A Message from The Rev. Tina Rathbone | |
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This is a photo of the side of the Guthrie Center. I’m posting it here because I think it perfectly expresses their ethos – and at least some of the ways our work overlaps. The Swords to Plowshares event held there last Saturday – hosted by Grace Church, The Guthrie Center, and many other community partners including the congregations of St Paul’s in Stockbridge and Christ Trinity in Sheffield - did more or less the same thing too: handing out gun locks to ensure their safe storage, hammering old guns into garden tools over a 110 lb anvil, sharing food and mental health resources, and gathering people of all kinds together to honor each other, and sing, and pray, and listen to the words of two powerful women who have experienced gun violence personally, and who are determined, now, to speak out in truth, and love.
Take care. Give care. It’s what we did last Saturday – all together. And it’s what we try to do every day, don’t you think? I am so grateful for the presence of each one of you as we continue to walk the path of care, and love with space and belonging for all. Hallelujah!
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Please come join us for this six week
Bible Study
on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM on Zoom.
Led by The Revs. Bob Pohl and Tina Rathbone.
All are welcome!
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What's new at the Garden? While we have less and less to harvest everyday, we have plenty to get done before winter. This last week we finally finished clearing the field of plastic, stakes, and plant debris (soon to be compost) so while we don't have anything in the field, that doesn't mean we're finished with pantry deliveries! Through Berkshire Bounty, Taft, and other farms, we're able to continue delivering gleaned produce to all of our pantries.
We also have also renovated our chicken house into a state-of-the-art coop that frees up some much needed storage space and that will make the chickens more comfortable during the winter months.
Last but most exciting, we have our new propagation house funded by a grant. Annalise
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Monday 9-12 PM
Wednesdays 9-12 PM and 3-5 PM
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Come on over and volunteer or visit! (J. Jorgensen) | |
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Swords to Plowshares speaker, Chelsea,
shared her experience
at the Guthrie Center on
November 12, 2022.
Watch and listen to her speak here: https://vimeo.com/770834293
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The People's Pantry
If anyone wants to volunteer at the People’s Pantry, there are shifts on Mondays from 3:30PM to 5:30PM, Thursdays from 8:30AM to 10:30AM and Thursdays 10:30AM to 12:30PM. Here’s the link:
https://www.thepeoplespantrygb.org/volunteer
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Announcement from the Communications Office | |
Donate to Episcopal Relief & Development
MAKE AN URGENT GIFT-DONATE NOW Your immediate support will help Episcopal Relief & Development and other Anglican partners provide humanitarian assistance to people fleeing the violence in Ukraine. By contributing today you will join our online...
support.episcopalrelief.org
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Welcome Mats Made by Refugees | Thistle Farms Global
Handwoven and handmade by refugees in Greece, these welcome mats serve as a symbol of welcome and acceptance for refugees. Perfect to use in your home as a wall hanging or floor mat. Feel good about the products you buy at Thistle Farms and support refugees. Order yours today!
Love Welcomes.
thistlefarms.org
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Babies are placed in the Home when their mother has died and they cannot be cared for at home. | |
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It costs about $1,500 to support a baby over the time needed for the child to grow old enough to return to their home. Many years ago we at Grace decided to support babies at the Mampong Babies Home in Ghana
at the rate of $1,500 per year. Your donations help us reach that goal each year. You can bring money or checks to church on Sundays and place in the jar near the Welcome Table or send a check to:
Grace Church,
PO Box 114,
Great Barrington, MA 01230.
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Becoming Beloved Community | |
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Where Are You in the Labyrinth?
"Telling the Truth" is a good place to begin, especially at Thanksgiving in Massachusetts.
Below are two short video clips from PBS about the Pilgrims and their encounter with the Wampanoag People.
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The Voice of the Heavens
Psalm 19: 1-4
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.
Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
Our reflection this week began with consideration of the first four lines of Psalm 19, which we listened to in three different translations. The picture is an illustrated manuscript of Psalm 19. Our discussion led us to "the voice of the heavens," as the kernel. At the end, we wrote the following collect.
God, voice of heaven and nature,
We are amazed by Your awesome creation.
We ask for amplification of Your divine message.
We confess we are not always listening and are deaf to your power.
Still, we give thanks for the moments it breaks through.
And we ask for enlightenment and wisdom for all,
So that Your Kingdom may come.
AMEN
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Announcement from the Communications Office | |
Bishop Doug Fisher established a Compline community in 2020 that continues in faithfulness five nights a week. In addition to the Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith and the Very Rev. Jim Munroe, Licensed Lay Worship Leaders will be added for Thursday and Friday evenings. Zoom info is available HERE. | |
“Comfort ye, my people”:
An Advent online retreat
To: All the Faithful
From: Canon for Communications
Re: Online Advent Retreat
Date: November 10, 2022
“Comfort ye, my people”: An Advent online retreat
Saturday, December 3
9:30 a.m. – 12 Noon • Online (free)
We live in a time of radical challenge and change. Advent offers us rich material for prayer, conveying images of disruption, struggle, and endings, and images of reconciliation, birth, and beginnings. In this morning retreat, we will seek to create a space of prayer big enough to encompass both what disturbs and shakes us, and what brings comfort and hope. How do the images of Advent enlarge our capacity to midwife Christ’s birth within us and among us? Our time together will include presentations, silence, singing, solitude, and small group conversation. If possible, please bring a candle and a Bible, and wear something comfortable for an optional walk outdoors.
This free retreat is open to the public and is sponsored by both Episcopal dioceses in MA and by Southern New England Conference, United Church of Christ.
DOWNLOAD POSTER
REGISTE
The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas
An Episcopal priest, author, retreat leader, and climate activist, Margaret Bullitt-Jonas serves as Missioner for Creation Care for the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts and Southern New England Conference, United Church of Christ, and as Creation Care Advisor for the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. (To contact Margaret, email [email protected]).
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THIRD SUNDAY SUPPER
Join us for lively conversation and fellowship on November 20,
6:00 PM at
Frankie's Ristorante
413.637.4455
All are welcome!
Separate checks
For more information contact
George Raymond.
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MEN'S GROUP MEETING
The next Men's Group meeting
will be on November 30
at the home of John and Lee Cheek at 6 PM
The guest speaker will be
Rees Shad from the Great Barrington
People's Pantry.
All men are welcome!
For more information contact
George Raymond
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BOOKS AND BREAD
resumes in 2023.
Details to follow.
Questions? Please contact Peter Kirchoff.
For Zoom:
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Password: 917937
or call 646 558 8656 US (New York)
All are welcome!
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MOVIE NITE
Join us for a discussion of
on December 1, at 7:00 PM on Zoom.
A working-class Italian-American bouncer becomes the driver for an African-American classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South.
Green Book is about the relationship between two real-life people: Donald Shirley and Tony “Lip” Vallelonga.
To join this Zoom meeting
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Password: 917937
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Step into Grace
Where strangers become friends
We are an Open and Affirming church. Every one of every age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental ability, or economic status is invited to join us as together we live out the Gospel message of love, forgiveness, service, and justice. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey- you are welcome here.
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This Sunday there will
be the ingathering of pledges
The Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King
Holy Eucharist
November 20, 10:00 AM
In person & live-streamed
on ZOOM
Please visit our website:
https://graceberkshires.org/visitor/
for up-to-date information and a link to the digital service booklet.
Celebrant and Officiant:
The Rev.Tina Rathbone
Click here for WEB site ROTA
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ZOOM INVITATIONS
FOR GRACE CHURCH
The Last Sunday after
Pentecost: Christ the King
Holy Eucharist
November 20, at 10:00 AM
(Ingathering of pledges)
For Zoom
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Contemplative Eucharist
Wednesday at 10:00 AM
No contemplative Eucharist this week
In person at Grace Chapel
and on Zoom:
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Lectionary Bible Study
Tuesday at 7:00 PM
For Zoom:
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Centering Prayer
Thursday at 5:00 PM
In person and on Zoom
To join Zoom meetings:
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Movie Nite
Thursday, December 1
at 7:00 PM on Zoom
To join Zoom meetings:
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Books and Bread,
resumes in 2023
on Wednesday,
at 7:00 PM
In person and on Zoom
To join Zoom meetings:
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Third Sunday Supper
(Every Third Sunday)
November 20, at 6:00 PM
In person
More information in the
article found above.
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The Last Sunday after Pentecost:
Christ the King
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Luke 23:33-43
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing. The people stood by, watching Jesus on the cross; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews."
One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will
be with me in Paradise.
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For the most up to date information
please visit the
Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative website,
https://www.getvaccinatedberkshires.org/.
They will post notice of appointment openings 6-12 hours in advance. You can find answers to your vaccination questions including information about the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine on their FAQ page.
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Praying for each other and for the needs of the world is a vital mission of Grace Church. To add a prayer request to this list, please contact the Church Office
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We supply this list so you may contact members of our congregation who are at home or in a nursing facility. Please hold in your prayers and reach out as you can.
BLAKELY, Rosemarie
BOWENS, Marina
BREASTED, John
BROOKS, Jane
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FRYE, Vonnie
GORE, Barbara
HAIDER, Meredith
McCURDY, Deborah
TURNER, Barbara
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Our Prayer Basket
We welcome you to use our prayer basket.
On Sundays you will find a basket near the Welcome Table with slips of paper available for you to write down prayer requests. Please ask for any prayers that are important to you and those you love. You may identify yourself and those for whom prayers are needed, but names are not necessary or required. These prayers will be offered by our healing ministers both during the service and during the week for a period of one month. Keep an eye out for the basket!!
To listen to Sarah Sieber explaining the operation of the Prayer Basket CLICK HERE
(K. Clausen)
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GRACE
CHURCH
Please include
in your daily prayers this week:
Members of the Parish Family:
Cathy Haywood, Margaret O’Clair, Mark Anderson, Dindy Anderson, Doreen Hutchinson, Anne Andrews, , Meredith Haider, Rosemarie Blakely, Marina Bowens, Charles Folger, Barbara Gore, and Barbara Turner.
Others we love: All those grieving the death of Jack Stedman, Linda White; Stacey Thomas and her children, Claire, Mark and Johnny; All those grieving the death of Ed Hunt; Cathy Haywood; all those grieving the death of Nelda Curry; Karen LaRocque friend of Sue Gore; Rosalind Haywood, Sue Gore's mother; Deborah McCurdy; Joy Milani, dear friend of Dindy Anderson; the Hardenberg family, friends of Lynn Walker; Conrad Harper, friend of John Ericson; Michael Pine, Pennie’s beloved Godson; Sophia, who is grieving the sudden death of her son; Linda Tornicelli.
Those who have died: Michael Rywkin, Monique Kirchoff's father; Wendy Reeve, Cathy Haywood’s sister; Jack Stedman; Queen Elizabeth II; Rino Aldrighetti, beloved friend of Steve White; Ed Hunt, brother-in-law of Anne Andrews; Faustino Gonzalez Nasario; Ruth Thornton, a dear friend Steve and Andrea White; Richard Edelstein, husband of Pat and beloved friend of our congregation; Hugh Pecon; Nelda Curry; Sam Raymond; Sara Keene; Vanessa Neves, daughter of Patti Poulos, friend of many in the congregation; Alan Sparks, brother of Debbie Holmes; Ruth Crawford; Neil Brandt, brother of Linda White; Jim Santolin, a dear friend of Rick & Sue; Larry Cheek, John’s brother; Patricia O’Hara.
Our world: For all places of violence and war around the world, that Peace may prevail, and human fear and suffering diminish. For all victims of gun violence in this country, and for those who inflict gun violence on others. For people who are suffering from COVID, Those who have died and those who mourn. For all who are alone, or afraid, or despairing. For prisoners, unhoused people, newly arrived immigrants and all our neighbors, near and far.
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The many ministries of our local community and the Diocese of Western Massachusetts: For our partners at St. Paul's and the Revs. Libby Wade, Jane Tillman; the Rev. Sam Smith as he begins his ministry at All Saints, Worcester; Christ Trinity and the Rev. Erik Karas; our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Doug Fisher; and the Mampong Babies' Home in Ghana; All Saints, Worcester;
Chaplain to Williams College Vergers’ Guild; Integrity USA.
The Church's wider mission:
The Church of the Province
of the Indian Ocean
And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week:
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Join us for
Centering Prayer
now in person and on ZOOM
Every Thursday
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Encouraging a practice of silence and stillness we focus on practices of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina using scripture, art and music. All are welcome.
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
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WHAT ARE YOU
GRATEFUL FOR?
In this time of fear and anxiety, it can be easy to miss the daily blessings that are right in front of us. Being grateful is not just for good times. Being grateful is even more important when fear sets a place at your table and heartbreak seems to be in your every breath. Because by being grateful we become aware of all the ways God is working in us. Being grateful is a part of our healing and our deliverance. Being grateful is where our best selves reside.
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SHINE YOUR LIGHT
Thank you for giving generously to support the ministry of Grace. You may continue to mail your contributions to Grace Church, P.O. Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
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WELCOME
TO CHURCH SCHOOL!
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This week we listened to and participated in the Godly Play story of Noah’s Ark.
We decided that all of the parts of the story were important. We asked, what about Noah’s wife Namah?
We will learn about her next Sunday!
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FLOWER DEDICATIONS!
Please place your dedications in an envelope and include the name of the person you wish to honor.
Please note that your $35.00 contribution toward the flower purchase can be sent to the Grace Office or placed in the Offertory Collection.
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An Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires
67 State Road/P.O. Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230
GRACE Parish Administrator: Ms. Jean Chapin
You can reach the church office by email: [email protected]
and by phone 413-644-0022.
If you are experiencing a pastoral emergency that cannot wait until Tina's return, on November 20, please reach out to the Rev. Stephen White at 413 884-4758.
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The Rev. Tina Rathbone
Rector
413-644-0022
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Mx. Annalise Clausen, Director of Farming for Gideon's Garden
413-644-0022
gideonsgarden atgraceberkshires.org
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Mr. Joel Jorgensen
Director of Programs for Gideon’s Garden
413-644-0022
gideonsgarden at graceberkshires.org
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OFFICERS
Senior Warden ........Kathy Clausen
Junior Warden ........Pennie Curry
Treasurer ..................Sue Gore
Clerk ...........................Mary Anne Grammer
VESTRY - AT LARGE
Class of 2023..........Dindy Anderson, Holly Murray, John Cheek
Class of 2024..........Anne Andrews, Dutch Pinkston
Class of 2025..........Cathy Haywood, Andrea White, Laura Jordahl
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Tuesday's Child Editor Monique Kirchoff
Associate Editor Kathy Clausen
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