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
 
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.
 
Contents

Bible Study
Bible Study
Tuesdays with the Word
at 7:00 pm
In January we will begin a study of the Gospel according to Matthew followed by Compline.  
You are welcome to join us. Grace Church Office, 67 State Road, Great Barrington.
Call  413-644-0022 for more information.
 
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 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: 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: 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. 
Please hold in your prayers
 
John Grammer  who is currently at Hillcrest Commons Rehabilitation Center,
169 Valentine Rd. Pittsfield, MA.
 
Richard Edelstein, who lost his wife Pat .
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 Rick 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.   

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.


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

Click here for the
Grace Church calendar

ROTA
February 2
Welcome Team
Sally Brooke,
Anne Andrews,
Viola Bagnaschi
Acolyte
Cathy Haywoood
Lector
Dindy Anderson, Meredith Haider
Intercessor
Kathy Clausen
Chalice
Dutch Pinkston,
Lynn Walker
Healing Team
Kathy Clausen,
Flowers

Altar Guild
Margaret Layton, Sarah Sieber, Cathy Haywood 
Coffee Hour
Layton/Sieber/Brooke
Counters
Anne Andrews,
Sue Gore

Links
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
 
 

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.
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.
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.
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 .
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!

Every Sunday!    
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.
The Presentation of Our Lord  
 
Luke 2:22-40

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."

And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-- and a sword will pierce your own soul too."

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

 
                                                     
  HYMN
 
King's College Cambridge 2011 #7 Angels from the Realms of Glory 
King's College Cambridge 2011 #7 Angels from the Realms of Glory
 
Angels from the realms of glory
Wing your flight through all the earth 
Ye who sang creation's story 
Now proclaim Messiah's birth 
Gloria In excelsis deo
Gloria In excelsis deo

Shepherds, in the fields abiding 
Watching o'er your flocks by night 
God with man is now residing 
Yonder shines the infant light 
Gloria In excelsis deo
Gloria In excelsis deo

Sages, leave your contemplation 
Brighter visions beam afar 
Seek the great desire of nations 
Ye have seen His natal star 
Gloria In excelsis deo
Gloria In excelsis deo
 
Though an infant now we view him,
He shall fill his Father's throne,
Gather all the nations to him;
Every knee shall then bow down: 
Gloria In excelsis deo
Gloria In excelsis deo
 
Join us for good food and conversation
February 9 at The Morgan House,
33 Main Street, Lee at 6:00 PM.
The "Third" Sunday Supper  
 
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  
413.854.1222 cell 
 
JOIN US!   
February 12
BOOKS and BREAD  
The Women in the Castle 
 
Appetizers & Dessert only:  
Appetizers, wine, soft drinks,
dessert, decaf and tea.
Our host will be The Rev. Janet Zimmerman   
Peggy Whitfield will lead the discussion  
 
 
  • 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 
 
February 26 
12:00 PM and 6:00 PM
The Season of Lent begins with a service of  
Eucharist and
the Imposition of Ashes.  
You are invited to join at the
Grace Church Chapel, 67 State Road in Great
Barrington.

Food pantry item for the week of  
February 2: 
PET FOOD
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.

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.   



 
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 significant donations to BIC these past few years have truly made a difference for our work. Since the Center is not a membership organization, we do not have a pool of donations we can count on each year. And unlike our area's many wonderful cultural institutions, we don't have a season of events to generate ticket sales. We do, however, have staunch allies in our community: people who get it. People who value the many ways immigrants enrich our lives and the life of our region. Thank you for being among the strongest of our allies in this work.  

Thank you for recognizing the value of the services that the Berkshire Immigrant Center provides. Thank you for backing up your words of support with truly remarkable financial donations.  
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. 



This is a promotion sponsored by the Big Y in Lee
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.
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.

"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.  
WORSHIP
Christ Icon
Worship Schedule
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. 
 
 
 
 Eucharist and Healing Prayers    
Wednesday at 12:00 PM
  At Grace Chapel  
67 State Rd. Grace Chapel ( click here for map)
 

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  
Vestry Minutes are posted on our website
 
OFFICERS
 
MEMBERS                       
                            
Senior Warden          
Kathy Clausen                  
Class of 2019
John Cheek
Junior  
Warden
Richard Gore, Jr.        
Class of 2020
John Cheek
Dindy Anderson 
Treasurer
Sue Gore     
Class of 2021
Anne Andrews
Dutch Pinkston
Clerk
Mary Anne Grammer   
Class of 2022  
Cathy Haywood  


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 Chapel67 State Rd.,
Great Barrington
To contact Grace Church, email office@graceberkshires.org


Janet's office hours: Tues.-Thurs. 9:00am-12:00pm or by appt.  413-644-0022 
jzimmerman@graceberkshires.org  
  
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