Sunday, February 25, 2024

11:00 am Morning Prayer

Preaching:

The Rev. J. Donald Waring

Music:

The Choir of Adults, Girls and HS Singers 

Dr. Patrick Allen, organ

The Sunday Forum – The Armor of God, Part 2 – The Breastplate of Righteousness – The word righteousness means right relationship or right standing with God and in the Bible this relationship is often spoken about as a covenant. In this forum, the Rev. James Morton discuses some of the key covenants in the Bible and what it means for all of us when we keep or break our relationships with God and each other. 10 am in the Reception Room. Coffee and breakfast treats are served.  

Newcomers Lunch – Have you ever wondered, “how do I become a member of Grace Church?” Or “how do I get more involved.” Then this is the lunch for you! The Rev. Julia Offinger will lead the group in explaining how membership works and outlining all the ways you can get more involved. This is a great class for those considering baptism, confirmation, or reception – or anyone who is brand new! 12:30pm (after the 11am service) in the Reception Room.

Feb 18, 25, Mar 3, 10, 17, and 24 – Take on Poetry this Lent – The season of Lent is often thought of as a time to give something up or strip something back so that we might draw closer to God, yet, it can also be a season to take something on to achieve the same goal. This Lent, you’re invited to take on the study of poetry in a new class led by The Rev. James Morton. We’ll meet on Sunday evenings immediately following the 6 pm Eucharist in the Chantry. Using Mark Oakley’s The Splash of Words: Believing in Poetry as our guide, this short (30-45 minute) weekly class will use poetry to transform the way we see the world, ourselves, and God. No advanced reading is necessary to participate. Refreshments served. 

Lenten Sock Drive – This Lent, Grace is collecting new (unused and unopened) socks to be distributed by the Red Door Place to those in need. At a previous parish day of service at Red Door Place one parishioner asked what besides food is most needed and the answer is socks. Red Door Place is a food ministry but it tries to serve other client needs as well. On raw, cold days, warm, dry socks are a God send. The sock drive will culminate at the Maundy Thursday service on March 28. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

Feb 21, 28, Mar 6, 13, and 20 – “Hard and Holy Work: A Lenten Journey Through the Book of Exodus”  is the title of the book that we will use for our Wednesday evening Lenten study. Led by the clergy of Grace Church, we will meet in the reception room at 6:45 pm for a light supper and conversation. The book is available online, and copies will be available for sale ($15) in the parish office or at Sunday coffee hour. Our companion parish in London, St. George’s Church, Hanover Square, will be reading the book too. At the Sunday Forum on March 17 we will host a simultaneous, transatlantic discussion. Please contact Mickey Hawley in the parish office to sign up for his book discussion series. 

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.  

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.   

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.  

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.   

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. 

Souper Bowl Success – The Souper Bowl of Caring is a national effort to use the energy of the Super Bowl for a higher good: collecting dollars for the needy in our local community. At Grace, we use the funds raised to underwrite the cost of our biggest outreach event of the year, the Brown Bag Volunteer Day we do each February. The results for this year are: Kansas City Chiefs ($810), San Francisco 49ers ($801.15), Fantasy Super Bowl 2025 – Jets vs. Giants ($171), Halftime Show ($226). Thanks to everyone who donated! We raised $2,008.15 in total and surpassed our goal! 

Donate Gently Used Winter Coats – Our food ministry partner, The Red Door Place, is seeking donations of gently used winter coats. They continue to experience an uptick in the number of people looking for warm clothing. If you have a coat you’d like to donate, you can bring it directly to The Red Door Place (201 W 13th St, New York, NY 10011). We will not be collecting them here at the church due to space constraints.  

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. 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! 

February is Soup Month! – Canned soup is a staple that food pantries always need. Help us make a special push to ensure The Red Door Place is well stocked this February. More information about this ministry can be found below.  

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.

2024 Annual Pledge Campaign: For All the Saints – On November 5th, we launched the 2024 Annual Pledge Campaign at all three services. All parishioners and friends of Grace Church are asked to support the work of Grace Church by making an annual pledge. Some will turn in the pledge cards received by mail or found in the pews. Others will begin a time of prayerful reflection to consider what God is calling them to do. In this way we not only support the church, but give thanks to God for all the blessings of life. To make your pledge, please fill out the pledge envelope, place it in the offering plate today, or return it to the parish office as soon as you can. You may also make your pledge here. (You have all of 2024 to make your payments!) Questions about pledging? Email Travis Kennedy or call him at 212-254-2005.  

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.  

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.

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

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. 

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. 

Every day, noon to 5 pm