Sunday, February 12, 2023 |
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Sunday
9 am Holy Eucharist
in-person worship
11 am Morning Prayer
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,
It’s no secret that Super Bowl Sunday is upon us this weekend. Do you care? A few days ago a person in Texas sent a prayer request through our website portal, asking that we pray for Jalen Hurts. Hurts is the quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles, who will be playing against the Kansas City Chiefs. The writer explained that Hurts is a Christian, and therefore she hopes that he will lead the Eagles to victory in Super Bowl 57. “Please pray for him.” I couldn’t resist replying that Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback of the Chiefs, is also a Christian. Perhaps we should pray for him, too!
The fact is, on Sunday we will have two dynamic, young, Black, Christian quarterbacks squaring off against each other in the Super Bowl. It will be fun to see the two top teams in the NFL vie for the Lombardi Trophy. I’m hoping to watch a good portion of the game, but the simple truth is, I don’t care who wins. I cannot manufacture a single reason that compels me to root for or against either team. Last year was easy. The Cincinnati Bengals played the Los Angeles Rams. I lived in Cincinnati for nine years. Stacie and I were married there. It’s where our two sons were born. Done. Go Bengals (they lost). Also, as a rule, I root against any team in any sport that comes from Los Angeles. Why? To punish them for stealing the Dodgers from Brooklyn back in 1957, before I was born.
This year I have no such passions or ancient grudges to work out – which poses a problem when it comes to participating in the Super Bowl of Caring. For some years now we have joined a national movement to parlay the Super Bowl into raising funds for community causes. We put out two pots, often at the annual meeting and at coffee hour, one pot per team, clearly marked. We vote for which team we hope will win by dropping a few dollars into the pot of our choice. We count up which team is our favorite, and then give all the money in both pots to the Red Door Place, the food ministry we support that assists our neighbors in need. But the Chiefs? The Eagles? Who cares? I care about the Red Door Place, but neither of these two teams. So let’s do this. For those who are anything like me, we’ll put out a third pot, clearly marked SUPER BOWL 58: NEW YORK GIANTS vs. NEW YORK JETS. True, it is a highly unlikely future, but I’ll vote for it! Come to coffee hour on Sunday. If you care about Super Bowl 57, vote your pleasure. Or avail yourself of the third pot, and express your care by showing how much you do not care. All the money in all three pots will go to the Red Door Place.
You can also show you care by coming to the Concert for Treble Voices at 4 pm. Our choristers have been working hard all week with Dr. Barry Rose to hone their skills and prepare a wonderful hour of music in the church. You will be home in plenty of time for kick-off.
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 Morning Prayer
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 Adult Choir
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 – Ministry Partner Spotlight: The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) – Since 1834, The Seamen’s Church Institute has worked tirelessly to provide mariner advocacy, education, and pastoral care. In today’s Sunday Forum, Mark Nestlehutt, SCI President & Executive Director, will offer a presentation and lead a discussion about their ministries to mariners. Grace Church has a lengthy history with SCI and continues to support their work in a number of ways. As always, breakfast treats and coffee are served, 10 am in the reception room.
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The Souper Bowl of Caring is a national effort to use the energy of the Super Bowl for a higher good: collecting dollars and food for the needy in our local communities. All are invited to play in this year’s game! Just bring some cash (or check) to coffee hour and drop a few bills in the soup pot that corresponds to your Super Bowl team. And if you don’t feel particularly passionate about either team this year, we’ll have a 3rd option so you can vote for the Half Time Performance instead! You can also Venmo your donation to @GraceChurchNYC by putting Souper Bowl (Team Name) in the “What’s it for?” line. We’ll have fun seeing which team raises more funds and also see if together we can beat last year’s generous total collection of $920 – all of which goes directly to our food ministry partner, The Red Door Place!
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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.
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Concert for Treble Voices – On Sunday, February 12th at 4:00 p.m. in the Church the combined Boy and Girl Choristers will offer the Annual Concert of Music for Treble Voices, under the direction of Dr. Barry Rose. Compositions will include those by Archer, J.S. Bach, Copland, Dankforth, Hurd, Parry, Ridout and Dr. Rose himself among others. This annual concert will also include the promotion of Third Grade Novices and new choristers when these newest choristers receive their surplice and take their place among the junior chorister ranks.
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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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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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Welcome Home our Friend and Inspiration Dr. Barry Rose who returns for the first time since the COVID pandemic lockdown. Dr. Rose will be working with the Choristers and taking choir practices between Sunday February 5th and the 12th.
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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.
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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 8:00 to 11:30 am 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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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 takes place in Tuttle Hall following the 9 and 11 am services. Delicious baked goods are available thanks to the Guild of Bakers.
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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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Coffee and Fellowship takes place in Tuttle Hall following the 9 and 11 am services. Delicious baked goods are available thanks to the Guild of Bakers.
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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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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:
Gordon Matheson
Ernestine McDaniel
David Schoenfeld
John Berringer
William Dobi
Mimi Plona
Tom Hall
Alison Friedman
Gerald Werner
In Our Continuing Prayers:
Claire Wesselman
Teresa Conway
Ronnye Brickous
The Episcopal Church in Haiti
For Those Who Have Died:
Stanley Scott
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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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