2026 Weekly News

Date Posted: September 25, 2026

Outdoor Eucharist for the Autumnal Equinox

Our next Outdoor Eucharist service at Grace will be at Linwood Nature Preserve at 8:15 AM on Sunday morning, September 27, linking this Eucharist with the Autumnal Equinox. All are welcome to come share in this liturgy that explicitly honors how we can integrate our prayers within creation.

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.

Our regular Rite I Holy Eucharist will be offered at 8:15 AM 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.

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 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.

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

Last Writes Book Club

For some time, a group of us has been imagining a book club focused on soul work, spiritual growth, story, mythology, and transformation. What would it be like to share in deep conversation that takes seriously the ancient practices of our faith, taking seriously the call to stretch our muscles of imagination and creativity?

That vision has inspired The Last Writes Book Club, a 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.

Each week will also include a practical spiritual exercise to help us integrate the book’s themes into daily life. At the end of the series, we’ll discern together where the Spirit may be leading us next.

We look forward to the conversation and the journey ahead.

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.

Dates for Your Calendar

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

• October 4 Blessing of Animals
• October 6, 13, 20 Last Writes Book Club
• October 7 Charis Circles
• October 24 Men’s Retreat
• October 25 FOM Concert
• November 14 Documentary Filming
• 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!