RespirOpera Company Gala

Former St. Gregory's Choir Director, Dallas Bono, has started an opera company, RespirOpera Company, which will be having its inaugural gala here at St. Gregory's on Saturday, September 28 at 7PM. Please mark your calendars for a night of opera arias and choruses, followed by a dessert and cash wine bar reception on the patio to help kick off this new addition to the Athens Fine Arts Scene! Your support will help their mission, which is "to unite and inspire through the glories of the human voice, with the goal of making the operatic art form accessible and inclusive for everyone, performers and audiences alike, regardless of race, age, gender, orientation, ability, or socioeconomic status. We strive to educate as well as entertain; to open doors and hearts; and to celebrate the power of music." Ticket prices for the Gala are $15/adult; $10/children & students, cash or check only at the door or online here with the option also to donate, even if you're not able to attend the event! If you'd prefer to write a check, they should be made out to "Fractured Atlas" with "Spear and Magic Helmet, Inc./RespirOpera" in the memo line.

Vestry Nominations

It's time to consider running for the vestry. The nominating committee is busy searching for new leadership for our parish. We welcome your nominations (self nominations are perfectly fine). We are looking for people who want to gain a deeper understanding of the parish-how it runs, and who want to deepen their spiritual growth. The vestry can do all that. Under Mo. Nikki's leadership, the vestry works as a strong, cohesive team. We meet monthly. Each vestry member serves as a liaison to one committee. The work is rewarding and enriching. As vestry members we often rotate committees so you can learn more about the different ministries of the church. Come join us! If you think you have an interest, please contact either Mo. Nikki or any vestry member. Thank you for your dedication and love of St. Gregory the Great.

Nominating Committee:

Joan Curtis, Lois Alworth, Mason Somerville, Katie Reinberger

Help Needed!

Kendall is looking for some “hosts” that are needed during our scheduled photography days on Sept. 25-28. The host’s role is to greet the individual/family and have them fill out an information card before their photo. Other duties especially needed is locking up after they’re done for the day (after 9PM on Wednesday through Friday). Hosts are asked to sign up for 1 to 2-hour time slots. Please see sign-up sheet in the narthex!

FEAST

Consider signing up to join Covenant Presbyterian Church, Milledge Avenue Baptist Church, and UGA Christian Campus Fellowship members distribute food to our neighbors in the Athens community. Expect to spend 1.5 - 2 hours standing behind a table inside handing out food to a wide variety of grateful people. This is a simple yet important and fulfilling way to help others! Location: Covenant Presbyterian, 1065 Gaines School Rd. Park at next door shopping center. To sign up or for more information: Contact Jenifer Marquardt.

A Special Good-Bye to a Special Friend of St. Gregory's

It is with sadness that we notify the parish that Rev. Mike Freeman has decided to fully retire. He has served us many times in the past when we were without a rector. We will miss his practical sermons and his delightful personality. But, we understand. He needs to spend time with his friends and family.

As a special tribute to Fr. Mike for all he did for St. Gregorys during our difficult transition, we asked our artists to create cards. Each of you will have a chance to sign the cards and share your memories of Fr. Mike's contribution to our parish. Those cards will be out beginning September 15- September 22 in the Christian Education building.

Fr. Mike shepherded us through the tough times before Mo. Nikki arrived. He kept our spirits up and helped us prepare for the new beginnings ahead. We could never have managed to so successfully make the transition without him. He will be missed by many in our parish. We hope that he might make the drive from Gainesville some Sunday morning and join us in our worship.

Let him know how much he meant to us! Come sign the cards and leave Fr. Mike a special message.