News for April 5: Easter Day, New eGiving Portal, and more

Date Posted: April 3, 2026

Easter Sunday

Holy Eucharist will be held at 9 AM and again at 11 AM on Easter Day, April 5. Both services will feature special music from the choir and instrumentalists and will continue our joyful celebration of the Resurrection of Christ, which begins at The Great Vigil on Saturday evening!

Breakfast A continental breakfast will be served in the parish hall from 10 – 11 AM, between worship services. Come end your Lenten fast.

Flowering the Cross All parishioners are invited to bring flowers and greenery from their garden to help flower the cross. This traditional Easter morning activity symbolizes that an instrument of cruel death has become a sign of life and love by the power and grace of God.

Easter Activity Families are invited to take part in a hands-on Easter activity together between services that celebrates new life and the joy of the Resurrection. Stop by during breakfast to participate and take something home that will continue to grow in the days ahead.

Egg Hunt Kids and kids at heart are invited to bring their Easter baskets and participate in an egg hunt. Meet at the crow’s nest across the street on the Brenau lawn (weather permitting) immediately following the 11 AM service.

Please Note: No Children’s Chapel. A nursery will be available from 8:45 AM-12:15 PM for children age 4 and under. Livestreaming 11 AM service only.

We invite you to join us – all are welcome!

Christian Education

No CE classes on Easter Sunday, April 5.

Upcoming Sunday Forums

The Artists’ Way Forum will resume after Easter, and run until the end of April. Sister Genevieve Lynn will speak on the 12th, Henry Troutman will entertain with culinary arts on the 19th, and we will have a show and tell discussion on the 26th. The Forum meets in the parish hall from 9:30 – 10:30 AM.

Office Closed

The parish office will be closed on Monday, April 6 and Tuesday, April 7.

Daughters of the King

Daughters of the King will not meet in April. Their next meeting will be Wednesday, May 13 at 10 AM.

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

Diocesan Training for Lay Leadership

Over the past couple of years, the diocese has worked to develop a special training program for people in congregations who feel the Spirit calling them to an even more intentional space of shared ministry. Within The Episcopal Church, we highly value the ministry of all God’s people, and we constantly explore ways to develop and nurture ways that everyone can share their gifts within the community.

With this special diocesan training series, there is a formal education and reflection structure, and those who complete it are commissioned at a special service at the Cathedral of St. Philip.

The next cycle for licensed lay ministry begins after Easter. The discernment cohort is the first step toward being licensed as a Diocesan Licensed Lay Minister. The canons allow for the Bishop to license lay ministers to be preachers, catechists, worship leaders, pastoral leaders, and evangelists, in addition to EMs and EVs. Those licensed through this Diocesan process can serve their own parish as well as share their gifts with other parishes in the Diocese.

There is a quick turn-around for registering, but there is time to be in touch with the bishop’s staff. If you would like to explore this opportunity, please reach out to Brandon or Stuart, and we can connect you with the appropriate people by the April 10 deadline.

Blessings,
Stuart

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