E-News
February 26, 2021

Welcome to 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

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.

 
St. Bede's Announcements



Online Worship
for Sunday, February 28, 2021
The Second Sunday in Lent
 

 

10 am - Morning Worship (in English) on Zoom
 
Join us for Morning Worship on Zoom 
also live streamed 



1 pm - Worship (in Spanish) on Facebook

Join us for Sunday Worship in Spanish 

Querida Comunidad de San Beda, Unase a nosotros a orar. 
Nuestro servicio en español es los domingos 
a la 1 p.m. a través de Facebook live. 



8 pm - Compline (in English) on Zoom
 
End your Sunday by joining others from St.Bede's 
in the quiet evening prayer form known as Compline.
We usually take a few moments at the end to catch up as well.
 


Information about how to join 
all of our Sunday offerings on Zoom
will be sent out in a separate email 
and will be posted to the St. Bede's website 
by Saturday afternoon.
 
There is always a call-in (from a regular telephone) option for 
all worship, fellowship, and meeting opportunities 
that are offered on Zoom.
 
 
  
 
 






Reflecting on Faith: 
A Lenten Conversation Series
 
St. Bede's parishioners and staff members will pair up to lead us in Lenten conversations about some of the big questions around how we live-out or practice our faith.  This series will borrow from Bishop Wright's weekly Lenten teaching series as well as scriptural themes during the Sundays in Lent.
 
Some of the questions to be explored are: How Can We Move Closer to God?; What Does Love Look Like When Neighbor is Enemy?; Where Do I Stand in Sinking Sand?; and What are the Directions to Joy?
 
Each week we plan to introduce and explore the theme for a bit and then break out into some small groups to have more intimate conversations about what the questions are stirring in us.
 

Join us this Sunday (February 28) on Zoom
after Morning Worship
(around 11:15 - just stay on Zoom, 
or join through the same link as for Morning Worship) 

Carmie McDonald and Kim Padgett
will lead us through Part One
of Bishop Wright's 
"5 Lenten Questions" video series.

This week we we explore the question: 
How Can We Move Closer to God? 

 
Look for the full schedule of the upcoming topics and conversation leaders to be published in future editions of E-News.

Next week (March 7) the Reflecting on Faith series 
will take a one week hiatus 
so that the whole community can join 
the intergeneration, first-Sunday 
Together Zoom gathering.

The Reflecting on Faith series 
will resume on Sunday, March 14 
with Nora Cruz-Diaz and Orisha Parsons
leading the conversation.





Diálogos de Cuaresma.
Alimento para el camino
Programa de Cuaresma 2021
Con Fabio Sotelo
 

Fabio Sotelo is leading 
a five-part conversation series in Spanish 
on Wednesday evenings during Lent.
Spanish speakers 
can join in those conversations 
by following the link below.


9 p.m. vía zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
Join by Clicking Here
Meeting ID: 822 9409 0899
Passcode: 396389
 
 
Primer Miércoles de Cuaresma, Febrero 24: 
Confrontando las fuerzas del mal
Segundo Miércoles de Cuaresma, Marzo 3:
Avergonzados de nuestra fe?
Tercer Miércoles de Cuaresma, Marzo 10:
Renovando la iglesia
Cuarto Miércoles de Cuaresma, Marzo 17:
Significado de La cruz
Quinto Miércoles de Cuaresma, Marzo 24:
La hora de la Angustia










Are you looking to embrace some Lenten practices or disciplines that can draw you closer to God and closer to others around you? We've brainstormed a number of small things that you might want to adopt as daily practices to help connect you with God and with one another in the days ahead in Lent. These are suggestive and can be adapted to you in your own context. They may also inspire you to imagine some other daily practice of your own.


* Walk 40 miles (1 mile per day) 
or 40 minutes (per day) 
or Walk 40 steps per hour
* Write 40 notes of gratitude (1 per day)
* Give $40 to some organization that helps folks in need
($1 per day for 40 days)
* Engage in 40 minutes of contemplative prayer per day
* Engage in 40 minutes of playtime/playfulness per day
* Spend 40 minutes reading and meditating on scripture per day
* Call 40 people and connect/reconnect with them (1 per day)
* Create something 
(a piece of art, a poem, a piece of music) 
each day for 40 days
* Make use of Lenten devotional booklets each day 
(Episcopal Relief and Development 
& Illustrated Ministries booklets
are available from St. Bede's)
* Pray with the online Stations of the Cross 
* Take 40 "gratitude photographs" 
or photographs of where you see God (1 per day)
* Offer 40 Random Acts of Kindness 
to anyone - known to you or unknown




Popcorn Theology on Zoom
Saturday, March 20, 2021
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.



We'll be watching "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood," a film about Mr. Rogers
(Tom Hanks), which is based on the true story (told in summary on the documentary about Mr. Rogers, "Won't You Be My Neighbor?") of the friendship between Fred Rogers and the journalist Tom Junod.  In this movie version of the story, Tom Junod is named "Lloyd Vogel."  Lloyd is a cynical magazine writer who is assigned to write a profile of Mr. Rogers.  He is accustomed to discovering what is less than honorable in a public figure and is known for writing profiles in which he knocks someone off her or his pedestal.  He assumes this will be the case with Fred Rogers; he assumes that the "Mr. Rogers" on television is a persona and is frustrated and puzzled to discover that Fred Rogers is who he shows himself to be on his television show.  In the process of observing and talking with Fred Rogers, Lloyd's jadedness "melts" and heals, as he awakens to his and the world's need for kindness, love and forgiveness. 
It is a beautiful and timely story of healing for our world with its divisiveness and distrust of the neighbor.
PG, about 1 hour and 49 minutes including the end credits.  The film was released in 2019 and stars Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Susan Kelechi Watson and Chris Cooper.

Please plan to watch the movie between now and Saturday March 20th . Here are the ways you may watch the movie:

~  the DVD is available to rent from Netflix but not to stream 
~ the movie may be streamed on Amazon Prime
~ the movie may be streamed on Hulu with STARZ add on
Also
~ Lynnsay Buehler has a copy that she is able to loan to someone

We'll meet on one of the St. Bede's Zoom accounts from 7-8 the evening of March 20th to share our insights, to reflect on where we saw and heard God in the movie, and to share our connections with the story told in the movie.  We'll end our time together with Compline.  

Everyone is invited to participate.  Pop some popcorn and join us!

Please RSVP to mdiguette@stbedes.org to receive the Zoom invitation.







St. Bede's Stations of the Cross


The Stations of the Cross that were created by Virginia Roach Munroe present a vision of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  

Each painting is a close-up, as if viewed on television, and each uses a basic color symbol, such as red for the hands of Pontius Pilate.  The idea came to Monroe in the late 1960's, during the turmoil of the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement, when anger and hatred were expressed vividly on the nightly news.  The title of each painting is a few words on how the event might relate to modern times.

St. Bede's member and webmaster Ray Callaway has digitized and curated an online gallery of the St. Bede's Stations of the Cross that you can pray at home.




[What you might not know about these stations 
is that members of the St. Bede's parish posed for the portraits. 
See if you can recognize anyone you know. 
Hint: Junior Abraham is in this painting.]






All-ages Lent Formation Resources 






The all-ages formation team has found two great resources for all of us to use during the season of Lent.

We encourage you to open the resources and skim the first few pages to help you decide how you might use them. Use as much or as little of the resource as fits the needs and energy of your household. Our hope is that you will feel blessed and encouraged, not burdened!

Households with children may enjoy the packet that includes coloring pages, paper crafts, and child-centered devotionals to read and wonder about together. (Purple cover) Households with teens or adults may prefer the personal/family devotional booklet written for adults, with places to journal and doodle and suggestions for responses in your daily life. (Red cover)



Contact Alyssa Sali (asali@stbedes.org) to receive a printed copy of either resource or she can send you the link to download it yourself from a PDF.



 




THANK YOU, THANK YOU,
THANK YOU!

Thank you to all who have already 
prayerfully considered and returned 
your 2021 pledge of financial support to St. Bede's.

As of February 25, we have received pledges 
from eighty-one folks/families totaling $410,000.

If you have not already made a financial pledge 
to support St. Bede's in 2021, 
we hope that you will prayerfully consider
your pledge to St. Bede's
and return your pledge card
or use the link below to pledge online.

If your pledge packet never arrived in the mail, 
please contact Muriel Diguette (mdiguette@stbedes.org) 
and we will send out another packet to you.




A Grateful Day with Brother David Steindl-Rast - Gratefulness.org
A Grateful Day with
Brother David Steindl-Rast
(from www.gratefulness.org)



 THANK YOU!





Healing Our Racism Book Discussion Group
Meeting Time - 4th Monday of each month at 2:00 pm 
on ZOOM

Monday, March 22nd at 2:00 pm
 
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.
 
We will meet the 4th Monday of each month at 2:00 pm.

For our March meeting on March 22nd we will be readingThe Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of the Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson.

In this epic, beautifully written masterwork, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson chronicles one of the great untold stories of American history: the decades-long migration of black citizens who fled the South for northern and western cities, in search of a better life.

NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD WINNER
      
From 1915 to 1970, this exodus of almost six million people changed the face of America. Wilkerson compares this epic migration to the migrations of other peoples in history. She interviewed more than a thousand people, and gained access to new data and official records, to write this definitive and vividly dramatic account of how these American journeys unfolded, altering our cities, our country, and ourselves.



If you want to go ahead and order books for future discussions:
 

April 26: The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
May 24: The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein
June 28: Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man by Emmanuel Acho 
July 26: The Devil You Know by Charles Blow
August 23: Native Son by Richard Wright
 




In Our Prayers


Jeff Pierce, friend of Ron & Connie Aylor
Rosalene Larson, mother in law of Michael Daniel
Bryce Cannon
The Cannon Family
Aree Bancroft
Laura Ribas
Jane Wiggins
Hilda Bell
Willie Diaz
Tim Waring
Peggy Allen, mother of Lisa Main
Ray Lampros
Gwen Cordner
Arlene Means, sister of Larry Bing
Maggie Williams
Mary Rodriguez
Hollis Pickett
Margie Klein, mother of Jody Klein
Anita Maloof
Lynn Edgar, mother of Beth Cannon
Nancy Waring
John Branan
Kerry Penney
Patrick Newberry, stepson of Gretchen Berggren
Andy Matia, friend of Ann Foote
Brooke & Taylor Harty, granddaughters of Nancy Waring
Jim Ohl
Frances Bowen
Max Carpenter, grandson of Sarra David
Judy Penney, sister-in-law of Kerry Penney
Sydney Lund
Ann Foote
Helen Abraham
Cameron Maddox


For those who have died:

The Rev'd Jim Curtis, former Interim Rector of St. Bede's
Bill LaBorde, friend of Toni Graney
James Cottrell, father-in-law of Meghan Boyd Cottrell





We give thanks for those celebrating birthdays this week 
 
         
         3/2:      Helen Ackall
         3/2:      Serenity Suarez
         3/3:      Heriberto Lopez
         3/5:      Johann Bonilla  
         3/6:      Krystyna Wilson
        
       
   
      


Vestry Establishes 
Community Emergency Assistance Fund

In addition to all of the wonderful ways that the Community Engagement Team is leading us in supporting community ministry partners (locally, churchwide, and globally) during this critical time, the Vestry has established a Community Emergency Assistance Fund to help people within the greater St. Bede's community with food assistance during the current public health crisis.  This fund will be administered confidentially by the clergy in a similar way as their normal discretionary funds, but will be used exclusively to help with food assistance during this crisis.  

If you would like to contribute to this fund you may do so through Realm Giving and selecting "Community Emergency Assistance Fund" from the "Fund" drop-down menu. You may also mail a gift to St. Bede's designated for "Community Emergency Assistance Fund".

UPDATE of February 25: We have collected around $9,800 and distributed over $6,000 in assistance though food and utility support for individuals and families so far during the current public health crisis. The current balance of the fund stands at around $3,800 and new needs continue to present themselves. A dedicated group of members work with Fabio to help identify need and deliver food.  Thank you to all who have contributed!

If you have questions about this offering to the greater St. Bede's community or if you are in need of food assistance or know someone who is, please contact either the Rev'd Caroline Magee or the Rev'd Fabio Sotelo.



HELP FOR THE HOMELESS IN TUCKER

You may be surprised to learn that Tucker has a significant homeless population. The numbers have increased significantly during this time of Covid 19. Men, women, and children are included in the approximately 45 individuals living on the street or in their cars in Tucker. If you add Stone Mountain and northern Decatur, areas bordering Tucker, the number increases to approximately 70. Tucker First United Methodist Church operates the only "cold weather shelter" in our area and its resources are limited. 

Omega Support Services, a remarkable agency located in the heart of Tucker on Fellowship Road, is collecting items to distribute to them. If you are looking for something to do to help others during this time, this is one way to contribute while social distancing. Omega is looking for back packs (can be used if in good shape); small individual toiletries, wet wipes, knit hats, gloves, socks and flashlights. They ask that the socks be new, tube shaped if possible, and they can use sizes for men, women, and children. The knit hats and the gloves can be gently used. These can be dropped off at the Omega Office at: 4213 Fellowship Road, Suite C, Tucker, Georgia 30084. There should be a blue bin that you can drop things in. You can also order online and have things delivered directly to them. Use Amazon "Smile" and your purchase benefits St. Bede's too. Omega Support Services is open Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Christy Bloodworth is the founder and Executive Director, and she can be reached at (678) 615-2390 if you have questions. You can also contact Lois Shingler if you have questions or want more information. lshinglerpc@gmail.com or (404) 593-9001. You can also let Lois know if you want to make sure any on-line orders arrive at Omega.





Your Amazon purchases can support St. Bede's 
through Amazon Smile
 
If you shop on Amazon, consider accessing Amazon through 
and designating St. Bede's as your charitable beneficiary.

To find St. Bede's in the beneficiary list,
you must search for "St Bedes Episcopal Church" 
(without the apostrophe) 
and choose the one located in Atlanta.


Around the Diocese





Support the Cathedral Book Store.











Episcopal Relief & Development Focuses on Lament in 2021 Lenten Meditations

In response to the unprecedented events of the past year, Episcopal Relief & Development's 2021 Lenten Meditations share deeply personal reflections on the theme of lament from a diverse group of writers. Many of the authors share experiences related to a variety of issues including disease, violence, racial injustice and poverty.

"2020 was a deeply challenging year for many, filled with losses," said Sean McConnell, Senior Director, Engagement, Episcopal Relief & Development. "We hope our supporters will use the 2021 Lenten Meditations to guide them through the four steps of lament and to help them heal and grow."

The meditations follow the "Four Steps of Lament" outlined by author and speaker Heidi Weaver:
  • Rest, to take sabbath time to simply be present to our current situation
  • Reflect on that which has been lost
  • Repent for the sufferings and loss we have caused or overlooked
  • make Restitution and be Restored to God and to one another
The authors of the meditations are all leaders in The Episcopal Church and represent diverse perspectives, ministries and backgrounds.

"Editing the collection was powerful to me on a personal level," said Sandra Montes, Editor of the 2021 Lenten Meditations. "Reading each reflection by Episcopal leaders of color who invited me into this season of Lent by opening up their hearts and using their voices to help me lament, while giving me hope, was incredibly moving."

The 2021 meditations are available online to download.  Supporters are also invited to sign up to receive the daily meditations in English and Spanish by email. Unlike previous years, the meditations are only available online, not as printed booklets.

"As many churches have moved their services online, we felt it was important to create a Lenten experience that would continue to be useful for our supporters," continued McConnell.

Episcopal Relief & Development also invites churches and supporters to observe Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday this year on Sunday, February 21 or another Sunday in Lent. Lent was officially designated at the 2009 General Convention of The Episcopal Church as a time for dioceses, congregations and individuals to remember and support the work of Episcopal Relief & Development. Although the first Sunday in Lent is the official day of observance, churches may hold a special service on any Sunday. Liturgical resources to help congregations observe Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday are available at episcopalrelief.org/sunday.

"The expressions of lament in the 2021 Lenten Meditations share sorrow, but they also come from a place of deep love," said the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church. "Because God loves us we know that God joins us in lamenting the loss of any living being."

Download the Lenten Meditations and learn more about planning an Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday at episcopalrelief.org/Lent.

For 80 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus' words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.


____________________________________


 
Episcopal Relief and Development
Responds to Winter Storms
in Texas and Oklahoma

The February 2021 winter storm, which devastated communities in Texas, Oklahoma and beyond, continues to wreak havoc. The ice and snow are melting and power has been restored to many, but the region continues to deal with burst pipes, lack of safe water supply and uninhabitable housing.The US Disaster Team at Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting affected dioceses as they respond. Please donate today. Your gift will help provide emergency shelter, groceries and other supplies in affected areas.
La tormenta de invierno de febrero de 2021, que asoló comunidades en Texas, Oklahoma y otros lugares, sigue causando estragos. El hielo se está derritiendo y muchos recuperaron la electricidad, pero la región sigue lidiando con tuberías reventadas, falta de agua potable y viviendas inhabitables. El Equipo de Desastres en EE UU de La Agencia Episcopal de Alivio y Desarrollo está apoyando a las diócesis que están respondiendo en esos lugares. Por favor done hoy mismo. Su donación ayudará a proporcionar refugios de emergencia, alimentos y otros suministros a las zonas afectadas.




For People with Bishop Rob Wright

Welcome to For People, a conversation with Bishop Rob Wright, spiritual leader to the more than 50,000 people in the 117 worshipping communities of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. In this podcast, Bishop Wright meets listeners at the crossroads of faith and life to explore the challenges of an ever-changing world. Listen in to find out how he expands on his For Faith devotional, draws inspiration from the life of Jesus to answer 21st-century questions.









Several St. Bede's regulars subscribe to-
and like! - these e-publications. To stay up to date on activities throughout the Diocese of Atlanta, sign up for the e-newsletter, Connecting.

You can also sign up to receive For Faith, which is a weekly devotional message from Bishop Rob Wright sent by email on Fridays. To sign up for either or both,  click here

Quick Links


To schedule events, please contact our 
Muriel Diguette

For the weekly lectionary readings visit: