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Sunday
9 am Holy Eucharist
11 am Baptism and
Holy Eucharist
(live-streamed)
6 pm Holy Eucharist
(in the Chantry)
on
Grace Church website
YouTubeLive
Vimeo
FacebookLive
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.
Catch up on audio podcasts of past sermons on our Soundcloud Channel.
| Please see below for weekday worship opportunities, both in-person and virtual. | |  |
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Dear Friends,
Have you ever been in “the doldrums?” The doldrums is originally a nautical term that refers to a belt of motionless air that surrounds the equator. In olden days when ships were powered by wind alone, sailors dreaded venturing into the doldrums because they could languish there for weeks. Over time the doldrums came to refer to any low-energy, listless period in our personal lives when it seems that our “get up and go” has got up and gone. It can also be an apt metaphor in the Christian life.
This coming Sunday is the Day of Pentecost, one of the three highest feast days of the Christian year (the other two being Easter and Christmas). Pentecost celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the first few weeks after Easter, the disciples of Jesus were in the doldrums. Yes, they had experienced the resurrection, but it was all very confusing and hard to grasp. They didn’t know what to do. If you read John 21, it seems that Peter was simply prepared to go back to his old way of life prior to meeting Jesus. “I am going fishing,” he said before an evening on the sea in which he caught nothing. Forty days after Easter, the appearances of the risen Jesus stopped altogether. Was that the end of it? Was there anything more?
Ten days later the disciples would have an answer. While gathered together they all experienced an infusion of life and power. It was the Spirit of God. It was the Spirit they knew in Jesus. The experience was such that words could not capture it, so they reached for metaphors, one of which was wind. The Spirit was like a strong, steady wind that suddenly filled their sails and powered them out of the doldrums. The church became a ship on the move, sailing towards a sacred destination, with as many on board as they could gather.
This Sunday we will praise the Spirit of God, who is like wind in our sails, fire in our hearth, and breath in our lungs. My prayer is that Spirit of God falls afresh on us, and enlivens our life in Christ – not only on the Day of Pentecost, but always.
See you in church,
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Preaching:
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
Music:
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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11:00 am Baptism and
Holy Eucharist
Preaching:
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 Holy Eucharist
In the Chantry
Preaching:
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
Music:
Hymns with Instrumentalists
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Coffee and Fellowship will take place in Tuttle Hall after the 9 am and 11 am services. Join us for brownies, cookies, and other treats as well as something cool to drink. | |
The Sunday Forum is on break for the summer. | |
Nursery Care Returns! Nursery Care is now available again from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm (during and between both morning services). The room is located in the Sunday School wing just off Tuttle Hall, and is professionally staffed according to Safe Church guidelines. Parents are welcome to bring their children up to age 4. For more information, contact the Rev. Julia Offinger. | |
It’s Choir Recruiting Season! The Choir of Men and Boys and The Girls’ Choir with Adults are currently recruiting for the new season in September. Membership is open to all young people with an interest in singing. No prior experience is required, and membership is open to students from any school. If you know of a family with a young person (especially current 1 – 4th grades) who would enjoy this opportunity to learn, grow and serve through music please forward this link to them and have them be in touch with Dr. Allen. | |
Sunday 6 pm Eucharist in the Chantry – The weekly 6 pm Sunday Eucharist is another way to experience the fullness of worship at Grace Church. The intimate service takes place in the cozy setting of the Chantry and features live instrumental music led by Dr. Patrick Allen, Organist and Master of Choristers. In addition to schedule flexibility, the evening hour provides an opportunity to end the weekend on a spiritual note and transition to the busy week ahead with an extra dose of faith. Newcomers and long-time members alike are welcome to join us. | |
June 4 – Bishop Visitation – The Suffragan Bishop in the Diocese of New York, the Rt. Rev. Allen Shin, will visit us on Trinity Sunday, June 4 at 11am this is the time for youth and adults to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church. | |
June 11 – The Annual Parish Picnic and Choir Recognition Sunday – Everyone is invited to enjoy our annual parish picnic on the lawn of Huntington Close following the 11am service! Join us in celebration of the choir ministries of Grace Church and to help bring our program year to a joyous and festive close. Suggested donation at the door is $10 per person. | |
June 15 - 20s and 30s Pub Theology – For Pub Theology this Spring we'll be reading The Nail by Stephen Cottrell. This short book offers imaginative reflections on the Passion Narrative with each of the chapters focused on a different key character who describes his or her experience of the story. Join us at The Penny Farthing (103 Third Ave., New York, NY 10003) on Thursday, June 15th from 6-7:30 pm to discuss chapters 6-8 (Mary Magdalene, Pilate’s wife, and Will you let Jesus forgive you?) - about 25 pages all together. If you’re interested in attending, email the Rev. James Morton and he will add you to our list. | |
June 18 - Newcomer Reception and Tour – Following the 11 am service, anyone who is new to Grace Church in the past year is welcome to enjoy a light lunch and orientation session in the reception room, followed by a guided tour of the church. So that we know how much food to order, please RSVP with the Rev. Julia Offinger. | |
Summer Cookouts – Mark your calendars for Wednesdays June 28, July 26, and August 23, 6:30 pm on the lawn of Huntington Close. The clergy will be grilling! Burgers, hot dogs, salads, desserts, and drinks for all. The playground will be open for the children. More information to come. | |
9 am, 11 am Worship Services in the Church and 6 pm in the Chantry – The 11 am service is video streamed every week.
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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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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 and Mother Julia in the chantry for a time of learning and prayer. Children will return during the announcements.
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Nursery Care – The nursery (next to the Sunday School classroom, across Tuttle Hall) is open from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm. Adults can sign children ages 0-4 in and out at their convenience. The nursery is staffed by two professional caretakers from The Baby Sitters’ Guild.
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Coffee Hour – Coffee and fellowship generally takes place in Tuttle Hall following the 9 and 11 am services. Delicious baked goods are available thanks to the Guild of Bakers. | |
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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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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Wednesday – Women’s Bible Study – 10:30 am on Zoom with The Rev. Julia Offinger. Contact Julia for Zoom instructions.
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Thank you for supporting Bach at Noon and the Weekend Organ Meditations 2022-2023 Season – During the season over 200 programs took place both live in person and on the YouTube Channel. The Summer Season of Bach at Noon takes place each Wednesday at 12:20 in the Church through 6 September. | |
Wednesday – 6 pm Holy Eucharist in the Chantry
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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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May is Peanut Butter Month! – Peanut Butter is a staple that food pantries always need. Help us make a special push to ensure The Red Door Place is well stocked this May. More information about this ministry can be found below. | |
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. | |
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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Wear your nametags! Nametags can be found on the boards in Tuttle Hall. Newcomers are encouraged to visit our 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 at tkennedy@gracechurchnyc.org so he can make you one. | |
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. | |
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 webpage where you will find a direct means of providing feedback.
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Every day, noon to 5 pm
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In Our Immediate Prayers:
Chris Cakey
Claude Picasso
Ronald Quintero
Charles McClean
Tom Hall
In Our Continuing Prayers:
Claire Wesselman
Teresa Conway
Ronnye Brickous
The Episcopal Church in Haiti
William Dobi
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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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GRACE CHURCH IN NEW YORK
212-254-2000
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