News for April 19: Sabbatical Update, NoFo Fellowship Gathering, and more

Date Posted: April 17, 2026

News for April 19: Sabbatical Update, NoFo Fellowship Gathering, and more

A Word About My Sabbatical

Dear People of Grace,

As you may know, I will be on sabbatical during May, June, and July. I will return to the office the week of July 27 to ease back in and spend time with the incredible team we have here together.

I wanted to send this brief note first to share my gratitude for the chance to have time to breathe. In many ways, this has been a twelve-year sprint for us together. My soul needs a bit of time to catch its breath, and I do not take for granted the enormous gift that a sabbatical is in the life of a priest.

Part of me wants to list out a series of tasks that I will accomplish, sharing some program or design that I will hopefully bring back. But my soul says not to do that. My analyst also said I should resist trying to always be productive. They’re right. My soul wants you to know that I am going to spend three months with my family, caring for my soul, and particularly reflecting on the impact that St. Brigid is having on my life at this time. I will swim around in poetry and my garden and listen for the Spirit’s voice, wondering what we are being called to share in the future.

You will hear more soon about how we are revamping our current school for Christian practice framework into an even deeper formation space grounded in the wisdom of St. Brigid. Look for an upcoming article about this work with the staff team and the vestry. I am grateful for the discernment we are sharing.

Also, I know some may have questions about pastoral care and basic logistical details, and we will send a special video from Sister Genevieve Lynn, Fr. Brandon, and Meg McPeek very soon that will lay out a fantastic framework for ongoing pastoral presence and deep formational opportunities. I am deeply grateful.

For now, let me say thank you, to the entire team for their deep care, and to Jason Voyles and Kimberley Boyd, the incredible wardens, and the entire vestry, and to our entire parish for the life we share. The staff and vestry are, of course, aware of all the details they coordinate, and the bishop’s office is always available for support as well.

I’ll see you these next two weeks, as we continue to give thanks to God.

Blessings, always,
Stuart

NoFo Fellowship Gathering

We are headed back to NoFo Brew Co in Gainesville (434 High St SW) for another fun fellowship gathering! Join us from 5:30 – 7 PM on Tuesday, April 21. All are invited, hope to see you there!

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School is returning to Grace Church this summer! Kids 4 years old – rising 6th grade are invited to join the Snowball Mountain Challenge, June 22-26 from 9 AM to 12 PM.

With a unique winter games theme filled with snowboards and ski lifts and solid theology at its core, this VBS delivers joy and meaning in equal measure, teaching kids that “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NRSV).

Cost is $25 for the first child, $20 each additional child. Registration opens April 22.

VBS at Grace

Lanier Chamber Singers Concert

Grace Friends of Music is pleased to host the Lanier Chamber Singers 35th Anniversary Concert on Sunday, April 26 at 4 PM.

The 35th Anniversary Concert: A retrospective of 35 years of LCS

The 2025-2026 season concludes with the 35th Anniversary concert, celebrating our first 35 years in existence. LCS will select repertoire from its catalogue of performances, harkening back to the early days of the ensemble and drawing from its tradition of singing a cappella literature. Many composers from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern eras will be represented in the concert lineup, as well as some of the most beloved spirituals in the African American tradition. We will also honor those who provided creative leadership to LCS over its 35-year history.

Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased on the Lanier Chamber Singers website.

Graduate Recognition

Grace Church will honor graduates during the 10:45 AM service on Sunday, May 17!

If you (or your child) graduated from high school or college in the fall/winter of 2025 or will graduate spring/summer 2026, please submit the online information form before 9 AM on Monday, May 11 to be included in the recognition slideshow.

Graduate Information Form

New eGiving Portal

Vanco Online is a customizable eGiving and payment tool that connects churches with their communities. Grace has partnered with Vanco since 2005 with recurring pledge contributions set up by the church.

We are now expanding our contract with them to replace our current checkout process for all payments and contributions to the parish. Members can now make secure one-time gifts or set up recurring donations, give to the flower or rector’s discretionary funds, make a memorial gift, and more – all from one updated and user-friendly portal. Payment for travel, meals, retreats, and other events will also be made through the same portal.

Explore the new portal and let Reba Page know if you have any questions.

Contributions & Payments