Day of Reflection

Some 20 men participated in the day of reflection at the Lyke House. Fr. Ed Branch let the day, which included the universal prayer of the church, the Liturgy of the Hours.
The March 21 event gave people a lot to think about during Lent, from how to be men of prayer to living as sacraments.

Here's a short video of the day

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A sweet goodbye

St. Anthony Church was filled with well wishers, family and lots of friends of the late George Thompson. It was a testimony to the man that so many people came for the mid-day celebration of his life.

John Fason, a leader at the Men's Action Club, spoke movingly during the ceremony.
Here's what he said:

Good morning to the family and to Georges’ church family – A part of me died last week – and with each tear that rolled down my cheek and each sob escaping my lips, came the realization that George was no longer here –

Oh how I will miss you my friend, my brother in Christ!

I have reflected back to when I first met you – it was down in Adamski Hall – You were the Men’s Action Club President – and as any good president should do, you told me about the club and its purpose. (Which I later found out, you really needed someone to help cleanup after breakfast – and I could really handle a mop back then) I should have run away then! But no – I stayed and listened and joined. I am glad I did! It is from George I learned the personal history of our church, how it had transitioned. Some of the famous or infamous families that had sat in some of the same pews some of you are sitting in today. I enjoyed every story!

There were many a day when George and I would talk about the future and the future state of not only the church but as only George would term it “The plight of our brothers and sisters” – He would point out that some of their demons were because of the choices that were made. I generally would have to agree – But, sometimes George was just testing me to see how I would respond.

My greatest testament to the man will be that he always - No matter what the situation, would always speak up when he felt a decision wasn’t fully thought out – He always wanted to make sure that we didn’t rush to judgment and that we took the WWJD approach especially when it came to helping others.

George – You will be missed!

Funeral services for George Thompson

George was a long time member of the club. He loved gathering with friends and opened his home for parties, where laughter was loud.

His life is being celebrated Friday at St. Anthony. The service begins at 11 a.m.

Lots happening

Our day of reflection is coming up on Saturday, March 21. But it is not the only event planned for the year ahead.

Here's the activities the Men's Action Club has planned for 2009:

Service:

• wine tasting fundraiser, Nov. 14 (also, a spring event)
  
• Mother's Day, May 10
• upgrade one room and furniture in Lyke Center
  
• Fall Festival, Oct. 3
• recognize high school graduates
  

Male Spirituality

• Retreat for men, March 21
• Men's Day, Oct. 18

Social/Fellowship

• Breakfasts on the first Sunday of the month, except for June/July/August
• BBQ Luncheon after 11:30 Mass in the spring
• Social outings, spring, summer, fall and winter.
• Guest speakers

What to expect at the Day of Reflection

The gospel today, Abraham said, "Here I I am."
I hope people will say the same at the Men's Day of Reflection.
The day is designed to give the participants time for prayer, sharing, and listening.
There are three talks focusing on spirituality for men, particularly focused on black male spirituality.
Also, the day will be designed around the Liturgy of the Hours, with morning prayer, noon prayer and afternoon prayer. (For a little more about the Liturgy of the Hours, go here.)

Part of the afternoon will be what's called men's walk, where guys will partner up in twos and walk together, sharing they heard, what they desire, breaking open the day.
Kind of like the story of the conversation on the road to Emmaus.

2009 goals

In February, the club set goals for 2009. Top of the list is want to provide more service to the parish in the way of spiritual programs. The Lent day of reflection is the first step in that direction.

Other activities include guest speakers every few months, quarterly get togethers - dinner, golf, football watching, you get the picture - and service projects. Those ideas are the works.

Many of the goals will be presented to the parish council on Tuesday to get its OK.

Day of Reflection

The Men’s Action Club is hosting a day of reflection. The date is Saturday, March 21. We’ll gather at the Lyke House at Atlanta University Center. The event is open to any man in the congregation.

The world is a hectic place. This is a day to step back and catch a breath.

Check back for more information.

Contact Andrew Nelson at nelsonandrec@gmail for questions.