Morning Prayer This Sunday
Morning Prayer is one of the traditional offices of the church. It is, simply, one of the ways we gather as a community. We assemble together and read and pray and sometimes sing through scripture and our common prayers. As our liturgy has evolved and stretched and grown and recognized the centrality of Holy Eucharist within this cycle of prayer and faith, Morning Prayer and other offices have shifted in their function and focus. Just as the 1979 Book of Common Prayer reclaimed Eucharist, it also reclaimed a deep cycle of daily prayer, anchored by the office of Morning Prayer. Yet, it is still designed to blend seamlessly with Eucharist.
We will have the opportunity to explore this rich space Sunday, July 26 at both services. It will be a wonderful change of rhythm to our traditional time and still remarkably familiar, especially to those who have been in the Episcopal Church for some time. If you appreciate this experience I also encourage you to adopt one of the daily prayer offices (Morning, Evening, Noon, or Compline) to say on your own, with your family or friends, or in a small group on a regular basis. Our prayer book tradition is full and rich! Thanks be to God.
Fr. Alan+
Hike Group Vogel Picnic
Contact Jeremy Landers by Sunday, July 26 if you are interested in attending the Hike Group picnic at Vogel State Park on Saturday, August 1.
Youth Retreat: August 21-23
All youth in grades 6-12: Retreat is coming up soon! It is almost time to head up to Camp Mikell. Make sure to return your registration to the church or to Alan by Sunday, July 26.
Young Adult Brunch
Young Adults are invited to lunch together at 2Dog Cafe following the 10:45 AM service this Sunday, July 26. Contact Fr. Alan with questions.
Mother’s Morning Retreat
Please join us on Monday, July 27 in the Grace Center Conference Room from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM for a retreat event specifically targeted at moms of girls entering middle school.
The first session will look at practical ideas around parenting these apprentice women. Then, following a short break, we will explore the religious aspects of raising our middle school girls in an atmosphere of Christ-centered hope and community.
Please call 770-536-0126 by Sunday, July 26 to confirm your attendance so that we will have sufficient handouts and refreshments.
Blessings,
Cynthia+
Grief to Relief
Join us for a “Lunch ‘n Learn” following the second service on Sunday, August 16 in the Parish Hall! Our presenter will be Anne Keeton, certified grief educator and facilitator of the outstanding and effective program “Grief to Relief.”
At the end of this session, interested persons will be able to enroll in the ten-week program that will commence the following week of August 23.
I cannot over-emphasize the effectiveness of this program, a patented educational model to assist individuals in meeting the challenge of living following a devastating loss. Whether you are dealing with a loss that you experienced this year or decades ago, the program offers practical and respectful skills that meaningfully incorporate the loss into life.
The cost for this 10-week program is $350 per person. Each weekly session covers several hours, ans so the effective cost is minimal. If you feel this is something you need to do and find the cost a burden, please contact Fr. Stuart or me about a scholarship.
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
God’s comfort,
Cynthia+
Building Improvement Plan
I am pleased to share with you that we have begun Phase One of a remarkable building improvement plan on campus! As I am sure you are aware, there are many areas around the campus that have needed improvement for years. Gratefully, we are at the place financially where we can truly care for the property. This ability is due to the strong stewardship campaign we shared for the 2015 budget, as well as new member participation. Our financial health is stronger because our membership participation is stronger. Our membership participation is stronger because our community has grown closer. I am grateful beyond measure!
A more detailed presentation of the building improvements will be shared August 26, but for now, please know that we will begin an extensive pressure washing and painting of the entire campus exterior on August 3. You will see signs of the work for two or three weeks, and this will be exciting! Work is scheduled to be completed before the fullness of the program year begins in early September, and well before we host the Symposium on Mindful Faith & Practice on October 23.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Mary Lynn Coyle and Pepper Brown, the chair and vestry liaison for the Campus Vision and Development Committee. The entire committee will be recognized at the Wednesday, August 26 GWAG presentation. The CVD group, the vestry, and the staff are to be commended for their hard work in guiding the parish to this level of stewardship. Look for more information on future improvements, and keep an eye out for the workers—and the newly painted Grace exterior!
Blessings,
Fr. Stuart
Save the Date!
A Christian Formation Open House is scheduled for Sunday, August 9 at 9:30 AM, and classes for all ages will begin Sunday, August 16. Please mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details!
Safeguarding God’s CHILDREN
The Diocese has policies and training in place to protect children and youth from abuse. Vestry members and all persons who teach, supervise or assist with supervising children or youth ministries, programs or activities more often than occasionally are required to complete the Safeguarding God’s Children training. If you missed the class on June 13, please plan to attend the make up session on Wednesday, August 12 from 9:00 AM – 12 PM in the Parish Hall. There is no charge for the training.
Grace Episcopal Church 