Sunday, December 11, 2022 |
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Sunday
9 am Holy Eucharist
in-person worship
11 am Morning Prayer
in-person worship
and live-stream
4 pm Choral Evensong and
a Ceremony of Carols
in-person worship
6 pm Holy Eucharist
in-person worship
(in the Chantry)
on
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
You’ll find videos of past organ meditations on YouTube.
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Please see below for weekday worship opportunities, both in-person and virtual. |
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Dear Friends,
When I was growing up my grandmother had an expression for people who were frugal. She described them as knowing how “to squeeze every nickel until the buffalo screams.” Apparently, the phrase exists in a more colorful form with a different last word, but my grandmother was too polite to use it, and this is, after all, a church publication. Either way, the meaning is clear. In the first part of the 20th century the US Treasury Department minted tens of millions of nickels depicting a buffalo on the back. If you squeezed the nickel until the buffalo screamed, it meant you had it firmly in your grip. You weren’t going to hand it over easily. You were frugal.
At Grace Church, it is no secret that we need to squeeze every nickel until the buffalo screams. The current state of the financial markets, the changing nature of retail, the settlement of lawsuits, and costly repairs to our building at 80 4th Avenue have battered our revenue stream. The good news is that many parishioners are responding with increased giving to the 2023 Annual Campaign: A Mighty Fortress is Our God. They are stepping up to be difference makers. We still need to be frugal (and we still need to hear from many Grace Church households), but it is clear that God’s Spirit of generosity resides at the heart of this congregation.
Also, something else truly wonderful has happened in the past few months. A relatively new family has come forward with a major gift to be used creatively and for the long term good of Grace Church. After talking though ideas with the family and various church leaders, the Vestry has taken two significant actions. First, the major portion of the gift will go into the endowment as a restricted fund called “The James Renwick, Jr. Fund.” As you likely know, James Renwick, Jr. was the celebrated architect of Grace Church. Income from this new fund will be devoted solely for the maintenance and preservation of the building. Over time the fund will grow and legacy gifts will be added to it. The plan is that it should help ease the enormous financial burden of caring for the buildings, freeing future generations to raise funds for direct ministries.
The second portion of the gift is going to fund a pilot project to restore a portion of the parish house windows. If you have stood by the urn in the rectory yard and looked closely at the Renwick designed bay windows of both the parish house and rectory, their condition probably shocked you. The plan is to focus on the first floor of the parish house and restore the windows and masonry to like-new condition. The first floor will look as it did when Renwick finished the job. Also, the restored section will stand out in sharp contrast to what has not been restored, showing us and the neighborhood what is possible. Working with NYC Landmarks Preservation, we will learn much about the true state of repair and how to pivot to additional sections.
Yes, we still need to squeeze every nickel until the buffalo screams. But the level of generosity at Grace Church is good news, indeed. Thanks be to God for all of our givers. Let’s keep up the great work!
See you in church,
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9:00 am Holy Eucharist
Church is open
for in-person worship!
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Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring, preaching
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
Music:
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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11:00 am Morning Prayer
Church is open
for in-person worship!
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring, preaching
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
Music:
The Choir of Men and Boys
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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Service is video-streamed every week. Access via any of our live channels.
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6:00 pm Holy Eucharist
In the Chantry
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Clergy:
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III, preaching
The Rev. Megan E. Sanders
Music:
Hymns with Instrumentalists
vice Bulletin
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The Liturgical Season of Advent – The word Advent derives from the Latin adventus, meaning arrival, or approach. In our worship, the hymns and Scripture readings take on a mysterious, urgent tone as we anticipate the coming of Christ. One-by-one we light the four candles of the Advent wreath. The Gospel readings shift to Luke, the liturgical color is blue and we begin a new Church Year.
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Coffee and Fellowship takes place in Tuttle Hall following the 9 and 11 am services. Delicious baked goods are available thanks to the Guild of Bakers.
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Wear your nametags! Nametags can be found on the boards in Tuttle Hall. Newcomers are encouraged to visit our new welcome table during coffee hour to create their own nametags. If you are a pledging member and do not see your nametag on the boards in Tuttle Hall, please send Travis Kennedy an email so he can make you one.
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The Sunday Forum: An Insider's Guide to Our Anglican Canticles, Part II – We continue with Part Two of our series which celebrates the rich pleasure we enjoy by praising God with the Canticles in the Prayer Book each Sunday in church. Today we explore the Gospel Canticles provided by the Evangelist Saint Luke, whose towering hymns of joy foretell the mystery of the Incarnation by setting prayerful words on the lips of the Blessed Virgin Mary—in the Magnificat. VK McCarty will lead a discussion exploring the traditions and history of these appealing hymns of praise. Join us at 10:00 am in the Reception Room and on Zoom.
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A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten with Nancy Allen, harp, will be offered by The Girls’ Choir with Alumni of the Choir and members of The Adult Choir at 4:00 pm in the Church.
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The Annual Advent Collections for local charities will begin on Sunday, Nov 27, with a collection of travel size toiletries for the Seamen’s Church Institute Christmas at Sea project. On Sunday, Dec 4, we will collect hats, scarves, and gloves for the Church of the Ascension Food Pantry. On Sunday, Dec. 11, we’ll collect new men’s underwear (larger sizes – L, XL, XXL) and socks for the Bowery Mission (no t-shirts please). Donations will be collected in the baskets at the back of the church at all services. Please give generously this Advent!
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2023 Annual Pledge Campaign: A Mighty Fortress is our God – On October 30th, we launched the 2023 Annual Pledge Campaign. All parishioners and friends of Grace Church are asked to support the work of Grace Church by making an annual pledge, or promise of financial support for God’s work in the coming year. Some will turn in the pledge cards we’ve received by mail or find in the pews. Others will begin a time of prayerful reflection to consider what God is calling them to do. Remember, the annual campaign not only supports the church, but gives thanks to God for all the blessings of life. To make your pledge, please fill out the pledge envelope, place it in the offering plate today, or return it to the parish office as soon as you can. You may also make your pledge online here. (You have all of 2023 to make your payments!) Questions about pledging? Contact Travis Kennedy by email or call him at 212-254-2005.
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Vestry Nominations – Many thanks to those who have agreed to serve on the Nominating Committee this year. According to our parish by-laws the Committee must consist of the Warden not up for reelection (Doug Evans), two Vestry members (Lethe Black and John Berringer), two parishioners named by the Rector (Erik Sorensen and Jason Slibeck), and the Rector, who serves as an ex-officio member. If you would like to nominate a Grace Church parishioner to serve on the Vestry, please fill out the form you will find on the table outside the Reception Room and place it in the “Vestry Nominations” box by Sunday, January 1, 2023.
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Christmas Flowers & Greens – Every year at Christmas time it is the generous donations from our parishioners and friends that enhance the beauty of Grace Church. You may use the enclosed Christmas flower envelope to offer your cash or check (made payable to Grace Church), and place it in the collection plate, the wooden box in the Parish House hallway, or the mail to Grace Church. You may also donate online (put your dedications in the comments box). We recommend donation amounts beginning at $50, but are grateful for any amount. Thank you! For your donation “in honor of” or “in memory of” to be listed in the Christmas bulletins, it must be received by Friday, December 16.
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Sunday 6 pm Eucharist – The weekly 6 pm Sunday Eucharist in the Chantry is a great option for those who may have other morning commitments (such as sleeping late) or are returning to the city after being away for the weekend. Join us for hymns with instrumentalists and sermon. An important component of the Sunday 6 pm service is Canterbury Downtown, the college fellowship that meets for dinner and discussion after the service. All college students welcome.
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Dec 15 – 20s & 30s Pub Theology – We have a very active group of parishioners in their twenties and thirties here at Grace who meet regularly for Pub Theology and other seasonal events. This session will be our final discussion of Accidental Saints: Finding God in All the Wrong People by Nadia Bolz-Weber. (It’s ok to join in late!) According to one participant: "It's an easy read." Thursday, Dec 15, at 6:30 pm, at The Penny Farthing (103 Third Ave., New York, NY 10003). For more information, email The Rev. James Morton.
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CHRISTMAS EVE, December 24
4:00 pm Christmas Pageant
Featuring our cast of friendly beasts, angels, shepherds, and villagers.
Doors open at 3:30 pm. The service will be livestreamed.
7:30 pm Festive Music for the Organ
Patrick Allen, organ.
8:00 pm A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
The Choir of Men and Boys with the Girls’ and Adult Choirs. Sermon by the Rector.
The service will be livestreamed.
10:30 pm Festive Music for Organ, Baroque Trumpet, Violin & Cello
John Thiessen, Cynthia Roberts & Patrick Allen
11:00 pm Candlelight Choral Eucharist
The Adult Choir. Sermon by the Rector.
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CHRISTMAS DAY, December 25
11:00 am Holy Eucharist with Carols
The Adult Choir. Sermon by the Rector. The service will be livestreamed.
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EPIPHANY, January 8
4:00 pm Amahl & the Night Visitors
Choral Evensong. The Adult Choir.
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9 am Worship Service – The Church is open for in-person worship.
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The Sunday Forum – Our weekly discussion forum for adults that examines theological, political, and social topics of Christian concern meets most Sundays in the Reception Room from 10:00-10:45 am.
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11 am Worship Service - The Church is open for in-person worship. Services continue to be video-streamed every week.
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Children’s Chapel - During the 11 am service. Children ages 4-12 are invited to start church with their parents in the pews and then join Father James or Mother Julia in the chantry for a time of learning and prayer.
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Nursery Care – The nursery is open from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm in the room next to the Sunday School classroom, across Tuttle Hall. Adult supervision is required.
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Coffee Hour - Coffee and fellowship will be available today in Tuttle Hall following the 9am service. Join us for a festive fellowship hour in Huntington Close (weather permitting) after the 11 am service.
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Activity Corner for Children – In the north aisle of the church you will find coloring supplies, and books for children to use during the service. Please return all materials before you leave, and help us keep the area clean for future families.
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6 pm Worship Service in the Chantry
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Monday - Centering Prayer (over Zoom) – 12:15-12:45 pm Christian silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of God’s presence. Led by Currie Estreich, MA, Spiritual Direction, the General Theological Seminary. For Zoom access, please see The Weekly Epistle or email The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger.
Meeting ID: 337 800 858
Password: 058288
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,337800858# US (New York)
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Tuesday-Friday – Bach at Noon (Held in the church during open hours and on the Organ Meditation YouTube Channel) – 12:20 pm - 30 minutes of music by J.S. Bach, played on the Bicentennial Organ.
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Wednesday – Women’s Bible Study – 10:30 am on Zoom with The Rev. Julia Offinger. Contact Julia for Zoom instructions.
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Wednesday – 6 pm Holy Eucharist in the Chantry |
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Saturday – Weekend Organ Meditation – (Held in the church during open hours and on the Organ Meditation YouTube Channel) – 4:00 pm - 45 minutes of diverse music played on the Bicentennial Organ.
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Sunday – Hymns from Grace (Held in the church during open hours and on the Organ Meditation YouTube Channel) – 4:00 pm - 45-minutes of favorite hymns, anthems, and voluntaries played on the Bicentennial Organ.
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Enter, Rest, Pray (CHURCH IS OPEN) Monday - Saturday from noon – 5 pm.
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Food Donations for The Red Door Place – Our food ministry partner, The Red Door Place at The Church of the Village, is a vital pantry/soup kitchen serving those in need supporting the social safety net in our neighborhood. Donations are desperately needed. Non-perishable food item(s) may be dropped off in the collection baskets in the narthex when you visit Grace Church during open hours. Clothing donations are not needed for this ministry. We also have two volunteer days at The Red Door Place planned for this fall on Oct 22 and Nov 19. Email The Rev. James Morton if you plan on attending.
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Fresh Direct (or Other Reusable Bags) Needed – The Red Door Place is also seeking donations of Fresh Direct or other reusable bags to support its ministries. If you’d like to donate bags, you can place these in the collection baskets in the narthex with the food items.
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Help Ukrainian Families – Episcopal Relief & Development is working to provide humanitarian assistance to the more than 2 million people who have had to leave Ukraine. Specifically, their partner ACT Alliance is helping families on the Hungarian border, and their Anglican partners are mobilizing both an immediate and long-term response in Poland, Romania and Hungary. Your emergency gift will provide cash, blankets, hygiene supplies and other needs as this crisis unfolds. To make your donation today, click here.
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20s and 30s at Grace Church – We have a very active group of parishioners in their twenties and thirties here at Grace who meet regularly for Pub Theology and other seasonal events. If you are interested in connecting with us, please email the Rev. James Morton and he will add you to our email list.
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The Guild of Bakers – The summer has depleted our stockpile of coffee hour goodies! If you enjoy baking (or buying) cookies, brownies, muffins, or other freezable bite-sized treats, please consider joining a revitalized ministry called the Guild of Bakers. You can participate on your own timetable, whenever the Spirit moves you. The next time you are baking (or buying) goodies that would be popular at coffee hour, all you have to do is make an extra batch. Just wrap it well and drop it off at the parish office any time during business hours, or on Sundays after church. We have plenty of freezer space to store your culinary creations for a future coffee hour. Please sign up for the “Guild of Bakers” by sending an email to Mickey Hawley, Parish Office Coordinator.
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Baptism at Grace Church – There sacrament of baptism takes place during a weekly, public worship service about once a month. If you are interested in baptism for yourself or a child, please first be in touch with The Rev. Julia Offinger to discuss next steps. Attendance at one class prior to your chosen baptism date is required. Upcoming classes: Saturday, December 10 at 11:00 am. Upcoming baptism dates: Sunday, January 8, 2023 at 11:00 am.
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Grace Cares – Would you like a visit at home or at the hospital? Do you need assistance in getting to church or an appointment? Are you struggling and in need of a friendly phone call? Would you like the Sunday lessons read to you or the service bulletin brought to you? Would you like to receive communion in your home? Grace has a pastoral care team that provides these services and more. Contact The Rev. Julia Offinger.
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Restrooms are available on the 1st floor of the parish house, through the north aisle door near the baptismal font.
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Safe Church – Grace Church is committed to providing its members, staff, and visitors with a place that is free of abuse and harassment. If you have observed, or personally experienced sexual, or other forms of harassment while attending activities, classes, or events held at Grace Church, or on our shared campus with Grace Church School, we encourage you to notify us. Please visit this page where you will find a direct means of providing feedback.
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Mask and Vaccine Optional – In order to bring Grace Church more in line with comparable NYC establishments, vaccines, though still strongly encouraged, are no longer required for you to be in the building. Likewise, masks are optional. For those feeling unwell, please join us via the livestream.
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The Church is Open
Every day, noon to 5 pm
Vaccinations are required to enter Grace Church. If you are vaccinated, masks are optional. All visitors are required to observe posted guidelines during in-person worship and events, and to adhere to CDC Covid-19 safety protocols.
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Please Get Fully Vaccinated |
Vaccines against Covid-19 are now available for anyone 12 years of age and older who wants to be inoculated. Receiving the vaccine protects not only you, but those you love and everyone around you. It is the best way to help speed along the reopening of society. Please speak with your doctor or go to the NYC Vaccine Finder to make an appointment.
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In Our Immediate Prayers:
Jim Pendorf
Sally Metcalfe
King Phojanakong
Marcello Saunders
In Our Continuing Prayers:
Claire Wesselman
Teresa Conway
Ronnye Brickous
Tom Hall
The Episcopal Church in Haiti
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Send your photos of milestone events for possible publication in the Weekly Epistle to Travis B. Kennedy, Membership and Development Manager.
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Your engagement on our social media helps Grace Church!
Please Subscribe, Follow, Like and Share
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GRACE CHURCH IN NEW YORK
212-254-2000
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