Cook-out Returns!

Some of you may remember the horrible weather we had this time last year

--especially the day of the Christmas parade!  Well, it's parade time again--this Saturday morning, December 6--and the forecast looks a lot better this time around.  Our "Master Griller" Phillip Merritt is heading up another fundraiser for Grace School at Founders Square with a cook-out featuring our traditional menu of ribs, chicken quarters, pork shops, Boston butts and bratwurst sausages.  Come and help and/or come and buy.  Phillip will probably be cooking around daybreak, and buyers will probably be arriving around 9:00.  Let Tom Schmidt or Phillip know if you are available to assist. Thanks!

Christmas Open House

All are welcome to join in a Christmas Open House at Alice Nichols' house on Sunday, December 14, at 2250 South Main Street, directly after the 10:15 service and until 2:00 pm.  Please join us for refreshments and social time together.  A special invitation is hereby issued to all who are semi-newcomers to Grace Church!  Come and get to know us better, and let us get to know you!

Sacred Rhythms Group

Check the time for the group starting on Wednesday evening--it is at 6:30 pm, not at 6:00!  (Both times were listed in the Sunday service leaflet--Oops!)  

Do you desire a closer relationship with God?  Do you wish for the opportunity to slow down and listen for the Holy?  Join us on Wednesdays in Advent and Christmas for a 9 week study of the ancient Christian practices presented in the book, Sacred Rhythms, by Ruth Haley Barton.  Topics will include prayer, sabbath, discernment, and a rule of life, plus other spiritual practices that have guided Christians for centuries on a journey toward the peace of God's presence.  We will gather at 6:30 starting on Dec. 3 and ending on Feb 11 (skipping Dec. 24 and Dec. 31).  You will want to purchase the book and read the introduction and chapter one prior to our first discussion.   

GraceWorks Cards Are Winners

Thanks to the talents and enthusiasm of our Assistant Rector and many volunteer helpers, several hundred Christmas cards have been printed and have sold--and more are in the process of production!  There are four different designs, including three original designs by Benjamin Hart that have been silk-screened on premium paper.  The fourth design is a print of the stained-glass window in the sanctuary featuring Madonna and Child. More will be available for purchase this Sunday.  There are five to a package, and we are selling them for $12.00 per pack.  All of the money goes for the support of the GraceWorks project.   

Choral Evensong for Advent

Please join us and bring your friends this Sunday, December 6, at 6:00 pm, for a service of Choral Evensong for Advent.  Choral Evensong is often described as a "jewel" of Anglican liturgy, and it is essentially Evening Prayer set to music.  Many of us who have had the opportunity to travel in England have probably attended a Choral Evensong service and know it as a regular--perhaps weekly--offering in Anglican Cathedrals.  The service will last less than an hour.  You will be glad you came!    

"Living the Questions" Break

The Monday evening group will not be meeting during December due to some members wanting to attend the Wednesday evening Sacred Rhythms Group and being hesitant to commit two evenings per week during this busy holiday season.  Watch for an update,  

Aaron McNeil Angel Tree

Our Christmas Angel Tree is located outside the Gaither Room.  When you select a child, please write your name on the registration list beside the tree.  Please bring your gifts to the Gaither Room by December 15 and note the child's name on each package or bag.  The routine is a little different this year.  Our party for these children is Sunday, December 7, at 2:00 pm. Santa Claus will give out small gifts to each child, but the larger gifts and clothing will be given out at Aaron McNeil House closer to Christmas.  This way, we will avoid the cumbersome task of putting boxes together at the last minute and also increase the possibility of children receiving gifts on Christmas Day.  There are lots of names still on the tree!    

Christmas Flowers and Greens

Envelopes are now available for donations for Christmas flowers.  The envelopes are available on the table across from the sacristy or in the church pews--or you may call Ruth Rock in the church office.  Offerings of any amount are welcome to help pay for the flowers and greens that will decorate the church for Christmas.  Your loved one's names ("in memory of" or "in honor of") will appear in the Christmas Eve service leaflet.  Please submit your money and names by December 18.      

Update on Kroger contributions

Many of us have registered our Kroger Plus cards to indicate that a percentage from our purchases are designated to Grace School.  If you haven't done so, one piece of information that you will need is our organization number, which is 88636.  If you have any difficulty with getting your card registered on the Kroger website, please contact Tom Schmidt. He is also happy to do it for you, if you would like!  This is a significant and painless way to contribute to Grace School.  Thanks!  

Weddings at Grace

Please note on our website that we have added a page for "Weddings at Grace"--including information about use of the facilities for weddings of non-church members--for a fee, of course.  The page can be accessed through "About" on the menu at the top of the home page, as well as through the icon at the bottom of the home page.  Take a look!