Step into Grace |
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Where strangers become friends |
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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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NEW!! ZOOM INVITATIONS
FOR GRACE CHURCH
Please note that these Zoom invitations
are new due to tightened Zoom security measures.
Agape Service, July 26, 2020
(Sundays at 10:00 AM)
To join this Zoom meeting,
or call +
1 646 558 8656 US (New York),
+
1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
(Password): 917937
Tuesday Bible Study at 7:00 PM
This is a recurring meeting
To join Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 753 016 518
(Password): 746804
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Books and Bread at 7:00 PM
This is a recurring meeting
To join this Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Centering Prayer Thursdays 5:00 PM
This is a recurring meeting
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)
To find your local number:
Click here
Third Sunday Supper
3rd Sundays
at 6:00 PM
This is a recurring meeting
To join this Zoom meeting
(Meeting ID): 778 608 743
(Password): 729107
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
To find your local number,
Be safe. Be well. Hope to see you soon.
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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, Pam & Bill Drumm, The family of Richard Gore, Sr., 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, Dindy Anderson, Tom Murray, Paula Doyle, John Grammer, Aidan, Andrea, the Rev. Steve White, Maureen Terry, Gino Furio, Elinor Hamill, Meredith Haider, Debbie Holmes, Mary Booton and Vonnie Frye.
Others we love:
Sally and Don, sister and brother-in-law of Cynthia
Pease; 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,
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: 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; Rev. Stephen Chinlund, friend of Jainee McCarroll and John and Ellis Ericson; Joy Saville, mother of Andrea White; Richard Gore, Sr.; 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.
Please include in your daily prayers this week:
Vonnie Frye fell and broke her hip on June 2. She had surgery the next day and is now at Mt. Carmel Rehabilitation Center in Lenox. She will probably be there for weeks
if not months as she learns to walk again. She would love to receive cards to cheer her up.
Mt. Carmel Rehabilitation Center
320 Pittsfield Rd., #31B, Lenox, MA 01240
(413-637-8276)
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; 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 birthdays or anniversaries this week: Lynn Walker 7/26, Steve & Andrea White 7/26.
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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.
I invite you to take time each day to breathe and be aware of all the ways God is present with us. Write them down or simply include them in your daily prayers. A heart that turns toward being grateful comes to see the goodness and grace of God everywhere, even in a time of hardship.
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Questions about Zoom ?
Robert Forman's telephone number for those who would like help using Zoom:
914 478 7802.
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BIBLE STUDY WITH THE WORD
Tuesdays,
from 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Each session will be
followed by a Compline
service.
All are welcome to join us!
New Zoom Connection:
or call in
+1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 753 016 518,
Password: 746804)
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What Are Your Five Favorite Hymns?
Have your say!
S
end Chris Clark the first line, title or hymn number of your five favorites!
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Third Sunday Supper
is online on
August 16, 2020
Join our next gathering
You can prepare your own supper,
but Take Out from our local restaurants is suggested.
See the new Zoom invite for Third Sunday Supper
at the top of the newsletter.
Join us for an evening of
laughter and conversation.
For more information
contact George Raymond
413.854.1222 cell
graymond747@gmail.com
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Click here for the 
Grace Church calendar
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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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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
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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 that was 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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Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures
For a summary on the Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures that went into effect Monday, April 20 please click here. Remember:
No tenant should be moving out of his/her home at the insistence of a landlord.
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A LETTER FROM BERKSHIRE SOUTH COMMUNITY CENTER
Dear Community Friends,
The Community Center has been working on a project with the United Way/Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Fund to execute a meal pick-up program.
If you've got questions, my new "office" phone is 413-717-2674 and my hours are usually Monday-Friday from 9am-1pm Please feel free to call, text or email!
WHAT:
Nourishing Neighbors south county meal program,
providing 500 meals from local restaurants weekly!
WHO:
Meals are available for all community members in the southern Berkshires needing support at this time.
WHEN: Wednesdays, 1pm-3pm (For any updates or changes, follow Berkshire South's facebook page) - Please, no early birds!
WHERE: Berkshire South Regional Community Center, drive thru*. 15 Crissey Road, Great Barrington.
**If you're not able to drive, please contact meals@berkshiresouth.org and we'll deliver to you! The deadline to request delivery every week is Tuesday at 10am so that we are able to plan ahead.
DETAILS: This is a contactless system, please stay in your car. We'll be happy to take your order curbside. Questions: please email
meals@berkshiresouth.org.
HOW: We are so grateful for Berkshire United Way and Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and the COVID 19 Emergency Response Fund. We're also thankful for Price Chopper, Taft Farms, SoCo Creamery, Domaney's Liquors and Fine Wines, Big Y, and M Designs for their donations.
You can donate online here.
Kate Tucci
Director of Educational and Community Programs
BERKSHIRE SOUTH REGIONAL COMMUNITY CENTER
15 Crissey Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230
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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
Janet
at 512-981-8211. 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 or give online by phone or co
mputer to
Tithe.ly
Using your phone you may text the word "GIVE" to 774-252-9246. Please contact Janet or any member of the Stewardship Committee for questions.
We are truly all in this life together We pray, trusting that God will see us through this season and beyond.
Please contact John Cheek or any member of the Stewardship Committee for questions.
Thank you for giving generously to support the ministry of Grace Church.
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You can now donate to Grace Church through PayPal.
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Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Matthew 13:31-33,44-52
Jesus put before the crowds another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches."
He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened."
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
"Have you understood all this?" They answered, "Yes." And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old."
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HYMN
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| In the Bulb There is a Flower ("PROMISE") |
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Click the following to read:
Agape Service
July 26, 2020
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Lector
Intercessor
Responder
Counters
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Pennie Curry
Kathy Clausen
Robert Forman
Ian Booton,
Sarah Sieber
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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 (413) 243-0485
21 Crossway, #108
Lee MA 01238
BOWENS, Marina (310) 398-2484
c/o Maryella Satinover (310) 749-9424 (cell)
11908 Windward Ave.
Mar Vista, CA 90066
BREASTED, John (413) 429-8123
Fairview Commons Cell (413) 854-3977
151 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington MA 01230
BROOKS, Jane (413) 243-3367
165 George Street
Lee MA 01230
CRAWFORD, Ruth (413) 243-2575
125 Woodland Road
Lee MA 01238
EDELSTEIN, Richard
LEP, Kimball Farms,
235 Walker Street,
Lenox, MA 01240.
FRYE, Vonnie 413-637-8276
Mt Carmel Rehabilitation Center
320 Pittsfield Road, #31B
Lenox, MA 01240
GORE, Barbara (413) 243-4261
50 Stockbridge Road
Lee MA 01238
GRAMMER, John (413) 258-4212
86 South Beech Plain Road
Sandisfield MA 01255
HAIDER, Meredith (413) 551-7319
5 Fox Hollow Road #409
(814)308-4865
Lenox, MA 01240
KEENE, Sara (413) 528-4152
The Egremont Village Inn
17 Main Street
P. O. Box 275
South Egremont, MA 01258
TURNER, Barbara (413) 243-8904
130 High Street
Lee MA 01238
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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.
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:
Click here
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Announcement from the Communications Office
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Summer Compline: NEW Days & NEW Link
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Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday @ 8:00 PM
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Compline Leaders for Summer 2020
MONDAY: The Very Rev. James G. Munroe
TUESDAY: The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher
WEDNESDAY: The Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith
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Summer Compline
Please do not post this info on Facebook or Twitter; e-news is fine.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID:
824 5008 6637
Passcode:
501604
Dial by phone
+1 929 205 6099
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Practices for a 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.
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Wednesdays at 11:00am to 12, July 15-August 12
All children (between 4 and 10 years old) are invited to join Dindy, Andrea, and Margaret for
Stories, Art, Movement/Yoga, and General Fun.
Please let us know if you can join us by emailing
We can't wait to see you on Zoom❤
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The Beloved Community Team of the Diocese of Western MA invites all people and all parishes to join in the Episcopal Church's
long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation and justice.
Join us online!
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On Thursday, July 16, Dr. Charles
Dew, Williams College professor
of history and author of the
memoir The Making of a Racist,
joined several members of Grace
Church in a moving conversation
about our white awakenings
growing up in a country of racist
policies and "etiquettes." Do you
want to continue the conversation
or begin the journey of
awareness?
Please contact Lee Cheek, co-chair
of the Bishop's Commission for
Beloved Community at
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For a curated list of educational and theological books on racism as well as links to web resources please visit here
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JOIN OUR NEXT DISCUSSION
Wednesday, September 9, at 7PM
Monique Kirchoff will lead our discussion
Meeting will end at about 9:00 PM
We look forward to seeing you. Details to follow
For more information email Peter at PetetheK@yahoo.com
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Why We Join, Why We Give
Meet four members of our community. Each tells the story of what being a member of Grace means.
Why We Join
is a new feature on our website. Would you like to add your story? Contact
Kathy
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Last week, Maisy, Lucie, and Halle planted cilantro, basil, and parsley in our herb bed while Alex weeded our cauliflower plants.
We have had three sessions already, and so far the interns have learned about:
- how to identify the plants we grow
- the plant families we have in the garden, like the brassicas and night shades
- types of plants stress: pests, weeds, extreme weather, etc.
- Pollination and the production of flowers, fruits, and seeds
A lot has changed in a few short weeks. Take a look at how much our plants have grown since Planting Day!
Margaret planted our cauliflower, and they've really spread out their leaves!
Gino and his guests planted these tomatoes. They are now anywhere between knee-high and waist high!
Some even have little green tomatoes on them!
The Alfords, Kathy Clausen, and Paul Tawczynski's daughters Corey and Avery planted 500 heads of lettuce. We are harvesting them now!
The Yeo Family-- Elie, Christy, Nancy, and Charis planted pole beans. They've turned into beautiful displays and now are flowering! Soon we will have delicious beans to donate!
Peter Kirchoff planted eggplant, and now they are growing strong and healthy!
Sally Brooke and Dutch Pinkston planted summer squash, and they are now producing fruit that we have donated!
Lee and John Cheek and Janet planted slicing cucumbers. They are now flowering, so soon we will be able to harvest!
Monique Kirchoff planted our cilantro and basil. They've grown so much we've already donated them and planted a new batch!
Thanks everyone! Our garden is doing very well, and we are so excited you could be a part, even in this crazy year!
For the link to Gideon's Garden
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Faith Communities Census Weekend of Action is Coming Soon: July 24-26, 2020
Promote the 2020 Census
in Your Faith Community
Shape the future of your congregation, neighborhood, and community by supporting the 2020 Census. Over the next 10 years, data from the 2020 Census will inform the distribution of hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funds each year that support education, health care, emergency services, housing and food assistance, and more.
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So many thanks for all you do!
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HIO Sponsorship Transforms Lives
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The HIO family is a tightly knit group and totally committed to caring for one another. Loyal sponsors are our backbone. Your yearly support covers school tuition, books, uniforms, healthcare and emergency family relief for our girls.
The new school year in Nepal would normally have begun the third week of April. Our partner schools' openings will be delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but we'll begin paying 2020 tuition bills for sponsored girls soon. Such a blessing to have received so many of your sponsorship donations and contributions to HIO's family relief efforts during these unsettling times. Your kind generosity is truly appreciated.
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Worship Schedule
Morning Prayer and Sunday Service
at 10:00 am
In this time of COVID-19 our public gatherings
have been suspended for the good of all.
Please join us online
for worship, study, and fellowship.
We pray for all who are affected by this virus
and we give thanks for the many people who are giving themselves in service to others.
May God hold you close in these anxious times.
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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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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
Gretchen Fairfield
Office Assistant
or by phone at 413-644-6572.
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