Italian Supper for Pentecost (aka Church's Birthday Party)

We had a great turnout for our Italian potluck supper last Sunday evening--including members--some of whom had been away for awhile--and a number of friends of Grace. Several people brought their musical instruments along, and, after supper, a spontaneous sing-a-long began and lasted for over an hour.  We truly had a celebration of the presence of the Holy Spirit among us this Pentecost.  The laughter was contagious--so much pure joy!

All-Day Kindergarten Fundraiser June 28

We are trying to raise enough money to cover any and all scholarships that are granted to families with children in Grace Kindergarten and Pre-School for the 2014-2015 school year.  To that end, we are having an all-day fundraiser on Saturday, June 28.  Emma Nanney is heading up a rummage sale which will run from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.  We are hoping that many of you will want to make contributions for the sale, beginning now!  (We don't have much time!!) Items can be left in All Saints parish hall. If you have larger items, they can be picked up at your home. 

Phillip will be doing a barbecue with lunches, dinners, and take-homes for sale.  Special orders, e.g., Boston Butt roasts, should be placed ahead of time.  Food for lunch will be ready by 11:00 am. Musical entertainment will begin around 4:00 pm and continue until around 7:00.  Come and join us for a fun day!

Fifth Sunday Outreach to Aaron McNeil House

The month of June has five Sundays this year, making June 29 a traditional day for a food drive for Aaron McNeil House.  However, in consulting with AMH, their current greatest need is for personal hygiene products, including toothpaste, tooth brushes, bath soap, toilet paper (4 or 6 pack), deodorant, diapers (all sizes), wipes, shampoo and conditioner, razors (male and female), and feminine products.  Let's see how many of these items we can get together for those served through AMH!  You can leave your contributions in the Gaither Room.  

"Fruit-Basket Turnover"

With Benjamin Hart's coming to Grace, we have started the process of moving people and furniture around a little.  Debbie Motes has almost completely moved into the vesting room, so things will look a little different the next time you come into the church.  Steve Wiggin will be moving into Debbie's old office, leaving his office and the choir room available for Benjamin--and having space also available in that area to begin a Level 2 atrium for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  We are trying to make the most of our limited usable space.  

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Update

We have had a great school year with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program--both on Sunday mornings and with all the children in our Kindergarten and Pre-School.  This program relies heavily on the use of trained "catechists" to facilitate the work of the children, and we very much need volunteers to assist with this effort.  We are fortunate to have a training program at Christ Church Cathedral in Nashville that welcomes us to participate with them.  Beginning in September, they will be offering a monthly session on Sunday mornings for people who are interested in being assistants in the Atrium (Catechesis classroom) and are unable to make the commitment to more extensive training.  Also, they will be offering the full training program for Level II catechists--those interested in working with children between the ages of six and nine.  These sessions will be on Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm in Nashville, beginning September 16 and going until Thanksgiving, picking back up in January and going until Easter. Please consider the possibility that God could be nudging you to participate in this valuable ministry.  For more information, talk with Tom Price, Sally Brewer, Amanda McClure, Polly Stokes, or Alice Nichols. 

Adult Forum Update

Adult Forum is continuing to meet at 9:00 am on Sunday mornings.  We completed the Saving Jesus Redux series of videos and have now started another program created by the same group--Living the Questions.  This series is entitled Living the Questions 2.0.  It has been described as an introduction to "Progressive Christianity."  Each Sunday's video stands on its own and lasts about twenty minutes, leaving plenty of time for discussion. This format works especially well for those who cannot commit to be present every week.  All are welcome.  

Improving Communication

Your Vestry is concerned with continually making improvements to our communications effort.  Toward that end, we are planning to have a full parish meeting later in the summer and to have monthly times set aside for parishioners to come in for conversation about any questions or concerns that might have arisen and been insufficiently addressed--specific dates and times to be announced.  We hope you will make use of this opportunity.  

Church News "Flashes"

If you have any personal or family news that you would like to share with our church community--e.g., graduations, anniversaries, etc.--please send the info to "[email protected]" for inclusion in an upcoming edition of this "eGrace" newsletter.  Don't be shy!   

Just a Thought 

"Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried."  (Quote from G.K. Chesterton)