On Frogs, God’s Name, and Mindful Breathing: A Vestry Devotional by Kate Avinger April 9, 2024
I want to thank Ron Balthazor for his wonderful sermon on April 7. His words reminded me, among other things, of how much I admire frogs. Let me explain. In the face of all the many forms of darkness that can happen in a lifetime, I have long been a fan of creatures that symbolized clever defenses while seeming otherwise harmless, or at least no more harmful than they absolutely had to be to survive. I love the way turtles withdraw into their fortress of a shell, the way porcupines are adorable but carry quills on their backs in self-defense. These, I thought, represented the finest balance of personality nature has to offer. That is, until I discovered a wonderful fact about frogs. Their blood can literally freeze in their veins without their dying. Here’s a link that explains it:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/frog-antifreeze-blood-winter-adaptation
Especially as I’ve been mulling over the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, I have wondered how it could be possible… not only that a human could rise from the dead physically, but that a person who lovingly gave his entire life to the betterment of humankind and was thanked by being betrayed and torturously executed could then choose to return to those same people and put forth more time and energy making sure the point of his efforts was not lost on them. In a way, because this is the nature of God’s love, it was his consuming sense of loving purpose that resurrected him. With frogs, there is a nearly equally incomprehensible anti-freeze blood quality that resurrects them. Plus, as Ron pointed out, the baby frogs have a little sign of the cross on their backs. Coincidence?
The coldness of how humans can treat one another, when one considers it all at once, is enough to freeze the blood in one’s veins, so to speak. Of course I want to be more Christ-like, always, but this spring, I specifically want to focus on being more frog-like. I need to be resurrected. It is too easy to let my heart deaden and my attentions turn away from the suffering of others, especially when there is little I can do about it. It is too easy to give up on the human race, become distrustful, jaded, and callous. It is too easy to tell myself that there is no hope for us as a species: no hope for peace, safety, and fairness. Giving up is a kind of freezing.
I find that I am angry at the world at large: at war-mongers and fear-mongers, at misogynistic, racist, and homophobic cultures, and societies that value profits over human rights. I am angry with rapists and murderers, thieves and child abusers. I get so angry that I can’t think about it any more, and then I go numb. Numbing is a kind of freezing.
How shall I thaw out? Perhaps I will foster within myself a consuming sense of loving purpose, like Jesus. But Jesus was the embodiment of loving warmth, so perhaps that aim is unrealistically high for me. So again the question of how arises. Like a frog, I need some mechanism to regenerate inner warmth. Solutions can range from gardening and exercise to getting adequate sleep, to meditation, to making time for creative outlets. The church bulletin reads like a 5-star menu for coping, connecting, and thawing.
I wanted to offer something simpler to you. Something as portable and life-long as the blood in your veins: your breath. The idea has been circulating in recent years that the name of the Lord, which is spelled YHWH in Hebrew, could have been pronounced like the sound of an inhale (YH) and an exhale (WH). Written Hebrew has no vowels, and the name of the Lord was not to be spoken aloud as such anyway. I’ve read that vowel substitutions were made to allow a similar name to be spoken such as Yahweh or Jehovah. I don’t claim to know what other sounds Moses heard at the burning bush, but I am sure that when he asked the Lord for His name, as he waited for a reply, he must have heard the sound of his own breathing. Believe what you will about the conversation between Moses and God at the burning bush, but the idea that we speak the name of God with every breath is quite beautiful, and helpful as we attempt to manage the anxieties of daily life. Here’s a rhyme to remind you to take time to notice your breath. I hope it helps with your daily thaw:
Breathing is praying
Whenever you’re paying
Attention to your breath.
| |
A message from Stacie Court of the Capital Improvements Campaign Committee; Stacie is a co-chair of the Campaign.
Over the past five months, many of you have filled out the survey found in the Narthex. I’d like to give you the results of those surveys.
We’ve had 75 responses to the survey, ranking the various projects from 1 (low importance) to 3 (high importance). The ranking of the various items went as follows, with more points meaning the item was a higher priority.
The project with the highest number of votes was the Capital Reserve Fund, which garnered 173 points.
Next was the Playground, at 157.5 points.
Tied for third place were the Parish Hall/Admin Building Floor Replacement and the Organ Replacement, each with 138 points.
Finally, the Labyrinth came in at 96.5 points.
There were various write-ins ranging from new robes for the acolytes to connecting the three buildings; the write-ins with the most points were related to Grounds Maintenance and totaled 15 points. If you want to know more about the voting on the write-ins, please feel free to reach out to me for more detail.
We want you to know that the Vestry is taking your responses to the survey very seriously, and is looking at the best way to fulfill your preferences. Of course, we need to have your pledged commitments to the Capital Improvements Campaign to make any of these projects happen. Since those making commitments have nearly five years to fulfill their pledges, we do not expect to start on any of the projects this year. However, if any of you feel compelled to make a large enough commitment and pay it all up front, we’ll get started as soon as your check clears!
All kidding aside (sort of), one of the things we often discuss in the Vestry meetings is how and why we all came to St. Gregory. Most of us are here because of you. You are what makes this a very special parish, and makes us want to stay. I know that is definitely true for me. When I first came to St. Gregory, we didn’t even have an interim rector yet, and things were a little crazy sometimes. But, I watched everyone come together and work as a team to keep the parish going…and it not only continued, but our parish thrived under your leadership and teamwork. I am proud to be a part of this parish, and am grateful for the opportunities I have to serve and thank you all for this beautiful, welcoming home you have built.
All of us on the Committee would like to thank you for your time and will be glad to help answer any questions you may have about the choices and the selection process. In the meantime, please feel free to read through the materials in the Campaign Brochure which can be found in the Narthex and on our parish website. In addition, there are information boards about the various projects in the Parish Hall.
| |
Confirmation Classes - Begin this Sunday
Wanna learn more about or brush up on all things Episcopal? Wanna get baptized, confirmed, reaffirmed, or received into the Episcopal Church Family? Learn why we use all those fancy words for the spaces in the church and the shiny stuff on the altar. And why we wear long dresses up front, every single Sunday. Learn why Mother Nikki can't remember anybody's name. It's all here...in Confirmation class!
Class will begin on April 14th following the 10:30am service for all who are interested in being confirmed, received, reaffirmed, or just want to learn more about the Episcopal Church. If you and/or your child are interested please let either Mother Nikki or Wade McGlammery know as soon as possible.
| |
|
No Healing Service
There will be no Healing Service on Weds., April 17 so that we can attend the Philadelphia Eleven movie in Atlanta.
| |
|
Youth DnD Rescheduled!
Due to spring break, we've moved our next youth DnD night to May 3 at 7pm in the youth room. Snacks will be provided but feel free to bring your favorites! Feel free to come dressed as your character or in pajamas!
| | |
Stewardship Committee
Next Stewardship Committee meeting will be Friday, April 19th @ 3:30 pm - we meet in the Parish Hall. We welcome all who are interested in participating in our next Stewardship Campaign.
| | |
Blue Jean Sunday
POSTPONED
| |
|
|
Environmental Sustainability Committee
"We have solar panels, what else do we need?" "For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord." Form I, pg. 384, BCP.
We are reforming the Environmental Sustainability committee. Anyone interested should join us on Sunday, April 24, after the 10:30 service, or contact Maggie Reinberger or Mark Tavernier.
Where do we go from here? Is there more we can do for the community, the world? Should we be in communion with other groups working on environmental issues, including indigenous people? Come share your thoughts and ideas.
| | | |
Join Emmanuel and St. Gregory the Great at Candler in Atlanta!
Please call Emmanuel Episcopal Church Parish Administrator at 706-543-1294 to sign up for a ride. Registration for the screening and reception requires a separate step. Please use the QR code below OR click here to reserve your space at the screening. Transportation leaves parking lot of Emmanuel Episcopal Church at 2PM sharp and leaves venue at 8PM. See ya there!
| |
|
YOUNG DESIGNERS FASHION SHOW
Call to fellow Gregorians! On Saturday, 4/20 at 3PM, St. Gregory's will host the fashion show for the Young Designers Sewing Program. We did this last year and it was a huge success due to the generous help from our congregation. The Young Designers Sewing Program is a sewing program for girls from Gainesville Elementary School, Hillsman Middle School, and Cedar Shoals High School. The girls who participate in the program learn to sew, design patterns and fabrics in a variety of techniques, and much, much more. The program encourages leadership, life and work skills, and travel experiences. Maggie Reinberger and I are regular volunteers with this group.The girls have been working hard on their garments, and have included a number of surface design techniques such as Shibori, ice dyeing, kaleidoscope designs, and 3D printing.
The fashion show at St. Gregory will welcome the family members and friends of the girls as well as our congregation to see what the girls have made and where they are going next. Last year we had about 90 people for the show and I anticipate that we will have that many again this time. We will need volunteers to help with refreshments, setting up chairs, decorating, putting away chairs, and greeting visitors. The event is free, donations are happily accepted. If you can't make this event, they have another fashion show on 4/28 at the Athens Country Club which is the major fundraiser of the season.
If you can help with any part of this worthy event, please contact me, Jenifer Borg or 706-614-4895. Everyone is welcome!
| |
CEILIDH FOLK SERVICE
Beginning on Friday, April 19, St Gregory's will be offering a monthly Ceilidh service (pronounced kay-lee). Based on a Gaelic tradition of celebrating community and hospitality, a folk liturgy complete with live folk music and a meal will be offered in the Christian Education building at 6:30PM. Foot washing and hand anointing will also be available at these services for anyone who wants to take part. Any musicians that are interested in helping to provide the music for these services, as well as anyone with questions about the service, are encouraged to reach out to Wade McGlamery.
| |
|
Meridian Women's Chorus
Animals Everywhere! Meridian Women's Chorus presents a family-friendly, animal themed concert here at St. Gregory the Great on Sunday, April 28 at 4PM. Meridian is teaming up with the Athens Area Humane Society to raise awareness of the organization's work and volunteer opportunities. The concert is free and will be followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. Go to www.meridianwomenschorus.org for more information.
| | | |
New Offering for Church Leaders: "Kindle Holy Fire"
Kindle Holy Fire is an immersive online training for church leaders to learn to adapt to change and discern God's future in a changing world. The Diocese of Atlanta, in partnership with the Society for the Increase of the Ministry (SIM), is offering this training for free to Diocese of Atlanta and Province IV parishes through a grant from Trinity Wallstreet. Kindle Holy Fire is a 14-week, self-paced, experiential immersion in the "Hearts on Fire" spiritual leadership practices that support the work of leaders navigating change. Specifically, churches will build their capacities for deep discernment, relationship-building, holy listening, letting go, prophetic imagining, adaptation, and design. The first online training cohort will start in April and is being offered to those leaders of Province IV who are reimagining church, and it is especially geared for leaders of small congregations. Interested in registering for the first cohort? Contact Sally.
| |
Adult Sunday School
Adult Discussion Group: (Parish Hall) The Adult Spiritual Formation Sunday morning Bible Study meets at 9:15AM in the Parish Hall. We are currently discussing the Gospel of Mark led by Wayne Coppins. Please join us!
Lectionary Class: (Library) The lectionary class meets in the Library at 9:15AM. We study the assigned readings for each Sunday. Please contact Les House at 478-733-2939 or via email if you have any questions.
| |
Children’s Sunday School continues for children in grades K-5/6 beginning at 9:15 with a gathering time in the Children’s Chapel located on the ground floor of the education building. We go to the upstairs classrooms at 9:30 and hold our program until roughly 10:20. It would be great if parents could drop off children and pick them up again when the group time is over. That would help keep our youngsters safer!
Children’s Chapel/Church starts with families gathering in the Sanctuary at the 10:30 service for opening announcements, music, and prayers. The children then adjourn to the Children’s Chapel for their own worship time, including their lighting candles, having a short and usually interactive lesson, saying a doxology, singing, and saying the prayers of our young people. Children return to the Sanctuary during the peace, so that they can join their families for communion. Children of all ages are welcome to attend the children’s service time.
| |
Orthodox Tours
In Oct 2022 Anthony Barkdoll went to Israel and Jordan on a tour with a group called Orthodox tours, with his in-laws who are Greek orthodox (his sister-in-law painted the icon in the sanctuary). The person that runs the Orthodox tours, Father Ilya Gotlinsky, is trying to fill up spots for a trip to England called "In the Footsteps of the Early English Saints" and asked if any parishioners at St Gregory would be interested. Here's the link for the tour.
| |
|
Camp Mikell
The Episcopal Church offers Kid camp, Junior camp, Intermediate camp, and Youth camp experiences specifically tailored to each age group. There is also a Mini camp experience for young children to explore with a parent, as well as a performing arts camp. Registration for summer 2024 camps is now open. Check out the website for more information!
| |
The Athens Area Emergency Food Bank needs pork & beans and plain white rice! Please help us fill the Little Red Wagon! | | |
siblings
we all are born
the children of
our creator
to always love
every other
person we meet
at work and school
and on the street
respecting all
with dignity
the ones we know
or only see
both where we live
and far away
in news reports
we view each day
alice mohor
| |
Instructions for Live Streaming
-
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.
-
When you see the video square that says ‘live’, click on it.
Welcome to worship!
| |
Meeting Opportunities
Parish community offerings via Zoom or in person:
* Holy Eucharist and Healing Service Please join us on Wednesday evenings at 6PM in the sanctuary for eucharist and prayers for healing.
* Community Yoga Monday evenings January 8 - May 27 @ 5:30pm. ALL are welcome! Donations are accepted, a portion of which will go to Saint Gregory for use of the space. We do have a small supply of props but please bring a yoga mat.
* Blindspot Group Our 20s and 30s group meets on the last Thursday of each month at 6:30PM and the 2nd Sunday of each month at 6PM for dinner and a small group study (usually off-site of the church). We also meet at least once a month for game nights, dinner and drinks, movie nights, and more. Newcomers are always welcome! Contact Wade McGlamery, 770-624-4837 for more information.
Hebrew Reading meets via Zoom on Wednesdays from 1-3PM. If you're interested, email Joel Hunt for more info!
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 the library @ 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
| | See what's happening on our social sites: | | | | |