Please Remember in Your Prayers | |
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Our vestry, lay leaders, and congregation as we journey together on the search process for a new rector; Lainie Murrell, our postulant to the diaconate; Robert and Donna Weber, Gerald and Marjorie Federico, Bill and Theresa Weber, John and Shirley Federico, Yasso HerathRick & JoAnn Stone, Jean B., Lin, Vicki Hudson, Caroline Tucker, Maura McGrath, Pastor Tyler, Phyllis & Bob Holgerson, Sean Murdock. Victims of gun violence everywhere.
A Collect for Elections (from the Episcopal Office of Government Affairs)
Almighty God, you have promised to hear what we ask in the name of your Son. Watch over our country now and in the days ahead, guide our leaders and all who will vote, guide them in all knowledge and truth and make your ways known among all people. In the passion of debate give them a quiet spirit; in the complexities of the issues give them courageous hearts. Accept and fulfill our petitions, we pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
If there are names you would like to add to the prayer list, please contact the church office: parishoffice@gracechurchnyack.org/845-358-1297
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In a cultural moment where want to divide all people and institutions neatly into “good guys” and “bad guys,” those on the right side of history and those who aren’t, the righteous and the damned, this day reminds us of the checkered and complicated truth of each human heart. Martin Luther gave us the helpful phrase “simul justus et peccator” — simultaneously saint and sinner. It names how we are holy and wayward at once. It proclaims a paradox that we are redeemed yet in need of redemption.
All Saints’ Day reminds me that God meets us, saints and sinners, despite our contradictions, and makes good out of haphazard lives. It tells me that all of us, even the best of us, are in need of unimaginable mercy and forgiveness. The church is “first and foremost, a community of forgiven sinners,” writes the theologian Gilbert Meilaender. It is not “a community that embodies the practices of perfection” but instead “a body of believers who still live ‘in the flesh,’ who are still part of the world, suffering the transformations effected by God’s grace on its pilgrim way.” Recalling the stories of saints is, in the end, a celebration not of perfection but of grace.
From "We Remember Saints Because They’re a Lot Like Us"
by Tish Harrison Warren in the New York Times.
CLICK HERE to read the full article
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THIS WEEKEND
DON’T FORGET
TO TURN YOUR CLOCKS BACK ON SUNDAY!
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Sunday, November 6 – All Saints Sunday
ARE YOU ON THE WORSHIP MINISTRY SCHEDULE? CLICK HERE to check.
Readings available HERE
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
- 8:00am Holy Eucharist (Rite1)
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9:30am Family Eucharist, followed by church school classes
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11:00am Holy Eucharist Rite II Also available via live-stream
Order of service for 11:00am service available HERE
NOTE In preparation for All Saints Sunday, Mo. Judy asks that you think about your favorite saint – what are they known for and what makes them your favorite? Be prepared – there might be questions during the sermon!
On Sunday we welcome back The Rev. Judy Ferguson as guest celebrant.
The Rev. Judy Ferguson recently retired from 26 years of active, full-time ministry. She attended All Angels’ Church and St. George’s Church while living in New York City. St. George’s Church was her sponsoring parish for Holy Orders. Rev. Ferguson went to University of the South, The School of Theology, Sewanee, Tenn. for her seminary training. She was the Curate at the Church of the Virgin Mary, Chappaqua (1 year); Curate/Assistant at St. John’s Church, Larchmont (4 years); and Rector at the Church of the Holy Innocents, Highland Falls/St. Mark’s Chapel, Fort Montgomery (21 years). Rev. Ferguson continues to serve as the Episcopal Civilian Chaplain to USMA, West Point (21 years), which is the campus/alumni ministry for Holy Innocents’/St. Mark’s parish. She retired at the end of July 2022; and is now supplying for parishes in the Hudson Region.
We’re grateful that Mo. Judy can be with us on Sundays through the end of the year as we await our new rector.
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THE CHURCH SCHOOL
INVITES YOU TO BRING PICTURES FOR ALL SAINTS REMEMBRANCE
We are having an All Saints’ Day Celebration in Memorial Garden after the 9:30 service this week. We will remember those who have passed, as well as honor the elders in our families. We will be making our own “Ofrenda” which we will decorate with flowers and pictures of our loved ones. We invite anyone that would like to participate in our celebration to please bring any pictures or objects to be placed on the Ofrenda and join us in our remembrance.
Church school calendar through end of the year is available HERE.
Newcomers and visitors are always welcome!
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DISCOVERY GROUP: Bible Study
Our weekly informal Bible study of the day’s readings, led by Roy Kepler, takes place from 10:15 -10:55am in Patterson Hall each Sunday. All are welcome – join us!
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COVID RISK UPDATE
Based on CDC data, the Rockland County COVID rate has recently moved to medium. While not required, the wearing of masks is strongly encouraged at Grace. The wearing of masks by ushers and those serving on the altar will continue.
A reminder about receiving wine at communion. The approved methods are:
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sip directly from the chalice (chalice bearers are expected to wipe the chalice both inside and out, and spin it a quarter turn after each person receives, or
- take the wafer in your hand and allow the chalice bearer to dip the wafer and return it to your hand for you to consume.
What Prevention Steps Should You Take Based on Your COVID-19 Community Level?
At medium risk level CDC guidelines suggest:
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PLEDGE DRIVE 2023 – FORWARD INTO NEW BEGINNINGS
Please Give As You Can
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Lord God, make me a true steward of your bounty, where there is a need – let me see it;
where there is abundance –let me share it; where there is time – let me spend it;
and where there is treasure – let me use it for your glory. Amen.
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Just a reminder that we’re nearing the end of our “official” pledge drive period on Sunday, November 13. If you haven’t yet made your pledge for 2023, now is the time to be counted.
The 2023 budget that we create based on your pledges — which represent 74% of our income— will determine the resources our new rector has available to lead us into the future. Your pledge—whatever the amount— lets leadership know the amount of predictable funds available to support our outreach and other programs, staffing, ministry, and growth.
Please look within your heart and give as you are able — and thank you for being part of this place we call Grace. May God’s grace continue to sustain us all.
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Click here to complete a pledge card online
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has given throughout 2022.
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Our Virtual Offering Plate
Please keep your pledge current!
To help ensure continuity for the church and our outreach programs to the community, please keep your pledge current if you are able, or make one-time donations as you would on Sunday. You can mail a check to us at 130 First Avenue, Nyack, NY 10960 or use our Virtual Offeering Plate to make an online gift. Use the drop down menu under "FUND" to choose "Other Gifts" or "Pledge Payments".
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The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
by Rumi
from Rumi:Selected Poems, Translated by Coleman Barks
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