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9 am Holy Eucharist
in-person worship
11 am Holy Eucharist and Sermon in-person worship
and live-stream
on
4 pm An Advent Procession with Candles
6 pm Holy Eucharist
in person worship
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring
The Very Rev. Harry E. Krauss
The Rev. Thomas Szczerba
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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,
One of the blessings of our Sunday Morning Prayer tradition at Grace Church is being steeped in the rich Elizabethan language of the Book of Common Prayer. One phrase that we recite most weeks occurs in the Confession of Sin on pages 41-42: We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done. I have often thought that the latter part of the phrase – the sins of commission – are the particular purview of Lent. It’s the former half of the sentence – the sins of omission – that ought to be our concern in Advent.
What have you left undone that you ought to have done? Of course, we immediately think of preparations for Christmas: the tree, the cards, the presents, the food, and all that goes into making the season merry. But we know that the significance of the season is deeper than holiday cheer. As the Omicron variant of the coronavirus begins to land in New York City, it could be that you’ve left undone getting the booster shot of the vaccine. This week we’ve suffered a bracing reminder that as a nation we’ve left undone the problem of how to keep guns out of the hands of mentally unstable people. Now in Michigan four high school students are dead after their 15-year old classmate went on a shooting rampage. In our personal loves and relationships, what have we left unsaid that we ought to have said? During Advent we try to capture a sense of spiritual urgency that impels us to attend to the things left undone that we ought to have done.
The church has a message for the world in Advent that the darkening days of December help to amplify: the time is short. We do not have forever to address our sins of omission. But the good news is we do have now. It’s been said that the best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago. The second best time is now.
The spiritual urgency of the season is what we will try to express liturgically this coming Sunday at 4 pm. The Advent Procession with Carols begins with God’s calling the prophet Isaiah to take a message of burning importance to the people. Isaiah agrees to go, saying, “Here am I, Lord. Send me.” Then the choir and clergy begin to process around the nave, stopping at every corner for another prophetic reading and carol. We enact what ought to be the church’s commitment, with Isaiah, to go forth into the world in witness to God’s love, to cast away the works of darkness, to “wake up and smell the coffee!”
The hour is late, but it’s not too late. The time is short, but the time is at hand to use now for the glory of God and the welfare of God’s people.
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. Thomas John Szczerba Jr.
The Very Rev. Harry E. Krauss
Music:
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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10:00 am The Sunday Forum - The Other Outreach
Grace Church is involved in many outreach activities and especially in Advent. On December 5th, the Very Rev. Harry Krauss will lead us as we look at very personal outreach: Joy, Peace, Hope, Faith. These characteristics are not only central to the Christian experience, but we also carry them with us every day and to every place so that we can share them at a moment’s notice. For zoom access click the link below.
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11:00 am Holy Eucharist and Sermon
Church is open
for in-person worship!
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring, preaching
The Rev. Thomas John Szczerba Jr.
The Very Rev. Harry E. Krauss
Music:
The Combined Novice and Junior Choristers with Adults
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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4:00 PM An Advent Procession with Candles
Church is open
for in-person worship!
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Readings of scripture foretelling the coming of Christ are interspersed with beautiful music of the season from the four corners of the church to express the urgency of the season. The Adult Choir will sing and the Rector will offer a homily.
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring
Music:
The Adult Choir
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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6:00 pm Holy Eucharist
In the Chantry
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Clergy:
The Rev. Megan E. Sanders, preaching
The Rev. Thomas John Szczerba Jr.
Music:
Hymns with Instrumentalists
Followed by Canterbury Downtown dinner and fellowship. All college students welcome!
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Coffee Hour: Coffee and fellowship will be available today in the Reception Room following the 9 am service and the School Dining Hall following 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. Follow the signs! Parents are required to stay with their children for the duration of their time in the nursery. Babysitters will no longer be present.
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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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Advent Drive 2021
Every Advent, we take up collections for organizations in need of supplies for the winter. Please purchase new items from the store of your choosing and drop them off in the baskets at the back of the church at all services.
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Sunday, November 28 – Advent I
Travel size toiletries for the Seamen’s Church Institute’s Christmas At Sea Project
Sunday, December 5 – Advent II
Hats and gloves for the Church of the Ascension Food Pantry
Sunday, December 12 – Advent III
Men’s underwear (L, XL, XXL) and socks for The Bowery Mission
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2022 Annual Campaign:
Let the Doors be Open! – On October 24th, we launched the 2022 Annual Pledge Campaign at all three services. 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.
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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. (You have all of 2022 to make your payments!) Questions about pledging? Contact Matthew Kopp at mkopp@gracechurchnyc.org or 212-254-2005.
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Vestry Nominations – Normally, every year on the Second Sunday of Advent we put out the call for Vestry Nominations, building towards the Annual Meeting of the Parish on the first Sunday in February. The Vestry consists of 12 elected lay leaders (plus two Wardens) who serve three-year terms with the possibility of being nominated for a second term. This year all four members in their third year of service (Douglas Armer, Mary Cannon, Shingmin Lai, and Cathy Minuse) are eligible to serve a second term, and they have agreed to do so. Thus, the work of the Nominating Committee was brief. With no Vestry vacancies to fill we do not need to call for names this year.
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Advent Wreath Materials - Did you miss out on our Advent Wreath making on November 28th? No worries, email Father Thomas and he will provide you with the ring, candles, and candle holders for a donation of $25. Just email him a day in advance of pick up. You are on your own for the rest of the materials. Celebrating with an Advent wreath during the weeks prior to Christmas is a great way to keep our thoughts focused on the coming of Christ, and to start a faithful at-home tradition with children during the hustle and bustle of the season.
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CHRISTMAS EVE, December 24
4:00 pm Christmas Pageant
Featuring our cast of friendly beasts, angels, shepherds, and villagers.
7:30 pm Festive Music for the Organ
Patrick Allen, organ.
8:00 pm A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
10:30 pm Festive Music for the Organ
Patrick Allen, organ.
11:00 pm Candlelight Choral Eucharist
The Adult Choir. Sermon by the Rector.
CHRISTMAS DAY, December 25
11:00 am Holy Eucharist with Carols
The Adult Choir. Sermon by the Rector.
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS, December 26
9:00 am Holy Eucharist
6:00 pm Holy Eucharist in the Chantry
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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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Wednesday Evening Eucharist & Bible Study at 6 pm in the Chantry we have restarted our Wednesday evening service in the chantry. After the service, (approximately 6:45 pm) 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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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: 839 2240 7333
One tap mobile
+19294362866,,83922407333# US (New York)
Wednesday Evening Eucharist 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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Youth Group – Service Day with St. Luke in the Fields – December 12th, from 2 – 4 pm, all 6th - 12th-grade students are invited to join Father Thomas at St. Luke in the Fields to help pack holiday bags for their Art and Acceptance guests. Bags will contain items and gifts for their guests and will be handed out to guests on the Saturday before Christmas. Pizza will follow! This will be our first youth collaboration with them. Email Father Thomas if you plan on attending.
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December 12 – The Sunday Forum: During the pandemic one of our most important outreach partners has become The Red Door Place, located at the Church of the Village on 6th Ave. The Executive Director of The Red Door Place, Teresa Concepcion, will be with us at the Forum on Sunday, December 12th to describe the important work they do. 10:00 am in the Reception Room. Coffee is served!
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December 12 - A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten at 4pm Offered by The Girls’ Choir with Alumni of the Choir and members of The Adult and Parish Choirs at 4 pm in the Church.
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Dec 23 – Greening of the Church – A few good souls are needed to help dress the church on Monday, Dec 23, for the joyous celebration of Christmas. If you would like to sign up, kindly contact Ellen McElduff at ellenmcelduff@aol.com.
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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. Thomas Szczerba and he will add you to our mailing list.
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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. J. Donald Waring.
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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:
Rachel Kuhns
Suzanne Francis
Veronica Miller
Barney Thompson
In our Continuing Prayers:
Mary Ann Owens
William Dobi
Claudia Paoloni
Tom Hall
Josephine Ferraiuolo
Adelaide
The Rt. Rev. Andrew St. John
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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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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