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This Sunday
9 am Holy Eucharist
in-person worship
11 am Morning Prayer in-person worship
and live-stream
on
6 pm Holy Eucharist
In The Chantry
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
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,
Every three years the General Convention of the Episcopal Church meets to conduct business, chart a course for the future, and tend to matters of governance. This coming July two legislative houses – the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies – will gather in Baltimore to consider resolutions and eventually vote on them. Much like a bill passing through the houses of congress, a resolution that is approved by both houses at the General Convention becomes Episcopal Church law.
One of the resolutions this time around that is already stirring up quite a bit of interest deals with the relationship between baptism and the Eucharist. Church teaching that is widely, if not universally shared across denominations is that baptism leads to the Eucharist. The font leads to the table. In short, one must be baptized in order to receive the sacrament of bread and wine. Lately, however, a number of people are questioning the restriction. They see little Biblical evidence to support the notion that Communion should be only for the baptized. They argue that all people are God’s children regardless of church membership, and sometimes being welcomed at the table leads to a deeper commitment at the baptismal font. Indeed, a movement is afoot to promote what is called “the open table.”
Will the Episcopal Church continue to require baptism as a prerequisite for receiving Communion? At the Sunday Forum this week the Revs. Harry Krauss, Thomas Szczerba, and I will outline the parameters of what is likely to be a lively debate (Julia would join the panel too but she is away this weekend). It’s a topic that goes right to the heart of the identity of the church and what it means to belong. In the time available to us we’ll look at the matter Biblically, historically, theologically, and pastorally, starting at 10 am in the Reception Room – with breakfast treats, I might add.
On another matter, every once in a while something at Grace Church turns out to be not difficult! If you recall, last week I wrote about how Matt Kopp, our Manager of Membership and Development was moving on to take a new position. We are a bare-bones staff and were wondering how we’d keep the plates spinning while conducting a thorough search. A thought crossed my mind (perhaps the Holy Spirit) that we should be open to someone already in our midst. Soon thereafter a new parishioner applied for the job. Travis Brock Kennedy has been at Grace Church for less than a year but has already become involved as a lay reader. He has attended Saving Grace NYC events and meetings, and participated in the Lenten book study. He also has a master’s degree in historic preservation and a wealth of experience with nonprofits and foundations. To make a long story short, he knocked it out of the park in his interview and we’ve offered him the job. Travis starts on Monday. I look forward to introducing you to him some Sunday soon.
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. Thomas John Szczerba Jr.
Music:
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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10 am – The Sunday Forum: Communion of the Unbaptized – Also known as the “Open Table,” some say that the requirement of baptism to receive the Eucharist is un-Biblical, unwelcoming, and therefore unnecessary. At the General Convention of the Episcopal Church this coming July in Baltimore, delegates will be debating a resolution to open the table to everyone, baptized or not. What’s creating the sparks? The Revs. Harry Krauss, Thomas Szczerba, and Don Waring will lead the discussion at today’s Sunday Forum. Coffee and breakfast treats are served in the Reception Room, 10 am. The Forum is also on Zoom.
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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. Thomas John Szczerba Jr.
Music:
The Choir of Men and Boys with The Girls’ Choir, HS Singers and Adults
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. J. Donald Waring, preaching
The Rev. Megan E. Sanders
Music:
Hymns with Instrumentalists
Followed by Canterbury Downtown dinner and fellowship. All college students welcome!
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3:15 pm - Youth Confirmation Classes – Classes for youth in grades 7-12 have begun, on Friday or Sunday afternoons from 3:15-4:15pm, depending on your child’s schedule. Confirmation will be Sunday, June 5 at 11am. Parents should contact the Rev. Julia Offinger as soon as possible to discuss or register.
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May 22 – The Sunday Forum: Behind the Art: Stations of the Cross – On Wednesday in Holy Week, we added a service called The Stations of the Cross. It imitates the practice of visiting the places of Jesus' Passion in the Holy Land by early Christian pilgrims. Each station was created by parishioners of Grace! Join us for the Sunday Forum to hear the artists talk about their work. Coffee and breakfast treats are served in the Reception Room, 10 am. The Forum is also on Zoom.
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May 22 – Confirmation/Youth Group Bowling Trip – At 3:30 pm on May 22nd we are going to team up with the confirmation class/youth group of Grace Church Brooklyn Heights for a bowling trip. It will be a Grace vs. Grace match up! Children in grades 6-12 are welcome to join us. Please RSVP to the Rev. Thomas Szczerba.
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May 29 – Newcomer Class: A Conversation about Prayer - Visitors and new members are warmly invited to join the Rev. Thomas Szczerba in a conversation about the different ways we pray and connect with God. Held in the reception room at 12:30 pm. Lunch will be provided, so RSVP to the Rev. Thomas Szczerba.
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Jun 5 – Bishop Visitation – Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of New York, the Rt. Rev. Mary Glasspool, will visit us on the Day of Pentecost, Sunday, June 5 at 11am this is the time for youth and adults to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church. Youth classes have begun. Any adults who are interested in being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church, or simply learning more about what this means, should contact the Rev. Julia Offinger to discuss next steps as soon as possible.
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Jun 12 – The Annual Parish Picnic and Choir Recognition Sunday - Grace Church parishioners and friends are welcome and encouraged to come to Huntington Close following the 11am service! Join us in celebration of the choir ministries of Grace Church and to help bring our program year to a joyous and festive close. Suggested donation at the door is $10 per person
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May is Peanut Butter Month - In May everyone is invited to contribute a jar (or jars) of peanut butter to the Grace Church food collection. All food donations are appreciated - but this month we focus on peanut butter as a very important staple item for The Red Door Place food pantry. Let’s see how many jars we can collect. Collection baskets are near the doors of the main church and the Chantry.
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Help Ukrainian Families As this crisis continues to evolve, 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. Visit this link to make a donation today.
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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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Coffee and Fellowship in Tuttle Hall after the 9 and 11 am service happens every Sunday. Join us today for brownies, cookies, and other treats as well as a hot cup of coffee.
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Wear your nametags! As we are making our way out of the pandemic, we are seeing a lot of new faces at our gatherings. It is becoming important that we bring back the practice of wearing our nametags so we know how to address each other. 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 Matthew Kopp an email at mkopp@gracechurchnyc.org so, he can make you one.
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Return of Communion Wine – With the declining number of Covid cases in the city and state, Bishop Dietsche has approved the administration of sacramental wine at Holy Eucharist, effective immediately. Today at the 9 am and 6 pm services the chalice will be available for all baptized Christians who desire to receive “in both kinds.” Studies have shown and two-thousand years of practice has demonstrated that sipping from a common cup that is purified between each recipient is safe. Intincting, or dipping the wafer is less so, and will not be allowed for now. Note also that receiving the bread only is sufficient for full Communion. You need not return to the common cup until you are personally ready.
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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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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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Safe Church - Grace Church is committed to providing its members, staff, and visitors 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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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
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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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)
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 - 12:00 PM – Long-running program of guided Bible study and discussion for women resumes on Wednesday, September 14th. 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. If you are interested in helping with the service, please contact the Rev. Thomas John Szczerba Jr.
Saturday – Weekend Organ Meditation (on Facebook Live) 4pm - 45-minutes of diverse music played on the Bicentennial Organ.
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In our Immediate Prayers:
Leila Faucett
Michael Migliorino
Cathy Gelb
Linda Russo
Karen Scramlin
In our Continuing Prayers:
Catherine Gooding
Ronnye Brickous
Claudia Paoloni
William Dobi
Tom Hall
Josephine Ferraiuolo
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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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