The new school year begins soon for many of our parishioners! We invite students, teachers, and school staff of all ages to bring your backpack/satchel/tote to be blessed during the 10:45 AM service this Sunday, July 28.
Rising 9th-12th graders are invited to join Fr. Brandon and Fr. Stuart on a pilgrimage to explore art and the sacred in New York City, October 12-15, 2024. The cost should run around $500 and the itinerary will include:
Please email Fr. Brandon no later than August 1 if you and your youth would be interested.
Get ready…we’re tubing the Chattahoochee River on August 10! Youth are invited to meet at The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Sautee-Nacoochee at 11:30 AM for lunch and Eucharist before hitting the river. Register by August 1. Cost is $20. Meal and shirt included.
From now until August 11 we will be collecting school supplies for the new elementary school in East Hall that will have students from the former Riverbend Elementary and White Sulphur Elementary Schools. And so the needs of the student population remain very much as they have been in the past. Any items (paper, pencils, crayons, facial tissue, wet wipes, sanitizer, larger-sized pull-ups; more listed on the Deal Elementary website) 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.
We are very aware that school starts back for most in August now, not like it once did back when the Earth’s crust cooled. So, to have a “soft start” this year with our formation opportunities, we will be offering a series of special tours for those who may want to learn more about the campus–and to see the renovations throughout the building! If you are newer to the parish’s life, these tours will help you enormously, but even if you have been at Grace for a good long while, I bet you’ll learn something you didn’t know. Here is a schedule of special events on Sundays in August from 9:30 – 10:30 AM:
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!
Sunday, August 11: Join clergy and some staff for guided tours throughout the building. We will begin in the Parish Hall and break people into small groups, to then spread out through the campus to highlight key areas that support our common life. (If you’re really nice, we’ll show you the basement).
Sunday, August 18: Join us in the nave for a guided liturgical tour with Fr. Stuart and Jason Voyles, our head verger. If you have ever wondered what the difference is between a ciborium and a purificator, or, honestly, why we call this special space the nave, this tour is for you.
Sunday, August 25: Fr. Stuart will meet in the Parish Hall with anyone who wants to be on the planning committee for our upcoming Bicentennial Celebration!
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!
Our June Bingo Night was so much fun we’re doing another one! Plan to join us at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, August 7 for a potluck BBQ dinner and a night filled with laughter and silly prizes. All ages welcome.
Grace will provide pulled pork BBQ and drinks. Please bring a side (e.g. slaw, potato salad, mac & cheese, baked beans, deviled eggs, fruit salad, chips, etc.) or dessert to share.
For food planning purposes we are asking for signups by Sunday, August 4.
Sign up now if you are interested in joining a fall 2024 foyers group!
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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