You should be getting an invitation in your mailbox soon to participate in the Friends of Music campaign. This year’s campaign comes on the heels of the Bicentennial Capital Campaign, so this spring has been full here at Grace. We usually have the Friends of Music campaign in the spring, but we also needed to time things this year with the building renovation work that needed to be done with the capital campaign. Hopefully, we have spaced things out so that everyone can discern how they are able to share in the full spectrum of the parish’s life.
This year’s FOM campaign is also helping prepare for the upcoming pilgrimage to Exeter, England in August 2024 [to serve as Choir-in-Residence at Exeter Cathedral]. Grace has not had a choir participate in such a residency program at an English cathedral before, but it is a wonderful opportunity that many parishes share during the summer months when the cathedral choirs in England take their seasonal break. Having a week in residence at Exeter will give our choir the remarkable opportunity to lead worship for the community there while also preparing many pieces that they will weave into our worship here at Grace. Some of the campaign funds will be used to offset the costs of our staff singers as well as students who can use this as an incredible contextual education space for their ongoing development. I love seeing how Grace can be a teaching parish for those who feel drawn to share their gifts of music. As we have been saying, you don’t have to sing in the choir to go. I will be working to prepare a series of reflections for those who go, paying attention to the richness of Anglican spirituality. We will have day trips in the mornings and space in the afternoon to reflect while those in the choir prepare for Evensong.
I am thankful for all the ways this community has supported the development and integration of music into our spiritual life. Beauty is a hallmark of the broader Anglican tradition, and it is important to nurture our practices of prayer as we live in the world today. In that spirit, I look forward to the time at Exeter next year, and I look forward to experiencing the many ways that pilgrimage will continue to strengthen our community here.
Blessings,
Stuart
Grace Church looks forward to recognizing graduates during the 10:45 AM service this Sunday, May 14! You can find links to the digital slideshow and recognition bulletin in our newsletter. Congratulations to our 2023 high school and college graduates!
It is our custom at Grace for Children’s Chapel to take a break during the summer months. The last day will be May 14. The nursery will continue to be available to children age 4 and under during both Sunday worship services.
We would love to gather all pledges to our bicentennial campaign by this Sunday, May 14. Pledge forms can be filled out and dropped in the offering plate, mailed to 422 Brenau Avenue, Gainesville, GA 30501, or emailed to Reba Page.
Learn more about the goals of the campaign, A Future of Grace, here. With your help, we will position Grace Episcopal Church as a thriving spiritual community as we step into our third century of shared ministry – with prayer, compassion, and belonging.
You are invited to tour with the Grace Parish Choir summer of 2024 to Exeter, England. This tour is for singers and non-singers. We would love to have you come along with us and Father Stuart as we not only serve as Choir-in-Residence but make day trips to the country side and explore the rich history and landscape of this beautiful part of the earth.
Spaces are limited. If you are interested, please see our Exeter Cathedral Choir-In-Residence itinerary, tentative price sheet and follow the link to sign up. Contact Father Stuart or Music Director Lynn Swanson with any questions you might have. But, do it soon! There is a $500 deposit due on October 1 for each person going.
Look ahead to upcoming opportunities for prayer, worship, and community!
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