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Precious Beloveds,
This is for those grieving Dolly, artist and philanthropist, or Peter, Winnie the Pooh/Optimus Prime's prolific and talented voice actor, or Tim, who dazzled in Little Shop of Horrors and terrified in IT. It's for those grieving our increasingly fractious political divide; the horror in Nepal, South Texas, Gaza, the Congo, the weeks of blackouts in Gary, Indiana; the plight of immigrants; state sanctioned violence and murder in this country; the suspicious hanging deaths of people of color, (70 since the year 2000, with disputed investigations). It's for those who are tired; church hurt; who are fighting illness; who are caretaking loved ones; who are alone or who are about to be separated from those they love; who can't make ends meet; who are heartbroken because of trouble at home. It’s for those who know that, sadly, this list is far from exhaustive in terms of tragedy and don’t know what to do with that fact.
It's for all of us who scroll too much and possibly laugh too little in the company of those we love. And if none of that describes you, this still may be of use. It's an oldy-but-goody prayer from Nadia Bolz Weber for days when we're fully human and fully loved by God, (which, if I remember correctly, is every single day there is.) This is actually a combination of three prayers by her, and I'm hoping (praying?) she doesn't mind. If you care to, pray with me (and her):
Dear God,
All I can think to say right now, is please guide my attention to that which is worthy of it.
I ask that you enfold those affected by tragedy and loss with a peace that passes understanding. Send them signs of hope, however small. They’ve lost so much, Lord, keep them from also losing heart. And may the work ahead unite us in a time of division.
When I am overwhelmed by everything that has to get fixed in this broken down world, show me what is MINE to do then please give me the strength to do it and the humility to rest afterwards.
Open my eyes to behold that which is hopeful and lovely and to know that the terrifying and malicious will always be there and that looking away for a moment is not callus, it’s calculating. Help me remember that even if there is more to worry about in life right now, it does not mean that there is less to love in life right now.
So protect every inch of our joy, Lord.
Guide my attention to that which is worthy of it: making art, cooking food, loving people, noticing birds, petting dogs, contacting friends, and doing the work that is mine to do.
And when I am scrolling through meaningless videos, once again wasting more precious moments on this Earth than I realize, snap me out of it, Lord and help me just go for a walk or something. I ask this and that for which there simply are no words, in your holy name.
In your holy name,
Amen.
May you feel God smiling at you and cuddling you close today.
May you experience blessings and comfort and joy,
Mo. Nikki
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Room at the Table - today!
Welcome to Room at the Table. Single, married, partnered, employed, free-wheeling, joy-loving...all are invited! If you want to take time and get to know more about me and other siblings from our church, over a good meal, if you want to share stories and laughter, join us for lunch!
Today we will meet at 12 noon @ Mannaweenta Restaurant; 1055 Gaines School Rd.
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Labyrinth Guild Meeting
The Labyrinth Guild is meeting after the 10:30AM service this Sunday, Aug. 30. If you are interested in learning St. Greg's plans for a permanent outdoor installation, please join us in the library!
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Environmental Sustainability Committee Meeting
The Environmental Sustainability Committee will meet this 5th Sunday, Aug. 30, after the 10:30 service. We will meet in office #1 next to Kendall's office. We will discuss the upcoming Creation Care Fair, scheduled for Oct. 4, 2026, open to the community. All are welcome to come to the meeting to help put on this fair. Any questions or ideas, contact Maggie Reinberger, mmreinberger@gmail.com, 706-338-1471
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The Ride Ministry Needs Drivers!
I know many of you already give rides to church to people in need of transportation! And it’s so appreciated! But we have 4 people (and maybe 5) at Terra Bella Senior Living on Epps Bridge Parkway (near Kohl’s) that need rides to church. A few of our faithful drivers can no longer serve in this way, and some of us can only carry 3 passengers (which then requires 2 cars for pick-up when all 4 want to come), so we have a need for some additional drivers.
If enough of us volunteer, your commitment would be once a month or less; and you can also choose to drive only one direction (pick up or take home) if that suits your schedule better. Please contact me if you can help get these siblings of ours to church! Reaching out with love and appreciation for your prayerful consideration!
Tammy Bowman 706-296-8876 (voice/text)
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Confirmation Classes
Our next round of confirmation classes starts Sunday, Sept 20. If you're interested in being confirmed, received, or reaffirmed; or you want to know what these words mean; or you are just curious about deepening your understanding of our traditions without committing to anything, come join us! The rest of our classes will be scheduled based on the availability of our participants. The Diocesan Confirmation service at the Cathedral will be held on Sunday, December 6 at 4PM. If you are interested or have questions, please reach out to Jeff Ballance or Mother Nikki
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Dear parishioners,
We are forming a group of interested folks to choose a new floor for the parish hall. If you would like to participate in the decision, please contact Mark Richardson or speak to Clare Baeckeroot or Jonathan Klein at church. And thanks in advance for your interest!
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Stewardship
Dear St. Gregory the Great church community,
The 2026 Stewardship Campaign is underway to support the budget for St. Gregory's works and mission during next year.
If you are new to St. Gregory and not yet listed in the Family Directory or haven't received your 2026 Pledge Packet in the mail -- you can find Pledge Packets in the display rack located in the sanctuary narthex -- please pick one up and join with your church family in making your pledge!
Peace and blessings,
Stewardship Committee
*Total giving = Sunday in-person giving + previous week's online giving
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| Aug 23, 2026 | Aug 24, 2025 | | Attendance | 124 | 138 | | Total Giving* | $4,132 | $6,817 | | |
St Greg's Youth (6th-12th Grades) have the following activities planned:
- Sunday, August 30 - Meal Prep for Athens Area Homeless Shelter - 12:30pm-2:00pm 🥘
- Following church & coffee hour time, we will have a discussion about people who experience homelessness in Athens, and prepare a meal together for them in St. Greg's kitchen in the Christian Ed building. After we say goodbye, I will deliver the food to the shelter.
- Sunday, September 6 - Youth Sunday School - 12:00pm-1:30pm 📚
- Sunday, September 13 - Youth Sunday School - 12:00pm-1:30pm 📔
- Youth Sunday School takes place on the first two Sundays of the month after the 10:30 service from 12-1:30 in the youth room, lunch provided!
- Sunday, September 20 - YOUTH SUNDAY ✝️
- I'll be reaching out about assignments soon. :)
- Sunday, September 27 - Interfaith Field Trip to Drepung Loseling Monastery in Atlanta. 🪷
- More details/signup to come.
Please reach out to Jeff Ballance (stgregathensyouth@gmail.com - 478.278.3628) for more details/questions and to be added to our email list.
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Adult Sunday School
Adult Discussion Group: (Parish Hall) The Adult Spiritual Formation Sunday morning Bible study is currently discussing of the book of Genesis. This class welcomes anyone seeking a thoughtful investigation of the book of Genesis and will include time for discussion of our personal responses to the Bible and how it applies to our life of faith. We will meet in the Parish Hall at 9:15am.
Lectionary Class: (Office #1) The lectionary class meets in Office #1 (next to Kendall's office) 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.
Spiritual Self Discovery (Library) This discussion group focuses on lived experiences, exploration of faith, and theological fundamentals. The class aims to offer an accessible space for both new and longtime members that are seeking a space to explore personal faith and the stories and practices of others. Grab a warm beverage and a snack, get comfortable, share your story, and learn from someone else's. We will meet in the library.
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The Athens Area Emergency Food Bank needs
pork and beans, sweet peas, and Saltine crackers.
Please help us fill the Little Red Wagon!
Volunteers are requested to help with the Athens Area Emergency Food Bank. Our work includes logging recent donations and/or filling bags for recipients to pick up. Minimal lifting is required. Training is provided. Hours are from 9-1 but the work is usually completed in 2-3 hours. The upcoming dates are August 31 and September 21. To sign up or request additional information please contact Belita Gordon
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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
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Ongoing Services/Meeting Opportunities
Parish community offerings
Holy Eucharist and Healing Service Please join us on Wednesday evenings at 6PM in the sanctuary for eucharist and prayers for healing.
Meditation Group Missy Hamlin leads a meditation group in the library from 5-5:45PM on Tuesdays.
Weekly Community Supper We’re back!! Weekly Community Suppers will now be on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month, beginning Weds., September 16 @ 6:30pm. October dates are Oct 7th & Oct 21st. During Advent/Lent seasons when there may be a group study/program on Wednesdays, we will revert to weekly community suppers while the program is happening.
Room at the Table Welcome to Room at the Table. Single, married, partnered, employed, free-wheeling, joy-loving...all are invited! If you want to take time and get to know more about me and other siblings from our church, over a good meal, if you want to share stories and laughter, join us for lunch! Lunch will be the 4th Friday of the month (Next date: August 28 @ Mannaweenta Restaurant; 1055 Gaines School Rd.) The group will decide on the restaurant for the following month, at each lunch fellowship.
Blindspot Group Our 20s and 30s group meets every Sunday at 6pm for dinner and small group study or other merriment. We also plan a group outing or fun themed night once a month. Newcomers are always welcome! Text or email Jeff Ballance (478.278.3628) for more information and to get added to our group chat!
Ceilidh Service St. Gregory's offers a monthly cèilidh service (pronounced kay-lee) on the 3rd Friday of the month (except during Lent). 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 Parish Hall at 6:30PM. There is also a band, led by Luc Nelson-Alexander, that provides a mixture of folk songs, contemporary Christian music, and traditional hymns. Contact Lillian Ballance with any questions. Next service: Sept. 18.
*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 Thursdays 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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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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