Vestry Contact Information
Kathy Clausen
Rick Gore, Jr.
Sue Gore
Mary Anne Grammer
John Cheek 
Dindy Anderson
Anne Andrews
Dutch Pinkston
Cathy Haywood
Holly Murray
413-329-1724
413-441-7036
413-822-5485
413-258-4212
413-446-8863
413-274-3854
413-528-2766
413-274-6565
413-464-6664
860-977-9198
Dear Parishioners, 
Members of the Vestry want you to know that if we can be of any help, please call any of us. We will be checking in with you over the next weeks as we all want to stay in contact and know how you're doing. We are all Partners in Prayer.

NEW ZOOM INVITATIONS  
FOR GRACE CHURCH

Due to an update in the Zoom setting, a password is now needed to join any meeting. With these new invitations, the password is encrypted into the invitation. So all you need to do is click on the link to join on your computer, IPad, or smart phone. You can also call in for audio only and may be required to provide the password. Thank you for your courage and patience as we continue to connect with each other in these times.

Grace Church Worship Service (Sundays at 10:00 AM)
To join https: Click Here
or call + 1 646 558 8656 US (New York),
+ 1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
Password: 917937

Tuesday Bible Study at 7:00 PM
To join https: click here
or call +1 646 558 8656 US (New York),
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
(Meeting ID): 753 016 518)

Books and Bread at 7:00 PM
To join https: click here
or call + 1 646 558 8656
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823

Centering Prayer Thursdays 5:00 PM
To join https: click here
or call +1 646 558 8656 US (New York),
+ 1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
(Meeting ID): 203 314 800)

Third Sunday Supper 3rd Sundays
at 6:00 PM
To join https: click here
or call +1 646 558 8656 US (New York),
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
(Meeting ID: 778 608 743)

Be safe. Be well. Hope to see you soon.

Grace Church
Click the following to read:
 
Click the following to read:
 
Grace Church Service  
for June 7, 2020 
Lector
Intercessor
Robert Forman
Kathy Clausen

The new   
FORWARD  DAY  BY  DAY
booklets for May to July are now available in regular or large print. If you would like a copy mailed to you please 
email Gretchen at: office@graceberkshires.org.
 
Questions about Zoom ? 
   
Robert Forman's telephone number  for those who would like help using Zoom:
914 478 7802.

Step into Grace 
Where strangers become friends 
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.

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 Janet at 512-981-8211. 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 or give online by phone or co mputer to
  Tithe.ly   Using your phone you may text the word "GIVE" to 774-252-9246. Please contact Janet or any member of the Stewardship Committee for questions.  
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 Church.
 
Contents
BIBLE STUDY WITH THE WORD  
Bible Study
for the next six 
Tuesdays, from
7:00 pm
to 8:30 pm
beginning June 2
We will be reading  
The End of the World or Heaven on Earth: An In-Depth Look at the Book of Revelation
How can we see the Book of Revelation, not as a road map to the end of time, but as a way of finding God in apocalyptic times? This six week journey will focus on how we should understand this vivid account of Christ's second coming as a book of hope. Sessions will include a survey of works of visual art, music and film making that draw from this, the last book in our biblical canon. Each session will be followed by a simple compline service. All are welcome to join us!  
 
To join us on Zoom, click below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/753016518 or call in  +1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 753 016 518
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcn3InQ93h 

 
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,  Pam & Bill Drumm, The family of Richard Gore, Sr., 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, Dindy Anderson, Tom Murray, Paula Doyle, John Grammer, Aidan, Andrea, the Rev. Steve White, Maureen Terry, Gino Furio, Elinor Hamill and Meredith Haider. 

Others we love: 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; 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, 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: Marion Chapin Andrews; Chuck De Melker, husband of Evie Cobden De Melker; Rev. Stephen Chinlund, friend of Jainee McCarroll and John and Ellis Ericson; Joy Saville, mother of Andrea White; 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 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; 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  birthdays or anniversaries this week:  Ian and Mary Booton (Anniversary, 6/1),  
Rev. Steve White (6/2), Charlene and Don Peet (Anniversary 6/6).  
 
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                       (413) 243-0485
21 Crossway, #108
Lee MA 01238

BOWENS, Marina                             (310) 398-2484
c/o Maryella Satinover                       (310) 749-9424 (cell)
11908 Windward Ave.
Mar Vista, CA 90066

BREASTED, John                        (413) 429-8123
Fairview Commons                      Cell (413) 854-3977
151 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington MA 01230

BROOKS, Jane                            (413) 243-3367
165 George Street
Lee MA 01230

CRAWFORD, Ruth                     (413) 243-2575
125 Woodland Road
Lee MA 01238
 
EDELSTEIN, Richard  
LEP, Kimball Farms,   
Pine Hill Assisted Living 
235 Walker Street,  
Lenox, MA 01240. 

FRYE, Vonnie                             (413) 881-4055
Devonshire Estates
329 Pittsfield Road #216
Lenox, MA 01240

GORE, Barbara                           (413) 243-4261
50 Stockbridge Road
Lee MA 01238

GRAMMER, John                       (413) 258-4212
86 South Beech Plain Road
Sandisfield MA 01255

HAIDER, Meredith                      (413) 551-7319
5 Fox Hollow Road #409             (814) 308-4865 (cell)
Lenox, MA 01240

KEENE, Sara                               (413) 528-4152
The Egremont Village Inn
17 Main Street
P. O. Box 275
South Egremont, MA 01258

TURNER, Barbara & John          (413) 243-8904
130 High Street
Lee MA 01238

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.

Join Zoom Meeting
( Meeting ID: 203 314 800) or call  +
1 646 558 865    
Click here for the
Grace Church calendar
Links
Please Participate in  
the 2020 Census

 You should have received information on the 2020 Census in the mail. It is even more critical this year that you mail this information in promptly. With COVID-19, collection of census information will be difficult. But it is important for accurate numbers to be determined for the Berkshires. Census numbers impact education, infrastructure, health care, employment training, and housing decisions at the federal level. These results will affect our community every  
day for the next ten years.  
Please do not be absent from this census.   
 
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.
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 that was 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!

 
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.

I invite you to take time each day to breathe and be aware of all the ways God is present with us. Write them down or simply include them in your daily prayers. A heart that turns toward being grateful comes to see the goodness and grace of God everywhere, even in a time of hardship.


"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 .
 
First Sunday after Pentecost
Trinity Sunday

Matthew 28:16-20

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

HYMN


Down to the River - Virtual Choir
Down to the River - Virtual Choir
                                                      
 
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way
O sisters, let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
O sisters, let's go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way
O brothers, let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
Come on, brothers, let's go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way
O fathers, let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
O fathers, let's go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way
O mothers, let's go down
Come on down, don't you wanna go down?
Come on, mothers, let's go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way
O sinners, let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
O sinners, let's go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way
          
 
GIDEON'S GARDEN PLANTING DAY

Planting Day is Saturday June 6th!

Planting Day will look a little different
than in previous years, but the
Garden still needs the church for this special day!



Due to the coronavirus, we will be maintaining safe practices this year. We are inviting people to come in small groups. Bring a mask, your own gloves, and a trowel, and come help plant our garden! 

Sign ups are limited to eight people per time slot. Sign up HERE. On the doodle poll, please list each member of your family individually so we can ensure that our groups remain small.  
 
A Blessing of the Garden will be shared via Zoom at 6:00pm on Friday, June 5th. Please watch for an email with the link.  
 




Some of the many attendees at
the Installation of The Rev. Jen Bloesch
on May 16.
To watch a video recording of Jen's service click: 

Screenshot by Lee Cheek
Gideon's Garden Update 
      
There have been some big changes around  
the Garden in the past week!

 
For one, we raised the
butterfly net and planted flowers inside.   
 

But even bigger?  
  
Danny came to the Garde n to lay our rows of plastic.  
 
We planned for 14 rows.  
 
We got 23.   
 
 It appears that in this season of hunger, we will be able to offer just that much more food to the community!  
 
(In the picture to the left is Fisher and our new intern Timmy. We are grateful for Timmy's help in this busy time!  Hopefully you will all be able to meet him soon!)  
 
 
And meanwhile, things are looking beautiful around the farm.  
 
 
 
That table bed is filled this year with Harley's plants to make her tasty dried teas! 
 
    
For the link to Gideon's Garden website: gideonsgarden.org
 
What Are Your Five Favorite Hymns?
Have your say!
 
S end Chris Clark the first line, title or hymn number of your  five favorites!
Email Chris at: cclark@sbrsd.org 

JOIN OUR DISCUSSION ONLINE
Wednesday, June 10, at 7PM   
BOOKS AND BREAD  
Sally Brooke will lead our discussion   
Meeting will end at about 9:00 PM  
Here is your Zoom invitation to join us on Wednesday, June 10 at 7:00 PM  
Topic: Books and Bread on Zoom
Time: June 10, 2020, 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/676651421  
Meeting ID: 370 191 823 or call 1 646 558 8656 
             
F or more information email Peter at PetetheK@yahoo.com

Third Sunday Supper is going online
Our next gathering is on Sunday,  
June 21, at 6:00 PM  
Stay tuned! 
 
Join us for an evening of laughter and conversation.
For more information contact George Raymond  
413.854.1222 cell 
graymond747@gmail.com  
 
Why We Join, Why We Give
 
Meet four members of our community. Each tells the story of what being a member of Grace means.  
Why We Join
is a new feature on our website. Would you like to add your story? Contact Kathy 



So many thanks for all you do!
HIO Sponsorship Transforms Lives
The HIO family is a tightly knit group and totally committed to caring for one another. Loyal sponsors are our backbone. Your yearly support covers school tuition, books, uniforms, healthcare and emergency family relief for our girls. 

The new school year in Nepal would normally have begun the third week of April. Our partner schools' openings will be delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but we'll begin paying 2020 tuition bills for sponsored girls soon. Such a blessing to have received so many of your sponsorship donations and contributions to HIO's family relief efforts during these unsettling times. Your kind generosity is truly appreciated.




To read more about Hands in Outreach please click below:
Update from the Field
A LETTER FROM BERKSHIRE SOUTH COMMUNITY CENTER



Dear Community Friends,
 
The Community Center has been working on a project with the United Way/Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Fund to execute a meal pick-up program. 
 
If you've got questions, my new "office" phone is 413-717-2674 and my hours are usually Monday-Friday from 9am-1pm Please feel free to call, text or email!
 
 
Here are the details:
WHAT: Nourishing Neighbors south county meal program,
providing 500 meals from local restaurants weekly! 
WHO: Meals are available for all community members in the southern Berkshires needing extra support at this time, especially our senior population, those who have lost their jobs, and those otherwise financially struggling.
WHEN: Wednesdays, 1pm-3pm (For any updates or changes, follow Berkshire South's facebook page) - Please, no early birds! 
WHERE: Berkshire South Regional Community Center, drive thru*. 15 Crissey Road, Great Barrington.
**If you're not able to drive, please contact meals@berkshiresouth.org and we'll deliver to you! The deadline to request delivery every week is Tuesday at 10am so that we are able to plan ahead.
DETAILS: This is a contactless system, please stay in your car. We'll be happy to take your order curbside. Questions: please email   meals@berkshiresouth.org.
HOW: We are so grateful for Berkshire United Way and Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and the COVID 19 Emergency Response Fund. We're also thankful for Price Chopper, Taft Farms, SoCo Creamery, Domaney's Liquors and Fine Wines, Big Y, and M Designs for their donations.
 
You can donate online here.
 
Kate Tucci
Director of Educational and Community Programs
BERKSHIRE SOUTH REGIONAL COMMUNITY CENTER 
15 Crissey Road, Great Barrington, MA  01230
 

Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures
 
 
For a summary on the Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures that went into effect Monday, April 20 please click hereRemember:
No tenant should be moving out of his/her home at the insistence of a landlord. 
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.   



WORSHIP
Christ Icon
Worship Schedule
 
Morning Prayer and Sunday Service
 at 10:00 am
In this time of COVID-19 our public gatherings 
have been suspended for the good of all.
Please join us online 
for worship, study, and fellowship.
 
We pray for all who are affected by this virus 
and we give thanks for the many people who are giving themselves in service to others. 
May God hold you close in these anxious times.
 

You can now donate to Grace Church through PayPal.
For Janet's sermons click here .

On occasional weeks there will be a reflection by Janet. Click here.
 
GRACE CHURCH VESTRY  
 
OFFICERS
 
MEMBERS                       
                            
Senior Warden          
Kathy
Clausen                 
Class of 2021
Anne Andrews
Dutch Pinkston
Junior  
Warden
Richard Gore, Jr.
        
Class of 2022
Cathy Haywood
John Cheek
Treasurer
Sue Gore     
Class of 2023
Dindy Anderson   
Holly Murray
Clerk
Mary Anne Grammer   




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
 
Gretchen Fairfield
Office Assistant 
 

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: graceberkshiresma@gmail.com and the Rev. Dr. Janet Whaley Zimmerman at jzimmerman@graceberkshires.org, by phone 413-644-0022 or 512-981-8211. You can reach the Rev. Jen Bloesch by email at jbloesch@graceberkshire.org  
or by phone at 413-644-6572.
 
  
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