The Weekly Epistle - Sunday, May 21

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Sunday

9 am Holy Eucharist

11 am Morning Prayer

(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,

It is a beautiful spring Friday morning as I type these words. In the rectory garden outside my office window, the crabapple tree is in full bloom, always the third of the three flowering trees in the yard to unfurl its glory. What it means is that spring is moving along, and summer will be here before we know it.

In the meantime, the days ahead promise to be meaningful and exciting, to say nothing of busy. Allow me to highlight three things for your attention.

The first is the consecration of the Bishop Coadjutor-Elect, Matthew Heyd, tomorrow at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. The service will begin at 11 am, and everyone is welcome to attend. Plan to arrive early to assure that you are not sitting 601 feet away from the high altar (yes, the saying goes that St. John the Divine is “the length of two football fields plus a football). The liturgy will be grand, and if you’ve never seen the Cathedral in all its glory, this will be the occasion to do so. A festive reception for everyone will follow on the cathedral lawn, complete with food trucks and desserts. If you cannot attend for whatever reason, you can participate through the livestream. Also, at the Sunday Forum the next day, Julia, James, and I will be sharing our impressions of the event, 10 am in the reception room.

Second, at the 11 am service the Junior Choristers will be singing, as many of the Senior Choristers will be getting ready this week for the middle school play at GCS. The Offertory Anthem that the Juniors will sing comes from their concert program last February. It’s a piece called We’re Walking in the Air, from the British animated classic, The Snowman. I’d never heard it before February, but when I did I thought how appropriate it would be to offer on Ascension Sunday (this week). Dr. Allen agreed, so be sure to come support the Junior Choristers and hear their special offering. I’ll be highlighting it in the sermon. As a preview, you can watch a clip for The Snowman here.

Finally, on Monday we should begin to see some scaffolding outside the parish house. It is time for the “pilot project” to get underway. If you recall from previous Epistles, the plan is to restore the exterior façade of the first floor to its pristine condition. When Grace Church was first built people wrote that it looked as if it were carved out of a sugar cube. Those days are long gone, and the exterior facades of the parish house and rectory are in serious need of restoration. The pilot project is meant to demonstrate what is possible, and inspire us to keep the momentum going. Yes, a capital campaign is in our near future! More on that to come soon.

See you in church – or maybe at the Cathedral.

See you in church,

Sunday

9:00 am Holy Eucharist

Preaching:

The Rev. J. Donald Waring

Music:

Dr. Patrick Allen, organ

View or Print the 11am Service Bulletin

11:00 am Morning Prayer

Preaching:

The Rev. J. Donald Waring

Music:

Novice and Junior Choristers with

Senior Mentors and Adults

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 Chantry

Preaching:

The Rev. J. Donald Waring

Music:

Hymns with Instrumentalists

Coffee Hour – Due to the school play, Tuttle Hall is not available today. Coffee hour after the 9 am service will be in the Reception Room. After the 11 am service, weather permitting we will gather outside in Huntington Close. Should the weather disagree with our plans, Coffee Hour will move to the School Dining Room.

The Sunday Forum will gather at 10 am in the Reception Room. The clergy will offer reflections following the consecration of The Rt. Rev. Matthew Heyd as Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of New York. Join us for coffee, conversation, and breakfast treats.

Nursery Care Returns! Nursery Care is now available again 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.

It’s Choir Recruiting Season! The Choir of Men and Boys and The Girls’ Choir with Adults are currently recruiting for the new season in September. Membership is open to all young people with an interest in singing. No prior experience is required, and membership is open to students from any school. If you know of a family with a young person (especially current 1 – 4th grades) who would enjoy this opportunity to learn, grow and serve through music please forward this link to them and have them be in touch with Dr. Allen.

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. Allen Shin's visit to Grace on Sunday, June 4 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.

May 27 – University Singers Choral Concert – The University Singers from The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia will offer a program of choral music in Grace Church on Saturday May 27 at 2:00 pm. The program is free and open to all.

June 8 - 20s and 30s Pub Theology – For Pub Theology this Spring we'll be reading The Nail by Stephen Cottrell. This short book offers imaginative reflections on the Passion Narrative with each of the seven chapters focused on a different key character who describes his or her experience of the story. Join us at The Penny Farthing (103 Third Ave., New York, NY 10003) on Thursday, May 4th from 6-7:30 pm to discuss chapters 3-5 (Pontius Pilate, Caiaphas, and Judas) - about 20 pages all together. If you’re interested in attending, email the Rev. James Morton and he will add you to our list.

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 – Our weekly discussion forum for adults that examines theological, political, and social topics of Christian concern meets most Sundays in the Reception Room from 10:00-10:45 am.

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 staffed by two professional caretakers from The Baby Sitters’ Guild.

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.

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) – 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 Holy Eucharist in the Chantry

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

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

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

Outreach

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

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

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.

2023 Annual Pledge Campaign: A Mighty Fortress is our God – On October 30th, we launched the 2023 Annual Pledge Campaign. All parishioners and friends of Grace Church are asked to support the work of Grace Church by making an annual pledge, or promise of financial support for God’s work in the coming year. Some will turn in the pledge cards we’ve received by mail or find in the pews. Others will begin a time of prayerful reflection to consider what God is calling them to do. Remember, the annual campaign not only supports the church, but gives 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 online here. (You have all of 2023 to make your payments!) Questions about pledging? Contact Travis Kennedy by email or call him at 212-254-2005.

MAKE YOUR PLEDGE HERE

2023 pledge envelopes have arrived! If you made a 2023 pledge and requested envelopes to guide your giving, please email Travis Kennedy to arrange to pick them up.

20s and 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.

The Guild of Bakers – If you enjoy baking (or buying) cookies, brownies, muffins, or other freezable bite-sized treats, please consider joining a revitalized ministry called the Guild of Bakers. You can participate on your own timetable, whenever the Spirit moves you. The next time you are baking (or buying) goodies that would be popular at coffee hour, all you have to do is make an extra batch. Just wrap it well and drop it off at the parish office any time during business hours, or on Sundays after church. We have plenty of freezer space to store your culinary creations for a future coffee hour. Please sign up for the “Guild of Bakers” by sending an email to Mickey Hawley, Parish Office Coordinator.

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.

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.

Open Door

Every day, noon to 5 pm