News for July 13: Wisdom Keepers, Park Lecture, and more
Exploring PBS series “Wisdom Keepers”
As you may know, I had the opportunity to go to Snowmass, Colorado in August 2017 for a meeting of twenty young(er) contemplative Christian leaders from around the world. As part of that Contemplative Exchange gathering, we began listening more deeply to how the Spirit was inviting us to delve more deeply into our various contexts. Each of us was invited and empowered to carry this deep work into our lives and foster collaboration and imagination. My work, of course, is as a parish priest who seeks to integrate an appreciation of interspiritual appreciation into my life and work. Our time there gave us the opportunity to learn from Thomas Keating, Richard Rohr, Laurence Freeman and Tilden Edwards. I especially remember conversations with Fr. Thomas and Fr. Richard, and those times of contact and further conversations with them will forever shape the way I understand my vocation and life.
In that vein, I want to make sure you are aware of a new PBS series called Wisdom Keepers. I think these are remarkable conversations that focus on what truly is most important for us to explore in these days. So much seeks to keep us distracted, so that particular systems continue on without our attention or intention to live consciously. So much of our work at Grace has focused on what it means to see our lives as our practice, to stretch our spiritual muscles, and to deepen our practice of discipleship. There is a gravity toward mind-less-ness, numbing, and distraction that calls for a conscious participation in our faith. This may very well be the core challenge of our life together.
In particular, PBS had the opportunity to visit with Fr. Richard and others, and I am deeply thankful that these conversations are recorded so we can continue to learn from them. I commend them to you, and I look forward to finding ways to further engage with them and learn from them.
Blessings,
Stuart
Inaugural Park Lecture
A Voice for the Voiceless: The Spiritual Practice of Discovering Our Whole Story
We are grateful to welcome the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Park back to Grace on Saturday, August 9 to lead the School for Prayer and Spiritual Practice’s inaugural Park Lecture!
Have you ever wondered why our Sunday lectionary readings omit certain biblical passages, stories that are disturbingly violent or which raise more questions about the nature of God than they answer? What about in our own lives, which also include selected stories, constantly rehearsing key words and ideas that present a certain “edited” picture of who we are and why we do the things we do?
A verse from one of the proverbs describes the duties of a wise king, including maintaining a temperate disposition, in order to be present to those persons in the kingdom whose voices have been silenced and their needs ignored. In the same manner, our well-tempered self awareness can help us be mindful of all the persons in our own “kingdoms” whose presence and voices have been ignored, leaving us the worse for it.
Spend some time exploring the spiritual practice of giving voice to the silenced or hidden parts of your own story. This therapeutic practice can bring healing not only for us, but for our ancestors, and the blessing of a healthier legacy for our descendants.
What Park Lecture: A Voice for the Voiceless
When Saturday, August 9, 2025; 9 AM—3 PM
Where Grace Church
Cost $10/$20/$30, includes lunch
Register at the link below by Sunday, August 3
Communion
We are enjoying fresh baked bread for Communion this summer! The bread on July 13 is lovingly made by Pat Salter. The wine is a port from Chateau Elan, a favorite of Beth Neidenbach & Jim Bradley.
If you’d like to contribute three bottles of your favorite red wine (Georgia/local winery preferred), please contact Fr. Stuart!
A Summer with the Psalms
Each week’s sermon in June and July focuses on the psalm appointed for the day. This is a wonderful opportunity to delve more deeply into this rich resource in our practice of faith.
Staff Updates and Thanksgiving
I wanted to take a moment and share exciting news with you about staffing developments, as we look toward the fall ministry season at Grace. I highlighted these in our Town Hall Meeting in early June, but it helps to put it in front of us as we look at next steps.
As you know, Sister Genevieve Lynn has been a stalwart presence as Pastoral Assistant for over a year now. I am deeply thankful for her presence with us at Grace, and the wealth of experience and sincerity of spiritual practice that she brings is deeply meaningful to so many. I am thankful that she will continue on in her part-time role as Pastoral Assistant.
On a similar note, you have heard that Meg McPeek stepped back from her role as Director of Children of Grace Preschool to focus on other career opportunities. I am very grateful to share that she will also serve in a part-time capacity with the Grace staff as Assistant for Formation and Community Life. As you know, we have been focusing even more intently on participation and discipleship in our community. Meg brings enormous gifts with community building and a deeply intentional spiritual practice. I am very grateful she will be on the staff to support programs and activities at Grace holistically, creating a sense of belonging, and helping us explore opportunities for mutual learning and spiritual development as we live out our faith together.
Thanks be to God for the way we can all come together to share our gifts!
Blessings,
Stuart
School Supply Drive
Our school supply drive continues until July 25, with a goal to pack at least 50 backpacks!
Supplies such as paper, spiral notebooks, pencils, colored pencils, pocket folders, large glue sticks, erasers, crayons, facial tissue, wet wipes, and sanitizer may be brought to the parish office Monday – Thursday from 10 AM – 4 PM or to church on Sunday. full supply list
Contribute a monetary donation by sending a check made payable to Grace Episcopal Church, with “school supplies” noted in the memo line, to the office at 422 Brenau Avenue, Gainesville, GA 30501. You may also place a check in the offering plate on Sundays. Online contribution can be made by clicking this link: Make a Contribution Select “Outreach” as the contribution type and note “school supplies” in the memo line.
Please contact Karen Takada from Grace Church Outreach Ministry with questions.
Help Stuff Backpacks
We’ll gather in the parish hall at 10 AM on Saturday, July 26 to stuff backpacks full of donated supplies. All are invited to come and help!
The backpacks will be blessed on Sunday and then taken to Lula, Myers, and Tadmore Elementary Schools prior to the first day of school.
Is the Education for Ministry (EfM) Program for you?
WHAT IF…you want to deepen your understanding of scripture, church history, and theology, both intellectually and spiritually?
WHAT IF…you want to discern your personal spiritual gifts in everyday life and how they fit into the world and your community?
WHAT IF…you want to explore real world ethical questions and cultural issues, and how our scriptures have shaped your beliefs and actions?
WHAT IF…you are searching for a small group who offers all the above in a safe setting of fellowship and shared wisdom.
Then EfM might just be for you! For more information, click here. If you would like more information about Grace’s EfM group, please contact one of the EfM mentors, Donna Yaughn and/or Carl Ferguson.
Dates for Your Calendar
Look ahead to upcoming opportunities for prayer, worship, and community!
- July 17 Women’s Book Study
- July 18 Gwinnett Stripers v. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- July 26 Stuff Backpacks
- July 27 Backpack Blessing
- August 9 Inaugural Park Lecture
- September 7 CE begins
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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