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From your senior warden:

 

At our September meeting, Shelby Welch led the vestry in a lovely devotional based on Anne Lamott’s three basic kinds of prayer: “help, thanks, and wow.” Most often, when we pray, she explained, we are either asking for assistance in coping with the slings and arrows that life throws at us, or we are thanking God for the help we have already received, or we are expressing joy and awe at the wonder of creation.

 

I got to thinking about how we don’t always get what we want (wasn’t there a song about that once?). That “not getting” can make the “thanks” part of the equation harder to come by. In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, he urges us to “be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you.” These days, what with wars, school shootings, political unrest, poverty and oppression here and abroad, the heart can be stubbornly unthankful. Fortunately, church can help melt the ice.

 

Because we have so many things to be thankful for! High on my list is the presence of younger people stepping up to take an active leadership role in our ministries. The entire Blindspot group deserves mentioning—they are active among themselves, creating an energy that radiates out like rain on dry ground; they are hosting coffee hour; they have volunteered to direct the games for our upcoming Family Night (September 21st!); they are active in stewardship; and they are active in Keep/Watch training (a church-based suicide prevention program). They are the next-generation leaders of St. Gregory the Great, and it is a great blessing to have them.

 

Two younger Gregorians, in particular, deserve to be singled out: Austin Baeckeroot has agreed to train as our new Treasurer once Les House’s term is up, and Everett Krause has agreed to take over the reins of the Finance Committee when Jeff Welch steps down. Austin and Everett joined the Finance Committee at their most recent meeting and are already contributing to the committee’s deliberations. When you see Austin and Everett at church, be sure to say “thank you”—they are ensuring that the church’s resources remain in good hands.

 

By the way, be sure to also thank Les and Jeff every time you see them. They, along with Jane Hudson, helped guide us through COVID by agreeing to serve extra terms (Jane as Senior Warden). That was a rough passage, but we are continuing to recover, thanks to their leadership and, of course, Mother Nikki’s.

 

As we enter the final weeks of our Stewardship Campaign for the 2025 year, I also want to express thankfulness for the parish as a whole. Your past generosity has enabled us to continue in our many missions. I’m hopeful that in my next report, I can announce even more positions filled.

 

Finally, I want to highlight the work of just one more of our many ministries. Pastoral Care, headed by Rhonda Packer with Gail Eilers and Lane Norton acting as vestry liaisons, has been quietly sending out cards of consolation and well wishes, transporting people who need assistance, sending meals to those who are bereaved or otherwise incapacitated, and keeping in touch with those for whom a friendly hello can mean the world. Under their compassionate umbrella, Threads of Prayer continues to knit prayed-over garments and the Men’s Group remains active, with 35 contacts just this last month. I feel comforted just knowing how well these folks are doing love.

 

That’s it for this time. Be well, everyone, and remember to ask for help, give thanks, and take a moment to appreciate our strange and wonderful world.

 

God’s peace,

 

Mark Richardson


In-gathering for our stewardship pledge cards and ministry interests check-lists will be Sunday, September 29. If you have not received a packet of stewardship information, you can find some in the narthex or call the church office.


Little Women - the Musical


Opening Night tonight!


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 (2661 Hog Mountain Road, Watkinsville). Here is the link to buy tickets!

Tickets


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

Donation

Library Closure


The Library will be closed from September 15th through September 23rd. Groups and individuals that regularly use the space should make other arrangements during that time. Please know that we are grateful for your patience and flexibility.


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.

Pastoral Care Committee


The Pastoral Care Committee will meet in the Christian Ed building right after the 10:30AM service this Sunday, Sept. 15. All are welcome to join!

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!

The links for the RSVP and Auction List are BELOW this photo.

RSVP
Items to be auctioned

Click the photo above for the website. To order Christmas Bell luminaries, use QR code above or click here.


Sharing the good work of our Diocese


Below are some wonderful ways to experience and share the good work happening around our Diocese!


Bishop Wright's podcast, For People, has been downloaded 300,000 times and is a primary progressive voice in and beyond The Episcopal Church. In September, the Diocese is launching a Christian Nationalism series, and we need your support in sharing it widely!


Another diocesan initiative to share is Celebrating 50 Years of Women's Ordination.


We also encourage you to subscribe to the Connecting Newsletter and follow episcopatl and Bishop Wright on social media.

Family Promise La Table


La Table is Family Promise of Athens’ signature fundraising event. Last year’s event raised $50,000! Next year’s luncheon will be held at the 1055 Barber at 11 AM on Tuesday, February 25th. 


Each year, volunteers from area congregations and community groups are recruited to serve as table hosts. Hosting a table means that you commit to inviting 7-9 guests to your table as well as taking care of the decorating of the table. Table hosts create themed designs to embellish their table. Sometimes the decorations feature items to be donated to Family Promise of Athens to assist with the care of our guests. Other times the centerpieces hold special meaning for the hosts or the congregations they represent. Table hosts invite friends to join them for the luncheon. Each guest (and host) contributes a $65.00 donation to attend. The cost of food, facilities rental, and service is covered by presenting sponsors. To learn more about La table or becoming a table host visit familypromiseathens.org for information and pictures of past events.


St. Gregory’s is an active supporter of Family Promise, but we currently do not sponsor a table at La Table. Madison Sanders, Executive Director, is reaching out to confirm the number of tables for next year. I would love to tell her that we would sponsor one (or, maybe 2?) She needs to know by October 1.  


Please contact me if you are interested in hosting or attending next year’s luncheon. It is truly a fun and important event!


Blessings,

Berni McCranie


Here's what Family Promise in Athens has accomplished so far this year: 

In the Eviction Prevention program, staff have helped to prevent 400 evictions by helping households get caught up on rent;

Staff have moved five families through the shelter and into stable housing, and the shelter now has two families;

Family Promise has been approved and funded to build two more shelter units and have also received a grant to build a three-bedroom transitional house.

Our next and last program week this year is October 6-13.  

We can be proud of the work we are doing with Family Promise! For more information, you can go to www.familypromiseathens.org or to get involved, contact Annette Bates, 706-255-5839 or email.


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.


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 canned soup, Saltines, and hamburger helper! Please help us fill the Little Red Wagon!

of thine own  

     

our faith journey

may stop and start

but from your love

we cannot part

 

faith comes from faith

we act to grow

gifts come from gifts

your love does flow

 

not from duty

nor gentle shove

not from our want

but from your love

 

we pledge our time

our treasure too

our talents shared

your work to do


 

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


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St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church | office@stgregoryathens.org
706.546.7553 | www.stregoryathens.org