The Weekly Epistle - Sunday, April 7

Sunday, April 7, 2024

Sunday

9 am Holy Eucharist

11 am Holy Eucharist

(live-streamed)

6 pm Holy Eucharist

(in the Chantry)

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.

Dear Friends,

Yikes! The moment I sat down to write today’s letter to the parish, the rectory started to shake. I had never felt anything like it. My first thought was that the radiators heating the house were about to explode, then I wondered if a train approaching the Union Square station had derailed beneath the church in a pileup of cars. Only later did it occur to me that we were in the midst of an earthquake. Apparently, it was a magnitude of 4.2 centered in Tewksbury, NJ. Both of my sons – Luke at school in Philadelphia and James at work in midtown – texted to ask if we felt it. Indeed, we did. I’m sure we’ll be hearing much more about it as the day unfolds.

Anyway, what I was going to write was what a glorious Easter it was at Grace Church last Sunday. (An earthquake is part of the Easter story in Matthew!) Even though the day fell early on the calendar, the weather was warm and dry, the music soared, and the ushers let me know that at the 11 am service, every single pew was filled – even those in the back, eastern corners of the transepts where you can’t see much of anything. The flowers were especially beautiful this year thanks to Ellen McElduff, the flower guild, and those of you have made memorial and thanksgiving donations to decorate the church. This coming Sunday is when everyone is welcome to take a plant home to enjoy or to share with someone whose spirits might need brightening. Read below for instructions on this year’s great Easter plant giveaway.

Over the next weeks of the Easter season we have many opportunities to connect, serve, study, and worship. The Outreach Committee is planning a volunteer day with the GO Project this coming Saturday. Julia Offinger will lead a new book study beginning next Wednesday, April 10. Also at the Sunday Forum we’ll be featuring a different stained glass window in the church each week, highlighting the theological and Biblical themes within it, and talking about the people who donated the windows. This week I’ll be leading off the series with the Resurrection window in the south transept, 10 am in the reception room. Read below for more details.

Finally, if you were in church last Sunday, you know that we let the cat out of the bag regarding our capital campaign. Since the annual meeting last February, a leadership team has been hard at work developing materials, and already we have begun reaching out to people, inviting them to participate. Next Sunday we will launch the public phase of the campaign with a festive gathering of food and fun in Tuttle Hall immediately following the 11 am service. Please make a point of attending, and saying yes to the campaign. We have a steep hill to climb, but by God’s grace we can do it.

See you in church,

Sunday

9:00 am Holy Eucharist

Preaching:

The Rev. James H.B. Morton III

Music:

Dr. Patrick Allen, organ

View or Print the 11am Service Bulletin

11:00 am Holy Eucharist

Preaching:

The Rev. James H.B. Morton III

Music:

The Choir of Men and Boys

Dr. Patrick Allen, organ

Service is video-streamed every week. Access via any of our live channels.

Grace Church website

YouTubeLive, Vimeo, FacebookLive

6:00 pm Holy Eucharist

(in the Church)

Preaching:

The Rev. James H.B. Morton III

Music:

Dr. Patrick Allen, organ

Today

The Sunday Forum – Stories in Light: the Windows of Grace Church – The stained-glass windows of Grace Church are a treasure. Lovingly admired over many years, they convey the great stories of the Christian tradition, but did you know there is more than meets the eye? Over the next several weeks, the clergy will explore the stories within our stained-glass windows as well as the stories behind our stained-glass windows. Today’s conversation will be led by the Rector and focus on the resurrection windows. 10 am in the Reception Room. Coffee and breakfast treats are served.

Easter Plants – Many thanks to all who gave generously to the Easter flower fund! Special thanks to Chair of the Flower Guild, Ellen McElduff, and her helpers, for their generous gifts of time and talent to create the vibrant, visual display of Easter joy before your eyes. After today’s services, anyone may feel free to take an Easter flower home or to cheer a sick friend. Note: please avoid the altar area. Also leave the wicker baskets behind for use next year.

Nursery Care is available 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.

Coffee and Fellowship takes place today in Tuttle Hall following the 9 am and 11 am services. Come enjoy conversation and delicious baked treats from the Guild of Bakers.

Pick Up an Easter Calendar – The Grace Church Women will begin selling calendars ($5.00 each) to help mark the season of Easter during Coffee Hour following the 11 am service. The calendars will also be available on successive Sundays until supplies run out.

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.

Canterbury Downtown Campus Ministry for College Students – Canterbury Downtown is an open and inclusive Episcopal campus ministry for students of Manhattan colleges. Students of all religious and cultural backgrounds are invited to share in a faith-based community, connect with one another, and grow together in Christ. During the academic year, students gather for worship, conversation, and a complimentary meal with Canterbury Downtown Chaplain, The Rev. Megan E. Sanders, following the Sunday 6 pm service at Grace Church. All college students welcome.

Coming Soon

Confirmation for Youth and Adults – Sign up to join Spring confirmation classes culminating with the Rt. Rev. Matthew Heyd’s first visit to Grace on Sunday, June 2 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. Sign up ASAP by emailing the Rev. Julia Offinger.

Apr 6 – Volunteer Day with The GO Project – The GO Project is an after-school program and longtime ministry partner of Grace Church. Join us on Sat., Apr 6 from 9:30 am to 12 pm for our next volunteer day where we’ll support instructional teams in kindergarten-8th grade classrooms. Email the Rev. James Morton if you’d like to attend.

Apr 10 – Wednesday Evening Book Discussion – We're back in the Reception Room from 6:45-8pm, April 10, 17, 24, and May 1. We’ll be reading Rabbi Sharon Brous’s new book The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts. Copies are available for purchase during Coffee Hour and on Wednesday at our first meeting. No reading required for our first session!

Apr 14 – Capital Campaign Launch – “Making All Things New” is the theme of our campaign to raise the funds necessary to restore damaged plaster in the church and deteriorating exterior facades of the parish house and rectory. Following the 11 am service on April 14, we will hold a festive party in Tuttle Hall featuring a campaign video, and food and drink for all. More details to come.

Apr 20 – Volunteer Day at The Red Door Place – Help us prepare a meal for our neighbors at The Red Door Place at The Church of the Village, our food ministry partner. There are two available shifts, 8:30 to 11:45 am and 11:30 to 2:30 pm. Email the Rev. James Morton if you would like to attend.

Apr 21 – Community Blood Drive – NY Blood Center is partnering with Grace Church for a community blood drive Sunday, April 21, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Can I donate? Questions or concerns regarding eligibility should be directed to the NYBC Eligibility office: 800-688-0900 Mon through Fri. 9:am to 5:00 pm. Those who are ineligible or those who prefer not to donate can still help by spreading the word to recruit donors! Sign up here or use your phone to scan the QR code shown on the posters. Registration is preferred but walk-ins are welcome! Sponsored by the Grace Church Women.

Apr 21, 28, May 5, and 12 – Stories of Resurrection – Each of the four Gospels present their own lens on the resurrection of Jesus with much to consider from one account to the next. This Eastertide, you’re invited to join a new class led by The Rev. James Morton where we’ll spend time with these passages. We’ll meet on Sunday evenings immediately following the 6 pm Eucharist in the Chantry. Using poetry and art to complement our study, this short (45 minute) weekly class will journey through Scripture seeking signs of new life. No advanced reading is necessary to participate. Refreshments served.

Apr 26 – Annual Spring Concert – The Combined Choirs of Grace Church will offer their Annual Spring Choir Concert on Friday, April 26 at 7:00 pm featuring music the choir will offer on tour this summer in Salzburg and Prague. The program is free and open to all. Please consider supporting the choir tour by making a donation to the choir special projects fund here.

Apr 28 – 20s & 30s Brunch – At Grace we have a very active group of parishioners in their twenties and thirties. Join us for brunch following the 11 am service on Sunday, April 14 to hang out and catch up. We’ll meet at coffee hour then walk to a restaurant near the church. RSVP to the Rev. James Morton.

Every Sunday

9 am, 11 am Worship Services in the Church and 6 pm in the Chantry – The 11 am service is video streamed every week.

The Sunday Forum – Between the services in the Reception Room (and over Zoom) starting around 10 am, we delve into theological and contemporary topics in depth. Upcoming: Our New London Link with the Rev. Roderick Leece (10/15).

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.

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 professionally staffed according to Safe Church guidelines.

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.

Hymns from Grace – Held in the church during open hours and on the Organ Meditation YouTube Channel at 4:00 pm - 45-minutes of favorite hymns, anthems and voluntaries played on the Bicentennial Organ.

Every Week

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.

Zoom Centering Prayer

Meeting ID: 337 800 858

Password: 058288

One tap mobile

+16465588656,,337800858# US (New York)

For questions about Zoom access, email the Rev. Julia Offinger

Tuesday-Friday – Bach at Noon – Held in the church during open hours and on the Organ Meditation YouTube Channel at 12:20 pm - 30 minutes of music by J.S. Bach, played on the Bicentennial Organ.

Wednesday – Women’s Bible Study – 10:30 am on Zoom with The Rev. Julia Offinger. Contact Julia for Zoom instructions.

Wednesday – 6 pm Eucharist in the Chantry

Saturday – Weekend Organ Meditation – Held in the church during open hours and on the Organ Meditation YouTube Channel at 4:00 pm - 45-minutes of diverse music played on the Bicentennial Organ.

Enter, Rest, Pray (CHURCH IS OPEN) Monday - Saturday from noon – 5 pm.

Outreach

Knitters and non-knitters unite! Love to knit, curious how to start, or just want to dust off those old needles and plunge into purling again? We want you! We are looking for all levels of knitters to help grow our partnership with Seamen’s Church Institute and the Christmas at Sea program by knitting heart-made hats, scarves, and mittens. If you are interested, please contact Ashleigh Madureira at amadureira1@gmail.com. Just include your name, the # of adults/children in your household that may be interested, and the level(s) of experience. No experience is OK!

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.

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.

Parish Life

Altar Flowers – Every Sunday the flowers on the altar assist our prayers by reminding us of the beauty of God’s creation. The gift of flowers is a wonderful way to remember a departed loved one, or give thanks for a happy occasion such as a birthday or an anniversary. The flowers not only brighten our Sundays, but remain on the altar most of the week for school chapels and open door hours. The cost for sponsoring the arrangements on both sides of the cross is $300. But donors can also go in together and jointly sponsor a Sunday. Either way, we will list the givers and the occasions in the Sunday bulletin. Many Sundays are available for flower donors to claim. If you are interested, please email Mickey Hawley in the parish office.

Become a Worship Leader – Readers, ushers, and altar guild members play vital roles in all our services here at Grace Church. If you feel called to help us lead worship and are interested in learning more about any of these opportunities, email the Rev. James Morton and he can help you connect to a ministry that suits you.

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.

20s & 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.

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.

Restrooms are available on the 1st floor of the parish house, through the north aisle door near the baptismal font.

Nut-Free Fare – To ensure the safety of all our parishioners, every precaution is taken to provide food that is nut-free at coffee hours and other receptions. If you are bringing treats for others to enjoy, please make sure they are nut-free.

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.

Assistive Listening System – During Sunday morning worship services, Grace Church provides an assistive listening system (ALS) for visitors with hearing loss. For information on how to connect to our FM radio transmitter, visit https://gracechurchnyc.org/assistive-listening/ If you already have your listening equipment, tune in to frequency 87.6 mHZ on your FM dial.

Give Via Venmo – If you don’t have cash on you, but still want to give to Grace Church, you can Venmo your donation by searching for our page (@GraceChurchNYC) or by scanning the QR code below using the camera on your phone. Use the “What’s it for?” line to tell us the specific project or program you want to support.