This morning on my walk my mind and heart went back to the hard days of Easter in 2020 and 2021. What surreal times those were. I remembered talking with so many folks as we said to each other, “I miss being able to worship together so much!” Yes, indeed.
Now we find ourselves here in 2022 with a space of fresh possibility that, indeed, sings with the truth of Easter: now the green blade riseth. I “get” Easter in my soul like never before.
To be able to stand, kneel, and pray next to one another is a privilege I never want to take for granted. So, I challenge us all this year to come and worship. If you have never taken the chance to share in Maundy Thursday or Good Friday, do so this year. If you have never explored the Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday evening, make a commitment to come this year. And let us sing our hearts out on Easter morning!
This is a time to mean what we said and to live into what we learned: let us come and worship God together as a Christian community and give thanks for this life that we share!
Blessings to all,
Stuart
Details for all of our Holy Week and Easter services can be found at the link below. We invite you to join us – all are welcome!
Prayer and Parchment is a monthly space that explores our practice of prayer and texts and resources that we have found meaningful in our lives. This conversation is open to anyone who is wondering how our practice of faith helps us make sense of the circumstances of our lives. How does the way we pray shape the way we live in the world? What conversation partners have we found particularly meaningful as we navigate the stresses of life? How can we name our deeper yearnings for healing and wholeness? Join us on Zoom on the second Sunday each month at 6:00 PM.
Our next meeting is April 10. It is never too late to join the conversation. All you need is an open heart and a bit of curiosity. The Spirit will take it from there.
Prayer is at the heart of our life as a faith community and members are invited to request prayer by the parish during worship services each Sunday. Names are printed in the service bulletin and remembered aloud in church services for 3 weeks for those in need, and for one week for those who have died. Long-term or confidential requests are sent to the Daughters of the King (DOK). Part of their vocation is to offer intercessory prayer on behalf of those who request it.
A prayer request form has been added to our website to streamline the process. A link to the form will be located in the links section of every newsletter and in the footer of our website. If you would appreciate personal contact from the clergy regarding your prayer request, there is an opportunity to indicate that desire on the form.
Through the years many Episcopalians have found the Good Friday Offering to be an effective way to express their support for the ministries of the three dioceses of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. This year, the Good Friday Offering is celebrating a century of gifts and rejoicing in 2,000 years of Good News. For 100 years, Episcopalians have generously shared their love, compassion, and financial gifts to support the ministry of the Anglican Communion Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. These gifts have made an astounding difference in the lives of many people in the homeland of Jesus and beyond. Read more about the Good Friday Offering.
Grace Church will send all undesignated plate contributions on Good Friday to the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East.
We are pleased to be partnering with the Hispanic Alliance-GA in supporting those most in need in our Hispanic Community here in Gainesville. Currently there is a need for bar soap and detergent (any kind) for over 100 families. If you are willing to help, you may drop off your items at church anytime before Sunday, April 10 and we will deliver them to the Alliance. Thank you so much.
Look ahead to upcoming opportunities for prayer, worship, and community!
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