Sunday, October 3rd, 2021 |
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9 am Holy Eucharist
in-person worship
11 am Morning Prayer and Sermon
in-person worship
and live-stream
on
6 pm Holy Eucharist
in person worship
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
The Rev. Thomas Szczerba
The Choir of Men and Boys
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
Sunday School returns to the Sunday School rooms between the morning services. 10:15-10:45 am.
Children's Chapel returns to the Chantry during the sermon at the 11:00 am service.
Nursery Care returns to the new Nursery next to Sunday School classroom.
You’ll find videos of past services and events on Vimeo and YouTube.
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Please see below for weekday worship opportunities, both in-person and virtual. |
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Dear Friends,
If you’ve scanned the headlines this week, about the only bit of good news to be found is that the pop star, Brittany Spears, is finally free of her father’s conservatorship over her estate. We can all breathe a collective sigh of relief. Elsewhere, the picture does not look so rosy. The North Koreans have tested new missiles that they could arm with nuclear weapons. Congress remains a bitterly polarized and rancorous institution as our elected officials try to determine what is best for the country. And, of course, the Yankees could clinch yet another post-season berth as early as tonight. (In case you didn’t know, they’ve already won 27 World Series and don’t need a 28th.)
With all of the bad news afoot, perhaps a moment of levity is in order. Last week a new structure mysteriously arrived on the sidewalk in front of Grace Church. It was an outhouse. One minute it was not there, the next minute it was. Who put it there and why? Well, one theory proposed that it was for the construction crews working on the new building across the street. Perhaps the spaces inside are now so fitted out that temporary facilities for the workers to relieve themselves had to be moved outside. But why in front of the church rather than on their side of the street? Why not on the other corner by the abandoned restaurant? With a number of weddings and funerals on the schedule, an unsightly outhouse certainly detracted from our curb appeal. So we checked with the foreman across the street. Nope, it wasn’t theirs.
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The next theory was that the outhouse was installed in advance of a street fair. As last weekend approached the tell-tale temporary “no parking” signs were appearing on Broadway between Union Square and 8th St. So Cammy Ollivierre, our facilities manager, called the appropriate city officials and was put on hold for over an hour. As it turned out, the street fair was small and never came within two blocks of Grace Church. The outhouse was far from the action. What is more, it was installed facing the rectory yard, so close to the fence that anyone attempting to use it had to squeeze in and out of the door. Then, by the grace of God, the outhouse disappeared just as mysteriously as it appeared. One minute it was there, the next minute it wasn't. Presto! We can only hope that no one was inside when it was hauled away.
Am I about to draw a parable between the mysterious outhouse and the kingdom of God? Not really. Perhaps the lesson is to find the humor in the absurdities of life, and learn to laugh at them. Jesus said, “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (Mark 10:15)
Read on for what’s in store at Grace Church this weekend, including the Blessing of the Animals on Sunday afternoon in Huntington Close. We have made no provision for an outhouse to be part of the festivities, so plan accordingly.
See you in church.
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Vaccines to be Required – Vaccines against Covid-19 are free and available to 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, especially the children among us who are not yet eligible. Beginning next Sunday, September 12, we ask of our adult worshippers that only those who have been fully vaccinated attend in-person services. Please have your vaccine card or Excelsior Pass handy. If you haven’t been vaccinated, speak with your doctor or go to the NYC Vaccine Finder to make an appointment.
Masks On – Unfortunately we are back to a place in the pandemic where masks are strongly recommended for large, indoor gatherings. Please wear your mask beginning today. Until further notice, masks will be required for everyone in attendance, regardless of vaccination status. The mask must cover your nose and mouth at all times. Masks are available for those who don’t bring their own. If you need a mask, please see an usher.
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9:00 am Holy Eucharist, Sermon, and Hymns
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. Thomas John Szczerba Jr.
Music:
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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10:00 am The Sunday Forum:
Spiritual Direction with Joan Chittister
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Today the Associate Rector will lead a conversation about spiritual direction and its use in spiritual discernment. We'll watch a video featuring Benedictine nun Sister Joan Chittister and discuss. The forum takes place in the reception room and over Zoom
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11:00 am Holy Eucharist
Church is open
for in-person worship!
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring, preaching
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
The Rev. Thomas John Szczerba Jr.
Music:
The Choir of Men and Boys
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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Service will continue to be video streamed every week. Access via any of our live channels. If you experience buffering, you can simply switch to another channel.
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6:00 pm Holy Eucharist
In the Chantry
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Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring, preaching
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
The Rev. Megan E. Sanders
Music:
Hymns with Instrumentalists
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Coffee Hour: Coffee and fellowship will be available today in Tuttle Hall following the 9 am service and the 11 am service.
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Nursery Care - For children ages 1-4 is available from 9 am – 12 pm in the NEW Nursery next to the Sunday School classroom, across Tuttle Hall.
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Blessing of the Animals from 2:30 pm- 3:30 pm in Huntington Close. In observance of the Feast of St. Francis, the Rev. Thomas Szczerba will offer blessings for your pets in Huntington Close (the lawn at the corner of 10th and Broadway) with the help of the youth group at 2:30 pm. Please make sure all of God’s creatures are on leashes or in secure containers!
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Youth Group celebrates St. Francis on 10/3, from 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm all 6th - 12th-grade children are invited to join Father Thomas in Huntington Close for the Blessing of the Animals. The youth group will help lead the service, pass out dog treats and take pictures! Youth Group will happen on the first and third Sunday of every month. We are looking for adult volunteers to be a part of this exciting new offering for the youth of the parish. Email Father Thomas if you are interested.
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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. We want to keep the area clean for all future families.
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Wednesday Evening Eucharist & Bible Study at 6 pm in the Chantry we are restarting our Wednesday evening service in the chantry. After the service, all are invited to the reception room for a lectionary-based bible study that will conclude at 7:30 pm. If you are interested in helping with the service, please contact the Rev. Thomas Szczerba by email.
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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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The Church is Open
Everyday, noon to 5 pm
with Worship Service at 9 am, 11 am, and 6 pm on Sundays
as well as 6 pm on Wednesdays
All are required to observe posted guidelines during in-person worship and events to adhere to CDC Covid-19 safety protocols. We ask visitors to wear a mask, stay 6 feet apart, and sanitize your hands when inside Grace Church.
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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.
Meeting ID: 337 800 858
Password: 058288
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,337800858# US (New York)
Enter, Rest, Pray (CHURCH IS OPEN)
Grace Church is open to the public daily from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. All are required to wear a covering over their nose and mouth, and to observe posted safety guidelines.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday – Bach at Noon (Held in the church during open hours and on Facebook Live) 12:20 pm - 30 minutes of music by J.S. Bach, played on the Bicentennial Organ.
Wednesday - Women’s Bible Study (over Zoom) – 10:30 am-noon – Long-running program of guided Bible study and discussion for women. For Zoom access info, please see the link below or email the Rev. Julia Macy Offinger well before the event.
Meeting ID: 896 065 849
One tap mobile
+19294362866,,896065849# US (New York)
Wednesday Evening Eucharist and Bible Study at 6 pm in the Chantry.
Saturday – Weekend Organ Meditation (on Facebook Live) 4pm - 45-minutes of diverse music played on the Bicentennial Organ
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Grace Church Community Nights - Inspired by the success of our summer cookouts, this fall we are launching a series of Community Nights. Mark your calendars for Wednesday 10/20, and 11/17 at 7 pm. Following the 6 pm service, food and drink will be available in Tuttle Hall. Parishioner, Brad Anderson, who teaches English at Trinity School, will lead us in a discussion series entitled, “Hamlet: Language, Self, and Spirit.” Can Hamlet help us understand the currents blowing through society today? Come and see, whether or not you are a Shakespeare scholar. Readings and materials will be provided. If you plan on attending, email the Rev. Thomas Szczerba so we know how much food to prepare.
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Food Donations for The Red Door Place Our food ministry partner, now called The Red Door Place at The Church of the Village, is one of the few pantry/soup kitchens remaining open to serve those in need during the Covid-19 crisis. 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.
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In our immediate prayers:
Dave Doyle
Adelaide
Faye McMicken
Ralph Douglas
The Rt. Rev. Andrew St. John
Theresa Snyder
Kimberly Snyder
Jim Ferraiuolo
Lois Queen
Mary Ann Owens
In our Continuing Prayers:
William Dobi
Claudia Paoloni
Tom Hall
Josephine Ferraiuolo
For those who have died:
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Send your photos of milestone events for possible publication in the Weekly Epistle to Matthew Kopp, Membership and Development Manager.
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GRACE CHURCH IN NEW YORK
212-254-2000
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