CEP GOES BACK TO SCHOOL             

For the eighth year. We’ve heard from many of the fourteen schools where we offer the Children’s Enrichment Program (CEP) that the returning students are asking when the music teachers and storytellers will be back. The schools like for the Craddock Center Arts Specialists to wait until the students have adjusted to being in school before starting the CEP. So the day after Labor Day all six of the Arts Specialists—John Beavin, Kim Cheves, Amanda Galloway, Jose Illingworth, Crystal Sparks and Tracy Walker will be singing songs, telling stories and dancing with the children as they literally transport them into the magical world of imagination. If you would like an unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children, please consider a donation. How much does it cost to bring stories and songs to one child? $140.00 provides CEP for a year! — TLS

HEADACHES AND TUMMY ACHES                 

Have all but disappeared at the five schools participating in the Weekend Backpack Program. The numbers of students needing weekend backpack food have increased but the problems that can be caused by hunger have decreased. The school counselors report a huge drop in the number of educational , physical, and emotional problems at school due to hunger at home since the Backpack Program began. We have just found out the number of children The Craddock Center volunteers are responsible for has grown from 22 to 35. So we are looking for 11 more volunteers to help fill those hungry tummies. Sample Menu—Weekend Backpack Friday snack: peanuts or raisins Saturday Breakfast: Instant oatmeal and a fruit cup Lunch: Beanie Weenies, cheese & crackers Snack: Fruit & Grain Bar Dinner: Chicken Noodle Soup, Crackers, Pudding cup

Sunday Breakfast: Cereal, Applesauce, Milk Lunch: Vienna Sausage, Fruit Cup Snack: Peanut Butter Crackers Dinner: Canned Spaghetti, Green Beans Thanks to all the volunteers and donors who are feeding hungry children on the weekends. Call Tammy at 706-632-1772 if you wish to help. — TLS

THOUGHT YOU MIGHT LIKE TO KNOW              

That Dr. Craddock will be preaching at Morningside Presbyterian Church on September 26, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. This church is located in the Atlanta neighborhood where I lived for 33 years. Last week as I was driving down Morningside Drive I noticed a huge banner in front of the church. I thought to myself that Morningside Presbyterian must be having a big event with such a huge banner. So I slowed down to read the sign which was announcing the greatest preacher of our time would be there on September 26 — Dr. Fred B. Craddock. — TLS

IT’S ALMOST TIME     

For the Fall Preaching Workshop Monday, October 4, 2010. We are looking forward to welcoming Dr. Tom Long, Bandy Professor of Preaching, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, who will lead the workshop on “Re-thinking the Funeral Sermon.”

If you are planning to come and haven’t registered by email (craddockcenter@tds.net) or phone (706-632-1772), please do so ASAP. It will begin at 9 a.m. in the community room of Cherry Log Christian Church, 1149 Cherry Log Street, Cherry Log, GA. If you aren’t planning to stay for lunch please let Tammy know. — TLS

THE WAITING ROOM WAS FULL                    

But I was not anxious; I had an appointment. Still I felt the need to rush; the receptionist had said on the phone that an appointment does not guarantee a seat. But no worry — I’ll take the seat of the next one in to see the doctor.

I signed in. Time of arrival: 8:15 a.m.; time of appointment: 9:00 a.m. I was number 14. I like to be in the 12-15 range. They say doctors hit their stride about number 12. Before that are the distracting chores: finding the white coat, washing hands, getting the stethoscope from the refrigerator, etc.

A nurse appears. “The doctor is running a bit late. Be patient.” No problem. I brought reading material. I begin War and Peace. It is difficult to read standing. All are restless. A teenage patient asks, “Does everyone know Cum Ba Yah?” The stares silence him. He must be in for a brain transplant. I finish War and Peace and begin The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire. The man next to me is knitting. What is it? A sweater. It looked huge. For yourself? No; my mother. What a woman!

A nurse appears. “The doctor is running a bit late. Be patient.” I stop at the restroom on my way down to my car to retrieve more reading material — The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. I return just in time to place my order; the patients are bringing in pizza.

A nurse appears. “As soon as I hear anything.” Again to my car, this time for my shaving kit and a change of clothes. In my absence, the patients elect officers. I am now chair of the First Annual Reunion Committee.
A nurse appears. “The doctor is not coming in today. His doctor ordered bed rest. Maybe tomorrow.” What? My doctor has a doctor! It never occurred to me: the doctor needs a doctor? Then if doctors need doctors. Maybe parents need parents, maybe teachers need teachers, maybe pastors need pastors, maybe all helpers need helpers at sometime.

I’ll be back tomorrow, and instead of one of my usual jabs (Running a bit late aren’t you, doctor?), I think I’ll ask what I never asked before: “How are you feeling, Doctor?” — FBC

RAINBOWS GRIEF PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN                       

Will be offered again beginning October 3 at 6 p.m. at The Craddock Center. Rainbows is a seven week program to help children, teens, and parents with grief and loss. This peer group support is for those who have experienced a loss due to death, divorce, illness, incarceration, moving, or other changes in the family situation. Rainbows is not counseling or therapy, but is facilitated by trained adults who offer support to help share normal, painful feelings associated with grief and loss. There is no cost to the participants thanks to some wonderful donors. To register please call The Craddock Center at 706-632-1772. — TLS

CAR DONATION CAME JUST IN TIME     

To keep a little four year boy, who is autistic, in school. His mother had just come by the school to withdraw her son from Pre-K because her car had died and was beyond repair. At the same time a family in Blue Ridge had called The Craddock Center asking if we knew of anyone in need of a car. So Tammy called the Fannin County Head Start/Pre-K to see if they had a family who needed a car. Coincidence? I don’t think so! We are so grateful for the generosity of the Kimseys whose donation clearly kept a little boy who especially needs to be in school from having to drop out. So if you are contemplating trading your car, please remember the tax deduction can be more than the value of the trade-in and is of immeasurable value to the recipient. — TLS

HOLD THESE DATES! - MARK YOUR CALENDAR!                       

Monday, October 4, 2010 — Fall Preaching Workshop 9 am—1 pm at Cherry Log Christian Church. Topic: “Re-thinking the Funeral Sermon” presented by Dr. Tom Long. Reservations are required.
Sat., Jan. 29, 2011—”Song & Stories: Appalachian Style” 7:30 pm at the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Fannin County High School in Blue Ridge, GA.
Monday, March 7, 2011—Spring Preaching Workshop 9 am—1 pm at Cherry Log Christian Church. Dr. Anna Carter Florence presenting. Reservations are required.
Friday, March 25, 2011 — Seventh Annual Helen Lewis Lecture. 7 pm at the Bonnie Higdon Reaves Auditorium on the Reinhardt campus in Epworth, GA (8 miles west of Blue Ridge). Presenters to be announced next month.