April 27 – May 3 at Grace
What is mind to hold?
Rebecca Parker and Stuart Higginbotham invite you to share a morning of prayer and reflection on Saturday, May 3, as we engage in the deep tensions and opportunities of this time.
We all feel challenged to live faithfully, and in the midst of so much noise and distraction, the Spirit invites us to consider our own participation in God’s dream for our world. Over and over in conversations we have shared with many, one central question continues to arise: What is mine to hold—and how can I do it consciously?
We are honored to welcome Cynthia Bourgeault to share in this conversation. She will offer a reflection during our time that will assist us in exploring our responsibilities as spiritual seekers, thus guiding us into the deeper spaces of the heart that will nurture a sense of awareness and resilient embodiment. We look forward to this opportunity, and we hope our time together leads to many more fruitful conversations.
Our time together will be completely on Zoom, from 9 am to 12 pm. There is no fee for the morning’s conversation, but should you choose to make a donation, we will continue to develop spaces like this for further transformation. Register by April 29 at the link below, and we will send you both a Zoom link as well as materials to read beforehand.
Many blessings,
Rebecca and Stuart
Music This Sunday
This Sunday, April 27, we will welcome the University of North Georgia Treble Choir and the Region 6-AAA Literary Meet Winners from Chestatee High School to provide music for our 10:45 AM service. Thank you to these students and their directors!
Soul Work Book Club
The next meeting of the Soul Work Book Club is April 27! The group meets on zoom [Meeting ID: 897 7425 9670, Passcode: 254002] at 7 PM on the 4th Sunday of every month. We are currently reading Four Elements: Reflections on Nature by John O’Donohue.
Christian Education
The last two CE classes for the church school year are April 27 & May 4.
Youth CE
Some members of the outreach committee will meet with EYC during the CE hour this Sunday, April 27 to do some brainstorming around a collaborative outreach effort. We will finish our unit on woman leaders in the Bible on May 4.
EYC meets in room 115 (youth room) of The Grace Center from 9:30 – 10:30 AM.
Sunday Forum
April 27: Come One, Come All!
On April 27 during the Sunday Forum session, Father Stuart and Sister Genevieve Lynn will be joined by parishioner and Third Order Franciscan, Charles Helmer. You may have had a chance to talk to Charles earlier this year at our annual Ministry Fair. He had a table set up for those who were interested in The Society of St. Francis, his religious community, or in Fransciscan spirituality. He will add the Franciscan perspective to our on-going discussion on spiritual practices and experiences.
May 4: Explore Parish Finances and Planned Giving
From time to time, we offer a special forum that focuses on the basics of the parish’s finances. With so many moving pieces at Grace, some may wonder how all it all fits together—and how our shared budget supports the entirety of our ministry in the community. As well, we are launching a new Planned Giving Society, the 1828 Society, as part of the Bicentennial Celebration.
The forum on May 4 will highlight both the existing parish finances as well as the opportunities to share in the planned giving at Grace. You are invited to come and explore this vital aspect of the parish’s life and hear from key parish leadership who coordinate these ministries.
The Sunday Forum meets in the parish hall from 9:30 – 10:30 AM.
Graduate Recognition
Grace Church will honor graduates during the 10:45 AM service on Sunday, May 18!
If you (or your child) graduated from high school or college in the fall/winter of 2024 or will graduate spring/summer 2025, please submit the online information form before 9 AM on Monday, May 12 to be included in the recognition slideshow.
Concert: Ava Pakiam
Grace Church Friends of Music welcomes violinist Ava Pakiam, performing with pianist Cole Anderson, on Sunday, May 18 at 4:00 PM. Concert is free; a reception will follow in the parish hall.
Ava Pakiam is a 14 year old sought after soloist and recitalist currently residing in the Bay Area. A student at the Pre College of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music since the age of seven, Ava presently studies with renowned violin professor, Simon James.
She will offer a Q & A session at 3:00 PM in the nave for anyone that would like to attend
Performing Arts Camp
Grace Episcopal Church, in collaboration with Cherokee Bluff Theatre, is thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting summer Performing Arts Camp for rising 3rd to 8th graders. The camp will run in two sessions from June 16-20 and June 23-28 at Grace Church, culminating in live performances at Brenau University’s historic Pearce Auditorium on June 27-28. The camp will showcase a student production of the beloved musical Matilda Jr., based on Roald Dahl’s classic story.
Dates for Your Calendar
Look ahead to upcoming opportunities for prayer, worship, and community!
- May 4 Last CE
- May 6 COG PreK Graduation
- May 18 Graduate Recognition
- May 18 FOM Concert: Ava Pakiam
- May 25 Family Outing
- June 16-20 & 23-28 Performing Arts Camp
The Glimpses of Grace Podcast
We invite you to explore the podcast on Spotify (or your podcast app of choice) or here on this website!
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