News for October 19: Creation Centered Eucharist, Stewardship Ingathering, and more
Creation-Centered Eucharist at Linwood Nature Preserve
In an effort to imagine new ways to worship that open our hearts to God’s presence in the world around us, we will gather for a special outdoor Eucharist at Linwood Nature Preserve on Sunday, October 26 at 8:15 AM. Rooted in the Celtic tradition within Anglicanism—a tradition that sees no divide between the sacred and the natural—this creation-centered service invites us to worship with our whole selves, in the midst of creation itself.
We are reminded that the divine is just as present in the rustling leaves as in stained glass sanctuaries. This service offers a quiet but powerful shift: a chance to let creation become our chapel, and the sounds of wind and birdsong accompany our prayers. It’s an invitation to slow down, to listen, and to recognize our shared life with all living things as part of the sacred story.
What to Expect:
Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to park and walk to the gathering spot at Linwood Nature Preserve (415 Linwood Drive, Gainesville). Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the service will be held entirely outdoors. Feel free to bring a portable chair or blanket to sit on. The service will be simple and reflective, lasting no longer than 45 minutes, and suitable for all ages. In the event of heavy rain, a cancellation notice will be sent by email.
At the same time, our regular Rite I Holy Eucharist will be offered in the nave at Grace for those who feel most at home in the familiar rhythm of traditional worship. By holding both services concurrently, we aren’t adding anything extra to the schedule—we’re simply creating more space for imagination, connection, and the movement of the Spirit.
Whether you join us under the trees or in the nave, we hope you’ll hear the invitation: to worship deeply, to listen closely, and to wonder at the ways God continues to meet us—in every place and moment.
An Afternoon of Mozart
Grace Church Friends of Music opens its 2025-2026 season with An Afternoon of Mozart on Sunday, October 26 at 4:00 PM.
Coronation Mass K317
Eine kleine Nachtmusik K525
Exsultate, jubilate K165
Grace Parish Choir
Cumberland Chamber Orchestra
Lynn Swanson, Music Director & Conductor
Arietha Lockhart, soprano
Aliyah Auerbach, mezzo-soprano
Steve Brailsford, tenor
Benjamin Schoening, bass
Concert is free and open to the community. A reception will follow in the parish hall.
Please help us spread the word by sharing the Facebook event post!
Volunteer Blitz Month Update
Volunteer Blitz Month continues until November 2! If you are already volunteering somewhere regularly, please log these hours via the online form or a paper form at the information station at church. If not, try one of the agencies on this list.
THE CHALLENGE: Let’s spend October letting our actions prove our words!!
“We are Grace, grounded in faith and relentless in compassion.”
One Night Volunteer Opportunity
Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville is having their inaugural holiday light display Gainesville Glows: Lanterns and Lights this year. Grace Church has signed up to provide 14-15 volunteers to greet garden guests to this lighted woodland the evening of November 30. If you’d like to join the volunteer group from Grace please contact Trish Andrews at tandrews@atlantabg.org or 470-834-1999. Volunteers should be at least 18 and are welcome to explore the show when not on shift!
Sound Bath
We will gather in the nave on Wednesday, November 12 at 6:30 PM for meditation, stillness, and healing with Rebecca Turk. We will begin our time together by reading a poem, linking the rich meditation of the sound bath with the ongoing Charis Circle meditation.
We know that everyone can benefit from a time of reflection and deep meditation, and all are welcome to participate—and bring a friend to share the experience with.
For the most restful experience, bring your yoga mat, a blanket, and any bolster or pillow you prefer and experience the sound bath resting in Savasana. You may also choose to experience it sitting in the pews, and you’re welcome to bring a cushion or pillow to make you more comfortable.
The November 12 sound bath at Grace is free and open to the community.
Stewardship Ingathering November 2
Each year, the parish community makes a commitment to live into God’s call for our lives, and we embody this participation in our operating budget. Our ingathering for the 2026 stewardship campaign is Sunday, November 2. Pledge forms are available at church, or submit your pledge online.
All Saints’ Day
As part of the liturgy during both services on November 2, we will read the names of all those from our Grace community who have died. If you wish to remember loved ones, please share those names, using the online form linked below, no later than Sunday, October 26.
2026 Women’s Retreat It’s Time to Register!
The women of Grace Church will enjoy a weekend of rejoicing, reflection, and renewal from Friday, January 16 to Sunday, January 18, 2026. at the Montreat Retreat and Conference Center in Montreat, North Carolina.
Come join us as Becca Stevens leads us in an exploration of Discipleship in the Fifth Dimension; A wild space to ask ourselves again, ‘what’s next’?
Get all the details and reserve your space at the link below. We hope you’ll join us!
Help Wanted
The committee that plans and hosts receptions for Friends of Music concerts is looking for some of the great cooks in our parish to prepare food for these events. We’re looking for either sweet or savory baked goods or any festive finger food. The first concert is October 26. Contact Susan Longley to volunteer.
Christian Education
Children
Godly Play I (3-6 years old) meets in room 109 of The Grace Center.
Godly Play II (7-9 years old) meets in room 111 of The Grace Center.
Youth
Youth age 10-13 meet in room 126 of The Grace Center.
Youth age 14-18 meet in room 115 of The Grace Center.
Adults
The Sunday Forum meets in the parish hall.
Parenting with Grace meets in the conference room.
Dates for Your Calendar
Look ahead to upcoming opportunities for prayer, worship, and community!
- October 26 Outdoor Eucharist
- October 26 Mozart’s Coronation Mass
- November 2 All Saints’ Day with Midtown Brass
- November 12 Sound Bath
- November 18 Thanksgiving Potluck
- November 23 Georgia Boy Choir leads music at worship
- November 26 & 27 Parish Office Closed
- November 30 Advent Wreath Making
- 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
- 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!
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