Dear St. Timothy Folks,

October 2026 will be a busy month. On Saturday, October 3rd, we will have our Blessing of the Pets at 12 noon in the church playground (or in the Parish Hall if it rains). Sunday, October 4th, is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. He believed that nature itself was the mirror of God. He called all creatures his “brothers” and “sisters”, and even preached to the birds. Pets need to be leashed, crated, or appropriately contained. If your pets aren’t comfortable in crowds, you can bring a picture of them to be blessed, and stuffed animals are also welcome to be blessed. The liturgy takes about 15 minutes depending on the number of critters. We’ll hand out snacks and treats. Please invite friends and neighbors, also!

On Sunday, October 4th, in place of our usual First Sunday Brunch, we will have our Parish Picnic at Salacoa State Park from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. If the weather isn’t cooperative, please check Facebook and your email for an update.

October is the beginning of Stewardship season. We exercise Stewardship in many ways throughout the year, but this is the time of year when we prayerfully consider our pledges of time, talent, and treasure for the coming year. Expect a letter and an enclosed pledge card later this month. The ingathering and blessing of pledges will take place in November. In this time, please also consider how you might offer your time and talent to one of the committees or ministries at St. Timothy’s, or in the wider community of Calhoun and Gordon County.

Looking ahead to November, All Saints Sunday falls on November 1st this year, the actual Feast of All Saints. It is our tradition to remember family and friends who have passed away since last November 1st. A sign-up list will be available later in October, or you can email the office. All Saints is also a baptismal day, so if you or a family member wish to be baptized , please speak to me.

We are also looking ahead to the Diocese of Atlanta Annual Council. This year it will take place at the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta on Friday, Nov.6 (all day) and Saturday morning, Nov. 7. Our delegates this year will be Richard Shaw and Kelli De Guire, but we have a spot open for an alternate Saturday morning, when Kelli can’t be there. Please speak to Susan Skaggs or to me if you are interested.

Wonderful things are happening at St. Timothy’s – join in!

Blessings,

Rev. Linda +