The third annual Messiah Sing Along at Grace Church is this Sunday, December 17, at 3:00 PM. Come listen to professional soloists sing the arias, then stand to join your voices together for the choruses. There is no cost to attend, although we are asking that all participants bring one non-perishable item for donation to the Gainesville-Hall Community Food Pantry.
If you have your own score please do bring it, but we will have copies for you to borrow if you don’t. Our voices will be supported by the Cumberland Orchestra and directed by Lynn Swanson. All ages and musical abilities are welcome. You are also welcome to just come and listen! Grace encourages families to come with their children to hear or sing Messiah. For families that prefer it, free childcare will be available for children age 5 and under.
There will be a reception in the parish hall following the sing along.
Messiah Sing AlongBlue? Yes, blue as in “the blues”. As in “I am feeling blue.” Not everyone is up and cheery for the Christmas holidays. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with cancer or some other disease that puts a question mark over the future, and a number of other human situations make parties and joviality painful for many people.
On Wednesday, December 20 between 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Brandon and Cynthia will be in the Parlor (off the Parish Hall) to host anyone who just needs a space to talk. Following this time, all are invited to remain for the noon Eucharist that day in the Chapel. There is no need to register for this space. Any are welcome to come.
Work has progressed with our building renovation, and it is now time to turn our attention more to landscaping, both around the office building as well as with the St. Francis Garden entrance. Beginning sometime next week (the week of December 18), the St. Francis Garden entrance will be closed for renovation that includes a new level sidewalk!
Here are important notes to be aware of:
Parking should not be affected during this phase. Spots will still be available in the lot at the corner of Brenau Avenue and Boulevard and in the Grace Center lot.
We will open the COG entrance doors for easy access for church services on Sunday mornings and on Christmas Eve.
The front desk of the parish office will return to the Grace Center.
Two smaller areas will continue to be cordoned off around the Grace Center for the construction of two covered awnings (at the front door and at the back door near the youth room). Entrance to the office building will temporarily be through the smaller staff entrance door on the side of the building. We will install a temporary doorbell there for you to ring should you need to enter the building during office hours.
Yoga classes will not meet on December 21, 25, 28 and January 1.
Our last pageant rehearsal for those with speaking roles is this Sunday, December 17, from 9:30 – 10:30 AM. Small children who wish to be a part of the pageant can simply show up on Christmas Eve to participate. All children participating in the pageant should gather in the parish hall on Sunday, December 24 at 3:30 PM.
Monday, December 18 – Thursday, December 21: 10 AM – 4 PM
Monday, December 25: closed
Tuesday, December 26 – Friday, December 29: open by appointment only
Monday, January 1: closed
Christian Education classes for children, youth, and adults will meet from 9:30 – 10:30 AM.
Children & Youth
pageant rehearsal for those with speaking roles
We ask that children and youth participating in classes, programs, and events have a registration form on file.
Adults
Scripture, Tradition, and Reason: parish hall more information
Parenting with Grace: conference room
Look ahead to upcoming opportunities for prayer, worship, and community!
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