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Sunday
9 am Holy Eucharist
in-person worship
11 am Holy Eucharist
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,
As I type these words it is Friday morning, January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany. What today means is that Christmas is officially over. The 12 days are behind us, and now it is time to take down the tree and the decorations. It is time to go back to school and back to work. It is time to move on into all the challenges and possibilities that this new year of 2023 may present.
I am always a bit sad to say farewell to Christmas. Even though it is a tremendously busy time in the church, I love the anticipation, the mystery, and the joy that surround our gatherings. From lighting the Advent wreath, to decorating the church, to singing the carols, to Christmas dinner with family, it’s all wonderful. But now it’s in the rear-view mirror as we head into the months to come. Strangely, I have never heard anyone say, “Gee, I just love January, February, and March. It’s my favorite time of the year!” Quite the contrary, the constant, gray drizzle of these months, where in New York City it seems to be neither winter nor spring, makes hibernation look like an attractive option.
Last Wednesday at the 6 pm Eucharist in the chantry we heard a reading from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 2. It was sometime after the birth of Jesus. The wise men had made their visit and departed, and Joseph was asleep in Bethlehem. But hibernation was not going to be an option for the holy family. Rather, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt.” It was time to leave Bethlehem in a hurry and head into an uncertain future. Throughout the reading the angel keeps troubling Joseph in his dreams. Next it would be “Get up and go to the land of Israel.” Then, finally, the instruction to go to Galilee and settle in Nazareth.
What we read of Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus is that they were constantly on the move. Life was a journey, yet God was with them and guiding them every step of the way. The same is true for us. We can look back with gratitude on Christmas 2022, and trust that God goes with us, too, when we move on from Bethlehem. It is time to get up and go!
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. Julia Macy Offinger
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
Music:
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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11:00 am Holy Eucharist
Church is open
for in-person worship!
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring, preaching
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
Music:
The Girls’ Choir with 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. James H.B. Morton III
The Rev. Megan E. Sanders
Music:
Hymns with Instrumentalists
vice Bulletin
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Coffee and Fellowship takes place in Tuttle Hall following the 11 am service. Today’s special Epiphany celebration features three “galettes des rois,” the French-style King Cake with a hidden trinket. Whoever finds the “feve” gets to wear the paper crown and be king for the day! There’s also champagne, sparkling cider, pastries, coffee and delicious baked goods from the Guild of Bakers.
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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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The Sunday Forum – Faith Through the Lens of Art – All are invited to the reception room from 10:15-10:45 am for a presentation from The Rev. James Morton on the ways art and poetry help us experience our faith in new ways. As we enter the season after the Epiphany, we’ll explore stories from Scripture where light is a major theme. What new fires might God kindle within us in this time of increasing light?
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Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian Carlo Menotti – The Adult Choir offers this dramatic sacred opera at 4pm in the Church. |
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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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Vestry Nominations – Many thanks to those who have agreed to serve on the Nominating Committee this year. According to our parish by-laws the Committee must consist of the Warden not up for reelection (Doug Evans), two Vestry members (Lethe Black and John Berringer), two parishioners named by the Rector (Erik Sorensen and Jason Slibeck), and the Rector, who serves as an ex-officio member. If you would like to nominate a Grace Church parishioner to serve on the Vestry, please fill out the form you will find on the table outside the Reception Room and place it in the “Vestry Nominations” box by Sunday, January 1, 2023.
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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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Jan 14 – Volunteer Day at The Red Door Place – Help us prepare a meal for our neighbors at The Red Door Place at The Church of the Village, our food ministry partner. There are two available shifts, 8:30 to 11:45 am and 11:30 to 3:30 pm. Email the Rev. James Morton if you plan on attending.
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Jan 15 – The Forum: Exploring Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1956 Sermon Preached at St. John the Divine – In the spring of 1956, Martin Luther King Jr. preached a sermon at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine titled “The Death of Evil Upon The Seashore.” This sermon is notable not just for being given in an Episcopal venue but for its reflections on the social justice themes of the Exodus story in the context of postwar theology’s emphasis on evil. Join parishioner and NYU professor Nicholas Birns to discuss this early sermon by a major Christian thinker.
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Jan 15 – Seekers & Returners – The first of a four-part class for anyone who is looking for a church community or coming back to one after a time away. We will delve into the tenets of our faith and have a place for frank questions, and, hopefully, some answers! The Rev. Julia Offinger will lead the group over four Sundays in the Reception Room, using Rowan Williams’s lecture series “Being Christian” as our guide. This is a great class for newcomers or those considering baptism or membership. Sundays at 12:30pm (after the 11am service) in the Reception Room January 15 – February 5.
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Feb 5 – The Annual Meeting of the Parish – Follows the 11 am service in Tuttle Hall with luncheon served. More details to come.
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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 will be available today in Tuttle Hall following the 9am service. Join us for a festive fellowship hour in Huntington Close (weather permitting) after the 11 am service.
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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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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. We also have two volunteer days at The Red Door Place planned for this fall on Oct 22 and Nov 19. Email The Rev. James Morton if you plan on attending.
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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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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 – The summer has depleted our stockpile of coffee hour goodies! 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:
Paul LaFarge
Tom Hall
Isla Luchahuer
Roger Omlid
Gordon Matheson
In Our Continuing Prayers:
Claire Wesselman
Teresa Conway
Ronnye Brickous
The Episcopal Church in Haiti
For Those Who Have Died:
Sik Chow Wong
Donald Gatlin
King Phojonakong
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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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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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