St. Bede on Revelation 2:28 - Atlanta

“Christ is the Morning Star who when the night of this world is past brings to his
saints the promise of the light of life and opens everlasting day.”
St. Bede on Revelation 2:28
St. Bede’s Episcopal Church
Parish Profile
June 2003
St. Bede’s
Nominating Committee
George Shingler, Chairman Annette Davis
Clevlyn Anderson
Steve Hadler
Bo Bancroft
Nancy Keating
Ray Callaway
Terry McClean
Lee Caride
Robert Moe
Liz Christiansen
Tommie Thompson
The Very Rev E. Claiborne Jones, Consultant
Please direct all inquiries to St. Bede’s Nominating Committee.
St. Bede’s Episcopal Church
Nominating Committee
P.O. Box 941068
Atlanta, Georgia 31141
On The Cover: Ann Cowperthwaite, artist and resident of Raleigh, North Carolina, created the cross
that hangs above our altar that beckons us to worship.
Detail From Watercolor: by artist and parishioner Mike Johnson.
Photographs: A special thank you to all the parishioners who supplied photographs.
Parish Profile
Mission Statement
At St. Bede’s Episcopal Church, our mission is to lovingly celebrate and serve
God through meaningful worship and compassionate outreach. In this
community of faith, we grow spiritually and personally; we teach, we learn, we
discern, and we play together, as we care for others and ourselves through the
love of Jesus Christ.
Principles and Practices
St. Bede’s is a church that:
Encourages all members to appreciate the wonderful We pledge to
support God
love, mercy, and forgiveness of God.
and the
Reassures its members that compassion is the
loving
surest path to God, as shown by Jesus Christ.
community
Commits itself in liturgy and music to the tradition we have
found at
and spirit of the Book of Common Prayer.
St. Bede’s.
Expects each member to regularly attend worship,
commit to a personal prayer life, contribute
financially, and have a ministry of personal service.
Invites its members to discover
expression of the Christian faith.
their
unique
Embraces diversity and is committed to inclusiveness.
Respects other faiths.
Strengthens community by encouraging open and
honest relationships.
Believes as its operating principle:
In essentials, unity
In nonessentials, diversity
In all things, charity.
-1-
St. Bede’s
The Rector We Seek
Vision
Statement
Trusting in
God’s
continual
guidance, the
vision of St.
Bede’s
Episcopal
Church is one
of a growing,
vibrant parish.
We claim as
central to our
character the
qualities of
our namesake,
the venerable
Bede- saint,
scholar,
preacher, and
teacher. Our
aim is to
nurture and
empower for
service
compassionate
disciples who
respect the
dignity of all
human beings.
Adopted by the
Vestry
September 16,
2002
Dear Future Rector of St. Bede’s:
We are pleased you are interested in learning about us. Through focus groups and
deep reflection, we have formed an idea of who we think you might be and what
your skills and qualifications are. Hopefully you will read this and feel we are
speaking directly to your heart.
As you will read, St. Bede’s is in the process of becoming a program church. We
need someone with the skills to help us manage this transition and also to guide and
support us in achieving the goals we have identified in our Long Range Plan.
Improving our buildings and stewardship are especially important to us.
We need a rector who will help shepherd individuals to seek out and undertake a
variety of ministries both within and outside of the parish. We are a church that
strongly believes in consensus. We want a rector who can be a consensus builder
and reconciler; however, we need a rector who is a forthright individual who can
make the final decision. We want a preacher who will inspire us with the Good
News of Christ and a teacher who will challenge us to grow spiritually and
intellectually.
Our youth and music programs are very important to us. We want a rector who will
provide leadership in incorporating music into our worship experience and
encourage the commitment and gifts of our wonderful musicians. We hope for a
rector who will support our youth and help to build a strong framework for the
growth of our youth program
We would like to see our parish grow larger and more diverse, mirroring the
changes in our immediate area. We would also like to have a stronger sense of
community within the parish. We need an active rector who will share in the life
of the community and help the parish to grow in these ways.
We need a rector with a lively sense of humor and perspective. While the job of
being our spiritual leader is serious, it is important that we all are able to laugh with
each other and not be overwhelmed by the tickly demands we Bedians make. We
seek a rector who will value our care for him or her as we value his or her
compassion and care for us.
Now that you have learned of our ideas of what we seek in a new rector, we hope you
have been inspired to bring your talents and skills to our home. As our namesake St.
Bede compares Christ to the morning star, we hope Christ will bless us as we approach
this new morning in the life of our parish.
Sincerely,
St. Bede’s Parishioners
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Parish Profile
A History of St. Bede’s Episcopal
Church
Bede the Venerable (672-735) was the
greatest of the scholars of the Northumbrian
Church during the height of the ancient
Kingdom of Northumbria in northeast
England. His writings, including The
Ecclesiastical History of the English People,
tell us much of what we know about the
Church in England from Roman times until
shortly before Bede’s death. His devotion
to the study of scripture and the history of
the Church has influenced St. Bede’s parish
in its liturgy, spirituality, educational and
outreach programs.
St. Bede’s had its beginnings in 1956 when
the Diocese of Atlanta purchased 7.5 acres at the corner of Henderson Mill and
Midvale Roads. Legend has it that Mr. Henderson had declined several purchase
offers because it was his wish to have a church built on the corner. He called it
his “Jesus Patch.” Our first regular service was held at Briarlake Elementary
School in June 1960. Construction began in 1962 on a building which is now our
education wing, followed six years later by a second building which served as our
nave for almost 30 years and now holds our parish hall, several classrooms, and
the choir room. A third building, connecting these two, was dedicated in 1981;
our new nave was dedicated in September, 1997.
St. Bede’s owes its vibrant life as a
suburban parish to the leadership of our
third rector, John Porter. During his 17
years as Rector, we developed an active
outreach program which involves many
parishioners in providing Thanksgiving
meals to inner city families, building
homes through Habitat for Humanity,
working in homeless shelters, donating
money to Food for the Poor for its
programs in the Caribbean and Central
America, and teaching in our English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Since
1963, we have sponsored St. Bede’s Day School, a 12 month to 4 year old
program that serves the surrounding community.
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“As a
congregation,
we cherish
and adhere to
the beautiful
and moving
liturgy that is
the heritage
of our
Episcopal
tradition.”
St. Bede’s
Worship and Liturgy
“Sermons
should
challenge me
to do
something
with the
scripture, to
take Christ
into my
everyday
world.”
St. Bede’s offers two services of Holy
Communion on Sundays, at 8:15 A.M. and at
10:45 A.M. These services differ only by
the presence of the choir and a formal music
program at the latter. During the week,
there is a Wednesday noon Holy Communion
and Healing Service and a 6:00 P.M. Holy
Communion service. The sacrament of
healing is also offered during the morning
services on the first Sunday of every month. With reverence and affection, we
follow the liturgical order of the Episcopal Church. Rite Two is used on Sunday. We
observe the principal feasts of the church during the course of the liturgical year.
Advent begins with the lighting of the first candle on the Advent Wreath and
culminates in a Christmas pageant performed by children and youth to a standing
room only congregation on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. The two Christmas Eve
evening services of music and praise are equally well attended, as is the Christmas
Day Holy Eucharist. The final act of the Christmas pageant occurs on Epiphany with
the arrival of the Magi at the altar.
The season of Lent is
preceded by a Shrove
Tuesday pancake supper
prepared by our youth
group. Ash Wednesday
services introduce the
season of penitence, which
is broken only by our
traditional Palm Sunday
service. Our Holy Week
worship begins beneath our
large cross on the lawn outside the nave. After palms are distributed and opening
sentences and prayers are said, the congregation follows the clergy and choir in a
procession around the church and through the Memorial Garden into the nave. Our
traditional Seder Dinner follows on Maundy Thursday, during which there is the
ceremony of foot washing. Following dinner, the altar is stripped and a prayer vigil
is kept with the Elements through the night and until the first service on Good
Friday. The Easter Eve service is probably our most magnificent and moving
service, celebrating as it does the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The services of Holy
Eucharist on Easter morning feature a full choir and orchestra.
We at St. Bede’s feel that the Spirit of God descends upon us as we worship. The
familiar and comforting words of the liturgy and the community of friends, both
known and to be known, embrace, and strengthen us on our journey of faith.
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Parish Profile
Places Of Worship
St. Bede’s new nave was dedicated on September 14, 1997. It was designed to
follow the liturgical principles described in The Church for Common Prayer.
This
document
states
that
“buildings, like the Gospel, beckon
us beyond where we are.” The
large open space, which is our
place of worship, enfolds the four
principal liturgical symbols: the
People, the Altar, the Lectern, and
the Font. The congregation is
seated partially surrounding the
altar, which is open and easily
accessible
to
the
body
of
worshippers. To the left of the altar
is the lectern and to the right is a seat for the celebrant. Upon entering the nave,
one passes the baptismal font of running water, which is symbolic of the
baptismal entrance into Christian life.
Above the altar is a modern sculpture that appears to be a cross both broken and
triumphant, surrounded by the words of St. Bede, “Christ is the morning star…”
As one sits in the congregation, one is very much aware of the altar and of the
sky and treetops which are visible through clerestory windows surrounding the
sanctuary. The aumbry and icon serve as a peaceful area of personal prayer and
reflection.
There are other places of worship at
St. Bede’s. The memorial garden is
situated between the church and a
stream. There are several benches
and a sheltered arbor, permitting
reflection among the Georgia pines
and azaleas. The garden receives
the ashes of most persons whose
funerals take place at St. Bede’s.
Within the church building, there is a
prayer room. In the Education wing
there is a prayer room that is used
exclusively for Godly Play, a
worship program for young children.
-5-
“The liturgy
should be
important to
our new
Rector.”
St. Bede’s
Music
Within the
carvings on
the organ is
an error by
an ancient
scribe,
referring to
Sancta Baeda
instead of the
correct
Sancto
Baeda. Our
Rector, John
Porter,
placed it
there to
illustrate that
despite our
best
intentions, all
our efforts
are in need
of God's
gracious
forgiving.
Music, both traditional and contemporary, has
always played an important role in worship at St.
Bede’s Episcopal Church. St. Bede’s music ministry
has grown over the years and now supports adult,
youth and junior choirs, and a bell choir.
Instrumentalists from the parish and community
frequently bring an added dimension to the choirs’
musical offerings.
A sign of the strength of the program was the
support of the rector and vestry in the purchase of
a tracker organ for the nave. The organ selection
process caused many in the parish to start
rethinking how we were using our whole facility.
Soon a building program that was to result in a new
nave was started and Richards & Fowkes was
engaged to build their Opus IX. This seventeenrank organ, dedicated on March 11, 2000, has drawn praise not only from the
congregation, but also from the local music community. Our organ is inspired by
northern European instruments and provides support for congregational singing as
well as a modest number of stops to give color and range to organ voluntaries.
We have been blessed with several gifted organists and choirmasters. Our
present organist, Tamara Makdad Albrecht, is a faculty member at Emory
University. During her tenure, she has expanded the adult and youth choir
activities to include performances of oratorios, youth choral trips to the
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, and a
choral/mission tour of northeastern England.
The choir performed in Durham Cathedral, the
burial site of St. Bede, and many local
parishes, and through the generosity of the
members of St. Bede’s brought donations to
the host churches. The trip was more than
just a choir tour; it was a mission of goodwill
and a spiritual journey for the group.
In response to our new relationship with the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the
choirs of St. Matthew Lutheran Church and St.
Bede’s joined forces for Easter Vigil service at St. Bede’s. A joint Reformation
Day evensong service was offered at St. Matthew and an evensong service in the
Anglican tradition has been performed at St. Bede’s.
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Parish Profile
Adult and Youth Christian Education
At St. Bede’s, we offer Sunday School
classes for adults and children during
the school year. Lay volunteers and
clergy lead adult classes.
Classes
cover a variety of topics from Bible
and faith-related subjects to social
issues such as ecology. Clergy and lay
teachers
lead
confirmation
and
newcomers classes for adults and
children.
The imaginative Godly Play curriculum
(www.godlyplay.org) was implemented
in the fall of 2002 for children from age
nd
three through 2 grade. The Episcopal Children’s Curriculum is used for our
intermediate classes, grades 3 through 6. The Journey to Adulthood (J2A) program
(www.J2A.org) has energized the youth. The first J2A pilgrimage to South Dakota
in 2001 paved the way for the current J2A group to plan a pilgrimage to Durham,
England, in the summer of 2003. The high school YAC (Young Adults in Church)
group is a tightly knit group of friends who are active in many areas of the church.
Support from the parish for youth programs has been substantial. There are two
weekday Bible studies and an evening program each week throughout Lent.
Vacation Bible School has grown
steadily over the years. Planned
around a different theme each
summer, many energetic and
dedicated
volunteers
(parents,
youth and others) staff a vibrant and
well-loved
program
for
our
youngest members. The experience
culminates in a worship service
designed to highlight and celebrate
the
children’s
activities
and
accomplishments during the week.
“The Rector
is just like the
person in the
pew…speaks
to his/her
humanity.”
“Our youth
program has
grown and
our youth are
very active.”
Responsibility for Christian Education is shared by the Christian Education Steering
Committee, which guides Sunday school for children, and the Youth Committee,
which focuses on youth programs. A part-time youth minister was hired in 2001 to
implement and coordinate regular youth activities for our young people.
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St. Bede’s
Outreach Ministries
“Some
people are
fearful of
leading a
program
church. We
need
someone who
wants to do
that.”
The outreach ministries of St. Bede’s
seek to offer, in many different ways, a
cup of cold water in a thirsty world. It
is a large and diverse group, bringing a
variety of talents and passions to the
many needs found in our community.
English
as
a
Second
Language
(ESL)
provides English classes and other
services to some of the thousands of
immigrant families who live in our
community. The program has blossomed and has beginning, intermediate, and
advanced classes. Over 65 teachers, most of whom are members of St. Bede’s,
participate.
Atlanta Habitat for Humanity allows St. Bede’s parishioners to become involved in
this internationally known building program. In addition to providing volunteer
construction workers, St. Bede’s financial contribution to our most recent
building project was $5000.
Food for the Poor provides food, housing and medical supplies to desperately poor
residents of Caribbean nations. St. Bede’s provides cash assistance. In 2002,
church members sponsored a pilgrimage for ten members of the congregation to
Haiti, as well as a contribution to Food for the Poor of $7000.
“We want to
participate in
activities out
side of
ourselves.”
NET Food Pantry is stocked with nonperishable
foods and basic essentials to be given to low
income persons who are referred by local
churches. St. Bede’s staffs the pantry on a
rotating basis with other member churches.
We are blessed to have a sister congregation in
the Redwater Community (near Carthage,
Mississippi) who have opened their homes and
hearts to us. Members of the Mt. Zion Choctaw
Indian Baptist Church (SBC) have visited us and we
have visited them. St. Bede’s has supported Mt.
Zion’s efforts to raise money for a fellowship hall
and Sunday School classrooms.
-8-
Parish Profile
Outreach Ministries continued
Our Sunday School classes
have energetically supported
Resma, an Indian child, and have
begun sponsorship of another
child, Sheldon Telemaque, from
Dominica. During Lent, the
Sunday School supports the
Heifer Project, a project that
purchases farm animals and
tools for third world families.
During Advent we prepare Baby
Jesus baskets for new mothers at
Grady Hospital, which provides
the majority of public medical care in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
“I pledge
time as well
as money;
when I work
with the
people of the
church, I
make grand
friends as we
share the
trials and
joys of our
lives.”
Mom of
In addition, the parish supports Operation School Bell, which provides new clothes, grown
toiletries and school supplies for low-income children in neighborhood elementary children
schools. We provide Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas stockings and financial
assistance to Emmaus House, a community mission in downtown Atlanta. We have
provided support to Jerusalem House, a home for people living with AIDS. At
Nicholas House, a family shelter located at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church,
parishioners provide the evening meal for residents one week each year.
Fund raising for outreach includes special events designed to raise awareness and
money. This year’s events included Bargains, Bangles, and Bede’s, an incredible yard
sale with a preview party (not to be missed) and live and silent auctions.
St. Bede’s Episcopal Day
School
The St. Bede’s Episcopal Day School is
a nonprofit organization that employs a
director and a number of teachers to
provide preschool education programs
for children 12 months through 4 years.
Its current enrollment is 92 children,
supervised by eight teachers and four
assistants, in addition to the director.
The Day School’s current operating
budget is approximately $110,000.
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St. Bede’s
Parish Life
Throughout the year, the Parish Life Council works with the clergy and staff to
organize and promote many special occasions involving the entire parish. These
events include but are not limited to:
“Sunday
morning
contacts
become more
important
as our parish
grows.”
Receptions for the following services
Christmas Eve
Epiphany
Easter
Pentecost
The Bishop’s Visitations
Intergenerational Advent Events
Advent Wreath Creations
Wassail Party- sponsored by the Youth Group
Parish-wide picnic to kick off the fall schedule and ministries and in the spring, following the Children and
Youth Sunday service.
Each Sunday morning there is an opportunity for
informal parish interaction during breakfast
between the services. Breakfast is organized by
parish groups and individuals.
There are a number of ongoing groups appealing to
various member sectors, including the Loaves and
Fishes Sunday evening program and potluck supper;
the Meeting, Eating and Greeting Group, known as
MEGGS; the Sisters of Bede, which sponsors
Bargains, Bangles & Bedes, a biennial event; a
group that meets monthly at a different Mexican
restaurant; a birthday group; and a bridge group.
We recognize the value of a strong newcomers
program and are in the process of defining the way
we welcome and integrate prospective members at
St. Bede’s. We now offer a quarterly Newcomers
101 class led by clergy and members of the parish.
Pastoral Care
Pastoral care at St. Bede’s is overseen by a Pastoral Care Council that reviews the
activities of several ministries. Among these are the Lay Eucharistic Ministers, who
take Holy Communion to parishioners at home; Stephen Ministry, one-to-one
pastoral care provided by trained lay ministers; Share-the-Care, a group that
provides practical help such as food and transportation; and Daughters of the King,
who offer the support of prayer in times of need.
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Parish Profile
Facilities
St. Bede’s is an active, vibrant parish
as can be seen by the consistent
competition for space by internal and
community groups. We are the first
to admit that our existing facilities
are not sufficient for our current and
future needs. Facility improvement,
renovation, and expansion was a
major component of the recent Long
Range Planning Committee’s report
and will be the focus of much
attention over the next several
years.
“Most of the
church’s
furniture is
worn and
outdated. The
lighting is
inadequate.
The storage
is inefficient
and
inadequate.
There is a
great need to
upgrade.”
The parish has done a great job of juggling schedules in order to use our space as
efficiently as possible. For example, our education wing houses the St. Bede’s
Day School during weekly morning hours, parish sponsored ESL classes in the
evenings and on Saturday mornings, and children’s Christian Education on Sunday.
In addition to these uses, we provide space for community organizations/
ministries such as the Julian of Norwich Center, Tough Love, and Alcoholics Long Range
Planning
Anonymous, to name just a few.
Committee’s
Report
A recommendation from the Long Range Planning
Committee was for St. Bede’s to contract with a
space planner to determine how best to use our
current facilities, what short term renovations are
possible to help meet current needs, and long
term expansion possibilities based on our
continued growth. We are now in this phase of
facilities planning.
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St. Bede’s
Long Range Planning
“We’re too
big a parish
for the Rector
to do
everything.”
In October of 2001, our rector, John Porter, asked
the vestry to form a Long Range Planning
Committee whose mission was to define a set of
goals for St. Bede’s for the next five to ten years.
A committee of fifteen was formed, comprised of
parishioners, two vestry members, and two
consultants. The committee began its work in
December, 2001, and took on a new importance
when, in March, 2002, John Porter announced his
resignation. The completed report of the committee
was provided to the vestry in September of 2002.
The committee focused on examining who we are,
who we want to become, and developing a strategic
plan to lead us in that direction. The plan was developed by revisiting our mission
and vision statements and by analyzing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities
and challenges of the parish. Parish involvement in the process was extensive,
including focus groups and individual interviews.
The committee identified and provided critical analysis of the following five areas:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Physical facilities
Resources/stewardship
Clergy and staff
Community building/spiritual formation
External focus/outreach
The Long Range Planning Committee’s
report was well received by the
vestry and many of the short-term
recommendations have been put into
action. The groundwork has begun for
the long-term suggestions and we
look forward to the presence of our
new Rector to provide direction,
focus, and leadership toward implementing our long-range plan. The
entire report is available on our web
site at http://www.stbedes.org.
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Parish Profile
Finances and Stewardship
St Bede’s operating budget for 2002 was
$423,626, with a proposed budget of
$439,700 for 2003. Current pledging units
are 196 at an average of $2011, which
compares very favorably with the National
Episcopal Church average of $1456.
“I pledge
While the current level of giving is at the because it
high end of what can be expected, there strengthens
has been no appreciable growth in pledging me.”
units over the last decade. It is, however,
A parishioner
noteworthy that the amount of money
pledged has continued to increase. In 2003,
pledges of $367,700 showed an increase of $26,513 over 2001.
“The impact
on giving
Our parish understands that stewardship at St. Bede’s encompasses more than reflects the
just an annual campaign. When asked why they pledge, members mention a uncertainty
desire to give to the community as often as the need to maintain the building. and stress of
Until this year, monthly stewardship parish gatherings were held for small groups, our time.
and pledges were made throughout the year. In the fall of 2002, the Stewardship Keep
praying!
Committee recommended the following.
Have faith!
After all, we
•
Improve and expand our stewardship and implement a long-term plan to
ended 2002
increase the yearly budget by
in the black.”
$70,000-$80,000 and the number of
pledging units by 20%.
Chairperson
of the
•
Establish a planned giving program,
Stewardship
including an endowment fund, to
Ministry
enable gifts of real and personal
Committee
property to be received for the benefit
of St. Bede’s.
•
Develop a capital campaign to fund
facility remodeling, parking lot
expansion, and other items.
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St. Bede’s
Financial History
The following is a five-year view of our financial history.
Historical Revenue and Expenses (1998-2002)
Category
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
342,016
343,893
368,967
401,632
423,792
181,142
175,512
187,897
208,986
216,120
33,831
33,669
11,595
12,938
15,455
3,617
6,740
2,498
4,239
4,858
123,425
127,972
164,601
174,800
187,192
342,015
343,893
366,591
400,963
423,626
0
0
2,376
669
166
Long Term Debt
655,225
636,887
661,876
658,368
648,923
Outreach
26,362
208
44,444
202
40,193
193
78,575
202
64,733
201
Income
Expenses
Salaries & Benefits
Pastoral Care
Parish Life
Resource Cmt/Admin.
Total Expenses
Income minus
Expenses
Pledging Units
-14-
Parish Profile
Demographics
The Search Committee created and distributed a parish survey in the autumn of 2002. The
following charts display the demographics of the survey respondents:
Age - Children
40
25
35
20
30
15
Percent
25
Age (yrs)
20
15
Age G rou p
10
5
51-64
Worship Frequency
w
-1
ay
2)
)
A
11
(G
C
Years at St. Bede’s (Adults)
60
30
50
25
40
Percent
20
30
20
15
Years
10
10
0
9-
65 +
A
40-50
Y
25-39
10
8)
A
J2
R
18-24
(G
6
G
(G
73
G
3-
-G
Pr
0
t1
t
In
fa
n
5
Percent
2
0
10
eK
Percent
Age Distribution - Adults
5
<1
2
3
4
0
Services Attend per Month
<2
2-5
6 - 10
11- 20
> 20
Education (Adults)
Household Income
35
-15-
st
gr
Po
ol
C
ad
)
(g
r
ad
om
e)
/T
oc
V
ig
h
25-49,999 50-74,999 75-100,000 > 100,000
H
<25,000
Sc
ho
0
ec
ol
5
(s
10
Statu s
ol
Income ($)
15
C
20
Percent
Percent
25
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
h
30
St. Bede’s
Administration & Staff
“Our Rector
should be
able to
release
leadership
but exhibit
willingness to
lead when
needed.”
The clergy staff at St. Bede’s Church
includes the rector, a part-time associate
rector, a priest associate, and one assisting
priest. The priest associate is provided an
office to administer the Julian of Norwich
Center that provides programs for spiritual
life.
St. Bede’s also employs an
administrative assistant, a part-time
organist/ choirmaster, and a part-time
youth minister. A number of additional
positions are compensated on an hourly
basis and include an administrative
assistant for lay ministries, two children’s
choir directors, and our English as a
Second Language (ESL) Program Director.
The position of sexton is contracted. The parish treasurer is a volunteer position,
as is the position of registrar.
Clergy
The Rev.
The Rev.
The Rev.
The Rev.
Dr. James D. Curtis
Laura A. Bryant
Lynnsay Buehler
Thomas E. Moody
Staff
David Hutchinson
Susan Bleyle
Joyce Hunn
Judy Parris
Sarah Jane Weaver
Martha West
Tamara Albrecht
Marie Schnell
Lane Burnett
Interim Rector
Associate Rector
Priest Associate
Assisting Priest
Youth Minister
ESL Program Director
Administrative Assistant, Lay Ministry
Day School Director
Administrative Assistant
Treasurer
Organist/Choir Master
Director, St. Bede's Training Choir
Director, St. Cecilia Choir
Vestry
Stan Meiburg - Senior Warden
Jeff Swoope - Junior Warden
Andy Schultz - Clerk
George Bennett
Cheryl Murphy
Brendon Briggs
Mike Johnson
Tony Coursey
Nigel Poland
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Cheryl Thompson
Nancy Ward
Dee Weems
Parish Profile
The Diocese of Atlanta
The Diocese of Atlanta (Province IV), formed in 1907, is one of the two
dioceses in the state of Georgia. Encompassing the northern part of the
state, the diocese includes 92 congregations in North and Middle Georgia,
which are divided into ten convocations, with a total of some 54,000
members. The Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander became the ninth bishop of Atlanta
in July, 2001. Diocesan headquarters are in the Cathedral of St. Philip
(http://www.epicopalatlanta.org/) located in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, a
short drive from St. Bede’s. The diocese owns and operates Mikell
Conference Center in the beautiful hills of northeast Georgia near Toccoa.
The Holy Eucharist is the primary focus of worship throughout the diocese,
and lay participation of men and women is supported and encouraged. The
diocese uses the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. The Hymnal 1982 is used
almost universally. The enrichment of the priestly ministry provided by “St. Bede’s seems
to be home for so
women and minorities is greatly cherished in the diocese.
many people who
choose to go to
seminary and enter
Atlanta and Our Community
the discernment
Atlanta, an international city, known as the transportation and financial process for the
center of the South, is rich in culture, history and diversity. Numerous priesthood.”
museums, attractions and entertainment options are readily available. Since
its founding in 1837, the city has been divided and subdivided into a network
of districts and neighborhoods with their own specific charm and nicknames.
St. Bede’s is located in the Northlake area of Atlanta, DeKalb County,
approximately 15 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. DeKalb County has
a population of more than 665,865; metro Atlanta (a twenty county area) has
over 4.1 million residents.
The Northlake area is a diverse, unincorporated suburban community that
has successfully maintained its stability over the years. Within a 5 mile
radius of the church is a mixture of small businesses, apartment complexes
and single-family homes from the lower to upper middle price ranges.
Excellent schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, recreational and cultural
facilities are available in the immediate vicinity.
For more information on Atlanta and the Northlake areas, please visit these
websites:
www.atlanta.com
www.metroatlantachamber.com
www.co.dekalb.ga.us
www.nlake.org
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St. Bede’s Episcopal Church
2601 Henderson Mill Road N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 31145
Office: 770-938-9797
Fax: 770-938-3560
www.stbedes.org