A MESSAGE FROM REVEREND TINA
Look at these faces! Just three of the forty or so who gather each Sunday to support each other through this season of longing and interiority which we call Advent. Every day I thank God for the power of real community, and for both the needs and the giftedness each one of us bring to the rest.

Last weekend was pure gift as Doreen Hutchinson invited Sarah Sieber, Margaret Layton and I see the lights at the Shaker village. The barn was lit beautifully from the outside. But it was the inside that most moved me. The ever-shifting patterns of light suggested stained glass, and - combined with the Gregorian chant that filled the space - they turned the ancient, round building into a space that felt more like a cathedral than a barn. At the same time though, down at ground level and in the center, the sheep still grazed and the donkeys still peered out from behind their stall and the soft-eyed cow still bowed its head to be stroked. And it was this combination – the warm and living humility of a barn, and the more elevated beauty of a cathedral - that most deeply spoke to me of the One whose coming we await. At once humble and brilliant, gentle and grand, finite and soaringly limitless, our God is coming anew in ways we have never before seen, to bring changes we have never dared to imagine.

Come Lord Jesus, illumine us with your light, enliven us with your warmth, and surround us with your love through those you have given us, now and always. Amen
An Abundance of Grace at Gideon’s Garden!

We are grateful to be able to announce that the wonderful Annalise Clausen has agreed to stay on at the Garden for another year -- and that she will be joined in June by Joel Jorgensen, a young man who has long dreamed of bringing youth ministry together with farming.

Annalise and Joel will serve as co-directors of Gideon’s Garden for six months (June – December 2022), ensuring a smooth transition and a stable (and doable!) transfer of knowledge, skills and responsibility. Please join us in giving thanks to God for them both, and in holding them in prayer as they plan and prepare.
Annalise Clausen
Joel Jorgensen
Most of you have known Annalise for many years and are well familiar with her path. Joel by contrast is a newcomer among us, so here’s a very brief bio: Originally from Iowa, Joel brings a breadth of farming experience and a depth of youth formation work that he is excited to combine through his work with Gideon’s Garden. He is dedicated to cultivating the inner lives of youth today and hopes to use the gifts of creation to help young people navigate and explore the meaning found in their lives. Joel currently serves with Lawrence House, an Episcopal Service Corps program in South Hadley, and works for St. Andrew's in Longmeadow as their church school teacher and general intern. Joel is discerning a call to Holy Orders and can't wait to join the people of Grace in June."
GIDEON'S GARDEN
Community Partners Spotlight, Taft Farms

Over the next few weeks as we close out the year, I will be highlighting some of our community partners. I am starting with one, if not the, first community partner who appeared with open minds and hearts to the desire of the community: Taft Farms.

Taft Farms has been in operation for 60 years, always family operated and owned. We truly couldn't do this project without the dedicated friends of the garden like Sue Hayden who supports the growth of our seedlings. Danny has donated land from day one, and donates his time operating his farm equipment to create our planting beds. We donated many hundreds of pounds of sweet corn gleaned from Danny's own farm fields.

And when the time comes for us to celebrate the gift of creation and community during our St. Francis celebration more members of the Taft Farms family come to help.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
GIFT CARDS for STUDENTS
The last day for collection is
Sunday - Dec. 12th
Please write the denomination on the card if not already on it.
Cards will be distributed through
school counselors at Lee High, Monument Mountain and Mt. Everett
Any questions contact Pennie or Sue
Berkshire South Regional Community Center is hosting suppers on Mondays from 5-6pm. 
All suppers will be a “to go” option.

Welcome back! Attached is the October 11, 2021 “List of Food Pantries & Meal Sites in Berkshire County”. Please note the following additions to my October 4th list:
 
We welcome the Berkshire Humane Society Pet Food Pantry in Pittsfield! They are open
Mondays – Sundays from 10am – 4pm to provide food for pets.

For list of Food Pantries and Meal Sites Click Here
Mission Matters

News from the
Episcopal Diocese 
of Western Massachusetts
Support the Resettlement of Refugees
Episcopal Migration Ministries, the refugee resettlement and migration ministry of The Episcopal Church, is currently working in partnership with the U.S. government to assist Afghan SIVs and other arrivals with resettlement and direct services through a network of 12 affiliates across the U.S.

Those who want to financially support these efforts can make a donation online here or donate by mail and send checks to:
DFMS-Protestant Episcopal Church US
P.O. Box 958983
St. Louis, MO 63195-8983
(Include Episcopal Migration Ministries and Afghan SIV’s in the memo line.)
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.
LEARNING AND DISCOVERY
Becoming Beloved Community
There is still time to visit the exhibit
and get to know the culture of the first peoples of the Berkshires!

"Muh-he-con-ne-ok: The People of the Waters 
That Are Never Still,” 
curated by Heather Bruegl, director of cultural affairs for the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, is on display at the Berkshire Museum
through Jan. 9, 2022.
Click here for article in Berkshire Eagle
_______________________________________________
Grace Church worships and gardens on the traditional land of the Mohican people.
Our Next Community in Faith Offering:
Sing Noel!
An exploration of the music of Advent and Christmas
Tuesdays, December 7 & 14, 7:00-8:00 pm, via Zoom
Of all the various aspects of Christmas, perhaps none is more beloved, and more reminiscent, than the music of the season. In this three-week study, we will explore together the music we love, learning not only the stories of the creation and meaning of these beloved songs, but also taking time to use them as tools for meditation. No preparation needed – just join us to talk about and pray on the music we cherish.
Tuesday with the Word
7:00 to 8:00 PM
To join the Zoom meeting

November 30th
Readout

This week, participants in EfM who are focused on the New Testament read the three letters of John with their simple message “God is love.” Those reading the Old Testament read Daniel and 1, 2 Maccabees. Our reflection began from a passage in 2 Maccabees, the moment when the Jews reenter the temple after having rebelled against the tyrannical rule of the Seleucid (Syrian) Emperor Antioches Epiphanes IV, who was trying to quash their faith. The revolt (167-160 bce) and victory by the Maccabees is marked by Hanukah, being celebrated now.
 
Our reflection began with a passage from 2 Maccabees 10:1-6 (in the Apocrypha). While this image is of later origin than the Maccabean revolt we were captivated by the menorah in the middle of the crowd, and it spoke imaginatively to our theme of restoring light in the darkness
 
Reconciling God, light of the world
We confess that we grope in the darkness
We deny the pull of the dark
We place our hope in the light of love
Forgive us for not always putting the light to good use.
In your Holy Spirit, let us share your light with our neighbor.
AMEN
 
I WANT SOME FRIENDS
THIRD SUNDAY SUPPER

Join us for lively conversation
and fellowship on
every third Sunday, at 6:00PM
Next location TBD
Separate checks/All are welcome
For more information contact
George Raymond. His contact information is in the Grace directory.
MOVIE NITE
Join us for a discussion of
BREAKING AWAY
An Indiana teen (Dennis Christopher) acts Italian as he and his townie buddies (Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern) compete with college snobs.
Watch at your leisure then join us on Zoom
Thursday, January 6,
at 6:30 PM on Zoom.
To join this Zoom meeting, Click Here
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823 (Password): 385337

Last week, MOVIE NITE attendees had a great discussion of ABOUT SCHMIDT, a movie starring Jack Nickelson in one of his best roles.
All are welcome to join us for Breaking Away!
BOOKS AND BREAD
Book Nominations
on January 12
at the Church office
at 7:00 pm

All are welcome!

To join this Zoom meeting at 7:15 PM
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
or call 646 558 8656 US (New York)

  • Participants should contact the Hosts (Mark and Dindy Anderson's) if they plan to attend but have not signed up at Grace Church (Crissey Farm Welcome Desk)
  • If you are a "regular" and are not planning to attend, please let the Host know.
  • Discussion begins at 7:00 pm regardless of whether it's a Dinner gathering or an A&D gathering.    
  • 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. 
  • Please sign up to bring appetizers or dessert items. 

Meeting is over promptly at 8:30 PM. For more information email Peter Kirchoff.
PRAYERS AND CARES
Step into Grace 
Where strangers become friends 

We are an 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.
The Third Sunday
of Advent
Holy Eucharist
December 12, 10:00 AM

Sunday services
will be at Crissey Farm, both
in-person and live-streamed.
Please visit our website: 
for up-to-date information and a link to the digital service booklet.

Celebrant:
The Rev. Peter Feltman-Mahan

Welcome Team..... Sue and Rick Gore
Acolyte...................Kathy Clausen
Lector.................. ..Robert Forman
Intercessor.............John Cheek
Healing Team.........T. Cobden/P. Curry
Tech.......................Abe Streeter
Flowers..................Advent
Altar Guild.............M. Layton/M. Kirchoff
Coffee Hour...........Booton/Brooke
Counters................R.Gore/Sieber


ZOOM INVITATIONS 
FOR GRACE CHURCH


The Third Sunday
of Advent
Holy Eucharist
December 12, at 10:00 AM
Now in person and on Zoom.
For Zoom
or call 646 558 8656
US (New York)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
(Password): 917937

Tuesday with the Word
December 7
7:00 to 8:00 PM
To join the Zoom meeting
For more information please see the article below.

Centering Prayer
Thursdays, at 5:00 PM
Now in person and on ZOOM
To join the Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 203 314 800
(Password): 578877
646 558 8656 US (New York)

Grace Church Men's Group
Future dates to be announced here.

Movie Nite
Thursday, at 6:30
January 6, 2022
More information in the
article below.
To join this Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
or call 646 558 8656 US
(New York)

Books and Bread,
Book Nominations
Wednesday, January 12
In person at 7:00 PM
at the Church office
All are welcome.

Third Sunday Supper 
(Every Third Sunday)
Resumes in January
The Third Sunday of
Advent
Luke 3:7-18

John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin 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 ax 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."

And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?" In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise." Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you." Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages."

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding
For the most up to date information:
please visit the
Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative website, 
They will post notice of appointment openings 6-12 hours in advance. You can find answers to your vaccination questions including information about the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine on their FAQ page.
Covid-19 vaccination
booster shots
are now available for those with certain big-risk medical conditions at Walgreens and Fairview Hospital on a walk-in basis. If you think you might have a qualifying condition, we urge you to go to one of these locations for a booster shot.
Closed Captions Enabled

STAY CONNECTED @EpiscopalWMA | 413-737-4786 | diocesewma.org
BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE

The holidays can be hard for those of us who are struggling. Beautiful decorations and ‘happy’ seeming gatherings of family and friends can leave us feeling more alone even than usual.

The Christmas story, however, shows that the light of God arrives in this world by way of darkness. There is no need for fanfare, then, or too much outer brightness. God’s love shines most powerfully in the depths, and remains with us regardless of the season or our own personal circumstance.

“Blue Christmas” provides a space for you to come, just as you are, without pretending, to share in the truth of God’s love for us all. Please join us – in person or on zoom - for a candle lit Eucharist on Wednesday, December 15th at 6:00PM at the Grace Church Office Chapel, 67 State Road, Great Barrington.

Feel free to reach out to Rev. Tina with any question
Grace Choir Rehearsals - Sundays,
Through-December 19, 8:55-9:45 am
 
Would you like to join our merry band of players? Having been at Grace Church a few months now, I know there are more folks out there interested in singing along with our awesome choir! Rather than asking you to sign up for a full-year/indefinite commitment, I would like to offer you the chance to try out Grace Choir during the season of Advent. Over the course of 4 Sundays, we will prepare 3 hymns and 1 anthem to offer during Communion. Reading music and/or prior singing experience is not required. 
 
Musically yours, 
Ryan
Patti Poulos is coming from Austin to join this gathering.
of the friends of
Vanessa Poulos Neves
on Sunday December 12, 2:00 - 5:00
at Crissey Farm, Great Barrington

Light refreshments will be served and there will be a cash bar. Please join us as we remember our dear friend.

Vanessa died on October 26 in Austin,
Texas where she lived with her family. 
A small service for family and intimate friends was held
to honor the passing of
beloved parishioner
Sara Keene
on Saturday, November 27th
at Umpachene Falls
in New Marlborough.
Rev. Tina gave the blessing.
May light perpetual shine upon Sara !


Praying for each other and for the needs of the world is a vital mission of Grace Church. To add a prayer request to this list, please contact the Church Office 
office@graceberkshires.org or by phone 413-644-0022.
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.

ANDREWS, Anne
659 South Egremont Road 
P.O. Box 714 
Great Barrington, MA 01230 
BLAKELY, Rosemarie           
21 Crossway, #108
Lee MA 01238

BOWENS, Marina             
c/o Maryella Satinover    
11908 Windward Ave.
Mar Vista, CA 90066

BREASTED, John        
Fairview Commons       
151 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington MA 01230

BROOKS, Jane        
165 George Street
Lee MA 01230
FRYE, Vonnie          
PineHill Assisted Living
at Kimball Farms
235 Walker St. Apt #32
Lenox, Ma. 01240

GORE, Barbara        
50 Stockbridge Road
Lee MA 01238

HAIDER, Meredith       
5 Fox Hollow Road
#409            
Lenox, MA 01240                                 

McCURDY, Deborah
Skilled Nursing Center
Loomis Lakeside at Reed's Landing
807 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109

TURNER, Barbara     
Fairview Commons
151 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230 
Our New Prayer Basket

We welcome you to use our new prayer basket.
On Sundays you will find a basket near the welcome table, with slips of paper available for you to write down prayer requests. You can ask for prayers for those who are ill, or in need of healing or encouragement of any kind, prayers for intentions, journeys, or projects, the birth or adoption of children, and prayers of thanksgiving for anything that needs celebrating. In other words, please ask for any prayers that are important to you and those you love. You may identify yourself and those for whom prayers are needed, but names are not necessary or required. These requests will be prayed for by our healing ministers both during the service and during the week for a period of one month. Keep an eye out for the basket!!
Healing Prayers

If you would like to receive healing prayers from
The Rev. Ted Cobden, Pennie Curry, or Sue Gore,
please refer to your directory for their contact
information, or contact the Grace office.
       
GRACE
CHURCH 

Please include
in your daily prayers this week:
 
Members of the Parish Family:
Sue Gore, George Raymond; Doreen Hutchinson, Anne Andrews, Pennie Curry, Mark Anderson, Stacey, Claire and Mark Thomas, Meredith Haider, Linda White, Rosemarie Blakely, Marina Bowens, John Breasted, Jane Brooks, Vonnie Frye, Barbara Gore, Sara Keene, Barbara Turner and Annalise Clausen.

Others we love: Rino Aldrighetti, dear friend of Steve White; Wyatt Hicks; Larry Cheek, John's brother; Karen La Rocque friend of Sue Gore; Rosalind Haywood, Sue Gore's mother; Deborah McCurdy; Joy Milani, dear friend of Dindy Anderson.

Those who have died:
Sara Keene; Jim Santolin dear friend of Rick and Sue Gore; Robert Bruce Martin, and Alexandra Pratt, friends of Monique; Bernadette McCarroll, beloved family member of Jainee, John & Ellis; Thomas J. Fisher, father of The Rt. Rev. Douglas Fisher; Alan Sparks, brother of Debbie Holmes; Ruth Crawford; John Grammer, husband of Mary Anne; Neil Brandt, brother of Linda White; John Turner, husband of Barbara Turner; Leslie Albert, friend of Margaret Layton and Sarah Sieber.

Our world: For the people of Afghanistan, and of Haiti, who have struggled for so long under burdens seemingly too great to bear. 
For all victims of violence, and for those who inflict violence on others. For people who suffer from the COVID-19 virus, those who have died and those who mourn; caregivers and those who have been affected through loss of work, income, and housing. 
For all who are alone or afraid or despairing. For prisoners, unhoused people, newly arrived immigrants and all our neighbors, near and far.

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 and the Rev. Jane Tillman; Christ Trinity, Sheffield and the Rev. Erik Karas; our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher; and the Mampong Babies' Home in Ghana; Saint Mark's Worcester; Ministerio Hispano en Worcester; Ministry Development Grant Committee. Episcopal Service Corps, (ESC); Episcopal City Mission, Boston.

The Church's wider mission:
The Anglican Church of Canada

And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week: Richard Alford, Aiden Perkins, 12/7; Ian Booton, 12/13.
Join us for
Centering Prayer
now in person and on ZOOM
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.

To join the Zoom meeting
Meeting ID: 203 314 800
Password: 578877
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
 
To find your local number:
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.
SHINE YOUR LIGHT
 
Thank you for giving generously to support the ministry of Grace.  You may continue to mail your contributions to Grace Church, P.O. Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230. As we begin to gather in person, you may bring your contribution to our services on Sunday, once again.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Kids of all ages: 
Please join us for Sunday school. We will meet during the first part of the service and then re-join the service at the Peace.
A Virtual Christmas Pageant 2021

Are you interested in participating in this year’s pageant, and you have not already talked with Andrea White? Please get in touch with her. All are welcome to participate.

Pageant participants: Andrea will contact you about the practice and filming sessions.

The filmed pageant "Do Not Be Afraid", performed by members of Grace Church, will be shared on "the big screen" via Zoom on Sunday, December 19, during the worship service. 2021.

Watch our 2020 pageant:
WREATHS
AND GINGERBREAD
COOKIES
Each parishioner at the December 19th service will be presented with a handmade Christmas wreath, and each child with a gingerbread cookie, compliments of Taft Farms.
Thank you all
for signing up for this year’s
Flower Dedications.
It is a beautiful way to honor our family and friends both living and deceased, and is shared by all.

Please note that $35.00 contributions toward the flower purchases can be sent to the Grace Office or placed in the Offertory Collection.
GRACE CHURCH
An Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires
67 State Road/P.O. Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230

GRACE Parish Administrator: Ms. Jean Chapin
You can reach the church office by emailoffice@graceberkshires.org 
and by phone 413-644-0022.
The Rev. Tina Rathbone
Rector
413-644-0022
revtina at graceberkshires.org
Ms. Annalise Clausen, Director of Farming for Gideon's Garden
413-644-0022
gideonsgarden at graceberkshires.org

Mr. Ryan LaBoy,
Grace Church Music Director
413-644-0022
RLaboy at graceberkshires.org
Tuesday's Child Editor Monique Kirchoff 
Associate Editor Kathy Clausen
Please send comments by emailing tuesdayschild@graceberkshires.org