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9 am Holy Eucharist
in-person worship
11 am Morning Prayer in-person worship
and live-stream
on
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,
Let me give you two good reasons for coming to the Sunday Forum this week.
The first is the speaker and the topic. V.K. McCarty is a scholar of early church history who teaches widely throughout the city and diocese. One of her focal areas of study has been the role that women played as the church rapidly grew from a frightened few disciples to a movement that turned the known world upside-down. We often hear about the inner circle around Jesus: Peter, James, and John. Beyond them are other well-known disciples, all of them men: Thomas who doubted Jesus, and even Judas who betrayed Jesus. But the Gospels also indicate the steady presence of women as Jesus traveled the Galilean countryside and finally came into Jerusalem. After the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles shine more light on who these women were and how they served. I am eager to hear V.K. over the next two weeks as she helps us see a fuller, richer picture of early Christian communities. Read below for more details.
The second reason for coming to the Sunday Forum is a door prize for everyone who attends in-person. Recently a parishioner hosting a party over-ordered COVID rapid test kits for the guests who were to attend. Not knowing what to do with them, but wanting to put them to good use, she inquired at the church as to whether we needed them. We did, and yet still we have a surplus. So … everyone who comes to the Sunday Forum this week will receive an On/Go COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test. Each box contains two tests. Yes, we are told that Omicron is on the wane, but don’t drop your guard just yet. Yes, we are told that the government is planning to distribute millions of these in the months to come. But if you wait for the government, the simple truth is, you have to wait. Do you want to wait? No! So come to the Sunday Forum this week at 10 am in the reception room, where good things come even to those who don’t wait. First come, first served while they last and one box per person.
See you in church.
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Vaccines to be Required – Vaccines against Covid-19 are free and available to anyone 5 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
The Rev. Thomas John Szczerba Jr.
The Very Rev. Harry E. Krauss, preaching
Music:
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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10:00 am The Sunday Forum
Celebrating Early Christian Women with V.K. McCarty
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While women evangelized alongside St. Paul in the early centuries after Christ, and are even numbered among the "Desert Fathers," they are not often included in the story of Early Christianity. And yet, since they are created as half the faithful, after all, their stories in the Bible, and in other Early Christian documents, show them to be prominent figures, making significant contributions to the exciting narrative of the Early Church. Theological librarian V.K. McCarty leads us on an exploration of Paul's co-worker, Prisca, and the Desert Mother, St. Syncleitca. 10 am in the Reception Room or on Zoom. |
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11:00 am Morning Prayer and Sermon
Church is open
for in-person worship!
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring
The Rev. Thomas John Szczerba Jr.
The Very Rev. Harry E. Krauss, preaching
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. Thomas John Szczerba Jr.
The Rev. Megan E. Sanders, preaching
Music:
Hymns with Instrumentalists
Followed by Canterbury Downtown dinner and fellowship. All college students welcome!
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3:15 – 4:30 pm Youth Group in the Reception Room – all 6th - 12th-grade children are invited to join Father Thomas in the reception room for fellowship and discussion. 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 (tszczerba@gracechurchnyc.org) if your children plan on being in attendance.
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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. 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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Pledge Envelopes - If you requested a box of the weekly pledge envelopes to guide your giving, you should be receiving them in the mail shortly, if they have not arrived at your home already. If you did not request a box and would like one, please email Matthew Kopp
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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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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 - The Vestry Has Accepted The Nominating Committee’s Report and is pleased to announce the following slate of persons to be voted on at our Annual Meeting, Feb 6. see details below, under “Coming Soon.”) For a second two-year term as a Churchwarden: DOUGLAS EVANS. For a second three-year term as a Vestry member: DOUGLAS ARMER, MARY CANNON, SHINGMIN LAI, CATHY MINUSE. Many thanks to Owen Boger, chair of the nominating committee and to those who have agreed to stand for election.
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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 resumes on Wednesday, September 15th. For Zoom access info, please see the link below or email the Rev. Megan Sanders 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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Sunday Forum on January 30th - “Celebrating Early Christian Women” with VK McCarty Pt. 2 We will continue our discussion, encountering: Thekla, a co-preacher with St. Paul from the Apocryphal Acts, and Hilda, a 9th C English Abbess and library administrator. VK McCarty, author of, From Their Lips: Voices of Early Christian Women, lectures at General Theological Seminary and teaches at St. Luke in the Fields in the Adult Education Dept. VK McCarty also preaches at St. Gregory the Theologian Orthodox Church. 10 am in the Reception Room or on Zoom.
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Jan 30th Newcomers’ Class - Visitors and new members are warmly invited to join us for monthly newcomers’ classes. Each session will cover a different special topic, but all will provide opportunities to learn about church membership, get acquainted with the clergy and other new members, and to grow in your faith. Jan 30: A User’s Guide to the Book of Common Prayer. Held in the reception room at 12:30 pm. Lunch will be provided. Email the Rev. Thomas Szczerba if you plan on attending so we know how much food to provide.
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Feb 6 – The Annual Parish Meeting will be held in the church on Sunday, Feb 6, immediately following the 11 am service. Reports will be given by the Church Wardens, Treasurer, Committee Chairs, and the Rector. If you prefer to view at home, tune in to the livestream.
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Feb 6 – The Annual Concert of Music for Treble Voices - Sunday 6 February at 4 p.m. Sung by the combined boy and girl choristers of the choirs. Compositions will include those by Archer, J.S. Bach, Copland, Dyson, Yon and Dr. Rose. We are pleased to present the annual concert after being absent last year. Bring a friend and enjoy this hour of music making by the choristers. If you prefer to view at home, tune in to the livestream.
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Mar 5 – Parish Day of Service – Plans are afoot to revive our pre-pandemic tradition which sent Grace Church parishioners into the community in service to our neighbors in need. This year we will focus on The Red Door Place and assist them with their food preparation and distribution ministry. The Saturday time commitment will be in two shifts, approximately 9 am to 12 pm, and noon to 3 pm. Watch the Weekly Epistle and bulletin announcements for more information and sign-up instructions.
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Advent Collections – Thanks To All Who Gave
“Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.’” (Deuteronomy 15:11.)
Our community at Grace Church has contributed 184 hats, gloves, and scarves, 291 undergarments and socks, and 982 toiletries, to help provide basic comfort to some of our neediest neighbors in New York City. With special thanks to the Stevenson-Minuse family and Jason Slibeck for coordinating, sorting, counting and delivering the donations to our recipient organizations.
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February is Soup Month! - The Grace Food Drive invites everyone to contribute a can (or cans) of soup - a very important staple item for the Hope for our Neighbors in Need food ministry which receives our donations. Let’s see how many cans we can collect this month! Collection baskets are near the doors of the main church and the Chantry.
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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:
Steven Kaminer
The Suarez family
The Snyder family
Marie Bolden
Jessica Archer
The Caldwell family
In our Continuing Prayers:
Claudia Paoloni
Mary Ann Owens
William Dobi
Tom Hall
Josephine Ferraiuol
Adelaide
The Rt. Rev. Andrew St. John
For those who have died:
Renee Harris
James F. Hurley, III
Linda Flood
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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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