The Episcopal Church of the Atonement
 
Invite  Dear Bill,

2008 Vestry Candidates
There are 3 candidates so far.  Nominations remain open through Thursday, November 16, 2007.  Elections will be held Sunday, November 25, 2007 and Sunday, December 2, 2007.   All adult members are eligible to vote in the vestry election.

Contact any pf the committee members to place your name or another member in nomination.


Ham Henson, Committee Chairman
Bradley Hoyt
Thelma English



Who is a member of the Episcopal Church of the Atonement?

Membership in the Episcopal Church is outlined by Canon 17, which states:

Sec. 1 (a) All persons who have received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism with water in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, whether in this Church or in another Christian Church, and whose Baptisms have been duly recorded in this Church, are members thereof.

(b) Members sixteen years of age and over are to be considered adult members.

(c) It is expected that all adult members of this Church, after appropriate instruction, will have made a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and will have been confirmed or received by the laying on of hands by a Bishop of this Church or by a Bishop of a Church in communion with this Church. Those who have previously made a mature public commitment in another Church may be received by the laying on of hands by a Bishop of this Church, rather than confirmed.

(d) Any person who is baptized in this Church as an adult and receives the laying on of hands by the Bishop at Baptism is to be considered, for the purpose of this and all other Canons, as both baptized and confirmed; also, Any person who is baptized in this Church as an adult and at some time after the Baptism receives the laying on of hands by the Bishop in Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows is to be considered, for the purpose of this and all other Canons, as both baptized and confirmed; also, Any baptized person who received the laying on of hands at Confirmation (by any Bishop in apostolic succession) and is received into the Episcopal  Church by a Bishop of this Church is to be considered, for the purpose of this and all other Canons, as both baptized and confirmed; and also, Any baptized person who received the laying on of hands by a

Bishop of this Church at Confirmation or Reception is to be considered, for the purpose of this and all other Canons, as both baptized and confirmed.


Please contact the church office if you would like to transfer your membership or if you are interested in being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church.

 

Sunday Mornings at Atonement:

8:00 a.m. 
     Said Worship

9:00 a.m.   
     Family Worship

8:45  - 10:30 a.m.             Breakfast in the Parish Hall

9:45 a.m.  
    Children's Choir

10:00 a.m.               
     Adult Formation

10:00 a.m.  
     Adult Choir

10:15 a.m.                      Children & Youth Formation

11:15 a.m.                          Traditional Worship with Music

Clara BlalockClara Blalock

1. What would you say is your best attribute for serving on the Vestry?
I guess the bottom line is that I really love the church that I have been actively involved with since 1965. I've given a great deal of thought to my running for the Vestry and have decided that it's the thing for me to do at this time. My greatest asset is training I received through our Diocese and membership on the Consultations Task Force for several years. As a member I worked with Vestries in setting goals, long range planning, stewardship, conflict resolution and others concerns in the parish. I was also a consultant for search committees. And, I really care what happens at Atonement.

2. What is your understanding of the role the Vestry will play in the implementation of the Strategic Plan?
I think the Vestry, being the governing body of the church, has a responsibility to implement the plan that has been prepared by the congregation for the parish. I think we also have a responsibility to carry out that plan with flexibility as  needs and concerns change in our life as a parish. I don't believe we are ever in a static mode. I think we need to think of our congregation as people of faith, always growing and changing.

3. What do you see is Atonement's biggest challenge for next year and how would you address it?
To me it seems that the number of people we have involved in our weekly worship services and our stewardship of money will be the greatest challenge we face. We can't operate the church without the funds to carry out our ministries and the people who make us a community. I don't think one person can address these challenges but I believe with loving and caring leadership we can become a community that people want to be a part of. I know that's a simple answer to a complicated subject but it's a start. That's what drew us to Atonement so many years ago.
 


Rosalie ChamberlainRosalie Chamberlain

1. What would you say is your best attribute for serving on the Vestry?
I believe that I have a gift for being open to hearing and understanding the differences and similarities that individuals have.  I think it is important for the church to be a safe environment  where people are able to bring their talents, gifts and opinions.  In my job, as Diversity Coordinator for a very large law firm, I work with people on a regular basis to determine how not only their similarities, but also their differences, can work together to meet the goals of the organization.  In a day where diversity of thought is prevalent in religious institutions, determining how we can work together to further the work of the church is very important.

2. What is your understanding of the role the Vestry will play in the implementation of the Strategic Plan?
It is my understanding that the Vestry supports the Rector and the determined strategic plan of the church, by individual actions, and by encouraging others to contribute to the process.  

3. What do you see is Atonement's biggest challenge for next year and how would you address it?
I think expanding and sustaining a membership that feels connected and a part of the Atonement is crucial to its future.  That being said, a lot of wonderful things come out of Atonement and a lot of good is done in the Atlanta community, coming from a small church.  Expanding the awareness outside of Atonement of its environment of service and fellowship is one way to help that happen.  Exactly how, to do that, I am not sure yet, but I would suggest a forum of sharing ideas to begin with - not only to bring new ideas to the table, but also to involve more parishioners in the process, which hopefully provides opportunities for talents and service to unfold.



Jack EnglishJack English

1. What would you say is your best attribute for serving on the Vestry?
Confirmed member of the Episcopal Church from age 15, member from age 11. I have remembrance and knowledge of the Church,  local, in other states and in Europe. I have attended the Church in the past and expect to continue and have hope for the future of the Anglican Community which is now in some conflict world wide .

2. What is your understanding of the role the Vestry will play in the implementation of the Strategic Plan?
I will work with other members of the vestry and strive to accomplish the goals as determined by the vestry, the rector and the congregation. I understand the requirements and duties ( for which I will need some training ).
      I attend services regularly unless ill, out of town or at four antique shows I attend annually. I will listen to and pay attention to concerns, comments and inquirys from the congregation. I plan to follow up and obtain answers for each.

 3. What do you see is Atonement's biggest challenge for next year and how would you address it?
I consider that retaining current members and increasing membership thru contact and some evangelism with those with whom we make personal contact.  We need programs and events to interest and attract new members of all ages.  I have concerns about the Church financial health.


Christen Erskine
Parish Administrator
Episcopal Church of the Atonement
404.252.3324