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Dearly Beloveds,
Votes are still being counted in some races, but by and large, the election season is mostly at a close. As with any election cycle as of late, this leaves many people in our communities either giddy with joy or devastated and in pain. Online and in communal spaces, the behavior mimics that of those routing for a particular team, and sometimes treating those on the so-called 'losing' side with disdain. But God's folk are asked to be different, to 'weep with those who weep, and rejoice with those who rejoice' (Romans 12:15). Meaning that in the Beloved Community, there is room (and dignity) for all, regardless of political affiliation. With that in mind, I thought it might be good for those who haven't already done so, to give this most recent episode of Bishop Robert Wright's For People a listen. So here we go:
Neighborliness with Erle Newton III and Kelley Dial
October 30, 2026• Bishop Rob Wright• Episode 323
Political life can feel like a constant pressure to pick a side, assume the worst, and speak with total certainty. But God calls us to find common ground in a divided world; to love our neighbors as ourselves.
In this episode, just days before the midterm elections, Bishop Wright has a conversation with Erle Newton III, District Attorney for Bartow and Gordon Counties, and Kelley Dial, Chief Assistant Public Defender for the same circuit. While their work often places them on opposite sides of the courtroom, they share a deep friendship, a common faith, and leadership roles at Church of the Ascension in Cartersville, Georgia.
Together, they explore what it means to disagree without division, pursue justice with humility, and remember that Jesus was political, but not partisan. They discuss how faith shapes their understanding of justice, mercy, and accountability, as well as practical approaches to criminal justice reform through mental health and drug courts.
At a time when political differences too often define our relationships, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that we can hold different perspectives while remaining committed to loving our neighbors. Listen in for the full conversation.
Many Blessings,
Mo. Nikki+
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St. Gregory’s annual meeting will take place on Sunday, Nov. 15. There will be just ONE service that day, at 10AM, followed by fried chicken and potluck lunch (St. G’s will supply chicken and drinks);
please bring a side dish or dessert to share.
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Finance Committee Meeting
Our monthly meeting will take place at the Christian Education Building after the 10:30AM service this Sunday, Nov. 8. All are welcome to attend! For any questions or concerns, please reach out to Everett Krause.
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Room at the Table
Due to the holidays, the next two meetings of Room at the Table will be on Friday, Nov. 13 (@ Golden Sun Chinese next to eastside Walmart) and Dec. 11, location TBD.
Please RSVP to Berni McCranie by the Thursday evening before!
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Thank you!
On November 2, your Outreach Committee delivered the final donations from this year’s Clothing Drive to Barnett Shoals Elementary School. That delivery brought your total contributions for 2026 to: 132 pounds of pants and underwear, 29 pairs of shoes, 25 alarm clocks, and 12 bags of toiletries! Thank you, again, for your generous response to our request for donations and, especially, for your concern for children in need. It is a blessing to be associated with you and your kindness. Thank you.
Your Outreach Committee
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Pollinator Garden
St. Gregory's has been gifted with a new pollinator garden, thanks to Shoal Creek Sanctuary, and their volunteers. John Pickering and his group have put in more than 50 gardens this year, to encourage safe habitat all over Clarke County. The only request is that we take care of it, and do not use weed killers on our property. Grounds committee approved the project. It was put in last week, along the south wall of the sanctuary. Because it is along the wall, we got 40 ft. of plants, instead of 20! The fence is designed to be too narrow for deer to jump in. Come check it out, between the wall, and the blueberry bushes. If you are interested in helping to water, and care for it, contact the Grounds Committee, or Maggie Reinberger, 706-338-1471
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Greening the Sanctuary
Advent is approaching and the flower guild is making plans to “green” our sanctuary. This year we find our creative team quite diminished in number. Please consider joining us on Saturday, Nov. 28 from 10AM-2PM. Just bring your enthusiasm and evergreen branches of all types. We’ll transform the nave!
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Stewardship
The opportunity to pledge your support for our 2027 church budget is still available!
If you are new to St. Gregory and not yet listed in the Family Directory or your Pledge Card has gone missing---you can find Pledge Cards and complete Pledge Packets in the display rack located in the sanctuary narthex -- OR you can pledge online at the St. Gregory website.
Come and join with your church family in making your pledge!
Pledges thus far: 106 units; $373,461
Peace and blessings,
Stewardship Committee
*Total giving = Sunday in-person giving + previous week's online giving
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| November 1, 2026 | November 2, 2025 | | Attendance | 126 | 131 | | Total Giving* | $8,485 | $10,407 | | | |
St Greg's Youth (6th-12th Grades) have the following activities planned:
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Sunday, November 8 - Youth Sunday School - 12:00pm-1:30pm, lunch provided
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📚 "I was a stranger, and you welcomed Me"
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Saturday, November 21 - Meal Prep for El Refugio - see details in upcoming email
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Saturday, November 28 - Greening the Church 🌲- 10am-12pm
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Wednesday, December 2 - EYC Game & Craft Night - 6:30pm-8:30pm, dinner provided 👾🧶🍕
Our email list gets specific details about our events and an expanded calendar, please reach out if you are interested in being added.
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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Seasons of Life
Adult Spiritual Formation will host a special Advent series using poetry to explore the seasons of life. We will meet after the 10:30am service each Sunday of Advent, beginning Nov. 29th, for a simple lunch followed by a discussion of faith at different times in our lives as expressed in poetry.
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The Adult Formation Class will be starting this in Advent.
You’re invited to join the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, and the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia in a journey of reading the Bible together from Advent 2026 through Advent 2027. Watch the video invitation from church leadership here. Learn more on the About page of the website.
The year-long event will begin on the first Sunday of Advent with a shared Bible Reading Plan. Before the daily readings begin, the three denominations will hold a 72-hour joint Miqra reading event. Parishes from all three denominations will host hours of reading the Bible aloud, nonstop from Genesis to Revelation.
Stay connected:
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Adult Sunday School
Adult Discussion Group: (Parish Hall) The Adult Discussion Group will not meet until the first Sunday of Advent when we will begin our year-long read through the Bible using the Walking with the Word program - see above description.
Lectionary Class: (Office #1) This class has been suspended until further notice.
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
Hamburger Helper, canned sweet peas, dried pinto beans
and dried black-eyed peas.
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 : December 21. To sign up or request additional information please contact Belita Gordon
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delight
red and yellow
and orange hue
leaves are falling
on nature’s cue
with abandon
they freely play
on a cloudless
bright sunny day
gliding to rest
upon the ground
then lifting up
to blow around
and spin and dance
then rest ‘till when
another breeze
blows past again
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 Feeling overwhelmed? Take a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself through meditation. Calm your mind and release stress. Boost focus and find clarity. Cultivate peace and positivity. Deepen your spiritual connection. Meditation doesn’t have to be complicated—just 5 minutes a day can transform your life. Missy Hamlin is leading a meditation practice in St. Gregory's church library on Tuesdays from 5-5:45 PM. Anyone is welcome to join!
Community Supper Community Suppers will now be on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month. November dates are November 4th and 18th . 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 except for Nov & Dec, which will be on the 2nd Friday (Next date: November 13 @ Golden Sun Chinese). The group will decide on the restaurant for the following month, at each lunch fellowship. Please RSVP to Berni McCranie the evening before!
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!
*Hebrew Reading meets via Zoom on Wednesdays from 1-3PM. If you're interested, email Joel Hunt for more info!
The St. Gregory short story group meets each first Friday of the month in the education building library. We gather at 7PM and discuss the story of the month out of an anthology we have chosen. Barbara Goodwin is our leader and we take turns bringing drinks and snacks. If you are interested in reading short stories and discussing them please contact Lois Alworth for more information.
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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