The people of St. Mary & St. Martha of Bethany participate in a wide range of life-giving activities. The following will give you an idea of what is available. New groups form all the time for prayer, learning, activities, mutual support, and ongoing spiritual development so please explore…
Becoming a member - We encourage you to regularly attend worship services and other activities at St. Mary & St. Martha of Bethany to see if this is the community for you. If you have any questions about the church and membership, you may speak to Fr. Timothy Watts or to Deacon Frances Rees.
Acolytes - The acolytes of St. Mary & St. Martha of Bethany serve God in the Church and in this parish by preparing for, assisting and participating with the clergy and people in the celebration of public worship on Sundays, Holy Days and Special Services. Contact: Mr. Joseph Seanor.
Altar Guild - The altar guild prepares all the things necessary for the celebration of the Eucharist or other sacraments and offices of the church, as well as light housekeeping duties (candles, linens, holy water, brass followers, and so on). Contact: Ms. Carolyn Smith or Ms. Susie Swek.
Childcare/Children’s Ministry - Regular childcare for infants through age 4 and programs for children are provided each Sunday and special parish activities. Contact Ms. Karen Murphy.
Choir – We are building a choir of people to assist in congregational music, enhancing the liturgy and ennobling our collective praise. Members of the choir have been very committed and welcome others to participate. Contact: Mr. Jim Porter.
Coffee Hour Host - Every Sunday, individuals, families, or groups host coffee hour after the services. In addition to bringing some food, hosts help set up and clean up the room, and meet and greet visitors and friends, ensuring that are are welcomed at St. Mary & St. Martha of Bethany. We are grateful for the committed and gracious way that so many people volunteer to host coffee hour. Many people have done so repeatedly; many have shared a special birthday or anniversary by hosting coffee hour. It is such a wonderful way to make new friends and to welcome newcomers into our life together. Contact: Ms. Sandra Wilson or Mr. Joseph Seanor.
Education - The point of St. Mary & St. Martha of Bethany’s Adult Forum is to provide thoughtful, spiritual formation for Christian living grounded in the Episcopal Church’s devotional, theological and literary traditions. Contact: Fr. Timothy Watts or Deacon Frances Rees.
Eucharistic Visitors - A Eucharistic Visitor is a lay person authorized to take the Consecrated Elements in a timely manner immediately following the Sunday celebration of Holy Eucharist to members of the St. Mary & St. Martha of Bethany’s congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, are unable to be present at the principle Sunday service. Eucharistic Visitors are trained and licensed by the Bishop of the Diocese of Atlanta and serves under the direction of the clergy. This ministry involves a significant commitment of time on any given Sunday and other times as necessary. Our Eucharistic Visitors can be visiting anywhere from 2 to 6 persons in home, hospital or care facility settings as they engage in this sacramental work. Contact: Deacon Frances Rees.
Daughters of the King – The Order of the Daughters of the King (DOK) is a spiritual sisterhood of women dedicated to a life of Prayer, Service and Evangelism. The Chapter of St. Catherin de Ricci meets monthly to build deeper relationships among the daughters and to serve our parish life. Contact: Ms. Kathryn Garrard.
Guests Welcoming Committee - The Welcoming Committee sends a letter of greeting and information about the church to those who sign our visitor register in the narthex. We answer questions, meet with guests and introduce guests to the congregation. On Sundays we are also on the alert to greet people who are new faces to us, invite them to coffee hour and engage them in conversation. Contact: Ms. Annie Davidson or Fr. Tim Watts.
Parish Care Activities – Various other activities are underway tending to all manner of our life together. Contact: Ms. Kathryn Garrard.