Today as I write, The Craddock Center is surrounded by glorious golden trees. During the three weeks I have been here the trees have been putting on quite a show. No matter where you look in Cherry Log right now, the trees are aflame as they give us their last beautiful show for this season. Autumn is a season of vulnerability, when the trees let go of their leaves and get prepared for winter.

Since I arrived here I have observed that this season also brings those who are vulnerable to seek help with their utility bills, so they have heat when the cold comes. One recent afternoon as the light was flowing from the golden branches outside, a mother came by hoping we could assist her with her power bill so she and her children could stay warm. Thankfully, we could help her because of your generosity. And when she was no longer panicked about staying warm, do you know what she asked about next? Books. Books for her third grader and sixth grader. She said she had heard that The Craddock Center gives children books. What a wonderful thing to be known for! Tammy quickly got books for her children that we have received through the generosity of you friends of the Center. As she clutched those books and left with a big smile on her face, I remembered the joy and satisfaction that books had brought me as a young child listening to stories read by my parents even before I could read. I also remembered the joy and satisfaction of reading to my own children as they sat snuggled on my lap. And I remembered the joy and satisfaction of owning my own books which are like good friends to me. And I paused to thank God for leading me to this place where we are attempting to lift lives above barely getting by as we offer programs and assistance to God’s children of all ages.

November is a great time to remember God’s blessings and to thank our generous God. Happy Thanksgiving to all! - TLS
 

I HOPE I’M NOT TOO LATE

To get on your schedule for Sat., Dec. 1. We will meet, as we often have before, at the Old Church near the campus of Oxford College, Oxford, Georgia. We will be joined sharply at 4:00 p.m. by Steven Darsey, the Meridian Herald Singers, and Sonny Houston with the Blue Velvet Band. I will take my familiar place as preacher and exhorter for the Southern Folk Advent Service.

My absence from this program for several years accelerates my anticipation. I must say how much I have missed it. Never have I been more prepared for encountering the mystery of the Christ child than when I participated in this Folk Advent service. Others have said the same. Of course, we all want to be prepared for His arrival, but there are so many enticing side roads that do not lead to Bethlehem. This service of song and word, recalling the faith of our ancestors and confirming our own, will have us remembering tomorrow and looking forward to yesterday. It will, in fact, bring “the refreshment of the Lord in the recollection of Jesus”.—FBC
 

THE SEARCH ENGINE THAT COULD

About a year ago The Craddock Center became a participant in an internet search engine program called Goodsearch. As a result we received a substantial donation each month. We are grateful to those of you who began doing your internet searches through Goodsearch, which benefits the Center. And we’d like to encourage those of you who haven’t switched to Goodsearch to do so.

Here’s what it takes to switch to an engine that can make a difference! The first time you go to Goodsearch, just type “Craddock Center” in the box that asks “who do you goodsearch for?”. Then, you type in your search text. You don’t have to tell the site the next time you search who is your beneficiary. It can remember “Craddock Center” and we will receive a check from Goodsearch with gratitude! The searches are powered by yahoo and provide strong results.

This is one of those win/win opportunities.—TLS


URGENT FURNITURE CALL

Many a phone call comes into The Craddock Center asking for help with furniture and housekeeping items. We are grateful for all that has been donated over the summer. The need is great now for additional household items.

So if you have, any appliances, furniture or housekeeping items that would help a person who has lost everything in a fire begin again, please call Tammy at 706-632-1772.—TLS


I MUST BE GETTING SOFT IN MY OLD AGE

But I am beginning to listen to my former students who lament their sad performances in my classes. I enjoy having confessions, but it is beginning to be a bit much. One recently broke down and said “if only I could re-take the course in preaching”, but then he sobbed, “It’s too late; what I gave written I have written” (This quotation from Pontius Pilate is the only Scripture I ever heard him use). The women among them seem to be made of sterner stuff; they do not come to the altar.

I know what these preachers want: they want me to unscroll the scroll and change their grades. You see, some have moved into lofty pulpits and in their upward mobility they fear that word of a poor grade may be an impediment. Others have not progressed and blame one bad grade for their stalling out.

So, here’s the deal. I will not play favorites; that would be unethical. When I sell grades, I want to be totally fair. For an F to become D, send $100.00 to the Craddock Center. Likewise for a D to become C, a C to become B and B to become A. However, $400.00 will not make an F an A; that is too big a leap, would look suspicious, and probably raise questions about my fundraising methods. However, the two or three who have across the years received an A are invited to send $400.00 as an expression of gratitude.

This offer ends as soon as I receive your checks. Hurry; in time some pious soul will cry “Bribery” and I don’t want any of my old students to be suspected of unethical behavior. The minister’s life must be above reproach at all times. Any questions? - FBC
 

MORE OUTRAGEOUS GIFTS

We have received word from a soon-to-be-married couple in Houston, Texas, that in lieu of wedding presents. The Craddock Center will receive donations. (Now isn’t that a wonderful way to celebrate!!!) Rather than receiving more than they need, this couple chose to make an Outrageous Gift to The Craddock Center, which will become a blessing to many.

Another Outrageous Gift came on October 15, my first day at The Craddock Center. Unbeknownst to me, one of my friends in Atlanta collected donations in my honor as I made the move from Atlanta to Cherry Log. This BIG check came in addition to another generous donation in my honor from the Care Council of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, where I served as Associate Pastor. I can tell you as the honoree how deeply touched I am by these most unexpected surprises!

So when a monumental anniversary rolls around or a very significant birthday, we would love to help you celebrate! - TLS



BOOKS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Can you imagine having grown up without a single book in your home? Just think what you would have missed had your parents and grandparents not read to you even before you can remember. Or what might you have done during those long days of summer as a kid without access to books of your own?

The Craddock Center is addressing the critical need to prepare all preschool children for reading and learning success through the Children’s Enrichment Program, The Story Express and through partnership with Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy.

You can make a difference in a child’s life by making a $35.00 donation to the Ferst Foundation which will provide a book a month for one child for one year. Your donation to The Craddock Center will make a difference in the lives of the children we serve through the Children’s Enrichment Program and the Story Express.

Reading skills begin at birth. Yet 61% of low-income families don’t have a single book in the home suitable for a child. A third of our children are not prepared to learn as they begin school.
Your gifts will make a difference in children’s lives!-TLS



Mark Your Calendar

Dec. 1, 2007—Southern Folk Advent Service, 4:00 pm Oxford, Georgia. Dr. Fred Craddock, Dr. Steven Darsey, the Meridian Herald Singers and Blue Velvet Band.

Jan. 26, 2008— “Winged for the Heart: Folk Songs & Stories” 7:30 pm at Fannin County High School Performing Arts Center. Dr. Fred Craddock and Dr. Steven Darsey.

March 3, 2008– Spring Preaching Workshop, Cherry Log Christian Church 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Dr. Fred Craddock.

March 7, 2008—Helen Lewis Lecture 7:00 pm at Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association (Old Fannin County Courthouse, downtown Blue Ridge).