Grace-Calvary Episcopal Church in Clarkesville has added a third worship service for the fall. According to Fr. Sam Buice, priest-in-charge, adding a third service and adjusting the format accommodates the growing congregation.
The 8 a.m. service is more contemplative without music. The 9:15 a.m. service is traditional with hymns from the Hymnal 1982 and Lift Every Voice, a collection of African-American hymns and songs. Most of the music at the 9:15 a.m. service is provided by the organ, under the direction of Allen Leach. Christian education is offered for all ages at 10:20 a.m. in St. Julian Hall, located adjacent to the church. The 11:15 a.m. worship service is less formal and family-friendly with more contemporary music provided by the organ and a variety of other instruments.
Buice says he knows many adults enjoy a more contemporary approach to the worship experience, so he doesn’t want the 11:15 a.m. service to be considered “kids only” as children are welcome at any of the service times.
“But, I would say this is not the service for those who are disturbed by a certain degree of chaos as part of their worship experience,” he says. “One of my goals is to teach children how to be in church. More and more of what is written on the subject says it is important that children begin attending the whole service as early as possible. When this happens, the service is always familiar to them…they are at home.”
Holy communion is offered at all three services, Buice says. A nursery is available for the 8 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. services.
Service times are set for the fall season but are subject to adjustment as the church moves forward, he says.
A vibrant Youth program meets the first, third and fifth [if applicable] Wednesday of each month from 6-8 p.m.
For more information, call 706-754-2451, visit grace-calvary.org or Grace-Calvary on Facebook. Grace-Calvary is located at the corner of Wilson and Green streets in Clarkesville.
