901 East Friendly Avenue
Greensboro, NC 27401
336-275-0033
www.churchoftheredeemer.net

February 2008

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Table of Contents
Prayer for Discernment
Vision Statement
Mission Statement
Introduction
Leadership
Parish History
Worship Services
Outreach Ministries
Parish Ministries
Participation & Giving
Rector Profile
Greater Greensboro Community
Closing Prayer

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THE ALTAR

PRAYER for DISCERNMENT
Father God, we place ourselves in
Your hands
As we seek a Rector for
The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer
Give us we pray,
Your guidance, wisdom, and discernment
to find that individual
You have already called
to be our spiritual shepherd.
Through Jesus Christ,
Our eternal Shepherd and Savior.
AMEN

VISION STATEMENT
We seek to be a multicultural and multigenerational community of committed disciples who provide a place of welcome for all of God’s people. We value worship as the focal point of our lives together and we look to have spirit filled worship with a priest who has the passion to serve, to teach, to strengthen, to challenge and to inspire our blended congregation of youth, young adults, and mature parishioners. Our desire is to help one another to grow in faith and to undertake new initiatives in the larger community where the need is the greatest.
We commit ourselves to love and to serve God by caring for all people in the communities in which we live and the nations of the world. We will be a recognized contributor and leader in outreach and we will be united in our purpose.
MISSION STATEMENT
We are a church committed to uplifting the kingdom of God, spreading the word of the Gospel, increasing our spirituality and assisting in the creation of a more peaceful and harmonious church and world. We demonstrate that we are faithful stewards through our words, actions, and deeds.

INTRODUCTION
The Church of the Redeemer is located in Greensboro, North Carolina. It
is a parish of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. The Church of the Redeemer is a small parish that consists of about 130 families and is surrounded by North Carolina A &T State University and Bennett College
for Women and is also in close proximity to two other universities. Its strengths are the congregation’s desire for a deeper knowledge of responding to the call of God; its 102 years as an African-American parish; its diversity in terms of age, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds; and the warm and caring spirit of its parishioners. Many members have been at the Redeemer for more than fifty years, while others have been members for more than a quarter of a century. Still, a large number has joined the Redeemer within the last ten years. Some are “cradle” Episcopalians and others are Episcopalians by marriage. Nonetheless, all have the enthusiasm to answer the call of discipleship.

 

This diversity is a strength as well as a challenge. Thus, the Redeemer invites applicants who are willing to embrace this challenge by leading the congregation to develop and to refine its goal of discipleship.
LEADERSHIP & STAFF
The Right Reverend Michael B. Curry
Bishop of the Diocese of
North Carolina
LEADERSHIP AND STAFF
Vestry
Mrs. Eunice Jones-Obeng, Senior Warden
Mr. Elnathan Johnson, Junior Warden
Mr. Michael Jackson, Treasurer
Mr. Avery Simmons, Sr., Clerk of the Vestry
Mrs. Lois Josephs
Ms. Blanche King
Mrs. Doris Page
Mrs. Dana Valdes-Brooks
Staff
The Reverend Frances Cox, Interim Supply Priest
The Reverend Paul Valdes, Interim Deacon
Mrs. Freddie W. Grice, Lay Eucharistic Minister
Mrs. Marion Rey, Lay Eucharistic Minister
Ms. Lindell Mills-Jolly, Organist & Choir Director
Mrs. Melvine Grice, Parish Administrator
Mr. Charles Chambers, Sexton
PARISH HISTORY

In 1906, the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina decided that a mission was needed for the “colored” Episcopalians living in Greensboro. The organizer of the mission was Mr. William Thomas Wallace, Sr. who was educated at Saint Augustine College in Raleigh, North Carolina. While at Saint Augustine he met Archdeacon Clarence Delaney, who would
become his lifelong friend. Mr. Wallace assembled approximately twelve
communicants in his home who shared with him a vision to have a mission that would grow broader through ministry, deeper through discipleship, warmer through fellowship and larger through evangelism. In 1909, Archdeacon Delaney sent a letter of authorization to Mr. Wallace to begin a mission in Greensboro. The letter detailed how to establish a mission and from whom to seek help. S.B. Sebastian and Frank Debrum were named to assist him. Joseph McDonald, a lay reader from Saint Augustine College delivered the Archdeacon’s letter and was sent to conduct worship. The first step was to secure a place of worship. President James B. Dudley of the Agricultural and Technical College for the Colored Race (later named North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University) permitted Sunday services to take place in the campus chapel. Nine congregants attended the first worship in June, 1909. In the fall of 1909, the services were moved from the college to the Masonic Lodge on South Davie Street. Attendance continued to increase to such
an extent that to accommodate future growth additional space was needed. Parishioners formed a committee to explore available and affordable lots for sale. Land in the northeast district of the city located on the east corner of Market and North Dudley Streets was purchased from a Greensboro businessman. An existing one-room structure suitable for conversion into a chapel was on the lot. The congregation heartily engaged in remodeling the building. The Right Reverend Bishop Cheshire conducted the first confirmation service for the new mission. Mrs. Emma Friday Wallace, wife of William Thomas Wallace, Sr. was among the first to be confirmed at the mission. Olive Lucille Wallace,
daughter of William Thomas and Emma Friday Wallace, was the first baby baptized there. Reverend James Satterwhite became the first vicar to serve the new mission. Mr. Edwin Fisher was the first superintendent of the Sunday School; Mrs. Marie Byers was the first organist; Mr. S.A. Sebastian was the chorister; Ms. Margaret Wallace, sister of William Thomas Wallace, was the first Episcopal parochial school teacher. Through evangelism, the church flourished so much that it had to be
dismantled and rebuilt in 1927 to accommodate a larger congregation.
Mr. Sebastian donated a one-room house located on Beech Street to the mission. This became the first rectory. In 1948, it was remodeled and Sampson and Linnie Bernice Foster were married there on December 27, 1948. From 1928 to 1952, Deacon Jordan J. Greene, a dynamic and charismatic leader, led the mission. All the parishioners loved him and the mission grew by leaps and bounds. Additional renovations were done for the third time. In 1930, Father Greene was ordained to the priesthood. He organized a building campaign which was given to the next administration. Father J. Howard Thompson succeeded Reverend Greene as vicar. In 1954, the old white church building was condemned and Father Thompson requested and received a grant of $12,500 from the National Church. On November 4, 1956, the first unit of a new building complex was opened for worship. The building was designed by Mr. William Streat, a parishioner, and was built by Latham Construction Company. During the 1960s and 1970s, under the leadership of Father Hicks and Father Wickens, respectively, the Redeemer was engaged in many activities and saw many changes. It often served as the meeting place for the Civil Rights organizers during the days of desegregation. The Redeemer boasts of hosting the citywide Ash Wednesday Services of the Episcopal Greensboro Convocation for 34 years in celebration of its active participation in the Civil Rights Movement! In 1966, the Reverend Carlton Owen Morales from the Diocese of Panama became the vicar of the Redeemer Mission. In 1969, after the completion of the sanctuary,
the new church was consecrated along with the blessing of the parish rectory. In 1970, the Leary Room was dedicated. In 1976, Mrs. Fannie Leary, Senior Warden, made application to the diocese for parish status for the Redeemer. In 1979, at the 163rd Diocesan Convention under the leadership of Bishop Thomas A. Frazier, the Church of the Redeemer received full parish status. The years 1980–1999 saw the remodeling of the kitchen, the organization of the Servant Center, the installation of new pews and storm doors in the sanctuary and the church became debt-free. After thirty-three years of faithful and dedicated service to the Redeemer and to the City of Greensboro, Father Carlton Owen Morales retired in 1999. In March 2000, Father Clifford Coles served as Interim Rector. In May 2003, Father Wheigar J. Bright was called to serve as the second rector of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. During his tenure, the Redeemer celebrated its Centennial with an activity of celebration each month during the year of 2006. Prior to the end of his tenure in July 2007, Father Bright oversaw the process to obtain the charter of the Piedmont-Triad Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians. Since July 2007 to the present, the Reverend Frances Cox has served Redeemer as the Supply Priest.
WELCOME TO THE REDEEMER!

Confirmation
The Right Reverend Alfred “Chip” Marble
Assisting Bishop of the Diocese of
North Carolina

WORSHIP SERVICES
The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer can best be described as an
Eucharistically-centered Christian community of worshippers. Each Lord’s Day, the faithful gather with thankful and obedient hearts to Praise God and His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, hear the Good News of the Gospel proclaimed, give our tithes and pledges, receive forgiveness of our sins, partake of His Body and Blood and rejoice in His power as we depart to serve others. The Church of the Redeemer offers one Eucharistic experience per week at 10:00 a.m. each Sunday. Attendance varies but averages approximately 77 parishioners per service. We celebrate the Rite II Eucharistic service and we also observe a Youth Sunday every fifth Sunday. In addition, our Sunday school meets prior to the worship service at 9 a.m. The Redeemer remains unique by worshipping during a Sunday service, as well as offering three (3) separate and distinct Bible studies/Prayer groups. The traditional Bible study group meets every Wednesday at 6:00 pm. A second group of members meets each Monday morning at 11:00 a.m. and the final Bible study group consists of young adults from ages 18-40. The young adults meet the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month. The Redeemer’s historical presence is visible not just in its age, but in its significance to the local Episcopal community. For the past 34 years, the Redeemer annually hosts an evening Ash Wednesday service for the entire Greensboro populace. Attendance normally exceeds 200. In our spectacular sanctuary, the atmosphere becomes enchanting. The presence of God is visible in the lights, heard in the music and seen on the faces of every attendee. During the Lenten season, we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ with Liturgical Services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. This year, we will add Tenebrae Wednesday and the Saturday Vigil to our Holy Week Observance. Each leads us to our Easter Sunday worship service. The Redeemer celebrates a very active Vacation Bible School. It boasts of approximately 60 attendees, ranging in ages from two years to adults, engaging in many activities during one full week in the month of June. Each group reads stories, plays games, completes activities and embodies the Bible in one or all of these. During the summer of 2007, the young adult participants made a wall-sized quilt that included pictures of all the VBS attendees and coordinators as well as the names and hand prints of everyone involved. The quilt is proudly displayed on the wall in our fellowship hall. In addition, we continue observing God in all holidays during the remainder of the calendar year. On Thanksgiving morning a Eucharistic service is held; during the Christmas season, we gather during an evening Eucharistic service on Christmas Eve to commemorate the birth of Jesus. And finally, on New Year’s Eve, we celebrate a midnight service affirming our preparedness for maintaining Christ in our lives during the upcoming New Year. We invite a rector who can continue our rich liturgical tradition and introduce us to various worship programs.
OUTREACH MINISTRIES
The Redeemer is very involved in the Greensboro Community and outreach is a priority to the members. The Redeemer traditionally contributes to the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund and the United Thank Offering. Beginning on February 5, 2008 and continuing every Tuesday throughout the year, the Redeemer will join the other seven Episcopal parishes to serve breakfast at the Greensboro Urban Ministry which is a non-profit agency that services the low income and homeless. The Redeemer and the other Greensboro parishes provided services to Habitat for Humanity in 2007. Listed below are organizations, services and ministries that provide the opportunity for the Redeemer to serve:
Acolytes
Adonia Rigsby Scholarship Fund
Adult Choir Altar Guild
Ash Wednesday Service
Episcopal Relief and Development Fund
Breakfast with Santa
Christmas and Thanksgiving Boxes
Church Newsletter
Church School
Courtesies and Amenities Committee
Crop Walk
Dance Ministry
Episcopal Church Men
Episcopal Church Women
Episcopal Youth Ministry
Fellowship/Coffee Hour
Flowers
Graduate Boxes
Graduate Breakfast
Greensboro Urban Ministry (Tuesday Morning Breakfast, Sandwich Boxes)
Lay Readers
Mental Disabilities Awareness
Parish Picnic
ProjectCARE
Union of Black Episcopalians’ Reading Program
Usher Ministry
Vacation Bible School
PARISH MINISTRIE
Pastoral and Spirituality
This ministry is recognized as a very important segment of our parish. A deacon takes the Holy Eucharist to communicants who are not able to attend church. Our Lay Eucharistic Ministers are in place to offer pastoral care as well.
Christian Education - The Lectionary
On any given Sunday, as we gather for morning liturgy, we know that around the globe our larger Christian family gathers to hear the same stories and to proclaim the same truths, celebrating the body of Christ. In addition, parish members explore the scriptures used in the liturgy and week by week participate in the rhythms that guide the church year - Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Pentecost.
Administration
Volunteers within the parish perform much of the administrative work and facility maintenance. The Episcopal Church Men meet every third Saturday for the purpose of maintaining grounds and also the maintenance of the facility.
Fellowship Hour and Newcomers
Fellowship is an important ingredient of a healthy church. Therefore, the coffee hour is very special at Redeemer. It is used as an opportunity to welcome and integrate newcomers into our parish life. It is here that many make the decision to become active in our programs.
Episcopal Church of the Redeemer
Greensboro, NC
BALANCE SHEET
As of January 31, 2008
Jan 31, 08
ASSETS
Current Assets
Checking/Savings
Operating Fund 2,533.75
Savings & short-term investment 13,731.02
Total Checking/Savings 16,264.77
Other Current Assets
BB&T Stock Investment Account 1,847.22
Mutual Community Endowment Account 1,990.70
Wachovia Endowment Account 16,294.78
Total Other Current Assets 20,132.70
Total Current Assets 36,397.47
TOTAL ASSETS 36,397.47
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Other Current Liabilities
Sunday School Gleaners 409.71
Men's Club Funds Received 658.60
Total Other Current Liabilities 1,068.31
Total Current Liabilities 1,068.31
Total Liabilities 1,068.31
Equity
BB&T Market Changes -201.96
Wachovia Market Changes -3,785.30
Unrealized gain (loss) - investment -2,495.70
Opening Balance Equity 49,629.72
Unrestricted (retained earnings) -7,152.83
Net Income -664.77
Total Equity 35,329.16
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 36,397.47

RECTOR PROFILE
Participants at the workshop during the last parish meeting in December 2007 provided valuable inputs regarding the skills and qualifications that are desired in a new Rector.
A. The personal qualifications of the new Rector are :
• Be a highly qualified individual with leadership skills steeped in the
traditions of the Episcopal church who is willing to work to help the church grow.
• Be a “people’s person”- a warm individual easily approachable who loves people unconditionally, and loves God more.
• Be well-versed in the teachings of the Bible, a believer, and have a strong personal spirituality to lead the congregation and draw it closer to God.
• Be a person of high moral integrity.
• Have some relevant experience as a rector or an assistant/associate rector in a diversified multi-cultural congregation.
B. In delivering sermons, the Church is looking for a Rector who will:
• Plan and deliver well-prepared, relevant and coherent sermons consistent with the teachings of the Bible and the traditions of the Anglican Church using beautiful music and different worship styles.
• Perform rites and sacraments consistent with the traditions of the Anglican (and Episcopal) church.
• Teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ by word using relevant examples.
C. Finally, the Church is looking for a Rector who will:
• Be committed to Bible study sessions and ministering to the youth.
• Encourage members to use their spiritual gifts and to be good stewards using their time, talents and other resources in service to God.
• Prepare and counsel candidates for baptism, confirmation, marriage, etc.
• Work to deepen the faith of the congregation and its relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Coordinate and supervise the work of all participants in worship and
worship-related activities.
• Be actively involved in pastoral care ministering to the sick and shut-in.
• Be active in the local community as a part of the Church’s outreach program.
GREATER GREENSBORO COMMUNITY
Greensboro, North Carolina
Welcome to Greensboro, a city rich in history, culture, arts, and entertainment nestled in the center of North Carolina and the Eastern Seaboard. It is located in the county of Guilford, one of the “Triad Cities” and is one of the perfect places to live. The Greater Greensboro Community is in the process of celebrating its bicentennial!!
Greensboro History
Saura and Keyauwee Indians were the earliest inhabitants of Piedmont North Carolina. The first settlers in the Greensboro area were mostly Germans, Quakers of Welsh and English descent and Scotch-Irish who came to the Piedmont from Northern colonies. These pioneers worked the land and shaped the future for generations to come. Permanent settlement began around 1740. To thwart the invasion of North Carolina by 1,900 redcoats under Lord Cornwallis, American Major General Nathanael Greene deployed 4,400 rebels in three battle lines at Guilford Courthouse on March 15, 1781. Cornwallis held the field after an intense, two-hour fight, but lost one-quarter of his army, which hastened his eventual defeat at Yorktown seven months later. In 1807, the residents of the area voted to create a new, more centrally located seat of government. The following year, elected officials mapped out a 42-acre tract of land, paid $98 to purchase it and suggested that it be named Greensborough after the patriot commander Nathanael Greene. The new town prospered and it wasn’t long before it became a center for educational and economic opportunities. Greensboro was and continues to be a "chosen center."
Educational System
Guilford County Public Schools
Private Schools
North Carolina A&T State University
Greensboro College
Guilford College
Bennett College
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Sporting Events
Greensboro Grasshoppers Minor League Baseball
Greensboro Revolution National Indoor Football League
Carolina Dynamo Professional Soccer
PGA Golfing Tournaments
The following is a listing of general stats issued by the Greensboro Convention & Visitors Bureau:
Official Beginnings
Greensboro: 1808
Guilford County: 1771
Area
Greensboro: 116.6 square miles
Guilford County: 650.75 square miles
Population
Greensboro: 237,316
Guilford County: 449,071
Metropolitan Statistical Area: 1,536,448
Elevation
897 feet
Average Yearly Temperature
Maximum: 68.7 deg F
Minimum: 47.6 deg F
Average Yearly Rainfall
50.24 inches
Average Yearly Snowfall
3.8 inches
Government
Council/Manager Form - City Council comprises an elected mayor and eight elected council members (nonpartisan).
Official Flower
Greensboro Red Camellia Japonica
Tax Rates
N.C. Sales Tax is 6.75%
Greensboro Hotel/Motel Room Tax is 6%.
The Centennial Dinner Dance - 2006
Closing Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus we come into your presence
Thanking you for the Church of the Redeemer,
You have called us to be saints in Greensboro, North Carolina
and around the world.
As we lift our voices in one accord, we recognize that you are God and everything was made by and for you.
We pray that you will bless us to be a growing and witnessing
body of believers growing strong,that we will continue to be a people of love and that your presence will remain among us as we lift our hands in praise to your Holy Name.
Amen.