CE Classes at Grace don’t start until September 8 but we are offering a series of special events during the formation hour (9:30 – 10:30 AM) on Sundays in August.
This Sunday, August 4, join us for light pastries, juice, and coffee in the Parish Hall and a fun scavenger hunt throughout the building. Each person can get a special card that leads them to rooms that will all have special clues. Put the clues together and win prizes!
The Grace Choir will serve as Choir in Residence at Cathedral Church of St. Peter in Exeter, England from August 4-11.
They will sing five Choral Evensongs and two Choral Eucharists during their time at Exeter. The services last about an hour long and are comprised mostly of the choir chanting Psalms, singing responses, mass settings, hymns and anthems. It is a full slate of choral music! Organist Brian Parks of Marietta First United Methodist will serve as the choir’s organist. It is necessary to have an organist apart from the music director because the organ is a good distance away and tucked in its own space above the quire stalls. The organist also has to use a monitor in order to see the director.
The choir has prepared music for each service for the last year and is excited to sing in this sacred historical place. We hope to send photos along as we go through our week and to share a host of meaningful and enriching moments with you when we return. Thank you all for your generous support.
There are over 50 people signed up for BBQ and Bingo Wednesday night, but plenty of room for more! If you plan to attend, please let us know by Sunday, August 4 so we order enough BBQ for everyone.
All ages welcome. Please bring a side or dessert to share.
There will be no prayer yoga on August 5, 8, or 12. Classes will resume on Thursday, August 15.
From now until August 11 we will be collecting school supplies for students at Sandra Dunagan Deal Elementary School in East Hall. The school has specifically requested the following “wish list” items:
1. Crayons
2. Markers
3. Colored Pencils
4. Glue/ Glue sticks
5. Kleenex
6. Clorox Wipes
7. Expo Dry Erase markers
8. Composition Journals- non spiral
9. Plastic two pocket folders – No Prongs- Red, Blue, Green, Yellow
Items may be brought to the parish office Monday – Thursday from 10 AM – 4 PM or to the nave on Sunday.
If you would prefer to make a monetary donation, please send your check, made out to Grace Episcopal Church with “school supplies” noted in the memo line, to the office at 422 Brenau Avenue, Gainesville, GA 30501 or drop it in the offering plate on Sundays. You may also make a donation online by check or credit card. Select “Outreach” as the contribution type and note “school supplies” in the memo line.
Please contact Cynthia+ with any questions.
I am excited to share details of our pilgrimage to Greece October 13-21, 2025 and know you will find the description and itinerary exciting!
Our pilgrimage will focus on a few of the key places St. Paul visited, communities that inspired several of his writings in the New Testament. But more than that, we will have time to delve deeply into the Ancient Greek and Roman culture that influenced St. Paul during that time. We will spend time exploring texts, and we will visit oracles and temples as well. Our guiding lens for the trip will be the three philosophical virtues of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, and each pilgrim will choose one of these lenses and do preliminary research and study. How do you experience Truth, Goodness, and Beauty in St. Paul’s writings, in your own practice of faith, in the influence of Ancient Greek culture?
We will need to limit space to 30 pilgrims so we can all share one bus, so make sure to sign up soon!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
Blessings,
Stuart
Are you passionate about nurturing young Christians? We’re seeking volunteers to join our team for children and youth formation. Whether you’re experienced or new to working with young people, your presence can make a profound impact.
Join us in guiding young ones in Children’s Chapel; storytelling or assisting for Godly Play; leading or assisting older elementary students as they learn with Whirl; or being a mentor for middle school and high school youth.
Contact Fr. Brandon to learn more about how you can get involved!
We’d love to have you a part of the Grace Choir this next season. Our first rehearsal is Wednesday, August 28. Welcome Back Gathering begins at 6:30 PM in the Greeting Area with a few snacks and drinks. Rehearsal will follow at 7 PM in the Choir Room.
We are especially hoping to see some basses, altos and tenors join us this season! Rehearsal is every Wednesday, 7-9 PM. We sing for the 10:45 AM Sunday Eucharist. Grace Choir will host our 4th annual Messiah Sing Along on December 15, present a concert on Christmas Eve at 9:30 PM preceding the 10 PM Mass, and perform Faure’s Requiem on March 30.
Please send Music Director & Organist Lynn Swanson any questions you may have.
Foyers sign ups will close on August 14 so groups can be assigned and gatherings can begin in September.
We are combining our annual parish feast day, the Feast of the Holy Cross, with our annual parish picnic for 2024!
Please make note that there will be one combined service at 10:00 AM on Sunday, September 15. We will take a new parish family photo (see previous photos) in the nave immediately following the service and then enjoy a potluck picnic and fellowship.
The women of Grace Church will enjoy a weekend of rejoicing, reflection, and renewal January 17 – 19, 2025 at the Montreat Retreat and Conference Center in Montreat, North Carolina.
Look ahead to upcoming opportunities for prayer, worship, and community!
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