News for November 30: Wreath Making, No CE, and more
Advent Wreath Making
On Sunday, November 30, parishioners of all ages are invited to come make Advent wreaths together from 9:30-10:30 AM in the Parish Hall.
There is no need to sign up. Wreath forms will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. One wreath per household please and a $10 minimum suggested donation would be welcome, to offset cost of forms, candles and greenery.
You may wish to bring supplies, such as ribbon, pinecones, floral/craft picks and sprays, etc. from home to personalize your wreath and to share with others. Additional greenery to share from your garden would also be welcome. You will also find it very helpful to bring small pruning scissors.
Join us to celebrate the beginning of Advent and a New Church Year.
Food Pantry
Grace’s food drive for the Gainesville Hall County Food Pantry ends November 30. These are the food items requested: canned corn, canned green vegetables, canned fruit, 3.5 oz cans of tuna, pasta noodles and empty egg cartons. A monetary donation made to Grace, earmarked for the Food Pantry is always welcome anytime!
Christian Education
There is no Christian Education this Sunday, November 30.
Advent Lessons & Carols
The parish choir will offer Advent Lessons & Carols on Sunday, December 7 during the 10:45 AM worship service. All are welcome.
This beautiful service, deeply rooted in the Anglican tradition, is meant to help us prepare for Christmas. The readings and carols focus our attention on the coming of Christ in our lives. The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival”, and this season invites us to pay attention to all the ways the Spirit’s presence transforms us so that we live with more hope in the world.
Blood Drive
Please consider donating blood to honor the memory of parishioner Patrick Kelley, son of Charles and Cheryl, who passed away in a motor vehicle accident on his birthday in 2011. The annual Patrick Kelley Memorial Blood Drive will be held in the Grace Church parish hall on Saturday, December 13 from 9 AM until 2 PM.
To give blood you must be in good health, 17 years or older, or 16 with parental permission, weigh at least 110 pounds and show a valid photo I.D.
Messiah Sing Along
The fifth annual Messiah Sing Along at Grace Church is Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 PM. Come add your voice to our volunteer chorus while our slate of soloists perform Handel’s arias and recitatives. If you have your own score please bring it, although we will have copies for you to borrow as well. Our voices will be supported by the Cumberland Orchestra and conducted by Lynn Swanson.
Soloists are: Yue Yin, soprano; Aliyah Auerbach, mezzo-soprano; Jonathan Pilkington, tenor; and Brandon Graham, bass.
All ages and musical abilities are welcome. Grace encourages families to come with their children to hear or sing Messiah! For families that prefer it, free childcare will be available for children age 4 and under from 2:45 until 4:30 PM.
Caroling & Christmas Party
Children, youth, and their families are invited to spread some Christmas cheer, caroling at Lanier Village Estates on Wednesday, December 17. We will gather in the parish hall at 5:30 PM for dinner and fellowship. Anyone who would like to participate in a white elephant gift exchange should bring an unmarked, wrapped gift. The gift should not exceed $15. This year’s theme is: Giver’s Faves. Gift some of your favorite things that others would love.
We will caravan to LVE and sing carols in their chapel at 6:30pm. Bring a friend!
If you plan to attend, please let Fr. Brandon know.
Special Solstice Eucharist at Linwood
Building on the last creation-centered Eucharist, we will come together at 8:15 AM on Sunday morning, December 21 for a time of Holy Communion to observe the Winter Solstice. The Solstice itself falls on that Sunday, so it gives us an opportunity to mark both the longest night of the year as well as the point when the days begin growing longer. It is a powerfully symbolic time of the year, and we’ll take the opportunity to share prayers together as we spend time in nature. We’ll know the weather as we get closer, and we’ll plan on having hot chocolate for those who are there. Look for more information in the coming weeks.
Christmas Pageant Rehearsals
The annual Christmas Pageant will be presented at the 4:00 PM service on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24. Rehearsals are scheduled on December 14 and December 21 following the 10:45 AM service. All children and youth are invited to participate.
Food Delivery Assistance
Thanks to so many for reaching out to see how they can help with food delivery and assistance, and thanks to those who contributed additional funds to the discretionary account. If you would like to be included in the Grace Food Delivery Team, please submit your name and contact information on the form at the link below and we can be in touch.
The Unity Project
The Unity Project, a partnership between the city of Gainesville, Good News Clinic, 9th District Street Exit Ministries, North GA Works, and Good News at Noon, is well underway in preparation for serving unhoused women and the elderly in our community.
Dr. Paul Klas is leading a team of residents and physicians to set up a Street Med Clinic to serve this population. Volunteers are need to serve as intake staff. There is no licensure required to serve in this role. There will be some training required. If you feel led to join us in serving or just want more information, please contact Paul Klas or Stacy Morley.
Christmas Flowers & Greenery
Beautiful flowers and greenery enhance our celebration of The Nativity of Our Lord at Grace Church, and you can help make that celebration special. Contributions to our Christmas flower and greenery fund may be made in thanksgiving for or in memory of loved ones, friends and family. Notice of your donation will be included in the worship bulletin on Christmas Eve.
If you would like to make an offering, please submit both the online form and your donation ($50 suggested minimum) by Sunday, December 14.
Dates for Your Calendar
Look ahead to upcoming opportunities for prayer, worship, and community!
- December 7 Advent Lessons & Carols
- December 7 Diocesan Confirmation
- December 13 Patrick Kelley Memorial Blood Drive
- December 14 5th Annual Messiah Sing Along
- December 17 Christmas Caroling
- December 21 Outdoor Eucharist
- December 24, 25, 28, January 4 Christmas Worship
- January 16-18 Women’s Retreat
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!
This post highlights events and news of the parish. For full news, we invite you to subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter.