2026 Weekly News

Date Posted: January 9, 2026

Vestry Election

Voting for the 2026 vestry election is open and we will announce the four new vestry members at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, February 1. The eight nominees are: Chip Branch, Bob Byrne, Gary Lawrence, Rob Riedinger, Laura Rives, Tracy Troutman, Ben Wagner, and Spencer Walker.

Please see your parish newsletter for a link to the ballot and to learn more about the nominees. Voting closes at noon on Tuesday, January 27.

This slate has been vetted for qualification by the Nominating Committee. One third of the vestry members rotate off each year, therefore the election of the vestry is a pivotal moment in the life of a parish community. The twelve people you choose as your vestry take their place in partnership with the rector and staff to provide for the life of the entire parish. 

As for voting, we trust the community to adhere to the parish bylaws, which, in conjunction with the Constitution and Canons for both the wider Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, govern our lives as Episcopalians. The bylaws (Section 3.4.5) state that “All members who are confirmed communicants not less than sixteen (16) years of age shall be qualified to vote. It shall be acceptable to publish this qualification requirement and ask each participant to self-certify entitlement to vote.” Each member of Grace Church who meets those qualifications is entitled to return one ballot.

Important Chancel Shifts for Communion

For a while now, we have noticed several people struggling to navigate the chancel area for Holy Communion. The angled altar rail, with the chairs and occasional piano, makes it difficult to coordinate traffic flow for Communion, and several people have stumbled. In addition, when visitors come, they are not clear where they should go, and ushers are not able to direct once Communion begins. All in all, it often leads to a jam. To help clear space and make the flow for Holy Communion easier and safer, we have removed the side rails at this point to only service Holy Communion across the front. This will eliminate any need for people to make turns and jam on the sides of the chancel. It also prepares us for a possible larger shift with any future chancel renovations, because our plan would be only to have an altar rail that extends across the front.

So, beginning this Sunday, we will have a shift in the flow for Holy Communion. You need only to come forward and take your place at the rail on your side—either standing or kneeling—and return by the side aisle as always. To make the flow clear, when you come up the center aisle, simply go to the nearest open space possible on either side. This will make space for others who are following you. Communion will be served from the center out. Since we will use fewer of the kneeler cushions, we will work to rotate those throughout the year, giving thanks for the relief they provide tired knees. As well, the brass bar will be back for us to use across the front of the chancel, increasing the space for people to stand or kneel. 

This shift should make it easier to focus on sharing in the Sacrament, as we decrease the risk for falls and confusion. I hope it also is more inviting for others to explore serving the chalice at Communion, now that we are making the traffic flow for them easier as well. As always, I am thankful for all those who support our prayer and worship, which is the heart of our common life.

Blessings to all,
Stuart

Friends of Music Meeting

The Friends of Music annual budget meeting will be held in the choir room following the 10:45 AM service on Sunday, January 18. 

Charis Circles at Grace

The School for Prayer and Spiritual Practice invites you to participate in our next round of Charis Circles. The group will meet the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM starting Wednesday, January 14. Please note that April’s date will be the third Wednesday to avoid conflict with Spring Break.

If you want to explore more, or join the group, please email Meg McPeek, Assistant for Formation & Community Life.

Foyers Groups Now Forming

A new round of Foyers groups are forming now. Sign up by Sunday, January 25 if you are interested in participating!

Not sure what “foyers” is? Quite simply, foyers is an opportunity for those who participate to become better acquainted and enjoy each other’s company. Small groups of adults (we’ll aim for groups of 6-8 people) meet in one another’s homes for a simple meal and fellowship. The group rotates homes until everyone in the group has had a chance to host.

Learn More and Sign Up

UNG Faculty Recital

Grace Friends of Music invites you to the University of North Georgia Faculty Recital on Sunday, January 25 at 4 PM.

Benjamin Schoening, baritone
Philip Snyder, guitar
Joanna Kim-Doyle, piano

This recital is open to the public and there is no admission fee. A reception will follow.

Annual Meeting

All parishioners are encouraged to attend the Annual Parish Meeting of Grace Episcopal Church between the services on Sunday, February 1. Join us in the parish hall from 9:30 – 10:30 AM to hear key reports of parish business and enjoy a continental breakfast.

Dates for Your Calendar

Look ahead to upcoming opportunities for prayer, worship, and community!

• January 16-18 Women’s Retreat
• January 25 FOM: UNG Faculty Recital
• February 1 Annual Parish Meeting
• February 8 Outdoor Eucharist
• February 17 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
• February 18 Ash Wednesday

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!