At the last Gathering, our conversation focused on who our conversation partners are. We continued to explore Richard Rohr’s book Universal Christ and Barbara Brown Taylor’s book Holy Envy. Those conversation partners led us to wonder who we are missing, who we have not paid attention to, and who might really challenge us. We continued to wonder about the challenge, “When is the last time you changed your mind on something,” and “When is the last time you read something that really challenged the way you think about an issue?” I think these are important things to explore, to make sure we are not just staying in our echo-chambers.
To that end, we gathered three resources for folks to explore. Some may want to begin looking at all three, and others may want to focus on one. Fred Bahnson, who teaches at Wake Forest University, has written a wonderful book called Soil and Sacrament: A Spiritual Memoir of Food and Faith. That title led one person to suggest a resource called Ethical Choices, which is a non-profit that focuses on learning where our food actually comes from. Bahnson is a Christian who challenges many of our assumptions on the way we treat creation as a commodity to be used.
Sam Harris wrote a book called Waking Up: A Spirituality Without Religion. Harris is an atheist who challenges many of our basic assumptions as Christians in general. We wondered what it would be like to explore these conversation partners, to take on a challenge.
On Sunday, July 21, we will meet at Linwood Nature Preserve (170 Springview Drive) at 5:00 PM. Feel free to bring a snack, or a drink to share, as well as your thoughts and notes as we continue these vital conversations.
Stuart+
Our 13th annual Day in the Mountains and Picnic Lunch at Vogel State Park in Blairsville is on Saturday, July 27. Enjoy the cooler mountain air as we gather in the shade next to Trahlyta Lake for lunch, fellowship, and outdoor fun. Located at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest, with an elevation of 2,500 feet, Vogel is a great spot to spend a hot summer day. This family friendly and wheelchair accessible event is organized by the hike group at the end of each summer for ALL members of Grace and their friends to enjoy.
Complete details can be found here and please let Jeremy Landers know if you are coming by THIS Sunday, July 21. If you’d like to come but won’t know until the last moment, let Jeremy know you are a “maybe” so we can be sure to bring enough supplies. Hope to see you at Vogel!
Our summer Women’s Study will wrap up on Wednesday, July 24 from 6:00-8:00 PM. We will gather to explore Esther, and share a time of learning, fellowship, and fun. For location info call Cheryl at 770-536-0126.
It is time to begin our annual collection of school supplies! Our goal this year is to donate 25 backpacks for the social worker at Gainesville Middle School to distribute to students in need. Each backpack will contain the following supplies:
• #2 pencils, 24 count
• blue or black pens
• colored pencils, 12 count box
• 6 packs of 5 tab dividers
• 6 one inch ring binders
• notebook paper
• 1 pack highlighters
• 1 pack washable markers
• small hand sanitizer
Just like last year, the little red wagon will be waiting in the greeting area for your contribution. You can also donate cash/check by putting it in the collection plate designated to “school supplies” or by bringing it to the church office. The deadline to donate is Sunday, August 4. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
The Outreach Committee
The fall session for Grace Yoga will begin on Monday, August 12 in the parish hall! Chair Yoga meets from 2:45 – 3:30 PM and Slow Flow Yoga from 3:45 – 4:45 PM. Please dress comfortably for movement and bring a yoga mat for flow yoga. (If you have any health issues, please make sure that you have consulted your doctor.) All are welcome! Register online.
This post highlights some events and news pertinent to the upcoming week. Follow the links below to learn more about what’s happening at Grace Church.