A MESSAGE FROM The Rev. Tina Rathbone |
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Well, here we are, at last entering the holiest week of the year; the week we remember the arrest, torture, execution and ultimate resurrection of our God. It’s a big deal. God arrested? God tortured? God executed? God returned again to life, inextinguishable and eternal and present always and everywhere to every one of us, no matter what?
Yes!
It is hard to believe, to be sure, but it’s true. And because it is too much for many of us to take in on our own, the church gathers throughout the week and provides us with words and songs and actions to both deepen our experience and hold us together as we travel into the heart of the mystery of our faith. Come join us, if you can. And if you can’t, know we are holding you in our hearts and our prayers. Here’s the schedule. Please call with any questions or concerns. (617) 852-4916.
Holy Wednesday:
Contemplative Eucharist, Grace Chapel, 10:00 AM
Maundy Thursday:
Centering Prayer, Grace Chapel, 5:00 PM
Service at Christ Trinity with Foot Washing, 7:00 PM
Good Friday:
Service at Grace Chapel, 7:00 PM
Easter Vigil (Saturday)
Trinity Church, Lenox, 7:00 PM
Easter Morning Celebratory Eucharist,
Crissey Farm, 10:00 AM
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This week I joined three different community events, which is three more events than I usually attend per month. Each gathering was heart-breaking and hope-filled. They were not connected in content but rather by intention. I am left speechless by the vulnerability I witnessed. I am full of gratitude for our community and the courage to care deeply. |
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Thank you friends for coming out to support the garden and me in this time of seeding! Thank you to Taft Farms, whose outdoor dining area we borrowed.
Stay tuned for the Tuesday's Child newsletter for more opportunities for low-impact help will be coming soon. And if not, please allow yourself a little more outside time, when the sun is peaking through the clouds and you can feel its warmth and light.
(A. Clausen)
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Announcement from the Communications Office |
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“The Way of the Cross: Ending Gun Violence in Massachusetts” premieres on Palm Sunday, April 10th at 7 p.m. Click the video on the left and set up a reminder to watch.
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Way of the Cross" video walk across MA
invites prayer & action to end gun violence.
Episcopalians statewide are invited to “walk” the Way of the Cross together this Holy Week, by visiting 14 church and ministry sites from Falmouth to Great Barrington via a video project that draws on the ancient practice of pilgrimage to bring attention to the current-day scourge of gun violence.
Each site featured in the video will serve as a station along the way, contributing a self-recorded video segment that invites viewers into prayer and reflection.
“We hope that people will see it and talk about it with others. We hope that people will be inspired to take action. Ideally, it would be wonderful if churches had viewing groups during Holy Week and led reflections on what they saw and learned,” the Rev. José Reyes said by e-mail.
Even with strong gun safety laws already in place in Massachusetts, statistics gathered by Everytown for Gun Safety show that in an average year, 244 people die and 688 are wounded by guns in the state, and guns are the fourth leading cause of death among children and teens here. Nationally, gun deaths continue to be on the rise in the U.S., with gun murders increasing sharply in recent years and gun suicides accounting for a majority of U.S. gun deaths, according to the Pew Research Center.
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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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The following note is from Ludmyla (Myla), who Andrea Saville White met through a knitting, weaving website community.
I live in NJ with my husband and our two daughters, but I was born in Ukraine - Zhytomyr, a small town near Kyiv, and lived for 21 years in Kharkiv, Ukraine. All my grandparents, great grandparents, uncles, and aunts are buried there. My first school, first love, first steps, first friends, best friends, college and smiles and laughter, and peace - all left in the past.
What can I say without tears - I stand against this horrible war; I stand with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. So, so many of my friends and their families and some of my relatives are still left in Ukraine all over the country.
We try and help every single day with whatever we can - whether it’s meds, trying to get people out from hot spots - like from under the shelling in Kharkiv and Dnipro - volunteer with local organizations, send help to so many of my friends who are refugees in Poland, Romania, Hungary, Germany, and Latvia, and help our amazing volunteers who are right there on the ground whether it’s on the border or in Ukraine.
Days begin with checking if all the people I know are alive and end with checking on the news and what I could help with following.
I can’t be on the front lines and fight for my homeland physically, but I can knit and help with information.
NO WAR. Spread the word. Don’t stay silent.
May there be PEACE in the world.
Myla’s Instagram: @mylasknitcorner
Myla’s FaceBook: mylasknitcorner
CHARITIES / NON-PROFIT
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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] . Ticket sales will be opened to the general public in May.
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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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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 Collect for the Week
Take away the stone!
Our readings on the period 500-1000 and the Gospel of John came together this week in our reflection on John 11 and the story of the raising of Lazarus. The mosaic shown here is from the church of St. Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna Italy. Originally built by the Ostrogothic King Theodoric the Great it was dedicated as an ‘Arian’ church in 504. Decades later, as Arianism was repudiated, it was rededicated several more times, ending in 856 with the name we know it as today. The mosaic shows a young (un-bearded) Christ raising Lazarus.
In John 11:39 Jesus commands the crowd to ‘take away the stone’ from Lazarus’ grave, where he had already lain for four days. After speaking to God, Jesus orders Lazarus to come out of the tomb, and he does.
COLLECT
Help us to practice our faith and discover our courage
That we may see and move the stones of our lives.
In gratitude
AMEN
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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 is available 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
RESURRECTION
Sara Sieber is the discussion leader
on Thursday, May 5
at 7:00 PM on Zoom.
To join this Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
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We meet in person at
someone's home,
share conversation and dinner,
then listen
to a guest speaker who enlightens us on a timely and relevant subject.
Our next meeting date
and place TBD
Stay tuned!
Questions? 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 prepare the main dish.
The discussion leader will be Peter Kirchoff
Bring a dessert, beverage, side dish or an appetizer.
Our gathering ends at promptly 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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Easter Day
Holy Eucharist
April 17, 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..... Rick Gore/M. Doelman
Acolyte...................Peter Kirchoff
Lector.....................Laura Jordahl
Intercessor.............Robert Forman
Chalice Bearer........Peter Kirchoff
Healing Team........ Pennie Curry/ Sue Gore
Tech....................... Abe Streeter
Flowers.................. Easter Flowers
Altar Guild............. M. Kirchoff/C. Haywood
Coffee Hour........... Gore/Kirchoff
Counters.................R. Gore/M. Layton
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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 meetings:
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 91793
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
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ZOOM INVITATIONS
FOR GRACE CHURCH
Easter Day
Holy Eucharist
April 17, 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 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
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,
at 6:00 PM
Next date and location TBD
Please see article above for more information, or contact George Raymond.
Movie Nite
Thursday, May 5
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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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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John 20:1-18
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, `I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
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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,
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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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DR. RICHARD EDELSTEIN, 90, passed away on March 24, 2022 in Lenox, Massachusetts. He was born on May 18, 1931 in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Samuel and Ida (Stelling) Edelstein. He married Patricia (Michaud) Edelstein in October 1982, in Cold Spring, New York.
Richard was Jewish but attended services at Grace with his Episcopalian wife Pat. Both he and Pat were regulars at our bible study and Richard often brought a Jewish perspective to our readings. They also would attend at Hevrah.
A graveside service will be held Monday, May 9, 2022 at Noon at Corashire Cemetery on Blue Hill Road in Monterey, where Richard will be laid to rest next to his beloved Patricia, followed by a celebration of his life at Koi on State Road in Great Barrington.
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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 almost 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. Helena’s, Lenox; Creation Care; Mampong Babies Home, Ghana; Episcopal Media Services; Archives of The Episcopal Church.
The Church's wider mission:
The Church of Pakistan (United)
Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem
And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week: Andrea White, 4/14; Garrett Happ, 4/18.
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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 DEDICATIONS!
Please place your dedications in an envelope marked EASTER, and include the name of the person you wish to honor. Our deadline is Palm Sunday, April 10.
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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