FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2010

Contact:
Rev. Paul M. Turner
Gentle Spirit Christian Church
(404) 604-8124

ATLANTA -- The bestselling novel "The Shack", whose protagonist meets God in person after suffering a tragedy, will be the subject of this year's Lenten study at Gentle Spirit Christian Church of Atlanta.

For Gentle Spirit, studying "The Shack" are the centerpiece of the congregation's Lent and Holy Week observances, which are held in conjunction with the church's partners in ministry, First Christian Church of Decatur and The Shepherd's Table Covenant Church. All are invited to participate, whether or not they are members of any of the three congregations.

The full Lent and Holy Week calendar of events is as follows:

Tuesday, February 16th: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner with First Christian Church of Decatur at 6:30pm in the FCCD fellowship hall.  GSCC and our friends are invited to join FCCD in this wonderful dinner.

Wednesday, February 17th: Ash Wednesday. GSCC participates with FCCD in the imposition of ashes to begin the Lenten season, a time of reflection and repentance.  In the FCCD sanctuary.

Sunday, February 21st - March 28th: Lenten Study of "The Shack", conducted by GSCC, FCCD and The Shepherd's Table Community Church from 6pm - 7:30pm each Sunday of Lent.  In the FCCD chapel.  The dates are 2-21, 2-28, 3-7, 3-14 and 3-21.

Thursday, April 1st: Maundy Thursday Service at 7pm.  GSCC joins our friends at FCCD to celebrate Christ's last meal before his betrayal and arrest.  In the sanctuary and fellowship hall of FCCD.

Friday, April 2nd: Good Friday Service at 7pm.  GSCC and FCCD join together in the FCCD sanctuary to reflect on the crucifixion of our Lord.  At the end of this service and through sunrise Easter Sunday morning, GSCC members are asked to fast and pray for the direction of the church.

Saturday, April 3rd: Day of Fasting and Prayer from 9am - 3pm in the first picnic pavilion at Candler Park.  GSCC comes together in prayer and support of our friends in their fast.  Prayer, study and sharing are the themes for the day.

Sunday, April 4th: Easter Sunrise Service at 7:21am at the first picnic pavilion at Candler Park.  GSCC gathers to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior.  The neighborhood is invited.  This service is followed by a fellowship breakfast at Radial Cafe sometime after 8am.   There will be no other service in the park this day.   Instead, at 10:50am we join First Christian Church of Decatur for their Easter celebration in the FCCD sanctuary.

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Gentle Spirit Christian Church is an independent, affirming and progressive congregation serving the metro Atlanta community. Celebrating its 12th anniversary on March 15, 2010, "The Church Without Walls" meets on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in the first picnic pavilion in Atlanta's Candler Park (1500 McLendon Avenue NE, Atlanta) and also offers a joint service, "Communion in Community", on Sundays at 6:47 p.m. at First Christian Church of Decatur, 601 West Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur. The church's website is at www.gentlespirit.org.