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This Sunday
9 am Holy Eucharist
in-person worship
11 am Baptism and Holy Eucharist
in-person worship
and live-stream
4 pm All Saints' Day
Choral Evensong
Gabriel Fauré's Requiem
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,
This coming Sunday is the great day of the church year when we will celebrate the wonderful and sacred mystery we call the Communion of Saints. We have compiled a long list of names that you’ll find on a bulletin insert. These are those from our prayer lists who have died in the past year. Also on the list are those who may have died long ago, but still remain on the hearts and minds of parishioners who asked that they be remembered too. We will light candles in their memory, and trust by faith that the light of Christ still shines in them and through them. They have not been extinguished. They are not lost to us. We remain “in communion” with them.
Allow me to share a parable of what it can be like to celebrate the Communion of Saints. Years ago when our two sons were little Stacie and I would attend their various Grace Church School choral concerts in the church. Still today for many school concerts a semi-circular set of risers will be set atop the chancel steps so that the children can look directly out at and sing to the audience. The early grades come out first. In single file they nervously climb the riser steps and take their places. When the whole class is assembled it still takes three or four minutes before everyone is ready to begin. What happens during the interval?
At first the children seem to be adjusting their eyes to the lights and trying to comprehend the sea of people in front of them. Then they start scanning the rows of pews for the familiar faces of parents and grandparents. Then the waving begins. The children wave to their parents. The parents wave back. The children are on stage, the parents are in the audience. All are in one church. The rules of the assembly don’t allow anyone to cross the line, but the waving respects no such barriers. With each increasing grade the waving becomes less enthusiastic, until at some point the older children are so grown up and mature that it stops altogether. But the jubilant, unabashed waving of the youngest children was always something to see.
Jesus said, “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” The celebration of All Saints’ Sunday invites us to become like children. It is a day to put aside our grown-up cynicism and realize that in God’s ordering of existence, we are like those children on the risers. We are on stage, the Communion of Saints who have gone before us are in the audience. We are all in one church. At some point heaven will be ours to enjoy with those we have loved. For now, the rules of the assembly don’t permit the crossing of such barriers. But on Sunday, in heart and mind you can adjust your eyes to the lights of heaven, scan the multitude of saints for familiar faces, and you can wave.
In the presence of the Communion of Saints, you can wave with the joyful abandon of a child, and believe through faith, that amidst angels, archangels, and all the company of heaven, they are waving back.
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 Baptism and
Holy Eucharist
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 and
The Girls’ Choir with HS Singers
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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All Saints’ Sunday – This is the day we remember before God all those who have died in the past year, as well as family members and close friends who may have died long ago but remain on our hearts and in our minds. During the morning services we’ll light candles and commend to God’s eternal care the faithful souls on our All Saints’ Sunday list.
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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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The Sunday Forum – Faith Through the Lens of Art – All are invited from 10:15-10:45 am in the reception room for a presentation from The Rev. James Morton on the ways art and poetry can help us experience our faith in new ways. This All Saints’ Sunday, we’ll look specifically at images of the saints to explore how depictions of holy women and holy men invite us to be a saint too.
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Choral Evensong for All Saints: Requiem, Opus 48 by Gabriel Fauré—The Adult Choir will sing at 4 pm in the Church. |
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Post-Halloween Candy Drive – Today, we will collect individually wrapped candy for the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) Christmas at Sea project, which distributes gift bags to seafarers working in maritime commerce far from home at the holidays. Here is an opportunity to clear your home of excess Halloween candy, as well as to take advantage of half-price sales after the holiday! Please leave it in the baskets marked “candy” near the door of the church or chantry.
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Refreshments and Fellowship – After 9 and 11 am services in Tuttle Hall and the lovely outdoor courtyard called Seymour Close. Join us for coffee or something cool to drink, as well as homemade goodies compliments of 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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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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Oct 19, 26, & Nov 9 – New Book Discussion - Join us for a discussion of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel’s book “The Sabbath,” a brief yet profound exploration of the meaning of the Seventh Day. We will meet on three Wednesdays - October 19 and 26, and November 9 - at 6:45pm in the Reception Room, covering the Introduction, Prologue and Part One on October 19; Part Two on October 26, and Part Three on November 9. The book is available at local bookstores, including Barnes and Noble, and on Amazon. Led by parishioner Jennifer San Cartier and the Revs. Harry Krauss and Don Waring.
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Nov 8 – Christmas Pageant Sign-ups and Interviews! All children and youth aged 5 and older are invited to participate in the annual pageant, held on Christmas Eve at 4 pm. All participants must submit an online cast information sheet by Monday, Nov 7. Those interested in singing a solo, duet, or trio must also sign up for an interview (Tues, Nov 8 from 1-5 pm in the Music Room). Visit this webpage for links to the full pageant schedule, the cast info sheet and the interview sign-ups.
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Nov 12 & 13 - Grace Christmas Fair – Saturday, Nov 12 from 11 am - 7pm. Sunday, Nov 13 from 10 am - 4 pm. Art / Crafts / Silent Auction / Refreshments at Catharine's Cafe! Wine & Cheese Reception - Saturday from 5 - 7 pm. Bring your Christmas gift list! Contact Elana for more information, and Lethe if you would like to volunteer!
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Nov 19 – Volunteer Day at The Red Door Place – Help us prepare a Thanksgiving meal for our neighbors at The Red Door Place at The Church of the Village, our food ministry partner. There are two available shifts, 8 to 11:30 am and 11 to 2:30 pm. Email the Rev. James Morton if you plan on attending.
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Nov 20 – Grace Church School Sunday – It's always a special day when the church and school celebrate our common history and mission, but this year even more so. The Rt. Rev. Andrew Dietsche, Bishop of New York will preach at 11 am, and the school trustees will install the Rev. Robbie Pennoyer as Head of Grace Church School. Everyone is invited. More details to come.
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Nov 23 – Thanksgiving Eve Service – Join us for Holy Communion, sermon, and favorite Thanksgiving hymns. The preacher will be the Rev. Julia Macy Offinger. Wednesday, Nov. 23rd at 6 pm in the Chantry. Note: there is no Thanksgiving Day service.
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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 and Holy Eucharist 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 Church who meet twice a month for programs such as Pub Theology and Christ in Pop Culture. If you are interested in participating, please email the Rev. James Morton and he will add you to our mailing 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: Sunday, October 16 at 4 pm; Friday, November 4 at 5 pm; Saturday, December 10 at 11:00 am. Upcoming baptism dates: Sunday, October 23 at 9:00 am; Sunday, November 6 at 11:00 am, 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:
Lori Allen
Rebecca Ross
Jade Ostner
Gordon Matheson
In Our Continuing Prayers:
Claire Wesselman
Teresa Conway
Ronnye Brickous
Claudia Paoloni
Tom Hall
The Episcopal Church in Haiti
For Those Who Have Died:
Paul Waldron
Margaret Slocum Bearn
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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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