Sunday, November 13, 2022 |
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This Sunday
9 am Holy Eucharist
in-person worship
11 am Morning Prayer
in-person worship
and live-stream
6 pm Holy Eucharist
in-person worship
(in the Chantry)
on
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.
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Please see below for weekday worship opportunities, both in-person and virtual. |
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Dear Friends,
What follows is a report and a challenge.
First, the report. A few weeks ago in this space I wrote about an upcoming book discussion that we’d be hosting on three Wednesday evenings in the reception room. The topic was The Sabbath, by Abraham Heschel, and our facilitators were parishioner and former vestry member Jennifer San Cartier, and our Assisting Priest, the Rev. Harry Krauss. I was looking forward to it because I have found that investigating another tradition often results in a deeper appreciation of my own. For example, taking Spanish in high school gave me a better understanding of the English language – and I have been a stickler for grammar ever since.
What breathes through Heschel’s book is, of course, the meticulous care he took in observing the Sabbath and the delight in his soul that was the result. The Sabbath was both a duty and a delight. He loved it. In the book he reminds us that of the seven days in the Biblical story of creation, six of those days God called good, and one God called holy. The Sabbath is holy. It is a temple composed of time and Spirit rather than space and stuff. Entering and occupying the holy time profoundly enriched his life. It was a foretaste of heaven.
One thing we talked about is why the earliest Christians, all of whom were devout Jews, suddenly shifted their holy day from Saturday to Sunday. It’s a big question, but the answer, in a word, is Easter. The reality is our holy day is Sunday. As we wrapped up the book our final study question was, “Do you plan to make any changes in how you prepare for and treat Sundays?” We live chaotic, frenetic lives. Would it be possible to apply to our weekly worship the same care that Heschel devoted to the Sabbath?
Here comes the challenge. During the week we have four opportunities to enter the holy time: Sundays at 9 am, 11 am, 6 pm, and on Wednesdays at 6 pm. Suppose that we the people of Grace Church decided that every week between now and the end of the year we’d be present for at least one of those worship services every week. If travel, illness, or mobility issues are a factor, check out the Sunday 11 am livestream. But if possible, be here. The challenge is to pay attention to the duty so that over time we come to experience and appreciate the delight of God’s presence. Heschel writes, “Unless one learns how to relish the taste of Sabbath while still in this world … one will be unable to enjoy the taste of eternity in the world to come.”
I would guess that attendance at Grace Church is still only about two-thirds of what it was before the pandemic. Nevertheless, I pose this challenge not because increased attendance would be good for Grace Church. Rather, increased attendance would be good for you!
See you in church,
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9:00 am Holy Eucharist
Church is open
for in-person worship!
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Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger, preaching
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
Music:
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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11:00 am Morning Prayer
Church is open
for in-person worship!
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger, preaching
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
Music:
The Choir of Men and Boys
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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Service is video-streamed every week. Access via any of our live channels.
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6:00 pm Holy Eucharist
In the Chantry
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Clergy:
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
The Rev. Megan E. Sanders, preaching
Music:
Hymns with Instrumentalists
vice Bulletin
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Nov 12 & 13 - Grace Christmas Fair – Saturday, Nov 12 from 11 am - 7pm. Sunday, Nov 13 from 10 am - 4 pm. Art / Crafts / Silent Auction / Refreshments at Catharine's Cafe! Wine & Cheese Reception - Saturday from 5 - 7 pm. Bring your Christmas gift list! Contact Elana for more information, and Lethe if you would like to volunteer!
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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.
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The Sunday Forum – On Break Today – Please use the time in between services to shop at the Grace Christmas Fair in Tuttle Hall. We will resume next week for Grace Church School Sunday. |
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Refreshments and Fellowship – After 9 and 11 am services in Tuttle Hall and the lovely outdoor courtyard called Seymour Close. Join us for coffee or something cool to drink, as well as homemade goodies compliments of the Guild of Bakers.
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Wear your nametags! Nametags can be found on the boards in Tuttle Hall. Newcomers are encouraged to visit our new 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 so, he can make you one.
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Sunday 6 pm Eucharist – The weekly 6 pm Sunday Eucharist in the Chantry is a great option for those who may have other morning commitments (such as sleeping late) or are returning to the city after being away for the weekend. Join us for hymns with instrumentalists and sermon. An important component of the Sunday 6 pm service is Canterbury Downtown, the college fellowship that meets for dinner and discussion after the service. All college students welcome.
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Nov 15 – IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR – The Annual Choir Special Projects Fund Thanksgiving Fundraiser. Please support your choirs with a gift and buy some holiday chocolates! Follow this link for more information. All orders must be placed by Nov 15. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU! |
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Nov 19 – Volunteer Day at The Red Door Place – Help us prepare a Thanksgiving meal for our neighbors at The Red Door Place at The Church of the Village, our food ministry partner. There are two available shifts, 8 to 11:30 am and 11 to 2:30 pm. Email The Rev. James Morton if you plan on attending.
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Nov 20 – Grace Church School Sunday – It's always a special day when the church and school celebrate our common history and mission, but this year even more so. The Rt. Rev. Andrew Dietsche, Bishop of New York will preach at 11 am, and the school trustees will install the Rev. Robbie Pennoyer as Head of Grace Church School. Everyone is invited. More details to come.
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Nov 20 – The Sunday Forum: The Work and Witness of Episcopal Schools – As part of our celebration of GCS Sunday, Ann Mellow, the former Associate Director of the National Association of Episcopal Schools will a conversation about the unique nature of this ministry. 10 am in the Reception Room. Coffee and breakfast treats served. |
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Nov 23 – Thanksgiving Eve Service – Join us for Holy Communion, sermon, and favorite Thanksgiving hymns. The preacher will be the Rev. Julia Macy Offinger. Wednesday, Nov. 23rd at 6 pm in the Chantry. Note: there is no Thanksgiving Day service.
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Nov 27 – The Annual Advent Collections for local charities will begin on Sunday, Nov 27th, with a collection of travel size toiletries for the Seamen’s Church Institute Christmas at Sea project. On Sunday, Dec 4th, we will collect hats, scarves, and gloves for the Church of the Ascension Food Pantry. On Sunday, Dec 11th, we’ll collect new men’s underwear (larger sizes – L, XL, XXL) and socks for the Bowery Mission (no t-shirts please). Donations will be collected in the baskets at the back of the church at all services. Please give generously this Advent! |
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Nov 27 - Advent begins – Come and Make a Wreath! – Celebrating with an Advent wreath during the weeks prior to Christmas is a great way to keep our thoughts focused on the coming of Christ, and to start a faithful at-home tradition with children during the hustle and bustle of the season. On the first Sunday of Advent, after the 9 am and 11 am services we’ll have all the materials ready for you in Tuttle Hall. All are welcome! Experienced wreath-makers are encouraged to help others! Sign up as a volunteer by contacting The Rev. James Morton. (Sugg. donation per wreath: $25.) |
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9 am Worship Service – The Church is open for in-person worship.
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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.
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11 am Worship Service - The Church is open for in-person worship. Services continue to be video-streamed every week.
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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 or Mother Julia in the chantry for a time of learning and prayer.
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Nursery Care – The nursery is open from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm in the room next to the Sunday School classroom, across Tuttle Hall. Adult supervision is required.
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Coffee Hour - Coffee and fellowship will be available today in Tuttle Hall following the 9am service. Join us for a festive fellowship hour in Huntington Close (weather permitting) after the 11 am service.
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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.
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6 pm Worship Service and Holy Eucharist in the Chantry |
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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.
Meeting ID: 337 800 858
Password: 058288
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,337800858# US (New York)
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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.
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Wednesday – Women’s Bible Study – 10:30 am on Zoom with The Rev. Julia Offinger. Contact Julia for Zoom instructions.
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Wednesday – 6 pm Holy Eucharist in the Chantry |
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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.
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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.
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Enter, Rest, Pray (CHURCH IS OPEN) Monday - Saturday from noon – 5 pm.
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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. We also have two volunteer days at The Red Door Place planned for this fall on Oct 22 and Nov 19. Email The Rev. James Morton if you plan on attending.
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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.
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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.
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20s and 30s at Grace Church – We have a very active group of parishioners in their twenties and thirties here at Grace Church who meet twice a month for programs such as Pub Theology and Christ in Pop Culture. If you are interested in participating, please email the Rev. James Morton and he will add you to our mailing list.
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The Guild of Bakers – The summer has depleted our stockpile of coffee hour goodies! 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.
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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. Upcoming classes: Sunday, October 16 at 4 pm; Friday, November 4 at 5 pm; Saturday, December 10 at 11:00 am. Upcoming baptism dates: Sunday, October 23 at 9:00 am; Sunday, November 6 at 11:00 am, Sunday, January 8, 2023 at 11:00 am.
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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.
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Restrooms are available on the 1st floor of the parish house, through the north aisle door near the baptismal font.
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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 page where you will find a direct means of providing feedback.
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Mask and Vaccine Optional – In order to bring Grace Church more in line with comparable NYC establishments, vaccines, though still strongly encouraged, are no longer required for you to be in the building. Likewise, masks are optional. For those feeling unwell, please join us via the livestream.
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The Church is Open
Every day, noon to 5 pm
Vaccinations are required to enter Grace Church. If you are vaccinated, masks are optional. All visitors are required to observe posted guidelines during in-person worship and events, and to adhere to CDC Covid-19 safety protocols.
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Please Get Fully Vaccinated |
Vaccines against Covid-19 are now available for anyone 12 years of age and older who wants to be inoculated. Receiving the vaccine protects not only you, but those you love and everyone around you. It is the best way to help speed along the reopening of society. Please speak with your doctor or go to the NYC Vaccine Finder to make an appointment.
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In Our Immediate Prayers:
Ann Hagan
King Phojanakong
Lori Allen
Jade Ostner
Gordon Matheson
In Our Continuing Prayers:
Claire Wesselman
Teresa Conway
Ronnye Brickous
Claudia Paoloni
Tom Hall
The Episcopal Church in Haiti
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Send your photos of milestone events for possible publication in the Weekly Epistle to Travis B. Kennedy, Membership and Development Manager.
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GRACE CHURCH IN NEW YORK
212-254-2000
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