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CANTICLE FOR GEORGIA
by the Youth of St. Greg's
O give thanks to our God who is good:
whose love endures forever.
The Sun and Moon and Milky Way:
give to our God your thanks and praise.
Sunrise and sunset, night and day:
give to our God your thanks and praise.
Ol' Appalachia, rivers and waterfalls, forests and fields, islands and marsh:
give to our God your thanks and praise.
You pines and oaks, palms and cypress, echinacea and goldenrod, Spanish moss:
give to our God your thanks and praise.
Crawfish, alligators, salamanders, frogs, river otters, catfish, shrimp, sea turtles:
give to our God your thanks and praise.
Deer, squirrels, snakes, cicadas, vultures, cardinals:
give to our God your thanks and praise.
You Georgians of all genders, races, origins, and beliefs from the Peach State, the Land of Waffle House:
give to our God your thanks and praise.
All you saints and martyrs of the South(east):
give to our God your thanks and praise!
Adapted from the Benedicite Aotearoa in A New Zealand Prayer Book by St Greg's Youth Sunday School on Creation Care Sunday, during our lesson asking What is Creation?
We began from the vantage of Voyager 1's image of the "Pale Blue Dot" and our common origin as "star stuff." As Ron Balthazor reminded us in his sermon, we are dust, water, and the breath of the Holy Spirit, and in this way all of creation is our kin. We reexamined the creation stories in Genesis through this lens and asked what it means for God's call to us to "till it and keep it." (Genesis 2:15, NRSVUE)
We heard from Māori voices, the Indigenous Polynesian people of Aotearoa (New Zealand), about kaitiakitanga, their holistic cultural principle of guardianship and protection for the land and its resources. One speaker in a video pointed out that the first step is simply noticing the creation around us: paying reverent attention to the features of the land and the cycles and relationships of life, which teaches us how to tend it.
And so we studied the Benedicite Aotearoa in A New Zealand Prayer Book, then adapted it to our landscape. What do we notice and love in the creation around us? How does seeing the landscape, plants, and animals as kin change the way we relate to them? This Canticle was the result - and we hope you denizens of the Land of Waffle House can join us in rejoicing in the splendor of Creation!
Peace,
Jeff Ballance 💟
Youth Minister
St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church 🕊️
| | There will be no nursery available this Sunday, October 11 | |
Finance Committee Meeting
Our monthly meeting will take place at the Christian Education Building after the 10:30AM service on Sunday, Oct. 11. All are welcome to attend! For any questions or concerns, please reach out to Everett Krause.
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Classic City Band Concert
The Classic City Band will perform its Fall concert on Sunday, October 11, at 3PM in Hodgson Hall at UGA's Performing Arts Center.
Titled "Tapestry", the free concert will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the band by including music from the Classic City Band's first concert, as well as its Carnegie Hall debut earlier this summer. Featuring music by Michael Kamen, Richard Wagner, Samuel Barber, William Schuman, Aaron Copland, Jerry Bock, John Williams, and John Philip Sousa, this program will have you humming tunes for days.
Come on out and support the history and heritage of Georgia's oldest continuously-operating community band!
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Looking for new Parish Life and Ceilidh leadership
Dear fellow Gregorians,
Since Jeff took on the role of Youth Minister this summer, our family's calendar has been lovingly filled through year's end and beyond with Youth Sunday School, EYC, Confirmation, and Blindspot activities, on top of both of our demanding full-time jobs. With that in mind, I am stepping down from my roles as head of the Parish Life Committee and facilitator of the Ceilidh service so that our family can find a sustainable rhythm with our full presence for the community and each other.
It's been a joy to serve our community in these roles, and we are so thankful for these two ministries and the people that support them. We're now looking for someone to take on each of these roles:
• Head of the Parish Life Committee (perhaps 2 co-chairs)
• Leader of Ceilidh Service
Please note that the Ceilidh service will be on hiatus until a new facilitator is found and will not happen in October.
If you're interested in either role, or just want to learn more about what they involve, please reach out to me at lillianbh@gmail.com.
With love and gratitude,
Lillian Ballance ☮️
| | Last week's Creation Care Fair and Blessing of the Animals! | |
Halloweenie Roast!
Join us for a Fall Festival on Friday, October 30: Crafts and Games start at 4:30PM. Dinner at 6PM, followed by Spooky Saints Stories for All Hallows Eve! All are welcome; costumes encouraged; fun is mandatory. We’re inviting our neighborhood! Help us give a good welcome by signing to contribute food, candy or firewood, or volunteer to help with one of our tables. Sign up in the narthex or here.
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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: 100 units; $354,419
Peace and blessings,
Stewardship Committee
*Total giving = Sunday in-person giving + previous week's online giving
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| October 4, 2026 | October 5, 2025 | | Attendance | 119 | 137 | | Total Giving* | $10,545 | $19,213 | | |
Family Promise
Our last Family Promise week this year is October 11-17. We are grateful for this opportunity to serve the homeless. The needs of the families in shelter are:
1) gift cards or donations are complete, thank you!
2) hygiene supplies like deodorant, toothpaste, etc. and cleaning products;
3) meals if other partner churches can't supply them, further info will be given if needed. Contact Annette Bates for more info, 706-255-5839. Thank you for helping us fulfill this commitment to some of our local homeless!
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BARNETT SHOALS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2026 CLOTHING DRIVE
It’s time again for the annual parish-wide drive, sponsored by your Outreach Committee, to help our neighbor, Barnett Shoals Elementary School, provide students with items they need to attend and succeed in school. Because you have done such an amazing job in previous years of outfitting Clothes Closets for these student, their list of requests is a little different this year. Please note that the school DOES NOT NEED: shirts of any type, pajamas, socks, sweaters or jackets or any clothing not suitable for school.
PRIORITY ITEM: SHORTS/ PANTS- All sizes, but especially youth sizes 4-12/14. Easy-wear items, such as elastic waist shorts, leggings, and athletic pants for boys and girls are desperately needed!
OTHER NEEDS: UNDERWEAR - Boys and Girls sizes 4-16 (XS-XL). Sports bras or tank tops with built-in support, in a variety of sizes, are also needed.
Like-new closed-toe athletic SHOES between the sizes of little kids’ 9-12.
Unopened, full-size (not Travel-size) TOILETRY ITEMS, such as soap, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo (especially for curls and coils), etc.
Extra, unused, disposable DIAPERS & PULL-UPS for children. Does not have to be a full, unopened package. Extras are welcome.
ALARM CLOCKS - Basic, electric with backup battery. Available at Walmart (for example) for approximately $12. The school gets many requests for these to help students get to school on time.
Donations will be collected from October 4 through November 1 in the boxes located in the lobby of the Parrish Hall. If you have any questions, please contact Gail Eilers. Thank you, in advance, for your support and amazing generosity.
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Card Ministry Call for Art!
The Card Ministry is seeking new artwork for the 2027 year cards. If you would like to submit a work of art for a card please send a scanned photograph to Jenifer Borg
Your artwork can be in any medium; paint, collage, drawing, or photography.
Categories are 70 and over birthdays, 18 and under birthdays, congratulations, sympathy, get well or encouragement, and thank you.
Images should not reference gender or race. JPG files are best.
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Please register for this workshop (tinyurl.com/detention101026) to be held on Saturday, October 10, from 9AM - 12 noon with Amilcar Valencia, executive director of El Refugio Ministry/Detention Watch Network Organizer, sponsored by the Interfaith Sanctuary Coalition (ISC) and the Interfaith Clergy Partnership of Greater Athens (ICPGA). You will receive location information after registering.
Goals:
· To view the current immigration detention landscape through the lens of US history.
· To build a shared analysis of the carceral system and articulate why it needs to be abolished.
· To introduce ways that communities can organize against detention.
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The LGBTQ+ Commission of the Diocese of Atlanta wants to see you at Atlanta Pride! On October 11, thousands will gather in Atlanta to celebrate Pride, and we want you to walk with our group. Lunch is provided. Please register to walk here.
- Date: Sunday, October 11
- Time: 11:30a arrival and the Parade begins at 12p
We also need help decorating our float for the Parade. Volunteers will gather at St. Luke's Atlanta on Saturday, October 10, to decorate the float. Lunch is provided. Please register as a volunteer here. Volunteers will receive a follow up email with additional information.
- Date: Saturday, October 10
- Time: 8a-1p
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St Greg's Youth (6th-12th Grades) have the following activities planned:
- Sunday, October 11 - Youth Sunday School - 12:00pm-1:30pm, lunch provided 📙
- October 16-18 - Happening @ Camp Mikell 🕯️- for High School Students
- Tuesday, October 20 -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.
| | The sign-up links for the next 3 months for acolytes, readers, and EMs are below! | |
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 : October 19 & November 16. To sign up or request additional information please contact Belita Gordon
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a kindly practice
remembering
another’s name
for some is just
an easy game
but members new
and members old
can soon forget
names they are told
yet written names
weekly displayed
are for many
a useful aid
to help each one
of our church fold
please dare to wear
your name tag bold
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. 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: October 23). 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!
*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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