Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for the mystery of Christmas. A time to watch and wait and be present. In the hustle and bustle that often accompanies this season, taking time to center ourselves and tap into the spirit of Advent can be hard to do.
If you’re longing for a time to rest and reflect, please join us on Wednesday, December 7 at 6:00 PM in the Nave. Rebecca Turk is returning to lead us in a sound bath for Advent. For the most restful experience, bring your yoga mat, a blanket, and any bolster or pillow you prefer and experience the sound bath resting in Savasana. You may also choose to experience it sitting in the pews, and you’re welcome to bring a cushion or pillow to make you more comfortable.
The parish choir will offer Lessons & Carols on Sunday, December 4 during the 10:45 AM worship service. This beautiful service, an Anglican tradition, is meant to help us prepare for Christmas. Scripture will be read and Advent carols will be sung by the choir and congregation. All are welcome.
The Cathedral Book Store will be at Grace Church on Sunday, December 18 and are happy to take preorders until December 4. Browse their website at www.cathedralbookstore.org, then call 404-237-7582 or email your order to Nora Robillard. Be sure to indicate you are ordering an item to be brought to Grace on December 18. This is especially helpful if you would like to purchase t-shirts, belts and/or onesies! Preorders will be given a 10% discount. The bookstore is looking forward to being here!
As provided for in the Grace Church by-laws, the Vestry Nominating Committee consisting of those vestry members who retired at the previous annual meeting, and those vestry members retiring at the next annual meeting shall meet and consider eligible members of the Parish for election to the Vestry at the next annual Parish meeting. To be elected to serve on the Vestry a nominee must be a confirmed communicant in good standing of the Parish who is not less than eighteen (18) years of age, a regular attendant at the services of the Church in the year preceding election, and known by the Treasurer to have made and fulfilled a stated financial commitment for church support in the year preceding election.
The Vestry Nominating Committee will meet Sunday, December 4 from 9:30 – 10:30 AM in the parlor. All meetings of the nominating committee are open to participation of all members of the parish. If you are interested in running, or nominating someone, for an open vestry position please drop by the meeting and make that known to the committee. You may also email vestry nominations to Newsom Cummings.
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.
Grace also has a chicken tree (yes, a chicken tree!) in the parish hall that could use some more ornaments. If you are out and about and run across an ornament that fits the theme, please consider adding it to the tree.
At the end of the season, all ornaments for both trees are stored at Grace to be put back on next year. Don’t miss this chance to leave a small Christmas legacy at Grace.
I wanted to send this note out to give a sneak peek at this year’s Pageant, at 4:00 PM on Christmas Eve. Each year, this service ALWAYS makes me smile. I love seeing everyone share in the story of Jesus’ birth. This year, I am working with the Rev. Mary Demmler and some of our youth in shaping a very special “paper bag pageant.”
There will be no rehearsals this year; rather, we encourage any kids to wear what particular costumes they want to the service. For any in the congregation who want to participate, we will have paper bags with various costumes available at the first of the service. You will NOT know what your particular role is until the first of the pageant when I invite folks to prepare by opening their bags. And, voila. As the story is read, each person will be invited to stand or to come forward at the point when their particular character is named. We’ll create the story together, and it will be amazing.
We’ll have more information as it is needed, but this should prepare us well for the day.
Blessings and thanks!
Stuart
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 12.
Look ahead to upcoming opportunities for prayer, worship, and community!
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