Stained Glass Windows Part 5 - The Saints Four saints were chosen to be shown in the windows behind the altar because each has special meaning to this parish. St. Francis Location: Right of altar, lower window It’s been said that St. Francis is the most popular saint in the world. The artist has depicted him with birds perching on him, and a fawn at his feet. Who wouldn’t like a man who loved, and was loved by, animals so much? Francis Bernardone, whose father was a successful international fabric merchant, was pretty popular with the other young people of early 13th century Assisi in Italy. He led a fun-filled frivolous life, spending the family wealth freely on his “posse,” to his father’s continual consternation. One day, sitting in a country chapel that was in great disrepair, Francis heard a voice telling him, “Go, Francis, and repair my house, which as you see is falling into ruin.” Initially understanding this message literally, and using more of his father’s money, Francis set about the task of restoring the chapel. It took more time before Francis would give himself over to a life of complete service to God, but he did eventually do so (perhaps helped along by his father disinheriting him). The figure in the stained glass looks well-nourished; but Francis wrecked his health with his dietary habits, often giving up his food for others. Once, Francis trekked from Italy to Spain barefoot in his rough rags. He even joined in the last of the Crusades, prepared – eager! – to die a martyr’s death in an attempt to bring peace. The account of Francis’ declining health during his final two years of life (he died at the age of 44, in the year 1226) is difficult to read. He may even have endured the onset of leprosy, since he had cared so closely for those poor unfortunates so afflicted, ever since the early days of his ministry. One aspect of this deteriorating health is the story that he was the first person whose body bore the signs of the stigmata (the appearance of wounds in his hands, feet, and side similar to those of the crucified Christ). You must look closely to see them, but the artist has included this legendary detail of the wounds in the stained glass figure’s hands and feet. Unlike the rich young man in the Gospel story, he gladly pursued this life of caring for the poor. Throughout it all, he maintained the joy and fun-filled cheerfulness of his youth. He loved to sing and he composed poetry, as evidenced by the authorship credits for Hymns 400 and 593. He considered every person, every animal, and everything in nature to be his brothers and sisters. St. Bridget Location: Right of altar, upper window From an early age, her natural inclination was to give everything away to the poor. This was a great frustration to her family, even though her charity was rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ: she is reported to have asked her parents, “Is it not Christ Himself we help when we help His poor?” Bridget’s father pressed her to marry a young nobleman, but she thwarted his plans by fleeing and becoming a nun. By thus becoming a “bride of Christ,” Brigid of Kildare (as the Irish know her) acquired her alternate name of “Bride.” She founded a convent at Kildare, and was its abbess. Her works of mercy continued through her long life, and her feast day of February 1 marks the date in the year 523 when she died, at about the age of 70. She is regarded as the patron saint of many things, including newborn infants (especially those born out of wedlock) and midwives. Unfortunately, she is often confused with a 13th century Swedish saint, another woman also called Bridget (this one was really named Birgitta), who was responsible for founding a religious order of nuns involved in acts of charity. In the stained glass, the crown you see upon St. Bridget’s head has a triple meaning: the stories of her life claim that she was of Celtic royal birth; a crown usually denotes a saint who was a nun; and, as one of the top three Irish saints (Patrick and Columba are the other two), Brigid is often called “Mary of the Gaels,” being yoked in the Irish mind with the persona of the mother of our Lord, the “Queen of Heaven.” She is shown carrying a staff, which indicates her status as an abbess. The glowing heart she St. Martha Location: Left of altar, lower window Martha of Bethany was very focused on wanting to display hospitality in the best possible way. For her, this meant the hard work of preparing a nourishing meal, and to do that she needed some help in the kitchen. But her sister, Mary, on whom she was relying for that help, was instead in the living room enthralled with listening to Jesus. Martha let her annoyance with Mary show, forgetting that hospitality comes in a variety of forms. She was focused on her own needs in her effort to be hospitable, and she failed to see that sometimes guests just need “to be,” rather than “to be waited upon.” In the alcove to the left of the altar, in the window opening below the figure of St. David, St. Martha of Bethany is shown in the stained glass. Her arms are laden with a bowl of fruit and a flagon of drink for her guests. On her wrist she wears a bundle of keys, emblematic of someone who must manage a large house. Once past these symbols that identify her, there seems to be a look of weariness and self-pity about all the things she must do to be hospitable. Martha of Bethany was chosen as one of the four saints to be depicted in the stained glass of St. David’s because we place great stock in displaying hospitality. St. David Location: Left of altar, upper window David was born in the 6th century. After his religious education, he traveled throughout Britain and established various monasteries, returning finally to the area of his birth near the ancient city of Menevia on the shore of the Irish Sea (which is now the city named for him: St. David). The way of life he led, which he also required of his monks, included a regimen of extreme austerity: hard physical labor during daylight hours, study and worship during the hours of darkness, and a vegetarian diet, with water the only permitted beverage. He is also said to have had the habit of bathing in pools of very cold water, doubly earning him the nickname of “The Waterman.” Since he is the patron saint of Wales, every Welsh youngster is taught the most famous legend of St. David’s ministry: that while he was preaching to a particularly large crowd, the ground on which he stood rose up beneath his feet so that David stood upon a small hill and all could hear and see him clearly. A white dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, alighted on his shoulder. Impressed with this sign, the aged bishop of the area is said to have resigned and conferred his title upon David. Leeks (and their close botanical relative, the daffodil) are the traditional Welsh decoration to wear on March 1, the feast day of St. David. Legend has him advising Welsh warriors engaged in battle with the Saxons to put leeks in their hats to distinguish themselves from the enemy; naturally, the Welsh won. It takes time to fully appreciate all the symbols shown in this window. The lush green of the chasuble he is wearing can be compared to the lovely green of the hangings and vestments used for the majority of each church year. Almost hidden is the white dove perched on the bishop’s shoulder. Behind him, poking up from the elevated ground, is a crop of plump leeks. The “pallium” is an ancient garment, similar to the stole worn by priests. You see one hanging like a yoke down the front of St. David’s green chasuble. The Pope traditionally awards a pallium to archbishops who exercise authority over other diocesan bishops, and the status of St. David as the archbishop of Wales is symbolized in this way. Remember Rhygyfarch’s goal of showing the independence of the Church in Wales? How did our parish come to be named for the patron saint of Wales? Parish records state that Bishop Randolph Claiborne, in August of 1956, suggested this name to the Episcopalians in North Fulton who had petitioned him to establish a parish for them. But I had to probe the memory of someone who knew Bishop Claiborne personally for an account of why he would have suggested this name: Bishop Claiborne was mindful that the Diocese of Atlanta already had a parish in Griffin that was named for St. George, the patron saint of England; and, there was St. Margaret’s parish in Carrollton, named in the 19th century for the beloved patron saint of Scotland. Apparently, Bishop Claiborne was bent on honoring the patron saint of each part of the British Isles, and thus our parish was named for the patron saint of Wales. Back to Part 4 - "The Six Mercies"

Visitors and prospective members are invited to fill out our visitor's card which will enable us to reach out to you and invite you to be a part of the St. David's community. Visitors Card Thank you for visiting St. David's! We are truly blessed that we were included in your faith and want to extend an invitation to return. Kindly complete the visitor's card below so that we can reach out to you.

A highly talented and dedicated group of men and women who ensure that St. David's offers an unmatched spiritual experience. St. David's Staff To contact any of our staff members by email, click on their photo below Claudia Bernal Finance and HR Manager Susie Clements Director of Communications and Basement Band Rebecca Cline Director of Parish Life Sara Greene Director of St. David's Preschool Grace Horn Director of Operations William Howard Sexton Karen Juarez Director of Youth Ministries Freddie Stokes Sexton Email Susie Email Rebecca Email Grace Email Mason Email Sara Email Karen Email Claudia

Preschool classes for children 16 months including class objectives, classrooms, times and activities. Toddler Class 16 months to 2 years old Tuesday-Thursday Call/Text NOW to schedule a tour In our Toddler Class, the focus is on the development of language and communication, gross and fine motor skills, learning through play, classroom routines, and social-emotional and early learning skills. Children enjoy daily free play, circle time, child-led art, sensory play, stories, songs, finger plays, and create “make and take” art projects. Little ones have Music and Movement class once a week and go outdoors on our toddler-friendly playground daily as weather permits. Classroom parents will provide a “nut-free” mid-morning snack for the whole class on a rotational basis. Children arrive at preschool with a tote bag with a change of clothing or diapers, and lunchbox filled with a light "nut-free" lunch and water bottle. **Children must be able to walk and stay awake during the school day. Parent-Teacher conferences will be held twice year. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to meet with the teachers and communicate questions or concerns throughout the year. This class meets three days per week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30 am-1:00 pm. Class size is limited to ten students with two teachers, with flexibility based on classroom needs. Parents will walk the children to the playground or classroom at 9:30AM, weather dependent. Children will be also picked up from the playground or classroom at 1:00PM. We have several extra care options staffed by our teachers: Parent’s Morning Out are every Monday and Friday, daily Rooster Club Play Group from 8:30AM–9:30AM, and daily StayNPlay, from 1PM-2PM. Annual tuition is $3,390 and can be paid in 10 equal monthly payments of $339. August tuition is due July 5, 2026. Remaining 9 monthly payments begin in September and go through May 2027. New student registration fee of $145 (nonrefundable) is due at registration. A one-time supply fee of $90 is due the first month of preschool SKILLS TO BE MASTERED BY END OF THE YEAR Self-Awareness & Emotional Regulation Separates from parent Conveys wants and needs, verbally or non-verbally Shows interest and curiosity Cooperates Parallel plays Eats and drinks with minimal help Shows signs of independence Participates in classroom routines Follows directions Keeps hands to self Responds to teacher when name is called Will come to teacher when called Able to stay awake and alert during school day Sits in circle with verbal redirection Sits at table long enough to eat lunch/snack Respects others’ materials Fine Motor Skills Crayon scribbling Can stack 3 blocks Turns pages of book Fills containers with objects Gross Motor Skills Walks/runs without falling Climbs on play equipment Bends over without falling Sways with music Carries large toy without falling Cognitive Development Explores toys and materials through touching, banging, stacking, and dumping Begins to understand cause and effect (pushes buttons, turns knobs) Attempts simple puzzles (2–4 pieces) Recognizes familiar people, objects, and routines Shows curiosity by pointing, looking closely, and asking simple questions Engages in early pretend play (feeds a doll, pretends to talk on a phone) Follows simple one-step directions Begins to understand basic concepts (in/out, up/down, more) Enjoys repetition and predictable routines Expresses interest in books Can locate named object Looks at book alone Sustains attention to a short activity (2–5 minutes) Begins to recall familiar songs, stories, and classroom routines Experiments with stacking, nesting, and sorting objects Call/Text NOW to schedule a tour

Discipleship Groups St. David's has several discipleship building organizations; Education for Minsitry, Daughters of the King, and Brotherhood of St. Andrew. These three programs ask for a long term committment and are dedicated to growing disciples dedicated to prayer, spreading the gospel, and service. Education for Ministry Mondays Beginning in September 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bethany Room EfM is an adult, Christian, distance learning education program of the School of Theology of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. This four-year program is a dynamic blend of Bible study, church history, theology, worship, prayer, and theological reflection. Led by certified EfM mentors Jennifer Walker and Michael Sutton, our seminar meets Mondays from 6:30–8:30 p.m. in the Bethany Room. Our group currently includes 7 participants from St. David's, with space for up to 4 more. Want to see what a Theological Reflection looks like? Join us for a sample session on Sunday, August 9, at 10:15 a.m. in the Bethany Room and experience this unique process firsthand. For more information, contact Michael Sutton . Past graduates have found the EfM experience to be a profound learning experience and spiritually transformative. St. David’s has proudly sponsored an EfM class for 35 years. Daughters of the King Meets monthly on Saturday Mornings 10:30 a.m. Grace Hall Discover Daughters of the King (DOK) Women of St. David’s: Are you looking for deeper spiritual connection and meaningful ways to serve alongside fellow women? The Daughters of the King (DOK) may be the community you’ve been seeking. The DOK is an Episcopal community dedicated to prayer, service, and sharing God’s love. As members of our Grace Chapter at St. David’s, we commit to daily prayer, supporting our parish, and living out our faith through everyday acts of kindness and compassion. How to Learn More & Join Us Visit Our Info Table: Stop by the hallway on August 23, August 30, or September 6 to chat with us and ask questions. Discernment Meetings: We will begin an 8-week discernment series on September 27, meeting between the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services. These discussion sessions are an essential step for anyone considering membership. We would love to welcome you and walk this journey of faith together! Questions? Contact Deb Stecher . Brotherhood of St. Andrew 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month 7:30-9:00 p.m. Grace Hall The Brotherhood of St. Andrew is a ministry for the spread of Christ's kingdom among men and boys in the Episcopal / Anglican communion and is grounded in prayer and service. The Brotherhood meets bi-monthly for Bible Study, prayer, and to plan service activities. For any questions or for more information, please contact Patrick Cathcart.

The Austin Organ Opus was built in 1868 and upgraded in 1934 and again in 2016. St. David's Pipe Organ Austin Organ Opus 1868 (1934, 2016) The organ at St. David’s combines the best of old craftsmanship and new technology. The original instrument, Opus 1868, was built by Austin Organ Company, Hartford, Connecticut, in 1934. Fifteen years ago, St. David’s purchased this organ through the Organ Clearing House from a Presbyterian Church in Iowa. In 2016, Austin Organ Company built a new three-manual console, and additional digital voices (ranks of stops) were added to the specifications. The organ now has 47 ranks and state-of-the-art SSL digital additions for multiple memory levels, registration settings, sequencer, recording, and MIDI capabilities. GREAT *= Enclosed in Choir box +Quintaton 16’ Double Diapason 16’ Open Diapason 8’ +Violone 8’ *Flute Harmonique 8’ Octave 4’ +Flute 4’ Super Octave 2’ +Flute 2’ Cymbal III *Trumpet 8’ Festival Trumpet 8’ *Chimes+Zymbelstern SWELL Gedeckt 16’ Geigen Principal 8’ Stopped Flute 8’ Salicionial 8’ Voix Celeste 8’ +Principal 4’ Chimney Flute 4’ +Principal 2’ Piccolo 2’ Mixture III +Cornet V Bassoon 16’ Trumpet 8’ Oboe 8’ Vox Humana 8’ Clarion 4’ Festival Trumpet 8’ Tremulant CHOIR Concert Flute 8’ Spitzflute 8’ Spitzflute Celeste 8’ +Gemshorn 8’ +Flute 4’ Gemshorn 4’ English Horn 8’ +Krummhorn 8’ Nazard 2 2/3’ Flautino 2’ Tierce 1 3/5’ Festival Trumpet 8’ +Harp +Zimblestern Tremulant PEDAL +Sub-principal 32’ +Contra Bourdon 32’ Open Wood 16’ Open Diapason (Gt.) 16’ Lieblich Gedeckt 16’ +Violone 16’ Octave 8’ +Violone 8’ Flute 8’ Choral Bass 4’ Flautino 4’ +Flute 2’ Rauschquint, II +Contra Trombone 32’ Contra Bassoon (Sw.) 16’ Oboe (Sw.) 8’ Festival Trumpet 8’ +Chimes 99 Memory Levels; Piston Sequencer 15 General Pistons, 8 Divisional Pistons Digital playback recorder Manual Transfer (Great/Choir) “+ “ Walker Digital Voices

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