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.



Fifth Sunday

after the Epiphany

February 5, 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

Fifth Sunday after

the Epiphany

February 5, 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/

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Matthew 5:13-20

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

A Mighty Fortress

is our God

The Wartburg Choir: Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, arr. W. B. Olds

"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" is one of the best-known hymns by the reformer, Martin Luther.

A mighty fortress is our God,

a bulwark never failing;

our helper He amid the flood

of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe

doth seek to work us woe;

his craft and power are great,

and armed with cruel hate,

on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,

our striving would be losing,

were not the Right Man on our side,

the Man of God's own choosing.

Dost ask who That may be?

Christ Jesus, it is He;

Lord Sabaoth, His name,

from age to age the same,

and He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,

should threaten to undo us,

we will not fear, for God hath willed

His truth to triumph through us.

The Prince of Darkness grim,

we tremble not for him;

his rage we can endure,

for lo, his doom is sure;

one little word shall fell him.

That Word above all earthly powers,

no thanks to them, abideth;

the Spirit and the gifts are ours,

thru Him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go,

this mortal life also;

the body they may kill;

God's truth abideth still;

His kingdom is forever.

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     



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; Good Shepherd, Clinton; The Rt. Rev. Gordon P. Scruton, VIII Bishop, retired Office of Government Relations; Episcopal Communicators.



The Church's wider mission:

The Anglican Church of Papua

New Guinea

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

Mary Booton, John Ericson, 1/31;

Hugh Pecon (in memory), Laura Jordahl, 2/2.





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)