News September 29 - October 5 - Grace Episcopal Church, Gainesville, GA

Date Posted: September 27, 2024

News September 29 – October 5

Update Following the Storm

We continue to hold the wider community in our prayers as so many recover from wind and water damage. Others are without power, and who knows how long the recovery will take for some. Let us give thanks to God for the relative safety we share, and let us open our hearts and hands to support those who are struggling.

Looking at this Sunday, we will have our regular Holy Eucharist services and classes, and I am thankful that the leaks at the parish seem to be at a minimum. The Blessing of Animals is also this Sunday on the Brenau lawn. If it is raining simply drive through the covered driveway along Boulevard to receive a blessing.

I encourage you to come to worship and to classes this Sunday as we give thanks for this community.

Many prayers,
Stuart

Blessing of Animals

Grace Episcopal Church invites you and your pets to a Blessing of Animals this Sunday, September 29, from 2:00-3:00 PM.

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.

Weather permitting, we will gather 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.

Christian Education This Sunday

Christian Education classes for children, youth, and adults will meet from 9:30 – 10:30 AM most Sundays until May 4.

This fall, classes will NOT meet on October 13 (fall break for local schools), or October 27 (one combined 10 AM service).

Singers Wanted for Tenor – Bass Chorale

On Sunday, October 20, we will have a Tenor-Bass Chorale for the 10:45 AM service. This project ensemble is open to any tenor-bass in the parish and only requires a couple of rehearsals.

We’ll be singing the 2 spirituals King Jesus Is A Listenin’ and Standing in the Need of Prayer. They are not difficult and the parish choir men will be on hand to help!

If you want to sing and can attend 2 of these 3 rehearsals, please email Director of Music Lynn Swanson.

3 rehearsal options in the Choir Room

Sunday, September 29, 12:15 – 12:45 PM, following the service
Sunday, October 6, 12:15 – 12:45 PM, following the service
Wednesday, October 9, 7 – 7:30 PM

Caregiver Support Group

The Caregiver Support Group, sponsored by Alzheimer’s Association Georgia, meets in the parlor at 5:30 PM on the first Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is October 1.

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.

Behold Who You Are

Each year, the parish community makes a commitment to live into God’s call for our lives, and we embody this participation in our operating budget.

This year, our theme is “Behold Who You Are,” a beautiful reminder from the liturgy of the Eucharist: “Behold who you are, the body of Christ. May we become what we receive.” This serves as an invitation for us to reflect on how we are called to embody Christ’s presence in the world.

Pledge cards have been mailed to member households and are available at the church. You also have the option to submit your pledge for 2025 online at the link below.

Make a Pledge

Will you be joining us in Montreat?

All women of Grace Church are invited to join us for a weekend retreat featuring Becca Stevens with Marcus Hummon at Montreat Retreat and conference Center in Montreat, North Carolina January 17-19, 2025. We hope you can come!

We have a housing deadline with Montreat coming up soon. If you plan to attend, please let us know by registering by October 7. A deposit of 50% is due with your registration, and the balance will be due December 1.

Learn More & Register

Pilgrimage to Greece

Fr. Stuart will schedule the initial meeting for those attending the pilgrimage to Greece sometime in early November so register soon!

The October 13-21, 2025 trip will focus on a few of the key places St. Paul visited, communities that inspired several of his writings in the New Testament. But more than that, we will have time to delve deeply into the Ancient Greek and Roman culture that influenced St. Paul during that time. We will spend time exploring texts, and we will visit oracles and temples as well. Learn more and register now at the link below!