The Weekly Epistle - Sunday, April 28

Sunday, April 28, 2024

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,

You may recall that last Sunday I was in England, preaching at our companion church in London, St. George’s, Hanover Square. George the Martyr is not only the patron of St. George’s Church, but the patron of all England. What is more, April 21st was the Sunday they were celebrating St. George’s Day. If I didn’t know better, I might have suspected that it was some sort of elaborate practical joke to have an American in the pulpit on such a national day.

In the end, all went well. I entitled my sermon “George, George, and Edith.” They have George the Martyr as their patron, and George Frideric Handel was their most illustrious parishioner. But we had Edith Corse Evans as a signature saint of Grace Church. She was the woman who laid down her life for another by giving up her seat on the last lifeboat leaving the sinking Titanic. The common thread between the three of them? They went to church!

The whole visit was a terrific experience that allowed me to glimpse the similarities and differences between the English and American churches. Perhaps the biggest difference is that they are the established church in the land, and we are not. Of course, establishment comes with many complications, but it also opens doors. I was fascinated to watch the Rev. Roderick Leece, the Rector of St. George’s, function as a priest in a way that would be unlikely here in the United States. Everything from officiating at a civic ceremony to walking down the sidewalk in a cassock and cape (and drawing no stares) revealed to me – an outsider – how entwined church and state are in England. It struck me that the Church of England works very hard, with patience and humility, to provide pastoral care to the nation – a nation that isn’t sure it wants or needs pastoral care, until they do, which turns out to be often. Over the years, some in England have wanted to disestablish the church and state, but I admire it. Politically speaking, that makes me a subscriber to antidisestablishmentarianism!

Speaking of cassocks, capes, and copes, check out the vestments that I wore last Sunday. That’s Roddy on the left, and in case you are blinded by all the red, me on the right in front of the altar at St. George’s. When I looked in the mirror, I thought to myself that I might have some explaining to do to my low-church, Protestant minded parishioners back home.

It is good to be back home, and I am looking forward to this weekend. Tonight, Friday, is the Annual Spring Choir Concert at 7 pm. Come support the choirs as they present the music they will sing on tour this June in in Salzburg and Prague. A lovely reception in Tuttle Hall follows the concert. Come to church, people. That’s what George, George, and Edith did. They were all of them saints of God and I mean, God helping, to be one too.

See you in church,

Sunday

9:00 am Holy Eucharist

Preaching:

The Rev. James H.B. Morton III

Music:

Dr. Patrick Allen, organ

View or Print the 11am Service Bulletin

11:00 am Morning Prayer

Preaching:

The Rev. James H.B. Morton III

Music:

The Girl's Choir, HS Singers 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. James H.B. Morton III

Music:

Dr. Patrick Allen, organ

Today

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN LAUNCH!

On April 14th we launched the public phase of our capital campaign. Our goal is to raise $5 million, the funds necessary to restore damaged plaster in the church and deteriorating exterior facades of the parish house and rectory, as well as repay money that we borrowed from the endowment to install the organ. THE BIG REVEAL that we shared was that we had received commitments for $3,949,050 toward our goal. Since then, we have received more pledges. We’re off to a great start but hope still to hear from many more members and friends of Grace Church. Stay tuned for information about upcoming parish-wide events associated with the campaign: 5/5 Garden Party after the 11 am service; 5/13 Saving Grace Open House featuring author Natalie Dykstra and her new book Chasing Beauty, 5/16 and 5/30 House Parties at parishioner homes (invitations to come), and 6/9 Parish Picnic in Huntington Close.

Thanks to All Blood Donors – Many thanks to those who organized the Blood Drive last Sunday, and especially to all who rolled up their sleeves and donated. In all the drive yielded 44 donors, which was right on target for our goal! How wonderful to see parishioners and friends in the community come together to save lives.

The Sunday Forum – Stories in Light: the Windows of Grace Church, Part III – The stained-glass windows of Grace Church are a treasure. Lovingly admired over many years, they convey the great stories of the Christian tradition, but did you know there is more than meets the eye? Over the next several weeks, the clergy will explore the stories within our stained-glass windows as well as the stories behind our stained-glass windows. Today’s conversation will be led by the Rev. Julia Offinger and focus on windows given by Maria Eliza Hamilton, daughter-in-law of Alexander Hamilton. These windows depict Moses smiting the rock as told in the book of Exodus. 10 am in the Reception Room. Coffee and breakfast treats are served.

Coffee and Fellowship takes place today in Tuttle Hall following the 9 am and 11 am services. Come enjoy coffee, conversation, and a variety of treats that have been provided.

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.

Stories of Resurrection – Each of the four Gospels present their own lens on the resurrection of Jesus with much to consider from one account to the next. This Eastertide, you’re invited to join a new class led by The Rev. James Morton where we’ll spend time with these passages. We’ll meet on four Sunday evenings, Apr 21, 28, May 5, and 12, immediately following the 6 pm Eucharist in the Chantry. Using poetry and art to complement our study, this short (45 minute) weekly class will journey through Scripture seeking signs of new life. No advanced reading is necessary to participate. Refreshments served.

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. 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.

Apr 26 – Annual Spring Concert – The Combined Choirs of Grace Church will offer their Annual Spring Choir Concert on Friday, April 26 at 7:00 pm featuring music the choir will offer on tour this summer in Salzburg and Prague. The program is free and open to all. Please consider supporting the choir tour by making a donation to the choir special projects fund here.

May 1 – Wednesday Evening Book Discussion – We're back in the Reception Room from 6:45-8pm, April 10, 17, 24, and May 1. We’ll be reading Rabbi Sharon Brous’s new book The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts. Copies are available for purchase during Coffee Hour and on Wednesday at our first meeting. No reading required for our first session!

May 5 – Garden Party after Church – Following the 11 am service, everyone is invited to an outdoor time of fellowship in the rectory yard. In addition to wonderful treats and beverages, we’ll have a presentation about the parish house and rectory windows above us that the capital campaign aims to restore.

May 13 – Author Talk and Book Signing – Join Natalie Dykstra, author of Chasing Beauty: The Life of Isabella Stewart Gardner for a talk on the famed art collector and her family in gilded age New York. A stained-glass window in Grace Church, given by Isabella’s parents, is located in the south aisle, amidst the damaged plaster scheduled for restoration this summer. Though the evening is free and open to the public, at this event we hope to raise funds for the project. The church doors open at 6:30 pm, with Wine and Cheese to follow the author’s talk. Sponsored by Saving Grace NYC, the Strand Bookstore, and the GCW (Grace Church Women). Reserve your place on EventBrite.

May 15, 22, 29, and June 5 – Four Short Books of the Bible – Give us an hour on four Wednesday evenings, and we will give you a working knowledge of four short Biblical books: two from the Old Testament (Ruth and Jonah), and two from the New Testament (Titus and Jude). The Scriptures reveal to us the mind of God, and the better we are acquainted with them, the more we are able to discern God’s will and ways. Led by the Revs. Don Waring and Harry Krauss, 6:45 pm in the reception room. Refreshments are served.

Jun 1 – Volunteer Day at The Red Door Place – Help us prepare a meal for our neighbors at The Red Door Place at The Church of the Village, our food ministry partner. There are two available shifts, 8:30 to 11:45 am and 11:30 to 2:30 pm. Email the Rev. James Morton if you would like to attend.

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 – 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.

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.

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.

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 at 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 Eucharist in the Chantry

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.

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

Outreach

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 at amadureira1@gmail.com. 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!

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

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.

20s & 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.

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.

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.

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.

Assistive Listening System – During Sunday morning worship services, Grace Church provides an assistive listening system (ALS) for visitors with hearing loss. For information on how to connect to our FM radio transmitter, visit https://gracechurchnyc.org/assistive-listening/ If you already have your listening equipment, tune in to frequency 87.6 mHZ on your FM dial.

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.