IT IS QUITE UNDERSTANDABLE
That the Center be concerned about my retirement.
It is not personal; I am still welcome to hang out now and then, as long
as I stay out of the way of those who have work to do. In other words,
life around the Center is as it has always been for me. Rather, the
concern is financial. After all, a considerable portion of our income
came from my preaching and teaching with the honoraria going to the
Center. How will that lack be supplied?
No problem. The plan is simple: churches and other groups will be asked
to pay for my not coming to them to preach or teach. A simple note
accompanying your check will suffice to enable Tammy to keep clear
financial records. For example,: “Dr. Craddock did not show up for our
Homecoming, and in appreciation enclosed is a check to the Center for
$500.00.” Or perhaps, “Dr. Craddock has never been to our church and in
gratitude we are sending $750.00.” Or again, “This is the seventh year
in a row Dr. Craddock has not been here. Please accept our gift of
$700.00. In the future, for each year he fails to show we will increase
our gift $100.00.” Or this: “Our church is growing, not in spite of but
because of Dr. Craddock’s absence. Enclosed find a check for $1,000.00.”
One more possibility: “We have no plans to invite Dr. Craddock to our
church and that bright prospect has moved our Board to unprecedented
generosity. Celebrate with us by receiving our check for $2,000.00.”
Are you following me? Good. Tammy will keep a separate record of gifts
to the Un-Craddock Fund (or perhaps, the Silence is Golden Fund). From
time to time we will publish in the Milk and Honey some
of the more clever notes along with the amounts given. And of course,
you will be informed about the totals given.
You will notice that I have not increased my usual honoraria, although
some will likely find that my absence was more valuable than my
presence. I simply feel that I should not take advantage of churches by
getting greedy in my absence. I realize there are many capable preachers
and teachers who will not come to your church for less. But let me just
say that if you never see me again, we are grateful for your generosity.
Especially if it comes to us annually. And if I should, by some fluke of
scheduling, show up in your community, your check will be returned along
with an apology from me.
Frankly, I see nothing but happy days ahead. — FBC
EMOTION IN PREACHING
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Dr. Craddock delivered his twenty-fifth Preaching Workshop in
Cherry Log on October 5 to a full house of appreciative
preachers. In his inimitable way Dr. Craddock had everyone
laughing and crying as he spoke on Emotion in Preaching. This
line in his opening prayer gives you a glimpse of his message,
“God, I am grateful for work more important than how I feel
about it on any given day.” If you were not able to be there, we
are sorry. But help is available through his lecture “for those
Sundays when you climb into the pulpit wearing iron shoes.” (para-
phrasing Dr. Craddock) CD’s of Dr. Craddock’s lecture will be
available in a few weeks. It would make a great Christmas
present or thank you present to your pastor. |
All of Dr. Craddock’s sermons and lectures are
available through Bell Tower Productions. All receipts from those sales
are generously given as a donation to the programs of The Craddock
Center. You can request a catalog or place an order at Bell Tower
Productions, 4217 North Mountain Road, Marietta, GA 30066, 770-294-1469,
www.craddocksermons.com. — TLS
A WORLD OF THANKS FROM GILMER COUNTY HEAD START/PRE-K
“All our students enjoy the Children’s Enrichment Program. Each week
they frequently ask, ‘do we have music today?’ Approximately 40% of our
student population is Hispanic. This being their first educational
experience, these students often experience language barriers. Research
has proven that music and dance accelerate the development of
verbal/nonverbal communication. A rise in self-esteem and confidence is
also observed with consistent exposure to music and dance. Currently
there are several students with special needs. These students make
tremendous gains when the have consistent opportunities to participate
in music and dance. For example, we had a Pre-K student enter as a
four-year-old who communicated on an eighteen month-old level. Because
of his exposure to the Children’s Enrichment Program and a
literacy-filled environment, he is now communicating on a much higher
level. We look forward to witnessing the benefits and joy The Craddock
Center CEP provides in the coming year.” Sincerely, Beth McArthur
Stephanie Burnette Head Start Director Pre-K Director
WHERE IS THE FANNIN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL PAC?
TFrom Appalachian Highway 515 (aka US 76) turn right at first traffic
light in Blue Ridge on Old Highway 76(the intersection where you see
June Walker Chevrolet). Follow the road around one curve and you’ll see
Fannin County High School sign on your right. Turn there and the
Performing Arts Center is the up on the hill on your left. Turn left at
top of hill and you’ll find plenty of parking in front of the PAC. — TLS
KOHL’S DEPARTMENT STORE MAKES DONATION
If you’ve shopped at Kohl’s you probably have noticed the children’s
books and stuffed animals near the entrance. They are a great buy at $5
each. Since we now have a Kohl’s Store halfway between Cherry Log and
Atlanta, I inquired about what they did with the books and animals that
don’t sell. The response was, “we give them to nonprofits.” So the
manger went to the back of the store and gave The Craddock Center two
bags full of stuffed animals related to Dr. Seuss stories. We are
grateful to Kohl’s for helping bring happy smiles to kids faces. — TLS
SPEAKING OF DR. SEUSS
The children and teachers at the Head Start/Pre-K
Centers we serve love Dr. Seuss. And we love to let Dr. Seuss ride along
on the Story Express when we deliver books to the schools in December.
When the children see these books their eyes brighten. Our December
delivery is just in time for the children to have books for Dr. Seuss’
birthday on March 2. Most schools celebrate his birthday by
participating in Read Across America on that date. Do you remember your
favorite Dr. Seuss book or character from your childhood? A donation to
the Story Express is a great way to share your memory with these
precious children. — TTB
Fannin County High School Performing Arts Center Jan. 30, 2010—Blue
Ridge, GA 7:30 PM
Plan to join us for an evening of Appalachian stories
and songs! This would be a wonderful evening event for a church group
to gather for dinner and the program. Bob and Melody Thomson will warm
you hearts with gospel and bluegrass dulcimer music along with plenty of
stories. Bob has been making and playing fine Appalachian
dulcimers for nearly 30 years.
Think about gathering your friends, renting a cabin and enjoying a
weekend getaway. Admission is Free!
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Jan. 30, 2010—7:00 pm Songs &
Stories—Appalachian Style
March 1, 2010—9:00 am Spring Preaching Workshop Dr. Eugene Lowry
March 5, 2010—7:00 pm Helen Lewis Lecture Silas House—Author &
Musician
October 4, 2010—9:00 am Fall Preaching Workshop Dr. Tom Long
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Children’s Enrichment Program of The Craddock Center
I will give _______ scholarships of $140.00 per year for 3 years.
I will pay this pledge _____ monthly, _____ semiannually,
_____ annually
Signed ________________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________
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