Men's Action Club

2012 Events

2012-01-08T05:12:00.000-08:00

2012 Calendar Requests

Here are dates of events (not finalized.)

Getting Ready for Men's Day at St. Anthony of Padua Church

2011-11-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

Club members are busy preparing for the upcoming Men's Day Celebration on Nov. 13.

There will be the special Men's Choir, an inspiring liturgy and men serving the church community that day.

There will also be a complementary breakfast as a thank you to the parish for its support of the club, as it helps different parish ministries.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Upcoming Events

2011-09-14T19:29:00.000-07:00

A potluck meal to mark the pastor's 40th birthday

Sunday, Sept. 25
After 8:30 am and 11:30 am Mass.

Sign Up here please if you plan to attend .

Wine Tasting

Saturday, Oct. 8th
Look for more details very soon.

Fr. 'Iron Man' aka Vic Galier

2011-09-07T14:26:00.000-07:00

The Men's Club celebrated with the parish Fr. Vic's accomplishment: finishing an Ironman competition.

Great Celebration

2010-11-09T14:37:00.001-08:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Fall Wine Social: Dancing!

2010-10-17T11:13:00.000-07:00

Learn how to salsa at the fall wine tasting. Check it out here: http://macwineanddance.eventbrite.com

Online event registration for Men's Action Club Wine Social powered by Eventbrite

The June breakfast

2010-06-07T14:36:00.001-07:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

2010-05-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

Good times at the Sping Wine Tasting

2010-05-04T13:53:00.000-07:00

Wine Tasting scenes

2010-05-04T13:36:00.001-07:00

2010-05-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

Wine Tasting entertainment

2010-04-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

If you need a reason to support the Men's Action Club and it's spring wine tasting, here's two:

1. Live music as singers from Morehouse, Spelman and Atlanta University Center perform.
2. Tickets are $10 if you buy now and $15 at the door.

See the link below to the PayPal account to buy tickets.

Spring Wine Tasting 2010

2010-04-12T06:31:00.000-07:00

Come and enjoy a wonderful evening. The Men's Action Club Spring Wine Tasting is Saturday, May 1, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be entertainment, hors d'oeuvres and good company.

Spring Wine Tasting 2009

Tickets are $10. They can be purchased below at a secure Web site.
The proceeds help the club support its ministry to the parish. Call Andrew at (404) 507-2980 to answer any questions.

2010-02-24T13:13:00.000-08:00

Why should Advent have all the fun with calendars?
The Busted Halo Website has put together a calendar for Lent.
They call it:

Fast, Pray, Give

Busted Halo's Lenten plan is completely unflunkable, entirely relevant and totally inspiring

Here's Wednesday, Feb. 24:

Check it out:
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/fast-pray-give-2010/

Breakfast out

2010-02-21T09:25:00.000-08:00

The club took a break from preparing breakfasts for others and enjoyed the killer pancakes at Q-time restaurant Sunday, Feb. 21.

Jerry V. and George H.

From left, Rudy, John, Jerry, George, Larry, Jimmie.

Thanks all for Sunday's breakfast

2010-02-10T20:02:00.000-08:00

Great breakfast Sunday.

A good crowd enjoyed a good breakfast. As usual, folks wanted more fish. But I say, leave wanting more!

From Michael A., who I found wiping down the tables, around 8 a.m. to Rudy C., who was sponging off the kitchen appliances around noon, many folks made it work.

To get everyone together, we are rescheduling our usual business meeting for a breakfast get together ourselves. We are meeting on Feb. 21, a Sunday, to share breakfast.

The club is picking up the tab. So, I hope you can join us. More details to follow.

Men Serving Breakfast

2010-02-01T14:18:00.000-08:00

This Sunday.

After 8:30 AM Mass.

Men in the church: 'Does the priest wear a dress?'

2010-01-31T05:55:00.000-08:00

A British organization called Christian Vision for Men is concerned about the lack of men in churches. It claims churches have become too feminine and that scares away the men folk.

Some of its comments from its questioniare:

The image of church is 'women and children' - action songs or kid's plays just emphasise this. The decoration is often very feminine - flowers, embroidered banners,etc etc. The vicar often wears a dress

- Men appreciate 'professionalism'... things done well. For instance, if you use a drama make sure it is good, otherwise men will find it embarrassing

- They don't want to feel brainwashed by reciting words that they don't believe

- The language can be offputting, even the word 'love' has undertones of the love of a man for his woman - they'd rather 'admire' or 'respect' another man. Think how they will respond if called to be Jesus's lover, or to be 'intimate' with him. Don't play into Satan's hands by using language that he has corrupted.

Do you cover topics that are relevant to men? Topics that help them survive the rest of the week, at work, at home, whilst travelling?

Men generally want to be good at what they do, and just find it hard to be good at doing church. For instance:

- Will they stand up and sit down in the wrong places? Will someone 'tut-tut' or snigger if they get it wrong?

- Men are not good at singing in public - without a few beers first! Are the songs in the right register and loud and easy to sing? Why not ask the men to tell you which songs help them express their passion for Christ.

Women are better at purely social gatherings. The men would rather do something challenging or active together. They find it much easier to get to know someone by working with them, or sharing a challenge than having a coffee time chat.

- Arrange some events that give the men the opportunity of doing stuff together.
- Make them MEN ONLY so that the men don't have the chance of letting the women do all the talking. (And to avoid the men showing off!)

Have you considered offering some biblically based time management training?

Many churches worry about making events affordable to all. This often leads to poor quality events that are not really attractive. Why not establish a 'kitty' that allows really good events to be offered at very affordable prices. If you explain this clearly then the better off men will be happy to contribute, and those less well off will be comfortable to come. Everyone will then be comfortable to invite their friends.

Your outreach strategy needs to emphasize the importance of building relationships with our colleagues, neighbors etc.

With the right attitude this can liberate your men to actually live LIFE TO THE FULL! You not only allow, but actively encourage men to have a good time with their friends - playing sports, having a pint, hiking, going to the motor show. It's all evangelism!

Church can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing for men, they can feel as out of place as they would in a ladies underwear shop!

The worst things would be for the husband to be paraded up to a seat at the front. Maybe his wife is proud to show off that he's come, but he will feel like a mongrel on parade at Crufts.

Men don't like to be singled out, NEVER point out newcomers or ask them to stand up.

Are there places in church where the men can 'hide' and watch without feeling they have to join in? If there is a balcony area, this can be a good place to go to observe and not be observed.

Many churches offer a monthly men's breakfast to bring the men together.
This can be valuable, and needs to be MEN ONLY to ensure that the women don't take over the conversations.

However, watch out that the breakfast doesn't become another chore in a busy calender. Keep it lively so that the men look forward to it. Cover topics that really affect men; work, fatherhood, pornography to name but a few.

Look too for other ways of getting the men to spend time together - just having fun and getting to know each other.

Men like competition and challenge.

Try putting on some MEN ONLY events during the year, that give them the opportunity to share a challenge. e.g. climbing Snowdon

Find attractive events that will challenge the men, put them together for a period of time (so they are bound to talk), give them a shared experience to talk about next time they meet.
Good events will give them something to tell their friends about at work on in the pub ... and maybe their friends will want to come next time!

Why not ask the men to decorate the church?

- For instance: does the church always need to be decorated with flowers?

Give them free rein to do what they like!

- Challenge them to do something masculine. How would it go down to decorate with swords, or pictures of knights, or flaming torches?

Look at the words.....

- 'Jesus, I am so in love with you',

- 'Beautiful one I love, beautiful one I adore'.

Many men wouldn't sing that to their wives, let alone another man

Do you cater for the masculine spirit?

-Is the environment too feminine? (flowers, lace cloths, quilted tapestries, gentle pink colours...)

-Is the language feminine? (intimacy, sharing, fellowship, love affair...)

Do they have to sit still quietly?

-Does the vicar wear a dress?

Pretty interesting stuff. The Men's Club offer opportunities to build relationship with other men, hanging out, fishing, baseball games, having a drink, doing work.

To view the survey, go here.

To read about it, here.

The view of the church in Cameroon

2010-01-25T08:27:00.000-08:00

Matti Foncha, a member of the club and an all around good guy, returned to his native Cameroon during December. He shot a video at his parish as the faithful brought 'The Word' to the altar. Talk about joy-filled. Check it out.

Matti wrote:

The occasion was the first mass at home (our street!) by one of our neighborhood sons who was ordained in the Archdiocese of Detroit 18 months ago. He is returning to Detroit later on this month. I could not convince him to move to Atlanta and come serve in our church!

This is a special procession to carry "The Word" to the altar during Mass. Music and dance are from the Kom tradition in Cameroon and the occasion was the celebration of Father Francis Moma's first Mass in his home mission station, St. John the Baptist. Fr. Francis concelebrated the Mass with Archbishop Cornelius of the Bamenda, Cameroon Archdiocese.

Key dates in 2010

2010-01-24T17:05:00.000-08:00

Key dates for the club:

Wine social fundraiser

Spring: May 1
Fall: Nov 6

Mother's Day: May 9th

Men's Day: Oct 17

In addition, breakfast is prepared and served on the first Sunday of every month, except in July and August.

The club has a few more things up its sleeve, including a day of reflection around Lent and get togethers.

New officers, new year

2010-01-23T16:24:00.000-08:00

The club elected new officers for 2010. They are:

Andrew Nelson, president

Weldon Coleman, vice president

George Harris, secretary

Rudy Cadney, treasurer

Marion Lewis, chaplain.

Thank you for stepping up to serve the club, its members and the parish of St. Anthony of Padua

Some photos from the fall wine social

2009-11-17T18:12:00.000-08:00

Wine Social

2009-11-12T10:10:00.000-08:00

The wine social takes place Saturday, Nov. 14, starting at 5 p.m.

The Lyke Center will be transformed into a warm home, perfect for catching up with friends.

Beautiful music and delicious food are part of the evening.

The address is 951 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta.

Join us. Tickets can be purchased below or at the door.

View Larger Map

Wine Social tickets available

2009-10-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

The Men's Action Club is proud how the wine socials have developed into wonderful experience of fellowship at the parish.

On Saturday, Nov. 14, the club will host it once again.

The Lyke Center, the parish center, is transformed into a warm, welcoming place for people to relax and enjoy themselves.

The club hopes you can join us for the evening event. It begins at 5 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m.

To make it easy to buy tickets for the Wine Social, you can use this

safe and secure online feature below:

Wine Social, November 2008

2009-10-30T10:23:00.000-07:00

2009-10-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

Wine Social

Saturday, Nov. 14

5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

An evening of fine wine, light refreshments, hors d'oevres.

Tickets are $15 a piece. They may be purchased ahead of time or at the door.

Breakfast Sunday

2009-10-29T19:12:00.000-07:00

Breakfast Sunday, after 8:30 Mass
Help cook, serve

Men's Day slideshow

2009-10-19T10:53:00.001-07:00

From the pastor: thanks

2009-10-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a note received from Father Tim after the Men's Day Celebration:

Thank You Andrew and the Men's Action Committee for your strong and continued support for the children of St. Anthony's CCD program. Blessings to you again. Fr. Tim

The day was a success in so many ways. Look for a slideshow soon.

And some of us even get on the dance floor

2009-10-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

Mike shows the ladies how's it done.

MAC helps at the Fall Festival 2009

2009-10-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

George and Alvin man the grill.
Rudy & others get ready for the day.
Issac & Mike enjoy the lunch before the dancing begins.

Breakfast service, behind the scenes

2009-10-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

Men's Day Celebration

2009-10-12T18:05:00.000-07:00

Men's Day Celebration

Ministry roles for:
Ushers: Barbara Naylor
Readers: Readers: Sherry Williams CALLED
Choir:

Practice

Monday, Oct. 12 at 7:00 PM
Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7:00 PM
Saturday morning, Oct 17 at 10 a.m

Offertory
1.
2
3
4
And for food, the club is providing a breakfast that should be easy for a small group of people to prepare:

Food:
Coffee/Juice
Pre-cooked sliced ham
Danishes/Croissonts
Biscuits
Turkey
Salmon
Krispy Kreme donuts

Burgers and the Braves--UPDATED

2009-08-02T16:46:00.001-07:00

It's hard to find a better view during the summer.

The club is getting together for BBQ and a trek to Turner Field.

Mark Saturday, Aug. 22, on your calendar when the Braves face the Marlins.

Kevin Ashford is opening his Grant Park home and its BBQ pit to the club.

More details to follow.

Congrats ...

2009-08-02T16:30:00.000-07:00

Tip of the hat to MAC's Gustave Thomas.

Gus is settling in as the executive director of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc.
One of his early projects to tackle is relocating the national office to Tuskegee Al., at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site located at historic Moton Field.

For more information about the nonprofit Tuskegee Airmen. And for details about the historic site.

Congratulations to Gustave.

Summer speeding by

2009-07-14T16:13:00.000-07:00

If you have children, summer may not be over soon enough. But the calendar doesn't lie: the days are speeding past.

My grandmother used to say summer's downward slide started after Independence Day. But she lived outside Syracuse, NY, where fall starts early and spring arrives late.

Important dates to mark on your calendar:

Sept. 6: first Men's Club breakfast after the summer break.
Sept. 20th: meeting

October 4: parish fall festival. Last year, club members did a great job preparing the food. We will do it again.
Oct. 11: meeting
Oct. 18: Men's Day Celebration

Nov. 8th: breakfast
Nov. 14: Wine Tasting

Nothing in December. But plans change often.

Special anniversary

2009-07-14T16:11:00.001-07:00

In November, the esteemed organization the Knights of Peter Claver marks 100 years since its founding in Mobile, Alabama. Starting with an original 40 members, the fraternal organization has grown to be the largest historically African-American lay organization numbering now some 18,000.

This video tells you a little more about the man behind the name.

There are knights among the club members. Their service is to be commended.

Fishing

2009-06-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

What researchers found

2009-06-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

Religion reporters have long noticed that women attend church more than men, but a new analysis by University of Michigan researchers finds that older African-American men spend more time at church activities than older African-American women.

"Churches may be a primary social outlet and sphere of productive activity for older Religion News Service:

African-American men, particularly those who are no longer active in the labor force," said Robert Taylor, professor at the university's School of Social Work, in an announcement of the findings.

Taylor and his colleagues gleaned information from the National Survey of American Life about African-Americans ages 55 and older.

They found that while women attended religious services more frequently, men spent significantly greater hours a week at their places of worship.

Their tasks range from minor repair work to clubs, choirs and Bible studies to serving as deacons or stewards.

http://www.religionnews.com/index.php?%2Frnsblog%2Fblack_men_in_the_building_if_not_the_pews%2F

Runners, walkers and friends

2009-05-31T13:13:00.000-07:00

For any graduates of historically black colleges and universities, there's a 5K fundraiser scheduled for June 27th in Grant Park.

If you'd like to go, here's the link: http://www.hbcualumniatlanta.com/RunWalk.aspx

Fishing trip

2009-05-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

There's a great day planned of relaxing, fishing, kicking back. In other words, a whole lot of nothing.
A group of guys from the parish are heading to Alabama on Saturday, June 27, for a day. More information will follow.
Meanwhile, enjoy this classic movie trailer of a really big fish.

Again. With music

2009-05-10T19:43:00.001-07:00

Pictures and music.

Wine Tasting May 2009

2009-05-10T19:22:00.001-07:00

One word: success.

It was a fun night on May 2, with lots of friends and friends of friends. The Graduates entertained with a cappella songs, while people sipped fine wine on the porch
Members of the club worked hard to transform the Lyke Center from a meeting facility to a beautiful home. We put together a special night. The money raised will let the club continue to serve the parish. Thank you and the club appreciates all the support.

Time to celebrate

2009-05-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

The club's wine tasting is here.

Saturday, May 2
5 pm to 8 pm
591 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd., SW Atlanta

Tickets are $15 for a wonderful evening.
We have several wines to sample, live entertainment and a silent auction with nice keepsakes.

Tickets can be purchased at the door. Or here online through PayPal.

2009-04-12T19:39:00.000-07:00

Here's another view of our wine tasting in 2008.

A huge part of its success was the contribution from Trader Joe's Midtown, on Monroe Avenue.
We have a couple more weeks to talk it up with friends and colleagues. Tell them to check out this Web site and see this slideshow and the video below.
Tickets are available online through the secure PayPal account.

Pay for Wine Tasting tickets

2009-04-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

2009-04-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord) - Johnny Cash

Good Friday will soon be here. It is a day when we pause to remember the sacrifice made by the God of Love.

Wine Tasting

2009-04-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

The club is hosting its second wine tasting on Saturday, May 2, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
We'll transform the Lyke House again into a warm and inviting home.

As the major fundraiser, it was a great success. Club members decided to do it again.
It gives us about a month to reach out to parishioners, neighbors, work colleagues who may enjoy this. In addition, we are adding a silent auction and entertainment.

We are looking for donations for the auction. Everything from art and gift baskets to tickets are great. People with skills, like cooking, think about a offering to cook dinner for auction winners. Contact Andrew to contribute.

More information will be unveiled shortly.

If you weren't there in the fall, here is the video of the event:

Day of Reflection

2009-03-26T06:44:00.000-07:00

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

.

A sweet goodbye

2009-03-25T15:10:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-11T10:46:00.001-07:00

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

2009-03-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-06T05:05:00.000-08:00

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

2009-03-04T16:18:00.000-08:00

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.