-up sheet is on the Parish Hall Door.

Children’s Christian Education

We have only 5 more weeks of Childrens Christian Education left before our summer break. Our last Sunday May 20^th will be an end of the year party.

Please remember that our Sunday School is structured in a way that newcomers are always welcome and can just jump right in. We will focus on one lesson for 4 to 6 weeks and teach it in several different ways. During this last block we are going to be talking about The Great Commission, how Christ calls us to spread the wonderful news of his resurrection and the forgiveness of our sins. Please ask your children the ways they are learning to spread the news and be disciples for Christ.

Julie Wilson
jwilson@msiweb.com

Family Faith Nights

We are very excited about the Family Faith Nights we are going to offer Wednesday nights during the month of June. The dates are June 6^th, June 13^th, June 20^th, and June 27^th. Our focus will be Faith in the Home. Below you will find the topics for the 4 nights.

June 6th Session I: Developing Faith Life at Home: Reflecting God's Love in the Family
June 13th Session II: Daily Rituals and Routines for Faith Life at Home
June 20th Session III: Many ways to Pray
June 27th Session IV: Rituals and Routines for the Church Year and Family Year

Our program will follow this schedule:

Dinner: 6:00 untill 6:30
            Opening: 6:30 until 6:50
            Rotation 1: 6:55 until 7:25
            Rotation 2: 7:30 until 7:55
            Closing: 7:55 until 8:10/8:15

Please mark these nights on your calendar because they promise to be great!

Julie Wilson

Office Volunteers

Acolyte Training

COME SHARE BREAD AND A BIRTHDAY ON PENTECOST

Join us to celebrate our gifts of the Holy Spirit—Pentecost and the Gift of E.C.O.H.S.

Sunday May 27^th 2007 we will celebrate Pentecost and the 32^nd Birthday of our church. Please join us at noon for a celebration including lunch and cake. We have many special things in store and promise to make this a special afternoon for all ages. So put on your most festive red attire and come join the fun.

Youth Building 

A workday is scheduled for April 28th to paint and carpet the Youth Building (formerly known as the shed).  By the time you read this the Youth will have access to their space.  Thanks to all who provided the sweat 

equity to get it ready!

Newcomer's Corner 

Have you noticed the new Newcomer's Corner in the narthex?  The Newcomer's committee is working very hard to welcome all visitors to our church.  We now have greeters for all services and brochures to hand out.  

Special thanks go to Bert Printz for his great handiwork on our signage.  If you haven't noticed the corner, stop in and give a look.  Watch for more changes coming in the very near future!

ECW News: 

The ECW would like to invite all ladies of the parish to our end-of-the-year banquet on May 15th, at 6:30pm, at the new Provinos Restaurant, behind Up the Creek at Market Place. Come for fellowship and fun. If you 

need a ride call Diana Fournaris, (770) 844-7386.

Volunteers Needed for Senior Luncheon 

Senior luncheon at The Place on Wednesday, May 23 at Noon.  We need volunteers to cook and serve. There will be a sign up sheet in the Parish Hall on Sunday. If you have questions, please contact Cheryl Howell.  

We will post a menu. Volunteers are asked to come to The Place at 11:30 a.m. Lunch is served at Noon.

REMEMBER YOUR YOUTH & OURS  

WHEN: May 12 - Saturday night at 6:30   Mark your calendar!!! 

WHERE: The Church

HOW MUCH: $17/COUPLE; $10/PERSON 

WHAT: Dinner, dancing, talent show, sing a-longs, entertainment, silent auction and FUN for ALL 

WHO: Any and All Adults 

This is a fund raising activity for the Youth's Pilgrimage and Mission trip to New York City. We also want you to get to know us and to have fun doing it. More information to follow but we want you all to come!!! 

So mark you calendars.  

PS: Babysitting will be available at an additional cost 

OH YES: we will need silent auction items also-to donate items  

Contact: Carol Franklin or Shannon David   

OUTREACH MINISTRY NEWS  

The Outreach Ministry will be hosting a luncheon at The Place on Wednesday, May 23.   The luncheon will be served at noon and we are asking for volunteers to arrive at 11:30 a.m. to set up.  

We are looking for volunteers to prepare and serve the food. We will have a sign up sheet in the Parish Hall in the next few weeks.  Thank you so much for helping in this ministry. Please contact Cheryl Howell 

for more information.  

 Carmen Smith would like to thank everyone who helped make and box cookies for our troops in Iraq.  The soldiers appreciated the cookies. We prepared 100 dozen cookies, which we so numerous that they shared 

them with the citizens of Iraq.  Thank you for your generosity. We plan to do it again in the Fall. 

Taking one of Father Newell's Lenten messages to heart, the Wednesday morning crocheters and knitters decided not to GIVE UP something but to GIVE! So taking a short hiatus from making preemie blankets and 

hats for the Northside NIC unit, they decided they would make squares and join them together in to lap blankets which in turn would be given to some needy folk in the community. Six colorful lap blankets were 

completed during the Lenten season and last week they were delivered to local centers. Three were enthusiastically received at Chestnut Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation and the other three went to the Senior Center 

for distribution to meals-on-wheels clients. This was a win-win situation for all and our Wednesday morning ladies are already thinking ahead to next Lent to see how they will give of their talents and time to a local 

cause.

Meanwhile, do come to join us on Wednesday mornings in the Parish Hall. We have fun, fellowship and are very productive! Do check out the Outreach notice board in case there is a project that you feel that you would 

like to help with. All talents can be put to good use!   For more information, please contact Ro Woodhead.   

Can you help? 

While Ro Woodhead was delivering blankets at Chestnut Ridge the lady in charge of 'Activities' asked whether there was anyone available to help two of the clients there to finish off quilted blankets that they have 

been making. The ladies have sewn all their pieces together but need someone to put on the batting and machine the blankets together with a backing.  If you are available to help with this, please contact Ro 

Woodhead at for more details.  

PRE-SCHOOL NEWS

The first ever Art Auction and Wine Tasting on March 24th was rousing success. Each and every person in attendance had a great time, and we raised a great deal of money for the preschool. On behalf of the board of directors I would like to thank all the parishioners who attended, bought art, donated art and generally contributed to the evening. In particular, we would like to thank Jack and Wendy Murphy, who made the auction so much fun. We hope that you will al come next year.

MAY DOVE INFO

TRANSFERS IN:

TRANSFERS OUT: Yvonne Valerie Taylor Starnes to St. Aidan’s, Alpharetta

BAPTISMS: James Luke Ellington, Sarah Elizabeth Ellington, Colton Michael Schuette

Courtney Lee Terrell, Jordan Terrell on April 8

BIRTHS:
DEATHS: Edith Bley who died on March 24.
Jeannie McAllister, godmother of Jennifer Ferrell, who died on April 15.

                        ANGELS: Pantry Angels: Ro Woodhead and Lexie Jennings.  Jean Danowski, Kathy Gibson and Datie Younkins for help putting together bulletins for Holy Week and Easter

PRAYER LIST: Bill and Joan Payton, Carl Camp, Heather Story, Kenneth Tuggle, Jeff Joyner, Angela Harrison, DeWitt Clemmer, Lee Clemmer, Mel and Hope Hewitt, Allison Younkins, Reagan Carson, Marjorie Burnhauser, William Brewer, John Wayt, Mat Cartwright, Michael Polk Edwards, Norm Goeltz, Mary Kay Devillier, Shelby Hope, Barbara Barnett and her mother and sister, Betsy Tanner, Tom Middlemore, Mame Leslie Harvey, Charles Dewers, Cathy Holmes, Don Lanier, Pearl Brown, Lou Mobilia, Doug Ferrell.

We give thanks for healing begun and continuing in James and Virginia Williamson, Frank Danowski, Clyde Gentry, Sarah Lipscomb, Shaun Allen. We pray for expectant parents: Regan and Katie White; Brandon and Kristen Schofield; Catherine Rosborough and Robbie Allen; Greg and Valerie Sylvester.

We pray for all soldiers and civilians alike who risk their lives for freedom and peace. And especially for Matthew Killcreas, Lt. Robert May, Lt. Lindsay May and the 82 Airborne Division serving in Iraq.