Sunday 8:00am – Holy Eucharist Rite I
Sunday 10:30am – Holy Eucharist Rite II
2920 Landrum Education Dr. • Oakwood, GA
Current Study Series
Sundays at 9:15am, our Adult Education Class is studying The Apocryphal Jesus: the life and teachings of Jesus you may never have heard before.
Next Steps
Celebrating requires people. So does Sharing God’s Love. We love, serve and connect with people in a lot of ways here and would love to have you join us.
Inquirer's Class
If you’re new on your faith journey, new to the Episcopal Church, or wanting to renew your understanding of it all, the Inquirer’s Class helps you take the first step.
25th Anniversary Sermon
We were blessed to have Marycelis Otero join us on May 21st to help us celebrate our 25th Anniversary. Marycelis began her journey to the priesthood here at St. Gabriel’s and is now serving at Sts. Mary & Martha as she continues that journey. We invited her to preach the sermon on our Anniversary Sunday and are pleased to include it here.
As you know, each week, Fr. Bob pre-records a service for those who can’t attend in person. He did that this week, too, and you can see that video below.
A Letter from Rev. Bill Combs on our 25th Anniversary
Many at St. Gabe’s will remember our former rector, Rev. Bill Combs, who served this church for about eight years up until 2015. We had hoped he could join us for our 25th Anniversary picnic on May 21st, but he was unavailable at that time. He did, however, write a letter of encouragement and congratulations that we are pleased to share here:
May, 2023
My Dear St. Gabriel’s Family
Oh, how I wish I could be with you today as you celebrate a quarter of a century of incarnating the love of God in Oakwood!!!
I think about you frequently, and pray for – and with – you every day. I could not be more grateful for you and your existence. As a somewhat newly minted priest in 2007, you welcomed me into your midst with excitement and joy. We journeyed together for eight years, and that season of my life and ministry will always be precious to me. You taught me so much. You gave me so much. You lived out of a heart that had no limit. In every way you were a people who found, fed, and filled my mind, heart, and spirit. You were and continue to be beloved to me.
So celebrate! Celebrate your 25 years of ministry! Celebrate the loveliness of the life you have lived, and the lives you have transformed! Celebrate the tremendous gift of your warmth and welcome – I have not seen its like before or after our time together! Celebrate the hearts you have opened, the stomachs you have filled, the hands you have consecrated, the spirits you have freed!
And do not be afraid. Christianity as a whole is going through a tremendous challenge, and it affects us all. But do not be afraid. Be yourselves. Be that nourishment. Be that warmth. Be that loving heart that has characterized St. Gabe’s from our very beginning. Be that home where feline and felon, professor and plumber, saint and sinner has found sanctuary, healing, and purpose. Be St. Gabriel’s. That is what our world yearns for beyond all else: a community that incarnates Christ with faith, hope, love, and heart.
Lovingly yours,
Bill
A Note from Fr. Rich Sanders
Our Senior Warden, Regina Grisham, was able to speak to Fr. Rich Sanders in the weeks leading up to our 25th Anniversary. He sent the following message:
Great to hear from you, Regina, and thanks for the invitation! We are moving to Florida the week after next, so we will have our hands full of packing and getting ready for the moving trucks next weekend!
Congratulations to St. Gabriels!
Rich
A Note from Fr. Peter Wallace
We also heard from others who have served at St. Gabe’s over the years, including Fr. Peter who sent the following:
I so wish I could be there, but I am gone that week (next week) for a preaching conference and just cannot make it work. I hope you understand. I send my love and best wishes to all. And Marycelis will be an awesome preacher!
All my best,
Peter+
A Note from Fr. Mike Freeman
We had also hoped to see Fr. Mike but he, too, was unavailable. However, he sent his well-wishes:
Congratulations on the 25th anniversary of the church! Pat and I are traveling and will be out of town that weekend.
Mike
Some Kind Words from Fr. Samuel Porras
Our Senior Warden, Regrina Grisham, also had an opportunity to speak with Fr. Samuel Porras, who headed up a vibrant ministry to the Latin community in Hall County during his time at St. Gabriel’s. He asked that we pass on the following:
He has fond memories of the time he spent at Saint Gabriel’s when he was the priest in charge of the hispanic ministry. He congratulates the church for celebrating 25 years in the Oakwood community.
St. Gabe’s 25th Anniversary Picnic at Success!
On Sunday, May 21st, both old and new friends of St. Gabriel’s gathered to celebrate the church’s 25th Anniversary with a picnic at the church following the 10:30am Rite II Service. Marycelis Otero, who began her journey to the priesthood at St. Gabe’s, preached at our combined worship service. Great food was on hand as was a birthday cake for our church. Here are a few photos from the gathering:
Sheena Lawrence – Memorial Service
The Memorial Service for Sheena Lawrence will be held at Saint Gabriel’s on Saturday, September 9th at 11:00 a.m. This is a change from the original posted date of May 13th. Father Mike Freeman will officiate and will be assisted by Father Bill Combs, Father Bob Fessler and Mother Linda Pineo. Following the service, a reception will be held in the Parish Hall. Refreshments will be provided. Sheena loved Saint Gabriel’s and was an active member until her health deteriorated. We hope you will be able to attend and celebrate Sheena’s life and the contributions she made when she was active.
“Day by Day” Devotions Available
The Day by Day daily devotions for May, June, and July 2023 are available at the church. Be sure to pick up your free copies in the Narthex or Parish Hall. And pick up one for a friend who might benefit from a daily encouragement sometime.
Food Pantry Volunteers Needed
St. Gabriel’s served 29 families during our day at the South Hall Community Food Pantry on Saturday, April 15th. Our next scheduled day to serve is Saturday, May 27, 2023 from 10am – noon. Each time we serve, we provide food to approximately 30 families. We welcome regular volunteers and folks who can only serve occasionally. If you’d like more information or would like to sign up to help on May 27th, please contact Debbie Roszel through the church office at 770-503-7555.
Also, the pantry is having problems getting jelly from their suppliers. They are asking for more donations to supplement the current inventory. Please donate either grape or strawberry jelly and leave in the Parish Hall. Debbie Roszel and/or Jean Waller will take our donation to the pantry. Thank you in advance for your generosity and supporting the pantry!
Ch’Angels in May Benefits the Humane Society of Northeast GA
Ch’Angels is the name of the offering collected by the door as you exit the Sanctuary. Each month, this offering goes to different ministries and organizations supported by our congregation. For the month of May, Ch’Angels benefits the Humane Society of Northeast GA. For 110 years, the Humane Society of Northeast GA has been working to help as many animals in our community as possible. None of their amazing lifesaving work would be possible without the amazing community of adopters, donors, volunteers, advocates, and animal lovers that support their ongoing efforts. St. Gabriel’s has long supported these efforts. For more information about the work this organization is doing, go to HumaneSocietyOfNortheastGeorgia.org.
A Letter from Rev. Bill Combs on our 25th Anniversary
Many at St. Gabe’s will remember our former rector, Rev. Bill Combs, who served this church for about eight years up until 2015. We had hoped he could join us for our 25th Anniversary picnic on May 21st, but he was unavailable at that time. He did, however, write a letter of encouragement and congratulations that we are pleased to share here:
May, 2023
My Dear St. Gabriel’s Family
Oh, how I wish I could be with you today as you celebrate a quarter of a century of incarnating the love of God in Oakwood!!!
I think about you frequently, and pray for – and with – you every day. I could not be more grateful for you and your existence. As a somewhat newly minted priest in 2007, you welcomed me into your midst with excitement and joy. We journeyed together for eight years, and that season of my life and ministry will always be precious to me. You taught me so much. You gave me so much. You lived out of a heart that had no limit. In every way you were a people who found, fed, and filled my mind, heart, and spirit. You were and continue to be beloved to me.
So celebrate! Celebrate your 25 years of ministry! Celebrate the loveliness of the life you have lived, and the lives you have transformed! Celebrate the tremendous gift of your warmth and welcome – I have not seen its like before or after our time together! Celebrate the hearts you have opened, the stomachs you have filled, the hands you have consecrated, the spirits you have freed!
And do not be afraid. Christianity as a whole is going through a tremendous challenge, and it affects us all. But do not be afraid. Be yourselves. Be that nourishment. Be that warmth. Be that loving heart that has characterized St. Gabe’s from our very beginning. Be that home where feline and felon, professor and plumber, saint and sinner has found sanctuary, healing, and purpose. Be St. Gabriel’s. That is what our world yearns for beyond all else: a community that incarnates Christ with faith, hope, love, and heart.
Lovingly yours,
Bill
A Note from Fr. Rich Sanders
Our Senior Warden, Regina Grisham, was able to speak to Fr. Rich Sanders in the weeks leading up to our 25th Anniversary. He sent the following message:
Great to hear from you, Regina, and thanks for the invitation! We are moving to Florida the week after next, so we will have our hands full of packing and getting ready for the moving trucks next weekend!
Congratulations to St. Gabriels!
Rich
A Note from Fr. Peter Wallace
We also heard from others who have served at St. Gabe’s over the years, including Fr. Peter who sent the following:
I so wish I could be there, but I am gone that week (next week) for a preaching conference and just cannot make it work. I hope you understand. I send my love and best wishes to all. And Marycelis will be an awesome preacher!
All my best,
Peter+
A Note from Fr. Mike Freeman
We had also hoped to see Fr. Mike but he, too, was unavailable. However, he sent his well-wishes:
Congratulations on the 25th anniversary of the church! Pat and I are traveling and will be out of town that weekend.
Mike
Some Kind Words from Fr. Samuel Porras
Our Senior Warden, Regrina Grisham, also had an opportunity to speak with Fr. Samuel Porras, who headed up a vibrant ministry to the Latin community in Hall County during his time at St. Gabriel’s. He asked that we pass on the following:
He has fond memories of the time he spent at Saint Gabriel’s when he was the priest in charge of the hispanic ministry. He congratulates the church for celebrating 25 years in the Oakwood community.
St. Gabe’s 25th Anniversary Picnic at Success!
On Sunday, May 21st, both old and new friends of St. Gabriel’s gathered to celebrate the church’s 25th Anniversary with a picnic at the church following the 10:30am Rite II Service. Marycelis Otero, who began her journey to the priesthood at St. Gabe’s, preached at our combined worship service. Great food was on hand as was a birthday cake for our church. Here are a few photos from the gathering:
Sheena Lawrence – Memorial Service
The Memorial Service for Sheena Lawrence will be held at Saint Gabriel’s on Saturday, September 9th at 11:00 a.m. This is a change from the original posted date of May 13th. Father Mike Freeman will officiate and will be assisted by Father Bill Combs, Father Bob Fessler and Mother Linda Pineo. Following the service, a reception will be held in the Parish Hall. Refreshments will be provided. Sheena loved Saint Gabriel’s and was an active member until her health deteriorated. We hope you will be able to attend and celebrate Sheena’s life and the contributions she made when she was active.
“Day by Day” Devotions Available
The Day by Day daily devotions for May, June, and July 2023 are available at the church. Be sure to pick up your free copies in the Narthex or Parish Hall. And pick up one for a friend who might benefit from a daily encouragement sometime.
Food Pantry Volunteers Needed
St. Gabriel’s served 29 families during our day at the South Hall Community Food Pantry on Saturday, April 15th. Our next scheduled day to serve is Saturday, May 27, 2023 from 10am – noon. Each time we serve, we provide food to approximately 30 families. We welcome regular volunteers and folks who can only serve occasionally. If you’d like more information or would like to sign up to help on May 27th, please contact Debbie Roszel through the church office at 770-503-7555.
Also, the pantry is having problems getting jelly from their suppliers. They are asking for more donations to supplement the current inventory. Please donate either grape or strawberry jelly and leave in the Parish Hall. Debbie Roszel and/or Jean Waller will take our donation to the pantry. Thank you in advance for your generosity and supporting the pantry!
Ch’Angels in May Benefits the Humane Society of Northeast GA
Ch’Angels is the name of the offering collected by the door as you exit the Sanctuary. Each month, this offering goes to different ministries and organizations supported by our congregation. For the month of May, Ch’Angels benefits the Humane Society of Northeast GA. For 110 years, the Humane Society of Northeast GA has been working to help as many animals in our community as possible. None of their amazing lifesaving work would be possible without the amazing community of adopters, donors, volunteers, advocates, and animal lovers that support their ongoing efforts. St. Gabriel’s has long supported these efforts. For more information about the work this organization is doing, go to HumaneSocietyOfNortheastGeorgia.org.
Looking Ahead
Here’s What’s Happening This Week
Saturday - May 27
10:00am - 12 Noon - St. Gabriel's serves at
South Hall Community Food Pantry
(Contact Debbie Roszel at the church office for details - 770-503-7555)
Sunday - May 28
Father Bob Celebrates
8:00am - Holy Eucharist Rite I
(includes dialog and discussion of the scriptures)
9:15am - Adult Education
After the New Testament: The Writings of the Apostolic Fathers
10:30am - Holy Eucharist Rite II
Wednesday - May 31
10:00am – Prayer Quilt Meeting
1:00pm – Zoom Lunch Gathering
(Contact church office for Zoom invitation)
6:30pm – Choir Practice
Sunday - June 4
Father Bob Celebrates
8:00am - Holy Eucharist Rite I
(includes dialog and discussion of the scriptures)
9:15am - Adult Education
After the New Testament: The Writings of the Apostolic Fathers
10:30am - Holy Eucharist Rite II
How to Find Us
We’re located off I-985 Exit 17 near the campus of UNG and the Flowers Bakery Store. Click for map.
What if I Need Help or Prayer?
You’ll find welcoming friends here at St. Gabe’s. Click here to let us know how we can help.
Get Connected
Getting connected helps you become part of the St. Gabe’s family! Our Parish Blast is a great place to start. Click to sign up and learn more ways to connect!
What should I expect?
Our worship services follow formats outlined in the Book of Common Prayer. The Holy Eucharist includes the celebration of Holy Communion. Rite I (8:00am) is more traditional, uses older language (thee, thine, etc.) and seldom uses music. Rite II (10:30am) uses more contemporary language (you, your, etc.) and usually is accompanied by hymns and other music from our Music Ministry.
To learn more, click HERE.
Our Mission & Vision
At St. Gabriel’s, our vision and mission is Celebrate and Share the Love of God with EVERYONE … and that includes YOU!
Many people today won’t come through the doors of a church for fear of being judged or criticized. But that’s not the job of the church! There are no perfect people at St. Gabriel’s. If we had to be perfect to come here, the church would be empty week after week. Instead, God created each of us in His image and He wants to have a relationship with us. God, and God alone, is the One who can reform us and refine us and He does that while in relationship with Him. So our role is to celebrate His love and share His love with anyone and everyone and, in the process, introduce them to their loving Heavenly Father, God.
Latest Message
The Day of Pentecost
[May 28, 2023 - Scriptures used in this service:
Acts 2:1-21
Psalm 104:25-35,37
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13
John 20:19-23
[Click here for the scripture text]
Our Mission & Vision
At St. Gabriel’s, our vision and mission is Celebrate and Share the Love of God with EVERYONE … and that includes YOU!
Many people today won’t come through the doors of a church for fear of being judged or criticized. But that’s not the job of the church! There are no perfect people at St. Gabriel’s. If we had to be perfect to come here, the church would be empty week after week. Instead, God created each of us in His image and He wants to have a relationship with us. God, and God alone, is the One who can reform us and refine us and He does that while in relationship with Him. So our role is to celebrate His love and share His love with anyone and everyone and, in the process, introduce them to their loving Heavenly Father, God.
Latest Message
The Day of Pentecost
[May 28, 2023 - Scriptures used in this service:
Acts 2:1-21
Psalm 104:25-35,37
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13
John 20:19-23
[Click here for the scripture text]
Creation . Redemption . Restoration .
Most of us want to figure out who we are, or what our identity is, yet our identity is found in the One who created us: God. Many of us feel our lives are broken, but our lives can be redeemed … by God. And some of us suffer from broken relationships with others and with God, yet restoration is possible, too … by God. Learn about our creative, redemptive and restorative God right here at St.Gabriel’s.
Need Help or Prayer?
Are you hurting? Are you lonely or feeling desperate? Do you need healing?
Psalm 17:6 says, " I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer." God does hear our prayers and we are glad to pray for you. Please enter your prayer request below. If you need some other type of help or care, please let us know that below as well and include a phone number so we have a way to get back in touch with you.
We pray each week as a church family for those on our Prayer List.
If you need assistance from our Benevolence Ministry, please click here.