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.
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Morning Prayer
November 8, 2020
10:00 AM
The Rev. Jen Bloesch
Officiant and Preacher
Lector ...........Robert Forman
Intercessor....Sarah Sieber
Responder.... Tom Doyle
Counters....... Kathy Clausen
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ZOOM INVITATIONS
FOR GRACE CHURCH
Morning Prayer
November 8, 2020
at 10:00 AM
For Zoom
or call 646 558 8656 US
(New York)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
(Password): 917937
Grace Sunday School 11:00am - 11:45am,
This a recurring meeting
To join this Zoom meeting
(Meeting ID): 859 9461 5863
(Password): 508436
Tuesday Bible Study
7:00 to 8:30 PM
WILL NOT MEET on NOV. 3
or call 646-558-8656
(Meeting ID):
826 0996 0553
(Password): 446609
See article in this edition of Tuesday's Child for more info.
Centering Prayer
Thursdays 5:00 PM
This is a recurring meeting
To join this Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 203 314 800
(Password): 578877
646 558 8656 US (New York)
Third Sunday Supper
Every third Sunday
at 6:00 PM
This is a recurring meeting
To join this Zoom meeting
(Meeting ID): 778 608 743
(Password): 729107
646 558 8656 US (New York)
Be safe. Be well. Hope to see you soon.
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Twenty Third Sunday After Pentecost
Matthew 25:1-13
Jesus said, “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
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Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending |
If you are feeling more anxious than usual this week and need to talk, I am available at 270-519-6934 all day Wednesday and Friday. In anxious times, we double down on prayer and hold onto hope.
Blessings, Libby+
The Rev. Elizabeth Wade
270-519-6934 (cell)
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On this Election Day, please pray for the unity and well-being of our nation: God of hope, in these times of change, unite our nation and guide our leaders with your wisdom. Give us courage to overcome our fears, and help us to build a future in which all may prosper and share; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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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.
BLAKELY, Rosemarie
21 Crossway, #108
Lee MA 01238
413-243-0485
BOWENS, Marina
c/o Maryella Satinover
(310) 749-9424 (cell)
11908 Windward Ave.
Mar Vista, CA 90066
310-398-2484
BREASTED, John
Fairview Commons
Cell (413) 854-3977
151 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington MA 01230
413-429-8123
BROOKS, Jane
165 George Street
Lee MA 01230
413-243-3367
CRAWFORD, Ruth
125 Woodland Road
Lee MA 01238
413-243-2575
EDELSTEIN, Richard
LEP, Kimball Farms,
235 Walker Street,
Lenox, MA 01240.
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FRYE, Vonnie
PineHill Assisted Living at Kimball Farms
235 Walker St. Apt #32
Lenox, Ma. 01240
413-637-7432
GORE, Barbara
50 Stockbridge Road
Lee MA 01238
413-243-4261
GRAMMER, John
(413) 258-4212
Fairview Commons
151 Christian Hill Rd,
Great Barrington, MA 01230
413-258-4212
HAIDER, Meredith
5 Fox Hollow Road #409
(814)308-4865
Lenox, MA 01240
413-551-7319
KEENE, Sara
The Egremont Village Inn
17 Main Street
P. O. Box 275
South Egremont, MA 01258
413-528-4152
TURNER, Barbara
(413) 243-8904
130 High Street
Lee MA 01238
413-243-8904
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Forward Day by Day
Available from
the Grace Office
Both regular size and large print editions of the November 2020-January 2021 daily devotional booklets are available now. If you would like one mailed to you, please contact Gretchen at [email protected].
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God of abundance and wisdom,
you have blessed Grace Church with love
and respect for one another and with joy
in our community. Help us to discern
your will and to be open to your guidance
as we seek a new rector for our parish.
Grant us the ability to hear your voice
as we listen to one another. Give us
wisdom and patience, mutual respect,
and clarity of vision, that we may choose
and receive a priest who serves with
warmth and humor, inspiration and faithfulness, and who will lead us
where you are calling Grace Church
to serve the mission of Jesus in this
time and place.
In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
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In this time of quarantine and physical separation you are
still being prayed for.
If you would like to receive specific healing prayers please contact:
The Rev. Ted Cobden 413-528-2247
Pennie Curry 413-429-7093
Sue Gore 413-243-2273
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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, Edna Leavenworth, George Raymond, Ed Hutchinson; Mimi and Dick Alford, Doreen Hutchinson, Barbara Turner, Pennie Curry, Frank Vogel - Polizzi, Mark Anderson, Elizabeth Holland, Janet Zimmerman, Stacey, Claire and Mark Thomas, Richard Edelstein, Connie Garber, Ruth Crawford, Marcia Doelman, Tom Murray, Paula Doyle, John Grammer, Maureen Terry, Gino Furio, Meredith Haider, Debbie Holmes, Mary Booton, and Vonnie Frye.
Others we love: Tanner, friend of Sue and Rick Gore; Ed and Fran, brother-in-law and sister of Anne Andrews; Kristen Mary, cousin of Jainee McCarroll; Evie De Melker, daughter of Rev. Ted Cobden; Karen La Rocque, friend of Sue Gore; 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; Anne Peters, Debbie Losaw, daughter of Rosemarie Blakely, Ashley Gangell, Zeke Hills, brother of The Rev. Francie Hills, 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: Bob Magee, former member of St. James; Bill Alford, brother of Dick Alford; Elinor Hamill; Neil Brandt, brother of Linda White; John Turner, husband of Barbara Turner; Leslie Albert, friend of Margaret Layton and Sarah Sieber; Andrew S. Artz, brother-in-law of the Rev. Janet Zimmerman; Kathy Happ, sister of Doug and Gary Happ; Fred Bunce, father of Mary Booton; Marion Chapin Andrews; Chuck De Melker, husband of Evie Cobden De Melker; Locke Larkin, brother-in-law of Maureen Terry; Charles Olegar; Marianne Felch, friend of Janet Zimmerman; Pat Edelstein; Anthony Aiuvalasit, friend of Janet Zimmerman.
Our world: For those who suffer from the COVID-19 virus; for those who have died from this virus and those who mourn; for those who provide care and comfort in this pandemic; for all who suffer from the loss of jobs and income in this time; for all who are anxious about their future and our world; for all who offer time and treasure to support those who need to know love; for all who are alone and all who reach out to care.
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
The Church's wider mission:
Pray for the Church of the Province of West Africa The Most Revd Dr Jonathan Bau-Bau Bonaparte Hart - Primate & Metropolitan, Church of the Province of West Africa; Archbishop of the Internal province of West Africa and Bishop of Liberia
And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week:
Laura and Eric Jordahl, 11/7; Viola Bagnashi, 11/9.
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Join us for
Centering Prayer ONLINE
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 this 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)
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Video Series Premieres on Saturdays:
Voices of Faith
Sponsored by the Diocesan Vitality Committee, supporting the vitality of congregations across our Diocese, Voices of Faith features lay people from congregations from across Western Massachusetts. The videos will be sent out via email on Saturday mornings. They will be cross-posted on the Diocesan Facebook Page, Twitter feed and and YouTube channel.
The Vitality Committee hopes the videos can lift us out of silos of congregational life, help us deal with social-isolation, and even open us to the broad diversity of our Diocese, and the diversity of experiences that people have with God.
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A Pastoral Message From Bishop Fisher
September 30, 2020
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In this week of our Diocesan Convention, please pray for Bishop Fisher, our diocesan staff, and the assembly of priests and elected leaders gathering virtually from all the congregations of the Diocese of Western MA: Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Diocesan Compline
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday @ 8:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 824 5008 6637
Passcode: 501604
Dial by phone
+1 929 205 6099
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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.
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Stewardship: Giving through a Retirement Account Distribution
If you are planning to make your 2021 pledge for the mission of Grace Church or want to pay your 2020 pledge from the required minimum distribution (RMD) from your retirement account, this information from The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) may be helpful. Read more HERE.
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Church Growing Hope:
A Conversation
with Jen Bloesch
The Food & Faith Podcast is hosted by two pastors and writers Anna Woofenden and Derrick Weston. They interview pastors, academics, and religious leaders whose work sits at the intersection of food and faith. In October, they interviewed Jen Bloesch about her work at Gideon's Garden.
To listen to Jen's interview about the work that Grace Church does through Gideon's Garden
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Gideon's Garden Celebration Sunday Service
A small portion of the
Gideon’s Garden Celebration Sunday service was posted.
Here’s the link:
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The last week of October brought beautiful produce. |
Everyone received lettuce from us this week, and our cauliflower is finally ready for delivery!
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It was a dreary week, but we got in a few hours of hard farm work! Danny let us pick some of his leftover pumpkins and squash, which we donated to CHP so families can have a pumpkin to carve with their children this year. |
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For the link to Gideon's Garden
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UNITED THANK OFFERING
COVID-19 Fall Grant Awards
Thank you to everyone who, through a personal spiritual discipline of gratitude, contributed to the United Thank Offering’s 2020 Ingathering through August 2020. As a result of your gratitude and generosity, we raised $450,000 .
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SHINE YOUR LIGHT
In this unpredictable time, your church continues to give thanks for and need your support. If you are capable of sending in your pledge, thank you. If you are unable to give at this time, we understand. If you are capable of giving a bit more so we can respond to the needs of our community, we are very grateful. If you are in need, please contact a member of the Vestry listed at the top of the newsletter. Since we are not gathering in person in community, we ask that you send your gifts via mail to Grace Church, P.O. Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230. We are truly all in this life together. We pray, trusting that God will see us through this season and beyond.
Thank you for giving generously to support the ministry of Grace.
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Do you work with children, teens, or the elderly in person or on-line? Are you a vestry member? Was your Safe Church Training more than 3 years ago? If your answer to any of these questions is "yes," then it's time to take advantage of this Safe Church Workshop offered by our Diocese.
SAFE CHURCH WORKSHOP-FULL DAY
(Two short sessions) via ZOOM
*Note: Before you register please consider your commitment
to participation, as registration for this workshop is limited to 20.
(You must attend both sessions to be certified)
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Wednesday, November 18, 2020, 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Thursday, November 19, 2020, 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Registration deadline: Thursday, November 12th
The Rev. Tanya Wallace, Safe Church Officer for our diocese, will be presenting a 'Full Day' Safe Church workshop via Zoom. These two sessions are the equivalent of the Basic full day workshop.
This workshop is open to all Clergy, parish staff, lay leaders and vestry members. It is recommended that you update your training every three years. Materials will be provided electronically.
Register with Karen Warren via email by the registration deadline.
Registration must include your name, home mailing address, preferred email, and parish name/location. You will be sent a ZOOM link to confirm your registration!
COST: The cost of the Full Day workshop is $25.00 per person and will be billed to your parish.
Questions or to Register: Email Karen Warren
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Convention Week Events: Not Just For Delegates
You will find the revised full week’s schedule by clicking here, but here it is the rundown of our first virtual diocesan convention!
Wednesday, November 4 @ 7 PM
Budget Hearing with Steve Abdow
Optional Zoom meeting for Convention delegates
Thursday, November 5 @ 6:30 PM
Pre-Convention Meeting
6:30 - 8:00 PM Pre-Convention Meeting
An important introduction to Saturday’s main Convention business meeting, this session is required for all delegates. There will be Zoom and Simply Voting tutorials, an introduction to the Convention website.
REGISTER FOR CONVENTION
Saturday, November 7 @ 9:00 AM
Convention Morning Prayer and
The Bishop’s Address
Saturday, November 7 @ 10:00 AM
The 119th Diocesan Convention Business Meeting
Zoom webinar required for Convention delegates
The Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts | 413-737-4786 | www.diocesewma.org
STAY CONNECTED
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Becoming Beloved Community |
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The Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray, Episcopal priest and lawyer, was a landmark in and of her very life — in mission and in her very person. By unflinchingly connecting American values with disenfranchised communities, Pauli contributed directly to Title VII’s prohibition of sex discrimination in employment in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Thurgood Marshall called Pauli’s magnum opus on race “the Bible for civil rights lawyers.”
Murray gave voice to many who suffered the hegemony of an unaware and unbothered majority. She dared to make the ideals of Jesus true on earth.
Listen to Presiding Bishop Curry's tribute to Pauli here:
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For a curated list of educational and theological books on racism
as well as links to web resources please click Here
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Pennie Curry, and Lee Cheek are Grace Church members who are a part of Sacred Ground, a 10-week film-based dialogue series on race and faith.
The series is being led by Grace Church's new interim, the Rev.
Libby Wade. This group is fully enrolled, but if you are interested other groups could be formed in the future. To learn more Click here.
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Please contact Lee Cheek, co-chair
of the Bishop's Commission for
Beloved Community at
For up-to-date resources and events, visit and follow the
Beloved Community facebook page:
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Children and Teens Please Join Us! |
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This is the poster from our
Compassion Summer Camp.
We welcome you to
GRACE SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sundays, at 11:00 AM.
There will be story sharing, conversation, yoga challenges,
and more!
Dindy Anderson, Margaret Layton and Andrea White will be offering an online bible story and activities supported by Illustrated Ministries.
We look forward to seeing you! Bring your friends from near and far!
Grace Sunday School
This is a recurring meeting
To join this Zoom meeting
Click Here (Meeting ID): 859 9461 5863 (Passcode): 508436
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Tuesday Bible Study
in Collaboration with St. Paul’s
Sermon on the Mount:
A Beginner’s Guide
to the Kingdom of Heaven
Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m.,on Zoom
Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt University Divinity School, has built her career on helping Christians understand the Jewish context of Jesus’ life and ministry. Her newest book, Sermon on the Mount, is a readable and thought-provoking look at these fundamental teachings from Matthew’s gospel. We will use this book (available in paperback, for Kindle, or in an audio version on Audible) as the guide to our six-week study.
The Rev. Sam Smith, St. Paul's Rector, is leading this Bible Study with participants from Grace, Christ Trinity, and St. Paul's. New participants are welcome to join at any time.
This group will not meet on November 3. Assignment for November 10 is Chapter 5 of Amy-Jill Levine's book.
Advent Bible Study Series begins December 1 on Zoom
Four Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
"Songs in Waiting--Reflections on Christ's Birth"
This four-week series led by the Rev. Libby Wade will draw on meditations by the Rev. Paul-Gordon Chandler to explore the wonder, mystery, and hope surrounding Christ's coming. We'll focus on four ancient Middle Eastern songs from Luke's narrative of the birth of Jesus set alongside paintings from the contemporary artist Daniel Bonnell. Chandler says that in Advent "God surprises us when we least expect it, usually when we are in the midst of a difficult time and need God the most," and "provides surprises that are so much more wonderful than we could ever have imagined." Join folks from Grace Church, Christ Trinity, and St. Paul's for Bible Study on Tuesdays in Advent to look for surprises as we wait in hope. No book to purchase. Questions? Contact Libby.
or call in: 646-558-8656
Meeting ID: 826 0996 0553 Passcode: 446609
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Seminar forming for 2021
Education for Ministry (EfM)
EFM at Christ Trinity Church will form a new seminar group for 2021. We invite members of the Grace community to consider participating; you can speak with John Cheek (who is currently participating), or with Karen Byers, if you have questions.
EFM is a course in practical theology for seekers wanting to deepen the connection between faith and engagement with the world, We meet in a weekly seminar over 36 weeks (we break for the summer) as participants engage through study, prayer and reflection with the bible, Christian history and theology. If you want to read the Bible and discuss theological issues with fellow seekers, EFM may be for you. We would love to have you join us!
During the Covid-19 pandemic, we meet by Zoom. When it is safe to regather, we will meet in person at Christ Trinity Church.
Time (When in Person): Tuesday mornings 10:00am – 12:30 pm
Time (When meeting by Zoom): Tuesday mornings 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Time span: 36 weeks with a break in the summer
Dates in 2021: Jan 12 – June 1 and Sept 7 – Dec 14.
Fee: $375
Mentor: Karen Byers
If interested contact the Christ Trinity Church office, at [email protected] and Karen Byers will get back to you.
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BOOKS and BREAD
has been postponed until further notice.
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THIRD SUNDAY SUPPER
at 6:00 PM
Join us online for an evening of laughter and conversation every third Sunday. The ZOOM invite is at the top of the newsletter. For more information contact George Raymond
413.854.1222 cell
You can prepare your own supper,
but Take Out from our local restaurants is suggested.
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Rev. Libby Wade,
Interim Rector
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GRACE CHURCH
An Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires
Mailing:
P.O. Box 114
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Gretchen Fairfield
Office Assistant
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The Rev. Jen Bloesch
Gideon's Garden
Program Director
413-644-6572
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In an effort to care for each other, our church office will be closed until further notice. You can reach the church office by email:
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VESTRY CONTACT INFORMATION |
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Kathy Clausen 413-329-1724
Rick Gore, Jr. 413-441-7036
Sue Gore 413-243-2273
Mary Anne Grammer 413-258-4212
John Cheek 413-446-8863
Dindy Anderson 413-274-3854
Anne Andrews 413-528-2766
Dutch Pinkston 413-274-6566
Cathy Haywood 413-464-6664
Holly Murray 860-977-9198
The Rev. Libby Wade is available for pastoral emergencies. 270-519-6934.
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Tuesday's Child Editor Monique Kirchoff
Associate Editor Kathy Clausen
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