Outreach Ministries at Atonement

Current News........

AROUND OUR COMMUNITY
THE ADVENTURES OF TINA THE TURTLE

Melissa Hagman Hellem never expected to paint a turtle but with inspiration from her mother, Melissa painted Sandy Springs Turtle number 47, and Tina was born. Melissa was a Tina Turner fan and completed Tina turtle with fishnet stockings and spiked hair.

Connie Guy, Atonement parishioner, and another Tina Turner fan, purchased Tina. Tina was a natural fit for Connie’s genuine log cabin and eclectic landscaping; she made those who visited her very happy – especially the children – and was prominently featured as Connie’s 2006 Christmas card.

Sadly Connie had to re-locate to Houston and felt that the journey for Tina would be traumatic and possibly fatal. Staying at Connie’s farmhouse near Callaway Gardens was also an option but would have left Tina alone for most of the time – and Tina likes company. Tina had visited Atonement for various events including fish fries and Blessing of the Animals and seemed happy at such occasions hence Tina came to live at Atonement. Tina was celebrated in the Parish Hall and the gathering area with various sorts of decorations. Although she was loved and admired by many, Tina caused some consternation due to – well, due to being Tina! Requests for a makeover followed from some parishioners these were denied by Melissa, and the Sandy Springs Society, who oversee the Town Turtles of Sandy Springs. So Tina was moved to the coat closet for safekeeping.

Tina made her next grand appearance for the High Point Civic Association Festival and was the immediate topic of conversation with the representatives from the Heards’ Ferry fire station. All of the other fire stations in Sandy Springs have a turtle but not Heard’s Ferry. Our Senior Warden, Ken Grim, and former Senior Warden, Ham Henson, suggested moving Tina to the Fire Station and the firemen were delighted. Tina will be re-locating soon. The Public Works Department will ensure she is moved safely and in accordance with the rules and regulations by which we, and Tina, must abide.

Tina is excited about the prospect of being on permanent display and thanks the Atonement community for keeping her safe for the past couple of years. She will take the message of God’s love to the community at large as she begins her journey with philanthropy.

HOLY COMFORTER CHRISTMAS PARTY PERFORMERS

It's that time of year again when we need to plan for the Holy Comforter Christmas party. We need to practice Christmas carols, plan for Santa Claus's visit, and then soon it will be time for Rudolph (John) to wear his red nose!

Would you enjoy singing Christmas carols and performing for our friends at Holy Comforter? For me Christmas wouldn't be complete without our Holy Comforter party, and I've heard others say so too. So with Trawin’s help, I'm planning to organize a group to continue our holiday tradition. Exceptional Musical talent is not required, however passion and love of performing or this important event in the life of these deserving eople is! If you are interested please let know ASAP and 'll be back with more details as they are worked out.—Bob Drake

Holy Comforter Christmas Party - December 16th at 2 PM (Notice this new time!!)

List for gifts to present to our friends at Holy Comforter are available on the bulletin board. Please individually wrap each of the goodies you will get for your bag. Help is needed with set up and clean up. Please contact Mike Wright if you can offer a hand. Bob is coordinating our musical fun for the party, please contact Bob to be part of the merriment.

Bowen Homes Christmas Toys

Each year Atonement supports the community of Bowen Homes by donating new toys for the children at Christmas. Please bring new (unwrapped ) toys and place them in the basket in the Narthex by Monday, December 17.

SANDY SPRINGS MISSION NEEDS ...
The Sandy Springs Mission serves families with needs. Here is the list of current needs in . If you have any items from the list that you can donate, please call the Director of the Mission, Felix Lora, at 770-598-1729, to confirm the need and then bring the item to church; the Mission will be responsible for distributing the items to those in need.

Sheets and blankets
Sleeping bags
Swim trunks for boys and one piece suits girls (all sizes)

Community Action Center

It is that time of year when children are excited about their upcoming summer break and all of the summer camps and time spent with friends. However, not all children will be able to attend a summer camp due to lack of financial resources. We have secured close to 250 scholarships to send some of the children to a variety of camps which include: sports, the arts, and academic. We still need funds for approximately 120 children. Please help sponsor a child for
as little as $250 by responding positively and send your check for $250 marked for a camp scholarship to:
CAC
1130 Hightower Trail
Atlanta, Ga 30350

Or call to talk with Janice our Youth Enrichment Program Coordinator at 770-552-4889. And as always thank you for Supporting our community.

Tamara Carrera, Executive Director

Ministry Activities:

Each winter we are responsible for Thanksgiving Food Baskets, the Holy Comforter Christmas Party, and the Christmas Toys for Bowen Homes.

Outreach at Atonement also includes

- 5th Sunday (special donations for each 5th Sunday on the calendar)
- High Point School (Adult ESOL classes every Saturday using our facilities, Christmas Party and Gifts)
- Sandy Springs Mission (weekly tutoring at the Mission, funding the children’s participation in our Vacation Bible School)
- Community Action Center or CAC for short, (support of their Capital Campaign, Board membership)
- Volunteer Day of Service (helping seniors at Campbell Stone and Allen Road senior living facilities, building bookshelves at CAC)
- Crossroads Soup Kitchen (helping to serve lunch each week)
- Holy Comforter Suppers (preparing and serving supper quarterly).

Click here to go to the Millennium Development Goals Pages

Outreach 2006

The Outreach Committee of the Church of the Atonement acts for the parish in expressing our compassion and our at-one-ment with all those in need in the community. Preference is given to smaller agencies with limited financial resources and support. In response to Matthew: 25, we support agencies which promote growth, rehabilitation, Motivation, education, advocacy, and self-help, and which provide housing shelter, food, healthcare, and emergancy assistance. Volunteer opportunities are available and encouraged at all agencies. This year to day, financial support has been given to the following agencies:

Camp Mikell Scholarship Fund

Enables young people who could not otherwise afford it, to have the wholesome experience of camp life.

Website

Community Action Center

Established in 1987, nineteen churches and two synagogues in the Sandy Springs are give emergency aid for rent, utilities, and clothing to people in need.