“In the stillness of the quiet, if we listen, we can hear the whisper of the heart giving strength to weakness, courage to fear, hope to despair.” Howard Thurman
These words from Howard Thurman, (theologian, author, educator, and civil rights leader, 1899-1981), remind us that both the psalmist (be still and know that I am God…, Ps. 46:10) and the prophet Elijah, show that we can rest in and hear from God in the stillness, in the quiet. We, miraculously, can rest and pray and work toward the Beloved Community, for God’s kingdom/commonwealth, in a state that allows for all of our emotions and thoughts about our neighbors and our world, without over-identifying or becoming lost in them we can be angered over military invasion and war, confused AND hopeful, as we relinquish mandatory masks and distancing in church. In God’s presence, we can bring all of ourselves and somehow be at peace, knowing that Almighty God still loves, and is love, and that Divine Love triumphs over all.
From Bishop Wright’s Instagram:
We pray for Ukraine.
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen. (page 815 in The Book of Common Prayer)
|
|
Yay! Blessings! The numbers are now low enough (the 7 day moving average is 10.6 new covid cases per 100,000 as of this past Thursday) that we can allow those who wish to attend service without masking and distancing to do just that. Yippee! Of course, those who wish to continue wearing a mask, due to their particular health concerns, may, of course, do so. |
|
|
|
Ash Wednesday is this Wednesday, March 2. We will have 3 services this year: 8AM, 12 noon, and 6PM (6PM only will include music). Childcare will be provided at the 6PM service. |
|
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.
|
|
Children's Ministry
The Children’s Ministry of St. Gregory the Great is providing two resources to assist in our intentional walk throughout the Season of Lent.
1. Specifically for children: a “Scratch-off Prayers for Lent” guide has been mailed. Beginning with Ash Wednesday, children will scratch-off a spot each day to discover one thing to pray for. Remember to take Sundays “off” (you can join us in prayer at church on those days) so that you don’t finish before Easter Sunday.
2. For families with children: we are providing a “Lent at Church and Home” guide. The guide is intended for families to read and discuss together. Each day has three sections: Dig In, Question, and And. The topic for each day is specific to that day - sometimes Churchy, sometimes Bible-ey, sometimes silly, but always Godly. Copies of “Lent at Church and Home” will be available at church this Sunday. You are welcome to take one and share with a family you know - regardless whether they are part of the St. Greg’s family.
And remember: Children’s Chapel is meeting again Sunday mornings. And next Sunday, March 6, Sunday School will resume for children, 9:15-10:15.
I hope to see you Sunday!
Mr. Doug
|
|
We are planning a bonfire event for interested youth on the evening of 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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
 |
be happy
our last sunday
after before
a discipline
of less or more
with flowers still
to celebrate
the beauty that
god does create
to bring us joy
lest we forget
the love that lives
inside us yet
to comfort all
and does abound
each time we share
what we have found
alice mohor
|
|
|
|
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.
- Starting Sunday, Feb. 27, we will 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
The class is free, donations to the church are welcome
*Please bring a yoga mat*
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!
* 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!
|
|
See what's happening on our social sites: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
