June 27, 2010

It has been almost a month since our farewell celebration for Bill and Deborah on Trinity Sunday. The vestry met on June 22, 2010, and a portion of that meeting was devoted to a discussion of Loren B. Mead’s book, A Change of Pastors. In our May meeting, the vestry had decided to read the book as a group. Here is some information about Loren B. Mead and his book.

“Loren B. Mead, an ordained Episcopal priest, is an educator, consultant, and author who works to strengthen religious institutions, especially local congregations. Loren has collaborated with lay people, clergy, executives and bishops, teachers and others committed to ministry. Professionally, Loren Mead served as an Episcopal parish priest for fifteen years… In 1974 he founded the Alban Institute, Inc., developing its national, multi-denominational work of research, publishing education, and consulting… Since 1994, Loren has been consulting, writing, and teaching independently.” (Source (http://hirr NULL.hartsem NULL.edu/leadership/consultants_mead NULL.html))

“In this revised edition, A Change of Pastors, Mead shares the wisdom he gained from 35 years of studying congregations… A Change of Pastors [is] crucial for any congregation undergoing or about to undergo a change of pastors. In the midst of this transition, there is no doubt that your congregation will find a new pastor. But this book will help you to do more than merely find a hired hand to manage the preaching and the worship. You will discover what God wants you to be and do. You will find a new commitment to ministry. And you will find the pastor who will help make that ministry happen.” (Source (http://www NULL.alban NULL.org/bookdetails))

The vestry will conclude its discussion of the book in its July meeting. Then in August, the Reverend Canon Richard Callaway will meet with the vestry. Canon Callaway is the Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Atlanta and responsible for overseeing parishes in transition. On September 12, 2010, he will join us for worship and hold a forum during the Christian Formation hour to discuss the upcoming search process.

We are on our way in our journey. Please continue to be in prayer for all during this period.

Dawn M. Diedrich
Senior Warden

Thursday, September 16, 2010 – Sunday, September 19, 2010

This five-part series presented in Atlanta by widely acclaimed Bishop Spong is offered as a response to the vast and growing number of persons who are seeking to reconcile their traditional faith and beliefs with the modern day revelations of scientific discoveries, biblical research and global realities.

Intended as an educational and inspirational offering by a world renowned scholar and theologian, the program is open to all, regardless of religious affiliation. This informative event is the product of a unique collaboration of Atlanta’s Progressive Theology Leadership Group, the Cathedral of St Philip, the King International Chapel of Morehouse College and Trinity Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. In turn, the program is being supported by members of Atlanta area churches, organizations, seminaries and colleges. For further information and registration, download the accompanying PDF file. Please join us and your friends for this exciting and historic educational event in Atlanta.

Check the Events Calendar for individual class dates, times, and summaries.