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Happy Advent, Beloveds!
And Happy New Year! At the beginning of the church year (Advent) one of the things I sometimes like to do is follow author Kathleen Norris' monastic adventures in her New York Times bestselling book The Cloister Walk. In it, this is what she says about Advent:
"I grew up only dimly aware of Advent. We usually had an advent calendar, but even in the 1950's, before Christmas had become the consumer feeding frenzy that it is now, the push to celebrate Christmas overshadowed the subtleties of Advent. It is through my affiliation with the Benedictines that I've learned how much the Advent season holds, how it breaks into our lives with images of light and dark, first and last things, watchfulness and longing, origin and destiny."
This is what I pray for all of us, that this Advent and every Advent we're blessed to see hereafter, we all grow deeper and deeper into intimate relationship with God, so that holy images we hear in scripture, see in ordinary things and ordinary yet beloved faces around us, and experience in liturgy and doing love, tell us more about being watchful and ready...more about a 'lived' longing for God and those God loves.
“But about that day or hour (when the Son of Man returns) no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert and pray! You do not know when that time will come." Mark 13:32-33
Much love,
Mo. Nikki+
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STEWARDSHIP REMINDER. If you have not yet returned your 2023 stewardship pledge form, you can do so by bringing your completed form to worship (additional forms are in the narthex), by mailing your pledge form to church, or on our home page via the QUICK LINKS tab GIVING TO ST. GREGORY’S.
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ADVENT OFFERINGS
This Advent Season your Adult Spiritual Formation Group is offering a program over three Thursday evenings with guest speakers from our wider community to share their work in what we call building Beloved Community. Invoking the Advent themes of Revelation, Journey and Restoration, and inspired by our learning through Sacred Ground, we invite direction along paths our neighbors have taken in pursuit of racial justice.
December 1: Revelation
A selection from Athens Vignettes: A Dialogue with the African American Community by Dr. Roshaunda Breeden and directed by Dr. Freda Scott Giles will be presented by Dr. Giles to illustrate the local history of Linnentown, the Baldwin Hall remains, exploring the relationship between UGA and the Athens African American community, and the impact of urban renewal.
December 8: Journey
Jubilee Partners will come to share their experience of ministry caring for those on the journey of immigration who face challenges unimaginable to most of us.
December 15: Restoration
From the Friends of Brooklyn Cemetery, formed in 2006, we will learn about the work of family and community restoration to honor African American ancestors and the historic community which surrounded their final resting place first established in 1882.
Each evening will begin with a simple meal of soup and bread at 6pm in the Education Building. The presentations will begin at 6:30 following a short meditation and opening prayer, and then be followed by a time for reflection, questions and small group discussions, ending at 7:30. Please join us and invite your friends and family. Also, please notify the church office if you require the Nursery to support your attendance.
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Praying with Pictures:
Contemplative Christian Practices with the Tarot
Have you considered entering this brand new church year (Advent is the beginning of it, yay!) with a brand new spiritual practice? If you are intrigued by the symbolism and puzzles in the parables of Jesus, love to worship through the symbols offered in our liturgy, and hear God speaking to you through the symbolism of dreams, the beauty of creation, music, visual arts and stories, then this Advent class may be for you!
Mother Nikki will offer a 3 part workshop series (these classes are interactive, not lectures) on Sunday mornings at 9:15am at Adult Formation (in the parish hall), designed to explore communing with God through the symbolic pictures offered in the tarot. Contrary to popular opinion, this 78 card deck of both archetypal and daily life images is neither so much in modern times, a tool for fortune telling or occult practice, so much as it is a means to pray without words … akin to the contemplation or writing of the intricate and symbolic artwork of a religious icon. The tarot is now much more often used as a tool for Christian mysticism and the deep work of self-awareness and growth in spiritual formation, than for other pursuits.
Following the works of Brittany Muller (author of the book, The Contemplative Tarot: A Christian Guide to the Cards) and Lindsay Mack (founder of Soul Tarot, a spiritual formation process using “heart centered tarot learning for transformative growth),” we’ll explore the following:
December 4: Where is God in the Tarot? Christianity’s relationship and roots in relation to the Tarot
December 11: Where am I in the Tarot? Interpretation, meaning, and basics for prayer with the Tarot
December 18: How is God conversing with me and what do I hear through the Tarot? Finding your Personal Prayer Practices with the Tarot
Feel free to bring your own Tarot deck if you have one!
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Earlier this week, we informed you of the death of John Granrose. John's funeral will take place on Thursday, December 15 at All Saints Settrington, near Malton, England. Please click here if you would like to read his obituary. | | |
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Meridian Women's Chorus
Meridian Women's Chorus hosts their annual Tapestry Concert Saturday, December 3 at 3PM at Holy Cross Lutheran Church on West Lake Drive. This free concert includes special guests the Athens Recorder Ensemble, the Trinity Lutheran Handbell Choir, and the Oconee High School A Cappella Chorus. The concert is followed by a reception and a Holiday Market--come prepared to do a little holiday shopping!
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Mark your calendars for Sunday, Dec. 4! St. Nicholas will be visiting St. G's at the 10:30AM service! | |  |
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ATHENS MASTER CHORALE
The Athens Master Chorale cordially invites you to experience a beautiful compilation of great music from prestigious composers. Come and hear in The Classic Center Atrium on Sunday, December 4 at 4:00 pm. We passionately devote our energy to prepare and present these magnificent gems of classical music.
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Deacon Christina’s Outreach*
Let’s Help Church of the Common Ground
As the cold weather kicks in, our Episcopalian brothers, sisters, and those who identify as neither, who also suffer from homelessness, receive hot coffee at Church of the Common Ground, our church without walls at Piedmont Park in Atlanta. They are in need of these specific items, 5 lb bags of sugars (no bigger than 10 lbs), containers of powdered (only) creamer, and boxes of hot chocolate. This sugar, creamer, and hot chocolate drive will continue until Christmas Day, December 25, 2022. A box for collection of these items will be in the parish hall foyer beginning today.
Blessings,
Rev. Christina Dondero
*for anybody wondering, our Outreach Committee supports local needs,
and our clergy outreach supports diocesan and wider church needs.
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Cathedral Bookstore
The Cathedral Bookstore will be visiting St. Gregory’s on Sunday, December 11. They will be set up in Parish Hall and bringing books, children’s books, gifts, Episcopal -themed items, etc.
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Poinsettia Dedications
If you wish to give a poinsettia in honor or memory of a loved one, the deadline for ordering will be Sunday, Dec. 18. The suggested donation this year is $15 per dedication. Please place your completed form (see red forms in your Sunday bulletin or in the narthex) and your check in the offering plate on Sundays, Kendall’s office door, or mail it to the parish office. You may also contact the office by phone, 706-546-7553 or email, office@stgregoryathens.org.
If ordering through email, please be very clear if dedication is in memory of, thanksgiving for, or in honor of ...
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To Those for Whom Christmas Hurts: You are not alone. You are invited to our Blue Christmas Healing Eucharist. St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church invites you to a special holiday service of worship designed for those for whom the holidays might be difficult. This Eucharist will include laying on of hands and anointing for those who wish to receive this particular sacrament. And wherever you are in your faith journey, all are welcome to receive communion. If you have undergone a painful loss, transition, life change, or if life has simply been hard for a while, the church cares about you and invites you to a special time for healing and peace, on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 6PM. | | |
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We'll have Band of Believers practice on Sunday, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18 at 9:30AM in the Children's Chapel. Let us know if you want to be involved so we can get your music ready!
There will be an extra rehearsal after church on 12/18 with the pageant folks. (We'll have sandwiches after church so we don't starve.)
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Parents and Children: It is time to prepare for the Christmas Eve Children’s Pageant. As is our tradition, all children are invited to participate in the 5PM Family Christmas Eve Service. Throughout Advent (beginning Sunday, November 27), we will use the weekly Children’s Chapel time to practice readings and characters for the pageant. We will likely have a Sunday afternoon rehearsal the week before Christmas Eve; watch the church news for specific announcements regarding that. All children are encouraged to join us!
Contact Doug Adkins for other information!
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Our own Doug Adkins will be ordained on Dec. 17 at 2PM at the Cathedral.
Click here for the livestream that afternoon.
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Thanks for Your Generosity
One of St. Gregory’s annual Outreach projects is sponsoring the parish-wide clothes drive to support our neighbor, Barnett Shoals Elementary. Four large boxes and several bags of clothing were delivered to the school on Monday, November 17. Rob Barnett, Counselor, and Jennifer Flores, Family Engagement Specialist, received the clothing and expressed their appreciation to St. Gregory parishioners for our generous contributions that will enable them to replenish the school’s clothes closet.
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Margaret Anger and Jim Norton will be 2 of the artists at OCAF’s annual Holiday Market. This Market features the booths of the region's finest artist and craft persons. The original/handmade works will include pottery, paintings, fiber art, stained and fused glass, jewelry, sculpture, photography, woodwork, and more.
Market Dates & Hours:
FRIDAY, December 2, 5- 8 PM
SATURDAY, December 3, 10AM-5PM
SUNDAY, December 4,10AM-3PM
Admission
Enjoy three-day access to the OCAF Holiday Market with a general admission ticket of $5 per adult.
Admission ticket sales are non-refundable. Children under 16 years of age are free.
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PINEYWOODS ARTISANS STUDIO
OPEN HOUSE
265 Athens Road, Winterville, GA
Dec. 10, 10AM - 5PM
and Dec. 11, 11AM - 5PM
Artists
Margaret Agner
hand dyed silk, fiber art
Elizabeth Barton
watercolors, art quilts
Alice Harris & Dale Goodhue
ceramics
Dortha Jacobson
Oil Paintings and Greeting cards
Marianne Parr
Stained Glass
(Marianne designed St. G's rose window)
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new
advent sundays
the color blue
now mark for us
a church year new
with hymns to sing
to ready for
a baby born
to all adore
with candles lit
to mark each week
before the birth
of who we seek
to teach us all
to love as he
to make us all
a better we
alice mohor
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If you're in your 20s or 30s and would like to stay up to date on events for your age group please reach out to Wade McGlamery, 770-624-4837, to join our group chat. | | |
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Pastoral Care Is Here For You
In support of the clergy, there are many lay opportunities for Gregorians to serve and care for one another through Pastoral Care. Following are ways the Pastoral Care committee provides care for parishioners. Contact the following Pastoral Care members if you or a parishioner you know might benefit from additional support.
Card Ministry. The Card Ministry serves the St. Gregory community by sending cards for birthdays, bereavement, and illness. Children under the age of 18 and adults who are 70 and older receive birthday cards. Parishioners who are ill or lost a loved one are sent cards of sympathy and support. This is an excellent ministry for anyone who would like to be connected to others in the parish and work from home. Another way to be involved is by contributing artwork for cards. All cards that are used have been designed by St. Gregory artists. Contact Jenifer Borg (jeniferaborg@aol.com) for information or to join the Card Ministry.
Checking In. Members of Pastoral Care reach out to parishioners through phone calls, email, texts, and home visits. Contact Mother Nikki (rector@stgregoryathens.org), Kendall Kookogey (office@stgregoryathens.org), or Pastoral Care Chair Rhonda Packer (packer.rhonda@gmail.com) with names of those who would benefit from a phone call, email, text, visit or other Pastoral Care needs.
DME Library. Durable medical equipment (DME) is equipment that helps individuals complete their daily activities. It includes a variety of items, such as walkers and wheelchairs. Contact Missy Hamlin (melmariehamlin@gmail.com) for information.
Let’s Chat. Let’s Chat is an online Zoom opportunity for women of the parish to discuss a variety of topics. The days and time vary, and not everyone can join every time, but everyone is welcome to join whenever they can. Contact Stacie Court (stacie.court@gmail.com) for information or to join the group.
Meal Train. A meal train is a system where Gregorians come together to schedule, prepare, and deliver meals for St. Gregory parishioners who needs a little extra help. Meal trains can last for a week or two, or longer if the recipient needs more sustained assistance. Contact Ruth Elizabeth Conine (StGregoryMealTrain@gmail.com ) for information or to volunteer.
Men’s Group. The Men’s Group is an opportunity for men of the parish to discuss a variety of topics. The group meets at 9AM 1st & 3rd Saturdays at St. G's, and 2nd, 4th, & 5th Saturdays at Mason & Ann Somerville’s house. Contact Peter Rice (rice@boppie.com) for information or to join the group.
Threads of Prayer. The mission of Threads of Prayer is to knit and crochet in a congenial and prayerful community tangible expressions of the church's love for those in need of healing and comfort. We have made chemo caps, shawls, lap or larger blankets, scarves, and hats for children and babies. After each item is completed, we pray over the item, asking that God bring healing and comfort to those who will receive it. These items are given to a community member or someone one of our members knows who needs comfort, maybe after the loss of a loved one, a diagnosis of cancer or other serious illness or someone who is not able to come to services. We meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 1PM virtually or at St. Gregory's. New members are always welcome, including anyone who would like to learn to knit or crochet. For those who cannot make it but who would like to contribute something to the effort, we welcome any items you would like to make or any excess yarn you want to donate. Contact Annette Bates at bateskannette@gmail.com for information or to join Threads of Prayer.
Transportation. Transportation assistance is provided to Gregorians who need rides to church and necessary appointments. Contact Alice Mohor (alicemohor@windstream.net), Tammy Bowman (tamaralbowman@me.com ) or Bruce Bowman (bbgwinnett@gmail.com) for information.
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Instructions for Live Streaming
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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:
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If you don’t immediately see the video that says ‘live’, (for instance, if you opened YouTube before the service begins) keep refreshing it.
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When you see the video square that says ‘live’, click on it.
Welcome to worship!
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Meeting Opportunities
Parish community offerings via Zoom or in person:
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!
* St. Gregory's Book Club meets the first Friday of the month in Parish Hall @ 7PM ongoing for the foreseeable future. Email Lois Alworth if you are interested in participating.
*Threads of Prayer meets on the 1st Tuesdays of the month @1PM! We'll meet outside if the weather is good and inside the Christian Ed building if the weather is bad. Email Annette Bates if you are interested in participating. All knitters and crocheters welcome!
*Men's Group: 9AM on Saturdays. 1st & 3rd Saturdays at St. Gregory's library and 2nd & 4th & 5th Saturdays at the Somerville's house ! Email Peter Rice
* group(s) meeting in person
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