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


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




We will also be streaming our worship live

on

St. Bede's YouTube Channel



Make a Gift to St. Bede's



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.

Join for the Advent

Adult Formation Series

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


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. 

Learn more about New Hope House

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.




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.



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.





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


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.

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.



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.


Pledge Packets should be arriving

in your mailbox this week!

Click Here to Pledge Online

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.

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

Click here for more information about Amethyst Baroque Ensemble

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.


Click here to read the AJC Article on Our House

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!

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.

Learn more about Emmaus House

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.


Prayer Resource from American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
Prayer Resource from Sojourners
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:

SmallFootprintFamilySustainablyKindLivingFreetheOcean

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.

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.

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


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.

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.

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.

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.

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!


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



From around the Diocese
and the wider Church...

To stay up to date

on activities throughout the Diocese of Atlanta,

sign up for Connecting, the Diocesan E-newsletter.


You can also sign up to receive For Faith,

which is the weekly meditation

from Bishop Rob Wright

sent by email on Fridays.

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


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


Click here to shop at the Cathedral Bookstore


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




Click Here to Make a Donation to ERD



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



To learn more about the programs and offerings

of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing,

click on the link below.


The Absalom Jones Center