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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,
Did you know that every year on this day – January 20th – the official liturgical calendar of the church commemorates an early Christian figure named Fabian? You didn’t? Well, neither did I, until five minutes ago, when I checked the official liturgical calendar of the church. In the year 236 AD the church, still one at the time, called for a convention to elect a new pope. A huge gathering assembled in Rome. In the crowd was Fabian, a layperson from somewhere outside the city who was simply there to witness the event. Legend has it that at a critical moment a dove flew over the multitude and landed on Fabian’s head. Everyone saw it and took it to be a sign from God. Though Fabian was neither a candidate for election nor even a priest, the people shouted, “He is worthy, he is worthy!” and named him pope. The times being what they were, Fabian accepted the job.
For the next 14 years Fabian turned out to be a faithful and capable leader. He enacted administrative reforms and defended the Christian faith against various heresies that arose from within it. The church was growing in numbers and influence – so much so that the Roman Emperor, Decius, felt threatened. Decius ordered a persecution throughout the empire, and in the year 250 Fabian courageously gave his life.
The world is always in need of faithful, courageous, and capable leaders. Much in the news this month is the seating of the new Congress in the House of Representatives. What it reveals is the bitterly divided nature of our country, and in some glaring instances, how flawed our elected officials are. This is the best we can do? In any case, here we are, and it seems to me that all of us would do well to pray that God’s Spirit of wisdom and truth descends on all their heads. Like it or not, the United States remains the leader of the global community at a time when the whole world is facing crises with unimaginable consequences. Shortsighted, selfish solutions won’t do.
I have no easy answers as I share these anxieties with you. But I am glad that we gather together on Sundays, and remember our elected officials in the intercessions. Pray that they be worthy of the offices they hold. Pray that the Spirit of the living God alights on them.
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, preaching
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
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, preaching
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
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, preaching
The Rev. Megan E. Sanders
Music:
Hymns with Instrumentalists
vice Bulletin
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The Forum: Religious Life Sunday – Did you know that there are monks and nuns in the Episcopal Church? In the Diocese of New York and across the wider church there are a number of active religious orders and intentional communities. In celebration of Religious Life Sunday, all are invited to the reception room from 10:15-10:45 am for a presentation from The Rev. James Morton on men and women religious within our denomination. We’ll explore what a day in the life of a monk or nun can look like and examine the monastic practice of developing a rule of life.
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Seekers & Returners – The second of a four-part class for anyone who is looking for a church community or coming back to one after a time away. We will delve into the tenets of our faith and have a place for frank questions, and, hopefully, some answers! The Rev. Julia Offinger will lead the group over four Sundays in the Reception Room, using Rowan Williams’s lecture series “Being Christian” as our guide. This is a great class for newcomers or those considering baptism or membership. Sundays at 12:30pm (after the 11am service) in the Reception Room January 15 - February 5.
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Coffee and Fellowship takes place in Tuttle Hall following the 9 am and 11 am services. Delicious baked goods are available thanks to 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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Vestry Nominations – The Vestry Has Accepted the Nominating Committee’s report and is pleased to announce the following slate of persons to be voted on at our Annual Meeting (Feb. 5, see details below, under “Coming Soon”). For a third two-year term as a Churchwarden: OWEN BOGER. For a first three-year term as a Vestry member: MATTHEW DAVIS, ANSLEY GALJOUR. For a second three-year term as a Vestry member: SALLY HINES, MARTHA HIRSCHMAN. Many thanks to the committee and to those who have agreed to stand for election.
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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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2023 pledge envelopes have arrived! If you made a 2023 pledge and requested envelopes to guide your giving, please email Travis Kennedy to arrange to pick them up.
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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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Feb 5 – The Annual Meeting of the Parish – Follows the 11 am service in Tuttle Hall with luncheon served. Reports will be given by the Nominating Committee, the Treasurer, the Head of Grace Church School, the Senior Warden, and the Rector. Lunch will be served ($10 per person suggested donation).
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Feb 25 – Bag Lunch Volunteer Day – Help us prepare a quick and easy meal for our neighbors in need. We’ll gather here at the church from 8:30 to 12:00 pm to back bag lunches for our food ministry partner, The Red Door Place, to distribute. All ages welcome! Email the Rev. James Morton if you’d like to attend.
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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 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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Volunteer Day at The Red Door Place, January 14, 2023 |
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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 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.
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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: Saturday, December 10 at 11:00 am. Upcoming baptism dates: 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:
Emily Hawley
Gordon Matheson
Tom Hall
In Our Continuing Prayers:
Claire Wesselman
Teresa Conway
Ronnye Brickous
The Episcopal Church in Haiti
For Those Who Have Died:
Paul LaFarge
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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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Your engagement on our social media helps Grace Church!
Please Subscribe, Follow, Like and Share
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GRACE CHURCH IN NEW YORK
212-254-2000
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