2026 Weekly News

Date Posted: October 2, 2026

Blessing of Animals

Grace Episcopal Church invites you and your pets to a Blessing of Animals on Sunday, October 4 at 4 PM.

Held each year in observance of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, the service provides not only an opportunity for our pets to be blessed, but also for us to give thanks for the many blessings we receive through our pets and other animals.

Weather permitting, we will gather on the Brenau lawn. Animals of all shapes and sizes are welcome, please provide the appropriate restraint for any animal you bring. Owners are responsible for pet waste.

In the event of rain, simply drive through the Grace Church covered driveway along Boulevard between 4-5 PM to receive a blessing!

Donations to support the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia are welcome. (but not required!) The HSNEGA’s wish list can be found here, or make a monetary donation here.

We look forward to seeing you and your beloved pets on Sunday, October 4.

Last Writes Book Club

The Last Writes Book Club is a new space for conversations about the soul, paradox, mystery, and incarnational Christianity. Think deep-end-of-the-pool discussions where we can explore life’s complexity together.

We’ll begin with a three-week series on Zoom at 7 PM on Tuesdays, October 6, 13, and 20. Our first book will be 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.

We look forward to the conversation and the journey ahead.

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

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

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 6, 13, 20 Last Writes Book Club
• October 7 Charis Circles
• October 11 Parish Q&A Orientation Zoom call
• October 24 Men’s Retreat
• October 25 FOM Concert
• November 1 All Saints Day
• November 8 EYC Friendsgiving
• 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!