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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,
Have you ever had the experience of winding up in a place, and not being entirely sure how you got there? I have. Just last week I was driving my son, Luke, back to school at La Salle University in Philadelphia. We had tickets to see the basketball game, then we split a pizza, and then it was time for me to make the trek back to NYC. At one point I looked at the odometer of our car and saw that it was about 15 miles away from hitting the interesting milestone, 88,888. I made a mental note that I should pay attention and somehow live into the moment. Perhaps I would take a picture of the numbers, but immediately repented of the idea for fear of distracted driving. So on I went, contending with traffic and thinking through the week ahead. Alas, the next time I looked at the odometer, it was at 88,915. Whoops, I blew right past the milestone without having any awareness of doing so.
A similar dynamic can be at work in history – your own personal history, and the history of the communities we inhabit. Being fully cognizant of where you are is one thing, but understanding how you arrived is quite another. The Episcopal Church has been on such a journey for quite some time now. In the post-war decades, our branch of Christendom would transform itself in ways that would startle our forebears. What is more, the journey isn’t finished. How did we arrive where we are today? What were the milestones along the way? Where are we headed?
Recently, I became aware of a book entitled Privilege and Prophecy, by a church historian named Robert Tobin. In a fascinating (and sometimes annoying) way, Tobin traces the current of social activism that swept the church along in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. But social activism wasn’t the only driving factor during those decades. What were some others? At the Sunday Forum this week I will present an overview of Tobin’s thesis. Fear not if you have not and never will read the book. I, myself, am only halfway through it. We will be fellow students together. Our goal will be to have a better understanding of where the Episcopal Church is today, and how we arrived – a tall order for 45 minutes! Join us in the reception room for coffee, breakfast treats, and conversation.
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
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger, preaching
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
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger, preaching
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
Music:
The Novice and Junior Choristers
of the Grace Church Choirs
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 Baptism and
Holy Eucharist
In the Chantry
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Clergy:
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
The Rev. Megan E. Sanders, preaching
Music:
Hymns with Instrumentalists
vice Bulletin
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The Sunday Forum – How Did We Get Where We Are? At the Sunday Forum today the Rector will lead a discussion about the major post-war currents in Episcopal Church history that have shaped the church we know today. The presentation is inspired, in part, by the recent book, Privilege and Prophecy, by the Episcopal Church historian, Robert Tobin. No knowledge of the book is necessary to take part in the conversation. As always, breakfast treats and coffee are served, 10 am in the reception room.
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Seekers & Returners – A 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 through February 12.
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Pick up a Lenten Calendar – The Grace Church Women (GCW) will be selling Lenten Calendars during Coffee Hour in the Sundays leading up to Lent. The calendars are $5.00 each and Coffee Hour is in Tuttle Hall.
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Coffee and Fellowship takes place in Tuttle Hall following the 9 am and 11 am services. Delicious baked goods are available thanks to 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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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 5, see details below, under “Coming Soon.”) For a third two-year term as a Churchwarden: OWEN BOGER. For a first three-year term as a Vestry member: MATTHEW DAVIS, ANSLEY GALJOUR. For a second three-year term as a Vestry member: SALLY HINES, MARTHA HIRSCHMAN. Many thanks to the committee and to those who have agreed to stand for election.
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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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2023 pledge envelopes have arrived! If you made a 2023 pledge and requested envelopes to guide your giving, please email Travis Kennedy to arrange to pick them up.
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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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Confirmation for Youth and Adults – Sign up to join Spring confirmation classes culminating with the Rt. Rev. Allen Shin's visit to Grace on Sunday, June 4 at 11am. For youth in 7th grades and up, we’ll meet on six Sundays at 5pm this Spring, with a couple service projects and worship opportunities thrown in. For adults, we’ll set up a series of 3 classes based on interest and availability. Confirmands will be commissioned on Ash Wednesday, February 22 at 6pm. Sign up by Wednesday, February 15 by emailing the Rev. Julia Offinger at joffinger@gracechurchnyc.org.
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Feb 5 – The Annual Meeting of the Parish – Follows the 11 am service in Tuttle Hall with luncheon served. Reports will be given by the Nominating Committee, the Treasurer, the Head of Grace Church School, the Senior Warden, and the Rector. Lunch will be served ($10 per person suggested donation).
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Feb 12 – Newcomer Lunch – Join the party to celebrate the end of our Seekers and Returners class at a special lunch for Newcomers after the 11am service in the Reception Room. All are welcome if you’re new to Grace within the last year or so, even if you haven’t been to one of the classes yet! RSVP to The Rev. Julia Offinger at joffinger@gracechurchnyc.org.
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Feb 19 – Shrove Sunday Parish Pancake Party – All are invited to feast before the fast at the Shrove Sunday Parish Pancake Party. The festivities will commence in Tuttle Hall immediately following the 11 am service. The brunch will be prepared by Grace parishioner and professional chef, JJ Okash, and include pancakes, bacon, eggs, sausage, juices, coffee, tea, and bubbly. The suggested donation is $10 for adults, $25 per family, and all are encouraged to bring a can of soup for our food ministry partner, The Red Door Place.
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Feb 25 – Bag Lunch Volunteer Day – Help us prepare a quick and easy meal for our neighbors in need. We’ll gather here at the church from 8:30 to 12:00 pm to back bag lunches for our food ministry partner, The Red Door Place, to distribute. All ages welcome! Email The Rev. James Morton if you’d like to attend.
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Volunteer Day at The Red Door Place, January 14, 2023 |
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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 9 and 11 am services. 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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February is Soup Month! – Canned soup is a staple that food pantries always need. Help us make a special push to ensure The Red Door Place is well stocked this February. More information about this ministry can be found below.
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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.
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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 – 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:
Alison Friedman
Gerald Werner
Emily Hawley
Gordon Matheson
Tom Hall
In Our Continuing Prayers:
Claire Wesselman
Teresa Conway
Ronnye Brickous
The Episcopal Church in Haiti
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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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