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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,
This coming weekend the nation will observe the birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Baptist preacher whose work and witness galvanized the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. The past two years have reminded us that the United States is far from a perfect union, but we are a better country today than we would have been without Dr. King. His words still inspire. At the Sunday Forum this week NYU professor and Grace Church parishioner Nick Birns will lead us in conversation about some of Dr. King’s early writings. What we will learn, among other things, is how deeply rooted his deeds were in his faith. See below for more information about the session. Also, at all three of our worship services we will sing the rousing hymn that is associated with the civil rights movement: Lift Every Voice and Sing. If you plan to be in the city during the long weekend, do plan on joining us.
Martin Luther King, Jr. made a positive difference in the world. So can we. A date to mark on your calendars now is Saturday, March 5th. We are hoping that the Omicron variant will have receded by then, allowing us to revive one of our pre-pandemic customs called, “The Parish Day of Service.” Our goal will be to get up to 18 Grace Church parishioners involved in a hands-on outreach project that day, so that in a small way our community will be a better place than it would have been had we stayed home and slept late (one of my favorite things to do on Saturday). Not only will our geographical community improve, but our parish community will grow deeper and closer as we work side-by-side and get to know one another.
Our focus will be on The Red Door Place, a local feeding ministry that serves hot meals and also provides bags of groceries to hungry families without resources. At a Sunday Forum last month we heard from Teresa Concepcion, the Executive Director of The Red Door Place, and learned how hard they have been hit by the pandemic. We have been supporting them financially. Now our aim is to join them in person for a day (that may lead to many more days) and work side-by-side to assist our neighbors in need. Yes, March 5th seems like a long way off, but the nature of our schedules and the pandemic requires weeks if not months advance planning. More details to come.
Much of the news these days is full of darkness. This will be a chance to shine some light. 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., preaching
The Very Rev. Harry E. Krauss
Music:
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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10:00 am The Sunday Forum
Martin Luther King’s 1952 Notecards on the Old Testament
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At the age of twenty-three, the young Martin Luther King write down on notecards six observations about the Old Testament books of Amos, Jeremiah, and the Psalms. These notes show King’s awareness of modern theology, his sense of the Bible as a critique of social injustice, and his sense of how the Old Testament can matter in a Christian context. Join Grace parishioner and NYU professor Dr. Nicholas Birns to explore this fascinating part of Dr. King’s historic achievement. 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., preaching
The Very Rev. Harry E. Krauss
Music:
The Adult Choir
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., 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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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 - The Weekly Pledge Envelopes have arrived for our Pledging households. If you would like to have your box of Pledge Envelopes set out on tables near the baptismal font on Sunday, 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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Jan 20th - 20s and 30s Pub Theology on Zoom from 6 – 7 pm - Young adults and guests are invited for fellowship and theological discussion on Wednesday Jan 20th from 6-7 pm on Zoom. We’ll conclude our discussion on Richard Rohr’s book, The Universal Christ. RSVP to the Rev. Thomas Szczerba
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Sunday Forum on January 23rd and January 30th - “Celebrating Early Christian Women” with VK McCarty The first Sunday, January 23rd, we will highlight some of the fascinating women present, even if sometimes discreetly hidden, in the story of Early Church History. We will note their contributions to the growth of faith in Early Christianity and explore two of the women acknowledged as theological teachers: Prisca, a co-worker of St. Paul, and Syncletica, one of the Desert Fathers who was a woman. The second Sunday, January 30th, 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 is the author of: From Their Lips: Voices of Early Christian Women. She lectures at General Seminary, and teaches at St. Luke in the Fields in the Adult Education Dept., and preaches at St. Gregory the Theologian Orthodox Church. 10 am in the Reception Room or on Zoom.
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Jan 23rd - Youth Group in the Reception Room – 3:15 – 4:30 pm - 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 if your children plan on being in attendance.
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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 Nominating Committee, the Treasurer, the Head of Grace Church School, the Senior Warden, and the Rector.
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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:
Marie Bolden
Jessica Archer
The Caldwell family
Therese Snyder
Kimberly Snyder
Kaylee
Dilys Smith
Brenden Stewart
Claudia Paoloni
In our Continuing Prayers:
Mary Ann Owens
William Dobi
Tom Hall
Josephine Ferraiuolo
Adelaide
The Rt. Rev. Andrew St. John
For those who have died:
Kathleen Wright
The Rev. J. Robert Wright
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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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