ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

A Parish Profile

Parish Mission Statement The Mission of Saint David’s Episcopal Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. BCP 855

S A I N T D AV I D ’ S E P I S C O PA L C H U R C H ROSWELL, GA EST. 1956

Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, we thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us as we work together to call a new rector, granting us both the courage to pursue your will and the grace to accomplish it. Help us in all things to work together with mutual forbearance and respect. Draw our hearts to thee, guide our minds, fill our imaginations, and control our wills, that we may be wholly thine, utterly dedicated unto thee; and then use us always to thy glory and the welfare of thy people. Amen.

Contents By God’s Grace Diocesan Demographics Community Demographics Parish Demographics Parish History

By God’s Love Christian Education Worship Parish Life Pastoral Care Preschool

By God’s Mercy Mission and Ministry Outreach Hispanic Ministry Stewardship

By Faith in God Opportunities and Challenges Rector Profile

St. David’s is located in the city of Roswell, which is 20 miles north of Atlanta. It is a familyfriendly community where recreational activities are abundant with biking, boating, fishing, rafting, hiking, and a park system that is second to none. It is rich in culture and history boasting a thriving historic district, museums, and its own Cultural Arts Center. Roswell is a great place to live, a great place to work, and simply a great place to be!

By God’s Grace

WHO WE ARE, FROM OUR BROADER WORLD TO OUR PARISH FAMILY

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything; you may have an abundance for every good deed.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

Diocesan Demographics •

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Our diocese covers much more than the city of Atlanta, incorporating cities, towns, and communities in Middle and North Georgia. We have more than 55,000 communicants in nearly 25,000 households and 98 congregations, additional worshipping communities, and chaplaincies. We are the ninth largest diocese in The Episcopal Church. We have more than 200 canonically resident clergy, a large number of nonparochial clergy, and an abundant supply of lay ministers.

Our diocesan bishop is the Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander, who was consecrated in July 2001. The Rt. Rev. Keith B. Whitmore has served as assistant bishop since April 2008. The Offices of the Bishop are at the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta, Georgia. The Diocese of Atlanta was created in 1907 and carved from the Diocese of Georgia. Numerous parishes thrive in our largest metropolitan areas of Atlanta, Columbus, and Macon, as well as smaller cities, towns, and rural communities in the mountains of North Georgia and the lower elevations of Middle Georgia. The oldest church in the diocese is Christ Church in Macon, which was organized in 1825. The newest parish is St. Benedict's in Smyrna, established in 2008.

The Diocese of Atlanta actively supports the ministry of The Episcopal Church and its presiding bishop, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori.

Community Demographics (North Fulton County)

Parish Demographics

“ Faithful people at worship...a gift of land...a modest building...an encouraging bishop...a faithful priest...and in time a parish, a handful of hardworking, glad hearted folks– strong the way Saint David’s of Wales was strong. And so...St. David’s stands today– a vibrant witness to the power of the Holy Spirit moving amongst people of faith.”

Parish History

Sept. 16, 1956 First service held

July 1957 The Rev. Herbert Smith called to head St. David’s Mission

June 1958 Fr. Smith dedicates original building

1955 January 1957 Mrs. A.O. Smith donates 5 acres to build an Episcopal Church (current campus)

1960 January 26, 1958 groundbreaking for original building

Feast of Pentecost 1981 The Rev. Hendree Harrison called as 3rd Rector

1980

January 1962 The Rev. William McClelland called as Vicar

1965

1985

Summer 1984 Groundbreaking for New (current) Nave & Classroom/ Admin. Building

1970

January 1960 The Rev. Lamar Speier called as Vicar

December 24, 1985 First service held in New (current) Nave

1990

June 1977 The Rev. Charles Kendrick named as 2nd Rector

July 1967 Fr. William McClelland becomes full time Vicar

1975

May 1971 Full Parish status attained

Spring 2000 The Rev. Hendree Harrison retires

1995

September 2001 The Rev. Paul Winton called as 4th Rector

2000

2005

November 18, 2007 Groundbreaking of Jeffords Fellowship Hall

January 1977 Fr. McClelland retires as Rector

January 2010 The Rev. Paul Winton called to St. John’s, Charlotte, N.C.

2010 January 2009 Fr. Winton dedicates Jeffords Fellowship Hall

By God’s Love

PARISH LIFE AND HOW WE LIVE IN COMMUNITY

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16

Christian Education

Youth

Children

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Our exciting children’s Christian Education program is led by a full-time Christian Education Director with over 60 adults and youth giving of their time and talent to support the children’s ministries. St. David’s provides a well-trained and nurturing nursery program during the 9:00 and 11:15 Sunday church service and the Christian Education hour. St. David’s is blessed with over 100 children from age two years through fifth grade attending each Sunday. The superb Episcopal Children’s Curriculum is used in the lively 2-year olds through first grade classes. Grades 2 through 5: use a Rotation Sunday School that teaches Bible stories through multimedia workshops: art, drama, music, games, A-V, puppets, storytelling, computers, and other educational media. EpiscoPALS is a growing ministry of faith, fun, and fellowship for our grades 4 and 5. The 20 or so children attend twice a month to build healthy, supportive friendships and community. Our always popular Vacation Bible School is also a way for us to reach out to our surrounding community. Children age 6 or older participate in inspirational and instructive First Communion classes in the fall and spring.

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St. David’s employs a full-time Youth Ministries Director who coordinates the curriculum and rousing activities for grades 6-12. Our grades 6, 7, and 8 are using a lectionary-based curriculum, “Seasons of the Spirit,” while our highschoolers discuss biblical topics relating to current events using “Soul Fuel,” by Dare to Share Ministries. Grades 6-12 gather on the first and third Sunday evenings for worship, music and dinner, but separate into middle school and high school groups to enjoy lessons, games, and activities. Their strong sense of community is invaluable. Middle school follows a program called “Weekly Bread” while the high school studies a program called “3 For All”. In addition to leading a Youth Sunday church service each year, our young adults are actively involved in a number of mission trips and outreach projects. EYC meets on the fourth Sunday of every month as we play, pray, and eat together. After a full program of instruction, our grade 10 students end their year with confirmation..

Adults Adults find spiritual nourishment through the Rector’s Forum as well as lay-led Christian book discussion classes and a St. David’s 101 class for newcomers, and an Inquirer’s Class for adults considering confirmation or reception into the Episcopal Church. Sustaining our Christian life during the week is a variety of clergy and lay-led classes, such as Wednesday morning Women’s Bible Study, Wednesday night programs with the Rector, Ladies’ Thursday morning Bible Study, and Men’s Saturday morning Bible Study.

“It's a mid-week gathering of fellow believers for a feeding of the body and spirit--a time for friendship and learning and a kind of "checking in" from the “busy-ness” of the week. It's more casual than Sunday morning and allows for more conversation and sharing.”

Wonder-full Wednesdays Wonder-full Wednesdays bring together an enthusiastic group of our faith community to participate in a time of fellowship, sharing and learning – and to refocus and energize our lives as Christians mid-week. We connect with our parish family during dinner, followed by programming that spans all ages. The program is enriched and enhanced with an intentional focus on responding to the real needs of life in a busy, complex and pluralistic world.

By God’s Grace, By God’s Love, By God’s Mercy, & By Faith in God, St. David’s Episcopal Church offers a rich variety of ministries and programs.

Worship Sacred worship and the celebration of the Eucharist are central to all activities and ministries of St. David’s.

Within the range of “high church” to “low church,” St. David’s is best defined as broad church and traditional. We offer a variety of worship services to feed the needs of all parishioners. •

The Sunday morning schedule begins quietly at 7:45 am with Holy Eucharist Rite I. A full breakfast prepared by the Men’s Club is served most Sundays after the 7:45am service.

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Our 9:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite II service is designed to be a family service. One of our treasured traditions at this service is to occasionally invite the children to literally gather at the Lord’s table during Eucharist.

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Bible study programs, youth and children’s Sunday School, and the Rector’s Forum begin at 10:15 am.

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Holy Eucharist Rite II is used at the 11:15 am service. This service is much more adult oriented embracing the fullness of the Episcopal tradition.

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A Spanish Mass is celebrated at 1:15 pm and is central to our outreach to the Spanish speaking community.

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The Sunday worship schedule peacefully concludes with a 6:00 pm Chapel Mass that has a more casual nature.

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The Wednesday morning Eucharist healing service provides another opportunity for comfort and care to those in need.

Music is integral to our worship and consists of adult and children’s choirs, periodic hand bell, guitars, trumpets, violin and cello performers. Our St. David’s Organist/Choirmaster brings a vast wealth of knowledge of music and liturgy to our sacred worship. St. David’s is very proud to have such a fine instrument as The Austin Opus 1868 organ built in 1934, which was refurbished and installed in its present home in 1995. Several traditions hold special meaning to the parishioners at St. David’s during the year: Christmas Eve services, Holy Week services, and Palm Sunday procession with palms and a live donkey, with these services often accompanied by incense. Other special occasions which have become a part of life and heart of St. David’s are the Blessing of the Animals, Blessing of the Costumes, and Blessing of the Book Bags and Brains to begin the school year!

Parish Life Like the threads in a tapestry, our spiritual journeys at St. David’s weave in and out through many fellowship opportunities. This is what makes us a parish family—we play together, we pray together, we love and support one another as Christ has taught us to do.

"I love the Thursday Morning Ladies' Bible Study because we hug, study, pray, laugh, and love! We're family!"

“...youth group is important to me because it has been one of the only constants in my life. No matter how busy I get or how often I can make it, I know that youth group will be there no matter what. I’ve been going since middle school and I’m glad I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of it and make some lifelong friends.”

Pastoral Care As a community of faith, St. David’s strives to care for its fellow parishioners in times of need. Our pastoral care ministry is the central avenue for congregational care. Clergy provide support to parishioners for a variety of needs through office meetings, home visits, and hospital visits. Lay pastoral care is also vital to the success of St. David’s pastoral care ministry. Lay volunteers enthusiastically participate in caring committees that provide home-cooked meals to parishioners when there are crises in their lives. Caring committee volunteers include Caring Bakers, Caring Deliverers, Cook-A-Thon participants, the “Chicken Soup” Group, Parish Health Ministry, and Flower Ambassadors. St. David’s also provides support for the congregation with Eucharistic Visitors Ministers who are trained and licensed to administer the reserved Sacrament of Holy Communion to the sick and home-bound on a regular basis. The Grief Ministry and our Caregivers Support Group provide another source of abiding Christian love and strength to our parish family. As the Body of Christ, we, the people of God, are called to bear one another's burdens with tender mercy and abiding love, and through this love St. David’s has been called to join many other Episcopal churches across the country in participating in Stephen Ministry. It is the work of a trained Stephen Minister to come alongside a person to provide support, comfort, and strength by a ministry of presence.

“My Stephen Minister led me from brokenness to wholeness and from despair and hopelessness to joy and faith and taught me that Jesus' love and comfort had always been there for me, and all I had to do was accept it, which I have done."

Preschool Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

In January 1970, St. David’s Preschool opened its doors to the parish and surrounding community. Since then it continues to offer an outstanding curriculum that helps children develop a love of learning prior to entering elementary school. Classes are held Monday-Friday for children ages five and under. Preschool runs from September to May with an enrollment of around 120 students. The annual income is around $220,000. Enrollment is continual with families contacting the preschool frequently for information and tours. St. David’s Preschool has an excellent reputation in the Roswell/ Alpharetta community. Families are well informed with monthly newsletters, group email notifications, weekly lesson plans, and frequent photo pages from the school day. A number of families drive significant distances to bring their children to this special preschool. Children are given the tools for social, emotional, and

“My son attended St. David’s preschool from the time he was 18 months until his preschool “graduation “ at age 5. Words cannot express my appreciation for the guidance, enthusiasm, and love that enabled my son to receive a wonderful foundation and great memories to carry him along his school journey.”

academic readiness for Kindergarten. The success of the program lies in the excellence of the teaching staff and the cohesiveness of the programs offered. Children receive a classic preschool education and extras like music and movement, chapel, after-school ballet or sports, before-school nursery, and summer camp, in a well-managed facility with clean, properly appointed rooms and a fenced, roomy, shaded playground.

By God’s Mercy

OUR BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS AND HOW WE USE THEM

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.”1Chronicles 16:34

Mission and Ministry The mission of St. David’s is “Restoring all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.” At Saint David’s we combine mission and ministry by obeying Jesus’ new commandment to “Love one another as I have loved you.” This is exemplified by our outreach programs such as our Day Laborers Ministry; our inreach programs, such as Stephen Ministry; and our foreign missions, especially our Honduras and African Mission trips. The church invites all people to accept the message of love, redemption, and salvation through belief and acceptance of Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior. Through the programs and ministries of St. David’s, all of God’s children are welcomed and offered the opportunity to grow in faith and strength.

Outreach (Mission Board) St. David’s is proud of the many and diverse outreach opportunities in which our members are involved. We have historically been and are continually involved in working closely with North Fulton Community Charities through a variety of programs, including Thanksgiving and Christmas food for needy families and Christmas gifts for up to

35 families, donating to the Clothes Closet, and supporting the Food Pantry three months a year. Many parishioners also volunteer to work at the center. St. David’s continues to contribute money and manpower to Habitat for Humanity as they have for many years. St. David’s has two active and well supported missions. Our mission that supports the Lamb Institute and orphanage in Honduras is in its sixth year. Our mission to Tanzania helps to install solar panels at Mslato Theological College, and is in its second year. This year St. David’s has begun the St. Francis Guild (day laborers ministry). Mondays through Thursdays four different teams prepare and provide a substantial lunch for 50-60 men awaiting work. St. David’s has for many years participated in and supported a Homestretch family. We provide housing as well as personal and financial mentoring for 1-2 families each year to help them reach self-sufficiency. Many find a place for their time and talent in smaller, more personal outreach ministries involving cell phones, eyeglasses, and backpacks for grammar school children, just to name a few.

St. David’s Hispanic Ministry About seven years ago, a group of parishioners from St. David’s gathered together with a vision to begin a Hispanic Ministry. With our Rector’s leadership we were able to celebrate Holy Eucharist—first with parts read in Spanish and then gradually the whole service being celebrated in Spanish with translated sermons and a music ministry. At that time, deeply committed members from St. David’s served as our LEM’s, acolytes, and translators. Over the years, our Hispanic congregation has grown in many ways. A mile stone was the addition of a designated priest. The purpose of our ministry is “to restore all people to unity with God and with each other in Christ with a focus on the local Hispanic community.” In addition to the regular offering of liturgical services, we also celebrate special services relative to the Hispanic culture, such as: • • • •

Thanksgiving for a 3-year old; Quinceanera (celebration of 15th birthday); Hispanic festivals and convivios (pot-lucks); All sacraments of the Church, including confirmation and reception into the Episcopal Church.

We serve a congregation of about 35 families, with average Sunday attendance of 45-60 at the 1:15 p.m. Hispanic Mass. We publish weekly Sunday bulletins and a monthly newsletter which incorporates information from The Illumination, the parish’s regular newsletter. At this time we are working toward adding child care and a Sunday School program for the children, beginning a Bible Study program for adults, and offering English classes. Through God’s mercy and the generosity of St. David’s parishioners, we have launched the St. Francis pantry, which provides food to our families in need.

Stewardship Stewardship is everything we do after we say, “We believe …” It is our living relationship with God’s unconditional love and to the gifts of salvation through Jesus Christ and grace through the Holy Spirit. Experience shows us that ‘joyful giving’ results in spiritual growth. What do we give back to God in response for all that has been given to us unconditionally? We give of our time, our talent, and our treasure. It is about how we use everything that God has given us. It is about how we live and how we give.

As the graphs on the facing page demonstrate, there has been a decline in both membership and pledging units at St. David’s the past five years. Pledges have dropped from 434 in 2005 to 274 at the beginning of 2010. Revenue has similarly been impacted. St David’s is actively engaged in addressing stewardship with the support and guidance of our interim rector. The steps during 2010 include: •


We believe life itself is a gift from God, therefore,
We commit to offer a percentage of our time in service to others following the example of Jesus Christ.

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We believe each of us is endowed with talents given to us by our Creator, therefore,
We commit that it is our responsibility to share these gifts with others as directed by our Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe that all we have belongs to God. Our treasures, our world, our very lives are gifts from God for us to use as God directs us.
We believe the tithe (10% of our treasure) is the minimum standard to return to God, therefore,
We commit as individuals to pledge a tithe or to have a plan to increase our giving to meet or exceed this goal.

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Contact: All non-pledging members have been contacted through multiple methods, including personal meetings and by letter, with the goal of attaining additional pledges for this calendar year. Education: We are organizing a month of preaching and teaching on the theology and spirituality of stewardship for September. We will have the parish’s first Every Member Canvas since 2002. Training is beginning in July. Planning has begun to organize an intentional program of evangelism and church growth.

St David’s is committed to strengthening our understanding and commitment to stewardship, and we look forward to a Rector who can assist in leading these efforts.

"Stewardship is discipleship. It is your personal commitment to God. Jesus was the perfect steward. To be a good steward, we should use our talents, treasures, and time; our gifts to the glory of God."

By Faith in God

WE MOVE CONFIDENTLY AHEAD

“If ye have faith as a grain of a mustard seed…nothing shall be impossible unto you” Matthew 17:20

Opportunities and Challenges St. David’s is a vibrant parish of all ages, demographics and ethnicities with a strong commitment to caring for one another. There is a desire to more deeply recognize the needs of parishioners within the church (Inreach), especially concerning older adults and struggling families, while continuing the strong tradition of Outreach support. While St. David’s enjoys a strong Christian Education program, more opportunities to gather in small groups for spiritual teaching and social interaction is desired. Growth in membership, especially young families, has been identified as a major goal moving forward. As an active parish with beautiful facilities there is great opportunity and capacity for this growth. Ministries and activities are energetically communicated via The Illumination newsletter (both email and printed) and eblasts. We continue to seek ways to get the good news out about St. David’s using a broad range of programs offered to the parish and beyond. Fortunately, based on our Parish Survey, 55% of respondents would like to become more involved. ‘

Fellowship is important to our members. While most activities involve all ages, there has been a strong request to

also offer social functions that are “adult only,” such as dinner and dancing or game night. We are constantly looking for more and varied ways to strengthen our parish family bonds through these gatherings. We feel very blessed that Jeffords Hall provides the space for us to gather in large numbers. At the same time classroom space in the facility is ideal for small groups. Effective promotion and use of Jeffords Hall by the parish and the community holds great potential. We recognize that we face a serious financial situation. The debt acquired in the development and building of Jeffords Fellowship Hall has left St David’s in a precarious financial position. The root cause of this issue, however, is more than the finances. There has been a decline in both membership and pledging units the past five years. These issues, further exacerbated by the economic factors affecting the greater community and the new $6,000,000 mortgage, are critical concerns for St David’s. Leadership experience with stewardship, growth, and evangelism is a key concern for this parish. Therefore, managing parish finances, stewardship programs, and evangelism efforts will be the primary focuses for the clergy and laity of St. David’s.

Rector Profile As St. David’s moves forward in faith, discerning God’s message and hope for our future, we seek a Rector who:


Has proven experience to strategize and implement financial stability for St. David’s long term future, emphasizing stewardship, growth, and evangelism.


Demonstrates insightful spiritual leadership, preaching sermons that make the Gospel relevant to daily living and spiritual growth.


Brings an engaging approach to parish life, supporting ministries and activities within the church.
Maintains as a high priority compassion and guidance in pastoral care and understanding the challenges of parishioners’ everyday lives.


Is gifted at managing conflict.
Has a strong ability to lead and manage a capable staff and vestry while promoting lay ministry.
Possesses a sense of humor (so say our youth) and the ability to reach out to all members of the parish.
Has a desire to continue building our Christian Education programs for all ages.

A message from the vestry…. The Vestry, like all of the St David’s community, is hope-filled as we eagerly look forward to discovering who our Risen Lord identifies as the next Rector of St David’s. While our evangelism, growth and financial complexities are real, the rewards of leading this vibrant community are great.

Staff CLERICS The Rev’d Kenneth Swanson, Interim Rector The Rev’d Anne Elizabeth Swiedler, Associate Rector The Rev’d Fr. Julio Lema, Assistant. to the Rector ORGANIST/CHOIRMASTER

Mr. G. Ernest Plunkett ST. DAVID’S PRESCHOOL

Mrs. Peggy Fallon, Director Mrs. Stacy Wilson, Administrative Assistant CHURCH STAFF

Mrs. Linda Thomas, Director of Communications


Mrs. Judy Beecham, Children’s Ministries


Mrs. Katie McRee, Youth Ministries


Mrs. Susie Clements, Children’s Music


Mrs. Jan Georges, Invitation & Integration


Mrs. Sarah McVay, Infants & Toddlers


Mrs. Madeline Nix, Building and Grounds


Mrs. Cathy Cheatwood, Finance Administrative Assistant


Mr. Charles Peters, Sexton Mrs. Catherine Peters, Sexton’s Assistant


Mrs. Gail Greene, Parish Nurse

Vestry & Search Committee VESTRY

SEARCH COMMITTEE

Sally Goldberg

Term Expires 2010

Thomas Nolfa

Term Expires 2010

Beth King Committee Chair

Mike Tompros

Term Expires 2010

Colleen Bast

Bonnie Underwood

Senior Warden Term Expires 2010

James Berry John David

Cathy Jones

Term Expires 2011

Charles McMillan

Junior Warden Term Expires 2011

Kim Freeman

Del Reichardt

Term Expires 2011

Charlie Gwynn

Dave Wallace

Term Expires 2011

Pat Klausman

Betsy Harvey

Term Expires 2012

Lisa Puckett

Term Expires 2012

Amanda Scott

Clerk of the Vestry

Beatrice Fayemi

David Kloess Matt Weiss

Term Expires 2012

Allison Wilson

Jim Wilson

Term Expires 2012

Rick Wilson

Jim Landers

Treasurer

Gail Greene

Secretary

Thomas Nolfa, Vestry Search Committee Liaison The Rev’d Rob Wood, Consultant

Candidates: for submission of forms, please email to “[email protected].”

SAINT DAVID’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 1015 Old Roswell Rd., Roswell, GA 30076 Church Office 770-993-6084 or 770-993-1094; FAX: 770-993-8504 Web Site: www.stdavidchurch.org