Hello Beloveds!
This seemed perfect for this year’s Lent:
For Lent, 1966 by Madeleine L’Engle
It is my Lent to break my Lent,
To eat when I would fast,
To know when slender strength is spent,
Take shelter from the blast
When I would run with wind and rain,
To sleep when I would watch.
It is my Lent to smile at pain
But not ignore its touch.
It is my Lent to listen well
When I would be alone,
To talk when I would rather dwell
In silence, turn from none
Who call on me, to try to see
That what is truly meant
Is not my choice. If Christ’s I’d be
It’s thus I’ll keep my Lent.
Love,
Mother Nikki+
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Welcome to
Adult Spiritual Formation
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This Sunday, March 20, you are invited to a reboot of the beloved Lectionary Class, so faithfully led for so long by Kenneth Taylor until (and even after on Zoom) his recent move across Georgia.
As he has turned over the reins, we will begin again with a look at the Gospel of Luke, the primary source for our gospel readings this liturgical year C, and cover what is important to you in about two chapters each week.
Feel free to read ahead, bring your questions and your favorite Bible with you at 9:15AM in the Parish Hall. Discussions will be led by Ellen Richardson and Ron Balthazor, and hopefully later on by some of you who might like to pitch in and take the lead now and again.
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YOUTH LABYRINTH WORKSHOP
All youth (6th-12th grade) are invited to participate in a workshop on walking the labyrinth, led by our own Lane Norton. The labyrinth provides a unique prayer experience, and is great for those that find it easier to focus while up on their feet and moving. The workshop will be held in the parish hall on April 8th at 6PM. Pizza will be provided afterward. Please RSVP and send any questions by emailing Wade McGlamery at wwmcglamery@gmail.com, so that we can get an accurate count of attendees.
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YOUNG ADULT GATHERING
All young adults (ages 18-35) are welcome to come by Walker's Coffee and Pub in downtown Athens on March 31st at 7PM for an evening of fellowship. Come chat, have a cup of your favorite beverage, and get to know some other members of our church community! You can send any questions to Wade McGlamery's email or 770-624-4837.
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PEEPS Bible Story Diorama Contest
Have you been wondering what happens to all those colorful marshmallow PEEPS you see in the stores these days? Does anyone really eat them? Could they have some greater purpose? Well now they do. You can enter our Bible Story PEEPS contest and wake up your creative genius from its pandemic slumber.
Contest Rules:
- Start with a cardboard box no larger than 2' x 2' x 3'.
- Use paint, markers, paper, cloth or other disposable props to create a scene from the Bible using Peeps.
- Make your characters (peeple and animals) out of Peeps and dress them to fit the Bible story you have chosen to represent. Melt, mold or glue the Peeps and other props in place as necessary.
- Submit a card with your entry with the name(s) of the artists and the title. Extra credit will be given for using "Peep" in your title. (All clean puns accepted.)
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Entries are due in the Parish Hall by Friday April 15 before the office closes (4:30PM).
- The winner in each category (Individual, Family and Group) will be announced Easter Sunday Morning and will receive a chocolate bunny chocolate and have a donation made to the Athens Food Bank in their honor. Get to work, PEEPLE! Show off your Bible knowledge! Be creative, artistic and competitive! And have fun!
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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.
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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 (reconine@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 each Saturday at St. Gregory’s. 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.
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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.
Childcare can also be provided if the church is contacted by 12 noon on Tuesdays each week. (706.546.7553 or office@stgregoryathens.org)
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STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Wednesdays March 9, 16, 23, 30, & April 6 @ 5:30PM in the Sanctuary
Immediately prior to the Lenten class on Wednesdays, there will be an opportunity to walk the stations of the cross. The stations mark Jesus’ journey through the streets of Jerusalem from his arrest and trial to his crucifixion and burial. At each station, we pause for a brief reading and prayer.
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As our parish begins returning to a sense of normalcy we are planning on starting some ministry programs and events for young adults (ages 18-35). In order to move forward with this we will need to update our current contact list. If you, or someone you love, would be interested in hearing more please send your contact info to Wade McGlamery and/or fill out one of our parishioner information forms in the narthex so the office has you in the church database!
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Coffee Hour Is Back !
Join us in the Christian Education building on Sundays after both the 8AM and 10:30AM services as our weekly coffee hour resumes! Grab a coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, and a light snack. Come get to know some of the St. Gregory community! If you are able to host or bring a baked item for a future coffee hour, contact Melissa or Catrina to sign up. A sign up sheet will also be posted at the event.
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Donations of Easter candy (nothing with peanuts or peanut butter, please) and trinkets will be collected in the copy room. The Easter Egg hunt for toddlers through 5th graders will be held after the 10AM service on Easter Sunday, April 17. Youth 6th grade and up are invited to hide the eggs after taking communion. We'll be hiding empty eggs, which the children will trade-in for an Easter goody bag, and will also have goody bags for the youth as well! |
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family
to step out from
your comfort zone
most do not want
to be alone
but in our church
we can depend
on the support
of every friend
that gathers to
give and receive
and celebrate
and love and grieve
in person or
from anywhere
to join in praise
with song and prayer
alice mohor
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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! |
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Instructions for Live Streaming
- Just go to the St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church
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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. 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.’
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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:
*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 is back in person, starting March 15 @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! (Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month)
* 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!
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See what's happening on our social sites: |
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