That resulted in the founding of The Craddock Center is now available. The 15 minute story of an amazing man and his dream would be a great way to introduce your congregation to: the mission of The Craddock Center; the many ways you can partner with The Craddock Center; the invitation to a book drive for the Story Express, inspire you to do something creative like making wooden toys, giving your doll and beanie baby collection, making portraits of the Head Start/Pre-K children and on and on! Many people who have finished their midlife work are using their professional experience to transform education, reduce poverty, improve health care and enrich the lives of others. Many folks are more interested in renewal than retirement.

NEW AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PREACHING ANNOUNCED                    

Disciples of Christ Historical Society in partnership with The Craddock Center have created The Fred Craddock Award for Excellence in Preaching. The award will be conferred annually, or biennially, to a Disciples minister under the age of 35 who exhibits outstanding skills in the pulpit. Included in the award will be a certificate of accomplishment, a trophy, and a cash gift.

Glenn Thomas Carson, president of the Historical Society said in announcing the award, “This is an opportunity for us to recognize younger ministers who are gifted in preaching. The proclamation of the Word is central to who we are as Disciples and Dr. Craddock hopes this award will encourage new ministers to give their very best in preaching.”
The first award will be given at the General Assembly August 1, 2009 in Indianapolis.

Nominations for this award may be sent to mail@discipleshistory.org. — TLS

LET ME RECOMMEND           

That you spend some time now and then remembering your childhood, from your earliest recollection through elementary school years. Retrieve from your memory how you dressed, what you ate, what you played and with whom, your room, your siblings, your parents, going to church, teachers you loved and why, teachers you feared and why, what made you happy, what made you sad, what you wanted to be when you grew up. You get the idea. Re-visit specific persons, places, events.

Why do this? There may be some pain in it. Of course, there may be but you will understand better why you are as you are. Better self-understanding makes possible better understanding of others and with that more patience, more kindness, more gratitude. In fact, you may be more comfortable saying Yes to invitations to serve others, especially children who will someday remember you with fondness and gratitude.

At the Craddock Center we believe strongly that attention and encouragement from one adult outside the family makes a major difference in the life of a child.
Remember? — FBC

A DULCIMER FOR ELSPETH   

Is the title of a delightful book sent to The Craddock Center by the author Esther Kreek, a resident of Kansas. She fell in love with the hammered dulcimer after receiving her first one from her husband in 1977. She has since made several recordings including the one that comes with her book. Fannin County Middle School sixth graders will be the lucky recipients of Mrs. Kreek’s lovely books and CD after a special program given by the Blue Ridge Dulcimer Group. We are grateful for this amazing gift that is sure to inspire many budding musicians!--TLS

IT IS DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE

That our Fall Preaching Workshop on Oct. 5 will be the twenty-fifth. Think of it: 25 workshops together! There was only one in 1997, held in the little pavilion on Bear Lake. Perhaps as many as 20 attended, ministers from nearby. In 1998, 2 were held, Spring and Fall, again in the pavilion. In 1999, the Spring Workshop was in the pavilion, the Fall Workshop in the new church building on the hill. Attendance grew to the capacity of that building, about 100 around tables. Now in the new Cherry Log Christian Church building, the community room accommodates about 150. We have already tested that capacity, but that’s it; we are not going to start a second layer, nor are we going to separate attendees by age, gender, experience, size, or velocity. I enjoy the mix, and as long as you are there, all is well.

As we approach our twenty-fifth, several impressions hold my attention:

1. Most ministers honor the pulpit and take preaching seriously.
2. Around the pulpit preachers can gather, young and old, experienced and inexperienced, male and female. I saw a minister from a denomination that forbids women in the pulpit embrace a female participant.
3. Mutual support and encouragement are priceless, especially in a time when many ministers are taking a beating.

I look forward to seeing you Oct. 5. Be sure you are registered; we may be crowded. We are going to discuss genuine and non-genuine emotion in preaching: “Once More With Feeling”. I am already feeling good. — FBC

A REMINDER

That we welcome volunteers for many important opportunities of service. The Head Start/Pre-K schools are looking for folks to come read in the classrooms. If you prefer older students, tutoring or mentoring is a great need in elementary, middle and high school. We are looking for book lovers to go with the Story Express to food pantries or day camps this summer. Joe Wells is always looking for help with the furniture closet.
We are grateful to our current volunteers! All of our outreach would not be possible without your help. Just call The Craddock Center at706-632-1772 if you would like to help. --TLS

I LOVE SURPRISES

Let me tell you about a wonderful surprise that came out of the Keystone Conference of Boys & Girls Clubs International which just met in Atlanta last week. Eve Respess, Assistant Director, Character & Citizenship, of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, collected books for The Craddock Center’s Story Express by asking each teenager at the conference to bring a book. What a beautiful representation of the next generation gathered at the Hyatt Regency to celebrate and reinforce leadership skills and service.

What better way to teach these teenagers the importance of serving others than to fan out over the city of Atlanta doing service projects in addition to being reminded of the needs of children in the Southern Appalachia mountain area just north of Atlanta by donating books. Thanks, Eve, for making these teens from across this country and beyond aware of the needs of the children in North Georgia, East Tennessee, and Western North Carolina.--TLS

AS THE TEMPERATURE RISES OUTSIDE

The Children’s Enrichment Fund Scholarship thermometer also continues to rise. Thanks to all of you who have so generously responded by sponsoring more students. Currently we have reached $16,000. With the 2008-2009 school year coming down the home stretch, you may be wondering why we are continuing to run this campaign. Our budget runs on the calendar year rather than on the academic calendar year. Now that I’ve totally confused you, just know on behalf of the children who love the stories, songs and movement provided by the Arts Specialists, Kim Cheves, Amanda Galloway, Connie Chancey, Tracy Walker and John Bevin, we THANK YOU!—TLS