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St. Bede's E-News
We hope that this weekly offering will keep you up-to-date
on the latest information from the parish
and from around the Diocese of Atlanta and wider Church.
Our e-newsletters are now being archived on our website.
You can go to www.stbedes.org
and look under the "Connect With Us" tab
at the top of the home page to find past newsletters.
The deadline each week for submission to the E-News
is Wednesday at 10 am.
Please send your submissions ready to go into the newsletter,
text and images attached in an email to the Parish Administrator.
Laura's email address is lpittman@stbedes.org
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Sunday, December 3, 2023
The First Sunday of Advent
Please join us as we gather together
to worship God this Sunday!
Worship in English at 10 am
Worship in Spanish at 2:30 pm
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We will also be streaming our worship live
on
St. Bede's YouTube Channel
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If you would like to preview the scripture lessons and hymns for the upcoming Sunday, you can find Sunday's bulletin uploaded to the church website each week on Thursday afternoon. From the home page of the website, scroll down to the colorful "Worship" icon, and click on that. Then scroll to the bottom of the "Worship" page and you will see where the bulletin for Sunday has been posted.
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Join for the Advent
Adult Formation Series
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This Sunday, December 3
11:30 am in Room M110
Mary Catherine Johnson
Director of New Hope House
in Jackson, Georgia
A Ministry to those on Death Row
and their Families
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What happens when families want to visit their loved ones on Death Row? If they don’t have a car, how do they get to the prison? Where do they stay? Where do they eat? How do they know what the prison rules are?
And what about the prisoners? Prisoner X has cancer and is undergoing regular chemo treatments and is suffering side effects such as nausea and headaches. How does he get ibuprofen, sodas, and nutrition replacement drinks to help with the side effects?
Come hear Mary Catherine Johnson talk about how New Hope House ministers to prisoners on Death Row and their families.
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Sunday, December 10
All morning in the Commons
Christmas Cards
for those in Prison
On this Sunday we will be signing cards
to send to those persons who are living
on Georgia's Death Row in Jackson, Georgia.
Cards will be in the Commons
along with instructions.
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Sunday, December 17
at 11:30 am in the Nave
The Music of Advent
Join John Whitt as he leads us
through and exploration
of Advent hymnody and music.
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This Fall we are trying
something NEW
with Children's Faith Formation!
Instead of Sunday School being either before or after worship, children will be invited to gather together during the time of the Sermon and the Prayers of the People for a special story or activity that is tailored just for them. Children will come to worship with their families and will be invited to process out for this special time during the signing of a hymn. They will then return at the Passing of the Peace to join their families and the congregation for Communion.
All 3 year olds through 5th graders are welcome to join us. Older children are welcome as helpers and younger children may join with a parent, grandparent, or other caregiver.
This is an experiment and we will see how it works for a few months and then evaluate if it will continue at that time. Please know that children are always welcomed to remain with their families for the full worship service if that is their preference.
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Calling All 6th - 12th Graders!
Join us this Sunday, December 3rd for church (either at 10:00 or 2:30) and then from 11:30 - 2:15 for food, fun and fellowship:)
We'll break bread together (eat lunch) before we head out to purchase items for the baby Jesus baskets. Please bring whatever amount you are comfortable contributing to your team (yes it's a competition, and yes there is a trophy) to purchase as many baby Jesus baskets as possible before time runs out.
After our shopping excursion, we'll head back to St Bede's, have snack and chat for a minute or two. Hope to see you then.
Can't join us because you're too old or too young? We accept donations and will put them together with our other resources to buy as many supplies as we can for the mothers and babies of Grady Hospital.
Looking ahead:
Sunday, December 10th - Confirmation @ The Cathedral of St Philip 4 - 6 pm
Monday, December 11th - Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration from 7 - 10 pm
Sunday, December 17th - Los Posadas - More details to come soon.
For more information contact
Beth Cannon
bcannon@stbedes.org
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Please join us for any or all
of the following
special worship offerings
for Advent and Christmas:
Monday, December 11 at 7 pm
A Festive Bilingual Celebration
of Our Lady of Guadalupe
featuring Choir, Mariachis, and Dancers.
Sunday, December 17 at 2:30 pm
The Celebration of Las Posadas
(Bilingual)
and Decorating of
the Parish Christmas Tree
Las Posadas commemorates the arrival
of the Holy Family in Bethlehem
as they seek to find room in the inn.
("Las Posadas" means "The Inns".)
Join in the pageant of the arrival of the Holy Family
and remain for refreshments
as we decorate the Parish Christmas Tree
in the Commons.
Sunday, December 24 at 4 pm
Christmas Eve Worship
(in English)
with Pageant, Carols, & Festive Music
Sunday, December 24 at 10 pm
Christmas Eve Worship
(in English)
with Carols & Choir
Sunday, December 31 at 10 am
A Festival of
Christmas Lessons & Carols
(in English)
You can also join the livestream
each of these worship offerings
on our YouTube channel.
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Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 24, 4pm
Invite your grandkids, other relatives,
neighbors, and friends to join us!
All-ages, no-rehearsal Christmas Pageant!
Costumes are provided at the door.
ALL children - in all their wiggly glory -
as well as tweens, teens,
and adults are welcome to be part of the story.
Invite your grandkids, other relatives,
neighbors, and friends to join us!
(Email Molly Graves at mgraves@stbedes.org if you would like to participate, help out, or would like more information)
There are three main ways to participate:
1) An assigned part - Please arrive close to 2:30pm to grab your costume and
rehearse. This will be the only rehearsal of the pageant and is for READERS and the PRINCIPLE CHARACTERS only.
2) An impromptu part - Starting at 3:15, costumes will be available in the Parish Hall -- shepherds, wise one, angels, sheep, and other animals. (Children can also bring a costume or stuffed animal from home to represent their part.)
3) Observing and listening - Please let children know that being part of the listeners and wonderers is an important role as well. If a more active role is not a good match for your child, please do not feel a need to pressure them to participate in that way.
All are invited to a “potluck” reception following the 4pm liturgy.
Please bring a simple treat to share if you are able, such as cheese and crackers, Christmas cookies, fruit, or finger sandwiches.
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Christmas Flower
& Music Dedications
If you would like to make a special dedication
of Christmas flowers or music
in memory or thanksgiving for someone,
you may pick up a
"Christmas Flower and Music Envelope"
in the Commons
or email your dedication
to Laura Pittman in the office.
Please have all names
for these dedications
submitted to Laura
by Monday, December 18 at Noon
in order to be included in the Christmas bulletins.
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Pledge Packets should be arriving
in your mailbox this week!
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Popcorn Theology
“The Preacher’s Wife”
Saturday afternoon, December 2, 2023
2 - 5 p.m.
We invite you to take a break from your Advent and Christmas preparations to treat yourself to a time of enjoying hot cider or hot cocoa, some cookies and fruit, and popcorn as we gather to watch the Christmas film “The Preacher’s Wife.”
“The Preacher’s Wife” is a revised version of the classic film “The Bishop’s Wife.” In this version, a minister named Henry (Courtney B. Vance) who serves as the pastor of St. Matthew’s Baptist church in New York, is weary and disheartened to see that his efforts to provide safe places and guidance for the people of his community seem to have fallen short. Henry’s spouse Julia (Grammy Award winner Whitney Houston) works alongside Henry, leading the
church choir and directing the Christmas pageant. Their marriage is suffering because Henry’s work calls for him to be available at all hours for members of the congregation. Henry prays to ask God for help. Dudley appears (Academy Award winner Denzel Washington) in answer to Henry’s prayer. Dudley is an angel. As you may imagine, this news is hard for Henry to accept! Dudley’s presence brings relief and healing to many in the community yet also, along the way, Dudley accidentally falls in love with Julia. Complications arise! This delightful comedy was directed by Penny Marshall.
Siskel & Ebert gave it two thumbs up. Rated PG, 2 hours, 1996.
Following the movie, we’ll have a short conversation about where we saw and heard God and Love, and the ways in which the film connected with something in our lives.
All are welcome!
There is a suggested contribution of $2.00 for the cider and cocoa.
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Here Am I:
Praying with Mary
An Advent Quiet Day
Praying with scripture, poetry, the labyrinth,
and with a visual expression
Saturday, December 9, 2023
10:00 a.m.—2:30 p.m.
Guided by
The Rev’d Susan Lupo
Spiritual Director at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church,
Associate of Green Bough House of Prayer,
Deacon in the United Methodist Church
and
The Rev’d Lynnsay A. Buehler
$50.00 per person
*Lunch and supplies provided
The Julian of Norwich Center
St. Bede’s Episcopal Church
2601 Henderson Mill Road NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30345
To register, please call Lynnsay at 770-938-9797 x27
or email: lbuehler@stbedes.org
*Please let Lynnsay know if you have special dietary needs
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Baby Jesus Baskets
During the seasons of Advent & Christmas, we will be filling baskets with donations to help homeless new mothers in need. Baskets will be in the Commons by the round table or Christmas tree until Epiphany (January 7). Donations will go to Our House Shelter. The AJC ran a great article about Our House in November which has lots of great information about the origin and mission of Our House. Click on the link below to read the article.
The most needed items are:
Formula (Enfamil Ready to Feed)
Size 6 Diapers
Baby Soap/Lotion (sensitive)
Unscented Baby Wipes
Other items needed:
Enfamil Ready to Feed Gentlease Formula
Enfamil Ready to Feed Prosobee Formula
Enfamil Ready to Feed Infant Formula
Boys Pull-Ups (size 3T/4T and 4T/5T)
Girls Pull-Ups (size 3T/4T and 4T/5T)
Diapers (size 4, 5 and 6)
Unscented Baby Wipes
Baby Lotion (sensitive skin)
Baby Shampoo (sensitive skin)
Sippy Cups (hard/soft tips)
Bottles (new with nipples)
Baby Wash/Soap (no antibacterial)
Sorry, no stuffed or used toys. No clothing.
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Adult Sock Collection
It is Sock Time! As the weather begins to chill, it is a good time to think about our sisters and brothers who live unsheltered in our community. St. Bede’s is partnering with the Church of the Common Ground’s Foot Clinic to provide aid and comfort to adults struggling with homelessness. The clinic provides foot cleaning, medical care and the caring human touch. Each client receives a clean new pair of adult socks. These socks provide, not only warmth, but necessary protection. Diabetes and high blood pressure are common health concerns among the unsheltered. These health concerns often lead to painful and sometimes debilitating problems with a person’s feet. Walking is usually the sole form of transportation for people who live without shelter. Please join us over the next weeks by donating new adult socks. There will be bags in the Commons area to collect the socks. Last year we collected 1,000 pairs of socks at St. Bede’s and in a Brookhaven neighborhood.
This year we are hoping
to continue our streak of record breaking
and collect 1,200 pairs of adult socks.
Thank you for your generosity
and compassion for the world!
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Thanksgiving Food Drive a Success!
On Wednesday, November 15, St. Bede's donated 173 food bags to the Emmaus House Thanksgiving at Home food drive. This well surpassed last year's total of 110 bags. Way to go, St. Bede's! Thanks to all who donated bags and to all who came out to load up the truck.
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As we all watch the tragic events of violence escalate in Jerusalem and Palestine, it is so important to keep the people of the Holy Land in our prayers.
In addition to our prayers, St. Bede's has also transmitted a gift of $500 to Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) for relief efforts related to the travesties of this conflict. Sadly, one of ERD's strongest and longest-standing partners in the Diocese of Jerusalem is the Al Ahli Arab Hospital - the Anglican hospital in Gaza that was severely damaged by explosion and where hundreds of people were killed. Please keep relief workers on the ground in your prayers as they attempt to offer care and relief.
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Caring for God's Creation
This week's suggestion:
Ideas for Holiday Sustainability
The Outreach committee is launching a new column focusing on ways to be intentional about caring for our planet. We will be making easily implemented suggestions in each column and welcome your ideas as well.
‘TIS THE SEASON FOR…SUSTAINABILITY
Here are some eco-friendly practices to incorporate into our holiday festivities and traditions:
- Invest in a reusable Advent calendar
- Give sustainable gifts – reusable, ethically made, or upcycled items
- Avoid decorations and gifts made of plastic or that require batteries
- Create sample-sized packets of eco-friendly products to give as gifts or stocking stuffers
- Wrap your gifts in reusable bags or make the wrapping part of a gift
- Save gift bags, baskets, boxes, paper, ribbon to use again
- Use LED lights
- NO tinsel, glitter, or microplastics!
- Buy a live tree to plant later or recycle your cut tree
- Use reusable cups, plates, silverware, and utensils or plant-based compostable cutlery and “paper” products
- Buy and serve locally grown food whenever possible
- Plan menus to minimize food waste
Here are a few websites with great eco-friendly ideas and gifts for the holidays:
SmallFootprintFamily, SustainablyKindLiving, FreetheOcean,
TheCommons, EthicalSuperstore
Please contact Martha Robert at marthabob59@gmail.com or 404.374.7643 with ideas, suggestions, or questions about the Caring for God's Creation.
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Family Ministries Micropractice
Join our households with
birth through elementary aged children
in this simple intentional practice
as we bring our learning from the lectionary
into our everyday lives.
You may wish to conclude this micro-practice with this prayer:
God, who created night and day, you set the rhythms of the earth. When it’s time to sleep, help us sleep. When it’s time to be awake, help us pay attention to how you are at work around us. Amen.
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December Bunco
The traditional Christmas Bunco party will be on December 10 at Nancy Ward's house. This gathering is for food, friendship, and fun! We don't play the bunco game, but do play a rousing gift swap game. Bring a goodie to share, a $15 present, and $10 to add to our annual charity donation. See you soon!
Nancy Ward
1563 Heatherwood Drive
Decatur, GA 30033
nlbward@comcast.net
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Wednesday Night Adult Bible Study
Has Resumed!
Join with others for a study of the Book of 1st Kings.
All are welcome.
Bring whatever translation of the Bible you like.
6:30 – 8 pm on Wednesday nights
on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month
in the Commons Hallway Classroom
(across from the Julian of Norwich Center)
Contact Fred Murphy for more information.
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Healing Our Racism
Book Discussion Group
We will not meet in December
Next meeting:
Monday, January 22 at 2:00pm on Zoom
This month's selection is
Home Going
By Yaa Gyasi
Meeting Time: 4th Monday of each month at 2 pm on ZOOM
Please join Muriel Diguette and other members/friends of St. Bede's to discuss current books pertaining to the issues of racism and white privilege.
Email Muriel for the Zoom link to join the discussion.
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Mostly Mysteries
Book Discussion Group
We will not meet in December
Next meeting:
Monday, January 22 at 7:00 pm on Zoom
January's selection is
Autopsy
By Patricia Cornwell
Meeting Time: 4th Monday of each month at 7 pm on ZOOM
You're invited to join members and friends of St. Bede's to discuss favorite mysteries and thrillers.
Email Cathe Echterhof for the Zoom link to join the discussion.
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St. Bede's Jar Grippers!
The Invite, Welcome, Connect Team has developed a new gift to share with newcomers to St. Bede's - rubberized jar grippers to help open stubborn jars. These will be given to visitors and newcomers to allow them to take home a memento of St. Bede's to their home kitchens.
We also will have St. Bede's jar grippers available for sale to all members before and after church this Sunday. They are $5 each and the proceeds go to help support our Invite, Welcome, Connect ministries to newcomers.
These would make wonderful stocking stuffers for your family or a small gift for a friend. Or how about giving one to someone you think would like to know more about St. Bede's? We think this is a great way to promote St. Bede's.
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McLemore's Musings
We hope you are enjoying this feature in St. Bede's E-News - McLemore's Musings. Many of you have met the Rev'd Bill McLemore who has joined the St. Bede's community. Bill has been a priest for over 57 years and has served parishes all over the Episcopal Church. Bill is the former archivist of the Diocese of Atlanta and authored the 100th anniversary book on the history of the Diocese. Bill is also an artist and has used his artistic skills and sense of humor for many years to draw hundreds of cartoon that comically comment on life in the Episcopal Church. Each week we will share a cartoon here that Bill selects from his collection. Enjoy!
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St. Bede's Prayer List
Prayers have been requested for:
Jeane Custin, aunt of Lynnsay Buehler
John Robertson, family of Lynnsay Buehler and Rob Townes
Braxton Metcalf, nephew of Susan Reef
Walt Ehmer, friend of Will Mizell
Leslie Lutz
Sarah Jane and Jim Ohl
Ed Maniotes, friend of Susan Reef
The Baca/Muth family, friends of the Cannon family
Richard Smith, Jr., friend of Nancy Bruce
Junior Abraham
Tom VandenBosch
Jim Begnaud, friend of St. Bede's
Dollee Cooper, sister-in-law of Larry Bing
Jennifer Valdez, cousin of Sarah Jane Ohl
Ben Harrison, cousin of Sarah Jane Ohl
Anita Montelione
Jean Davis
Peggy Franks, friend of Tony and Laura Sellers
Carolyn Snider, friend of Suzanne Shapiro
Brian Metcalf, brother-in-law of Susan Reef
Jodi Collins, cousin of Sarah Jane Ohl
Lisa Frank, friend of Larry Bing
Jennifer Meyers, sister of April Whitt
Elizabeth Ashworth, friend of April Whitt
Susan Semple, sister of Kim Padgett
Mel Stills, brother-in-law of Gwen Cordner
John Montelione, brother of Anita Montelione
Beth Cannon
Jennie Couture
Jean Petersen
Donareen Oakley
Carter Garrett, family member of Sarah Jane Ohl
Jim Baldy, friend of Susan Reef
Michelle Schultz, sister of Doris Bushart
Paige Bushart, sister-in-law of Doris Bushart
Helen Hernandez and her son Derek, ESOL Student
Ken Turner, friend of Claudia Fedarko and Steve Hadler
Marge & Sharon Emerling, friends of Helen Loeb
Margie Klein
Kay Howington
Dixie Snider
Mary Rodriguez
Andy Matia, friend of Ann Foote
Eleanor Pearlman, granddaughter of Gwen Heaton
Diana Segovia, cousin of Zulma Gutierrez
Caroline Spires
Timothy Knapp, friend of Susan Reef
Denise Benson, friend of Susan Reef
The Sujia Family
Robin Schreiber
Allen Townes Cunningham, sister of Rob Townes
Mellie Frippen, friend of Nora Cruz-Diaz
Anne Jones, sister of Claiborne Jones
Joan Davis
Carmen Graciaa, friend of Laura Martin
Jim Poulos, husband of Carol Kemker
Helen Abraham
Fay Key
Aree Bancroft
Laura Ribas
Jane Wiggins
Hilda Bell
Nancy Waring
Frances Bowen
Sydney Lund
Ann Foote
Cameron Maddox
We pray for those who have died:
Dr. Jose Balbona, friend of Larry Bing
Dollee and Bill Cooper, family of Larry Bing
Dave Hering, friend of Larry Bing
We give thanks for those serving our country in the military:
Joshua Bowers
Will Grimm
We give thanks for those celebrating birthdays this week:
12/1 Claudia Fedarko
12/3 Tyler Busch
12/5 Ashley Brown
12/6 Regina Studwell
12/7 Amy Busch
12/8 Rebecca Pope
12/9 Benjamin Pope
The greenery on the altar on Sunday, December 3
is given to the glory of God and in memory of Ruth Mizell
by Elizabeth, Bill, Julie and Will Mizell
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From around the Diocese
and the wider Church...
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Bishop Wright's Weekly Podcast
Did you know that Bishop Rob Wright has a weekly podcast? You can take a spiritual "deep dive" each week with Bishop Wright and his special guests and grow deeper in faith and understanding as you listen and learn.
Explore For People, Bishop Wright's Podcast, Here
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Pathways
the magazine of the Diocese of Atlanta
The new Pathways is now available online! Through original photography, articles, and interviews, Pathways shares inspiring stories from Middle and North Georgia — examples of spiritual growth.
Read Pathways Here
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Would you like to keep up with news from around the broader Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion? Episcopal Journal and Cafe is a convenient place to find out things going on around the Church. You can even subscribe to get news sent to your email inbox.
Click Here for Episcopal Journal & Cafe
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Friend in Christ,
As violence escalates in Ukraine, over one million people have already fled the country — and the borders are flooded with many more people desperate to leave.
Almost all of them are women and children who have had to seek safety on their own, leaving their husbands, fathers, brothers and sons behind.
As this crisis continues to evolve, we are working with Anglican agencies and our other partners to provide humanitarian assistance, and urgently ask for your help.
Your emergency gift today will support our immediate response, providing cash, blankets, hygiene supplies and other needs as this crisis unfolds.
Our faith networks are currently on the ground in the border areas of Poland, Hungary and Romania, and we will continue to coordinate with them in order to help those who have been displaced. Specifically, our partner ACT Alliance is helping families on the Hungarian border, and our Anglican partners are mobilizing both an immediate and long-term response in Poland, Romania and Hungary.
Yours faithfully,
Robert W. Radtke
President & CEO
Episcopal Relief & Development
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To learn more about the programs and offerings
of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing,
click on the link below.
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