Grace: It's Our Way of Life
As Episcopal Christians we
  Worship at home daily and together weekly; Study the scriptures, our tradition, and what it means to be a disciple today; Serve our families, our parish, and our world in the name of  Christ. Everything we do is done with an ethic of Welcome because we are only here by Grace.
  Where have you welcomed,  worshiped, studied or served?

150th Anniversary 
Jubilee House - Built on God's love
By Glenda Andrews
Jubilee House Director
 
Jubilee - just the word brings joy to your heart and a smile to your face. When you put this word alongside Bible references where debts are forgiven, you start to understand what Jubilee Ministries are all about here at Grace.
 
In 2004 our sanctuary was too small, so Grace decided to build a larger one. Echoing similar decisions made in the past, Grace chose to stay in the center of town where the needs were the greatest, serving the needs of the poor and those living on the edges of society. The Rev. Ed Emenheiser, rector at that time, felt there should not be a new sanctuary unless there was a new outreach ministry as well. Research was done click here to continue reading...


From the Senior Warden, Clare Andreasson
With great sadness, the vestry has accepted the resignation of vestry member Jeff Tibbits.  Jeff has resigned from the vestry at Grace in response to the Statement from Bishops Against Gun Violence.  As Senior Warden, I have met with Jeff to talk with him about his decision.  He expressed his love for Grace and his appreciation for his time on the vestry.  He also made it clear that his response to the Bishops' statement is for him a stand of conscience and we respect that.  He has been a deeply valued member of the vestry, bringing a prayerful perspective and a wise voice.  He will be greatly missed.  Our prayers and our blessings remain with him.


Thank you from Kathryn
Dear Grace Family,
Thank you! Thank you!  Your out pouring of generosity in preparing the Brown House for my arrival is amazing. Flowers on the table and groceries in the kitchen!  It is a wonderful place to call home.  Thank you to everyone who gave of their time, talent, or treasure! And when I walked into the office, another outpouring of love.  So many cards, gifts, and invitations greeted me!  You all know how to make someone feel very welcome!  Thank you!!  Blessings, Kathryn+



A Grateful Harvest
Join us on Commitment Weekend Oct 21-22
During this "season of plenty", when local farms are reaping their bounty, we ask you to consider the many gifts for which you're thankful.  The gifts that you may commit to sharing in support of Grace and our ongoing efforts to bring God's message and good graces to our church community and community at large.  With your help, it truly will be A Grateful Harvest - one in which we can all share and celebrate!  During each service this weekend we'll bring forward our pledges as a grateful offering to God.  (Stewardship and pledge information is available on the table in the Commons.)



CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
continuing our legacy of leadership
As we continue the celebration of our 150th anniversary, we give thanks for the more than one thousand individuals who have guided Grace Church over the years. Perhaps God is calling you to continue the great chain of Grace leadership. Nominations are open for the Vestry, Diocesan Convention Delegates and Alternates, and next year's Nominating Committee.

Often God doesn't call the equipped; God equips the called! We want our leadership to represent the rich diversity of our parish. To that end we encourage the congregation to nominate candidates they believe are qualified to serve the people of Grace, and we invite interested persons to nominate themselves. We ask that names for consideration be submitted by Nov. 6.

Qualifications are simple but important. Candidates: are baptized adults, faithful  in worship and regular contributors to the support of Grace; love God and demonstrate a commitment to follow the way of Christ; have the ability to work well with others; and have enthusiasm and vitality for this work.

This year's nominating committee includes Maria DiStefano-Post, Mary Pierce, SueKelly and Kate Wood. If you are interested in standing as a candidate for the vestry, a delegate, or the next nominating committee, please contact one of these committee members. If your name is put forward as one whom God may be calling to serve, please give it your prayerful consideration.  Thank you.


Pray and act for Las Vegas
from Bishop Hougland

Follow this link... to read the Bishop's statement in reaction to the violence in Las Vegas, and to learn what you can do.







Helping victims of Hurricanes 

Follow this link... to learn more about how you can help those affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.




Taking the bus to church
As parking becomes more scarce, and winter weather descends upon us, perhaps you would consider taking the bus to church.  BATA is exploring offering a service to bring
people from their door to church each week.  Standard fares apply: $3 each way; or $1.50 each way for those aged 5 and under or 60+, persons with a disability, and students.  Does this sound like something you'd like to know more about?  Please  contact Ellen in the office if you are interested , and Grace will work with BATA to determine how we can participate.  Dial-a-Ride services are always available (from your door to our door).  More information is available at bata.net or 231-941-2324.



Large Print copies of The Book of Common
Prayer are now available in some pews





Kids activity bags could use toy donations
Do you have any small toys that your kids or grandkids are finished with?  We could use them to include in the kids activity bags that help our young ones stay occupied during services.  We have writing materials and books for the bags, but have run quite low on small toys (think matchbox cars, small animals (soft or plastic), small figures, etc.).  Please drop your donations off in the office, and thank you!



Safe Harbor needs Team Leaders, other volunteers
Mark your calendars NOW for Safe Harbor.  Grace will be staffing the new shelter the week of Dec. 2-9, 2017.   Team leaders, meal preparers, overnight volunteers, and evening visitors are needed for the same supervision and hospitality as in all the previous years, just in a new location and in a beautiful new facility on Wellington St. Please call or email Donna Olendorf (586-781-3260) [email protected] to sign up or for more information.













Special treats at Coffee Hour Oct. 22
Ooh la la!  Next Sunday after the 10 am service, Common Good Bakery will provide a sampling of their French pastries for our coffee hour., as a way to introduce themselves to the community.  The bakery is located at 537 W. 14th St.  Join us for something special next weekend!




Office closed Tues. morning, Oct. 24
The office will be closed on Tuesday morning, Oct. 24, from 9:45am to 1:15pm for a short staff retreat.  Please let the office know if you need access to the building during those hours, and we'll make arrangements for you to pick up a key.


Contemplative Prayer Group to start Oct. 29
For six weeks, Spiritual Director Mike Connell will lead the group in a different contemplative practice each week. It is designed to be experiential with some sharing and discussion. There is no charge for participating. An 82 page comprehensive contemplative prayer Guidebook written by Mike will be provided with a donation of $10 to pay for the cost of the printing. If you are interested in participating in the program and would like to reserve a place or have questions, you can direct them to Mike at  [email protected] or 231-929-1049.


Centering Prayer Quiet Day 
Wed., Nov. 1 from 9:00a to 4:30p
Come and join the Centering Prayer Community at Waldheim House on Old Mission Peninsula for a day of rest and silence, centering prayer offerings, Eucharist, a guided meditation and free time to walk in the woods.  It's a day we hold a "space open" to be in the presence of God.  Please call Marilyn Dressel at 929-2575 for more information.


Tour the new Safe Harbor facility 
Nov. 2


Call to Diocesan Convention Nov. 3 and 4
Kalamazoo
Once a year , representatives from each parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan meet in Convention to discuss important issues of governance, cooperation and faith. This is a long and treasured tradition in the Episcopal Church family going back more than 230 years to the infancy of our nation. Details about the 141st Convention are available   by following this link...


Speaking Our Faith: A Day of Sacred Conversation Nov. 17 - 18

Why is it hard to talk about Faith? How do you know it's God? Who is the God we know? How can I talk to others about God when I'm not sure what I believe?
Join The Rev. Dr. Kit Carlson at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Petoskey, on Nov.17 and 18 for this sacred conversation. More information and brochures with registration form are available on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall, under the Study section.



  
  
Regular Weekly Worship Schedule
Monday
Women's Prayer Circle 8:30 am
Tuesday
Morning Prayer 8:15 am
Wednesday
Men's Prayer Group 7:30 am
Simple Eucharist, 10 am
Centering Prayer, 11 am
Thursday
Evening Prayer 6 pm
Saturday
Holy Eucharist, 5 pm
Sunday
Holy Eucharist, 8 am & 10 am


Lectionary Readings
& Daily Prayer


       This Weekend's Readings
The Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost
Exodus 33:12-23
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Matthew 22:15-22
Psalm 99

open bible 

       Next Weekend's Readings
The Twenty First Sunday After Pentecost
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Matthew 22:34-46
Psalm 90 1-6, 13-17

  The Lectionary Readings

The Daily Office

Birthdays
Rein Bruining
Sue Campbell
Don Oldenburg
Glen Schubert
Bonnie Hulce
Katie Julian
Kristin St. Hilaire
Claudia Pfeiffelman

Happy Anniversary

Dick & Marje Rosa

 
Prayer Lists
Did you know Grace has 2 prayer lists?  
* To be added to the prayer list found in the bulletin contact

** If you would like to be added to the Daughters of the King (DOK) prayer list and be prayed for daily,contact Penny Campo-Pierce at 231-946-1224 or [email protected]

                   Contact Us 
341 Washington St.,
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone 947-2330;  Fax 947-3011
Website www.gracetc.org

For Pastoral Emergencies
Call the church office 231-947-2330

   Staff Contact Information

Clergy:

Office:
Parish Administrator: 

Administrative Assistant & Outreach Coordinator:

Music:
Music & Worship Director: 

Children's Ministry:
Director of Children and Youth Formation: 


What's Happening at Grace?



What's Happening in our Diocese?



Turn in your Oleson's receipts to benefit the Grace Food Pantry!



Oleson's Community Share Program

Here's how it works:
  1. You shop at Oleson's for groceries (liquor sales do not qualify for points)
  2. Turn in your receipts to the church.  Look for the envelope on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall, and place your receipts inside it.
  3. We submit receipts back to Oleson's
  4. We are granted cash rewards for the food pantry ($1 spent on groceries = 1 cent in Community Share points)

For every $5000 in receipts we submit, we receive $50 in cash for our food pantry.  Every little bit helps!

 

Thank you for participating!

 

Click here to learn more... 

 



Buy from Amazon?  
Help Grace Church!

Did you know Grace Church is part of the Amazon Smile program? We ask you to consider supporting Grace Church through this program. It doesn't take more than a minute to register, then eligible purchases will benefit Grace Church.  Follow this link to learn more...