SHARE:  

The


Gregorian


Chant

I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. God gives God's best— the sun to warm and the rain to nourish— to everyone, regardless: The good and bad, the nice and nasty…


In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow Up. You’re Kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you. Matt 5:43-45,48 msg

 


Hello Beautiful Beloveds,


Most days in order to pray sincerely for those who stereotype me or those I love, or who persecute those who are weaker or have less power than the persecutors, and for those who believe themselves to be doing what's morally right even though I find their morals to be practiced in error, I first have to think about that last line in the scripture above. I have to remember God’s love and spaciousness and grace toward me. Just as God in love, always always meets me where I am, praying for those whom I deeply dislike, distrust, or with whom I vehemently disagree, is God's opportunity for me to meet some of God's children where they are, in the power of God's Holy Spirit. 


And sometimes that praying is easier in somebody else's words. This week for me, it’s in the words of Jim Cotter, in his book Prayer at Day’s Dawning, pages 185-186…. It’s not even the whole prayer; enemies take up only one verse of this intercessory practice, nestled between the majority of verses that lift up those in need. Maybe, when I am obedient and able to love enemies through prayer, that’s what makes it more palatable and more possible for me to pray for those who believe things opposed to my beliefs and take actions I hope to never have any desire nor reason to take. And that's okay. I’ll take any help I can get. 


Thanks, God. Thanks to all those authors and other angels who help us pray love for those we don’t even like.


Tender Blessings,

Mother Nikki+

 

Interceding*

By Jim Cotter

 

For people forced to travel…

Those seeking asylum or refuge, those suffering homelessness, those who are as wayfarers on the earth;

Be present to them.

 

For people beset by danger…

Those who live in war zones, survivors and victims of violence and crime, those who work on the front lines of public safety;

Be with them in their anxiety:

Be present to them.

 

For people lacking direction…

Those who suffer confusion, or listlessness, Or despair,

Show them the way:

Be present to them.

 

For people whose way is barred…

Those who suffer hunger, people in prison, and those seeking work,

Set their feet on the road:

Be present to them.

 

For people who want to turn back…

Those who suffer persecution, failure, discouragement,

Encourage them and strengthen them:

Be present to them.

 

For people who refuse to move…

Those satisfied with their smugness, who value their comfort over others needs, Those unbothered by self righteousness,

Shed your light upon them:

Be present to them.

 

For people who wander in shadow…

Those who suffer depression, those who are bereaved, those suffering the process of death,

Shed your light upon them:

Be present to them.

 

For people choosing to travel…

By land, by air, by sea

Be a pillar of fire for them:

Go ahead of them.

 

For people on pilgrimage…

Including myself as I journey with you, O God;

Walking to the ancient places, facing the hazards of the road, journeying deep within;

Be the cairns on their path:

Be the staff that supports them.

 

*prayer slightly amended to adjust for ‘identity with dignity’…i.e. ‘people suffering homelessness’ rather than ‘the homeless.’ Also amended to include the person praying the prayer.

Tonight!


August 23rd - First DnD Night of the school year! Meet up in the youth room at 6pm for DnD and pizza will be provided! Make sure to bring your favorite snack with you. 


Environmental Committee Meeting


The Environmental Sustainability Committee will meet this Sunday, Aug. 25 in the library after the 10:30 service. We will discuss continued projects, and possible adoption of the Episcopal Church curriculum "Creation Care" in the spring. If you are interested, but cannot come, please contact Maggie Reinberger, 706-338-1471. 

Wanted: Sunday School Teachers


Join us in welcoming children into our St. Gregory’s community as a Sunday School teacher or shepherd.  Even one Sunday a month helps! We have a curriculum for teachers to use, and shepherds provide support with activities, lessons, and snack time as needed. Contact Mother Nikki, Berni McCranie, or Jenifer Marquardt for more information.

PARENTS AND KIDS!

Join us for a back to Children’s Sunday School reception at 9:15 AM September 8th in the Children’s Chapel in the Education Building. Enjoy snacks, fill out a registration card, see the classrooms, and meet some of the teachers!


The Children’s Sunday School program returns SEPTEMBER 8TH. Children K through 5th grade gather in the Children’s Chapel in the Education Building beginning at 9:15 am. At 9:30, we go to the upstairs classrooms for a Bible based lesson, activities, and snacks. Around 10:20, children return to the Chapel. Parents, please drop off your children in the Chapel so we can touch base with you as needed, and pick the kids up again in the Chapel or from the upstairs rooms. Thank you!

Confirmation Classes


Confirmation classes will begin on October 20. If you or your child are interested in getting confirmed, received, reaffirmed, or if you just want to learn more about the Episcopal Church, then make sure to come to confirmation class starting on October 20 after the 10:30 service. The class will run every Sunday for 7 weeks leading up to the confirmation service at the Cathedral of St. Philip on December 8th. If you're interested please let either Wade McGlamery or Mother Nikki know.



Our stewardship season of giving continues this Sunday. Giving to God, through our church, supports our worship, our mission, and our ministry to our members and our community. https://www.stgregoryathens.org/ministries


Finance Chair Announcement

I have had the honor of serving on the Finance Committee for more than 15 years, for the last 5 years as the chairperson of the Committee. I feel it is time to pass this position off to the next generation. Our financial Policy reads: “The chairperson shall be elected by the Vestry, upon the recommendation of the rector, (or Senior Warden, if none). The term of the Chair shall be for three years, and the Chair serves at the pleasure of the Rector and Vestry.” I, like Les, am in my second term which ends December 31, 2025.

Please give prayerful consideration to the treasurer’s position and the position of the Finance Chair. If you are at all interested, please contact me as chair or Les as treasurer. It would be ideal if the persons who are to fill these two positions are known before the budget is developed for the 2026 calendar year. Please feel free to attend our finance meeting in person. If you cannot attend in person, I can provide a Zoom link so that you can attend the meeting virtually. ALL are welcome to attend. 


— Jeff Welch

We know it happens all the time with people impersonating Nikki via fake emails. If you want to find out about more scams and how to avoid them and how to report them, click here to register for the event shown below!

Little Women - the Musical


You are invited to our production of Little Women, the Broadway musical! This is Collective Artists Workshop (CAW)'s inaugural musical production! Sept. 13-15 & 20-22 at the Oconee Civic Center. Here is the link to buy tickets!

Tickets


Here also is a link if you'd like to make a donation to help with production costs!

Donation

Candlelight Vigil


St. Gregorians and all members of the greater Athens area are invited to a Candlelight Vigil during National Suicide Prevention Week, in order to raise awareness, share resources, and practice remembrance. Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 7:30-9PM.

EXCHANGE STUDENTS

If any families are interested in hosting an international exchange student in the area please contact Karen Brill 706-540-4455 for requirements and details. 


Adult Sunday School


Adult Discussion Group: (Parish Hall) The Adult Spiritual Formation Sunday morning Bible Study meets at 9:15AM and is currently studying the Gospel of Matthew. Wayne Coppins is leading this discussion. All are welcome.


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. 

The Athens Area Emergency Food Bank needs cold breakfast cereals, canned corn, and canned soup! Please help us fill the Little Red Wagon!

giving

 

our ministries

need our support

lest our giving

would fall too short

 

to fund our church

operation

and our worship

celebration

 

or limit us

in money spent

to widen our

good works intent

 

and cause us to

cut back our call

to be god’s love

for neighbors all


 

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!

Ongoing Services/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.


Ceilidh Folk Service St Gregory's offers a monthly Ceilidh service (pronounced kay-lee) on the 3rd Friday of the month (September 20). 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 before or after (not during) these services for anyone who wants to take part, starting at 6PM. Food will be provided, but we always accept more dishes to add to the table if anyone wishes to bring something! 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.


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!


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 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 on Zoom


Acolyte Sign-Up

Give online
See what's happening on our social sites:
Facebook  Instagram  
St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church | office@stgregoryathens.org
706.546.7553 | www.stregoryathens.org