Hello Beloveds, 

I don't know that anything more needs to be said than the following:

For Peace ~ John O’Donohue

As the fever of day calms towards twilight
May all that is strained in us come to ease.

We pray for all who suffered violence today,
May an unexpected serenity surprise them.

For those who risk their lives each day for peace,
May their hearts glimpse providence at the heart of history.

That those who make riches from violence and war
Might hear in their dreams the cries of the lost.

That we might see through our fear of each other
A new vision to heal our fatal attraction to aggression.

That those who enjoy the privilege of peace
Might not forget their tormented brothers and sisters.

That the wolf might lie down with the lamb,
That our swords be beaten into ploughshares

And no hurt or harm be done
Anywhere along the holy mountain.

much love to you as we pray for all in pain in the world,
Mother Nikki+


Springtime Prayer - Lenten Spiritual Formation Program
The world is a bit weary, right now, isn’t it? Lent is the perfect time for reflection and spiritual examination, but it’s also almost springtime, a time for renewal and rebirth. This year’s Lenten class on Wednesday evening will attempt to combine the best of both Lenten reflection and springtime renewal, and focus on the art and practice of prayer.
The Springtime Prayer Class will meet every Wednesday during Lent (March 9 through April 6), to learn more about prayer: to taste-test a buffet of different prayer practices- to examine the intersection of prayer and sacred music; to explore sensory aids and try out different physical postures; to take time-honored practices such as Luther’s Four Strand meditation and Stations of the Cross out for a test drive, and to discuss the purpose and techniques for all of the above. 
Please join this class, moderated by LeeAnne Krause, on Wednesdays during Lent, starting March 9, at 6:00 pm, in the Education Building. A light meal will be provided. 
For more information, please contact Ellen Richardson, LeeAnne Krause, or Ron Balthazor.
Children's Ministry
Remember that Children's Chapel has resumed. Six wonderful worshipers joined us last Sunday. We hope to see you this Sunday as we get re-connected and as we experience learning, sharing and growing together.

Children's Sunday School will begin next Sunday, March 13 -- not this Sunday, as previously planned. We will gather in the Christian Education building at 9:15 as we experience "Weaving God's Promises" for Children. "Weaving God's Promises" is an engaging Sunday School curriculum, created specifically for Episcopal children and youth. The four-fold stated mission of "Weaving God's Promises" is:

 1. To teach children and youth how God's promises of salvation are woven into our lives.
 2. To teach children and youth the way of Christ, not only in the church but also in the world as Christ's ambassadors.
 3. To give children and youth a solid grounding for future youth and high school formation programs, which prepares them for Christian adulthood.
 4. To foster the spiritual formation and growth of our children and youth in Christ's love and mercy and to teach the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Many Episcopal churches have shared testimonials of the formational benefits of this curriculum. We hope to see K-5th Grades for Sunday School next Sunday. Children will be divided into K-2nd Grades and 3rd-5th Grades. 

Mr. Doug

YOUTH!
We are planning a bonfire event for interested youth TOMORROW EVENING, March 5 at 6:30PM, complete with s’mores, music, and games. The bonfire will be held in the clearing in the woods on the left side of the church. Contact Wade McGlamery if you have any questions. 
Welcome to Sacred Ground
Now that it has become sound and safe to meet in person, all are welcome to attend a gathering for a follow-up conversation with those who have completed the Sacred Ground course, the book group for The Warmth of Other Suns, or both. Our call to address our histories, attitudes and learnings about racism as God’s Beloved Community is becoming increasingly important as our legislative bodies seek to suppress conversation about race at every institutional level. The call to see and address racism in our own lives and community is real.
Our initial meeting will be at 12:30 to 2PM on Sunday March 27 in the Parish Hall, giving those who attend church at 10:30 a chance to pick up some lunch (or bring a sack lunch from home) and return. Having attended one of the above programs is NOT a prerequisite for coming to the meeting. There could be future Sacred Ground or book groups started depending on interest. The following links provide some background information and food for thought: Sacred Ground and Becoming Beloved Community.
The Flower Guild invites you to help us adorn the nave in celebration of the resurrection of Christ. We would welcome more hands for the Easter Workday Saturday, April 16 10:00-1:00. Whether you are adept at floral arranging or are willing to "tote and fetch", you will be welcomed with open arms!
The Outreach Committee will meet this Sunday, March 6, in the library, right after the 10:30AM service.
then and now

confirmation
a grand affair
for church worship
a book of prayer

a gift for me
to always keep
for sundays and
days of the week

for service use
or use at home
or anywhere 
that i might roam

with words to pray
for thanks or praise
or comfort for
difficult days


alice mohor
NEW COVID PROTOCOLS
The Regathering Committee met on Tuesday, February 15 to consider Covid protocols moving forward in light of the dropping cases. 
  • As of Feb. 20, we have foregone contact tracing. However, if you test Covid positive within 3 days of attending a church event, please let the church office know so that a general email can be sent out.
  • We also no longer require social distancing or masks due to the 7-day average of COVID cases in Clarke County being < 15 per 100k. Of course, ever and always, those who wish to continue to social distance and/or wear a mask are welcomed to do so!
Instructions for Live Streaming

  • Just go to the St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church 

  • Near the time for service, underneath our channel logo, you will see our video for that day, with the word ‘live’ on it. The page will look like this:

  • If you don’t immediately see the video that says ‘live’, (for instance, if you opened YouTube before the service begins) keep refreshing it. To ‘refresh’ go up to the top of your screen and on the left or right of the web address you will see this image (little curvy arrow to the right -->). Click on it to ‘refresh.’ 

  • When you see the video square that says ‘live’, click on it. 

Welcome to worship!
Zoom Meeting Opportunities
Parish community offerings via Zoom:

*Spring Hatha Yoga Class (Jan 10 – May 30, 2022) in person Mondays, 6:00-7:00 PM, Parish Hall or Zoom  Passcode: 509230
Email aldhiers@gmail.com for more information
The class is free, donations to the church are welcome
*Please bring a yoga mat*

Hebrew Reading meets on Zoom every other Wednesday from 11am-1pm. Contact Joel Hunt!

Stacie Court hosts "Let's Chat!" for women of the parish. The days and time vary, and not everyone can join every time, but everyone is welcome to join whenever they can! Email Stacie!

Book Club first Friday of the month @ 7PM ongoing for the foreseeable future.  Email Lois Alworth if you are interested in participating.

Lectionary Discussion Group via Zoom, every Thursday at 6:00pm. Email Ken Taylor if you are interested in participating.

Threads of Prayer, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month @ 1PM via Zoom. Email Annette Bates if you are interested in participating and to get the Zoom link. All knitters and crocheters welcome!

*Men's Group: 9AM on Saturdays.  Email Peter Rice!

* group(s) now meeting in person
Other groups have been meeting via Zoom as well, so if you've got a group already meeting in Zoom rooms, and want to widen your circle, let Kendall know so we can get the word out there!
St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church | office@stgregoryathens.org
706.546.7553 | www.stregoryathens.org