A MESSAGE FROM The Rev. Tina Rathbone
Amidst the horror and grief that has filled our news lately, NASA released the first photographs from the James Webb telescope last week. This telescope’s lens is three times wider than the Hubble, and in part because it traces infra-red light, it is allowing us to see objects nine times further away than we have ever seen before. The image above reveals by far the most distant galaxies we have ever seen. In fact the light we see in it originally emanated from galaxies more than thirteen and a half billion years ago – that’s just half a billion years after the big bang.  
 
This utterly blows my mind – slowly, bit by bit, we are approaching the beginning of things. Slowly, bit by bit, we are reaching the center. It changed the way I heard the first few words of our Epistle last Sunday too: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible….”  
 
So today, all I can think to do is give thanks for the beauty revealed through the James Webb telescsope – and also for all the beauty that we still cannot see, beauty near and beauty far away, beauty past and beauty present -- and beauty yet to come…. 
 
GIDEON'S GARDEN (Joel's Edition)
The Garden is going at full steam ahead now with more and more fruit ripening each day. Most days are filled with more harvesting than we can manage! Both a blessing and a curse, but fortunately this week we had plenty of help from all sorts of places.
This week, the interns had their first full days of harvesting. We brought in boxes upon boxes from the field, packed and ready to be delivered to food pantries everywhere. Between the two days we harvested, we picked a combined 500ish pounds of produce for families to enjoy. Along with harvesting, the interns also planted seeds from their chosen plant families to watch, observe, and learn from. Then on Thursday, after our long, hot hours picking, we went to the beach at Lake Mansfield to catch some much needed R&R. Featured Pic: Ft. Jorkob, established in 2022 to defend against boredom.
On Friday, we welcomed once again a crew of campers from Camp Mac-Kee-Nac and - with the help of Dutch and Jim - we managed to half our pile of woodchips and spread it in our no-till field to provide some much needed weed control. The boys that came worked hard and more importantly had so much fun shoveling, raking, and weeding (who knew weeding could be fun??). Can't wait to have them again soon.
Lastly, I want to welcome our new residents to the butterfly house who I picked up on Saturday. Dozens of new butterfly pupae have been set up and made ready to emerge. Once they start flying around, folk from around the area will be welcomed and invited to the Garden and the butterfly house to enjoy and contemplate. With any luck, this brood will make their home among the flowers and reproduce so that we have butterflies for years to come. Thank you to Fred at Magic Wings in Deerfield for his advice, generosity, and making this possible.




Come on over and volunteer or visit!

Mon. 9-12 PM
Wed. 9-12 AM
2-5 PM
Fri. 1-4 PM
As Kingfishers Catch Fire
By Gerard Manley Hopkins

As kingfishers catch fire, dragonflies draw flame;
As tumbled over rim in roundy wells
Stones ring; like each tucked string tells, each hung bell's
Bow swung finds tongue to fling out broad its name;
Each mortal thing does one thing and the same:
Deals out that being indoors each one dwells;
Selves — goes itself; myself it speaks and spells,
Crying Whát I dó is me: for that I came.

I say móre: the just man justices;
Keeps grace: thát keeps all his goings graces;
Acts in God's eye what in God's eye he is —
Chríst — for Christ plays in ten thousand places,
Lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not his
To the Father through the features of men's faces.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Food Pantries and Meal Sites in Berkshire County
Below is the January 31, 2022
“List of Food Pantries & Meal Sites in Berkshire County”. 

Since program hours and days can change without notice, please call the location to be sure of times and requirements. 

Please note that the Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry has changed its delivery call-in hours to 10:00am – 2:00pm.
 
For list of Food Pantries and Meal Sites CLICK HERE
Berkshire South Regional Community Center
is in the process of restarting their in-person community meals and are looking for volunteers. https://berkshiresouth.org/forms-volunteer-application/
Announcing the opening of
Stanton Home’s Food Hub
Located on 205 North Plain Rd,
Great Barrington
The Farm stand will include fresh produce grown in their greenhouse and items created in the Weavery- all grown and made by the participants of Stanton Home- a farm based program for adults with challenges.
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:
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
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.
To support BIC’s mission of serving local immigrants, become a sponsor of the One World Celebration. Please contact Development Director Sheryl Lechner at [email protected] .
Babies are placed in the Home when their mother has died and they cannot be cared for at home.
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.
.
Announcements from the Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher
A Pastoral Word from the Bishop:
Overturning Roe v. Wade"

To: All the faithful
Re: Supreme Court overturn of Roe v. Wade
Date: June 25, 2022
Friends,

We are faced with another painful decision from the Supreme Court. The first has made it easier to carry a weapon in public spaces. The second takes away the right of every woman to decide reproductive health care. Both are life and death decisions that will negatively impact many, many people. This may be a time of tears and bitter disappointment for you. It may also be a time of anger and frustration. It is, in either event, a very sad time for our republic.

I commend to you the message from our Presiding Bishop. Bishop Curry has expressed grave disappointment and acknowledges the impact this reversal will have in the lives of the poor.

Because we follow Jesus, we do not give up hope. And because we promise to "uphold the dignity of every human being," we will not accept the injustice created by this act. May God give us the wisdom needed for the path ahead.

Faithfully in Christ,



The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher
Bishop of Western Massachusetts
Announcement from the Committee on Nominations
Consider Serving Our Diocese
Elections Will be Held at Convention on November 5th
Would you like to think about joining diocesan leadership by running for a diocesan committee position? This November, Diocesan Convention will be electing new members for almost all diocesan committees. Please read about the committees, what they do, their current memberships, and whether the incumbents are eligible to run again in the Nomination Booklet. If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else, the Nomination Form is available here. Deadline for nominations is August 31, 2022.

The following positions are open for election at the 121st Convention of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts:

The Standing Committee: One clerical and one lay member.

The Diocesan Council: One clerical member from the Worcester Corridor, one clerical member from the Berkshire Corridor and one lay member from the Pioneer Valley Corridor.

The Chapter of Christ Church Cathedral: One lay representative for the Pioneer Valley Corridor.

Disciplinary Board: Two clerical members and one lay member.

Provincial Synod: One lay members and one lay alternate.

General Convention 2024: Eight clerical deputies and alternates and eight lay deputies and alternates. GC81 will be held two years from now in Louisville, KY. 

LEARNING AND DISCOVERY
2022 Appalachian Trail
Mini-Mission Day Trip
June - August, 2022
Sheffield

Begun in 2018 as a shared ministry of two Sheffield churches, First Congregational Church, UCC and Christ Trinity Church (Episcopal and Lutheran), Mini-Mission Trip ‘Trail Magic” is back and we’re inviting you to share it with us. Spend a day outdoors chatting with hikers and friends, and sharing refreshments!

For more information, or to register for a 2022 Mini-Mission Day Trip please contact Rev. Jill Graham at [email protected].
Becoming Beloved Community
Learning our local history is a step into Becoming Beloved Community. Summer is a great time to explore the African American Heritage Trail of the Upper Housatonic Valley. South County is rich with sites.
For maps and legends click HERE
The Boston Globe highlights the Du Bois Freedom Center in Great Barrington. Grace Church donated funds to the Center in February "in honor of and reparations toward our indebtedness to the anonymous composer of Negro Spirituals which we sing throughout the church year." Read the article HERE
EFM will resume after Labor Day.
 
THE POWER OF PRAYER 
O God! Glorious Creator. 
We are powerless without you.
We know you are listening even when you seem aloof and your ways mysterious.
Our gratitude knows no bounds.
Thank you especially for this group and for other spiritual circles of which we are a part.
We pray that you keep bringing us into closer relationship with you and with others.
Help all those in the world living with fear to find your peace.
Through your son Jesus Christ, Our Lord, AMEN.
Announcement from the Communications Office
The Bishop established a Compline community in 2020 that continues in faithfulness. Lent is the perfect time to expand to five nights a week and create a new recurring Zoom link. 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. The NEW Zoom info is available HERE.
LOVING THE QUESTIONS / Amando las preguntas
sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts
in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts
God says, “Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6.16

What is God’s will for my life? How do I live my best life? What might this look like? Is what I want truly want what God wants for me? Is what I want best for myself and others? Perhaps there is something I’m missing? Perhaps there is something I’m blind to and can’t see? … these are the kinds of questions that we sit with and wrestle with together in our community of discernment called Loving the Questions.

We believe that you are unique, that you are gifted, and that your story matters. Our community of discernment aims to provide a safe and nurturing environment that honors the Spirit’s unique call to each person — that honors your unique gifts and your unique story.

We meet twice a month via Zoom beginning in September and ending in March. Our primary focus is rooted in prayerful listening to God using a format of group spiritual direction taught by Shalem Institute. Our aim in our gatherings is to listen more deeply and intently to God's gentle and loving desire for each one of us. Or to put it another way, “to stand at the crossroads and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies, so that we may walk in it and find rest for our souls.”

Registration is now open for 2022-23. For details, including our schedule, please go to our website at www.lovingthequestions.org. We also enthusiastically welcome any and all inquiries about our community and details about our gatherings. Please contact us at [email protected] to arrange a conversation to answer any questions you might have.
I WANT SOME FRIENDS
THIRD SUNDAY SUPPER
Join us for lively conversation
and fellowship at the
Location TBD
Sunday, August 21, at 6:00 PM

Separate checks/All are welcome
For more information contact
George Raymond.
MOVIE NITE
Join us for a discussion of a movie TBD. Stay tuned!

We will break for July and August, then resume on September 1
at 7:00 PM on Zoom.
To join this Zoom meeting,
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Password: 917937
GRACE MEN'S GROUP
We meet in someone's home at
6:00 pm on a date to be announced.
Men of Grace, join us for some great food and fellowship!

We will hold this year's BBQ at John Cheek's house
on August 24, 6:00 pm.
Questions? Contact George Raymond
BOOKS AND BREAD
Wednesday, September 14
at 6:00 PM
in person and on Zoom
HAMNET
by Maggie O'Farrell
Our hosts for dinner will be Frank Garretson. Dindy Anderson will lead our discussion.

Our gathering ends at promptly at 9:00PM. Questions? Please contact Peter Kirchoff.
For Zoom:
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Password: 917937
or call 646 558 8656 US (New York)
All are welcome!

PRAYERS AND CARES
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.
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Holy Eucharist
July 24, 10:00 AM
In person at Crissey Farms and
live-streamed on ZOOM
Please visit our website: 
for up-to-date information and a link to the digital service booklet.

Celebrant and Officiant:
The Rev. Tina Rathbone
ZOOM INVITATIONS 
FOR GRACE CHURCH


Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Holy Eucharist
July 24, at 10:00 AM
In person at Crissey Farm
and on Zoom
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)


Contemplative Eucharist
Wednesday at 10:00 AM
In person at Grace Chapel and on Zoom:
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)


Community in Faith
resumes in the Fall.
Tuesdays at 7:00 PM
For Zoom: Click Here


Centering Prayer
Thursdays at 5:00 PM
In person ad on Zoom
To join Zoom meetings:
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)


Grace Church Men's Group
August 24, 6:00 PM,
in person
Please see article above for more information, or contact George Raymond.


Movie Nite
Resumes on Thursday, September 1
at 7:00 PM
To join Zoom meetings:
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)


Books and Bread,
resumes September 14
on Wednesday at 6:00 PM
In person and on Zoom
To join Zoom meetings:
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)


Third Sunday Supper 
(Every Third Sunday)
August 21,
Location TBD
In person
More information in the
article to found above.

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Luke 11:1-13

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say:

Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.
And do not bring us to the time of trial."

And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.' And he answers from within, `Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.' I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

"So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Come, We That Love
the Lord

1. Come, we that love the Lord,  
 and let our joys be known;  
 join in a song with sweet accord  
 and thus surround the throne.  
 
Hosanna, hosanna!  
Rejoice, give thanks and sing.  

2. Let those refuse to sing  
that never knew our God;  
but children of the heavenly King  
may speak their joys abroad.  
 
Refrain  
 
3. The heirs of grace have found  
glory begun below;
celestial fruits on earthly ground  
from faith and hope may grow.  
 
Refrain  
 
4. Then let our song abound  
and let our tears be dry;  
we’re marching through
Emmanuel’s ground  
to fairer worlds on high.  

Refrain  

For the most up to date information
please visit the
Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative website, 
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.
Covid-19 vaccination
booster shots
are now available for those with certain big-risk medical conditions at Walgreens and Fairview Hospital on a walk-in basis. If you think you might have a qualifying condition, we urge you to go to one of these locations for a booster shot.
The June Vestry Summary

At the June Vestry meeting, we were so pleased to use the new communications tool at the office. With a large screen video monitor and a special sound bar, remote participants can now see—and hear—every member of a meeting group sitting around the large table. This set-up is portable and is being used in the Wednesday Contemplative Eucharist and on Thursdays for Centering Prayer, where former member, Elizabeth Holland, often joins from her home in Mexico. Tina and Pennie filled in details about the expansion of the community building project at the Monday People’s Pantry food distribution where they have set up casual tables and chairs to make visiting more inviting. The Vestry voted to donate to the financial needs of the Pantry, addressing the growing need for food assistance in our area. Three members of the Vestry have formed a committee to review the Diocesan Safe Church guidelines. This is to ensure we are conforming to best practices especially as we work with more youth in our community. Members of the vestry and those who work with youth, attend trainings and we are fortunate to have Safe Church Officer, Sarah Sieber, help us with this.

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 
[email protected] or by phone 413-644-0022.
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.

ANDREWS, Anne
659 South Egremont Road 
P.O. Box 714 
Great Barrington, MA 01230 
BLAKELY, Rosemarie           
21 Crossway, #108
Lee, MA 01238

BOWENS, Marina             
c/o Maryella Satinover    
11908 Windward Ave.
Mar Vista, CA 90066

BREASTED, John        
Fairview Commons       
151 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230

BROOKS, Jane        
165 George Street
Lee, MA 01230
FRYE, Vonnie          
PineHill Assisted Living
at Kimball Farms
235 Walker St.
Apt #32
Lenox, Ma. 01240

GORE, Barbara        
50 Stockbridge Road
Lee, MA 01238

HAIDER, Meredith       
5 Fox Hollow Road
#409            
Lenox, MA 01240                                 

McCURDY, Deborah
Skilled Nursing Center
Loomis Lakeside at Reed's Landing
807 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109

TURNER, Barbara     
Fairview Commons
151 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230 
Our New Prayer Basket

We welcome you to use our new 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)
GRACE
CHURCH 

Please include
in your daily prayers this week:
 
Members of the Parish Family:
Margaret O’Clair, Mark Anderson, Dindy Anderson, Doreen Hutchinson, Anne Andrews, Stacey Thomas, Claire and Mark Thomas, Meredith Haider, Linda White, Rosemarie Blakely, Marina Bowens, Charles Folger, Barbara Gore, and Barbara Turner..

Others we love: All those grieving the death of Ed Hunt; 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: 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; Kay Lindstrom, a beloved member of Sarah Sieber’s family.

Our world: For the people of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Alabama; for the people of Buffalo, Uvalde, Ukraine, Russia, and all places of violence, that Peace may prevail, and human fear and suffering diminish around the world. 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, those who mourn, caregivers, and hospital workers. For all who are alone, or afraid, or despairing. For prisoners, unhoused people, newly arrived immigrants and all our neighbors, near and far.

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; Trinity Church, Shelburne Falls; Franklin-Hampshire Region & Dean of Clericus Episcopal Relief & Development; Ministries to persons in Assisted Living & Skilled Nursing Care

The Church's wider mission:
The Church in Wales

And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week: Sarah Sieber, 7/20.

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)
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.
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.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Grace Sunday school
will be taking their regular summer break from July 10, 2022, through September 4,2022.
FLOWER DEDICATIONS!
Please place your dedications in an envelope and include the name of the person you wish to honor.

Please note that $35.00 contributions toward the flower purchases can be sent to the Grace Office or placed in the Offertory Collection.
GRACE CHURCH
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.
The Rev. Tina Rathbone
Rector
413-644-0022
revtina at graceberkshires.org
Mx. Annalise Clausen, Director of Farming for Gideon's Garden
413-644-0022
gideonsgarden atgraceberkshires.org
Mr. Joel Jorgensen
Director of Programs for Gideon’s Garden
413-644-0022
gideonsgarden at graceberkshires.org
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
‌
Tuesday's Child Editor Monique Kirchoff 
Associate Editor Kathy Clausen
Please send comments by emailing [email protected]