From our Senior Warden

Happy Friday!

Your Vestry met this week and covered a huge amount of business with dispatch, including the following:

• The Stewardship Committee has reported that 93 pledges have been received. We typically receive approximately 125 pledges total each year, so we have approximately 32 outstanding. Getting these estimates of giving is extremely important because cannot develop a competent budget without them. If you have not yet turned in your pledge, please get a form from the church and turn it the offering plate, or complete it online. If neither of these is convenient to you, please contact Alice Mohor or Anna Hiers and they can assist.

• Our congregation went through a routine audit this year and received a clean bill of health, except for the fact that the listed value of our properties is outdated. As a result, the Finance Committee will be conducting an inventory on the value of our properties, including the equipment and furnishing on the interior of our buildings. We expect this project to begin soon and take a few months to complete. If you would like to assist with this project, please contact Treasurer Les House or Finance Committee Chair, Jeff Welch.

• The ad hoc Parish Security Committee will begin to meet this month for the purpose of developing SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for emergency situations such as active shooter situations, weather emergencies, medical emergencies, etc. If you have questions or wish to participate, please contact John Barrett.

• The Capital Improvements Campaign Committee has begun to meet and is drafting communications to solicit input from the congregation to refresh the data gathered during the Strategic Planning campaign (which was conducted pre-pandemic). Expect more news in December from our co-Chairs Mark Richardson and Stacie Court.

• The Vestry thanks Mark Reinberger for his long service with the Buildings Committee! The Vestry liaison to Buildings & Grounds, Gail Eilers, is soliciting names of people to assist with upcoming projects and/or to serve on the committee. 

• The Adult Spiritual Formation Committee is presenting an Advent program, led by Matt Rogers, featuring the book A Psalm for the Wild-Built, by Becky Chambers. Watch for further announcements about this terrific series!

• The Annual Meeting of our congregation will take place on Sunday, January 21, after the 10:30 service. Those of us who have reports to write, please send them to Kendall by January 4. One item for the agenda will include a vote to move the date for the annual meeting back a little so that we can pass the budget prior to the beginning of the budget year. We will also electing the slate of Vestry Members: Amanda Aycock, Berni McCranie, Vicky Tavernier, and Paul Welch.

• We sent three lay delegates: Karen Brill, Anna Thornton, and LeeAnne Krause, to the 117th Annual Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, which took place November 10-11. It was an excellent experience, rather more incense and singing, and much less "all in favor say aye" than we expected. Our Bishop Robert Wright presided over business. During his address, Bishop Wright made three specific recommendations to the congregations in the Diocese: He asked that all congregations consider supporting Camp Mikell with its capital campaign, that we intentionally find joy and thanksgiving in our worship, and lastly, that our congregations bend renewed energies to our youth programs, not only inviting them to participate in standing programs but to also find avenues for leadership in new ones.

Happy Thanksgiving from mine to yours!

With love,

LeeAnne Krause

Senior Warden

Vestry Nominees for 2024-2026

The Nominating Committee is very pleased to announce the four parishioners who have graciously and generously accepted the call to be nominated for the Vestry: Amanda Aycock, Berni McCranie, Vicky Tavernier, and Paul Welch. Please read the brief autobiographies below that the nominees have prepared to introduce themselves to you who may not know them. They will be presented as a single slate for you to vote on at our Annual Parish Meeting in January.

The Vestry Nominating Committee this year is composed of Karen Brill, John Bray, Wade McGlamery, Mark Richardson, Nikki Mathis (ex officio), and me. Our initial charge was to identify, with help from our congregation, some parishioners who meet the requirements to serve on St. Gregory the Great's Vestry. Our second task was to invite some of the qualified parishioners who were presented for nomination to join the Vestry for a three year term, 2024-2026. I want to express my appreciation to the Nominating Committee's members for their time and effort and their thoughtful contributions. It was pleasure working together with you!

With love,

LeeAnne Krause

Senior Warden

Amanda Aycock

Pat Conroy once said in an interview “A Military Brat can’t tell you where they are from - nor, where they will be buried.” That pretty much sums up the first 13 years of my life - with my Dad in the Navy - and our “waiting for orders” - as well as the Mayflower moving truck - every two years. I’ll be honest - I am honestly amazed at anyone that has lived in the same place ALL of their life. My family traveled up and down the Eastern Seaboard - had the good fortune to meet some amazing people - and, not so amazing - from the Chesapeake Bay Area to Key West. Then, my Dad retired and the family settled in Decatur, Georgia. My Mom and Dad both were from South Georgia/North Florida and never had any desire to move back there. My Mom was the religious misfit in her family. Most of her folks were either Baptist or Methodist - very, very traditional. Then - in Starke, Florida - she discovered the Episcopal Church and was confirmed there when she was 17. In all of our travels, she became involved with the Episcopal Church which served us well. It gave us a sense of continuity and belonging wherever we settled. She demanded that I become involved with the Church - and, I did while at Holy Trinity in Decatur - serving on the Altar Guild and helping with Sunday School.

This last 30-some odd years, my husband, Garvin, and I maintained a farm east of here in Wilkes County…until we sold the farm three years ago - then moved to Athens. We tried raising cattle - and, thankfully got out of that and turned to raising pine trees. Both of us were very active in the Episcopal Church of the Mediator in Washington, Georgia. I had to “convert” Garvin - he was raised Roman Catholic. Both of us served on the Mediator Vestry - if he rotated off - then, I got on. Because the congregation was so small, it was a matter of necessity - if you had a pulse and you could walk a straight line (mostly) - you served in some capacity. I served as our Church treasurer, served on the Altar Guild and tried desperately not to embarrass myself by arranging flowers. Both Garvin and I served as Junior Warden - which was not easy. The building - which is beautiful - was old. The roofed leaked - constantly fought honey bees that were trying to live under the siding, plumbing that had a mind of its own and a hot water heater that worked when it felt like it. While I was with the Mediator - I was asked to represent the Congregation in the election of a new Bishop - that was in 2012. I’ll never forget meeting the Rev. Robert C. Wright - for the first time - and, thinking - can this be the one? And…he was. For me, this is when our Church made a commitment - a REAL commitment - to welcome all to God’s table. That commitment is important to maintain. And, that is what has drawn Garvin and myself to St. Gregory’s - the commitment to serving all in our Community.

Berni McCranie

Even though I was born in Pittsburgh, PA, I consider myself a true Southerner who bleeds Red and Black. My family moved several times due to my father’s job as an engineer for Westinghouse. After living in 4 other states, I landed in Athens in 1974. I met my first husband here and we raised our son and daughter in Athens. I attended the University of Georgia and taught elementary school in Clarke County for 27 ½ years. I retired (a little early) in 2015 to help care for my elderly mother. 

I was raised in the Catholic church, but after marrying, my husband and I attended First Baptist (his home church), where I taught high school aged Sunday School and helped chaperone youth group trips. Sadly, my husband passed away in 2004 and I discovered that the Baptist church no longer felt like home. I began a search for a true church family, which I was blessed to find when I began attending services here at St. Gregory’s. Everyone here was so friendly and genuinely welcoming. I think it was the “Sharing of the Peace” that really hooked me! After attending for several years, I was formally received into the church in September, 2021. I now serve on the Altar Guild and teach Sunday School. I look forward to more opportunities for service within the church and the greater community.

A happy note side: In 2014, I reconnected with an old classmate who was in my high school homeroom and we were married in 2016. Our blended family includes 4 children and their spouses and 12 grandchildren. My biological children live in New York and Los Angeles, so I travel often to visit them. When I’m not traveling, I enjoy volunteering at St. Mary’s Hospital, where I serve on the auxiliary board. I also serve on the board of trustees for the Foundation for Excellence in Public Education. My hobbies include camping, reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. 

Vicky Tavernier

I'm a cradle-to-grave Episcopalian yet my history with the Episcopal Church looks like Swiss cheese. I've attended other denominations when there was no Episcopal church to attend. I've subbed as an organist at churches that did not use our liturgy or Book of Common Prayer. Every time I came running back to my Episcopal roots. I feel accepted here. I feel like I belong. It's okay to sit in the pew and cry or hug someone who looks like they need it or laugh when something is funny. It's ok to question everything. It's okay to be myself. 

In my daily life, I've been a music teacher for 50 years. I currently teach private lessons at home and at Waseca Montessori. Music has saved my soul many times. 

My husband, Mark has been on the vestry. This is my second time answering the call. I'm honored to be part of this group!  

Paul Welch

I was raised in the Church of Christ, but became dissatisfied as I experienced the world. I was “Episco-curious” for many years - the history, liturgy, and traditions were fascinating strangers to me - until my very first day at St. Gregory’s in 2001. That first day was Gloria Bowden’s last day back when the parish hall was our sanctuary. Between her dynamic farewell sermon and the dragon in our mural, I was hooked. As I continued to attend, I participated in the Peace that seemingly goes on forever and I loved it. When I heard “No matter who you are or where you are in your journey of faith, you are welcome to the bread and wine made holy” I knew I was home. The courage of that statement made by our rectors over all the years I have been here resonates with me. God is for All! I find the liturgy, the BCP, and the traditions of the worship expressed in the Episcopal Church comforting. Especially in the context of St. Gregory’s openness, curiosity, and acceptance and love for others. Naturally enough, I was received into the church in 2005. 

Our parish is home to the most important milestones of my life: Rebecca and I were married here in 2003. We have two sons: Porter, 14 and Walker, 11, both of whom were baptized at St. Gregory’s. While we participate in the life of the parish as much as possible – Porter and Walker serve as acolytes on many Sundays & Rebecca is a regular at Adult Sunday School – my most significant engagement is service on the parish nominating committee for a rector in 2017-2018.

We live in Oconee County with two cats, two horses, and various other wildlife who come and go. I grew up in Baytown, Texas but spent many summers with my maternal grandparents in Macon County, Georgia where my parents now live. I graduated from Lamar University in 1994. After graduation, I spent two years in Sweden working menial jobs and being a bum. I arrived in Athens in 1998, earned a M.Ed. from UGA in 2000 and started working there as an academic advisor (with several fellow Gregorians, in fact). My day job is Director of Student Affairs in the School of Public and International Affairs at UGA and Rebecca is managing pharmacist at Athens Infusion Pharmacy. We bleed red and black.

We continue to collect estimate of giving pledge cards for 2024. You may put your completed card in the collection plate on Sunday, mail your card to the church office, bring your completed card to the church office, or enter your pledge online here.

ALMOST SOLD OUT!

Athens Creative Theatre (ACT) presents Sweeney Todd at the Morton Theatre in downtown Athens Thursday, November 16 through Sunday, November 19. (Melinda Jones & Kendall Kookogey and the rest of the Bono gang are performing!) Sweeney Todd (with Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler), is the unsettling tale of a Victorian-era barber who returns home to London after fifteen years of exile to take revenge on the corrupt judge who ruined his life.

Show times are Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 3:00pm. Tickets are now on sale online at www.mortontheatre.com, by phone at 706-613-3771, or in person at the Morton Theatre Box Office located at 195 W. Washington Street Mondays through Fridays from 12n-4pm. 

EVENTS IN DECEMBER

Meridian Women's Chorus presents their annual Tapestry Holiday Concert Saturday, December 2 at 3:00 pm at Holy Cross Lutheran Church on West Lake Drive. This free concert includes performances by Meridian as well as three other local ensembles. A reception and Holiday Market follow the concert. For more information contact Director Stacie Court.

When: Sunday, December 3, 2023, 12-3PM

Where: Covenant Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 1065 Gaines School Road, Athens, GA 30605

What is the Holiday Benevolence Market? 

This is the 29th year of this symbolic gift-giving opportunity and First Presbyterian Church and Covenant Presbyterian Church are partnering to host the market on the East Side of Athens. Our hope is to flood the Market with families from all the Athens congregations to join us in supporting our local non-profits! There will be more than 30 local Athens non-profit organizations sharing about their service to our community...to give them a chance to share about how they serve our neighbors most in need, to connect with new possible volunteers and to collect donations for their work.

Adult Formation

Advent Program

On December 3rd, 10th, and 17th, from 2pm-5pm, the Adult Spiritual Formation committee will be hosting a Bibliodrama class, much like the one that we hosted during VBS 2022. Matt Rodgers will be returning to lead us as we use collaborative storytelling techniques and improvisation to explore Advent relevant themes found in Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers. Though reading the book is not required, it is strongly encouraged for any who plan on participating. We will provide more details in the coming weeks for this program.

Youth EYC event

On December 17th, at 7pm, our youth program will be hosting a "DnD Night!" If you already enjoy playing DnD, or if you have never played before, you should feel free to join us! Contact Wade if you plan on attending.

Multi-Generational Opportunity

Dec. 1 & 2



Guest instructor Matt Rodgers will be hosting a workshop that anyone aged 11-100 should join us for. Together we will explore building sacred space as we construct our very own pocket altars. "Pocket altars are an old tradition that goes back hundreds of years- maybe thousands. Together we'll explore what it means to be a builder of sacred space and what it means to carry with you wherever you go. What's in your pocket?" This event will be hosted from 6:30pm-8:30pm on December 1st and will continue from 2pm-4pm on December 2nd.

Community Christmas of Oglethorpe County is gearing up for their annual toy and clothing drive! But in addition to and prior to that, they are in need of funds in November to help qualifying families pay their bills in December so hopefully they have a bit left over for Christmas! Thanks to neighbors like you, in 2022 they provided Christmas gifts and assistance plus emergency funds throughout the year totaling $93,552 to 412 children from 175 Oglethorpe County families. The amount of aid needed was up 16% from 2021, and the number served increased by 94 children. Financial donations can be made online at their website, www.CommunityChristmasOglethorpe.org, dropped off at The Commercial Bank in Crawford, or mailed to 143 Bowen Farm Road, Crawford, GA 30630. There are many more details on the webpage.

relativity

how is it that

the hours fly

so quickly now

the day goes by

is it only

the speed i do

the little things

that i used to

while on my way

from here to there

when time it seemed

was much more rare

or that i now

take time to see

the marvel of

all around me

alice mohor

Instructions for Live Streaming

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

• 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!