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Glorious Beloveds,
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare the way - a voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' Mark 1:1-3
John the Baptizer, announced then and announces now the coming of the Christ. When we make space and time, with intention, we can hear his voice calling in the wilderness of busyness, fatigue, and the 24-hour news cycle. We can hear it in the crush of responsibilities, of caring for children and/or adults with disabilities and illness, of planning the funeral, the move, or the downsizing. The announcement of the good news is that Jesus comes to be with us in that wilderness, to love us there, and to teach us how to love self and others WHILE we are STILL in that wilderness, whatever your wilderness may be. Our time and intention in the wilderness may be all of 5 minutes, or it could be the taking of a days-long retreat, it could be when we’re at peace and spiritually grounded or when we can’t stand to be in our skin and our thoughts are scattered to the winds. The point is we don’t have have it all figured out or feel holy or try to manage the wilderness. John’s voice and Christ’s presence will meet us where we are.
Fellow wilderness traveler,
Mo. Nikki+
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The Outreach Committee will meet in the library right after the 10:30AM service this Sunday, Dec. 10. Anyone is welcome to join! | |
The Finance Committee will meet in the office next to Kendall's right after the 10:30AM service this Sunday, Dec. 10. Anyone is welcome to join! | |
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Band of Believers!
We practice for the Christmas pageant each Sunday morning from 9:45-10:30AM in the Children's Chapel. We accept all folks who have ever played an instrument. All means all! If you want to play with the Band of Believers let me know at vtavernier@aol.com .
Vicky and Mark Tavernier
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If you wish to give a poinsettia in honor or memory of a loved one, the deadline for ordering will be Wednesday, Dec. 20. The suggested donation this year is $15 per dedication. Please place your completed form (see red forms 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.
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Getting Ready For Our Christmas Pageant!
Children of all ages are welcome to participate! Most roles are non-speaking ones and costumes are provided. Even if you cannot attend rehearsals, there is always room for more angels and sheep at the last minute!
Pageant rehearsals will be held every Sunday between now and Christmas Eve (that is, December 3, 10, and 17) during children's church at the Children’s Chapel in the education building during the 10:30 service.
Sunday school, with arrival at 9:15, on December 3, 10, and 17 will include practicing singing the songs that will be sung during the pageant at the Christmas Eve 5PM service.
There will also be one rehearsal in the Sanctuary to practice with The Band of Believers on Saturday December 23 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM.
Sunday morning, December 24th (Christmas Eve) - Rehearsal in the Sanctuary during the Sunday School hour. Meet in the Children’s Chapel at 9:15.
Sunday afternoon, December 24th (Christmas Eve) - Meet in the Children’s Chapel at 4PM to get into costume and go through a final rehearsal. Service at 5 PM.
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Calling the elves! Community Christmas of Oglethorpe County, Inc., is collecting toys and other fun items for children from birth through age 18. Donations of new, unwrapped items may be left in the entrance to Parish Hall through Dec. 11. Parents and guardians from families who qualify for assistance will be invited to choose for their children from the gifts on Dec. 14th. They are also receiving assistance with household bills, thanks to the generosity of our donors. In addition to this, we are also collecting used clothing, toys, books, household items, and other things in good condition - families will be able to choose any of these things that they can use. Financial donations are always welcomed. Find more details on our website, www.CommunityChristmasOglethorpe.org. Thank you to all of you who support this effort! Sincerely, Catherine Drewry, Co-Director 706-201-7241
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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.
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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 20 at 6PM.
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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 17 at 4PM. We passionately devote our energy to prepare and present these magnificent gems of classical music.
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Sunday, December 24
10AM (only) Advent 4 Holy Eucharist *
(No Sunday school; nursery will open at 9:30AM)
5PM Children's Pageant & Holy Eucharist *
9:30PM Music Prelude *
10PM Festival Eucharist & Choir *
Monday, December 25
10AM Holy Eucharist & Carols *
Sunday, December 31
8AM Holy Eucharist
10:30AM Holy Eucharist *
(no Sunday school; nursery will open at 10AM)
* indicates live streamed services
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Holiday Benevolence Market Thank You
Good Morning, Covenant Friends, Non-Profit Friends and Athens Faith Community Friends!
I just want to extend enormous thanks to all of you who helped to make the Holiday Benevolence Market 2023 such a truly lovely community gathering.
Families came with their children to learn about direct and meaningful giving. Non-profit staff members got to meet with each other and collaborate to better serve our community. Members of our whole faith community came to support. And, we had 30 Non-Profit Organizations present to share their stories of advocacy and service to Athens' abandoned animals, our environment, our neighbors experiencing homelessness, hunger, the pain of addiction, mental health crisis, unfairly low wages, illiteracy, the struggles of developmental disabilities, lack of adequate health care, separation from their homelands, domestic violence, abuse,
and neglect.
Athens Friends, the Holiday Benevolence Market is not just a one-day event. I implore you to think of this event as the incarnation of something new...a renewal for our community and for our neighbors most in need. Coming together in this way is exactly how we can stand in the gap for our neighbors who suffer. In direct and meaningful ways this event brought us together to actively listen, to help when we can, and to commit to retelling the inspiring stories we have heard so that they are not forgotten.
Please remember that the Holiday Benevolence Market 2023 continues online through the end of Dec. Please share this link with anyone who missed Sunday's gathering and would like to join in supporting our local non-profit organizations.
The Rev. Amy Baer
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Sandra Patterson House
AUGUST 2, 1951 – DECEMBER 4, 2023
Please click here for Sandra's obituary and service information.
In lieu of flowers, Les has asked that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
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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. | |
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Alys Willman, from ARA, sent along some more information for those interested in being involved with Athens Reparations Action. Their website is here. On the homepage, at the very bottom, there is a link to join the monthly-ish email newsletter. Or people can simply email Alys and she will add them.
ARA's monthly gatherings are at Athentic Brewery, at 180 Park Avenue, from 7-9pm. We get all kinds of folks, from different faith communities (and none), all ages and interests. This month our meeting was Wednesday November 15, and Commissioner Russell Edwards talked about the gratuities clause in the GA constitution, and how it limits what the city can do for reparations. After that, we have one more gathering this year, on Wednesday Dec. 13. We'd love to see some of y'all there.
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The Athens Area Emergency Food Bank needs snacks (sweet & salty), cold cereals, and dried pasta! Please help us fill the Little Red Wagon! | | |
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advent
blue candles and
a stable scene
with trimmings from
an evergreen
to both remind
and to prepare
for a great gift
amid despair
together we
all hope and pray
with love and joy
for a new day
with peace to come
from how we live
with neighbors when
we share and give
alice mohor
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Adult Sunday School
Adult Discussion Group: (Parish Hall) The Adult Spiritual Formation Sunday morning Bible Study group meets at 9:15AM and is currently on a journey through The Gospel of John. 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.
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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:
* Holy Eucharist and Healing Service Please join us on Wednesday evenings at 6PM in the sanctuary for eucharist and prayers for healing.
* Blindspot Group Our 20s and 30s group meets on the last Thursday of each month at 6:30PM 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
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