Rev. Dr. Stuart Higginbotham will lead a one day retreat on Zoom, Saturday, December 11 from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. This free online retreat is being held in conjunction with Contemplative Outreach Atlanta.
This retreat time will invite us into a deeper reflection on the Transfiguration as we explore how the story is actually an iconic visualization of our own expanded awareness of and participation in the Divine Life. For those who are struggling in these days, perhaps we can begin making sense of the circumstances of our times by reflecting more deeply on how to make sense of ourselves and our deepest identity that is marked by a live-giving spaciousness.
For the second Sunday of Advent light the first candle, and a second candle for peace.
Creator God, fill us with a sense of peace and love. Help us to listen to your voice in our lives. Amen
If you need a mid-week time of prayer and reflection, please join us for Eucharist at noon in the chapel every Wednesday during Advent! We will not have the service on December 29, but will look to resume after the first of the year.
Come learn to weave an Advent Star out of basket reed following the Wednesday meal on December 8. These 8″ stars (or perhaps they look more like snowflakes to you?!) will look great nestled among your Christmas tree branches or hung in a window to celebrate the season.
Children are welcome to come weave, but may need adult assistance for this project. Families with young children will find it best to work on a star together!
So that we have enough supplies, please indicate on the Wednesday evening reservation form how many people from your household plan to weave their own star. Make a reservation for dinner and/or sign up to make a star no later than noon on Monday, December 6.
There are still a few spots left for our weekend of rejoicing, reflection, and renewal January 14-16, 2022 at the Montreat Retreat and Conference Center in Montreat, North Carolina. We’ll be looking at ways to (re)connect with ourselves, with one another, and with God, and see how the Biblical Women who have come before us led the way. Grab your spot now, and bring a friend!
Grace Church invites all children and youth (12th grade and younger) to submit original artwork depicting the nativity that we can share in various ways during services and on social media during the Christmas season. Please use colored pencils, paint, crayons, pencil, or markers to draw a nativity scene on an 8.5×11 piece of paper. Don’t forget to include your name and age/or grade!
Artwork must be submitted by Monday, December 13 to be included in the printed bulletin on Christmas eve, late entries may be shared on social media. Give artwork to Cheryl Kelley during Christian Education on Sundays, bring it to the parish office, or scan (at 300 dpi or higher and saved as a .jpeg image or .pdf file) and email it to Jennifer Williams.
Years ago we began a tradition of decorating a Grace Family Tree. This year’s tree is located in the nave so we may enjoy seeing it whether we participate in services in person or via the livestream. If you are new to Grace, haven’t yet contributed an ornament, or would like to contribute another, please bring one in and hang it on the tree or drop it by the parish office so we can hang it for you. Consider writing your name, and perhaps the year, somewhere on the ornament or on a ribbon attached to the ornament.
Our chicken tree (Yes, Grace has a chicken tree!) in the parish hall could use some more ornaments if you happen to find one that fits the theme.
At the end of the season, all ornaments are stored at Grace to be put back on next year. Don’t miss this chance to leave a small Christmas legacy at Grace.
Join us to share a meal together in the parish hall on Wednesday, December 8. On the menu is shepherd’s pie, green beans, garden salad, dinner rolls, dessert. Dinner will be available at 5:30 PM. You may pack your own box to go if you wish.
Adult meals are $10/each and youth meals (grades 6-12) are $5/each. There is no charge for children 5th grade and under. Payment may be made at each dinner, or online in advance. Information for online payment will be shared when you submit a meal reservation form. Make a meal reservation no later than noon on Monday, December 6.
After dinner, stay and weave an advent star for your Christmas tree! Please note that we are asking people to sign up for this program, which can be done on the same form where you make meal reservations.
Stewardship follow up calls have begun. Please turn in your pledge if you haven’t yet had a chance. Extra pledge cards are available at church, can be printed at home, and your pledge can also be made online. Our goal for the 2022 campaign is $1.1 million and our current pledge total is $885,681. Thank you for your continued support of Grace Church!
Beautiful flowers and greenery enhance our celebration of The Nativity of Our Lord at Grace Church, and you can help make that celebration special. Contributions to our Christmas flower and greenery fund may be made in thanksgiving for or in memory of loved ones, friends and family. Notice of your donation will be included in the worship bulletin on Christmas Eve.
If you would like to make an offering, please submit both the online form and your donation on or before Monday, December 13.
Look ahead to upcoming opportunities for prayer, worship, and community!
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