Someone called last week to ask if we were still collecting “Coins for Craddock.” And the answer is “YES!” So I realize it is time to remind you how the program works. It is really quite simple. The hardest part may be selecting just the right jar or container. Once you have chosen the collection container, you just drop your loose change in it throughout the year. It’s a way for Friends of The Craddock Center to remember us all year. It’s also a way for children in your Sunday School classes to connect with children in the Appalachian Mountains. It’s a great way to keep your dresser clear of those loose coins that multiply until they start dropping off the edges.

If each of you reading this newsletter put approximately 99 cents per week in the jar for The Craddock Center, by the end of the year your coins would cover two-thirds of our budget. In economic hard times, it is particularly tough on those families with children who were already struggling. Your “Coins for Craddock” will make a world of difference in the lives of these neighbors who are struggling mightily these days. We thank you for all you do to help! –TLS

IT IS NO COINCIDENCE                    

That at the Spring Preaching Workshop on Monday, March 2, Dr. Jennie Perryman will join us to present a lecture. The theme for the morning is “Preaching the End Time” and her after lunch lecture will deal will End-of-Life Care. It is a subject on which Dr. Perryman is well qualified, both by study and by passion. Her current position is in the Organ Transplant Unit of Emory Hospital. The morning and afternoon discussions deal with ministry in and out of the pulpit. So — are we clear? Dr. Craddock will deal with “Preaching the End Time” during the morning; after a complimentary lunch ending about 12:45, Dr. Perryman will present. It is our hope that everyone attending the morning sessions will remain through the early afternoon. Since the number of lunches prepared will be affected, please let Tammy know (phone or email) your plans. I know I will stay. In my own preparation for ministry, End-of-Life Care was all too briefly treated. We are grateful in advance to Dr. Perryman. — FBC

CHERRY LOG PREPARES FOR TRAFFIC JAM                 

The Gilmer County Sheriff’s office has been warned of the potential traffic jam the evening of February 6 as the crowds arrive to hear Marian Wright Edelman. Since we don’t have a traffic light in all of Cherry Log and only a handful of stop signs, it is going to be interesting to see how we manage with all those cars. We have heard from folks in South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and all over Georgia who are planning to come. The deer and other animals that normally expect cars to stop for them as they saunter across the road, have been warned to stay in the woods on February 6. So with everyone prepared for her visit, we are looking forward to welcoming all those who have been inspired and challenged by Marian Wright Edelman through the years as she has become the premier child advocate in our country. --TLS

I LEARNED JUST RECENTLY      

Of a case of surgery so extraordinary that I assumed it was a singular case, but the surgeon assured me it was not. Rare, yes, but unique, no.

The story in brief is this: a man in his mid-fifties was rushed to the Emergency Room of the nearest hospital. He complained of inability to breathe. Examination revealed that the cause of his shortness of breath was a growth, a large growth, on his upper back, between his shoulder blades. The man’s mother said she first noticed it when he was a teenager. She repeatedly urged him to have it attended to, but he never did. The growth was small when she first noticed it, and on subsequent occasions she could tell it was growing. Her urgings moved from cosmetic (it was becoming unsightly) to medical (it will put pressure on your heart). When her son became an adult and moved away, she worried but did nothing more. The patient himself gasped to the doctor that the growth had enlarged very gradually and had been accepted as a part of his life. He grew unable to imagine himself without it; it became a part of his identity. It caused little or no pain; that is, until recently.

The growth had to be removed; there was no alternative to surgery. A team of surgeons was assembled. They began at 7:00 a.m. and finished at 3:30 p.m. One or two follow-up surgeries might be required, but the patient would live. Barring unexpected complications, he should enjoy a life free of unnecessary weight; a new life, one might say.

How much did the growth weigh? Everyone was curious to know. Slightly more that 40 pounds. How in the world was he able to carry it, day and night? Because it grew so slowly. Would it have been fatal if not removed? No question. Did you send it to the lab for analysis? Of course, we always do. What was it?
A grudge. — FBC

TWO GREAT SERIES BY DR. FRED B. CRADDOCK

“THE PRAYER LIFE OF JESUS” (5) Forty-Five Minute CDs that chronicle the prayer life of Jesus from his Baptism until his Crucifixion for $49.95

“THIRTEEN WAYS TO END A SERMON” (2) One Hour Sessions recorded live in October 2008 for $29.95
Order online at www.craddocksermons.com
or call 770-294-1469

LET ME INTRODUCE

Our two newest additions to the Board of Directors.

Bobbie Cherry and her husband Dave have been members of Cherry Log Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, since November, 2007. Her faith journey began as a child in the Reorganized Latter Day Saint Church. Her journey continued in the Presbyterian Church, the Methodist tradition, and finally to CLCC.

Bobbie met her husband, Dave, while they were attending Central Missouri State University. It was there that she earned a degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She worked in that capacity until she started her family, at which time she became an at-home mom. She served as a Hospice volunteer for 8 years, has worked with the Rainbows program as a facilitator and a coordinator, and is a Stephen Minister. Bobbie’s interests include traveling, reading, cooking, spending time with friends, and for the past year substitute teaching. Dave and Bobbie have 3 children. Son, Jason and his family live in San Antonio, Texas. Daughter, Lindsay and her husband live in Silt, Colorado, and son, Josh and his family live in Chatsworth.

Dick Hammill has been immersed in every discipline of marketing, advertising, and communications over the last 36 years.  Early experience included positions at TV and radio stations and a major advertising agency.  He then moved into the retail industry holding the senior marketing positions at Wickes Lumber, Wickes Furniture, Circuit City and The Home Depot.  He retired from The Home Depot in 2001 as Senior Vice President of Marketing.  Since then Dick has consulted with businesses and non-profit organizations in Europe, Asia, South America and the U.S. on branding and communication.

Dick earned a BS in Communication from Michigan State University and a MBA in Marketing from Central Michigan University. Dick and his wife, Sue, live in Big Canoe and have been married for 37 years.  They have two children who both live in the Atlanta area with 5 grandchildren.  Dick and Sue are both active members of Big Canoe Chapel.  --TLS

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Monday, March 2, 2009 — Spring Preaching Workshop. 9:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m. at Cherry Log Christian Church. Topic: “Preaching the End Time”. No charge but reservations are required.