Grace Episcopal Church invites you and your pets to a Blessing of Animals this Sunday, October 2, at 4:00 PM.
Weather permitting, we will gather for the service on the Brenau lawn. Pets/domestic animals of all shapes and sizes are welcome, but please provide the appropriate restraint for any animal you bring. Owners are responsible for pet waste.
In the event of rain, simply drive through the Grace Church covered driveway along Boulevard to receive a blessing!
Those who attend are invited to bring a donation for the Humane Society. In addition to monetary donations, in-kind items on HSNEGA’s “Wish List” and gift cards to local grocery stores, office supply stores, pet stores or Amazon, Walmart, Sam’s Club, or Target are always welcome, as well, to purchase needed supplies.
Held each year in observance of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, the service provides not only an opportunity for our pets to be blessed, but also for us to give thanks for the many blessings we receive through our pets and other animals. We look forward to seeing you and your beloved pets this Sunday, October 2.
Please take a photo of your pet being blessed for our newsletter and social media! Send it to jwilliams@gracechurchgainesville.org
Training for New and Returning Acolytes
Have you ever wanted to acolyte or love to acolyte but are a little out of practice? Join us Sunday, October 2, at 12:00 PM in the youth room. We’ll have pizza and drinks for lunch then will go to the nave to learn all there is about serving at the altar.
This training is required for all acolytes, new and returning. If you are an acolyte already but have a conflict and cannot attend on October 2, please reach out to the Rev. Mary Demmler or Jason Voyles so they can schedule a refresher for you. Anyone 8-years-old and older may serve as an acolyte at Grace, including adults!
Youth Lay Reader Training
Are you a high school student interested in expanding your leadership role in our worship life? Join us Sunday, October 2, at 1:30 PM in the nave to learn how to be a reader during our services. This is open to students in the 9-12 grades and you do not have to be an acolyte to become a lay reader.
For more information on either of these opportunities, please contact the Rev. Mary Demmler or Jason Voyles.
The Art & Spirit gathering is this Wednesday, October 5, at 6:00 PM in the parish hall. Visual art and poetry from seven faith traditions will be represented: Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Daoist, and Zoroastrian. All of these creative expressions will orbit around this central question: How can we celebrate the human spirit in our world today?
Light refreshments will be available, but please feel free to contribute snacks to share.
Mark your calendars and come share Art & Spirit this Wednesday!
Built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings, the Sacred Ground small group series is designed to promote racial understanding, justice and reconciliation. A group will meet in The Grace Center room 115 at 6:00 PM for 2 hours on the first and third Monday of the month, beginning October 3 through mid-March.
Yoga classes will not meet on Thursday, October 6.
The Caregiver Support Group, sponsored by Alzheimer’s Association Georgia, will meet in the parlor at 5:30 on Tuesday, October 4. Alzheimer’s Association® support groups, conducted by trained facilitators, provide a space for those caring for dementia patients to relieve stress, find comfort, and share resources. The group is open to all. Contact Darlene Hauserman with questions.
Our stewardship campaign for 2023 is currently underway. Pledge cards have been mailed to member households and extra copies are available at the church. You also have the option to submit your pledge for 2023 online at the link below.
We are a connected community, how will your gifts be woven in? Please take a moment and reflect on what this parish means to you and take your place in making a commitment for next year by Sunday, November 6.
Look ahead to upcoming opportunities for prayer, worship, and community!
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