St. Benedict’s Initiates Outreach Partnership with Holy Comforter – Advent church services and December 26th dinner to mark the start of new affiliation with Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta’s most unique mission church – ATLANTA, Ga., November 14, 2007 - Amid a large and diverse Episcopalian community in greater Atlanta filled with good works, the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter and its unwavering commitment to persons living with mental illness stands as a beacon of hope and love. St. Benedict's Episcopal Church of New Vinings, Ga., in its continuing effort to focus its energies on projects that make a real difference in the lives of others, has initiated an outreach partnership with Holy Comforter with a long-term goal of organizing a sustained commitment to its mission and its parishioners.
"Holy Comforter offers a unique transformational experience in our Episcopal community - both for those being helped and those providing assistance," said the Rev. Lang Lowrey, Vicar of St. Benedict's. "The members of Holy Comforter are so caring and so accepting - regardless of the challenges facing them in life - that it leaves you with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. Holy Comforter needs increased support to maintain their programs and services, so we plan to not only provide them with a new source of volunteers but also to help them create and sustain new channels of support."
Despite its relatively small size, Holy Comforter plays a large role in enriching the daily lives of scores of Atlanta residents who have significant mental illness and live in group homes. About 70% of parishioners have a mental disability, with many of them having additional physical challenges. In addition to Sunday worship and pastoral care, the parish sponsors a Friendship Center featuring activity-filled day programs, a weekday Eucharist followed by a community supper, and special field trips. Regular activities include woodworking, ceramics, weaving, oil painting, greenhouse gardening, games, hot meals, and a clothes closet.
"For decades, the members of Holy Comforter have sustained a nurturing, welcoming environment in Southeast Atlanta," commented the Rev. Michael A. Tanner, Vicar of Holy Comforter. "As our community evolved and the safety net eroded for persons living with mental illness, we found our calling in providing a spiritual and physical lifeline for these brothers and sisters. We have an urgent need to expand our corps of volunteers and our base of financial support in order to maintain and enrich our vitally important programs, so we welcome the new partnership with St. Benedict's and their growing congregation."
The St. Benedict's initiative with Holy Comforter will be led by Chris Lemley, St. Benedict's new Head Verger, and his wife Karen, a passionate supporter of Holy Comforter. "Volunteering at Holy Comforter is such a rewarding experience," noted Karen Lemley. "The community is gracious and kind, and the members are breathtakingly uncomplicated and straightforward in their approach to life - it gives you a fresh perspective on what's important. I get so much back spiritually every time I visit, and I encourage everyone to join us in helping Holy Comforter secure its long-term future." St. Benedict's will launch its Holy Comforter outreach program by organizing an Advent pilgrimage there on December 2 to celebrate Sunday services and the coming of Christmas. A follow-up visit to serve dinner is scheduled for December 26. Those interested in participating can contact Chris or Karen Lemley at 404-350-2441 or at clemley@mindspring.com.
St. Benedict's is a mission parish progressing toward the launch of church services in January 2008. A thriving, growing congregation is engaged in a wide range of spiritual activities, including children, youth, women's and men's groups; an innovative Vocational Ministry; partnerships with several community non-profit organizations; and now the Holy Comforter partnership.
About St. Benedict's
The mission of St. Benedict's Episcopal Church of New Vinings, Ga. is to come together as a community to grow in faith and share Christ's love with an ever-changing world. St. Benedict's also is committed to partnering with service and support organizations in the area to improve the lives of area residents by providing both spiritual and physical assistance. St. Benedict's is led by the Rev. Lang Lowery, formerly associate rector at St. Anne's Atlanta. To learn more about St. Benedict's, including how to join this exciting spiritual journey, visit them on the Web at MySaintB.org or call 678-279-4300.
About Holy Comforter
The Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter is a mission church in Southeast Atlanta. Most of Holy Comforter's parishioners are mentally ill residents of group homes in the area, and it operates a Friendship Center that provides members with structured activities, group interaction, meals, and worship. Holy Comforter's mission is supported by the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta; the Georgia Mental Health Consumers' Network, which provides funds for its art, GED, and gardening programs; Woodland Hills Baptist Church, which provides space for its art studios; and many other churches and individuals. Holy Comforter is led by the Rev. Michael A. Tanner. For more information, visit them on the Web at HolyComforter.EpiscopalAtlanta.org or call 404-627-6510.
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Contacts: Nan Ross, Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta: 404-601-5320
Courtney Vaughn, St. Benedict's: 678-279-4300 or Courtney@MySaintB.org