News for July 27: Backpack Blessing and more
Backpack Blessing
As the new school year approaches, we’re excited to offer a special blessing for our students, teachers, and school staff! Bring your backpack, satchel, or tote to our 10:45 AM service this Sunday, July 27, and receive a blessing for the year ahead.
We will also bless the backpacks full of supplies for Lula, Myers, and Tadmore Elementary Schools!
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
This Sunday is our last day for fresh baked Communion bread this summer! The bread on July 27 is lovingly made by Tony McDonald-Neidenbach. The wine is a port from Chateau Elan, a favorite of Beth Neidenbach & Jim Bradley.
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.
Christian Education
Given that new rhythms generally begin with the new school year, teachers would like to try moving the start of Christian Ed a little earlier this year! So instead of September 7, we will begin classes on Sunday, August 10. This will give us time to get settled before we take Labor Day weekend off. Mark your calendars and watch for details.
Introducing Charis Circles at Grace
Charis Circles are coming to Grace this fall! This intentional framework for shared meditation and conversation encourages a deeper relationship between people with different stories and perspectives.
We will gather on Sunday morning, August 10 during the 9:30 Sunday School hour to learn more about the deep meaning and structure of the Charis Circles. From there, we will find a time to begin this fall.
If you have any questions, just let Stuart know, and I look forward to seeing you.
Dates for Your Calendar
Look ahead to upcoming opportunities for prayer, worship, and community!
- July 27 Backpack Blessing
- July 31 Women’s Book Study
- August 9 Inaugural Park Lecture
- August 10 CE begins
- August 20 Choir Rehearsals Begin
- September 14 Parish Feast Day & Picnic
- October 26 Mozart’s Coronation Mass
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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