Next Sunday, our Gospel reading relates the story of the miracle at the wedding in Cana. At this special feast we learn that, at the direction of his mother Mary, Jesus was able to turn an impending problem into a beautiful experience. Jesus not only responded to the need for more wine, he took the common, the everyday water and made it an exquisite gift.
Our culture doesn’t pay much attention to miracles (maybe being a Boston sports fan is the exception). But we, as followers of Jesus, know that he intercedes on our behalf in the midst of the mundane.
To remind us of that fact, we will be sharing stories of times of miracles in our own lives. Beginning January 23rd, these reflections with replace the epistle in our service at 10:00 am, and be the focus of our reflections during the Celtic service as well.
If you would like to tell us of a time when you experienced a miracle, please let Debbie know by emailing her at gcis1@verizon.net. It need only be a 2-3 minute story. Help us learn to seek the miraculous in the every day business of living.
In the Way of Love,
Debbie
This Sunday
This Sunday, we will consider the miracle in Cana and the ways The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. lived a life of miracles and transformative grace. Both services will only be livestreamed on Zoom and Facebook.
At 10:00 am, Morning Prayer will be read, Tom Gaither will be assisting, Debbie will preach and Jason Stonehouse will act as our Digital Verger. In place of the Epistle we will hear excerpts from King's "Letter from a Birmingham Jail." The service may be found on Zoom and Facebook Live (links are in the left sidebar). The leaflet may be found on our website www.gracechurchsalem.org.
At 4:00 pm, our Celtic Service Evensong will have a peace and justice theme with music from the protest tradition. Paul Massari will assist with the readings, Jane Stewart will read the Prayers and Marianne Cannon will offer a reflection. The service may be found on Zoom and Facebook Live (links are in the left sidebar). The leaflet may be found on our website www.gracechurchsalem.org.
Please join us wherever you are
in your search for meaning.
Everyone is welcome at any and all services at
Grace Episcopal Church
Parish Prayer List
Please keep the following in your prayers:
Ariana Ortega, The Kamp Family, Max Joyce, Inga and Todd and Family, Linnae Peterson, Jono Gray, Gardner Gray, Mel, Melissa Glassman, Corey MacNeil, Cliff Cutler, Helen Phillips, John Gourley, Martin Ryan, Kristin Gourley, Scott Tucker, Zan Duffy, Dianne, Sarah Colvin Duffy, Michael Towey, Stacia, Bob Peterson, Brian Peterson, Jenny, Loretta and Kris, Deb Papps, Derek Fuller and Family, the people of Palestine, Afghanistan, and Haiti, and the Salem Public Schools. For an end to racism, gun violence and oppression. If you have prayer requests, please email regathering@gracechurchsalem.org by Tuesday at noon for publication in that week's e-news.
Care-giving
During this time of anxiety-producing transition and pandemic, the Rector would like to gently remind everyone to take care of oneself, especially attending to one's mental health. Although we must continue to physically distance, please try to stay in touch with one another during this time. God gave us our minds and bodies as gifts to celebrate and to use to bring much love into the world. We are to be good stewards of these gifts. If you need to seek professional help, know that you are being a faithful steward of this gift. God needs you and loves you.
Please continue to check our website for any changes in COVID protocols or cancellation of in-person services
Annual Meeting: The Perfect Gift
Join us on Saturday February 5 from 10:00 - 11:30 am via Zoom for our Annual Meeting. We will hear some brief reflections on the theme by parishioners, celebrate the past year, and look forward to the next year with the passing of the budget and election of Vestry. Everyone is welcome to attend and if your 2022 pledge has been received, you may vote.
