COG preschool and Grace Church invite you to a fall festival on Friday, October 27 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM. There will be a family friendly double-feature movie in the parish hall, food and snacks, a bounce house, face painting, a photo booth, and a children’s book fair.
Wear your costume and come join the fun!
As you may have heard, St. Gabriel’s parish is closing on Sunday, October 22. At 1:00 PM that afternoon, there will be a special service led by Bishop Robert Wright with several assisting clergy from our convocation, or regional area. At this service, the altar and worship space will be deconsecrated in a special liturgy that marks the formal end of the ministry of the community. That being said, the members who have made up St. Gabriel’s parish are now discerning where they may want to begin attending. Some have come to Grace, and others live near St. Mary and Martha parish in Buford and St. Anthony’s parish in Winder.
You may know that Grace helped found St. Gabriel’s some twenty five years ago, with several from Grace being in the initial community as they formed.
The closure of a parish is always full of emotion, as we grieve no longer being able to continue the ministry of a community. That being said, the many elements that have made up the community’s life, from items used in worship to supplies and furniture are all being distributed into the wider community. We remember that our shared work as the Body of Christ continues in the world.
All are welcome to share in the service on October 22 at 1:00 PM, and we will pledge to keep the St. Gabriel’s community in our prayers.
Blessings,
Stuart
Prayer yoga will not meet on Thursdays, October 26.
There is still time to register for the next offering in the School of Christian Practice “Holy Living, Holy Dying” facilitated by the Revs. Mary Hemmer and Cynthia Park. On Saturday November 4 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM in the Parish Hall (lunch provided), we will explore this subject in two parts. The morning session will look at death, in general, and the importance that we, as Christians, learn to normalize conversations around the subject as a sign of caring and love for ourselves and our families and loved ones. In this context we will look at popular ways that our society avoids this topic, which avoidance has created a public health crisis.
The afternoon session will focus on very personal stories of loved ones who have died. Often, grieving family are surprised and confused about dreams, visions, signs, and other spiritual manifestations concerning someone they have loved who has now died. This more personal aspect of the seminar will conclude in the afternoon with Holy Communion commemorating the observance of All Saints and All Souls.
The Holy Living and Holy Dying seminar is Saturday, November 4 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM at Grace Church. The $15 fee includes lunch; please register online no later than noon on Wednesday, November 1. Contact either Rev. Hemmer or Rev. Park if you have questions about the seminar.
Holy Living & Holy DyingBring your favorite Thanksgiving side dish to share (savory or sweet) and join us in the parish hall on Tuesday, November 14 at 6:00 PM. We’ll enjoy delicious food and each other’s company as we give thanks for our parish community.
Grace Church will provide turkey, a few starter sides, and drinks. Please let us know how many people (including yourself) will attend from your household on or before Friday, November 10. Sign up online.
Thanksgiving PotluckOn All Saints’ Day, we pause and remember all the saints who have gone before us, and celebrate our belief in the communion of saints. During services on November 5, 2023, we will read the names of all those from Grace who have died since All Saints’ Day last year.
If you wish to remember loved ones, please share those names, using the online form at the link below, no later than Tuesday, October 31.
Names for All Saint’s RemembranceOur ingathering for the 2024 stewardship campaign is Sunday, November 5. Pledge cards are available at the church. You also have the option to submit your pledge online at the link below.
Make Your PledgeAs part of our ongoing series sharing stories of Grace, we thought it would be interesting to hear from a non-member with a connection to the parish. Although not originally an Episcopalian, Jack Enkemann has been attending the Grace service at Lanier Village for quite some time. Watch his story to hear what Grace means to him, and listen for the surprise twist at the end!
ALL members of the parish, or non-members with a connection to Grace, are invited to add their stories to our collection. Email Cynthia to learn more.
Christian Education classes for children, youth, and adults will meet from 9:30 – 10:30 AM.
Children
older 3s – K: room 109
1st, 2nd & 3rd grade: room 111
4th & 5th grade: room 126
Youth
6th – 12th grade: room 115
We ask that children and youth participating in classes, programs, and events have a registration form on file.
Adults
Our Life in the Light of God: parish hall more information
Parenting with Grace: conference room
The St. Francis Garden (between the Parish Hall and the Children of Grace Preschool Wing) will be closed so the sidewalk can be replaced and work done on the wooden wall on the COG wing. The doorway that leads from there into the greeting area will not be available for public use.
Please use the main doors under the bell tower for this period of time. The door to what we call the lower foyer opens onto the ramp and stairs in the very front of the main entrance to the building. Thank you for understanding!
Look ahead to upcoming opportunities for prayer, worship, and community!
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