Mary and Martha Buford

We are excited to make the biggest donation to the South Hall Food Pantry we've given yet. Thank you, loving hands ministry.

Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett, Hall
We will be opening our space today for anyone who would like to use it for prayer. 4346 Ridge Rd Buford- by the corn maze

Thank you for coming to our free event. Children's education matters to us!

Our coffee shop conversations turn to actions! Join us for Cup of Conversation at the Whole Being Cafe! Comment for details.

Our Building Babies' Brains Blog shares a wide variety of topics from expert bloggers! From doctors and educators to parents and Brainy, we have blogs written from all different perspectives regarding early learning and child development.

To check out the blogs written by amazing Building Babies' Brains Bloggers, visit our website--> https://buildingbabiesbrains.com/news-blog/

They are sweet, silly, and have a natural desire to help. God made all of us that way. They are leading the way. Proud of them and all of our children and youth.

Bring the family for some fun!

The church is the people

Tonight!

Encourage reading! Proud to have a lending library for the larger community right here.

Discover the magic of our G.R.E.A.T. Minds Book Exchanges in some of your favorite parks! Help foster a child's love for reading by participating in this interactive community initiative. Simply drop off children's books at a book exchange near you!

These exchanges aren't just about books — they're also a celebration of public art that sparks curiosity in everyone who visits. Join us in nurturing young minds and promoting literacy through art and imagination! Learn more at Bit.ly/B2AInfo.

We raise money for our missional projects and our ribs and butts are award-winning (awarded by ourselves).
https://www.smmbuford.org/give

Let your prayers say thank You.

Let your child be a kid- a compassionate kid! All are welcome. Free and lunch included!

Shared this story at church today:

2023
· May 17th - I was notified that my position was eliminated
· May 20th - My birthday
· May 22nd – 1st Interview with Company A
· May 24th – 2nd Interview with Company A & 1st Interview with Company B
· June 2nd – 3rd Interview for Company A
· June 6th – 2 more new interviews (Company C and D)
· June 8th – 4th Interview with Company A
· June 22nd – 5th Interview with Company A
· June 25th - We said goodbye to our beloved French Bulldog Sky
· June 28th – After 5 interviews with Company A - REJECTED
· July 10th - Checked in with Rev. Laura, Priest in Charge, about volunteering once my daughter started school
· August - My daughter started school and my volunteering journey at St. Mary and St. Martha (SMMB) began
· I spent the Summer helping with the Grow 2 Be garden (G2B)
Thinking of all of the possibilities; selling Holy Honey from the hives, you pick blueberries, community gardening, etc...I found myself using my HR expertise as well; creating an organizational chart for G2B as well as accompanying Job Descriptions and recruitment of volunteers.
· September – Interviews with Company E and F
· October – Interviews with Company G and H
· December – 2 Interviews with Company I
· January 4th – Changes in the office at SMMB required I step into a Parish Admin/Treasurer role
· January - 4 Interviews with Company J, 1 with Company K, L, and M
· January/February – 4 Interviews with Company N
· February – After 4 interviews with Company J - REJECTED
· February – After 4 interviews with Company N - REJECTED
· March – 3 New Interviews with Company O, P, and Q
· April 3rd – Interviewed for a new position with one of the previous companies
· April 11th – Onsite interview
· April 13th – We rescue our beautiful English Bulldog, Lola!
· April 15th – SMMB hires a Parish Admin and I receive a Job Offer!
The above things are what happened to me in the last year. But the following is the constant that entire time:
· I left my future in God’s hands
· I had a deep sense of calm (most of the time)
· I did have moments when I freaked out but I reminded myself that the Holy Spirit was with me and this was all in God’s hands
· I always knew the Holy Spirit would give me what I needed even if it wasn’t what I wanted
· I embraced the time I had to volunteer, spend time with my family, and be untethered (huge for someone that has been working since I was a teen)
· I opened myself up to different things
o I opened a booth at the Painted Tree
o I became a substitute teaching
o I explored obtaining an Early childhood certification
o I thought of opening a daycare, or a non-profit
o I allowed myself to be entrepreneurial
And after trusting in the Holy Spirit completely, letting go, and speaking with 17 Companies and 28 interviews I landed a great job.

Thanks for reading, Lina

We are made for connection. Honored to partner with this impactful group.

What do volleyball and parenting have in common? Check out our newest blog to learn about the "serves" children use to connect with us, written by Beth Collums, a Trained Child & Family and Therapist Atlanta-based writer!

https://buildingbabiesbrains.com/learning-begins-with-serve-and-return/

Join us at Grow2B for a garden blessing and give aways on Sunday at 11:45. We're grateful to partner with creation!

Compassion is a universal virtue. You do not have to go to church to feel it and give it. Share your children with us this summer!

What.a.sermon.

Parish visit to Sts. Mary & Martha of Bethany in Buford today! We got to share some stories of how our youth are leading and growing our diocesan community. Thank you so much for having us!

Easter and Spring go together! Thinking of dipping your toe back into church? Join us for a light walk! Email [email protected] for details. A day of fun and no pressure...

Good words for today, BEAUTIFUL music, and the starkness of the story. The hope is in the people-you.