PECIAL PROJECTS

Several opportunities for outreach and enrichment are provided for our Sunday School children. These projects are in addition to the regular Sunday morning classes. They are offered as a way to participate in multi-generational activities, encourage service to the community and to spiritually nourish and enrich our lives.

Sue Ellen Lampros is our Special Projects Coordinator and as a member of the Christian Education committee works to coordinate these activities to enhance the Christian Education experience for our children.

DVENT WREATH MAKING

This is a parish-wide workshop that takes place on the first Sunday in Advent. It occurs during the Sunday School hour, from 9:45-10:30, therefore there are no Sunday School classes. Advent wreath supplies are provided and families gather in Minear Hall to assemble and decorate their wreaths. It is a wonderful inter-generational event and a warm and lively way to celebrate Advent!

ABY JESUS BASKETS

This is a parish wide project that takes place during Advent with emphasis on the children’s participation. The parish collects items for newborn babies. The baby supplies are collected in laundry baskets–each Sunday School class has their own basket to fill! The project concludes on Christmas Eve when the full baskets are gathered for the Pageant, brought by the children to the altar and presented and blessed. The baskets are taken to Grady Memorial Hospital and distributed to needy families.  

HRISTMAS PAGEANT

An annual traditional, the Pageant is a Bede’s original! The children and youth retell the Christmas story through narration, music and dance. All ages participate and it is standing room only during this moving service. The pageant continues on Epiphany with the arrival of the Three Kings during the 10:45 Worship Service.

EIFER PROJECT

Heifer Project International is a Christian based organization that provides worldwide relief by supplying renewable resources to families and villages. Livestock and crop support are donated from funds raised by organizations such as ours. This is also a parish-wide event and begins on the first Sunday in Lent. Each family is given an “Ark” collection box and information about the program. On Easter Sunday the Arks are gathered and blessed at the altar. In past years St. Bede’s has raised over $800 to send to Heifer International!

ENTEN FAMILY SERIES

Another, Bede’s tradition, this is also a parish-wide family happening. On a weekly basis during Lent, families gather for adult, youth and children’s instruction and then come together for a family pot-luck dinner.

The theme changes from year to year so watch your Scroll for exact dates and information for the 2004 Lenten season.

HRISTIAN CHILDREN’S FUND

For several years St. Bede’s has sponsored a child, Resma, through the Christian Children’s Fund. Resma is from India. Two years ago we ‘adopted” a second child, Sheldon, from Dominica. The Sunday School classes participate by collecting coins, writing letters, and sending care packages to Resma and Sheldon. Various methods for sustaining interest in the program have been tried and this year we hope to encourage greater awareness and parish participation by engaging families in the sponsorship process.

When your child tells you his or her class is collecting money for or preparing letters for them you will know that real children are on the receiving end of our support!

ACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

For a week in July, St. Bede’s offers Vacation Bible School. Unlike other churches, St. Bede’s VBS committee chooses a theme and writes their own program! Themes from past years are:

• The Many Names of Jesus

• I am With You Always

• The Garden of Creation

Volunteers of all ages assist with teaching, providing snacks, transportation and music.

We also host immigrant children­–new to Atlanta and the U.S. Their attendance is enriching to them and to our own families.