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Stained Glass Windows Part 2 - The Four Evangelists "The Four Evangelists" Location: Rear of Church, Flanking Pipes of Organ At the ordination of a priest, the Bishop asks the ordinand questions found in the part of the service called “The Examination.” Before beginning the list of questions, the Bishop addresses the ordinand and issues a charge: “You are to preach.” Specifically, the Bishop tells the ordinand that, “As a priest, it will be your task to proclaim by word and deed the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Because of this charge made to every new priest, it is appropriate that the two stained glass windows at the back of the nave, which are effectively hidden from the view of the congregation, are the very ones that the members of our clergy see facing them every Sunday when they stand in the pulpit. These two tall narrow windows are in the gallery flanking the pipes of the organ. They commemorate the four Evangelists – the writers of the Gospels – whose names roll, in order, off our tongues so easily after years of repetition: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These are also the plainest of all the stained glass windows in the building: generic figures of four men, each holding a bound volume, with a quill pen in hand. Above each one’s head appears his name, prefaced with the word “Saint,” and behind each head is that device used by artists when depicting saints: a glowing disc referred to as a “nimbus.” The plainness of these windows is emphasized by the absence of the traditional symbols that appear so often in stained glass representations of the four evangelists -- the four winged creatures mentioned both in Ezekiel 1:4- 10 and Revelation 4:6-7. Back To Part 1 - The Round Windows Proceed to Part 3 - "The Life of Jesus"

A list of Frequently Asked Questions about St. David's and our parish community. Frequently Asked Questions Take a minute and plan your visit to St. David's. Parking There is parking on the west of our campus (by entrance to the Church) and on the north side of our campus behind Jeffords Fellowship Hall (and the playground). There is also additional parking at Mimosa Elementary School, with stairs that lead to our campus. There are handicapped parking spaces available in the parking lot adjacent to the Church with a handicapped entrance. Jeffords Fellowship Hall has additional handicapped parking located in the front of the Hall on the curved driveway. Parking is not allowed in the lane that is to your far right as you enter the Jeffords Hall entrance from Old Roswell Road, this is a fire lane. It is clearly marked with a red curb. Sunday School and Adult Education Sunday School for children, youth, and adults is held from 10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. each Sunday, between the 9:00 a.m. Family Service and the 11:15 a.m. service. The current list of offerings, and their locations, will be available in the worship Bulletin. If you need directions, please feel free to ask an usher, or at the Welcome Desk. They will be happy to help you. What to expect We want your visit to St. David's to be a warm and welcoming experience. We believe that when you are our guest, we are co-hosts with God, who has extended an invitation to each of us to share in the love we have come to know at St. David's. Please stop by our Welcome Center in the main entrance of the Church, and a member of our Welcome Ministry will be there to assist you. We also encourage you to fill out a Welcome Card, which may be found at the Welcome Center, in the pew racks, or online (here). The Welcome Card will enable us to send you information about our Church. It can be given to a greeter, or member of the vestry, dropped in the offering plate, or in the box located at the Welcome Center. Communion The Eucharist culminates in Communion, a shared meal of bread and wine in remembrance of Jesus' death and resurrection. An usher will invite you to come to the altar rail. You may stand or kneel at the rail, though most parishioners kneel. Most parishioners hold their hands out with their palms open, and a minister will come to you to place bread in your hand. You may then take the bread to your mouth or dip the bread in the wine. You may receive the wine directly from the chalice by guiding it with your hand if you prefer. If you would not like to receive Communion, simply cross your arms across your chest like an "X", and a minister will offer a prayer of blessing instead. If you have a question and do not see it here, please feel free to contact the church office. We are happy to answer any questions you may have!

St. David's stands ready to support our community during difficult times through prayers, readings, and clergy visits. Our funeral guild will help facilitate funerals at St. David's. Funerals The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we too, shall be raised. The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of Godin Christ Jesus our Lord.” Book of Common Prayer, Page 507 When there is a death in your family or a family member is near death, call the church. If it is after office hours, please call the main church number, 770-993-6084, and follow the directions to contact the Priest-on-Call. St. David's always has a Clergy member on call. We want to support you and be with you at your time of loss. Prayers and Readings: Near death or at the time of death The Book of Common Prayer provides prayers for the time when a person is near death (p. 462), and at the time of death (p. 462-463). When possible, the family and friends join together in the Litany (p. 462) led by the parish priest or by a lay person if the priest cannot be present. If you do not have a Book of Common Prayer, you may find it online at www.bcponline.org . Planning a Funeral or Memorial Service When it is time to plan a Funeral or Memorial Service please contact the church office. We will help schedule a meeting with a member of the Clergy. The priest will meet with the family to plan the service. If may find St. David's Guide to Funerals by clicking the button below. You may find it helpful in planning. Funeral Planning Form: A Gift of Love and Faith Planning your funeral is an act of care for those you love. Our Funeral Planning Form makes it simple to share your hopes for readings, hymns, and other personal touches. Together with clergy, you’ll create a plan that reflects your faith and provides peace of mind for you and your family. Click here to access the form. A Guide to Funerals at St. David's Funeral Guild: St. Joseph of Arimathea St. David’s has a strong team of caring parishioners who facilitate funerals. Led by the laity of the church, and under the direction and supervision of the Rector, the Guild of St. Joseph of Arimathea assists in every aspect of the Burial Liturgy. From arranging readers, vergers, chalice bearers, and ushers, to being with the family before the service, this guild works with the clergy to provide a thoughtful, dignified and meaningful service based on the Burial Rite in the Book of Common Prayer.

Add someone to the St. David's prayer list. Prayer Request St. David's will gladly accept prayer requests from members and non-members alike. Please fill out the form below. Note: The form below requires scrolling to fill it out completely.

St. David's nursery provides excellent care in a loving environment for infants to 5th graders. Nursery Care 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Nursery care is offered for little ones, infants to 3-years-old. This covers the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services, and the Sunday school hour in between. Our experienced staff is dedicated to providing excellent care in a loving environment following Safeguarding God's Children guidelines. Infants - Toddlers (birth to approximately 24 months) - St. Anne Room Two- and Three-Year Olds - St. Elizabeth Room Both of the nursery rooms are in the main church building just off the Preschool Hallway. Our wonderful and experienced team of caregivers are there to serve you and your child. Questions? Contact Judy Hine , Director of Children's Ministry.

Bible Studies Adult Learning St. David's has several Bible Studies that meet from September through May and generally break for the summer. Each Bible Study has its own course of study and has different areas of focus. We invite you to explore these offerings. If you find one that interests you, please use the links to email the facilitator. Thursday Morning Bible Study Thursdays 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Jeffords Fellowship Hall, front half Have you ever wondered how the Old Testament story ends? Join us for the study of Ezra and Nehemiah and find out! After a 70-year exile in Babylon, God calls the Jews to return to Jerusalem. That event occurs in three different pilgrimages. Ezra chapters 1-6 record the events of the first return, which was about rebuilding a Temple. Ezra chapters 7-10 record the events of the second return, which was about rebuilding a nation. Nehemiah chapters 1-13 record the events of the third return, which was about rebuilding a city. Ezra and Nehemiah are strong, godly leaders. They tackle monumental tasks amid much opposition! Both men have a passion to participate in God’s work! They inspire us to do the same! You don’t have to be a Bible expert to enjoy this class. We laugh, hug, drink coffee, and study—and we have a place for you! The class is free and is also available as a live Zoom chat or as a YouTube lesson. Please contact Kim Freeman to register. Men's Saturday Morning Bible Study Saturdays 8:30 a.m. Grace Hall This gathering is a true Bible study with discussion. Each class is a standalone event so there is no long-term commitment. Drop-ins are always welcome. Contact Chris Burpo for information. Saturday Morning Bible Study returns for the fall on Saturday September 21, 8:30-9:30 a.m. in Grace Parish Hall. This fall’s program will be something different, sort of like a “choose your own adventure”. We will choose the scripture to be read and discussed from a list of descriptions (without attribution or context) of selected events and personalities which the various authors have woven together to explore the major elements and themes of unique stories. Men's Tuesday Morning Bible Study Tuesdays 6:30 a.m. Online This Bible Study meets online, early Tuesday mornings, and has a rotation of study. For the current course of study and more information about gathering or the current course of study, please contact Ron Felder .

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.

Click to see to see all of the wonderful things that are happening at St. David's Episcopal Preschool in Roswell, GA. St. David's Preschool Photo Gallery St. David's Preschool

St. David's has an abundance of space available to members and those in our community. Room/Space Reservation Members of St. David's Church as well as outside organizations can request to use/rent space at St. David's. Please fill out the form below and a staff member will respond within 24 business hours. If you prefer, you may call the church office at 770-993-6084. Note: The form below requires scrolling to fill it out completely.

Funding Future Ministry is a planned gift that will not impact you financially in your lifetime. Funding Future Ministry Planned giving is one expression of the wise use of the personal resources God has entrusted to us. It is a statement of faith and belief in the future. A planned gift is not reserved for the wealthy. The Funding Future Ministry program at St. David’s is an opportunity to ensure that your most sacred values and commitments are part of your legacy. Your planned gift represents your hope for the future mission and ministry of St. David’s and your faith in generations to come. The Funding Future Ministry program provides an opportunity for you to establish a planned gift with no financial impact during your lifetime. Or select a planned giving vehicle that returns income to you during your lifetime. Planned giving encompasses a variety of ways that gifts can be made to St. David’s general funds or the St. David’s Endowment Fund. Learn more about ways to make planned gifts by exploring the links below.

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

Our own home-grown group of talented musicians playing contemporary Christian songs and hymns. Come join the band! St. David's Basement Band This ensemble provides contemporary Christian music at the 9:00 a.m. worship service and for special social occasions. We feature music from contemporary artists like Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Third Day, NeedtoBreathe, and Lauren Daigle, as well as contemporary settings for traditional hymns. This is a contemporary band with an electric keyboard, drums, electric and acoustic guitars, bass guitars, saxophone, violins, whatever instrument you can play, and, of course, singers! This is also a “teaching” band in that younger musicians are welcome to join us and “apprentice” with the more experienced players. Rehearsals are on Sunday evenings – 6:30-7:30 p.m. Call Susie Clements if you have any questions – 770-993-1094 x131 or email Susie here.

Our handbell choir enhances an already wonderful musical experience. Learn more about becoming part of this team. Handbell Choir St. David’s is blessed to have a 5-octave set of Schulmerich Handbells and 4 octaves of Malmark Handchimes. The bell choir consists of adults and students from the ninth grade up. We play music in Levels 1 through 4 (out of 6 levels). The group rings for the 9:00 a.m and 11:15 a.m. Services about 4 times during the season (September through May), including Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve, and Music Appreciation Sunday. We also play, enhancing hymns, choral anthems, and/or ringing solo pieces. Previous ringing experience or music note reading, while helpful, is not necessary; bring a sense of adventure, a willing heart, and the ability to count to eight! We have fun together. Rehearsals are on Sunday mornings, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. For more information, contact Susie Clements, 770-993-6084, x131, or email her here .

The clergy at St. David's are true spiritual shepherds and serve all members of our parish. Come and make an introduction! St. David's Clergy The Rev. Remington Slone - Rector The Rev. Remington Slone is the Rector (Senior Pastor) of St. David's. He grew up in small-town south Georgia and graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in History. After undergraduate studies, Remington attended the General Theological Seminary in New York City. Before his call as the Rector of St. David's in 2021, Remington served in various leadership ministries at St. Peter's in Savannah, GA and Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Remington loves music and outdoor sports (especially cycling). He's fond of word puzzles and chess, and will give all of that up when the Dawgs are playing. He's been married to Casey since 2007, and they are blessed with three amazing children: Madeleine, Clara, and Becket. They are likely to be the loud ones in the back of the church. The Rev. Chip Broadfoot, Associate Rector The Rev. Chip Broadfoot is the Associate Rector of St. David's. Chip has served at parishes in the diocese of Alabama, East Carolina, and Western North Carolina. He received his Master of Divinity from The School of Theology at Sewanee, TN. Chip has served at the diocesan level as Spiritual Director at many Cursillo and Happening retreats, summer camp Chaplaincies, the Board of diocesan camps, Director for Towel Ministry, the Commission on Ministry, the Diocesan Foundation, and the diocesan Executive Council. Chip has been married to his wife, Becky, since January of 1991. He loves fly fishing, hiking with his wife, playing Pickleball, hosting dinner parties, and they look forward to attending Braves baseball games. Chip and Becky have two adult daughters, Allie who lives in Atlanta, and Kaki and her husband Austin live in Jackson, WY. The Rev. Mimi Guerra, Vicar for Hispanic Ministries Originally from Mexico, Mother Mimi moved to the United States in 1994. She has been an educator for 30 years. She was a Spanish teacher in Douglas County Schools. Rev. Mimi earned a BA in Spanish in 1989 from the University of Victoria. She earned a CPA from Kennesaw State University for Early Childhood Education in 2002. In the summer of 2017, she completed seminary at CETLA (Theological Education Center for Latinos) in the Diocese of Atlanta and earned her Pastoral Education CPE at TACC of San Lucas. in Atlanta. As a child, Rev. Mimi aspired to be a nun, but her father encouraged her to become a teacher. However, she never gave up on her dreams, and today she dedicates time to helping people build a closer relationship with God. As the Associate Rector at Christ Church form 2018-2023 she promoted the unity between families. In the last two years she was also an associate at St. Bede’s , and in 2022 she became the Hispanic Missioner in the Diocese of Atlanta. During this time she opened two new Hispanic missions and she dedicate time to attract people to our Episcopal churches. The Rev. Mimi is the proud mother of a son Henry Hunt “Junior” with whom she has fun watching “Justice League” and “Avengers” movies. Mimi loves writing, singing, but most of all helping those in need. Reverend Tom Ader Ret. - Deacon

Spiritual education begins early! St. David's provides numerous classes and outreach opportunities to get involved! Children's Mission and Outreach Partnerships Families Serving Together at St. David’s Families Serving Together is sponsored by St. David’s Children’s Ministry and in partnership with the many and varied ministries of St. David’s as an invitation to families to join together throughout the year for outreach opportunities partnering with our parish family and neighbors. St. David's has many seasonal opportunities for families to serve the community together. In October, we organize a Trunk or Treat outreach event with the children and families of Mimosa Elementary. On Palm Sunday, we visit those in our parish family unable to attend worship due to illness or other circumstance to bring cheer and to share God’s love and hope, and many more opportunities. You and your family are invited to join the fun and fellowship of this ministry that joins families together in faith with God, with other families of the parish, and with our neighbor. 1/1

Stained Glass Windows Part 4 - The Six Mercies “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me,” and, “Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” - Jesus Location - Left side, along the wall of the nave. Feed the Hungry Give Drink to the Thirsty Shelter the Stranger Clothe the Naked Visit the Sick Ransom the Captive The six rectangular stained glass windows that flank the left side of the nave depict the Gospel lesson: Matthew 25:31 -46. They show what are called “The Six Mercies.” These are only a representative sampling of the types of things Jesus calls us to do as subjects of our Heavenly King. The inscription in each window describes the tasks spelled out in the Gospel lesson: “Feed the Hungry,” “Give Drink to the Thirsty,” “Shelter the Stranger,” “Clothe the Naked,” “Visit the Sick,” and “Ransom the Captive.” The six windows are plain and straightforward in their depiction of the Six Mercies. Only in the lastwindow is there a bit of symbolism. It’s the large anchor being held by the man who is visiting the prisoner in chains. The anchor is a very ancient Christian symbol of hope. An anchor holds a ship safely in place against tides and winds, and so it is also with the hope of Christ’s Resurrection. Writing to the Hebrews of the certainty of God’s promise, St. Paul says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:13-20) Back To Part 3 - "The Life of Jesus" Proceed to Part 5 - "The Saints"

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 Judy Hine Director of Children's Ministry Grace Horn Director of Operations William Howard Sexton Karen Juarez Director of Youth Ministries Mason Copeland Organist and Choirmaster Freddie Stokes Sexton Email Susie Email Rebecca Email Judy Email Grace Email Mason Email Sara Email Karen Email Claudia

We offer a variety of programs desogned to support your child's growth, creativity, and development. In-House Extra Programs Rooster Club Available to all students 8:30AM drop-off in St. David's PlaySpace or Playground Students can be brought to the Rooster Club Play Group any time after 8:30 AM and play until the start of school at 9:30 AM. Per visit cost - $10. For Regular attendance (paid monthly) we offer 40% Discount . Per visit cost - $6 . Reservations can be made on Our School Hangout website. Payments can be tallied and paid online or by check sent into the preschool. StayNPlay Available to all students 1PM to 2PM on the preschool playground (rain location is St. David's PlaySpace) Students who are signed up for StayNPlay will be brought to the playground after preschool. Parents will pick-up children no later than 2PM. Per visit cost - $10. For Regular attendance (paid monthly) we offer 40% Discount . Per visit cost - $6 . Reservations can be made on Our School Hangout website. Payments can be tallied and paid online or by check sent into the preschool. Parent's Morning Out Available to all students Weekly on Mondays and Fridays from 9:30AM to 1:00PM. Drop off and pick up in/from PlaySpace or Playground. Please bring lunch, water bottle, a change of clothes, and for those not potty trained, extra diapers. Per visit cost is $35 per child. Register by going on OSH calendar, or on OSH App. For Regular attendance (paid monthly) you can go on OSH Welcome page and select Parent's Morning Out Regular Attendance. Event attendance totals: Minimum of 6 children/Maximum 15 Parent's Night Out Available to all St. David's Preschool students and their siblings Once a month on Fridays from 5:30PM to 8:30PM. Children are walked to the playground (rain location is St. David's PlaySpace) and sign in with the caregivers. They will be separated by groups to offer everyone age appropriate activities. Caregivers will supervise playground play and then utilize the downstairs PlaySpace for preschool children and Jeffords Hall classrooms for their siblings. We will provide pizza dinner and end the night with a movie while enjoying a snack and lemonade. Parents will pick up children no later than 8:30PM from downstairs PlaySpace. Per visit cost is $35 for one child, $25 for older sibling(s) . Event attendance totals: Minimum of 6 children/Maximum 15 Register by going on OHS website calendar.

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"

Information on how to assist with the worship services through the Altar Guild, Vergers, Acolytes and Ushers among others. Worship Support As followers of Jesus, we come together for regularly for worship - our expression of prayer as a community. God meets us in these gatherings to shape us into vessels of God's love. Serving in worship ministries is a fantastic way to help others experience the presence of God and to draw closer to God in your worship. We would love to have you join one of these opportunities for ministry. Please take some time to explore the offerings below to find a way to become involved. When you feel that you have found something that interests you, please use the email links. The appropriate ministry head will contact you very soon. Click here to access Schedule for Vergers, LEMs, Readers. For more information on any of the ministries below, including how to join, please fill out the form at the bottom of the page. Lay Eucharistic Ministers and Readers Lay Eucharistic Ministers assist by administering the chalice during Holy Communion. Readers participate by reading the appointed lessons and psalms and leading the Prayers of the People. Altar Guild The altar guild sets the table for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist (Communion). In addition, they remove all linens and vessels after the service and are responsible for their care. The altar guild is currently looking for new members. Please complete the form below for more information. Flower Guild Flowers are a sign of the resurrection and add beauty to the sanctuary. Parishioners have the opportunity to contribute them as memorials or as thanksgiving offerings. Members of the Flower Guild serve on a rotating basis to arrange the flowers in the church. If you have an interest in joining the Flower Guild, you are warmly invited to observe the process of creating the weekly floral arrangements. Dates are Saturdays 9/20 or 9/27, at 10:00 a.m. in the sacristy. Acolytes The acolyte ministry provides an opportunity for young people actively participate in a worship service and serve the Lord on a regular basis. Participation begins with 5th graders and runs through their senior year. Acolytes participate in processions by carrying torches and crosses. Experienced acolytes are considered “senior servers” and assist the priests during communion in addition to being the lead cross bearer during processions. Pew Crew The Pew Crew straightens the hymnals and prayer books in each pew. In addition, they restock all of the brochures and pens as needed in the pew racks. Vergers The Vergers lead processions into and during the service, assist with Communion and are available to the Clergy should anything be needed during the service. The Vergers are appointed by the Rector. Ushers The usher teams greet and welcome members and visitors, distribute service bulletins and assist in the seating of our worshippers while being attentive to those who are in wheelchairs or other mobile units. During Holy Communion ushers assist with traffic to and from the altar rail. Baptismal Banners Every child who is baptized at St. David’s receives a handcrafted banner with their name. The banners are crafted by a ministry comprised of dedicated parishioners. Wedding Guild This guild assists the wedding parties for weddings at St. David’s. They are present at the rehearsal and wedding ceremonies.