Step into Grace
Where strangers become friends
We are an Open and Affirming church. Every one of every age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental ability, or economic status is invited to join us as together we live out the Gospel message of love, forgiveness, service, and justice. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey- you are welcome here.
|
Agape Service
October 25, 2020
10:00 AM
The Rev. Libby Wade
Officiant and Preacher
Lector ...........Anne Andrews
Intercessor....Tom Doy
Responder.... Dindy Anderson
Counters....... Ian Booton, Sarah
Sieber
|
ZOOM INVITATIONS
FOR GRACE CHURCH
Agape Service
October 25, 2020
at 10:00 AM
For Zoom
or call 646 558 8656 US
(New York)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
(Password): 917937
Tuesday Bible Study
resumed Tuesday, September 29, when a new
6-week series began.
or call 646-558-8656
(Meeting ID):
826 0996 0553
(Password): 446609
See article in this edition of Tuesday's Child for more info.
Books and Bread,
November 11, 2020
at 7:00 PM
To join this Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
or call 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Centering Prayer
Thursdays 5:00 PM
This is a recurring meeting
To join this Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 203 314 800
(Password): 578877
646 558 8656 US (New York)
Third Sunday Supper
Every third Sunday
at 6:00 PM
This is a recurring meeting
To join this Zoom meeting
(Meeting ID): 778 608 743
(Password): 729107
646 558 8656 US (New York)
Be safe. Be well. Hope to see you soon.
|
|
The Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
Matthew 22:34-46
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: “What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” He said to them, “How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying,
‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
until I put your enemies under your feet”’?
If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?” No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.
|
All Hail the Power of Jesus Name |
A Message from Libby about worship on 10/25
Following the practice established by the Rev. Dr. Janet Zimmerman during this time of virtual worship, we will celebrate an Agape Service this Sunday. Also known as a "Love Feast," this Christian fellowship meal recalls the meals Jesus shared with disciples during his ministry and provides an expression of community within the family of Christ. Its modern history began with Moravians in the 1700s and was brought to America by the Anglican priest, John Wesley. While an Agape isn't a service of Holy Communion, it is an alternative when a celebration of Holy Communion isn't possible or appropriate. For our Agape celebration this Sunday, you will want to have some form of simple food and drink available -- bread and wine, crackers and juice, cookies and milk, muffins and water, for example. I will officiate this Agape from the Grace Church Chapel.
|
|
|
|
|
In preparation for All Saints, and in keeping with our tradition of remembering those in our lives who have died in the past year in particular, please send a photo to Kathy Clausen (by email if possible). She will compile those photos into a photo slide show which we will view during our service.
|
|
|
We supply this list so you may contact members of our congregation who are at home or in a nursing facility. Please hold in your prayers and reach out as you can.
BLAKELY, Rosemarie
21 Crossway, #108
Lee MA 01238
413-243-0485
BOWENS, Marina
c/o Maryella Satinover
(310) 749-9424 (cell)
11908 Windward Ave.
Mar Vista, CA 90066
310-398-2484
BREASTED, John
Fairview Commons
Cell (413) 854-3977
151 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington MA 01230
413-429-8123
BROOKS, Jane
165 George Street
Lee MA 01230
413-243-3367
CRAWFORD, Ruth
125 Woodland Road
Lee MA 01238
413-243-2575
EDELSTEIN, Richard
LEP, Kimball Farms,
235 Walker Street,
Lenox, MA 01240.
|
|
FRYE, Vonnie
PineHill Assisted Living at Kimball Farms
235 Walker St. Apt #32
Lenox, Ma. 01240
413-637-7432
GORE, Barbara
50 Stockbridge Road
Lee MA 01238
413-243-4261
GRAMMER, John
(413) 258-4212
Fairview Commons
151 Christian Hill Rd,
Great Barrington, MA 01230
413-258-4212
HAIDER, Meredith
5 Fox Hollow Road #409
(814)308-4865
Lenox, MA 01240
413-551-7319
KEENE, Sara
The Egremont Village Inn
17 Main Street
P. O. Box 275
South Egremont, MA 01258
413-528-4152
TURNER, Barbara
(413) 243-8904
130 High Street
Lee MA 01238
413-243-8904
|
|
|
God of abundance and wisdom, you have blessed Grace Church with love and respect for one another and with joy in our community. Help us to discern your will and to be open to your guidance as we seek a new rector for our parish. Grant us the ability to hear your voice as we listen to one another. Give us wisdom and patience, mutual respect, and clarity of vision, that we may choose and receive a priest who serves with warmth and humor, inspiration and faithfulness, and who will lead us where you are calling Grace Church to serve the mission of Jesus in this time and place. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
|
|
In this time of quarantine and physical separation you are
still being prayed for.
If you would like to receive specific healing prayers please contact:
The Rev. Ted Cobden 413-528-2247
Pennie Curry 413-429-7093
Sue Gore 413-243-2273
|
GRACE CHURCH
Please include in your daily prayers this week:
Members of the Parish Family: The Rev. Ted Cobden, Linda White, John Breasted, Edna Leavenworth, George Raymond, Ed Hutchinson; Mimi and Dick Alford, Doreen Hutchinson, Barbara Turner, Pennie Curry, Frank Vogel - Polizzi, Mark Anderson, Elizabeth Holland, Janet Zimmerman, Stacey, Claire and Mark Thomas, Richard Edelstein, Connie Garber, Ruth Crawford, Marcia Doelman, Tom Murray, Paula Doyle, John Grammer, Maureen Terry, Gino Furio, Meredith Haider, Debbie Holmes, Mary Booton, and Vonnie Frye.
Others we love: Aline Bou, niece
of Jim and Libby Wade; Tanner, friend of Sue and Rick Gore; Ed and Fran, brother-in-law and sister of Anne Andrews; Kristen Mary, cousin of Jainee McCarroll; Evie De Melker, daughter of Rev. Ted Cobden; Karen La Rocque, friend of Sue Gore; Donovan Buck, nephew of Pennie Curry; Susan and Dan Gray, Beth Grady, niece of Deborah Holmes; Alice Fitch, Rose Blakely's sister; Fred Bunce, father of Mary Booton; Khali Zabian; Matt Alford, son of Mimi and Dick Alford; Wendy Reeve, sister of Cathy Haywood; Keiron Lee, daughter of Doone Marshall; Anne Peters, Debbie Losaw, daughter of Rosemarie Blakely, Ashley Gangell, Zeke Hills, brother of The Rev. Francie Hills, Jane Williams, John Belizzi, Carole Chapple, Christy Yeo, Cooper O'Brien, Rosalind Haywood, Colonel John Tryon, nephew of Anne Andrews and all who serve our country.
Those who have died: Bill Alford, brother of Dick Alford; Elinor Hamill; Neil Brandt, brother of Linda White; John Turner, husband of Barbara Turner; Leslie Albert, friend of Margaret Layton and Sarah Sieber; Andrew S. Artz, brother-in-law of the Rev. Janet Zimmerman; Kathy Happ, sister of Doug and Gary Happ; Fred Bunce, father of Mary Booton; Marion Chapin Andrews; Chuck De Melker, husband of Evie Cobden De Melker; Locke Larkin, brother-in-law of Maureen Terry; Charles Olegar; Marianne Felch, friend of Janet Zimmerman; Pat Edelstein; Anthony Aiuvalasit, friend of Janet Zimmerman.
Our world: For those who suffer from the COVID-19 virus; for those who have died from this virus and those who mourn; for those who provide care and comfort in this pandemic; for all who suffer from the loss of jobs and income in this time; for all who are anxious about their future and our world; for all who offer time and treasure to support those who need to know love; for all who are alone and all who reach out to care.
The many ministries of our local community and the Diocese of Western Massachusetts:
especially for our partners at St. Paul's, Stockbridge and the Rev. Sam Smith and the Rev. Jane Tillman; Christ Trinity, Sheffield and the Rev. Erik Karas; our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher; and the Mampong Babies' Home in Ghana
The Church's wider mission:
Pray for the Church in Wales The Most Revd John Davies - Archbishop of Wales & Bishop of Swansea & Brecon
And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week:
Carmen Perkins, 10/25.
|
|
Join us for
Centering Prayer ONLINE
every Thursday
5:00 - 6:00
Encouraging a practice of silence and stillness we focus on practices of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina using scripture, art and music. All are welcome.
To join this Zoom meeting
Meeting ID: 203 314 800
Password: 578877
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
|
Video Series Premieres on Saturdays:
Voices of Faith
Sponsored by the Diocesan Vitality Committee, supporting the vitality of congregations across our Diocese, Voices of Faith features lay people from congregations from across Western Massachusetts. The videos will be sent out via email on Saturday mornings. They will be cross-posted on the Diocesan Facebook Page, Twitter feed and and YouTube channel.
The Vitality Committee hopes the videos can lift us out of silos of congregational life, help us deal with social-isolation, and even open us to the broad diversity of our Diocese, and the diversity of experiences that people have with God.
|
A Pastoral Message From Bishop Fisher
September 30, 2020
|
A Pre-Election Prayer
O God, as we approach our November election, so many find ourselves increasingly gripped by fear, distrust and anger. We ask you to help heal our nation from its dangerous divide. We pray that you give us the clarity to see that your Truth manifests in many forms. We pray that you remind us that we are called to love one another, as we are each made in Your image. Guide us in creating an environment of honor and hope, even when--and especially when, we don't see life through the same eyes. Lighten the burdens that have been placed upon us so that we may be bearers of Your light. Bless us with the wholeness of health, the sweetness of faith, the richness of wisdom and the calming coolness of your peace and mercy.
(written by the Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith, Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz, and Imam W. Been Shareef)
|
|
|
Diocesan Compline
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday @ 8:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 824 5008 6637
Passcode: 501604
Dial by phone
+1 929 205 6099
|
|
WHAT ARE YOU
GRATEFUL FOR?
|
In this time of fear and anxiety, it can be easy to miss the daily blessings that are right in front of us. Being grateful is not just for good times. Being grateful is even more important when fear sets a place at your table and heartbreak seems to be in your every breath. Because by being grateful we become aware of all the ways God is working in us. Being grateful is a part of our healing and our deliverance. Being grateful is where our best selves reside. |
|
|
Gideon's Garden Celebration Sunday Service
A small portion of the
Gideon’s Garden Celebration Sunday service was posted.
Here’s the link:
|
|
|
|
Even in the fall time, Gideon's Garden is a safe harbor for pollinators.
|
<-- Over here we have a honeybee
And here we have a bumblebee -->
These bees are enjoying our broccoli plants,
which are flowering.
We may not have had an impressive broccoli crop, but at least the plants are giving back to our pollinator friends!
|
|
|
|
|
Now that the rush of summer is over, Fisher has been able to come on more deliveries after school! Fisher is holding a very heavy box of butternut squash for a delivery to CHP. |
|
For the link to Gideon's Garden
|
|
|
|
"CHANGE THE BABIES"
It costs about $1500 a year to support a baby. The Diocese's goal is for one congregation to support one child for a year.
To donate to support babies at the Mampong Babies Home in Ghana please send a check to Grace Church, PO Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
|
|
Support Ascentria Care Alliance
Donate or call to learn about volunteering
Ascentria Care Alliance provides resettlement resources for refugees who have received extreme vetting by the U.S., are sponsored by the United Nations, and have been invited to live in our country.
Ascentria partners with the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and a host of other volunteer organizations to do God's work in caring for the most vulnerable in our world.
Donate on-line at
or call them at (413)-787-0725 to learn about volunteering.
|
|
The Welcome Mat Project by Thistle Farms
Thistle Farms in Nashville, TN. came together with women refugees in Greece to provide an economic platform for women and their families to escape the refugee camps.
Every Purchase Helps a Woman Survivor Heal. Shop Now!
|
|
|
SHINE YOUR LIGHT
In this unpredictable time, your church continues to give thanks for and need your support. If you are capable of sending in your pledge, thank you. If you are unable to give at this time, we understand. If you are capable of giving a bit more so we can respond to the needs of our community, we are very grateful. If you are in need, please contact a member of the Vestry listed at the top of the newsletter. Since we are not gathering in person in community, we ask that you send your gifts via mail to Grace Church, P.O. Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230. We are truly all in this life together. We pray, trusting that God will see us through this season and beyond.
Thank you for giving generously to support the ministry of Grace.
|
|
Becoming Beloved Community |
|
 |
Have you read Howard Thurman’s Jesus and the Disinherited yet? Enjoy this spirit-filled conversation with Krista Tippet, host of On Being, and Rev. Otis Moss III, a theological and literal bridge between Thurman, the Black freedom movements of the last century, and ours. Thurman was mentor to Martin Luther King, Jr. and other leaders such as Rev. Moss' father. Thurman insisted on a place for spiritual nurture at the heart of social activism, to which he brought a searching theology of Jesus. Click here for the podcast: The Sound of the Genuine: Traversing 2020 with the Mystic of the Movement, Howard Thurman
*****************************
For a curated list of educational and theological books on racism
as well as links to web resources please click Here
|
|
|
|
Pennie Curry, and Lee Cheek are Grace Church members who are a part of Sacred Ground, a 10-week film-based dialogue series on race and faith.
The series is being led by Grace Church's new interim, the Rev.
Libby Wade. This group is fully enrolled, but if you are interested other groups could be formed in the future. To learn more Click here.
*********************************
Please contact Lee Cheek, co-chair
of the Bishop's Commission for
Beloved Community at
For up-to-date resources and events, visit and follow the
Beloved Community facebook page:
|
|
|
|
Children and Teens Please Join Us! |
|
|
|
This is the poster from our Compassion Summer Camp.
We are so pleased to welcome you to Grace Church Sunday School beginning Sundays, at 11:00 AM.
and you will receive a Zoom link for the Sunday
School class.
Dindy Anderson, Margaret Layton and Andrea White will be offering an online bible story and activities supported by Illustrated Ministries.
We look forward to seeing you! Bring your friends from near and far! There will be story sharing, conversation, yoga challenges, and more!
|
|
Tuesday Bible Study
in Collaboration with St. Paul’s
Sermon on the Mount:
A Beginner’s Guide
to the Kingdom of Heaven
Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m.,on Zoom
Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt University Divinity School, has built her career on helping Christians understand the Jewish context of Jesus’ life and ministry. Her newest book,
Sermon on the Mount, is a readable and thought-provoking look at these fundamental teachings from Matthew’s gospel. We will use this book (available in paperback, for Kindle, or in an audio version on Audible) as the guide to our six-week study.
The Rev. Sam Smith, St. Paul's Rector, is leading this Bible Study with participants from Grace, Christ Trinity, and St. Paul's. New participants are welcome to join at any time.
The reading assignment for October 20 is Chapter 3 of Amy-Jill Levine's book.
or call in: 646-558-8656
Meeting ID: 826 0996 0553 Passcode: 446609
|
|
|
|
JOIN OUR NEXT ZOOM DISCUSSION
Wednesday,
November 11, at 7 PM
George Raymond will lead our discussion. Meeting will end at 8:30 PM. All are welcome. For more information email Peter at [email protected]
For Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 370 191 823
Password: 385337
|
|
|
THIRD SUNDAY SUPPER
at 6:00 PM
Join us online for an evening of laughter and conversation every third Sunday. The ZOOM invite is at the top of the newsletter. For more information contact George Raymond
413.854.1222 cell
You can prepare your own supper,
but Take Out from our local restaurants is suggested.
|
|
|
Rev. Libby Wade,
Interim Rector
|
|
GRACE CHURCH
An Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires
Mailing:
P.O. Box 114
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Gretchen Fairfield
Office Assistant
|
|
The Rev. Jen Bloesch
Gideon's Garden
Program Director
413-644-6572
|
|
In an effort to care for each other, our church office will be closed until further notice. You can reach the church office by email:
|
|
VESTRY CONTACT INFORMATION |
|
Kathy Clausen 413-329-1724
Rick Gore, Jr. 413-441-7036
Sue Gore 413-243-2273
Mary Anne Grammer 413-258-4212
John Cheek 413-446-8863
Dindy Anderson 413-274-3854
Anne Andrews 413-528-2766
Dutch Pinkston 413-274-6566
Cathy Haywood 413-464-6664
Holly Murray 860-977-9198
The Rev. Libby Wade is available for pastoral emergencies. 270-519-6934.
|
|
|
Tuesday's Child Editor Monique Kirchoff
Associate Editor Kathy Clausen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
