Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024


HOLY WEEK

(All services in the church unless otherwise noted.)


Maundy Thursday, March 28


7 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Stripping of the Altar

Ingathering of new socks for the shelters

Preacher: The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger

Music by Duruflé, Farrant, Tallis, & others. The Adult Choir.


Good Friday, March 29


12 - 3 p.m. The Seven Last Words of Christ

Preachers: The Rev. James H.B. Morton III, the Rev. Megan Sanders,

the Rev. J. Donald Waring, the Rev. Julia Macy Offinger,

the Rev. Robbie Pennoyer, the Rev. Sarah Wood, The Very Rev. Harry Krauss.


Holy Saturday, March 30


10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Easter Eve Walk & Easter Egg Hunt for Children 4-12 & Their Families.

(in the Church, the Chantry, & Huntington Close)


7:00 pm The Great Vigil of Easter with Holy Eucharist

Preacher: The Rev. James H.B. Morton III

Music by Byrd, Hancock & Palestrina. The Adult Choir.


Easter Day, March 31


9 a.m. Festive Choral Eucharist

Preacher: The Rev. J. Donald Waring

Music: The Combined Choirs of Grace Church.


11 a.m. Festive Choral Eucharist

Preacher: The Rev. J. Donald Waring

Music by Batten, Byrd, Noyon/Hancock, Parker & others

The Combined Choirs of Grace Church with Brass & Tympani.

(Also on live-stream.)


4 p.m. Organ Music for Easter Day

Music by Bach, Handel, Pachelbel & Widor.


6 p.m. Festive Choral Eucharist

Preacher: The Rev. J. Donald Waring

Music: Dr. Patrick Allen, Organ.


on

Grace Church website

YouTubeLive 

Vimeo

FacebookLive


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,


If it were up to me, we would have no such thing as an early Easter. Easter Day would fall predictably every year on the second Sunday of April. The weather would have more time to warm up. Flowers would have more time to bloom. Choirs would have more time to rehearse. If, indeed, it were up to me, I would make yet another change to the calendar that has nothing to do with church. In leap years, we would have a June 31st, not a February 29th. Everybody likes June. Nobody likes February. Why do we add an additional day to an unpopular month? Why do we allow Easter to hop around the calendar like a bunny rabbit? Alas, it is not up to me, so here comes Easter, ready or not.  


In the spirit of this year’s early Easter, we offer you this early edition of the Weekly Epistle – one day sooner than it normally arrives. Why? To help us get ready for Easter. Easter will be more meaningful if you walk faithfully and prayerfully through the days preceding it – especially Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  


Today is Maundy Thursday, and we have a worship service at 7 pm. This is the day that Jesus began with his life intact, but ended utterly alone and deserted. He ate the Passover meal with his disciples and transformed it into what we call the Eucharist, or Holy Communion. From then on his followers would break the bread and pass the cup in remembrance of him. Also, as an act of humble service, he washed the feet of his disciples. Lately at Grace Church, we’ve been practicing a unique way to stay true to the spirit of what Jesus did on this day. Rather than offering a symbolic washing of feet, we have an ingathering of new socks for the shelters to distribute. If you are coming to church tonight, pick up a package of new socks on the way and you will have the opportunity to present your gift at the altar.  


Tomorrow is Good Friday. We call the day good because on the cross Jesus absorbed and forgave the sins of the whole world. It is quite an audacious claim to make, which is why we’ll have seven different sermons to help us process what it means. The worship service is from 12 to 3 pm, and will focus on the Seven Last Words of Jesus. You don’t have to be here for the whole time. The liturgy is designed so that you can come and go as your schedule permits. The preachers will be, in order: James Morton, Megan Sanders, Yours Truly, Julia Offinger, Robbie Pennoyer, Sarah Wood, and Harry Krauss.  


On Holy Saturday we have the Easter Eve Walk for children and families beginning at 10:30 am in the chantry. This is an interactive experience of all the days of Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to Easter, presented in a way especially geared for children. Then at 7 pm we celebrate the Great Vigil of Easter, a service that moves us from the darkness of death to the light of resurrection. It all comes to a climax on Sunday, of course, with three festive services at our regular times – 9 am, 11 am, and 6 pm.  


In my heart of hearts I know that it is a good thing for Easter not to be pinned down and domesticated. Life in Christ is too full of surprises to be tamed. Let’s do this! 


See you in church,

Easter Sunday


9:00 am Festive Choral Eucharist



Preaching:

The Rev. J. Donald Waring

Music:

Dr. Patrick Allen, organ


View or Print the 11am Service Bulletin


11:00 am Festive Choral Eucharist


Preaching:

The Rev. J. Donald Waring


Music:

The Combined Grace Church Choirs

with Brass and Tympani 

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 Festive Choral Eucharist 


(in the Church)


Preaching:

The Rev. J. Donald Waring

Music:

Dr. Patrick Allen, organ


Today

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.  

Coffee and Fellowship takes place today in Tuttle Hall following the 9 am and 11 am services. Come enjoy conversation and delicious baked treats from the Guild of Bakers. 

The Sunday Forum The Sunday Forum will be on break for Easter Day, March 31.  

Pick Up an Easter Calendar – The Grace Church Women will begin selling calendars ($5.00 each) to help mark the season of Easter during Coffee Hour following the 11 am service. The calendars will also be available on successive Sundays until supplies run out. 

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. 

Schedule of Holy Week and Easter Services


MAUNDY THURSDAY, March 28

 

7 p.m. in the Church 

Holy Eucharist, Stripping of the Altar 

Ingathering of new socks for the shelters 

Preacher: The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger 

Music by Duruflé, Farrant, Tallis, & others. The Adult Choir. 


GOOD FRIDAY, March 29 


12 - 3 p.m. The Seven Last Words of Christ 

Preachers: The Rev. James H.B. Morton III, the Rev. Megan Sanders, 

the Rev. J. Donald Waring, the Rev. Julia Macy Offinger, 

the Rev. Robbie Pennoyer, the Rev. Sarah Wood, The Very Rev. Harry Krauss. 


HOLY SATURDAY, March 30 


10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Easter Eve Walk 

Children ages 4–12 and their families are invited to experience the Passion and 

Resurrection through interactive storytelling, crafts, lunch, and an Easter egg hunt. 

RSVP to the Rev. Julia Macy Offinger


7 p.m. The Great Vigil of Easter—Holy Baptism & Eucharist 

Preacher: The Rev. James H.B. Morton III 

Music by Byrd, Hancock & Palestrina. The Adult Choir. 


EASTER DAY, March 31 - All Services in the Church 


9 a.m. Festive Choral Eucharist 

Preacher: The Rev. J. Donald Waring.

Music: The Combined Choirs of Grace Church. 


11 a.m. Festive Choral Eucharist 

Preacher: The Rev. J. Donald Waring 

Music by Batten, Byrd, Noyon/Hancock, Parker & others. 

The Combined Choirs of Grace Church with Brass & Tympani. 


  4 p.m. Organ Music for Easter Day 

Music by Bach, Handel, Pachelbel & Widor. 


6 p.m. festive Holy Eucharist & Easter Hymns 

Preacher: The Reverend J. Donald Waring 


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 6 – Volunteer Day with The GO Project – The GO Project is an after-school program and longtime ministry partner of Grace Church. Join us on Sat., Apr 6 from 9:30 am to 12 pm for our next volunteer day where we’ll support instructional teams in kindergarten-8th grade classrooms. Email the Rev. James Morton if you’d like to attend.  

Apr 14 – Capital Campaign Launch – “Making All Things New” is the theme of our campaign to raise the funds necessary to restore damaged plaster in the church and deteriorating exterior facades of the parish house and rectory. Following the 11 am service on April 14, we will hold a festive party in Tuttle Hall featuring a campaign video, and food and drink for all. More details to come. 

Apr 20 – 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.  

Apr 21 – Community Blood Drive – NY Blood Center is partnering with Grace Church for a community blood drive Sunday, April 21, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Can I donate? Questions or concerns regarding eligibility should be directed to the NYBC Eligibility office: 800-688-0900 Mon through Fri. 9:am to 5:00 pm. Those who are ineligible or those who prefer not to donate can still help by spreading the word to recruit donors! Sign up here or use your phone to scan the QR code shown on the posters. Registration is preferred but walk-ins are welcome! Sponsored by the Grace Church Women.  

Apr 21, 28, May 5, and 12 – 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 Sunday evenings 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.  

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

Apr 28 – 20s & 30s Brunch – At Grace we have a very active group of parishioners in their twenties and thirties. Join us for brunch following the 11 am service on Sunday, April 14 to hang out and catch up. We’ll meet at coffee hour then walk to a restaurant near the church. RSVP to the Rev. James Morton.  

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 ForumBetween 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 Study10:30 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

2024 Annual Pledge Campaign: For All the SaintsOn November 5th, we launched the 2024 Annual Pledge Campaign at all three services. All parishioners and friends of Grace Church are asked to support the work of Grace Church by making an annual pledge. Some will turn in the pledge cards received by mail or found in the pews. Others will begin a time of prayerful reflection to consider what God is calling them to do. In this way we not only support the church, but give 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 here. (You have all of 2024 to make your payments!) Questions about pledging? Email Travis Kennedy or call him at 212-254-2005.  

MAKE YOUR PLEDGE HERE

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 ChurchThere 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. 

Open Door


Every day, noon to 5 pm



In Our Prayers



In Our Immediate Prayers:


Teresa Conway

Susie Zeiger

Teresa Sowinski

Dave Shoenfeld

Regina

J.J. Okash

Volodymyr and Halyna

Millicent Essandoh-Bergwerk

Partap Basdeo


In Our Continuing Prayers:


Elaine Messina Connelly

Claire Wesselman

Teresa Conway

Ronnye Brickous

The Episcopal Church in Haiti

William Dobi


For Those Who Have Died:



To add a name to the prayer list, please contact the Rev. J. Donald Waring, Rector.
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