Grace: It's Our Way of Life
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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?
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150th Anniversary
Firsts for women of Grace
By Catherine Turnbull
At the beginning of this year's ten o'clock Commitment Sunday Service, all the people standing on the altar-Acolyte, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, and Rector- were women. I once remarked that in my short lifetime the fact of an altar full of women had gone from unheard of, to undesirable, through unlikely and all the way to unremarkable. I was curious to do a little delving into Grace Church's history, to see when certain roles that had been closed to women were opened so we, the church, could be more whole.
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Mrs. E.L. Thirlby, Mrs. F.D. Varnum, and Mrs. Bertha Soderberg,
first women elected to vestry, circa 1921
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In the documents I read, women are first mentioned by name after the church had settled on its current site and was being outfitted for proper worship.
In 1899, Mrs. Saylor gave a memorial window, Mrs. K.C. Barnes provided an altar and reredos (the ornamental wall behind it) of quartered oak and Miss Alice Crawford gave a brass altar cross. Also in 1899, Mrs. Morgan of Chicago "donated a Vocalion organ and paid for adding a transept to the church...with a window therein." She also gave the church a carved lectern, click here to continue reading...
Voice of the Vestry
by Kathryn Holl
It was two am when I felt a nudge from our puppy Leo to go outside. I wanted to sleep yet I felt his eyes staring at me. Quietly I walked to the door, not to awaken the household, and stepped outside with him. He walked square to the middle of the front garden and sat down. "Leo" I said "come
 on, what's up?" and he just stared at me. I stepped through the doorway, barefoot, into the garden. I walked over to him and stood. In that moment I looked up. The sky was lit up with millions of stars from horizon to horizon. I stood in awe at God's beautiful creation and universe, grateful for the stir to awaken when usually I sleep.
How often I walk around asleep even in the light of day. I can be so "busy" that I forget to notice the single red cardinal on the hedge row, the lichen formed in a perfect circle on the tree trunk, the way light touches a single leaf or a neighbor's need.
Fall is time for me to awaken to a world God so carefully created. It is time to remember and lovingly steward my many bountiful gifts. I give thanks for the community of Grace.
Music at 10
by Kathy Will, Director of Music and Worship
Our opening hymn this morning is a nod to our Lutheran brothers and sisters who are celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation today. In 1517, Martin Luther, a Catholic priest and composer/author of A Mighty Fortress, nailed a list of discussion questions on the church door - the community bulletin board of that time. The ensuing debate and controversy was one of the catalysts for a religious, political, intellectual and cultural upheaval that splintered Catholic Europe in the 16th century. This schism spread to England where Henry VIII challenged papal authority and questioned the Catholic Church's ability to define Christian practice, resulting in the Church of England, our Anglican ancestors.
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A Grateful Harvest
There is still time to submit your offering
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! If you missed last weekend's services, there is still time to submit your offering. Just drop it by the office, or put it into the mail. 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.
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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...
This year, our delegates are Elizabeth Blondia, Greg Hagan, Donna Olendorf and Jeff Wescott. Our alternates are Rosemary Hagan, Elizabeth Black and George Prewitt. Our interim rector, Kathryn Costas, will also attend on our behalf. Please hold the convention and our delegation in your prayers.
Honoring our Saints Nov. 4 and 5
On All Saints weekend we will honor those who have died in the last year during our services . If you would like to have a loved one's name included, please contact the office by Tues., Oct. 31st.
All Saints Tea on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 6pm
Join us in the parish hall after the 5pm service for our annual All Saints High Tea.
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Regular Weekly Worship Schedule
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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
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Lectionary Readings
& Daily Prayer
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This 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
Next Weekend's Readings
All Saints Day
Revelation 7:9-17
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12
Psalm 34 1-10, 22
The Daily Office
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Birthdays
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Morgon Voice
Bob Coulter
Jim Sommerfield
Laura Boydston
Lee Hornberger
Phoebe Walter
Jeanie Rhodes
Cathy Olson
Jeanette Kania
Happy Anniversary
Eric & Amy Mueller
Terry & Kelly Rayment
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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]
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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
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Staff Contact Information
Clergy:
Office:
Parish Administrator:
Administrative Assistant & Outreach Coordinator:
Music:
Music & Worship Director:
Children's Ministry:
Director of Children and Youth Formation:
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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:
- You shop at Oleson's for groceries (liquor sales do not qualify for points)
- 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.
- We submit receipts back to Oleson's
- 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...
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