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Breaking Bread
Our Mission is Growing Disciples of Jesus Christ
The Newsletter of the Episcopal Church
of St. Peter & St. Paul ~ February 2015
Serving Christ in the World
by The Rev. Tom Pumphrey
We believe that God has a vision for us as a
Christian Community, empowered by the Holy Spirit,
active in Worship of God, Discipleship for
all ages, Serving Christ in the world.
(Our Parish Vision Statement)
Dear Friends in Christ,
As we pursue our mission of Growing Disciples of Jesus
Christ, we are not just a community for ourselves. We
are empowered by the Holy Spirit in Worship and
Discipleship, and God also calls us to go beyond our walls
and the relationships we have within the parish. Jesus’
ministry started with the proclamation of the Good News
to the countryside. He told people about the Kingdom of
God, and he took action to show them the power of God
in their midst. He healed the sick, he fed the hungry, he
delivered those who were oppressed by evil, and
challenged the tax collectors and Pharisees who took
advantage of others.
Disciples of Jesus Christ serve our Lord at home and in
the world. Because our Lord loves us, so we are called to
love others. Because Jesus gave himself so generously for
us, we are called to give ourselves generously to others.
God meets the needs of the poor and sick most
especially through his Disciples—you and me. How are
you serving Christ in the world? How are you bringing his
love to others by word and action?
St. Peter & St. Paul has a long tradition of service ministries.
Each week, we pray with and serve breakfast to homeless
men, women and children at MUST Ministries. They come
from the shelter there, and from the surrounding areas,
struggling to survive each day. We reach out with God’s grace
to developmentally disabled people in Atlanta who gather for
worship and dinner every second Saturday night of the
month at the Church of the Holy Comforter. We also provide
clothes for this community that includes many people who
live on the streets. Through the Cool Girls organization, we
support inner city girls seeking a stable future for their lives.
And we reach out to the poor in Honduras by supporting a
community in Tegucigalpa through the Lamb Institute.
Where do you fit in? How are you serving Christ in the
world? You may fill a unique niche to which God has called
you. Or perhaps you may bring a new initiative to our parish
ministries. In God’s vision for us, each member of this parish
is called to service—and we are called to serve together.
How will you serve our Lord by caring for those in need and
bringing the generosity of Jesus to others?
God bless you as you share in the ministries of this Christian
Community!
Yours in Christ,
On the Inside...
Ash Wednesday …. 2
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper …. 2
Vestry Retreat Reflections …. 3
Children’s Ministries …. 4
Sing to the Lord …. 5
Episcopal Church Women …. 5
Youth News …. 6
Lenten Food Drive …. 7
Adult Education in February …. 8
Stephen Ministry …. 8
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Breaking Bread
Ash Wednesday
February 18, 2015
The custom of imposing ashes is
practiced in all liturgical churches.
The ashes are made from the
palms of the previous Palm Sunday.
The ashes are imposed in
the sign of the cross with the
words:
“Remember that you are dust
and to dust you shall return.”
Thus, as we kneel in public penitence at the altar
rail, we are acknowledging our sin and our mortality
while at the same time, we are assured of
forgiveness and new life in Christ.
Services: Wednesday, February 18, 2015
7:00am, 12:00noon, 7:30pm
The Episcopal Church of St. Peter & St. Paul
1795 Johnson Ferry Road
Marietta, GA 30062
Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday ~ 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday ~ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Phone: (770) 977-7473
Fax: (770) 565-4028
Visit us on the web at
www.peterandpaul.org
Parish Administrator
Suzy Bristow
Administrative Assistants
Jennifer Folz, Katherine Boyet
Financial Administrator
Amy Pillsworth
Youth Minister
Ryan Mulkowsky
Rector
The Rev. Thomas C. Pumphrey
Director of
Children’s Ministries
Becky Beal
Associate Rector
The Rev. Elisa P. Harres
Director of Music
George Chesnut
Sexton
Mitch Brown
Shrove Tuesday
Pancake Supper
Shrove
Tuesday
is
the
last day
before
Lent. On
this day,
it is customary to eat
pancakes. Pancakes will
be
prepared by The
Brotherhood of Saint
Andrew and will be
served from 6:00pm 7:30pm
on
Tuesday,
February 17. The charge
will be $5/person or
$15/family.
Bring your family &
friends!
The Vestry
Vestry
Senior Warden
Susan Prout
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Junior Warden
Peter Williams
Clerk
Andy Lorenzen
Treasurer
Tom Martin
Recorder
Mike Nancarrow
Linda Doss
Bobbie Lencke
Joey Mayes
Kurt Mueller
Justin Streeter
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Breaking Bread
Reflections on the 2015 Vestry Retreat
Susan Prout, Senior Warden
We believe that God has a vision for us as a Christian Community, empowered by the Holy Spirit, active in
Worship of God, Discipleship for all ages, Serving Christ in the world.
This vision statement of St. Peter and St. Paul was a primary focus of the 2015 Vestry Retreat this year
(taking place the weekend of January 16th – 18th at Forrest Hills Conference Center in Dahlonega, GA).
Over the course of a series of meetings, the Vestry spent time focused on: reviewing and approving the 2015
Budget; Group Development; The year past and the year ahead; Dynamics of groups, size, growth and
change; Marks of Discipleship, Expectations of the Vestry and the Vestry Goals and Plans for the upcoming
year. Additional details will be available on the 2015 budget, so please be on the lookout for this information.
Father Tom facilitated the discussions, challenging the Vestry to answer the question of “What was God up
to at SPSP in 2014?” The answers varied by individual, yet as we talked, we began to see how much God was
doing in our lives this past year as we grow and develop as a church.
To answer this question from a broader perspective, it helps to reflect on how God blessed us in 2014.
Working with the parish, we completed the work of previous years in forming a new Mission and Vision for
the parish to provide clear direction for our ministry development. Specifically for 2014, we as a parish
focused on Youth, Music and Children. Three teams led the development of clear visions and goals for these
ministries and led the discernment, search and hiring of three talented staff members: Ryan Mulkowsky as a
full-time Youth Minister, Becky Beal as our Director of Children’s Ministry and George Chesnut as our full
time Director of Music. That’s a lot of staff change in one year, bringing with it both the joy and the stress
that comes with new developments. But God was active in both the joy and the stress. With these strategic
elements in place, it is so exciting to think about what God has in store for us this year!
I would encourage you to ask yourself the same question that was posed to the Vestry – how do YOU answer
“What was God up to at SPSP in 2014?” –And then the next question, “Where is God calling us this year?”
– As you consider this question, reflect on where God is calling you this year as part of SPSP.
To answer where God is calling us this year, common themes came out during the Vestry discussion. The
following areas were identified as those areas where we believe God is calling us to focus:
 Youth/Children/Families
 Music
 Evangelism
 Leadership and Spiritual Development
With a focus on these areas, we will continue to work toward our mission of Growing Disciples of Jesus
Christ. So there is much more to come in the next few weeks and months ahead – please be on the lookout
for updates, communications and opportunities to serve.
It is a blessing to be part of this Vestry, surrounded by those who care deeply for SPSP and who are
empowered by the Holy Spirit. The retreat weekend was one filled with planning, discussion and joy.
I would encourage you to find a Vestry member and ask them for further details on the retreat – I believe
you will find the excitement to be contagious as to where God is leading us this year!
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Breaking Bread
Children’s Ministries
by Becky Beal, Director of Children’s Ministries
Our Lenten program will be built around the book
A Wrinkle in Time by the beloved Episcopal author,
Madeleine L'Engle. We will affirm God's unconditional
love and the power of that love, manifested in us, to
overcome darkness. We will explore this work as we
celebrate our unique gifts and abilities using lives of
people and passages from the Bible.
Darkness exists in the world in extreme poverty, in
war, hatred, and pandemic disease, things all too real.
But the light and love and the power of God is working in
each of us to change the world and make it better. We
will strive to recommit ourselves to this changing world through God's love.
This study will take place each of the five Sundays of Lent, beginning on
February 22nd from 5-7 p.m. Our parish family is invited to share a meal at 5:00
in the Parish Hall and programming for adults, youth, and children will begin at
5:30 in the Creation Chapel. We will use the model of seeing a piece of the movie
and then breaking into groups for discussion. Please let this program enrich your
Lent this year.
The Extent of Influence
We may never know the extent of our influence on our neighbors, the
people we work with, or children in our lives. When we choose to live as
disciples of Jesus Christ, our everyday encounters take on a greater
meaning.
We promise to help children grow in their life in Christ with each Baptism.
Please consider this call and volunteer to help in the
children’s and youth
ministry.
Please contact Becky Beal, [email protected], or Ryan Mulkowsky,
[email protected], for more information.
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Breaking Bread
All Women Are Welcome
Come join us on Thursday, February 12, to hear Dr.
Beth-Sarah Wright, wife to The Bishop of Atlanta,
Rob Wright, who will speak about Spirituality and The
Power of Prayer in our everyday lives. Social time
begins at 6:30pm with a potluck dinner at 7:00pm. Bring
a favorite dish to share. The presentation will begin at
7:30pm. We look forward to seeing you there.
Contact Diana Rillera at 404.667.6781.
Presented by the Episcopal Church Women (ECW).
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Breaking Bread
Youth News
by Ryan Mulkowsky, Youth Ministry
Sunday Night Youth Group
We are continuing to meet throughout these next few months leading up to
Summer Break. We have generated much excitement in having a dedicated
Middle School Youth Group meeting and High School Youth Group meeting.
If you haven’t come, this is a great time to start!
Middle School Youth (grades 5-8) meets from 5:00-6:15PM and High School Youth Group (grades
9-12) meets from 6:45-8:00PM. This provides students a relaxed time of fellowship, a meal, games,
teaching, small group discussion, and other activities.
The Middle School Youth are going through an eight-week series called Jesus Is _______. This study is
about discovering who we are by knowing who Jesus is and how He changes our lives on a daily basis.
The High School Youth are going through a series called #CriticalIssues, #AbsoluteAnswers; where they
get to explore many topics about self-identity, relationships, pain and suffering, leadership, and other
topics relating to their faith and everyday life.
If you would like to serve our students by providing the meal, becoming an adult leader, serving as a
chaperone, or in any other way; please contact Ryan.
February Youth Group Outing
For the month of February, our youth group outing will take place at Stars and Strikes in Sandy
Springs. We will have a fun time of fellowship, eating, bowling, laser tag, and many other activities. This
will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2015 and sign up ends February 15th. Price, times, and other
details will be communicated soon. This is open to all youth 5th-12th grades.
SIGN UP for Camp Mikell Spring Retreat
If you haven’t already, please sign up as soon as possible for the first spring retreat at Camp Mikell on
May 8-10, 2015.
We had an amazing turnout for our first fall retreat at Camp Mikell with over 30 in attendance! This
spring retreat will be an awesome opportunity to hang out with friends, play games, and to learn more
about our relationship with Jesus Christ. This trip is open to students from 7th-12th grades. High
Schoolers who are interested in attending as a Student Leader can contact me, and if selected, receive
a discount on their trip!
The series we will be exploring during the retreat is called The Me I Want To Be, where the students
will explore five important areas of their lives: learning how to discover the Holy Spirit, renew their
minds, use their time wisely, deepen their relationships, and transform their experiences.
The cost is $100.00 per person and an extra $30.00 per person if you want to participate in the high
ropes/climbing tower activity. Sign up ends April 5th, so claim your spot now!
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Breaking Bread
2015 Lenten FOOD DRIVE
February 22 through March 29
Benefits MUST Ministries
Do you know that MUST helps people
get back on their feet by providing the
necessary tools to do it?
We can help by bringing to Church
specific items MUST needs.
Please, no breakables!
All non-perishable food donations are gratefully
accepted by M.U.S.T. Ministries.
WEEK 1: February 22– Breakfast Items
Peanut Butter/Jelly, Pancake Mix, Coffee, Tea, Can/Dry Milk, Oatmeal,
Grits, Muffin Mix, Cereal, Sugar
WEEK 2: March 1 – Dinners
Canned meats: Chicken, Ham, Beef, Salmon, Tuna, etc. Boxes
Dinners, Beef Stew, Chili, Spaghetti Sauce, Pastas
WEEK 3: March 8 – Side Dishes
Canned Green Peas, Dry Beans, Canned Fruit/Veggies, Baked Beans,
Flavored Rice, Flavored Pasta
WEEK 4: March 15 - Cleaning Supplies/Toiletries
Laundry/Dishwasher Detergent, Dawn, Household Cleaners, Cleaning
Sponges, Windex, Toothbrush/Paste, Bar Soap, Deodorant
WEEK 5: March 22 - Miscellaneous Items
Any and all non-perishables welcome (including those listed above).
“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day.
Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a life time.”
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Breaking Bread
Adult Education in February
February 2015
Breaking Bread
Sunday School:
The Lectionary Bible Study continues in Room 5, studying the weekly readings we
hear in church. The Women’s Bible Study Class is participating in the Rev. Tom
Pumphrey’s Introduction to the Bible class in the Parish Hall. That class continues
through February 15. In Lent, the Women’s Study group will be studying N.T.
Wright’s book on Romans in Room 7, and the Pilgrim’s Progress will continue to
meet in Room 8.
Foundations of Christian Ethics is the topic of Tom Pumphrey’s class in Lent,
starting February 22, through March 29. Explore the basis of our understanding of
right and wrong and how to approach moral decision making as Christians.
Tuesday Nights:
Join us for dinner from 6:30 – 7:00 between choir rehearsals, and for a Bible Study
on Philippians from 7:00 – 8:00 PM, led by the Rev. Tom Pumphrey in Room 7
downstairs. We are planning for a new subject for this group starting in Lent.
Bible Studies:
Tuesday Women’s Bible Study…currently studying 7: An Experimental Mutiny
Against Excess by Jenn Hatmaker, meet in Room 1 from 10:00-11:30am with
childcare available
Wednesday Women’s Bible Study…currently studying Gospel of Mark, meet in
Garden Room from 10:00-11:15am
Thursday Men’s Bible Study... a new Bible Study group for men is meeting
Thursday mornings from 7:00 – 8:00 AM in the Conference Room.
Every other Saturday: Brotherhood of St. Andrew welcomes guests to attend
their men’s Breakfast, Bible Study and Meeting from 7:00 – 8:30 in the Garden
Room.
Stephen Ministry
When an event shakes up your world, you can either let it hurt you or help you. If you would like help in turning a life crisis into an
opportunity for growth and increased faith, a Stephen Minister is ready to help you. What you need to know is that a Stephen
Minister is:
 A trained lay volunteer
 A good listener
 Trained in confidentiality
 Supervised for quality care
 Ready to offer God’s love through a Christian caring relationship on a one-to-one basis
 Christ caring for people through people
To get help or for more information contact: The Rev. Elisa Harres, [email protected];770-977-7473 and she will
compassionately counsel you on the Stephen Ministry process. Stephen Ministry is a free service open to all church and
community members.