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
who we are yet to know. In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus calls us to "shine our light" so others may know of God's love. The work of Grace Church has thrived because many people in this community have shared their bright light through their prayers, their presence, and their generous financial support. This great generosity has supported beautiful worship, inspirational opportunities for learning and fellowship, and compelling ministries that share hope with our neighbors. We invite you in prayer and conversation to be a part of this Episcopal Branch of the Jesus movement.
Give boldly, be generous with your lives, so God's great love can be known throughout
the world.
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Bible Study
Tuesdays with the Word at 7:00pm
We have begun a study of the Prophets followed by Compline at the Grace Church office.
Call the office for more information.
413-644-0022
67 State Road, Great Barrington
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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: 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; Dorothy Cole Hooff, sister of Marcia Doelman; Kenneth Frye
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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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November 17
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Welcome Team
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Marcia Doelman
Maureen Terry
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Acolyte
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Peter Kirchoff
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Lector
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Robert Forman, Pennie Curry
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Intercessor
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Tom Doyle
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Chalice
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Viola Bagnaschi
Rick Gore
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Healing Team
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Peter Feltman-Mahan, Sue Gore
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Flowers
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Hutchinson
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Altar Guild
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Deborah Holmes, Monique Kirchoff
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Coffee Hour
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Hutchinson, Cheek
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Counters
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Rick Gore,
Tom Doyle
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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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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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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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Gospel for the Twenty Third Sunday After Pentecost
Luke 21:5-19
When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, Jesus said, "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down."
They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, `I am he!' and, `The time is near!' Do not go after them.
"When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.
"But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls."
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| I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light |
I want to walk as a child of the light
I want to follow Jesus
God sent the stars to give light to the world
The star of my life is Jesus
In Him there is no darkness at all
The night and the day are both alike
The Lamb is the light of the city of God
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus
I want to see the brightness of God
I want to look at Jesus
Clear sun of righteousness, shine on my path
And show me the way to the Father
In Him there is no darkness at all
The night and the day are both alike
The Lamb is the light of the city of God
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus
I'm looking for the coming of Christ
I want to be with Jesus
When we have run with patience the race
we shall know the joy of Jesus
In Him there is no darkness at all
The night and the day are both alike
The Lamb is the light of the city of God
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus
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GIDEON'S GARDEN UPDATE
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We had our last official week at the garden, and everything is finally closed down for the winter.
One of our final projects was to reorganize the tool shed. It was exciting to see everything back in its place. 
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On Halloween, Fisher and Jen sat down to work on a plan for seeds for next year. It was a sentimental moment to realize that Fisher is done with his work for the season.
Because it is the end of this year's garden, this will be the last regular Gideon's Garden Update for Tuesday's Child. We'll be back with occasional special updates.
Even with the falling leaves, the garden is still beautiful. Until next season, Gideon's Garden!
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Join us!
Wednesday, November 13, at 6:00 PM
BOOKS and BREAD
The book we will share is Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
Join us at Kimball Farms for dinner at 6pm
hosted by George Raymond and Ginny Fletcher
Frank Garretson will lead our discussion.
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- 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.
- 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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The Third Sunday Supper
November 17 at 6:00 PM
will be held at the
Aroma Bar & Grill
,
485 Main Street, Great Barrington
Order off the menu. Separate checks. Join the party. These
suppers
are
always
a lot of fun.
All are enthusiastically welcomed!
For more information contact George Raymond
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SAVE THE DATE:
SUNDAY , NOVEMBER 24
GRACE CHURCH
CELEBRATION AND LUNCH.
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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 cards: Marshalls, Triplex Cinema, any place Pizza is sold,
Cove Bowling, toy stores, and Amazon.
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Deadline for gift cards: Sunday, December 8. 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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Food pantry item for the week of
November 17:
RICE
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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Conversation on Poverty,
Friday, November 15
from 8:30 to 1:00 PM
at the Berkshire Anthaeneum 1 Wendell Ave. Pittsfield.
The Berkshire Community Action Council
is hosting a conversation to learn about
assets and gaps in our community for working on the problem of poverty.
Plan on attending to learn more about how to be engaged in this work.
RSVP to Jeff Lowenstein if you can attend. jlowenstein@bcacinc.org
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The Way of Love:
Practices for Jesus-Centered Life
After months of planning the Episcopal Churches of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts welcomed Presiding Bishop Michael Curry at a rousing celebration in Pittsfield. This celebration marked the beginning of a Revival for the church. Bishop Curry also launched a new, or renewed, way of looking at how we live our faith. Curry has completed a series of talks and they are available to listen to as podcasts or you can go to our website and connect there.
our website:
podcasts: https://megaphone.link/DFMS4799957564
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Nov. 5th Podcast:
RESTING IN
AND WITH THE LAND
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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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