Beloved in Christ,

 

This past weekend marked my one-month anniversary as Rector of Grace Episcopal Church, Martinez, and what a month it has been!  My family and I have been warmly welcomed into this generous and loving community in so many ways.  It has been my joy to learn about all of the wonderful programs and projects at Grace and to worship regularly with you.  

 

Now, following five weeks of preparation we are approaching the most important day on the church calendar: our celebration of the resurrection of Jesus the Christ.  When asked about my favorite holiday, I have always identified Easter for its sweetness, fellowship, and the outburst of JOY that I feel when singing, praying, and celebrating in Christian community the astonishing free blessing of salvation given to us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

 

For many of us, Easter is a time of welcome, when family members who do not see each other often have the opportunity to renew relationships and new friends get to know one another better.  It is also a time to consider what it means to each of us to identify ourselves as "Christian," and to think about how what we believe translates into how we act in the world.  In the words of Presiding Bishop The Most Reverend Michael Curry:

 

"Jesus ... [came] to show us, that God has another way. That violence

is not the way. That hatred is not the way. That brute force and brutality

are not the way. Jesus came to show us there is another way.

The way of unselfish, sacrificial love."

 

Grace Episcopal Church is a community based in our gratitude for that tremendous love and a mutual desire to share it with others.  I would like to invite you to journey with me toward our Easter celebration of that sacrificial love by participating in all of our Holy Week services as we prepare ourselves for the celebration of Easter, and to please consider making a deeper connection to the parish through a donation of time, talent, and/or treasure. I hope to see you often during and beyond the season of Easter.

 

Faithfully yours,

Rev. Deb

DioBytes is the weekly e-newsletter published by DioCal. It contains great information on trainings, events, and activities throughout the diocese. It's a great (and easy) way to get to know what our sisters and brothers are up to and to get involved. Right now, the Diocesan Communications Working Group is currently campaigning to get more subscribers to help better connect congregant across the diocese to local news and events, and with both the bishop and other ministries and congregations. Simultaineoulsy, new subscribers will help raise funds for the DioCal camps because The Diocese of California is currently pledging $1 to their camp properties at The Bishop's Ranch and St. Dorothy's Rest each time they get a new signup for their weekly newsletter, DioBytes. They will keep giving until they reach their goal of 500 new subscribers by June 7. If you're already a subscriber, please share this with a friend or anyone you think would enjoy reading the latest news and events from the Diocese of California! Only one sign-up per person allowed. Sign up at: http://eepurl.com/b_L8ZX

If you enjoyed spending time with The Count on Sesame Street, then we have an excellent opportunity for you. Grace needs parishioners to assist with the job of counting our offerings each week. This is a necessary and important job because the national church requires all parishes to have the offerings counted by two people. The only requirement is the ability to count and a little bit of patience to learn the process. If you are interested, please let either Jennifer or Rev. Deb know by calling or emailing the Parish Office at 925-228-6574 or info@gracechurchmtz.org. Many thanks in advance for your willingness to help!

When : Saturday, April 29, 11:30am-2:00pm

The ladies of Grace have planned a delightful Saturday afternoon. Lunch will include assorted salads, roll, dessert, and coffee/tea. The Fashion Show will feature ensembles from dressbarn®. There will be a variety of items and theme baskets for the Raffle drawings. A beautiful, vintage table linen set will be on display for sale.

When : Sunday, May 7, 12noon-4pm

In its sixth year, this is a family and fellowship fun event. We hope you will be able to join us and bring your friends along. Play on a team or be a cheerleader for the competition.  Burgers (meat and veggie), hot dogs, buns and condiments are provided. Side dishes and desserts are potluck, so if you are able, please bring something to share.