A MESSAGE FROM The Rev. Tina Rathbone |
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The ground is beginning to soften and breathe. The air is beginning to warm. Buds are spreading along branches, and birdsong has – at last! – returned. Every year it seems impossible. But every year it happens: softness unfolds from the hard shell of winter and then grows until what once seemed dead is once again visibly and abundantly alive.
It’s the natural order of things here in the Northeast, this movement from winter to spring. And it’s the core of our belief as followers of Jesus too. Even when, all around, we hear only of war and injustice, we are called to remember – and then lean into and help bring about - the peace and justice which we know will emerge in time, and which even now lies deep in the heart of the suffering world.
Last Sunday Andrea spoke to us of a friend from the Ukraine who is raising and distributing funds to people in the Ukraine who she knows well, including a priest who is running a shelter for displaced people there. Robert shared information about a project he read about in which AirB&B distributes funds to people across the Ukraine and Meredith shared her practice of praying with, for and through those who are suffering as a result of this crazy war. What ways are you finding to help pull life out of death and hope out of despair right now?
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Contemplative Eucharist
For Lent, a Contemplative Eucharist will be offered on
Wednesday, 10:00 am at the
Grace Chapel, April 6
In person and on Zoom (same link as Sunday worship)
or call 646 558 8656: US (New York). (Meeting ID): 177 160 858 (Password): 917937
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Community in Faith
Wednesday evening Lenten series
are offered in collaboration with Hevreh,
St. Paul’s Church, Christ Trinity Church,
and Grace Church.
The Rev. Erik Karas and Rabbi Neil Hirsch will lead the book exploration of The Bible With and Without Jesus: How Jews and Christians Read the Same Stories Differently by Dr. Amy-Jill Levine
Join us on Zoom, Wednesdays
through April 6th at 7:00pm
We will examine why Jews and Christians read many of the same Biblical texts – including passages from the Pentateuch, the Prophets, and the Psalms – differently. Exploring and explaining these diverse perspectives reveals more clearly Scripture’s beauty and power. It is not necessary to purchase the book.
Community in Faith
Wednesdays through April 6
7:00 to 8:00 PM
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If you are interested in seed sowing please reach out! Starting Tuesday, April 5th I will begin sowing all of the tomatoes, eggplant, tomatillos and then soon after our kale, swiss chard and more flowers!
The seed sowing will take place at Taft Farms in the greenhouse (or right outside) since we use trays and potting soil from Sue Hayden. This is an opportunity that is easy on the knees and requires no lifting. I like to think of each seed as a small prayer I put out into the world and with care and attention it may grow to be greater than what I imagined.
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Please reach out to me at [email protected] or on the phone at 413-644-6572 if you are interested in participating at any point during 4/5-4/9 flexible schedule!
(A. Clausen)
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Food Pantries and Meal Sites in Berkshire County |
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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
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Announcement from the Communications Office |
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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
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UKRAINE CRISIS FUND: Urgent aid for 4 million — Give now
CARE’s immediate crisis response aims to reach 4 million with your help.
Give now to rush urgently needed water, food, hygiene kits, and ongoing support for Ukrainian families.
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CHANGE THE BABIES
It costs about $1500 a year to support a baby. The Diocese's goal is for one congregation
to support one child for a year.
To donate to support babies at the Mampong Babies Home in Ghana please send a check to Grace Church, PO Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
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Becoming Beloved Community
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Sachem Konkapot's wampum pouch and moccasins returned to Stockbridge-Munsee Community
A pair of moccasins and a wampum pouch that have been in the Berkshire Museum’s collection for nearly 65 years are on their way home to the Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians in Wisconsin. Read about the reparation in the Berkshire Eagle online.
Stay tuned for progress on Massachusetts proposed Act (.2239/H.3377 & S.2240/H.3385), which forbids Native American funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony currently held in governmental, municipal or non-profit collections from being sold for profit.
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A Legacy of Faith and Activism: Celebrating Esther Dozier
The late Rev. Esther Dozier — who initiated Great Barrington’s annual W. E. B. Du Bois birthday celebrations more than 20 years ago — will be honored on April 2 with a birthday celebration of her own. On what would have been her 80th birthday, the first female pastor at the historic Clinton African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, will be feted at Saint James Place in Great Barrington. The community is invited to attend the 4 p.m. celebration, which will include music, tributes, and refreshments.
Musical selections will be offered by the Price Memorial A. M. E. Zion Church Choir and Dr. MaryNell Morgan-Brown, both regular performers at Clinton Church and Du Bois-related events in Great Barrington.
There is no charge to attend the celebration however contributions to help restore the historic Clinton African Methodist Episcopal Church may be made in Rev. Dozier’s memory at the event or online.
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Watch this short video about the establishment of an African-American cultural heritage center in Great Barrington at the old Clinton A.M.E. Church.
Visit the Clinton Church Restoration website here.
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Two Opportunities to Support Local Black History & the Black Community |
Read about the plans for a statue of W.E.B. DuBois at the Mason Library here
( Lee Cheek)
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EfM on March 22
CROSSING THE RUBICON
Blessed are you, O Lord God, who offers choices.
For you are with us in the hour of decision, at the edge of the Rubicon,
And leave us to exercise our free will.
Remain with us as we live with the consequences
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
AMEN
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Trip to the Museum of Russian Icons – March 24
Christianity was declared a state religion in Ethiopia in 330 AD. From then until today, Ethiopia is the most Christian of African nations, with a rich faith tradition, rooted in Jesus and strongly identified with Israel. A popular saint “St. Tekla Haymanot,” a powerful 13th century monk, is reputed to have spent much of his life standing on one leg, feeding on one seed a year brought to him by a bird. When the leg atrophied, God rewarded him with wings.
Members of EfM have just read about the early spread of Christianity to Africa.
A sharp-eyed participant on our trip to the Museum of Russian Icons spotted the attached contemporary icon of the Saint. He noticed the foot and the wings.
The museum has an extensive repository of icons. Our docent was extremely knowledgeable, and we enjoyed learning more about this art form practiced primarily in Orthodox Christianity. A special treat was a quickly mounted exhibit by two Ukrainian artists
(K. Byers)
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Announcement from the Communications Office |
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Resources for Holy Lent
Diocesan Events, Programs, Opportunities for Prayer
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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 will be available on Ash Wednesday HERE.
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THIRD SUNDAY SUPPER
(In this case the fourth Sunday)
Join us for lively conversation
and fellowship on April 24, at 5:45 PM
Location TBD
Separate checks/All are welcome
For more information contact
George Raymond. His contact information is in the Grace directory.
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MOVIE NITE
Join us for a discussion of
Same Kind of Different as Me
Dindy Anderson is the discussion leader
on Thursday, April 7,
at 7:00 PM on Zoom.
To join this Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
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We will be meeting in person
at the home of Peter Kirchoff
on Wednesday, April 6 at 6:00 PM.
Representatives of the historic African-American Clinton Church in Great Barrington will be joining our meeting. They will tell us about their multi-year restoration project.
Peter will provide directions to his house
to anyone who needs them. For more information please contact George Raymond
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BOOKS AND BREAD
Wednesday, April 13 at 6:00 PM
in person and on Zoom.
Our host for dinner will be Carol Way.
Carol will offer the main dish.
The discussion leader will be Peter Kirchoff
Please bring a dessert, side dish or an appetizer.
Our gathering ends at 9:00PM.
Questions? Please contact Peter Kirchoff.
RIVER of DOUBT
by Candice Millard
For the ZOOM option:
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
or call 646 558 8656 US (New York)
All are welcome!
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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.
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Fifth Sunday in Lent
Holy Eucharist
April 3, 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
Welcome Team..... S.Brooke/D. Hutchinson
Acolyte...................Kathy Clausen
Lector.....................Dindy Anderson
Intercessor.............Doreen Hutchinson
Healing Team........ Sue Gore/ Ted Cobden
Tech....................... Abe Streeter
Flowers..................
Altar Guild............. S. Sieber/M. Layton
Coffee Hour........... White/Cheek
Counters.................I.Booton/ S. Gore
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PLEASE NOTE
that we are migrating all meeting links to this one address. If you have a saved link specific to a group,
it will not work after April 16. Use the following one from April 16 on, unless the link was created by a different church or outside group.
To join Zoom meeting:
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 91793
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
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ZOOM INVITATIONS
FOR GRACE CHURCH
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Holy Eucharist
April 3, at 10:00 AM
In person at Crissey Farm
and on Zoom
or call 646 558 8656
US (New York)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
(Password): 917937
Contemplative Eucharist
Wednesday, April 6,
at 10:00 AM
In person at Grace Chapel and on Zoom:
or call 646 558 8656
US (New York)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
(Password): 917937
Community in Faith
Lenten Series
Wednesday, April 6
at 7:00 PM
Centering Prayer
Thursdays, at 5:00 PM
In person and on Zoom
or call 646 558 8656
US (New York)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
(Password): 917937
Grace Church Men's Group
Wednesday, April 6
at 6:00 PM
in person.
Please see article above for more information, or contact George Raymond.
Movie Nite
Thursday, April 7,
at 7:00 PM
or call 646 558 8656
US (New York)
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
Please note: Zoom link to change after April 16.
Books and Bread,
Wednesday, April 13
6:00 PM
In person and on Zoom
or call 646 558 8656
US (New York)
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
Please Note: Zoom link to change after April 16.
Third Sunday Supper
(Every Third Sunday)
April 24 at 5:45 PM
In person
More information in the
article to follow above.
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John 12:1-8
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."
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I Sing the Almighty Power of God |
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.
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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.
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Summary Notes from the March 27 Vestry Meeting
This was a special meeting
because we kept the usual business of the vestry to a minimum to allow for a time of visioning. Visioning, akin to brain storming, doesn’t result in plans or answers, but instead opens up what possibilities for Grace’s future are bubbling up in our hearts. What might Grace look like in the next few years? What is God calling the people of Grace too? As we imagine these changes or new pathways, what then are the imagined rewards and costs? As Tina led us in this exercise, she emphasized the importance of that paradox. If we imagine change, we must also realize change means just that. The community will look different and are we ready to adapt? What might we lose and what might we gain? We will continue to seek God’s direction for Grace through our practice of listening for God’s voice, looking to see where God is already at work and where we might join, all by continuing to pray for that guidance God offers us. What is God whispering to you about your part in our community? The members of the vestry are listed at the bottom of the newsletter. Please let any of us know what you hear.
Kathy Clausen,
Senior Warden
GRACE CHURCH
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The Lee Food Pantry
was featured on the Diocese of Western Massachusetts, Springfield (Catholic) TV series called Real to Reel. The segment starts at the 17.25 minute spot and goes to 24. It’s a great story and features Sue Gore. Unfortunately, when they credit Grace Church they show a picture of the former St. James Church in Great Barrington. (oops!)
(K. Clausen)
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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
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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
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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
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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. You can ask for prayers for those who are ill, or in need of healing or encouragement of any kind, prayers for intentions, journeys, or projects, the birth or adoption of children, and prayers of thanksgiving for anything that needs celebrating. In other words, 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 requests will be prayed for 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!!
(K. Clausen)
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Healing Prayers
If you would like to receive healing prayers from
The Rev. Ted Cobden, Pennie Curry, or Sue Gore,
please refer to your directory for their contact
information, or contact the Grace office.
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GRACE
CHURCH
Please include
in your daily prayers this week:
Members of the Parish Family:
John and Lee Cheek; Sue Gore, George Raymond; Doreen Hutchinson, Anne Andrews, Pennie Curry, Dindy and Mark Anderson, Stacey, Claire and Mark Thomas, Meredith Haider, Linda White, Rosemarie Blakely, Marina Bowens, John Breasted, Jane Brooks, Vonnie Frye, Barbara Gore, Barbara Turner.
Others we love: All those grieving the death of Nelda Curry, especially Cooper; Rino Aldrighetti, dear friend of Steve White; Wyatt Hicks; Karen
La Rocque, friend of Sue Gore; Rosalind Haywood, Sue Gore's mother; Deborah McCurdy; Joy Milani, dear friend of Dindy Anderson.
Those who have died:
Larry Cheek, John's brother; Hugh Pecon; Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Nelda Curry; Sam Raymond, brother of George;Vanessa Neves, daughter of Patti Poulos, friend of many in the congregation; Sara Bowers; Sara Keene; Jim Santolin dear friend of Rick and Sue Gore; Robert Bruce Martin, and Alexandra Pratt, friends of Monique; Bernadette McCarroll, beloved family member of Jainee, John & Ellis; Thomas J. Fisher, father of The Rt. Rev. Douglas Fisher; Alan Sparks, brother of Debbie Holmes; Ruth Crawford; John Grammer, husband of Mary Anne; Neil Brandt, brother of Linda White; John Turner, husband of Barbara Turner; Leslie Albert, friend of Margaret Layton and Sarah Sieber.
Our world: For the people of Ukraine and of Russia, that Peace may prevail, and human fear and suffering diminish around the world. For the people of the Holy Land, and of Afghanistan and Haiti, who continue to struggle with insecurity, violence and who have struggled for so long under burdens seemingly too great to bear. For all victims of violence, and for those who inflict violence on others. For people who suffer from the COVID-19 virus, those who have died and those who mourn; caregivers and those who have been affected through loss of work, income, and housing. For all who are alone or afraid or despairing. For prisoners, unhoused people, newly arrived immigrants and all our neighbors, near and far.
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The many ministries of our local community and the Diocese of Western Massachusetts:
especially for our partners at St. Paul's, Stockbridge and the Rev. Sam Smith and the Rev. Jane Tillman; Christ Trinity, Sheffield and the Rev. Erik Karas; our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher; and the Mampong Babies' Home in Ghana; St. Paul’s, Holyoke; Laundry Love, Pittsfield, Worcester, Milford; Clergy in Fresh Start; Office of Ecumenical and
Interfaith Relations; Church Scholarship Society
The Church's wider mission:
The Church of Nigeria
And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week: Jane Brooks
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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.
To join the Zoom meeting
Meeting ID: 203 314 800
Password: 578877
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
To find your local number:
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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.
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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. As we begin to gather in person, you may bring your contribution to our services on Sunday, once again.
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Kids of all ages:
Please join us for Sunday school. We will meet during the first part of the service and then
re-join the service at the Peace.
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The children are "burying the alleluias” for Lent.
They made colorful pictures of the word Alleluia and then took turns covering them over.
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EASTER FLOWER DONATIONS !
Please place your donations in an envelope marked EASTER, 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.
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An Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires
67 State Road/P.O. Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230
GRACE Parish Administrator: Ms. Jean Chapin
and by phone 413-644-0022.
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The Rev. Tina Rathbone
Rector
413-644-0022
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Ms. Annalise Clausen, Director of Farming for Gideon's Garden
413-644-0022
gideonsgarden at graceberkshires.org
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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
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Tuesday's Child Editor Monique Kirchoff
Associate Editor Kathy Clausen
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