St. Andrew's, Birmingham, Parish Profile

PARISH PROFILE 2023

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church seeks a rector to guide our diverse congregation toward unity with God and neighbor through Jesus Christ. Rooted in the rich traditions of the Anglo-Catholic liturgy and service, we are dedicated to promoting justice, peace, and love in our community. With a steadfast commitment to the marginalized and a passion for high church practices, we aspire to be a beacon of compassionate service within the diocese.

We desire an inspiring leader to activate our strengths and fuel our growth, both individually and as a church. At St. Andrew’s, our sense of community defines us, fostered by genuine acceptance of all who enter our welcoming Red Doors. We know that diversity is not merely a concept but our living reality, encompassing race, gender, color, creed, sexuality, socio-economic status, and the nuanced aspects of Anglo-Catholicism. Instead of dividing us, these diverse perspectives draw us closer together. We believe each individual has a place in the communion of saints present at the altar rail.

Since 1902, we have faithfully served the Southside of Birmingham. As we live into our second century, we seek a shepherd to lead St. Andrew’s in extending our ministry more deeply in both our parish and our wider community. Together, we reveal the face of God to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and its surrounding area. Together, we become the hands and feet of Christ, nurturing those in need and feeding the hungry. Together, we celebrate the Holy Spirit with vibrant liturgy, Christian formation programs, joyful gatherings, and the celebration of Fine Arts. We are ready to embark on a fulfilling partnership with our 18th rector. Let us together tread this path of service with compassion and faith.

We share the Gospel of Christ both at the altar and in the street.

THEN AND NOW

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church began as a mission of the Church of the Advent in 1902. After a tornado destroyed its sanctuary on Maundy Thursday in 1913, the parish constructed its present building, dedicated in 1920. Although the church flourished, it never had the financial resources available to larger and more affluent Episcopal parishes in Birmingham.

The parish began to cultivate an Anglo-Catholic identity during the 1940s. In 1950, the Communion service replaced Morning Prayer as the principal Sunday liturgy. This generated controversy and opposition in the diocese but provided a distinctive identity that enabled the parish to survive after many white middle class residents moved from Southside to the suburbs during the 1960s and 1970s.

Meanwhile, the parish became engaged in social activism, which remains one of its principal characteristics. Many parishioners and two rectors participated in the Civil Rights Movement. A cauldron of soup prepared by a rector one day during the 1970s for homeless persons evolved into Community Kitchens, which serves meals throughout the year. In 2020, the parish opened St. Andy’s Pantry, which provides food for hundreds of persons every other week. The parish was ahead of its time in encouraging women to have leadership roles and in welcoming LGBTQ persons. In 2015, the parish began conducting same-gender weddings, and in 2018, it became the first parish in the diocese to have an openly gay rector, who also was African American. In 2021, it welcomed its first full-time female priest as interim rector.

As UAB grew, the parish increasingly became involved in campus ministries and provided space for Trinity Commons, a residential facility for students, which opened in 2007.

The parish has successfully addressed the challenges of maintaining an aging campus despite limited financial resources. In 1988, it built a large parish hall for offices, classrooms, dining, and conferences. Parishioners raised more than a million dollars for sanctuary renovations which were completed in 2005. More recently, the parish refurbished its organ, which has enhanced the high quality of music for which St. Andrew’s long has been renowned.

The parish has recently benefited from the continuing revitalization of its neighborhood, which includes diverse types of housing, small businesses, UAB, and numerous health-care facilities.

Raimundo deOvies

1905-1912

Willis Gaylord Clark

1912-1915

Wilmer Smith Poyner

1916-1918

Joseph T. Ware

1918-1925

Vernon C. McMaster

1925-1934

Capers Satterlee

1935-1939

James William Brettman

1939-1944

Conrad Myrick

1945-1951

Robert Yancey Marlow

1951-1959

Robert C. Woodfield

1960-1963

Wallace Bruce Wirtz

1963-1970

Willam Maurice Branscomb

1971-1984

Francis Xavier Walter

1985-1999

Willam Marc Burnette

2001-2009

Ed Hunt

2011-2012

Michael Rich

2015-2017

Tommie Watkins

2018-2020

““

It is my hope that a new rector will increase spreading God’s love for our community and beyond.

OUR CHURCH COMMUNITY

St. Andrew’s strives to reflect the deep diversity of God’s creation. While we are by no means a perfect reflection of this diversity, you will find here a place where all are welcome. We are young and old, black and white, straight and gay, single and married. Some of us are new to the church and others are life-long Episcopalians. We are traditional and progressive, conservative and liberal, reflective and social. Our identity is bound up in this diversity, and through it, we see the richness of God’s Kingdom

Liturgy reminds us of the continuity in action of followers in doing “this in remembrance” of the life and teachings of Jesus. Ritual serves as a threshold to spiritual understanding otherwise difficult to articulate.

LITURGY AND WORSHIP

Of the many reasons parishioners give for attending St. Andrew’s, one of the most often mentioned is love for our high church liturgy. As a contemporary Anglo-Catholic parish whose worship is shaped and guided by the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, we do indeed prefer our services “high”: musicfilled and enriched by the use of Eucharistic vestments, incense, intoning, and bells. In this way, all our senses are engaged, involving our whole being in prayer.

At the heart of our worship are the two central sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Baptism. Our parishioners believe “receiving the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist” is a very important element in our church life. We celebrate Eucharist

frequently, offering 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services on Sunday. We observe many of the major feast days throughout the year and celebrate weekly House Eucharists in the summer at the homes of our parishioners. With the exception of the early Sunday service, which is according to Rite I, all of our services are celebrated in accordance with Rite II. We historically offered a Eucharist on Tuesday morning and a Friday Healing Rites Service.

Music plays a significant role in our liturgy at St. Andrew’s, and an overwhelming majority of our parishioners feel that music enhances their worship experience. During the high festive seasons of Christmas, Epiphany, and Easter, as well as on special feast days, our Eucharists are fully sung, including sung Psalms, Alleluia/Tract, Gospel, and Prayers. Services during Advent

and Lent are also solemn liturgies with sung service music. Several of our parishioners are talented musicians and on special occasions join our choir or serve as soloists. The parish uses only The Hymnal 1982 and has a long-established preference for classical sacred choral works rather than less formal music.

The music at St. Andrew’s resonates with me because our music borrows from the ancient Church, the medieval church, and the postreformation Anglican church. It inspires reverence and invokes a sense of tradition and collective memory. I wouldn’t change a thing.

CHRISTIAN FORMATION CATECHUMENATE

St. Andrew’s has been a leader in the diocese in developing and providing a Catechumenate for the spiritual formation of new and prospective members. Any member who desires a better understanding of our faith is also encouraged to attend the class. Catechumenate begins during Epiphany and concludes with the Great Vigil of Easter.

ADULT CLASSES, EFM, AND CURSILLO

St. Andrew’s offers two adult Sunday school classes that meet between church services: A Newcomers class open to everyone interested in learning more about the Episcopal tradition, and a class focused on classical and contemporary works of Christian spirituality, theology, and history. Sunday school classes and Bible study classes are taught by both parishioners and clergy. Daughters of the King has a chapter that meets on Sundays between services. A vibrant EfM community meets on Tuesday nights during the academic year, and EfM alumni share a meal several times a year. We also have a strong Cursillo with active Ultreyas and participation in diocesan retreats at Camp McDowell.

EPISCOPAL YOUTH COMMUNITY

The EYC at St. Andrew’s has been relatively inactive for the last couple of years primarily because we currently have few children in the appropriate age range. In previous years, a volunteer-led EYC provided the youth of our parish with opportunities for fellowship, service, and fun. Although St. Andrew’s has a small youth community, most parishioners feel that youth activities, including youth confirmation classes, are important. Additionally, parishioners agree that youth should be involved in serviceoriented activities and activities with youth from other parishes.

CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

In the past, St. Andrew’s utilized the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for children aged five to ten. We do not use that curriculum currently because none of our kids are aged for Atrium I. We do have all of the materials and would like to resume the program when we have children of that age. Our current Youth Christian Formation curriculum is parishioner-led by volunteer teachers who find great value in sharing that time with our children. Most find they learn something each time they teach a lesson. The lessons are guided by the liturgical calendar and instruct our youth on liturgy, church history, and Bible lessons.

My favorite activity at St Andrew’s St Andy’s Pantry is because the pantry is doing the work of Christ, being His hands and feet, by feeding our neighbors with no expectations.

LEADERSHIP

Our nine-member lay vestry leads the congregation in providing for the parish’s financial well-being, physical structures, and ongoing programs. Vestry members are elected for three-year terms, with three members rotating off each fall as three new members are elected in a parish meeting. Three delegates to the annual diocesan convention are elected at the same parish meeting. The Rector presides at monthly vestry meetings and leads an annual weekend planning retreat with the new vestry each January. Senior and Junior Wardens are elected by the vestry from its own membership and meet with the Rector and church staff weekly to carry out ongoing administrative functions.

The staff currently consists of the Interim Rector, a parish administrator, and a part-time organist/choirmaster. Our Deacon and Priest Associate serve without pay.

OUTREACH

Over the years, St. Andrew’s has founded and supported several community outreach programs. Two of our most notable programs are Community Kitchens and St. Andy’s Pantry. Community Kitchens began as a parish soup kitchen and has grown into a full-fledged nonprofit organization, still housed at St. Andrew’s and actively supported by its parishioners and operating at another urban Episcopal parish as well. The program feeds hundreds of persons a hot meal throughout the year, with parishioners filling in for paid staff on holidays. St. Andy’s Pantry, also actively supported by parishioners, is a highly successful food pantry designed for families in need. Every other week, St. Andrew’s facilitates the distribution of groceries to feed 75 to 80 families (over 200 people). St. Andrew’s is an active, participating member of Alabama Arise, a statewide nonprofit, non-partisan coalition of congregations, organizations and individuals united in advocating for the poor in Alabama and working toward systemic change to eradicate poverty. Over forty parishioners signed up to participate in this year’s Pride Parade. Outreach is essential to St. Andrew’s Anglo-Catholic “street and altar” identity.

PARISH LIFE

Parish life at St. Andrew’s is enriched by a number of annual events that many of us look forward to all year long. Each spring, we enjoy a weekend retreat at Camp McDowell, a place many of us refer to as “God’s backyard.” It’s a time of worship, nature walks, cookouts, story telling, and music.

The celebration of Easter may be the most anticipated event in the life of the parish. Following a sermon and the first Eucharist of Easter, a great feast is held that showcases St. Andrew’s hospitality at its finest and we greet each other with, “The Lord is risen indeed, hallelujah.”

The Annual Parish Fish Fry is a time to celebrate by consuming great quantities of fried catfish and other delicacies. It is also an occasion to get to know other St. Andrew’s folks a little better. In the summertime, House Eucharists provide an opportunity for us to worship in the homes of parishioners and share a potluck meal.

Our Red Door Arts programs reach those outside our parish who can meet the Holy Spirit through Fine Arts. Many of our members are gifted musicians, writers, and actors who offer their gifts to the rest of the parish. Attendance at these events is a true mix of parishioners and guests, and we relish in sharing our creativity with the greater community. We have recently begun a ticketed Summer Concert Series featuring guest artists from outside the parish to benefit the music program.

The parish communicates effectively with its communicants and with the community through a website which is kept current, a lively social media presence, and a highly professional fourteen-page monthly e-magazine, Andrew’s Net.

On a more frequent basis, we gather in Trinity Commons after the 10:30 service each Sunday for coffee hour. It’s an opportunity for church members and visitors to mingle and enjoy each other’s company.

My favorite characteristic of St. Andrew’s is the tolerance and acceptance of parishioners because it means that we can disagree on various issues and topics, but we are all committed to the idea that our presence at the altar together unites us.

STEWARDSHIP

St. Andrews is sound financially. Last year, we borrowed $112,000 from the diocese to fund repair work to the exterior and interior of the church. Among other things, we repaired our slate roof, painted the nave and associated hallways, painted all the wooden portions of our exterior walls, windows and roof, and sealed and repaired all the exterior stonework. The cost of the work totaled $145,000 to complete, and the overage was paid from

cash reserves. We reduced the balance on the diocesan loan from $112,000 to $80,000 in the first five months of 2023 and are confident it will be further reduced in the short term.

The effectiveness of stewardship campaigns, adequate budgeting and transparent accounting are all crucial issues for our parishioners. We expect promising results from our stewardship and capital campaigns in the future.

OUR HOPES FOR TRINITY COMMONS AND CAMPUS MINISTRIES

St. Andrew’s plans to become more visible and active on the campus of UAB in order to attract and welcome more students and staff to worship with us. In addition to Red Door Arts and St. Andy’s Pantry, our parishioners will offer programs and events to create a culture where ministry to students can thrive. While developing our own focus on campus ministry, a Campus Ministry leadership team will seek participation from other parishes interested in reaching out to students. As a parish adjacent to

Trinity Commons, our new Rector will be available to assist students with pastoral needs. With help from the leadership team, our Rector will provide a consistent presence and programs at Trinity Commons. We hope students and staff living in our area will want to become members of this community, including a place for a student representatives on our vestry. We will assist those desiring a different style of worship in finding a parish that’s right for them.

BY THE NUMBERS

*Income comes from pledges, plate offering, rent, grants, and other sources.

We believe that the person called to be the rector of St. Andrew’s will be a person of deep faith and spirituality who shares our vision of ourselves as the hands and feet of Christ. In a world that yearns for peace and social justice, the members of St. Andrew’s minister in a variety of ways. We depend on our rector to encourage those individual ministries. We also depend on our priest to serve as the face of St. Andrew’s in the community, keeping current with social issues and making us aware of them, and interfacing with and seeking out ways to serve the UAB community and other neighbors.

“My hope is that our new rector will continue our long-standing outreach and ministry, and preside over the worship with a vibrant, high-church sensitivity with a strong sense of liturgical rhythm.

As an active, pastoral size congregation, St. Andrew’s needs a caring, pastoral presence, a kind rector who manifests love for the members of St. Andrew’s, who ministers to the sick, counsels those in need, and becomes involved in the parish community and the community at large. We trust that the person called to be our rector will, in turn, be fed by St. Andrew’s. We want this person to become an integral part of our parish life, energized by our ministries and supported by our love. We want our rector to challenge us with sermons that relate the Word both to the issues of the day and to our individual faith journeys.

The rector of a pastoral size church like St. Andrew’s needs a variety of skills and talents. We do not expect our rector to excel at every aspect of administration, and we welcome them seeking guidance and assistance from our highly skilled lay leadership and will work collaboratively to administer the church. We are confident that a strong rector will appreciate the church’s capable committee and volunteer structure and lead it to minister to its members and to others ever more effectively.

“The heart of our life together is best experienced and understood in the Eucharist. Amidst our diversity, and at times differences, it is in receiving Christ’s body and blood that we are drawn back to each other and to God. We hope our next rector brings St. Andrew’s into deeper communion, both within our parish and with those whose lives we touch. As such, a commitment to experiencing High Church practices, even if they are not well versed in all of its intricacies, will be most welcome.

The rector we seek will be open to celebrating a sung liturgy that lifts the spirits of our members with our traditional “smells and bells,” while remaining accessible to newcomers and visitors through a more broad-church community feel. St. Andrew’s identifies as “Down Home – High Church.” Here’s how we define that: “Down home” typically refers to something that is simple and familiar. It describes a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere with a warm, welcoming feeling. “High Church,” on the other hand, refers to a form of worship or religious practice that is formal and structured. It describes a church that places a high value on liturgy, sacraments, and ritual. Taken together, “Down Home, High Church” describes a religious experience that combines elements of both simplicity and formality. It suggests a church that values tradition and reverence, but also welcomes people from all walks of life who worship together in an atmosphere of community and belonging.

I hope that our new rector will energize the parish and be a strong leader. We need someone who can activate our strengths and inspire us toward growth. To do that, they will need to get to know who we are - now. We have weathered the last decade of change well, and come together as a strong church. We are ready to lead the diocese in the realms of service to the poor and liturgical practices. We seek a rector ready to lead that.

AREA INFORMATION

Birmingham’s founding in the late 1800’s began with the manufacture of steel but has transitioned to a city that boasts internationally recognized health care at UAB Medical Center, manufacturing, and innovative commerce. Its treelined neighborhoods surround a vibrant city center with restaurants, shopping and a variety of arts and entertainment events. St. Andrew’s neighbors include the UAB, the vibrant Five Points South entertainment district, an elementary school, and historic homes.

The Birmingham metro area has a population of one million and the city of Birmingham contains 99 distinct neighborhoods. There are three universities, three colleges, four junior colleges, three technical schools, and 276 public schools.

Birmingham is recognized as one of the most important sites of the

DIOCESE OF ALABAMA

Civil Rights movement, with 2023 marking the 60th anniversary of the Children’s March. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute hosts visitors from around the world and highlights the historic 16th Street Baptist Church.

Birmingham boasts many award-winning restaurants, the outstanding Birmingham Museum of Art, the Alabama Symphony, and excellent concert venues including St. Andrew’s neighbor, the Alys Stephen’s Center. Each year the city welcomes innovative film makers at the Sidewalk Film Festival, sports events at the Legacy Arena and Protective Stadium and minor league baseball at the downtown ballpark, home of the Birmingham Barons and the Negro League Baseball Museum. The new Red Mountain Theater offers year-round musicals and plays.

Welcome to the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. Whether you came to this parish profile via a web search, a mailing, or a personal invitation, I am glad that you are here. As you read through these pages prepared by a congregation who is seeking new leadership, I hope that you will sense the warmth of our diocese, the imaginations of our congregations to envision God’s dream for themselves and for their neighbors, and the desire to live faithfully into the call of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Our diocese stretches north to the banks of the fertile Tennessee River Valley, south to the state capital of Montgomery, west to historic rivers and farms of the Blackbelt and east to the booming Wiregrass Region. Our common life is enriched by a wide diversity of parishes who are drawn together in common prayer, worship, and service. Our history is deep and rich, but we are also boldly leading toward the future as our churches

seek to preach the Gospel, welcome the stranger and care for the neighbor in ways both new and old. As you are discerning the next step in your ministry, know that we are praying for you. If the diocesan office can be of help to you as you look toward the future, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Blessings,

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Glenda S. Curry, Ph.D.

IN CLOSING

This profile was created to give a picture of the life and work of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. In it, we have sought to articulate our hopes, dreams, fears, and prayers for the future. However, this document is only a picture. The true power of what God is doing at St. Andrew’s is fully understood only by participating in our worship and fellowship. As we seek to find a Rector to lead and guide St. Andrew’s, we ask that you pray with us and consider whether God may be calling you to this place so that we may grow together in Jesus Christ.

Looking at what I know about St. Andrew’s this past year, looking at how all of you have prepared these folks here to share their witness with us this evening. You’ve never stopped worshiping, you’ve never stopped praying, you’ve never stopped loving each other, you’ve never stopped building the Kingdom. And I’m always amazed and inspired and very grateful when I come here, by what you do. I thank you, I thank your leadership, both ordained and lay, I thank your music folks, for all that they do in their witness. I love your heart for the Gospel. I love the way you welcome everyone. Your generosity for God’s work and your love for each other and the wonderful teaching and preaching and service is encouraging to all of us. To our community. And I thank God for you.

2023

~Bp. Glenda Curry

Confirmation Eucharist Sermon May 21,