Tuesday's Child for January 24, 2023

A Message from The Rev. Tina Rathbone

Another mass shooting – this time in Monterey Park, California. Ten people whose heads were filled only with dancing when the shooter barged in, are now dead. Another ten are still in hospital, and the shooter himself has been killed by his own hand. It’s all so frighteningly familiar, so terribly run of the mill. At least that is how it can feel. Like a blanket of terrible sameness about which we can do nothing.

But of course this isn’t true! There is always something we can do: we can join with others to advocate, and protest, and organize, and we can pray, and we can reach deep into our own hearts, day after day after day, until we find there the path that is ours to follow to help bring an end to these pointless deaths. In order to help keep me awake to the specific losses of so many irreplaceable parents and uncles and aunts and grandparents and friends and sisters and brothers, I will do what I always do after such an event: bring a photo of just one of the victims to my prayer corner, and then spend a few minutes each day praying with and for them, and for all those who love them whose lives are now filled turmoil and grief. Will you join me?

The ANNUAL MEETING OF GRACE CHURCH

an Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires

in Great Barrington, Massachusetts

will be held following 10:00 worship on Sunday,

February 5, 2023

at Crissey Farm, 426 Stockbridge Rd, Great Barrington

for the purpose of the election of officers (senior warden, junior warden, clerk, treasurer), vestry members, and convention delegates

and all other business that may come before the assembly.

Lectionary Bible Study

Tuesdays 7-8 p.m. on Zoom

Led by Rev. Tina Rathbone

For Zoom link:

Click Here

Meeting ID: 177 160 858

Passcode: 917937

Or call:646 558 8656,

(New York)

GIDEON'S GARDEN

Stay warm!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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:

https://www.thepeoplespantrygb.org/volunteer

Announcement from the Communications Office

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

Welcome Mats Made by Refugees | Thistle Farms Globa l

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.

thistlefarms.org

Babies are placed in the Home when their mother has died and they cannot be cared for at home.

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.

LEARNING AND DISCOVERY

Becoming Beloved Community

starts with ...

The Work of Christmas

When the song of the angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and princes are home,

When the shepherds are back with their flock,

The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,

To heal the broken,

To feed the hungry,

To release the prisoner,

To rebuild the nations,

To bring peace among others,

To make music in the heart.

by Howard Thurman (1899-1981) American author, philosopher, theologian, mystic, educator, and one of the principal architects of the modern, nonviolent civil rights movement, and a key mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

EfM started up again on Tuesday for 2023, a year in which we will mostly be reading some texts about theology, beginning with David Ford’s book “Theology: A Very Short Introduction.” Our theological reflection was about what it means to be a Friend in Jesus and at the end of our discussion we wrote the following collect:

God, we affirm you are closer to us than our own breath.

We know that when we wonder where you are, you are right at our shoulder.

And we doubt the sufficiency of our friendship.

Our longing is to return the favor and

We pray to keep you always in our center.

AMEN

Announcement from the Communications Office

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.

The Bishop's Epiphany Message

I WANT SOME FRIENDS

THIRD SUNDAY SUPPER

Join us for lively conversation

and fellowship on

February 19, 6:00 PM

(Location to be decided)

ALL are welcome!

Separate checks

For more information contact

George Raymond.

BOOKS AND BREAD

Will meet on February 8,

at 6:00 PM to discuss

MANHUNT

by James Swanson

Join us. All are welcome!

Questions? Please contact Peter Kirchoff.

For Zoom:

Click Here

Meeting ID: 177 160 858

Password: 917937

or call 646 558 8656 US (New York)

All are welcome!

MOVIE NITE

Watch at home at home then,

Join us for a discussion of

THE SWIMMERS

From war-torn Syria to the 2016 Rio Olympics, two young sisters embark on a harrowing journey as refugees, putting both their hearts and champion swimming skills to heroic use.

on February 2,

at 7:00 PM on Zoom.

To join this Zoom meeting

Click Here

Meeting ID: 177 160 858

Password: 917937

PRAYERS AND CARES

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.

Fourth Sunday

after the Epiphany

January 29, 2023

at 10:00 AM

In person & live-streamed

on ZOOM

Please visit our website:

https://graceberkshires.org/visitor/

for up-to-date information and a link to the digital service booklet.

Celebrant and Officiant:

The Rev. Tina Rathbone

Click here for WEB site ROTA

ZOOM INVITATIONS

FOR GRACE CHURCH

Fourth Sunday after

the Epiphany

January 29, 2023

at 10:00 AM

For Zoom

Click Here

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:

Click Here

Meeting ID: 177 160 858

Passcode: 917937

Or call:646 558 8656,

(New York)

Lectionary Bible Study

Tuesdays at 7:00 PM

For Zoom:

Click Here

Meeting ID: 177 160 858

Passcode: 917937

Or call:646 558 8656,

(New York)

Centering Prayer

Thursday at 5:00 PM

In person and on Zoom

To join Zoom meetings:

Click Here

Meeting ID: 177 160 858

Passcode: 917937

Or call:646 558 8656,

(New York)

Movie Nite

Thursday, February 2

at 7:00 PM on Zoom

To join Zoom meetings:

Click Here

Meeting ID: 177 160 858

Passcode: 917937

Or call:646 558 8656,

(New York)

Books and Bread,

February 8, 2023

at 6:00 PM

In person and on Zoom

To join Zoom meetings:

Click Here

Meeting ID: 177 160 858

Passcode: 917937

Or call:646 558 8656,

(New York)

Third Sunday Supper

(Every Third Sunday)

February 19, at 6:00 PM

In person

More information in the

article found above.

For the most up to date information

please visit the

Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative website,

https://www.getvaccinatedberkshires.org/.

The best way to avoid serious illness from Covid and the flu is to be fully vaccinated. Here is a link to find a vaccination location in the area:

https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Matthew 5:1-12

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Remember your servants Lord

Hymn 560 the Beatitudes - Trinity Choir

1 Blessed are the poor in spirit;

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

2 Blessed are those who mourn;

for they shall be comforted.

3 Blessed are the meek;

for they shall inherit the earth.

4 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness;

for they shall be satisfied.

5 Blessed are the merciful;

for they shall obtain mercy.

6 Blessed are the pure in heart;

for they shall see God.

7 Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they shall be called the children of God.

8 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake;

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

9 Blessed are you when the world reviles you and persecutes you;

and utters all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake:

Rejoice and be exceeding glad;

for great is your reward in heaven.

Antiphon:

Remember your servants, Lord,

when you come in your kingly power.

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

[email protected] or by phone 413-644-0022.

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.

BLAKELY, Rosemarie

BOWENS, Marina

BREASTED, John

BROOKS, Jane

FRYE, Vonnie

GORE, Barbara

HAIDER, Meredith

McCURDY, Deborah

TURNER, Barbara

Our Prayer Basket

We welcome you to use our 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)

GRACE

CHURCH

Please include

in your daily prayers this week:

Members of the Parish Family:

Cathy Haywood, Margaret O’Clair, Mark Anderson, Dindy Anderson, Doreen Hutchinson, Anne Andrews, , Meredith Haider, Rosemarie Blakely, Marina Bowens, Charles Folger, Barbara Gore, and Barbara Turner.

Others we love: Julie Mooney, Rick Gore’s sister; Kelly & Elijah ; Denise Chandler; James Driscoll; Livia Driscoll; All those grieving the death of Jack Stedman; Linda White; Stacey Thomas and her children, Claire, Mark and Johnny; 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: Joe Merola; Jim Driscoll, father of Gideon's Garden intern, James Driscoll; Michael Rywkin, Monique Kirchoff's father; Wendy Reeve, Cathy Haywood’s sister; Jack Stedman; Queen Elizabeth II; 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; Patricia O’Hara.

Our world: For all places of violence and war around the world, that Peace may prevail, and human fear and suffering diminish. 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 and those who mourn. For all who are alone, or afraid, or despairing. For prisoners, unhoused people, newly arrived immigrants and all our neighbors, near and far.

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;The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts; Daughters of the King

Evangelism Initiatives, Racial

Reconciliation and Creation Care.

The Church's wider mission:

The Church of Bangladesh

And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week:

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.

Click Here

Meeting ID: 177 160 858

Passcode: 917937

Or call:646 558 8656,

(New York)

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.

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.

WELCOME

TO CHURCH SCHOOL!

A Note from Grace Church Sunday School

During our Sunday school lesson, we completed our Advent Calendar and read through a new script of the Christmas story. We welcomed a friend from Brooklyn and his mom via zoom!

In addition to the traditional story of Jesus’ birth told by the expected people - Mary, Joseph, Angel, Shepherds, Innkeeper, King Herod, and Wise Ones, this pageant has a talking sheep who concludes the story saying, "Baa! God is with you; you are not alone! No matter has messy it gets! And remember: God’s love is big love. God’s arms can hold everyone in the world. God’s heart keeps our hearts warm with compassion."

Sending Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love to all.