A MESSAGE FROM The Rev. Tina Rathbone |
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What does it mean to be in community with each other, no matter what? What does it take? And what does it give? And how can we best prime ourselves to receive the intangible, unnamable and often complex blessings which flow from simply and regularly being with one another across differences of all kinds? I ask myself this question all the time -- at home when my grown children return and we get to linger with each other, doing not much of anything at all; at Gideon’s Garden when the interns come and we have plenty of time simply to be; and on Sundays when so many come together to sing, pray, worship and share with each other a little of our hearts.
I have no answers to these questions, of course. In fact I’ve stopped really believing in answers at this point. Instead I find myself leaning more and more into the questions themselves - and into the life that the simple asking of them brings. But there’s another question I’ve been asking myself recently – and it’s perhaps the most challenging of them all: Who is not here? Who has been cast out, or kept away, or overlooked? They are for sure just as important as anyone who is present, I know, and their absence serves as a reminder of the places we have yet to enter and the people we have yet to meet and learn and grow from. May it be so, step by step – may it be so…
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I am so grateful for the support of our congregation to this Internship Program. For everyone who has stepped up to accompany us picking up and dropping off students, thank you. For everyone who has prayed and supported this program for years so that it could become what it is today, thank you. For those who have provided lunch to us and our students, thank you.
Each of these students is incredible. I have been in awe of their passion, resilience, humor and vulnerability. The garden is a special place for us. This is a special environment that allows everyone to shine in their own special way. And we are seeing a lot of shining stars here. We are able to support these young people because of your support of the program, please keep us in your prayers.
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This week we are harvesting nearly everyday. The interns have been busy bringing in bunches and boxes of produce and packing & washing it all to be delivered to food pantries around the area - all before noon! On Tuesday, after our harvest, we visited Mumbet's Freedom Farm, a Black and Br0wn-led cooperative farm and community outside of Sheffield. There we learned new ways to relate and connect to the earth and took a beautiful hike into the woods around the farm. We look forward to partnering with them more in the future. Definitely worth checking out! Then on Thursday to escape the sun we painted signs for the field for future interns and crews to help navigate our ever-growing garden.
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Sue Hayden, Harley, Justus and Jess came over finally to enjoy the butterfly house too. Just before a much needed downpour!
We have about 1 week left to enjoy this generation of butterflies before the cycle begins again with eggs hatching into caterpillars. Come visit soon while they're still around!
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 & J Jorgensen)
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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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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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The Boston Globe highlights the Du Bois Freedom Center in Great Barrington. Grace Church donated funds to the Center in February "in honor of and reparations toward our indebtedness to the anonymous composer of Negro Spirituals which we sing throughout the church year." Read the article HERE
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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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Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Holy Eucharist
August 7, 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
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Holy Eucharist
August 7, 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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Ninth Sunday after Pentecost |
Luke 12:32-40
Jesus said to his disciples, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
"Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.
"But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."
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Walk in Jerusalem
Just Like John
(Kisiah Carter)
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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; All Saints’, South Hadley;
Congregations in the Berkshires Region Episcopal Young Adults;
Anglican Society.
The Church's wider mission:
The Church in the Province of
the West Indies.
And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week: Deborah Holmes, 8/6; Pat Drumm, 8/7.
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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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