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Sunday
9 am Holy Eucharist
in-person worship
11 am Holy Eucharist
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,
At the Sunday Forum last week, I presented an overview of three major post-war currents of Episcopal history that shaped the church we know today. Those three driving forces were: social action, charismatic renewal, and liturgical revision. When the bells began calling us to the 11 am service, we had left undone the latter two. So this week we will pick up where we left off, beginning with how the charismatic renewal movements affected the Episcopal Church, primarily in the 1960s and 70s. Join us at 10 am in the reception room.
Then later in the morning we will hold the Annual Meeting of Grace Church. Following the 11 am service, instead of coffee hour we will enjoy lunch together in Tuttle Hall for the first time since the pre-pandemic days of early 2020. After lunch we’ll hear reports from various lay leaders who are overseeing many of our committees. Towards the end of the meeting I'll share my observations, focusing this year on the achievements, blessings, and challenges we encountered in 2022 and looking ahead to 2023.
The Annual Meeting is also the time when we pay formal attention to leadership transition. The vestry consists of two wardens and twelve vestry members. The vestry members serve three-year terms, with the possibility of being nominated for a second term. The whole body is grouped into three classes of four. Typically, a vestry class of four will have two members serving a first term, and two members serving a second term. Thus, when we arrive at the annual meeting, the nominating committee presents two new people to serve a first term (Matthew Davis and Ansley Galjour), and two existing vestry members to serve a second term (Sally Hines and Martha Hirschman).
The two wardens serve staggered two-year terms, with the possibility of being nominated for three terms. In a typical year, the warden not up for re-election (Douglas Evans) chairs the nomination committee. This year, Owen Boger has been nominated to serve a third term as Senior Warden. See below for photos and brief bios of all five vestry candidates. Many thanks to the nominating committee, and to those who have agreed to serve. Thanks also to our two retiring vestry members: John Berringer and Lethe Black. They have both done amazing work over the past six years.
Finally, in Tuttle Hall we will also have the opportunity to “vote” in the Souper Bowl of Caring. Will it be the Chiefs or the Eagles who emerge victorious next Sunday, February 12? All “votes” will benefit our partner food ministry, “The Red Door Place.” See below for details.
See you in church,
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Mr. Owen Boger, Church Warden
For a Third Two-Year Term
Owen Boger has been a member of Grace Church since 2011 and attends the 9 am service. He serves as a member of an altar team and is a newcomer ambassador. On the diocesan level, he has been active in supporting Episcopal Charities. He is a lifelong Episcopalian, married to Meg, and father of three young children: James, Burke, and Harriet. Professionally, he works for a growth equity firm based in New York and, prior to this, he held positions at Park Hill Group, Lazard and Lehman Brothers. Mr. Boger received a B.A. from Williams College.
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Mr. Matt Davis, Vestry
For a First Three-Year Term
Matt Davis and his wife Logan Sachon were married at Grace Church during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they have been attending Sunday services since moving to New York from California in 2018. Their son Freddy was baptized at Grace in 2021, and Matt has also helped on numerous service days. He’s a strategic communications consultant for a variety of nonprofits, having switched careers from journalism in 2010. He has a B.A. in English Literature from Sussex University in his native England, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Periodical Journalism from the London College of Printing. He’s also a keen squash player, serving as a welcoming ambassador for Open Squash on 39th and 6th, and competing regularly in the New York squash league.
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Ms. Ansley Galjour, Vestry
For a First Three-Year Term
Ansley Galjour has been living in New York City since 2013, and quickly discovered Grace Church as her spiritual home. She is regularly an usher and lay reader at the 11 AM Sunday service. She has seen firsthand the benefits that Grace Church provides parishioners and the community in New York City and is honored to be part of the Vestry. She has worked at Pariveda Solutions, a management and technology consulting firm, for over 15 years and is currently a Senior Principal. She has her BBA in Management Information Systems from Texas A&M University in College Station.
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Ms. Sally Hines, Vestry
For a Second Three-Year Term
Sarah (“Sally”) Hines has been a member of Grace Church for nearly 20 years. She came to Grace Church by way of Grace Church School, where her son Bobby Abramson attended. As she got to know Grace Church parishioners and leaders, she made a gradual transition to Grace Church from St. James Church on Madison Avenue. She has sung in the Parish Choir at the 9AM service since that choir’s inception. Other activities at Grace Church have included serving on the Newcomers’ Committee and the Adult Education Committee. At Grace Church School, she served as a Trustee for several terms, and served on committees that included the Joint Church/School Committee.
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Professionally, she has been an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan since the late 1970”s, interrupted only by a stint as a federal prosecutor in the Justice Department in Washington, D.C. She presently works part time in the D.A.’s office, and is also an Adjunct Professor at New York Law School.
In terms of education, she attended St. Agnes Episcopal School (now “St. Stephens and St. Agnes School”) in Alexandria, Virginia - a major reason for wanting Bobby to attend Grace Church School. She received a B.A. from Stanford University, an M.A. from Stanford, and a J.D. from Cornell Law School.
Her husband Ron Abramson is an attorney who specializes in computer-related and other patent litigation. His pro bono work includes serving on the Board of the New York Legal Assistance Group.
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Ms. Martha Hirschman, Vestry
For a Second Three-Year Term
Martha Hirschman and her husband Sam Keany have attended Grace Church since 2001. Their daughter, Anabel attended Grace Church School and was a chorister in the Girls’ Choir. Martha has served on the altar guild and flower guild of the church, and is active in the ECW. A graduate of the University of Michigan, and NYU, Tisch School of the Arts, Martha has been a lifelong educator, and has worked in the independent school community in New York and New Jersey. She was the director of admissions at Grace Church School for six years, and until recently was the head of the lower school at the Dwight School on the upper west side.
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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 Holy Eucharist
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 Girls’ Choir with HS Singers
and Adults
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 Baptism and
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 Sunday Forum – How Did We Get Where We Are? – Part II – At the Sunday Forum today the Rector will continue a discussion begun last week about the major post-war currents in Episcopal Church history that have shaped the church we know today. The presentation is inspired, in part, by the recent book, Privilege and Prophecy, by the Episcopal Church historian, Robert Tobin. No knowledge of the book is necessary to take part in the conversation. As always, breakfast treats and coffee are served, 10 am in the reception room.
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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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The Souper Bowl of Caring is a national effort to use the energy of the Super Bowl for a higher good: collecting dollars and food for the needy in our local communities. All are invited to play in this year’s game! Just bring some cash (or check) to the annual parish meeting and drop a few bills in the soup pot that corresponds to your Super Bowl team. You can also Venmo your donation to @GraceChurchNYC by putting Souper Bowl (Team Name) in the “What’s it for?line. We’ll have fun seeing which team raises more funds and also see if together we can beat last year’s generous total collection of $920 – all of which goes directly to our food ministry partner, The Red Door Place!
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Pick up a Lenten Calendar – The Grace Church Women (GCW) will be selling Lenten Calendars during Coffee Hour in the Sundays leading up to Lent. The calendars are $5.00 each and Coffee Hour is in Tuttle Hall.
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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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Welcome Home our Friend and Inspiration Dr. Barry Rose who returns for the first time since the COVID pandemic lockdown. Dr. Rose will be working with the Choristers and taking choir practices between Sunday February 5th and the 12th.
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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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Confirmation for Youth and Adults – Sign up to join Spring confirmation classes culminating with the Rt. Rev. Allen Shin's visit to Grace on Sunday, June 4 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. Confirmands will be commissioned on Ash Wednesday, February 22 at 6pm. Sign up by Wednesday, February 15 by emailing the Rev. Julia Offinger at joffinger@gracechurchnyc.org.
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Feb 12 – Newcomer Lunch – Join the party to celebrate the end of our Seekers and Returners class at a special lunch for Newcomers after the 11am service in the Reception Room. All are welcome if you’re new to Grace within the last year or so, even if you haven’t been to one of the classes yet! RSVP to The Rev. Julia Offinger at joffinger@gracechurchnyc.org.
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Feb 12 – Concert for Treble Voices – On Sunday, February 12th at 4:00 p.m. in the Church the combined Boy and Girl Choristers will offer the Annual Concert of Music for Treble Voices, under the direction of Dr. Barry Rose. Compositions will include those by Archer, J.S. Bach, Copland, Dankforth, Hurd, Parry, Ridout and Dr. Rose himself among others. This annual concert will also include the promotion of Third Grade Novices and new choristers when these newest choristers receive their surplice and take their place among the junior chorister ranks.
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Feb 19 – Shrove Sunday Parish Pancake Party – All are invited to feast before the fast at the Shrove Sunday Parish Pancake Party. The festivities will commence in Tuttle Hall immediately following the 11 am service. The brunch will be prepared by Grace parishioner and professional chef, JJ Okash, and include pancakes, bacon, eggs, sausage, juices, coffee, tea, and bubbly. The suggested donation is $10 for adults, $25 per family, and all are encouraged to bring a can of soup for our food ministry partner, The Red Door Place.
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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 takes place in Tuttle Hall following the 9 and 11 am services. Delicious baked goods are available thanks to the Guild of Bakers.
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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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February is Soup Month! – Canned soup is a staple that food pantries always need. Help us make a special push to ensure The Red Door Place is well stocked this February. More information about this ministry can be found below.
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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.
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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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Coffee and Fellowship takes place in Tuttle Hall following the 9 and 11 am services. Delicious baked goods are available thanks to the Guild of Bakers.
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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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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 – 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:
Ernestine McDaniel
David Schoenfeld
John Berringer
William Dobi
Mimi Plona
Tom Hall
Alison Friedman
Gerald Werner
Emily Hawley
Gordon Matheson
In Our Continuing Prayers:
Claire Wesselman
Teresa Conway
Ronnye Brickous
The Episcopal Church in Haiti
For Those Who Have Died:
Susan Foreman Titone
Barton Bynum
Francis Sypher
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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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GRACE CHURCH IN NEW YORK
212-254-2000
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