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Welcome, Newcomers & Visitors!

Take a quick tour with us and enjoy the many ways St. Gabe's embraces its newcomers.  The experience defies description in terms of its warmth and the gifts of this community.  Read what others have said about their experience.  We will feature a newcomer experience each month.  Come back often and get to know us.

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My Experience at St. Gabe's

I joined St. Gabe's in December, 2011.  I had been to the church on special occasions over the previous year and always marveled at the sheer energy, spirit, and warmth of the parish community.  After I had been there only one time, so many people knew my name before I ever formally met them.  The first service I attended at St. Gabe's was remarkable.  The sharing of Peace in the service was incredible.  People walk around, speak to everyone, amidst handshakes, hugs, and quick conversations.  I had never experienced anything like that and it is one of my favorite things today.  The entire service is quite reverent in a very comfortable way, but the moments of Peace are like a firecracker on some day other than the fourth of July.  They're wonderful and actually reflect the spirit of our parish.  You just have to experience the Peace section of the service.

St. Gabe's has given me many gifts in a very short period of time.  For the first time in my life, I have a place to call home rather than 'church'.  In other words, I don't go to church anymore.  I go 'home' for church and spiritual fulfillment.  I go 'home' to connect with the people I have come to know and love.  I go 'home' to learn more about my faith.  I go 'home' to be with God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit in a completely different way.  The Trinity isn't just on the altar, it's authentically alive in the people of the church and the way they care for one another.

Before St. Gabe's I would have to say I was quite the introvert and very shy.  I seem to have been booted out of my shell by these tender, laughing, and loving people.  I will always be grateful for every experience as a newcomer from the brunch which was great fun, to the Reception at St. Philips as I was received into the Episcopal Church in December.  People from the parish actually took their time to come to the service, to support us all, and to cheer as we passed by upon conclusion of the ceremony.  I had never experienced that either.  The intimacy of the Inquirer's Class is also a gift in and of itself.  I can't say enough about this parish, Fr. Bill, the staff, the vestry and all of the folks who make up my new 'home' for faith and worship.  Thank you all! ~ A New St. Gabriel's Member and Fan.

Newcomers Brunch

This event is hosted here in our parish by Louise Freeman.  Members of our community gather with our newcomers to share a glass of wine, a meal, and fun conversation.  It's a wonderful way to get to know your fellow parishioners, put a name with a face and a voice.  We are so grateful to Louise and her committee for the vitality and spirit of this successful event welcoming our newcomers!

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Inquirer's Class

The Inquirer's Class is a small group setting where participants have an opportunity to explore their faith in the context of their past experience and in light of the many aspects of the Episcopal Church.  Participants have an opportunity to ask questions and share responses in an open, warm, and welcoming environment.  The Inquirer's Class is open to all newcomers and existing parishioners who may want to renew a given aspect of their faith. 

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Get to Know Us!

Visit the Ministries Tab to learn about our various guilds, groups, and ministries.  Visit our Photo Galleries, the Blog, The Rector's Message, and The Deacon's Bench.  Play some music on each page.  Come on along!

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