Sunday, February 19, 2023 |
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Sunday
9 am Holy Eucharist
in-person worship
11 am Morning Prayer
in-person worship
and live-stream
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,
If you are looking to get the gist of what I have to say in just three words, here they are (and happily, they all begin with the letter P): Pancakes, Presidents, and Penitence.
First, the pancakes. On the church calendar, this coming Sunday is properly called “The Last Sunday after the Epiphany.” However, at Grace Church our recent custom has been to name it “Shrove Sunday,” in keeping with Shrovetide: the three days prior to Ash Wednesday. In earlier times the goal of Shrovetide was to use up all those tasty treats you were planning to abstain from in Lent: flour, butter, sugar, eggs, alcohol, tobacco, etc. Thus, Shrovetide came to be a time of considerable feasting and merriment, including pancake suppers and Mardi Gras on Shrove – or “Fat” – Tuesday. For us, Sunday is better than Tuesday as a time to gather. Therefore, immediately following the 11 am service we will have a delicious pancake brunch in Tuttle Hall for everyone to enjoy. We will eat, drink, and be merry, for on Wednesday comes Lent. Thanks to the GCW (Grace Church Women) and parishioner J.J. Okash for their efforts on our behalf. Read below for more information.
Second, Presidents. Today we are on the verge of Presidents’ Day Weekend. What the next few days could mean for us is time off from work or school, the opportunity to sleep late or travel, or just a break from the normal routine. I don’t mean to be critical. In fact, I am looking forward to a number of these leisurely pursuits myself. However, in these perilous times I believe it is important for us to pause and reflect on leadership as it is playing out on the world stage. For the past year, President Biden and other NATO leaders have been trying to help President Zalensky of Ukraine defend his nation against the disgraceful, immoral Russian invasion that has caused untold death and destruction. They have done so without igniting a world war. They all need our prayers. Even the war criminal Vladimir Putin needs our prayers, that he might back off from the way of sin and death, and in dust and ashes repent.
The Book of Common Prayer contains a wonderful prayer on the bottom of page 820, including these words: O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world … Grant to the President of the United States, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Look it up and let it help frame your prayers this weekend.
Finally, penitence. As mentioned above, the penitential season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22. Lent is a focused opportunity to back off from the ways of sin and death that we embrace. To make a right beginning we offer three worship services: 8:00 am in the chantry, 12:10 and 6:00 pm in the church. In addition, we will offer the Litany of Penitence and Imposition of Ashes in the church at the top of the hour from 2-5 pm.
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
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III, preaching
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
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III, preaching
Music:
The Adult Choir
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 Baptism and
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 Sunday Forum is on Recess until February 26. |
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Shrove Sunday Parish Pancake Party – All are invited to feast before the fast at the Shrove Sunday Parish Pancake Party. The festivities will commence in Tuttle Hall immediately following the 11 am service. The brunch will be prepared by Grace parishioner and professional chef, JJ Okash, and include pancakes, bacon, eggs, sausage, juices, coffee, tea, and bubbly. The suggested donation is $10 for adults, $25 per family, and all are encouraged to bring a can of soup for our food ministry partner, The Red Door Place.
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Pick up a Lenten Calendar – The Grace Church Women (GCW) will be selling Lenten Calendars during Coffee Hour in the Sundays leading up to Lent. The calendars are $5.00 each and Coffee Hour is in Tuttle Hall.
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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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Feb 22 – Ash Wednesday – The season of Lent begins this week on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Ash Wednesday services are at 8:00 am in the Chantry, 12:10 pm in the Church, and 6:00 pm in the Church. All services will include a homily by the Rev. Julia Offinger, Holy Eucharist, and the imposition of ashes for those who choose it. The two earlier services are streamlined to last no more than 45 minutes. The evening service features the Adult Choir singing Misereri by Gregorio Allegri. In addition, the Litany of Penitence and ashes will be available at the top of the hour from 2-5 pm in the church.
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Confirmation for Youth and Adults – Sign up to join Spring confirmation classes culminating with the Rt. Rev. Allen Shin's visit to Grace on Sunday, June 4 at 11am. For youth in 7th grades and up, we’ll meet on six Sundays at 5pm this Spring, with a couple service projects and worship opportunities thrown in. For adults, we’ll set up a series of 3 classes based on interest and availability. Confirmands will be commissioned on Ash Wednesday, February 22 at 6pm. Sign up by Wednesday, February 15 by emailing The Rev. Julia Offinger.
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Feb 25 – Bag Lunch Volunteer Day – Help us prepare a quick and easy meal for our neighbors in need. We’ll gather here at the church from 8:00 to 11:30 am to back bag lunches for our food ministry partner, The Red Door Place, to distribute. All ages welcome! Email The Rev. James Morton if you’d like to attend.
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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 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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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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February is Soup Month! – Canned soup is a staple that food pantries always need. Help us make a special push to ensure The Red Door Place is well stocked this February. More information about this ministry can be found below.
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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.
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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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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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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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2023 pledge envelopes have arrived! If you made a 2023 pledge and requested envelopes to guide your giving, please email Travis Kennedy to arrange to pick them up.
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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 – 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:
Gordon Matheson
Ernestine McDaniel
David Schoenfeld
John Berringer
William Dobi
Mimi Plona
Tom Hall
In Our Continuing Prayers:
Claire Wesselman
Teresa Conway
Ronnye Brickous
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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Please Subscribe, Follow, Like and Share
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GRACE CHURCH IN NEW YORK
212-254-2000
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