This sounds like pretty compelling stuff.  From an Agnes Scott College press release…

Brother Guy J. Consolmagno, SJ, an American research astronomer and planetary scientist at the Vatican Observatory, will discuss “The Ethics of Exploration: Planetary Astronomy” during a lecture at Agnes Scott College Feb. 16. The 7:30 p.m. event is in Evans Hall and is free and open to the public.

A number of ethical issues arise in the field of planetary sciences ranging from the way astronomers do their work to the broader question of the nature of exploration itself. Is the study of astronomy a valid use of scarce resources, or does it make inappropriate demands on money, human talent and scarce environmental settings? Are humans “contaminating” space with their presence? Consolmagno will discuss these and many other questions during his lecture.

More info, including a short bio of Consolmagno can be found HERE.

Beth writes in with details about this Sunday’s Oakhurst Presbyterian Church’s free annual trade and craft show.

Holiday Market Place at Oakhurst Presbyterian Church, 118 2nd Ave, City of Decatur will host its annual free trade and hand made crafts marketplace on Sunday, December 6. Come to the fellowship hall between 1:00PM – 4:00PM   to find beautiful gifts. Proceeds go toward mission trips and conferences for young people. Call 404-378-6284 or see the web site (www.oakhurstpresbyterian.org) for more information.

After a very successful, inaugural tree-selling season in 2008, First Christian Church of Decatur is all set to begin tree sales for the 2009 Christmas season today!

According to the church’s website, they again are offering Frasier Fur trees from 3′ and 4′ (“Charlie Brown” trees) up to 9 footers, “along with wreaths, garland, mistletoe and handmade ornaments.”

Trees range from $35-$95 and can be purchased with cash or check OR with a credit card thru Paypal online.

Sale hours are Monday to Friday 3pm-9pm, Saturday 8am-9pm, and Sunday 1pm-9pm. Proceeds Benefit Church and Community Ministries Serving Greater Decatur.

Oh, and did I mention the free home delivery within a five-mile radius of the church?

h/t: DecaturMom

Paula writes in that the Oakhurst newsletter recently reported that a “Methodist-Affiliated Church” would be going into the Big H big-box.

Maybe now the Trader Joe’s rumors will cease.

Rus forwards this AJC article regarding the recent tension between Decatur First Baptist and the Georgia Southern Baptists over female pastor Julie Pennington-Russell.

A check of the timestamp confirms this article was written yesterday, and not a half-century ago as first suspected.