Grace La Gracia
33 Church Street White Plains, NY 10601
If you are visiting with us for the first time, we welcome you to Grace Church!
Our liturgy is found in the Book of Common Prayer.
Our communion is open to all baptized Christians.
Please take the time to fill out one of our visitor cards which the ushers have available.
Your presence is a blessing to us may our worship together be a blessing to you.
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Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so a
lso were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people." When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. Luke 5:1–11
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"
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17
"
Por lo tanto,si alguien esta en Cristo, el es una nueva creacion.
Lo viejo ha pasado, he aqui, lo nuevo ha llegado.
"
2 Corintios 5:17
Ministers of the Liturgy
December 15, 2019
Celebrant & Preacher: Rev. Dr. Chip Graves
Assisting Priest: Rev. Adolfo Moronta
Organist: Peter Roberts
St Nicholas Choir
Eucharistic Visitors: Eileen McClean, Ray Williams, Lisa Daley
Lector 8AM: Linda Heusser
10AM: John Mitchell, Andrea Hamilton
Intercessor: Vika O’Hanlon
Altar Minister 8AM: Brinda Bradley 10AM: Melanie Jackson, Lauren Reid
Acolytes 10AM: Anna Kristina O’Hanlon, Nikolas O’ Hanlon, Vika O’ Hanlon,
Cameron Owens
Ushers 10AM: Mary Bloomfield, Delroy Chang, Bob Soso, Shirley Spencer, Jean Wilson Coffee Hour Host: Carmen & Peter Roberts
Assistants: Team 3
Nursery Care: available during 10AM Service
Reminder to Everyone to Greet Our Newcomers and Guests
I want to request our church parishioners to please welcome our visitors and let us share the love of God together. Fr. Chip
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THIS WEEK AT GRACE
Sunday, December 15
10:00 AM The Holy Eucharist - Family Service
All Sunday School Classes will meet
11:30 AM
Christmas Pageant Prep
11:45 AM
Carolyn & Harry Rogers Recognition-Parish hall
11:45 AM ECW Meeting - Library
12:30 PM
La Gracia Santa Eucaristía
Monday, December 16
6:30 PM
Walk the Labyrinth- Parish Hall
7:00 PM
Fr. Chip’s Adult Ed “Pondering the Sacred” - Library
12:05 PM
Eucharist in Chapel
7:30 PM La Gracia Leaders Meeting - Library
Wednesday, December 18
12:10 PM
DTM Concert at Grace.
7:15 PM
BSF Bible Study- Library
Thursday, December 19
12:05 PM
Eucharist in Chapel
7:30 PM
La Gracia Bible Study
Saturday, December 21
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
La Gracia Cena de Navidad
Library & parish hall
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Monthly Gratitude
S.A.G.E
.
We cannot thank Marie Barrow enough for her leadership with SAGE. Each and every month SAGE group members gather to sing, to share, to sing and to pray. Thanks to all who belong to and support this amazing ministry.
Elsie G. Adams, Jo- Ann B. Boylan, Joe Brown, Bernice Burton, Carole S. Carter, Harvey Chambers, Cecile Fray, Barbara Griffith, Sylvia R. Howard, Dorothy Lynch, Joyce Pickering, Uriel G. Reid, Carolyn J. Rogers, Al E. Sargent, Shirley Spencer, Heather Southwick
***
Mother Teresa once said to “do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.”
Any person or group of parishioners interested in underwriting a worship service at Grace Church, please contact Fr. Chip for more information.
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Sunday, December 15th Carolyn and Harry Rogers Recognition
.
Carolyn and Harry Rogers(deceased) are being recognized for their years of dedication and support to Grace Church after the 10 AM service during coffee hour.
ECW Meeting in the library at 11:45 AM to 12:15 PM
Poinsettias for Sale:
Poinsettias are widely used as Christmas decorations in homes, churches and offices. In the United States, December 12
th
is National Poinsettia Day. The Grace Church Choir is taking orders for Poinsettias for delivery on December 15th for $15.00 each to help defray the cost of the Music Program. These beautiful plants will enhance your home or make a wonderful Holiday Gifts.
To place an order, please contact: Any Member of the Choir
or sign-up on the order sheet posted on the parish hall bulletin board.
ECW Raffle Tickets
The ECW is raffling a gift certificate to Asian Delight restaurant located in White Plains. The raffle begins Sunday December 8th. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5 and can be purchased during coffee hour. The drawing will be Sunday, December 22. Proceeds to benefit Samaritan House residents.
Take Part in the Fun Survey
Fr. Chip has shared a few ideas listed below. Please tell us which ones in which you’d participate. It could be one of them or all of them. Email or call our administrator and let us know which ones you’d participate in. We will follow up on the choices with the most support.
1.Mardi Gras Celebration (February 25 evening potluck)
We gather for a Mardi Gras style meal with pancakes and Louisiana style food.
2.River Boat Excursion (a day or evening in July or August 2020)
We gather for a Hudson River dinner cruise.
3.Pentecost Crazy (evening near Pentecost May 31)
We celebrate with our youth - games, pizza and a movie in our dining hall.
4.St. Pat’s Sunday (Sunday near March 17)
Members wear green. Green is everywhere. We have green cake and green beverage.
5.Valentines Date Night (evening near Valentine’s Day Feb. 14)
All couples join Fr. Chip for a special service at church and followed with finger
food/beverages.
2019 Lifting Up Westchester Christmas Gift Card Drive
LAST CALL!
This is the final day for Grace Church to continue its generosity towards our brothers and sisters throughout Westchester County. Lifting Up Westchester annually distributes grocery bags filled with non-perishable items so families may celebrate a Christmas holiday in their homes. A gift cards provides an opportunity to purchase perishable special "extras" to grace their tables. A gift card to Shop Rite or Stop & Shop in the amount of $20 or $25 is wonderful. Since it's the last day, it would be wonderful for you to contribute cash or a check made out to "Lifting Up Westchester". Last year, our Grace church family provided
72 cards
. Can we come close this year? Please speak with or see Linda Gallo in the Parish Hall after the 8:00 and 10:00 services if you wish to contribute. Thanks for your generosity in supporting many of our fellow citizens during the Christmas season.
2019 Winter Angelus Is Now Available
In order to economize we will be posting the 2019 Winter Angelus on our E-newsletter and Grace Church website. For those who wish to receive a printed copy of the Angelus, please speak to an usher during services for your copy. As a general reminder to everyone, please keep the office informed of changes in address, email or phone numbers. Our desire is to communicate effectively, and the lack of the proper information makes that more difficult. Thank you!
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T
he Episcopal Church Weekly Bible Study Is Available Online
We are adding another Bible Study at Grace Church. It has been developed by the Episcopal Church and can be accessed online by clicking -
Online Advent Bible Study Year
A
Once you access the site, you'll see four tabs, one for each week in Advent. Just click the correct tab and enjoy. God Bless, Fr. Chip
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Priest Discretionary Fund
Grace Church family, I want to thank those who have made contributions to my discretionary fund, allowing me to support children in need, our Altar Guild, special church projects, seminarians, parishioners in need and more. God bless you this holiday season and please remember to share the love of Christ with your family and friends. Fr. Chip
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Advent Adult Education Series with Fr. Chip
Join Fr. Chip for a continuing Advent adult education series entitled,
Pondering the Sacred
. Fr. Chip will share a video series on one of the greatest contemporary Christian writers, Rob Bell in order to discuss various themes such as our dealing with grief, knowing Jesus’ infinite love, being human, and so much more.
Monday, December 16 at 7PM in the library.
The Labyrinth will be available beforehand; however, I will need two helpers to assist with putting it up at 6:15PM each evening before the Adult Education event. Thank you. Fr. Chip
Wednesday, December 18th God’s Word for Today’s World Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) in the library.
A New BSF Satellite Discussion Group will meet, right here, at Grace Episcopal Church, on Wednesday evenings from 7:15pm-8:45pm. There is no cost to join.
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Sunday, December 22nd
Festive Service of Lessons and Carols
at 10 AM Worship Service
December Advent Greens:
Signup sheet is on the bulletin board near the library. Remember those you love by signing up for greens to adore the altar. Contribution: $100.00
Toys for The Children of Grace La Gracia:
Every year La Gracia distributes toys to children on January 6th, the Feast of Epiphany/Three Kings Sunday. This year, we will distribute gifts to all our children – in the morning and in the afternoon. Please see Fr. Adolfo about ways you can contribute toys or financial donations for this tradition. Thank you.
December 31 New Year’s Eve
The Church will be open from the hours of 11 PM to midnight for prayer and meditation.
Grace La Gracia Vestry Member Candidates Desired
: Nominate yourself or someone else for a leadership position. Information on E-newsletter and on table in the rear of the church. Please submit your request for consideration no later than December 29, 2019.
Confirmation Class January 2020:
Fr. Chip is holding a Confirmation class in January 2020. The class will be similar to his adult education class held earlier this year. The class will cover the basic tenets of the Episcopal church to include history, beliefs, liturgy, sacraments and so much more. Those completing this course will be able to be Confirmed later next spring 2020.The specific class dates will be based on participant feedback. Please email the office or Fr. Chip if you are interested.
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I
n order to economize we will be posting The 2019 Winter Angelus on our E-newsletter and Grace Church website. For those who wish to receive a printed copy of the Angelus, please ask an Usher for a copy. As a general reminder to everyone, please keep the office informed of changes in address, email or phone numbers. Our desire is to communicate effectively, and the lack of the proper information makes that more difficult. Thank you!
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Join a Committee or become Greeter or Office Voluntee
r
Grace La Gracia is always looking for more volunteers to serve on our various committees. We rely on our parishioners to help keep our parish going. For more information or to join, contact the parish office or just stop by one of our meetings!
If any of these roles interest you, please contact the parish office.
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Acolytes
The Grace La Gracia Acolyte Ministry is always in search of new members to aid and assist the Clergy and Congregation in prayer, praise and worship. We welcome adults and youth aged 7 and up. Please contact Lauren Reid at
Lrrmink@gmail.com
if you would like to join this vital ministry.
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Pastoral Care
We are inviting members who have a passion for serving others to join our Pastoral Care team. This ministry means so much to our members and it just might change your life. Please contact Sandy Gadsden at
sunaganatag@aol.com
for more information.
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Lectors Are Needed
Volunteers are needed for all services including the Family service, every third Sunday of the month. If you are available for one or both of these services, please provide your contact information to
Michael Heffner
Volunteer to be an Usher
Ushers are needed for all services. Please contact Andrea Spencer E: dreaspencer@aol.com if you would like to join.
Planned Giving
“All that we are, all that we have comes from God (and will one day return to God)”
Our Mission: To establish a meaningful enough relationship with you, the Grace Church La Gracia parishioner, to the extent that you would consider establishing a meaningful long-term financial relationship with Grace Church La Gracia.
Planned Giving encompasses a variety of ways that gifts can be made to the church from accumulated resources. Planned giving is a means by which anyone concerned with the thoughtful use of his or her personal wealth can make a considered choice about how to share it. Planned gifts are either outright gifts or deferred gifts. Please contact Michael Heffner to start (or continue) this conversation.
Grace La Gracia Parish Office Telephone Number 914 949 2874
When calling the parish office, please listen carefully to the new directory extension options. If you know your party's extension you can press it after the greeting.
Maria Campos – Administrator or Front Desk Volunteer - Ext 1
The Rev. Dr. Chip Graves - Ext 2
The Rev. Adolfo Moronta - Ext 3
Maria Romeo- Bookkeeper - Ext 4
Names on Prayer List
If you have a family member or loved one on our prayer list, please provide our office with emergency contact information.
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Downtown Music at Grace Concert Schedule -click here
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DECEMBER
Wednesday, December 18, 2019 @ 12:10 p.m.
Angelica
– A visit from this wonderful chamber choir, directed by Marie Caruso, has become a seasonal tradition for our Downtown Music audience. This year, they offer a program of medieval, traditional, and contemporary songs, featuring selections from Heinrich Isaac’s rarely heard Christmas Mass “Introitus, Puer natus est” and “Alleluia, Dies sanctificatus”; premieres by John Milne The Virgin’s Lullaby Lament and Julie Dolphin Lullaby After Christmas; and Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols. Joining Angelica is harpist Joy Plaisted.
Wednesday, December 25, 2019 @ 12:10 PM
No Concert
JANUARY
Wednesday, January 1, 2020 @ 12:10 PM
No Concert
Wednesday, January 8, 2020 @ 12:10 PM
Guitarist John Lehmann-Haupt is known equally for his arrangements of popular and traditional songs and for his classical interpretations.
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The Episcopal Diocese of New York
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E:mcampos@gracechurchwhiteplains.org T: 914 949 2874 x1
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