Engaging Neighbors
Greetings!

Starting in June 2018, St. Gregory’s folks have stopped in at the Anchor Brewing Tap Room across the street for beer, food, conversation – and social engagement. That last part isn’t the most obvious, I know – but it is an important part of why we go over to the Tap Room. Social engagement is many things: being active in social need, advocating for political change, insisting that the virtue of forgiveness is privileged in public discourse, and many other things. And, it is also to be visible to our neighbors as a community who shares a common life in God’s friendship. You can read more about social engagement here.

Gathering at the Tap Room is about the tasty beverages that come from Anchor (as well as equally attractive non-alcoholic alternatives!) but it is about much more: it’s about being St. Gregory’s people in public. Our beloved sister, Elizabeth Boileau, was absolutely certain of the importance of our being engaged in the neighborhood. When I was interviewing her for my doctoral thesis, she told me, God is at work here and I feel that it’s going to make a difference all the way around and in other ways – in a lot of people’s lives. Showing up in public is one of the ways that we make a difference. It may not always be apparent, but it makes a difference.

This Sunday is another opportunity to share God’s friendship (and beer) in public. We will gather at the Tap Room at 12:30 or so for conversation, a food truck ( this week it’s barbecue!! ), fellowship and being a part of our neighborhood. It’s all about engagement in the lives of those who are our neighbors. If you're interested in joining us, there’s no need to respond, just come over after the 11:00 service this Sunday. Bring a friend. Share your stories. Look for all the ways that God is showering blessings on us.

Peace,
Paul
Happening at St. Gregory's
This Sunday, October 13 - Proper 23, the Season after Pentecost
Next Sunday, October 20 - Proper 24, the Season after Pentecost
Our Shared Life
Let's Talk About Sextons
St. Gregory's has a long tradition as a "teaching church," supporting curates and seminarians and all manner of riffraff who call the Episcopal Church home as they discern their call to service. As some of you know, my wife is a CDSP student and in training for the priesthood. What is less known is that I have taken this period of training and growth to develop my own understanding of how I can serve the Church as I prepare myself for a life as "priest's spouse."

Just before Holy Week, Paul invited me into SGN to serve and learn as our parish administrator, and this week my role has expanded to also include the physical care of the church building, a position historically known as a sexton. A sexton's role also includes the care of the church graveyard, as well as bell ringing. While we have no graveyard to keep, I'll be leaving the duty of ringing the church bell to the children of the parish. As sexton, I will tighten the things that become loose, clean the things that become dirty, and otherwise ensure that 500 De Haro continues to be the building that we need it to be.

Thanks to all of SGN for letting me be a part of the community where I can learn in my own quiet way. But please remember that I am also here to serve. If you find something around the church that is in disrepair, neglect, or otherwise in need of cleaning or care, please email me so I can help keep St. Gregory's looking its best.

Peace.
Brian
Announcements from Friends and Partners
  • Every Saturday, AA Big Book Meeting 10 AM - 11:30 AM Admin building.
  • Every Wednesday, Calling All Choir is an inclusive, service-based community singing organization. 7:00-9:00 PM in the Rotunda.
  • Every Thursday, NA Meeting, 7:00-8:30 in the Conference Room
One Last Thing...

The parish retreat is just two weeks away! The good news is, it's a full house! We've filled all 75 spots. The bad news is, we're full. The best news, however, is that we gotten permission from the Bishop's Ranch to increase our headcount and bring a few more people beyond the 75 we originally requested. So, if you haven't yet registered for the retreat please email Brian with your intention to attend. We only have a few extra slots, so don't wait! Once those spots are taken, any extra requests will go on a wait list in case of cancelations. And as always, if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask.
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