As we prepare to step into the Advent season, I want to invite you to explore this fantastic resource as a retreat space that can nurture your practice of prayer. This year’s first Contemplative Summit features reflections by insightful and diverse teachers and retreat leaders who each highlight an important facet of contemplative practice in the world today.
Advent is a time to prepare our hearts to receive, yet again, the Good News of God in Christ. I wanted to share this free resource with you in the hopes that your own practice of prayer can be deepened as we all yearn to live more fully.
You can explore more with this link, and you can register online to receive more information (and sneak previews of books and resources that will inspire you!)
Blessings,
Stuart
Grace Church is again inviting members of the parish to submit original artwork depicting the nativity for us to share during services and on social media during the Christmas season. We would love to feature art by parishioners of all ages.
Please use colored pencils, paint, crayons, pencil, or markers to draw a nativity scene on a piece of paper that can be scanned. (Photos of artwork don’t reproduce very well in the bulletin.) Include your name and, for children and youth, your age/or grade so we can properly credit our artists!
Artwork must be submitted by Monday, December 11 to be included in one of the service bulletins, late entries may be shared on social media. Give artwork to Fr. Brandon 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.
Children and youth are invited to play a Christmas piece as part of the musical prelude before the 4:00 PM Christmas Eve service. This may be on the piano, flute, violin, or whatever your young musician is currently studying. If your child would like to participate, please email Lynn Swanson three things no later than Thursday, December 14: 1) your musician’s name, 2) title of the piece, 3) composer/arranger. (It’s preferred that the piece is sacred, but it is not a requirement.) You can also reach out to Lynn with questions.
If you are interested in being confirmed into The Episcopal Church at St. Philip’s Cathedral on Sunday afternoon, December 10, please email Fr. Stuart no later than December 1. If you have transferred to Grace from another denomination and were already confirmed there (Presbyterian, Methodist, Roman Catholic, etc.), you can be received into The Episcopal Church, meaning that we have special prayers to honor the Spirit’s work in your life.
This invitation extends especially to those who shared in the last series of classes during the Sunday Forum.
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 ($25 suggested minimum) by Wednesday, December 13.
Christmas Flowers & GreeneryChristian Education classes for children, youth, and adults will meet from 9:30 – 10:30 AM.
Children & Youth
pageant rehearsal
We ask that children and youth participating in classes, programs, and events have a registration form on file.
Adults
Scripture, Tradition, and Reason: parish hall more information
Parenting with Grace: conference room
Summer Camp, already?! You bet! Register the kiddos for Camp Mikell Summer Camp 2024. Get ready for a summer filled with laughter, fellowship, arts and crafts and canteen. There is a session for almost every aged child and it’s never too early to start your child’s Camp Mikell journey. Learn more about camp sessions on the Camp Mikell website.
Look ahead to upcoming opportunities for prayer, worship, and community!
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