A MESSAGE FROM The Rev. Tina Rathbone |
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Last Monday a new friend from the People’s Pantry community who says he doesn’t care much for ‘church’ shared this prayer with me. It is written by a teacher of his -- the Franciscan friar and ecumenical guide Richard Rohr -- and it is, honestly, one of the loveliest prayers I have ever seen. I offer it to you now as a gift for this week – and in gratitude to Joe who in turn offered it to me.
God, Lord of all creation, lover of life and of everything, please help us to love in our very small way what You love infinitely and everywhere. We thank You that we can offer just this one prayer and that will be more than enough, because in reality every thing and every one is connected, and nothing stands alone. To pray for one part is really to pray for the whole, and so we do. Help us each day to stand for love, for healing, for the good, for the diverse unity of the Body of Christ and all creation, because we know this is what You desire: as Jesus prayed, that all may be one. We offer our prayer together with all the holy names of God, we offer our prayer together with Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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This past week we welcomed Multicultural BRIDGE's Happiness Toolbox summer program to Gideon's Garden for it's twelfth year! We played games, harvested, pet George the therapy rooster, and enjoyed lots of ice cream and toppings provided by Pennie.
Having BRIDGE come out to the garden is a reminder of what an impact this garden has made over time, remembering that we (Annalise) are all a small part of such a big and important project. I am so grateful for the hard work and dedication it has taken from folks in our community to keep this amazing gift going for many years.
And hearing from the kids in this circle they will continue to love and need these programs in the future. Many of these youth started in the program at 4 or 5 years old and have come every summer!
Thank you especially to Gwendolyn and Stephanie from BRIDGE along with Pennie who organized this day!
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Monday 9-12 PM
Wednesdays 9-12 PM and 2-5 PM
Friday 1-4 PM
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Come on over and volunteer or visit! (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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Berkshire South Regional Community Center
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Announcing the opening of
Stanton Home’s Food Hub
Located on 205 North Plain Rd,
Great Barrington
The Farm stand will include fresh produce grown in their greenhouse and items created in the Weavery- all grown and made by the participants of Stanton Home- a farm based program for adults with challenges.
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The People's Pantry
If anyone wants to volunteer at the People’s Pantry, there are shifts on Mondays from 3:30PM to 5:30PM, Thursdays from 8:30AM to 10:30AM and Thursdays 10:30AM to 12:30PM. Here’s the link:
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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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Handwoven and handmade by refugees in Greece, these welcome mats serve as a symbol of welcome and acceptance for refugees. Perfect to use in your home as a wall hanging or floor mat. Feel good about the products you buy at Thistle Farms and support refugees. Order yours today! Love Welcomes.
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Babies are placed in the Home when their mother has died and they cannot be cared for at home. |
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It costs about $1,500 to support a baby over the time needed for the child to grow old enough to return to their home. Many years ago we at Grace decided to support babies at the Mampong Babies Home in Ghana at the rate of $1,500 per year. Your donations help us reach that goal each year. You can bring money or checks to church on Sundays and place in the jar near the Welcome table or send a check to Grace Church, PO Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
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Announcement from the Committee on Nominations |
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Consider Serving Our Diocese
Elections Will be Held at Convention on November 5th
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Would you like to think about joining diocesan leadership by running for a diocesan committee position? This November, Diocesan Convention will be electing new members for almost all diocesan committees. Please read about the committees, what they do, their current memberships, and whether the incumbents are eligible to run again in the Nomination Booklet. If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else, the Nomination Form is available here. Deadline for nominations is August 31, 2022.
The following positions are open for election at the 121st Convention of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts:
The Standing Committee: One clerical and one lay member.
The Diocesan Council: One clerical member from the Worcester Corridor, one clerical member from the Berkshire Corridor and one lay member from the Pioneer Valley Corridor.
The Chapter of Christ Church Cathedral: One lay representative for the Pioneer Valley Corridor.
Disciplinary Board: Two clerical members and one lay member.
Provincial Synod: One lay members and one lay alternate.
General Convention 2024: Eight clerical deputies and alternates and eight lay deputies and alternates. GC81 will be held two years from now in Louisville, KY.
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Mission Matters
News from the
Episcopal Diocese
of Western Massachusetts
CELEBRANDO LA ABUNDANCIA
DE DIÓS
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So, what happened in Baltimore?
GC80 Special Edition
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The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, who ended her term at president of the House of Deputies July 11 as the end of the 80th General Convention, and Presiding Bishop Michael Curry listen July 10 during the convention’s budget presentation. Photo: Scott Gunn)
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80th General Convention wrap-up: shortened, masked, tested, legislated |
(Episcopal News Service - Baltimore, Maryland) The 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church is one for the history books, and not just for the decisions made but also for how the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way the church conducted its business. |
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Gift Cards
for students as they begin school
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It's that time of the year again! Students will be purchasing the necessary school supplies. But not all our students have the means to buy what they need.
Make it easier for them!
Gift Cards can be given to Sue Gore, Pennie Curry, put in collection plate, or mailed to the office.
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Becoming Beloved Community |
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Learning our local history is a step into Becoming Beloved Community. Summer is a great time to explore the African American Heritage Trail of the Upper Housatonic Valley. South County is rich with sites.
For maps and legends click HERE
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 2022
2-5pm
W.E.B. Du Bois: I've Known Rivers
W.E.B. Du Bois River Park, 20 River Street, Great Barrington.
Riverside festival of music, poetry, more.
Ceremonial release of water carried from
Du Bois’s resting place in Accra.
FREE - Come for all or part
Followed by Walking tour of Du Bois sites in Great Barrington and
Reception at the former Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church, 9 Elm Court, home of the Du Bois Freedom Center.
Let us know you’re coming.
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EFM will resume after Labor Day.
THE POWER OF PRAYER
O God! Glorious Creator.
We are powerless without you.
We know you are listening even when you seem aloof and your ways mysterious.
Our gratitude knows no bounds.
Thank you especially for this group and for other spiritual circles of which we are a part.
We pray that you keep bringing us into closer relationship with you and with others.
Help all those in the world living with fear to find your peace.
Through your son Jesus Christ, Our Lord, AMEN.
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Announcement from the Communications Office |
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Bishop Doug Fisher established a Compline community in 2020 that continues in faithfulness five nights a week. 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. Zoom info is available HERE.
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LOVING THE QUESTIONS / Amando las preguntas
sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts
in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts
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God says, “Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6.16
What is God’s will for my life? How do I live my best life? What might this look like? Is what I want truly want what God wants for me? Is what I want best for myself and others? Perhaps there is something I’m missing? Perhaps there is something I’m blind to and can’t see? … these are the kinds of questions that we sit with and wrestle with together in our community of discernment called Loving the Questions.
We believe that you are unique, that you are gifted, and that your story matters. Our community of discernment aims to provide a safe and nurturing environment that honors the Spirit’s unique call to each person — that honors your unique gifts and your unique story.
We meet twice a month via Zoom beginning in September and ending in March. Our primary focus is rooted in prayerful listening to God using a format of group spiritual direction taught by Shalem Institute. Our aim in our gatherings is to listen more deeply and intently to God's gentle and loving desire for each one of us. Or to put it another way, “to stand at the crossroads and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies, so that we may walk in it and find rest for our souls.”
Registration is now open for 2022-23. For details, including our schedule, please go to our website at www.lovingthequestions.org. We also enthusiastically welcome any and all inquiries about our community and details about our gatherings. Please contact us at [email protected] to arrange a conversation to answer any questions you might have.
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Announcement from the Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher |
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A Pastoral Word on the Lambeth Conference
To: All the faithful
Re: Lambeth Conference
Date: July 28, 2022
First, Betsy and I are not present in-person at the Lambeth Conference. The wedding of our youngest daughter, Grace, is scheduled shortly after we would be returning from Lambeth. We could not risk getting COVID-19 while living in close quarters for over two weeks with over a thousand people from around the world. This was a difficult decision but one that is best for our family. We have been participating on-line. I offer my reflection on the controversy that has taken up the first days of the Lambeth Conference.
Before I give you a quick summary of what unfolded, I’m going to begin with what is of utmost importance in this pastoral letter. Our diocese and The Episcopal Church strive to be inclusive. We celebrate the presence of our LGBTQ+ siblings among us as beloved children of God. Sacramental marriage, for all who desire to make that covenant commitment, is now, and forever, the liturgical practice of our Church.
It is also very important to note that nothing decided in Lambeth is binding in the individual provinces of the Anglican Communion. It has no legal weight. The Anglican Communion is held together by “bonds of affection.” We care about each other. It is not held together by polity.
For many months leading to this international gathering of bishops, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, stressed that the meeting would be about prayer, scripture study, strengthening relationships, and celebrating common ground. Archbishop Welby emphasized that we would be looking at how the Provinces of the Anglican Communion (of which The Episcopal Church is one) could address the global issues of climate and poverty.
To read the rest of this announcement from The Right Reverend Douglas J. Fisher,
please click on the PDF link below:
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THIRD SUNDAY SUPPER
Join us for lively conversation
and fellowship at the
Amicis Restaurant,
5 Albany Road,
West Stockbridge
on Sunday, August 21,
at 6:00 PM
Separate checks/All are welcome
For more information contact
George Raymond.
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MOVIE NITE
Join us for a discussion of a movie TBD. Stay tuned!
We will break for July and August, then resume on September 1
at 7:00 PM on Zoom.
To join this Zoom meeting,
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Password: 917937
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We meet in someone's home at
6:00 pm on a date to be announced.
Men of Grace, join us for some great food and fellowship!
We will hold this year's BBQ at John Cheek's house
on August 24, 6:00 pm.
Questions? Contact George Raymond
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BOOKS AND BREAD
Wednesday, September 14
at 6:00 PM
in person and on Zoom
HAMNET
by Maggie O'Farrell
Our hosts for dinner will be Frank Garretson. Dindy Anderson will lead our discussion.
Our gathering ends at promptly at 9:00PM. Questions? Please contact Peter Kirchoff.
For Zoom:
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Password: 917937
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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Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Holy Eucharist
August 14, 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
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ZOOM INVITATIONS
FOR GRACE CHURCH
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Holy Eucharist
August 14, at 10:00 AM
In person at Crissey Farm
and on Zoom
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Contemplative Eucharist
Wednesday at 10:00 AM
In person at Grace Chapel and on Zoom:
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Community in Faith
resumes in the Fall.
Tuesdays at 7:00 PM
Centering Prayer
Thursdays at 5:00 PM
In person ad on Zoom
To join Zoom meetings:
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Grace Church Men's Group
August 24, 6:00 PM,
in person
Please see article above for more information, or contact George Raymond.
Movie Nite
Resumes on Thursday, September 1
at 7:00 PM
To join Zoom meetings:
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Books and Bread,
resumes September 14
on Wednesday at 6:00 PM
In person and on Zoom
To join Zoom meetings:
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Third Sunday Supper
(Every Third Sunday)
August 21, 6:00 PM
Amicis Restaurant,
5 Albany Rd., West Stockbridge
In person
More information in the
article to found above.
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Tenth Sunday after Pentecost |
Luke 12:49-56
Jesus said, "I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided:
father against son
and son against father,
mother against daughter
and daughter against mother,
mother-in-law against her
daughter-in-law
and daughter-in-law against
mother-in-law."
He also said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, `It is going to rain'; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, `There will be scorching heat'; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?"
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Hymn 695, The Hymnal 1982. Sung by Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Schola, Little Rock, AR, Eli McCormack, soloist, Victoria Mathis Harden, director.
By gracious powers so wonderfully sheltered
and confidently waiting, come what may,
we know that God is with us night and morning, and never fails to meet us each new day.
Yet are our hearts by their old foe tormented;
still evil days bring burdens hard to bear;
O give our frightened souls the sure salvation
for which, O Lord, you taught us to prepare.
And when the cup you give is filled to brimming with bitter suffering, hard to understand, we take it gladly, trusting though with trembling,
out of so good and so beloved a hand.
If once again, in this mixed world, you give us
the joy we had, the brightness of your sun,
we shall recall what we have learned through sorrow,
and dedicate our lives to you alone.
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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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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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Highlights from the July 24 Vestry Meeting:
We continued to hear the very sacred spiritual biographies from members of the vestry. As Pennie Curry noted at church on Sunday, July 24 a review of the items in the storage facility has begun with the goal of having the storage facility empty by the end of 2023. The Safe Church committee of Dindy Anderson, Dutch Pinkston, and Andrea White reported on their review of the documents supplied by our diocese and their meeting with our Safe Church officer, Sarah Sieber. Having learned some important points, we have adjusted some ways in which we are working with youth. A follow up meeting is planned for September. Training for Lay Eucharistic Ministers is being scheduled. The Vestry will take August off and resume monthly meetings in September.
THANK YOU!
Kathy
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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. 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 prayers will be offered 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!!
To listen to Sarah Sieber explaining the operation of the Prayer Basket CLICK HERE
(K. Clausen)
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GRACE
CHURCH
Please include
in your daily prayers this week:
Members of the Parish Family:
Margaret O’Clair, Mark Anderson, Dindy Anderson, Doreen Hutchinson, Anne Andrews, Stacey Thomas, Claire and Mark Thomas, Meredith Haider, Linda White, Rosemarie Blakely, Marina Bowens, Charles Folger, Barbara Gore, and Barbara Turner..
Others we love: All those grieving the death of Ed Hunt; all those grieving the death of Nelda Curry; Karen LaRocque friend of Sue Gore; Rosalind Haywood, Sue Gore's mother; Deborah McCurdy; Joy Milani, dear friend of Dindy Anderson; the Hardenberg family, friends of Lynn Walker; Conrad Harper, friend of John Ericson; Michael Pine, Pennie’s beloved Godson, Sophia, who is grieving the sudden death of her son; Linda Tornicelli.
Those who have died: Rino Aldrighetti, beloved friend of Steve White; Ed Hunt, brother-in-law of Anne Andrews; Faustino Gonzalez Nasario; Ruth Thornton, a dear friend Steve and Andrea White; Richard Edelstein, husband of Pat and beloved friend of our congregation; Hugh Pecon; Nelda Curry; Sam Raymond; Sara Keene; Vanessa Neves, daughter of Patti Poulos, friend of many in the congregation; Alan Sparks, brother of Debbie Holmes; Ruth Crawford; Neil Brandt, brother of Linda White; Jim Santolin, a dear friend of Rick & Sue; Larry Cheek, John’s brother; Kay Lindstrom, a beloved member of Sarah Sieber’s family.
Our world: For the people of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Alabama; for the people of Buffalo, Uvalde, Ukraine, Russia, and all places of violence, that Peace may prevail, and human fear and suffering diminish around the world. For all victims of gun violence in this country, and for those who inflict gun violence on others. For people who are suffering from COVID, those who have died, those who mourn, caregivers, and hospital workers. 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: For our partners at St. Paul's and the Revs. Libby Wade, Jane Tillman; the Rev. Sam Smith as he begins his ministry at All Saints, Worcester; Christ Trinity and the Rev. Erik Karas; our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Doug Fisher; and the Mampong Babies' Home in Ghana; Holy Trinity, Southbridge;
Bishop’s Chaplains to Retired Clergy
World Mission; Western Mass Food Bank
The Church's wider mission:
The Extra-Provincial Churches
And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week: Dan & Susan Gray, 8/10; Tom Doyle, Sue Gore, 8/12; Ed & Doreen Hutchinson, 8/13; Barbara Gore, 8/15.
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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.
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
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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.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL
Grace Sunday school
will be taking their regular summer break from
July 10, 2022, through September 4,2022.
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FLOWER DEDICATIONS!
Please place your dedications in an envelope 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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Mx. Annalise Clausen, Director of Farming for Gideon's Garden
413-644-0022
gideonsgarden atgraceberkshires.org
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Mr. Joel Jorgensen
Director of Programs 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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