This fall, we will be exploring themes of the untamable and wild, but simultaneously tranquil nature of God as we embark on short spiritual treks through northeast Georgia. For companions with our morning prayer, we will have such teachers as John Muir, Thérèse de Lisieux, Thich Nhat Hanh, Søren Kierkegaard and Teilhard de Chardin to demonstrate how being in the wild opens a rare view onto one's interior landscape, and how these saints' writings reveal the Divine in nature.

The discipline of hiking in the Appalachians is a metaphor for a spiritual journey. Just as the wilderness offered revelations to the early Desert Christians, backpacking hones crucial spiritual skills: paying attention, traveling light, practicing silence, and exercising wonder.

All hikes will begin on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am. If you are interested, please take a moment to sign up here. Once you have signed up, Joe Cash will contact you with meeting locations. Readings will be provided, just bring your water, hiking gear, a snack, and capacity for adoration, the most appropriate human response to what we cannot explain.

Our first hike on October 25th will be Cow Rock at 9:30 for a 1.8 mile in and out hike. The trail parking area is off the Richard Russell Scenic Highway.

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Most Holy God, this week we have been given the perfect response to all who challenge mercy, justice and compassion. The answer is Love. Help us and these for whom we pray to learn love, to do love and to stay clear of the conflicts that divide us and hurt our planet. Holy Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for our church family and for our parish. Confident in your mercy, unite us in standing for justice and peace for all people. We ask your continuing blessings on our presiding bishop Michael Curry, our bishop Robert Wright, our retired bishop Neil Alexander, and our priests Scott and Sue. Bless the Nonnemakers at Virginia Theological Seminary. Holy Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for our president Donald, for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority that they may compassionately work for justice and peace. Holy Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for all members of our armed services, protect and defend our troops in deployments in combat zones. Pray for Jamie Davey, Jordan Davey, Brett Turner, Jennifer Parrish, Bart Ziccardi, Robert Rish, Kayla Ziccardi, Frank Caruccio, Joseph Lorenz, Wayne Lovell, Jessica Stephens, Mitchell Stephens, Brandon Richards, Drew Camp and Jason Gregoryk. Guide, guard and protect all law enforcement and first responders, including Don Scalia. Please cover all health care workers with your blessings of protection and strength as they work to save lives, including Dr. William Koeppel, Marika Csatary, JM Kidd, Chloe Gedney, Jackie Hayes, Dr. Barbara Camp, Roxanne Hall, Susie Murray, Susan Smith and Candler Kimsey. Let our prayers, thanks and love give them encouragement as they face the dangers and the uncertainty of this pandemic. Holy Lord, hear our prayer.

In your trust and love, you gave us our beautiful planet, our earthly home. We have not loved it with the same vigor that you entrusted it to us. Strengthen our resolve to speak out and to act to save what you have given us. Holy Lord, hear our prayer.

This Coronavirus disease that has taken over 221,000 lives, in America alone, deserves our wise attention to public health and safety. Love compels us to respect the health of all the people we might encounter. We pray for them and for the sick, the lonely and their caregivers. Let them experience health and wholeness in your healing presence. Pray for those with immediate needs, including Diane Colleti and Dennis Wydra. Pray for those with long-term needs, including Carol Prescott, Helen Schlaefflin, Kelly Smith, Lloyd Mills, Gil Pollit, Jennifer Smith, Kevin LaForce, Dennis Bergin, David Wilkins, Ron Phillips and Chrissy Greer. Pray for family & friends of our parish, including Jackie, Kelli, Luci, Billy, Gordon Weatherby, Opal, Scott Casavant, Emily and Sheila. Holy Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for Hannah Kidd Kogel as she awaits the birth of her child. We pray for newborns, infants and children of all ages. Protect them from every danger and sickness. Restore all children separated from their families. In this time, shield all children with safety, love and peace. Holy Lord, hear our prayer.

Comfort all who mourn for loved ones lost to sickness, accidents and injustice. We lift to you the lives taken by this pandemic. As we recognize our own fragility, help us to realize and celebrate the sacredness of every life. Pray for all who mourn. Holy Lord, hear our prayer.

We are joyful and thankful for these among us celebrating birthdays, including Chad Ledford and Wallace Joslyn, and those celebrating anniversaries, including Don & Cathy Parrish and Jim & Sue Duffield. Bless their accomplishments and their plans. Give them joy as they celebrate these landmarks in their lives. Holy Lord, hear our prayer.