Step into Grace |
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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.
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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 7:00pm
We have begun an Advent study followed by Evening Prayer. 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, Dick Gore, Mimi and Dick Alford, Doreen Hutchinson, Barbara Turner, Rick Gore, Pennie Curry, Frank Vogel - Polizzi, Mark Anderson, Marion Andrews, Elizabeth Holland, Janet Zimmerman, Stacey, Claire and Mark Thomas, Richard and Pat Edelstein, Connie Garber, Ruth Crawford, Marcia Doelman, Dindy Anderson, Tom Murray, Paula Doyle, John Grammer, Aidan, Andrea, and the Rev. Steve White.
Others we love: 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: 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
D
indy Anderson and her family.
Pat and Richard Edelstein
would love to receive "Thinking of You" cards. Please send cards to them: 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.
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 and Barbara Turner who are healing at home.
Prayers for Charles Olegar and Jane Williams.
Charles, organist and music director at St. James for eight years, and his wife, Jane Williams would appreciate your prayers. You can send your love to them through card and notes at 131 Belleview, Troy NY 12180.
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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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December 8
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Welcome Team
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Deborah Holmes
Doreen Hutchinson
Sue Gore
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Acolyte
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Kathy Clausen
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Lector
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Dindy Anderson
Sue Gore
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Intercessor
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Tom Doyle
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Chalice
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Lynn Walker
Dutch Pinkston
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Healing Team
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Pennie Curry
Peter Feltman-Mahan
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Flowers
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ADVENT
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Altar Guild
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Lynn Walker
Meredith Haider
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Coffee Hour
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Kirchoff
Haywood
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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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Second Sunday of Advent
Matthew 3:1-12
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.' This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,
'The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
"Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight." '
Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, 'You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, "We have Abraham as our ancestor"; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
'I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing-floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.'
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Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding (MERTON)
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Welcome to the Season of Advent.
During this time of Advent we enter into a season of waiting, of expectation, of preparing for the renewing of hope in the world. You are invited to take home and read
Waiting for the Light:
Advent Day by Day by Kayla McClurg.
These reflections and contemplative questions lead us day by day into the wonder of God's love coming to be with us in a vulnerable baby. In this season when the light becomes rarer, we encounter the darkness that can fill our lives and our world. So we wait with tender expectation for the light, God's invitation to a dawning reality, showing us the way to mercy, compassion, and joy. Hope is born in this.
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Wednesday, December 4 , at 6:00 pm
at Frank Garretson's House.
Men of Grace Church,
you are invited to join us for good food, interesting speakers, and fellowship. This month, the Rev. Jen Bloesch will share her work in Gideon's Garden. Talk with George Raymond or John Cheek for questions and more information.
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MEN'S GROUP
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The "Third" Sunday Supper
Sunday, December 8
Koi Chinese Restaurant
6pm, 300 State Road, in Great Barrington
Yankee Swap
Bring a simple gift (limit of $10), elaborately wrapped. Fun ensues with merry swapping between friends.
We hope you will join us for this fun dinner.
Order off the menu. Separate checks.
All are enthusiastically welcomed!
For more information contact George Raymond
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Gift Cards for Local Youth
As the time of giving and receiving approaches, please remember youth in our schools whose Christmas may be sparse without your generosity. Sue Gore and Pennie Curry have contacted school counselors who will put your gifts into the hands of grateful young people. Ideas for gift
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cards: Marshalls, Triplex Cinema, any place Pizza is sold, Cove Bowling, toy stores, and Amazon.
Deadline for gift cards:
Sunday, December 15. Thank you!
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Wreath Making Party at Taft Farm
Sunday,
December 15
at 12:00 noon.
You are invited to create a beautiful handmade wreath for your home.
Come to Taft Farm 119 Park St. N. ,
Great Barrington. Materials will be available for your use.
Come join in the fun.
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Longest Night Service
Friday, December 20th, at 5:30 PM
at Grace Church Chapel
The season of Advent and Christmas is often filled with lights and activity and memories. It can be a time of great joy and excitement.
But it can also be a time of conflict and grief and feeling out of step with the expectations of the time. This Christmas may be particularly hard with all the pain in the world and in our personal lives. You are invited to a time of prayer and worship as the nights grow long. You are invited to join in community as witness to the child who comes a
s a sign of hope in the face of despair. Please join us.
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Join us to choose the books we will share in 2020
on Wednesday, January 8
at the Grace Church office, 67 State Road.
BOOKS and BREAD
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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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2nd Annual W.E.B. Du Bois Jam Basketball Tournament
December 7th, 8 AM to 7 PM
at Monument Mountain Regional High School.
The Jam, a pre-season high school basketball tournament honoring the life and legacy of Du Bois will feature boys and girls varsity teams from Lee, Monument, Pittsfield, Taconic and Waconah High Schools. The Jam will also include brief between game youth dance and music performances. It is presented by the W.E.B. Du Bois Educational Series and its partner organizations-Berkshire Hills Regional Schools, Pittsfield Public Schools, Berkshire County NAACP, Multicultural BRIDGE and Great Barrington's W.E.B. Du Bois Legacy Committee
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Food pantry item for the week of
December 8:
BEANS
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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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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Support the Berkshire Immigrant Center. You can donate on-line at www.berkshireic.org.
Please consider donating $25, $50, or $100 or more to support BIC's work with our local immigrants and refugees.
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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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Tutors needed for The Literacy Network of South Berkshire
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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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"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 2019
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Junior
Warden
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Class of 2020
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John Cheek
Dindy Anderson |
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Treasurer
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Sue Gore
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Class of 2021
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Anne Andrews
Dutch Pinkston
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Clerk
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Class of 2022
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Cathy Haywood
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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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