Step into Grace |
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Where strangers become friends |
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We are a
n 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.
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SHINE YOUR LIGHT
Every day we are invited by God to share the fullness of who we are with those we love and those we are yet to know. Thank you for your generous support of Grace Church ministries for 2020. If you have not yet had the chance to turn in your pledge card, or you have misplaced it, there is still time to become a part of the Jesus Movement at Grace. Additional cards are available at the Welcome Table. Thank you for sharing from your abundance so God's great love can be known throughout the world this day and beyond.
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Bible Study
Tuesdays with the Word
at 7:00 pm
We are studying the Gospel according to Matthew.
You are welcome to join us. Grace Church Office, 67 State Road, Great Barrington.
Call 413-644-0022 for more information.
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GRACE CHURCH
Please Include In Your Daily Prayers This Week
Members of the Parish Family: The Rev. Ted Cobden, Linda White, John Breasted, Vonnie Frye, Edna Leavenworth, George Raymond, Ed Hutchinson, Elinor Hamill, Pam & Bill Drumm, The family of Richard Gore, Sr., Mimi and Dick Alford, Doreen Hutchinson, Barbara Turner, Pennie Curry, Frank Vogel - Polizzi, Mark Anderson, Marion Andrews, Elizabeth Holland, Janet Zimmerman, Stacey, Claire and Mark Thomas, Richard Edelstein, Connie Garber, Ruth Crawford, Marcia Doelman, Dindy Anderson, Tom Murray, Paula Doyle, John Grammer, Aidan, Andrea, the Rev. Steve White, and Maureen Terry.
Others we love: 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; Andrew Artz, brother-in-law of the Rev. Janet Zimmerman; Anne Peters, Leslie Albert,Debbie Losaw, daughter of Rosemarie Blakely, Ashley Gangell, Zeke Hills, brother of The Rev. Francie Hills, Joy Saville, Charles Olegar, 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: Richard Gore, Sr.; Locke Larkin, brother-in-law of Maureen Terry; Charles Olegar; Marianne Felch, friend of Janet Zimmerman; Pat Edelstein; Anthony Aiuvalasit, friend of Janet Zimmerman; Patrick Barney, nephew of Mark Anderson; Stephanie Engel, friend of Steve White; Valerie Smith, Mary Dalton, mother of Dindy Anderson; Scott Crawford, son of Ruth Crawford.
Our world: For those vulnerable to the changing winds of politics, warfare, natural disasters, and human retribution. We pray for children who are separated from their parents and locked in spaces that deny their humanity. we pray for all who seek asylum and a place of hope for themselves and their family. We pray for all who seek to find a way of welcome and shelter for all God's children.
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; Christ Trinity, Sheffield and the Rev. Erik Karas; and our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas J. Fisher; the Mampong Babies' Home in Ghana;
St. Mark's, Leominster; Commission on Ministry
The Church's wider mission: Faith Alive; The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS)
And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating a Birthday this week.
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Please hold in your prayers
Prayers for Frank Vogel-Polizzi.
Please hold Frank and Virginia
in your prayers as Frank underwent complicated surgery this past Thursday at Albany Medical Center. Prayers, cards, and visits will be appreciated.
Barbara Gore who is healing at home.
John Grammer who is currently at Hillcrest Commons Rehabilitation Center,
169 Valentine Rd. Pittsfield, MA.
Richard Edelstein, who lost his wife Pat
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Please send cards to him: Kimball Farms, Pine Hill
Assisted Living, 235 Walker Street, Lenox, MA 01240.
Vonnie Frye,
has moved to this address:
Devonshire Estates
329 Pittsfield Road
Apt #216
Lenox MA 01240
413.881.4055
She would appreciate cards and visits.
Dindy Anderson and her family;
Janet Zimmerman and her family.
Elinor Hamill and John Breasted who are at Fairview Commons, 151 Christian Hill Rd., Great Barrington; You can call at (413) 528-4560.
Meredith Haider, Barbara Turner, Jane Brooks, Ruth Crawford, and Barbara Gore
who are healing at home.
We offer prayers for the repose of the soul of Charles Olegar, organist and music director at St. James for eight years, who died December 26. You can write to Jane Williams at 131 Belleview, Troy, NY 12180.
Prayers for the repose of the soul of Richard Gore, Sr., father of Rick Gore. Richard Gore Sr. was a longtime member of St. George's Church in Lee and the Church of the Messiah in Florida. May God's eternal love surround him and all who grieve his death. Cards and letters may be sent to his wife, Barbara Gore, 50 Stockbridge Rd. Lee, MA 01238
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Holy Eucharist and Healing
Wednesdays at 12pm,
Grace Church Office
67 State Road,
Great Barrington
Join us for a midweek recharge
Worship and Eucharist available at the Grace Church Chapel,
Hope you will join us.
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Centering Prayer Gathering
every Thursday
5:00 - 6:00
Join us at Grace Church Chapel.
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.
Grace Church Office and Chapel
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Click here for the 
Grace Church calendar
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ROTA
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March 8
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Welcome Team
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Deborah Holmes, Doreen Huchinson,
Sue Gore
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Acolyte
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Kathy Clausen
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Lector
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Meredith Haider
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Intercessor
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Doreen Hutchinson
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Chalice
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Lynn Walker
Dutch Pinkston
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Healing Team
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Ted Cobden, Sue Gore
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Flowers
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LENT
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Altar Guild
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Lynn Walker,
Meredith Haider
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Coffee Hour
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Hutchinson, Grammer
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Counters
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Deborah Holmes,
Kathy Clausen
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COME SING WITH US!
Are You
A
Choral S
inger?
Why Join the Choir?
It's good for your health
Studies have shown how
choir can improve your health - it's fantastic brain food. Brain game exercises are all over the place with the Nintedo 3DS or sudoku. Well why not start keeping your mind healthy by making music?
Here are a few things you'll see improve with choir
- Multi-tasking - you've got to watch the conductor, keep an eye on the music and know when to come in
- Memory - you've got to sing by heart sometimes
- Focus - concentrating for an hour on a performance
- Math - Yes, you've got to count!
Contact Chris Clark, Music Director, or Lee Cheek, chorister
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Birthdays and
Anniversaries Celebrated on Sundays
Following the
announcements we invite up all celebrating birthdays and anniversaries so we can share in your accomplishment and joy.
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Sunday Liturgy on yo
ur iPad or tablet!
S
wap your worship bulletin for the liturgy on your iPads or tablets?
Using a tablet allows you to adjust the size and contrast of the print.
It also can help us be more responsible by saving paper.
If you would like to receive the emailed worship bulletin that goes out on Friday by noon, please email Janet or Maria at
graceberkshiresma@gmail.com.
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We need:
Acolytes, choir members, lectors, hospitality leaders, healing ministers, Eucharistic visitors
Prayerfully consider ways you can support the work of this church community. Each of us have something to give that the world desperately needs.
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Interested in helping with the 2020 Census?
With the 2020 census just a year away,
are you available to help educate local residents and insure the Berkshires has a
complete count?
The Berkshires Regional Planning Commission invites you to reach out to hard-to-reach populations throughout Berkshire County.
If you are interested please contact Mark Maloy, 413-442-1521
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The Welcome Project Mat by
Thistle Farms
Thistle Farms in Nashville, TN. has come together with women refugees in Ritsonia, Greece to provide an economic platform for women and their families to escape the refugee camps. Lee and John Cheek have brought us a mat woven from materials the women took on their journey to Greece.
The mat on our altar is a symbol that love is the greatest force for change in the world.
Every Purchase Helps a Woman Survivor Heal. Shop Now!
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What are you grateful for?
T
he priest invites the congregation to take a few moments to think of one thing during the past week for which they are grateful.
After some time the priest invites anyone to share their gratitude with the congregation by coming to the microphone.
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The Second Sunday in Lent
John 3:1-17
There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God." Jesus answered him, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." Nicodemus said to him, "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, 'You must be born from above.' The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?" Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?
"Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
"Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."
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HYMN
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| Conspirare performs "Unclouded Day," arr. Shawn Kirchner |
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Lenten Opportunities
A Resurrection Shaped Life
by Bishop Jake Owensby.
In Lent, we will be joining other Episcopal, Lutheran, and
UCC churches in the Southern Berkshires to read together
Bishop Owensby's book
A Resurrection Shaped Life.
We will
meet at the Grace C
hurch office on Thursdays at noon and at
6:30 PM from
March 5
to April 2. Please join us for one or
every time as we explore the biblical concept of resurrection
and how Jesus' resurrection guides us daily in our lives. The book is available in paperback and on Kindle.
Episcopal Relief and Development Lenten Meditations:
You are invited to take a booklet to accompany you on your Lenten journey.
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Men's Group
Wednesday,
March 4 at 6:00 PM
at Kimball Farms,
235 Walker St. , Lenox.
Men of Grace Church you are invited to join us for good food, interesting speakers, and fellowship. This month, the Rick Gore will share information about his life journey. Talk with George Raymond or John Cheek for questions and more information.
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JOIN US!
Wednesday, March 11 at 7pm
BOOKS and BREAD
The Teammates:
A Portrait of a Friendship
Please sign up to bring appetizers, wine, tea or desserts
Our hosts will be Dindy and Mark Anderson
Peter Kirchoff will lead the discussion
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Dinner-Appetizers, wine, soft drinks, main dish, side dishes, dessert, decaf and tea. One main dish serves 8 people.
- The Host is responsible for planning the meal. Participants are encouraged to make offerings in consultation with the Host.
- Participants should call the Host if they plan to attend but have not signed up at Grace Church.
- If you are a "regular" and are not planning to attend, please let the Host know.
- Please sign up to bring appetizers or dessert items. All are welcome! For future books, please see the website http://graceberkshires.org/who-we-are/ministries/
- Discussion begins at 7:45 pm regardless of whether it's a Dinner gathering or an A&D gathering.
Meeting is over promptly at 9:00 pm. For more information email Peter at PetetheK@yahoo.com
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Join us for good food and conversation
The "Third" Sunday Supper
80 Main Street, Lenox
Sunday evening, March 15,
6:00 pm.
Once a month we gather for
good food and great conversation in one of our local restaurants.
If you have come
before, you know you are in for an evening of
laughter and blessings.
Order off the menu. Separate checks.
All are enthusiastically welcomed!
For more information contact George Raymond
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Food pantry item for the week of
March 8:
CANNED SOUP
Although we usually have an "Item of the Week",
any appropriate food items are always welcome!
Thank you, Sue & Rick Gore, and George Raymond for the Lee Pantry and the People's Pantry.
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Letter from Bishop Doug Fisher regarding Disciplinary Action of a former priest in the Diocese.
February 21, 2020
Dear People of God:
Last September, I wrote with the news that Gregory Lisby, formerly a priest of our diocese, had been arrested after an FBI investigation determined that there was probable cause to believe he possessed child pornography. Today I want to update you on this situation and share some additional painful news.
We expect that later today, Lisby will plead guilty to one count of possession of child pornography in federal court in Worcester and will remain in prison awaiting sentencing. In light of this fact, we are conducting a disciplinary process under the canons of our church and taking all required steps to remove him from the Episcopal priesthood. In addition, even after he is released from prison, Lisby will not be permitted any contact with congregations in this diocese without my express permission.
As this situation has unfolded, we have also received devastating credible evidence that after he was ordained as a priest in 2007, Lisby sexually abused a teenager. I am deeply saddened to know that a priest is alleged to have committed such a grievous sin, and on behalf of the entire church, I offer my most heartfelt apology to the victim, the victim's family and to everyone whose trust in the church has been violated.
I cannot undo this terrible situation, but I can commit our diocese to telling the truth and seeking healing and reconciliation for anyone who has been harmed by Lisby. That is why I am making this public and asking anyone in our congregations who may wish to speak to me or to share relevant information to call me confidentially at (413) 417-2401.
Lisby's husband, the Rev. Timothy Burger, is in no way implicated in any of these charges. Tim, who has filed for divorce, remains a priest in good standing and a valuable leader of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts. I am grateful for his faithful perseverance during this time.
Please know that we take the safety of children very seriously in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts, and our clergy and lay leaders participate in the safe church training programs mandated by the Episcopal Church. As we redouble our efforts to ensure that our churches are safe places for all people, I ask you to pray for children and youth who have been abused, for the children who are trafficked by child pornographers, and for an end to the unspeakable evil that causes their suffering.
I ask you to pray for Tim and his daughters, for the people of the congregations who are especially wounded by this news, for Greg himself, and for all who are grieving this situation. May God's grace sustain us all during this difficult time.
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher
Bishop
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Super Saturday, Parish Leadership Day,
March 14 from 8:00 am to 3:45 pm
at the Minnechaug Regional High School, Wilbraham, MA.
Super Saturday is a collaborative effort of the Southern New England Conference, UCC, and Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts with presenters and attendees from different states and denominations. Rabbi Elan Babchuck, founding director of GLEAN Network, an incubator and network for faith leaders who seek to reimagine the role of religion in an everchanging world will be the keynote speaker. The Rev. Jen Bloesch will be one of the presenters. Our diocese is sponsoring this event to deepen our relationship with the United Church of Christ. Registration ends 2/29. You are welcome to participate. To find out more,
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The Way of Love:
Practices for
Jesus-Centered Life
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has completed a series of podcasts in which he discusses the Way of Love. They are available to listen to on The Episcopal church website.
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You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
--Deuteronomy 10:19
Letter to Grace Church:
All of us at the Berkshire Immigrant Center wish to extend a hearty thank you to everyone at Church Church for your support, on behalf of the hundreds of clients we serve annually.
Your generous donations in 2019 helped the Center serve more than 700 clients in our offices. More than 40 students participated in our free citizenship preparation classes. We presented or tabled at more than 20 workshops and events, spreading the word about the importance of supporting our immigrant neighbors, colleagues, and friends. In our last fiscal year, 27 of our clients attained US citizenship with our help.
The Berkshire Immigrant Center remains the only organization in Berkshire County dedicated solely to serving the unique needs of local immigrants. Thank you, Grace Church, for helping to build the Center up and keep us strong, so that we can better fulfill our mission.
Please take a look at the attached fact sheet highlighting the Center's recent efforts.
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Tutors needed for The Literacy Network of South Berkshire
.
No prior teaching experience is necessary.
All you need are curiosity, patience, and a willingness to help your neighbors!
Training and support for tutors is provided.
Please contact Executive Director Jennifer Hermanski at 413-243-0471 or jhermanski@litnetsb.org.
You can also visit us at www.litnetsb.org.
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Support Ascentria Care Alliance
Donate or call to learn about volunteering
A
scentria 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
http://www.ascentria.org/donate-today
or call them at (413)-787-0725 to learn about volunteering.
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"CHANGE THE BABIES"
Please put your loose change in the jar that will be at the Welcome Table.
This money that is insignificant in our day-to- day life is life-giving for these babies and those who care for them.
It costs about $1500 a year to support a baby and the Diocese's goal is for one congregation to support one child for those years.
Everything you give will go to support babies at the Mampong Babies Home in Ghana.
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Worship Schedule
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Eucharist & Healing Prayers
Sunday at 10:00 am
at Crissey Farm
Children's Sunday School during the service and a special prayer for them at the end of the service.
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Eucharist and Healing Prayers
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You can now donate to Grace Church through PayPal.
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For Janet's sermons click
here
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On occasional weeks there will be a reflection by Janet. Click
here.
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Vestry Minutes are posted on our
website
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OFFICERS
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Class of 2020
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John Cheek
Dindy Anderson
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Junior
Warden
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Class of 2021
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Anne Andrews
Dutch Pinkston |
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Treasurer
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Sue Gore
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Class of 2022
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Cathy Haywood
John Cheek
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Clerk
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Class of 2023
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Dindy Anderson
Holly Murray
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GRACE CHURCH
An Episcopal Community in the Southern B
erkshires
The Rev. Dr. Janet Zimmerman,
Rector
The Rev. Jen Bloesch
Gideon's Garden Program Director
Mailing:
P.O. Box 114
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Maria Mayorga
Office Assistant
Office and Chapel:
67 State Rd.,
Great Barrington
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