A Message from The Rev. Tina Rathbone

I am so thankful for everyone’s prayers this week as I have been stuck at home with Covid. I’m getting better day by day and look forward to being back with many of you in person this Sunday. In the meantime, here’s a short and beautiful 1/2 prayer by our brother Thomas Merton that only sometimes seems, but always is, true:


This flower,

this light,

this moment,

this silence -

The Lord is here.

Grace Church

Annual Meeting

February 5, right after worship

Includes lunch and the important business of our church.

Please make plans to attend.

We need you!

Lectionary Bible Study

Tuesdays 7-8 p.m. on Zoom

Led by Rev. Tina Rathbone

For Zoom link:

Click Here

Meeting ID: 177 160 858

Passcode: 917937

Or call:646 558 8656,

(New York)

GIDEON'S GARDEN

Stay warm!    

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

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.

LEARNING AND DISCOVERY
Becoming Beloved Community

Becoming Beloved Community

starts with ...


The Work of Christmas


When the song of the angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and princes are home,

When the shepherds are back with their flock,

The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,

To heal the broken,

To feed the hungry,

To release the prisoner,

To rebuild the nations,

To bring peace among others,

To make music in the heart.


by Howard Thurman (1899-1981) American author, philosopher, theologian, mystic, educator, and one of the principal architects of the modern, nonviolent civil rights movement, and a key mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

EfM wrapped up its year of study with the following collect:

God, our fountain of renewing love

We wait for the coming light

As Elizabeth and Mary

waited for John and Jesus

So that we may live into

the abundance You give us.

In the name of Christ the Liberator. Amen

 

P.S. We will be on a break until January 17 when the same group will reconvene. 

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.

The Bishop's Epiphany Message

I WANT SOME FRIENDS

THIRD SUNDAY SUPPER


Join us for lively conversation

and fellowship on

January 22, 6:00 PM

at the

Aegean Breeze

in Great Barrington



Separate checks

For more information contact

George Raymond.




BOOKS AND BREAD

Will meet on February 8,

at 6:00 PM to discuss

MANHUNT

by James Swanson


Join us. All are welcome!

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!

MOVIE NITE


Watch at home at home then,

Join us for a discussion of


THE SWIMMERS

From war-torn Syria to the 2016 Rio Olympics, two young sisters embark on a harrowing journey as refugees, putting both their hearts and champion swimming skills to heroic use.

on February 2,

at 7:00 PM on Zoom.

To join this Zoom meeting

Click Here

Meeting ID: 177 160 858

Password: 917937

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.

Third Sunday

after the Epiphany

January 22, 2023

at 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

ZOOM INVITATIONS 

FOR GRACE CHURCH



Third Sunday after

the Epiphany

January 22, 2023

at 10:00 AM

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

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

Tuesdays 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, February 2

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,

February 8, 2023

at 6:00 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)

January 22, at 6:00 PM

In person

More information in the

article found above.



For the most up to date information

please visit the

Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative website

https://www.getvaccinatedberkshires.org/.


The best way to avoid serious illness from Covid and the flu is to be fully vaccinated. Here is a link to find a vaccination location in the area:

https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/


Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Matthew 4:12-23


When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:


“Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,

on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—

the people who sat in darkness

have seen a great light,

and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death

light has dawned.”


From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”


As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.


Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.



Jesus calls us; o'er the tumult

Hymn 550, “Jesus calls us; o’er the tumult” was written by Irish poet Cecil Frances Alexander in 1852 following a dinner conversation with her Anglican clergyman husband, remembering the disciples who were asked to leave everything to follow Jesus. The tune, “Restoration”, is from the American hymn collection Southern Harmony of 1835.


1 Jesus calls us; o'er the tumult

of our life's wild, restless sea,

day by day his clear voice soundeth,

saying, "Christian, follow me;"


2 As, of old, Saint Andrew heard it

by the Galilean lake,

turned from home and toil and kindred,

leaving all for his dear sake.


3 Jesus calls us from the worship

of the vain world's golden store;

from each idol that would keep us,

saying, "Christian, love me more."


4 In our joys and in our sorrows,

days of toil and hours of ease,

still he calls, in cares and pleasures,

"Christian, love me more than these."


5 Jesus calls us! By thy mercies,

Savior, may we hear thy call,

give our hearts to thine obedience,

serve and love thee best of all.




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 
office@graceberkshires.org 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.


BLAKELY, Rosemarie           


BOWENS, Marina             


BREASTED, John        


BROOKS, Jane        



FRYE, Vonnie          


GORE, Barbara        


HAIDER, Meredith                                       


McCURDY, Deborah


TURNER, Barbara     



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)

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: Julie Mooney, Rick Gore’s sister; Kelly & Elijah ; Denise Chandler; James Driscoll; Livia Driscoll; 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; 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: Joe Merola; Jim Driscoll, father of Gideon's Garden intern, James Driscoll; 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.


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; St. John’s, Athol;

Church Without Walls, Springfield;

Spouses of deceased clergy;The House of Deputies; Jubilee Ministries


The Church's wider mission:

The Church of North India (United)


And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week:

Marina Bowens, 1/19; Edna Leavenworth, 1/21; Pat Carlson, 1/22.




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.

Click Here

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.

WELCOME

TO CHURCH SCHOOL!

A Note from Grace Church Sunday School:

Advent IV


During our Sunday school lesson, we completed our Advent Calendar and read through a new script of the Christmas story. We welcomed a friend from Brooklyn and his mom via zoom! 


In addition to the traditional story of Jesus’ birth told by the expected people - Mary, Joseph, Angel, Shepherds, Innkeeper, King Herod, and Wise Ones, this pageant has a talking sheep who concludes the story saying, "Baa! God is with you; you are not alone! No matter has messy it gets! And remember: God’s love is big love. God’s arms can hold everyone in the world. God’s heart keeps our hearts warm with compassion."


Sending Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love to all. Merry Christmas!

Above, a friend joins us from Brooklyn.

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.

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 emailoffice@graceberkshires.org  and by phone 413-644-0022.

The Rev. Tina Rathbone
Rector
413-644-0022
revtina at graceberkshires.org

Ms. Jean Chapin

Grace Parish Administrator

office@graceberkshires.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 tuesdayschild@graceberkshires.org
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