2026 Weekly News

Date Posted: October 9, 2026

Parish Q&A Orientation Zoom Call

Fr. Stuart will host a parish orientation zoom call at 7 PM this Sunday, October 11.

Anyone in the parish, whether new or longtime members, is welcome to join. If you have questions about parish life, communication, ministry contacts, prayer lists, or how to get connected, this conversation is for you.

The call is intended to help us all feel more grounded in our shared life together. We will also work to connect participants with parish leaders in real time, making it easier to navigate and engage in the life of the parish.

Look for the Zoom link in your parish newsletter.

Last Writes Book Club

The Last Writes Book Club continues on Zoom at 7 PM on Tuesdays, October 13, and 20. Our first book is In the Absence of the Ordinary: Soul Work for Times of Uncertainty by Francis Weller. Through a collection of insightful essays, Weller invites readers into a deeper and more grounded spiritual practice, making this an ideal starting point for rich discussion.

Men’s Retreat: Arete, Faith, and a Rule of Life for Connection Among Men

In a time of disconnection and polarization, how do men pursue a life of purpose, virtue, and deep connection? Drawing on the Greek idea of Arete (excellence), Christian faith, and the Benedictine Rule of Life, this retreat invites us to explore a disciplined, life-giving path rooted in wisdom, practice, and community.

Together we’ll look at how excellence, faith, and intentional living shape practical wisdom for everyday life—moving beyond personal achievement toward love, humility, service, and authentic relationships with God and one another. Guided by John 10:10—“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly”—we’ll spend the day together learning, reflecting, building a personal Rule of Life, and enjoying meaningful fellowship, worship, and recreation. Come away, reconnect, and be renewed alongside other men seeking a richer, more grounded life.

Join us at Grace Church on Saturday, October 24 from 9 AM – 3 PM. Come away, reconnect, and be renewed alongside other men seeking a richer, more grounded life.

Register Online by October 18

Women’s Salad Suppers: Food, Friendship, and a Good Book

Ladies, grab your favorite salad bowl and join us for Salad Suppers, our women’s gathering in the Parish Hall! We’ll meet on Monday, October 19 and Monday, November 16, from 6 to 7 PM. A large salad will be provided.

Each evening begins the best way possible: sharing a meal and catching up with one another. Once we’ve eaten and visited, we’ll settle in for conversation as we begin our new book study, Mary Magdalene Revealed by Meggan Watterson. (available here) It’s a thought-provoking look at one of the most fascinating and misunderstood women in Scripture, and we can’t wait to explore it together.

To prepare, please read up to page 139. But don’t let that keep you away! Reading is not a requirement. Whether you’ve finished the pages, skimmed a chapter, or haven’t cracked the cover yet, you’ll fit right in. Come for the fellowship, stay for the discussion, and leave with new friends.

All are welcome. Bring a friend, bring an appetite, and we’ll see you at the table!

Acolyte Training

As part of the Christian formation experience, children and youth (age 10+) are encouraged to serve as acolytes to assist clergy and other worship leaders with our worship services—this includes carrying torches, the cross, Gospel book, offering plates, and more. Leading the parish in worship takes teamwork!

We will have acolyte training on Sunday, October 25 at 9:30 AM. Contact Father Brandon if you’d like to participate.

Ava Pakiam & Cole Anderson

Grace Church Friends of Music is delighted to welcome back acclaimed violinist Ava Pakiam and pianist Dr. Cole Anderson for a special concert on Sunday, October 25, at 4 PM. The concert is free and open to the public, and all are invited to stay for a reception in the parish hall following the performance.

Audience members who attended Ava and Cole’s memorable appearance at Grace Church in May 2025 will be especially eager for this return engagement. Their artistry, musical sensitivity, and dynamic stage presence captivated listeners, making this encore performance one not to be missed.

FOM presents Ava Pakiam & Cole Anderson

Share Names for All Saints’ Day

As part of the liturgy on All Saints’ Day, we will read names of all those from our Grace community who have died. If you wish to remember loved ones, please share those names via the online form no later than 9 AM Tuesday, October 27.

Share Names for All Saints Remembrance

Women’s Retreat: Walking Inward with Mary Magdalene

The women of Grace Church will enjoy a weekend of rejoicing, reflection, and renewal from Friday, January 15 to Sunday, January 17, 2027 at the Montreat Retreat and Conference Center in Montreat, North Carolina.

Learn More & Register

Documentary Filming Day

Save the date for a special parish event on Saturday, November 14!

We are working to develop a short documentary film for the Bicentennial Celebration, and the production crew will be here that day to move us through several scenes. Your presence will help us capture Grace as it is today and preserve this moment for generations to come.

We will have lunch and snacks, and it promises to be a unique and fascinating experience.

Save the date and watch for more details.

Volunteer Opportunity: Gainesville Glows

Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville is presenting Gainesville Glows: Lanterns and Lights again this year. Grace Church has signed up to provide 14-15 volunteers for these two Sunday evenings: November 29 and December 13. You will be greeting guests to the lighted woodland. If you’d like to join the volunteer group from Grace, please contact Trish Andrews at tandrews@atlantabg.org. Volunteers should be at least 18!

Dates for Your Calendar

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

• October 13, 20 Last Writes Book Club
• October 24 Men’s Retreat
• October 25 FOM Concert
• November 1 Nonprofit Partners Fair
• November 1 All Saints Day
• November 8 EYC Friendsgiving
• November 11 Charis Circles
• November 14 Documentary Filming
• November 15 Organ Concert & Evensong
• November 17 Thanksgiving Potluck
• December 6 Confirmation

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!