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 three passengers (which then requires two cars for pickup when all four 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), tamaralbowman@me.com
Confirmation Classes Begin September 20
Our next round of confirmation classes starts Sunday, September 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 (stgregathensyouth@gmail.com) or Mother Nikki (rector@stgregoryathens.org.)
Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month
September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. Research has shown that increasing awareness and understanding of suicide helps create stronger, more compassionate communities that support mental wellness and can play an important role in preventing future tragedies (NAMI, 2018). St. Gregory’s has a several events planned through the month of September as we come together to learn and encourage one another in the beloved community. All are invited and all are welcome!
St. Gregory’s Community Wall of Encouragement—displayed in the Parish Hall throughout September. Help us create a wall of hope by sharing anonymous words of encouragement! Write an uplifting message, favorite quote, prayer, gratitude, or self-care tip that has helped you through difficult seasons. Sticky notes and pens will be available at the display wall throughout the month. We invite you to add your own messages - you never know who may be uplifted by your kindness, wisdom, or hopeful perspective.
9/8 Day Observance will take place on September 9 in the Parish Hall from 6:00-9:00 PM. Learn more about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline following the healing service and the many resources available to support mental health. Informational materials will be available and the labyrinth will be open.
Suicide Prevention Vigil September 11, 6:00 PM in the Sanctuary. We want to honor this day of remembrance. Beginning at 6:00pm, we will gather together to support one another. Music, art and poetry have been carefully chosen to honor both grief and hope.
Nuçi’s Space Informational Display September 13 in the Christian Education Building Come hear about our local non-profit from representative Abagail Finley in between services during coffee hour. Stop by during and after the 10:30am service to ask her questions and and welcome her to St. Greg's!
QPR Training Class September 15 in the Parish Hall. Become a gatekeeper and receive official QPR certification in this class offering by Nuçis Space! Scan the QR Code to sign up.
You are not alone. If you or a loved one is experiencing crisis, please reach out to a trusted friend/loved one or use these 24/7 resources:
Georgia Crisis Access Line 1-800-715-4225
Nationwide Crisis text Line: 988
Help for Our Homeless Students: July 19 - August 14
For the last several years, the Clarke County School System has served its homeless students through the federally-funded McKinney-Vento Program. While these funds have helped ensure that homeless students receive the same school supplies and other services provided for all students, there are many needs unique to this population that federal dollars won’t fund. For example, homeless students and their families often need clothes, food, personal hygiene items and help with transportation that are difficult to anticipate and plan for and are not on the list of items approved for federal expenditures.
Last year, St. Gregory's Outreach Committee spearheaded a Gift Card Drive to help address these often unmet needs among Clarke County’s homeless students. Thanks to your never-failing generosity, last August, we contributed 230 Walmart gift cards, totaling $4,420 in value, to this program. According to Ms. Chrystal Gillis, Director of Social Work for the Clarke County School District, “These cards were instrumental in supporting 20 unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness by providing access to food, clothing, hygiene, and other necessities. This subgroup of youth is at greater risk because they are experiencing homelessness while not being in the physical custody of a parent/guardian.”
Not surprisingly, the School District has asked for our help again this year. Specifically, we are again seeking donations from our parishioners of $10 and $20 Walmart gift cards. In addition, this year, the Homeless Program has also identified the need for Uber and Lyft gift cards to help some of the students with transportation to and from work. We will collect all gift cards beginning July 19 through Friday, August 14. Please donate only $10 and $20 Walmart cards. Uber and Lyft cards in any denomination are welcome and may be purchased from Target, Best Buy, CVS and other stores that sell gift cards. IN ALL CASES, PLEASE CLEARLY IDENTIFY THE VALUE(S) OF THE CARDS YOU ARE DONATING.
You may hand your donations to Gail Eilers on Sunday mornings through August 9 or leave them with Kendall, our Parish Administrator, through Friday, August 14. If you have any questions, please contact Gail at eilersgail@gmail.com or 904-333-8996. Thank you, in advance, for your amazing generosity.
Volunteer Opportunity: Athens Area Emergency Food Bank
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 May 18, June 15, & June 29. To sign up or request additional information please contact Belita Gordon by email or by text 706-255-8707.
Family Promise: June 7-13
Our next Family Promise week is June 7 -13. Here are the current needs of the families in shelter we will be serving that week: 1) Four gift cards to Kroger or Walmart. Visa cards are fine too. Or you can give cash to Annette and she will buy them. 2) Hygiene supplies including baby wipes as the families have young children and one mom just had her baby two weeks ago. Boxes are in the parish hall and the narthex. 3) If you have any used clean still good towels and sheets, that's always helpful. Thank you all in advance for your generosity! This work is so important in our community. Please contact Annette Bates with questions by text or phone, 706-255-5839.